She was talking about a five-day span through Memorial Day in which five separate shooting incidents left five dead and three wounded. It was a sobering reminder of last year when Dayton led the state in homicides per capita.
Back in Florida, her 23-year-old son thought a lot about what went on back here that weekend: “It made me realize why I needed to come back and put on my camp. It’s important to find ways to keep kids out of the streets.”
And Cook did return to Dayton around noon Monday, June 14 — travel snafus had made him late — for the first of his two-day basketball camp at Dunbar High.
Monday, about 100 third- through seventh-graders showed up. Today, the camp is for eighth- through 12th-graders.
The youngsters were eating lunch when camp director Albert Powell announced Cook had arrived: “When you finish eating, come to the gym.”
Instantly, half-eaten sandwiches were tossed into the trash as the now-giddy kids — en masse — double-timed it to meet their idol.
First, though, they were fed again — this time food for thought.
Marlon Shackelford, a street counselor trying to rid the streets of gang violence, addressed them with the fervor of a tent evangelist. Then came Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, Roy Hollis, the director of children services for the Dayton Public Schools and even Daequan’s mom.
Their message was about doing well in school, respecting parents and teachers, and embracing positive activities.
“Daequan wants them to get some instruction,” Powell said, “and some lessons on life.”
Two basketball players — former Ohio State star Jamar Butler, now playing professionally in Europe, and Kenny Hayes, the Northmont High and Miami University standout — then prepped the kids for Cook, who walked in sporting that trademark 1,000-watt smile.
He too talked about school and then answered questions:
“If you could play anywhere, where would you like to play?”
“Cleveland,” he smiled. “Everybody likes to be close to home.”
Someone asked why he hadn’t played as much last season — his third in the NBA. His games, minutes and points were down.
“Other guys were better prepared,” he said candidly. “I’ve got to work harder.” Later, in private, he added: “In the NBA you have to be consistent.”
And yet he certainly was just that on Monday. For the second year in a row he embraced the family of DaQuan Sales, the 12-year-old boy killed by a car while riding his bike just days before camp last year.
This time Cook launched a scholarship in the boy’s name.
“More than ever, a camp like this is important,” Renae Cook said. “When you take away community centers and swimming pools like they’re doing now, you need something else for the kids.
“The dreams Daequan had when he was younger are the same ones these kids have today. They just need a place to keep them alive.”
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