By Steve Hall
For the Islander
Bucks From Bobby, a charitable organization founded in 2018 and named in honor of former Avalon High School standout athlete Bobby Machado, continues to provide funds that greatly benefit the youth of Avalon. Just recently four Avalon student/athletes had the opportunity to travel to the mainland and participate in a three-day basketball camp in Irvine, California. Brandon Moreno, Darren Hall, Jacob Mello, and Matthew Bastida had expressed their interest in attending a summer basketball camp and bingo, there was Bucks For Bobby making it happen.
The camp was intense and skill driven, providing an abundance of new drills to help develop these young players. Chris Oliver was the camp director and did a fantastic job teaching the skills of basketball and of life. The important thing now is that these players continue to work on their individual skills so that the investment in time and money proves its worth.
According to the players this camp was a life changing experience. Brandon Moreno says that he learned a lot of things that will improve his point guard play. Darren Hall mentioned that he learned some new moves to the basket. Jacob Mello says that he has a new view on the game of basketball after attending this camp and Matthew Bastida says that he learned how to shoot quicker and drive harder to the basket.
All in all, it was three days of hard work and a lot of fun. The work took place during the five hours of camp time each day and the fun occurred at the beach afterward for body surfing and more basketball and a night trip to the movie theater. I hope that these players take to heart the life skills taught at this camp and begin to put them into practice in their own lives and continue to work on their game. Thanks to Bucks From Bobby as they continue to make a difference with our Avalon youth.
