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Month: December 2020

Wrestling roundup: Seneca wins Diamond State Duals, Carl Junction takes third; Carthage hosts duals

Posted on by Jason Peake

SENECA WINS DIAMOND STATE DUALS, CARL JUNCTION TAKES THIRD

Seneca took first and Carl Junction was third at the Diamond State Duals Tournament on Wednesday in Springdale, Arkansas. 

Seneca, 4-1 on the day, won the tournament by beating Willard 45-18 in the championship dual, avenging an earlier loss. 

Brady Roark (106 pounds), Clayton Swadley (138), Zane Cotten (220) and Jakob Tate (285) all won by fall in the championship dual. 

Seneca’s Andrew Manley (132) and Dane Napier (195) won decisions. Keatin Burlson (113) and Dalton Duley (120) won by forfeit.

Seneca beat Springdale 63-12, with Roark, Duley, Manley, Kendon Pollard, Lincoln Renfro, Gabriel Commons, Napier, Cotten and Tate winning by fall.

Willard beat Seneca 43-33 earlier in the tourney. 

Pollard, Cotten and Tate won by fall. Commons won by decision. 

Seneca defeated Har-Ber 66-15.

Burlson (106), Roark, Kamdon Pollard, Manley,  Kendon Pollard, Renfro and Commons all won by pin. 

Seneca defeated Carl Junction 51-27.

Seneca’s Roark, Duley, Manley, Pollard, Swadley, Napier and Tate all won by fall. Seneca’s Cotten defeated Brennan Carey 12-6.

Carl Junction’s Cole Stewart won by fall at 152 and Chance Benford won a 10-5 decision over Jeremy Williams at 160. 

CARL JUNCTION RESULTS

Carl Junction went 4-1 on the day.  

Carl Junction defeated Heritage 66-12.

Earning wins by fall were Lukas Walker (106 pounds), Keaton Colburn (120), Dexter Merrell (132), Lucas Watkins (145), Stewart (152), Chance Benford (160), Jesse Cassatt (182), Carey (220) and Kameron Bennett (285). 

Winning matches by decision for the Bulldogs were Max Matthews (113) and Mekhi McGarry (138).

Carl Junction defeated Fayetteville 70-12.

Recording pins were Colburn, Dylan Frazier (126), Merrell, McGarry, Watkins, Cassatt and Bennett. Walker earned a major decision, 8-0, at 106. 

Carl Junction beat Bentonville 51-27.

Merrell, Watkins, Stewart, Cassatt and Carey all won by fall. Matthews earned a 10-8 decision at 113. 

After the loss to Seneca, Carl Junction beat Heritage 52-24 for third place. 

Merrell, Watkins, Stewart, Benford, Carey and Bennett won by fall. McGarry earned a major decision, 10-0. 

 

CARTHAGE HOSTS DUALS TOURNEY

Carthage went 1-3 at its own dual tourney on Wednesday. 

Carthage defeated Monett 39-24.

Earning wins by fall for the Tigers were Kip Castor (113) and Kanen Vogt (285). 

Dagan Sappington defeated Ben Bluel 9-2 at 132, while Carlos Reyes (120), Davion King (145), Brayden Benefiel (152) and Brett Rockers (160) all won by forfeit.

Monett’s Simon Hartline (106), Ethan Umfleet (182) and Joshua Harvey (195) won by fall. Matthew Bahl defeated Eli Sneed 3-0 at 138. 

Hickman defeated Carthage 47-33.

Joshua Griffith (106), Reyes, Sneed and King won their respective matches by fall. Alexis Vasquez won a 3-2 decision in the heavyweight bout. 

Raymore-Peculiar edged Carthage 36-30.

Earning wins by fall for Carthage were Griffith and Reyes. Winning matches by decision were Castor, Sappington, King and Rockers.

Nixa beat Carthage 48-26.

Griffith, Sneed and King earned pins, while Luke Gall recorded a technical fall at 182, 21-4. Vasquez defeated Charles Speake 4-2 at 285.

Neosho closes Holiday Classic with win over Monett

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and that sentiment was on display for Neosho in the Wildcats’ 68-61 win over Monett on Wednesday to open action on the final day of the 66th Neosho Holiday Classic.

Neosho and Monett were in a back-and-forth battle all game, though, when it came down to closing out the quarter, the Wildcats always had the edge. Neosho used pivotal scoring runs to finish each of the first three quarters to ultimately build a double-digit lead to start the fourth. Monett fought back and pulled within one possession late, but Neosho’s closing effort showed up once again to seal the win.

“That is a good motto of what happened tonight—finishing,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “It seemed like every time we were just about to break it open they would run down or hit a three or make a shot. It just seemed like we were a couple of plays from breaking it open but Monett played a great game. I am just glad we pulled it out.”

Neosho’s Landon Austin drives to the rim while absorbing contact in the Wildcats win over Monett on Wednesday in the Neosho Holiday Classic. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

With the win, Neosho finished the Holiday Classic with a 2-1 record in three days of action, improving to 7-2 on the season.

“We beat Lamar (on Monday), and that is always good because they are a tough opponent,” Culp said. “Last night (against Hillcrest), it was an intense, and hard-fought game. … Anytime you play three games in three days, you will take that win on the last day. 

“I was really proud of the five guys in the second half. I don’t think we substituted once in the second half. That was pretty impressive and shows some grit.”

STATS

Landon Austin led Neosho with a game-high 26 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Dalton Brodie scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double. Isaiah Green scored 15 points, had six rebounds and finished with three steals. 

Tyler Waterman led Monett with 18 points and five rebounds, while Daniel Navarro scored 11 points and finished with six assists and two steals. Cameron George scored 10 points and had five rebounds. 

GAME ACTION

The first quarter saw two ties and six lead changes before Neosho scored the final seven points of the period to take a 15-12 lead into the second. Green scored inside and Austin added two free throws before Brodie knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key with two seconds left.

Neosho’s Dalton Brodie goes up strong for a basket in the Wildcats’ win over Monett on Wednesday in the Neosho Holiday Classic. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Monett opened the second with momentum, using an inside score from Aleks Salas and two 3-pointers from Cameron Erwin to build a 20-15 advantage at the 6:23 mark. The Cubs extended the lead to 26-17 after a mid-range jumper from George, but the Wildcats answered with an 8-2 run to regain the momentum with a 28-25 lead.

Monett surged to a five-point lead with 2:40 to play in the half before Neosho scored the final eight points of the second quarter to take a 33-30 lead into the intermission. 

Neosho kept the momentum out of the break and pushed the lead to 42-34 after consecutive baskets from Austin, Green and Brodie. Back-to-back 3-pointers from George followed by a score on the drive from Waterman tied the game at 42-42 with 3:40 left in the third.

The Wildcats’ defense locked in from there, holding the Cubs off the scoreboard for more than three minutes of game action while the offense scored 12 unanswered to ultimately build a 54-45 lead to start the fourth quarter.

Both teams traded scores to open the fourth until three straight baskets from Navarro, Waterman and Erwin brought the Cubs within one possession of the lead, 61-59, with less than 90 seconds to play.

As it had all evening, Neosho closed the game strong, outscoring Monett 7-2 down the stretch, including a steal and fast-break score by Green with 55 seconds left and four free throws inside of the final 40 seconds from Austin to seal the win.

“You want to be ahead so free throws don’t matter, but this (type of win) really matters for later in the year,” Culp said. “One big play when we were up two or three and Isaiah (Green) got the steal and runout layup. … That was a big play.”

PREP HOOPS ROUNDUP: Neosho girls top Lakeland; Carthage squads fall at holiday tourneys

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEOSHO GIRLS ADVANCE TO TITLE GAME

WEAUBLEAU, Mo. — Neosho’s girls basketball team advanced to the championship game of the Doug Loehr Holiday Classic by earning a 54-38 victory over Lakeland in the tourney semifinals on Wednesday night at Weaubleau High School. 

Neosho plays tourney host Weaubleau in the championship game at 8:15 on Friday night.  

Neosho led 16-8 at the end of the first quarter. With a strong second quarter, the Wildcats extended their lead to 34-12 by halftime. 

Neosho held a comfortable 45-28 advantage by the end of the third period. 

Olivia Hixson scored 16 points to lead Neosho, while Reagan McInturff added 10. 

Weaubleau defeated Verona 52-31 in the other semifinal.

 

BLUE EYE 50, CARTHAGE GIRLS 43

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Carthage’s girls basketball team suffered a 50-43 setback to Blue Eye on Wednesday at the Pink & White Tournament. 

Up 13-12 after the opening period, Blue Eye used a 14-5 run in the second quarter to take a double-digit lead at the break, 27-17. 

Carthage trailed 35-25 at the end of the third period. The Tigers outscored the Bulldogs 18-15 in the fourth quarter for the final margin.

Hailey Fullerton scored 15 points and Kianna Yates added 13 for the Tigers, who dropped to 8-5 on the season with the loss. Yates hit three 3-pointers. 

Avery Arnold scored 20 points to lead Blue Eye and Riley Arnold had 11. 

Carthage is at Strafford on Tuesday. 

 

WAYNESVILLE 78, CARTHAGE BOYS 57

ROLLA, Mo. — The Carthage boys dropped a 78-57 decision to Waynesville in the third-place game of the Rolla U.S. Bank Holiday Tournament.

Waynesville raced out to a 24-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. The early deficit was too much to overcome for Carthage. 

After the first period, Carthage played nearly even with Waynesville, as Nathan Morris’ squad was only outscored 54-48 after the first quarter. 

Max Templeman poured in 23 points to lead Carthage, hitting three 3-pointers. Patrick Carlton added 15 points and Silas Templeman scored 11. 

Jared Hyatt scored 20 points for Waynesville and Xzavia McArthur added 17. 

Carthage (4-5) plays at Strafford on Jan. 5. 

 

KICKAPOO 65, MOUNT VERNON GIRLS 39

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Kickapoo defeated Mount Vernon 65-39 in the semifinals of the Pink & White Tournament at Parkview High School.

The Mountaineers suffered a loss for the first time after earning eight wins to start the season. 

Lacy Stokes scored 22 points to lead Mount Vernon, while Ellie Johnston added nine points. Stokes hit four treys.

Indya Green scored 28 points to lead the Chiefs (10-2). 

Ranked third in Class 4, the Mountaineers trailed 13-10 at the end of the first quarter, but the Chiefs pulled away in the second period with an 18-7 spurt for a 31-17 halftime advantage. 

Ranked second in Class 6, Kickapoo led 46-30 entering the final frame.

Mount Vernon meets Skyline at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Kickapoo in the Pink Division’s third-place game.

 

MILLER GIRLS 47, WALNUT GROVE 37

WALNUT GROVE, Mo. — Miller’s girls basketball team defeated Walnut Grove 47-37 in the championship game of the Walnut Grove Holiday Tournament.

Kaylee Helton scored 14 points and was named the tourney’s MVP. Claudia Hadlock and Lili Merrick added 12 points apiece. 

Walnut Grove entered the night ranked first in Class 1, while Miller is ranked 10th in Class 3.  

 

Girls Swimming: Carthage wins Nevada invite; Joplin Eagles gain experience

Posted on by Jason Peake

By winning seven events, Carthage cruised to a first place showing at Tuesday’s Nevada Invitational girls swim meet.
Braden McBride’s Tigers compiled 359 points to finish on top of the team standings.
Nevada was second with 212, with Monett third (200), Lamar fourth (153) and Joplin fifth (142).

CARTHAGE RESULTS

The Tigers won all three relays and had four individual event winners.
Carthage won the 200-yard medley relay in 2:04, with Aubree Santillan, Cassidy Smith, Madison Riley and Hope Fultz competing.
The Tigers took first in the 200 freestyle relay, as Santillan, Victoria Martinez, Karsen Dininger and Nadya Housh finished in 1:55.
Carthage’s 400 freestyle relay team of Riley, Fultz, Housh and Smith took first with a time of 4:16.
Housh and Fultz finished first and second, respectively, in the 200 freestyle. Elena Wright was fourth in the same event.
Smith and Fultz were the top two finishers in the 100 freestyle, while Housh and Elena Wright took first and second in the 500 freestyle.
Riley won the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:28, with teammates Martinez and Dininger placing third and fourth.
Riley and Martinez were second and third in the 100 butterfly, while Santillan and Dininger finished second and third in the 100 backstroke. Smith and Santillan were second and third in the 100 breaststroke.
Olivia Wright was fourth in the 500 free, with Hadley McBride seventh.

JOPLIN RESULTS

Joplin’s 200 freestyle relay team of Ava Perrin, Lily Rakes, Mya Johnson and Allie Lawrence placed fourth.
The Eagles finished fifth in the 200 medley relay, with Rakes, Taegen Smith, Lawrence and Johnson competing.
Lawrence and Johnson finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 100 freestyle.
Kennedy Schwartz placed fourth in the 100 breaststroke, while Smith placed sixth in the 200 IM and seventh in the 100 breaststroke.
Joplin’s Johnson, Perrin and Lawrence finished fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively, in the 50 free.
Rakes was sixth in the 500 freestyle and eighth in the 200 freestyle, with Lilly Mills ninth.

OTHER TOP FINISHERS

Lamar’s Meghan Watson took first in both the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke.
Lamar’s Emma Tennal took first in the 100 breaststroke and was the runner-up in the 200 IM.
Monett’s Faith Drewianka won the 50 free.
Nevada’s Emma Leisure was the runner-up in the 50 free. Nevada’s Abbi Baldwin, Delaney Hope, Chloe Morris and Leisure took second in both the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 free relay.

Girls Swimming: Cardinals, Bulldogs fare well at Webb City invite

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City hosted a girls swimming invitational on Tuesday at the Buck Miner Swim Center.
Swimmers from Webb City and Carl Junction fared well at the invite, as both schools had a number of top finishers.

WEBB CITY RESULTS

Webb City’s Sophia Whitesell won the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:25 and also took second in the 500 freestyle in 5:46.
Nikki Hensley and Kyndie Crockett finished first and second, respectively, in the diving competition.
The Cardinals placed third in the 400 freestyle relay, with Avery Mitchell, Hally Philpot, Skylar Powell and Whitesell competing.
Webb City finished third in the 200 medley relay, with Ella Holt, Makenzie Storm, Whitesell and Powell competing.
The Cardinals were fourth in the 200 freestyle relay, with Storm, Holt, Philpot and Mitchell swimming. The Webb City B team was sixth in the same event, with Olivia Honey, Morgan Robinson, Hannah Ross and Kyndie Crockett competing.
Powell placed third in both the 50 freestyle and the 100 free.
Storm took fifth in the 100 breaststroke, with teammate Mitchell sixth.
Webb City’s Eden Paul finished sixth in the 100 butterfly, while Philpot was sixth in the 100 freestyle.

CARL JUNCTION RESULTS

In a solid showing, the Carl Junction Bulldogs won six events.
Carl Junction’s 200-yard medley relay team of Skyler Sundy, Abigail Wilson, Sophia Hensley and Chloe Miller took first with a time of two minutes even.
Carl Junction’s B team of Carsyn Smith, Madeleine Garoutte, Abigail Holcomb and Kennedy Johnson finished fourth in the same event.
The Bulldogs won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:49, with Sundy, Alanza Montez, Hensley and Emma Lacey swimming.
Carl Junction was second in the 400 freestyle relay, with Miller, Montez, Garoutte and Lacey competing. The CJ B team was fourth in the same event, with Smith, Holcomb, Hannah Franks and Johnson swimming.
Lacey won the 50 free in 26.58 and also took first in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:11.
Miller won the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:45 and Sundy touched the wall first in the 100 backstroke (1:04).
Miller was the runner-up in the 200 IM, while Garoutte took second in the 100 butterfly. Smith finished second in the 100 backstroke and Wilson was the runner-up in the 100 breaststroke.
Third place finishers for Carl Junction were Smith (200 freestyle), Hensley (100 fly) and Garoutte (100 breaststroke).
Taking fourth in their events were Sundy (200 IM) and Montez (100 free).
Taking fifth place in their events were Johnson (200 free), Wilson (200 IM) and Adelyn Whisman (100 fly).

Webb City Invitational
Dual scores
Webb City 124, Nixa 42
Kickapoo 93, Webb City 77
Kickapoo 109, Nixa 40
Carl Junction 115, Webb City 64
Carl Junction 128.5, Nixa 34.5
Carl Junction 101, Kickapoo 66
Webb City 112, Camdenton 63
Camdenton 82, Nixa 69
Kickapoo 109, Camdenton 52
Carl Junction 121, Camdenton 47

PREP HOOPS ROUNDUP: Mount Vernon girls knock off Strafford; Carthage teams suffer losses

Posted on by Jason Peake

MOUNT VERNON GIRLS KNOCK OFF STRAFFORD

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In a signature win, third-seeded Mount Vernon knocked off five-time defending state champion and second-seeded Strafford 54-49 on Tuesday night in a quarterfinal contest of the Pink & White Tournament at Springfield Central High School. 

The win advances the Mountaineers (8-0) into the Pink Division’s semifinals, where they’ll play No. 1 seed Kickapoo at 4 on Wednesday at Parkview High School. Kickapoo hammered Wheatland 90-10.

After leading by one at the end of the third period, Mount Vernon finished strong against perennial-power Strafford, the team that knocked the Mountaineers out of the state playoffs last March. Mount Vernon outscored Strafford 15-11 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. 

Lacy Stokes poured in a season-high 29 points to lead the Mountaineers, who hiked their unblemished record to 8-0. Stokes, a Missouri Southern recruit, scored 16 points in the second half. 

Ellie Johnston added 18 points for Mount Vernon, with 11 of her points coming in the first half. Johnston hit four 3-pointers. Mount Vernon had just seven players available for the game. 

Strafford’s Mattie Walker and Emma Compton scored 13 points apiece and Emma Mullings had 11.

The Mountaineers led 12-11 at the end of the first quarter, 27-26 at the half and 39-38 heading into the fourth period. 

 

CARTHAGE GIRLS FALL TO WAYNESVILLE

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Carthage’s girls basketball team suffered a 68-58 loss to Waynesville on Tuesday night at the Pink & White Tournament at Kickapoo High School. 

Hailey Fullerton scored 19 points to lead Carthage (8-4), while Brinna Ream added 18 points. Fullerton made three 3-pointers. Ream made five field goals and hit 7-of-10 free throws. 

Kianna Yates and Katie Crowe contributed six points apiece for Carthage. Raven Probert added five points, Sophie Shannon scored three and Landry Cochran had one point. 

Naudia Evans poured in 33 points to lead Waynesville. Evans is a Grand Canyon University recruit. 

Up 34-29 at the half, Waynesville used a 17-8 third quarter to pull away at 51-37. Carthage outscored Waynesville 21-17 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. 

Carthage plays Blue Eye at 4:30 on Wednesday at Hillcrest. 

 

CARTHAGE BOYS SUFFER SETBACK TO ROLLA

ROLLA, Mo. — The Carthage boys got down big early and never recovered in a 69-53 setback to host Rolla at the U.S. Bank Holiday Tournament.

Rolla jumped out to a 21-3 lead and never looked back. The Bulldogs led 41-17 at halftime. Carthage trailed 57-37 entering the fourth quarter. 

Patrick Carlton scored 15 points to lead Carthage, while Silas Templeman had 11 points and Max Templeman added 10. 

Carthage’s Justin Ray scored seven points, Caden Kabance had six and Clay Kinder added four. 

Trey Brown scored 18 points for Rolla, while Gage Klossner added 16. 

With the win, Rolla will meet Poplar Bluff in the championship game. Carthage will play Waynesville for third place.

 

NEOSHO HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Hillcrest knocks off host Neosho; Lamar and East Newton earn wins

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — Hillcrest caught fire from the perimeter midway through the first half to build an insurmountable cushion on the way to a 70-63 win over Neosho in the nightcap on the second day of the 66th Neosho Holiday Classic on Tuesday.

“We struggled putting the ball in the hole, and they made seven 3s in a half,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “We didn’t guard them well, but good basketball teams make shots. They only made one (3-pointer) in the second half. So, you’d like to think if they made one or two less 3s and we throw a few balls in then it could have been a different game down the stretch.

