A stellar season that saw the Outlaws climb to the top of their division ended in defeat on Tuesday when Joplin lost to Jefferson City 9-5 in the MINK League South Division title game.
“Hats off to Jeff City, they came out swinging and put it on us early,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said after the game.
The Renegades scored nine runs before Joplin scored one. Joplin scored another four runs in the bottom of the ninth in front of a devoted crowd but couldn’t make up the deficit.
For the Outlaws, the 2023 season concluded with Tuesday’s loss.
Jefferson City advanced to the MINK League’s championship series against North Division champion St. Joseph.
“I wish we were on the other side,” Dawson said. “I hope one day we’ll be able to get over the hump and bring one home for Joplin. Best of luck to Jeff City, and hopefully next year will be our year.”
ON THE MOUND
Colin Shreves brought home the win for Jefferson City after a long eight-and-a-half inning stint on the mound. Shreves gave up three runs on four hits, a walk and a strikeout.
“We put ourselves behind the eight-ball quick and their guy threw a perfect game through five,” Dawson said of Shreves.
Steen Lane took the loss for Joplin after giving up seven runs in four innings on nine hits, two walks and a strikeout. Sullivan Lane, Will Islay and Eli Stoops also pitched for the Outlaws.
“We had our best arms out there and our best lineup, and we just came up short,” Dawson said.
GAME ACTION
Jefferson City seized the lead in the top of the first inning with RBIs earned by Eli Hill, Justin Rivera and Kam Durnin. Hill singled, Rivera doubled and Durnin hit a sac fly to center field.
Hill hit a homer in the next inning, tacking on two more unanswered runs for the Renegades. The Renegades brought the score to 7-0 in the top of the fifth with an RBI by Nate McHugh and a run scored on a passed ball.
Jefferson City added another two runs in the eighth inning. Kadyn Williams scored on a balk and Aiden Bauman earned an RBI with a single to center field, bringing the score to 9-0.
Joplin scored its first run of the night after Jason Lazo hit a triple before scoring on a wild pitch in the eighth inning.
The Outlaws put together a spirited rally in the ninth. With one out, Garret Chun stepped to the plate and got things rolling for the Outlaws with a single to right field. Chun advanced to second when Nixon Brannan made it to first after being hit by a pitch. Kolton Reynolds sent Chun home with a single to left field.
Jaret Nelson walked next, loading the bases with Brannan on third and Reynolds on second. Lazo stepped up to the plate with Joplin down 9-2, one out on the board and the bases loaded. Lazo earned his second RBI of the night with a single.
After a pitching change, Landon Meyer grounded out to second base for an RBI, sending Reynolds home.
At bat after Meyer, Reynolds walked to reload the bases. Caden Bressler was hit by a pitch, earning an RBI.
Jefferson City put another fresh arm on the mound, and he retired the side.
“We gave it a good shot there in the ninth, but it was a little too late,” Dawson said. “I wish we’d put some pressure on them there earlier in the game and made them go to their bullpen, but we just didn’t do it till late.”
AT THE PLATE
Reynolds sent one home and scored once on two hits. Lazo earned an RBI and scored one on two hits. Bressler and Meyer each earned an RBI and Brannan and Nelson each scored a run.
Hill earned three RBI and scored twice on two hits. McHugh, Baumann, Durnin, and Rivera each sent one home. Williams scored once on two hits while Luke Matschiner scored three runs on two hits and two walks.
A STELLAR SEASON
The Outlaws were the regular season champs of the South Division.
“Hell of a group we have, top to bottom they just didn’t quit,” Dawson said of his team. “I can’t wait to keep in touch with these guys and I can’t wait to see what they do in the spring. We have some really special guys on this team that are going to do some pretty big things moving forward, so hats off to them.”
At SoMo Sports, we understand the importance of student-athletes competing in prep sports in terms of development, both mentally and physically, for young adults who are preparing for life after high school.
Not only does competing in prep sports help build character, but it also provides student-athletes with tools such as communication, leadership and self-drive that will benefit them as they continue on life’s journey.
With that in mind, SoMo Sports wanted to honor the top spring athletes in the area who put in countless hours of hard work during practice, workouts, games/meets as well as on their own time by naming them as a SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year.
The standout athletes are chosen by SoMo Sports reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who tirelessly cover prep sports for Joplin and its surrounding communities during the school year. Along with nominations by area coaches, SoMo Sports used individual accomplishments during the regular season and postseason as well as team success as factors for choosing each Athlete of the Year.
SOMO SPORTS SPRING ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
BASEBALL
Case Sanderson, senior, Nevada
Nevada’s Case Sanderson. COURTESY PHOTO
Nevada’s Case Sanderson is headed to Nebraska to play baseball at the collegiate level. His senior season with the Tigers showed exactly how that came to be.
A left-handed pitcher and first baseman, Sanderson dazzled as a two-way player.
Offensively, Sanderson—who struck out just nine times in 84 at-bats—hit .476 with a 1.459 OPS (.613 OBP, .845 SLUG) at the plate.
He finished with 14 doubles, four triples and three home runs, scoring 36 runs and driving in 29 runs and stealing 11 bases.
On the mound, Sanderson dominated with a 9-3 record. In 64.2 innings, he allowed just five earned runs, closing with a microscopic ERA of 0.54 and WHIP under one—0.79.
Sanderson struck out 118 and walked just 14 on the way to earning Big 8 Conference Player of the year, unanimous first-team all-conference, all-district and all-state honors.
SOFTBALL
Harley Daniels, senior, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon’s Harley Daniels. FILE PHOTO
With senior Harley Daniels playing a key role in the circle and at the plate, Mount Vernon captured its second state spring softball title in program history.
Daniels went 29-1 in the circle with a 1.62 ERA and a school-record 229 strikeouts.
Daniels hit .545 at the plate with 44 RBI and 20 doubles.
In the state title game, a 6-0 win over West County, Daniels tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and a walk while striking out nine. She also contributed an RBI double.
Daniels was named the Big 8 Conference Player and Pitcher of the Year. She also earned all-district, all-region and all-state recognition.
