Eight Webb City High School seniors made their college decisions official at a signing ceremony on Wednesday inside the Cardinal Dome.
Skyler Denton signed to play football at Evangel, while Eric Fitch put pen to paper to play baseball at State Fair Community College.
Roman Borboa signed to run cross country and track at Missouri Southern, while Josie Spikereit inked to join the women’s basketball team at Ozark Christian College.
Three Cardinals are headed to Crowder College—Austyn Mickey and Angel Gallegos for soccer and Jose Antillon for cross country.
Also, McKenna Garza signed to join the cheerleading squad at Missouri Southern.
Eight Webb City seniors signed their letters of intent to participate in college athletics during a ceremony on Wednesday inside the Cardinal Dome. Pictured with their family members, from left, are Austyn Mickey, Josie Spikereit, Eric Fitch, Skyler Denton, Jose Antillon, Roman Borboa, Angel Gallegos and McKenna Garza. Photo by Jason Peake.
The short-handed Joplin Eagles fell short against the Ozark Tigers on Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference boys tennis dual at the JHS athletic complex.
“Ozark had a full roster, and the talent was consistent all the way through their No. 6 ranked player,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “Our No. 1 ranked player has been out sick, so our guys were once again playing against higher ranked opponents We won games in both our No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches. In singles, both Adam Badr and Michael Mancipe started out with a lead, but their opponents were able to adapt later in the match and come up with the win.”
At No. 1 singles, Ozark’s Major Cardin defeated Badr 8-5.
“Adam had some really nice points, where he was running all over the court and making great shots,” Stump said.
Orion Lewis edged Joplin’s Mancipe 8-6 at No. 2 singles.
“Michael played quite a few long rallies as well, which worked to his benefit early in the match,” Stump noted.
Joplin’s Josiah Hazlewood, Hunter Merkley, Chapel Braman and Alexei Kester all suffered 8-0 losses in their respective singles matches.
Ozark’s Cardin-Lewis defeated Badr-Hazlewood 8-3 at No. 1 doubles, while Nathaniel Bottarel-Stephen Metcalf beat Mancipe-Metcalf 8-2 at No. 2 doubles and Connor Kitchin-Anthony Psarev topped Braman-Kester 8-0 at No. 3 doubles.
CARTHAGE 9, NEOSHO 0
NEOSHO, Mo. — The Tigers earned a clean sweep over the Wildcats in Central Ozark Conference action.
In doubles action, Carthage’s Charles Snow and Silas Laytham defeated Christian Williams and Ryno Lee 8-1 at No. 1.
Danilo Lopez-Gramajo and William Wallace topped Neosho’s Chandler Weber and Wes Williams 8-2 at No. 2 doubles and Carthage’s Tyler Howard and Fabian Solano beat Peyton Williams and Jacob Leibham 8-2 at No. 3 doubles.
In singles action, Snow beat Christian Williams 8-4, Laytham defeated Lee 8-2 and Lopez-Gramajo topped Weber 8-2.
Also, Howard defeated Peyton Williams 8-1, Wallace topped Leibham 8-1 and Eli Scott beat Wes Williams 8-2.
WEBB CITY 8, CARL JUNCTION 1
The Cardinals won all three doubles matches and five of six singles matches.
In doubles, Webb City’s Jake McDonald and Christian Alberts defeated Blaine Wilkerson and Dan Hodson 8-1, Trevor Peterson and Brett Thompson topped Ben Morey and Will Russel 8-4 and Felipe Perez and Tristan Lynch beat Camerson Ball and Jayden Wolf 8-0.
At No. 1 singles, Webb City’s McDonald edged Wilkerson 9-8 (12-10). At No. 2 singles, CJ’s Hodson beat Alberts 8-4 for his squad’s win.
In other singles matches, Webb City’s Peterson beat Morey 8-2, Perez defeated Russel 8-4, Lynch topped Ball 8-2 and Thompson defeated Wolf 8-1.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Carl Junction rallied for two runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn a 5-4 walk-off win over Neosho on Tuesday in Central Ozark Conference action.
Down a run with one out in the last of the seventh, Dalton Mills singled and Shane Diskin reached on an error.
After Cole Wilson was retired for the second out, Logan Eck smacked a game-ending single into left field, allowing both Mills and Diskin to score.
The Bulldogs trailed 4-0 when they plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth on Diskin’s sac fly, Eck’s RBI double and Arlen Wakefield’s run-scoring single.
The Wildcats scored once in the first on Eli Zar’s RBI single and then added two runs in the third on Carter Fenske’s RBI single and a bases loaded walk.
Neosho went up 4-0 in the fifth after Fenske and Reese Miller singled and Austin Rodriquez reached on an error.
Diskin went three innings on the mound for the Bulldogs, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three.
Jordan Woodruff did not allow an earned run in two innings. Kyler Perry pitched the final two innings to earn the win. Perry struck out two and allowed one hit.
Wakefield went 3-for-4 for Carl Junction, while Perry, Mills and Eck had two hits apiece. Eck drove in three runs, while Mills scored twice.
Kael Smith went 5 2/3 innings for Neosho, giving up three runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out four.
Wyatt Shadwick and Quenton Hughes pitched in relief. Neither player allowed an earned run.
Zar and Fenske had two hits apiece for the Wildcats.
Neosho (9-7, 0-4 COC) is at Ozark on Thursday. Carl Junction (6-9, 1-2 COC) is at Willard on Thursday.
WILLARD 8, WEBB CITY 3
WILLARD, Mo. — Webb City suffered an 8-3 setback to the Willard Tigers on Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference contest at Tom Greenwade Field.
Webb City fell to 9-10 overall and 2-2 in the COC.
Willard, last year’s Class 5 champion, improved to 16-5 and 3-1 in the COC.
The Tigers are currently ranked first in Class 5 by the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association, while Webb City is receiving votes.
The Tigers scored once in the first and twice in the second for a three-run lead.
The Cardinals stranded the bases loaded in the top of the third before the Tigers added five runs in the third inning for an 8-0 lead. Willard took advantage of four walks and an error during the big inning.
Webb City got on the board with three runs in the fourth. Aidan Brock walked before Brantley Carter and William Hayes both singled. With two outs, Eric Fitch and Cy Darnell both drew bases-loaded walks before Kenley Hood recorded a run-scoring infield single, making it 8-3.
In the sixth, the Cardinals stranded the bases loaded for the third time. Webb City left two more on in the seventh.
Overall, Webb City stranded 11 runners on-base.
Hood had two hits for Webb City, while Cy Darnell, Jeremiah Leaming, Carter and Hayes had one hit apiece.
Cooper Crouch, Walker Sweet, Gavin Stowell and Gage Chapman all pitched.
Crouch was charged with the loss after giving up five earned runs on four hits and six walks in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out four.
Willard’s Kade Biellier was the winning pitcher. He went 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six.
Webb City is at Class 5 No. 7 Branson on Thursday.
MCDONALD COUNTY 17, EAST NEWTON 4 (5 INNINGS)
GRANBY, Mo. — McDonald County scored five runs in each of the first three innings on the way to a five-inning win over East Newton in Big 8 Conference action on Tuesday.
The Mustangs hung crooked numbers in the first three innings before adding single tallies in the fourth and fifth frames to touch home in every inning.
Weston Gordon earned the win after allowing three runs on four hits, a walk and five strikeouts in three innings. Destyn Dowd allowed a run on two hits and three strikeouts in one relief inning. Isaac Behm walked one in a scoreless relief inning.
Mason Hailey took the loss after allowing nine runs, eight earned, on six hits, four walks and three strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. Easton Schrader allowed eight runs, four earned, on six hits, four walks and three strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.
Behm had two hits, including a home run, four RBI and four runs scored to lead McDonald County. Dowd had three hits, scored twice and drove in once. Tucker Walters doubled on the way to two hits, three runs scored and two RBI. Jack Parnell also had two hits, including a double, and drove in one.
Hailey doubled and scored a run for East Newton. Will Eichelberger had a hit, drove in one and scored a run. Kolt Walters doubled and drove in two.
Led by individual medalist Luke Miller and third place finisher Jake Jarrett, the Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers won a boys golf quadrangular on Tuesday at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club.