“Honestly, I am proud of the guys. It is common when a team gets up big and you play pretty much even (the rest of the way), but we cut it down to six with the possession for a chance to cut it to one possession. … That was good to see.”

Hillcrest took an 18-11 lead into the second quarter before opening the period with a 11-0 run to push the margin to 29-11 through the first four minutes. Crishawn Haggard opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer before Devin Oliver added a triple moments later to make the score 24-11. After a driving score by AJ Collins, Oliver knocked down his second 3-ball from the top of the key to push the Hornets’ lead to 29-11.

“We felt like we needed to change up our defense because we had two or three guys with two fouls,” Culp said. “We just switched up our defense. Hillcrest is a good team and they started to hit their shots as soon as we went to a zone.”

Neosho (6-2) broke its scoring drought with a Chase Flynn score on the drive at the 3:40 mark, but a corner 3-pointer from Anthony Keltner followed by a fast-break score from Cooper Huett and an old-fashioned three-point play from Oliver with two minutes left in the first half gave Hillcrest a 37-13 advantage. 

The Wildcats finished with just four field goals and shot 28.6 percent in the second period, going into the half trailing 37-20.

“They had some big, athletic guys that we haven’t faced really,” Culp said. “When you try to do too much against a team like that, I think you start to force shots you wouldn’t normally take. Hopefully, that will be a learning experience.”

Neosho, which outscored Hillcrest 26-16 in the final period, cut the lead to single digits, 58-49, with 4:15 left following a 6-0 run fueled by baskets from Dalton Brodie, Isaiah Green and Landon Austin. The Wildcats trimmed the lead to 62-56 with 2:25 to play on a three-point play from Austin, but got no closer before the final horn sounded.

STATS

Hillcrest was led in scoring by Haggard’s game-high 24 points. Oliver finished with 13 points and four rebounds, while Cole Griesemer finished with a double-double after scoring 11 and pulling down 11 rebounds.

Austin led Neosho with 23 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Brodie scored a career-high 19 points and added a team-high eight rebounds, while Green, a sophomore, finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

“It’s fun as a coach to see a kid progress,” Culp said of Green. “As you watched him in the first couple games, he looked like a kid with talent who didn’t know what to do with it yet. He is getting more aggressive and more confident in himself, and he does a lot of good things. 

“Dalton Brodie set his career high in points and also had eight rebounds. He is always in there banging with the big guys and never comes out of the game. He is fun to watch as well.”

UP NEXT

Neosho closes the Holiday Classic with a 5 p.m. matchup against Monett on Wednesday, while Hillcrest takes on East Newton at 8.

 

LAMAR 61, MONETT 56

Lamar and Monett opened the fourth quarter tied at 43-43 before the Tigers used a 14-2 run to open the final eight minutes en route to the win on Tuesday to open the second day of the Neosho Holiday Classic.

Lamar dominated in paint points, 30-18, and on the boards, 41-20, while outscoring Monett 12-0 in second-chance points.

Mason Gastel led the Tigers with a game-high 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, with six free throws. He added 12 rebounds to finish with a double-double. Conner Shoff added 13 points and four rebounds, while Gunnar Dillon added six points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

Daniel Navarro led Monett with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field as well as four assists. Blaine Salsman scored 14 points and finished with two assists and two steals, while Tyler Waterman added 11 points and five rebounds and two assists.

Lamar takes on McDonald County at 6:30 on Wednesday, while Monett and Neosho square off at 5.

 

EAST NEWTON 64, MCDONALD COUNTY 42

East Newton held a six-point lead after the first eight minutes of action before limiting McDonald County to single digit scoring totals in the second and third quarters to pull away for the win on Tuesday in the Neosho Holiday Classic.

The Patriots outscored the Mustangs 14-9 in the second period and 17-6 in the third to pace the way down the stretch on the way to victory.

McDonald County committed 19 turnovers to East Newton’s seven, leading the Patriots to a 26-5 advantage in points off turnovers.

Connor Killion led East Newton with 22 points off 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Tanner Youngblood had 11 points and six boards, while Lucas Kimbrough finished with nine points, four rebounds and three assists. Kyson Lahman scored seven and Kelton Sorrell six.

McDonald County was led in scoring by Pierce Harman, who finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Teddy Reedybacon scored 10 and had seven rebounds.

McDonald County takes on Lamar at 6:30 on Wednesday, while East Newton battles Hillcrest at 8 p.m.

 

PREP HOOPS ROUNDUP: Carthage squads earn tourney wins; Neosho, Mount Vernon girls also victorious

Posted on by Jason Peake

Area prep basketball squads earned victories at their respective holiday tournaments on Monday.

FULLERTON LEADS CARTHAGE GIRLS PAST BRANSON

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Led by Hailey Fullerton’s 22 points, the Carthage High School girls basketball team earned a 51-37 win over Branson on Monday at the Pink & White Tournament at Kickapoo High School. 

Carthage used a 19-8 run in the second quarter to take a 24-13 lead at the half. The Tigers led 39-22 entering the fourth quarter. 

“We were a little sloppy and rusty to start the game after being off for a few days,” Tigers coach Scott Moore told SoMo Sports. “We made a good run in the third quarter to push the lead to over 20 for a while. I’m proud of the way the girls came out and played Carthage basketball in the second half. We will need to play better tomorrow against Waynesville.” 

In addition to Fullerton’s game-high 22 points, Kianna Yates scored 12 and Brinna Ream added seven. Katie Crowe and Presley Probert chipped in three points apiece, while Landry Cochran and Sophie Shannon had two points apiece. 

Rachel Riveros scored nine points for Branson. 

Now 8-3 on the season, the Tigers play Waynesville at 6 on Tuesday night. Waynesville earned a 68-63 win over Buffalo. 

 

CARTHAGE BOYS EARN LOPSIDED WIN

ROLLA, Mo. — The Carthage boys basketball team opened the Rolla U.S. Bank Holiday Tournament with a convincing 72-43 victory over the Rolla junior varsity squad on Monday at Rolla High School. 

The Tigers were originally scheduled to open the event against St. Pius X, but the squad from Festus is currently in quarantine and was unable to attend the tournament. 

Against the Rolla JV, Carthage led 22-7 at the end of the first quarter, 37-19 at the break and 56-32 heading into the fourth quarter en route to victory.

Three players scored in double figures for the Tigers, as Max Templeman led the way with 14 points, while Patrick Carlton and Silas Templeman contributed 13 points apiece. 

In all, 10 different players scored for Carthage. Caden Kabance added nine points for the Tigers, while Justin Ray and Tyler Willis added seven points apiece. Britt Coy and Sam Feurt added three points apiece, while Clay Kinder and Hudson Moore scored two points apiece. 

The Tigers (4-3) will play again on Tuesday night. 

 

NEOSHO GIRLS ROLL IN TOURNEY OPENER

WEAUBLEAU, Mo. — In a dominant performance, Neosho’s girls cruised to a 75-12 victory over Humansville on Monday afternoon at the Doug Loehr Holiday Classic at Weaubleau High School. 

The top-seeded Wildcats built a comfortable 61-7 lead by the end of the third period against an eighth-seeded Tigers squad that features only sophomores and freshmen. 

Neosho (6-2) advances to the tourney semifinals, where they’ll play No. 5 Lakeland at 6:30 on Wednesday. Lakeland defeated No. 4 Golden City 51-35 on Monday night. 

 

STOKES LEADS MOUNT VERNON GIRLS PAST CLEVER

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Lacy Stokes poured in 26 points to lead the Mount Vernon girls to a 55-44 win over Clever on Monday at the Pink & White Tournament. 

Stokes, a Missouri Southern recruit, hit three 3-pointers. Ellie Johnston scored 13 points and Allie Schubert added 11 for the Mountaineers. 

Grant Berendt’s Mountaineers improved to 7-0. Mount Vernon plays Strafford at 6 on Tuesday night at Springfield Central High School. 

 

NEOSHO HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Defense leads host Wildcats past Lamar; East Newton and Hillcrest earn wins

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — A stout defensive effort to close the first half and the second half propelled Neosho to a 55-41 opening-round win over Lamar in the Monday finale of the 66th annual Neosho Holiday Classic.

“I think we had a great second and fourth quarter,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “I think we got the lead to 10 or more in both of those quarters. … I don’t think our defense looked as good in the fourth quarter because we kept turning the ball over and we couldn’t get our defense set. Once we got set and decided to guard, we did OK.”

After Lamar took a 12-11 lead into the second quarter, Neosho limited the Tigers to two field goals in the second period. The Wildcats went on to outscore Lamar 15-4 to head into the intermission with a 26-16 lead. Landon Austin led Neosho with six points in the quarter.

Lamar responded out of the break with a 12-2 run to tie the game at 28-28 near the five-minute mark. The Tigers built a 37-33 advantage off back-to-back 3-pointers from Conner Shoff before the Wildcats closed the quarter with an inside score from Isaiah Green and a driving score from Chase Flynn to tie the game at 37s with one quarter to play.

Like it did in the first half, the defensive effort based out of the 3-2 zone showed up in a big way to close out the second half and the win for Neosho, limiting the Tigers to just one field goal in the final eight minutes.

“Sometimes you think you need to play man (to prevent 3-point shots), but they were really good at getting in the lane for easy kickouts,” Culp said. “We figured we would go zone and make them use east-west passes. … That kind of got us back in the game and going where we need to go.”

“It’s important for us,” Culp said of his team’s ability on defense. “I told them if we could string four quarters together, we could keep a team under 30 one time. It’s hard to do that for four quarters consistently, but that is how we are going to win. … It is our calling card and it showed up today.”

Neosho opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run to build a 44-37 advantage with less than five minutes to play. Austin, Green and Flynn were responsible for the buckets. After an inside score from Lamar’s Mason Gastel, the Wildcats answered with four straight baskets to go up 55-41 on the way to clinching the win. Austin had four points, while Flynn and Dalton Brodie also added scores.

STATS

Flynn led Neosho with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Landon closed with 13 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. Brodie added eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Green had seven points and six boards.

