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Month: June 2021

MINK LEAGUE: Joplin suffers another close loss to St. Joseph; Monday’s game called off

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — For the second straight night, the Joplin Outlaws suffered a one-run loss to the St. Joseph Mustangs.

The host Mustangs plated two runs in the bottom of the ninth to earn a 3-2 win over the Outlaws in MINK League action on Sunday at Phil Welch Stadium. 

The Outlaws scored once in the first before the Mustangs tied the game in the seventh. Joplin went ahead with a single tally in the eighth before St. Joseph pushed across the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Joplin recorded six hits, and Jeb Jenkins was the lone player with two hits. Jenkins and Cade Lott had one RBI apiece, while Jared Toler and Jenkins scored the lone runs. 

Justin Schrader delivered a stellar start on the mound for the Outlaws. He tossed six scoreless innings, striking out six and scattering four hits.

Austin Gottula allowed one run in two innings, while Jake Algee gave up two runs, one earned, in the ninth. 

Mack Stephenson went all nine innings for St. Joseph, striking out 11 and allowing two runs on six hits. 

Jenkins hit an RBI single in the first. St. Joseph’s Coleman Fenton tied the game with a solo home run in the seventh.

Lott’s RBI double gave Joplin a 2-1 lead in the eighth. 

In the ninth, the Mustangs scored both runs on bases loaded walks. 

The Outlaws are now 9-8.

Monday’s scheduled game was called off. The team announced the cancellation on Facebook.   

Joplin is scheduled to play the Springfield Show-Me League team at 7 on Tuesday night at US Ballpark.  

MINK LEAGUE: Outlaws suffer road loss at St. Joseph

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The St. Joseph Mustangs defeated the Joplin Outlaws 6-5 in 10 innings on Saturday night in a MINK League clash at Phil Welch Stadium. 

The Outlaws fell to 9-7 overall with the setback, while the Mustangs improved to 10-7. 

With the loss, the Outlaws fell a half game out of first place in the South Division, as Sedalia is now 10-7.

The game was deadlocked at five after nine innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Sean O’Malley delivered a game-ending single through the left side. 

The Outlaws used five pitchers in the game. 

John Kea started and went five innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out six. 

Austin Gottula tossed two scoreless innings in relief. Clayton Saporito allowed one run and struck out two in one inning, while Jake Algee pitched a scoreless ninth. Jeb Jenkins took the loss after allowing a run in the 10th. 

Ethan Ellis and Lawson Faria had two hits apiece for the Outlaws, while Brandon Ulmer drove in two runs and Calen Protaskey homered and scored twice. 

Ellis contributed an RBI triple in the third and Ulmer delivered a two-run double in the fourth. The visitors went up 4-1 when a run scored on an error in the sixth. 

After the Mustangs scored twice in the bottom of the sixth, Joplin’s Protaskey homered in the top of the eighth to push the visitors in front 5-3.

St. Joseph tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on Ike Book’s two-run homer. 

In the 10th, Book, who went 3-for-5, singled, took second on a wild pitch and later scored on pinch hitter O’Malley’s game-winning single.  

The Outlaws and Mustangs play again at 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

PREP BASEBALL: Joplin’s Kirk Harryman named Branson’s new head coach

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Kirk Harryman is officially back in the coaching profession.

Currently an assistant principal at Joplin High School, where he had a successful run as the man in charge of the school’s baseball program, Harryman has been named the new head baseball coach at Branson High School.

“I missed baseball and I missed teaching it,” Harryman told SoMo Sports. “I missed building a program and I missed sustaining a program. And this was just a great opportunity.”

As far as the job offer and acceptance, Harryman noted things happened very quickly this week.

Kirk Harryman

“If you would have told me on Monday morning that by Friday I would be the head baseball coach at Branson High School I would have laughed at you,” Harryman said. “It’s been a wild three days here leading up to this. It’s exciting stuff. I appreciate Coach (David) Large, Dr. (Jack) Harris at Branson and the rest of the administration for giving me this opportunity.” 

Harryman spent 17 seasons in charge of Joplin High School’s baseball program before stepping down in 2016.

Harryman’s 2001 squad won a state championship and his JHS teams won six conference championships, six district titles and reached the state quarterfinals four times, with three semifinal appearances.

After coaching against Ozark Conference and Central Ozark Conference squads throughout his tenure at JHS, Harryman will be very familiar with the teams on Branson’s schedule.

“The names on the jersey may change, but the game really doesn’t change,” Harryman said. “It’s a matter of going out and teaching kids to do the little things right and being fundamentally sound. If you do that, you’ll have chances to win games.

“The COC is tough year in and year out,” Harryman added. “It’s a tough conference to win in. Willard just won a state title. It’s a conference where you always have to be ready to go.” 

Harryman spent more than two decades in the Joplin school district as a teacher, baseball and softball coach and administrator. He’s currently the sophomore principal at the high school. 

Harryman noted he definitely has fond memories of his time in Joplin. 

“For 24 years, Joplin’s been my home,” Harryman said. “Even before that, I spent five years out at Southern. I grew up halfway between Joplin and Neosho. The hardest part of leaving after this amount of time is the relationships you build with the people you work with and people in the community and your players. I’m going to miss them and I’ll miss everyone I worked with at the high school…my job was great. I love my job. But I felt like it was the right time to get back into coaching.” 

Harryman earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Missouri Southern and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from William Woods University. 

Harryman and wife Debra have two sons, Tyler and Josh. Josh recently graduated from JHS. 

Harryman thanked his wife for her support.

“Debra’s a trooper,” he said. “She’s at home now getting everything ready for a move and doing a lot of work. Now she gets to go back to being a baseball coach’s wife. I think she’s excited. She’s always been supportive. Debra and I are looking forward to starting a new adventure.”

Harryman, who will teach physical education at BHS, replaces Troy Nimmo, who resigned this past spring.

Branson Athletics Director Large announced Harryman’s hire earlier Friday.

“We are excited to add Coach Harryman to our staff,” Large said in a press release. “His coaching achievements speak to his longtime dedication to high school athletes and their success.” 

Now that he’ll be leading the Pirates, Harryman’s squad will square off against the Joplin Eagles next spring.

“I haven’t really thought about that a whole lot,” Harryman said. “It’s going to be different being in the other dugout. But it won’t be about me, it will be about how we play the game. But we’ll see.”

AMONG THE NATION’S BEST: Webb City’s Brouwer competes at U.S. Olympic Trials

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

When the nation’s elite swimmers converged on Omaha for the U.S. Olympic Trials, a Webb City High School student was there competing alongside America’s best.

Aubree Brouwer recently finished her junior year at Webb City High School, where she’s an honor roll student.

She’s also an elite swimmer. 

How elite? She’s among the country’s best. 

Representing the Springfield Aquatics club team, the 17-year-old Brouwer competed in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke and the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials last week at Omaha’s CHI Health Center.

“It was definitely a very incredible experience,” Brouwer told SoMo Sports. “It wasn’t like anything I’ve gone to before. Just getting to race with the big stars and to go through what they do was really interesting. And just getting that experience was really fun.”

Aubree Brouwer

At the trials, the top two finishers in each event qualified to represent Team USA next month in Tokyo, along with the top six in the freestyle races to fill out the relays. 

