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Month: August 2021

BOYS SWIMMING: Returning state qualifiers Newman, Glenn to lead Joplin

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Zane Newman and Jacob Glenn have competed at the state swim meet in back to back seasons.

They’ll look to make it three straight this fall.

A pair of juniors who have already earned all-state recognition during their prep careers, Newman and Glenn will lead the way for the Joplin High School boys swim team in 2021.

Zane Newman

“Newman and Glenn will definitely be leading the way for us as juniors,” Joplin coach Ali Stauffer said. “They’ve been to state the last two years on the relays and I know they want to go back to state as individuals this year. We talk everyday about what they need to do to get to state. That’s what they’re gunning for and that’s what they’re setting their minds to.” 

Newman and Glenn competed at last year’s state meet with seniors Ben Wardlow and Zane Reavley on Joplin’s 200-yard freestyle relay that finished 20th in 1 minute, 34 seconds. 

Newman and Glenn also competed at state as freshman.

Newman was part of Joplin’s 200 freestyle relay team that finished eighth, earning all-state honors. Glenn swam a leg on the 200 medley relay team that finished 16th, earning honorable mention all-state honors. 

Individually, Newman will likely focus on the 100 butterfly and possibly the 200 or 500 freestyle this fall. 

Glenn will likely be the team’s top performer in the 100 backstroke and will likely swim the 100 or 200 free, as well. 

Sophomore Ian Vermillion is also back with varsity experience. 

“He’s been working hard this summer and I think he’ll make some strides this year,” Stauffer said. 

Stauffer expects freshmen Nathan Wardlow and Parker Hinman to contribute nicely. 

Nathan is the younger brother of Ben Wardlow.

“I can see Nathan doing some big things,” Stauffer said. “He’s going to be our long distance swimmer (500 freestyle). I know he’s gunning for state and his 500 time is right around the state time. Parker is another one who works really hard and could surprise some people this year.” 

Joplin was originally scheduled to host its annual outdoor invitational on Sept. 2 at Schifferdecker Aquatic Center. That event is now off, as the facility will be closed by that date. 

The Eagles will open the season on September 2 in Springfield.

Stauffer noted the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season. 

“Practices have been going well,” Stauffer said. “The boys have been working really hard.”

 

Joplin swim roster

Seniors: Trevor Blanken, Wyatt Satterlee

Juniors: Jacob Glenn, Devin Lawson, Zane Newman

Sophomores: Oliver Bortz, Jackson Mordica, Ian Vermillion

Freshmen: Parker Hinman, Nathan Wardlow

BOYS SOCCER: Joplin returns plenty of experience ahead of the 2021 season

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Joplin boys soccer will be led by eight returning seniors and a bevy of experience in 2021.

The Eagles, who finished last year with an 8-14, 1-9 COC record, have plenty of returning varsity minutes from a season ago, highlighted by seniors Dilan Sanchez (Midfield), Andrew Taylor (F; second-team all-COC, first-team all-district), Roberto Reyes (M), Abraham Montanez (D), Grayson Stovern (D), Noah Pearson (D), Eric Nelson (F) and Gabriel DeLeon (F). Joplin also returns Andrew Jordan (GK), Brayden Anderson (GK), Joe Upsen (D), Adam Montanez (M) and Luciano Reyes (F; second-team all-district).

Of course with that many varsity players returning, the biggest key for the Eagles will be how quickly and efficiently they can gel as a unit.

“The key to us being successful this year will be our ability to play as a team,” Joplin coach Josh Thompson said. “Our offense will be magnitudes better if we play as a team more. … Ultimately, it comes down to playing for each other. If the boys can do that, then all aspects of our game will be better compared to years past. The potential of this group is something to be excited about.”

Newcomers to the varsity squad this season who could see key minutes on the pitch this season are Carlos Palma (F), Justin Kilafwa (M), William Cupp (M), Grayden Cravens (D) and Benjamin Hedrick (F).

The biggest strength this season for the Eagles figures to be on the offensive side of the ball. Joplin’s talent level while in possession of the ball has the ability to put a goal on the scoreboard at any time.

“We have a lot of skill all over the field,” Thompson said. “Many of the players are able to generate offense independently. Maintaining possession will be important to limit chances against our defense.”

The biggest adjustment Joplin will need to make as the season progresses will come defensively. But Coach Thompson has full confidence his team is more than capable of playing well in that area.

“We have had trouble defending and maintaining possession in the past,” Thompson said. “I think this group is capable of overcoming the troubles of the past.”

Joplin opens the season at home against Carl Junction with a 6:30 p.m. start time on Aug. 31.

GIRLS TENNIS: Carl Junction features three returning starters

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Carl Junction High School girls tennis team will be led by three returning starters in 2021.

Seniors Nicole Sherwood and Valeria Alamina-Poor and sophomore Jenna Besperat all return after starting last fall.

Sherwood finished fourth in singles at last year’s individual district tournament. 

Carl Junction went 4-9 overall and 3-7 in conference action a season ago. 

Other seniors on this year’s roster are Kate Hodson, Lauren Clark, Jocelynn Goforth, Madison Lewis and Rhiannon Kennedy.

Bulldogs coach Ben Coltharp told SoMo Sports he expects freshman Naiyah Wurdeman to play an important role on the varsity squad.

“This girls team will have great depth, starting from the front of varsity all the way down. It will be a very competitive team,” Coltharp said. 

Carl Junction opens the season against College Heights on Aug. 27 at the Joplin Athletic Complex. 

PRO BOXING: Lippe-Morrison remains unbeaten, keeps promise to be better

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

CATOOSA, Okla. — In the days leading up to his return to the ring, and still displeased with his last performance, Trey Lippe-Morrison vowed to be better this time around. 

The undefeated heavyweight knockout artist kept his promise. 

A local fan favorite in Southwest Missouri and Northeastern Oklahoma, Lippe-Morrison stayed undefeated by earning a unanimous decision over the heavier and more experienced Don Haynesworth on Top Rank Boxing’s Saturday night event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. 

After six rounds, judges Henry Ellick, Jason Greenwalt and Don Griffin scored it 60-54 in favor of the son of the late Tommy Morrison. 

Trey Lippe-Morrison (left) and Don Haynesworth exchange punches during their fight at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on August 14, 2021 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)

Lippe-Morrison improved his professional record to 18-0. Although his knockout streak ended at 17, the 31-year-old and 229-pound Lippe-Morrison was content with his performance.

“This one feels good,” Lippe-Morrison said moments after going the distance for the first time. “You can always be a little better and sharper. But it felt good to go the distance for the first time and against a fighter like him. I give him props. I hit him with some good body shots and he took them. I feel like I got my boxing back as far as movement, my timing and putting some combinations together.”

Haynesworth, 288 pounds and 38-years-old, saw his record fall to 16-7-1. 

Fighting out of Greensboro, North Carolina, Haynesworth had a clear advantage in experience, as he entered the night with 69 rounds on his resume. On the other hand, Lippe-Morrison had just 34 rounds in nearly the same time period. 

Of course, Lippe-Morrison was highly-motivated for this one. He last fought on April 10, earning a TKO win over Jason Bergman when his opponent could not continue after suffering an ankle injury. 

Lippe-Morrison was clearly unhappy with that fight’s outcome, as he was knocked down early in the bout and unable to deliver a knockout blow.

“I wasn’t pleased with my last fight, but it wasn’t because I did horrible,” Trey said. “It was because I got knocked down and the way it ended. I didn’t get him back and then he got hurt.” 

The 27th-ranked American heavyweight, Lippe-Morrison would have a much different feeling after Saturday’s fight that was streamed on ESPN+.

Out-working his opponent throughout the six-rounder, Lippe-Morrison had success by going to the body often, including a thunderous shot in the second round.

Lippe-Morrison, who did absorb some solid punches, rocked Haynesworth with a right hand early in the fourth round. 

The two exchanged big shots in the final round before Lippe-Morrison was declared the victor. 

Both Lippe-Morrison and his promoter Tony Holden credited new trainer Kevin Lightburn of Springdale, Arkansas, with getting the former star of the Four State Franchise ready to not only win Saturday’s bout, but also to take the next step in his career. 

“I knew he was confident before the fight,” Holden said. “He had a great trainer. Kevin is amazing. I think he’s one of the best trainers in the country. Trey looked like crap his last fight and he looked his best ever in this fight. He looked so much better tonight. That’s because of Kevin Lightburn. I’ve never seen Trey that patient. He looked confident and he’s on the right path.” 

Lightburn said a focus in training for Lippe-Morrison was to keep things simple and get back to the basics.

“To be a well-rounded fighter, you have to take what is given to you,” Lightburn said. “You have to take what he gives you. That might be a body punch if it’s there. One of the biggest goals in this fight was to take away Don’s jab and make him come to us and make some bad decisions. Trey did a good job of that. Trey has a lot of talent. We want to allow him to find out what he’s capable of.” 

So what’s next? Holden said he’s working to get Lippe-Morrison in a “major” fight soon. 

“We’ve got big money fights now,” Holden said. “Trey’s 18-0, so there’s big money for him. I’m not going to throw him to the wolves yet, but Trey’s now on another level. We’ll see what happens.” 

 

ESPN’S MAIN CARD

In a highly-anticipated main event, Joshua Franco (18-1-2) retained his WBA super flyweight championship by earning a unanimous decision over former world champion Andrew Moloney (21-2).

“I had to switch it up on him,” Franco said. “He thought I was going to put pressure on him the whole time. That wasn’t working, so I had to switch it up and go to my boxing skills. I had fun with my rhythm, with my jab, my feet. I’m comfortable in there, and that’s what I did. He’s a strong fighter. Nothing but respect to him. I wish him the best in his career.”  

Making his anticipated professional debut, Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, recorded a quick first-round TKO over Jordan Weeks (4-2) in a middleweight clash. 

“This lived up completely to my expectations,” Ali Walsh said. “It’s been an emotional journey, this whole ride, these last couple of months. Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him.”

A Chicago native now fighting out of Las Vegas, Ali Walsh wore a pair of his grandfather’s trunks from the 1960s. During the short fight, the crowd chanted, “Ali, Ali, Ali.”

“Honestly, it seems like a lot of pressure, but to me, it’s just my grandfather,” Ali Walsh said. “To everyone else, to you guys and the crowd, he’s the greatest fighter who ever lived, maybe the greatest person. But to me, he’s the greatest grandfather. To hear those Ali chants was something that I’ll never forget. I didn’t expect that, to be honest, but it was special.”

In a co-feature that opened the live ESPN telecast, undefeated WBO International junior welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (26-0) earned a unanimous decision over Antonio Moran (26-5-1) in an entertaining 10-round scrap.

“Moran is a true Mexican warrior,” Barboza said. “I thought I’d get the knockout, but he ate a lot of punches. My goal is to get that world title shot, and I am going to keep going until I make that a reality. I want any of the big names at 140 pounds.”

 

OTHER UNDERCARD BOUTS

In the final bout on the undercard, Jason Moloney (22-2), Andrew’s twin brother, secured the WBC silver bantam title with a unanimous decision over Joshua Greer (22-3-2). 

The undercard also featured three junior lightweight bouts. Karlos Balderas (10-1) earned an impressive second-round stoppage against Fidel Cervantes (9-2-1), Andres Cortes (15-0) recorded a first-round knockout against Genesis Servania (34-3) and Albert Bell (19-0) earned a unanimous decision over Julio Cortez (15-3). 

In featherweight action, Abraham Nova (20-0) earned a unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic (22-12-2). 

The event was promoted by Top Rank Boxing, in association with Holden Productions and Golden Boy Productions.  

 

Don Haynesworth and Trey Lippe-Morrison exchange punches during their fight at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on August 14, 2021 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)

PRO BOXING: Lippe-Morrison back in action Saturday in Tulsa

Posted on by Jason Peake

Trey Lippe-Morrison is confident his recent work with a new trainer will lead to an improved performance when he steps inside the ring on Saturday night.

A local fan favorite in Southwest Missouri and Northeastern Oklahoma, the undefeated Lippe-Morrison will return to action when Top Rank Boxing hosts an evening of professional boxing on Saturday from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa. 

A native of Vinita, Oklahoma, Lippe-Morrison (17-0, 17 KOs) will meet journeyman Don Haynesworth (16-6-1, 14 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight clash that will be streamed live on ESPN+. 

“To be fighting in your own backyard, you can’t ask for anything better than that,” Lippe-Morrison said during Thursday’s press conference. “You can definitely expect a fun crowd when you come to Oklahoma.”

The 31-year-old Lippe-Morrison, who weighed in at 229 pounds, last fought on April 10 at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, earning a TKO win over Jason Bergman when his opponent could not continue after suffering an apparent ankle injury. 

Although he kept his record unblemished, Lippe-Morrison was unhappy after the bout, as he was knocked down early in the fight and was unable to deliver a knockout blow. He’s vowed to be better this time around. 

Since his last fight, Lippe-Morrison has switched trainers. The son of the late Tommy Morrison has been training with Kevin Lightburn in Springdale, Arkansas. 

Trey Lippe-Morrison speaks during the press conference at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on August 12, 2021 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)

During Thursday’s press conference, Lippe-Morrison was asked what fans can expect to see out of him on Saturday night. 

“I just need you to expect everything to be better,” Lippe-Morrison said. “Kevin is my new trainer. He’s got my boxing all-around better…defensive-wise, offensive-wise. Overall, look for me to be better.”

The 288-pound Haynesworth, who is 38, fights out of Greensboro, North Carolina, and has been a pro since 2014. He’s dropped his last three fights.

Lippe-Morrison’s bout is listed as the fifth of six fights on the undercard, which begins at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.

The night’s televised tripleheader goes live on ESPN at 9 p.m.

The highly-anticipated main event features WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco (17-1-2) taking on former world champion Andrew Moloney (21-1) in what will be the third clash between the two. 

“I think you can expect a great fight,” Moloney told Top Rank during Thursday’s press conference.  I know Franco is going to be more determined this time around after the criticism he’s copped since that last fight and the whole world knowing that I should be the champ right now. But I’m coming even more determined with more to prove, and as I said, I’m doing this for my family and this is going to be a great night and I’m going to come out with that belt like I should’ve.”

A four-round middleweight special attraction will see the professional debut of Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali. Ali Walsh will take on Jordan Weeks (4-1). 

“I feel like everyone puts this pressure on me because of my grandfather being who he was, but to me, it’s just my grandfather,” Ali Walsh said Thursday. “To everyone else, it’s the Greatest of All Time. I believe that too, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. I think he’d be most excited that I’m being promoted by Bob Arum and Top Rank. The tradition of Arum promoting my grandfather to now promoting me is pretty amazing, so he’d have a lot to say about that. It’s been amazing.”

In a 10-round co-feature that will open the live ESPN telecast, undefeated WBO International junior welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (25-0) will take on Antonio Moran (26-4-1).

In the final bout on the undercard, Jason Moloney (21-2), Andrew’s twin brother, will fight Joshua Greer (22-2-2) for the vacant WBC silver bantam title. 

The event is promoted by Top Rank Boxing, in association with Tony Holden Productions and Golden Boy Productions.  

“The Hard Rock and the fight fans of Tulsa are in for a treat with a grudge match between Franco and Moloney, an all-action fight between Barboza and Moran, and the professional debut of a special young man in Nico Ali Walsh,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said in a recent press release.

CROSS COUNTRY: Youngworth begins new chapter at McAuley

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

After 27 years at Carthage High School, Andy Youngworth is beginning a new chapter of his coaching career.

Youngworth is now leading the McAuley Catholic cross country program. 

“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my coaching career,” Youngworth told SoMo Sports. “And I look forward to helping these young men and women become better runners, but more importantly, better people.” 

McAuley’s boys team features a large group of returning runners. Juniors expected to play a key role are Aidrian Keefer, Phillip Motazedi, Kable Reichardt and Drew Zeb.

Kevin Tran, Michael Parrigon, Armando Alberto, Aiden Logan and Grant Horinek are other athletes who could be competing at the varsity level. A senior, Tran is a first-year runner. 

Andy Youngworth is now in charge of the McAuley Catholic cross country program.

“We have four or five of our top runners back from last year,” Youngworth said. “I feel we will be able to field a team that will be able to compete in Class 1 in this area. We also have a solid freshman class to go along with the five upperclassmen. They made a commitment to the off-season voluntary program this summer and I believe that dedication will result in improved results from last season.” 

An area of concern is “big meet” experience.

“I feel we have put together a schedule that will prepare them for the championship season,” Youngworth said. “There is not much distance running tradition at McAuley, and I have challenged them to be the building block for future success.” 

Youngworth noted team goals for the fall are to win the conference meet, finish in the top four at the district meet and qualify the entire team to state, which would be the first McAuley team to do so.

“All of these are lofty goals, but setting a high standard in year one is important,” Youngworth said. “In order to achieve these goals, several things must occur. We have to respect our opponents and compete to the best of our ability, work hard every day in practice and work together as a team in races. And putting your teammates first is a constant emphasis in practice.” 

The McAuley girls team has just one runner — sophomore Kendall Ramsey.

Ramsey finished fourth at last year’s Class 1 District 7 meet and advanced to the state meet, where she finished 56th.  

“Kendall is a hard working athlete who does a great job of mentoring her middle school teammates,” Youngworth said. “Kendall needs to continue to work hard despite not having a team to race or train with on a daily basis. The race experience she has from last year will be very beneficial as she prepares for the championship series in October and November. She’s looking forward to improving her district place from last fall and hopefully will earn a medal at the state meet.”

BOYS SWIMMING: Led by Ramirez, Carthage set for ’21 season

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Ezekiel Ramirez is expected to lead the way for the Carthage High School boys swim team this fall.

A senior, Ramirez is the team’s lone returning state qualifier. As a junior, Ramirez advanced to state in both the 100 and 200 freestyle. 

At the state swimming championships, Ramirez finished 21st in the 200 free and 22nd in the 100 free. 

Senior distance swimmer Declan O’Brien is also back for Braden McBride’s Tigers. 

Other swimmers who should contribute nicely this fall are juniors Will Wallace (distance), Eli Cox (butterfly) and Landon White (butterfly) and sophomores Kellen Frieling (backstroke) and Noah Blackford (backstroke).

Freshman Braxton McBride is a newcomer who will contribute in the breaststroke and the sprint events. 

Coach McBride said the team’s relays should be a strength of the Tigers, while continuing to work hard in practice will be the main key to success. 

The Tigers will host the Carthage Relays on Aug. 31 at the Fair Acres Family YMCA. 

 

BOYS SWIMMING: Defending COC champ Webb City returns solid core

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Webb City boys swimming and diving team captured a Central Ozark Conference championship and went 15-1 in duals in 2020. 

And there’s bad news for the rest of the COC — the Cardinals have a solid core back in 2021.

Webb City will rely heavily on eight returning swimmers this fall, including a pair of state qualifiers. With that prior experience and overall team depth, the expectations are set high. 

Cardinals coach Shawn Klosterman feels team chemistry is a strength of this year’s group.

“The real strength of this team is how close they are,” Klosterman said. “They motivate each other well and they know how to have fun while still putting in the work. We also have a deep enough team that I don’t feel we have any weak spots for the conference roster.”

Returning seniors are Carson Forcum, Zion Wood and Ethan Shipley.

In 1-meter diving, Forcum was the COC champion and a state qualifier. Wood was the conference runner-up in the 100 breaststroke a season ago, while Shipley took second at the COC Meet in both the 100 and 200 freestyle.

Also back are juniors Emiliano Vasquez, Judah Ritchie and Cody Herndon. Vasquez finished second in two events at last year’s conference meet, the 50 free and the 100 butterfly. Ritchie took fourth at the conference meet in the 100 backstroke. 

Sophomore standout Micah Brouwer was last year’s conference champion and a state qualifier in the 100 breaststroke. 

Sophomore Steve Kenlee and Herndon will play vital roles on relays. Carter Forcum and Adrien Black are newcomers who could contribute on the varsity.

Klosterman hopes to have a large group qualify for state.

“Last year these boys swam incredibly well on relays but were left out of the state meet due to the COVID restrictions reducing the number of teams allowed to qualify,” he said. “I know that state is a big goal for them before we even sit down to talk about the season.