Gastel led Lamar with 15 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Shoff scored 13 and had four rebounds with two steals.

UP NEXT

Neosho takes on Hillcrest at 8 on Tuesday, while Lamar and Monett open Day 2 of the Neosho Holiday Classic at 5.

 

HILLCREST 71, MCDONALD COUNTY 46

Hillcrest finished with four players in double figures, closing each half with authority to earn the win against McDonald County to open the 2020 Neosho Holiday Classic. 

Hillcrest outscored McDonald County 15-11 after the first quarter before pushing the lead to 35-19 by the intermission. Hillcrest outscored McDonald County 23-14 down the stretch to cruise to victory.

Crishawn Haggard led Hillcrest with 28 points, including 12 free throws. He added four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Cole Griesemer finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds to finish with a double-double. He added three assists, three blocks and two steals. AJ Collins scored 11 points, while Devin Oliver finished with 10 points and a team-high four steals.

Pierce Harmon led McDonald County with 16 points, while Teddy Reedybacon had nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Hillcrest takes on Neosho at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, while McDonald County squares off against East Newton at 6:30.

 

EAST NEWTON 69, MONETT 42

East Newton coach Kyle Fields earned his 85th career victory with the Patriots to become the school’s all-time winningest coach in boys basketball history on Monday, surpassing Mark Branscum, in the Patriots win over the Cubs.

East Newton extended a one-point margin to 12 by the intermission, 36-24, before pulling away after outscoring Monett 18-8 in the third en route to the win.

Conner Killion led East Newton with 25 points and six rebounds to go along with three assists. Kyson Lahman added 19 points and three rebounds, while Lucas Kimbrough finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Cameron George led Monett with nine points, while Tyler Waterman added seven points in the loss.

East Newton takes on McDonald County at 6:30 on Tuesday, while Monett faces Lamar at 5.

 

Football: Area athletes named all-state by Missouri Media

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Missouri Media has released its all-state football teams for 2020.
A number of Joplin area players were selected.

Listed below are the all-state teams.

Class 1

First Team
Offense
QB: Javan Noyes, Sr., 5-7, 190, Mid-Buchanan
ATH: Jayce Haven, Sr., 6-1, 190, Thayer
RB: Dalton Witherspoon, Jr., 5-11, 165, Windsor
RB: Sawyer Morrow, Sr., 5-10, 190, Penney
RB: Dominic Dabney, Sr., 6-0, 205, Milan
R/E: Zack Williams, Jr., 6-0, 140, Skyline
R/E: Jayton Defreece, Jr., 6-2, 190, Skyline
R/E: Lane Ellison, Sr., 6-0, 170, Mid-Buchanan
OL: Kevin Luster, Sr., 6-0, 250, Hayti
OL: Cole Hesse, Jr., 6-1, 262, Windsor
OL: Jakobie Breshears, Sr., 6-5, 310, Slater
OL: Creed Webster, Sr., 6-0, 195, Mid-Buchanan
OL: Bobby Dale, Sr., 5-10, 300, Thayer
K: Killian Roark, Sr., 5-10, 193, Polo
Defense
DL: Devin Miller, Sr., 6-3, 295, Paris
DL: Antonio Irizzary, Sr., 6-4, 200, Skyline
DL: Rawlins Brant, Jr., 5-8, 160, Mid-Buchanan
DL: Nathan Cupp, Jr., 5-9, 215, Marceline
LB: Kenton Sargent, Sr., 6-0, 195, Windsor
LB: Griffin Willison, Jr., 5-10, 170, Thayer
LB: Cage Burns, Jr., 5-9, 170, Mid-Buchanan
LB: Lane Dunlap, Sr., 5-10, 180, Lockwood
DB: Tyleik Moore, Sr., 5-8, 165, Hayti
DB: Keegan Zdybel, Sr., 6-0, 180, Slater
DB: Camden Fowler, Sr., 5-7, 150, Windsor
DB: Caiden Bailey, Jr., 6-3, 180, Mid-Buchanan
P: Grant Stacey, Sr., 5-11, 170, Adrian
Coach of the Year: Jake Vencil, Windsor
Second Team
Offense
QB: Lawson Beem, Jr., 5-10, 150, Skyline
ATH: Colton Bass, Jr., 6-2, 180, Adrian
RB: TJ Runyan, Sr., 5-9, 180, Mid-Buchanan
RB: Wyatt Robinson, Sr., 5-10, 177, Harrisburg
RB: Dakota Wilson, Jr., 5-5, 160, Marionville
R/E: Jackson King, Sr., 5-11, 180, Salisbury
R/E: Elijah Burnett, Soph., 5-8, 155, Hayti
R/E: Drew Blankinship, Sr., 6-1, 195, Malden
OL: Eric Gracia, Jr., 6-0, 240, Marionville
OL: Axel Pagan, Sr., 5-10, 220, Milan
OL: Marshall Mankiki, Jr., 6-6, 244, Windsor
OL: Case Doody, Sr., 6-0, 240, Adrian
OL: Gabe Meherens, Sr., 6-1, 250, Lincoln
K: Leyton Starks, Sr., 5-6, 130, Mid-Buchanan
Defense
DL: Fisher Nixdorf, Soph., 5-9, 220, Penney
DL: Jordan Madden, Sr., 6-1, 170, Thayer
DL: Dustin Johnson, Soph., 5-11, 175, Windsor
DL: Jack Tenholder, Sr., 6-1, 195, Adrian
LB: Austin Green, Jr., 5-9, 160, Thayer
LB: Daniel Hutcheson, Sr., 6-3, 225, Cabool
LB: Eli Henke, Sr., 5-8, 160, Princeton
LB: Jasper Rees, Jr., 6-1, 200, South Callaway
DB: Trey Swearingen, Sr., 5-9, 170, Skyline
DB: Dylan Witherspoon, Jr., 5-11, 160, Windsor
DB: Max Schnelle, Sr., 6-3, 200, Lockwood
DB: Sam Gillman, Jr., 6-0, 170, Marceline
P: Gavin Claud, Sr., 6-2, 182, Carrollton

Class 2

First team
Offense
QB: Case Tucker, Sr., 5-10, 195, Lamar
ATH: Cody Cash, Sr., 5-7, 155, North Callaway
RB: Logan Crockett, Soph., 6-0, 195, Lamar
RB: Dylan Schnitzler, Sr., 5-8, 175, Jefferson
RB: Robbie Sharp, Jr., 5-9, 170, St Pius X (KC)
R/E: David Deters, Sr., 6-4, 205, St. Pius X (KC)
R/E: Mason Gastel, Jr., 6-3, 175, Lamar
R/E: Noah Jester, Jr., 5-10, 170, Mtn View Liberty
OL: Ethan Deal, Sr., 6-3, 310, Jefferson
OL: Luke Triplett, Jr., 6-2, 220, Palmyra
OL: Tucker Torbeck, Jr., 6-1, 260, Lamar
OL: Blaine Shaw, Sr., 6-1, 265, Lamar
OL: Cade Limback, Soph., 6-4, 310, Lafayette County
K: Kyzer Gann-Vega, Jr., 6-2, 150, Lafayette County
Defense
DL: Weston King, Sr., 6-4, 250, Palmyra
DL: Rylan Wooldridge, Sr., 6-4, 330, Lamar
DL: Trace Willhite, Jr., 6-2, 195, Lamar
DL: Jamond Mathis, Soph., 6-4, 225, Duchesne
LB: Anthony Ross, Sr., 6-0, 195, St. Puis X (KC)
LB: Dawson Jakoubek, Sr., 6-0, 225, Jefferson
LB: Austin Gard, Jr., 6-1, 205, Lafayette County
LB: Zeb Cornman, Sr., 6-1, 185, Mtn View Liberty
DB: Austin Wilkerson, Soph., 6-0, 185, Lamar
DB: Vince Cox, Jr., 6-2, 170, St. Pius X (KC)
DB: Colby Ott, Sr., 6-0, 175, Jefferson
DB: Evan Gosnell, Jr., 6-3, 180, Lexington
P: Jack Gardner, Jr., 6-3, 200, Warsaw
Coach of the Year: Jared Beshore, Lamar
Second Team
Offense
QB: Jack Mosh, Jr., 5-11, 175, St. Pius X (KC)
ATH: Brody Lehenbauer, Sr., 6-0, 185, Palmyra
RB: Ross Arch, Sr., 5-11, 195, Palmyra
RB: Quazavion Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 250, New Madrid County Central
RB: Arlen Harris, Jr. Jr., 5-11, 201, Lutheran St. Charles
R/E: Logan Buhlig, Sr., 6-0, 175, Monroe City
R/E: Layne Sommers, Sr., 6-2, 170, Clark County
R/E: Abe Haerr, Sr., 6-5, 205, Palmyra
OL: Connor Pfaff, Sr., 6-0, 185, Monroe City
OL: Jayden Walters, Soph., 6-1, 270, Hallsville
OL: Kaden Daniels, Sr., 6-6, 270, Mtn View Liberty
OL: Lincoln Sutton, Sr., 6-3, 265, Butler
OL: Kyle Fritts, Jr., 6-1, 250, Fair Grove
K: Will Breeze, Jr., 5-11, 165, Jefferson
Defense
DL: Charlie Palmentere, Sr., 6-0, 230, St. Pius X (KC)
DL: Gabriel Rubio, Sr., 6-5, 300, Lutheran St. Charles
DL: Steve Stephens, Sr., 5-9, 230, Jefferson
DL: Dawson Baker, Sr., 6-1, 190, Brookfield
LB: Robert Lawrence, Jr., 6-0, 200, Lamar
LB: Ceaton Pennewell, Soph., 6-1, 185, Monroe City
LB: Kyle Yelton, Sr., 6-0, 215, Montgomery County
LB: Nathan DeGuentz, Jr., 6-4, 225, Duchesne
DB: Landyn Smith, Jr., 5-9, 175, Palmyra
DB: Michael Starks, Sr., 6-1, 180, Bowling Green
DB: Joel Beshore, Soph., 5-10, 160, Lamar
DB: Buck Sanders, Sr., 5-10, 165, Forsyth
P: Trevor Saguto, Jr., 6-1, 160, Duchesne

