Carl Junction started fast and never looked back to defeat Willard 25-4, 25-21 and 25-14 in Central Ozark Conference action on Thursday night.
With the win, the Bulldogs move to 9-2 and 1-0 in conference play.
Senior Abigail Wilson started off an explosive first set with back-to-back aces to put the Bulldogs up early. Carl Junction would never look back, as the Bulldogs cruised to a 21-point victory.
The Tigers would not go quietly in the second set, however, as they went back and forth with Carl Junction, keeping the Bulldogs on the ropes.
“Complacency definitely got the best of us in that second set, we just had to regroup and go back to what has been working for us this season’’ said Carl Junction head coach Cheryl Sharples.
The Bulldogs came back in set three with intensity and poise, which led to a victory and sweep of the Tigers.
Senior standout Kylie Scott ended the evening with 15 kills, adding to her district-high of 95 for the season. Scott averages 3.8 kills per set and is a pivotal figure to the 9-2 record that Carl Junction boasts thus far in 2023.
Karissa Chase, another senior on the CJ roster, ended the evening with 11 kills.
Miya Carnes had 31 assists.
Juniors Deshaye Buerge and Jocelyn Wengert finished the contest with four blocks and six digs respectively.
Carl Junction travels to Webb City for a conference and district match on Tuesday.
SENECA, Mo. — Seneca rallied from a first-set loss to beat Crane 22-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-19 for the Indians’ first win of the season on Monday.
“Our hitters really connected well with our setter, Anna, tonight,” Seneca coach Rachel Ayo said. “There are still things we need to work on, but this win was a step in the right direction.”
Seneca (1-4) was led by Jera Jameson, who had 17 kills and a block, while Olivia Leonard had 12 kills and a block. Anna Adkins finished with 37 assists, three aces and a block kill. Ella Graham led defensively with 16 digs and four aces, while Valencia Araujo added nine digs and Maddy Hemnree four aces.
Seneca is at East Newton on Tuesday.
ROGERS (ARK.) 3, CARL JUNCTION 2
ROGERS, Ark. — Carl Junction went on the road and fell in a five-set match to Rogers, Arkansas, by the score of 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 26-28 and 13-15 on Monday.
The loss puts the Bulldogs at 8-2 this season, with Carl Junction hosting Willard on Thursday.
Kylie Scott led Cj with 26 kills, two aces, two blocks and 10 digs on the defensive end. Karissa Chase had 16 kills and three blocks, while Miya Carnes had 38 assists. Abigail Wilson had 14 digs, while Jocelyn Wngert had 13 digs. Jadyn Howard finished with five aces.
LOCKWOOD 3, THOMAS JEFFERSON 0
Thomas Jefferson suffered a 25-21, 25-14 and 25-11 loss to Lockwood on Monday.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Ahead of the 2023 season, the new lead voice of the Carl Junction football program had plenty to say about his upperclassmen.
Carl Junction’s Dexter Merrell picks up positive yardage in the Bulldogs’ win over Neosho on Friday. Photos by Jessica Greninger.
“Our success will be built around them,” Todd Hafner originally told SoMo Sports.
After two losses to open the season, the Carl Junction veterans stepped up to lead the Bulldogs to a 32-24 win over Neosho in a battle of winless squads Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.
“The biggest thing is how hard our kids fought and how they pulled together when they needed to,” Hafner said after the first win of his second CJ tenure. “Offensively, we were stagnant in the first half, but we made the adjustments we needed to and played well down the stretch.”
Senior running back and linebacker Johnny Starks made a major impact with a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown, a long touchdown run early in the second half that set the pace for a wild finish, plus a blocked field goal and PAT.
“I don’t know how else to describe it,” Hafner said of Starks’ play. “He was the best player on the field tonight. He’s worked himself into such a good player. He’s able to play longer because he has put a lot of work in on his conditioning. I’m really proud of him.”
Meanwhile, junior running backs Marcus Lopez-Durman and Tony Stewart each added crucial touchdowns within Carl Junction’s new-look pistol option under Hafner, who has returned to the helm for a second tenure (1997-2000) after the departure of longtime coach Doug Buckmaster.
Carl Junction’s Tony Stewart looks for rushing room during the Bulldogs’ win over Neosho on Friday.
“They’re all a huge part of what we do,” Hafner said of his veteran leaders. “Our quarterback (senior Dexter Merrell) didn’t have a lot of passing or running yards, but he gave the ball to the right guy every time. At halftime, we showed him what he was doing and then he was great in the second half.”
Most of the action occurred in the second half, which began with the Bulldogs leading 7-6 on Starks’ blocked punt that turned into a 45-yard touchdown return for a score near the end of the second quarter.
On the first possession of the second half, Starks ripped a 69-yard touchdown run to provide a 14-6 cushion for Carl Junction.
Neosho cut the deficit to 14-12 when Quenton Hughes linked up with Hudson Williams for a 9-yard touchdown connection with 7:55 left in the third quarter.
Then, the Bulldogs settled for a Gavin Cowger 29-yard field goal to gain a 17-12 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Neosho’s Denver Welch breaks loose for a first down during the Wildcats’ loss to Carl Junction on Friday.
The Wildcats responded by taking its second — and final — lead with Denver Welch’s 3-yard touchdown run for an 18-17 advantage midway through the fourth.
It took just one play for Carl Junction to muster a response of its own. Lopez-Durman took an option handoff 67 yards all the way to the house prior to a two-point conversion providing the home side a seven-point lead at 25-18.
But Neosho didn’t roll over. Hughes tossed a deep ball down the sideline, connecting with Hudson Williams for a 63-yard touchdown pass and catch to trim the Bulldogs’ lead to 25-24. After the score, the Wildcats failed to add a two-point conversion or PAT for its third straight try.
Carl Junction put the nail in the coffin thanks to Stewart’s 9-yard touchdown run with 2:07 left and another strong defensive stand.
“I’m so happy to be here and I’m proud of our kids,” Hafner said. “I’m excited that we were able to play well and get the win for our community.”
UP NEXT
Carl Junction (1-2) will make the short trek to Carthage (0-3) next week. Neosho (0-3) will host Republic (2-1).
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Webb City had not only the top local individuals, but also the best team finishes in both varsity races at the 50th annual Carthage Invitational cross country meet on Thursday at the Carthage Golf Course.
Webb City sophomore Brooke Hedger finished third in the girls race with a time of 20:58, leading the Cardinals to runner-up finish in the team standings.
Cardinals senior Evan Stevens placed third in the boys race with a time of 16:55, leading Webb City to a third-place team finish, just two points behind runner-up Rogers (Ark.).
Carthage, Carl Junction, McAuley Catholic, Thomas Jefferson and East Newton also had athletes competing at the event.
Free State High School from Kansas won both team titles.
In the girls’ team standings, Carthage finished fourth, Carl Junction was sixth and McAuley Catholic took eighth.
Carthage’s boys finished fifth in the team standings, with Carl Junction seventh, McAuley eighth and Thomas Jefferson 11th.
Webb City’s Evan Stevens and Carl Junction’s duo of Luke Battagler and Jack Lawson are among the runners competing during Thursday’s Carthage Invitational. Photo by Jessica Greninger.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
The Webb City girls had three of the top 11 runners, with all five placing in the top 22.
Hedger placed third behind Rogers’ Kayla Eggers (20:21) and Free State’s Cayman Barnes (20:56).
Webb City’s Emily Countryman finished eighth in 22:06, while Olivia Klotz took 11th in 22:45.
Also competing for the Webb City girls were Amelia Antillon (21st) and Brooke Collard (22nd).
The Webb City boys had five runners finish in the top 19.
Stevens finished third behind Free State’s duo of Blake Wohler (16:24) and Jake Loos (16:50).
Webb City’s Mason Hedger finished 10th (17:30), while Spencer Kendall took 16th (17:43), Noah Lankard was 18th (17:49) and Andrew Dawson finished 19th (17:51).
Also for the Cardinals, Fenton Rice finished 30th (19:00) and Dakota Grove was 33rd (19:01).
Athletes from Carthage, Webb City and Carl Junction take off at the start of the varsity girls race on Thursday at the Carthage Invitational. Photo by Jessica Greninger.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Eddy Fuentes led the Carthage boys by finishing 24th in 18:13.
Also competing for the Carthage boys were Devin Smith (34th), Javen Byrd (37th), Brayan Perez Flores (40th), Denis Velasquez Perez (55th) and Xander Vazquez (79th).
