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Day: November 22, 2023

GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW: Pair of returning starters to lead Carl Junction for the 2023-24 season

Posted on by Lucas Davis

While Carl Junction lost several key contributors from last season to graduation, the cupboard is far from bare as the Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways while under new management for the upcoming season.

Carl Junction is without SG Destiny Buerge (Pittsburg State), G Klohe Burk, G Hali Shorter and G Allie Wrestler after graduation and the Bulldogs are no longer under the tutelage of head coach Brad Shorter. 

Now, CJHS is under the leadership of Ryan Odaffer and he has a large group of upperclassmen and a pair of starters coming back to the team in his first season as head coach.

“I am extremely excited to get back into coaching,” Odaffer said. “This is a great bunch of girls on and off the floor, which makes coaching fun. The girls are ready to compete in the COC and the postseason again this year.”

Leading the list of returners for Bulldogs is 6-foot-3 senior F Kylie Scott, an all-Central Ozark Conference performer and Oral Roberts commit who averaged 13.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a junior, and junior G/F Dezi Williams, who averaged 7.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals a season ago. 

“If she’s not the best, she is one of the best all-around players in the area,” Odaffer said of his returning anchors. “I am looking forward to Kylie taking over a leadership role this year. It’s going to be exciting to watch her show off her potential this season.

“Dezi is loaded with talent and can take over a game on either end of the floor. This is the season Dezi will get to take her to another level if she wants to.”

Also back on the varsity squad for Coach Odaffer is senior Anna Burch, junior Shaye Buerge and sophomore Jadyn Howard. 

New to the varsity level this year will be junior Delaney Harris, junior Kenna Ellison and sophomore Madison Hembree. 

“We have a few girls with a lot of experience and then a lot that are going to have to fill some big voids,” Odaffer said. “They understand that it will have to be a team effort if we are going to win games. They have been working extremely hard to uphold the standard of the past 10 years for the Lady Bulldogs.”

After more than 70 wins as a program over the last three seasons, including a 30-2 campaign a year ago that ended in a second-place finish in all of Class 5, the Bulldogs may be in for a slower start this season, but that is common when a team is in transition. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean CJ can’t be where they want to be by the season’s end—competing for a state title—but to do that, they will be relying heavily on the production and leadership of Scott and Williams while the inexperienced players get used to playing at the varsity level.

“Our two returning starters Kylie Scott and Dezi Williams will have to set the tone and lead our team,” Odaffer said. “If they can be the force on both ends, we have several other players ready to step in and follow their lead. It might take some time to adjust to the new players and system, but we hope to see improvement each game and each week throughout the season.

“We are very inexperienced and the only way you get that is by playing. So, I believe we will be a different team by the end of the year. The kids just have to buy in and work hard. If they do that, the results will take care of themselves.” 

Carl Junction opens the season with three tournaments, hosting the CJ Classic from Nov. 27-30 before taking part in the Freeman Lady Eagle Classic (Dec 7-9) and then the Lady Mustang Classic (Dec. 11-13).

 

BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW: Webb City returns standout guards, plenty of depth in ’23-24

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Webb City returns a group of standout guards entering the 2023-24 season.

And with three returning starters, and plenty of overall team depth, expectations are high once again in Webb City.

“Our staff is excited to get the season started and watch this group compete,” Webb City coach Jason Horn said. “We return a very athletic group of guys who gained valuable experience in some big games at the varsity level last season. I think we can compete with any team on our schedule. For me, the most important thing is to see our players grow individually and collectively as a unit.”

Webb City’s returning starters are senior guard Barron Duda and junior guards Holton Keith and Eli Pace.

The 6-foot-3 Duda earned all-conference and all-district recognition as a junior after averaging 14 points and six rebounds a game. Duda made 54 3-pointers last winter.

“Barron had a great junior season,” Horn said. “Barron’s a tremendous shooter who can score the ball from all three levels.” 

The 6-1 Keith averaged 10.5 points, four assists and just under two steals per contest last season, while the 6-foot Pace contributed 6.5 points, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals a game as the team’s floor general.

“Holton is a great leader and on-ball defender,” Horn said. “He plays the game with unmatched energy and toughness. I think he has the potential to be one of the better players in the area.

“Eli will run the point for us again this season,” Horn continued. “He’s a high IQ player who makes everyone around him better. His ability to score and distribute the basketball makes him a tough matchup for our opponents.”

Other athletes returning with prior varsity experience are 6-foot senior guard Omari Jackson, 6-4 junior forward Joel Hendrix and 5-8 sophomore guard Gabe Johnson.

“Omari is a tremendous athlete who plays the game with a great deal of toughness,” Horn said. “He has a quick first step and can finish at the rim. Joel has great touch around the basket. His length, athleticism and ability to shoot the basketball will make him a tough matchup in the post. Gabe is a hard-nosed competitor on the court. He’s an explosive athlete and a tremendous playmaker.” 

Junior forward Joseph DeGraffenreid and sophomores Slade Hurd (G), Trae Turner (G) and Dalton Riggs (F) are other players who have the potential to make an impact at the varsity level.

“Joseph can spread the floor with his ability to shoot the basketball,” Horn said. “Trae is a very skilled and athletic guard who can finish plays at the rim. Slade is a solid guard who can shoot the ball from behind the arc. Dalton is a fundamentally solid player with a great motor who can finish plays around the basket.” 

Horn noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s group, especially its guard play.

“Team speed should be a plus for us again this season and we will look to speed the tempo up on both ends of the floor,” he said. 

Of course, every team has its areas of concern heading into a new season. And as always, the Cardinals will be getting off to a late start due to the football team’s successful postseason run.

“I think our depth will improve as the season progresses, but early on we could experience some growing pains with some of our key reserves getting used to the speed and physicality of the varsity game,” Horn said. 

Horn said the keys to success are simple this winter.

“No. 1 is we have to stay healthy,” he said. “If we can do that and continue to improve our timing on the offensive end while cutting down on unnecessary fouls defensively, I think we can compete at a high level.”

Webb City went 17-11 last season and ended the season in the district semifinals. The Cardinals lost Trey Roets, Alex Martin and Joe Adams to graduation. 

The Cardinals open the 2023-24 season at home against Monett on Dec. 5. 

 

GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW: Webb City features experienced backcourt trio

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The experienced backcourt trio of Mia Robbins, Malorie Stanley and Kirra Long will lead the Webb City girls basketball team this winter.

In addition to the three returning guards, the Cardinals will feature several newcomers in big roles this winter. 

“We are really excited about the group of girls we have out this year,” Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. “They are very coachable and have a desire to compete. We have a good mix of youth and veterans that we believe will keep getting better as the season progresses and they play more together. We look forward to seeing what this group can accomplish.”

Mia Robbins will once again be a key performer for the Webb City girls basketball team. File photo.

Mia Robbins is a varsity veteran entering her senior season, as she’s been a key performer for her father’s squad the last several years. She averaged just under six points per game last season while leading the team in steals and 3-point percentage.

“We expect Mia to provide us with leadership and to increase her scoring this season,” Coach Robbins said.

Stanley is a senior and Long is a junior. Both scored about five points per game last winter. And both players should have expanded roles this year. 

“Mal can be a difference maker on both ends of the floor for us,” Robbins said. “And we expect her to be a big contributor this season. Kirra has the potential to have a breakout season. She can create off the dribble and has improved her 3-point shooting.”

Sophomore guard Kylee Sargent and juniors Brynn Gilchrist (F) and Kamdyn Myers (G) are players who could contribute at the varsity level this winter.

“Kylee will miss the first part of the season due to injury, but we expect her to be a big part of our success when she gets back on the floor,” Robbins said. “Brynn should help us defensively and with rebounding. Kamdyn is a solid defender who could compete for playing time at the varsity level.” 

Junior post player Jenna Schulz is another newcomer who is expected to contribute.

“She’s an athletic post that can defend, rebound and run the floor,” Robbins said. 

Other newcomers who could see playing time this winter include sophomore Karsyn Cahoon and freshmen Abby Sargent, Addie Burns, Adalyn Maxwell, Kaelyn Maxwell and Jocelyn Maxwell. Burns and the Maxwell triplets provide height inside.

With the season opener quickly approaching, Coach Robbins noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s group. 

“We believe one of our biggest strengths is that we are a well-rounded team,” Robbins said. “We have about four or five kids that on a given night could get us 15-20 points. With several scoring options we could cause opponents problems defensively. We are scoring the ball better than we have in recent years. Another strength is our kids’ willingness to learn. They have been very coachable, and practice has been fun.”

Last year, Webb City went 18-11 overall and 5-4 in the always-tough Central Ozark Conference. The Cardinals ended last season with a loss in the district title game against eventual state runner-up Carl Junction.

The Cardinals lost three starters from last year’s squad, as Kate Brownfield and Izzy Lopez graduated, and all-state post player Sami Mancini transferred to Link Academy.

Robbins is optimistic the Cardinals can put together another solid season this winter.

“We want to build off that success we had last year,” Robbins said. “Although we will be a different looking team and have adjusted some things schematically to fit our personnel, we still feel like we will be a very competitive basketball team.”

Robbins added there’s still plenty of work to do if the Cardinals want to peak at the end of the season.

“A big concern for us going into the season is rebounding,” Robbins said. “We really need a few kids to step up and take ownership of that defender/rebounder role for our team. We have some kids that are capable of doing that and we’re confident that they will get the job done. It sounds cliche, but staying healthy is a big key to our success. Another big key will be how quickly some of our younger players adjust to varsity level play.”

