Zaxby’s Mascot and Shooting Contest Highlights Coaches vs. Cancer Classic

Zaxby’s mascot, L.Z., finally got the chance to hoop it with the Lady Choctaws during his first visit to Mississippi College.

Clutching a basketball and taking pictures with the team before Thursday’s practice, the colorful chicken is in town to help promote the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. The tourney opens the basketball season for the Lady Choctaws Friday and Saturday. Howard Payne of Texas, Huntingdon of Alabama and Berry College of Georgia are also signed up for the classic.

Fans of all ages will come to see the chicken, a good basketball tournament sponsored by Zaxby’s restaurants and the chance to win $20,000 in a shooting contest.

The rules are pretty simple, but it won’t be easy to win the big prize. Fans begin the contest at the foul line and must hit a layup, and then make one foul shot before the real challenge begins. To remain eligible for the $20,000 check, participants must then sink a three-pointer and finally nail a shot from half-court. Along the way, shooters must quickly gather their own rebounds.

And yes, all four shots must be made within 24 seconds. Shooters signing up must use a girl’s basketball supplied at courtside.

Organizers say it’s not impossible to win, but shooters better bring their “A” game to Mike Jones Court. The contest will be spotlighted during four half-times Friday and Saturday.

Money raised will help benefit a great cause – America’s fight against a deadly disease. Cancer kills 1,500 people daily in the USA or 570,000 deaths annually.

Several members of the MC Choctaws basketball team have lost loved ones to cancer, while other family members are battling the disease this year.

The first game of the Coaches vs. Cancer tourney is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday.

For details, call Missa Turman at the MC athletics office at 601.925.3341.