HOULTON, Maine — A group of more than 80 local youths were able to learn skills from a professional basketball player Tuesday as part of the Maine Red Claws’ Youth Basketball Clinic.
More than 80 youths from around Aroostook County participated in Tuesday’s Maine Red Claws’ Youth Basketball Clinic at Houlton Middle-High School.
(Joseph Cyr)
Sponsored by the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Dunkin Donuts, the clinic was free to youth between the ages of 7-14 and featured instruction from Vitto Brown of the Maine Red Claws and NBA Clinician Frank Lopez.
The Red Claws are a minor league basketball team affiliated with the Boston Celtics.
“The Dunkin Summer Clinic Series is a free one-day clinic for kids ages 7-14,” explained Evans Boston, public relations spokesman. “We focus on fundamentals, getting kids out and moving in the summer, teaching them about basketball and having fun.”
NBA Clinician Frank Lopez goes over the proper technique for catching a pass during Tuesday’s basketball clinic at Houlton Middle-High School.
(Joseph Cry)
Houlton was one of five stops on the Red Claws schedule as the group was in Lewiston Monday, travels to Ellsworth Wednesday, July 31; Hampden Thursday, Aug. 1; and Waterville, Friday, Aug. 2.
Boston said the participation in the Houlton clinic is typically one of their highest attended and Tuesday’s session was no exception. The Lewiston clinic on Monday drew about 60 kids in comparison, he said.
“We always get a great turnout when we come to The County,” Boston said. “Basketball is huge up here and we know that. We are the Maine Red Claws and this is a great way for us to grow our brand of basketball.”
Youngsters run through a basketball drill at Houlton Middle-High School Tuesday as part of the Maine Red Claws’ Youth Basketball Clinic.
(Joseph Cyr)
