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FOOTBALL WEEK 1: How to watch Joplin at Webb City

 

The 2021 prep football season is here with another highly-anticipated matchup between Joplin and Webb City in Week 1. This year’s contest is slated for 7 tonight at Webb City’s Cardinal Stadium. 

Joplin has earned wins over Webb City in back-to-back season openers. Will the Eagles make it three straight or will the Cardinals put a halt to the streak? We’ll find out tonight.

Expect a playoff atmosphere and a large crowd at Cardinal Stadium.

If you can’t make it to Webb City, or don’t want to deal with the large crowd, there are two ways to watch tonight’s game. 

The Joplin broadcast is through Fox Sports Joplin’s website here: https://foxsportsjoplin.com/ 

KNEO’s Webb City broadcast will be here: Sports (kneo.org)

 

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Carl Junction looks to build up experience along the way for upcoming season

After graduating all but eight total starters from last year’s team, Carl Junction football will be using 2021 as a season for growth in the program.

The Bulldogs finished last season with a 6-6 record and graduated a bevy of experience. Carl Junction returns three starters on offense — all along the offensive line — and five starters on the defensive side of the ball with more than 30 players figuring to step into more meaningful roles at the varsity level.

“You go through all the summer weightlifting, conditioning and football camps to get to this point and I think the kids are definitely excited to play,” said Carl Junction coach Doug Buckmaster. “It’s time to play a game, so I am just happy that we have reached this point.”

“We lost a big group of seniors last year,” Buckmaster added. “We have a fairly large senior class this year. But in saying that, we are still going to be a young, inexperienced football team. We may go through some growing pains. I definitely feel like there is a bright future ahead. You don’t ever like saying this is a rebuilding year or something like that because we feel like we can go out and compete and play well in our conference. We just lack numbers and the depth that we’ve had in the past.” 

Returning starters on offense for the Bulldogs are senior LT Darris Hill, senior RT Kameron Bennett and junior center Ross Craig. 

Highlighting the players expected to make an impact at the varsity level on the offensive side of the ball this season for the Bulldogs is senior QB Kyler Perry, junior RB Chance Benford, senior WRs Shane Diskin, Jordan Woodruff, and Dalton Mills, junior WR Nathan Planchon and sophomore WR Dexter Merrell. Filling out the rest of the offensive line figures to be junior LG Josh McDermott and senior RG Michael Phipps.

The returning starters for Carl Junction on the defensive side of the ball are Phipps at defensive tackle, senior DE Josh Cory, senior OLB Carter Kennedy, junior OLB Braxton Dodds and junior DT Donnie Keith. Filling out the projected starters on the defense is sophomore CB Kyler Stewart, junior CB Ayden Bard, junior safeties Arlen Wakefield and Tony Stewart, sophomore linebackers Johnny Starks and Bentley Rowden and Hill at nose tackle. 

“Our defensive side of the ball should be our strength,” Buckmaster said. “We have four or five returning starters on that side of the ball. Some of the kids who are stepping in to replace the ones we lost a year ago have a chance to be as good or better than what we played at in certain positions last year. And we were a pretty good football team on the defensive side last year.”

Carl Junction opens the season at 7 p.m. Friday with a home game against Willard.

“If we can keep them healthy, they are going to get better,” Buckmaster said about what he wants to see in terms of progression this season from his Bulldogs. “We just need to play well early in our schedule in the first three weeks. We need to go out and win a few football games. If we do that, it can set us up for a good season. And we have a good opportunity the first three weeks to put some wins on the board.”

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: First-year Neosho coach Brandon Taute has team focusing on winning each day

Neosho football will look quite different in 2021.

The Wildcats finished 2020 with an 0-10 record but the upcoming season is a clean slate with Brandon Taute taking over the program as the new head coach. Taute is the former offensive coordinator for Joplin. With the Eagles, Taute was in charge of a prolific scoring offense that resulted in some of the best success the Joplin program has ever seen. Now, Taute brings that success to Neosho.

“I am excited,” Taute said. “We have an awesome group of kids. I have a great coaching staff with me and the community has been super accepting and supportive of us. I am excited for what we have going and what we’re building for the future.

“(My time at Joplin) was huge for me. I got to work with some really good coaches in Joplin, and I got to work with some really good athletes. I learned so much in my time there, stuff that I took from each coach that I worked with. Coach (Curtis) Jasper was such an awesome head coach to work for. He let you take on so much responsibility and ownership of what you’re doing. Being able to work under him and with the guys I worked around really set me up for this opportunity.”

Since taking the helm, one of Taute’s biggest focuses has been changing the culture. Of course, following a winless season, it can be difficult to change the players’ mindset. 

“Since Day 1, we talked about focusing on today and getting better today,” Taute said. “Our goal was to be better than we were yesterday. … We challenge the kids to ask themselves if they are better than they were yesterday. If they can answer yes to that question, then we are taking steps in the right direction. 

“All of the wins and losses will take care of itself. We haven’t talked about goals in terms of number of wins, it’s all been about focusing on the moment and seizing the opportunities we have. We can’t look at things like practice, or time in the weight room or speed development as something they have to do, but as an opportunity they have to get better. And the kids have bought into it. They are super high-character kids and I am really excited about their development.”

When a new coach takes over, that generally means there will be a system change. Offensively, the Wildcats will be switching to the spread offense, much like Taute ran while with the Eagles. Of course, the plan is to ultimately fit the offense — which will be run by new offensive coordinator Dayton Whitehead, who came over from Joplin with Taute — to the players’ skills on that side of the ball.

“It is going to be similar to what we’ve done in Joplin,” Taute said. “We have a really good group of (coaches) who buy into the philosophy of what we are doing. … We will adapt as the year goes on and our offense will tweak every week to fit the kids we have. We have a pretty good grasp right now, but that will change week to week when we see how the kids perform under the lights.”

With several seniors coming back to the defensive side of the ball, Neosho plans to keep much of the prior defensive scheming in place under holdover defensive coordinator Erik Yoakam.

“Coach Yoakam was the DC for the last four years here at Neosho,” Taute said. “They have a group of coaches who are familiar with each other and the system they are running. … The kids are familiar with the defense he runs and that has been a huge help to us. With a whole new offense and teaching the kids new terminology, it’s nice not to have to do that on both sides of the ball.” 

Neosho brings back returning starters DL/OLB Marcus Duncan, OLB Tristen Linders, WR/DB Isaiah Green, OL/DL Nico Olivares, OLB/RB Collyn Kivett, RB Talon Mitchell, OL Seth Green, WR/DB Logan Whetzell, QB Evan Haskins and OL Pete Houk.

