Longing for Spoon-Ball

(Springfield, MO) – JQH Arena was resounding with Charlie Spoonhour memories on Friday night. ‘Spoonball’ was remembered in a half time celebration and reinforced with the presence of Eastern Illinois University, coached by ‘Spoon’s’ son Jay Spoonhour.

Missouri State was a special place when Charlie was the head coach of the Bears and the old Hammond Student Sports Center was, to quote Earl Austin Junior, ‘magical’.

Valley Hoops Insider wanted to travel to Springfield to chronicle both the celebration and a match up of Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley teams. These two leagues resemble one another in so many ways.

The MVC is re-making itself after the loss of Creighton and the ascendancy of Wichita State. The OVC reminds me of where the MVC was in the late 1990’s. They are gathering steam, finding players and attracting good coaches.

The real question for both leagues and both Eastern Illinois and MSU is whether they can replicate what Charlie did in the 80’s in Springfield or what Jay watched him do at both MSU and later on at Saint Louis University. With Spoon at the helm, the Bears went to five NCAA tournaments and twice participated in the NIT. Charlie’s winning percentage at then Southwest Missouri State was an astounding .709! Both conferences sorely need another program or two to emerge to raise a national profile.

Building a culture that fits the university and the area is something the elder Spoonhour did in both places and Jay spoke to the JQH Arena crowd about how they and Charlie meshed because of similar values.

 

On this night in Springfield both EIU and MSU were working in new players and looked like teams looking for an identity and still getting to know their teammates.

Former MVC Freshman of the Year, Marcus Marshall was spectacular, but the Bears struggled to find any other offense. Former MVC player (Northern Iowa) Chris Olivier carried the Panthers early with his stellar post play. Marshall was raining threes and finished with a career high 38 points. Olivier countered with 14 first half points and finished with 16.

Missouri State won the ‘Valley Challenge’ 64 to 53.

Both teams showed glimpses of a better season and both are looking for a little ‘Spoon Magic.’

Do Good