“The big concern is the same as always,” Klosterman added. “Swim shape is not the same as being ready for other sports. We need to get right to work building up the frame and making the engines more efficient.” 

Klosterman noted staying healthy and staying positive when it gets hard are main keys to success.

“And remembering how it felt to win last year and also how it felt to lose out on those relays getting into the MSHSAA Championships,” Klosterman said. “We want to end this season feeling we have taken a large step forward as a program.” 

SOFTBALL: Returning seniors to lead young Carl Junction squad in 2021

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Carl Junction softball is tasked with making up for the loss of six seniors from last year’s team, relying on three returning starters and the upside of the underclassmen to turn the corner in 2021.

“(We will have to) overcome the lack of experience,” CJ coach Zak Petty said. “We may very well have four freshmen on the field at one time during the season. With only three returning starters, and possibly only one of them playing the position they did last year, we’ve got a lot of learning to do. And we will have to do it on the fly. 

“Our girls are working hard to get where they need to be. It’s going to be a learning curve for some of them. However, we’ve got a great group of girls. They can push each other, and we will see where that takes us.”

The Bulldogs, who finished last season with a 7-16, 1-8 COC record, welcome back five seniors for the upcoming season—Allison Plumlee (four-year catcher), Dalaynie Hallacy (OF), Jamie Fabozzi (2B), Tavia Rodriguez (UTL) and Addie Brock (3B/OF). 

Also returning to the varsity squad is sophomore Izzie Southern (1B), while sophomore Hanna Cantrell (SS/P), freshman Madi Olds (UTL), freshman Dezi Williams (OF), freshman Hanna Cole (P) and freshman Alivia Haase (UTL) are expected to contribute at the varsity level. Junior Emma Fleming (P/OF) is also in the mix.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs will be without junior Sammie Sims because of a leg injury. Sims was projected to be the leadoff hitter while starting at shortstop for her third straight season.

The biggest strength for Carl Junction this season will be at the plate, according to Petty. 

“Offensively, I feel that’s our brightest spot,” he said. “I feel really confident in the top five or six spots in our order. If the bottom half of the lineup can put some things together, then we will be just fine on offense.”

The biggest obstacle standing in the way of the Bulldogs this season on the diamond will be the lack of varsity pitching experience.

“We will need our young pitchers to carry us,” Petty said. “We have zero innings of varsity experience in the circle. … Hannah Cantrell, Hannah Cole and possibly Emma Fleming are our three primed to pitch for us. Our plan and hope is that one or more of them step up to the challenge. I am confident they will.”

Carl Junction’s jamboree is set for Aug. 24 before the Bulldogs kick off the season hosting Cassville at 4:30 on Aug. 30.

PREP GOLF: Webb City girls return four golfers for 2021

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Webb City girls golf will look to improve on several positive notes from last season behind the experience of four returning golfers to the varsity squad in 2021.

The Cardinals finished fifth in the Central Ozark Conference Tournament last season and added a second-place finish in the Nevada Invitational while sending a pair of golfers to the state tournament—Sarah Oathout and Sydney French.

Though Oathout graduated, the Cardinals will be led by French, who shot an 87 to finish in a tie for ninth at districts last season. French returns for her senior season along with fellow seniors Laya McAllister, an all-conference selection last year after taking ninth in the conference meet with a 95, and Sophia Coulson. 

Also back on the varsity team for Webb City is Eve Cartwright. Several golfers are also in the mix for varsity action this season for the Cardinals, including Jacie Crouch, Emerson Boulware and Langlee Walker.

One of the biggest keys for the Cardinals this season will be how well the team can strike the ball off the tee, according to coach Jackson Boyer, who is entering his fourth year at the helm. Of course, as with any team in the area, keeping the short game on point by focusing on it daily in practice will be vital to any success Webb City has this season Boyer added. 

Webb City opens the season with the first round of the Papa John’s March Play on Aug. 30 with Joplin, Carl Junction and Carthage also competing.

CROSS COUNTRY: Crigger is new head coach at Carthage; Strickland will lead CHS boys

Posted on by Jason Peake

Brian Crigger is the new man in charge of the Carthage High School cross country program. 

Crigger is now in his 16th year teaching and coaching in Carthage. He’s been the middle school track and cross country coach and also previously assisted Andy Youngworth at the high school level. 

Crigger was a standout distance runner at Parkview High School before competing collegiately at Missouri State. 

Mariques Strickland is a returning state qualifier for the Carthage High School cross country team.

The Carthage boys, who finished second at last year’s Central Ozark Conference meet, will be led by senior Mariques Strickland, a returning state qualifier.

Strickland was the runner-up at the conference meet, took ninth at the district event and finished 62nd at the Class 5 state meet.

“We expect Mariques to lead the boys team as he is our only returning state qualifier,” Crigger said. “He’s been training with Miguel Solano and Joseph Wyrick this summer and they have all gotten themselves in great shape and should be ready to have a great season.” 

Seniors Landen Schrader and Wyrick and junior Solano also return with varsity experience. Solano had a solid track season, as he earned a state medal by placing sixth in the 800-meter run. 

Other seniors are Seth Cannon, Robin Hernandez, Joel Pugh, Bryant Arias-Ramirez and Sabriel Thomas.

Others in the mix for the varsity spots are juniors Caleb Fewin and Michael Lanyon, sophomores Eddy Fuentes and Indiana Gray and freshmen Emerson Ixcol and brothers Colt and Dylan Pugh. 

“Our boys have been working hard all summer and are ready to begin our competitive season,” Crigger said. “These guys are great at including everyone on the team and having a great team environment. They are excellent young men and it’s been an honor to coach them so far. Our senior leadership is one of our strengths.” 

Brian Crigger

Crigger said the keys to success are simple.

“The key for the boys will be for them to be consistent with their training and to trust the system,” he said. “We have several boys that could potentially make some noise on the state level. In order for our team to compete on the conference and potentially state level, we’ll need our No. 4-7 runners to step up. We just need to make sure we are pushing our new varsity runners to run their best and that our experienced boys are putting in the work and leading the team throughout the season.” 

The Carthage girls, who finished eighth at last year’s COC meet, feature three returning varsity performers in sophomore Jenna Wilson and juniors Alyssa Williams and Mildred Elias.

Freshmen Maggie Boyd and Katy Witherspoon are two runners who have impressed Crigger during the summer. 

“Jenna, Maggie and Katy have been our leaders during the summer,” he said. “I expect more of the same during the season. Jenna has improved a great deal and is poised to have a breakout season. It’s a lot to ask freshman girls to step straight into leadership roles, but if any two girls can do it, it’s Maggie and Katy.”

Other athletes who could earn varsity spots are Kaylee Reyes-Donis, Jennifer Rodas, Sonia Lopez and Hailey Najera.