Maggie Boyd led the Carthage girls by finishing 14th in 22:55 and Jennifer Rodas-Gomez took 18th in 23:12.
Also competing for the CHS girls were Genesis Fuentez-Elias (25th), Katy Witherspoon (39th), Kimberly Monterroso (42nd), Jenna Wilson (52nd) and Sarah Wilson (57th).
Webb City’s Brooke Hedger was the top local finisher in the varsity girls race at the Carthage Invitational. A sophomore, Hedger finished third.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Jack Lawson led the Carl Junction boys by finishing 22nd in 18:05.
Rounding out the top seven for the CJ boys were Isaac Willoughby (43rd), Luke Battagler (46th), Nikash Yeary (57th), Jacob Garrett (60th), Alexander Allison (63rd) and Chance Golden (66th).
Marissa Newman was CJ’s top female finisher, as she crossed the line 26th in 23:51, while Delaney Harris was 29th in 24:11.
Rounding out the top seven for the CJ girls were Madilyn Dalton (32nd), Audrey Fletcher (41st), Summer Sampson (44th), Bella Montez (60th) and Gracie Fletcher (72nd).
MCAULEY CATHOLIC HIGHLIGHTS
Michael Parrigon led McAuley Catholic by finishing 20th with a time of 17:54. Trae Veer finished 28th in 18:55 to give the Warriors two runners in the top 30.
Also competing for the McAuley boys were Will Mollnow (52nd), Connor Taffner (64th), Cliff Nolan (85th), Max Anreder (87th) and Grant Horinek (88th).
Freshman Olivia Parrigon led the McAuley girls by crossing the line 19th in 23:15. Kendall Ramsey finished 35th in 24:39.
Also competing for the McAuley girls were Riley Sears (70th), Marbellie Villanueva (76th) and Samantha Perrin (77th).
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGHLIGHTS
Braden Honeywell-Lynch led the TJ boys with a 44th place finish (19:43).
Also competing for the Cavaliers were Liam Cook (73rd), Ashan Appuhamy (86th), Ringo Snow (92nd), Spencer Long (93rd) and James Sheppard (99th).
Macie Shifferd paced Thomas Jefferson’s girls team with a 24th place finish (23:48).
TJ’s Sarah Mueller finished 48th in 26:11.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Free State’s boys had four of the top six finishers.
Chase Sorrell paced the East Newton boys by finishing fourth in 17:00. Sorrell and Webb City’s Stevens were the only boys to finish in the top six not from Free State. The Patriots’ second finisher was Nicholas Shaeffer (38th).
Brooklyn Blanchard finished 13th in 22:48 for the East Newton girls.
Laney Dorris led Sarcoxie’s girls by finishing 51st. Dugan Pogue finished 75th for the Sarcoxie boys.
50TH CARTHAGE INVITATIONAL
Girls team standings: Free State 47, Webb City 61, Rogers 62, Carthage 115, Glendale 139, Carl Junction 142, Clever 145, McAuley Catholic 193. Incomplete teams: Grove, East Newton, Hillcrest, Rogers Heritage, Parkview, Sarcoxie, Thomas Jefferson, Wheaton.
Boys team standings: Free State 23, Rogers 60, Webb City 62, Glendale 104, Carthage 170, Rogers Heritage 173, Carl Junction 202, McAuley Catholic 213, Grove 271, Hillcrest 310, Thomas Jefferson 312, Parkview 318. Incomplete teams: Clever, East Newton, Sarcoxie, Wheaton.
Webb City’s Mason Hedger crosses the finish line 10th overall at Thursday’s Carthage Invitational cross country meet at the Carthage Golf Course. All photos by Jessica Greninger.
Webb City’s Olivia Klotz, East Newton’s Brooklyn Blanchard and Carthage’s Maggie Boyd are pictured during Thursday’s Carthage Invitational.
Carl Junction’s Marissa Newman and McAuley Catholic’s Kendall Ramsey are pictured during Thursday’s Carthage Invitational. Photos by Jessica Greninger.
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City faced a 6-1 deficit at one point before putting on a furious rally, including a six-run third inning, on the way to a 10-7 win over Carl Junction to open Central Ozark Conference play on Tuesday.
Carl Junction scored three runs in its first two trips to the plate to lead 6-1 before Webb City chipped away with three runs in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to two. The Cardinals rallied all the way back with a six-run third inning—highlighted by a grand slam from Karsyn Cahoon—to go on top for good.
“This has been the story of our season so far,” Webb City coach Shauna Friend said. “We’ve come from behind in our last three games and another one before that. These girls are confident in themselves, which is good to see because we know if we give up a few runs we still know we can come back offensively.”
“These girls really wanted it today,” Carl Junction coach Zak Petty said. “We’ve built (the program) up the last couple of years to where we can compete really well, but we’re not going to be happy just competing and that’s where we’re at right now. Webb can swing, but I think we are right there with them. … We really only lost one inning today, so we are going to look at that and move forward with it.”
IN THE CIRCLE
Kenzie Wynn earned the win in relief for Webb City, allowing one run on six hits, two walks and six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Laney Taylor started and took a no-decision after allowing six runs on four hits, five walks and two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.
“Kenzie came in and was solid,” Friend said. “That’s the thing with our pitching staff—we have several quality pitchers. If one is struggling or having a tough day, there is another one ready to come in and get outs. Kenzie did a fantastic job knowing her role as a relief pitcher, coming in and calming things down while getting us in a position to win the game.”
Kiley Spencer took the loss after allowing 10 runs, nine earned, on 13 hits and two strikeouts in three innings. Hannah Cole pitched three scoreless relief innings, allowing one hit, striking out one and walking one.
RALLY CAPS
Trailing by five after an inning and a half, the Cardinals cut into the lead once again in the last of the second inning when Rilley Hanes doubled off the third baseman’s glove to plate the runner from second and a 6-2 score. Cahoon added a two-run double off the wall in left-center later in the inning to trim the deficit to two, 6-4.
Webb City cut the lead to one in the next at-bat when Alex Maturino singled through the left side to score the runner from second to make the score 6-5. Sidney Strickland followed with a shallow single behind first to plate Maturinto and tie the game at 6s. Cahoon delivered the big blow, coming up clutch once more for the Cardinals after ripping a two-out grand slam to left field to put Webb City on top 10-6. It was Cahoon’s first-ever home run.
“I am so excited for her,” Friend said. “She has been swinging it really well these last few games and it was just a matter of time for her. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Spencer trimmed the Webb City to 10-7 with an RBI groundout in the fourth inning.
STRONG OUT OF THE GATE
Carl Junction wasted little time with the bats as Hannah Cantrell started the game with a triple to left-center on a 3-2 pitch before Ryleigh Palmer followed with a double off the base of the wall in left-center to bring home Cantrell for a 1-0 advantage. Consecutive walks loaded the bases and after a strikeout, Spencer helped her own cause with a walk to force in a run for a 2-0 lead. Hannah Cole followed with a sacrifice fly to right-center to give the Bulldogs an early three-run cushion.
Webb City cut into the lead with a run coming home in the bottom of the first inning when Abby Sargent, who doubled on a flare past third to lead off the frame, came around to score on a wild pitch.
Kady Hunt got the run back for Carl Junction in the top of the second inning when she singled to center field with runners on first and second with two outs for an RBI and a 4-1 lead. After a Webb City pitching change, Spencer helped herself out even more with a two-run single to shallow left-center to bring home two more runs during the two-out rally for a 6-1 advantage.
“We said we wanted to score first, and we did. We felt really good about it,” Petty said of the early offense. “It wasn’t there on the other side of it, pitching and defense-wise. It will be there, and it usually is. That is just how it tolls sometimes. Offensively, we know we can stay in it and that is a positive for us.”
AT THE PLATE
Sargent had three hits, including a double, and scored three times. Cahoon had a grand slam and a double to finish with a game-high six RBI and a run scored. Brown had two hits and scored a run, with Jensyn Pickett also collecting two hits for the Cardinals.
Hunt had two hits, an RBI and scored a run, while Kinley Spindler had two hits. Spencer had a hit and four RBI, Maddi Olds had a hit and scored three runs.
ON DECK
Webb City (8-2, 1-0 COC) hosts Willard on Thursday.
Carl Junction (5-2, 0-1 COC) hosts Nixa on Thursday.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Playing at home for the first time in 2023, the Carl Junction Bulldogs earned a straight-set victory over the visiting Joplin Eagles on Thursday night in an early-season prep volleyball clash.
