by Scott Sacry
The annual McCarthy Basketball Camps completed their 2024 summer camps on July 18th in Stevensville. The McCarthy Camps, run by Frank McCarthy, are one of the most popular in the Bitterroot Valley and this year they were held in four locations: in Darby and Hamilton in June, then Florence and Stevensville in July.
“The camps were a great success this year,” said McCarthy. “We expanded to four locations this year because people in these communities kept requesting we do a camp in their town. Everyone was very appreciative and thankful for the camps.”
McCarthy began coaching basketball in Australia, then in 1979 he coached at the St. Labre Indian School. Next he went to Powell High School for six years, then to Eastern Wyoming College, then he coached MSU-Billings for 10 years, MSU Bozeman for two years, then spent 16 years at Sheridan College in Wyoming. He finally settled in the Bitterroot Valley where he has coached 7th & 8th grade boys in Hamilton.
McCarthy wants his campers to come away with better basketball skills, but it is also important to him that they learn valuable life skills as well.
Campers practice basketball fundamentals like shooting, passing, jump stops, defense, and rebounding.
They also learn the importance of looking someone in the eye, making a good handshake, and having good manners. They learn the importance of having a good attitude, practicing gratitude, and pursuing your goals and dreams.
McCarthy is quick to credit others for the success of the camp. He is grateful to his long list of sponsors, as well as to all the coaches. The McCarthy Camps are a family affair. McCarthy’s wife Amy helps along with their three children: Taylor, Jake and Luke. McCarthy also recruits local high school players to help, and don’t be surprised if an NBA player shows up, as former NBA player and Bitterroot Valley regenerative farmer Mike Doleac helps out with the camp when he can.