I had the chance in the past month or so to watch a few games in the NJB boys basketball league in Hilo and saw some good things. It looks like the talent is spread around the Big Island enough to make exciting D-I and II races during the 2010-11 season.
But many of the players get by only on physical talent and the summer is a perfect time to work on your game, developing good practice habits that will carry over into the summer league and regular-season prep or youth games.
If you need to work on your ballhandling, especially your weaker hand, then do it. If it's extending your shot range, that's another good area; or if your free throws or passing needs work, then ask your coach or one of the many coaches helping throughout the state to give you a couple of pieces of advise on how to hone your skills.
Doing the little things wins championships -- like Kainoa Chu knowing how to come off a double pick, catch in balance and hit the game winner for Iolani in the state D-I final against Kamehameha this past year.
There are many examples of good players doing good things on the court, and almost all of it was developed through good practice habits. Kainoa was fortunate to have a dedicated dad and good coaches who helped him become an outstanding player. Then he worked his buns off to get to that level.
I'm a strong proponent of basketball clinics and camps, from Dennis Agena to many others held around the state. It's through this type of hard work on effective muscle-memory reflex training that will make a big difference.
I've been fortunate enough to work in camps in Hawaii, California -- including the highly regarded Snow Valley Camp -- and Australia and have seen firsthand the types of improvements a player can make in a short period of time, then take what he or she has learned and carry it on to keep improving.
If you've seen the high intensity level and pressure defense played in the state tournament, especially in D-I, you know you have to be the best you can be to compete at that level. Physical talent alone won't get it done.
Remember, almost all players going on to make a team at the collegiate level were their high school team's best player. If you want to be good, you've got to put in the time. Perfect practice makes perfect.
And if you get a chance to go to a clinic or camp this summer, any one, give it strong consideration because if you learn just one thing, it might be the difference in you starting or being your team's best player next year, or preparing you to play at the collegiate level.
Good luck and stay humble.