AREA GETS ITS ANNUAL DOSE OF STREET-BALL, CAMARADERIE

The tenth annual Slamfest, host of the ultimate street-ball tournament in Southeast Missouri, got off to a roaring start on Saturday.

Although the defending champion St. Louis Sixers failed to make an appearance, there was no lack of closely contested games and high-flying excitement as 15 teams battled throughout the day.

As usual, all the teams were stocked with former high school, college and professional players; many with local roots.

Among those competing was Ron Jones, who led the Cape Central Tigers to a Class 4A state championship in 1980 and later had a stellar career at the University of Missouri.

Jones, who is participating in his eighth Slamfest, said, "I still have family here, but I come back to play basketball, really. To get together with some of the old players I played with and against in high school and to see the new talent. Lots of young guys out here."

"This is really the only time I play now, but once a basketball player, always one."

The State Farm Insurance team sponsored by Jones is still alive, trying to climb out of the loser's bracket after suffering an early loss.

Michael Cox, a 2001 graduate of Cape Central and one of the young guns, didn't fare as well. His team, Plaza Tire, was eliminated.

Cox, who will continue his athletic career at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., said with a big smile about his street-ball experience, "I didn't get the ball that much out there. In high school, I always got the ball."

Welcome to street ball, Michael.

In one of the most exciting contests of the afternoon, Cape Chamber of Commerce rallied from a 44-32 deficit to nip Ford Groves 50-47 in the winner's bracket quarterfinal round.

The winning team was composed of former Charleston high school players including ex-St. Louis University player Corey Frazier.

Ford Groves was led by former multi-talented Central Missouri State guard Demetrius Drew.

In the other winner's bracket quarterfinal action, a team sponsored by Coca Cola and featuring ex-New Madrid County Central and Poplar Bluff prep players, edged McDonough Mazda 47-45.

Fighting to emerge from the loser's bracket in early morning action today will be State Farm vs. SEMO Specialties and Sports and a team sponsored by local urologist Dr. Frank Braxton vs. Drury Southwest. Ford Groves and McDonough Mazda will meet in the other loser's bracket game.

Teams sponsored by Schnucks, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Union Planters Bank, Aufdenberg Chrysler-Plymouth, Proctor and Gamble, KFVS-12 and Plaza Tire have been eliminated from the tournament.

The tournament's main sponsor is the Southeast Missourian.