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GIRLS BASKETBALL: Joplin looking to take the next step in 2021-22 with infusion of youth and experience

The Joplin girls basketball has plenty of excitement surrounding the program leading up to the 2021-22 season.

The Eagles return a handful of players with a lot of varsity experience to anchor the upcoming season in hopes of taking the next step in terms of winning games. But Joplin is also welcoming a talented crop of underclassmen to the varsity level with the hopes of building for the future at the same time as competing this year. In other words, expectations are trending up. 

“We are looking to be a much-improved team this year,” second-year Joplin coach Luke Floyd said. “We are looking for consistency this year and with a year of experience, we should be able to win a lot of the close games that we weren’t able to last season.”

Joplin’s list of returners include senior forward Emma Floyd, senior G Brooke Nice, senior F Ella Hafer, junior G Brynn Driver and junior G Izzy Yust. Floyd, who garnered all-conference defender, all-district and second-team 4 State all-area recognition, averaged 7.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and two blocks a game last season. Nice averaged 8.7 points and 2.7 rebounds, while Driver scored 8.2 points and grabbed 5.2 boards per game. Yust added four points and 2.3 rebounds, while Hafter averaged 7.5 points and three rebounds in two games before her season ended due to injury.

With that much production coming back from a season ago, it’s no surprise that Coach Floyd views the experience his players carry as the team’s biggest strength. 

“We return a lot of our team from last year,” Floyd said. “So even though we only have three seniors, we will have an experienced core at the varsity level. We are an athletic bunch and as our freshmen gain experience, we will be a pretty deep team.”

Joining the Eagles at the varsity level this year is junior G Jill McDaniel, sophomore G Ashley Phillips, sophomore F Scarlett Floyd as well as freshmen guards Libby Munn, Maria Loum and Abby Lowery and freshman F Riley Kelly.

“We have a really solid core with Ella, Brooke, Emma, Brynn and Izzy,” Coach Floyd said. “With the exception of Ella, who was hurt last season, they all bring a lot of experience. They will be key as we work in our underclassmen throughout the season.”

“We are really excited about the potential of our freshmen and sophomores. We think that group has a very high ceiling and will be able to complement our upperclassmen once they are ready.”

The biggest key for Joplin in taking the next step will be the ability of taking care of the basketball. Turnovers at crucial moments turned the tides in several games for the Eagles a year ago. Coach Floyd believes the experience the team gained in those moments from last season will help the results turn in favor of Joplin this season. 

“Getting beyond Joplin beating Joplin will be huge,” Floyd said. “We have to cut our turnovers in half from what they were last year. Scoring the basketball consistently and bringing energy and effort on the defensive end will also be paramount to us having the kind of season we want to have.”

Joplin opens the season at home against Cassville on Friday.

PREP FOOTBALL: Webb City, Seneca, Lamar set for quarterfinal clashes

 

Three area prep football teams will attempt to reach the semifinals of their respective state tournaments this weekend. 

Below is a quick look at the quarterfinal matchups of local interest. 

 

CLASS 5 QUARTERFINAL

Lebanon (10-1) at Webb City (8-3), Friday at 7 p.m.

 

OUTLOOK: Webb City avenged a regular season setback to Carthage in the District 6 championship game, as the Cardinals overcame a 14-point deficit and knocked off the previously undefeated Tigers 28-21 in what was another memorable clash between the close rivals.  

Incredibly, John Roderique’s Cardinals have now won 22 straight district championships. 

Lebanon beat Glendale 56-26 for the District 5 crown. Lebanon’s lone loss came in Week 8, a 28-20 setback to Rolla. The Yellowjackets own a win over Class 4 quarterfinalist West Plains (44-34).

Both teams are averaging 41 points per game. The Yellowjackets are allowing 20 points per game, while the Cardinals have given up 22 points per game. 

Webb City is ranked fourth by the Missouri Media, while Lebanon is ranked seventh. 

These two teams also met in this round last season at Cardinal Stadium, with Webb City advancing to the semifinals with a convincing 42-14 win.

The winner of this game will advance to the semifinals on Nov. 27, where they’ll meet either defending state champion Jackson or Rockwood Summit. 

 

CLASS 3 QUARTERFINAL

Mexico (9-2) at Seneca (8-4), Saturday at 2 p.m.

 

OUTLOOK: The Indians defeated Mountain Grove 24-18 in the district championship game. 

Seneca is in the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2013. The Indians finished as the state runner-up that season. 

Led by QB Ethan Fritchey and running backs Jaxson Graham and Jackson Marrs, the Indians have won four straight games since suffering a loss to Class 2 defending state champion Lamar. 

Seneca is averaging 25 points per game and allowing 24. Mexico is scoring 39 points per contest while allowing 18. 

Mexico handled Blair Oaks 49-14 in the district championship game. The Bulldogs’ losses are to Class 4 quarterfinalist Hannibal and to Class 4 Kirksville. 

The winner of this game will meet either Park Hills Central or St. Mary’s in the semifinals on Nov. 27.

 

CLASS 2 QUARTERFINAL

Lamar (11-0) at Ava (11-0), Saturday at 1 p.m.

 

OUTLOOK: Lamar is in the quarterfinal round for the 13th straight season. 

In a clash between the top-ranked teams in Class 2, Lamar rode a big second half to a 35-7 win over second-ranked Fair Grove in the district championship game. 

Led by QB Joel Beshore and RB Austin Wilkerson, the defending state champion Tigers scored 28 unanswered points after the game was deadlocked at halftime. 

Ranked fourth, Ava defeated Liberty 48-6 last Friday to advance.

The Bears are averaging 44 points per game and allowing 11. Lamar is scoring 46 per game and giving up just 8 points per game. Ava defeated Lamar in this round in 2019. 

The Lamar-Ava winner will meet either Maryville or Richmond in the semifinals on Nov. 27. 

 

HOW TO WATCH: All of the area games can be viewed online for a $10 fee at: https://www.mshsaa.tv/

 

 

PREP WRESTLING: Joplin returns seven starters

 

The Joplin High School wrestling team will be led by seven returning starters. 

