By Thomas Grant Jr.

Before winning a national championship at the University of South Carolina, forward Ashlyn Watkins honed her skills at Cardinal Newman.

Not only did she lead the Lady Cardinals to four straight SCISA Class 3A titles, but also earned McDonald’s All-American honors and was named the 2021-22 South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year.

On Saturday, Watkins once again brought her self-titled Basketball Camp back to Cardinal Newman.

niversity of South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins hands a camper a gift bag.

Over 150 youngsters from first grade to senior year in high school took part in two sessions. With James Abrams of Hoop-ology 101 serving as camp director and Watkins and present and future Gamecock teammates serving as instructors and camp speakers, the event focused on fundamentals and helping attendees improve their overall skills.

University of South Carolina guard Bree Hall, redshirt freshman forward Adhel Tac and forwards Sania Feagin and Ashlyn Watkins.

Shooting, dribbling, and defense were stressed by the instructors in the morning and afternoon sessions. In addition, campers got to ask questions to Walkins, seniors guard Bree Hall and forward Sania Feagin and redshirt freshman forward Adhel Tac.

Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.