Ending the season with 29 straight wins, the Mountaineers finished the ’23 season with a record of 37-1.
HM: Maddy Colin, junior, College Heights
BOYS GOLF
Jack Spencer, sophomore, Carl Junction; Harry Satterlee, junior, Joplin; Jaxon Bailey, sophomore, Monett
Jack Spencer turned some heads in the area as a sophomore for Carl Junction.
During the regular season, he won the Horton Smith Invitational at Schifferdecker Golf Course and finished second in the St. Mary’s Colgan Invitational at Crestwood Country Club in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Spencer added four more third-place finishes before capping the regular season with a tie for first at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament at Briarbrook Golf Course.
After shooting a 75 at Whispering Oaks Golf Course to earn all-district honors, Spencer capped his season with a runner-up finish in the Class 4 state tournament after carding a 72-70—142 across the two-day span to finish two strokes off the pace.
Joplin’s Harry Satterlee had a strong third season for his junior campaign with the Eagles.
Satterlee finished with three tournament wins, including a four-under 68 at the Twin Hills Invitational, a one-under 70 to win the Abbiatti Golf Invitational at the Carthage Golf Course and a two-under 70 to win the Briarbrook Invitational.
Satterlee shot an even-par 71 at Freemont Hills to take second and added a third-place score of 74 in the COC Tournament.
Satterlee took eighth overall (73) in districts at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield before finishing in a tie for fourth place in the Class 5 state tournament, finishing just one stroke off of first place with a 72-71—143.
Sophomore Jaxon Bailey dominated for the Monett Cubs in the 2023 season.
He picked up six wins in the 10 tournaments his team played in, including in the state tournament and averaged
Bailey picked up victories at the Reeds Spring Invitational as well as the Bolivar Invitationa, where he shot a four-under-par 68. He also added wins at the Missouri State Relays and tied for first at the Ozark Invitational. Bailey shot a 69 to win the Marshfield Invitational and followed that up with a Big 8 Conference win at the Neosho Golf Course.
In the postseason, Bailey’s dominance didn’t let up. He shot a 72 in districts to tie for first place at the Cassville Golf Course before taking second place in the two-day Class 3 state tournament at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield after carding a 73-74—147 to finish two strokes off the pace.
GIRLS SOCCER
Hannah Franks, senior, Carl Junction
It was a senior year to remember for Hannah Franks and her Bulldogs.
Carl Junction finished the season with a 19-6 record and Franks was instrumental in that success.
At the forward position, she tallied 30 goals and 13 assists and totaled 74 points.
Her accomplishments on the field earned her first team all-Central Ozark Conference, first team all-district and first-team all region honors as well as second-team all-state recognition.
HM: Jocelyn Brown, senior, Carl Junction; Daniela Marquez, senior, Carthage
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
Grayson Smith, senior, Webb City
Webb City’s Grayson Smith. FILE PHOTO
Webb City senior pole vaulter Grayson Smith captured a second straight state championship in his signature event at the MSHSAA Class 4 State Track and Field Championships.
Smith cleared 15-5.75 to secure the gold medal. He cleared the same height as a junior en route to winning his first state title.
Smith suffered a serious leg injury during the football season, but he rehabbed in time to have a stellar senior season this past spring.
In addition to winning a state title, Smith won sectional, district and conference championships in the pole vault. He cleared 15-11.75 at the sectional, 15-7 at the district event and 15 feet even at the COC Meet.
Smith will compete collegiately at Pittsburg State.
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
Crystal Smith, sophomore, Jasper
In an impressive showing, Jasper’s Crystal Smith earned all-state honors in four events at the MSHSAA Class 2 state track and field championships in May.
Jasper’s Crystal Smith.
Smith was the state champion in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.27 seconds.
Smith placed fourth in the high jump by clearing 5 feet, 2.5 inches.
Smith finished seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.98 seconds and she was also eighth in the 300 hurdles in 49.16 seconds.
Remarkably, Smith was the sectional, district and conference champion in all four of her events—high jump, 200-meter dash, 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles.
Smith is now a two-time state champ in the 100 hurdles, as she was the Class 1 winner in ’22.
HM: Dawsyn Decker, Webb City.
BOYS TENNIS
Prithvi Nagarajan, junior, Thomas Jefferson
Concluding a stellar season on a positive note, Thomas Jefferson junior Prithvi Nagarajan finished seventh in the Class 2 singles bracket at the 2023 MSHSAA Boys Tennis Championships in Springfield.
In the season finale, Nagarajan defeated Barstow’s Liam Groden 6-1, 6-3 to take seventh place.
Thomas Jefferson’s Prithvi Nagarajan.
Nagarajan lost to the eventual state champion, Ladue’s Max Chen, in the state quarterfinals.
Nagarajan was the individual district champion in singles for Class 2 District 7.
For the season, Nagarajan went 21-3 in singles matches for Tom Brumfield’s Cavaliers.
With Nagarajan leading the way, Thomas Jefferson went 12-1 in dual matches.
After an undefeated regular season, the Cavaliers lost to Barstow in the district title match. Barstow later finished third at the state tournament.
The Joplin Outlaws clinched the MINK League’s South Division championship with a 7-2 victory against the host Jefferson City Renegades on Saturday night.
The Outlaws will host either Sedalia or Jefferson City at 7 on Tuesday night in the South Division finals.
Sedalia will play Jefferson City on Monday night, determining who will play Joplin for the South Division championship on Tuesday.
GAME ACTION
Joplin took the lead in the top of the first. Kolden Howerton earned an RBI while Caden Myers earned two after each batter singled.
The Outlaws tacked on two more runs in the fourth inning when Landon Meyer singled. Brett Sarwinski scored a run on an error, giving Joplin a 5-0 lead.
The Renegades scored once in the bottom of the fourth when Calen Kruger walked with the bases loaded.
Joplin’s Karson Green earned an RBI in the fifth inning with a single.
In the top of the sixth, William Kelley reached first on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded, sending Nixon Brannan in for an unearned run and a 7-1 cushion.
Jeff City’s Kruger scored in the bottom of the seventh for the final margin.
