Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

Gary Henry - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Gary Henry, president of the Jamaica Basketball Development Incorporated (JBDI), the organisers of the Star Search Basketball Camp, was on Friday quite cautious in divulging information on scholarships.

After the five-day camp ended on Friday at GC Foster College in Spanish Town, Henry told The Gleaner that he was tentative in giving out a figure as to how many scholarships would be issued.

"I'm nervous in answering that question as it maybe 15 and it could be more, we can't give you a definite answer until either the end of this month or for another six weeks," he said.

First step

He added that the camp is just the first step in awarding scholarships as campers must meet other criteria, mainly having good grades at school.

"I tell the campers that they need to do their school work if they are going to get scholarships. If they are chosen, they have to have good grades in college or they will be removed from the team," he warned.

Henry, a former Continental Basketball Association (C.B.A) player for Kansas City Rockets in the US, said that they are awaiting school transcripts from prospective scholarship awardees and that will take at least a few weeks to be ready.

The other hurdle for the campers to negotiate is to be issued a United States Visa by the US Embassy. He noted that persons in the past have gotten all the requirements for the scholarship, but were turned down by the embassy.

Henry made special mention of both the overseas and local coaches who worked tirelessly on the programme to see to the development of the youths.

The final day

On the final day, campers got a chance to test their mettle in three-on-three and five-on-five games, including an exciting All-Stars game. There were also a three-point shoot-out and slam dunk contests.

Dane Massey, 17, student at St George's College and a player for Port Royal Bulls in the National Basketball League, and 21 year-old Sasha Dixon of women's basketball team Braves Smilers emerged as the most outstanding male and female campers for 2008.

"I feel overwhelmed at this time. I never expected it, but I accept the award with open arms," an elated Massey said after the function. His remedy for success is to "have a good mind set and excellent attitude to training and you will go far".

Dixon said that she was not surprised by the award.

"Every morning I played hard and tried my best even against the boys. I give credit to God for my help and local coaches, Rohan Robinson, Ludlow Barker and my brother Byron Dixon for their assistance," she said.

Sasha Dixon of Braves Smilers (right) accepts her Most Valuable Camper female award from Marland Nattie, president of the Jamaica Basketball Association, during the closing ceremony on the fifth and final day of the Star Search Basketball Camp at G.C. Foster College on Friday. The five-day camp saw over 180 youths from ages 12-24 years old participating. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer