Girls tournament

A tradition for many in Southeast Missouri this time of year is watching high school basketball. And what better way to catch a few girls basketball games than at the Show Me Center?

Tuesday afternoon the annual Show Me Center Girls Basketball Holiday Classic will kick off. The tournament, which begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday and runs through Thursday, will feature four games each night. The eight area teams competing are Cape Girardeau Central High School, Jackson, Notre Dame, Saxony Lutheran, Perryville, Farmington, Scott City and Meadow Heights.

While the teams could always play games at their own high schools, even in the same tournament format, playing at the Show Me Center is a special treat many look forward to.

Tournament organizers have been looking for a title sponsor going forward. If your business is interested in taking on this role, contact David Ross at the Show Me Center. In the meantime, the Show Me Center has stepped up to keep the games going.

General admission tickets are $5 for attendees age 6 and older. Considering the local talent -- and the number of high school girls basketball players who have gone on to play at the collegiate level -- the minimal cost of admission is a bargain.

Special thanks to Ross and tournament manager Mark Ruark -- who is in his 16th year at the helm -- for their commitment to this tournament.