Corban Coaches Conduct Free Clinic at Annual Hoopla

7/22/2008 12:59:37 PM

SALEM, Ore. – Seventh-year head men's basketball coach Justin Sherwood and tenth-year head women's basketball coach Terry Williams hosted a free kids clinic on Friday to kick off the 10th annual Salem Hoopla, which is a three-day 3-on-3 basketball tournament for all ages.

In the shadow of the state Capitol building, Sherwood and Williams, along with Chemeketa Community College's women's basketball coach Lynn Freshour and some of the McNary High School coaching staff, each ran 20-minute drills that focused on the fundamentals of basketball.

The leader of the Warriors' men's program began the clinic for kids ages 4-14 with a v-cut drill that he designed to teach children how to receive a pass and shoot.

"That was one that I said was easy enough and they get to shoot," said Sherwood. "Everyone likes to shoot."

Meanwhile, Williams instructed the kids in a drill that taught them how to come off a screen and get off a shot, which went hand-in-hand with Sherwood's shooting drill.

Both coaches were aided by local college and high school players, who helped the kids implement the drills.

"Our job was to set-up the drill and instruct everyone how to run it," said Sherwood. "After that, the volunteer helpers took the kids to different baskets and worked with them in a more one-on-one environment."

This was the 10th anniversary for the summer 3-on-3 tournament, which takes place on Court Street in downtown Salem.

There were 37 divisions with the top prizes being awarded in the men's & women's open divisions. In the men's open division, NW Elite defeated Not New To This, 26-21. Meanwhile, the women's open division crown went to A Squad via a 26-22 victory over Bruin 4.

The weekend's highlight came on Saturday evening, as former McNary High School standout and current Portland State Viking Phil Nelson took home his third straight Slam Dunk crown.