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LADY MUSTANG CLASSIC: First half surge leads Webb City past Carl Junction

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — Webb City scored the final 10 points of the first half and never trailed after intermission on the way to a 46-32 win over Carl Junction on Tuesday in a consolation bracket contest of the 2023 Lady Mustang Classic at McDonald County High School. 

Up nine at the break, Webb City outscored Carl Junction 18-13 in the second half.

Carl Junction led 13-11 at the end of the first quarter, with junior forward Dezi Williams scoring 10 points in the opening frame.

The Bulldogs led 19-18 after two straight hoops from senior forward Kylie Scott, but the Oral Roberts signee picked up her third foul and had to go to the bench. 

Webb City closed the first half on a game-changing 10-0 run, with two buckets from Addie Burns and one apiece from Malorie Stanley, Jenna Schulz and Adalyn Maxwell. 

With the late surge, the Cardinals held a 28-19 halftime advantage.

Scott scored the first basket of the second half, but then picked up her fourth foul of the contest on an offensive foul call.

The Cardinals outscored the Bulldogs 9-5 in the low-scoring third quarter for a 37-24 lead.

The Bulldogs scored the first four points of the fourth quarter, but Scott fouled out with just over six minutes left on another charge call on a drive through the lane.

Carl Junction pulled within seven with three minutes left after a pair of buckets inside from Williams, but Webb City scored the final eight points of the game for the final margin.

Eight players scored for Webb City’s balanced attack, as Stanley and Burns recorded 11 points apiece and Abby Sargent added nine. 

Williams scored 14 points to lead the Bulldogs, while Scott added 12 points in limited minutes. 

Webb City (2-5) will play Bentonville West in the tourney’s fifth place game at 3:30 on Wednesday. 

Carl Junction (4-4) will return to action next Tuesday at home against McDonald County. 

 

GIRLS HOOPS: Carl Junction, McDonald County earn wins at CJ Classic

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — The Carl Junction girls basketball team came from behind for the second straight night at the 47th annual Freeman Sports Medicine Carl Junction Classic.

The host Bulldogs overcame an early nine-point deficit and used a strong second half to beat Parkview 37-32 on Tuesday night.

After knocking off Neosho on Monday in come from behind fashion, Carl Junction went 2-0 in pool play. 

In Tuesday’s opener, McDonald County rode a balanced attack to a convincing 63-35 win over Nevada.

 

CARL JUNCTION 37, PARKVIEW 32

This one didn’t start out particularly well for the Bulldogs, as the Vikings outscored the hosts 15-6 in the first quarter.

But Parkview standout senior guard Tara Masten left the game with an injury late in the opening period and the Vikings played the remainder of the contest without their primary ball-handler and experienced floor general.

At the same time, Carl Junction senior and Oral Roberts signee Kylie Scott sat out a large part of the second period due to foul trouble.

Carl Junction won the low-scoring second period 7-5, but the Vikings held a 20-13 lead at intermission.

In a big swing, the Bulldogs scored the first 12 points of the third quarter to take the lead for good. 

Scott scored eight points during the game-changing surge, but also picked up her third and fourth fouls and had to go to the bench late in the third period.

The Bulldogs took a 25-23 lead into the fourth quarter.

Jadyn Howard, Anna Burch and DeShaye Buerge knocked down key jumpers in the final frame to extend CJ’s lead to nine with just under four minutes to play.

Parkview’s Austin Hall drilled three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep her squad within striking distance, but the Bulldogs would never relinquish their lead.

Scott scored 14 points to lead Carl Junction. Also for the Bulldogs, Madison Hembree scored seven points, while Burch had six and Howard and Buerge each scored five. Carl Junction (2-0) was once again without junior guard/forward Dezi Williams.

A senior guard, Hall scored 23 of Parkview’s 32 points. She hit seven 3-pointers.

Parkview plays Neosho at 6:30 on Wednesday night. Carl Junction will return to action on Thursday night.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 63, NEVADA 35

Taking control early against a conference foe, McDonald County improved to 2-0 on the season.

Getting most of their points in the paint and getting lots of second and third opportunities with offensive rebounds, the Mustangs built a 19-9 lead by the end of the first period. 

Senior guard Clara Swearingen scored all nine of Nevada’s points in the opening quarter on three treys.

Nevada knocked down four 3-pointers early in the second quarter, two each from Clara Swearingen and her sister, freshman Lucy Swearingen, to pull within two at 23-21.

But McDonald County closed the first half on a 9-2 run to take a 32-23 halftime advantage. 

The Tigers made eight field goals in the first half, and seven were 3-pointers.

The Mustangs outscored the Tigers 13-8 in the third quarter and led 45-31 entering the final frame.

Three hoops inside from junior post player Roslynn Huston gave the Mustangs a comfortable 54-33 cushion with three minutes remaining and the lead was never in jeopardy down the stretch. 

Four players scored in double figures for the Mustangs, as Huston led the way with 16 points. Carlie Martin scored 15 points and Carlee Cooper and Jamie Washam added 10 points apiece.

Clara Swearingen led Nevada with 22 points. A Pittsburg State signee, Swearingen made six 3-pointers. 

McDonald County meets Springdale (Arkansas) at 5 p.m. on Wednesday in the final game of pool play.

Nevada (1-2) will play for fifth place against an opponent to be determined at 4:30 on Thursday.

 

CARL JUNCTION CLASSIC 

Pool A: Springdale, McDonald County, Nevada

Pool B: Parkview, Carl Junction, Neosho

 

Monday’s scores

Springdale 52, Nevada 35

Carl Junction 40, Neosho 34

 

Tuesday’s scores

McDonald County 63, Nevada 35

Carl Junction 37, Parkview 32

 

Wednesday’s schedule

5—Springdale vs. McDonald County

6:30—Parkview vs. Neosho

 

Thursday’s schedule

4:30—Fifth place game

6—Third place game

7:30—Championship game.  

GIRLS SWIMMING PREVIEW: Returning state champion Miller will lead Carl Junction 

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Returning state champion Chloe Miller will lead the way for the Carl Junction High School girls swim team this winter.

A senior standout who has signed with the University of South Dakota, Miller captured the Class 1 championship in the 50-yard freestyle at last year’s state meet. 

In fact, Miller earned four medals at last year’s state meet, as she was fifth in the 100 freestyle and swam on two all-state relays, the 200 freestyle and the 400 free.

Miller was also part of four event wins at last year’s Central Ozark Conference Meet. She won both the 50 free and the 100 free while also swimming on CJ’s winning relays (200 free, 400 free).

Also back with prior starting experience are juniors Elyanna Dogotch and Avari Fifer. 

Dogotch swam on the team’s relays that earned all-state recognition and won COC titles (200 freestyle, 400 free). 

Seniors Kiley Brenneis, Jenna Besperat and Bella Laudermilk and sophomores Emma Graham and Lilian Schultz also return with varsity experience for the Bulldogs, who went 16-2 in duals and finished second at the conference meet last season.

With a solid group of returners, and with some promising newcomers, the expectations are set high in Carl Junction.

“I am honestly always excited for each season,” Carl Junction coach Stephanie Miller said. “After five years of pretty good results, I think I’m ready to just enjoy the process. After the first week of practice, I think the team is already socially clicking and that is a big part of the battle.”

Coach Miller added there’s a lot to like about this year’s group.

“The strengths of our team is knowing we have a history of putting up solid relays at the end of the season,” Coach Miller added. “We have returning swimmers Chloe and Elyanna who will continue to perform big for us. Regardless of our performance, we’ll have fun and that’s the biggest goal.”

Coach Miller expects eight new swimmers to contribute nicely. They are senior Audrey Fletcher, junior Madi Olds, sophomores Addie Eaker, Lana Ghoneim, Via Dennis and Adelaide Davidson and freshmen Elsa Dogotch and Jazzy Kalm.