ON THE MOUND
Eli Stoops brought home the win for Joplin after pitching three scoreless innings in which he gave up just one hit and two walks while striking out four.
Manny Gonzalez took the loss for Jefferson City after giving up three runs in two innings on three hits, two walks and three strikeouts.
AT THE PLATE Myers earned two RBI and scored once on a hit and a walk. Green earned an RBI on a hit and two RBI. Meyer earned an RBI on a hit and a walk. Howerton earned an RBI and scored once on a hit and a walk, while Kelley earned an RBI.
Note: In Sunday’s regular season finale, St. Joseph defeated Joplin 7-5.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Joplin Outlaws secured a crucial 8-7 victory over the Jefferson City Renegades on Thursday night as they battle towards a spot in the MINK League playoffs.
Joplin traded blows with the Renegades in the first and second before surging ahead with six runs in the top of the third, seizing a lead Jefferson City couldn’t overcome. Joplin requires just one more victory out of the remaining regular season games to secure a spot in the playoffs.
ON THE MOUND
Luke Schmedding earned the win after pitching five innings and giving up four runs on five hits, two walks and a strikeout.
“He’s going to at least give us a chance,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said of Schmedding before the game. “We know what Schmedding is going to do. We’re going against some bullpen arms tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll be in a good position to take two if not one on this road trip to take that one seed.”
Cade Schupp took the loss and gave up five runs in two innings on five hits, two walks and one strikeout.
GAME ACTION
Joplin seized the lead when Kolton Reynold hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning.
The Renegades answered with four runs in the bottom of the second. Joplin gave up four hits and two errors in the inning. Charlie Rogan and Luke Matschine earned RBIs on singles while Aiden Baumann sent one home after being hit by a pitch and walking on loaded bases. Kam Durnin scored on an error.
Joplin answered with six runs in the third inning. Reynolds earned an RBI after walking on loaded bases. Jaret Nelson stepped to the plate after him and hit a single, sending two home. Jefferson City made a change on the mound in an attempt to stem the tide but failed to prevent Joplin from scoring another three runs. Cole Hill sent one home and Ethan Kreuger earned two RBI. Both hit a single.
The Renegades rallied for three runs in the seventh inning, leaving the hosts trailing by just one run.
AT THE PLATE
Reynolds earned three RBI and scored twice on a hit and two walks. Krueger and Reynolds each sent two home, while Hill sent one home.
Williams and Matschine each brought two home while Baumann and Rogan each brought one home.
ON DECK
Joplin faces off against Jefferson City again at 7 p.m. on Friday at Jefferson City’s Vivion Field.
Joplin split a home twinbill on Wednesday night, defeating Sedalia in the first game but suffering a loss in the second game at Joe Becker Stadium.
JOPLIN 2, SEDALIA 1
The Outlaws won the opening game of the doubleheader by just one run, 2-1, in a game marked by scoreless innings and strong pitching from both sides.
ON THE MOUND
Steen Lane earned the win for the Outlaws after giving up one run in six innings on two hits, three walks and four strikeouts.
Peyton Messer took the no-decision for Sedalia after pitching six scoreless innings on three hits, a walk and six strikeouts. Chase Stumfoll took the loss after giving up two runs in one inning on two hits, no walks and no strikeouts.
“You can’t be mad at the first win. We had two good pitchers going back at it. They were able to scratch one across and we were able to finally answer there when they took the Lefty out,” Joplin manager Chris Dawson said, referencing Sedalia’s Messer.
“It was a good come-from-behind win. We’ve learned over the last week and a half that we are never out of a baseball game. Winning game one was huge, obviously. I think that at least guarantees us a home playoff game, whether that’s the wild card game or the divisional game.”
GAME ACTION
Sedalia took the lead with a run in the fifth inning. Ryan Retone earned the RBI after reaching first on an error by the second baseman.
Joplin answered with two runs in the seventh inning, earning them the win. Cole Hill sent one home with a single to center field and Landon Meyer hit a sac fly out to center field.
AT THE PLATE
Hill earned an RBI on a hit and a strikeout, while Meyer sent one home without any hits or walks.
Retone earned an RBI without any hits, walks or strikeouts.
SEDALIA 14, JOPLIN 10
In the nightcap, both teams traded blows in the first three innings before the Bombers seized the lead with a seven-run inning that left Joplin in a hole it couldn’t climb out of.
ON THE MOUND
Grant Burson earned the win for Sedalia after giving up ten runs in six innings on 10 hits, two walks and four strikeouts.
Caden Bressler took the loss for Joplin after giving up nine runs in four innings on 10 hits, three walks and four strikeouts.
GAME ACTION
The Bombers took the lead in the top of the first when Dalton Miller singled to center field.
Jaret Nelson got the Outlaws started with a double to center field that sent one home.
Sedalia took the lead back in the top of the second when Nic Beech doubled to left field for two RBI.
The Outlaws answered with three runs in the bottom of the second. William Kelley hit a sac fly to left field for an RBI. Korrey Siracusa stepped to the plate next and walked to first. Siracusa scored when Garret Chun hit a homer for two RBI.
The Bombers gained a one-run lead in the top of the third. Caden Paxston singled to center field and Sam Benz doubled to left field, each earning an RBI.
The Bombers scored a crushing seven runs in the fourth inning, securing a lead that the Outlaws wouldn’t be able to take back.
Sedalia tacked on another two runs in the sixth inning.
Joplin rallied with three runs scored in the sixth inning and another three runs in the seventh. Cole Hill, William Kelley, Jaret Nelson and Jason Lazo each earned an RBI in the following innings. Additionally, Nelson scored twice on his own- once on a passed ball and once on a wild pitch.
“Not the first time I’ve been on the wrong side of that in my baseball career,” Dawson said of Sedalia’s knockout fourth inning. “It’s just tough when that happens.”
“When we have opportunities, defensively or offensively, we’ve just got to take them. We didn’t do that in game two and it came back to bite us. Hats off to the offense for fighting back there,” Dawson said, referencing his team’s late-inning runs.
