Record number attends Felton camp at Mullins High School

Mullins High School varsity basketball head coach Mark Gerald said the fourth annual Raymond Felton basketball camp at the school has grown with a record number of campers arriving for the four-day event, which started Monday.

“It’s expanding and I feel very good about it,” Raymond Felton Jr., said.

“We got kind of overwhelmed Monday. We were expecting between 80 to 100 kids and ended up with 150,” Gerald said of the participants, adding that was everything was organized and the kids began having fun.

The Charlotte Bobcats point guard has been interacting with the youth, even donating 10 free slots to the camp. Participants are children ranging from ages six to 16 and form a diverse background, exuding skill, good sportsmanship and support.

Former Charlotte Hornets point guard Mugsy Bogues dropped by during the first two days to speak to the campers.

“I think it was an amazing experience. That’s the message of this camp really, showing that you can make it and achieve your dreams,” Gerald said. A number of former and current Auctioneer basketball players, along with Felton’s family members, put in hours of service organizing the event and making sure everything is running smoothly.

“Being around basketball is something that I love and everybody that’s here loves it too,” Gerald said, adding that a number of talented players have arrived and made the games more competitive.

Participants are placed into five age groups and take part in several activities and contests, he said, adding that a few individual trophies are being presented and all the participants get to take something away from the experience.

A few South Columbus High School Lady Stallions basketball players made their first appearance at the camp this year. Coach Lula Ratley said the kids are big fans of the camp.

“They are enjoying it and I think they’re learning quite a bit,” Coach Ratley said. “It helps with my dribbling with the drills helping us focus on more than one part of the game,” Aliyah Ratley said.

“Playing with other people helps us adjusts to different defenses,” Ahlea Dickins said. Players include Krystal Davis, Nicorie Sinclaire, Yasmine Blue, Tawanaka Hunt and Fantasia Blue, Mercedez Locklear and Shaquanna Bethea.

“All of those girls are talented,” Felton said, adding that he would hope to see more of the team. A number of participants said they are enjoying their days at camp and that the five-on-five games are where all the highlights can be found.

“I’ve seen kids out here since the first year and they’re playing better. It’s also good to see the newcomers,” said Felton. The importance of hard work and dedication on and off the court is something Felton said he wants the campers to develop.

“Most definitely I want them to believe in themselves,” he said. Understanding the concept of playing team basketball is something Felton said Gerald taught him over the years.

“Along with him and my dad, I have to give a lot of credit to them in regards to the development of my game,” he said. Felton averaged 14.2 points per game and 6.7 assists this past season for the Bobcats and will be heading into his fifth season in a storied career that includes a NCAA basketball national championship with the University of North Carolina and two state championships at Latta High School.

Felton was born in Marion and played a number of years on Gerald’s AAU basketball teams.

11-year old future basketball stars Cobe Durant and Jaleek Hamilton show what the Raymond Felton basketball camp is all about…teamwork. The two played in a thilling game between Clemson and Duke during the final day of camp, providing a show for dozens for fans in attendance inside the Mullins High School gym.