Other players expected to contribute heavily at the varsity level this season includes LB Jeremiah Cobb, DB Aidan Howell, DL Hunter Stockton, DL/OL Eric Renner, OLB/RB Jared Siler, DB/WR Landon Werneke, DB/RB Noah Reed, DE/TE Andrew Rupert and OL Carter Baslee.

Neosho opens the season on the road against Republic with a 7 p.m. matchup on Friday.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Joplin ready to get back to playing with consistency in 2021

Joplin is coming off an up-and-down season a year ago, but the Eagles’ main focus in 2021 is getting back to playing the consistent football they’ve grown accustomed to.

Last year, Joplin finished with a 6-5 overall record, 5-4 in the Central Ozark Conference. The biggest issue for the Eagles was putting together a complete four quarters of football. The good news for Joplin is the Eagles are returning 14 starters as well as several more key contributors with a rejuvenated mindset and high expectations for the 2021 season.

“I think we learned a lot last year,” Joplin head coach Curtis Jasper said. “There were a lot of ups and downs during the season. Except for four plays in the district (semifinal) game (against Raymore-Peculiar), I thought we played really well. Those are the things that we talked about all offseason, all the little things adding up to big things. That is what we have stressed, and that’s what the leadership on this team has stressed.

“Hopefully, those things pay big dividends because here’s the thing, the COC is a tough conference. If you don’t have all of the little things right, you are going to have a roller coaster year like we had last year because there are just too many good teams out there.”

Joplin quarterback Always Wright drops back to pass in the Eagles’ jamboree. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

How do you get back to making sure you do the little things correctly? It all starts with preparation. And that doesn’t mean just on game day, that means getting back to taking every practice, weights day or film session as seriously as possible. 

“I think our preparation is important, having the mental mindset of wanting and being able to prepare properly in a normal fashion,” Jasper said. “Having that opportunity and understanding what it takes a little more all adds up.”

Highlighting the returning starters on the offensive side of the ball—which is now ran by new offensive coordinator Jacob Hewitt, formally of Staley—is senior quarterback Always Wright, senior WR Bruce Wilbert, senior WR LT Atherton, junior WR Terrance Gibson, senior OL Dawson Phillips and sophomore OL Dontrell Holt.

Expected to have a big impact for the Eagles at the varsity level on the offensive side of the ball is junior WR Hudson Moore, a Carthage transfer, senior OL Zach Harthan, Stone Karcher, Jett Steele and Trenton Smith, sophomore WR All Wright, sophomore RB Quin Renfro, junior RB Drew VanGilder, senior WR Jack Standley and senior WR Isaac Meadows. 

“I expect him to continue his growth and maturation at the position that we saw last year,” Jasper said of returning quarterback Always Wright. “He had a tremendous year that I honestly don’t think got the credit it deserved. There were a couple of turnovers that stick out in peoples’ minds because of the time and place, but if you look at his touchdown to interception ratio, and how he took care of the football, he had an amazing year. We just look forward to him continuing to build on that.

“It’s great to have Bruce back after he missed some time following the Webb City game (last season),” Jasper added. “It’s also great having Hudson come on over. He is a great young man who is fun and has fit right in. We really like both Quin and Drew splitting those running back reps. They’ve both done a fantastic job.”

“We have three lineman up front from last year in Dontrell, Dawson and Harthan, and Jett Steele and Trent Simon have worked their absolute tails off and have looked good.”

Joplin’s Luke Vieselmeyer makes a play in the Eagles’ jamboree. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Returning defensive starters include senior DL Donovahn Watkins and Gunner Price, senior DE Joe Jasper, senior LB Robert Kelly as well as senior defensive backs Donovyn Fowler, Korey Read, Ethan Overstreet and Luke Vieselmeyer.

Also expected to contribute heavily at the varsity level on the defensive side of the ball is junior LB Draven VanGilder, sophomore LB Jonathan Williams, senior DB Ben Williams, junior DE Blake Farmer, junior DL Josh Lowe, junior DL Luke Gunn, senior LB Yael Herrera, Ty Beebe, Brylan Patton and senior DB Gustavo Onate.

“Korey is a tremendous player,” Jasper said. “So is Evan Overstreet. And Donovyn Fowler, you saw his athleticism all spring track season. Vieselmeyer is just a tough, gritty kid.

“Up front defensively, we have four seniors and a junior and two more juniors who rotate in, all guys who had a ton of experience last year. The front and back ends of the defense return a ton of experience.

“We like our linebackers a lot too. They are hard-nosed kids who will come downhill. Draven VanGilder and Jonathan Williams are a couple of young linebackers who are doing a great job.”

Joplin opens the season with a matchup against a team that has grown to be one of the Eagles’ biggest rivalries since joining the Central Ozark Conference—Webb City. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Cardinal Stadium. Joplin is 2-1 against Webb City since joining the COC, falling in 2018-19 before winning each of the past two seasons.

SOFTBALL: Carthage ready to continue upward trend in 2021

There is reason to be excited when talking about Carthage softball.

In Stephanie Ray’s first season as head coach a year ago, the Tigers finished with a 19-12 overall and came in second place in the Central Ozark Conference with a 7-2 record. Carthage will look to take the next step as seven starters return to the fold in 2021.

“We went 19-12 last year and I don’t know if the girls realized we could do that,” Ray said about the added experience coming back for the 2021 season. “Now, they know we are capable of it. They are so excited to get in here and get started. They are rolling off of the momentum from the offseason and ready to go.”

Carthage’s Natalie Rodriguez drives the ball to the outfield during the Tigers’ jamboree. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

The Tigers’ returning starters are headlined by junior outfielder Landry Cochran and seniors Natalie Rodriguez (IF), Presley Probert (IF), Jensyn Elder (P), Mary Grace Richmond (OF), Jordyn Jones (IF) and Kate Potter (IF/P). Also returning for the Tigers are seniors Montana Fly (IF/OF) and Aspen Willis (OF), as well as junior Ashlynn Jackson (OF/P) and sophomores Alexis Smith (C/IF) and Brooklynn Dolon-Main (IF).

“We are deep in a lot of positions this year,” Ray said. “Returning almost our entire lineup and our entire defense is going to be huge for us this year.”

Offensively, Cochran led the Tigers with a .451 batting average last season, adding 19 RBI and 36 runs scored as well. She also led Carthage in hits with 46. Rodriguez hit .402 to go along with 25 RBI and 31 runs scored. Probert batted .337 BA with 19 RBI and 23 runs scored.

In the circle, Elder finished with 17 wins,156 strikeouts and a 2.40 earned-run average. 

“Landry led us in a lot of offensive categories last season,” Ray said. “She was consistent all season. She was a hard out every game and will lead us at the top of the lineup and in center field.

