YSL.com ball kids work two thrillers

Young Saint Louis.com ball kids, Tony Mazzuca and Jim Malle, got to work two thrilling games last month. Both of their games at the Missouri Valley Conference men's tournament were decided by one point.

The fifth graders from St. Gabriel School were right on the floor during the games. In one, Illinois State beat Drake, 63-62. In the other, Indiana State beat Northern Iowa, 61-60.

Both Tony and Jim said the best play was what Jim called the "buzzer beater" at the end of the second game. That involved tip-in by Indiana State's Brian Giesen off a missed shot by teammate Lamar Grimes.

But, both boys said the best part of their ball kid experience was working at keeping the floor dry for the players. Jim said, "It was cool to wipe sweat off the floor."

Tony seconded that. He added, "I also liked to sit on the floor right next to the action."

Missouri Valley Conference officials reserved two ball kids spots for readers of YSL.com.

For the second year, the YSL.com has had a sign-up and drawing to select two ball kids to work at the MVC conference tournament.

Tony and Jim wanted to work the first round games on Friday, March 7. That's because they had basketball games of their own to play on both Saturday and Sunday.

When asked if he learned anything from the college players to help his game, Tony said, "Yeah, to dribble low." Tony was interested in the dribbling because he plays point guard on his fifth grade team.

Tony and Jim saw a little bit of everything at their games. For one thing, a Drake University player was injured and had to be helped from the floor.

Then, there were the close games.

In the first game, Illinois State just survived a closing rush by Drake. And, in the second game, Northern Iowa missed four free throws near the end that allowed Giesen's tip in to decide the game.

Asked about what they'll remember about their experience, Jim said, "Everything." Tony said, he'd remember "getting to be right on the floor."

He said his Dad got them front-row tickets at a Saint Louis University game. But, being right on the floor was better.

Both boys said the players looked bigger and the floor looks smaller when they were right under the basket.

Of course, another thing the boys liked were the souvenir T-shirts. And they got free snacks in the MVC media break room during intermissions.

YSL.com hopes to be able to offer readers an opportunity for other participation activities in future months.