Brouwer finished 35th in the prelims of the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1 minute, 10 seconds. There were 56 entrants in the event. 

She was 37th in the prelims of the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:33.98.

Brouwer was one of the youngest swimmers in both events.

“I was OK with how I swam,” Brouwer said. “I would have liked to do a little bit better. But I was able to learn some things. Honestly, the meet was very nerve-racking for a lot of people. Overall, I’m happy with how I swam.”

Brouwer qualified for the trials back in 2019 by recording a time of 1:09.33 in the 100 breaststroke and swimming a 2:32.35 in the 200 breaststroke at the Speedo Junior Nationals. 

Of course, the coronavirus pandemic delayed the trials and the Tokyo Olympics by a year. 

For Brouwer, competing at the Olympic Trials was the culmination of years of hard work. 

Brouwer has been swimming competitively since she was 6-years-old, getting her start with the Webb City-based Berzerker Swimming club team. 

In 2018, Brouwer joined the Springfield Aquatics squad, which trains at Drury University. 

Brouwer definitely invests a lot of time into honing her skills. She travels to Springfield for practices Monday through Saturday. And she competes with her club team all over the country year-round. 

Brouwer pointed out she hasn’t become a standout swimmer on her own, as many people have played a role in her success.  

“My parents (Cassie and Steve Brouwer) have sacrificed a lot of time for my swimming,” Brouwer said. “I appreciate that so much. My coach in Springfield, Thomas Baumann, has been huge in my swimming career. I wouldn’t be at this level without him. 

“And all of my friends are so supportive,” she continued. “Some of them even came to the trials and I know a lot of them watched me on TV. They’re always cheering me on, so that always makes me feel great.”

Brouwer has already verbally committed to North Carolina State, where she’ll continue her athletic and academic career after her final year of high school in Webb City concludes.  

“I talked to a lot of schools during the recruiting process and NC State reached out to me pretty early,” Brouwer said. “There’s a lot I like about NC State. They seemed to have everything I was looking for. I’m really excited about going there.” 

So what’s next for Brouwer?

“I have a meet in a couple of weeks and then I’m going to take a break from racing until the fall,” Brouwer said. 

As far as her future, Brouwer has lofty goals and big dreams, including one day representing Team USA on the biggest stage of all, the Olympics.

She’ll likely get another shot to do just that in a few years at the next Olympic Trials. 

“I hope to be back at the trials in three years,” Brouwer said. “I’ll be with my college teammates by then, so it should be really fun. I’m definitely looking forward to that.” 

And after competing alongside the nation’s best at just 17-years-old, Brouwer noted the experience gained by competing at this year’s Olympic Trials will be greatly beneficial going forward.

“I think it will make me more confident at the meets I have coming up,” Brouwer said. “And it showed me that I’m at a pretty high level now. It was also really motivating for me. I want to keep making goals and I’ll keep striving for them.” 

SUMMER BASEBALL: Pittsburg native Brett Wiemers reveling in his time with the Joplin Outlaws

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Pittsburg, Kansas, native Brett Wiemers had an abnormal start to his Joplin Outlaws career this summer—missing the first couple of games to open the season while recovering from having his wisdom teeth removed.

“I knew for a while I was going to have to get them taken out,” Wiemers said. “I actually knew back in February, but I didn’t want to miss school ball because of it. It ended up being a now-or-never type of thing, so I got them taken out a day before the (Joplin Outlaws) opened the season.

“That kind of sucked because Opening Day is always cool and that’s usually the biggest crowd, so that was tough missing that. I was there to watch the second game and I was back by the third game. … I just started popping ibuprofen before games (when I first got back) to deal with it, but you have to do what you have to do sometimes.”

Joplin Outlaws’ Brett Wiemers, a Pittsburg, Kansas, native, stands at second base after hitting a double during a MINK League game at Joe Becker Stadium. Photo by Jason Peake

Since his return, however, Wiemers has seen his fair share of offensive production for the Outlaws, who currently lead the MINK League South Division with a 9-6 record. Currently, Wiemers is hitting .316 this summer and is tied for third on the Outlaws in hits with 12. Wiemers has a team-high eight doubles to go along with seven RBI, tied for third most on the team. His slugging percentage of .526 is third best on the Outlaws among players with 30 or more plate appearances, while his .921 OPS is fourth best on the team. Wiemers has also scored seven times, walked four times and has four stolen bases.

“I am just trying to stay within myself and not do too much,” Wiemers said about his approach on offense this summer. “I am not trying to be that power guy because that’s never really been who I am. I am just trying to stay through the middle. Whenever I am doing that, taking the ball up the middle and to right field, that is probably when I am at my best. I am just making sure to stay within myself on a nightly basis.”

Much of the Outlaws’ success this season is because of the depth in the lineup on offense. When Wiemers was asked about what he takes away from this experience this summer, he was quick to point out how crucial sharing knowledge between his teammates has been.

“The team chemistry has been really good,” Wiemers said about his time with the Outlaws. “From Day 1, all the guys kind of came in and started clicking. … We have guys from all over the country, but when it comes down to it, we’re all just looking to have a good time and play good baseball.

“Guys are talking about approaches and what they’ve been preached to while at their respective colleges. It’s us teaching each other a lot, and I think that helps. I think a lot of our strengths are the mental side of hitting—knowing what we want to do and having an approach when we get up there.”

Of course, growing up in Pittsburg, Wiemers is no stranger to Joe Becker Stadium, where the Outlaws call home during the summer. Getting a chance to suit up and play on the field regularly on a college summer team is an experience that won’t soon fade from memory.

“Playing at Joe Becker Stadium is awesome,” Wiemers said. “After traveling around and seeing some of the other stadiums, it just shows you how blessed we are to play there. That field is really special, and seeing that crowd every day when we walk out is a pretty cool feeling.”

Wiemers will be transferring to Pittsburg State this season after spending last season with Neosho County Community College, and he is grateful for his time with the Outlaws this summer to help him prepare for the NCAA DII level.

“I think this experience is huge, especially moving from the JUCO level to the DII level,” Wiemers said. “Being able to take in as much information as you can, having all of that ready for you in the future when you do go to that next level is big just because you never know what situation you might be thrown in or who you will be facing that day. You can draw back on that in the future and I think that really helps a lot.”

And while transitioning from the JUCO level to the DII is special in itself, getting to call himself a Gorilla this upcoming season is a dream Wiemers has had for a long time. Why? While Wiemers grew up in Pittsburg, his father, Dave Wiemers, was a member of the Pittsburg State football coaching staff for nearly 15 years. Getting a chance to play for the same school he grew up watching while having so many close ties to the area is an experience Brett can’t wait to get underway. 

“It’s really cool,” Brett Wiemers said. “My dad had a long tenure there—12 or 13 years. Growing up around it and seeing the athletic side of everything from the inside, seeing how much love people have for Pittsburg State athletics and the passions that are within those programs—being able to be a part of it instead of just watching it is really cool. I am really excited for it.”

PREP FOOTBALL: Joplin’s coaching staff will have a slightly different look on the sidelines in 2021

Posted on by Lucas Davis

The football coaching staff at Joplin will look a little bit different next season when the Eagles take the field for the first time in 2021.

