Smiles could be seen and laughs heard as participants at the Third Central Valley High School Back to School Summer Basketball Skills Camp played a game of knockout during the end of Wednesday's session.

"I've had lots of fun," Don Pedro Elementary fourth-grader Harinder Singh said after getting eliminated.

Singh and more than 40 students in grades 3-12 attended the July 27-31 clinic designed to change old and reinforce new habits of beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Each session started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 12 p.m.

"The kids are learning really good skills," said Darryl Dickson, camp director/varsity boys basketball coach. "I think the parents will be satisfied."

Campers dedicated the first 30 minutes to warmups, stretches and footwork drills,

They also focused on dribbling, ball handling, form shooting, layups and free throws.

They finished each session with a scrimmage or knockout game.

"The kids are enjoying it," Dickson said. "I've heard a lot of positive comments."

Former Hawk Trevor Mew and a handful of current Central Valley players provided assistance at the week-long camp. Mew starred at the varsity level for three seasons.

"I never knew this stuff at their age," he said. "It's definitely going to help them out."

"Trevor still cares about our school," Dickson said. "He's been a positive influence on the kids."

Mae Hensley Jr. High seventh-grader Joshua Villegas enjoyed every minute.

"I came here to learn new techniques in basketball," he said. "I've learned to do stuff varsity does like the layup drill. The coaches made things fun. I'll be back next year."

"A lot of kids are sitting at home doing nothing," Dickson said. "These kids want to get better."

Central Valley had to cancel its 2008 camp because of a scheduling conflict. Approximately 60 players were turned away.

"I thought the turnout was low this year," Dickson said. "I anticipate it being bigger next summer."