The final day of the Southern Tier Basketball Camp at Panama Central School turned the gymnasium into a stage for celebration, as more than 80 girls entering grades four through nine gathered to receive awards for their performances throughout the week.
The camp was run by Chris Dole, the Panama varsity girls basketball coach, with invaluable assistance from veteran coaches such as Loren Smith and a group of senior players who helped organize drills, manage games and mentor the younger participants.
Competitions spanned everything from one‑on‑one and two‑on‑two matchups to three‑on‑three, rapid‑fire shooting and a full‑court five‑on‑five tournament, each crowned with its own set of champions.
In the one‑on‑one bracket, Bailey Burnett and Sophia Schroek emerged victorious in their respective divisions, while the two‑on‑two titles were claimed by Bailey Burnett and Kendall Dankovich as well as Katelyn Hosmer and Adalyn Lindsey.
The UConn‑styled five‑on‑five championship was coached by Tanleigh Bestine, whose team captured the top prize in a tightly contested final that showcased both skill and teamwork.
Individual accolades and sportsmanship
Rapid‑fire and free‑throw events produced winners such as Hadley Peterson and Greta Gilevski, while Lila Kitchell and Adalyn Reese excelled in the shooting competition. The camp also recognized a Sportsmanship Team composed of Stella Mazgaj, Kendall Dankovich, Ry‑Lea Irwin, Charlie Bird, Greta Gilevski, Paesyn Liddell, Charlotte Dent and Grace Musee, underscoring the event’s emphasis on character as well as competition.