Class 3

First Team
Offense
QB: Dylan Hair, Soph., 5-11, 160, Blair Oaks
ATH: Kevin Coleman, Jr., 5-11, 175, St. Mary’s
RB: Jericho Farris, Sr., 5-11, 190, Cassville
RB: Jayden Purdy, Sr., 5-7, 185, Blair Oaks
RB: Blake Heitman, Jr., 6-0, 180, Odessa
R/E: Jake Closser, Sr., 5-8, 165, Blair Oaks
R/E: Luther Burden, Jr., 6-1, 201, Cardinal Ritter
R/E: Aiden Heberlie, Jr., 6-3, 193, Valle Catholic
OL: Houston Eagan, Sr., 6-2, 255, Odessa
OL: Wyatt Bonnett, Soph., 6-1, 250, Blair Oaks
OL: Que McBroom, Sr., 6-5, 336, St. Mary’s
OL: Jaiden Reibert, Sr., 6-3, 290, Cassville
OL: Tobin Cordell, Sr., 6-1, 285, Maryville
K: Justin Bridges, Sr., 6-0, 210, Park Hills Central
Defense
DL: Rylee Niekamp, Sr., 5-10, 200, Blair Oaks
DL: DJ Wesolak, Jr., 6-5, 225, Boonville
DL: Carson Bax, Sr., 6-4, 195, Blair Oaks
DL: Travion Ford, Sr., 6-4, 235, Lutheran North
LB: Levi Haney, Sr., 6-0, 180, Blair Oaks
LB: Bryce Palmer, Sr., 5-10, 185, Odessa
LB: Zach Coenen, Sr., 6-1, 220, Cassville
LB: Jake Stewart, Sr., 6-1, 185, Kennett
DB: Carson Prenger, Sr., 6-1, 185, Blair Oaks
DB: Bode Abraham, Sr., 6-0, 160, Buffalo
DB: Toriano Pride, Jr., 5-11, 185, Lutheran North
DB: Silas Hicks, Sr., 5-10, 152, Oak Grove
P: Chrisjen Riekeberg, Jr., 5-9, 190, Macon
Coach of the Year: Ted LePage, Blair Oaks
Second Team
Offense
QB: TJ Atkins, Sr., 6-2, 188, Cardinal Ritter
ATH: Jamen Smith, Sr., 6-0, 180, Buffalo
RB: Connor Weiss, Sr., 5-10, 160, Maryville
RB: Dayshawn Welch, Jr., 5-10, 175, Park Hills Central
RB: Jordan Jarrett, Jr., 5-10, 170, Kennett
R/E: Derek Brandt, Jr., 6-2, 176, Owensville
R/E: Blake Dapkus, Sr., 6-0, 175, Southern Boone
R/E: Griffin Kliewer, Sr., 6-3, 175, Summit Christian Academy
OL: Kaden Hoelscher, Soph., 6-3, 210, Blair Oaks
OL: Josh Hounihan, Sr., 6-3, 240, Kennett
OL: Garrett Burger, Sr., 6-3, 225, California
OL: Jace Hills, Sr., 6-3, 250, School of the Osage
OL: Zander Brinegar, Jr., 5-9, 219, Oak Grove
K: Drake Reese, Sr., 6-2, 195, Cassville
Defense
DL: LaTrevio’n Thompson, Jr., 6-2, 195, Kennett
DL: Patrick Dunker, Sr., 6-1, 275, Cassville
DL: Kobe McClendon, Sr., 6-3, 250, St. Mary’s
DL: Lane West, Sr., 6-3, 225, Boonville
LB: Cade Stockman, Sr., 6-1, 185, Blair Oaks
LB: Austin Burnett, Sr., 6-3, 190, Valle Catholic
LB: Jake Evinger, Sr., 6-2, 195, Odessa
LB: Lane Mathews, Sr., 5-9, 182, Centralia
DB: Caleb Kreizinger, Sr., 6-3, 170, Maryville
DB: Liam Hill, Sr., 6-1, 176, Centralia
DB: Zack Oppriecht, Sr., 6-0, 180, Summit Christian Academy
DB: Ruger Sutton, Jr., 5-9, 150, Park Hills Central
P: Dawson Gump, Sr., 6-2, 175, California

Class 4

First Team
Offense
QB: Jake Weaver, Sr., 5-11 185, Jefferson City Helias
ATH: Dagen Kenslow, Jr., 6-2, 190 West Plains
RB Jace Reynolds, Jr., 5-8, 175, Harrisonville
RB Titus Seley, Sr., 5-9, 200, West Plains
RB Daylon Kanengieter, Sr., 5-9, 220, Marshfield
R/E: Cole Stewart, Sr., 5-9, 175, Carl Junction
R/E: Rhett Foster, Jr., 6-3, 170, Smithville
R/E: Toby Short, Sr., 6-1, 175, Moberly
OL: Raphael Sowah, Sr., 6-3, 300, MCIDS
OL: Will Heckman, Sr., 6-0, 240, Jefferson City Helias
OL: Jaylon James, Jr., 6-7, 330, West Plains
OL: Jack Roweton, Sr., 6-3, 305, Bolivar
OL: Micah Palmer, Sr., 5-9, 235, Smithville
K: Vinnie Calvaruso, Jr., 6-3, 170, Jefferson City Helias
Defense
DL: Will Kacmarek, Sr., 6-6, 255, MICDS
DL: Dylan Kopp, Sr., 6-1, 240, Jefferson City Helias
DL: Desmond Davis, Sr., 6-1, 265, Festus
DL: Mason Crim, Jr., 6-0, 235, Smithville
LB: Grant Purdy, Sr., 6-0, 200, MICDS
LB: Ethan Holzhauser, Sr., 5-10, 190, Jefferson City Helias
LB: Connor Lair, Jr., 6-1, 225, West Plains
LB: Cody Simoncic, Jr., 6-3, 190, Smithville
DB: Tyler Hibbler, Sr., 6-1, 200, Trinity
DB: Gavin Wencker, Sr., 6-0, 175, Union
DB: Reggie King, Sr., 6-2, 175, Grandview
DB: Drake Dudley, Sr., 6-0, 185, Hannibal
P: Ian Acosta, Jr., 5-10, 160, Kearney
Coach of the Year: Chris Hentges, Jefferson City Helias
Second Team
Offense
QB: Reagan Andrew, Sr., 5-10, 185, MICDS
ATH: Aneyas Williams, Fr., 5-11, 185, Hannibal
RB Darrin Fugitt, Sr., 6-3, 210, Bolivar
RB Montre Moore, Sr., 5-8, 195, Winnetonka
RB Alex Clement, Sr., 5-9, 175, Jefferson City Helias
R/E: Jason Essex, Jr., 6-2, 200, Winnetonka
R/E: Cole Stumpe, Jr., 5-10, 165, Jefferson City Helias
R/E: Damon Johanns, Sr., 6-4, 215, Jefferson City Helias
OL: Parker Wideman, Sr., 6-4, 240, Jefferson City Helias
OL: Will Schaumburg, Sr., 6-3, 230, MICDS
OL: Trevor Campbell, Sr., 5-11, 215, Harrisonville
OL: Harrison Merriman, Jr., 6-4, 285, Monett
OL: Luke Greenstreet, Sr., 6-1, 265, Festus
K: Ethan Vandall, Sr., 5-10, 180, Moberly
Defense
DL: Jacob Watson, Sr., 5-11, 200, Jefferson City Helias
DL: Tyson Ford, Jr., 6-5, 250, John Burroughs
DL: Jesse Cassatt, Sr., 6-1, 205, Carl Junction
DL: Cooper Berry, Sr., 6-7, 235, Warrensburg
LB: Jacksyn Miller, Sr., 6-1, 210, Moberly
LB: Isaac Lopez, Sr., 5-10, 195, Jefferson City Helias
LB: Jace Lee, Sr., 5-8, 180, Nevada
LB: Connor Wyatt, Sr., 6-1, 180, Warrensburg
DB: Karter Kekec, Sr., 6-1, 166, North County (Bonne Terre)
DB: Zachary Bergmann, Sr., 6-4, 210, Logan-Rogersville
DB: Marcus Bass, Sr., 5-11, 175, Lincoln College Prep
DB: Tucker Stute, Sr., 5-10, 160, Kearney
P: Quinton Rowell, Sr., 6-1, 180, Raytown South