Playing the front nine, Thomas Jefferson was the top team with a score of 188.
Sarcoxie (205), Purdy (241) and College Heights also competed. The Cougars did not field a complete team.
Thomas Jefferson’s Miller carded an 8-over-par 44 to take first individually.
Sarcoxie’s Eli Ellis was the runner-up with a 45 and TJ’s Jarrett shot a 46 to take third.
Also competing for the Cavaliers were Jack Tyrrell (48), Tony Touma (50) and Caden Myers (52).
Competing for College Heights were Logan Decker (54), Hudson Clevenger (54) and Gavin Doll (64).
Thomas Jefferson Quad
(At Twin Hills)
THOMAS JEFFERSON (188): Luke Miller 44, Jake Jarrett 46, Jack Tyrrell 48, Tony Touma 50, Caden Myers 52.
SARCOXIE (205): Eli Ellis 45, Matt Swayne 49, Grant Caddick 53, Brooke Sommer 58, Aiden Letts 59.
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Joplin found itself trailing 5-2 heading into the seventh inning before rallying for six runs in its final at-bat on the way to an 8-5 win over Carthage in Central Ozark Conference action on Tuesday at historic Carl Lewton Stadium.
“We put ourselves in a position where we were ahead early but when you play (Carthage) long enough over the years, you know they are going to find a way to come back and score some runs,” Joplin coach Kyle Wolf said. “It was just a matter of controlling it until the end. Then, my goodness, that last inning—I am just very proud of six or seven at-bats in a row where we just kind of grinded at-bats out and found a way to get to first to get the job done.
Joplin’s Jackson Queen records a hit in the Eagles’ win over Carthage on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
“We were fighting for each other and not just ourselves. I thought in that last at-bat we were locked in knowing our backs were against the wall and fought for each other. … I felt like you could really see in our kids’ eyes that they didn’t want to let each other down. After we scored a couple of runs there, you kind of felt it a little bit and we just locked in and found a way.”
The Eagles went into the seventh inning down three before Justin McReynolds doubled to deep left field with one out to plate Kyler Stokes, who doubled off the wall to lead off the inning, to start the rally and cut the lead to two runs. Two batters later with two outs, Jackson Queen singled to right to score a run before moving to second on the throw to trim the lead to 5-4. Byler Reither followed with a two-strike infield hit deep in the hole at short to bring home Layten Copher to tie the game at 5-5. Bodee Carlson capped the inning in the next at-bat after launching a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left field for a three-run home run to give the Eagles the lead for the final time.
“I am very proud and happy for him,” Wolf said of Carlson. “He works really hard at it and takes this game seriously. For him to come up at that moment, I was happy for him. I told him as he rounded the third, ‘Way to come up big in a big moment.’ I was proud of him for that.”
With the win Joplin improves to 9-8 overall, 4-0 in conference play. Carthage falls to 6-11, 1-3 in conference play.
“Talking briefly with Coach Wolf after the game, he said, ‘Hey, you guys really compete hard,’” Carthage coach Luke Bordewick said after the tough-luck loss. “That is all I ever want to hear about our team. Him saying that kind of put it into perspective. Yes, it is a bummer to lose in that fashion but if we compete like that consistently, we will be in a good spot to win every game.”
PITCHING
Carthage’s Bradyn Tate delivers to plate in the Tigers’ loss to Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
Joe Jasper earned the win in relief after allowing one hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Ethan Guilford earned the save after pitching a scoreless seventh inning. McReynolds started and took a no-decision after allowing five runs, four earned, on eight hits, two walks and eight strikeouts, with his first seven outs recorded coming via the punchout.
“Not lost on this game is what Joe Jasper did,” Wolf said of his senior reliever who entered in the fifth inning to limit Carthage’s damage. “That was a great effort—and that is a tough role to play when you’re up, you’re down and you don’t know if you’re going to throw or not and he hasn’t thrown in a while just because of how the games have played out. He comes in and gives us a chance. I want to make sure and point out that that was a great job by him.” Parker Copeland took the loss after allowing six runs on six hits and a strikeout in 1 1/3 relief innings. Bradyn Tate took a no-decision after allowing two runs on eight hits, three walks and two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
“I thought Bradyn did a great job,” Bordewick said. “He did exactly what we asked him to do and filled it up early. He didn’t have his best stuff, but he did a great job competing and keeping them at bay.”
Joplin’s Justin McReynolds delivers to home plate during the Eagles’ win over Carthage on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
GAME ACTION
Joplin took the lead in the top of the first inning after McReynolds helped his own cause with a two-out RBI single through the left side to score Brady Mails, who singled with one out earlier in the inning, for an early 1-0 lead.
The Eagles added to the lead an inning later when Reither singled to shallow right field with runners at the corners, with Tyler Duley scoring on the throw to second for a 2-0 lead.
Carthage answered back in the bottom half of the second inning when Clay Kinder reached base on a drag bunt for a hit that brought home Sylas Browning, who led the inning off with a single up the middle. After threatening in the third and fourth innings, the Tigers rallied in the fifth. Carthage plated four runs on five hits to take a 5-2 advantage.
“The top of the order did their job and set the table and the middle of the order came through,” Bordewick said. “That’s why they’re in those spots. They rise to the occasion. It was a well-oiled machine (in the fifth).”
Logan Carmickle, celebrating his 18th birthday, tied the game up with an RBI single through the right side with runners on second and third. Kanen Vogt followed with a sharp single to left field to plate the go-ahead run. Two batters later, Kinder slapped a ball to the opposite field to score two runs and give Carthage a three-run lead to wrap the scoring.
AT THE PLATE
Carthage’s Sylas Browning loads up for a throw across the infield in the Tigers’ loss against Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
Carlson homered, had two hits, three RBI and scored a run to lead the Eagles at the plate. Queen had three hits, scored a run and drove in one. McReynolds, who doubled, and Reither each had two hits, two RBI and scored a run. Stokes doubled and scored a run.
Kinder had three hits and three RBI to lead Carthage, while Browning added two hits and scored two runs. Carmickle and Vogt each had a hit and drove in one, with Vogt also scoring a run.
ON DECK
Joplin is on the road with a conference matchup at Nixa on Thursday.
Carthage hits the road for a COC contest at Republic on Thursday.
The Neosho High School boys tennis team suffered a 7-2 loss at Aurora on Monday.
The Wildcats won the No. 3 doubles match, as Jacob Leibham and Peyton Williams defeated Landon Boatwright and Nathan Gearhart 8-1.
Aurora’s Xane Shirley and Locke Shirley edged Christian Williams and Ryno Lee 8-6 at No. 1 doubles, while James Rogers-Larson Briggs nipped Neosho’s Chandler Weber-Wesley Williams 8-6 at No. 2 doubles.
At No. 6 singles, Neosho’s Wesley Williams beat Gearhart 8-1.
The Wildcats dropped the other five singles matches. Christian Williams suffered a 9-7 setback to Xane Shirley, Rogers beat Lee 8-5, Briggs defeated Weber 8-0, Locke Shirley beat Peyton Williams 8-6 and Boatwright topped Leibham 8-4.
That’s how the Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers have begun the 2022 spring tennis season.
Thomas Jefferson kept its record unblemished with a 9-0 win over Joplin on Monday at the TJ courts.
Last year’s Class 2 runner-up, Thomas Jefferson has not dropped a singles or doubles match in any of the eight dual victories.
“The start to the season has been fantastic,” Cavaliers coach Tom Brumfield said. “You can’t do much better than what we’ve been doing, so it’s been great. Our lineup is solid from top to bottom. I’m very pleased with the whole group right now. At the start of the year I thought we’d be all right. But the younger guys have really done a great job. They’ve vastly improved.”
Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding hits a forehand winner against Joplin during Monday’s contest at the TJ courts. Ding and the Cavaliers won the match 9-0 to stay undefeated. All photos by Jason Peake.
The Cavaliers swept all three doubles matches to start the dual.
At No. 1 doubles, Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding and Tyler Brouhard defeated Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood 8-0, while Prithvi Nagarajan and Lala Qian beat Joplin’s Michael Mancipe and Hunter Merkley 8-1 at No. 2 doubles.