“Our expectations are the same every year,” Joplin coach Jeremy Finley said. “We look to get as many kids in the room as possible and keep them there. We lost a few guys from last year’s squad and we’re looking for a few guys to step up and lead our team.” 

Senior Jack Stanley (160 pounds), junior Drew VanGilder (170), senior Brayden Thomas (182), junior Draven VanGilder (195) and senior Gunner Price (heavyweight) are expected to be key performers after gaining plenty of varsity experience last season. 

Drew VanGilder and Price were sectional qualifiers last season.

Sophomore Freddy Cerrato-Martinez is expected to wrestle at 126 pounds for the Eagles, while junior Alex Short is a likely starter at 132. 

Finley listed sophomores Ethan Bentz (152) and Johnathen Burke (145) and freshman Noah Soriano (132/138) as newcomers to watch. 

Finley, who noted the program’s numbers have steadily increased over the last four years, said staying healthy is a big key to having a successful season in the always-tough Central Ozark Conference. 

Joplin had two state qualifiers last year, Josiah Vaughn (132) and Sam Melton (106). Vaughn graduated and Melton is now attending Carl Junction High School. The Eagles went 8-4 in dual matches last year. 

On the girls side, Ericka Washom was a sectional qualifier and is expected to lead the way for JHS this winter. 

The Eagles are scheduled to begin the season on Nov. 30 at Webb City.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Carthage reloading with experience in 2021-22

CARTHAGE, Mo. — After graduating four seniors who all had starting roles, the Carthage girls basketball team is looking for the next set of players to step up and replace the lost production.

The Tigers are coming off a 15-11 record from a year ago and graduated seniors Hailey Fullerton, Brianna Ream, Lauren Wilson and Katie Crowe, all of whom were in the starting lineup a year ago. The good news is Carthage has plenty of varsity experience returning in order to pick up where they left off last season. 

“I’m very excited about this year’s team,” Carthage coach Scott Moore said. “With the graduation of four senior starters, including four-year varsity star Hailey Fullerton, we will have a much different look when teams see us get off the bus. However, we are not rebuilding, we are reloading. We will still play Lady Tigers basketball which is personified in our aggressive, full court defense and attacking downhill offense.”

Leading the list of returners for Carthage is junior starting point guard Kianna Yates—a second-team all-conference, first-team all-COC defense and first-team all-district player last year—who averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 42 steals per game last season.

“She is an all-around amazing player,” Moore said. “She stuffs the stat sheets with points, rebounds, assists, steals and deflections, while directing our multifaceted offense. Her drive and determination will be the catalyst of our success this season.”

Stepping into a larger role this season will be senior F Sophie Shannon, senior G Presley Probert, junior G Raven Probert, junior G/F Landry Cochran and junior G Daniela Marquez.

“Sophie started most of the season in the post for us last year,” Moore said. “She is a willing defender, shot blocker and rebounder. … Presley is our most-experienced wing player returning but she hasn’t started a varsity game before. She’s got a moxie to her game, so I have no doubt she will handle the added duties on both ends of the floor.

“Raven will likely be called upon to be our defensive stopper this season. Her quick feet and quick hands will allow her to hassle the other team’s point guards all game long. … Landry will be forced to play inside and outside for us this year. As our second post option, she will have to get into the paint and mix it up with the big girls a little more than in the past, but she is a tough kid and won’t back down to that challenge.”

New to the varsity roster this year will be freshmen Maggie Boyd (G/F) and Lauren Choate (G) and sophomore Trisha Kanas (G). 

“Maggie will likely play the 1 thorough 4 positions on varsity this season,” Moore said. “She’s an intelligent player who can handle the ball and shoot the 3, but is willing to mix it up in the paint with the bigger players. … Lauren has a sniper’s mentality and will hunt the right space to get off her shot. Once she fully acclimates to the varsity speed on offense and defense, she will be a major threat for our team. … Trisha is a very athletic player who excels in the transition game. She will come off the bench for us and provide an immediate energy on both ends of the floor.”

While there is plenty of experience coming back, the biggest strength to this Tigers team might be their athleticism, which bodes well for the type of system Coach Moore runs on both ends of the floor. 

“We won’t be as tall as previous years, but we will use our speed and athleticism to create the same scoring punch as last year,” Moore said. “Several fans have told me how much they enjoy watching our girls play and I expect us to be just as entertaining this year.”

Carthage opens the season on the road with a matchup at Kickapoo on Friday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Junior class to lead Neosho girls in the upcoming season

NEOSHO, Mo. — Despite being down two starters from graduation and a third because of an injury, the Wildcats are looking to use the experience they do have returning to build off of last season under then first-year head coach Ryan Madison.

Neosho is without leading scorer Olivia Hixon and Michelle Lindsay, who both graduated, and will also be without junior Baylie Bowers, who is out for the year after suffering an injury in the fall during softball. 

Fortunately for Neosho, the returning players with varsity experience are all juniors, which means this group has a minimum of two years together to build something similar to what the Wildcats’ 9-4 start from last season. 

Leading the list of returners with starting experience is junior 6-foot-1 forward Reagan McInturff, who averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds a game last season. Joining McInturff is 5-7 junior G Raine Harris, who averaged 4.6 points and 3.6 rebounds, and 5-7 junior G/F Maelynn Garrett, who averaged 1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds last season.

“We are hoping to improve on last year’s record and be much more competitive in the COC,” Madison said to SoMo Sports. “We have good size, and I think we should have a little more buy in.”

Adding to the there with starting experience, the Wildcats also welcome back 6-1 junior F Karlee Ellick (who averaged 5.8 points and 4.1 rebounds), 5-10 junior F Meredith Baldwin and 5-5 junior G Jayden Adams.

Seniors Taigen Mitchell (5-4 guard) and Emily Phillips (5-6 guard) are also expected to contribute at the varsity level, and they will be joined by varsity newcomers Beclynn Garrett, a 5-9 freshman guard, and sophomore G Courtney Thomason. 