However, don’t let the 3-0 score fool you. It was far from an easy night at the office for the Bulldogs, as each set could have gone either way.
In the end, Carl Junction made more winning plays in each set and the Bulldogs defeated the Eagles 26-24, 26-24, 25-22.
At the end of the hard-fought, well-played match, both head coaches were pleased with their respective team’s effort.
“I thought Joplin came out really aggressive early in the match,” Carl Junction coach Cheryl Sharples said. “Joplin did some really nice things. They have a really nice hitter (Bailey Owens) and we had some difficulty defending her at times. But I was really happy with my kids. They stayed with the process and did what we needed to do. It worked out for us.”
“I’m really proud of my team,” Joplin coach Staci Saunders said. “I feel like we stuck to our game plan and played well overall. But we just had too many silly mistakes. We knew (Karissa) Chase and (Kylie) Scott were going to be the players we needed to target, and Carl Junction’s girls really hustle and play hard. I thought we served well, but we had some occasional letdowns defensively. Overall, I thought our girls played tough and they played with heart. It was a great team effort.”
Carl Junction improved to 6-1 on the season.
“I’m really pleased with the start,” Sharples said. “We’ve got some inexperienced kids out there. They’re getting some really good experience early in the season and they’re doing some really good things for us.”
Senior outside hitter Kylie Scott led the Bulldogs with 16 kills, while senior outside hitter Aubreigh Fowler and junior right side hitter Karissa Chase contributed eight kills apiece. Junior middle hitter/outside hitter DeShaye Burge contributed seven kills.
For large parts of the night, Scott and Chase provided a solid 1-2 punch on opposite sides of the court for the Bulldogs.
“That’s a really great combination for us,” Sharples said. “They give us a lot of offense.”
Carl Junction senior setter Miya Carnes handed out 40 assists and also had eight digs and five aces. Senior defensive specialist Abigail Wilson and Fowler had nine digs apiece for the Bulldogs, while senior middle hitter Acadia Badgley had three aces and three digs.
The Bulldogs served 15 aces in the three sets, many coming at crucial times.
“We served really well,” Sharples said. “We’ve been serving well all year. Our game plan is to serve aggressively and stay in-system and give ourselves a chance.”
Senior outside hitter Bailey Owens led the Eagles (1-1) with 16 kills and three blocks.
“Bailey had a great game and she did everything she could out there tonight,” Saunders said.
Joplin junior setter Adalynn Noirfalise compiled 30 assists and 11 digs, while junior libero Phia Vogel recorded 11 digs.
“I thought Phia was all over the place and she did a great job,” Saunders said. “This is her first year playing libero. And of course, our setter drives the bus for us and she did a great job, too.”
Also for the Eagles, senior outside hitter Janiah Vaughn contributed four kills and five digs, senior outside hitter Raelin Calderon had three kills and three blocks, junior middle blocker Amy Kessler recorded six blocks and sophomore middle blocker Aubrey Strickland had three blocks.
Each of the three sets were close.
The opening set was deadlocked at five when the Eagles gained the momentum and used an 8-2 run, capped by a kill from Owens and an ace from Vogel, to take a 13-7 lead. Next, Joplin was the first to 20, as a kill from Owens gave the visitors a 20-16 advantage.
But the Bulldogs finished strong, closing the set on a 10-4 surge.
After a kill from Scott, Carl Junction junior Jocelyn Wengert served back-to-back aces to give the Bulldogs a 23-22 lead.
Moments later, Joplin tied it up at 24 after a kill from Vaughn and a block from Strickland. But CJ’s Scott slammed a kill before Sara Buchele’s ace gave the hosts the first set, 26-24.
Carl Junction reeled off the first seven points of the second set, but the Eagles stayed within striking distance the rest of the way.
The Bulldogs took a 24-20 lead after a kill from Chase, but the Eagles responded with four straight points—a kill from Owens, a kill from Calderon, an ace from Noirfalise and a CJ attack error.
However, like they did in the first set, the Bulldogs wouldn’t be denied. The hosts rattled off two straight points, once again ending a set with an ace, this time from Fowler.
Carl Junction gained some separation at 12-6 in the third set thanks to four straight aces from Carnes.
As they did all night, the Eagles kept coming, and the set was eventually deadlocked at 19, 20, 21 and 22-all.
The Eagles committed hitting errors on the final three points of the match, however, and the Bulldogs earned the clean sweep.
“We have to keep working on the little things,” Saunders said. “I think once we fix those little things, we’re going to surprise some people.”
Also of note, these two teams will meet in Central Ozark Conference play on October 3 in Joplin.
Joplin hosts Raymore-Peculiar at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Carthage will play Ray-Pec after the Joplin match.
ROLLA, Mo. — Webb City trailed 5-1 heading into the final inning before rallying with 10 runs in the top of the seventh inning to fuel a win over Rolla on Wednesday.
With the win Webb City improves to 3-1.
Makenzie Wynn started and earned a no-decision after allowing five runs on eight hits, four walks and a strikeout in five innings. Laney Taylor earned the win after allowing two hits over two scoreless relief innings, walking one.
Brystol Klossner took the loss after allowing six runs, five earned, on nine hits, three walks and four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.
Kylee Sargent had two hits and scored twice, while Sydney Strickland doubled on the way to two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. Abby Sargent and Addison Brown each had two hits and scored a run. Jensyn Pickett had a double, three RBI and scored a run. Kyley Senter doubled, drove in a run and scored once.
Webb City takes part in the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational hosted by Joplin High School over the weekend at the Joplin Athletic Complex. Webb City opens play with a 10 a.m. matchup against Seneca on Friday.
CARL JUNCTION 17, HILLCREST 0
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Carl Junction scored six runs in the second inning and added an 11-run third inning to defeat Hillcrest in three innings on Wednesday.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 5-1 on the young season.
Hannah Cole earned the win in the circle after pitching three scoreless innings on two hits and four strikeouts.
Mya Frillman took the loss after allowing 16 runs on eight hits, nine walks and a strikeout in 2 1/3 innings.
Kadence Hunt led Carl Junction at the plate with a 3-for-4 game that included a home run, a team-high five RBI and two runs scored. Ryleigh Palmer doubled on the way to two hits, two walks, three RBI and three runs scored. Kiley Spencer finished with two hits, two RBI and scored a run. Kinley Spindler had a hit, scored twice and drove in one.
Frillman and Ishmari Hamahe-Martinez had the lone hits for Hillcrest.
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Kaulden Hood and Josh White each scored a pair of goals for the Webb City Cardinals in Tuesday night’s 5-2 victory over rival Carl Junction at Cardinal Stadium.
Hood recorded his first goal in the 52nd minute and the second in the 73rd minute, while White scored his goals in the 69th and 90th minutes.
Luis Gallardo scored on a penalty kick in the 48th minute for Webb City.
Both of Carl Junction’s goals were scored by Gavin Cowger, the first in the 43rd minute and the second in the 55th minute.
CARTHAGE 3, REPUBLIC 1
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Senior forward Welle Welle scored a pair of first half goals just two minutes apart to give Carthage a 2-0 lead in Tuesday’s match against Republic.
The first goal, which came in the 16th minute, was unassisted, while Silas Laytham assisted on the second goal in the 18th minute.
Aldo Sanchez-Cancinos recorded a goal in the 29th minute, with Welle assisting, to make it 3-0 in favor of the hosts.
Republic’s goal was scored by Santino Stiglianese in the 43rd minute.
THOMAS JEFFERSON 4, COLUMBUS 0
COLUMBUS, Kan. — Jaxx Wisdom scored a pair of goals to lead Thomas Jefferson to a 4-0 victory over the Columbus Titans on Tuesday.
Eann Espinoza and Ryker Faaborg added one goal apiece for the Cavaliers, while Yousuf Mokhtar assisted on one of Wisdom’s goals.
Wisdom recorded six shots on goal, while Espinoza had four shots on goal, Faaborg had two shots on goal and Kyler Beard contributed one shot on goal.
Bekah Davis recorded seven saves, while Lincoln Miller had two saves.
Thomas Jefferson (1-0) hosts the Joplin JV team at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
NIXA 3, JOPLIN 2 (OT)
Nixa nipped Joplin 3-2 in overtime on Tuesday night at JHS.
It was Joplin’s opener under new head coach Desmond Williams.
SENECA, Mo. — Neosho poured it on late with eight runs coming in the final three innings of a win over Seneca on Monday in the season opener for both teams.