AT THE PLATE
Nic Beech earned four RBI and scored once on two hits, a walk and a strikeout. Retone earned two RBI and scored a run on one hit. Benz earned two RBI and scored twice on two hits, two walks and a strikeout. Zach Dillman earned two RBI on three hits and a strikeout. Additionally, Zach Rennard, Dalton Miller and Caden Paxston each earned an RBI.
Nelson and Chun earned two RBI and scored twice. Kelley earned two RBI on one strikeout and without any walks or hits. Hill and Lazo also each earned an RBI.
ON DECK
Joplin will take to the road to play a three-game series against Jefferson City on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Outlaws will play their final home game at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Joe Becker Stadium.
“It would have been nice to win two tonight, but we only won one. We still control our destiny,” Dawson said after the game. “We just have to win two more out of the four (remaining games).”
After losing to the Carroll Merchants by a single run on Monday, the Joplin Outlaws sought redemption and got it with a 12-4 victory on Tuesday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
Joplin took an early lead and kept it through the entire game while consistently denying Carroll hits. The Outlaws scored six runs in the seventh inning, putting the final nail in the Merchants’ coffin.
ON THE MOUND
Sullivan Lane earned the win for Joplin after giving up three runs in six innings on six hits, two walks and six strikeouts. Lane didn’t give up a single run until his sixth inning on the mound.
“Getting a couple zeroes early, obviously, was big,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said. “Sully did a great job tonight, so hats off to him.
“He gave us five strong innings. We kind of let him eat that sixth a little bit. We probably should have pulled him earlier, but he gave us a good start.”
Mark Kenney took the loss for Carroll after giving up six runs in six innings on eight hits, six walks and three strikeouts.
GAME ACTION
The Outlaws took the lead in the bottom of the second when William Kelley homered for two RBI.
“Hats off to Will Kelley for getting us started with that home run,” Dawson said.
In the third inning Karson Green sent one home with a single to center field.
Caden Bressler doubled to center field, sending one home and bringing the score to 4-0 in the fourth inning.
Carrol finally rallied in the top of the sixth. Ethan Cole delivered the Merchants’ first RBI of the night with a single to center field. Cullen McBride hit a sac fly before Jordan Brandenburg earned an RBI with a single to left field, bringing the score to 4-3.
Joplin hit back, extending their lead in the next half inning. Jason Lazo sent one home with a single to center field before Caden Myers grounded out to center field for an RBI.
The Outlaws piled on six insurance runs in the seventh inning. Brett Sarwinski tripled to right field, sending one home. Sarwinski made it home when Bressler singled to left field. Bressler scored on a double to center field that was hit by Kolton Reynolds. Landon Meyer grounded to shortstop, sending Reynolds in for a run. Lazo followed and hit a homer with bases clear. Up next, Caden Myers singled before advancing to second. William Kelley sent Myers home with a double to left field.
The Merchants broke their silent streak in the top of the eighth when Blake Tigges earned an RBI with a sac fly out to center field, but it was too little, too late.
AT THE PLATE
Kelley earned three RBI on two hits, while Lazo earned two RBI while scoring twice on three hits. Bressler scored once and sent two home on two hits and a walk. Sarwinski and Reynolds each earned an RBI and scored twice while Myers and Green each sent one home and scored once.
“Offensively we finally came through and got off to a hot start and we were able to score early and get our guys the lead,” Dawson said. “When you got guys up and down, one through nine, doing damage and having good swings, you know that’s gonna be a good thing.”
For Carroll, Cole earned an RBI and scored a run on one hit, while McBride, Brandenburg and Tigges each sent one in.
ON DECK
The Outlaws will play a twinbill against Sedalia beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Joe Becker Stadium.
“Overall, we did great,” Dawson said of Tuesday’s performance. “We still have to clean up defensively and that’s going to be the message tonight. The magic number is down to four now to clinch the No. 1 seed, so we just got to keep at it. We’ve got a big doubleheader tomorrow against the really good Sedalia team and we’re probably going to see Sedalia’s ace, so that’s going to be tough. We’ll have our two best arms going, they’ll have their two best arms and we’re going to see how we come out. It should be a good day tomorrow.”
After Wednesday, Joplin will have just four games until the end of the regular season. The last home game of the season will be played against at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Joplin Outlaws fought back from an early deficit, but ultimately suffered a 10-9 loss to the Carroll Merchants on Monday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Merchants led 9-0 after two innings and 10-1 after four frames, but the Outlaws rallied for five runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and two more in the ninth.
“At the end of the day, we battled and we gave ourselves a chance to tie it and keep playing and we just couldn’t come through,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said after the game.
“Defensive mistakes put us in that hole early on, and we just have to clean it up before tomorrow.”
ON THE MOUND
Braden Karnes earned the win for Carroll after giving up seven runs in six innings on nine hits, one walk and five strikeouts.
Parker Tennill took the loss for Joplin after giving up nine runs in two innings against five hits, three walks and three strikeouts.
The Outlaws made five errors in the game.
“We’ve just got to clean it up defensively,” Dawson said. “If we’d played clean defensively we would have won that game.”
GAME ACTION
Carroll scored the first run of the night in the top of the first when Joshua Koskie singled to right field.
The Merchants tacked on a jaw-dropping eight runs in the second inning. Justin Johnson earned an RBI when he sent one with a sac fly to right field. Michael Alt singled to shortstop for an RBI. Koskie walked on loaded bases for another RBI. Bryce Yosko sent one home with a single to left field. Ethan Cole reached first on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded, sending Alt home. Chris Hege earned two RBI when he reached first on an error. Blake Tigges sent one home with a double to center field and Hege scored on a wild pitch.
Joplin earned its first run in the third inning when Garrett Chun sent one home with a single to right field.
The Merchants regained their nine-run lead in the top of the fourth when Tigges singled to center field.
The Outlaws made a comeback in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs on four hits. Caden Bressler singled to first base. Korrey Siracusa walked, pushing Bressler to second. Cole Hill reached first on an error by the pitcher, allowing Siracusa to advance to third and sending Bressler home. Next at the plate, Chun singled to right field advancing Hill to third and sending Siracusa home. Nixon Brannan doubled to right field and earned two RBI when Chun and Hill scored. Brannan scored when Kolton Reynolds doubled to right field.
