Storm basketball team brings the electricity to the youth — and Oklahoma

RIO RANCHO — The Cleveland High School gymnasium was filled with young ballers who attended the annual CHS Basketball youth camp June 11.

“We’re just working with the kids and trying to get them better ... I feel like they’re improving a lot,” senior Evan Vigil said.

The youth got a chance to learn the ropes from head coach Zach Cole and the rest of the Storm players.

“I know growing up, for me, I couldn’t wait for summer camps to take place,” Cole said. “We talk about being servant leaders ... so this a great opportunity for them to give back. Give what was given to them.”

Among the players were a couple of familiar faces, including senior Karson Weddle

“It feels great because I was in their shoes at one point, looking up at the seniors and just wanting to be like them,” Weddle said.

During his freshman and sophomore years, Weddle played at Cleveland and played in Colorado during his junior year. Now, Weddle is back in the silver and electric blue and hopes to help his squad win a state title.

“People can expect that Cleveland is going to bring it every game, no matter what,” Weddle said.

Also present at the Cleveland basketball camp was sophomore Darius Steverson, the brother of Storm legend Daniel Steverson. While it remains unknown if Darius will suit up for the Storm, the kids were certainly excited to get some tips from him and to watch him dunk.

Other Storm members in attendance included Ajay Vigil, Cannon Cole, Isaiah Cavazos and Brycen Bowie, who looked like a future coach working with the kids.

In other news, in early June, the Storm basketball team won a prestigious summer tournament out of state, traveling to Oklahoma City and tallying a 9-0 record.

“We played very elite competition, playing fast teams and athletic teams from all over the country. Our ball movement, and depth on the bench, kept us in all the games,” Vigil said.

“All of our players can score at any moment, and it really showed in Oklahoma,” said Vigil, who has played on the varsity squad since his freshman year.