Players show stuff for college coaches

Four years ago the people at B.A. Promotions in Dexter, Mo., had an idea to bring area basketball players and college coaches together to give Southeast Missouri basketball the recognition it deserved.

On Saturday, the fourth B.A. Sports Show Me Showcase took place with about 100 kids huddling into the Student Recreation Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University for an afternoon of basketball.

B.A. Promotions states on its Website that as many as 50 kids who have attended previous showcases have gone on to play basketball, something B.A. owner Brad Aycock said is what the shwocase is all about.

"We've seen some kids at least get the opportunity to go on and play in college," Aycock said. "That's the reason we do it. If we can help one kid get recognition they usually would not, it's a success."

One of those players looking to get noticed was Oran senior Ryan Bouge. Bouge, a guard generously listed at 5-foot-9, played on the orange squad with fellow Southeast Missouri players Adam Conger of Doniphan and Willie Jones of New Madrid County.

"I'm just trying to stay in shape and play together as a team," Bouge said of his goals for Saturday's showcase. "And of course working on some other things."

Playing as a team was not on the mind of too many of the particpants, playing in 15-minute 4-on-4 games. Much of the action consisted of one-on-one moves or outside shooting. For Bouge's part, in his second game of the day, he was able to make some strong passes while hitting several jumpers.

"The first game I didn't play as well as I should have, but the second game was a lot better," Bouge said.

Bouge was not the only area player looking to get noticed on Saturday with players from Jackson, Kelly, St. Vincent, Woodland, Advance and Meadow Heights in attendance. Jackson had four players there, including returning starters Jack Puisis and Jason Schafer.

Illinois small school power Cairo sent 17 players to the showcase.

"A couple of the Cairo kids were getting a lot of attention," Aycock said.

This year marked the second year the showcase featured girls as well. Area players included Notre Dame's Amber Karnes, Scott County Central's Janet Penrod, and Mindy Hendrix and Kegan Orr of Chaffee.

Aycock said while some of the fall high school girls sports have hurt turn out so far, he hopes the women's division will continue to grow.

"We really want to build that end up," he said.

Of course, athletes are just half of the equation for the showcase. About 40 college coaches from both men's and women's programs attended the event.

While Bouge said he has not heard from any coaches as of yet, he's hoping to get some looks during his senior campaign and believes Saturday's event was a good starter.

"I did good. I wish I could have done better," Bouge said. "There was a lot of good competition. I think I got a lot out of this."