Slam-Fest returns for 16th edition

~The basketball tournament will make its first appearance in the fall.

Slam-Fest has changed dates, but organizers of the outdoor basketball tournament expect its popularity to remain as strong as ever.

The 16th annual Slam-Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday at Indian Park in Cape Girardeau.

"We really are looking forward to it," said Stafford Moore Jr., one of the tournament directors.

Slam-Fest had always taken place around the third weekend in August, when the hot Missouri weather is generally at its steamiest.

Moore said the date change came about to satisfy the wishes of teams and spectators who wanted to avoid the heat.

Whether the change becomes permanent remains to be seen, Moore said.

"I think actually more people might show up, because one of the reasons a lot of people weren't coming was because of the heat," Moore said. "We felt like having it at this time would be better.

"We're going to try it this year, and if it goes good, we might make it permanent."

Slam-Fest 2007 officially begins at 8:30 p.m. Friday with a gospel concert at the House of Prayer, located at the corner of North Sprigg and Independence streets.

Moore said the concert is free and open to the public.

The basketball games, also free, will tip off at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Play will also begin Sunday morning at around the same time, with the championship scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m.

"We look for some very good basketball, like there always is," Moore said.

Slam-Fest was started by Scott Porter, who moved to Texas five years ago but has continued to be involved with the event. He never thought it would become so popular.

Porter said he was amazed when the first Slam-Fest attracted about 1,500 spectators. Several thousand people now annually turn out for the weekend.

"It's gotten a lot bigger than I ever thought it would," Porter said. "I have to credit my wife, Lakaren Ware Porter. It was her dream. I just took it and ran with it."

Moore and Porter emphasize that, despite all the top-level basketball talent that shows up, the event is about more than basketball. The tournament raises money for the House of Prayer Educational Youth Domestic Center.

There will be refreshment booths, carnival games for youngsters and entertainment by local and regional choirs, in addition to the basketball games.

Several thousand dollars has been raised each of the last several years and that figure is expected to be reached again.

"Even for people who don't like basketball that much, there is always a lot to do," Moore said. "It's a family-type event and it raises money for a real good cause."

The tournament annually includes players who competed in college. Moore said seven teams were entered by the start of this week, but a few more could enter by the time the tournament tips off.

Defending champion Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, led by former New Madrid County Central High School and Arkansas State star Dereke Tipler, will be back to defend its title.

Last year, the Cape Chamber ended Ted Coalter Heartland Insurance's bid to three-peat with a 49-28 win behind MVP Tipler.

Also a year ago, rain forced the title game to be moved indoors to the Osage Community Centre. It marked only the second time in 15 years the tournament ended indoors.

As an added twist this year, the winning team will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

"It's just something to put a little spice to it," Porter said. "It should make the competition even more intense than it always is."

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Want to go?

• What: 16th annual Slam-Fest
• Where: Indian Park
• When: Gospel concert 8:30 p.m. Friday (at House of Prayer), tournament play Saturday and Sunday