“Having Jensyn back is huge because our defense is so comfortable behind her. They understand if the ball gets put in play to be ready to go make a play. They love playing defense with her in the circle. She works hard out there.”

Carthage pitcher Jensyn Elder delivers a strike to home plate during the Tigers’ jamboree. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Carthage’s biggest asset is obviously its returning experience, including the entire infield. Six of the seven returning starters are seniors, with several upperclassmen available off the bench as well. The focus will be doing the little things correctly in all three phases of the game.

“I think we need to be more consistent,” Ray said. “Last year, we started off about .500 and built momentum as the season went and picked it up at the end. I would like to see us start off a little bit quicker this year. … I expect us to work hard and be ready to compete with whoever we share the field with.”

Carthage opens the season in the Rockwood Summit softball tournament Aug. 27-28.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Perennial power Webb City reloaded in 2021

 

The Webb City Cardinals will have new faces in big roles this fall. 

Entering the 2021 season, the Cardinals must overcome the loss of a talented senior class that produced 11 all-conference and six all-state performers. 

“We are replacing many multi-year starters in several positions,” Webb City coach John Roderique noted. “That’s a very tough thing to do. We’ll need to become an experienced team early. There are a lot of unknowns, but that’s what’s exciting. Some kids always surprise you.”

Webb City will rely heavily on five returning starters on offense and four full-time starters on defense to lead the way alongside a large number of new varsity performers who will get their chance to shine this season. 

“We’re a very inexperienced team right now,” said Roderique, who owns a record of 298-28 entering his 25th season at the helm. “It showed at times at the jamboree. But our kids have been working hard and they’ve done a really good job. We’ll have some new guys step forward. We’re excited to get the season kicked off and we’ll see how much progress we make week to week. We want to improve from start to finish.”  

As far as 2020, a bump up to Class 5 didn’t stop Webb City from having a memorable and highly successful campaign.

The Cardinals went 11-2 overall and were one of the final four teams competing in Class 5. Along the way, Webb City earned a share of the Central Ozark Conference championship, captured a district title for the 21st straight season and reached the state semifinals for the 12th time in 13 years. 

In a season that began with uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic, Roderique’s defending Class 4 champion Cardinals moved up to Class 5 and put together an 11-game winning streak before falling to Platte County in the semifinals. 

“The best part of the season was overcoming a season opening loss to Joplin to put ourselves in a tie for the conference title, winning a district championship and advancing to the semifinals,” said Roderique, who has won 12 state championships at his alma mater. 

Dealing with COVID-19 was not easy, Roderique noted.

“The most challenging thing was each day we didn’t know who was going to show up or be available for practice or who might be playing on Friday,” Roderique said. “We had to make many adjustments to the roster and depth chart each and every week.” 

Among the biggest losses to graduation were last year’s COC Offensive Player of the Year Devrin Weathers and COC Defensive Player of the Year Treghan Parker. Kansas State recruit Weathers and Missouri State recruit Gary Clinton were among the all-state performers who have moved on the next level. 

Cohl Vaden attempts a pass during last Friday’s jamboree at Junge Field. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

OFFENSE

Webb City’s split-back veer offense will be directed by a new quarterback this fall5-foot-10, 160-pound senior Cohl Vaden.

“Cohl’s been great at QB and he’s a really smart kid,” said Roderique. “He’s really smart and athletic on the field. He’s got a good football IQ. He’s doing a good job.” 

Vaden earned third-team all-COC honors last year as a wide receiver. He had 294 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Junior Gage Chapman is another option at QB. 

A pair of senior running backs return with starting experience. Dupree Jackson recorded 836 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns last season, while classmate Cade Wilson ran for 305 yards and six scores before an injury cut short his season.

Eric Fitch is expected to play a key role for the Webb City Cardinals.

Options at wide receiver are seniors Eric Fitch and Josh Howard, while senior Skyler Denton and junior Trey Roets are tight ends.

Two offensive linemen are returning starters. 

Senior center Buddy Belcher (6-0, 245) earned all-conference and all-district honors last year. Belcher will start for a third straight season. 

Senior guard Braeden Jackson (6-3, 270) is also back with starting experience.

Senior Angel Valasquez and sophomores Kole Carr and Nate Miller are other possible starters on the offensive line.

 

DEFENSE

The Cardinals feature three returning starters at linebacker in seniors Brentan Wilson (5-9, 170) and Cooper Crouch (6-1, 210) and junior Lucas Ott (6-1, 195). 

Roderique expects all three players to be leaders of the defense. Wilson made 60 tackles last year, most among returning players. Crouch and Ott recorded 56 tackles apiece last fall. 

Also back are senior tackles Christian Kinney (6-3, 250) and Brody German (5-10, 230). Kinney recorded 27 stops last year, while German made 21 tackles.

Fitch is a possible starter at defensive back. Also expected to contribute nicely are seniors Gavin Stowell (LB) and Braxton Surber (DL) and juniors Kaylor Darnell (DB) and A.J. Bash (DL). 

 

COACHING STAFF ADDITIONS

Roderique’s coaching staff has two noteworthy additions this year.

Scott Bailey, who led Lamar to seven state titles in 14 years, is now coaching Webb City’s defensive line. 

Webb City graduate and former assistant Ryan McFarland is back on the staff as the offensive coordinator after leaving Seneca, where he guided the Indians the last five years. 

“They’re awesome guys and just good friends,” Roderique said of Bailey and McFarland. “They’re both great with kids. They’re exceptional football coaches and they do a great job of inspiring and motivating kids.” 

 

WEEK 1 IS HERE

Webb City hosts Joplin at 7 on Friday night in a highly-anticipated Week 1 clash. 

“It’s Week 1, so it’s like a baseline test to figure out where you’re at,” Roderique said. “Week 1 will give us an indication of where we need to be and where we need to go.” 

 

WEBB CITY’S 2021 SCHEDULE

8-27 vs. Joplin

9-3 at Neosho

9-10 vs. Republic

9-17 at Carthage

9-24 at Carl Junction

10-1 vs. Branson

10-8 at Nixa

10-15 vs. Ozark

10-22 at Willard 

PREP FOOTBALL: 2021 Central Ozark Conference schedule, scores

 

Below is the 2021 composite football schedule and score list for the Central Ozark Conference.