The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning before both teams went scoreless through the next two frames. Neosho scored three runs in the fourth to take a four-run lead. Both teams traded a pair of tallies in the fifth before Neosho put the game away with a three-run sixth inning.
Olivia Emery earned the win after pitching four scoreless innings on four hits and five strikeouts.
Abigail Jamros took the loss after allowing nine runs, five earned, on nine hits, four walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings of work.
Addysan Hart had two hits, two RBI and scored a run, while Journey Arnall had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI. Beclynn Garrett had two hits, including a double, and scored a run.
Kahli Fields had two hits and scored a run to lead Seneca at the plate.
Neosho takes part in the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational kicking off on Sept. 1.
Seneca hosts Carthage on Tuesday.
CARL JUNCTION 8, CASSVILLE 4
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Carl Junction scored five runs in the final three innings to rally for a win over Cassville on Monday.
The Bulldogs scored three times in the first inning thanks to a two-out three-run home run from Izzie Southern. The Wildcats plated four runs in the third inning to take the lead before Carl Junction’s Ryleigh Palmer, who doubled, and Madi Olds had consecutive run-scoring hits to give the Bulldogs the 5-4 lead in the fourth. Carl Junction added two runs on a Cassville error in the fifth and Palmer brought another run home in the sixth with a sac fly.
Olds had two hits, scored a run and drove in a run to lead CJ at the dish. Southern homered, drove in three and scored twice. Palmer had a hit and two RBI with a run scored. Hannah Cantrell and Kady Hunt each had a hit and combined for three runs.
Kyler Hayward had two hits, two RBI and a run scored, while Kalee Lowe and Joei Blankenship each doubled on the way to two hits and a run scored.
Kiley Spencer earned the win for CJ after allowing four runs, three earned, on nine hits and six strikeouts in a complete-game effort.
Aubrey Stoufer took the loss after allowing eight runs, four earned, on six hits, five walks and seven strikeouts in six innings.
Carl Junction (4-1) is at Hillcrest on Wednesday.
CAMDENTON 6, CARTHAGE 1
CARTHAGE, Mo. — Camdenton scored five runs in the second inning fueled by a pair of Carthage errors en route to a win over the Tigers on Monday.
Addison Wallace took the loss for Carthage after allowing six unearned runs on eight hits, two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings.
Cayden VonSande earned the win in the circle after allowing one run on six hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings.
Shelby Hegwer had a hit and an RBI to lead the Tigers at the plate. Lexa Youngblood, Brooklynn Dolon-Main, Alexis Smith, Lottie Youngblood and Aven Willis all collected hits for Carthage.
Addyson Clay had three hits and two RBI, while VonSande had two hits and an RBI and Ellie Moore added two hits and a run scored to lead the Lakers at the plate.
The host Joplin Eagles went 1-4 at the second annual Joplin Interstate Championships girls tennis tournament.
On Friday, Mexico defeated Joplin 5-2 and Lee’s Summit earned a 5-2 win over the Eagles.
On Saturday, Willow Springs defeated Joplin 5-3, while the Eagles earned a 6-2 win over Siloam Springs before a 5-1 setback to Bishop LeBlond concluded the two-day event.
Joplin’s loss to Bishop LeBlond came in the fifth-place match of the Futures Bracket.
In the victory over Siloam Springs, Joplin won four of five completed singles matches and two of the three doubles matches.
Joplin’s Izzy Zamanzadeh defeated Isabella Anglin 6-3, Alex Carson beat Korbyn Briggs 6-3, Zayda Derganc topped Emma Fidler 6-3 and Gwenna Street defeated Ava Howie 6-2. Julia Reyes played No. 5 singles for the Eagles, but her match was not completed.
In doubles, Ndedi Ntepe and Carson defeated Riley-Anglin 6-3, while the duo of Zamanzadeh and Derganc beat Fidler-Matalie Pharr 6-1 and Lily Compton and Reyes suffered a 7-5 loss to Briggs-Howie.
CARL JUNCTION GOES 4-1, WINS BRACKET
Carl Junction’s girls tennis team went 4-1 and won their bracket at the Joplin Interstate Championships over the weekend.
On Friday, Lee’s Summit North defeated Carl Junction 5-2, but the Bulldogs defeated Edwardsville No. 2 (Illinois) 5-0.
On Saturday, Carl Junction defeated Rogersville 5-0, Willard 5-0 and Platte County 5-1.
The victory over Platte County gave Carl Junction the championship of the Challengers Bracket.
NOTES: The JIC featured 24 teams and matches were held at Joplin High School, Millennium Family Fitness and the Joplin Athletic Complex.
The top two teams of the Champions Bracket were Edwardsville No. 1 and Grain Valley.
Edwardsville No. 2 defeated Willow Springs 5-0 for the championship of the Futures Bracket.
AURORA, Mo. — Joplin and Carl Junction kicked off its softball season in the Kickoff Classic softball tournament hosted by Aurora over the weekend.
CARL JUNCTION GOES 3-1
The Bulldogs started the season with a 3-1 record after beating Joplin 9-8 and Aurora 16-6 on Friday before falling to Branson 12-11 on Saturday and bouncing back with an 11-3 win over Hillcrest to close the Kickoff Classic.
In the victory over Joplin, CJ’s Kiley Spencer earned the win after allowing eight runs, six earned, on nine hits and a walk in six innings. Ava Wolf took the loss for the Eagles after allowing nine runs, eight earned, on 10 hits, five walks and five strikeouts in six innings.
At the plate, CJ’s Hannah Cantrell had two hits, scored and drove in one. Izzie Southern doubled on the way to two hits and two runs scored. Kinley Spindler also doubled and had two hits, scored once and drove in a run. Kadence Hunt hit a grand slam in the sixth inning.
For Joplin, Bailey Ledford had three hits, including a double, scored three runs and drove in a run, while Jadyn Pankow doubled and drove in three. Gracie Williamson also had a hit and drive in two.
Hannah Cole picked up the win against Aurora after allowing four runs, two earned, on four hits, two walks and strikeout in two innings. Ryleigh Palmer doubled twice on the way to four hits, three RBI and two runs scored. Southern and Cantrell each had three hits and combined four seven runs and three RBI.
Spencer was saddled with the loss against Branson to open Saturday’s play after allowing eight runs on 11 hits and two strikeouts. Spencer had two hits at the plate and scored twice. Madi Olds had two hits, two RBI and scored a run. Hunt homered and drove in three.
In the final game against the Hornets, Spencer earned the win after allowing three runs on four hits, three walks and eight strikeouts. Cantrell had two hits, including a triple, and scored three runs. Olds doubled, drove in three and scored a run. Georgia Arnold doubled, scored a run and drove in a run. Hunt had a hit, two RBI and two runs scored.
Carl Junction has its home opener against Cassville on Monday.
JOPLIN FINISHES 2-2
Joplin finished the Kickoff Classic with a 2-2 record, beating Aurora 18-11 in the opener before falling to Carl Junction in the nightcap on Friday. The Eagles finished 1-1 on Saturday with a 15-0 win against Hillcrest and a 12-3 defeat against Branson to close play on Saturday.
In the victory over the Houn’ Dawgs, Caelyn Bobski earned the win in the circle after allowing 11 runs, six earned, on 11 hits, four walks and a strikeout in five innings.
Bailey Ledford, Abby Lowery, Jadyn Pankow and Libby Munn all collected three hits apiece. Lowery doubled and homered and finished with five RBI and four runs scored. Pankow and Munn homered and had three RBI and two runs scored each. Ledford doubled and had three RBI and two runs scored. Gracie Williamson, who doubled, Lily Glover and Megan Meeker each had two hits. Williamson scored three times and drove in one, while Meeker scored once and drove in a run.
Bobski earned the three-inning win after pitching a no-hitter on four strikeouts and a walk. Ledford had three hits, scored twice and drove in two, while Ashley Phillips had two hits, two RBI and scored a run. Jadyn Pankow doubled, drove in three and scored twice and Riley Kelly had a hit, three RBI and scored a run. Maria Loum doubled, scored two runs and drove in two.
Ava Wolf took the loss against Branson after allowing 11 runs, three earned, on nine hits in 2 2/3 innings. Wolf added an RBI single at the plate, while Ledford had two hits and scored a run.
While there is no way to truly replace an accomplished head coach such as Doug Buckmaster, who stepped away from the position at Carl Junction after last season, the Bulldogs will have a familiar face at the helm of the program for the upcoming 2023 season.
