Coach Z Basketball Camp beats the heat
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LA CRESCENTA — With the temperature continuing to soar outside, the inside of the Crescenta Valley High gymnasium remained relatively cool.
About 75 participants worked up a sweat while looking to improve their dribbling, rebounding and shooting skills at the 12th installment of the Coach Z Basketball Camp conducted by Crescenta Valley boys’ basketball coach Shawn Zargarian.
The camp began Monday and will conclude Friday, giving the campers enough time to learn from Zargarian, a former All-Area Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year, and his group of assistants and current and former players.
“There’s definitely a plus to being inside and it’s an opportunity for the kids to learn a little bit on the fly and have fun at the same time,” said Zargarian, who guided Crescenta Valley to a playoff appearance last season after the Falcons tied for second in the Pacific League. “They want to be here for the week to find ways to improve and we can assist them. That way they are ready to go while playing at the competition level they are at right now, like AAU (Amateur Athletic Union).
“We’ve had people come to the camp in years past and then play here or at another school. There’s always going to be something you can learn here each day and you just look to see them improve each day.”
The camp, which featured several guest speakers, is designed for boys and girls ages 6-13 and attracted participants from La Crescenta, Glendale and the San Fernando Valley. During the last 90 minutes of each session, pick-up games are held and the campers are evaluated.
“That’s probably the most fun part of the day for them,” said Zargarian, who graduated from Crescenta Valley in 1995. “They like the competition and even they can see themselves improving.
“We start off by putting a group of about 10 or so at a drill station. We’ll go for a while working on one-on-one situations, pick and rolls, dribbling, rebounding and defense. That way they get a lot of variety and they are ready later on for the games. We like to see the results, along with them developing good habits.”
Zargarian’s son, Vaughn, made his fourth trip to the camp.
Vaughn, 10, is a point guard for the Rebels Elite in the San Fernando Valley.
“I’m looking to get a little bit stronger in a couple of areas,” the younger Zargarian said. “I’m trying to become quicker in rebounding and defense.
“The more developed you are, the better chance you have at being successful. That’s what I’m taking away from the camp.”
Allen Boghosian, 13, was among a contingent of participants making their first visit to the event.
Boghosian, a La Crescenta resident who attends Rosemont Middle School, came to the camp to refine his shooting skills.
“I just want to work on building confidence with my shooting,” Boghosian said. “Some people told me about the camp and how they can help me with shooting, so it’s a great chance to learn.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