Class 5

First Team
Offense
QB: Cael Welker, Sr., 5-11, 180, Jackson
ATH: Patrick Carlton, Sr., 6-2, 210, Carthage
RB: Devrin Weathers, Sr., 6-1, 185, Webb City
RB: Daniel Dickerson, Sr., 5-11, 205, Jackson
RB: Chris Futrell, Sr., 6-0, 210, Fort Zumwalt North
R/E: Kannen Turley, Jr., 5-11, 185, Jackson
R/E: Cooper Ezard, Sr., 6-3 200, Camdenton
R/E: Dayton Mitchell, Sr., 6- 185, Platte County
OL: Connor Tollison, Sr., 6-5, 300, Jackson
OL: Nate Rapplean, Sr., 6-0, 255, Fort Zumwalt North
OL: Aiden Logan, Sr., 6-7, 305, Carthage
OL: Grant Goltra, Sr., 6-3, 270, Webb City
OL: Ashton Flinn, Jr., 6-4, 290, Jackson
K: Logan Bruns, Jr., 5-11, 175, Jackson
Defense
DL: Judd Cunningham, Sr., 6-0, 190, Farmington
DL: Donald Brown, Sr., 5-10, 310, Raytown
DL: Domonique Orange, Jr., 6-3, 320, North Kansas City
DL: Cooper Roy, Jr., 6-3, 220, Glendale
LB: Bryce Norman, Sr., 6-0, 220, Jackson
LB: Randol McDowell, Sr., 6-0, 225, Jackson
LB: Trevor Scott, Jr., 6-0, 180, Platte County
LB: Hunter Newsom, Sr., 5-11, 195, Grain Valley
DB: Treghan Parker, Sr., 6-0, 190, Webb City
DB: Flint Guilliams, Jr., 6-3, 170, Jackson
DB: Collin Tyson, Sr., 6-1, 185, Platte County
DB: Robert Rezek, Sr., 5-11, 180, Fort Zumwalt North
P: Kael Krause, Sr., 6-0, 195, Farmington
Coach of the Year: Brent Eckley, Jackson
Second Team
Offense
QB: Chris Ruhnke, Sr., 6-3, 190 Platte County
ATH: Cole Keller Sr., 6-4, 203 Grain Valley
RB: Gerry Marteen, Jr. Jr., 5-9 180, Battle
RB: Zahmari Gary, Jr., 5-7, 180, Raytown
RB: Braden Botkin, Sr., 5-11 195, Farmington
R/E: Jack Clinkenbeard, Sr., 5-11, 195, Glendale
R/E: Ryan Hoerstkamp, Sr., 6-3, 225, Washington
R/E: Brady Blackwell, Sr., 6-3, 180, Branson
OL: Tristan Wilson, Jr., 6-5, 300, Lebanon
OL: Trey Butcher, Sr., 6-2, 265, Platte County
OL: Braden Bartosh, Sr., 6-4, 285, Park Hill South
OL: Jimmy Lansing, Jr., 6-7, 282, Chaminade
OL: Jack Bailey, Sr., 6-2, 275, Grain Valley
K: Jeremiah Blakely, Soph., 6-0, 175, Raytown
Defense
DL: Parker Monnig, Sr., 6-0, 195, Fort Zumwalt North
DL: Keaton Smith, Sr., 5-11, 265, Platte County
DL: Ayden Holt, Sr., 5-9, 225, Belton
DL: Donovan McBride, Sr., 6-4, 280, Grain Valley
LB: Jamari Westbrook, Sr., 6-2, 215, Park Hill South
LB: Luke Gall, Soph., 5-11, 185, Carthage
LB: Eddie Angelbeck, Sr., 6-0, 235, Fort Zumwalt North
LB: Cristian Berumen, Sr., 5-11, 200, Branson
DB: Malik Johnson, Sr., 6-4, 170, North Kansas City
DB: David Lewis, Sr., 6-1, 175, Staley
DB: DJ Witt, Sr., 5-8, 160, Carthage
DB: Luke Filger, Sr., 5-10, 165, Platte County
P: Cam Epps, Jr., 6-3, 225, Chaminade

 Class 6

First Team
Offense
QB: Conrad Hawley, Sr., 6-6, 215, Raymore-Peculiar
ATH: Logan Kopp, Sr., 6-1, 200, Lindbergh
RB: Christopher Kreh, Sr., 5-10, 205, Marquette
RB: Wentric Williams III, Jr., 6-1, 185, Liberty
RB: Zac Willingham-Daivs, Sr., 6-0, 200, Liberty North
R/E: Jaidyn Doss Soph., 6-0,, 195, Raymore-Peculiar
R/E: Jaylin Noel, Sr., 5-11, 170, Park Hill
R/E: Jackson Smith, Jr., 5-9, 172, Holt
OL: Beau Stephens, Sr., 6-6, 310, Blue Springs
OL: Alex Curry, Sr., 6-4, 295, Joplin
OL: Will Angel, Sr., 6-2, 265, Liberty North
OL: Michael Capria, Jr., 6-3, 285, Liberty
OL: Connor Throneberry, Sr., 6-6, 230, Marquette
K: Troy Huffman, Sr., 6-0, 185, Lee’s Summit
Defense
DL: Camden Careswell, Sr., 6-2, 220, Lee’s Summit West
DL: Ethan George, Sr., 6-3, 275, Raymore-Peculiar
DL: Mekhi Wingo, Sr., 6-1, 280, De Smet
DL: John Gholson, Jr., 6-0, 248, Nixa
LB: Parker Bowen, Sr., 6-0, 210, Raymore-Peculiar
LB: Steven Ward, II Sr., 6-0, 205, Nixa
LB: Jalen Weston, Sr., 5-11, 200, Liberty
LB: Ben Einess, Sr., 6-3, 220, Raymore-Peculiar
DB: Shane Fredrickson, Sr., 5-11, 190, Lee’s Summit West
DB: Gunnar Griffin, Sr., 5-9, 160, Raymore-Peculiar
DB: Matthew Hutson, Jr., 6-1, 175, Liberty North
DB: Jakailin Johnson, Sr., 6-1, 177, De Smet
P: Collin Fisk, Sr., 6-0, 185, Marquette
Coach of the Year: Sean Martin, Raymore-Peculiar
Second Team
Offense
QB: Cooper Brown, Jr., 6-3, 198, Holt
ATH: Brock Inman, Sr., 6-1, 195, Fox
RB: Philip Fager, Sr., 5-11, 180, Raymore-Peculiar
RB: Rico Barfield, Sr., 6-0, 220, De Smet
RB: Nathan Glades, Sr., 5-10, 180, Joplin
R/E: Tucker Miller, Jr., 6-6, 215, Raymore-Peculiar
R/E: Zach Hahn, Sr., 6-1, 185, CBC
R/E: Caden Dennis, Jr., 6-2, 170, Liberty
OL: Brett Harris, Sr., 6-5, 285, Rockhurst
OL: Mason Petty, Sr., 6-2, 250, Fox
OL: Hutson Lillibridge, Sr., 6-3, 295, De Smet
OL: Easton Lewis, Jr., 6-1, 305, Lee’s Summit West
OL: Luke Strassner, Sr., 6-4, 285, Fort Zumwalt West
K: Josh Deal, Soph., 6-0, 200, Francis Howell
Defense
DL: Tommy Hagan, Jr., 6-0, 195, Lafayette
DL: Jeremiah Nathan, Jr., 6-3 260, Rock Bridge
DL: CJ Anoa’I, Sr., 6-2, 275, Kickapoo
DL: Aden Birdwell, Sr., 6-4, 240, Blue Springs South
LB: Luke Pisoi, Sr., 6-1, 200, Fox
LB: Lejuan Miller, Sr., 6-0, 215, Lee’s Summit
LB: Conner Baxley, Sr., 5-10 185, Liberty North
LB: Chris Skiljan, Jr., 6-1, 225, De Smet
DB: Kaleb Purdy, Jr., 5-11, 170, De Smet
DB: Jordan Marshall, Sr., 6-1, 205, CBC
DB: Riley Childs, Sr., 6-0, 190, Nixa
DB: Thomas Smith, Sr., 6-2, 170, Lee’s Summit
P: Tyler Ridgeway, Sr., 6-2, 180, St. Louis U. High

Prep hoops: Area squads ranked by MBCA

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association has released its latest state rankings.
Several Joplin area teams are listed in the rankings.

Boys teams from Webb City, Neosho, Nevada, Mount Vernon, East Newton, Thomas Jefferson, Lockwood, Golden City and Purdy are either ranked or receiving votes.
Girls teams from Carl Junction, Carthage, Mount Vernon, College Heights, Verona, Diamond, Miller are either ranked or receiving votes.
Full polls are below.

BOYS
Class 1
1. South Iron
2. Lockwood
3. Winston
4. Mound City
5. Leeton
6. Northwest (Mendon)
7. St. Elizabeth
8. Thomas Jefferson Independent
9. Hale
10. Golden City
Others receiving votes: Green City, Bunker, Chadwick.

Class 2
1. Lakeland
2. Princeton
3. Crane
4. Mid-Buchanan
5. Campbell
6. Oran
7. Bishop LeBlond
8. Westran
9. Harrisburg
10. Wellington-Napoleon
Others receiving votes: Advance, Clopton, Smithton, Sacred Heart.

Class 3
1. Greenwood
2. Hartville
3. Monroe City
4. Skyline
5. Thayer
6. Christian (O’Fallon)
7. Summit Christian
8. Iberia
9. Strafford
10. Licking
Others receiving votes: Linn, Portageville, Charleston, Woodland, Purdy.

Class 4
1. Vashon
2. Central (New Madrid County)
3. Miller Career Academy
4. Father Tolton
5. MICDS
6. Center
7. Mexico
8. Hollister
9. Mount Vernon
10. East Newton
Others receiving votes: Ava, Richmond, St. Michael the Archangel, Winfield

Class 5
1. University City
2. Cardinal Ritter
3. De Smet
4. Platte County
5. Warrensburg
6. Notre Dame (Cape Girardeau)
7. Kearney
8. Webb City
9. Lafayette (St. Joseph)
10. Nevada
Others receiving votes: Kirksville, Vianney, Farmington, Springfield Catholic, Neosho, Marshfield, Republic

Class 6
1. Chaminade
2. Webster Groves
3. CBC
4. Kickapoo
5. Staley
6. Nixa
7. Park Hill
8. Pattonville
9. Liberty
10. Rock Bridge
Others receiving votes: Fort Zumwalt North.

GIRLS
Class 1
1. Walnut Grove
2. Platte Valley
3. Community
4. Otterville
5. Atlanta
6. Stanberry
7. Meadville
8. South Iron
9. Norborne
10. North Shelby
Others receiving votes: Climax Springs, Niangua, Chadwick

Class 2
1. Wellington-Napoleon
2. Richland
3. Blue Eye
4. Crane
5. Greenfield
6. Oran
7. Schuyler County
8. Mid-Buchanan
9. Bishop Leblond
10. Verona
Others receiving votes: Polo, Holcomb, College Heights Christian

Class 3
1. Monroe City
2. Tipton
3. Skyline
4. St. Pius X (KC)
5. Strafford
6. Sparta
7. Twin Rivers
8. West County
9. Diamond
10. Miller
Others receiving votes: St. Paul Lutheran, Iberia, Hartville, Steelville

Class 4
1. Central Park Hills
2. Central (New Madrid County)
3. Mount Vernon
4. Hollister
5. Fatima
6. Boonville
7. Doniphan
8. Blair Oaks
9. Chillicothe
10. Macon
Others receiving votes: Cameron, El Dorado Springs, Willow Springs

Class 5
1. West Plains
2. Helias Catholic
3. Willard
4. Cardinal Ritter
5. Cape Girardeau Notre Dame
6. Parkway North
7. Rolla
8. Carl Junction
9. Lincoln College Prep
10. Whitfield
Others receiving votes: None

Class 6
1. Incarnate Word
2. Kickapoo
3. Jefferson City
4. Blue Springs
5. Rock Bridge
6. Nixa
7. Staley
8. Webster Groves
9. Park Hill
10. Marquette
Others receiving votes: Francis Howell Central, Lee’s Summit West, Republic, Waynesville, Carthage.