Former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brandon Taute was announced as the new head coach for Neosho in December, with former Eagles offensive line coach Logan Shaw and wide receivers coach Dayton Whitehead joining Taute with the Wildcats. Shaw will take on the role of assistant head coach and offensive line coach, while Whitehead will be the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for Neosho.

“Coach Taute has been my OC all six years here,” Joplin coach Curtis Jasper said. “He was someone I identified early on in the process of getting moved down here. He has a crazy amount of work ethic and is a football junkie. He works extremely hard and he did a really good job here.

“Coach Shaw came with me here from Westran and he’s been with me before he even graduated college. I am really close with him and I’ve really enjoyed working that offensive line position with him and to see him grow as a coach and an educator. He is a fantastic person who really cares about the kids.

“Coach Whitehead graduated from (Joplin) and came on a couple years after I was here. He volunteered for a year and then worked his way up from a freshman position to a varsity receivers position. His growth professionally both as an educator and a coach has been great as well. All three coaches are tremendous men who care about the kids, and they leave big shoes to fill.”

Obviously, watching three coaches who have been a part of your staff for a long time leave for another opportunity at a different school can be tough, but the pride in seeing three people, who Jasper considers family, earn well-deserved promotions more than makes up for any sorrowfulness. Jasper has watched Taute, Shaw and Whitehead grow in their profession, and to see their hard work pay off is very gratifying.

“One thing I have always told my coaches, just like we tell the kids, I want what is best for them,” Jasper said. “I care about them as people before football coaches just like I care about the kids as people before football players. If it is what is best for them and their families, then I am all for supporting them and doing what I can to help.

“I think it is important to continue to strive for professional growth because it is only going to make you better in your position. Anytime you are not working for that growth, you’ll become stagnant and regress. I think that is a big part of our profession.”

Of course, with all three coaches heading to Neosho, that means the local and conference rivalry between the Eagles and Wildcats will have a little more attached to it. Jasper admitted it will be strange looking over to the other sideline when the game kicks off for the first time to see his former coaches, but said he feels it will be a fun rivalry to further develop.

“I think it will be a little awkward at first because we are so tight and (Neosho) is so close,” Jasper said with a laugh. “I’m happy for them, but I would have rather it not been a conference school because that is one week we won’t be rooting for them. But it will be fun. Hopefully, it will be more fun than awkward, but I am excited to see them go to work down there and improve that program.”

NEW FACES

With the departure of Taute, Shaw and Whitehead, Joplin has found their replacements. 

The Eagles hired former Staley offensive coordinator Jacob Hewitt to the same position at Joplin.

“I first met him when he was presenting at a Glazier Clinic, and I was really impressed,” Jasper said of Hewitt. “He is someone I got to know about through my contacts up in Kansas City. I knew (former Staley head coach Phil Lite) was retiring, so I asked (Coach Lite) if he thought Coach Hewitt would be interested. He got me in touch with him, and we started having conversations. The more we talked, the more we realized our philosophies were very similar. 

“We are super excited to have someone of Coach Hewitt’s caliber leading our offense. He has been around a great head coach and a great program his entire career. He has a very successful track record as a coordinator as far as the wins and the offensive production being fantastic. I think it says a lot about our program when we can attract someone like Coach Hewitt to want to be a part of our program and help continue its success.”

Hewitt was with Class 5 Staley all nine years of his coaching career, including the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator. With Hewitt in charge of the offense, the Falcons averaged more than 30 points a game and 10 wins per season. 

“He is still going to run a spread, and will like to do some more things with the tight end,” Jasper said of Hewitt’s offense. “We’ll still base out of our inside zone and run RPOs, but we’re also going to add some wrinkles in with the power and counter and things of that nature. It’s still a spread concept, starting with the zone and using the RPOs to our advantage.”

Joplin also added former Jasper head coach and Missouri Southern two-sport standout Joey Ballard as the wide receivers coach. Jasper first met Ballard when he coached his son in youth football and followed his career path to Jasper as an assistant and then head coach. Ballard, an all-MIAA selection in football and baseball from 1998-2002, was the MIAA Freshman of the Year in football in 1998 and earned the same honors in baseball in 1999—the only time a freshman has earned player of the year honors in two sports in conference history.

“He is someone that I knew at some point in time that it would be nice, if a spot was available, to bring into our football family,” Jasper said of Ballard.” I have seen first hand how good of a coach he is, and I thought he did a really good job at Jasper dealing with the challenges of switching to 8-man football. I am really excited for him to be a part of our family. 

“We’ve been able to talk, and he doesn’t just bring that type of mentality it takes to work with kids. He also brings a lot of knowledge with him, too, and he was also a multi-sport guy, which is huge in our school. … It is awesome to have a coach on board who believes in the same philosophies as we do as far as how to treat student-athletes and help them become accountable young men.”

OTHER COACHING NOTES

Brad Cox, who has been on the Joplin staff for the last seven years at the high school and middle school levels, has been promoted to the offensive line coach for the Eagles. Tylan Harris will take over as the freshman head coach, while Aaron Ketcher and Don Archer have been named as assistants on the freshman staff.

CONTINUITY MATTERS

One of the strengths to Joplin’s coaching staff is experience and familiarity. There are three coaches, including Jasper, who have been on the Joplin staff for seven years in addition to defensive coordinator Nick Reid’s 10-year tenure and special teams coordinator/defensive line coach Alan Linden’s 15 years on the staff. Jasper is excited for the additions of Hewitt and Ballard because of what they offer the players as not only coaches, but mentors.

“The fun thing is we all have different personalities,” Jasper said. “In a football program 9th through 12th, you’re going to have 120-plus kids. It takes a lot of different personalities because not every kid will gravitate toward one personality. So, if it’s not their position coach, which is the natural mesh, there is someone else on staff these kids can identify with. As we know, teenagers these days have a lot of different challenges than we had growing up. It is important for these kids to have as many people as possible in their lives to go the extra mile for them.”

 

JOPLIN COACHING STAFF (Years with program)

Head coach: Curtis Jasper (7)

Defensive coordinator/linebackers: Nick Reid (10)

Special teams coordinator/defensive line: Alan Linden (15)

Safeties: Parker Howard (4)

Cornerbacks: Michael Juergens (5)

Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks: Jacob Hewitt (1)

Offensive line: Brad Cox (7)

Running backs/tight ends: James Hartzfeld (7)

Receivers: Joey Ballard (1)

Freshmen head coach: Tylan Harris (2)

Freshmen assistant: Don Archer (2)

Freshmen assistant: Aaron Ketcher (2)

Outlaws earn win over Renegades, record ninth win of season

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Joplin Outlaws improved to 9-6  in MINK League play after a 7-3 victory over the Jefferson City Renegades on Tuesday night at Vivion Field. 

The Outlaws plated two runs in the second, third and seventh innings while pushing across a single tally in the fourth.

Outlaws starting pitcher Jack O’Brien delivered a stellar outing on the mound. O’Brien, who plays for Hawaii-Pacific, went six innings and allowed just one earned run on four hits while striking out seven. 

Masayuki Maruhashi tossed two innings in relief, giving up one run while fanning three. Jake Algee pitched a scoreless ninth. 

Drake Angeron had a big day at the plate for Joplin, going 3-for-4 with three RBI. Cade Lott had two hits, while Sam Golden scored three runs and drove in one run. Calen Protaskey contributed an RBI double. 