TJ’s Hari Nagarajan and Jack Goodhue defeated Aidan Kester and Chapel Braman 8-3 in the No. 3 doubles match.
At No. 1 singles, Ding defeated Badr 8-2, while Prithvi Nagarajan defeated Mancipe 8-0 at No. 2 singles and Brouhard won the No. 3 singles match 8-2 over Hazlewood.
Joplin’s Adam Badr lines up a backhand during No. 1 singles play against Thomas Jefferson.
In other singles matches, Qian defeated Merkley 8-0, Hari Nagarajan beat Kester 8-0 and Goodhue topped Braman 8-0.
“We were short our No. 1 player again today, Joseph Graham, but we hope to have him return to competition soon,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “Everyone on the team played up a rank, which made for a difficult matchup against Thomas Jefferson.
“Ian Ding is a great player, and I was impressed to see Adam get two games on him in singles today,” Stump added. “Josiah was able to recognize errors in his play and adapt to win two games in his singles match, as well. Our No. 3 doubles team of Aidan Kester and Chapel Braman won the most games for our varsity team, earning three games in their doubles match.”
Joplin (0-5) hosts Ozark on Tuesday, while Thomas Jefferson meets Greenwood in Springfield on Thursday. The Cavaliers will be among the teams competing at Joplin’s invite on Friday.
“We’re going to see some tough teams coming up,” Brumfield said. “It will be interesting to see how we compare to them.”
Thomas Jefferson’s Tyler Brouhard lunges for a volley at the net during No. 1 doubles play against Joplin.
Joplin’s Josiah Hazlewood serves against Thomas Jefferson during the No. 1 doubles match on Monday.
Thomas Jefferson’s Prithvi Nagarajan lines up a forehand during Monday’s match against Joplin.
Thomas Jefferson defeated Joplin 9-0 in a boys tennis dual on Monday at the TJ courts. The Cavaliers are now 8-0 in dual matches. All photos by Jason Peake/SoMo Sports.
Joplin’s Adam Badr serves during the No. 1 singles match against Thomas Jefferson on Monday.
Thomas Jefferson southpaw Ian Ding smacks a forehand winner during the No. 1 singles match against Joplin on Monday.
College Heights (with McAuley) broke a 2-2 tie with a run in the fifth inning before plating two more runs in the sixth en route to the 5-3 win over Lockwood on Monday at the Joplin Athletic Complex.
The Cougars (12-2) took the momentum with two runs in the bottom of the first inning before Lockwood (5-10) used the long ball in the fourth inning to knot things up at 2s. College Heights manufactured the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth inning before bringing home insurance in the sixth thanks to a timely home run.
“Every game isn’t going to be a blowout,” College Heights coach Mike Howard said about the offensive output in the win. “We are going to have close games, and I am proud of the way they responded in the situation of a close game. (CHC assistant coach John Blankenship) likened it to basketball, which is funny because both of us are basketball coaches. Sometimes you are going to have off-shooting nights, but you win games with defense and making plays in pressure situations.”
College Heights’ Maddy Colin winds up to deliver a pitch in the Cougars’ win over Lockwood. Colin struck out 19 Tigers in the complete-game win. Photo by Israel Perez.
IN THE CIRCLE
Maddy Colin started and earned the complete-game win for College Heights after allowing three runs, two earned, on three hits, a walk and 19 strikeouts in seven innings. Colin struck out the side in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings, with the Tigers going down in order via the punchout in the third, fifth and sixth frames.
“We have to shore up our defense a little bit, but our pitching was really good,” Howard said. “Other than one pitch she didn’t get up enough, Maddy did a phenomenal job. Our defense made a few mistakes tonight, but overall they played pretty well.”
Adrien Neill took the loss after allowing five runs, three earned, on seven hits, a walk and seven strikeouts in six innings of work.
GAME ACTION
College Heights wasted little time taking the lead, plating two runs in the first inning for the initial momentum swing. The Cougars got on the scoreboard on a sacrifice fly by Addie Lawrence that scored Jayli Johnson, who reached on an error to lead off the frame, from third base. Colin helped her own cause in the next at-bat, ripping a ball to the left-center field gap for an RBI double to push the lead to 2-0.
“Looking back at it now, those runs were really important,” Howard said of the first-inning run support. “The top of our lineup is usually very consistent. If we can get them on base, they’re full of speed and that allows us to steal some bases and manufacture some runs, sometimes by playing some small ball. To get those two runs early and give Maddy some confidence early was huge.”
Lockwood tied things up in the fourth inning when Breckyn Brummett smacked a two-run home run to center field with one out to tie the game at 2-2.
Johnson reached on a dropped third strike to start the bottom of the fifth for CHC before stealing second to get into scoring position and third on a wild pitch. Kloee Williamson followed with a groundout to second base to score Johnson for an RBI to give CHC a 3-2 lead.
College Heights’ Jayli Johnson (21) steals second base to get into scoring position before later coming around to score in the Cougars’ win over Lockwood on Monday. Photo by Israel Perez.
“Those are hustle plays,” Howard said of his team’s ability to push a run across without recording a hit. “Knowing to run on a dropped third strike and hustling all the way through it. Getting one of our fastest girls on base was huge because she can steal bases and read balls in the first so well. … She was able to take advantage of the mistake there. Then, it was just a routine ball in play to the pull side of the field to get the run home. It was good, timely fundamental softball.”
The Cougars added insurance in the sixth inning when Kaitlyn Bates, who wore No. 9 against Lockwood for the first time this season after a mishap with her regular No. 16 jersey, launched her first-career home run to left field—with Aaliyah Perez, who singled to lead off the frame—on second for a two-run shot to push the lead to 5-3.
“She really hit the ball hard and it kept on carrying,” Howard said. “I didn’t know if it had enough to get out, but it just kept on carrying. I joked with her after she hit it that that is her new jersey now. She is now No. 9 and we are going to go with it for the rest of the year because I am superstitious.”
IN THE BOX
Bates had two hits, including a homer, two RBI and a run scored to lead CHC at the plate, while Perez had two hits, and scored a run. Williamson had one hit, one RBI and a run scored. Johnson scored twice to go along with one hit, while Colin had a hit and drove in one.
Brummett had a double and a homer, two RBI and scored twice to lead Lockwood.
ON DECK
College Heights hosts Liberal (with Bronaugh) on Thursday before taking part in the Jasper Invitational softball tournament over the weekend.
CARTHAGE, Mo. — With the pressure on, Carl Junction freshman Jack Spencer birdied a sudden death playoff hole to earn medalist honors at Monday’s Abbiatti’s BBQ Carthage Invitational.
After 18 holes were complete at the Carthage Golf Course, CJ’s Spencer, Carthage’s Max Templeman and Republic’s Cason Bekemeier found themselves tied on top of the leaderboard, as all carded even-par 71.
A playoff on hole No. 10 determined who would be the medalist and who would finish second and third.
When all was said and done, Spencer was the invite’s champion, while Bekemeier was the runner-up after making par on the playoff hole and Templeman settled for third.
“It was one of the best things I’ve seen in a long time,” Carl Junction coach Ryan Jones told SoMo Sports. “Hole No. 10 is a par-5. All three kids hit their shot onto the fairway. Jack stuck an iron from about 200 out to five feet. Jack had an eagle putt from five feet that he barely missed and then he tapped in for birdie to win it.”
Jones noted Spencer came through in the clutch.
“He puts a lot of expectations on himself,” Jones said. “He’s a great golfer with a great golfing disposition. He’s certainly got the talent and he’s off to a good start to his high school career. I’m sure he’s on cloud nine right now. But I know he has bigger goals moving forward.”
Spencer recorded four birdies on the day. Templeman had three birdies and an eagle on hole No. 10.
One stroke was all that separated Joplin and the host Tigers in the team standings. Joplin turned in a four-person score of 308, just one stroke better than runner-up Carthage.
The Eagles have now won five events this spring.
Carl Junction (321), Republic (323) and Webb City (330) rounded out the top five teams.
“As a team, we weren’t as sharp as we were last week,” Jones said. “But we were solid. We were right there. If you don’t play great, the local teams in this area will beat you. Carthage is great and Joplin is great. We played okay, but that’s a testament to how good the golf is in our area. It’s been a long time since all four local teams (Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, Webb City) have been this good. If you don’t play great, you’re going to get beat.”
