About KS Basketball Camps
KS Basketball Camps is a youth‑led, community‑focused program built on the belief that every young athlete deserves access to positive, high‑quality basketball experiences. Founded by Hononegah High School student‑athlete Kevin Salser in 2022, the camp has grown from a small service project into a multi‑year program serving dozens of kids across the 815 community.
Our mission is simple:
Develop skills. Build confidence. Create opportunity.
Through energetic drills, fundamentals‑first training, and mentorship from high school, college, and professional athletes, KS Basketball Camps provides an environment where kids feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn. The camp emphasizes personal growth just as much as basketball development, encouraging athletes to show leadership, work hard, and bring the best version of themselves on and off the court.
Each season, our coaching staff donates their time to give young players hands‑on instruction, meaningful feedback, and a memorable experience. Families return year after year because the camp is safe, organized, uplifting, and designed with the true needs of kids in mind.
KS Basketball Camps is committed to keeping the program affordable, accessible, and rooted in community service — creating a positive space where young athletes can grow, compete, and build confidence through the game they love.
Leadership
Kevin Salser is a sophomore at Hononegah High School and the founder and CEO of KS Basketball Camp. What began in 2022 as a small service project has grown into a multi‑year youth program that continues to expand each season. Kevin launched the camp to give younger athletes a fun, safe place to learn fundamentals and build confidence, and he’s stayed focused on creating access and positive opportunities in the community.
In addition to running the camp, Kevin plays basketball for Hononegah and competes in travel basketball with Team FVV. Balancing school, sports, and operating a youth camp has taught him discipline, responsibility, and the importance of leading by example. Kevin encourages younger athletes to pursue excellence in everything they do, emphasizing that success in the classroom sets the foundation for success in sports and life.
Gene Houston brings decades of experience in coaching, training, and youth mentorship to KS Basketball Camp. He previously served on the coaching staff at Rock Valley College (Women’s Head Coach and Men’s Assistant) and later founded Maximum Potential Training, where he supports athletes with fundamentals, conditioning, and long‑term development. Gene also made program history as the first head coach to win a conference championship at Rock Valley and earning recognition as a Hall of Fame nominee for his contributions to the program.
Gene is deeply involved in regional skills camps and youth programs and has been a cornerstone of KS Basketball Camp since 2022, emphasizing discipline, confidence, and player growth.
Coaching Staff
South Beloit HS standout who finished with 3,048 career points (4th all‑time in IL) and 1,738 rebounds (2nd all‑time). Now plays at Northern Michigan University and returns each year to mentor campers and teach foundational skills.
Auburn High School (Rockford, IL) alum with 1,000+ career points and First‑Team NIC‑10 honors. Competes at Triton College and volunteers at camp to mentor young athletes and assist with skill development.
Junior at Jefferson High School (Rockford, IL) and varsity guard/forward known for athleticism and defense. Plays travel basketball with Rockford One Shot and volunteers at camp each year.
Pearland HS (TX) alum who starred at Gulf Coast State College (9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg) before transferring to Marquette University. A versatile forward and dedicated mentor who supports KS Basketball Camp while continuing her collegiate career.
Kyle is a Beloit Memorial standout who went on to play four years at Washington State University, helping lead the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He was selected 38th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, with his rights traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played two seasons before joining the Utah Jazz. Kyle went on to compete professionally across the NBA, G‑League, and top leagues overseas.
Today, he is active in player development and youth training programs and generously volunteers his time at KS Basketball Camp to give back to the community through high‑level skill instruction and mentorship.
KS Basketball Camps 