Jefferson City’s Kaden Helsel was charged with the loss. He allowed three earned runs on six hits in three innings. 

The hosts were limited to six hits in the game, and Ben Burton was the lone Renegade with two hits. 

The Outlaws, who are 6-4 in their last 10 games, are tied with Sedalia for first place in the South Division. 

Joplin is at Chillicothe (4-10) on Thursday.

MINK LEAGUE: Nevada’s Chase Beiter stymies Joplin’s bat in 8-0 win

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Joplin’s bats were held in check by Nevada’s Chase Beiter, who was dominant on the bump while leading the Griffons to an 8-0 win on Monday at Joe Becker Stadium in MINK League action.

The Griffons scored a run in the top of the first to take the game’s initial lead, which turned out to be all the help Beiter would need after tossing a complete-game shutout to earn the win. He scattered three hits, walked two and struck out 10 Outlaws on 122 pitches in his nine innings of work. Nevada added three runs in the sixth and four more in the eighth to pull away.

“Hats off to their pitcher,” Joplin manager Chris Dawson said. “He did an amazing job today. Sometimes that happens. Good pitching will beat good hitting … He was a dude tonight.”

Joplin’s Reese Weaks, who did a good job of working around traffic on the base paths for much of his start, was saddled with the loss after allowing one run on nine hits, three walks and eight strikeouts in five innings of work.

“That is when you see his promise,” Dawson noted about Weaks’ ability to strand runners on base against the Griffons. “He is able to punch guys out and strike guys out with runners in scoring position. When he has a secondary pitch that he can command and control, he is going to be pretty filthy.”

Austin Gottula allowed three runs, one earned, on two hits, four walks and two strikeouts in two relief innings for the Outlaws (8-6). Ward Richardson allowed two runs on two hits without recording an out, while Cole White allowed two runs on one hit and a walk in a third of an inning. Jake Algee pitched 1 2/3 scoreless relief innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.

BETWEEN THE LINES

Nevada took the initial lead with a run crossing home in the top of the first inning. Alec Telles collected the third hit of the inning for the Griffons with a two-out, run-scoring single to center field.

The Griffons looked as if they would add to the lead in the top of the second when Khale Good singled through the left side with runners on first and second only for Ethan Lopez to throw out Cameron Saso at the plate trying to score from second to keep the score at 1-0.

“Anytime you can cut someone down at the plate, it’s obviously momentum for you,” Dawson said. “That was one positive to build on early in the game. … We just couldn’t capitalize on it.”

Nevada again threatened in the top of the fourth after using two walks and an infield hit to load the bases with one out. Weaks earned back to back strikeouts to end the inning with the bags still full.

“When guys can come in here and work through some adversity and get out of it, it’s good for their benefit and player development,” Dawson said. “That was good for him. He is one of our better arms. … To be able to work out of that fourth inning and go back out and have what I think was a 1-2-3 fifth was huge.”

After threatening to add insurance for much of the game, the Griffons broke through for three runs in the top of the sixth inning. Tyler Davis, who singled to lead off the frame, later came around to score on a wild pitch for the first run. Brayland Skinner came home when Good drew a walk with the bases loaded before Jesse Fonteboa grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to score the third run of the inning.

The Outlaws, who currently lead the South Division by a game, looked to cut into the lead in the bottom of the seventh after Jared Toler singled and Brett Wiemers doubled with two outs to give Joplin a pair of runners in scoring position. Brandon Ulmer lined out to center field to end the threat.

“I wish we could have (started that rally) maybe before there were two outs,” Dawson said with a laugh. “Sometimes that happens. … (Ulmer) barreled up a baseball but it just found a glove. Those were good at-bats by those three guys.”

Nevada added a fifth run in the top of the eighth when Good singled home a run with a single. Good came around to score later in the inning on a wild pitch to make the score 6-0. A hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded forced in the seventh run, with Telles adding an RBI single later in the inning to make the score 8-0.

IN THE BOX

Wiemers’ double was the only extra-base hit for the Outlaws in the loss. Caleb Fuerstake and Toler each singled for Joplin.

Jack Swisher led the Griffons with a perfect 5-for-5 game at the plate and also scored two runs. Good had two hits, two RBI and a run scored. Telles was 2-for-5 with an RBI, and Davis had two hits, scored a run and drove in a run.

UP NEXT

Joplin hits the road for a matchup at Jefferson City on Tuesday.

Carthage’s Haven Shepherd makes U.S. Paralympic Team

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

An ecstatic Haven Shepherd began her Facebook announcement on Sunday with three emphatic words.

“I did it!”

A Carthage resident, Shepherd has earned a spot on Team USA for the Paralympic Games, which will be held this summer in Tokyo.

Shepherd was selected to the national team after competing this past weekend at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials in Minneapolis. 

“I did it,” Shepherd exclaimed in her Facebook announcement. “I did it. Wooooo…Tokyo. I did it! I made the team.” 

Shepherd has honed her skills for years with the Webb City-based Berzerker Swimming club team.

“It’s pretty amazing to have a kid from our program on Team USA,” Berzerker Swimming director and head coach Shawn Klosterman said. “It really is amazing. It’s awesome to think that the club I started from scratch 22 years ago has put someone on an international team. It’s pretty special.”

Klosterman, who is also Webb City High School’s head swim coach, accompanied Shepherd to the Paralympic Trials back in 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina 

That year, Shepherd didn’t make the cut. But this year was a different story. 

“It’s been a long road,” Klosterman said. “Her major event is the breaststroke. We’ve been trying to make some changes to it, but it wasn’t as fast as it was a couple of years ago. That was the one event where she had the minimum qualifying standard that’s required to be on Team USA. This time around, she had a really big swim in the 200 IM (individual medley). This weekend she was three full seconds under the automatic qualifying time. I think that was the swim that probably got her picked.”

Haven Shepherd is pictured. Courtesy photo.

Klosterman noted Shepherd has put in countless hours of hard work to make her longtime goal a reality. 

“A typical week for her is eight practices a week in the pool,” Klosterman said. “She’s also been doing CrossFit. I think that may have been a game-changer for her. I think adding CrossFit has been a boost for her. She’s worked her butt off.” 

Shepherd’s story has been well-documented. She was born in Vietnam and had both of her legs amputated below the knees after her father detonated a bomb in an attempt to kill the family. While both of her biological parents were killed, Haven survived. 

In November of 2004, Haven was adopted by Shelly and Rob Shepherd of Carthage. 

Since taking up competitive swimming when she was 12 years old, Shepherd has made big strides. 

Shepherd, now 18, has competed in some big events before — the 2018 World Para Swimming World Series and the 2019 Parapan American Games.

It’s safe to say Shepherd has now taken the next step of an elite swimmer by making the U.S. Paralympic Team. 

Team USA will consist of 24 women and 10 men. Shepherd is one of 11 women who will make their Paralympic debuts.

In addition to competitive swimming, Shepherd has strived to increase awareness about para-athletes and has inspired others with her story as a motivational speaker.

“She really has an inspirational message,” Klosterman said. 

 

HAVEN’S BIO: Haven Shepherd (teamusa.org)

RUMBLE IN NEOSHO: Oliveira stops Ridgway in main event; Bollin, Fry win amateur bouts

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEOSHO, Mo. — Marcus Oliveira hadn’t fought in two years, so it’s safe to say the veteran pugilist needed a little time to shake off the ring rust. 