With several newcomers to the varsity this winter, Coach Miller expects her team to make steady progress throughout the season.

“With half of my team new this year I would expect us to peak late in the season,” Coach Miller said. “I have a ton of athletic talent, but they need to learn how to translate that athleticism to the water. I have a ton of unknowns. I think this season will depend on the tenacity of my team.”

The Bulldogs lost a solid group of seniors to graduation, including state medalist Skyler Sundy, who placed fourth in the 100 backstroke and eighth in the 50 free at last year’s state championships. 

“Our biggest challenge is just seeing how fast the new swimmers can learn the four strokes, turns, and starts and execute them in competition,” Coach Miller said. “Meanwhile, the seasoned swimmers need to get training. The coaches will definitely be multitasking this year. It will be fun and busy. Our success will depend on the girls believing they can do amazing. It’s basically up to them.”

Carl Junction will open the season on Nov. 28 at Webb City.

 

VOLLEYBALL: Area players named all-state

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Joplin area was represented on the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association’s all-state teams.

Recognized in Class 4 were Carl Junction senior Kylie Scott and Webb City’s trio of Sophia Crane, Aubree Lassiter and Jaeli Rutledge. Crane and Lassiter are seniors, while Rutlege is a sophomore. Crane and Lassiter were repeat all-state selections.

Seneca’s Jera Jameson, Cassville’s Emerson Grossman, Mount Vernon’s Ziah Schmutz and Nevada’s Delaney Hope were recognized on the Class 3 all-state team.

Jasper’s Crystal Smith and Shiloh Storm were recognized as all-state in Class 1.

No local players were selected in Class 5 or Class 2.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Missouri HS Volleyball Coaches Association Home Page (mhsvca.com)

 

 

WRESTLING PREVIEW: Carl Junction returns talented, experienced group

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Carl Junction Bulldogs return a talented and experienced group entering the 2023-24 wrestling season.

Carl Junction features eight returning starters, including six returning state qualifiers, from last year’s squad that went 15-3 overall and captured a district championship.

In a stellar campaign, the Bulldogs also finished third at the Central Ozark Conference tournament and took sixth at the Class 3 state tourney.

It’s not hard to see why the expectations are set extremely high in Carl Junction.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season for this team,” Carl Junction coach Mike Frizzell said. “We have a lot of leadership coming back to the team and several kids with state experience. We have some holes to replace by losing three state-placing seniors, but we have some upcoming talent that should fit in nicely and compete for starting positions.” 

Carl Junction senior Sam Melton was the state runner-up at 120 pounds last season. He enters the season as a two-time COC champ, a two-time district champ, a two-time state runner-up and a three-time academic all-state honoree.

Junior Tony Stewart was the state runner-up at 165 last year. Stewart is a two-time COC placer, was the district runner-up and earned academic all-state recognition last season.

Junior Carter Foglesong placed fourth at 106 pounds last season. Foglesong also earned conference and district titles and academic all-state honors. 

Senior Max Matthews is a two-time state qualifier, advancing last season at 126. Matthews was the runner-up at the conference meet, third at the district tourney and earned academic all-state recognition.

Senior Dexter Merrell is another returning state qualifier, qualifying at 157 last winter. Merrell took third at both the COC and district tourneys and also earned academic all-state honors.

Sophomore Marcus Lopez-Durman advanced to state last year at 150 after finishing in his bracket at the district tourney. 

Senior Brenden Berry (138) returns to the lineup after finishing third at last year’s COC tourney.

Sophomore Blake Starks (215) also returns after finishing seventh at last year’s COC tourney. 

Frizzell listed senior Drake Richardson and sophomore Kale Trosper as other returning athletes who may contribute this winter.

“Experience is our No. 1 strength this season,” Frizzell said. “The leadership in the practice room is intense. They got a taste of it last year by winning a district title and coming so close to a state trophy. I look forward to seeing them perform at their max potential.” 

Top newcomers are freshmen Aaron Dillingham and Josh Cassatt. 

Carl Junction’s key losses to graduation include Lukas Walker, Chance Benford and Cayden Bollinger. All three concluded their prep careers at the state tourney. Walker placed fourth at 113 pounds, while Bollinger took sixth at 285.

Frizzell noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s team. 

“With the experienced wrestlers we have leading this group of young men, I feel our incoming underclassmen have great role models to mirror after in the practice room and in the classroom with five academic all-state wrestlers back in the lineup this year,” Frizzell said. 

Frizzell said there are some areas of concern heading into the season.

“We do have a few holes to fill throughout our lineup, but I do believe we have the talent in the room that will step up and have fantastic seasons,” he said. “Staying healthy is always a concern for a wrestling coach. These young men lay it all out there day in and day out and that can take its toll on the body, as well as the mind.”

Frizzell added the Bulldogs weren’t happy with how the state tournament ended last season, and that disappointment should provide some extra motivation this winter.

“Our expectations are very high coming off our first district championship in 25 years, but a disappointing sixth place state finish last February,” Frizzell said. “We would have finished in the top four and brought home a state trophy if not for some unforeseen circumstances that cost us 10 team points and dropped us to a sixth-place finish. We intend to improve on that mark and make a run at a state title in 2024.”  

Carl Junction hosts Carthage on Nov. 28.

With that, the highly anticipated 2023-24 season will get underway.

“Our schedule is full of tough competition, plus our conference tournament usually looks like a mini state tournament,” Frizzell said. “If we can stay consistent and focused throughout the season, then good things will happen.”

STATE CROSS COUNTRY: Joplin, Webb City runners earn all-state honors in Class 5

Posted on by Jason Peake

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Joplin and Webb City both had all-state performances at the Class 5 MSHSAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.

Two area runners earned all-state recognition on the boys side, as Joplin junior Chance Tindall finished ninth in 15 minutes, 29 seconds and Webb City senior Evan Stevens finished 28th in 15:45.

Joplin’s Chance Tindall finished ninth in the Class 5 boys race at Saturday’s MSHSAA Cross Country Championships. Photo by Chris Auckley/Special to SoMo Sports.

Tindall finished 32nd last year as a sophomore. Stevens earned a state medal for the second straight season, as he finished 11th in Class 4 last year.

The top 30 runners earn all-state honors.

Webb City senior Mason Hedger finished 34th in 15:55 and Joplin senior Ian Horton was 56th in 16:15. 

Also competing for Webb City were Spencer Kendall (63rd), Andrew Dawson (79th), Noah Lankard (85th), Dakota Grove (135th) and Fenton Rice (147th).

Joplin junior Grey Edwards finished 88th. 

The top four teams took home a trophy—Rock Bridge (91), Rockhurst (101), SLUH (120) and Nixa (131). 

Webb City finished eighth out of 16 teams with 223 points. The Cardinals were bumped up to Class 5 from Class 4 this season. 

Rock Bridge’s Luke Sievers was the Class 5 champion with a time of 14:51. 

 

CLASS 5 GIRLS

There were no local medalists in the Class 5 girls race.

Webb City sophomore Brooke Hedger finished 47th in 19:23 and Joplin senior Katherine Schaefer was 56th in 19:34.

Also competing for Webb City were Emily Countryman (85th), Amelia Antillon (106th), Olivia Klotz (124th), Emma McKinzie (127), Brooke Collard (150th) and Hadley White (165th). 

The Cardinals finished 16th in the team standings (308 points). 

The top four teams were Father Tolton (103), Blue Springs South (117), Blue Springs (142) and Kirkwood (145).

Lafayette-Wildwood’s Natalie Barnard was the state champion in 17:12. 

 

CLASS 4 BOYS

Carl Junction had its entire boys team competing in Class 4. The Bulldogs finished 16th in the team standings.

