Junior NBA/WNBA Skills Challenge goes well at Mustang Gym

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Junior NBA/WNBA Skills Challenge goes well at Mustang Gym

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — Mustang Gym was quite a busy spot for Freddie Walker and his associates Saturday as they put on the Orange County Junior NBA/WNBA Skills Challenge for kids interested across the area.

Every youngster was able to showcase their passing, dribbling and shooting skills in four age groups consisting of ages 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13/14.

The top finishers in each division received tickets to Houston Rockets and Houston Comets games and a chance to compete in the regional competition in March and April.

“To see all of these shiny young faces, that’s what it’s all about,†Walker said. “It’s a competition but it’s also about having a good time and the kids are having that.â€

Joenia Cotton of Orange, the winner of the girls 7/8 Division and sporting a Los Angles Sparks jersey, was thrilled the be in the competition.

“I love basketball,†said Cotton. “It’s fun to come out and show some skills and have fun. You learn a lot and it really helps me to get better.â€

Trey Baldwin, 10, was also having a blast.

“It’s been fun to learn how to dribble better,†said Baldwin. “It’s ˙elping me shoot better and I was able to make my layups better today.â€

Murray Gibbs, 13, who donned a North Carolina Tar Heels jersey was pleased with the way he performed plus what he won in door prizes, such as an electronic basketball-shooting game, a jacket and a hat.

“It’s all awesome, to come out and play a little basketball and have a chance to win things,†said Gibbs. “They also have all the Rocket posters they’re handing out, we like those.â€

For Walker, the experience is all worth it.

“It’s all about the kids,†Walker said. “They come out here to compete and have fun as well and that’s what it’s all about. It’s something we definitely want to continue.â€