 

August 27 scores 

Joplin 41, Webb City 40

Carl Junction 39, Willard 13

Carthage 49, Ozark 14

Republic 47, Neosho 12

Nixa 42, Branson 6

 

September 3 scores

Joplin 28, Nixa 25

Webb City 49, Neosho 20

Carthage 28, Carl Junction 0

Republic 45, Willard 21

Branson 23, Ozark 21

 

September 10 scores

Joplin 42, Ozark 7

Webb City 56, Republic 20

Carthage 71, Neosho 14

Carl Junction 33, Branson 7

Nixa 49, Willard 14

 

September 17

Carl Junction at Joplin

Webb City at Carthage

Neosho at Branson

Ozark at Willard

Nixa at Republic

 

September 24

Willard at Joplin

Webb City at Carl Junction

Carthage at Branson

Nixa at Neosho

Republic at Ozark

 

October 1

Joplin at Republic

Branson at Webb City

Neosho at Carl Junction

Willard at Carthage 

Ozark at Nixa

 

October 8

Carthage at Joplin

Webb City at Nixa

Carl Junction at Republic

Neosho at Ozark

Branson at Willard

 

October 15

Joplin at Branson

Ozark at Webb City

Republic at Carthage

Nixa at Carl Junction

Willard at Neosho

 

October 22

Neosho at Joplin

Webb City at Willard

Carl Junction at Ozark

Carthage at Nixa

Branson at Republic

(Regular season ends)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Carthage Tigers have expectations set high in ‘21

 

After yet another successful campaign on the gridiron, the Carthage Tigers once again have the expectations set high as a new season arrives. 

And it’s not hard to see why. 

Entering the 2021 season, the Tigers will feature one of the conference’s top two-way performers in junior running back and linebacker Luke Gall. 

Carthage also returns 10 players who gained starting experience on defense last fall. On top of that, the Tigers will feature battle-tested linemen on both sides of the ball to go along with a number of promising athletes at the skill positions. 

To longtime Carthage coach Jon Guidie, there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.

“It’s a great group of kids,” said Guidie, who is 145-42 in 16 seasons at Carthage. “They’re fun to coach. They’re high-character kids. They show up everyday with great attitudes. We’ve got some experienced guys and some new guys who are eager to make a name for themselves.” 

Coming off a state championship in 2019, Carthage put together another stellar campaign in ’20. 

The Tigers went 9-1, earning a share of the Central Ozark Conference title with Webb City before suffering a season-ending setback to the rival Cardinals in the district championship game.

Carthage running back Luke Gall looks for running room in last year’s game against Webb City. File photo by Shawn Fowler.

Carthage’s top returning performer is arguably one of the COC’s best, as the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Gall should once again be a two-way standout.

“Luke’s been fantastic,” Guidie said. “Anytime one of your best players is your hardest worker it’s a good thing. Luke never takes a day off, whether it’s practice or the weight room. His motor is always running. He does a lot for us on the field. Just his presence alone out there gives our kids a lot of confidence.” 

 

OFFENSE

Senior Caden Kabance is slated to take over the quarterback position after previously gaining starting experience at both receiver and defensive back, where he earned all-COC honors.

Guidie noted Kabance has made a smooth transition from catching passes to throwing them. 

“He’s been fantastic,” Guidie said. “He was our freshman quarterback and was the backup the last couple of years. Caden took reps in practice so it’s not like it’s all new to him. He’s a smart player. He reminds me of Alex Derryberry. He’s very efficient at running the offense and he can be elusive when he runs.” 

The 6-foot, 180-pound Kabance will start under center this fall after the graduation of Patrick Carlton, a three-year starter at QB who ran for 1,272 yards and passed for 1,096 in ’20. Carlton is now at East Coast Prep. 

Gall, who earned first-team all-COC recognition on offense and defense as a sophomore, ran for 1,051 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and scored 15 touchdowns last fall. He’s expected to be a workhorse from the running back position again. 

Junior running back Clay Kinder will also see plenty of carries. 

“Clay played about everything for us last year,” Guidie said. “He’s settled into that second running back spot.” 

Senior H-back Brett Rockers is also expected to contribute nicely. 

“He plays hard and he plays physical,” Guidie said. “He gets after it and we’re very excited about him.” 

Senior Cale Patrick is a returning performer at wide receiver. 

“He’s been really good this year and he’ll start on defense too,” Guidie said. 

Senior Braxdon Tate and junior Aiden Rogers are other options at wide receiver.

Junior Tyler Willis started over half of Carthage’s games last year on both sides of the ball. He’ll be a key weapon at tight end. 

The Tigers have a pair of returning standouts on the offensive line.

Senior Garrett Lilienkamp (6-2, 265) will become a three year starter on the offensive line. He earned third-team all-conference honors and honorable mention all-state recognition last year.

Senior Gavin VanGilder (6-2, 255) is a two-year starter at center, while classmate Anthony Strickland (6-1, 275) is another offensive lineman who should make a big impact.

Juniors Drew Musche and Malachi Housh are other likely starters on the offensive line.

“Our O-Line is doing a great job,” Guidie said. “It all starts with them.” 

 

DEFENSE

Among the 10 players who started at least one game in 2020, seven were full-time starters. 

“I like where we’re at defensively,” Guidie said. “We have a lot of speed and experience on that side of the ball. That’s something we need to use to our advantage.”

Gall recorded 76 tackles, including 11 for a loss, earning second-team all-state recognition. 

Fellow linebackers Sylas Browning and Zach Lansford return with starting experience. Both are seniors. 

“They’re smart and athletic players,” Guidie said of his returning linebackers. “And they’re all physical kids.” 

Junior Micah Lindsey is back at defensive tackle. Lindsey recorded 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks last year, earning second-team all-COC honors. 

“He’s certainly bigger, faster and more experienced this year and we expect big things out of him,” Guidie said. 

Senior Max Williams returns after starting every game last season at defensive end.

Junior Davion King is back with starting experience in the secondary. Kinder is expected to make an impact at defensive back, while Kabance could also see time at cornerback.

 

WEEK 1 IS HERE

The Tigers open the ’21 season on Friday night at Ozark. 

“Week 1 is always kind of an unknown,” Guidie said. “We know Ozark’s kids will be ready to play. They have big and athletic kids everywhere. We’ll have to be disciplined defensively against their flexbone offense. On our end, it’s about playing hard and playing mistake-free. If we can do that, we can iron out everything else.”  

 

CARTHAGE’S 2021 SCHEDULE

8-27 at Ozark

9-3 vs. Carl Junction

9-10 at Neosho

9-17 vs. Webb City

9-24 at Branson

10-1 vs. Willard

10-8 at Joplin

10-15 vs. Republic

10-22 at Nixa 

SOFTBALL: Joplin’s lineup depth expected to lead the way for Eagles in 2021

Joplin softball will be using a deep lineup littered with decorated returning starters to lead the way for the upcoming 2021 season. 

The Eagles, who finished 8-22 and 2-7 in the Central Ozark Conference last season, graduated four seniors from a year ago, but Joplin has four seniors on this year’s squad as well as several key returning players who saw extensive varsity playing time a year ago. 