Former Carl Junction football coach Todd Hafner is returning to the sidelines and taking over the Bulldogs once again. Hafner previously coached the CJ football team from 1997-2000 and is excited for his return.
“Obviously, Coach Buck did so many good things here,” Hafner said of his predecessor. “He had so much success and anytime you follow someone like that, there is pressure to keep it going. The last couple of years, they have been through some things, but to be honest, the program was left in very good shape. There are very good players here who are very football knowledgeable, and I think Coach Buckmaster has a lot to do with that.
“As far as me being back, I can’t be more excited about what’s going on here right now. To be back at Carl Junction, a place my wife and I are both familiar with. We still have friends here, and the community has been fantastic. More importantly, the kids have been fantastic. Our summer program was phenomenal and it carried over to fall practices. We are really looking forward to getting the season started.”
With a new head coach at the helm, there will be some scheming changes on the field this season for the Bulldogs. Carl Junction will run the pistol option on offense and 4-2-5 defensive look.
“I think the change in the offensive scheme for us really suits our team’s personnel right now,” Hafner said. “I think that being able to control the ball and control the clock, and do some different things like that, is only going to benefit us in the long run.
“Defensively, it’s a little bit of a bend, but don’t break. We have some really good players on defense. We just want to give ourselves a chance to win games in the fourth quarter.”
Fortunately, Hafner has an experienced senior class for his first year back at the helm, with several other upperclassmen bringing back extensive varsity snaps as well.
“Those kids are great leaders and really, really good football players,” Hafner said. “The junior and senior class together, those kids really make up our team. We will sprinkle some sophomores in, but for the most part, those kids are going to be our starters and key contributors.”
Among the seniors returning with experience for Carl Junction are quarterback Dexter Merrell, OL/DL Aiden Beachner, RB/LB Johnny Starks, TE/LB Bentley Rowden and RB/DB Kyler Stewart as well as OL Pason Winder and Dylan Robbins. WR Quin Kennedy, OL Bryce Battaglia and DE Eli Zavala are also expected to make an impact at the varsity level.
“We always talk about experience,” Hafner said of his upperclassmen. “It really means a lot to a new coach. There are lots of things that I don’t know about in terms of the conference, the players and the teams. These kids know what the expectations are and how hard they have to work to win games each and every week. … Our success will be built around them. With the leadership of these guys, we are going to give ourselves plenty of opportunities.”
Returning juniors include RB/OLB Tony Stewart, RB Zaidan Tauililli, WR/DB Ryder Pyles and DL Ony Mondestin. Several sophomores to look for at the varsity level are OL Gavin Beachner, OL Blake Starks and RB/DB Marcus Lopez-Durman.
Heading into the season, Coach Hafner is pleased with what he has seen from his squad to this point. He believes the strengths of the team lie within the skill positions on offense and the linebacker group of the defense, with plenty of experience coming back at those positions.
Of course, as Week 1 approaches, there are areas he’d like to see some progression from his Bulldogs as the year develops, most notably the work in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
“We need to be able to get after the quarterback,” Hafner said. “There are so many teams in this conference that like to air it out a little bit, or even pass to set up the run, but we have to be able to pass rush off the edge and get a little pressure inside. Offensively, we have to be able to move people on the line. We have to do a good job scheming and things like that.”
Carl Junction opens the season at home with a COC matchup against Ozark on Aug. 25.
“I want to see our kids compete,” Hafner said when asked what he wants to see from his team in Year 1 when he looks back after the season. “I want to see them compete every snap of every game. Just go lay it on the line. Have some pride in being a Carl Junction Bulldog and just go compete your guts out every single play. I believe if the kids do that, we will have a chance to win many games.”
While Carl Junction has to replace, perhaps, the most-important position on the infield after losing four-year starting shortstop Sammie Sims to graduation, the Bulldogs are in a prime position to build off of last year’s record with several integral players returning in 2023.
Carl Junction is coming off a 10-17 record last year, which was an eight-win improvement from the previous season. Coach Zak Petty is excited for the opportunity his team has this season with all but one starter back in the fold.
“We are coming off of our first double digit win season since 2015,” Petty said. “We are bringing all but one starter back this season, and are adding in some freshmen that we feel will be able to contribute right away. Expectations are always high, and we hope to exceed that win total from last season.”
Coming back for Carl Junction is junior catcher Madi Olds, who hit .397 a year ago and earned all-district, conference and region honors, junior P/UTL Hannah Cole, senior 2B Hannah Cantrell, who hit .449 at the top of the order and stole 29 bases, and senior 1B Izzie Southern, who hit .301 last season. Also back for the Bulldogs—sophomore 3B/UTL Georgia Arnold, sophomore P/UTL Kiley Spencer and sophomore CF Ryleigh Palmer, who hit .346 for CJ last year. Junior INF Taylor Sassin also brings back varsity experience.
“I expect this group of girls to compete every game,” Petty said. “So far in working with this group, I can see that they have high expectations of themselves, and they are ready to go out there and show what they’ve got.”
New faces expected to make an impact this season on varsity include freshman OF Kinley Spindler, freshman SS/C Kady Hunt as well as senior P/UTL Grace Kirk and freshmen OFs Cienna Rodriguez and Elsa Dogotch. “I think our biggest strength this season will be our defense,” Petty said about his team. “We put a big focus on defense in our practices, and I truly believe that we will improve on defense tremendously from a season ago.
“We will need to continue to improve offensively,” Petty added. “There were times last season where we struck out way more than what I deem is acceptable. So in order for us to obtain the goals we have set out for ourselves, we will need to make an improvement in this area.”
With so much experience back, Carl Junction is looking to build off of last season. In order to do that, the Bulldogs need to play with consistency early on in the season in order to reach the goals they want to accomplish as a team. With so much continuity, it’s going to be an exciting season for CJ.
“We need to come out at the start of the season ready to roll, and continue an upward trend as we head into the postseason,” said Petty.
Carl Junction opens the season in the Aurora Classic on Aug. 25-26.
WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Webb City, Carl Junction and McDonald County all had multiple state qualifiers at Saturday’s Class 4 sectional 3 meet at West Plains High School.
The top four in each event advanced to next weekend’s state meet in Jefferson City.
One week after capturing a district championship, Webb City’s boys topped the final team standings at the sectional meet with 111 points. Marshfield was second with 95, while West Plains (94) and Rolla (74) were third and fourth.
Webb City’s girls were fifth in the team standings with 64 points.
The top four teams were Marshfield (108), Rockwood Summit (92), West Plains (78) and Washington (69).
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s boys advanced 13 entries to state in 11 events. The team had two qualifiers in two events, the pole vault and javelin.
The Cardinals won five events and finished second in two others to go along with four third-place finishes and two fourth-place showings.
Junior distance runner Evan Stevens was the sectional champion in two events. Stevens took first in the 1600 with a time of 4:25 and also won the 3200 in 9:47.
Cardinals senior Grayson Smith won the pole vault by clearing 15-11.75. Of course, Smith is the defending state champ in the event.
Webb City junior Nate Miller won the discus with a toss of 157-4 and junior Tucker Liberatore won the javelin with a toss of 171-7.
Sophomore Ryan Reid took second in the high jump (6-0), while junior Jadon Brisco was the runner-up to his teammate in the pole vault after clearing 14 feet.
Senior Trey Roets was third in the javelin (162-3), sophomore Eric Lathan took third in the shot put (50-10.75) and senior Jordan Thornburg finished fourth in the 100-meter dash (11.26).
The Cardinals advanced to state in three relays, as the 4×200 and 4×800 were third and the 4×400 finished fourth.
Mason Hedger, Dakota Grove, Noah Lankard and Stevens ran the 4×800.
The 4×400 featured Noah Moss, Gabe Johnson, Mason Hedger and Josh White.
Webb City’s 4×200 consisted of Thornburg, Gabe Johnson, William Headrick and White.
Webb City’s girls advanced to state in six events.
The Cardinals had two sectional champs, as junior Dawsyn Decker won the javelin with a toss of 139-3 and freshman Brooke Hedger won the 800 in 2:18.
Cardinals senior Abi Street was the runner-up in two events — the 1600 in 5:19 and the 3200 in 11:22.
Junior Aubree Lassiter finished fourth in the discus with a toss of 107-1.