And while Oliveira may have gotten off to a slow start, he definitely finished strong. 

In control from the start, Oliveira (27-5-1, 22 KOs) recorded a fifth-round technical knockout against Justin Ridgway (9-3) in the cruiserweight main event at “Rumble in the Heartland” on Saturday night inside a packed Neosho Civic Center. 

“I hadn’t fought in awhile, but I felt good,” said Oliveira, who has fought professionally since 2006. “I knew it might take a few rounds for my skills to show, but it was exciting.”

The action-packed event, held by Skip Stewart Promotions, featured professional and amateur boxing matches, along with a few mixed martial arts bouts. 

Oliveira, a Native American who fights out of Mayetta, Kansas, is an ex-world title challenger. Oliveira fought for the WBA light heavyweight championship in 2013, suffering a loss by decision. 

Marcus Oliveira defeated Justin Ridgway in the main event of “Rumble in the Heartland” on Saturday night at the Neosho Civic Center.

Ridgway, a local fan favorite who fights out of Springfield, entered the night having won five straight fights. It was also Ridgway’s first bout in nearly two years. 

Oliveira landed several pulverizing body shots during the first three rounds. 

After a strong fourth round in which he picked up the pace and used a variety of punches, Oliveira ended the fight in the fifth. 

A left hook to the body sent Ridgway down, but the fight continued. Moments later though, a right hand to the head had Ridgway down on the mat again. At that point, the fight was waved off by the referee. 

Oliveira, who had lost his last four fights, said he was pleased with his performance.

“I usually go to the body early and I usually go to the body a lot,” Oliveira said. “I wasn’t getting discouraged when the ref kept saying some of them were low. I didn’t feel like they were low. I’m happy I was able to end it in the fifth.” 

Ridgway had local trainer Dallas Cook in his corner. 

“Marcus is a very tough fighter and he’s fought some big names and a lot of quality guys,” said Cook, who operates Heartland Boxing Gym in Galena, Kansas. “I think those body shots took a toll on Justin tonight.”

 

OTHER PRO BOUTS

Joe Carriker (3-1-2) suffered his first pro boxing loss, as Kevin Johnson (1-0) of Wichita, Kansas, made an impressive debut at 195 pounds. 

A southpaw, Johnson won by first-round TKO after a right hook to the body stopped Carriker, who trains with Cook at Heartland Boxing Gym. 

“Joe fought a strong guy and got caught,” Cook said. “That’s just part of the game.” 

In an entertaining super featherweight clash, David Perez (3-0) of Tulsa won by majority decision over Luis Galaviz (2-2) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, after four rounds. 

During the fight, an accidental headbutt caused a nasty cut to the head of Galaviz, originally resulting in a no-contest ruling. After some consideration, the fight instead went to the judges scorecards. 

Also, Jake Robinson (4-2-1) of Lee’s Summit earned a second-round TKO against the debuting Martino Grandelious of Springfield in a welterweight clash.

The Neosho Civic Center also hosted a boxing event in April of 2019. 

“I was really excited to see this crowd tonight,” Cook said. “Everyone was cheering and you could tell everyone was having a really good time.” 

 

Maddie Bollin was victorious on Saturday night in Neosho.

BOLLIN’S WIN HIGHLIGHTS AMATEUR BOUTS

Joplin High School graduate Maddie Bollin continues to impress inside the squared circle. 

In an amateur women’s boxing match, Bollin earned a unanimous decision over Eliana Nichols after three rounds.

Competing at 120 pounds, Bollin was in control from the start. 

“It was a good fight,” Bollin said. “She was a tough girl. It wasn’t an easy opponent. I think I can pick it up a little bit more next time. But overall, my punches were landing and I think my head movement was good. I enjoyed it.”

“I thought Maddie fought real well,” Cook said. “She hadn’t fought in a while. But she landed a lot of nice, clean shots. I was pretty happy.” 

Bollin will compete at the Kansas City Golden Gloves tourney in early July before the national Golden Gloves event is held in Tulsa in August. 

Those events are simply the next step in Bollin’s boxing journey.

“I plan on going as long as I can,” Bollin said. 

Another of Cook’s Heartland Boxing Gym fighters came out victorious during the undercard, as Neosho native Jacob Fry earned a decision over Reggie Shaw at 185 pounds. 

The back and forth clash was a crowd-pleaser. 

“I was proud of Jacob,” Cook said. “That was one of the best fights of the night. Jacob’s just a good all-around athlete. He looked strong.” 

Fry played football and wrestled at Neosho High School. 

Also, Xander Kimball defeated Marshall Potter by decision at 145 pounds. 

“Marshall fought a tough kid but he did real good,” Cook said. “I was really happy with my amateurs. All of them fought hard and did their best and that’s all I ask of them.” 

 

MMA BOUTS

Jesse Wright, Gaven Long and Heather Kimball won MMA bouts. 

Wright forced his opponent to tap out, Long won by TKO due to strikes, while Kimball won by unanimous decision. 

 

Justin Ridgway took on Marcus Oliveira in the main event of “Rumble in the Heartland” on Saturday in Neosho.

MINK LEAGUE: With pair of big innings, Outlaws run-rule Mudcats

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

After giving up five runs in the top of the fifth inning, the Joplin Outlaws suddenly found themselves in a four-run hole.

But the hosts responded in a big way, erupting for seven runs in the bottom half of the frame.

For the Outlaws, that big inning was just the start of an offensive explosion. 

A pair of seven-run innings propelled the Joplin Outlaws to a 16-6 run-rule victory over the Chillicothe Mudcats on Friday night in MINK League action at Joe Becker Stadium. 

Outlaws head coach Chris Dawson noted he was pleased to see his team rally after allowing a big inning.

“We seem to have a knack for that,” Dawson said. “Early in the season we couldn’t come up with the big hits and now it seems like we have. We put a little pressure on our offense after Tuesday at Clarinda, and they’ve responded the last two days. It was good to see. Today we were able to get timely hits. It was a great way to answer back.” 

The Outlaws improved to 7-5 overall and 6-1 at home. 

 

GAME RECAP

On Humane Society Night, the Mudcats (4-8) scored once in the top of the first when Payton Allen singled, took second on a wild pitch and charged home on an error. 

The Outlaws pushed across two runs in the bottom half of the first, as Logan Cline scored from third on a double steal before Brandon Ulmer’s RBI double to right-center gave the hosts a 2-1 lead. 

The score held up until the top of the fifth, when the Mudcats plated five runs on four hits and two walks.

Chillicothe tied the game on a bases loaded walk before Josh Swinehart delivered a go-ahead bloop single into center. Tanner Sears added a bases-clearing triple to center, giving the visitors a 6-2 advantage.

No worries. The Outlaws responded with seven runs in the bottom half. And they did it with just two hits. 

Brett Wiemers and Lawson Faria both drew bases-loaded walks before Cam Pfafman smacked a run-scoring single into center.

Ethan Lopez and Jeb Jenkins both walked with the bases loaded to push the Outlaws back in front at 7-6. 

Cline then added a two-run single up the middle for a three-run cushion.