Joplin tacked on another run in the sixth inning when Brannan earned an RBI with a single to shortstop.
The Outlaws entered the bottom of the ninth still trailing Carroll 10-7. Landon Meyer doubled to left field, sending one home and offering Joplin hope of a ninth-inning rally. At the plate next, Bressler grounded out to second base for an RBI. Joplin needed just one more run to push the game into an extra inning, but Merchants pitcher Braden Fowler didn’t give them any further opportunities.
“Hats off to Landon Meyer today, throwing three and getting that big hit there at the end,” Dawson said.
AT THE PLATE
Brannan earned three RBI and scored a run on two hits, while Chun earned two RBI and scored a run on two hits. Hill earned an RBI and scored a run on one hit. Reynolds earned an RBI and scored a run on two hits. Bressler earned an RBI and scored twice on two hits. Meyer earned an RBI on two hits.
For the Merchants, Tigges earned two RBI and scored a run on three hits, while Hege earned two RBI and scored twice.
ON DECK
Joplin looks for redemption in the second game of a two-game series at 7 p.m on Tuesday at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Outlaws will play Sedalia on Wednesday night in a doubleheader after last Thursday’s game was canceled due to severe weather. Game 1 is scheduled for 6 p.m.
At SoMo Sports, we understand the importance of student-athletes competing in prep sports in terms of development, both mentally and physically, for young adults who are preparing for life after high school.
Not only does competing in prep sports help build character, but it also provides student-athletes with tools such as communication, leadership and self-drive that will benefit them as they continue on life’s journey.
With that in mind, SoMo Sports wanted to honor the top Winter Season athletes in the area who put in countless hours of hard work during practice, workouts, games/meets as well as on their own time by naming them as a SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year.
The standout athletes are chosen by SoMo Sports reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who tirelessly cover prep sports for Joplin and its surrounding communities during the school year. Along with nominations by area coaches, SoMo Sports used individual accomplishments during the regular season and postseason as well as team success as factors for choosing each athlete of the year.
Each winter season sport will have an Athlete of the Year, and if warranted, there may be one or two honorable mentions per sport as well.
BOYS BASKETBALL
All Wright, junior, Joplin
Joplin’s All Wright knocks down a jumper last season. FILE PHOTO
Joplin junior All Wright had one of the better statistical seasons in program history for the Eagles in 2022-23.
While helping to lead the Eagles to a 17-10 record, Wright’s offense was a problem for teams to gameplan for, as he averaged 25.7 points per game.
He shot 44 percent from the field—knocking down more than half of his shots (50.1%) from inside the arc—and finished with a field goal percentage of 49.3. He made 31.7 percent of his 3-pointers (57-for-180) and was also a 72.9 percent free-throw shooter (137-for-188).
Wright added 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game on the offensive end, while finishing the year with 37 steals and eight blocks, with 45 deflections, on the defensive end.
Wright was a first-team All-Central Ozark Conference selection and was the 4-States Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year.
HM: Max Templeman, senior, Carthage
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Destiny Buerge, senior, Carl Junction
Carl Junction’s Destiny Buerge (23) puts up a shot during the Class 5 Show-Me Showdown state championship game. FILE PHOTO
Destiny Buerge’s remarkable high school basketball career ended on the state’s biggest stage.
A do-it-all standout guard, Buerge led Carl Junction to a state runner-up finish in Class 5.
As a senior, Buerge averaged 24 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 3.5 assists per game, leading the Bulldogs to a 30-2 record.
With Buerge leading the way, Brad Shorter’s Bulldogs set a school record for wins, won a conference title, captured a district championship for the eighth straight season and tied the best state finish in program history.
Among her many accolades, Buerge was named the Class 5 Co-Player of the Year, the District 7 Player of the Year, the Central Ozark Conference Co-Player of the Year and the 4-States Basketball Coaches Association POY.
The all-time leading scorer at Carl Junction, girls or boys, Buerge concluded her prep career with 2,465 points.
Buerge has signed with Pittsburg State University.
HM: Kianna Yates, senior, Carthage
GIRLS SWIMMING
Chloe Miller, junior, Carl Junction
Carl Junction’s Chloe Miller.
Carl Junction’s Chloe Miller capped her outstanding junior year by reaching the awards podium in four events at the 2023 MSHSAA Class 1 Swimming and Diving Championships.
The area’s lone state champion in the pool, Miller won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.6 seconds to capture the gold medal. Miller also finished fifth in the 100 freestyle with a time of 53.94 seconds.
Miller also earned all-state honors as part of two relays. Carl Junction’s 200 freestyle relay team of Madeleine Garoutte, Skyler Sundy, Elyanna Dogotch and Miller placed fourth, while the team of Garoutte, Sundy, Dogotch and Miller took seventh in the 400 free relay.
Next, Miller won two individual events at the SWMO Championships—the 50 free and the 100 free. Miller also swam on the winning 200 free relay and the runner-up 400 free relay at the event.
Miller was part of four event wins at the Central Ozark Conference Meet.
Miller was the individual conference champion in both the 50 free and the 100 free while also swimming on CJ’s winning relays (200 free, 400 free).
Miller, who maintained a 4.0 GPA, went undefeated in the 50 free during the season.
HM: Madison Riley, senior, Carthage; Skyler Sundy, senior, Carl Junction
BOYS WRESTLING
Brady Roark, senior, Seneca; Samuel Murphy, junior, McDonald County; Jayce Hitt, junior, McDonald County
Seneca’s Brady Roark. COURTESY PHOTO
Seneca’s Brady Roark and McDonald County’s duo of Samuel Murphy and Jayce Hitt all captured state championships in 2022-23, with all three athletes earning SoMo Sports Co-Boys Wrestler of the Year recognition.
Roark once again was electric for the Indians, but this time it was at 132 pounds.
He closed the season with an impressive 56-0 record, winning districts, the Big 8 Conference as well as several tournaments.
