Chemistry key for players at team camp

Each year teams have to deal with the fact that seniors graduate and new players will be looked at to step into spots those players left behind.

Playing in a team camp like the one Union University is hosting this week gives players an opportunity to see exactly what the team is going to look like for the upcoming season.

PHOTO GALLERY: Union Basketball Camp - USJ v Mid. College, TCA v TCPS

One of the keys this week for local players is to make sure there is a sense of camaraderie.

“We look to grow our team chemistry,” Trinity Christian Academy forward Vann Bryant said. “We have to make sure we are ready for the upcoming season.”

TCA has been hit hard by graduation over the last two years, so game-like experience is key.

“I think we have brought a good intensity,” Bryant said. “We have been good on attack and playing defense, and those have been our focus this week.”

Jackson Christian was a young team last year with sophomores and juniors getting plenty of starting time.

“We have got experience coming back,” Jackson Christian guard Logan Riddle said. “We are still losing three seniors though from last year, so we have to work on our chemistry. We have to make sure all of the players know their roles for the new year.”

USJ post Brandon Craig feels like chemistry is something that has been prevalent for the Bruins in recent seasons.

“We are a close group,” he said. “Seniors come and go, and we have to continue to learn how to play as a group. We get to play against different styles, so that helps us to get better.”

Players aren’t looking at how many points they score or what type of statistics are being recorded. Evaluating success comes in different ways.

“I think our success is based on our effort,” Riddle said. “It is for us to look in the mirror and ask if we gave 100 percent in these games.”

“I look at how well we played together and moved the ball,” Bryant added.

Other factors are also in players’ minds throughout team camps like individual performance.

“I am trying to improve my shooting and get better overall,” Craig said.

Or the way they prepare for the game.

“We are not in the regular season, so a lot of us are not in the right shape and not eating right,” Riddle said. “We have to make sure we are preparing ourselves the right way.”

Michael Odom, 425-9754