Webb City’s girls finished third in the 4×100 relay in 50.34 seconds, with Kylie Jennings, Chase Stilley, Alyssa Moreno and Essence Robinson competing.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction sophomore Sydney Ward was the sectional champion in two events — the 100-meter dash (12.31 seconds) and the 200-meter dash (24.92 seconds).
Carl Junction’s girls had three other individual qualifiers, as junior Acadia Badgley was the runner-up in the pole vault (10-0.5), sophomore Madilyn Olds finished third in the javelin (121-0) and freshman Bella Montez took fourth in the 300 hurdles (49.1).
Carl Junction’s 4×200 relay team of Olivia Battagler, Destiny Buerge, Dezi Williams and Ward advanced by finishing fourth.
For the Carl Junction boys, senior Donnie Keith advanced by finishing fourth in the discus (137-4).
MCDONALD COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS
McDonald County’s boys advanced in three events.
The Mustangs finished second in the 4×400 relay in 3:29, with Dominic Cervantes, Hunter Leach, Dalton McClain and Josh Pacheco running.
The team of Sam Barton, Esteban Martinez-Olvera, Cervantes and Pacheco finished third in the 4×100 relay in 43.69 seconds.
Mac County’s Toby Moore placed third in the discus (141-8) to give the Mustangs an individual qualifier.
McDonald County’s girls 4×400 relay team of Ireona Nirka, Clara Horton, Anna Price and Corina Holland finished fourth in 4:13.
MONETT HIGHLIGHTS
Monett’s Konner Poynter won the 300 hurdles in 39.98 seconds. A senior, Poynter was the runner-up in two events, the 200 and the 110 hurdles.
Monett’s Vayla Smith took second in the girls 400.
BEACHLER WINS TWO EVENTS FOR NEVADA
WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Nevada senior Drew Beachler claimed a pair of sectional titles at the Class 4 Sectional 4 meet.
Beachler won the long jump with a leap of 22-0.25. He also won the triple jump with a mark of 44-1.25.
OZARK, Mo. — The Neosho Wildcats definitely finished strong on Wednesday night.
Neosho’s boys were trailing Webb City in the team standings by a slim margin when the final event of the Central Ozark Conference track and field championships arrived.
However, the Wildcats won the 4×400-meter relay, Webb City finished sixth, and with that, Neosho captured the team championship at the 2023 COC Meet at Ozark High School.
Neosho finished with 129.33 points to Webb City’s 123.
Nixa (106.33), Joplin (92) and Ozark (68) rounded out the top five teams. Branson (63), Willard (58.33), Carthage (50), Republic (43) and Carl Junction (7) finished sixth through 10th, respectively.
The top five girls teams were Republic (129), Ozark (118.5), Nixa (105), Webb City (85) and Joplin (79).
Rounding out the girls team standings were Carthage (67.66), Carl Junction (60), Willard (47), Branson (26.5) and Neosho (20.33).
NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS
Neosho won seven events and took second in two others. Overall, the Wildcats recorded 18 top-six performances.
The Wildcats had a strong showing in the sprints, relays and jumps.
Neosho’s Jared Siler (22-2.25) and Isaiah Green (21-6.75) took first and second in the long jump.
Green won the triple jump (44-5.25) and Siler was third (43-8.5). Siler also finished third in the high jump.
Tyrese Hill won the 100-meter dash in 10.87 seconds, and teammate Konnor Siler was fourth in 11.31. Hill also won the 200 in 22.37 seconds.
Izaiah Hill took first in the 400 with a time of 50.34 seconds. Teammate Isaiah Keezer was fifth. Izaiah Hill also placed fourth in the 200.
In addition to winning the 4×400 relay in 3:26, the Wildcats took first in the 4×200 relay in 1:30, were second in the 4×100 and placed fifth in the 4×800.
Also for the Wildcats, Carson Newell finished fourth in the 800, Carter Baslee finished sixth in the discus and Collyn Kivett was sixth in the javelin.
For the Neosho girls, Miranda Wennhold (triple jump) and Rylyn Moritz (200) both finished fourth.
WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Webb City’s boys won four events and took second in five others. The Cardinals recorded 17 top-six performances.
Winning individual events for the Webb City boys were Grayson Smith (pole vault), Trey Roets (javelin) and Evan Stevens (3200).
Smith cleared 15 feet in the pole vault, while Roets recorded a toss of 174-9 and Stevens crossed the line at 9:21.
Stevens was also the runner-up in the 1600.
William Wolfe (11.04) and Jordan Thornburg (11.22) finished second and third in the 100-meter dash. Wolfe took second in the 200.
Justin Allen (pole vault), Malique McCarter (javelin) both finished third, Tucker Liberatore (javelin) was fourth and Jadon Brisco (pole vault) and Mason Hedger (800) both placed fifth.
Joseph DeGraffenreid took sixth in the high jump.
Webb City won the 4×100 relay in 43.12 seconds and finished second in both the 4×200 and 4×800 relays before finishing sixth in the 4×400.
Winning individual events for the Webb City girls were Chase Stilley (high jump), Dawsyn Decker (javelin) and Abi Street (3200).
Stilley cleared 5-1.75, while Decker recorded a toss of 133-10 and Street crossed the line at 11:14.
Street was second in the 1600, while teammate Brooke Hedger finished third in the 800 and fourth in the 1600.
Aubree Lassiter placed third in the discus, Essence Robinson took fifth in the 400 and Jaeli Rutledge and Kylee Sargent placed sixth and seventh in the shot put.
Webb City’s girls finished third in the 4×100 relay, third in the 4×400 and fourth in the 4×800 relay.
JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS
Joplin senior Hobbs Campbell won two events and finished second in another.
Campbell won the 1600 in 4:20. The Eagles had three of the top seven in the event, as Ian Horton was sixth and Grey Edwards took seventh.
A future Kansas Jayhawk, Campbell won the 800 in 1:55. Campbell was the runner-up in the 3200 in 9:34.
Drew VanGilder took second in the javelin, Orion Norris placed third in the 200 and Cordell Washington (high jump) and Horton (3200) both finished fourth.
Finishing fifth were Davin Thomas (100), Neil Barstow (discus), Dontrell Holt (shot put) and Chance Tindall (3200). Avarus Kuhn-Wofford finished sixth in the 300 hurdles.
The Eagles took third in the 4×100 relay.
The Joplin girls also had a stellar showing.
Featuring Phia Vogel, Abigayle Lowery, Abigail Eckert and Brylee Strickland, the Joplin girls won the 4×100 relay in a school record time of 49.6 seconds.
Joplin finished third in the 4×200 relay.
Brylee Strickland won the 400-meter dash in 59.51 seconds and also took second in two other events, the 100 and the 200.
Kiki Thom was the runner-up in the 300 hurdles and Vogel took second in the 200.
Maria Loum placed third in the pole vault, Micah Holden was third in the 100 hurdles, Aubrey Strickland finished fifth in the 100 hurdles and Ava Werberger-Doll finished fifth in the 3200.
CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Carthage’s Miguel Solano was the runner-up in the 800, while Daryl Martin finished third in the 100 hurdles and fourth in the 300 hurdles.
Micah Lindsey placed third in the shot put and Trenton Yates finished fourth in the triple jump.
Carthage’s boys finished fourth in both the 4×800 and 4×400 relays.
For the Carthage girls, Chasity Straw won the discus with a toss of 109-12. Straw was fourth in the shot put.
Finishing second were Ada Roughton (triple jump) and Karlie Nichols (shot put), while Lexa Youngblood finished third in both the 200 and the 400.
Joey Hettinger placed fourth in the long jump and Maggie Boyd was sixth in the 800.
The CHS girls were fifth in the 4×400 relay.
CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Carl Junction’s Sydney Ward won a pair of events in the girls meet, the 100-meter dash in 12.12 seconds and the 200 in 25.23. Both times are conference meet records.
The CJ girls won the 4×200 relay in 1:47. They were sixth in the 4×100.
Carl Junction’s Acadia Badgley and Brooke Jasperson finished fourth and fifth in the pole vault.
Zoie Weibel (400) and Madilyn Olds (javelin) both finished fourth, while Hannah Cantrell (triple jump) and Izzy Southern (shot put) placed fifth in their respective events.
Carl Junction’s Ryder Pyles finished fifth in the boys long jump and Braxton Dodds was eighth in the javelin.
Note: The names of those who competed in relays were unavailable at time of publication.
Joplin’s doubles team of Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood and Neosho singles player Reid Snyder were the top local finishers at the 2023 Central Ozark Conference boys tennis tournament on Wednesday at the Joplin Athletic Complex courts.