Competing for Carl Junction were Isaac Willoughby (39th), Jack Lawson (67th), Luke Battagler (106th), Nikash Yeary (143rd), Chance Golden (151st), Alexander Allison (152nd) and Jacob Garrett (153rd).

Lincoln College Prep’s Isaac Rivera took first in 14:54.

The top four teams were Festus (91), Platte County (99), Lincoln College Prep (110) and Webster Groves (134).

Carl Junction’s Madilyn Dalton runs next to St. Pius X’s Maecy Hinkebein during Saturday’s Class 4 state championships in Columbia. All photos by Chris Auckley/Special to SoMo Sports.

CLASS 4 GIRLS

Carl Junction’s Madilyn Dalton finished 101st and Marissa Newman was 124th.

Harrisonville’s Kayleigh Norris won the race in 18:07. 

The top four teams were St. Joseph’s Academy (110), West Plains (133), Festus (137) and Nerinx Hall (144).

 

CLASS 3 BOYS

East Newton senior Chase Sorrell finished second in the Class 3 boys race with a time of 15:32. Bowling Green’s Ben Chance was the state champ in 15:25. 

Sorrell, who finished third in this event last year, was the lone athlete from the area to finish in the top 30.

Lamar’s Cameron Bailey finished 37th and teammate Ryder Friend was 51st.

The top four teams were St. Michael the Archangel (112), El Dorado Springs (114), Centralia (133) and Herculaneum (139). Lamar was 14th.

 

CLASS 3 GIRLS

In the Class 3 girls race, Cassville’s Jadyn Williams-Reed finished 39th, while Lamar’s Abigail Diggs was 46th and Mount Vernon’s Rylee Simons finished 65th.  

Competing for College Heights were junior Marla Anderegg (79th) and sophomore Jesalin Bever (114th). 

Southern Boone’s Alexandra Volkart was the champion in 18:27.

The top four teams were St. Charles West (55), Westminster Christian (142), Lutheran-St. Charles (149) and Lexington (161).

 

FULL RESULTS: MSHSAA: 2023 Cross Country Championship Information Central

 

Webb City’s Evan Stevens and Joplin’s Ian Horton are among the runners competing at the Class 5 state cross country championships on Saturday at Gans Creek in Columbia.

 

Webb City’s Mason Hedger (2027) competes at the Class 5 state championships on Saturday at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia. All photos by Chris Auckley.

 

Carl Junction’s Marissa Newman competes at the Class 4 state championships on Saturday in Columbia.

 

Carl Junction’s Isaac Willoughby heads to the finish line on Saturday at the Class 4 state cross country championships in Columbia. Willoughby finished 39th.

 

Carl Junction’s Jack Lawson concluded the 2023 season at the Class 4 state championships on Saturday in Columbia.

 

Carl Junction’s Madilyn Dalton is among the large group of runners competing in the Class 4 girls race at the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday in Columbia. 

VOLLEYBALL: Area players named to All-Class 4 District 6 team

Posted on by Jason Peake

Below is the All-Class 4 District 6 volleyball team for 2023.

 

ALL-CLASS 4 DISTRICT 6 VOLLEYBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Madison Michel, Branson

Miya Carnes, Carl Junction

Karissa Chase, Carl Junction 

Kylie Scott, Carl Junction

Natalie Percival, Hillcrest

Millie Bauer, Springfield Catholic

Kennedy Hartman, Springfield Catholic

Savannah Crane, Webb City

Sophia Crane, Webb City

Aubree Lassiter, Webb City

Jaeli Rutledge, Webb City

Abby Morris, Willard

 

SECOND TEAM

Grace Larimore, Branson

Emma Skoglund, Branson

Aubreigh Fowler, Carl Junction

Abigail Wilson, Carl Junction

Karsyn Ryan, Hillcrest

Savannah Leib, McDonald County

Carlie Martin, McDonald County

Tori Marorahn, Springfield Catholic

Ava Walters, Springfield Catholic

Mia Lenker, Webb City

Kirra Long, Webb City

Madison Magee, Willard

 

CROSS COUNTRY: Joplin’s Horton earns COC title; Webb City boys finish 2nd in standings

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NIXA, Mo. — Joplin’s Ian Horton and Chance Tindall finished first and second in the boys race at the 29th Central Ozark Conference Cross Country Championships on Tuesday at Inman Intermediate School.

A senior, Horton crossed the line at 15 minutes, 28 seconds to claim medalist honors. A junior, Tindall was the COC runner-up in 15:34.

Nixa’s Aaron Ashley finished third in 15:48 and Webb City’s Evan Stevens placed fourth in 15:55.

Joplin had three runners finish in the top seven, as junior Grey Edwards placed seventh in 16:03. 

Webb City’s Mason Hedger (16:24) and Spencer Kendall (16:29) finished 10th and 12th.

Carl Junction’s Jack Lawson finished 15th, while Webb City’s duo of Noah Lankard and Andrew Dawson were 16th and 17th, respectively. 

Carl Junction’s Isaac Willoughby placed 19th, Carthage’s Eddy Fuentes was 20th and Carl Junction’s Luke Battagler took 25th.

Neosho’s Adam Farrell finished 28th, Webb City’s Fenton Rice placed 29th, Joplin’s Aidan Koch was 30th, Carthage’s Javen Byrd took 31st and Joplin’s Brady Honeycutt placed 33rd.

With five runners in the top nine, Nixa won the boys team championship with 31 points. Webb City took second with 59 points and Joplin was third with 73.

 

GIRLS HIGHLIGHTS

Webb City’s girls finished third in the team standings with 73 points. Ozark (48) and Nixa (57) were the top two teams. 

Republic’s Gracie Troester was the medalist in 18:28 and Ozark’s Ellsie Estes was second in 19:10. Nixa’s Mackinzie Harris took third in 19:14 and Republic’s Kristin Probst took fourth in 19:36.

Joplin’s Katherine Schaefer placed fifth with a time of 19:36 and Webb City’s Brooke Hedger was sixth in 19:53.

Webb City’s Amelia Antillon finished 10th in 20:24, while Carthage’s Maggie Boyd took 13th in 20:30.

Joplin’s duo of Averi Burks (20:41.3) and Kyrie Britton (20:41.7) finished 15th and 16th, while Webb City’s trio of Emma McKinzie (21:02), Olivia Klotz (21:09) and Emily Countryman (21:19) placed 18th, 19th and 20th. 

Carl Junction’s Audrey Fletcher finished 25th, Joplin’s Mia Grubbs was 26th and CJ’s Madilyn Dalton took 28th.

Carthage’s Jennifer Rodas-Gomez finished 31st, Joplin’s Meridyth Mai was 32nd, Carl Junction’s Delaney Harris took 33rd, Webb City’s Rachel Miller was 34th and Joplin’s Annabelle Rutledge finished 35th.

Carthage’s duo of Genesis Fuentes-Elias and Katy Witherspoon placed 36th and 37th, while their teammates Kimberly Monterroso and Jenna Wilson were 39th and 40th.   

 

CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Girls team standings: Ozark 48, Nixa 57, Webb City 73, Republic 85, Joplin 94, Carthage 156, Carl Junction 180, Branson 229.

Boys team standings: Nixa 31, Webb City 59, Joplin 73, Willard 151, Ozark 158, Carl Junction 161, Branson 167, Republic 201, Carthage 204, Neosho 253.

 

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Webb City will meet Nevada in title game

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEVADA, Mo. — The top two seeds will meet in the championship game of the Class 4 District 7 softball tournament.

Top-seeded Nevada pounded fifth-seeded Carl Junction 15-0 in four innings, while second-seeded Webb City defeated third-seeded Belton 6-2 in Saturday’s semifinals at Bushwhacker Field.

Tourney host Nevada (26-7) and Webb City (26-11) will meet at 5:30 on Monday night in the district title game.

 

WEBB CITY 6, BELTON 2

Webb City pushed across runs in the first three frames to take control early. 