In the big inning, 12 batters came to the plate and Mudcat pitchers issued five walks and also hit two batters.

“Our guys are having competitive at-bats,” Dawson said, noting he couldn’t remember a game with four bases-loaded walks. “They’re battling and putting themselves in positions to succeed. If you give us a chance to take an extra bag or give us extra at-bats, we’re going to take advantage of them.”  

Joplin ended the night early by pushing across seven more runs in the seventh.

Jenkins and Cade Lott both hit RBI singles and Cline lifted a sac fly.

Later, Wiemers contributed an RBI double and Ulmer added a run-scoring groundout to make it 14-6.

Faria added an RBI single before Pfafman smacked a game-ending single.

 

NAMES & NUMBERS

The Outlaws recorded 11 hits and everyone in the lineup had at least one. 

“We were able to get our offense going, so that was good to see,” Dawson said. 

Cline drove in three runs on two hits, while Pfafman had two RBI on two hits. Jenkins, Wiemers, Ulmer and Faria all contributed two RBI apiece. Lott scored three runs. 

In his Outlaws debut, right-hander Gavin Heltemes was the winning pitcher. 

Heltemes, who plays for Georgia Gwinnett College, struck out seven and allowed just one hit in 2 2/3 innings in relief. He struck out the side in both the sixth and seventh innings.

“Gavin came in and was nails,” Dawson said. “It’s good to add him to our staff.”

Carl Junction product Jeremiah Kennedy started on the mound for the Outlaws. A Missouri Southern Lion, the right-handed Kennedy allowed six runs on six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five in the no-decision. 

“Jeremiah pitched well and started the game off well,” Dawson said. “He got into a little trouble at the end. When we’re expanding pitch counts that’s going to happen.”

Chillicothe’s Cole Mammenga was charged with the loss. He surrendered eight earned runs on five hits and five walks in 2 1/3 innings. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Joplin Outlaws General Manager Mark Rains said Saturday’s non-league game with a Show-Me League team from Springfield was canceled. Rains said fans should check social media on Saturday in case the Outlaws find a replacement opponent. 

Joplin is scheduled to play at Jefferson City on Sunday night.

GIRLS SOCCER: Athletes from Webb City, McAuley named all-state 

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Missouri Soccer Coaches Association has released its all-state teams for 2021, and Webb City and McAuley Catholic were the lone teams from the Joplin area to be recognized.

In Class 3, Webb City junior goalkeeper Delaney Duke was a first-team pick, while junior forward Anea Bemo was selected to the second team and senior forward Mileah Metcalf was named to the honorable mention team. 

Webb City was listed at No. 8 in the final Class 3 power rankings. 

In Class 1, McAuley Catholic senior midfielder Grace Bishop and junior defender Kennedy DeRuy were selected to the first team, while sophomore goalie Lindsey Griesemer was a second-team pick.

McAuley Catholic, which featured College Heights athletes, finished fourth in the Class 1 power rankings. 

MINK LEAGUE: Joplin run rules Chillicothe 16-6 in seven innings

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Coming off a five-game road trip, Joplin scored in each of the first five innings on the way to a 16-6 seven-inning win against Chillicothe in MINK League action on Thursday at Joe Becker Stadium. 

The Mudcats scored two runs in the top of the first to take the initial advantage before the Outlaws (6-5) plated five runs in the bottom of the first to take control of the game. Joplin added two runs in the second, a run in the third, three more runs in the fourth and four runs in the fifth to build a 15-4 advantage before ending the game via run rule in the seventh inning.

Joplin totaled 16 runs on 17 total hits as a team.

“I think that day off (on Wednesday) after a five-day road trip was heavenly,” Joplin coach Chris Dawson said. “Sleeping in hotels and not really eating the greatest, to get home and take a day off just to relax and get the body going was good for our guys.

“We challenged them after Tuesday. We were not happy with our offense on Monday and Tuesday up at Clarinda. We thought we had chances to break a game open or hang with them and we didn’t. So, we challenged our offense Tuesday after the game and they came out and responded. It was good to see. Hope we can keep it going.” 

ON THE MOUND

Steen Lane started and took a no-decision for Joplin after allowing two unearned runs in three innings of work. He allowed three hits, walked two and struck out five. Webb City’s Cale McCallister earned the win in relief after allowing four runs, three earned, on two hits, two walks and two strikeouts in three innings. Jack O’Brien pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two.

Mitch Alba took the loss after allowing seven runs, five earned, in two innings. He allowed six hits, walked four and struck out two for the Mudcats.

Outlaws starting pitcher Steen Lane delivers a pitch to the plate against Chillicothe on Thursday night.

GAME ACTION

Chillicothe took the initial lead after scoring a pair of runs in the top of the first after Greyson Barrett and Wes Brandsgaard each came through with RBI singles.

Joplin wasted little time answering back, sending 10 men to the plate in the bottom of the first on the way to scoring five runs, four with two outs, to take a foothold on the lead.

“To answer (their runs) with a five (spot), a two, a one, a three and a four, when you do that you’re going to probably win a lot,” Dawson said about his team’s offensive output.

Cade Lott got the scoring started after singling home Logan Cline, who had a one-out double, to cut the deficit in half 2-1. The Outlaws tied the game when Lawson Faria drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk to force in a run. Calen Protaskey followed with a two-run single to right-center to give Joplin a 4-2 advantage. Jeb Jenkins came up with an RBI single through the left side to wrap the scoring and push the lead to 5-2.

“That kid had a great day,” Dawson said of Protaskey. “I think he had seven RBI and three or four hits. He had a great game.”

Logan Cline rounds third base and heads for home during Joplin’s big first inning against the Chillicothe Mudcats.

Joplin added two runs in the bottom of the second. The first run came home on a double play ball off the bat of Lott to extend the lead to 6-2. Brett Wiemers added an RBI double later in the inning to make the score 7-2.

The Outlaws continued to put runs on the board in the third when Jenkins came through with an RBI double to left-center with no outs to make the score 8-2.

Chillicothe cut the lead to 8-4 in the top of the fourth after a run scored on a bases-loaded double play and another on a throwing error by Joplin later in the frame.

Lott led off the fourth with a walk for the Outlaws before ultimately scoring on a wild pitch to make the score 9-4. Protaskey followed with a two-out, two-run bomb to right-center to extend the lead to 11-4. 

Ethan Ellis ripped a one-out, two-run homer in the last of the fifth to push the Outlaws’ advantage to 13-4. Drake Angeron added a two-run single later in the inning to make the score 15-4.

“It was a lineup today that didn’t really have any breaks,” Dawson said. “And the guys just kept going. No one really fell into trying to do too much. Guys were just sticking with their approaches and hitting the ball hard. … It was just a good offensive day in total today. We ran the bases well, hit well, drew walks and answered adversity early.”

Chillicothe scored twice in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to nine runs, but Protaskey came up with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch with no outs in the seventh to force home the winning run via run rule.

Joplin Outlaws infielder Jared Toler (24) is congratulated by (22) Calen Protaskey after scoring a run against the Chillicothe Mudcats on Thursday night at Joe Becker Stadium. Photos by Jason Peake.

IN THE BOX

Protaskey led the Outlaws at the plate with four hits, including a home run, a game-high seven RBI and two runs scored. Ellis homered, had two hits, scored four times and drove in two. Cline doubled, had two hits, scored four times and drove in two, while Wiemers went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI. Faria had a hit, scored three times and drove in one.

