Eight high school basketball coaches will get an early look at next year’s teams today when Keith High hosts its third annual basketball team camp.

The event will go from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in Orrville. Teams in the camp include Keith, Southside, Selma, Wilcox Central, Demopolis, Greene County, Sumter County and Holt (Tuscaloosa).

Keith coach Tommy Tisdale said the teams will compete in full scrimmages with two halves.

Although an admission fee will be charged and concessions will be available, the camp will not be directed at the spectators.

“This is more for the coaches than the fans this year,” Tisdale said. “It may give the coaches the chance to see if seventh- and eighth-graders can play in this environment.”

He said Keith’s fans probably would be out in numbers.

“We have the best fan base in the world,” he said. “They’d probably come out if we were shooting marbles.”

Tisdale said schools are allowed seven days during the summer to compete with other teams.

“We are trying to get in as many games as we can play,” he said. “Each team will have the opportunity to play three games.

“It will show some preseason conditions against some traditionally good teams. … Coaches will use this as a measuring stick for their teams.”

Woodie Jackson of Selma said he would be short-handed in today’s camp with seniors Keaton Spears and Dupree Rivers unable to attend.

“Spears will be away at ROTC training this week, and Rivers has gone to New York to visit his grandparents,” Jackson said.

“We will be inexperienced, but this should help our younger players,” he said.