Roark, who has signed with South Dakota State, capped his career with a 4-0 record at the Class 2 state tournament, pinning each opponent on the way to his third career first-place medal at the state tourney.
Murphy was just as dominant at 215 pounds for the Mustangs.
He closed the year with a 44-1 record and earned a Class 3 state title with a sudden victory in overtime of the finals matchup.
Murphy earned his way to the last match with a 4-3 decision in the opening round before a pin and a 3-2 decision in the semifinals.
Hitt went 26-0 en route to winning the Class 3 state championship at 285 pounds. Hitt won three of four matches at state by fall, including the title match.
Hitt, who battled a foot injury during the season, earned individual titles at the Big 8 Conference Meet and the district tournament.
HM: Eli Zar, senior, Neosho
GIRLS WRESTLING
Isabella Renfro, junior, Seneca
Seneca’s Isabella Renfro. COURTESY PHOTO
Seneca’s Isabella Renfro was once again a dominant force in the girls wrestling for the 2022-23 season.
After a record-setting sophomore campaign, Renfro followed up with a 47-0 record at 190 pounds.
In her third year with the Indians, Renfro captured the Big 8 Championship, a district title and added another state championship medal with a 4-0 run in the final meet of the year, finishing with three pins before an 8-2 decision in the state finals.
The Jefferson City Renegades rallied late for a 10-6 victory over the Joplin Outlaws on Saturday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
Joplin was up one at the end of the seventh inning, but the Renegades scored five unanswered runs in the last two innings, securing their win.
Saturday’s game was a ‘Pink Night’ fundraiser for the Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation.
“It’s always a good night to celebrate survivors and bring awareness for prevention, and we had a great crowd tonight,” Outlaws assistant coach Nathan Robl said.
ON THE MOUND
Jonah Sarabia earned the win for Jefferson City after pitching five innings and giving up three runs on three hits, three walks and five strikeouts. Chris Massey took a no-decision after giving up five runs in three innings on seven hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Tyler Graham took the loss for the Outlaws after giving up three runs in three innings of play on three hits, three walks and two strikeouts. GAME ACTION
Jefferson City took the lead in the top of the second when Eli Hill sent one home with a single to right field.
The Renegades extended their lead in the next inning, tacking on four more runs. Justin Rivera earned an RBI after hitting single to left field with bases loaded. Next at the plate, Kam Durnin sent one home with a single to center field. Luke Matschine scored a run by stealing home. Kadyn Williams earned an RBI with a sac fly out to center field, bringing the score to 5-0 for Jefferson City.
The Outlaws scored their first run of the night in the bottom of the fifth inning when Nixon Brannan walked with the bases loaded. Next, Cole Hill and Byron Blaise scored runs after a Jefferson City error.
In the bottom of the sixth, Blaise walked with the bases loaded and Hill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Blaise walked again for an RBI in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 6-5 for Joplin.
The Outlaws lost their lead in the eighth inning. Williams earned an RBI for Jefferson City with a single to right field. Charlie Rogan hit a sac fly out to left field and sent one home. With the bases loaded, Luke Melton grounded out for an RBI.
The Renegades secured their lead in the top of the ninth when Durnin hit a two-run homer.
“Offensively, on the mound and defensively, we just weren’t good enough today,” Coach Robl said. “That’s a good team on the other side. Jeff City flat out beat us today. We’ve got an off day tomorrow, so hopefully we can rest, reset and get back to work.”
AT THE PLATE
Durnin earned three RBI for Jefferson City and scored three runs on four hits. Williams sent two home and scored once on a hit and three strikeouts. Rivera earned an RBI and scored two runs on a hit and a strikeout. Rogan earned an RBI on no hits, no walks and two strikeouts. Melton earned an RBI on a hit and a walk. Hill scored once and sent one home on two hits and a walk.
For the Outlaws, Blaise earned two RBI and scored a run on a hit and two walks. Hill earned an RBI and scored once on one hit. Brannan earned an RBI on a walk.
ON DECK
The Outlaws continue their homestand with a two-game series against the Carroll Merchants.
The first game will be played at 7 p.m. on Monday at Joe Becker Stadium, with another game to follow on Tuesday night.
A close game against Clarinda ended in a victory for the Joplin Outlaws as the end of the season draws near.
After losing to the A’s on Wednesday night, the Outlaws returned to the field and walked away winners in the second night of a two-game series. Clarinda scored early and built a 5-0 lead, but Joplin scored seven unanswered runs late in the game to earn the 7-5 win on Thursday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
ON THE MOUND
Luke Schmedding earned the win for Joplin, giving up five runs in six innings on nine hits, three walks and six strikeouts.
Charlie Horne took the no-decision for Clarinda after giving up three runs in five innings on three hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Jay Kennedy took the loss in relief after pitching two innings and giving up two runs on a hit and three walks.
GAME ACTION First at the plate in the top of the second, Junior Barajas took the lead for Clarinda with a home run.
The A’s tacked on another run in the next inning when Anthony Pomilia hit a single out to left field.
In the top of the fourth, Clarinda scored another three runs. Luke Stout earned an RBI with a single to right field. Gavin Long grounded out to the pitcher, sending one home. Cole Warehime sent Long home with a double to left field.
Joplin scored its first run of the night when Korrey Siracusa grounded out to the pitcher in the top of the fourth, allowing Jaret Nelson to score.
Joplin brought the score up to 5-3 in the fifth inning. Cole Hill doubled to left field before Caden Bressler sent him home with a single to center field. Bressler stole third before scoring when Kolton Reynolds hit a double to left field.
In the sixth inning, Brett Sarwinski and Hill were both hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, tying the game.
The Outlaws picked up two more runs in the seventh inning, pushing them past Clarinda. Siracusa sent one home with a sac fly and William Kelley singled to third base for an RBI.
AT THE PLATE Siracusa earned two RBI and scored once on one walk. Reynolds scored once and sent one home. Sarwinski earned an RBI, Bressler earned an RBI and scored a run on one hit. Kelley earned an RBI on a hit and a walk.
