Do home runs count for 3?

This evening, at the Demon Diamond softball complex, you can watch the NSU Demon basketball team play.

Softball.

It's the "5th Annual Demon Basketball Softball Classic" pitting team members in a semi-serious battle just prior to getting down to business with the start of preseason practice this weekend.

The Demons tip off practice Friday night at 8:30, right after the NSU soccer team's big game against Southeastern. The Lady Demons work out at 8 Saturday morning, and the Demons return at 9:30. Of course, you are more than welcome to check them out on the basketball court at any time.

If you want some offbeat entertainment, and to enjoy watching folks having fun, drop by the softball field this evening. It's made possible, of course, by the NSU softball program providing the facility and the equipment.

As usual, it's the brainchild of out-of-the-box thinking assistant coach Mark Slessinger, whose creativity has few boundaries, whether we're talking strategic decisions in practice and games or any of a thousand and one other topics. He's also the public address man for the game, providing hilarious commentary each year on the diamond prowess of the Demon hoopsters.

The 6:30 contest pits "The Switches" vs. "The Goons." We'll have to ask Sless about those names.

Trey Gilder and Gerrell Thomas captain "The Switches" while Colby Bargeman and Jerry Moody head up "The Goons."

Interestingly, the game represents the first "basketball" action of the fall for Demetrius Bell, who is spending his time at left offensive tackle for the Demons football team and continues to improve his stock in the eyes of pro football scouts. You have to think Bell might be able to drive a softball into the Prather parking lot across the street from the Demon Diamond.

Coach Mike McConathy will be manning the grill. A couple of years ago he cooked up some ostrich along with burgers and such. No word what he may have on the plate for the post-game meal.

It will be fun to see if the long-range shooters on the Demon squad can go deep on the softball field, too. Do home runs count for 3?

Doug Ireland, SID