The Cardinals scored once in the first, as Abby Sargent doubled and later scored on Alex Maturino’s run-scoring groundout.

Taking advantage of two Webb City errors, the Pirates plated two runs in the second, but Sydney Strickland’s two-run home run to center field gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the second.

Kylee Sargent’s two-run bomb gave Webb City a three-run advantage in the third and Maturino’s sac fly extended Webb City’s lead to 6-2 after five frames.

Addie Burns was the winning pitcher. A freshman, Burns scattered 10 hits, struck out four, didn’t walk a batter and didn’t allow an earned run in a complete-game effort.

Belton’s Solana Carpenter took the loss after allowing four earned runs on six hits. She struck out seven.

Maturino, Strickland and Kylee Sargent drove in two runs apiece for the Cardinals. 

Nevada’s Peyton Eaton was the winning pitcher in Saturday’s semifinal contest against Carl Junction. Photo by Brandi Redman.

NEVADA 15, CARL JUNCTION 0 (4 INNINGS)

Nevada scored two runs in the first, four in the second, five in the third and four in the fourth to earn a run-rule victory in the first semifinal.

Down 2-0, the Bulldogs threatened in the top of the second, but the hosts turned an inning-ending double play.

The Tigers added four runs in the bottom of the second, as Kaniyah Johnson hit an RBI single before Peyton Eaton smacked a two-run home run to left and Ella Heathman followed with a solo homer to center for a 6-0 cushion.

The Tigers added five runs in the third, with Heathman hitting her second home run of the game for an 11-0 lead.

Nevada scored four runs in the fourth to end the game, as Johnson hit an RBI double, Kara Phillips contributed a two-run single and then scored from third on a wild pitch.

Caylee Holcomb and Phillips recorded three hits apiece for the Tigers, while Eaton, Heathman and Johnson added two hits apiece.

Eaton was the winning pitcher. She allowed five hits and one walk in four scoreless innings.

Carl Junction (11-20) received two hits from Ryleigh Palmer. 

Kiley Spencer took the loss after allowing 13 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Spencer struck out five and walked one.

Hannah Cantrell, Izzie Southern and Grace Kirk are Carl Junction’s seniors. 

 

Nevada’s Caylee Holcomb slides safely into home plate against Carl Junction’s Madi Olds during Saturday’s district semifinal contest. Photo by Brandi Redman.

STATE TENNIS: Carl Junction doubles team takes 3rd; TJ’s Ding finishes 7th in singles

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Carl Junction’s duo of Naiyah Wurdeman and Jenna Besperat finished third in the Class 2 doubles bracket on Friday at the 2023 MSHSAA Girls Tennis Championships at the Cooper Tennis Complex.

Jenna Besperat and Naiyah Wurdeman.

In the third-place match, Wurdeman and Besperat ended the 2023 season on a high note by beating Springfield Catholic’s Hannah Lee and Britney Ung 6-1, 6-4.

In Thursday’s opening round, the Bulldogs defeated the St. Pius X duo of Chloe Kronlage and Brooke Madden 6-0, 6-0.

In the quarterfinal round, Wurdeman and Besperat topped Grain Valley’s Brooklyn Spencer and Emma Thiessen 4-6, 6-2, 10-7.

In the semifinals on Friday morning, Parkway North’s Yvonne Shannon-Emily Koo defeated Wurdeman-Besperat 7-6, 6-1. That loss sent the Bulldogs to the third-place match.

Shannon-Koo ended up winning the state title by beating Villa Duschesne’s Alexandra Todorovich/Katherine Todorovich  6-3, 6-2.

Besperat is a senior and Wurdeman is a junior. The pair led the way as the Bulldogs went 15-4 in duals this fall. 

This was the second straight season Wurdeman and Besperat advanced to state in doubles.

 

DING TAKES SEVENTH IN SINGLES

Thomas Jefferson’s Allison Ding.

Thomas Jefferson senior Allison Ding finished seventh in the Class 2 singles bracket on Friday.

Playing for seventh place, Ding defeated Washington’s Evelyn Bryson 6-3, 6-2 to conclude the individual state tourney on a positive note.

On Thursday, Ding defeated Holt’s Jennifer Nelson 6-0, 6-1 in the opening round.

In the quarterfinals, MICDS’ Rachel Li topped Ding 6-0, 6-0.

In the consolation quarterfinals, Ding edged St. Pius X’s Kiera Dunn 6-1, 4-6, 11-9 to advance to Friday.

In the consolation semifinals on Friday, Springfield Catholic’s Caroline Nelson topped Ding 6-0, 6-1.

With the seventh-place match victory, Ding earned medalist honors for the third straight season.

The 2023 campaign isn’t over quite yet for Ding, as she and the Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers will compete at next week’s team state tournament. 

Thomas Jefferson (14-0) will meet Grain Valley (23-2) in the Class 2 semifinals at 9 a.m. on Oct. 20.

 

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Carl Junction rallies late, knocks off Mac County in slugfest

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEVADA, Mo. — Trailing by five, and just three outs away from a season-ending setback, things weren’t looking particularly well for the Carl Junction Bulldogs.

But the Bulldogs didn’t quit. Instead, they rallied.

Fifth-seeded Carl Junction erupted for 10 runs in the top of the seventh inning to earn a dramatic 19-15 victory over fourth-seeded McDonald County on Thursday in a quarterfinal contest of the Class 4 District 7 softball tournament at Bushwhacker Field. 

With the season-saving win, Carl Junction (11-19) will meet top-seeded Nevada (25-7) in the semifinals at noon on Saturday. 

This back-and-forth clash featured plenty of offense, as the teams combined for 34 runs and 35 hits. 

Carl Junction plated a single tally in the first when Izzie Southern drew a bases-loaded walk. 

The Mustangs scored four runs in the bottom of the first. The first run came home after two hit batters, a fielder’s choice and an error. Later in the inning, Natalie Gillming delivered a two-run single before Kylie Brooks hit an RBI single. 

McDonald County added two runs in the second, as Kearston Hopkins homered and Jacie Frencken contributed an RBI single for a 6-1 lead.

The Bulldogs got a run back in the top of the third on Georgia Arnold’s run-scoring single. 

In the fourth, Madi Olds homered to center and Southern hit an RBI single into left, cutting Carl Junction’s deficit to 6-4.

The Mustangs added two runs in the bottom half of the fourth to go up 8-4, but the Bulldogs responded with two of their own in the top of the fifth, as Ryleigh Palmer and Olds recorded run-scoring base hits.

McDonald County pushed across two more runs in the fifth, as a Hopkins double and a CJ error allowed a run to come home before Carlee Cooper homered to left for a 10-6 advantage.

The Bulldogs rallied for three runs in the sixth, as Arnold’s RBI single and Hannah Cantrell’s two-run double trimmed CJ’s deficit to one.

As they did all game, the Mustangs answered in the bottom of the sixth. Vivianne Latham and Hopkins delivered run-scoring singles and Cooper added an RBI double before Frencken contributed an RBI single for a 14-9 cushion.

Heading into the top of the seventh, the game was far from over. 

The Bulldogs rallied for 10 runs in stunning fashion in the top of the seventh.

Southern hit a two-run blast in the frame, the tying run came home after a bunt and an error, the go-ahead run scored after another miscue in the field before Kiley Spencer blasted a grand slam to put a final exclamation point on the big inning.

The Mustangs (10-14) got a run back in the bottom half on Latham’s homer before the Bulldogs recorded the final out.

Carl Junction’s Southern and Arnold had three hits apiece, while Cantrell, Olds, Spencer and Hannah Cole each had two hits. Spencer drove in six runs, while Southern had four RBI.

McDonald County’s Hopkins went 4-for-5, while Cooper, Frencken and Gillming added three hits apiece. Hopkins and Gillming drove in three runs apiece.

