Recently, 100 pre-K through third-graders shared a cherished tradition – Future Mustangs Basketball Camp.
Later in the week, 40 fourth through eighth-graders met in the high school gym to play one of Lovelock’s favorite sports.
“We had more campers than we have ever had, I think,” said organizer and Coach Lee Houston.
District-wide construction began as soon as school let out for the year, so Houston offered the camp before summer vacation started. As a result, he had the entire basketball program on deck, boys and girls.
“We had a ton of great help this year,” said Houston. “Ex-Mustang Jared Brinkerhoff (Class of 2016) made a special appearance and assisted in running the camp for the older players. He is such a natural working with our young athletes.”
Brinkerhoff played Mustang sports throughout his formative years and has fond memories of his days as a basketball camper. He graduates from BYU-Utah next spring with a degree in psychology and business.
“Honestly, I enjoy working with the kids. I admire their determination to take time out of their summers to practice,” he said. Brinkerhoff currently plays intramural football and basketball with his friends at college.
“I was blessed to be mentored by Coaches (Steve) Cerini, (Lane) Condie, (Jason) Allen and many others. The positive, hardworking influence they demonstrated impacts me even now, and I hope to be a similar example to the young athletes. I hope to see even more kids next summer.”
Each camper enjoyed a daily ice cream sandwich break. They also took home Mustang tee-shirts and basketballs.
Girls basketball preps for full season
Since 2014, Houston, a native of Gabbs, NV, has coached the varsity girls. They lost out on their 2020-2021 basketball season due to the pandemic but anticipate a full schedule this winter. In mid-June, the team competed in the Spanish Springs Summer Tournament.
“We improved a ton in a couple of days. The girls left feeling good about themselves and excited for the upcoming season,” said the coach. “It was great to get back to some normalcy and get back into the gym.”
