Two Serbian basketball players unite in Cape

This holiday season a pair of basketball players will spend their holidays away from family.

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball player Milos Vranes and Eagle Ridge Christian School basketball player Nemanja Tosic are both from Serbia and both staying in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, respectively, to fulfill their basketball dreams.

Tosic, a 6-foot-8 junior, is an exchange student who's pursuing his dream of earning a scholarship to play Division I basketball. Vranes, a 6-foot-7 junior college transfer, is living out that dream with the Redhawks.

"I'm really thankful for this opportunity," Vranes told the Southeast Missourian last month. "As the season goes on, we're going to see how we do this year, but so far, I'm really thankful for not only coach Rick Ray but all the coaches that are taking care of me and helping me as much as they can."

Likewise, Vranes is trying to take care of his high school counterpart. He and Tosic are both from the city of Belgrade and Vranes knew Tosic's older brother from a basketball league in Serbia.

Several weeks ago the Eagle Ridge basketball team attended a Southeast practice, and the two Serbians have spoken ever since, with Vranes serving up advice on Cape Girardeau, American life and food.

"He's playing Division I college," Tosic said. "I want that too."

We wish both young men the best of luck with their basketball careers and their time in Southeast Missouri.