Joplin freshman Jadyn Pankow drives the ball to the outfield during the Eagles’ jamboree at Carthage on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

“We have a great returning cast,” Joplin head coach Manny Flores said. “Some of our seniors, juniors and even our sophomores had some varsity playing time last year. And we have a great freshman class to combine with that experience from last year. It is pushing our older girls to get better. To be honest, I am excited to see how this team comes together to gel and compete as a team.”

On top of returning seniors Liz Snider (catcher), Madisyn Tracy (1B, P), Kourtney Wright (IF) and Ryleigh Surridge (2B, OF), Joplin also welcomes back junior shortstop Izzy Yust and sophomore third baseman Bailey Ledford.

“(Madisyn) is our vocal leader and she really works hard,” Flores said. “She is going to be a girl we lean on in the middle of the order, at first base and she might see some time in the circle.”

Yust finished the year with first-team all-district and second-team all-COC honors, while Snider was also first-team all-district and earned all-conference honorable mention. Ledford was second-team all-district and all-conference honorable mention as a freshman last season.

“I am really excited about Izzy returning at shortstop,” Flores said. “She is another captain who leads by example. … Bailey started every game for us at third base as a sophomore and she is such a fun player to watch all the way around. … She brings the energy for us. Liz, when healthy, can be a difference maker in the middle of the order. She is also a solid defender behind the plate and doesn’t allow many passed balls.” 

Joplin junior Jill McDaniel delivers a pitch to home plate during the Eagles’ jamboree at Carthage on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Junior Jill McDaniel returns to the circle as Joplin’s starting pitcher.

“We are going to rely heavily on her in the circle to make that jump as an upperclassman for us,” Flores said. “If she commands the zone, she is one of the toughest girls to hit in the area.”

Junior OF Hope Oakley, an Oklahoma transfer, and freshmen Jadyn Pankow (1B, OF), Abigayle Lowery (OF), Maria Loum (IF), Libby Munn (IF, OF) and Riley Kelly (C) are also expected to contribute at the varsity level this season. 

As far as the team’s biggest strength this season? Flores was quick to point out how much potential the Eagles’ lineup has. 

“I think we have an offense that can compete with anybody in our conference,” Flores said. “I think we are going to come out and swing it. We will be able to come out and beat teams in different ways. … We can hit for some power and we have a lot of speed this year as well. Small ball is also going to be a big part of it, too.”

While the offense is expected to lead the way for the Eagles, the true test for Joplin’s success will come in the circle and on the defensive end. If the Eagles find a way to stay competitive early in those two areas, improving as the season progresses, Joplin will be in position to continue the trend of adding wins to their record in 2021.

Joplin’s Kirsten McMillen pulls the ball during the Eagles’ jamboree at Carthage on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

“We need to play hard and compete on every pitch,” Flores said.” We are going to have to come together and gel as a group and play unselfish softball to give ourselves a chance day in and day out and I think we will do that.  All it’s going to take is us winning a close game or two early on to start building that belief. If that happens, look out because we can be a really good softball team.”

Joplin opens the season on the diamond in the Branson-Aurora Bash softball tournament Aug. 27-28.

SOFTBALL: Neosho returns seven starters and a bevy of experience in 2021

They say experience is the most valuable attribute a team can have. If that’s the case, Neosho softball is in a position to accomplish great things in 2021 with a bevy of talent returning.

“We do have a lot of experience and I think that plays a big role in knowing how your teammates play,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said. “You know what to expect from each kid as a coach, and they know what to expect from each other. … And the experience and knowledge of the game is crucial.”

The Wildcats are coming off an 18-9, 5-4 COC season and bring back 11 players with varsity starting experience. More importantly, those varsity returning starters are made up predominantly of juniors and seniors.

“I think we surprised people with what we did last year, and I hope to do that again this year,” Cummins said. “We want to be that team that people talk about when they have that conversation about who are the best teams in the conference or who are the best teams in Southwest Missouri. That is what they want and us as a coaching staff want. We have pride in our school and the Neosho community. … We just want to come out and be that team that other teams don’t want to play.”

Neosho’s Phenix Scott delivers a pitch to home during the Wildcats’ jamboree on Tuesday in Carthage. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

The senior returning starters for the Wildcats are Lili Graue (Outfield), Kaitlyn Killion (OF), Maddie Carpenter (UT), Alivia Campbell (UT), while the returning juniors are Baylie Bowers (OF), McKaylie Forrest (C), Maelynn Garrett (IF), Grace Johnson (UT), Abbie Carpenter (IF) and Chloe Patterson (P). Sophomore pitcher Phenix Scott also returns to the varsity squad.

Graue hit .429 last year and scored 28 runs to go along with 13 RBI. Campbell finished with a .418 batting average, bringing back 15 RBI and 14 runs scored. Killion hit .400 a year ago and led the Wildcats in RBI with 30. She also scored 28 runs. Forrest hit .398 and finished with 21 RBI and 23 runs scored. Abbie Carpenter drove in 17 and scored 15 times last season.

“Coach (Morgan) Rodriguez, our hitting coach, has talked a lot about being an impossible out,” Cummins said of her lineup’s mentality this season. “What can you do to not get out? Is that drawing a walk, getting hit by a pitch or seeing seven or eight pitches with two strikes. Just being a tough out.”

Also returning for Neosho are juniors Jordyn Baker (IF), Trinity Drake (UT), Avery Bradford (OF) and sophomore Tatiyana Douglas (OF).

The biggest focus for Neosho this season is winning every phase of the game—offense, defense and pitching. To do that, you have to have an extremely cohesive unit, which Cummins says may be the team’s biggest strength this season.

“We talk about being great on all three sides of the ball,” Cummins said. “You have to hit well, you have to pitch well and you have to play defense well. When we do those things, we are going to be very good. We can’t have times where we only rely on pitching or only rely on hitting. We are going to have to play complete games if we want to play well.”

The only real changes heading into the season for the Wildcats is the need to replace their starting shortstop as well as their starting pitcher from a season ago. 

Junior Chloe Patterson and Scott bring back the most varsity experience in the circle for the Wildcats. The two combined for six wins, three losses and one save in 41 1/3 innings last season. Freshman Carleigh Kinnaird is also expected to see time in the circle this season.

“I think we are going to pitch the ball well,” Cummins said. “We have three kids who are going to throw in varsity games, and they are all very different. I am looking forward to getting to use them in a different way than most people see softball.”

Neosho opens the season with a home contest against Monett at 4:30 on Aug. 30.

VOLLEYBALL: College Heights returns key performers from sectional championship squad

After contributing to a sectional championship in 2020, four juniors and a sophomore are expected to lead the way for the College Heights Christian volleyball team this fall. 

