High school basketball: Campbell plays Cuba at RiverBend Shootout

NEW MADRID — The Campbell High School boys basketball team will open the 2023-24 season at the 28th Annual RiverBend Shootout.

This will mark the third straight season Campbell opens at this event.

What’s more, the Camels will play in the opening game at 2 p.m. Friday versus Cuba.

“They are a big Class 4 school,” Campbell head coach Steve Fowler said. “They will be a big and physical team.

“We are looking forward to the challenge, and ready to get the season started,” Fowler added.

Cuba, who was assigned to Class 4 District 3 by the Missouri State High School Activities Association last Friday, opened the season Friday by thumping Macks Creek 68-31.

Meanwhile, Campbell tuned up for the season with a jamboree last Thursday versus St. Paul Lutheran of Farmington and Holcomb.

The Camels are coming off an uncustomary season, with an 8-18 record. One of Campbell’s wins was during the RiverBend Shootout — blasting Cairo, Ill., 70-31.

Fowler said the Camels enjoy playing in the RiverBend Shootout.

“We get to play someone we traditionally don’t get to see,” Fowler noted.

The tournament features talented teams from around the area, including defending Class 3 state champion New Madrid, Charleston, Portageville and out-of-state programs West Memphis (Ark.) and Horn Lake (Miss.).

Cuba is coming off a 14-13 season, and the Wildcats play in the Gasconade Valley Conference. This year’s squad features no seniors.

One late change was made with Sikeston replacing North Pemiscot in the girls’ game set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday.