BOONE, N.C. - Less than a week before the regular season tips off, Appalachian State University men's basketball took time away from its busy practice schedule to host a free youth basketball skills clinic on Saturday at Varsity Gym.

More than 60 local children participated, both as individuals and full teams. The Mountaineers welcomed kids from Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes Counties to the two-hour event at Varsity Gym.

Appalachian coaches and student-athletes were on hand to work on fundamentals of the game, as well as several drills.

The young participants were also able to shoot around with their favorite players and even procure autographs at the end of the session.

ASU tips off the regular season on Friday at the Holmes Center with a 7 p.m. game against Lees-McRae.

With the season opening in just four days, stay logged onto GoASU.com all week for basketball coverage. GoASU TV will file its final preseason practice report on Tuesday and Wednesday will feature an extensive season preview. GoASU.com will then preview the LMC matchup on Thursday.