The American Cancer Society will present its Fifth Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Scottrade Center.
The eight-game event will feature 16 top boys and girls teams from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado and Indiana.
Here is the schedule for the event:
Duchesne vs. Alton Marquette, 9:30 a.m. – Duchesne is one of the top teams in Class 4 with five starters back from last year’s 22-5 team, led by 6’7″ seniors Drew Moore and Ryan Tune. Alton Marquette is led by high-scoring guard Deion Lavender, who recently scored 53 points in a game against St. Mary’s.
Washington vs. Wentzville Holt, 11 a.m. – Washington High is led by 6’6″ senior guard Ronnie Suggs, who has committed to Missouri. Holt is led by 6’3″ senior guard Robbie Bone.
Columbia Rock Bridge vs. Columbus North (IN) girls, 12:30 p.m. – Rock Bridge is the two-time defending Class 5 state champions in Missouri. They feature several Division I recruits, led by 6’0″ junior Sophie Cunningham. Columbus North is one of the top teams in the state of Indiana, led by Notre Dame commit Ali Patberg.
Cahokia vs. Columbia Hickman, 2 p.m. – Cahokia is led by its senior duo of 6’6″ Darius Austin (UMKC) and C.J. Rivers (Drake). Hickman features one of the Show-Me State’s top backcourts in 6’3″ junior Jimmy Whitt and 6’3″ senior Chris Clark.
Alton vs. Quincy (Ill), 3:30 p.m. – Alton has emerged as one of the area’s top teams with its 7-0 start. The Redbirds feature senior guards Mike Williams-Bey and De’Ante McMurray. Quincy has a rich tradition in basketball. The Blue Devils are led by 6’4″ senior Connor Mellon.
Incarnate Word vs. Regis Jesuit (CO), girls, 5 p.m. – A battle between two of the nation’s top girls’ programs. Incarnate Word junior Napheesa Collier has been dominating while averaging 25 points a game. Regis features six players who have committed to Division I schools.
Fort Zumwalt North vs. Belleville Althoff, 6:30 p.m. – Fort Zumwalt North features the brother act of senior Chaz Glotta and junior Zach Glotta. Althoff has an excellent group of youngsters led by freshman guard Jordan Goodwin and sophomore forward Brendon Gooch.
CBC vs. Louisville Ballard, 8 p.m. – CBC has emerged as one of the top teams in Missouri behind 6’7″ senior Jordan Barnett, who has signed with Texas. Sophomore guards Jordan Barnes and Christian Willis have also shined. Ballard has one of the nation’s top guards in 6’1″ guard Quentin Snider, who has signed with Louisville. Senior forward Kelan Martin has signed with Butler.
Tickets are now available for the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout at www.scottradecenter.com.
Tourney glut
The glut of holiday basketball tournaments will begin today throughout the metro area. Some of the top boys tournaments in town include ones at Meramec, MICDS, Collinsville, Chaminade, Mater Dei, Columbia-Freeburg, Normandy and St. Dominic. Some of the top girls tournaments are at Visitation, Mascoutah, Duchesne and St. Dominic.
(You can follow Earl’s daily basketball reports on his website, www.earlaustinjr.com and on twitter @earlaustinjr.)