UP NEXT

Joplin hosts Chillicothe at 7 p.m. on Friday at Joe Becker Stadium.

Bruggeman named interim executive director of JSA

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Former Missouri Southern Athletics Director Jared Bruggeman has been named interim executive director of the Joplin Sports Authority (JSA). 

Bruggeman, who started on June 9, is JSA’s fifth executive director.  

“I am extremely excited to be able to serve in the role as the interim executive director of the Joplin Sports Authority,” Bruggeman said in a press release. “Having served on the JSA board for many years, we feel that the learning curve should be greatly reduced while we continue to grow and advance the JSA, the city of Joplin and the entire region economically as well as providing opportunities for additional activities. I want to thank the board for allowing this wonderful opportunity for me to continue to work with our excellent staff and the sporting community of Joplin and the entire region.”

Bruggeman served as MSSU’s director of athletics from June of 2009 to May of 2021. 

While at Southern, Bruggeman oversaw the department’s second place finish in the 2021 MIAA Commissioner’s Cup. Bruggeman has helped to see an increase in fundraising, as well as a restructuring in the Lionbacker Booster Club. 

The school has seen one of the most productive runs in the men’s basketball program’s history as the team went 197-98 in his tenure. The team has had trips to four NCAA Tournaments, as well as racking up four 22-plus win seasons and an MIAA Championship in 2011, mixed in with the 2014 MIAA Tournament Championship.  

The student-athletes at Missouri Southern posted a cumulative grade point average (GPA) above a 3.00 for the fifth-straight semester in 2020. 

Bruggeman previously served as the Associate Director of Athletics at Northern Arizona University for four years, working as the school’s compliance director, as well as overseeing the men’s and women’s track and field and cross-country programs and equipment room. 

Prior to NAU, Bruggeman served as an Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Student Life at the University of North Dakota for four years. He also oversaw facilities and game management, as well as marketing and ticketing. He was the student athlete Academic Coordinator as well as Director of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and during his time as Assistant AD, North Dakota was awarded seven NCAA postgraduate scholarships, two NCAA Division II Degree Completion Awards and the NCAA Walter Byers Post Graduate Scholarship.

Prior to his career in collegiate athletics, Bruggeman was a high school science teacher. He taught at Stephen Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa, and Red River High School in Grand Forks, N.D. Bruggeman also served as track and field and cross-country coach at both schools.

Bruggeman earned a Bachelor of Science in natural science and a Bachelor of Science in education with an emphasis in physics from the University of North Dakota in 1994. He went on to earn a Master of Education in educational leadership from UND.

“We are excited to have Jared Bruggeman serving as the interim Executive Director of the JSA,” said Dan McCreary, JSA Board Chairman. “Jared’s experience as AD at MSSU along with his service on the JSA board makes him a great choice.”

MINK LEAGUE: Clarinda scores five unanswered in win over Joplin

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CLARINDA, Iowa — Joplin broke a scoreless tie with a run in the third inning before Clarinda scored five unanswered en route to a 5-1 win on Tuesday.

After the Outlaws (4-4) took a 1-0 advantage in the third, the A’s (7-2) scored twice in the fourth to take the lead. Clarinda added two runs in the seventh and a third insurance run in eighth on the way to the win.

Jared Toler, who is hitting .381 on the season, led Joplin with two hits and an RBI. Ethan Ellis doubled, while Drake Angeron had one hit and scored a run.

Clarinda’s Chris Paruleski earned the win after allowing one run on four hits, a walk and two strikeouts in five innings of work.

Joplin starter John Kea took the loss for Joplin after allowing two runs on four hits and two strikeouts in four innings.

 

 PREP BASEBALL: Area players named all-state by MHSBCA

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association has released its all-state teams for 2021.

Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction were among the area schools that were represented on the all-state teams.

CLASS 6

Joplin senior Kohl Cooper was a second-team pick in Class 6 as an outfielder.

Nixa, Republic and Ozark from the Central Ozark Conference also had athletes recognized in Class 6.

Jaret Nelson (first team catcher) and Isaac Mitchell (second team pitcher) were selected for Nixa, along with Ozark’s Holden Sabor (second team IF). 

Ryker Harrington (first team OF), Jared Hughes (first team DH/utility) and Kyle Hill (second team catcher) were recognized for Republic. 

 

CLASS 5

Webb City and Carl Junction were well-represented on the Class 5 all-state team.

Webb City’s Treghan Parker earned first-team recognition as an infielder, while teammate Devrin Weathers was a first-team pick as an outfielder.

Carl Junction’s Noah Southern was a first-team pick at catcher.

Webb City’s Cole Gayman and Carl Junction’s Alex Baker were both second-team picks at pitcher.

Webb City’s Shane Noel was an honorable mention selection at DH/utility. 

McDonald County’s Cole Martin was a first-team selection at catcher. 

Willard’s Dalen Stewart and Glendale’s Isaac Wells were first-team pitchers. 

Also recognized for Willard were Kade Bieller (first team OF), Cooper Hampton (second team IF) and Blake Hultgren (HM IF). Glendale’s Zach Beatty was a second-team outfielder. 

 

CLASS 4 

Aurora’s Hayze Hoffman was a second-team pick at infielder, while teammate Jaesik Friggle was an honorable mention selection as an infielder.

Lamar’s Case Tucker was an honorable mention pick at infielder, while teammate Mason Gastel was an honorable mention outfielder.

Monett’s Tanner Wright was a second-team selection at catcher.

 

CLASS 2 

Purdy had three players selected in Class 2, as Osiel Aldava was a first-team pick as an infielder, while Clay Henderson was a second-team pick at infielder and Jake Brown was a second-team outfielder.

 

CLASS 1

Lockwood had two players selected, as Dylan Gallup was a first-team pick at pitcher and Jamie Kramer was an honorable mention pick as an outfielder.

 

 

FULL TEAMS:

2021 All State Teams

PREP BASEBALL: All-Big 8 West team announced

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The All-Big 8 West baseball team has been announced.

Lamar’s Case Tucker has been named Player of the Year and McDonald County’s Kevin Burgi is the Coach of the Year. 

 

All-Big 8 West Team

First Team

Pitchers: Estin McBroom, Monett; Case Sanderson, Nevada; Lance Stephens, Seneca.

Catcher: Cole Martin, McDonald County.

Infielders: Case Tucker, Lamar, Eli Cheaney, Nevada; Levi Helm, McDonald County; Titus Atkins, Seneca; Sebastian Middick, Seneca. 

Outfielders: Case Sanderson, Nevada; Mason Gastel, Lamar; Austin Furgerson, Seneca.

Utility: McBroom, Monett.

DH: Daniel Geiss, Monett.

 

Second Team

Pitchers: Ethan Brummett, East Newton; Weston Gordon, McDonald County; Titus Atkins, Seneca.

Catchers: Tanner Wright, Monett, Blake Pryor, Nevada.

Infielders: Zac Acheson, Cassville; Ethan Brummett, East Newton; Jake Anderson, East Newton; Cross Dowd, McDonald County.

Outfielders: Stetson Wiss, Lamar; Levi Malone, McDonald County; Elijah Nadurata, Nevada.

