Lawyers expected to unleash secret weapon on doctors

~ The annual rivalry game Saturday will feature an experienced rookie.

Having lost five straight games in the annual Doctors vs. Lawyers Basketball Showdown, the attorneys have been working with a surprise secret weapon for Saturday's 14th contest.

The doctors and lawyers will square off 5 p.m. Saturday at Central High School's gymnasium in the annual renewal of a rivalry that has become as one-sided as the hammer against the nail.

The doctors' five-game winning streak takes their overall series lead to 11-2.

The chance to extend their dominance to the softball field was wiped out by rain last year. Larry Essner, who helps organize the game as a fund-raiser for the Community Counseling Center Foundation, said the rivalry will move to that sport in September this year.

For now, the lawyers will try to end the skid, coming off a 56-42 loss last year.

"They've been practicing awful hard," Essner said.

Last year, 38-year-old rookie Steve Rothert helped lead the doctors to victory with a team-high 13 points.

Taking a cue, the lawyers this year have added rookie Bill Burlison, a 75-year-old former congressman who plans to particpate in a 5-kilometer run in Chaffee earlier that day.

"I don't know that I'll play that much, but I'll be available," said Burlison, who will bring fitness to the table, as well as experience. He has been to "three or four" national Senior Olympics games and will be competing in another this June in Louisville.

He was the leading scorer on the Pemiscot County championship team in high school.

"I thought there'd be some seasoned lawyers," Burlison said. "I was quite surprised they're mostly in their 20s and 30s. I'll be in good shape, though."

Tickets to the game are $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12.

A postgame party will take place at Marquette Bistro and Deli in Marquette Tower. Tickets are $20 and include food, beverages, a silent auction and admission to the game.

Tickets can be obtained at any Community Counseling Center location, the Cape County Medical Society and from any Foundation Board member.

The Community Counseling Center is a private, not-for-profit mental health care center that serves children, adults and families.