The Best in the Region - (Show-Me Showcase)
 It has become more and more difficult for players from our rural areas to get the exposure they deserve. Due to our geographic location, it sometimes is not a convenient trip for a college scout to make. If college representatives cannot conveniently drive or fly to their destination rather quickly, they usually find somewhere else to go. With our format, we have made it very appealing to the colleges. The colleges can come to this one convenient location and spend the day evaluating players. Everyone knows about the rich tradition of high school basketball we have in our area. We want our players to be rewarded for this.
Due to NCAA regulations, Division I coaches are not allowed to attend these events in Missouri. While many players view themselves as Division I candidates, the reality is that only a very small percentage of high school players from our area make the transition directly to Division I. Of course, the chances at Division I could increase if a player develops at the junior college level. The Showcase was designed for this type of player. Coaches from junior college, NAIA, and Division II have benefited greatly by recruiting our players. These are outstanding 2- and 4-year institutions. They provide good educational opportunities. For various reasons, some students from our area cannot afford college so they get left behind. That is why it is very important to take advantage of these opportunities. The colleges want to see you perform.
High School Eligibility Letter Junior College Eligibility Letter
Some tryouts make many promises. We will guarantee you the following:
- You will play against very good competition.
- You will be evaluated by several respectable colleges.
- You will be coached by a qualified, dedicated, and proven staff.
- You will play in two (2) games during the day.
- You will have full access to our directors.
- You will play all games at a Division I practice facility.
- You will play in front of a crowd of fans and coaches.
- You will be presented with a great opportunity to showcase your skills.
What's Different from Previous Showcases
September 18, 2004 will mark the fourth B.A. Sports Show-Me Showcase! Each year, we learn how to improve on the past event. As you will see, this year's Showcase will be better than ever.
Great Location
The Showcase was designed to provide an opportunity for our area youth to use their basketball skills to continue their education. After two very successful years in Portageville, the event has been moved to the Student Rec Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Women's Division
We are very excited to announce that B.A. Sports has added a women's division. As with the boys, any high school junior or senior girl, as well as any junior college freshman or sophomore girl may enter the Showcase. The event is now open to any male or female interested in trying out for a college team, as long as they are a junior or above. This includes people that may be out of school as well.
Multiple Courts
B.A. Sports has listened to your feedback. With the new location, we will have three courts available for use. At all times throughout the day, there will be one girls game and two (2) boys games taking place. This will mean less down time for the players. It will also allow the college coaches to roam freely between courts.
Directors
B.A. Sports has made a huge commitment to this event by bringing three of the most successful college and high school coaches in Missouri to the Showcase staff. Ed Arnzen and Lennies McFerren offer over 70 years of success in area basketball. The directors will play an active role in bringing colleges to the event. They will also help in the organizing, developing, and planning of the Showcase. The Directors are anxious to continue to help create opportunities for our area athletes to succeed. They will be available from now until the Showcase for any player, coach or parent. You can contact them by calling our toll-free number, 1-888-887-8482, or you can read their profile
Success Rate
In the past, the Showcase has had over 50 colleges attend and over 50 players gain an opportunity to further their education. With over 150 participants, almost 25% of the Showcase athletes have had an opportunity to acquire financial assistance for college via an athletic scholarship. Most college coaches know about the rich basketball tradition we have in our area. We are making it convenient for them to see it all in one location. Speaking of location, Cape Girardeau offers many benefits. It will be very accessible for five states. We are expecting over 50 college coaches because of this.
4-on-4 Full Court
As with our events in the past, this year we will have full court, 4-on-4 with 1 substitute. This allows each player a better opportunity to be evaluated. College recruiters are very fond of this open style of play.
Referees
This year, B.A. Sports will have all certified officials. We are working with the state to make this event part of the required mechanics camp that all officials must complete.
Athletic Trainers
Certified athletic trainers will be on hand to provide any and all services. This will give the players the confidence to know that special care will be provided.
2004 Show-Me Showcase
DETAILS
Registration form
DATES & FEES
September 18, 2004
One Session, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Student Rec Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63701
$25 per person if registered by September 4
$40 per person if registered by September 11
Coaches are not allowed to provide entry fees to any of their players.
High School Eligibility Letter Junior College Eligibility Letter
IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED BY 9/11/04, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT THE DOOR. THE REASON FOR THIS IS BECAUSE WE WANT TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE PROGRAM FOR THE COLLEGES IN ADVANCE.
CHECK-IN
Please plan to arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. the morning of the event. Upon your arrival, you will be given your team jersey which includes your number. The first games will tip-off at 10:00 a.m.
TRANSPORTATION
Coaches are not allowed to provide any form of transportation to their players.
LODGING & MEALS
Coaches are not allowed to provide any form of lodging or food to their players. Vending machines will be available on site. There are several restaurants throughout Cape for your enjoyment. Cape also has hotels for your convenience. Call 1-888-887-8482 for more information. The Cape Visitor's Bureau has a complete listing. Their number is 573-335-1631.
ITEMS TO BRING
Just bring any basketball gear that you would normally use. Jerseys will be provided to all participants. Women's and men's showers will be available for you to use.
INFORMATION
A confirmation letter will be mailed to each participant upon receipt of your completed and paid registration form. If you have any questions regarding the Showcase or any of our other events, please contact us online or call our offices at 1-888-887-8482.
Meet the Directors
 Ed Arnzen
Executive Director - Recruiting Services
Ed Arnzen recently retired as head coach of the Southeast Missouri State University Otahkians. Coach Arnzen was at SEMO for 23 years. He served four years as assistance men's basketball coach and 19 years as head women's basketball coach. Coach Arnzen won conference coach of the year four times in his career and 1990, led his team to the Division II national championship game where they finished second..
 Lennies McFerren
Executive Director - Men's Division
Lennies McFerren led his boys teams from Charleston and New Madrid County Central to the state championship games 10 times, winning nine state titles. With 539 wins in 26 seasons, he was named state coach of the year five times and district coach of the year nine times. In 2000, Coach McFerren was honored as National Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame.
"This format allows college recruiters to watch multiple games in a very organized setting at one convenient location. We discovered several athletes last year that contributed to our recent success."
–Coach Jack Childress, TRCC Lady Raiders, 5th place - 2004 National Tournament
"This is a great way for college coaches to see the region's talented athletes and a great opportunity for any player who wants to further their career."
–Coach Gene Bess,TRCC Lady Raiders, most wins in college basketball
 "I know about the talent in the area. I think it's time the athletes get the attention they deserve."
–Norm Stewart, former Missouri head coach
Endorsed by former Missouri Coach Norm Stewart
|