“We have a very young group of girls that have a lot of potential to do great things over the next couple of years,” Crigger said. “I was their coach in junior high and they all work very hard and have great attitudes. I’m excited for not only this season, but for the future as well.” 

Crigger noted the girls team will be young and inexperienced.

“My goal for the girls team is to continue to train hard, race hard and see what happens,” Crigger said.

The Tigers will attend Joplin’s practice meet on Aug. 28 at South Middle School. The season-opening SWCCC Meet is Sept. 4 in Bolivar, while the Carthage Invitational is slated for Sept. 9.

 

CROSS COUNTRY: State qualifiers return for College Heights

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The College Heights Christian cross country program reached new heights in 2020, as both squads won Ozark 7 Conference titles before the girls team captured the Class 1 state championship.

The College Heights girls lost three runners from last year’s championship squad, including their top performer, Grace Bishop.

But CHC coach Phillip Jordan has a solid group back. 

Jayli Johnson, Madelynn Jordan, Madi Carson and Sophia Moore all return with prior varsity experience.

A junior, Johnson placed fifth at last year’s district meet and finished 32nd at the state meet. She also had a fine track season, contributing nicely as the Cougars won a state championship.

Madelynn Jordan and Carson are both sophomores who competed at state as freshmen. Jordan took ninth at the district event and finished 61st at state, while Carson placed 15th at the district event and was 80th at state.

Newcomers Stella Moore and Cloee Shackleford are expected to contribute.

“The girls’ commitment and positive mindset will push our team success,” Coach Jordan said. “We will rely on several young athletes who haven’t competed on the varsity level.” 

The College Heights boys return a large group from the conference championship team.

The team’s lone returning state qualifier is sophomore Caleb Quade, who advanced to state as a freshman after a 14th place finish at the district meet. He placed 76th at state.

Also back are juniors Derrick McMillan and Corban Thomas and sophomores Rolen Sanderson, Steven Calandro and Brayden Youngberg.

McMillan was 17th at last year’s district meet, while Sanderson, Thomas and Calandro were 21st, 24th and 28th, respectively. 

During the spring track season, CHC’s 4×800-meter relay team featuring McMillan, Sanderson, Thomas and Quade placed second in Class 1. 

Newcomers are Jace Edwards and Dane Sanderson.

“We are young and have more confidence coming off a successful track season,” Jordan said of his boys squad. “The majority of our team will play soccer and will not have the full conditioning they need to be at their best. However, they are all hard working kids who will give their best.” 

The Cougars will kick off the season on Sept. 4 at the SWCCCA Invitational in Bolivar. 

SOFTBALL: Webb City returns solid core from state runner-up squad

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Webb City High School softball team had a historic and memorable 2020 season.

During a stellar campaign, the Cardinals captured Central Ozark Conference and district championships before concluding the season with an extra-inning setback in the Class 4 state title game. 

Despite losing three starters to graduation, including COC Player of the Year Haidyn Berry, the Cardinals return a senior-laden core of returning starters from last year’s squad that went 27-6 overall and brought home the state runner-up plaque. 

“It was a really special season,” Webb City coach Shauna Friend said of 2020. “And it was a lot of fun. Getting to the state championship was a goal early on and the girls did everything it took to get there. It was a great experience.”

Nine seniors will play key roles for the Cardinals in 2021. Six of those seniors are returning starters. 

“Experience is going to be an advantage for us this season,” Friend said. “Most of our returning players have a lot of varsity experience and were involved in our run to the state championship game. I really like our senior leadership. They’re a great group of kids.”

Seniors Peyton Hawkins and Emma Welch, a pair of all-state and all-conference performers, lead the group of returning players.  

A shortstop, Hawkins had a stellar 2020 campaign. She hit .429 with 48 hits, scored a team-high 44 runs, drove in 25 and hit four home runs. The 48 hits tied Berry for the team lead.

An outfielder, Welch also stood out last fall. Welch had a .417 batting average with 45 hits, 31 runs batted in and 31 runs scored.

“I expect both of them to be strong leaders, offensively and defensively,” Friend said. 

Other returning senior starters are catcher Kaylyn Gilbert, infielder Emalee Lamar and outfielders Hannah Wells and Ripley Shanks. 

Gilbert batted .330 with 33 hits, 23 RBI and 19 runs scored. 

“The catcher position is incredibly important and it’s great to have someone like Kaylyn,” Friend said. “She’s a natural leader, she has all that experience behind the plate and I think she’s going to be able to really help our new pitchers.” 

Lamar, who can play first or third base, had a .392 batting average with 40 hits, 29 RBI, 26 runs scored and seven home runs last year. Wells, who can also play third, hit .398 and drove in 20 runs, while Shanks batted .429 in 24 plate appearances. 

Three other seniors should contribute nicely, Friend said. Lauren Hicks, an option at first base, is back after an injury wiped out her junior season, while classmates Morgan Brannon (IF) and Shelby Gardner (OF/IF) are valuable additions.

Sophomore Dawsyn Decker is a player who can pitch, catch and play in the infield. 

Freshman Laney Taylor is an option in the circle. 

“She’ll have an important role on our pitching staff,” Friend said, noting several position players may see time in the circle. “Our pitching staff is slim, but our pitchers are working hard every day and they’ll be ready to give their best when the season begins.” 

Sophomore pitcher Lydia Lortz gained varsity experience last season, but she’s currently injured.

The Cardinals lost three starters to graduation in Berry, Alyssa Jennings and Bri Batson. And all three signed to play college softball, as Berry is headed to Central Missouri, while Jennings inked with Crowder College and Batson will play at Neosho County Community College. 

Replacing Berry will not be easy, as the two-time COC Player of the Year was a standout in the circle and at the plate. In 2020, Berry earned 25 pitching wins and blasted a school record 18 home runs, a mark that ranks second all-time in Missouri. 

Despite those losses, Coach Friend is confident her senior-laden squad has the potential to put together another solid season. 

“We’re trying to pick up right where we left off last year,” Friend said. “The girls are working hard and we’re excited.” 

The Cardinals will compete at Monett’s jamboree on Aug. 20. Webb City opens the season at home on Aug. 30 against Nevada. 

 

FIELD IMPROVEMENTS

Webb City will be playing at an improved facility this fall. 

When the work is completed, there will be a turf infield, with new dugouts and new seating options for fans. 

Friend, who said the work should be completed in plenty of time before the home opener, noted the backstop will be moved farther behind the plate, as well.

“It’s going to be a great facility,” Friend said. “I know they’ve been working hard on it. We’re excited.” 

 

CROSS COUNTRY: Joplin Eagles have expectations set high in ’21

Posted on by Jason Peake

The expectations are extremely high for the Joplin High School cross country team this fall.

It’s not hard to see why.

For starters, Joplin returns a solid core from last year’s boys team that competed at the Class 5 state championships after a runner-up finish at the district meet following a third-place showing in the Central Ozark Conference. 

“We’d be lying if we said we didn’t have high expectations this season,” Joplin coach Dustin Dixon said. “We’re coming out of a really great spring where we qualified for the state track championships in five different events on the distance side. It was a track season where our boys distance runners scored over half of the team’s total points at the conference meet. So we have really high expectations. We believe this team can vie for a podium spot at the end of the season in Class 5.”

Led by Hobbs Campbell, the Joplin Eagles return five runners who competed at the 2020 state cross country championships.

Junior Hobbs Campbell is expected to lead the way for the Eagles. Last fall, Campbell finished 12th at the conference meet, 13th at the district event and 34th at the state meet. 

Campbell is coming off a stellar spring, as he placed sixth in the 1,600 at the Class 5 state track meet and was a district champ in both the 1,600 and 3,200. 

Three other Eagles are back after placing in the top 17 at last fall’s COC Meet — seniors Zaben Barnes and Evan Matlock and sophomore Ian Horton.

Barnes finished 13th at the conference meet and was seventh at the district meet, while Matlock took 14th at both the COC and district meets and Horton placed 17th at the conference event and 16th at the district meet. 

Also back is senior Nicholas Horton. He’s another athlete who gained plenty of varsity experience last year, as he placed 23rd at the district meet. 

Campbell, Matlock, Barnes, Ian Horton and Nicholas Horton all competed at last year’s state cross country meet.

“That’s invaluable experience,” Dixon noted. “They know what it’s like to deal with the pressure and expectations of going into a district meet and advancing to state. They competed well and we were pleased with their effort.” 

Senior Max Russell and freshman Grey Edwards are two others who are competing for a varsity spot for the Eagles, who must overcome the loss of the graduated Micah Bruggeman.

 

DUNN WILL LEAD JHS GIRLS

Joplin’s girls also have the goals set high this fall. 

The JHS girls return a solid core from last year’s squad that won the Central Ozark Conference Meet and just missed taking a full team to state after finishing third at the district meet.

Jennalee Dunn

Of the seven girls who ran at last year’s conference meet, six are back this fall for the Eagles. 

Senior standout Jennalee Dunn is expected to be one of the region’s top female distance runners this fall.

Dunn was the runner-up at both the COC and district meets in 2020. She took 18th at state, earning all-state recognition. 

Dunn is coming off a stellar track season, as she placed eighth in the 1,600 and 11th in the 800 at May’s state track meet. 

“She’s excited for the season and she’s been getting looks from a lot of NCAA Division I programs,” Dixon said, adding Dunn recently visited D-II powerhouse Adams State. “She’s fit, we have high expectations for her and she has high expectations for herself.”

Also back for the JHS girls are returning state qualifiers Sage Mitchell and Allie Keizer.

A junior, Mitchell took 10th at last year’s conference meet and was 12th at the district event before concluding the season alongside the state’s best. 

Just a sophomore, Keizer placed 12th at last year’s COC Meet and finished 10th at the district meet before crossing the line 50th at the state meet. 

“We have high expectations for Allie and Sage,” Dixon noted. “We’re excited about those three leading the way for our girls team.”  

Juniors Mairi Beranek, Cylee Gilreath and Jackaline Triplett also return with prior varsity experience and should contribute nicely this fall. 

“We’re trying to defend a conference title on the girls side and we have high expectations all-around for our program,” Dixon said. “Our kids are excited and our kids are ready after putting in good work over the summer. I think all of our kids are just ready to get after it.” 

The Eagles will unofficially kick off the season on Aug. 28 with a practice meet at Joplin South Middle School. The races are slated to begin at 9 a.m. Squads from Webb City, Carl Junction and Carthage will also be participating. 

 

CROSS COUNTRY: Webb City boys look to continue COC streak; Hawkins will lead girls squad

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Consistency is a mark of a great program.

And when it comes to area boys cross country programs, no one’s been more consistent in recent years than the Webb City Cardinals.

In a 2020 season to remember, Dustin Miller’s Cardinals won the Central Ozark Conference championship for the seventh straight season before capturing the program’s fourth district title and securing the Class 4 runner-up plaque. 

“Ever since I got to Webb City, everybody’s bought in and we’ve had great support,” Miller said. “The kids have put in the work. Our kids have dedicated themselves to be the best and that’s what it takes. Our boys just work hard.”

Now, the Cardinals will be gunning for their eighth straight conference crown. Miller noted it won’t be easy to keep the streak going.

“Joplin’s loaded this year,” Miller said. “On paper, we are not as good as Joplin. It’s kind of nice not having the target on our back. But our seniors want to keep the streak alive. They don’t want to see it end on their watch. We’re excited about that challenge.” 

If the Cardinals are going to continue their hold on the COC title, they’ll need big seasons from their group of returning letterwinners.

Roman Borboa

Leading the way for Webb City will be senior Roman Borboa. 

As a junior, Borboa was the district champion and he earned all-state honors with a 21st place finish at the state event. 

“Roman looks like he’ll be our No. 1,” Miller said of Borboa, who took 10th place at the COC Meet. “Roman’s been really consistent and he wants to be great. He really dedicated himself this summer. He stepped up with some big time workouts and he’s ready to lead the way.” 

Seniors Dustin Brockmiller and Blake Vaughan and sophomore Evan Stevens are other runners Miller expects to contribute nicely in the varsity lineup.

Brockmiller finished 15th at last year’s COC Meet, was seventh at the district meet and 26th at state, just missing all-state recognition. 

Senior Jose Antillon, sophomore Mason Hedger and freshman Jace Schulte are other athletes who could be competing in the varsity races. 

“We’ve had some guys really dedicate themselves,” Miller said. “So I’m really excited about this group.” 

 

HAWKINS WILL LEAD WEBB CITY GIRLS

Webb City’s girls also had a memorable 2020 season, as the Cardinals captured a district championship, qualifying a full squad to the state meet. 

Riley Hawkins

Senior Riley Hawkins is the team’s top returner. 

After finishing 15th at the conference meet, Hawkins captured a district championship before finishing 57th at state. 

Junior Abi Street is another runner to watch. As a sophomore, Street placed 13th at the conference meet, took third at the district meet and was 77th at state. 

“I’m really excited about Riley and Abi,” Miller said, noting the pair have the potential to do big things. “Riley has really had some bright spots during her career and we hope she can be more consistent this year. And Abi came on really strong during the track season.” 

Seniors Alanna Bundy, Lauren Kuechler and Izzy Lopez, junior Hally Philpot and sophomore Emily Countryman are others who could contribute nicely this fall. 

As a sophomore, Philpot was ninth at the COC Meet, second at the district meet and 72nd at state.

Miller noted varsity spots are still up for grabs at this point. 