After the top three individuals, Carthage’s Britt Coy, Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell and Monett’s Jaxon Bailey all carded 1-over-par 72 to tie for fourth place.
Joplin’s Harry Satterlee shot a 73 and finished seventh overall, while Nevada’s Owen Swearingen and Webb City’s Keegon Dill both carded 75 to tie for eighth.
Joplin’s Wyatt Satterlee finished 10th overall with a 77.
Neosho’s Kytn Francisco and Republic’s Griffin Frey tied for 11th place after shooting 80.
Webb City’s Josh Howard and Carthage’s Owen Derryberry tied for 13th with scores of 81.
In addition to Campbell and the Satterlees, Joplin’s Ian Surbrugg shot an 86 and Gabe De Leon carded 88.
Carthage’s Ben Nicholas carded 85 and Colson Brust finished with a 100.
Also competing for the Bulldogs were Zach Wrensch (82), Noah Williams (84), Tommy Walker (84) and Jacob Teeter (90). Wrensch tied for 15th place.
Also contributing for Webb City Braxten Cahoon (84), Cooper Forth (89) and Levi Lassiter (90).
Neosho’s Xander Woodward and Seneca’s Jace Wilson both carded 84, tying for 18th place with CJ’s Walker and Williams and Webb City’s Cahoon.
Seneca’s Eli Olson shot an 85. McAuley was led by Rocco Bazzano-Joseph (87) and Evan D’Amour (89).
Local golf squads will return to action at next Monday’s Bird-Dog Invitational at Briarbrook Golf Course.
“It’s been a busy two weeks,” Jones said. “I think we’ve only had a few practices because we’ve been playing so much. Now we’ve got a week before we play again. We’re excited to get back to practice so we can work on some things.”
Abbiatti’s BBQ Carthage Invitational
Team standings: Joplin 308, Carthage 309, Carl Junction 321, Republic 323, Webb City 329, Monett 333, Neosho 363, Seneca 363, McAuley Catholic 382, Sarcoxie 407, Lockwood 408, McDonald County 511.
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Joplin and Pittsburg, Kansas, took a 1-1 tie into the ninth inning when Ethan Rhodes tripled to center field with one out to score the runner from first to propel the Dragons to a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Blaine Dunstan started for Pittsburg and took a no-decision after allowing one unearned run on six hits, a walk and four strikeouts in five innings. Webb Fern pitched four scoreless relief innings to earn the win. He allowed two hits and a walk and struck out one.
Byler Reither started and took a no-decision for Joplin (8-8) after allowing one run on three hits, three walks and five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Justin McReynolds took the loss after allowing one run on three hits and a hit-by-pitch in two relief innings.
McReynolds had three hits, including a double, to lead Joplin at the plate. Reither had two hits, while Kyler Stokes doubled and walked.
Pittsburg’s Jackson Turnbull had two hits, while Tyler Sutton doubled. Rhodes tripled and had the lone RBI.
GLENDALE 2, WEBB CITY 1 (8 INNINGS)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Cam Stratton hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Falcons to a 2-1 non-conference victory over the Cardinals on Saturday.
Runs were at a premium in the rematch of last year’s district championship game.
The Falcons (12-4) struck first, scoring once in the bottom of the fifth when Brooks Kettering reached on an error and later scored from third on a passed ball.
The Cardinals tied it up in the top of the seventh. Cade Wilson and Kolton Eilenstein both singled, putting runners on the corners. Pinch runner Gavin Stowell charged home when William Hayes lifted a sacrifice fly to right.
The Falcons ended the game in the bottom half of the eighth. With one out, Kaleb Julian reached on an error before Stratton’s game-winning single.
Julian was the winning pitcher. He allowed one run on eight hits, striking out two.
Glendale’s Carter Lewis and Mark Ross had two hits apiece.
Eric Fitch went 5 1/3 innings on the mound for the Cardinals, allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks while striking out five.
Cooper Crouch and Gage Chapman also pitched for the Cardinals. Crouch recorded two outs, striking out two. Chapman took the loss after allowing a run on two hits.
Wilson had three hits, including a double, to lead Webb City, while Cy Darnell had two hits.
Webb City (9-9) is at Willard (13-5) on Tuesday.
MCDONALD COUNTY 12, NEOSHO 2 (5 INNINGS)
ANDERSON, Mo. — McDonald County rode an eight-run second inning to a five-inning district win over Neosho on Saturday.
The Mustangs (13-4) led 1-0 heading into the second inning when they erupted for eight runs on six hits. McDonald County added a run in a third inning and two more runs in the fifth inning en route to the win.
Levi Helm led the Mustangs at the plate with a pair of long balls in a three-hit day, launching a two-run home run in the second inning before adding a two-run home run in the fifth inning. He finished with four RBI. Cross Dowd had two hits and an RBI.
Wyatt Shadwick hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to lead Neosho at the plate.
Helm also earned the win on the mound after allowing two runs, one earned, on one hit, a walk and nine strikeouts in five innings.
Carter Fenske took the loss after allowing seven runs, six earned, on seven hits and a strikeout in 1 1/3 innings.
CARTHAGE SUFFERS LOSSES AT RIVER CITY FESTIVAL
The Carthage Tigers dropped three games this weekend at the River City Festival in Lawrence, Kansas.
On Saturday, Southern Boone defeated Carthage 10-0. On Friday, Olathe Northwest defeated Carthage 11-4 and Lawrence beat the Tigers 8-1.
In Saturday’s loss, the Tigers managed three hits, two by Logan Carmickle and one by Sylas Browning.
Kaden Arr went four innings on the mound, allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two. Zach Geter allowed three runs on four hits in relief.
Southern Boone’s Brady Smith earned the win after scattering three hits and striking out four.
The Eagles rode a seven-run fourth inning to victory.
In Friday’s loss to Lawrence, Browning drove in the lone run. Nate Norbury, Parker Copeland, Clay Kinder, Drew Musche, Braxdon Tate and Browning had one hit apiece.
Atlas Horine took the loss after giving up three earned runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings. Ty Perry allowed two earned runs in relief.
The Tigers managed just three hits in the loss to Olathe Northwest, one apiece by Caden Kabance, Copeland and Tate. Musche drove in two runs, while Tate had one RBI.
Carthage used four pitchers in the game, with Kanen Vogt taking the loss after surrendering 10 runs, four earned, on five hits in four innings. He struck out four and walked four.
Horine, Tate and Arr threw in relief.
Carthage hosts Joplin at 4:30 on Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference contest at Carl Lewton Stadium.
Webb City High School has never produced a state champion in the pole vault.
Grayson Smith hopes to change that.
“I want to be the first one,” he said.
A junior at Webb City, Smith has continued to soar higher and higher in his signature event, the pole vault.
And if you ask him, Smith will tell you he has grand plans for this spring.
Webb City’s Grayson Smith is one of the top pole vaulters in the state of Missouri. Photos by Shawn Fowler.
“My goal is to get 17 feet and become the state champion,” said Smith, last year’s Class 4 runner-up. “And I want to set the school record so high no one can touch it.”
After missing out on a freshman season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Smith put together a stellar sophomore campaign.
Smith made steady progress throughout the 2021 campaign.
At the season-opening Carthage Invitational, Smith cleared 11-11.75 feet to take third place. Smith cleared 13-11.25 at the district meet before recording a vault of 13-8.5 at the sectional, which was good for fourth place and a state berth.
Smith saved his best for last, as he cleared 14-10 at the state meet to earn the silver medal.
“Last year, I was just a sophomore, and no one was expecting me to do anything,” Smith said. “It was a lot of focus in practice and watching a lot of YouTube videos. Last season was really fun, but I think this season is going to be even better.”
During the winter indoor season, Smith cleared a personal-best 15-6 at Missouri Southern’s high school invite.
Now a returning state medalist and unlikely to take anyone by surprise, Smith has gotten off to a great start to the spring ’22 season.
Smith got over the bar at 15-0.25 at the Carthage Invitational and then set the meet record at the PSU/Gorilla Relays on April 8 by clearing 15 feet even.
