Summer school

By Shane Mettlen

Published: July 17, 2008

Culpeper resident Richie Safren knows how to put the full-length basketball court in his back yard to good use.

In its sixth year, the Safren Summer League is a weekly basketball clinic hosted by Safren that allows kids in sixth through ninth grades to hone their skills and learn lessons about basketball and life from Safren and guest counselors.

Thursday night that meant a lesson on physical fitness from trainer Earl Scott. Other sessions have included coaching from former NBA player and Culpeper legend Keith “Mister” Jennings. Next week, the campers will hear from CCHS coach James Thompson.

With 25-30 kids showing up per session the Safren Summer League has been a success.

“When we moved out here it was kind of a vision,” Safren said. “And it’s turned out great. It’s just been a great experience and a great time, not only for the kids, but for us too.”

Each session during the SSL allows the instructors to focus on different parts of the game. Jennings helped campers work on their all-around skills, but other sessions have been focused on defense and offensive moves. Scott spent his time Thursday night helping the children learn exercises that could improve their athleticism on the court.

“We’re going to be doing some shuttle drills and some stuff to increase vertical jump,” Scott said before the clinic, “Just the stuff that kids want to know, but don’t know. You can’t just wait for basketball season to come around to get ready for basketball.”

After spending some time working on drills and exercises that fit with the guest counselor’s lecture, the players generally spend some time scrimmaging and awards are given out at the end of the session.

Safren said he wants the clinic to be about more than just sports.

“We not only teach about basketball and physical fitness, we also try to push the game of life,” he said. “We also talk about everyday skills, school. We definitely think it helps the young people.”

Lawrence “Puff” Summers, who played at Davidson and now plays professionally in Europe, also helps out at the camp. He said he’s enjoyed the opportunity to help Safren and work with the kids.

“Anything to give back, I wanted to come out and be a part of,” he said.

Shane Mettlen can be reached at 825-0771, ext. 127 or