Spencer was the winning pitcher and Dakota O’Brien took the loss.

Nevada rolled to an 18-0 win in three innings over eighth-seeded Raytown South in the tourney’s opener.

 

Class 4 District 7

Thursday’s scores

(1) Nevada 18, (8) Raytown South 0

(5) Carl Junction 19, (4) McDonald County 15

(2) Webb City 11, (7) Raytown 0

(3) Belton 15, (6) Warrensburg 0

 

REALIGNMENT: Carl Junction leaving COC for Ozark Mountain Conference

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Carl Junction will be leaving the Central Ozark Conference for a fresh start in a new league — the Ozark Mountain Conference.

After weeks of speculation, the Carl Junction School District on Wednesday officially confirmed the move to the new conference beginning in the fall of 2024. 

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, Branson, Bolivar, Carl Junction, Rogersville, Marshfield and West Plains will compete in the newly formed Ozark Mountain Conference.

“The formation of the new Ozark Mountain Conference enables our districts to strengthen our activity and athletic programs while improving our student-athletes,” the Ozark Mountain Conference Superintendents said in a joint statement.

The Ozark Mountain Conference brings together districts that are similar in enrollment numbers, as well as shared values and community beliefs, the press release said. 

“Moving to a new conference will be better for our student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to compete with schools our size,” said Carl Junction Board of Education President Larry Cowger.

For the remainder of this school year, the six schools will work collaboratively in preparation for competing in the new Ozark Mountain Conference during the 2024-25 school year. 

“In all my years in Carl Junction, I have never been more excited for our students and community,” Carl Junction Superintendent Dr. Phillip Cook said in the press release. “Joining the Ozark Mountain Conference allows our student-athletes to compete at a high level with similarly sized, outstanding school districts in which each has a rich tradition of excellence.”

Carl Junction’s current MSHSAA enrollment number is 735, by far the smallest school in the COC. Joplin has an enrollment of 1664 and Nixa is at 1478 (Grades 9-11, not including Grade 12).

After competing in the Big 8 Conference for decades, Carl Junction joined the Central Ozark Conference at the start of the 2016-17 school year.

The COC will be at eight teams without Carl Junction and Branson. With that, COC football teams will need to add a couple of non-conference games to their schedules. 

With the departures of Rogersville and Marshfield, the Big 8 will be at nine teams going forward.

Just last month, Big 8 schools Hollister, Springfield Catholic and Reeds Springs announced they would be joining the Mid-Lakes Conference for the 2024-25 school year.

 

THE OZARK MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Bolivar (Ozark Conference)

Branson (Central Ozark Conference)

Carl Junction (Central Ozark Conference)

Logan-Rogersville (Big 8 Conference)

Marshfield (Big 8 Conference)

West Plains (Ozark Conference)

 

Carl Junction expected to leave COC

Posted on by Jason Peake

Carl Junction is expected to leave the Central Ozark Conference, sources have confirmed to SoMo Sports.

During a meeting on Monday night, the Carl Junction Board of Education discussed moving to the Ozark Mountain Conference.

An official press release from Carl Junction Schools regarding the conference move is expected on Wednesday.

Check back on Wednesday for more on this story. 

 

GIRLS TENNIS: Thomas Jefferson, College Heights advance to district title matches

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON TO PLAY FOR DISTRICT TITLE

Top-seeded Thomas Jefferson will meet third-seeded Notre Dame de Sion in the championship match of the Class 2 District 7 girls tennis tournament on Wednesday.

In Tuesday’s semifinals, Thomas Jefferson defeated fourth-seeded Willard 5-1 and Notre Dame de Sion knocked off second-seeded Carl Junction 5-3.

The Cavaliers won two of the three doubles matches.

At No. 1 doubles, Willard’s Alyssa Flynn-Evelyn Sly edged Allison Ding and Jeanna Jeyaraj 8-6.

Thomas Jefferson’s Esther Yang and Kyla Yang beat Jacey Wilson-Madeline Polites 8-3 and Warda Morsy and Mayson Solum defeated Allyson Essary-Briana Mauschbaugh 8-4.

In completed singles matches, Morsy beat Katelyn Long 6-2, 6-0, while Solum topped Essary 6-0, 6-3 and Kyla Yang beat Mauschbaugh 6-1, 6-2.

The results of Carl Junction’s match with Notre Dame de Sion were not submitted to SoMo Sports. 

The district title match is slated for 3:30 Wednesday at the TJ courts.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS ADVANCES

Third-seeded College Heights Christian upset second-seeded Monett 5-0 in the semifinals of the Class 1 District 10 tournament.

No other information was available to SoMo Sports at the time of publication.

College Heights will meet top-seeded Mount Vernon at 4:30 on Wednesday. 

 

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT GLANCE

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 7

Monday’s results

(4) Willard 5, (5) Barstow 0

(2) Carl Junction 5, (7) Webb City 0

(3) Notre Dame de Sion 5, (6) Belton 0

 

Tuesday’s semifinals

(1) Thomas Jefferson 5, Willard 1

Notre Dame de Sion 5, Carl Junction 3

 

Wednesday’s title match

Thomas Jefferson vs. Notre Dame de Sion, 3:30

 

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 10

Monday’s result 

(4) Clever 5, (5) Aurora 1

 

Tuesday’s semifinals

(1) Mount Vernon 5, Clever 0

(3) College Heights 5, (2) Monett 0 

 

Wednesday’s title match

Mount Vernon vs. College Heights, 4:30

GIRLS TENNIS: Cavaliers remain undefeated with close win over Bulldogs

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

In a matchup between the Joplin area’s top girls tennis teams, Thomas Jefferson defeated Carl Junction 5-4 on Monday at the Joplin Athletic Complex courts.

Carl Junction’s Naiyah Wurdeman is pictured during Monday’s dual against Carl Junction. Photo by Israel Perez.

The Cavaliers kept their perfect record intact with the close victory, improving to 10-0.

The Bulldogs fell to 13-3. 

Thomas Jefferson won two of the three doubles matches.

At No. 1 doubles, Carl Junction’s Naiyah Wurdeman and Jenna Besperat defeated TJ’s Allison Ding and Jeanna Jeyaraj 8-3. Wurdeman and Besperat are returning state qualifiers in doubles.

At No. 2 doubles, Thomas Jefferson’s Esther Yang and Kyla Yang beat Isabel Read-Brooklin Leggett 8-4, while Warda Morsy and Mayson Solum defeated Emily Rice-Brooke Jasperson 8-5 at No. 3 doubles.

At No. 1 singles, Wurdeman defeated Ding 8-4 and Besperat beat Jeyaraj 8-2 at No. 2 singles.

TJ’s Esther Yang defeated Read 8-4 at No. 3 singles, while Morsy topped Rice 8-2 at No. 4 singles. 

Carl Junction’s Leggett defeated Solum 8-5 at No. 5 singles, but TJ’s Kyla Yang beat Jasperson 8-3 at No. 6 singles.

Both teams conclude the regular season on Tuesday, as Carl Junction is at Willard and Thomas Jefferson hosts Lamar. 

The Cavaliers and Bulldogs could meet again in the postseason, as district tournament play begins next week.

The Cavaliers are the host school for Class 2 District 7. The district also features Barstow, Belton, Carl Junction, Notre Dame de Sion, Webb City and Willard.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s Mayson Solum is pictured during Monday’s dual against Carl Junction. Thomas Jefferson defeated Carl Junction 5-4. All photos by Israel Perez/SoMo Sports.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s Allison Ding is pictured during Monday’s match against Carl Junction. The Cavaliers edged the Bulldogs 5-4 to remain undefeated.

 

Carl Junction’s Jenna Besperat is pictured during Monday’s dual with Thomas Jefferson.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s Warda Morsy hits a forehand against Carl Junction on Monday.