ON DECK
The Outlaws continue a week at home with a game against Sedalia at 7 p.m. on Friday at Joe Becker Stadium.
Six home games and three away games remain in the regular season. The MINK League Wild Card Game will be played on July 24 and the Division Playoff is July 25.
Joplin leads the South Conference with a conference PCT of .485 after thirty-three games. Jefferson City follows with a conference PCT of .462 after 39 games. The two teams will face off on Saturday, July 15 in Joplin.
SoMo Sports is proud to represent and contribute to the coverage of prep athletics for Joplin and its surrounding communities, and because of that, we’ve decided to continue our SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year series.
The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year were chosen by reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who researched, discussed and agreed upon one athlete to represent for their school in each high school varsity sport from the fall, winter and spring seasons. The recipients were chosen by their athletic performances at the varsity level for the 2022-23 school year.
Without any further wait, the 2022-23 SoMo Sports Fall Sports Athletes of the Year.
FALL SEASON
FOOTBALL
Luke Gall, senior, Carthage
Carthage senior RB Luke Gall avoids Webb City during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO
An outstanding player both offensively at running back and defensively at linebacker during his prep career, Carthage’s Luke Gall rushed for 2,000 yards and 40 touchdowns on 246 carries and made 106 total tackles during his senior campaign, playing a major role in Carthage advancing to the Class 5 state semifinals.
The area’s most-outstanding two-way performer, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Gall was named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year, the COC’s Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year and the Region’s Offensive and Defensive POY.
Carthage went 11-2 in ’22, with a 22-21 setback to Nixa the team’s lone regular-season setback. Eventual state champion Francis Howell defeated Carthage 35-13 in the Class 5 semifinals.
Gall and his classmates played for a program that finished a combined 42-6 overall during their four years of high school.
With his storied and remarkable prep career concluded, Gall has signed to continue his athletic career at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.
HM: Quin Renfro, junior, Joplin
SOFTBALL
Jacie Frencken, junior, McDonald County
McDonald County’s Jacie Frencken had quite the junior season for the Mustangs on the diamond.
The junior infielder clubbed her way to a .510 batting average while getting on base at a .574 clip. She provided plenty of power after slugging 1.010 and came up clutch time and time again with a .683 batting average with runners in scoring position.
In total, Frencken set a bevy of single-season school records with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 53 RBI, earning herself the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year as well as earning first-team all-district, all-region and all-state while helping lead the Mustangs to a 23-10 record and a trip to the Class 4 state playoffs.
Seneca senior Parker Long earns a kill with a tip over the defense in the Indians’ win over Mountain Grove on Thursday. FILE PHOTO
Parker Long finished her career in Seneca on a high note.
The 5-foot-9-inch outside hitter was a catalyst in the Indians’ 23-12-1 season that ended with a program-first trip to the quarterfinal round of the Class 3 state playoffs. Long led Seneca with 448 kills, 474 digs and 65 aces on the season.
She had a 40.1% kill rate with a .269 hitting percentage and averaged four kills per set.
Among the accolades Long earned this season, she was named first-team all-conference and district as well being the first Seneca player to earn Class 3 all-state honors as well.
HM: Kyah Sanborn, senior, Webb City; Lo Jones, senior, Carl Junction
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Hobbs Campbell, senior, Joplin
Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell capped an outstanding senior season by finishing fifth at the MSHSAA Class 5 Cross Country Championships.
Competing in the state’s biggest classification, Campbell toured the 5K course at Gans Creek with a time of 15 minutes, 42 seconds to earn all-state honors.
Ahead of the state championships, Campbell finished fourth at the Class 5 District 2 meet with a time of 15:36.
Also of note, Campbell won the Central Ozark Conference Meet with an impressive time of 15:21.
Campbell will continue his athletic career at the University of Kansas.
HM: Kip Atteberry, senior, Thomas Jefferson; Evan Stevens, junior, Webb City
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Abi Street, senior, Webb City
Webb City senior Abi Street crosses the finish line during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO
In a season full of highlights, Webb City senior Abi Street recorded a program-best finish at the state championships.
In a stellar conclusion to a standout prep cross country career, Street finished third in the Class 4 girls race with a time of 19 minutes, 6 seconds.
The third place showing is the highest place ever by a Webb City female at the state meet.
In addition to earning all-state recognition for the second straight year, Street captured district and conference championships during the fall.
Street was the top female finisher at the Class 4 District 2 meet (18:53) and she also took first at the Central Ozark Conference Meet (18:40).
Street will compete collegiately at the University of Kansas.
HM: Kendall Ramsey, junior, McAuley Catholic
GIRLS GOLF
Emree Cameron, sophomore, Nevada
Nevada High School sophomore Emree Cameron was the runner-up at the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Golf Championships.
Cameron finished the two-day state tourney with a 2-over-par 146, just two strokes back of the state champion, Marshfield’s Marlene Edgeman.
In a stellar fall season, Cameron was the Class 2 District 3 champion with an even-par 70.
Cameron finished third at the Big 8 Conference Meet with a 2-under-par 68.
Cameron won 18-hole tournaments in Joplin, Lamar, Bolivar, Carthage and Nevada. She averaged a 69 on 18-hole courses last fall while averaging a 34.5 on 9-hole courses.
Cameron set a school record by shooting a 7-under-par 65 at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course on Sept. 23.
BOYS SOCCER
Alex Flores, senior, Webb City
Alex Flores’ final season with Webb City soccer was a strong conclusion to his prep career.
The standout forward helped lead the Cardinals to their program’s first district title since 1999 by finding the back of the net 28 times during his senior season.
Flores also added seven assists on the year, garnering him all-conference, district and state recognition.
BOYS SWIMMING
Micah Brouwer, junior, Webb City
Webb City’s Micah Brouwer finished as one of the top and most dynamic swimmers in the area.
He finished the season with Webb City as the Central Ozark Conference champion in the 100-yard breaststroke with a state consideration time of one minute, 4.94 seconds and was third in 200 IM.
Brouwer had a third-place time in the 100 breastroke of 1:03.39 in the SWMO Championships.
