Your Community Shopper Sports

by Dwight Turner

Ardmore High School’s Varsity Basketball Team participated in the annual UAH Summer Basketball Camp last week and, by all accounts, played much better than expected. After losing their first game to Westminster, the Tigers came to back to win seven games in a row, finishing the camp with an impressive 7-1 mark.

“I don’t really measure how good a team is by wins and losses in a camp setting,” said Tiger Head Coach Mike Sanderson. “It is not a good measure of how good a team is going to be in the regular season. Still, our boys worked hard and showed much improvement throughout the camp. Overall, I am pleased with our performance.”

Tiger, Matthew Clem, hits a three pointer against Spain Park as Landon Curtis, Duron Robinson and Jake Stagner move into rebound position Friday, June 9, at UAH. (photo by Joe Stagner)

Ardmore’s winning streak began with a victory over county rival Elkmont and continued with another win on Thursday against former area foe East Lawrence.

On Friday, Ardmore continued its winning ways by defeating Hartselle, Spain Park and Clements. On Saturday, the Tigers closed out the camp with wins over New Hope and Red Bay. The Red Bay game went into sudden death overtime, with senior Will Lewis hitting the winning basket.

“We primarily worked on rotations off the bench on defense,” said Sanderson. “The kids really worked hard and were committed to improving their defensive play, especially in man-to-man coverage. I think they made great strides, probably more improvement on defense than any team I have ever taken to camp.”

Sanderson went on to say that the camp gave the team an opportunity to see its weak areas and formulate strategies to improve in those same areas.

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 15, the Tigers will travel to Lawrence County to participate in a play date, as allowed by the AHSA. The varsity team will play three games, taking on Lawrence County, Good Hope and West Limestone. The first game is slated for tip off at 3 PM.

Coverage of the B Team and Middle School Team participation in the UAH Summer Basketball Camp will appear in next week’s edition of YOUR COMMUNITY SHOPPER.

Ardmore’s Landon Curtis puts in two points in Tiger win against Spain Park Friday, June 9, at UAH. (photo by Joe Stagner)