Girls Basketball: Neosho falls to unbeaten Mount Vernon

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEOSHO, Mo. — Mount Vernon’s girls basketball team remained undefeated on the season with a convincing 71-32 non-conference victory at Neosho on Tuesday night. 

Grant Berendt’s Mountaineers improved to 6-0.

The 1-2 punch of Lacy Stokes and Ellie Johnston once again led the Mountaineers, as the senior guard tandem combined for 48 points. Stokes scored 25 points and Johnston added 23. 

Johnston scored 14 points in the first half, with 11 in the opening period. Stokes had 10 in the first half. 

A Missouri Southern recruit, the 5-foot-6 Stokes also had 12 rebounds. 

Neosho fell to 5-2. Senior guard Olivia Hixson scored 13 points for the Wildcats, while sophomore Karlie Ellick scored nine points and sophomore Baylie Bowers had four points. 

The Mountaineers scored the first 12 points of the game, with Johnston scoring eight. The Wildcats had five early turnovers against Mount Vernon’s full-court pressure. 

Stokes scored a pair of hoops late in the first quarter, and the visitors led 21-7 entering the second period. 

The 6-foot-1 Ellick scored all nine of her points in the second quarter, trimming Neosho’s halftime deficit to 33-22. 

But Mount Vernon began the third period on a 19-3 run to put the game away. 

Hixson scored seven points late in the third quarter, but the Wildcats trailed by 24 points heading into the final frame. Neosho did not score in the fourth quarter. 

The Wildcats will compete at the Weaubleau Tournament beginning on Dec. 28. 

Vaden’s 28 points lead Webb City to lopsided win over Crane

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Webb City boys basketball team dominated Crane 81-55 in their last game before the break on Tuesday evening inside the Cardinal Dome.
The Cardinals got off to a quick start thanks to a couple of field goals from senior Luke Brumit, who scored six points in the first quarter.
Seniors Nickhai Howard and Trenton Hayes also made baskets to get six points and four points, respectively, in the quarter and contributed to a 7-2 run as the Cardinals took a 24-11 lead.
In the second quarter, junior Cohl Vaden rattled off three straight 3-pointers to keep the Cardinals on top. Vaden had a huge game with seven 3-pointers along with 5-of-6 free throws. Altogether, Vaden had 28 points on the night.
Crane tried to keep pace, pulling within five at one point, but Webb City went on another impressive 11-2 run to end the half and bring the score to 41-25.
“Vaden always has the green light,” Webb City coach Jason Horn said. “He puts a lot of time in our shooting program. They have to get a certain number of rounds to get the green light and he’s one of those guys that puts his time in and gets there. It paid off tonight.”
Vaden continued his hot streak by hitting three more 3-pointers in the third quarter and Brumit also made big plays, scoring seven points.
Crane’s Isaiah Smith went on his own run in the quarter, answering Vaden’s treys with two 3-pointers and a field goal of his own. Smith also scored his 1000th career point and led the Pirates (5-2) with 20 points overall.
Despite the strong effort, the Cardinals held a 66-40 lead heading into the final period.
The Cardinals didn’t see much action from the free throw line, but when they did, they made it count. Collectively, they went 10-for-16, including 5-of-7 in the fourth quarter. Vaden went 3-of-4 in the fourth.
Several Cardinals contributed to the win. In addition to Vaden’s 28 points, Brumit had 17, Howard scored 13, while Mekhi Garrard finished with seven and Hayes scored six.
Webb City is now 5-1.
“I’m going to tell the boys that we’ve got to build on this win,” Horn said. “This is the best start to the season we have had since I got here five years ago. We want to capitalize on this start going into the break. We don’t want it to be the highlight. We want to get better, and it isn’t going to get easier after the break because the Kaminsky Classic is always tough.”

Wright brothers lead Joplin boys past Parkview

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Wright brothers combined for 38 points as the Joplin High School boys basketball team defeated Parkview 70-66 on Tuesday night.
Jeff Hafer’s Eagles hiked their record to 5-2.
Freshman guard All Wright scored 24 points and junior guard Always Wright added 14. Dominick Simmons also reached double figures for the Eagles with 10.
Joplin’s Fielding Campbell added seven points, while Dante Washington and Malik Williams contributed six points apiece.
All Wright had 19 points in the first half, while Always Wright scored 12 points in the second half.
Elijah Whitney poured in 30 points for Parkview and Damien Harris added 11.
Joplin led 38-30 at the half and 57-51 at the end of the third quarter.
Parkview outscored Joplin 15-13 in the final frame, but the visitors held on for the non-conference victory.

GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP: Joplin, College Heights post victories on Monday

Posted on by Jason Peake

JOPLIN 32, AURORA 20
AURORA, Mo. — Joplin’s girls basketball team recorded its fifth win of the season, surpassing last year’s win total, by beating Aurora 32-20 on Monday night.
“The girls played very good defense again tonight,” Joplin coach Luke Floyd said. “We had an offensive lull in the third quarter, but responded well in the fourth quarter to pull away late. I’m extremely proud of the girls and where we are at as a program as we head into Christmas break.”
The Eagles head into a holiday break at 5-5.
Joplin led 12-5 at the end of the first quarter and the Eagles were up 20-11 at halftime.
Aurora outscored Joplin 7-0 in the third quarter, and the Eagles were clinging to a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
But the Eagles finished strong, closing the game on a 12-2 run.
Brooke Nice scored 15 points to lead Joplin. Nice made four 3-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter. Brynn Driver scored eight points for the Eagles, while Serafina Auberry had four.
Rounding out the scoring for Joplin were Isabella Yust (three points) and Emma Floyd (two points).
Elizabeth Martin scored nine points for Aurora.
Joplin returns to action on Jan. 7 against Carthage.

COLLEGE HEIGHTS 61, LOCKWOOD 26
Klohe Burk led College Heights with 23 points, six rebounds and six steals, while Catie Secker had 12 rebounds and 10 points.
Grace Bishop contributed nine assists and eight points for the Cougars, who improved to 9-1 on the season.

The Cougars led 31-16 at the break. Winners of three straight, College Heights will return to action on Jan. 5 against Diamond at Ozark Christian College.

Girls basketball: Webb City suffers home loss to undefeated Pittsburg

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — In a close girls basketball game, the Webb City Cardinals suffered a narrow loss to the Pittsburg Purple Dragons, 42-40, on Monday night.
“This next week and a half before our next game will be one of the biggest weeks we have,” Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. “Free throws are something we need to work on – if we made more free throws (10-of-23) we would’ve won this game. Defensively, I thought we did a pretty good job and shot the ball well at times. But we need to be more consistent with our play. If we play consistently for four quarters, we can be a pretty good team.”
The Cardinals got off to a hot start with an 8-2 run, including some impressive field goals from senior Jaydee Duda and a 3-pointer from senior Sierra Kimbrough.
The Purple Dragons battled back with an 8-3 run of their own, narrowing the score to 12-11 heading into the second quarter.
The back-and-forth streaks continued, as Webb City once again went on another 8-2 run. Duda kept up her hot streak with seven points, including a 3-pointer. Kimbrough also scored six points in the second quarter to contribute to the Cardinals’ 27-20 lead heading into halftime, giving her nine points on the half.
Coming out of the break, the Lady Cards scored five points quickly thanks to two baskets from senior Kenzie Robbins, including a 3-pointer. Robbins would have 12 points on the night, including seven free throws.
Despite the quick start, the Purple Dragons went on a 13-0 run to take the lead 33-32, but a pair of Kimbrough free throws would give the lead back to the Cardinals, 34-33.
The final frame would be a back-and-forth nail-biter, as the Purple Dragons rattled off nine points from four different players.
The Cardinals battled back with a run of their own thanks to four free throws from Robbins and a field goal from Duda. Despite the comeback, the Cardinals were unable to get another shot in the final seconds to give Pittsburg the win.
Madden Petty scored 14 points to lead Pittsburg (4-0). Duda led Webb City (3-5) with 13 points, while Kenzie Robbins had 12 and Kimbrough finished with 11.
Webb City is now off until a Jan. 4 home game with Parkview.

Boys basketball: Neosho tops Diamond, improves to 5-1

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

DIAMOND, Mo. — Neosho’s active defense helped create offensive opportunities from the start.

The result was a convincing 66-38 non-conference victory over Diamond on Monday night. 

Neosho hiked its season record to 5-1 with the lopsided win. 

“It’s always good to get wins and we’ve been coming out and competing well,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “We’ve been taking them one game at a time, especially in this atmosphere. Any game we get to play is great, especially when you win. We wanted to get as many wins as possible going into the holiday tournament. That’s always a fun time. We have some confidence and we’ll be ready to roll.” 

With an aggressive pressure defense, Neosho was able to convert Diamond’s turnovers into points in transition throughout the clash between Wildcats. 

“That’s kind of our calling card,” Culp said. “We have a lot of guys who can score, but we feel like if we play great defense that will turn into opportunities offensively. I thought we played much better offensively in the second half. We still had transition, but we took better shots and didn’t turn the ball over.” 

Neosho sophomore guard Carter Fenske scored 14 points with four 3-pointers. 

“I’d like to say I’m surprised, but I’m really not,” Culp said. “He’s been shooting like that since he was a seventh grader or even before. He’s got it figured out. He’s made nine 3-pointers the last three games and he’s shooting a very high percentage. He’s going to be a weapon.” 

Senior Dalton Brodie scored 11 points, classmate Chase Flynn contributed 10 points and fellow senior Landon Austin had eight. 

Senior Luke Lawson scored 16 points for Diamond and junior Hunter Shallenburger added 10.  

The visitors scored the first eight points of the game. The 6-foot-1 Fenske scored 11 points in the opening frame, knocking down three treys, and Neosho led 19-8.

By the break, Neosho was up 31-19.

Neosho outscored Diamond 13-7 in the third period to take a commanding 44-26 lead into the fourth quarter.