At the state meet, Brouwer finished 18th in the prelims of the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:03, just missing a trip to the finals.
GIRLS TENNIS
Emma Watts, senior, Joplin
Joplin’s Emma Watts returns a shot during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO
Joplin High School senior Emma Watts concluded her stellar prep career by putting together a solid 2022 season.
Watts finished her senior year with a 21-7 record in singles play.
Along the way, Watts captured the singles championship at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament. It was Watts’ third conference championship, as she and Astrid Cardenas won COC doubles titles the two previous seasons.
Watts finished third in the singles bracket at the Class 3 District 6 individual tournament.
Kolton Reynolds delivered a game-ending RBI single to left field in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Joplin Outlaws to a 9-8 victory over the Jefferson City Renegades on Tuesday night in summer collegiate baseball action at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Outlaws had to come from behind in this one.
The Renegades held an 8-6 lead as the bottom of the ninth arrived, but the hosts rallied for three runs in the final frame to earn a walk-off win.
In the ninth, Cole Hill hit an RBI single, Garrett Chun contributed an RBI double and Reynolds followed with the game-winning, run-scoring single.
Reynolds, an outfielder from Crowder College, hit a grand slam in the first inning. Jaret Nelson scored on a wild pitch later in the frame for an early 5-0 lead.
Jefferson City tied the game with two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth.
The Outlaws re-took the lead in the seventh on Nixon Brannan’s home run.
The Renegades tied the game in the eighth and used a two-run ninth to go up 8-6.
Reynolds drove in five runs on three hits, while Brannan, Hill and Chun all added two hits apiece.
On the mound, Sullivan Lane went 5 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four. Eli Stoops gave up one run in 2 2/3 innings, striking out three. Campbell Lyons surrendered two runs in one inning of work, striking out two.
Jefferson City’s Kam Durnin drove in three runs on two hits.
Luke Matschiner was charged with the loss after allowing two earned runs in the ninth.
The Joplin Outlaws kicked off a week of six consecutive home games with a 9-2 knockout victory over the Nevada Griffons on Monday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
A five-run fourth inning pushed the Outlaws ahead of Nevada before the hosts tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the fifth. A homer by Kolton Reynolds in the sixth inning was the final nail in Nevada’s coffin.
ON THE MOUND
Caden Bressler earned the win for Joplin after giving up two runs in seven innings on a walk, six hits and four strikeouts.
Jaxon Burns took the no-decision after pitching four innings in which he gave up five runs against three hits, four walks and five strikeouts. Dryden Cosens took the loss for Nevada after giving up four runs in two innings on three hits, four walks and five strikeouts.
GAME ACTION
The Griffons took the lead in the top of the third when London Penland singled to shortstop before scoring on a single to center field by Ryan Davis.
Ethan Krueger sent one home in the bottom of the fourth with a double to left field, tying the game.
Cole Hill pushed Joplin past the Griffons when he doubled to left field, sending Krueger and Brett Sarwinski home. The Outlaws secured their lead when Reynolds stepped to the plate with bases loaded. Reynolds reached first on an error by the shortstop, sending Hill and Garrett Chun home and bringing the score to 5-1.
Joplin tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning. Jason Lazo walked to first before stealing second and advancing to third on an error by the catcher. Korrey Siracusa singled to shortstop and brought Lazo home. Siracusa stole second before being sent home when Krueger hit a double to center field. Siracusa went out at third before two Joplin batters struck out, retiring the team from the inning.
In the last scoring play of the game for Joplin, Reynolds homered with one on the bases for two RBI in the sixth inning.
In the top of the seventh, Tyson Dentwas first at the plate for Nevada. Dent was hit by a pitch and walked to first before stealing second. He advanced to third when Clay Palen grounded out to second. Jason Strobel singled to left field, sending Dent home for the final run of the night.
AT THE PLATE
Reynolds earned four RBI and scored one run on a hit. Hill earned two RBI on two hits and a walk while tacking on a run. Krueger scored once and earned two RBI on two hits and a walk. Siracusa scored twice and earned an RBI on one hit. Lazo, Sarwinski, Chun, and Landon Meyer each scored a run.
Strobel earned one RBI on two hits for Nevada. Davis earned an RBI on a hit and a strikeout.
ON DECK
MINK League action continues this week as Joplin plays back-to-back home games. Joplin takes on the Jefferson City Renegades at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Joe Becker Stadium. Games with Clarinda, Sedalia and Jefferson City follow later this week.
The Renegades are second in the South Division with a conference winning percentage of .459, while Joplin leads with a PCT of .467. The Renegades have played more games, with 38 under their belt compared to Joplin’s 31.
“If you look at our schedule in total, we’re clearly a lot better at home than we are anywhere else,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said. “These next two weeks are massive for us, especially to put things together and put some space between us and the other teams in the South.”
The Joplin Outlaws extended their winning streak to six by beating the Nevada Griffons 11-5 on Tuesday afternoon at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Outlaws scored three runs in the first inning to take a lead they would never relinquish.
Up 3-2 after four innings, Joplin added two runs in the fifth and three more in both the sixth and seventh innings for a commanding 11-2 advantage.
The Griffons, who dropped their third straight game, plated three runs in the top of the ninth for the final margin.
The Outlaws completed a three-game sweep over the Griffons with Tuesday’s win on the Fourth of July.
Steen Lane earned the pitching victory after allowing just two runs in six innings of work. Lane gave up five hits and two walks while striking out three.
Tyler Benefiel pitched in relief.
Caden Bressler went 4-for-4 at the plate for the Outlaws, while Kahler Key drove in three runs. Kolden Howerton, William Kelley and Ethan Krueger had two RBI apiece, while Caden Myers drove in one run.
Ryan Davis and Clay Palen had two hits apiece for Nevada, while JC Barry drove in two runs.
Joey Funk took the loss on the mound after allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits in five innings.
Joplin is now 15-13 on the season and in first place in the South Division standings.
Nevada is 12-17 and in third place in the South.
After a day off on Wednesday, the Outlaws return to action on Thursday at Sedalia (11-18).
