2024 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament seeds released

Jackson's Kole Deck shoots a jumper against Charleston in the 2023 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament semifinals on Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Show Me Center. The Indians earned the top seed in this year's Christmas tournament.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

Sixteen of the area’s head boys’ basketball coaches assembled inside the ballroom of Century Casino in downtown Cape Girardeau to determine the seeds for the 80th Annual Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Each represented head coach voted for every seed from No. 1 down to No. 16.

“The Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament is one of the marquee events in this area, drawing thousands to the Show Me Center during the week between Christmas and New Year’s for four days of competitive basketball and a festive atmosphere,” said Lucas Presson, assistant publisher and general manager of the Southeast Missourian. “This year is especially exciting as we mark the 80th year of the tournament, remembering the fantastic tournaments over the years, the players who gave us these moments, and the years of tradition. We look forward to seeing fans at this year’s tournament.”

The Christmas Tournament kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Show Me Center, with eight opening-round games slated to take place. Due to Southeast Missouri State men’s basketball hosting Westminster College on Sunday, Dec. 29, the medal round will go down on Monday, Dec. 30.

With the 16-team field officially set, Jackson earned the top seed, followed by reigning champion Cape Central, Charleston and Notre Dame.

“We’re going to run it how we've been," tournament director Matt Asher said. "It's a good opportunity for 16 local high schools in the area to get out there at the Show Me Center and show what they’ve got.”

Sitting atop the bracket are the Jackson Indians who will draw No. 16 Oak Ridge at 9 a.m. in the opening round. After finishing second at the Christmas Tournament a year ago, Jackson is off to a 3-1 start and is led by 6-foot-6 All-State senior Kole Deck, who is averaging 30 points per game so far this season. Deck headlines a talent-rich group that also includes seniors Kolton Thoma and Braden Thompson, as well as key defender Will Thomas and 6-foot-7 freshman Jon Ernst.

“I think the kids will be excited about it,” said assistant coach Corey Brownsberger, who represented Jackson at the seeding meeting Sunday. “I think they know that comes with a pretty big target on our back and that we're going to have a lot of teams that want to come after us. This group is kind of learning on the fly with a lot of spots, but they're a great group kids to coach. They bring a good attitude every single day and they're working extremely hard.”

The No. 2 seed Tigers will take on No. 15 Advance at 10:30 a.m. Head coach Lamont Frazier’s squad coasted to a tournament title last season — outscoring its opposition 336-171 — and are also the second seed in this week’s SEMO Conference Tournament in Sikeston. However, key losses, such as Sikeston transfer Marquel Murray and SEMO true freshman Jay Reynolds, slightly lowers Cape Central’s pedigree at this year’s event.

Fresh off an overtime victory against Notre Dame is No. 3 Charleston, who is 1-2 on the season, but oozes potential and has yet to reach full strength due to injuries and youth. The Blue Jays currently have four players averaging double digits, including senior Deshaun Henderson and touted freshman Da’Kyrious Williams. Charleston will play No. 14 Scott County Central at noon.

“We lack some experience right now,” head coach Jamarcus Williams said. “I'm starting three sophomores, one freshman and a senior. But these guys are really skilled. The Notre Dame team we just beat Friday night returned everyone from last year, and that was a team we beat in the district championship last year. So, I like where we are right now.

“I think we have a shot to win it just because of our overall team. We can score the ball from the outside. We play fast and we get after it defensively, and I think we have the numbers and the personnel to really give any team that we play fits.”

The experience-heavy Notre Dame Bulldogs sit at No. 4 and are anchored by 3-point machine and senior Kolton Johnson. Head coach Jeremy Brinkmeyer’s group will aim to improve upon last year’s third-place finish and opens up tournament play against No. 13 Delta at 1:30 p.m.

Scott City comes in at No. 5 and is the highest-seeded small school in the tournament. Even with star player Jackson Gloth continuing to nurse a preseason injury, the Rams are 2-0 and fresh off a resounding 73-57 victory over New Madrid County Central on Friday. Scotty City will draw reigning Scott-Mississippi Conference Player of the Year Ross Peters and No. 12 Kelly at 4:30 p.m.

Fellow unbeaten Woodland (2-0) is the No. 6 seed under head coach Shawn Kinder. Depth is the Cardinals' best friend, as the unit plays eight-to-nine deep and has several weapons on the perimeter. They will begin action against No. 11 Leopold at 6 p.m.

Fresh off an Oran Invitational Tournament championship, Bell City comes in as the No. 7 seed and is undefeated on the young season. Guided by head coach Luke Bixler, junior Kale Richardson and senior Baylor Eftink headline a veteran group that will take on Braeden Hays and No. 10 Meadow Heights at 7:30 p.m.

Rounding out the first-round matchups is No. 8 Oran and No. 9 Chaffee, who will face off a 9 p.m. Oran has a 16-game winning streak over the Red Devils dating back to 2018.

The official 2024 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament bracket. (Kaiden Karper ~ kkarper@semoball.com)

Tickets for the event will be priced at $6.00 for ages six and older and free to children of ages five and younger. All-tournament passes will be offered, too.

“Attendance is important, but at the same time, getting to play on Division I Southeast Missouri State’s court and being in facilities that are top-notch is an important factor for the kids,” Asher said. “We obviously want it packed every time, but we'll take what we can get.”

Day 4 of the 2024 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament will be live streamed on semoball.com, as well as the Semoball Facebook page.