“(We have a) huge junior class with players who have played a lot of varsity basketball,” Madison said. “We have two seniors who would like to end their careers on a high note and a very talented freshman class as well.”

Neosho opens the season with a home matchup against Lamar on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Returning experience set to be catalyst for McAuley Catholic

While depth might be an issue, talent won’t be a problem for the McAuley Catholic girls basketball team in the 2021-22 season.

The Warriors are coming off a 20-win season that ended in a trip to the state quarterfinals and return their top two playmakers in senior 5-foot-6 guard Kayleigh Teeter and senior 5-8 G/F Kennedy DeRuy, who combined for over 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals per game last season, to help replicate the success from a year ago.

“I always have high expectations for my teams,” McAuley coach Mike Howard said. “This season is no different. … I look for us to use the experience we gained last year and carry that over into this year. If we stay humble and have the right mindset, we have the ability to compete for a conference championship and also have a good chance to make another run in the state tournament.”

Teeter is a returning first-team all-area, district and conference player who averaged 17.6 points, 3.8 assists and 4.3 steals per game — all team highs — to go along with 5.7 rebounds a game. DeRuy earned first-team all-conference and district honors, while garnering second-team all-area recognition after averaging 15 points, 2.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game. She also led the Warriors with 7.8 rebounds per game.

Joining Teeter and DeRuy and also bringing back plenty of varsity experience is junior 5-10 forward Lily Black, who started last season and averaged 4.3 points and 5.2 rebounds, and sophomore 5-7 guard Kloee Williamson, who averaged 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.

“(Kayleigh and Kennedy) will be the catalysts on this team, however, other people are going to have to step up and lead if those two are being focused on,” Howard said. “I expect more of a scoring role from junior post player Lily Black and sophomore guard Kloee Williamson. Both are capable of helping the team out in different ways, whether it’s rebounding and putbacks or playing aggressive defense and creating turnovers.”

The varsity experience gets very thin after that, though, which may prove to be an issue early on for the Warriors. Coach Howard is expecting sophomore 5-6 guard Avery Gardner to step into a bigger role this season. Senior 6-0 F Avery Eminger returns to McAuley to provide depth inside, with sophomore 5-7 F Kaitlyn Bates also expected to help inside.

“We are not very deep this year,” Howard said. “I anticipate rotating six, possibly seven girls this year. So, we are going to have to be disciplined and play defense without fouling. We are also going to have to be in terrific shape to be able to sustain the length of the season.”

Of course, the good news for McAuley is the strength of this team is perhaps the best attribute a team can have—experience.

“We have played in the last three district championships, winning two of them,” Howard said. “We were one step away from the Final 4 last year, so hopefully the experience gained from that game will carry into this year.

“This team has the ability to be a good team. The main key, however, is to have the correct mindset to sustain the length of a long season. If we stay motivated and come to practice everyday ready to put in the work, that will take them far beyond what their ability only will take them.”

McAuley opens the season on the road at Liberal on Nov. 23 before taking part in the Gem City Classic from Nov. 29-Dec. 4. The Warriors open up at home against Sarcoxie on Dec. 9.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Webb City features solid returners, promising newcomers

 

Webb City’s girls basketball team will feature a number of varsity veterans and some promising newcomers when the 2021-22 season officially begins on Monday.

“We are looking forward to the start of the season,” Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. “Although we lost some key players to graduation, we feel like we have a solid group coming back and some very talented younger kids to step in and fill the void. Our focus this year will be getting back to simple fundamental basketball, focusing on competing and improving each day. As always, the conference will be very competitive with many talented teams and players. We have a strong non-conference schedule that will help prepare us for the gauntlet of the COC.”

The Cardinals will feature four seniors. 

Kenzie Robbins, a 5-foot-9 forward, missed a large part of last season due to a knee injury. She averaged five points and three boards a game, earning second-team all-district honors. 

“Kenzie is coming off an ACL injury, and once we get her back and healthy, we think she can help with our scoring,” Coach Robbins said.

Fellow seniors Josie Spikereit and Ripley Shanks are 5-10 forwards who gained varsity experience last year, while classmate Austyn Mickey is a 5-7 guard. 

“Our biggest strength this year will be our senior leadership,” Coach Robbins said. “We have four seniors who were not satisfied with how the season ended last year and that resonates throughout the program. And I think we have the chance to be a very good defensive team with our size and length at all five positions.” 

Junior guard Kate Brownfield is another top returner. The 5-9 Brownfield averaged six points and six rebounds a game last year, earning all-district honors. 

“Kate Brownfield ended the season last year playing really good basketball,” Robbins said. “She had a good summer and is someone we think can have a breakout season this year. She has all the tools to do some good things.”

Sophomore guards Mia Robbins and Malorie Stanley both gained plenty of varsity experience last season and should take on bigger roles this winter. 

Mia Robbins is a 5-8 point guard who averaged three boards, two points and two assists a game as a freshman, while Stanley is a 5-8 shooting guard who contributed four points and two rebounds a game. 

Junior guard Kylie Jennings also returns after earning varsity minutes last season. 

Webb City has three newcomers that are expected to contribute in a big way.

Sami Mancini is a 6-5 freshman post player who should make an immediate impact. 

“Sami is only a freshman, but we are expecting some good things out of her in the post area,” Robbins said. “At 6-5, she has the ability to be a game changer for us.”

Junior Izzy Lopez and freshman Kirra Long will provide depth at the guard position. 

The Cardinals must overcome the loss of Jaydee Duda and Sierra Kimbrough, a pair of guards who led the way in scoring last season.

“We lost the majority of our scoring from last season, so we will need some individuals to step up into that scoring role,” Robbins said. “We certainly have several girls who are capable of doing that.”

The Cardinals will look to improve upon last year’s 10 wins.

“The biggest key for us will be how quickly some of our young girls mature. That will allow us to have some depth in our lineup,” Robbins said. 

Webb City hosts McDonald County on Monday in the season opener. 

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: Webb City returns solid core, has goals set high

 

The Webb City boys basketball team returns a solid core from last year’s squad that won 18 games, claimed a Kaminsky Classic crown and played for a district championship for the fifth straight season.

