Shamrocks’ bring in youth athletes for Cactus League

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Youth basketball players from across the Desert Southwest spent the month sharpening their skills and competing on the court at Yuma Catholic during the annual Cactus League Camp.

Hosted by Yuma Catholic head boys basketball coach Thurman Schaetzle, the camp welcomed players in fourth through sixth grade for a week of instruction, drills, evaluations and games.

Schaetzle brought in several members of his own program to serve as coaches throughout the camp, giving young athletes the opportunity to learn from local high school players while also allowing those players to give back to the community.

"The parents say each kid is having fun," Schaetzle said. "The kids are having fun. They get a chance to compete. Most of them know each other through school or AAU basketball, so they get a chance to maybe play against each other when they usually don't...Our players get to give back. They're the ones coaching, and when you have a chance to give back to the community, it's a win-win for everyone."

The camp continued to grow in popularity this year, with participation increasing by 12 players from last summer. A total of 44 athletes took part in the 2026 Cactus League Camp.