College Heights coach Mary Colin is confident juniors Lauren Ukena, Addie Lawrence, Lindsay Griesemer and Ava Masena and sophomore Maddy Colin give the Cougars a solid core.

“Lauren, Addie, Lindsay, Ava and Maddy are powerful players who love to play and have fun,” Coach Colin said. “They will all serve aggressively, hit hard, dive for balls, block balls and maintain strong team chemistry. They’ll be fun to watch.” 

All five of those players gained valuable experience during the Cougars’ memorable ‘20 season. 

College Heights went 24-4 overall and 6-0 in conference play a year ago. It was the third consecutive season the Cougars went undefeated in conference action. 

College Heights won district and sectional titles last year. The Cougars have five key performers back from last year’s team. File photo.

College Heights captured district and sectional championships before concluding the season with a loss in the quarterfinal round of the Class 1 state tournament to eventual runner-up Lesterville. 

The Cougars lost seven seniors to graduation and will feature no seniors this fall.

Ukena and Lawrence are expected to lead CHC’s attack at the net.

Ukena, a defensive specialist last season, will be an outside hitter this year, while Lawrence returns at right side hitter. 

“We are expecting to see offensive points from Lauren and Addie,” said Coach Colin, who is now in her 10th year as CHC’s head coach. “They both bring power and experience. They are also very aggressive from the service line. Lauren will contribute solid defensive play as well.” 

Colin noted Griesemer is another outside hitter who possesses power.

Masena will be College Heights’ starting libero.

“She’s a great defensive player, as well as being a great communicator and a team leader,” Colin said.

Maddy Colin will run the team’s 5-1 offense from the setter position.

“She dishes up a nice ball, can be an offensive threat and is aggressive from the service line,” Coach Colin said. 

In addition to the five returning performers, junior Marley Woodford, sophomore Katie Moss and freshman Libby Fanning are other players who could make an impact at the varsity level this fall. 

“All three are working hard, love to play and are looking for varsity time,” Coach Colin said. 

The keys to success for the Cougars are simple, Colin noted.

“Consistency,” she said. “Honestly, that’s the goal for most teams. We aren’t a team full of six footers, but if we continue to gain consistency, our opponents will feel like they’re playing six footers.” 

Colin added there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.

“The team is very well-rounded,” Colin said. “We have state champions in track (Lawrence, Ukena) and a conference player of the year in softball (Maddy Colin). They love this game and they get better everyday. Ultimately, in volleyball, we need to kill the ball, serve some aces and dig and block. These girls can do these skills.” 

The Cougars begin the season on Sept. 2 at Lockwood. The team’s first home date is Sept. 13 against Marionville. 

 

VOLLEYBALL: Carl Junction’s experience a key for the Bulldogs’ expectations for 2021

Carl Junction volleyball returns five seniors and three additional starters to the varsity squad coming off a run to the sectional round of the state tournament a year ago with hopes to carry that success and momentum into the 2021 season.

“We are fired up and ready to get back on the court and compete,” Carl Junction coach Cheryl Sharples, who is entering her sixth season as head coach, said about the outlook of her team. “Experience is a major key to anything you are doing. Sometimes when you are out of place for the first time, that can get you beat. I feel like all of these kids have been in the postseason enough that they know what that experience is like, and they can take that and carry it through.”

Carl Junction’s Jessa Hylton earns a kill in the Bulldogs’ win over Webb City last season. Photo by Israel Perez.

 

Carl Junction finished with a 27-4 record, 6-2 in the Central Ozark Conference a year ago and graduated seniors Salma Lewis and Jill Kennedy. While Lewis and Kennedy are impactful losses, the Bulldogs welcome back seniors Jessa Hylton (OH) — a first-team all-district and first-team all-COC selection who also garnered all-state recognition — Olivia Vediz (libero), Maggie Brown (MH/OH), Abigale Wilson (RH) and Ellie Lawson (DS).

Also returning for the Bulldogs are junior setter Logan Jones, an Arkansas commit who is ranked third overall in the state of Missouri and was an all-state selection that earned first-team all-district and first-team all-COC honors, junior outside hitter Destiny Buerge and sophomore middle blocker Kylie Scott. 

“We have a great core of kids coming back,” Sharples said. “We have two big spots to fill, but we have an all-state outside hitter in Jessa Hylton and an all-state setter in Logan Jones coming back to kind of lead the pack. We will look for Kylie Scott to do a lot for us in the middle and Olivia Vediz, defensively, to step up for us. We also have (Destiny) Buerge coming back.”

Newcomers to the varsity level who figure to make an impact include junior outside hitter Chloe Taylor, sophomore defensive specialist Abigail Wilson and junior setter/defensive specialist Jocelyn Brown.

“Chloe Taylor has had a good offseason,” Sharples said. “We also have some younger kids coming on and doing some nice things. Abigail Wilson is more of a defensive player. Aubreigh Fowler is a sophomore hitter who has gotten some varsity playing time and done some good things for us this summer.”

Carl Junction sophomore Logan Jones passes the ball during the Bulldogs’ district championship win over Webb City last season. Photo by Israel Perez.

With so much talent returning to the varsity program, the team’s experience figures to be the biggest strength heading into the 2021 season. 

“We have four to five kids who have significant hitting experience for us and have taken a lot of swings for us,” Sharples said. “I feel like that experience is going to help with our kids’ consistency. And of course, Logan keeps us in a very fast offense. I feel like that will create our success.”

As far as on the court, the Bulldogs will have an explosive offense this season with an emphasis on quality service runs as well as ball control.

“We are going to focus a lot on the serve and pass game,” Sharples said. “(Our focus will be) keeping ourselves in system and keeping other teams out of system.”

What will the Bulldogs need to iron out as the season progresses? According to Coach Sharples, blocking and controlling the net in general will be a major point of focus.

“Obviously, we want to improve in every part of the game, but blocking is going to be a focus point for us,” Sharples said. “We have to make sure we are controlling the net.”

Carl Junction opens the season at Kickapoo on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY: Neosho returns state qualifiers, looks to build on 2020’s success

The 2020 season was a monumental one for the Neosho High School cross country program. 

For just the third time in school history, Neosho’s boys and girls both sent full teams to the state meet. 

“It was a huge deal,” Wildcats coach Emily Abell said, noting 1981 and 1992 were the other years NHS had both squads advance to state. 

The state trip was the first for the Neosho boys since 2004 and the girls last took a full squad to state in 2009.

“I was actually on the 2009 team, so it was special to me to have the girls team make it to state for the first time since I was an athlete here,” Abell said. 

Neosho’s boys and girls both finished second in the team standings at the district meet to punch their respective tickets to state. At state, the NHS boys took 10th in Class 4, while the girls were 16th. 