“I’m excited about this girls group,” Miller said. “They’re a great group of girls who are fun to be around. We have to work on consistently competing on a regular basis. We’re excited about them going forward.” 

 

THIS ‘N THAT

Webb City is patiently awaiting its classification assignment. The Cardinals will be in either Class 4 or Class 5 this season. 

Webb City will be one of the area teams participating in a practice meet on Aug. 28 at Joplin South Middle School. 

The first official meet of the 2021 season is the SWCCCA Richard Clark Invitational on Sept. 4 at Bolivar Municipal Golf Course.

ARKANSAS BOUND: Carl Junction’s Logan Jones excited for her commitment to the Razorbacks

Posted on by Lucas Davis

The countless hours Logan Jones has spent on the volleyball court have officially paid off after she announced her commitment to continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Arkansas via Twitter on July 17.

“It’s really exciting,” Jones said in an interview with SoMo Sports. “I grew up a Razorback fan, so it’s always been a dream of mine. To see it come true and to be able to play in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) is a really big deal to me.”

Jones has had a love for volleyball for as long as she can remember, and her passion has led her to incredible success on the court as a setter, which is essentially the point guard on a basketball team or a quarterback on a football team.

Carl Junction junior setter Logan Jones has committed to Arkansas to play volleyball. Photo by Israel Perez.

“Volleyball is really important to me,” Jones said. “I love being able to compete while still making connections with other people. It has allowed me to travel to places I wouldn’t have otherwise, but also being able to meet people from all over the country and identify with them through volleyball is great.”

Last season as a sophomore at Carl Junction, Jones finished with 914 assists—setting a single-season record for the Bulldogs. Jones, who helped lead Carl Junction to a 24-7 record as well as a district title, also holds the single-match record in assists with 54. She also finished the year with 66 kills, 48 aces, 30 blocks and 186 digs.

“Playing at the high school level has really helped me become more well-rounded,” Jones said about how prep volleyball has helped her development. “I’ve learned to connect with my teammates more, and that has really helped me.”

Leading up to her junior prep season with the Bulldogs, Jones played for the MAVS KC 16-1 club team, running a 5-1 offense. Jones’ club team had third-place finishes at the 2021 GJNC in Las Vegas and at the Adidas Windy City National Qualifier as well as fifth-place showings in the Asics Show Me National Qualifier and the Northern Lights National Qualifier. 

Jones is currently the third-ranked overall player in Missouri by Prep Dig and is a Top 150 player according to Prep Volleyball. She was named to the 2021 Girls Junior National Championships 16 Open all-tournament team as well as the 2021 Under Armour All-American Selection Camp. 

“Club volleyball has really helped me specialize in my position,” Jones added about what her play at the club level has helped in her development. “Playing at both levels have really helped me and have been valuable tools.”

Of course, you get two different dynamics when playing for your prep team than you do your club team. But for Jones, both experiences of playing volleyball for her prep team as well as her club team were instrumental in getting to this point.

“You get that sense of community and family with your high school team,” Jones said. “That includes the big rivalries with Webb City and all of that. That environment is super fun. When you go to club, depending where you play, it might take you to a more intense and higher level of competition depending on where you play.”

Of course, Jones is no slouch in the classroom either. She currently holds a 4.0 GPA and is ranked as the top student in her class. Jones plans to study dietetics at Arkansas. Managing her time in the classroom while playing volleyball at a high level both at the prep and club level as she rounds out her high school career over the next two years, which hasn’t been easy, is preparing her for what it will take to be successful on and off the court with the Razorbacks.

“I am not going to lie, it’s pretty hard,” Jones said with a laugh. “I remember nights coming home from practice in Kansas City and I would have a picture of my notes from class and text it to my dad so we could facetime and he could quiz me on my notes. Basically, we would just be studying over the phone. It was pretty difficult.

“I think (the academic side) is really important because you never know when your (athletic) dream is going to end. And, obviously, God’s plan is better than what we have planned, but I think it is best to be prepared for whatever comes at you. Putting in hard work in both academic and athletic areas is a must have.”

GIRLS TENNIS: Returning state qualifiers Cardenas, Watts will lead Joplin this fall

Posted on by Jason Peake

Astrid Cardenas and Emma Watts were the Joplin area’s top girls tennis players in 2020.

And now they’re back for more. 

In a stellar fall campaign for the Joplin Eagles, Cardenas and Watts captured the No. 1 doubles crown at the Central Ozark Conference tournament, took second place at the Class 3 District 6 tournament and then advanced to the consolation quarterfinals of the state tournament.

“We were very pleased with them and they fell just short of being on the medal stand (at state),” Joplin coach Jeff Williams said. “I know they feel they should have been on the medal stand last year. I know they’d love to do that this year. We’re confident Astrid and Emma are going to be two really solid players for us again this year. And hopefully they can be two of the top players in the state.” 

Joplin’s Emma Watts and Astrid Cardenas.

As a doubles team, Cardenas and Watts went 15-7 last season, but they were 14-3 after both players returned to action from injury or illness. 

A back injury plagued Cardenas throughout her junior season, while an illness kept Watts out of action temporarily during her sophomore campaign.

Will Cardenas and Watts form a formidable doubles team again this fall?

“They’ve talked about it,” Joplin assistant coach Richard Perry said. “We’ll see. We’ll see how everyone is playing and we’ll put everyone in the best position possible to go the furthest for the team.” 

Now a senior, Cardenas represented Joplin at the state tennis tournament for the second straight season in 2020. 

Williams noted it may take Cardenas some time to get back into form this fall. 

“Astrid is coming off a summer injury that held her back for several weeks, so we’ll see how fast she progresses from that,” Williams said. “We’re hoping she can have a successful senior year.” 

Williams and Perry both noted Watts put in a lot of time and effort towards improving her tennis skills over the summer. With that, the JHS coaching staff expects Watts to have a stellar junior season.

“Emma played a lot of tennis and hit the weight room this summer,” Perry said of Watts, who went 7-3 in singles matches last season. “She’s gotten stronger and I think she’s going to roll right into this season.”

Cardenas and Watts aren’t the only Eagles on this year’s roster with prior varsity experience. 

Senior Cloey Blank was in last year’s starting lineup and is expected to play a big role this season. Junior Brynn Driver is another player who earned varsity experience last fall. Jensen Vowels earned varsity playing time last year as a sophomore, but she’s currently unable to compete after having knee surgery. 

As far as newcomers, sophomore Abry Stayton is a player who has impressed the coaching staff.

“Abry is a very good athlete and we look forward to her doing some good things for us,” Williams said. 

Mya Ndedi-Ntepe, also a sophomore, is another player who could contribute at the varsity level. 

“She’s been putting in a lot of work,” Perry noted. 

The Eagles had 17 athletes in attendance at Monday’s first practice, five more than last year’s opening day. 

The team will soon be holding challenge matches which will ultimately decide the varsity lineup.