 

Carl Junction’s Emily Rice hits a forehand against Thomas Jefferson on Monday at the Joplin Athletic Complex.

 

Carl Junction’s Brooke Jasperson hits a backhand against Thomas Jefferson at the Joplin Athletic Complex. Photo by Israel Perez.

 

Thomas Jefferson’s Jeanna Jeyaraj hits a backhand during her match against Carl Junction.

GIRLS GOLF: Joplin claims team title at Carthage invite

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARTHAGE, Mo. — With three of the top 10 individuals, the Joplin High School girls golf team captured the team championship at the annual eCarthage.com Invitational on Monday at the Carthage Golf Course.

The Eagles turned in a four-person score of 390. Joplin’s Drew Yockey finished fifth with a 91, while Scarlett Satterlee tied for sixth with a 92 and Kenna Haley placed 10th with a 97. 

Carl Junction (412) and Mount Vernon (430) were second and third in the team standings.

Rounding out the team standings were El Dorado Springs (435), Monett (449), Seneca (463), Carthage (464), Webb City (466), McDonald County (512) and East Newton (520).

Nevada junior Emree Cameron was the individual medalist with a 2-under-par 69. Cameron, last year’s Class 2 state runner-up, was the lone player to shoot under par.

Cassville’s Avery Chappell was the individual runner-up with a 5-over-par 76, while Lamar’s Victoria O’Neal finished third with an 87 and Mount Vernon’s Kenadi Killingsworth placed fourth with an 89.

Yockey finished fifth, Carthage’s Addie Foust and Joplin’s Satterlee both carded 92 to tie for sixth, while Monett’s Katie Geiss finished eighth with a 94, Lamar’s Zavrie Wiss was ninth with a 96 and Haley rounded out the top 10.

Finishing 11th through 15th were Mount Vernon’s Emmie Schubert (98), Carl Junction’s Lyric Belcher (101), Joplin’s Emmie McGill (101), Nevada’s Paige Hertzberg (102) and Carl Junction’s Anna Burch (102).

Carl Junction’s duo of Alex Teeter (104) and Olivia Teeter (105) finished 17th and 18th, respectively.

Webb City’s Isabella Manes finished 19th with a 107 and Nevada’s Litzi Mullin, Seneca’s Madi Aumen and Cassville’s Adelee Hendricks all tied for 20th with scores of 108. 

Carl Junction’s Rylie Matyi took 23rd (109) and Joplin’s Chloe Friend finished 24th (110).

There were more than 60 golfers competing.

 

EAGLES OFF TO STELLAR START

The Joplin Eagles are off to a stellar start to the 2023 season.

In addition to winning Monday’s tourney in Carthage, the Eagles won the Seneca tri-match and have finished second in tournaments hosted by Ozark, Carl Junction and Springfield Catholic. Joplin also finished third at the Lamar Invitational. 

FOOTBALL: Webb City knocks off Carl Junction in home opener

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Ryan McFarland has been on the sidelines of countless Webb City home football games over the years, first as a player and then as an assistant coach.

But Friday night’s contest inside Cardinal Stadium was a new experience — it was McFarland’s home debut as the storied program’s head football coach. 

In the first home game since 1996 without John Roderique leading the team, Webb City earned a hard-fought 47-28 win over Carl Junction in Week 2 of the 2023 prep football season.

Ryan McFarland

McFarland noted it was a special moment to lead the Cardinals down the hill onto what is now John Roderique Field.

“It was a surreal feeling,” said McFarland, who played football at Webb City before assisting Roderique for several years on the sidelines. “Coach Roderique and I talked several times today and I think we were both kind of lost because we’re in different roles. This is a great community with great players. To lead the team down the hill tonight was a blessing for sure.”

McFarland was handed the game ball after recording his first head coaching victory at Webb City.

“The most special part of getting win No. 1 is it was able to happen here,” McFarland said. “We would have loved to win last week, but to be able to have my first game on John Roderique Field and be able to get the win was great. Our kids played well, so it was a special night.” 

After coming up short at Nixa in Week 1, Webb City never trailed in Friday’s matchup with the Bulldogs.

However, the Cardinals were clinging to a slim 21-14 halftime advantage before outscoring the Bulldogs 26-14 in the second half.

Simply put, the Bulldogs made the Cardinals earn the win.

“We were kind of frustrated at halftime because we only had three possessions,” McFarland said. “We only ran 11 plays and didn’t get the chance to get into a groove in the first half. Offensively, we really wanted to open up the playbook tonight. We made some adjustments in the second half. We got on a roll there, and I feel really good about it.” 

Webb City football coach Ryan McFarland is pictured during Friday’s home opener against Carl Junction. McFarland earned win No. 1 as Webb City’s head coach, as the Cardinals beat the Bulldogs 47-28. Photo by Israel Perez.

HAFNER PLEASED WITH BULLDOGS’ EFFORT

Despite the loss, Carl Junction coach Todd Hafner noted he was pleased with his team’s effort. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of our kids,” Hafner said. “Our kids played their guts out. We got better from Week 1 to Week 2. That’s all we ask. We asked the kids to give us everything they had tonight, and I don’t think they could have given us anymore.

“Our kids bought in during this last week of practice,” he added. “They understand now what we’re trying to get out of them. The scoreboard isn’t what we wanted, but our kids got better and I think they trust what we’re telling them.”

Of course, Hafner is back leading the Bulldogs for the second time in his coaching career.

“It’s been fantastic,” Hafner said of his return to CJ. “I can’t really put into words how fun it is right now to coach these kids. The community and school are awesome. The administration has been fantastic. These kids have bought in… I can’t be any happier.”

Webb City’s Gabe Johnson picks up a big gain on the ground against Carl Junction. Photo by Israel Perez.

GAME RECAP

Webb City’s Brody Eggleston picked off a pass on the third play of the night, giving Webb City great field position on the 37. Four plays later, sophomore Gabe Johnson took a reverse and ran 20-yards to the end zone with 10 minutes left in the first quarter. 

Marching 74 yards on 14 plays, the Bulldogs tied it up with 2:08 left in the opening frame when senior QB Dexter Merrell connected with junior wide receiver Jaxton Wobken for a 9-yard touchdown strike.  

The game wasn’t deadlocked long, as the speedy Johnson took the ensuing kickoff and sprinted 94 yards to the house to give the hosts a 14-7 lead.

A 2-yard touchdown plunge by Carl Junction senior running back Johnny Starks, along with the PAT kick by Gavin Cowger, made it 14-14 with 3:40 remaining in the first half. A 34-yard pass from Merrell to junior Ryder Pyles set up the game-tying score.

Webb City senior quarterback Braden McKee charged into the end zone from 3 yards out with 43 seconds left in the first half, and Alex Dunne’s PAT kick gave the Cardinals a 21-14 cushion at the break.

The Cardinals outscored the Bulldogs 13-7 in both the third and fourth quarters for the final margin.

Carl Junction’s Johnny Starks takes a handoff from Dexter Merrell during Friday’s game at Webb City.

Senior running back Omari Jackson ripped off a 42-yard touchdown run early in the second half, but Carl Junction responded when Merrell scored on a 3-yard QB keeper.

The Cardinals separated with two unanswered touchdowns—a 49-yard run by Galardo and a 37-yard pass from McKee to junior Drew Vonder Haar that made it 40-21.

The two teams traded scores late in the fourth quarter, as Merrell connected with Wobken on a 7-yard strike before Webb City’s Johnson completed a 72-yard TD pass to junior Joseph DeGraffenreid in what was a final exclamation point on the win.

 

NAMES & NUMBERS

The total offense was nearly identical in this one, as Carl Junction recorded 349 yards (177 rushing and 172 passing), while Webb City had 346 yards (186 rushing and 160 passing). 