The season also saw Neosho’s girls finish sixth at the Central Ozark Conference meet, while the boys were eighth in the conference. 

After a stellar 2020, the Wildcats will look to keep things rolling in ‘21.

“Since last season was so amazing, we’re just working really hard to chase our goals for this season,” Abell said. “We have been working all summer to put mileage in and get a strong base for the upcoming season. We have the biggest team I’ve had to date at 37 runners and strength in numbers is a positive thing in cross country. And having almost all of my varsity teams come back this season is huge.” 

Kaden Cole

Senior Kaden Cole will lead the way for the Neosho boys squad. 

Cole is coming off a breakout junior season that saw him finish fourth at both the conference meet and the Class 4 District 6 meet.  Cole finished 14th at last year’s state championships, earning all-state recognition. 

Others back with prior varsity experience are seniors Brandon Doyle, Connor Jordon, Bryce Hall and Harry Slinkard, junior Gabe Mabrey and sophomore Carson Newell. 

Freshman Corbin Ables is another runner who is competing for a varsity spot. Other seniors are Andrew Watkins, Eric Bebie, Nathan Mayer and Zane Boyer.

Riley Kemna and Bailey Miller are expected to lead the Neosho girls cross country team.

Sophomore Riley Kemna and senior Bailey Miller are the top returners for the Neosho girls. 

Kemna finished 14th at last year’s conference meet, while Miller was 23rd. At the district event, Kemna and Miller placed fifth and sixth, respectively. At state, Miller was 79th and Kemna took 88th.

The Neosho girls also return juniors Makenna Davis, Jayden Adams, Lakyn Prough and Izzy Mabrey.

Coach Abell noted freshman Chloe Wood could make an impact at the varsity level this fall. 

Abell noted the team has been working hard in preparation for the season.

“Focusing on our goals and shifting our mindset from me to team is my biggest push this season,” Abell said. “In the past we’ve had a more individualistic mindset, but now that numbers are growing and our runners are getting stronger, it’s time to shift that focus and start making bigger team goals.” 

Neosho isn’t sure if it will be in Class 4 or Class 5 when MSHSAA announces classifications in September. 

“We are always on the bubble of Class 4 or Class 5, so we’re patiently waiting to find out where we land this season,” Abell said. 

Neosho hosts an invite at 9 a.m. on Aug. 28.

 

GIRLS TENNIS: Neosho features two returning starters, young squad in ’21

 

Senior Jasmine Martinez and junior Claudia Martensen are expected to lead the way for the Neosho High School girls tennis team in 2021.

Both of those players gained varsity experience last season and should be key performers this fall. Martinez was part of Neosho’s No. 2 doubles team last year, while Martensen was playing No. 2 singles at the conclusion of the 2020 season. 

Neosho’s biggest loss to graduation was Michelle Lindsay, who played No. 1 singles. 

Wildcats coach Nick Hays noted the team is very young this season, with a large sophomore class likely playing a key role.

Martinez, Dalia Maldonado and Alexandra Olsbo are the lone seniors on the roster. Claudia Martensen is the lone junior.

Sophomores on the team are Lyndsey Doke, Alyssa Evey, Georgia Housh, Cadence Martensen, Sydnee Minton and Lauren Nageotte.

Freshmen listed on the roster are Keely Keeton and Emily Papen. 

The Wildcats, 0-14 in 2020, host Aurora on Aug. 30 to open the season

PREP FOOTBALL: Joplin hosts area teams for annual jamboree

Joplin High School hosted a four-team prep football jamboree on Friday night at Junge Field.

The host Eagles were joined by squads from Webb City, Seneca and Lamar. 

Area teams will begin the regular season next Friday, with Joplin traveling to Webb City for a Week 1 rivalry showdown.

Below are some images from Friday’s jamboree from photographer Shawn Fowler. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOLLEYBALL: Dudolski, Bourgault lead Carthage’s deep senior class in 2021

Carthage volleyball will be drawing on its leadership and wealth of experience for the upcoming 2021 season.

The Tigers, who finished last season with a 14-14-1, 3-5 Central Ozark Conference record, will be led by a six-deep senior class, highlighted by outside hitter Sydnee Dudolski, a first-team all-district and second-team all-COC selection, and libero/DS Olivia Bourgault. 

Dudolski and Bourgault will be joined by seniors Grace Pickering (OH), Tasha Schrader (OH), Tess Schrader (MH) and Sophie Shannon (MH). 

Also expected to play an important role on the varsity squad this season for Carthage is RS/S Abby Holderbaum, DS Riann Schwartz and setter Raven Probert.

“We have a lot of leadership for this upcoming year with our senior group,” Carthage coach Bradyn Webb said. “We are also very strong on our back-row play.”

The Tigers will be looking to use that experience as a strength to the team this year. And while the back row will be viewed as a strength as well. The play of the front row will be a work in progress as Carthage looks to gel the play at the net as the season progresses.

“We will need to work more on our offensive play,” Webb said. “Our front row needs to come up and match our back-row work. 

“All of our athletes are going to have to buy into what we are doing. Again, we have great leadership, which will help us be successful.”

The Tigers open the season with a jamboree including Joplin, Nevada and Aurora before opening the season with the Bentonville Early Bird Tournament. 

VOLLEYBALL: Seniors will lead Joplin in Felker’s first season at the helm

For the first time in a decade, the Joplin High School volleyball program has a new head coach.

Desiree Felker has officially taken the reins of the Eagles for the 2021 season. 

Felker replaced Staci Saunders, who resigned at the conclusion of the 2020 season after spending the last 10 years in charge at JHS. 

“The transition has been great,” Felker said. “I’ve really enjoyed making the transition. The girls have been excellent with the things we’ve asked them to do. They let us set the bar really high and they’re working hard to reach it. So that’s been exciting.” 

Felker is no stranger to the area. She’s a Carl Junction graduate, where she was a standout player for the Bulldogs. Felker had a head coaching stint at Seneca and she’s been an assistant coach at both Carl Junction and Webb City. 

With her prior coaching experience, Felker is well aware of what a season in the always-tough Central Ozark Conference is like. 

“It makes me more comfortable that I know what we’re up against,” said Felker, who was at Webb City last year. “I know the teams we’re going to play and I know the style of volleyball in the COC. Having experience coaching in the COC has helped me prepare for the season and has helped me prepare our players for what we’re going up against.”

Felker has inherited an experienced group of returners from last year’s team that went 15-15-1 and finished as the district runner-up. 

“We have a great group of upperclassmen who have done a great job of setting high expectations,” Felker said. “We have six seniors, six juniors and a strong group of sophomores who continually work to raise the bar.”

