HOOP SCOOP: SOUTHEAST BASKETBALL SEASON GETS QUICK START

The basketball season at Southeast Missouri State got off to a fast start this past weekend with the Union Planters Classic. Hopefully, the fans enjoyed the four highly contested games.

Samford was able to leave Cape Girardeau with two wins. Coach John Brady's group played well both nights and was able to pull off a six-point win over us on Saturday night.

I was pleased with our defense, allowing Samford 63 points, but we were unable to put the ball in the basket. The defense forced 20 turnovers during the game, but we let many of those opportunities get away. I am convinced that our shooters will get on target in the near future.

I want to personally thank Union Planters Bank for supporting the Classic. With over 5,200 fans Saturday night, it was a huge success. Charles Daniel and his staff did an outstanding job with the Classic.

The injury bug is still hanging its head over the team. William Eley was able to play in both games this weekend, but is still not 100 percent. Hopefully, his thumb will improve with time.

Lakeo Keller showed flashes of his ability this weekend, but is still favoring his foot. I also feel he will improve as we get into the season.

A major blow was felt by our program as Devron Kirksey collapsed in practice last Wednesday. He is being monitored and evaluated on a day-to-day basis by physicians. Hopefully, we will be updated on his condition this week.

Devron had been making tremendous progress prior to this situation. We are hoping for only the very best for him.

The team is continuing to move forward each day as we prepare for our upcoming games. Yes, I was disappointed in our loss to Samford, but there are many positive signs. I believe in this group and I feel that they will break out very soon and play some good ball.

Travis Smith and David Montgomery both played well over the weekend. They gave us some added spark.

When we finally get healthy, this team has the ability to do some outstanding things. The guys are getting to know each other better each and every day. The new and returning players are beginning to mold together as a unit.

The great thing about basketball is it doesn't take long for you to get back into action. We have three critical contests coming up, the first being a home game Thursday night with McKendree College. They are presently 11-1 and ranked high in the NAIA poll.

Then it's off to Oklahoma Saturday night with a contest against the Sooners. We know the Big 12 is a great conference and the game will be a big challenge for our staff and players.

Monday night we visit Louisiana Tech. Jim Woolridge, formerly of Central Missouri, is the head coach. This should be an excellent test for us. Louisiana Tech will return the game at Southeast Missouri next season.

Our practices have been good this week in preparation for the next three games. The players have worked hard and learned from our past mistakes. As a coach, this is what you like to see from your team.

Thanks for your wonderful support last weekend and hope to see you Thursday night at the Show Me Center.

Ron Shumate is the basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University