NATCHITOCHES – With the start of basketball practice earlier than ever next week, the annual  Northwestern State Basketball Tipoff showcase is set next Thursday (Oct. 3)  from 5-7 in Prather Coliseum.
 
Fans can shop for the best-available season ticket locations including the new Celebrity Courtside seats bordering the playing court. Season tickets are available by calling the NSU ticket office at 318-357-4268 or visiting NSUDemons.com/tickets to order online.
 
The Mighty Vic's Kids Club will host its T-shirt and wristband pickup beginning at 5, with a bounce house open for children in the arena. Season ticket holders can enjoy free food and drinks.
 
Admission is free with activities beginning at 5:45 when Demons' head coach Mike McConathy, Lady Demons co-head head coach Brooke Stoehr and athletics director Greg Burke will make brief remarks.
 
The women's team will be introduced at 6 o'clock, then stage a short scrimmage. The men's team will be recognized at 6:30 and conduct a brief scrimmage.
 
Contests involving fans, and players from both teams, will be staged including a 3-point shooting contest pitting Lady Demons against Demons.  After the men's scrimmage, the team will hold a dunk contest at 6:45 and both teams will sign autographs at 7.
 
Topped by 2012-13 Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year DeQuan Hicks and Southland Freshman of the Year Jalan West, the Demons have 12 letterwinners back from a 23-9 team that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. The Lady Demons have eight highly-regarded newcomers to go with seven returning letterwinners, including 2012-13 Southland Freshman of the Year Janelle Perez.