Steamboat Springs — Former Steamboat Springs High School basketball standouts Devin Borvansky and Michael Vandahl understand the importance of knowing the fundamentals when it comes to basketball. Now, they are hoping to pass that on to the next generation with the third annual Youth Fundamental Camp, which is being offered by High Altitude Basketball Camp.

“The camp is designed to teach the basic fundamentals of basketball by putting kids in a fun and challenging environment,” Borvansky said about the camp he founded three years ago.

The camp is an extension of High Altitude Basketball, which runs club teams and youth recreational leagues.

In its first year, the youth recreational league attracted more than 200 players to compete on the hardwood. Vandahl, who is the league director, said players came from Steamboat Springs, South Routt, North Routt and Hayden to take part in the leagues, which just wrapped up this week.

Both Vandahl and Borvansky played for Steamboat Springs basketball legend Kelly Meek, who will be the shooting specialist at this year’s Fundamental Camp, which takes place in June. In addition, the camp organizers have also asked Pio Utu to come in to offer some speed training.

“We want to make learning the basics of basketball fun,” Vandahl said of the camp. “This is a great opportunity for young players to develop fundamental habits.”

The camp is open to third- through sixth-graders and will run from June 15 to 18. Third and fourth grade players will take part in the camp from 8 to 11:30 a.m., and fifth and sixth grade players will attend from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Cost to register for the camp is $125 before June 1. After that date, the cost increases to $150.

The camp will be set up in stations with players focusing on dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, rules, speed and getting open without the ball. The camp will incorporate games with skill building. Campers will also play numerous three-on-three and five-on-five games.

Borvansky said the camp drew around 80 players last year. This year he is hoping to have more than 100 players registered.

This year’s camp comes at the end of the first year of the recreational league season for the High Altitude Basketball Camp. The recreational leagues ran from February through May.

High Altitude Basketball also runs a club program for players between seventh grade and high school. They compete and travel to play in tournaments. Borvansky runs that part of the programs and also added a middle school girls program to the lineup this season.

“We want to provide an opportunity for young players to take their game to the next level,” Borvansky said. “This is our way to give back to the game we love.”

For information on the camp or to register, visit the High Altitude Basketball website.

To reach John F. Russell, call 970-871-4209, email jrussell@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966