As a result, the Cardinals are confident they can put together a stellar 2021-22 season.

“I think we have a talented group returning that can compete at a high level,” Webb City coach Jason Horn said. “Good leadership from our senior class will be key for us to compete with the top teams on our schedule. We’re going to play fast, we want to pressure the basketball and we want to be a solid man-to-man defense team. We want to give our fans something that they can be proud of and something that’s fun to watch.” 

Five seniors return with varsity experienceCohl Vaden, Kaden Turner, Max Higginbotham, Dupree Jackson and Isaiah Brisco.

Vaden, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, earned all-conference, all-district and all-area recognition a season ago after averaging 12.3 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. He’s a player that has shown the ability to knock down 3-pointers and can also provide ball-handling. 

“He gives us a reliable ball-handler at the point guard position,” Horn said. “He’s a high IQ player and has a lot of varsity experience. He’s someone who can score and he can get the ball in the right hands. Cohl is also a guy that can quarterback our defense.” 

The athletic and versatile Turner is a 6-4 forward who averaged 8.5 points and five rebounds a game. He can score in various ways and can defend all positions, Horn noted. 

Higginbotham (6-2) and Brisco (5-9) are guards, while the 5-10 Jackson is a forward who can fill the defensive stopper role. 

Also back is 6-4 junior forward Trey Roets, who averaged three points and two boards a game last winter. Horn expects Roets to take on a bigger role this year.

“I think we’ll look a little different than we have in the past,” Horn said. “We’ve got two guys (Turner, Roets) who can score with their backs to the basket. We’ve been really guard heavy the last five years. Trey and Kaden give us a different dynamic with their size and length in the post position.” 

A top newcomer is 5-10 junior guard Dante Washington, a player who saw significant minutes for Joplin last winter. Washington is a player who should make a big impact. 

Juniors William Hayes, Landon Johnson and Joe Adams and sophomore Barron Duda are other players who could make an impact at the varsity level.

“Our guard play should still be a strength for us with a number of guys being able to make shots from the perimeter and get to the basket off the dribble,” Horn said. “Defensively, we have to do a better job of limiting straight-line drives and pressuring the ball without committing unnecessary fouls.”

A key to success for the Cardinals will be how the varsity newcomers progress and contribute. 

“We will have some new guys that will be playing key roles this season,” Horn said. “How quickly they can adjust to the speed and physicality of the varsity game will play a huge factor in determining how successful we will be this season.”

Of course, many of Webb City’s top performers are still playing football, so they’ll get off to a late start as far as hoops season.  

“We don’t stress out about it, we’re just happy when they get here,” Horn said, noting the seniors have been in the program since seventh grade and know the system well. “It’s a situation where the deeper they go in the playoffs, the more we have to play ourselves into basketball shape. We just hope everyone will be healthy and they’ll be ready to compete and play hard.” 

Webb City will begin the season at Lamar on Dec. 7.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Carl Junction returns solid core; Bulldogs have goals set high

 

The Carl Junction girls basketball team captured its sixth straight district championship last winter.

Now, as the 2021-22 season arrives, the Bulldogs appear to have the pieces in place to potentially continue that impressive streak. 

Carl Junction returns four starters and nearly its entire lineup from last year’s squad that went 18-9 and won a district title before falling to West Plains in the quarterfinal round of the Class 5 state tournament.  

“It’s a fun group to coach,” Carl Junction coach Brad Shorter said. “They mesh really well together. Hopefully we can do some good things this year. The best thing about this group is they get along well and they practice hard. And I think we’re going to keep getting better.” 

Junior guard Destiny Buerge is coming off a stellar sophomore season. 

Buerge earned first-team all-conference, district player of the year and all-state recognition after averaging 24.6 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists per game last winter.

Buerge, a player who can shoot from the perimeter or drive to the hoop, will lead an experienced backcourt.

Also back for the Bulldogs are junior guards Hali Shorter and Klohe Burk and senior guard Ellie Lawson.

Hali Shorter averaged six points, four rebounds and three assists per game. showed the ability to knock down 3-pointers

Burk, who spent the second half of the season with the Bulldogs after transferring from College Heights, averaged nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal per game. 

Perimeter shooting should be a strength of the Bulldogs. Buerge made 42 3-pointers last season, while Shorter hit 34 treys and Burk made 21. 

Lawson also returns with plenty of varsity experience. She provides ball-handling and pressure defense on the perimeter. Shorter said Lawson has improved quite a bit.

Of course, the Bulldogs would have featured senior guard Jessa Hylton, but the former all-conference and all-district performer suffered a knee injury during the volleyball season that will wipe out her final season of prep hoops. Hylton averaged 10 points and two steals per game last winter. 

“It’s tough losing Jessa,” Shorter said. “She did so many things well. We’ll have to have other kids take care of that void.” 

In addition to his standout guards, Shorter expects big things from 6-foot-1 sophomore forward Kylie Scott. 

Scott missed a large part of her freshman campaign due to a wrist injury. In 14 games, Scott averaged nine points and nine rebounds, earning all-district honors after the season. Shorter expects Scott to take her game to another level this season. 

Other players to watch include senior Loren Lee and sophomores Hailey Merwin and Anna Burch. 

Shorter noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s group. 

“I think our guard play will be pretty solid,” Shorter said. “We can shoot it. And with Kylie, Anna and Loren inside, I think we have some strong post players. We should be able to play inside-out and outside-in at times.”

Shorter said he’s been pleased with what he’s seen in practice thus far, and added the expectations will be high this winter. 

“Our goals are the same every year,” Shorter added. “We want to give ourselves a shot at a conference title and a district title. The biggest thing for us is to just get a little bit better everyday. That’s what we want to focus on. We know we need to improve defensively.”

The Bulldogs will begin the season by hosting their annual CJ Classic on Nov. 29. Carl Junction plays Neosho at 8:30 p.m. in the first round of the eight-team event. 

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Walker takes over at Thomas Jefferson; Cavaliers return five starters 

 

Traci Walker is now in charge of the Thomas Jefferson girls basketball program. 