The Bulldogs, who had 18 first downs to Webb City’s 12, ran 73 offensive plays to the Cardinals’ 32. Carl Junction’s time of possession was 34:28 to Webb City’s 13:32. 

“We played better up front this week,” Hafner said. “Last week’s game really helped us prepare our kids for what we were looking for.”

Merrell completed 13 of 23 passes for 172 yards and also ran for 80 yards on 23 carries. Starks finished with 87 rushing yards on 17 carries. Starks was also credited with 10 tackles.

Webb City’s Galardo ran for 94 yards on just eight carries, while Jackson added 48 yards and Johnson had 38.

Johnson completed both of his pass attempts for 82 yards, while McKee was 4 for 7 passing for 78 yards.

Senior linebacker Christian Brock led Webb City’s defense with 10 tackles, while Eggleston and senior linebacker Jordan Howard had nine tackles apiece and senior defensive back Conner Gayman had eight.

McFarland noted his team still has work to do.

“I know our defense got frustrated because CJ was able to hang on to the ball and get first downs,” McFarland said. “They did to us what we wanted to do to Nixa last week…they kept our offense off the field. We’ll watch the film and I’m sure we’ll see some areas we need to get fixed. And I’m sure we’ll get those things fixed moving forward.”

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Carl Junction (0-2) hosts Neosho (0-2) next Friday at Bulldog Stadium. 

Webb City (1-1) travels to Republic (2-0) in Week 3. Of course, the Tigers ended Webb City’s 2022 season in the district semifinals. 

“They beat us for the first time in school history to end our season last year,” McFarland said. “They’re proving they’re one of the best teams in the conference. We should be fired up to get work on Monday. I’m excited. It should be a good test for us and it will show us where we’re at as a team.”

Webb City’s Breckin Galardo attempts to elude Carl Junction’s Jaxton Wobken.

 

WEBB CITY 47, CARL JUNCTION 28

Carl Junction  7   7     7    7—28

Webb City     14   7   13    13—47

SCORING SUMMARY

WC: Gabe Johnson 20 run (Alex Dunne kick)

CJ: Jaxton Wobken 9 pass from Dexter Merrell (Gavin Cowger kick)

WC: Johnson 94 kick return (Dunne kick)

CJ: Johnny Starks 2 run (Cowger kick)

WC: Braden McKee 3 run (Dunne kick)

WC: Omari Jackson 42 run (Dunne kick)

CJ: Merrell 3 run (Cowger kick)

WC: Galardo 49 run (Kick failed)

WC: Drew Vonder Haar 37 pass from McKee (Kick failed)

CJ: Wobken 7 pass from Merrell (Cowger kick)

WC: Joseph DeGraffenreid 72 pass from Gabe Johnson (Dunne kick)

 

Webb City’s Brett Korth attempts to tackle Carl Junction QB Dexter Merrell on Friday night. All photos by Israel Perez.

 

Carl Junction’s Ryder Pyles looks to elude the Webb City defense during Friday’s game at Webb City High School.

 

Webb City’s Christian Brock tackles Carl Junction’s Marcus Lopez-Durman on Friday night.

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

GIRLS SOCCER: Area players named to All-COC team

Posted on by Jason Peake

The All-Central Ozark Conference girls soccer team for 2023 has been released.

 

2023 ALL-COC GIRLS SOCCER TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Midfielders: Briley Efird, Branson (Sr.); Jocelyn Brown, Carl Junction (Sr.); Alexa Gaunt, Nixa (Sr.); Kenadie Limb, Willard (Soph.).

Forwards: Hannah Franks, Carl Junction (Sr.); Daniela Marquez, Carthage (Sr.); Dakota DeGraffenreid, Webb City (Fr.); Katelyn Magee, Willard (Soph.).

Defenders: Lydia deWild, Nixa (Sr.); Bailey Snyder, Nixa (Soph.); Audrey Carlton, Ozark (Soph.); Molly Rushing, Ozark (Sr.); Ava Brown, Republic (Jr.).

Goalkeeper: Alexis Soloman, Ozark (Sr.).

 

SECOND TEAM

Midfielders: Paisley Parker, Joplin (Sr.); Gissele Vargas, Neosho (Sr.); Shaeley Combs, Ozark (Sr.); Annabelle Shuler, Ozark (Sr.); Molly Blades, Republic (Jr.); Charlae Cowan, Willard (Sr.).

Forwards: Kianna Yates, Carthage (Sr.); Shaelee Franck, Nixa (Fr.); Brooke Teter, Nixa (Soph.); Madison Foley, Willard (Sr.).

Defenders: Sonia Lopez, Carthage (Sr.); Emma Burton, Ozark (Sr.); Brooklyn Claxton, Republic (Jr.).

GK: Chrissy Figueroa, Carl Junction (Sr.).

 

HONORABLE MENTION TEAM

Midfielders: Sam McClain, Nixa (Fr.); Emma Siegler, Willard (Jr.).

Forwards: Isabella Johnson, Nixa (Jr.); Chloe Kondracki, Ozark (Soph.); Addison Shuler, Ozark (Soph.); Kendra Phiri, Republic (Jr.); Avery Allen, Webb City (Fr.).

Defenders: Abigail Decker, Branson (Jr.); Constance Graham, Carl Junction (Sr.); Kimberly Monterroso, Carthage (Soph.); Avery Bishop, Nixa (Soph.).

 

STATE TRACK & FIELD: Area athletes earn medals on Day 1

Posted on by Jason Peake

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Joplin area fared extremely well at the MSHSAA Track and Field Championships on Friday.

Lamar and East Newton both had individual state champions, while Joplin, Neosho, Carthage, Webb City, Carl Junction and Nevada all had athletes earn all-state recognition at Adkins Stadium on the campus of Jefferson City High School.

Below is a recap of Day 1 action for local athletes competing in classes 3-5. The state track meet concludes on Saturday.

 

CLASS 5

JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS

Joplin senior Hobbs Campbell was the runner-up in the Class 5 1600-meter run on Friday, finishing in 4:13.01. Rock Bridge’s Andrew Hauser won the race in 4:12.79. Campbell also finished second to Hauser at last year’s state meet.

A future Kansas Jayhawk, Campbell also finished fifth in the 800 on Friday with a time of 1:55, giving the JHS standout a pair of medals.

Campbell will finish his prep career on Saturday by running the 3200. 

Joplin’s other medalist on Friday was freshman Cordell Washington, who tied Ozark’s Peyton Ligon  for sixth place in the high jump by clearing 6-5.5. 

In other events, Eagles senior Drew VanGilder finished 10th in the javelin (153-11) and senior Orion Norris finished 15th in the prelims of the 200 (22.59).

Joplin’s 4×100 relay team of Quinton Renfro, Tayshawn Palmer, Norris and Davin Thomas finished 11th in the prelims in 43.11 seconds and did not advance to the finals. 

The top eight in each preliminary event advance to Saturday’s finals and the top eight in field events/running finals are state medalists.

On the girls side, Joplin’s 4×100 relay team of Phia Vogel, Abigayle Lowery, Abigail Eckert and Brylee Strickland finished seventh in 48.95 seconds to advance to the finals. 

A freshman, Strickland had a busy day. In Friday’s prelims, Strickland finished ninth in the 400-meter run (1:00), 10th in the 100-meter dash (12.33 seconds) and 11th in the 200 (25.78).

 

CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Tigers senior Micah Lindsey earned a spot on the awards podium after placing fifth in the shot put (57-9).

A Pittsburg State football recruit, Lindsey is a two-time medalist, as he finished seventh in the event last year.

Carthage senior Miguel Solano placed ninth in the 800 with a time of 1:56.36, just missing a spot on the awards stand. The eighth place finisher, Grayson Tapp of Liberty North, recorded a time of 1:56.14.

