Liam Hunt driven by fond high school memories to bring back Breathe Basketball Camp again for another year

One thing Liam Hunt looks back fondly on is his time spent in basketball camps during his high school days, motivating him to bring that experience to Geraldton once again these school holidays. The Breathe Basketball Mega Camp — a four-day camp held from April 7 to 10 — is back for a fourth year, with some spots still available ahead of tip-off next week. It offers 20 hours of pure basketball action, with skill sessions, games and competition available for children born between 2012 and 2016 at Activewest Stadium. “We’re trying to bring a camp experience that we went through in America back in a high school I went to, and bring that experience to Geraldton,” Hunt said. “It’s pretty unique and I don’t think a lot of places run a camp like we do, so it’s pretty exciting. “It’s just chance for the parents to drop off the kids and enjoy playing, being in a team environment and working on their skills.” In previous years, more than 100 children have participated, with some of them among the crew of 18 coaches who will help out Hunt across the four days. This line-up includes Buccaneers superstars including fan favourite Verle Williams who returns for a second year, and other Buccs young guns such as Denbi Horstman, Levi Owen and Jarrad Mongoo. Buccs assistant coach and camp veteran Carter Cook is returning for a fourth camp, as is Will Galvin who will hope to avenge his “controversial” loss in last year’s mega champ grand finals. US import Josh banks will also offer an American perspective to attendees in his maiden camp appearance. Hunt said he appreciated having the support of a knowledgeable and hardworking coaching team around him. “A few coaches now have actually been in the camp. Now I’ve started recruiting coaches that have been in the camp now, and they know what it’s about and what to expect,” he said. “They’re so committed and always do such a good job. I know it’s long days for them, but they just give it everything they’ve got. “By the end of the camp, it’s pretty fun to hear all the trash talk and all the stuff about who was the champion and still rolls over into the next years.” Hunt said the most rewarding part was seeing kids grow in confidence throughout the camp. “It’s not all about the game. It’s more about the confidence they get within not just in the game, but in themselves,” he said. “I think in a day where a lot of anxiety goes around . . . it’s a good chance for them to drop their phones, be a part of a team environment and all these lessons result in life as well. That’s the cool part for me.” Registrations can be made at breathebasketball.com.au/forms/2026-breathe-mega-camp/9.