Walker was previously an assistant under Dan Rogers, but has taken over the reins of the program for the 2021-22 season. 

‘I’m pleased to be named the head coach this season,” Walker told SoMo Sports. “I believe that with my previous experience with the girls we will be a team to look out for.” 

The Cavaliers have five returning starters this season. 

Senior guard Alivia Beard has been a starter since her freshman year. Beard is a Western Illinois softball recruit who shot 30 percent from the field, 50 percent from the foul line and averaged 1.4 steals per game as a junior. 

Juniors Nico Carlson and Tannah Grigg and sophomores Sarah Mueller and Gabby Hiebert also return with starting experience.

Carlson and Grigg are forwards, while Mueller and Hiebert are guards. Although she’s a point guard, Hiebert averaged four rebounds and two blocked shots per game last season. 

“We have strong returners this year,” Walker said. “They are all leaders and will be able to help our younger players. We are quick and physical, as well.” 

Beard and JoJo Nelson are the team’s lone seniors. 

Top newcomers are freshmen Lannah Grigg (5-11 forward) and Presley Long (guard). Walker expects both players to see significant playing time at the varsity level. 

“We are still looking at a fairly young team, so our expectations are to do better than last year,” Walker said. “We will focus on executing plays, starting and finishing strong as a team and having fun. The biggest question mark is how we’ll mesh with the newer and younger players joining the team.” 

The Cavaliers managed just one win last season, and improving the team’s record is a major goal this year. 

“The keys to a successful season will be executing plays under pressure, taking our game shots and rebounding,” Walker said. 

Thomas Jefferson hosts Bronaugh at 6 p.m. on Nov. 23. 

COLLEGE SIGNINGS: Neosho’s Graue, Cole sign letters of intent

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho seniors Lili Graue and Kaden Cole put the pen to paper on Tuesday, committing to compete in their respective sports at the collegiate level.

Graue, an outfielder on the softball team, committed to play for Labette Community College, while Cole, a distance runner, committed to Missouri Southern for cross country.

“It means a lot to me because I am very competitive myself, so to join a competitive program such as Labette, it is just really rewarding,” Graue said of her commitment. “I know I am going to fit in well there.” 

“It is an amazing feeling,” Cole said. “I have been dreaming about this for the last four years at, just to be able to continue my athletic career at the next level. This is awesome.” 

Cole capped his senior cross country season in style, finishing in sixth place in the Class 5 state run in a time of 15 minutes, 33 seconds. Cole also won the Central Ozark Conference meet and finished sixth in the district run to earn all-conference, district and state honors.

“It’s amazing to me,” Cole said when asked about being able to stay in the area while running for a powerhouse program. “Being local was one of my main things. And the team there is pretty cool. … (The coaching staff) was just really welcoming to my family.”” 

Graue hit .489 at the plate and finished with a .550 on-base percentage for the Wildcats her senior season. She finished with 43 hits, eight doubles, 12 stolen bases and one home run, driving in 23 and scoring 32 runs. In her final season at Neosho, she garnered first-team all-conference, region and state recognition.

“It means everything to me to be able to play at the collegiate level because all of the hard work and dedication I have put into softball has paid off, and it is so rewarding,” Graue said. “It is a huge opportunity that not everyone gets, and I’m very fortunate to be able to continue the journey. I have wanted to play college ball my entire life. Knowing that I get to do that is very exciting.”

BOYS BASKETBALL: With talented core back, College Heights has goals set high

After a deep postseason run last winter, the College Heights Christian boys basketball team hopes to go one step further in 2021-22.

The Cougars made history by winning a district championship and advancing to the Class 2 state tournament last year. With a talented and experienced group, it’s safe to say the Cougars have the goals set high. 

“With the experience and the kids we have back, we feel pretty good about the upcoming season,” College Heights coach Eric Johnson said. “We just have to make sure they keep their heads screwed on straight, continue to work hard to get better and keep going in the right direction. I think experience, size and depth are our biggest strengths.” 

The Cougars return a solid core this winter, with four full-time starters back and another player who started on a part-time basis.

Leading the way for the Cougars is 6-foot-3 senior shooting guard Miller Long. Long earned all-conference, all-district, all-area and all-state honors as a junior. 

“He can score, but we’re going to ask him to handle the ball and get the ball to his open teammates too,” Johnson said. “There’s going to be times when he’s double-teamed and someone else is going to be open. I know he’s focused on having a great season.”

College Heights won’t rely on Long alone. 

Also back are seniors Hagen Beck, Ethan Adel and Ethan Meeks and junior Curtis Davenport. A trio of forwards/post players, Meeks is 6-7, Davenport is 6-5 and Beck is 6-4. Adel is a 6-foot guard. 

Davenport earned all-Ozark 7 and all-district honors last year, compiling 21 points and 17 rebounds in the district title game against Liberal. 

Johnson said Meeks, who started part-time last season, has improved.

The Cougars have even more size, as sophomore Chase Hembree is 6-7, junior Noah Hipple is 6-4 and sophomore Caleb Quade is 6-3. Junior Ben Thomas (6-2) is another player who should contribute. 

Johnson, who is in his 48th season as a basketball coach, with this his 47th as a head coach, noted the Cougars have plenty of depth.

“It makes practices competitive when you’ve got 10 kids you can put out there,” he said. “We don’t feel like we lose that much when we go to our bench.”

The Cougars, who made their first-ever state tourney appearance, finished last season with a record of 17-10. 

Johnson said the team would love to capture another district championship this season, with going further in the postseason an ultimate goal. 

“These guys have big goals,” Johnson said. “But we can’t look to March now. It’s November, so you have to take one game at a time. But that experience they got last year is big. They know what it takes to get there and they know what it takes to go further on this time. I think they learned that. They were willing to work hard this past summer and this fall. I think they got better.”

College Heights opens the season on Friday night at Providence Academy in Rogers, Arkansas. The Cougars will compete at the Pierce City Invitational beginning on Nov. 29. 

