Christmas tourney should bring good competition

As everyone looks forward to family gatherings on Christmas Eve and Christmas, we'd like to officially invite everyone out for another holiday tradition the day after the presents are opened: The Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament. The basketball tournament tradition began in 1945, and it helps fill a gap while school is out for the holidays. The four-day event begins Thursday, and games will be played Friday and Saturday with the championship games to be played Monday.

This year the top seed is Jackson, followed by two-time defending champ Charleston, Cape Girardeau Central and Notre Dame.

There's a consensus the 16-team field is more open to surprises this year than most. It should be a fun, entertaining event and a time to see some familiar faces. The tournament is a homecoming of sorts for former athletes, coaches and fans.

We hope this year's tournament brings thrills and good sportsmanship to the Show Me Center starting Thursday.

Come on out and enjoy some good basketball.