Four days of hard work and fun hosted by Lady Bearcat hoops:
GDW Analysis:
Entering her 2nd year in command of Cullman Lady Bearcat basketball, coach Jessica McBrayer has gone through the method of teaching youngsters the game in various ways.
The Lady Bearcat Academy Camp began on Tuesday with the event concluding on Friday from Bearcat Arena.
The theme has been different from neon day on Tuesday, crazy day on Wednesday and jersey day on Thursday.
Wrapping it up on Friday is camp t shirt day and a pizza party.
Forty young ladies from the 2nd through the 6th grade have endured the activity. Gameday Weekly paid a visit during jersey day.
Camp instructors such as McBrayer's coaching staff and players, plus the campers were seen in various jerseys from the NBA, travel teams, Cullman jerseys and one player wearing a Wallace State jersey with the number being # 21 worn by Lady Bearcat standout and recent Lady Lion graduate Jaden Winfrey.
The NBA jerseys seen by GDW included the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies.
One that caught the attention of GDW was worn by Lady Bearcat AK Granger.
She was in an Atlanta Hawks jersey from the days Dekembe Mutumbo played center.
A series of drills took place including individual competition with a hoop shoot, trying to score as many points from various locations in a span of 60 seconds.
The timing for this type of instructional camp works well for McBrayer and her program.
As June arrives on Monday, she has her squad set to participate in five assignments during the next two weeks.
It starts Tuesday when Cullman goes to the UAH team camp in Huntsville. This camp is coordinated by new Lady Chargers coach Allen Sharpe who led Wallace State to a solid 2023/24 slate with 25 wins in 31 games and 2nd place in the Alabama Community College Conference tournament.
Two days later, the Lady Bearcats will be in Carlton-Kelley Gymnasium at Calhoun Community College in Decatur.
On June 10, they go down to the Pelham team camp then host a couple on June 13 and June 19.
The 2nd season with McBrayer in command will have a lot of optimism on improving from being a .500 club the past year.
Her team is led by PG Ally Sharpe, one of the top ball handling scorers covered by GDW,
Others that made good contributions last season that will return include F Molly Dorough, C Rachel Hoffman, F Molly Wilson, SG Cadence Hanback, SG Kentley White, F Sydni Bagwell.
Cullman has new opponents in its area format, setup by the AHSAA. The Lady 'Cats will be in 6A, Area 13 after having Decatur and Hartselle as long time foes.
Cullman will deal with Jasper who is moving up to 6A after winning the 5A state championship last season.
Mortimer Jordan is also in the area. The Blue Devils are currently in search of a new coach after Kelly Robinson recently stepped down and accepted an offer to coach at Guntersville High School.
Photo of Cullman's AK Granger in a hot shot drill with a youngster during the Lady Bearcat Academy Camp Thursday from Bearcat Arena.
GDW photo by Johnny Thornton.
