WEEKEND OF SLAMFEST: ANNUAL TOURANMENT RETURNS TO INDIAN PARK

Considering the tremendous players who have competed in the event over the past few years, it seems almost hard to believe.

But Scott Porter says its true: This weekend's eighth annual Slamfest -- an outdoor, full-court basketball tournament -- will feature its most talented field ever.

"The talent is just unbelievable. It keeps getting better every year," said Porter, Slamfest tournament director. "We're at the level where just about everybody who plays in this tournament has played college ball and some have played professionally.

"The players will all be great to come out and watch. There's not a weak team in the entire tournament."

The Slamfest, to be held Saturday and Sunday at Indian Park in Cape Girardeau, raises money for the House of Prayer Educational Youth Domestic Center in Cape Girardeau.

"It's been a great tournament over the years and it's for a really good cause," said Porter.

Not only is the tournament a major draw for accomplished basketball players, it's also quite a hit with fans, not only in the area around Indian Park but also other parts of Cape Girardeau.

In addition to the games, which Porter said will probably start as early as 8 a.m. and last until near dark both Saturday and Sunday leading up to Sunday's finals at about 5 p.m., there are plenty of other attractions, including a slam-dunk contest to be held at halftime of the title game.

Also, there will be vendors selling plenty of food and beverages both days while Porter said there will be a gospelfest Sunday featuring the locally prominent Ware sisters.

"It's going to be a great weekend," Porter said. "Everybody always has a lot of fun and I encourage people to come out. Last year we had over 3,000 people at the park both days. People come from all over to be a part of this."

As for the basketball, the Sixers from St. Louis have won the past four championships and will be back to defend their title. As usual, it won't be easy for them. Last year, the Sixers had to come out of the loser's bracket and beat Charleston twice for the crown.

"They've got a great team and they're huge favorites to win it as usual," said Porter of the St. Louis squad, which has been led in the past by former St. Louis University star and professional player Erwin Claggett, among others. "But it hasn't been a cake walk for them. They've had to battle and it should be the same way this year."

Porter said there should be several other prime championship contenders among the 14 teams in the field.

Charleston, last year's runnerup, should be strong again, led by the likes of Lamont Frazier (Missouri), Corey Frazier (St. Louis U.), Jeramy Biles (St. Louis U., Southeast Missouri State) and others.

Cairo, Ill., is always a top contender and Porter said he expects Tyrone Nesby, one of the NBA's top rookies last season who recently signed a three-year, 8.9 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, to compete.

Carbondale, Ill., also annually fields a strong team. Porter said among the players he expects to compete for that squad are Troy Hudson, also of the Clippers, and ex-Southeast star Ray Pugh.

There will be several squads from Cape Girardeau, one of the better teams featuring the likes of Ron Jones (Missouri), Mike Crain (Southeast) and Mike Colon.

Porter said a team made up of Southeast products, directed by player-coach Joe Nunley, should be right in the hunt and he said he has been told that ex-Southeast standout Bud Eley will return to town to compete.

According to Porter, the business community contributes greatly to the Slamfest

"Drury Southwest is our corporate sponsor and we have about 30 other sponsors. We appreciate all the support they give us," he said. "Ron Jones, a former local legend, is a State Farm agent and he now lives in St. Louis, but he always comes back for this and gives back to the community."

Anybody seeking any more information on the tournament should call Porter at the House of Prayer at 651-6615.