Seniors Allie Lawrence, Angelina Schramm, Kacy Coss and Emma Floyd all return after earning significant varsity action a year ago.

An outside hitter, Lawrence recorded 142 kills last fall. Schramm, a middle blocker/outside hitter, had 105 kills in ’20. An outside hitter, Coss contributed 76 kills, while middle blocker Floyd compiled 61 kills and 33 blocks. 

Other seniors on the roster who are vying for varsity playing time are Logan Bruggeman (MH/OH) and Sydney Walker (DS).

Junior Paisley Parker also returns with plenty of varsity experience, and she’s expected to anchor Joplin’s defense from the libero position.

Other players who could contribute at the varsity level this season are setters Abby Hembree and Kaya Cooper, outside hitters Abby Edwards and Serafina Auberry, middle blocker Bailey Owens and defensive specialist Jayla Hunter. All of those players are juniors except Owens, who is a sophomore. 

Playing with consistency and with confidence are keys to success for the Eagles, Felker noted. 

“We have to work to get a little bit better everyday,” Felker said. “If we do that, the confidence and the consistency will take care of themselves.” 

Felker is assisted by Brandi Shoemaker (varsity assistant), Lindsay DeWelt (JV coach) and Molly Hoover (freshman coach). 

The Eagles will compete at Carthage’s jamboree on Aug. 24 and then kick off the regular season with a home date against Rogers-Heritage on Aug. 31. 

Until then, the Eagles will continue to prepare for the ’21 season under the direction of their new head coach. 

And if you ask Felker, there’s a lot to like about the Eagles. 

“Practices are going well,” Felker said. “We’ve had a lot of growth since we’ve started. I love that the girls are willing to do whatever we ask them to do. They’re open-minded. They’re willing to get in the gym and work hard everyday and that makes my job easy. And they hold each other accountable at practice. I’m really excited to get the season going.” 

 

CROSS COUNTRY: Atteberry, Mueller will lead Thomas Jefferson

 

A pair of returning state qualifiers will lead the way for the Thomas Jefferson cross country team this fall.

Junior Kip Atteberry is the top returning performer for the Thomas Jefferson boys.

A year ago, Atteberry was the Ozark 7 Conference champion. He took seventh at the district meet and advanced to the Class 1 state cross country meet, finishing 51st. 

Sophomore Sarah Mueller will lead Thomas Jefferson’s girls team.

Mueller was the runner-up at the conference meet and placed sixth at the district event. She qualified for the state meet as a freshman, finishing 69th. 

Cavaliers coach Clayton Carnahan noted both Atteberry and Mueller are coming off stellar spring track seasons. Both qualified for the state meet.

Atteberry placed fourth in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:48.

“Kip broke the school record for the mile three times and is now running consistently with a sub-five minute mile,” Carnahan said. 

As far as newcomers, freshman Macie Shifferd is expected to contribute nicely for the TJ girls. 

Carnahan noted he’s been pleased with what he’s seen during the preseason.

“This team is more dedicated than ever,” he said. “They are ready to compete and excel. The keys to success are a willingness to push through obstacles and stay level-headed.”

VOLLEYBALL: Thomas Jefferson features young squad in ’21

 

The Thomas Jefferson volleyball team will feature a young group of athletes this fall.

David Soetaert’s Cavaliers have no seniors on this year’s roster.

“We are very young,” Soetaert said. “Only three players can drive themselves to practice.” 

Junior outside hitter Nico Carlson, junior libero Yasmina Mokhtar, sophomore outside hitter Alexis Stamps and sophomore setter Mary Nguyen are the team’s top returning players in 2021. 

Soetaert listed junior Tannah Grigg (MH), sophomores Sydney Holm (MH) and Nayab Rehman (DS) and freshmen Mayson Solum (S), Lannah Grigg (MH) and Maggie Sutton (DS) as newcomers who could contribute at the varsity level. 

Soetaert noted teamwork, communication and patience are going to be the keys to success this fall. 

The Cavaliers went 12-14 overall in 2020, finishing as a district runner-up. The program lost five seniors to graduation.

Thomas Jefferson will compete at the Jasper jamboree on Aug. 26. The Cavaliers begin the regular season on Aug. 28 at the Verona Invitational.

VOLLEYBALL: Webb City returns solid core in ‘21

The Webb City High School volleyball team returns five key performers from last year’s squad that went 24-8-1 and was the district runner-up. 

Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s team. 

“Our girls love to compete,” Lawrence said. “They’re definitely going to make teams work for it. I feel like we’re going to be more balanced this year. They’re going to be fun to watch because they’re scrappy. And I think it will be fun to watch people underestimate us.” 

Seniors Makenzie Storm and Kearston Galardo and juniors Brenda Lawrence, Kyah Sanborn and Kate Brownfield all return with prior varsity experience. 

Makenzie Storm will once again be a key performer for the Webb City volleyball team.

And those five players are expected to lead the way in 2021. 

A middle blocker/middle hitter, Storm recorded 168 kills and 70 blocks last year. Coach Lawrence expects more of the same this year. 

“Makenzie brings the hardest work ethic in the room and she touches more balls than a lot of people and that helps out our defense tremendously,” Lawrence said. “She’s hard to hit around.” 

A pair of outside hitters, Lawrence contributed 157 kills last fall, while Galardo compiled 134 kills to go with 41 aces in ’20. 

“Brenda and Galardo both have a heavy arm,” Lawrence said. “They’ve both gained experience and they know how to find the kill. They’ve gotten a little more crafty.” 

Sanborn will be the team’s starting setter.

“Kyah played a ton last year,” Lawrence said. “She’s another athletic kid who will do whatever we need her to do for the team. She brings a lot of trust on the floor. Our girls know they’ll get the best ball they can with Kyah. They know she gives it everything she’s got. She makes it look easy at times.” 

Brownfield is another option at outside hitter. 

“Kate gained experience playing multiple positions last year and she’s an athletic kid,” Lawrence said. “We’re going to rely on her more this year.” 

Sophomore Sophia Crane and juniors Jenna Noel and Madison Graves are candidates for the libero/defensive specialist position. 

“Sophia has a great platform and is going to be pivotal,” Lawrence said. “Jenna has stepped it up with her defense and passing. Madi is back with the squad after not playing last year. She passes a good ball. Those three girls are pushing each other in practice right now.” 

The Cardinals must overcome the loss of a pair of all-state players in Maddy Peeples and Sage Crane.

Peeples was a standout outside hitter who led the team in kills, while Sage Crane was a defensive specialist who led the team in digs.

Webb City will compete at Mount Vernon’s jamboree on Aug. 26.

The Cardinals host Bentonville West on Aug. 31 in the season opener.