Utility: Tyler Ansley, Lamar.

DH: Drew Sampson, Seneca. 

 

Honorable Mention Team

Pitchers: Tucker, Lamar; Rylee Boyd, McDonald County; Pryor, Nevada.

Catcher: Ty Bowman, East Newton.

Infielders: Isaac Hadlow, Cassville; Ryan Wooldridge, Lamar; Jason Garner, Monett; Marcus Young, Monett.

Outfielders: Tim Hudson, Cassville; Josh Wallace, Monett; Conner Ackerson, Seneca.

Utility: Destyn Dowd, McDonald County. 

DH: Logan Marquardt, Nevada.

GIRLS SOCCER: Cardinals, Bulldogs named to Class 3 Region 3 team; Duke named top goalie

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Class 3 Region 3 girls soccer team is listed below.

 

CLASS 3 REGION 3 TEAM

Player of the Year: Maddie Helling, Union

Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Emily Gaebe, Union; Jada Holloman, Willard

Defensive Player of the Year: Emma Cloud, Union

Goalkeeper of the Year: Delaney Duke, Webb City

Coach of the Year: Matt Fennessey, Union

 

All-Region Team

Webb City: Anea Bemo, Mileah Metcalf, Haven Stanley, Delaney Duke, Melia Blair

Carl Junction: Chrissy Figueroa, Kadynce Arnold

Union: Emma Cloud, Maddie Helling, Emily Gaebe, Mya Minor, Kaitlyn Hobson, Maliyah Minor

Glendale: Leah McDonald, Macie Stephens, Taylor Thompson

Springfield Catholic: Kaitlyn Stickney, Haley Brown, Avery Bowler

Willard: Jada Holloman

Branson: Briley Efrid

GIRLS SOCCER: McAuley players named to all-region team; Bishop is Co-POY

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The McAuley Catholic Warriors were well-represented on the Class 1 Region 3 girls soccer team.

Grace Bishop was named the Co-Player of the Year, while Kennedy DeRuy was the Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Lindsey Griesemer was the Goalkeeper of the Year. 

The entire team is listed below. 

 

CLASS 1 REGION 3 TEAM

Co-Players of the Year: Grace Bishop, McAuley; Anna Crain, New Covenant.

Offensive Player of the Year: Callie McMurtrey, Crocker

Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Kennedy DeRuy, McAuley; Farquhar Whitley, New Covenant

Goalkeeper of the Year: Lindsey Griesemer, McAuley

Coach of the Year–Private: Eric Crain, New Covenant

Coach of the Year–Public: Kayla Danielson, Crocker

 

All-Region Team

McAuley: Lindsey Griesemer, Kennedy DeRuy, Grace Bishop, Kayleigh Teeter.

New Covenant: Hatty Hesemann, Farquhar Whitley, Lillie Boden, Aubrey Klemish, Anna Crain

Crocker: Megan Becker, Callie McMurtrey, Emma Boberg

Laquey: Adrienne Miller, Acacia Rice, Hannah Their

Liberty-Mountain View: Mia Wagner, Abigail Woolsey

MINK LEAGUE: Outlaws snap two-game skid with run-rule win over Bombers

Posted on by Lucas Davis

The Joplin Outlaws snapped a two-game skid with an overpowering performance with the bats en route to a 13-1 run-rule win in seven innings over Sedalia in MINK League action on Thursday at Joe Becker Stadium.

After the Bombers (2-3) took an early 1-0 lead in the first, the Outlaws (4-2) tied it up with a single tally in the second before scoring three times in the third for a 4-1 advantage. Joplin’s offense erupted for five runs in the fifth inning to build an eight-run lead. The Outlaws put the game away with a four-run sixth inning.

“It was about time, huh?” Joplin coach Chris Dawson said with a laugh when asked about his team’s offensive performance. “We have been preaching that for the last five or six games. It was going to come eventually and it finally came today. We got some breaks, but we were able to barrel some baseballs. … These kids have put in the work in the cages and during (batting practice) and it finally showed out for them today. It was good to see.”

ON THE MOUND

Webb City native Cale McCallister started for the Outlaws and took a no-decision after allowing one run on four hits, two walks and three strikeouts in three innings. Carl Junction native Jeremiah Kennedy earned the win after pitching three perfect relief innings, striking out three in the process. Austin Gottula walked one and struck out three in one relief inning.

“Jeremiah Kennedy was lights out today,” Dawson said. “Doing what he did was awesome.”

Tucker Nunnenkamp took the loss for Sedalia after allowing seven runs, five earned, on eight hits, a walk and one strikeout in 4 1/3 innings.

GAME ACTION

Sedalia went to work offensively with two outs in the top of the first inning. After the first two Bombers were retired, Brandon Stahlman and Jacob McWhirter came up with back to back singles. Brett Mooney and Clayton Meyer followed with consecutive walks to force in a run.

Joplin answered back with a run in the bottom of the second to tie the game after Jeb Jenkins came through with a sacrifice fly to score Cade Lott, who singled to lead off the inning.

The Outlaws took the lead an inning later when Lott singled to left with runners on the corners to plate Brett Wiemers, who doubled to lead off the frame. Jenkins reached later in the inning with the bases full on a Sedalia fielding error in left that allowed two more runs to score to push the lead to 4-1.

Joplin added a pair of one-out runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when Jenkins ripped a single off the glove of the leaping third baseman for Sedalia to score Lott, who singled through the left side to start the inning, and Lawson Faria to make the score 6-1. Ethan Lopez singled up the middle two batters later to score two more and give the Outlaws an 8-1 advantage. Wiemers closed out the scoring with an RBI single.

“It was good,” Dawson said of the Outlaws’ multi-run innings. “We were able to have team at-bats early on and then broke it open with some balls to the gaps and balls down the line.”

“Brett Wiemers continues to hit the cover off the baseball,” Dawson added. “He had his wisdom teeth taken out about a week ago and maybe that was the ticket for him. He has been incredible the last week since he’s been back, so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Joplin’s sticks didn’t let up in the sixth, with Cam Pfafman adding an RBI single and Faria picking up two more RBI with a two-run single to build a 12-1 lead. A fourth run in the inning came around to score on a throwing error by Sedalia.

“It was good to see that we put together some good at-bats, and balls fell today,” Dawson said. “We’ve been hitting balls hard all summer long and they either haven’t found the gap or the defense made a really good play. Today, it was kind of the opposite of the opposite. We were able to take advantage of mistakes, but we were also able to hit balls in the gap that fell for us.

“We were able to get those breaks and you have to get that sometimes in baseball. It was good to see them getting rewarded for barrelling up baseball and having good approaches.”

IN THE BOX

Lott led the Outlaws at the dish with a perfect 4-for-4 day and scored a team-high four runs to go along with one RBI. 

“Cade is a great kid,” Dawson said. “I love him in the clubhouse and he is maybe one of the funniest guys on this team. He has been putting in the work. He made some tweaks, nothing crazy— staying in the legs a little more. … It was good to see the hard work help him come through and it finally paying off.” 

Wiemers finished 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Lukas White scored twice, while Faria drove in two and scored twice. Jenkins doubled and finished with a team-high three RBI.

UP NEXT

Joplin hits the road with a matchup at Sedalia at 7 p.m. on Friday.

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