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The Sports Work Academy Basketball returned to the YMCA after taking last year off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and co-Camp Director Michael Galloway said it was very successful.

“It was one of my best camps I’ve ever had,” Galloway said. “We had a lot of community support and we had several parents hang around to watch the camp. I can’t wait to do it again. I’m so excited. I was pleased with how many calls I got about the camp and I appreciate those who helped put the word out.”

Galloway co-directed the camp with Nikita Wilson.

Galloway, who is a 1985 Bogalusa High School graduate, is a former all-district performer for the Lumberjacks. Wilson is a former LSU player and was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 1987 with seventh pick of the second round (30th overall).

This was the 14th time they have held the clinic.

Galloway said they had 28 participants in ages 6-18.

Campers were separated into two groups — 13-older and 12-younger.

Only Basketball Elite’s O’Brian Calahan worked with the younger participants first and took them through some combine drills like the ladder drill.

The campers also worked on closing out defensively, the stance and movement.

Wilson worked with the participants on offensive skills such as dribbling through cones to help with ball handling, mid-range jumpers and rebounding techniques.

The campers also played 3-on-3 and 5-on-5.

Each coach spoke to the participants and gave out awards.

Galloway also said he was proud that his daughter Morgan and his father Dr. M.J. Galloway were able to attend the camp. M.J. Galloway is a minister at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Bogalusa and New Welcome Church in Poplarville, Miss. M.J. Galloway is a 1958 Central Memorial High School graduate.

“What made this camp very special was that my 8-year daughter was able to fly in from Atlanta to do the camp,” Michael Galloway said. “Also, my dad came in and opened us up with a prayer. This is the first year in 14 years he was able to attend the camp. I’m on cloud nine.”

The camp also featured coaches 1981 Bogalusa High School graduate Murrell Galloway and 1987 Bogalusa High School graduate Eric Brister.