 

PREP WRESTLING: Webb City returns sectional qualifiers

 

Webb City wrestling coach Larron Hurst expects senior Brantley Carter, junior Dominic Boles and sophomore Colt Taylor to lead the way for the Cardinals this winter.

Boles (132 pounds) and Taylor (120) were sectional qualifiers last season, while Carter was a key performer at 152 pounds last season.

Of course, the Webb City football team is still alive in the state tournament, so the wrestling squad is currently missing some athletes who will be key performers.

Other seniors listed on the current roster are Silas Sanita and Javon White. Juniors on the roster are Aidan Rose, Aidan Moore, Hunter England and Zach Cantrell.

Hurst listed freshman Jake Cottingham as a top newcomer for the boys team and freshman Laney Taylor as a promising newcomer for the girls squad.

Hurst noted the team’s goals are simple.

“We want to compete in every match that we wrestle in,” he said. “If we are doing that then we are improving each week. I believe that our leadership will dictate what kind of season we have. Our work ethic has increased, as has our positive mindset. These are two attributes that are our foundation. Those have been two keys for this year that we wanted to emphasize with the team.”

Hurst said there’s a lot to like about the group.

“Right now, our middleweights to upper weights have more depth than we have had in the past,” Hurst said. “That’s a bonus for our wrestlers to have various workout partners.”

As far as areas of concerns, Hurst said the team will be young in the lower weights.

“Our lower weights from the last couple of years have graduated and our experience now has shifted into our upper weights,” he said. 

Webb City is scheduled to host Joplin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30.

 

PREP WRESTLING: Carl Junction features returning state qualifiers

 

With returning state qualifiers, varsity veterans and promising newcomers, the Carl Junction High School wrestling team has the expectations set high for the 2021-22 season. 

The Bulldogs feature two returning state qualifiers, seven wrestlers who gained significant varsity action last winter and some freshmen who should contribute nicely.

“Given the amount of experienced wrestlers we have this year, we have high expectations of finishing in the top three at districts and the top five at the state championships in February,” Bulldogs coach Mike Frizzell said. “We will be very competitive in the lower weights this year. Our freshmen coming in have extensive experience at the state and national levels of competition. Overall experience will help this group of kids compete at a high level this year.” 

Leading the way for Carl Junction will be Lukas Walker, a junior who placed fifth at 106 pounds at last year’s Class 3 state tournament. Walker, who went 34-5 as a sophomore, may wrestle at 113 this season. 

Sophomore Sam Melton was a Class 4 state qualifier at 106 for Joplin last year and is now expected to be a key performer for the Bulldogs. Melton went 27-7 last season and could wrestle at 113 or 120. 

Also back for the Bulldogs are sophomores Max Matthews (113/120) and Dexter Merrell (145/152), juniors Chance Benford (170/182) and Cayden Bolinger (195/220) and senior Kameron Bennett (285). 

Matthews went 26-17 last year, Merrell was 30-14, Benford went 20-19, Bolinger was 25-14 and Bennett was 21-20. Merrell led the team with 26 pins last year. 

Frizzell said freshmen Carter Fogelsong (106), Braxton Jones (152) and Tony Stewart (160) are newcomers who should contribute nicely. Stewart is a multiple-time Missouri USA Wrestling state champ. 

Frizzell noted depth could be an area of concern. 

“We will be thin throughout the lineup this season,” he said. “That means walking into every dual down six points. We will have to pick up bonus points at every opportunity in order to pick up team decisions.” 

To Frizzell, the keys to a successful season are simplestaying healthy and continuing to improve. 

“It’s a grind of a season, and we are not very deep in weight classes so staying healthy will be a major key to having a successful season,” Frizzell said. “I feel the mental aspect of wrestling is a huge factor, and we have made some great strides in the off-season to build our confidence coming into the 2021-2022 season.” 

Carl Junction hosts Carthage on Nov. 30. 

COLLEGE SIGNINGS: Thomas Jefferson’s Beard, Myers sign letters of intent

 

Thomas Jefferson seniors Alivia Beard and Caden Myers officially realized their longtime goals by signing letters of intent on Monday.

Beard signed to play softball at Western Illinois, while Myers put pen to paper to play baseball at Drury.

Beard, an outfielder and first baseman, has played for the Aces Fastpitch club team that is based in Kansas City.

“It means a lot to sign with Western because one of my current teammates is also signing there and we plan on being roommates,” Beard said. “Playing at the next level has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember.” 

As far as her college decision, Beard said WIU felt like the right choice.

“I love the coaches and the family atmosphere,” she said. “When I went on my official visit it immediately felt like home. The girls were so welcoming.” 

Thomas Jefferson does not have a softball program. Beard participates in basketball and track for the Cavaliers. She’s earned all-conference honors on the hardwood and holds school records in track and field. 

“TJ has for sure helped me with my time management with athletics,” Beard said. “I feel like it has prepared me to make time for academics and athletics throughout the year.”

Western Illinois is an NCAA Division I program that competes in the Summit League.  

Myers decided to take his talents to NCAA Division II Drury in Springfield. 

A 5-foot-11, 195-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher, Myers has been honing his baseball skills with the Kansas Curve traveling team. 

Like Beard, Myers noted making his college decision official was a good feeling.

“I have wanted to play college baseball since I was 8 years old, so finally achieving that goal means the world to me,” Myers said. “I realize how much work people around me have put in to help me play in college, so to finally sign is a huge thank you to my parents and former coaches.”

Myers said Drury had everything he was looking for in a university, athletically and academically.  

“I really like the small private school setting and the Pre-Med program Drury has to offer,” Myers said. “When I realized that Drury had these things along with a great baseball program, it was clear to me that Drury was where I wanted to be.

“It’s honestly an honor to sign with Drury,” Myers added. “Not a lot of kids get a chance to continue their athletic careers past high school, so to be able to do that at a great school like Drury means a lot to me.” 

Thomas Jefferson does not have a baseball program. Myers spent his freshman and sophomore years of high school at Webb City, where he played for the Cardinals. 

