If you’ve passed by the Bearcat Event Center the past two days you’ve seen a lot of activity taking place as over 400 athletes and 46 schools gathered for the 2nd Annual Rib City Classic. This year’s basketball extravaganza has continued to grow to new record levels and is quickly becoming a showcase of high school athletics.

The event involves three different age categories of Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity level High School basketball teams from all around the area. Teams as far as St. Louis, Salem and area teams come to participate in the two-day tournament.

Teams are guaranteed to have at least 6 games with a maximum of 8 games during the tournament.

The action has quickly become one of the premier events held in the Midwest as the tournament is attracting state champion level teams such as Sikeston, Soldan International of St. Louis and Imagine College Prep of St. Louis.

In the 2010-11 MSHAA State Championship, Soldan International lost to St. Francis Borgia in the Semi-Finals 71 to 58. St. Francis Borgia advanced on to the finals and lost to the Sikeston Bulldogs by a score of 74 to 56.

The finals of the 2011 Rib City Classic found Sikeston and Soldan in the championship. The Bulldogs graduated four starters from last season while Soldan International arrived with all starters from the 2010-11 season filling their roster.

The action was fast and furious but in the end, the Soldan Tigers dominated the championship defeating the Bulldogs of Sikeston by over 20 points.

“This is the best shootout that I’ve ever been to and we are coming back.” complimented Soldan International Head Coach Justin Tatum. “I’m sure going to tell every school in St. Louis about this.”

Dexter’s team was a little shorthanded, as several of the Bearcat players were unavailable for the tournament. However, Dexter has a very respectful showing finishing .500 in their bracket, defeating Clarkton in the first round before losing to Doniphan in the semi-finals.

Other teams involved in the Rib City Classic were Jackson, Howell County, Twin Rivers, Poplar Bluff and Caruthersville. The Caruthersville Tigers brought their best effort to the courts and were noted as being about the 4th best team in the tournament.

“Overall the tournament went extremely well” said Rib City Classic organizer Chad Allen. “And this event would not be possible without the help of all the volunteers and sponsors.”

The good times continue on June 17th and 18th with the Girls Rib City Classic. This weekend will host 36 girls team from around the area to the Dexter Campus.

Additional information about the Rib City Shootout can be found at http://www.ribcityshootout.com/index.html.