Webb City will meet Bentonville at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Carthage Invitational. The team’s first home game is Dec. 5 against McDonald County.

HOOPS ROUNDUP: McAuley boys, Nevada girls earn wins; Thomas Jefferson splits with Bronaugh; CHC, Joplin girls drop openers

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

MCAULEY CATHOLIC BOYS 50, LIBERAL 34

LIBERAL, Mo. — The McAuley Catholic boys basketball team opened the 2023-24 season on a positive note by beating Liberal 50-34 on Tuesday night. 

“Solid win to open up the year,” McAuley coach Tony Witt said. “Liberal is always a tough place to play. I’m proud of our guys for stepping up and accepting the challenge.”

The Warriors led 15-8 at the end of the first quarter and took a 23-19 lead into halftime. 

McAuley pulled away in the third quarter, taking a 40-29 advantage. The Warriors outscored the Bulldogs 10-5 in the final frame. 

Michael Parrigon scored 12 points to lead the Warriors, while Connor Taffner added 10. Rocco Bazzano-Joseph contributed eight points for McAuley, while Alex Bohachick chipped in seven and Bradley Wagner had six.

Kole Wiles scored nine points for Liberal and Quincy Bazal added seven. 

The Warriors (1-0) will take on Sarcoxie on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Gem City Classic at Diamond High School. 

 

BRONAUGH BOYS 86, THOMAS JEFFERSON 44

Visiting Bronaugh took the lead early and never relinquished it against the host Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers on Tuesday night. 

The Wildcats led 20-7 at the end of the first quarter and Bronaugh took a 47-18 lead into halftime.

The visitors won the third period 33-18.

Jack Twiss, Ethan Renger and Kohl Thurman scored 10 points apiece for Thomas Jefferson, while Spencer Long added seven points. Twiss hit two 3-pointers.

Bronaugh’s Tucker Duncan poured in 38 points and teammate Strauss Banes added 25. Luke Bowling also reached double figures with 12 points for the Wildcats (1-0).

Thomas Jefferson (1-1) will compete at the Gem City Classic beginning on Nov. 27.

 

RUSH GIRLS 44, COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN 29

The College Heights Christian girls basketball team dropped its season opener on Tuesday.

“RUSH possessed two highly skilled guards, but our own guards did an outstanding job of defending them, limiting their combined points to just nine in the first half,” College Heights coach John Blankenship told SoMo Sports. “This allowed us to keep the game close.”

The visitors led 17-14 at halftime. However, RUSH’s strong defense proved to be challenging in the second half, as they outscored CHC 27-15 for the final margin. 

“Their size advantage on the perimeter presented some matchup difficulties for us, particularly in rebounding,” Blankenship said. “Although this was our first game, facing such a tough opponent at the start of the season highlighted areas where we need improvement. As a young team, we will continue to grow and develop with time and experience. Our kids are young, but determined to get better, and they will. I saw a lot of things to be encouraged by in our first game, and we will use that to build upon.”

Libby Fanning led College Heights with eight points and 16 rebounds. Also for the Cougars, Maddy Colin contributed six points and three boards, while Ava Lett scored five points and Jesalin Bever handed out six assists.

The Cougars (0-1) will meet Lockwood at 8:30 p.m. on Monday at the Gem City Classic in Diamond.

 

NEVADA GIRLS 47, LEBANON 31

NEVADA, Mo. — Nevada’s girls basketball team overcame an early deficit and used a strong second half to knock off the Lebanon Yellowjackets in the season opener on Tuesday.

Lebanon led 12-5 at the end of the first quarter, but Nevada outscored the visitors 42-19 the rest of the way. 

Nevada senior guard Clara Swearingen scored a game-high 22 points. A Pittsburg State recruit, Swearingen made a pair of 3-pointers.

Also for the Tigers, Lakyn Applegate scored seven points and Peyton Eaton and Kara Phillips added six apiece. 

Bodie Cox scored 13 points to lead Lebanon. 

Nevada will be among the teams competing at next week’s Carl Junction Classic. 

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRLS 50, BRONAUGH 25

Thomas Jefferson improved to 2-0 with a convincing win over the Bronaugh Wildcats on Tuesday night.

Gabbi Hiebert scored 17 points to lead the Cavaliers, while Lannah Grigg added 13 and Sarah Mueller had eight.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Liberal on Nov. 28.

 

MOUNT VERNON GIRLS 44, JOPLIN 35

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Joplin’s girls basketball team suffered a 44-35 loss to Mount Vernon on Tuesday night.

Alissa Owens scored 17 points for Joplin, while Addie Hall had 19 for the Mountaineers.

Joplin (0-1) is at Pittsburg, Kansas, on Dec. 1. 

Mount Vernon (1-0) will compete at next week’s Fair Grove Invitational. 

 

OTHER SCORES

RUSH boys 69, College Heights 46

East Newton boys 40, Clever 35

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