Webb City’s Grayson Smith clears the bar during the Carthage Invitational. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
“I’ve been really impressed with Grayson and his desire to get better with every meet,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller said. “Even though he’s an elite vaulter for the area, he has the desire to compete and get better. And he’s been willing to do other events, the 4×400 and the long jump, to help out the team.”
According to Athletic.net, Smith is currently the second-ranked pole vaulter in the state of Missouri behind Hickman’s Charlie Garino, who has cleared 16-4.75. Hickman is a Class 5 school, so the two won’t go head-to-head at state.
Smith did not compete at Thursday’s Joplin Invitational, as he’s nursing an ankle injury that occurred during a recent 4×400 relay. He’ll be out of action for a few weeks, but the temporary setback shouldn’t impact his lofty goals for the spring.
“He’ll be back for districts,” Miller said. “He’s got a positive mindset and he enjoys helping his teammates. He’s an all-around team guy and I’m really proud of him.”
Smith has come a long way since first giving the pole vault a try at the end of his eighth grade year. At first, like many beginners, he had mixed results.
“I was pretty average,” Smith said with a smile.
Smith credits former coach, Josh Baker, for helping him improve at his signature event.
“He really got me going,” Smith said.
Of course, the pole vault is an event that’s not exactly easy to master. It’s an event that takes speed, strength, agility, mental toughness and even a bit of bravery.
Mastering the technique of sprinting down the runway, planting the pole and then launching into the air isn’t for everyone.
Like many standout vaulters, Smith has a background in gymnastics.
“His gymnastics background helps for sure,” Miller said. “He has good body awareness. He’s got good speed, he’s a good athlete and he can jump well. He has a good awareness in the air and is able to make adjustments. That has paid huge dividends for him.”
As the 2022 season progresses, and once he returns to action, Smith hopes to continue to soar higher and higher, with the ultimate goal of peaking at the state track meet.
“He has a shot to improve his school record and become one of the top kids in the state, if not the nation this year,” Coach Miller said. “It will depend on how healthy he can get. But I’m excited for his opportunity this year.”
Finishing on top of the awards podium is Smith’s ultimate goal.
And if he does that, Smith will not only earn a gold medal, but also make Webb City history as the program’s first state champion pole vaulter.
“When I get healthy, my intensity in practice is going to increase a lot,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to getting healthy…and beating records.”
Pictured is Webb City’s Grayson Smith. All photos by Shawn Fowler/SoMo Sports.
News of Hunter Mason’s life-threatening condition has delivered a sobering blow to the tight-knit community of Nevada, Missouri.
A prototypical All-American kid, Mason graduated in 2018 atop his Nevada High class, ultimately inking an NCAA D1 football scholarship with the Western Illinois Leathernecks.
With a bright future ahead, Mason’s world was abruptly turned upside down after a large mass was recently discovered on his frontal lobe. The diagnosis necessitated emergency brain surgery.
Currently recovering from the extensive operation, Mason’s strong connection to Nevada has shown through, with an outpouring of support flowing from the small Southwest Missouri community. Many on social media have posted the catchphrase “Stay Strong 36,” symbolizing Mason and his jersey number.
“I ask that you please take a minute of your time to pray for this young man, his doctors, and his family,” said Jerrod Alexander, one of Mason’s former Nevada High football coaches. “Hunter is a fantastic person.”
Hunter Mason, center, is pictured with friends Matt Thompson and Braeden Hinton. Courtesy photo.
Nevadans Marcy Fischer and Alyson Harder announced that they were aiming to raise funds for Mason’s potential medical bills.
“This gentle giant is in the biggest fight of his life,” Fischer said.
Fischer added that Mason is revered by the community, and that the impression he left won’t soon fade.
“We are so humbled by all that our hometown community, friends, and football family are doing for us,” said Mason’s mother, Carrie. “Hunter is still in the ICU, physically healing from the surgery. Lots of recovery is needed.”
Gridiron star
Mason blossomed under the tutelage of Tigers head coach Wes Beachler, excelling his senior season at the tight end and linebacker positions. Beachler said he was most impressed by Mason’s positive attitude and tireless work ethic.
“He understood what it took to be a good high school athlete and student,” Beachler said, pointing to Mason’s Academic All-State accolades. “He understood the big picture; how important academics, athletic ability, and focus were if he wanted to play at the next level and be successful in life.”
Beachler added that attention to detail was another of Mason’s greatest attributes.
“To have a new coach come in your senior year and be moved from wide receiver to tight end in a new system — he was able to grasp the differences there,” Beachler said.
Many prep athletes would have protested such a move, but not Mason.
“He could have pitched a fit and been immature about being moved into tight end,” Beachler said. “But he embraced it, and that spoke volumes about the type of young man he is.”
Mason went on to post monster numbers at tight end, with Beachler calling Mason’s senior campaign “special.”
“And it wasn’t that he just stood out on the football field, but also just the type of young man he was,” Beachler said. “His character and how he conducted himself off the field was pretty impressive too.”
Camaraderie
Getting the ball to Mason in the passing attack was best friend Braeden Hinton.
“Hunter is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in my life,” Hinton said. “He’s a D1 athlete and has held a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and college. He’s worked for everything he’s achieved.”
Hinton, who compiled the most passing yards in a single season for Nevada in recent memory, said his rapport with Mason wasn’t just confined to the field of play.
“It was also about the connection we had off the field; we would hang out almost every weekend,” Hinton said. “I truly do consider him one of my best friends.”
Another of Mason’s closest friends, Matt Thompson, traveled with Hinton to Macomb, Illinois, in late October to watch their pal in action. Mason didn’t disappoint, racking up a pair of sacks and five tackles in the Leathernecks’ 38-31 rivalry victory over Illinois State.
“Spending the weekend there and watching him play was a great experience,” Hinton said.
Since receiving the distressing news of Mason’s diagnosis, Hinton has spent time in deep reflection.
“The big question is ‘why?'” Hinton said. “I’ve been asking myself ‘why’ a lot lately. Like, why Hunter? And I don’t know if that’s a question we’ll ever get answered. But if I do know one thing, if I’m going to put my money on anybody to beat this, it’s Hunter.”
Thompson echoed Hinton’s sentiments.
“Hunter’s a guy that would do anything for his friends,” Thompson said. “And that’s something that’s really special and hard to come by.”
Hunter Mason, left, poses with Matt Thompson and Braeden Hinton during a recent spring break trip to Arizona. Courtesy photo.
Thompson also warmly reflected on the trip to watch Mason play in Macomb.
“He played awesome — had a sack to seal the victory,” Thompson said. “It was really special to see that moment.”
Thompson said that the trio recently reunited for a spring break getaway to Scottsdale, Arizona.
“We were just being ourselves the whole week,” Thompson said. “Now, here we are three weeks later, and everything is different.”
Thompson said it’s been difficult attempting to fully process the gravity of the situation.
“It’s made me realize how quickly life can change, and that we can’t take things like friendship for granted,” he said.
Thompson’s camaraderie with Mason was also built on the basketball court, where Thompson was the second-leading scorer in Shaun Gray’s high-octane offense. Mason’s skill set on the hardwood did not match his dominance on the gridiron, but he still contributed as a key rotational player.
“He was just selfless to come play with us, and be with his buddies,” Thompson said, noting that Mason could have easily chosen to focus solely on his football career.
“Hunter is the kind of kid every coach wants their players to be like,” Gray said, adding that Mason always placed the team before himself. “He’s an example you give to kids on what a four-year high school athlete should look like. He’s also a perfect example of being a part of something greater than yourself.”
Gray added that he was saddened by the news of Mason’s medical condition.
“It’s disheartening when you hear that someone you love and care about is going through that,” he said. “But when it’s a young guy with such a bright future and so much potential ahead of him, it’s a punch to the gut.”
Gray said he reached out to Mason with words of encouragement.
“I told him that the Nevada community has his back,” Gray said. “He’s going to battle and be positive through the whole thing. And I think he will lean on his faith as well.”
Former teammate and star hoopster Clay Gayman reminisced on his playing days with Mason, calling him a great teammate.
“There was nobody that was more encouraging to me,” Gayman said.
Gayman lightheartedly joked that Mason’s Achilles heel was layups, but that he more than made up for it with his alley-oop passes.
“When it came to lob passes, there was nobody better than Hunter Mason,” Gayman said. “Hunter was a joy to be around, great dude, and so much fun to have in the locker room.”
Matt Resnick is a reporter with The Chanute Tribune and can be reached at matt@chanute.com.
GRANBY, Mo. — East Newton’s boys and Cassville’s girls captured the team championships at the East Newton Relays on Thursday.
The East Newton boys compiled 143 points and McDonald County was second with 123.
Cassville’s girls had 142 points, with McDonald County second with 118.5.
College Heights and Seneca also had athletes competing.
BOYS HIGHLIGHTS
Winning individual events for the Patriots were Gabe Bergen (110 hurdles, 300 H), Chase Sorrell (1600, 3200), Kelton Sorrell (800), Michael Crowe (high jump) and Nathan Evey (pole vault). East Newton also won the 4×800 and 4×400 relays.
McDonald County’s winners were Esteban Martinez-Olvera (200), Logan Harriman (discus), Andrew Moritz (javelin) and Joshua Pacheco (long jump). Pacheco was the runner-up in three other events, the 100, 200 and triple jump.
Also finishing second for the Mustangs were Junior Eliam (discus), Morgan Grider (shot put) and Ricardo Salas (javelin).
For College Heights, Ethan Ukena placed third in the triple jump, Caleb Quade took fourth in the 800 and was fifth in the high jump, Matt Williams finished fifth in the 100 and sixth in the 200 and Colsen Dickens took sixth in the 800.
The Cougars took second in two relays, the 4×100 and the 4×200.
Other event winners were Diamond’s Chase Housh (100, 400), Cassville’s Bradan Dickinson (shot put) and Aurora’s Daunte Floyd (triple jump).
GIRLS HIGHLIGHTS
Cassville’s individual champs were Jadyn Williams-Reed (400), Jolie Evans (800), Dakotah Anderson (3200), Riley Morris (discus) and Annie Moore (pole vault).
McDonald County’s Sosha Howard took first in both the triple jump (9.91m) and the long jump (4.80 meters), while Analisa Ramirez won the javelin (34.9 meters), with teammate Mariana Salas second.
Also for the Mustangs, Lacey Nix was the runner-up in the pole vault, Mikala McCrory was third in the 800, Corina Holland took third in the 200 and Jada Alfaro placed third in the shot put.
For the College Heights girls, Lauren Ukena finished second in the 200-meter dash, placed third in the 300 hurdles and was fourth in the 100. Emily Winters placed fifth in the 400.
Jasper’s Crystal Smith won four events, the 100-meter dash, the 100 hurdles, the 300 hurdles and the high jump.
Other event winners were Aurora’s Destiny Jaramillo (1600) and Pierce City’s Sadie Bennett (shot put).
Seneca’s Isabella Renfro was the runner-up in the shot put, while Rylee Darnell took second in the high jump and Katelyn Fyock was third in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump.
GRAVETTE, Ark. — Led by stellar performances from distance runners Kaden Cole and Riley Kemna, Neosho’s boys and girls both claimed team championships at the Gravette Lion Invitational track meet on Thursday.
Neosho’s boys compiled 194.5 points to best the 16-team field. Siloam Springs was a distant second with 74.5 points.
A Missouri Southern recruit, Cole won three events in the boys meet.
Cole won the 800-meter run in a school record time of 1:57, with teammate Connor Jordon second in 2:04. Cole won the 1600 with a time of 4:43, with Brandon Doyle the runner-up in 4:53. Cole crossed the line first in the 3200 in 10:05.
Neosho had several other individual champs.
Isaiah Green won the 400 in 54.31 seconds, while Eric Bebie took first in the 110 hurdles (16.13) and was second in the 300 hurdles (42.51). Colin Ortiz took first in the pole vault (11-6) and Jared Siler won the triple jump (42-1).
Neosho’s boys won three of the four relays.
The Wildcats won the 4×200 relay in 1:35, with Evan Haskins, Marcus Duncan, Izaiah Hill and Tyrese Hill competing. Neosho also took first in the 4×400 relay, as the team of Hill, Haskins, Jordon and Green recorded a time of 3:36. The 4×800 relay team of Cole, Jordon, Gabe Mabrey and Carson Newell finished first in 8:42.
The Wildcats finished second in the 4×100, with Haskins, Talon Mitchell, Konnor Siler and Hill running.
Jared Siler tied for second in the high jump, while Green was second in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump.
Eric Renner and Hadyn Riggs finished third and fourth in the shot put, while Renner took fifth in the discus. Other fifth place finishers were Hill (200) and Isaiah Keezer (400).
Neosho’s girls topped the 18-team field with 127 points. Gravette was second with 96.3.
A sophomore, Kemna won three events for the Wildcats—the 800-meter run in 2:31, the 1600 in 5:25 and the 3200 in 11:28.
The Neosho girls won the 4×400 in 4:26, with Taigen Mitchell, Claire Burghart, Heaven Kivett and Madilyn Ebbinghaus competing.
The Wildcats also won the 4×800 relay in 10:46, with Chloe Wood, Kivett, Lakyn Prough and Kemna competing.
The Wildcats placed second in the 4×200 and fourth in the 4×100.
Ebbinghaus placed second in the 200 and third in the 400, while Wood was the runner-up in the 3200.
Also for the Wildcats, Bailey Miller finished third in the pole vault, Kendall Platner placed fourth in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the high jump.
Finishing fifth in their events were Prough (1600), Burghart (pole vault) and Katelyn Mahurin (shot put).
NIXA, Mo. — In a tourney that featured 19 full squads, including all but one of the Central Ozark Conference schools, the Carl Junction Bulldogs claimed the runner-up plaque at the Ozark Invitational boys golf tournament on Thursday at Fremont Hills Country Club.
Nixa captured the team championship with a four-person score of 293, while Carl Junction took second with a 299 and Ozark was third with a 301. Kickapoo (306) and Carthage (312) rounded out the top five teams.
Kickapoo’s Gaige Lewis was the individual medalist with an even par 68, while Ozark’s CJ Jackson carded 69 to take second.
Carl Junction’s Jack Spencer, Joplin’s Harry Satterlee and Reeds Spring’s Ty Cooper tied for third place after turning in identical scores of 70.
Also for the Bulldogs, Jacob Teeter shot a 73, Noah Williams carded 75, Zach Wrensch turned in an 81 and Tommy Walker carded 82.
Carl Junction coach Ryan Jones told SoMo Sports he was pleased with his team’s showing.
Competing for Carthage were Britt Coy (75), Max Templeman (76), Owen Derryberry (77), Ben Nicholas (84) and Colson Brust (88).
Also competing for the Eagles were Wyatt Satterlee (78), Ian Surbrugg (82), Gabe De Leon (87) and Ethan Satterlee (88).
Webb City was led by Cooper Forth’s 79, while teammates Josh Howard and Braxten Cahoon both carded 80. Also competing for the Cardinals were Keegon Dill (83) and Levi Lassiter (84).
Monett’s Jaxon Bailey shot a 72, tying for ninth place.
Ozark Invitational
(At Fremont Hills)
Team standings: Nixa 293, Carl Junction 299, Ozark 301, Kickapoo 306, Carthage 312, Joplin 317, Reeds Spring 320, Republic 321, Springfield Catholic 321, Webb City 322, Monett 324, Ozark B 328, Marshfield 330, Willard 337, Greenwood 339, Branson 341, Kickapoo B 364, Catholic B 370, Hillcrest 401.
The Thomas Jefferson boys tennis team improved to 7-0 on the season with a 9-0 victory over Clever on Thursday at the TJ courts.
The Cavaliers only dropped three games in the six singles matches.
In singles play, Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding beat Cole Waisner 8-0 at No. 1, Prithvi Nagarajan topped Jase Whiles 8-2 at No. 2 and Tyler Brouhard defeated Dylan Dodds 8-0 at No. 3.
Also for the Cavs, Lala Qian beat Anthony Dodds 8-0, Hari Nagarajan defeated Ryan McFail 8-0 and Devan Murali beat Christian Sanderson 8-1.
