The Hilltoppers are shown after winning the team’s fourth consecutive NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional title this past March. Assistant Coach Ben Howlett is shown standing left, just behind Head Coach Jim Crutchfield.
This press release was written with assistance from Media Relations Intern Richard Tyler, a public relations major from St. Clairsville, Ohio.
West Liberty University will host its annual summer Hilltopper Boy’s Basketball Camp from July 20-23 at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC) located on West Liberty University’s main campus.
Under the direction of Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Ben Howlett, the camp will focus on offensive development, shooting the basketball, and one-on-one offensive moves, emphasized on a daily basis. It is open to all boys entering grades four thPrarough 12 in fall 2014. Each day will include the development of fundamentals and improving individual skills in the morning, team drills, competitions, and league games in the afternoon, and league play and recreational activities in the evening.
Each player will compete in 10 to 14 league games, including a tournament on the final day, creating a competitive atmosphere to test the skills learned during the camp. Campers will be divided into three leagues and play approximately three games per day. Teams will be formed according to age and ability.
During his third season back at WLU, Coach Howlett and the Hilltoppers claimed both the Mountain East and Regional championships for the fourth straight season. They then went on to participate in the national championship game in Evansville, Ind. The Hilltoppers ended the season with a 34-2 record while leading the country once again in scoring at over 100 points per game. The Hilltoppers ended the season 31-4.
West Liberty head coach Jim Crutchfield, whose Hilltoppers have led the nation in scoring for eight of the last nine seasons, welcomed Howlett back to WLU as a coach in fall 2011. Howlett is a WLU alumnus and played on four consecutive 20-win seasons as during his student years. In his time on the court, he scored 1663 points, placing him at number 12 on the all-time scoring list. He shot 58.9 percent from the floor, ranking his second on the all-time list. During his senior season, he averaged 24 points per game, ranking him 4th in NCAA Division 2. Howlett formerly coached at Ohio Valley University (NCAA DII) for the 2010-2011 season.
Cost for the camp is $250 per camper and a $50 deposit is required with application. The fee covers room, meals, instruction, T-shirt and camp expenses. Check in is between 1 – 3 p.m., Sunday, July 20. Departure is noon Wednesday, July 23. Arrangements can be made for early or late arrivals or departures.
For more information, please visit hilltoppersports.com for a complete application or call Howlett at 304-336-8234.