Haywood Highsmith, a Baltimore‑born forward who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, returned to his hometown this weekend to run his fourth annual free basketball camp.
The event unfolded at Archbishop Curley High School, where dozens of youngsters between the ages of seven and sixteen gathered for a weekend of drills, 5‑on‑5 scrimmages and a series of confidence‑building activities.
Highsmith guided participants through skill drills, oversaw competitive games and answered questions in a lively Q&A session that kept the energy high.
Giving Back to the Community
For Highsmith, the camp is more than a basketball clinic; it is a chance to give back to the community that shaped him and to show the kids they matter.
He emphasized that making the participants feel special, confident and loved is the core of his mission, hoping the experience will stay with them long after they leave the court.
Local families praised the initiative, noting that the free camp provides a rare opportunity for youth to develop both athletic ability and self‑esteem.
Highsmith, who grew up playing on the streets of Baltimore, said he plans to keep expanding the program, aiming to reach even more neighborhoods in the years ahead.