Joplin’s Badr and Hazlewood finished second at No. 1 doubles, while Snyder was the runner-up at No. 2 singles.
NO. 1 DOUBLES
In the bracket’s championship match, Willard’s Dawson Amstutz and Seth Miller defeated Joplin’s Badr-Hazlewood 8-4.
In the quarterfinals, Badr-Hazlewood defeated Webb City’s Felipe Perez and Tristan Lynch 8-4.
“They were down 1-4 against Webb City but were able to rally back to win that round,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “They followed it up with a tight match against Branson, which went into a tie-break. They played well against Willard as well but lost the championship match.”
In the semifinals, the Eagles defeated Branson’s Jack Dawson-Preston Volz 9-8 (10-9) to advance to the title match, where they settled for the silver medals.
The Branson duo defeated Republic’s Elder-Cole 8-6 in the third-place match.
Webb City’s Perez-Lynch defeated CJ’s William Russel-Blaine Wilkerson 8-2 in the play-in round before falling to the Eagles.
Neosho’s duo of Willis Jarvis and Peyton Williams and Carthage’s tandem of Silas Laytham and Danilo Lopez dropped their opening matches.
NO. 2 DOUBLES
Branson’s duo of Joshua Brown and Zachary Zander defeated Ozark’s Benjamin Romano-Nicholas Psarev 8-4 in the championship match of the No. 2 doubles bracket.
In the third-place match, Willard’s Brigham Thedell-Gabriel Hernandez defeated Nixa’s Nathan Uptown-Rowley and Tyler Neal 8-6.
Neosho’s Breckin McAffrey and Noah Schade defeated Joplin’s Michael Mancipe and Hunter Merkley 8-2 in the opening round, but lost to Ozark’s Romano-Psarvev 8-4 in the quarterfinals.
Carthage’s Will Wallace and Fabian Solano defeated Republic’s Gavin Collyott-Caleb Long 8-3, but then fell to Nixa in the quarterfinals, 8-5.
Carl Junction’s Jayden Wolf-Samuel Cory and Webb City’s Zachary Stump-Jacob Russel dropped their opening-round matches.
NO. 1 SINGLES
Willard’s Caden Lingenfelser was the champion at No. 1 singles.
In the bracket’s title match, Lingenfelser defeated Branson’s Nathan Bartram 8-1.
Nixa’s Carson Palmer defeated Ozark’s Connor Kitchin 8-3 in the third-place match.
Joplin’s Leif Garrity defeated Neosho’s Christian Williams 8-1 in the play-in round but lost to Bartram 8-3 in the quarterfinals.
Carl Junction’s Jordan Markham, Carthage’s Charles Snow and Webb City’s Jacob McDonald all went 0-1.
NO. 2 SINGLES
In the title match at No. 2 singles, Branson’s Benjamin Merrifield defeated Neosho’s Snyder 8-1.
Snyder edged Ozark’s Ethan Fast 9-8 (7-5) in the quarterfinals and got past Carthage’s Josh Rivera 9-8 (8-6) in the semifinals.
In the bracket’s third-place match, Carthage’s Rivera defeated Carl Junction’s Daniel Hodson 8-4.
Hodson defeated Webb City’s Trevor Peterson 8-5 in the quarterfinals and suffered an 8-4 loss to Merrifield in the semifinals.
Joplin’s Oscar Kienzle and Webb City’s Peterson both went 0-1.
The Joplin High School boys tennis team defeated Carl Junction 8-1 on Tuesday night.
“We had a great dual tonight,” Joplin coach Aaron Stump said. “The guys had solid matches, only losing at No. 2 doubles.”
At No. 1 doubles, Joplin’s Adam Badr and Josiah Hazlewood defeated Jordan Markham and Daniel Hodson 8-3.
Carl Junction’s William Russel and Jayden Wolf edged Michael Mancipe-Hunter Merkley 8-6 at No. 2 doubles.
At No. 3 doubles, Joplin’s Leif Garrity and Oscar Kienzle beat Hayden Wilkerson-Samuel Cory 8-4.
The Eagles won all six singles matches.
Badr defeated Markham 8-1, Hazlewood edged Hodson 8-6, Garrity handled Russel 8-1, Merkley beat Wolf 8-1, Kienzle got past Wilkerson 9-8 (7-2) and Roman Venturella defeated Cory 8-5.
All of the close singles matches went Joplin’s way.
“Josiah fought hard for his singles win and played out a lot of longer points,” Stump said. “Oscar was down a game for most of the match but was able to get back and win in a tie-breaker. Roman came back from 1-4 to win his match. He adjusted his swing and got back into his rhythm to turn things around tonight.”
WEBB CITY 7, NEOSHO 2
Webb City won two of three doubles matches and five of the six singles matches to earn a COC win over the Wildcats.
At No. 1 doubles, Webb City’s Jacob McDonald and Tristan Lynch beat Christian Williams-Willis Jarvis 8-4, while Felipe Perez-Zach Stump defeated Neosho’s Reid Snyder-Peyton Williams 8-4 at No. 2.
At No. 3 doubles, Neosho’s Breckin McAffrey-Noah Schade defeated Jacob Russell-Kaden Cox 8-4.
Webb City’s McDonald defeated Christian Williams 8-3, Perez edged Jarvis 9-7, Lynch beat Snyder 8-3, Stump topped Peyton Williams 8-4 and Cox nipped Schade 9-8 (7-5).
Neosho’s McAffrey defeated Russell 8-5.
Note: Joplin, Carl Junction, Webb City and Neosho will be among the teams competing at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament on Wednesday.
THOMAS JEFFERSON 9, AURORA 0
Thomas Jefferson’s boys tennis team improved to 10-0 this season by beating Aurora on Tuesday.
In doubles matches, Thomas Jefferson’s Prithvi Nagarajan and Devan Murali beat Landon Boatwright-Braxton Jackson 8-0, while Chengle Qian and Jack Goodhue defeated Greysen Boettler-Adam Bland 8-0 and Sam Li and Nathaniel Curtis topped Mario Jimenez-Wyatt Lawson 8-4.
In singles matches, Nagarajan beat Boatwright 8-0, Murali topped Jackson 8-2, Qian handled Boettler 8-0, Goodhue defeated Bland 8-1, Li edged Jimenez 8-6 and Curtis beat Lawson 8-0.
Carthage’s Owen Derryberry and Carl Junction’s Jack Spencer were the top two finishers at the COC Boys Golf Tournament. Derryberry won a second playoff hole after the two were tied after 18 holes.
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — With the pressure on, and with an individual conference championship on the line, Carthage’s Owen Derryberry sank a dramatic 30-foot putt to put a final exclamation point on a long day of golf.
Derryberry’s impressive putt concluded a second playoff hole against Carl Junction’s Jack Spencer and gave the CHS junior medalist honors at the 2023 Central Ozark Conference Boys Golf Tournament on Tuesday at Briarbrook Golf Course.
That’s not all. Derryberry’s performance led the way as Carthage captured the COC’s team championship.
“I feel really good right now,” Derryberry said. “I started out rough today, but I pulled it together and played pretty well. It was like a sigh of relief to see that last putt go in. I’m just proud of our whole team for being COC champs. We want to win districts next. That’s the next goal.”
On a near perfect day to play, Derryberry and Spencer both fired 1-under-par 71 at the conclusion of 18 holes.
The first playoff hole, No. 10, ended with the pair still deadlocked.
After two swings on No. 18, Derryberry ended the tourney in dramatic fashion, converting from 30 feet out.
“He got really hot today,” Carthage coach James Newman said of Derryberry. “He had five birdies in six holes and that gave him a lot of confidence. He’s a gritty player. And on that last putt, you could see the confidence…he knew he made a good putt.”
The Tigers turned in a four-person score of 308, three strokes better than Carl Junction, to capture the team championship.
“I’m really proud of them,” Newman said moments after his team posed for photos with the conference championship plaque. “I feel excellent about how they played today. They were struggling the last few weeks to their standards. They were playing really well at the beginning of the year and they’re playing really well right now. It feels good to watch them succeed out there and to see their hard work come to fruition.”
Carthage senior Max Templeman tied for fifth place with a 76 and classmate Britt Coy tied for seventh with a 77.
Also for the Tigers, senior Ben Nicholas shot an 84 and sophomore Luke Lewis carded 103.
Of note, Carthage finished sixth at last year’s COC tourney in Branson.