A pair of hoops inside from Brodie pushed Neosho’s advantage to 48-28 with six minutes remaining. 

Everyone got into the act in the final frame for the visiting Wildcats, as sophomore Jared Siler buried two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, sophomore Michael Day hit a trey of his own, sophomore Isaiah Green scored a pair of hoops in the paint and junior Ryno Lee recorded his first varsity hoop. 

Neosho had 11 different players score in the game.  

“That’s always good,” Culp said. “Several guys had their first points of the season. It’s exciting to see guys get that experience.” 

 

NEOSHO HOLIDAY CLASSIC UPDATE

The Neosho Holiday Classic will look much different this season. The event will feature only six local squads due to the pandemic.

“It’s kind of a bummer that teams from out of state couldn’t come,” Culp said. “But the most important thing is we’re getting to play. We’re going to play three games. Two of our games will be against someone we haven’t played (Lamar, Hillcrest), so that’s good. I’m just glad the boys get to play and still get to have that experience. I think we’ll have big crowds with local teams coming.” 

Using a round-robin format, the Holiday Classic runs from Dec. 28-30. 

On Monday, Dec. 28, Hillcrest plays McDonald County at 5, East Newton takes on Monett at 6:30 and Neosho plays Lamar at 8. 

On Dec. 29, Lamar meets Monett at 5, East Newton takes on McDonald County at 6:30 and Neosho plays Hillcrest at 8. On Dec. 30, Neosho plays Monett at 5, Lamar meets McDonald County at 6:30 and East Newton takes on Hillcrest at 8.

There is no girls tournament this year.

After successful run as Joplin’s offensive coordinator, Brandon Taute named new Neosho football coach

Posted on by Jason Peake

To Joplin offensive coordinator Brandon Taute, the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Taute has been named the new head football coach at Neosho High School.
The hire became official on Monday.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Taute told SoMo Sports on Monday. “It’s a great community that cares about its kids. The administration is super supportive and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.”
Taute replaces Leon Miller, who stepped down after the Wildcats went winless in 2020.
Taute has been with the JHS football program for 10 years, the last six as offensive coordinator.
“I never looked to leave,” Taute said. “I’ve loved my job at Joplin. There are awesome people and awesome kids at Joplin. I’ve loved the kids, the staff and the administration. An opportunity presented itself. I talked with my wife, we prayed and I felt like it was too good of an opportunity for us to pass up.”
Neosho went 0-10 in 2020 and 2-8 in ’19 following a successful 2018 season that saw the Wildcats go 8-4, with the team’s only losses coming to Webb City (twice), Carthage and Joplin.
Neosho upgraded its football stadium ahead of the 2020 campaign with a new turf playing surface. A new end zone facility is in the works.
“They’re definitely investing in the program,” Taute noted.
With Curtis Jasper’s Eagles, Taute coached the offense and was the quarterbacks coach. Taute noted he will continue to utilize a spread offense at Neosho.
“I’m going to run the same offense I’ve run in Joplin,” Taute said. “Every year we tweak it to fit the kids we have. We’ll tweak the offense to fit the kids at Neosho.”
Of course, due to his time in Joplin, Taute is very familiar with the always-tough Central Ozark Conference.
“It’s the best conference in the state,” said Taute, who will look to build a winning program at NHS. “Having coached in it the last three years is definitely a benefit. I don’t have to learn nine new opponents and their tendencies. I can take the knowledge I’ve built at Joplin and hit the ground running at Neosho.”
In 2020, Joplin went 6-5 and reached the district semifinals, falling 28-7 to eventual state champion Raymore-Peculiar.
It was the third-straight year the Eagles lost in the Class 6 playoffs to the eventual state champion, as Joplin suffered a loss to CBC in the state semifinals in 2018, a title game setback to DeSmet in ’19 before this year’s loss to Ray-Pec.
Taute’s offense averaged 47 points per game in ’19 and 33 per night in ’20.
Taute coached Joplin’s explosive and record-setting offense that featured the likes of Isaiah Davis, Zach Westmoreland and Blake Tash in 2019. Of course, that team went undefeated until the state championship game loss.
“There will always be a special place in my heart for Joplin,” Taute said. “We’ve had a lot of success, but more importantly, I’ve built a lot of great relationships with the kids and the coaches. Those will last for a lifetime.”
Taute will coach the Joplin track and field teams in the spring before taking over the reins of the Neosho football program this summer.
“I’m just excited to get started,” Taute said.

 

Pictured is Brandon Taute and his wife Kelly. Taute is the new head football coach at Neosho. (Courtesy photo)

WRESTLING ROUNDUP: Carthage hosts dual tourney; Joplin takes third in Columbus, Neosho competes in Smithville

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARTHAGE HOSTS DUAL TOURNAMENT
The Carthage Holiday Duals tournament was held on Saturday at Carthage High School.
The tourney was set up after Harrisonville called off their event due to the impact of the coronavirus.
Carthage, Camdenton and Ozark all went 3-1 in duals. Camdenton ended up the champion due to the most team points scored, Carthage coach Kenny Brown said. The Tigers finished in second place after a tie-breaker.
Carthage defeated Republic 57-24.
Winning matches by fall for Carthage were Joshua Griffith (106 pounds), Carlos Reyes (120), Kip Castor (126), Eli Sneed (138), Davion King (145), Braxdon Tate (152), Grey Petticrew (160), Kanen Vogt (220) and Alexis Vasquez (285). Carthage’s Bradyn Tate won a 5-3 decision at 113.
Carthage defeated Ozark 41-38.
Griffith, Sneed, Braxdon Tate, Petticrew and Vogt all won by fall, while Reyes won by technical fall, 18-1, at 120.
Carthage beat Carl Junction 40-30.
Bradyn Tate, Castor, Sneed, King and Vasquez won by fall.
Carl Junction’s Lukas Walker (106), Cole Stewart (152) and Chance Benford (170) won by fall. At 220, Carl Junction’s Brennan Carey earned a 6-1 decision over Vogt.
Camdenton edged Carthage 43-42.
Winning matches by fall for the Tigers were Griffith, Bradyn Tate, Reyes, King, Braxdon Tate, Petticrew and Vogt.
Carl Junction defeated Republic 54-26.
Winning matches by fall for the Bulldogs were Walker, Dylan Frazier (126), Stewart, Benford, Javon White (182), Cayden Bollinger (220) and Kameron Bennett (285).
Ozark beat Carl Junction 46-27.
Walker, Jesse Cassatt (195) and Carey won by fall. Stewart earned a 9-6 decision at 160.

JOPLIN COMPETES IN COLUMBUS
Joplin’s wrestling team took third place at the Columbus Duals Tournament on Saturday.
Columbus took first, PIttsburg was second and Joplin was third. Van Buren took fourth and Coffeyville was fifth.
Joplin defeated Van Buren 60-15.
Winning matches by fall for the Eagles were Josiah Vaughn (132), Reese Macios (138), Jack Stanley (152), Brendan Mynatt (160), Drew Van Gilder (170), Draven Van Gilder (182) and Scott Lowe (220). Winning their matches by decision were Sam Melton (106) and Gunner Price (285).
Columbus defeated Joplin 44-30.
Vaughn by won by fall at 132. Joplin’s other wins came by forfeit at 106, 120, 126 and 285.
Pittsburg defeated Joplin 45-31.
Winning matches by pin were Melton (106), Vaughn, Macios and Drew Van Gilder. Earnings wins by decision were Rocky Walker (126) and Draven Van Gilder.
Joplin defeated Coffeyville 60-22.
Recording wins by fall were Trace Sargent (120), Walker and Lowe. The Eagles won seven matches by forfeit.

NEOSHO COMPETES IN SMITHVILLE
Neosho finished fourth at the Smithville Invitational.
Lebanon took first (171), Whitfield was second (158), Hillsboro took third (152) and the Wildcats were fourth (137). Rounding out the teams scores were Willard (129), Kearney (68.5), Smithville (55.5) and the Smithville JV (4).
Cayden Auch was the champion at 160 pounds, while Jeremiah Larson took first at 195. Eric Holt was the runner-up at 170.
Placing third in their brackets were Raymond Hembree (106), Landon Kivett (120) and Eli Zar (145). Finishing fourth were Jarell Boettger (182) and Eric Renner (220).
Finishing fifth in their brackets were Wyatt Black (113), Hayden Crane (132), Nate Copeland (138), Trent Neece (152) and Nikolas Olivares (285). Jonny Chrisco was sixth at 126.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Missouri Southern women win, MSSU men fall short

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Missouri Southern women’s basketball team defeated Missouri Western 67-56 on Saturday inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
Southern (4-3) received 16 points, four rebounds and three assists from Carley Turnbull. Layne Skiles added 13 points and five rebounds, while Madi Stokes had 12 rebounds, six points and four blocked shots.
The Lions shot 31 percent from the floor, but made 26-of-32 free throws.
Missouri Western (2-5) was led by Brionna Budgetts’ 13 points.
The Griffons led 10-2 early in the game and 37-30 at halftime.
The Lions outscored the Griffons 20-8 in the third quarter and 17-11 in the fourth quarter. Southern came up with several key defensive stops and made more than enough free throws late in the game to secure the win.
Southern returns to action on Jan. 9 at Pittsburg State.

MSSU MEN FALL, 88-86
Cam Martin’s 33 points were not enough, as Missouri Southern’s men fell short on Saturday against No. 19 Missouri Western.
Southern is now 4-3. Stan Scott scored a career-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting. RJ Smith added nine points and nine boards, while Winston Dessesow contributed eight points and seven assists.
The Lions made 47 percent of their field goal attempts and shot 92 percent from the foul line.
Western (5-1) had four players score in double figures, led by Tyrell Carroll’s 27 points.
The Griffons led 46-38 at halftime.
A 3-pointer from Martin tied the game at 59 before Scott’s hoop in transition pushed MSSU in front by two.
Western led 86-84 with a minute left. Dessesow’s steal and layup tied the game at 86 with 27 seconds to play.
Western’s Q Mays hit a jumper with three seconds left that proved to be the game-winner. Southern’s last-second shot would not fall.
The Lions travel to Pittsburg State on Jan. 9.

 

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