“In my time with Webb City and the Kansas Curve, I played many great programs and I think that had a big role on my baseball journey,” Myers said. “Although I’ll graduate from Thomas Jefferson, I’d like to thank Coach (Flave) Darnell and the Webb City baseball program for really making this dream a reality. I appreciate all that you guys have done for me, whether I was in the program or not. Also, I have to give a huge thanks to Theran Crouch at All Access Recruiting for helping me get to where I am today.” 

With his college decision now official, Myers will turn his attention to the basketball season, where he’ll be a key performer for his father Chris Myers’ Cavaliers.

Thomas Jefferson’s Caden Myers and Alivia Beard signed their respective letters of intent on Monday. Myers signed to play baseball at Drury and Beard inked to play softball at Western Illinois.

 

GIRLS SWIMMING: Webb City returns solid core, features plenty of depth in ’21-22

 

Experience and depth should be strengths of the Webb City High School girls swimming and diving squad this winter.

The Cardinals not only return several swimmers who competed at last year’s state championships, but also feature a deep roster that will allow the team to score big points at every event. 

“We already know we will be a legit dual meet team as our roster will allow us to fill nearly every position with experienced athletes,” Webb City coach Shawn Klosterman said. “We will have some great depth. It’s been great to see the girls come in excited from Day 1 this year. It’s easy to see that they are hungry for success and I can’t wait to see what they can do.”

In a solid 2020-21 season, Webb City went 10-3 in duels, finished third at the Central Ozark Conference Meet and had a large group qualify for the Class 1 state championships. 

Juniors Sophia Whitesell, Skylar Powell and Hally Philpot, seniors Ella Holt and Makenzie Storm and sophomore Avery Mitchell all return after a successful season last winter.

Powell finished 13th in the 50-yard freestyle at state, earning honorable mention all-state honors. 

Webb City’s 400 freestyle relay finished 21st at state and featured Powell, Philpot, Mitchell and Whitesell. Holt, Powell, Philpot and Mitchell took 21st in the 200 freestyle relay at state. 

Whitesell was the COC champ and set a record time in the 500 freestyle and also took second in the 200 IM. Powell was third in the conference in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 free. 

Webb City’s 200 medley relay team of Holt, Storm, Whitesell and junior Olivia Honey placed third at last year’s COC event. 

Klosterman also expects big things from senior Morgan Robinson, juniors Hannah Ross and Honey and sophomores Novelty Lamont and Allie Eggleston.

Several newcomers could also make an impact.

“We are also expecting major contributions from a few new fish like Alix Davis, Emma Gravemann, Kyndall Weston, Camryn Klosterman and Bailey Artinger, who are actually coming in with good experience in the pool from the summer leagues and USA programs,” Klosterman said. 

With an experienced group back, and with the promising newcomers, Klosterman noted the goals are set high. 

“We really want to make a great showing at the COC,” he said. “Last year we were third, and even though it might be too much of a leap to take the top spot, we intend to shoot for it anyway. We also have our sights on taking more qualifiers to state. We are confident that we can get all three relays qualified, and it will be competitive for those relay spots. We also aim to have several more individual qualifiers than last year and should have a large squad at the MSHSAA Class 1 meet.”

Klosterman added there’s a lot to like about this year’s team. 

“We have a lot of versatile athletes this year so we will get to play around with the lineup quite a bit to make sure we have the best setup to go for that COC title,” he said. “We also have a very close group who encourage each other. Everyone wants to improve and wants to do the work to get there. They lift each other up in all the ways good teammates can.”

Heading into the season, diving is the main question mark for the Cardinals. 

“Diving is usually a major advantage for us, but this year we are trying to build the squad with zero returning divers,” Klosterman said. “It will be a challenge but we feel we have plenty of time to get them ready for the COC. We also need our divers to be fearless in their new challenge. Diving is an incredibly hard sport to start as a new fish. I think it’s going to turn out well.”

Webb City will host a meet with Carl Junction, Hillcrest and Greenwood at 4:30 on Nov. 30. 

The team’s Red Bird Invitational will be held on Dec. 11. 

 

GIRLS SWIMMING: Carl Junction returns group of state qualifiers, Bulldogs have expectations set high

 

The Carl Junction girls swim team returns nearly all of its top performers from last year’s squad that captured a second straight Central Ozark Conference championship and finished sixth at the Class 1 state meet.

With that, it’s safe to say the Bulldogs have the expectations set high for the 2021-22 campaign.

Seniors Alanza Montez and Carsyn Smith, junior Skyler Sundy and sophomores Chloe Miller and Abigail Wilson all return after playing key roles a season ago. 

“The strength of my team is in the consistent effort I am given from each girl all season,” Carl Junction coach Stephanie Miller said. “After one week of practice it’s hard to tell who will be swimming what strokes, let alone how successful we can be this year. Our No. 1 goal is to have fun. I expect my girls to trust the process. I expect my girls to be good teammates. I expect them to have good communication with their coaches and each other. I expect them to attend all practices and meets and be on time. If they do all of this, I can also have the expectation that the team as a whole will be successful.”

Sundy and Chloe Miller were on CJ’s 200-yard medley relay team that finished second at last year’s Class 1 state meet.

Carl Junction’s 200 freestyle relay was third at state last year, with Montez, Sundy and Miller competing. The same three were also part of CJ’s 400 free relay team that placed ninth.

Miller placed fifth in the 50-yard freestyle at the state meet, while Sundy was ninth in the 100 backstroke. Smith was also a state qualifier, finishing 19th in the backstroke. 

Miller was the COC champ in the 200 freestyle, while Sundy claimed a conference title in the 100 backstroke. The Bulldogs won all three relays at the COC Meet. 

Carl Junction went 21-0 in duels last season. 

Other seniors on the roster are Madeline Vigil, Makayla Thompson and Madison Lewis. Other juniors are Madeleine Garoutte, Abigail Holcomb, Kennedy Johnson, Tea Kosmajac and Alexandria Offutt.

Coach Miller noted freshmen Elyanna Dogotch and Sophia Holcomb could contribute at the varsity level.

Miller said trusting the process throughout a long season is the key to a successful campaign. 