In doubles, Ding-Brouhard beat Waisner-Whiles 8-1, Prithvi Nagarajan-Qian defeated Dodds-Dodds 8-1 and Hari Nagarajan-Murali topped McFail-Sanderson 8-0.
Thomas Jefferson hosts Joplin at 4:30 on Monday.
NIXA 9, JOPLIN 0
NIXA, Mo. — In a clash between Eagles, Joplin suffered a Central Ozark Conference setback on Thursday.
“Nixa is an experienced team, with four juniors and two seniors making up the varsity group,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “They played well and didn’t make many unforced errors. We were missing two of our top-ranked players, so today gave our guys the opportunity to step up in rank and play against more challenging opponents. As a whole, the guys are playing longer points than they had at the beginning of the season, which is a definite sign of improvement.”
At No. 1 doubles, Joplin’s Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood suffered an 8-3 loss to Alvaro Louro and Brody Brall.
“Adam and Josiah communicated well and showed potential as a new doubles pair,” Stump commented.
At No. 2 doubles, Michael Mancipe and Cade Sinclair lost 8-1 to Nixa’s Carson Palmer and Mason Murray.
Nixa’s Trey Hartwell and Cade Horning defeated Joplin’s Aiden Kester and Chapel Braman 8-1 at No. 3 doubles.
In singles, Nixa’s Louro beat Badr 8-0, Palmer topped Mancipe 8-0 and Brall defeated Hazlewood 8-1.
Ozark blanked Neosho on Thursday in a Central Ozark Conference dual.
In singles, Neosho’s Christian Williams lost to Major Cardin 8-1, Ryno Lee suffered an 8-0 loss to Orion Lewis and Chandler Weber dropped an 8-1 decision to Nathaniel Bottarel.
Also, Peyton Williams lost to Stephan Metcalf 8-5, Jacob Leibham lost to Connor Kitchin 8-0 and Wes Williams lost to Anthony Psarev 8-3.
In doubles, Christian Williams-Peyton Williams lost to Cardin-Lewis 8-1, Lee-Weber lost to Bottarel-Metcalf 8-2 and Leibham-Wes Williams suffered an 8-0 loss to Kitchin-Ethan Fast.
Led by four event wins apiece, Webb City and Carl Junction finished second and third, respectively, in the team standings at the Joplin Invitational on Thursday at the JHS athletic complex.
Ozark took first with 150 points, with Webb City second with 89.5 points and Carl Junction third with 80.5. Rounding out the top six teams were Branson (79.5), Lamar (67.5) and Joplin (66). There were 12 full squads.
Webb City’s Abi Street is pictured during Thursday’s Joplin Invitational. Photos by Shawn Fowler.
Webb City’s team of Izzy Lopez, Hally Philpot, Abi Street and Riley Hawkins won the 4×800 relay in 10:32. Lopez, Philpot, Essence Robinson and Mia Lenker finished third in the 4×400.
Webb City’s first-place individuals were Sami Mancini (shot put), Dawsyn Decker (javelin) and Abi Street (3200). Mancini tossed the shot 10.7 meters, while Decker recorded a mark of 37.78 meters in the javelin. Street crossed the line in the 3200 in 11:50.
Taking second for the Cardinals were Ripley Shanks (pole vault) and Hawkins (800), while Street (1600) and Robinson (400) placed third in their events. Alanna Bundy finished fourth in the 3200 and Mancini was fifth in the discus. The Cardinals were seventh in the 4×200.
Carl Junction’s Ally Montez once again won both hurdle races. A senior headed to Pittsburg State, Montez won the 100 hurdles in 15.02 seconds and the 200 hurdles in 45.4 seconds.
The Bulldogs won the 4×100 relay in 51.39 seconds, with Sydney Ward, Olivia Vediz, Hannah Cantrell and Montez competing.
Carl Junction’s girls finished third in the team standings at Thursday’s Joplin Invitational. Photos by Shawn Fowler.
Carl Junction’s 4×400 relay team of Harris, Ward, Riley Briggs and Montez took first in 4:16.
Ward was the runner-up in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.45 seconds.
Also for the CJ girls, Emerson Lundien tied for third in the pole vault, Madilyn Olds was fourth in the javelin, Vediz placed fifth in the triple jump and Harris finished fifth in the 800.
Joplin’s Jennalee Dunn crossed the line first in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:18. Dunn not only won the event, but also set a school record time.
Joplin’s 4×200 relay team of Brynn Driver, Allie Lawrence, Amaya Montgomery and Izzy Yust finished third, while the 4×100 featuring Kaylie Anderson, Abigail Eckert, Lawrence and Phia Vogel took fourth.
The JHS team of Dunn, Driver, Abigayle Lowery and Bailey Owens placed fourth.
Also for the Eagles, Claire Jasper placed fifth in the shot put, Maria Loum was sixth in the 100 hurdles, Lowery took sixth in the 100, Allie Keizer was sixth in the 1600 and Meridyth Mai was sixth in the 3200.
According to the Joplin track program, Camryn Ledford broke the adaptive sports national record in the F56 javelin with her toss of 13.62 meters.
Carthage’s 4×800 relay team of Morelia Reyes, Jenna Calhoon, Grace Brown and Maggie Boyd took third.
The CHS team of Aven Willis, Lexa Youngblood, Ashlyn Brust and Boyd finished fifth in the 4×400.
The Tigers finished sixth in the 4×100, with Willis, Sydnee Dudolski, Youngblood and Joey Hettinger competing.
Hettinger placed sixth in the high jump, while Jordan Childs was seventh in the shot put and Jaidyn Brunnert was seventh in the high jump.
Nevada’s Clara Swearingen won the 400 in 1:03, while Lamar’s Marcy Miller took first in the high jump (1.53m) and teammate Phajjia Gordon won the discus (31.3m).
The Thomas Jefferson girls were seventh in the 4×400, with Avery Hocker, Gabbi Hiebert, Leah Studer and Nico Carlson competing.
Joplin Invitational
Team standings: Ozark 150, Webb City 89.5, Carl Junction 80.5, Branson 79.5, Lamar 67.5, Joplin 66, Nevada 50.5, Pittsburg 47.5, Riverton 38, Willard 32, Carthage 27, Thomas Jefferson 2.
Donovyn Fowler, Hobbs Campbell and Donovahn Watkins won two events apiece to lead the host Eagles to a first-place finish at the Joplin Invitational track meet on Thursday at the JHS athletic complex.
Joplin finished on top of the team standings with 146.2 points, while Ozark was second (128.2) and Webb City was third (121.2). Branson (96) and Willard (94) rounded out the top five teams.
A senior and future Oklahoma Sooner, Fowler won the long jump with a leap of 7.19 meters. He also won the triple jump with a mark of 14.4 meters.
Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell won events, the 1600-meter run in 4:22 and the 800 in 1:57. Photo by Shawn Fowler.
On the track, Joplin’s Campbell won events, the 1600-meter run in 4:22 and the 800 in 1:57.
In the throws, Joplin’s Watkins won the discus (42.35 meters) and the shot put (18.24m).
Taking third in their events for the Eagles were Drew VanGilder (javelin), Orion Norris (400) and Evan Matlock (800).
Matlock (1600) and Nicholas Horton (400) both finished fourth in their respective events, while Jackson Kitchingham (javelin), Gustavo Onate (300 H) and Chance Tindall (3200) all finished fifth.
Other top finishers for the Eagles were Korey Read (110 hurdles), Aidan Sampson (LJ) and Zaben Barnes (1600), who placed sixth, and seventh-place finishers Dontrell Holt (shot put), Avarus Kuhn-Wofford (300 H) and Aidan Koch (3200).
The Eagles placed third in the 4×800, with Ian Horton, Grey Edwards, Tindall and Nicholas Horton running.
Joplin also took third in the 4×200 relay, with Tayshaun Palmer, Davin Thomas, Luke Vieselmeyer and Fowler competing.
The Eagles placed fourth in the 4×100, with Palmer, Thomas, Vieselmeyer and Fowler running.
The Joplin Invitational was held on Thursday at the JHS athletic complex. All photos by Shawn Fowler.
Webb City won two relays and one individual event.
Webb City’s 4×100 relay team of Jordan Thornburg, William Headrick, William Jackson and Omari Jackson took first in 43.96 seconds.
