A milestone celebration
The Shoot the Lights Out basketball camp is returning to Avoca Central School for its 20th year, running from July 13th to 17th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program welcomes boys and girls in fourth through twelfth grade and has drawn participants from communities across New York and Pennsylvania.
Coach Bill Hopkins' legacy
Directed by Section IV Hall of Fame Coach Bill Hopkins, the camp benefits from more than four decades of coaching experience in the Twin Tiers. Hopkins, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 with 329 career wins, stresses that proper technique and repetition are the keys to improving shooting accuracy.
Each camper can expect to shoot roughly 2,500 shots during the five‑day session, a regimen that has helped several participants earn New York State player of the year honors. Alumni include standout athletes from the Horseheads girls’ varsity basketball team, which has captured three consecutive Sectional Championships in Class AA.
Beyond the court
The camp provides free lunches through the school cafeteria each day, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access. Hopkins also shares shooting instructional DVDs, a resource recommended by nationally recognized coaches, and will host a second session at Athens High School in Athens, Pennsylvania, from August 3 to 7.
Registration is open by contacting Coach Bill Hopkins at 607‑738‑5307 or via email at shootlightsout@gmail.com. The camp’s enduring popularity reflects its commitment to developing fundamentals while fostering a love of the game across the region.