The Wellington Wolves, the Village of Wellington, Wellington High School and local basketball standout Trent Frazier teamed up on Saturday, Aug. 5 to stage the inaugural Trent Frazier Basketball Camp.
The camp was a three-hour basketball clinic for local children, ages 8 to 18. The best thing about the camp was that there was no charge to attend. This first-time event was held inside Wellington High School’s gymnasium from 9 a.m. to noon. In all, 80 players were in attendance.
For Frazier — who led the WHS boys varsity basketball team to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 8A state championship in 2015 and later starred at the University of Illinois from 2018 to 2022, where he was selected to the second team Big Ten squad in 2022 — this clinic was a chance to share his passion for basketball and his knowledge of the game with younger players who may also have dreams of playing basketball at a higher level.
“I want to give back to this community,” said Frazier, who is currently under contract with the Zenit Basketball Club in St. Petersburg, Russia. “Wellington High School and the community have given me a chance to fulfill my basketball journey.”
Clearly, there are many children who want to be like Frazier.
“I want to just be an inspiration for everyone who attended the camp,” Frazier said. “No matter where you come from or your background, always stay true to yourself and believe you can do it, no matter the route you take.”
The camp was a special experience for two brothers, Chris and Carter Nixon.
Chris is 15, while Carter is 8. Both had a great time, and they learned a great deal, especially Chris, who is an incoming sophomore at Seminole Ridge High School.
“It was a great experience and great fun,” said Chris, who hopes to make the varsity basketball team this winter at Seminole Ridge. “I learned a lot from the step-back drills, the dribbling drills and the game-speed corner drill.”
For Frazier and 11 area coaches, some of whom are on the staff of WHS head boys basketball coach Matt Colin, the main goals of the clinic were to emphasize being strong, physically and mentally.
The physical side had to do with grasping fundamental basketball skills, which include catching, passing, dribbling, shooting and moving without the basketball. The mental side was being determined to keep working toward your overall goal of being the best basketball player that you can be.
“Always believe in your dreams,” Frazier added. “But more importantly, improve your life skills. As much as you give, you will receive. Basketball is just a sport, so be willing to always give back to your community. Having a place you can call home is what’s important.”
The key sponsors of the Trent Frazier Basketball Camp were the Village of Wellington, the Wellington Wolves, the Council of Dads and ESPN West Palm.
