By KC Smith
Cooleemee Correspondent

The Grimes Parker Basketball Camp had approximately 35 campers from ages kindergarten to 5th grade.
The gym at Cooleemee Elementary School, named after Mr. Parker, was filled with green shirts and black shorts.
For some, it was the first time coming to the camp and others had been each year since kindergarten.
Coach Erich Epps has been at the camp every year and will probably always be there. While retired from coaching at West Rowan Middle School, he finds time to continue to support the camp. A couple years ago the middle school named their football field after him. Congratulations coach Epps, Its proven you are one heck of a guy.
Coach Monty Gray always squeezes in one day for support even though he has a hectic schedule. One day of his leadership provides skills that will never be forgotten. The campers gravitate to him and he always leaves words of wisdom to the campers.
Andrew Mitchell is another fantastic coach that we can always count on. He coaches at Statesville High School. He may be soft spoken but you listen because he’s smart and teaches aspects of the game that make a big differences in the skills you need on the court.
Having 3 basketball players from Brevard was an extra bonus for the campers this year.
Josie Hester graduated this year, she played all conference and was voted the Player. Somer Johnson, now a junior, is the granddaughter of Grimes Parker and has been at the camp ever since she could pick up the ball. Malayka “M” Rankin is a rising sophomore.
All three of these students related to the campers in a great way and were able to teach new techniques which helped the campers to develop a stronger love for the game. All three were a true asset to the camp and hope they return next year.
This year marked the 15th year of the camp and we had a surprise guest to help kick off the first day.
James Fowler, aka ‘Honey Bun’, sang the national anthem. Having a heart transplant has been part of his life’s journey and from the sound of his voice surrounding the four walls of the gym, gave no indication of him having that experience.
Thank you Honey Bun for sharing your wonderful voice while making a huge impression to the campers and all adults present.
Feel free to contact me at www.cooleemeenews@gmail.com or call 336.250.1133. I would love to hear from you.