LYNN — Perhaps the best way to improve in any sport is to learn from top-notch coaches who’ve reached the highest levels. That’s exactly what basketball hopefuls receive when they participate in the Antonio Anderson Skills Academy.
The Anderson camp is organized and run annually by English boys basketball coach Antonio Anderson and Bulldogs girls coach Mackenzie Charles. Lifelong friends who were both born and raised in Lynn, Anderson and Charles first discussed the idea of organizing a basketball skills camp in 2015.
“We wanted to give these kids a different outlet,” Charles said. “We wanted to teach kids the way to develop through hard work. We wanted to give back, helping kids. We grew up in this city and would’ve loved a camp for us. It’s been fun, the kids love it. It’s been a good thing for our city especially in the summertime. Getting kids active, it’s great for everybody involved.”
Now in it’s fourth running, this year’s first session begins next week and runs from July 9 (next Monday) through July 26. The second session of the summer hoops camp runs from August 6 through August 23. Both will take place at English High. The camp opens its doors to kids ages 7-17 and goes from Monday through Thursday (9 a.m.- 1 p.m.) each session.
“We always say ‘in the summer, that’s when you get better'” Charles said. “When the season starts you perform at your highest level because you worked hard during the offseason. We’re starting to see the hard work the kids have put in. That’s really rewarding and that’s why we do it. Seeing the growth in these kids has been fun and it’s going to continue to be fun.”
Anderson, who played Division I college basketball at Memphis for legendary coach John Calipari, is the camp’s founder. A 2002 graduate of Lynn Tech, Anderson was inducted into the Memphis Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. He played professionally in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anderson will begin his second season as coach of the Bulldogs this upcoming winter.
“We wanted to give kids an avenue to stay out of trouble,” Anderson said. “Basketball is a great source of motivation so why not teach them the fundamentals? Being a good teammate, having good character, we preach everything. We teach basics like footwork, stances, coming off the right foot for a layup. It’s been awesome. The community has been very supportive and the kids come back every year.”
“When you played at that level everybody pays attention and the kids listen a bit more,” Charles said. “Antonio’s an extremely humble person. He does a really good job. To be able to share that experience with these kids, it’s a good thing to see.”
Charles is the camp’s Director of Basketball Operations/Retention Coordinator. A 2004 graduate of Lynn Tech, Charles has over 11 years of coaching experience in basketball and football. A former assistant boys basketball coach at Tech and assistant football coach at Mount Ida, Charles will enter his third season at the helm of the English girls program in the winter.
“We put in a lot of work,” Anderson said. “It takes a lot of planning. We try to bring different dimensions to it. Mackenzie brings a different dimension. We wanted it to be different. The kids get challenged and they’re pushed. It has been a success.”
Other coaches who lend a helping hand are Trevonne Berry-Rogers, Todd Burton and Mackenson Charles. All three are assistant basketball coaches at English.
The camp hones-in on skills and fundamentals, meaning participants learn the ins and outs of dribbling, passing and shooting to name a few. Aside from the basics, the camp also focuses on the importance of hard work and being a positive teammate.
“Our camp is challenging, both physically and mentally,” Charles said. “It’s a hot gym. To fight through that gym you have to develop mental toughness. It’s good, the kids learn to work hard. We teach dribbling, shooting, passing and being good teammates. Those are some of the things we teach.
“We provide a safe environment,” Charles added. “The kids bond together and develop great relationships. Antonio and I met through sports. It’s a great avenue for developing long-lasting and lifelong friendships. That’s really important to us.”
More information, as well as registration forms, can be found by visiting the camp’s website at www.aaskillsacademy.com. Cost for the camp is $175. Those interested in participating or seeking more information are also encouraged to contact Charles via email at [email protected].
“It’s great to do this in my hometown where I grew up,” Anderson said. “The game means so much to me. If I could do it, why can’t they? There’s going to be somebody that surpasses everything I’ve done, whether it’s five, 10 or 15 years from now. I was that kid in their shoes. For them to see it’s a reality for someone from their same hometown, it gives them hope.
“Hopefully we get more kids this year,” Anderson added. “We welcome everybody, new kids who haven’t done it before that want to give it a try. We’re excited to see everybody on Monday ready to work.”