“We have some newcomers who are in the mix, so we’ll see what happens,” Williams said. 

“We have some open spots and those will go to whoever fights the hardest for them,” Perry said. 

The Eagles are scheduled to open the season at Thomas Jefferson on Aug. 30. Joplin’s home opener is one night later against Webb City. 

Also of note, the coaching staff has added several junior varsity events to this year’s schedule in order to get the younger players more valuable experience. 

“Hopefully that will pay off and hopefully the program is on the rise,” Williams said. 

 

JHS Girls Tennis Schedule – Joplin Athletics

SPRING SEASON: Area student-athletes garner SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year recognition

Posted on by Lucas Davis

At SoMo Sports, we understand the importance of student-athletes competing in prep sports in terms of development, both mentally and physically, for young adults who are preparing for life after high school.

Not only does competing in prep sports help build character, but it also provides student-athletes with tools such as communication, leadership and self-drive that will benefit them as they continue on life’s journey. 

With that in mind, SoMo Sports wanted to honor the top athletes in the area who put in countless hours of hard work during practice, workouts, games/meets as well as on their own time by naming them as a SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year.

The Athlete of the Year selections go out to the top area athlete in each sport during the fall, winter and spring prep seasons. 

The standout athletes are chosen by SoMo Sports reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who tirelessly cover prep sports for Joplin and its surrounding communities during the school year. Along with nominations by area coaches, SoMo Sports used individual accomplishments during the regular season and postseason as well as team success as factors for choosing each Athlete of the Year. 

The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year awards will be divided up in three stories—fall, winter and spring. Each sport will have an Athlete of the Year, and if warranted, there may be one or two honorable mentions per sport as well.

The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year three-part story is sponsored by Cell Phone Medics.

SOMO SPORTS SPRING ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

BASEBALL

Treghan Parker, senior, Webb City

Webb City’s Treghan Parker finished his stellar senior season with a .429 batting average, 45 hits, 43 runs scored, seven home runs and 56 runs batted in, a single season school record.  Parker recorded nine doubles and hit six triples, drew 20 walks, swiped 20 bases, only struck out seven times all season and had an .895 fielding percentage from the shortstop position.  With Parker playing a key role, Webb City went 26-6 and advanced to the championship game of the district tournament.  After the season, Parker was named the Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year and was a first-team all-state and all-district selection. Parker, who was also a standout on the football field, will play baseball at Missouri Southern.  

Honorable Mention: Noah Southern, Carl Junction; Cole Martin, McDonald County; Kohl Cooper, Joplin

 

GIRLS TRACK

Addison Lawrence, sophomore, College Heights

Addison Lawrence had a remarkable spring. Just a sophomore, Lawrence earned four gold medals at the Class 1 state track meet, leading the College Heights girls to a team championship.

Lawrence’s inaugural high school season ended with her claiming state titles in the 100-meter dash, the 400-meter run as well as a member of the 4×100 and 4×200 relays. On the way to her four state titles, Lawrence also set school records in the 100, 200 and 400 as well as the 4×100 and 4×200 relays. Lawrence was also a part of the 4×400 relay team that broke the Galena, Kansas, meet record.

Honorable Mention: Ally Montez, Carl Junction  

 

BOYS TRACK

Mekhi Garrard, senior, Webb City

Mekhi Garrard’s senior year at Webb City ended with not only an individual state championship, but also a team title. Garrard was the Class 4 state champion in the long jump ( 23-3.25) and also placed second in the triple jump (45-10). Garrard earned another state medal in Jefferson City, as he ran a leg of Webb City’s 4×400 relay that finished third. Garrard played a crucial role as Webb City’s boys track and field squad captured the Class 4 state championship. During the spring, Garrard won district and sectional titles in the long jump. He was also the conference and district champion in the triple jump. He qualified for state in four events, the long jump, triple jump, 200-meter dash and 4×200 relay. At state, Garrard joined the team’s 4×400 relay in place of the 200. Garrard, who was also a standout in football and basketball at WCHS, will join the track and field team at Missouri Southern. 

Honorable Mention: Donovyn Fowler, Joplin

BOYS TENNIS

Ian Ding, junior, Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding left no doubt as to who was the Joplin area’s top boys tennis player. Ding capped a stellar junior season by competing at both the individual and team state tournaments. Individually, Ding finished fourth in the singles bracket at the MSHSAA Class 2 state tournament. Ding finished the season with a singles record of 27-4. Ding also saw success in doubles with Hari Nagarajan. The Cavaliers, who went 15-1 in duals this past spring, finished as the state runner-up in Class 2 for coach Tom Brumfield. 

 

SPRING SOFTBALL

Lauren Schallert, senior, Purdy

A standout in the circle and at the plate, Lauren Schallert led Purdy (30-1) to its first state spring softball championship.  As a pitcher, Schallert went 25-1 with a 0.36 ERA. She struck out 265 in 137 1/3 innings, walking just 18. Schallert fanned 16 in the state semifinals, a state record. In the batter’s box, Schallert batted .592 with 10 homers, 45 RBI and 45 runs scored.  Schallert, who is headed to Cameron University, earned first-team all-conference, all-district and all-state honors. 

Honorable Mention: Maddy Colin, College Heights

GIRLS SOCCER

Grace Bishop, senior, College Heights

With her solid overall play from the forward position, Grace Bishop led McAuley Catholic/College Heights to a 14-3 record and a berth in a district championship game.  Bishop, who has signed to play college soccer at John Brown University, scored 30 goals, handed out 11 assists and recorded a hat trick in five contests this spring. Bishop recorded eight goals in three games to lead the Warriors to the Hillcrest Tournament championship. For her efforts, Bishop was recognized as all-district, all-region (Co-Player of the Year) and all-state. In fact, Bishop was an all-state performer in three sports as a senior—cross country, track and field and soccer. 

Honorable Mention: Anea Bemo, Webb City

 

BOYS GOLF

Fielding Campbell, senior, Joplin

Fielding Campbell, a Missouri Southern commit, had a standout senior season on the standout golf team in the area. For Joplin, which took fourth as a team at state, Campbell capped off his final year as an Eagle with a 79-72—151 in the Class 5 meet at Sedalia Country Club to finish in a tie for 32nd place. Leading up to the final tournament of the season, Campbell took first place in the Bird Dog Invitational with a 78, sixth in the Horton Smith Invitational with an 80, tied for third in the Joplin Invitational with a 78, tied for fourth in the Ozark Tournament (77) and finished in fifth in the Sonic Invitational with a 74. Campbell tied for second at the COC Meet with fellow Joplin Eagle Wyatt Satterlee, who finished tied 27th at state with a 75-75—150, after both players shot a 76 to earn first-team all-COC honors. Campbell also carded a 75 in districts to take fourth place and earn all-district honors in the process.

Honorable Mention: Wyatt Satterlee, Joplin

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