Area lawyers, usually seen in court, have been spending time on the court lately trying to win a basketball showdown they've lost five of the past six years.

But they think tonight's seventh annual Doctor/Lawyer Basketball Showdown may be their chance to claim a large traveling trophy they haven't won since 1997, said Scott Lipke, assistant prosecuting attorney for Cape Girardeau County and coach of the 14-player team of lawyers.

The annual event, a fund raiser for the Community Counseling Center, pits doctors against lawyers. The popular event draws 300 to 400 people, usually colleagues, employees and acquaintances of the players, but also those who just want to watch a good basketball game, said Larry Essner, director of development at Community Counseling, a private, not-for-profit comprehensive mental health care center.

"It's usually a good game," Essner said. "Some of the participants played basketball in college."

One of those is Dr. Todd Lumsden, who figures into the strategy of the doctors' team, said teammate Dr. Greg Leet, a Cape Girardeau optometrist.

"We're going to do what we've done every year for the past few years, and that's get the ball to Todd Lumsden every chance we get," Leet said. "Not only did he play in college, but he's also young, unlike many of the rest of us."

Leet admits he's a bit worried about the doctors' chances this year because the practices they've held the last few weeks have not been well-attended.

"I hope we aren't getting overconfident," Leet said of the team recent showdowns. "I hope the lack of practice doesn't come back to haunt us."

Lipke said the team of lawyers has practiced less this year than in years past, but he's hoping that will actually be an advantage.

"In the past, we've started practicing right after Thanksgiving," said Lipke, noting that this year the team waited until after the first of the year and has only had six practices. "We're hoping with the later start that our legs will be fresher and hold out longer."

Both Lipke and Leet said the game is something players look forward to, both for the camaraderie and because it's a good cause.

The funds the game raises will be used to purchase materials and equipment to provide and enhance mental health services in Cape Girardeau, Perry, Ste. Genevieve, Bollinger and Madison counties.

It's a busy month for Community Counseling Center events. In addition to the basketball game, there will be a family fun fair Sunday and an antique and collectibles show April 9.

"Families of the Millennium" is the theme of the Family Fun Fair, which will be held at the A.C. Brase Arena from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Essner said the event is meant to provide activities for families. Activities are aimed at children ages 2 to 12.

The second semiannual Antique and Collectibles 2000 Show fund raiser will be April 9 at the A.C. Brase Arena. There will be a pre-show sale, with a $5 admission, from 8 to 9 a.m., with the show, admission $1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: Basketball game between area doctors in lawyer in a fund raiser for Community Counseling Center

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Notre Dame High School gym

Tickets: $5 for adults, $2.50 for children under 12