By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
For a third year, the St. Joseph Sports Commission will bring Division One women's basketball to the Civic Arena.
Director Brett Esely says once again the Kansas State women will come to St. Joseph to play basketball on Sunday
"I always hate to weigh matchups and say one was better than the other, but arguably of the three years we’ve hosted this game their opponent this year is by far the best of the three as we welcome the #13 ranked team in the country, the Ole Miss Rebels to St. Joe,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.
The game will round out a weekend of sports after the Missouri high school football championships end on Saturday night.
Esely says this year Kansas State comes in during a year of transition, so fans that come to the game will see some new faces
"I think a lot of K State faithful and a lot of people who just enjoy good basketball have taken advantage of this opportunity,” Esely explains. “It’s another wonderful opportunity for them this year.”
On the other hand, Esely says the Rebels come into the matchup as one of the hottest teams in the nation currently
"They’re undefeated, they’re #13 in the country, they had the number one transfer signing class in the country this year, and I know a couple of WNBA scouts will be on hand to watch some of their players, in addition to some of Kansas State’s players, that ask has already come,” Esely says.
Esely says that alone should show the caliber of this matchup. The Rebels defeated number 18 Notre Dame 69 to 62 last night.
Esely says often when it comes to Kansas State coming for this matchup, even in the third year, he's asked if this is an exhibition
"No, this is a real game, uniforms and everything,” Esely says. “I know this is a good basketball community, I know we have people that love to see great basketball, you have this right in your own backyard and I hope people have an opportunity to come down Sunday afternoon at 2’o clock and see a high level matchup.”
Tickets are still available for the matchup. The game will tipoff at 2pm on Sunday at the Civic Arena.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.