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Flint Native Miles Bridges Hosts Inaugural Basketball Camp For Local Youth

By Alex LaGrone, Staff Writer

Most would agree that professional athletes enjoy rewarding careers and travel highly-coveted circles. Most would also agree that it’s nice to see when they step away from the spotlight and give back to their hometown community where the glory all began.

This is exactly what Flint’s own Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets has done. On Saturday, July 20, he hosted the first ‘Miles Bridges Basketball Camp’ at Southwestern Classical Academy. The event was held for boys and girls between the ages of 7-14. More than 300 youth participated. The attendees received lessons on basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques.

“This is great. We’ve been very busy and we’ve gotten great support,” said Traci Pigott, Kearsley High School girls’ basketball coach and one of the volunteers who helped organize the camp.  Pigott said she was thrilled to see Bridges’ vision materialize.

Additional volunteers included Hamady’s head coach Keith Smith; pro-prospect Terry Armstrong; Arlesia Morse of the Flint Monarchs; Northwood University sophomore Ja’ Kavien Lewis and many others who gave feedback and shared helpful tips on boxing out, passing, shooting and playing defense.

Camp attendees also got a chance to see some of Michigan State’s current basketball players. Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry, Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, freshman Rocket Watts, and Jaren Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies came to show support and lend a helping hand.

“I’ve seen Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and others put on camps and I always wanted to do the same,” said Bridges when asked about what inspired him to put on the clinic for Flint’s youth.

Bridges played at Southwestern High School his freshman season before transferring to Huntington Prep School for his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Clippers and then traded to his current team, the Charlotte Hornets.

“As far as goals, I need to continue to work hard to improve and help my team get into the playoffs,” said Bridges who is looking forward to his next season with the Hornets.

“I’m glad to see Miles giving back to the community that he was raised in, I’m proud of him,” said his mother Cynthia.

“I’m enjoying the camp,” said Shawn Kellogg who attends Richfield Elementary.

All participants received constructive encouragement and a Miles Bridges Basketball Clinic t-shirt.

Have a question, comment or story idea for Alex?  Email alexlagrone@gmail.com.

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