This year, the Tigers have won four tourney championships (Joplin, Horton Smith, Pittsburg, COC) ahead of postseason play.
Carthage’s Owen Derryberry putts during Tuesday’s Central Ozark Conference Boys Golf Tournament at Briarbrook Golf Course.
SPENCER, BULLDOGS SETTLE FOR SECOND
Carl Junction finished second in the team standings.
That’s been a common theme of the ’23 season, Bulldogs coach Ryan Jones noted.
“We’re a good golf team and we continue to finish second,” Jones said. “It can be frustrating, but we are a very good golf team. Maybe our time is coming. The COC is a really tough conference. This might be the most-talented field that I can remember in 20 years. For us to be second and in the mix, I won’t lose sight of that. If it was easy to win, everyone would do it. We’re waiting for our moment. We’ll get there.”
Just a sophomore, Spencer had an impressive showing, but could only watch as Derryberry sank the winning putt.
“Owen made a great putt,” Spencer said. “I don’t feel like I lost the playoff hole…he just made a really good putt. Owen’s a good friend and he’s a great player.
“I thought I played really solid today,” Spencer added. “I bogeyed the first and third holes, but didn’t have any bogeys after that. I played pretty steady. When you shoot 1-under with three birdies that means you’re playing pretty consistently. I had a lot of stress-free pars. I putted better today and that’s something I’ve been struggling with. Of course, more than anything, I wanted to win.”
Coach Jones noted he was proud of Spencer’s performance.
“Jack is a competitor and a bulldog,” Jones said. “I appreciate the way he plays the game. He’s going to attack and he competes his tail off. Jack’s a talented kid and he had a good day.”
In addition to Spencer’s runner-up finish, Carl Junction senior Jacob Teeter was one of five players who tied for seventh place with a 77.
Just outside of the top 10 was junior Tommy Walker, who carded 78. Also competing for the Bulldogs were freshmen Austin Baker (85) and Logan Lowry (86).
SATTERLEE LEADS JOPLIN
Joplin sophomore Harry Satterlee tied for third place, as he and Nixa’s Noah Naugle both shot 74.
Satterlee was the medalist at last year’s COC tourney in Branson, but his repeat bid fell just a few strokes short.
“I thought Harry played pretty consistently,” Joplin coach Jack Pace said.
Joplin finished seventh in the team standings with a 332.
Also competing for the Eagles were Ian Surbrugg (80), Dylan Bozarth (88), Hobbs Campbell (90) and Cash Tyson (101).
“330 or so isn’t bad,” Pace said of the team finish. “A couple of years ago, 330 probably would have won some tournaments. But golf in this area has gotten a lot better.”
THIS ‘N THAT
Defending champion Nixa finished third in the team standings behind Carthage and Carl Junction with a 312.
Ozark finished fourth in the team standings with a 321 and Webb City finished fifth with a 329.
Rounding out the team standings were Willard (330), Joplin (332), Branson (338), Republic (343) and Neosho (380).
Cooper Forth (79) and Braxten Cahoon (80) led the way for Webb City, while Levi Lassiter (85), Braden McKee (85) and Jackson Lucas (94) also competed.
The Neosho Wildcats were led by Colby Shadwick (89) and Collier Hendricks (93).
The top 10 finishers were recognized as all-conference performers. There were actually 11 golfers who garnered all-COC recognition this year due to ties.
Carthage’s Templeman tied with Republic’s Jace Henry for fifth, as both carded 76.
In addition to Carthage’s Coy and CJ’s Teeter, tying for seventh place with 77s were Ozark’s Boston Huddleston, Willard’s Cole McMillan and Republic’s Cason Bekemeier.
DISTRICT TOURNEYS AWAIT
Area squads head to their respective district tournaments on Thursday.
Carl Junction and Webb City will compete at the Class 4 District 3 tournament at Whispering Oaks Golf Course in Marshfield.
“I want to have a solid day for my team, so maybe our whole team can go to state,” Spencer said.
Joplin, Carthage and Neosho are among the schools competing at the Class 5 District 3 tournament on Thursday at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield.
“I feel good about districts,” Newman said. “We’re going to leave tomorrow and play a practice round and just hang out together. I just hope they leave Rivercut feeling like they did their best.”
The Carthage High School boys golf team poses with the COC championship plaque on Tuesday at Briarbrook Golf Course. Photo by Jason Peake.
2023 CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE BOYS GOLF TOURNAMENT
(At Briarbrook Golf Course)
TEAM BY TEAM RESULTS
CARTHAGE (308): Owen Derryberry 71, Max Templeman 76, Britt Coy 77, Ben Nicholas 84, Luke Lewis 103.
CARL JUNCTION (311): Jack Spencer 71, Jacob Teeter 77, Tommy Walker 78, Austin Baker 85, Logan Lowry 86.
ANDERSON, Mo. — McDonald County improved to 15-7 on the season by earning a 9-0 non-conference victory over the Carthage Tigers on Monday.
McDonald County senior right-hander Weston Gordon earned the complete-game shutout victory. Gordon allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out six. Gordon retired 18 straight batters before giving up a hit in the seventh.
The Mustangs pushed across multiple runs in the first three innings before adding a single tally in the fourth.
Tucker Walters and Jack Parnell both delivered run-scoring singles in the bottom of the first inning to give the Mustangs an early 2-0 lead.
McDonald County added two runs in the second, as Cross Dowd hit an RBI single before a run scored on a Carthage error for a four-run cushion.
Destyn Dowd’s grand slam to left field gave the Mustangs an 8-0 lead in the third.
In the fourth, Parnell hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Isaac Behm, for a 9-0 lead.
Carthage’s lone hits were recorded by Blayne Lilienkamp and Taylor Stevens-Diggs.
Clay Kinder was charged with the loss. He surrendered eight runs on six hits and six walks and struck out three in three innings. Eider Lyckman allowed one run on two hits in three innings.
Carthage (3-23) hosts Neosho at 4:30 on Tuesday at Joe Becker Stadium.
McDonald County hosts Bentonville West on Thursday.
CARL JUNCTION 14, MOUNT VERNON 1 (5 INNINGS)
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Carl Junction rode a seven-run second inning to a run-rule win over the Mountaineers on Monday.
Up 7-1 after two innings, the Bulldogs added a single tally in the third, four runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to end the game early.
Carl Junction recorded 11 hits, with eight different players contributing at least one.
Bentley Rowden went 2-for-4 with three RBI, Deacon Endicott went 2-for-3 with two RBI and Cody Hollingsworth drove in two runs on two hits.
Drew Massey also had two RBI, while Wyatt McAfee, Lucas Vanlanduit, Aidan Streight, Endicott and Massey all scored two runs apiece.
Endicott and Massey both homered, while Rowden had two doubles.
Gaige Carson earned the pitching victory. He allowed one unearned run on two hits in four innings while striking out five.
Logan Eck pitched a scoreless inning.
Mount Vernon’s lone hits were recorded by Braden Dodson and Brayden Jameson.
Payton Jones took the loss after allowing seven earned runs on six hits and two walks.
Carl Junction (9-14) hosts Ozark on Tuesday.
Mount Vernon (10-9) is at Springfield Catholic on Tuesday.
MCAULEY CATHOLIC 13, BRONAUGH 2 (5 INNINGS)
McAuley Catholic scored crooked numbers in every innings on the way to a five-inning win over Bronaugh on Monday.
The Warriors (7-10) opened the game in a 2-0 deficit before scoring three times in the bottom of the first inning, five times in the second, three more runs in the third and twice in the fourth on the way to the win.
Rocco Bazzano-Joseph earned the win after allowing two unearned runs on three hits and eight strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.
Tucker Duncan took the loss after wallowing eight runs, seven earned, on four walks and two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.
Joe Staton had a hit and scored three runs, while Noah Black had a hit, scored twice and drove in once. Bradley Wagner had a hit and two RBI. Bazzano-Joseph had a hit, drove in two and scored a run.
McAuley is at Northeast Vernon County on Wednesday.
EAST NEWTON 11, COLLEGE HEIGHTS 1
East Newton scored four times in the first inning and never looked back in a win over College Heights on Monday at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Patriots added two runs in the second frame, three in the fourth and two more insurance runs in the seventh.
Braiden Vanlue earned the win after pitching four scoreless innings on one hit, two walks and five strikeouts.
Jayce Walker took the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits, two walks and three strikeouts in three innings.
Josh Anderson had a hit and scored a run for College Heights (6-10).
Vanlue had three hits and scored a run for East Newton.
