Coaches vs Cancer Shootout Features a Lot of Local Hoop Talent

The Coaches vs Cancer Shootout, a benefit for the St. Louis chapter of the American Cancer Association is a lot more than just a hoop fest.

This is basketball for a real cause. While the players get to battle in front of large crowds in a major league arena (Scottrade Center), precious dollars are being raised for the effort to wipe out Cancer in our lifetime. Nothing could be better than that.

Matt Hixenbaugh, MICDS’ coach of a team invited back for the third consecutive year puts it this way.

“To be involved in this Shootout is a great honor. It is a wonderful opportunity to use basketball to make a positive impact on the outside world.

In doing this, it is a great opportunity for our guys to be involved in a wonderful endeavor and hopefully have a powerful learning experience. 

This is an event that is first class and something we will remember forever and hopefully be a catalyst for action and service in the future for our players,” said Hixenbaugh.

Between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven games will be contested between teams from three states.

Here’s the lineup of games:

10 a.m. Vianney vs Lindbergh boys

11:30 a.m. MICDS vs St. Louis U. High boys

1 p.m. Quincy Notre Dame (IL) vs Nashville (IL) girls

2:30 p.m. DeSmet vs Rockhurst (Kansas City) boys

5 p.m. Duchesne vs Peoria Notre Dame (IL) boys

6:30 p.m. Roxana (IL) vs Marquette of Alton (IL) boys

8 p.m. CBC vs Henry Clay (KY) boys

Here’s a quick look at the local teams in the Shootout.

Vianney (13-5) vs Lindbergh (3-14)

Brad Woodson, a 6-foot-5 senior guard scores 18.1 points per game. 

6-foot-9 forward Sean O’Brien leads the Griffs at 16.7 points per game. 

The Flyers are struggling this season and have no one in double figures. Nick Brohammer, a senior forward leads the way with almost 10 points per game.

MICDS (8-9) vs SLUH (11-6)

The Rams have battled to get to .500 all season long. Their star guard Rashad Lindsey transferred over the summer to McCluer North.

Senior guard Trey Pettus paces the Rams with 14.0 points per game. Robin Thompson, 6-foot-6 junior scores 13.2 points per game and senior 6-foot-6 forward William Morehead is at 12.0 points per game.

The Junior Billikens are playing better under new coach Erwin Claggett (from McCluer).

Austin Sottile, 6-foot-4 junior guard paces the Junior Bills with a 15.0 scoring average.

DeSmet (13-5) vs Kansas City Rockhurst

Nolan Berry, the 6-foot-8 senior who signed with Butler University has returned from two broken arms, suffered in a freak practice scrimmage. Berry is scoring 19.4 points a game. Jimmy Barton, 5-foot-10 senior guard averages 14.6 points per game and Alec Bausch, a 6-foot-6 senior forward adds 14.2 points per game. The Spartans have won 6 of their last 8, headed into Monday’s game with Parkway South.

Duchesne of St. Charles (13-2) VS Peoria Notre Dame

The Pioneers of Duchesne defeated St. Louis U. High for the MICDS Christmas tournament title.

Ryan Tune, 6-foot-7 junior forward scores 15.3 points per game. Junior 6-foot-6 forward Drew Moore is good for 14.6 points per game.

CBC (14-5) vs Henry Clay (KY)

The Cadets have won 9 of their last 12 games. However, they lost the title match of their own tournament to Ladue 60-58.

Top gun is Jordan Barnett, 18.2 points per game; followed by Patrick McCaw, 17.8 points per game and Ray Doby, 10.5 points per game.

Tickets, presently on sale at Scottrade Center, at the participating schools and through Ticketmaster are $7 now, and $12 the day of the game.