The Cardinals won the 4×800 relay in 8:27, with Daunte Smiles, Mason Hedger, Evan Stevens and Roman Borboa competing.
Webb City finished fourth in the 4×400, with Headrick, Borboa, Jose Antillon and Billy Wolfe competing.
Wolfe won the high jump by clearing 1.88 meters.
Taking second in their events were Borboa (1600, 800), Antillon (400) and Stevens (3200), while Dustin Brockmiller finished third in the 3200.
Webb City’s fourth-place finishers were Dupree Jackson (long jump), Lucas Ott (javelin) and Hedger (3200), while Nathaniel Miller (discus) and Thornburg (100) placed fifth in their events.
Finishing sixth for Webb City were Omari Jackson (triple jump), Trey Roets (javelin) and Justin Allen (pole vault).
Carl Junction’s Owen Hensley and Caleb Graham finished second and third, respectively, in the pole vault, while teammate Jack Lawson placed fifth in the 400-meter run.
Thomas Jefferson’s Kip Atteberry finished eighth in the 1600.
Joplin Invitational
Team standings: Joplin 146.2, Ozark 128.2, Webb City 121.2, Branson 96, Willard 94, Lamar 50.2, Pittsburg 35, Nevada 27.5, Carl Junction 23, Riverton 14, Thomas Jefferson 1.
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City improved to 2-1 in Central Ozark Conference play and 9-8 overall with a win over the always-solid Tigers on Thursday at Chuck Barnes Field.
Winners of three straight, Webb City recorded four hits, two by Kaylor Darnell and one apiece from Jeremiah Leaming and Cade Wilson. The Cardinals also took advantage of three Ozark errors.
Kaylor Darnell earned the win on the mound. He went five innings and allowed just one earned run. Walker Sweet tossed the final two innings, allowing a run while striking out two to earn the save.
Ozark’s Devyn Wright took the loss after allowing one earned run on four hits in six innings.
Ozark fell to 11-5 and 2-1 in the COC.
After the Tigers plated a run in the top of the first, the Cardinals responded with two runs in the bottom half. With the bases loaded, Kaylor Darnell smacked a two-run single to left, scoring Cy Darnell and Jeremiah Leaming.
Ozark tied it up in the second on Rhett Hayward’s run-scoring single.
In the fourth, Kaylor Darnell tripled to right and pinch runner Evan Freeman later scored on Wilson’s sacrifice fly to right.
One inning later, Eric Fitch reached on an error and later came home on Kenley Hood’s sac fly, giving the Cardinals a 4-2 advantage.
Ozark stranded the bases loaded in the top of the sixth, as Sweet worked out of trouble.
The Tigers scored a run in the seventh on Brody Baumann’s RBI double before Sweet retired the side.
Webb City is at Glendale on Saturday.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS 8, VERONA 3
VERONA, Mo. — College Heights built an 8-0 lead through the first 6 1/2 innings en route to a win over Verona in Ozark 7 Conference action on Thursday at Warren Turner Field.
The Cougars (3-6) took the lead with a run in the first after Kelton Welch, who doubled to lead off the inning, scored on an RBI groundout from Austin Miller. Jayce Walker highlighted the two-run third inning for CHC with a run-scoring single through the right side before coming around to score later in the inning on a passed ball to push the lead to 3-0.
Nicholas Brueggemann tripled home a run before Ben Thomas brought him home with a triple in the next at-bat. The Cougars added the final run in the top of the fifth on a Verona error.
College Heights added two more runs in the seventh inning on a two-run single from Smoke Ezell.
Thomas earned the win after allowing three runs, one earned, on one hit, two walks and 12 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.
Jacob Stellwagen took the loss after allowing six runs, four earned, on nine hits, two walks and five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
Welch had four hits and scored three runs to lead CHC at the plate, while Walker and Brueggemann each had three hits, scored twice and drove in one.
WILLARD BASEBALL 7, NEOSHO 4
NEOSHO, Mo. — Willard rallied with a five-run seventh inning to come back for a win over Neosho in Central Ozark Conference play on Thursday at Roy B. Shaver Field.
Neosho (9-5) scored three runs in the second, highlighted by an RBI single from Matthew Velasco, to take a 3-0 advantage.
Willard rallied in the seventh to tie the game on a Neosho error that allowed two runs to score. Klayton Kiser hit a three-run homer later in the inning to score the go-ahead runs.
Kael Smith started and took a no-decision after allowing two runs on four hits and five strikeouts in six innings. Wyatt Shadwick took the loss after allowing five unearned runs on one, two walks and a strikeout in 2/3 of an inning in relief.
Jared Miles earned the win after allowing four runs, two earned, on four hits, a walk and 10 punchouts in 6 2/3 innings.
Eli Zar had two hits, while Velasco had a hit and two RBI to lead Neosho at the plate.
REPUBLIC BASEBALL 8, CARL JUNCTION 3
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Republic built a 4-3 lead after three and added insurance late on the way to a Central Ozark Conference win over Carl Junction on Thursday.
The Tigers (8-8) scored twice in the first and added single tallies in the second and third to lead the Bulldogs 4-3, as CJ (5-9) scored a run in the second to get on the scoreboard before adding two runs in the third frame to cut the lead to one. Republic added a single tally in the fifth and three runs in the sixth to seal the win.
Gavyn Beckner earned the win after allowing three runs on four hits, five walks and eight strikeouts in six innings of work.
Logan Eck took the loss after allowing four runs, one earned, on seven hits, a walk and two strikeouts in three innings.
Jordan Woodruff finished with a home run, two RBI and run scored to go along with two walks to lead CJ at the plate. Eck had a hit and drove in a run, while Drew Massey had a hit and scored a run.
MCDONALD COUNTY 6, MONETT 0
ANDERSON, Mo. — Weston Gordon hurled a complete-game shutout, limiting the Cubs to two hits while striking out nine.
Cole Martin had two hits for the Mustangs, while Fisher Sanny had an RBI. Isaac Behm and Cross Dowd had one hit apiece.
Monett’s Marcus Young allowed three earned runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts.
Daniel Geiss and Young had Monett’s lone hits.
NIXA 17, CARTHAGE 4
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage scored two runs in the first inning to take an early lead before Nixa answered with 11 unanswered runs over the next three innings on the way to a six-inning win over the Tigers in Central Ozark Conference action on Thursday at Carl Lewton Stadium.
Harry Dougan earned the win for Nixa after allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits, four walks and five strikeouts in four innings.
Parker Copeland took the loss after giving up 11 runs, 10 earned, on 10 hits, two walks and strikeout in three innings.
Jack Edwards had three hits, including a double and a home run, two RBI and a run scored. Caden Cloud had a double and a home run, four RBI and scored three times.
Caden Kabance doubled and had two hits to lead Carthage at the plate. He scored once and drove in one. Copeland had a hit and an RBI to go along with a walk. Ty Perry had a hit and scored a run.
VERONA, Mo. — College Heights softball (with McAuley) defined exactly what a big inning at the plate meant after scoring 14 runs in the third inning on the way to a 15-0 win in three innings over Verona in Ozark 7 Conference action on Thursday.
The Cougars (11-2, 3-0 Ozark 7) amassed 13 hits in the third inning alone, with eight of them resulting in runs being scored. The first six batters in the lineup all had two hits apiece and combined for 11 RBI and 11 runs scored.
Maddy Colin earned a three-inning no-hit win in the circle, striking out nine along the way.
Yoselin Martinez took the loss after allowing 15 runs on 14 hits, five walks and two strikeouts in three innings.
College Heights took the lead in the second inning on an RBI single to center field by Libby Fanning before the floodgates opened in the third frame.
The first five batters of the third inning reached base on hits, with CHC taking advantage of three Verona errors on the way to a 4-0 lead. The next three batters walked for the Cougars, which forced in another run, before Jayli Johnson singled home two runs to push the lead to 6-0. Two more runs came home on a double from Kloee Williamson, with Addie Lawrence following with an RBI double to left to plate Williamson. Colin highlighted the inning with an inside-the-park home run for two RBI and a 13-0 lead. Kaitlyn Bates added her second hit of the inning later in the frame on a single to center to plate a run and wrap the scoring.