Tigers junior Daryl Martin finished 12th in the 300 hurdles prelims with a time of 40.99 seconds.

For the Carthage girls, freshman Chasity Straw finished 11th in the discus (118-5).

 

NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS

Neosho senior Collyn Kivett earned a medal by finishing fifth in the Class 5 javelin. Kivett recorded a heave of 169-7.

Wildcats senior Tyrese Hill advanced to the finals of the 200-meter dash by finishing fourth in Friday’s prelims in 21.73 seconds. Hill was also 10th in the prelims of the 100 (10.86).

Neosho senior Jared Siler finished 10th in both of his individual events, the long jump (21-4) and the high jump (6-3.5).

Izaiah Hill finished 16th in the prelims of the 400 (51.29).

 

CLASS 4

WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Webb City had four all-state performances on Friday, three on the boys side. 

Webb City senior Trey Roets closed out his prep career on the awards podium after placing third in the javelin with a toss of 179-11. 

Roets, who will compete in football and track at William Jewell, was also third in the event last year.

The Cardinals had two medalists in the javelin, as junior Tucker Liberatore placed sixth with a toss of 171-4.

Webb City’s third medalist of the day was junior Evan Stevens, who placed fifth in the 1600 with a time of 4:21. Stevens will run the 3200 on Saturday.

In other events, Webb City sophomore Eric Lathan finished 13th in the shot put with a toss of 48-5.5 and Cardinals junior Ryan Reid competed in the high jump, but did not clear the opening height.

Webb City’s 4×400 relay team of Gabe Johnson, Noah Moss, Joshua White and Jordan Thornburg finished 16th in the prelims.

Of note, Webb City senior Grayson Smith will attempt to repeat as Class 4 pole vault champion on Saturday.

On the girls side, senior Abi Street finished third in the 3200 with a time of 10:59 to earn all-state honors. Street will compete in the 1600 on Saturday.

Webb City’s 4×100 relay team of Kylie Jennings, Chase Stilley, Alyssa Moreno and Essence Robinson finished ninth in 50.03 seconds, just missing a spot in the finals.

Webb City junior Aubree Lassiter finished 11th in the discus (111-0).

 

CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Carl Junction junior Acadia Badgley finished sixth in the pole vault by clearing 10 feet even, earning all-state recognition.

Carl Junction sophomore Sydney Ward advanced to the finals in two events. 

In Friday’s prelims, Ward finished fourth in the 100-meter dash (12.08 seconds) and fifth in the 200 (25.1). Ward will compete in the finals of both events on Saturday. She was a medalist in both events last year as a freshman. 

The CJ girls finished 15th in the prelims of the 4×200 relay, as Olivia Battagler, Destiny Buerge, Dezi Williams and Ward recorded a time of 1:48.7.

Freshman Bella Montez was 12th in the prelims of the 300 hurdles with a time of 49.39 seconds.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

McDonald County’s 4×100 relay team of Sam Barton, Esteban Martinez-Olvera, Dominic Cervantes and Josh Pacheco finished 15th in the prelims.

The Mustangs finished ninth in the 4×400 prelims, with Cervantes, Hunter Leach, Dalton McClain and Pacheco competing.

The Mac County girls finished 15th in the 4×400 prelims, with Clara Horton, Corina Holland, Ireona Nirka and Anna Price competing.

 

NEVADA HIGHLIGHTS

Nevada senior Drew Beachler was the runner-up in the Class 4 long jump after recording a leap of 23-2.

He’ll compete in the triple jump on Saturday.

 

CLASS 3

COLLEGE HEIGHTS GIRLS

The College Heights girls finished ninth in the prelims of the 4×200 relay with a time of 1:48.87, with Jayli Johnson, Allie Stout, Lauren Ukena and Jesalin Bever competing. 

The Cougars were nipped at the finish line for the final spot in the finals by Maryville (1:48.86).

The CHC girls were 10th in the 4×400 prelims, as Bever, Johnson, Stout and Ukena recorded a time of 4:15.

A senior, Johnson finished 11th in the prelims of the 400 with a time of 1:01.

 

OTHER CLASS 3 HIGHLIGHTS

Two regional athletes won state titles in Class 3.

Lamar junior Trace Wooldridge won the shot put with a toss of 55-0.25.

East Newton’s Chase Sorrell crossed the line first in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:53. 

A junior, Sorrell also finished second in the 1600 with a time of 4:17 to earn two medals on the day.

East Newton had two other medalists, as Michael Crowe was the runner-up in the high jump (6-4) and Eden Enlow finished seventh in the javelin (149-10).

On the girls side in Class 3, Lamar’s Kiersten Potter finished third in the 3200 (11:18), Aurora’s Makena Hall placed fifth in the pole vault (10-3.5) and Cassville’s Jolie Evans was fifth in the 3200 (11:36).

Cassville’s 4×800 relay team of Marianne McCrackin, Tori Mitchell, Jadyn Williams-Reed and Jolie Evans finished fourth with a time of 10:03.

DISTRICT BASEBALL: Webb City, Mac County advance to semifinals, Carl Junction falls

Posted on by Jason Peake

WARRENSBURG, Mo. —  The higher seeds all prevailed in the quarterfinal round of the Class 5 District 7 baseball tournament on Tuesday at Warrensburg High School. 

Top-seeded McDonald County rolled past eighth-seeded Ruskin 15-0, fourth-seeded Warrensburg topped fifth-seeded Carl Junction 4-2, second-seeded Webb City blasted seventh-seeded Grandview 13-0 and third-seeded Belton beat sixth-seeded Bolivar 6-1.

In Thursday’s semifinals, McDonald County (19-8) meets Warrensburg (11-14) at 4 p.m. and Webb City (19-13) takes on Belton (18-13) at approximately 6:15.

 

WEBB CITY 13, GRANDVIEW 0

Webb City junior Drew Vonder Haar tossed a five-inning perfect game, and the Cardinals’ offense put up runs in four straight innings to earn a dominant run-rule victory.

The Cardinals scored twice in the first inning, three times in the second, once in the third and seven times in the fourth. The game ended after the top of the fifth due to the run-rule.

Webb City scored twice in the first on two hits, an error and a ground out.

In the second, Sam Weller contributed a sac fly and Cy Darnell delivered a two-run single for a 5-0 lead.

One inning later, William Hayes smacked an RBI single to left.

The Cardinals extended their lead to 13-0 by scoring seven runs in the fourth.

In the big inning, Kaylor Darnell walked with the bases loaded, a run scored on Hayes’ fielder’s choice, Gage Chapman delivered a sac fly, Weller contributed a two-run triple, Cy Darnell hit an RBI double and Hunt followed with a run-scoring single.

Cy Darnell went 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Weller and Hayes had two hits apiece.

Vonder Haar struck out six batters in five innings of work. He did not allow a hit or a walk. Vonder Haar needed just 46 pitches to get through five frames.

 

WARRENSBURG 4, CARL JUNCTION 2

Warrensburg’s two-run fourth inning proved to be the difference in this one.

Carl Junction scored a run in the second inning when Drew Massey drew a bases-loaded walk.

The Tigers scored once in both the second and third innings. 

Massey’s RBI double to left in the top of the fourth made it 2-2.

But Warrensburg went ahead for good on Keaton Frey’s two-run single in the bottom of the fourth.

The Bulldogs were limited to four hits, one apiece by Arlen Wakefield, Wyatt McAfee, Deacon Endicott and Massey.

Carl Junction’s Lucas Vanlanduit took the loss. He went five innings on the mound, allowing four runs, none earned, on six hits and two walks while striking out four.

Logan Eck tossed a scoreless inning in relief.

Warrensburg’s Gauge Claunch was the winning pitcher. He gave up one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out eight.

Carl Junction ends the season with a record of 9-18. 

Note: No other information on McDonald County’s game was available at the time of publication.

 

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