“My team practices at 5:30 a.m. and we know from past years that hard work pays off,” Miller said. “We know that as the season progresses they will have a steady improvement. The end result is dependent on what the girls believe they can do. My girls will succeed because they will believe they can succeed.”

Carl Junction is scheduled to begin the season on Nov. 30 at Webb City. 

 

BOYS BASKETBALL: Thomas Jefferson returns stellar trio

 

The Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers put together a memorable 2020-21 boys basketball campaign. 

It was one that included a district championship and an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Class 1 state tournament.

Entering the 2021-22 season, Thomas Jefferson returns a stellar trio from last year’s team that went 20-6.

Three players who garnered all-conference honors a season ago, Caden Myers, Drew Goodhope and Jay Ball, will lead the way for the Cavaliers this winter. 

“We return three proven varsity players that are as good as anyone around in our class,” Cavaliers coach Chris Myers said. “Those players mixed with the emergence of our other players should give us a very well-rounded, competitive roster.” 

A senior point guard, Caden Myers returns after averaging 15.4 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals per game. The 5-foot-11 Myers earned first-team all-district and second-team all-conference honors. 

A Drury baseball recruit, Myers shot 72 percent from the foul line and 35 percent from behind the 3-point line.

“Caden, at the point guard position, has to be a floor general for us,” Coach Myers said. “He did a good job last year for us in that role, and we expect he will again this year.”  

A senior shooting guard, Goodhope earned honorable mention all-conference recognition after averaging 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal per game in 2020-21. Goodhope made 48 percent of his 3-point attempts as a junior. 

“Drew Goodhope is a soft spoken leader for us,” Myers said. “He plays hard, has a great attitude, and is a constant leader in drills and conditioning at practice.”

Thomas Jefferson’s third returning all-conference performer is Ball, a 6-6, 255-pound junior center.

Ball was an honorable mention all-Ozark 7 pick after averaging 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots per game as a sophomore. Ball made 66 percent of his field goal attempts.

“Jay Ball leads our bigs daily in drills,” Myers said. “His improvement over the last three years has been remarkable. We will look to him to lead on the floor a little more now that he is an upperclassman.” 

Junior forward Tyler Brouard is another player that Myers expects to contribute nicely.  

The 6-1 Brouhard averaged three points and two rebounds a game last season and is expected to take on a bigger role this year. 

“We have a pretty good idea what we are going to get out of Caden, Drew, and Jay,” Myers said. “Tyler Brouhard could be a player to watch. He has a very high ceiling and could have a breakout season.”

Other returning letterwinners for the Cavaliers are seniors Elias Rincker, Jake Jarrett and Luke Miller.

Top newcomers for the Cavaliers are junior shooting guard Kip Atteberry and senior point guard Kaushal Parimi. 

Coach Myers said the goals are set high for this year’s squad. 

“We have high expectations again this season coming off last year’s 20-6 season,” Myers said. “We truly feel that we should be in the mix for conference and district championships, and hopefully a deep run into the playoffs.”

Myers, who is assisted by Junior Joseph, said the team’s keys to success are simple.

“As with every year, how this year’s team does accepting their varying roles will play a huge factor into us having a successful season,” he said. “Our main four will play a bulk of the minutes this season, but we will need several players to step up and fill big roles.”

Thomas Jefferson hosts Exeter at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 in the season-opener.

BOYS SWIMMING: Joplin ends season at state meet

 

ST. PETERS, Mo. — The Joplin High School boys swim team concluded the 2021 season at the MSHSAA Class 2 Swimming & Diving Championships on Friday at the St. Peters Rec-Plex.

In Friday’s prelims, the top 16 in each swimming event advanced to Saturday’s finals. None of Joplin’s entries were able to advance to the finals. 

Joplin’s 200-yard medley relay team of Nathan Wardlow, Wyatt Satterlee, Zane Newman and Jacob Glenn finished 26th with a time of 1:51. 

The Eagles also placed 26th in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:40, with Glenn, Ian Vermillion, Wardlow and Newman competing. The Eagles were DQ’d in the 200 freestyle relay.

Also, Wardlow finished 31st in the 500 freestyle in 5:18.

The Eagles will return all but one of their state qualifiers next season. Satterlee is the lone senior of the group. Newman and Glenn are juniors, while Vermillion is a sophomore and Wardlow is a freshman.

PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Seneca, Lamar claim district championships; Mac County, Nevada suffer losses

 

 

Fourth-seeded Seneca defeated third-seeded Mountain Grove 24-18 on Friday night in the championship game of the Class 3 District 6 tournament.

Seneca (8-4) will host Mexico (9-2) in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Jaxson Graham scored on a 2-yard run to give the Indians a 6-0 lead with 8:49 remaining in the first quarter.

The Panthers took a 7-6 lead with 1:50 left in the first period, but the Indians went ahead 12-7 on Ethan Fritchey’s 5-yard QB keeper.

Mountain Grove converted a field goal at the end of the first half, trimming Seneca’s lead to 12-10. 

Seneca’s Jackson Marrs scored on a 36-yard run to give his team an 18-10 advantage in the third quarter. But Mountain Grove scored and completed the 2-point version, tying the game at 18. 

Marrs scored on a 12-yard run with 11:12 left in the game to give Seneca a 24-18 cushion.

The Indians came up with a pair of big defensive stops late in the game to preserve the win. 

 

MUSTANGS FALL

Top-seeded West Plains defeated second-seeded McDonald County 42-7.

The Mustangs went 10-2, the most wins in program history. 

West Plains meets Hannibal in the quarterfinals. 

 

NEVADA ENDS SEASON

No. 1 seed Lincoln College Prep knocked off No. 2 Nevada 41-18.

The Tigers finished the season with a 9-3 record.

Lincoln Prep will meet Smithville in the quarterfinals. 

 

LAMAR ADVANCES

Top-seeded Lamar defeated second-seeded Fair Grove 35-7 in the championship game of the Class 2 District 4 tournament. 

Lamar takes on Ava in the quarterfinals next Friday.