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Tag: McDonald County

GIRLS HOOPS: Host Mac County wins opener of Lady Mustang Classic

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

ANDERSON, Mo. — McDonald County won the opening game of the Lady Mustang Classic on Saturday, as the hosts topped Providence Academy 60-49.

The Mustangs led 19-17 after the first period and they were up 36-28 at halftime.

McDonald County won the third quarter 14-9 to go up 50-37 heading into the fourth period.

The Mustangs were outscored 12-10 in the final frame, but never gave up their lead.

Sophomore guard Carlie Martin scored 18 points to lead the Mustangs, while classmate Jamie Washam added 13. Three others scored seven points apiece—Carlee Cooper, Dakota O’Brien and Roslynn Huston.

Karolina Kiraga scored 17 points to lead Providence Academy.

McDonald County meets Bentonville West at 7:30 on Tuesday. 

There are three tourney games scheduled on Monday, as Webb City meets Springdale at 4:30, Bentonville West plays Providence at 6 and Carl Junction takes on Farmington at 7:30. 

The tournament continues with three games on Tuesday and wraps up with four games on Wednesday, with the title game slated for 8 p.m.

FOOTBALL: Five area teams set for quarterfinal matchups

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

Five area prep football teams are set to compete in the state quarterfinals, with semifinal berths up for grabs.

Two local teams will be in action on Friday night.

In a Class 5 quarterfinal, Webb City (9-2) will host Grain Valley (10-1) at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Stadium. 

In a Class 3 clash, Seneca (11-0) travels to Ava (11-0), with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Three area teams will take the field on Saturday afternoon for their respective quarterfinal contests.

There are two Class 4 quarterfinals of local interest, as McDonald County (8-4) hosts Jefferson City (8-4) and Nevada (9-2) travels to Kearney (10-2).

In Class 2, Lamar (10-1) hosts Lafayette County (12-0).

All of Saturday’s games are scheduled for 1 p.m.

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: McDonald County, Lamar capture district titles

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 40, BOLIVAR 21

The McDonald County Mustangs captured the program’s first district championship by beating Bolivar 40-21 in the Class 4 District 6 title game on Friday at SBU.

The Mustangs led 14-7 at halftime and 27-21 at the end of the third period.

Destyn Dowd scored four touchdowns for the Mustangs, while Josh Pacheco and Sam Barton contributed one touchdown apiece.

McDonald County (8-4) will host Jefferson City (8-4) in the Class 4 quarterfinals on Saturday.

 

LAMAR 35, ADRIAN 18

Lamar won the Class 2 District 5 title on Friday.

Adrian held an 18-14 lead at the end of the third quarter before the Tigers scored 21 unanswered points in the final frame.

Lamar (10-1) hosts Lafayette County (12-0) in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The Big 8 West captured four district titles on Friday, as Seneca, Lamar, Nevada and Mac County all won their respective title games.

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

 

FOOTBALL: Seneca remains undefeated with win over McDonald County

Posted on by Jason Peake

Seneca overcame a halftime deficit with a strong second half on the way to a 38-14 win over McDonald County on Friday night.

The Indians remained undefeated at 8-0, while the Mustangs fell to 4-4. 

The Mustangs led 14-12 at halftime, but the Indians scored 26 unanswered points in the second half.

The two teams traded scores in the first two quarters.

Seneca scored on its opening drive, with Jackson Marrs recording the touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed.

McDonald County took a 7-6 lead when Destyn Dowd completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Josh Pacheco. 

Ethan Altic hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Gavyn Hoover in the second quarter to give the Indians a 12-7 lead.

The Mustangs went up 14-12 late in the first half after a 7-yard touchdown run from Dowd.

The Indians scored twice in the third quarter, an 8-yard run from Hoover, along with a 2-point conversion, and a 13-yard run by Marrs that made it 26-14.

Roman Miller reached the end zone twice in the fourth quarter, an 8-yard run and a 2-yard run. 

Seneca compiled 467 yards, with 312 rushing and 155 passing. 

Marrs ran 21 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Hoover added 70 rushing yards on 11 carries. Marrs also caught two passes for 115 yards. Hoover passed for 155 yards on three completions.

The Mustangs finished with 146 yards, 133 rushing and 13 passing.

Seneca recorded 22 first downs to Mac County’s nine. 

Seneca (8-0) travels to Nevada (7-1) on Friday. The Indians can secure an outright Big 8 West championship with a win. 

McDonald County (4-4) hosts East Newton (2-6) in Week 9.

 

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

 

DISTRICT BASEBALL: After thrilling wins, Webb City, McDonald County will meet in title game

Posted on by Jason Peake

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Shaun Hunt delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth inning, leading second-seeded Webb City past third-seeded Belton 3-2 on Thursday night in the semifinals of the Class 5 District 7 baseball tournament.

In the first semifinal, top-seeded McDonald County got past fourth-seeded Warrensburg 1-0.

With their respective wins, the Cardinals (20-13) and Mustangs (20-8) will meet in the district title game at 6 p.m. on Monday at Neosho’s Roy B. Shaver Field.

 

WEBB CITY 3, BELTON 2

The game was deadlocked when Webb City came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Sam Weller walked and went to second on Cy Darnell’s sacrifice bunt before Hunt smacked a game-ending RBI single into left field to give the Cardinals a thrilling walk-off win.

Webb City scored twice in the first inning. Weller walked and Cy Darnell singled to start the frame. Drew Vonder Haar drove in a run with a ground out to third before Christian Brock lined an RBI single into left. 

The Pirates cut their deficit in half in the third, as Ethan Yinger doubled to left, went to third on a fielder’s choice and scored on a ground out to first. 

Belton stranded the bases loaded in the fourth, as Webb City starting pitcher Kaylor Darnell maneuvered out of trouble by recording a pair of strikeouts.

The Pirates tied it up in the sixth on Bryan Choi’s RBI single into left. A hit by pitch and sac bunt started the inning. 

Webb City pulled off a key double play to end the top of the seventh after the Pirates had the go-ahead run in scoring position.

The Cardinals stranded the go-ahead run at second in the bottom of the seventh, as Belton’s Jacob Ross struck out two straight batters to send the game into extra innings.

Belton had the bases loaded with one out in the eighth, but Walker Street recorded back-to-back strikeouts to get out of trouble.

A senior right-hander, Sweet was the winning pitcher. He went 2 2/3 innings and did not allow an earned run while striking out five. He allowed four hits and two walks.

Kaylor Darnell went 5 1/3 innings. He allowed one run on five hits and struck out four.

Kenley Hood had two of Webb City’s six hits.

Ross went the distance for Belton. He took the loss after allowing three earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out nine in 7 1/3 innings.

Belton ends the season at 17-14.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 1, WARRENSBURG 0

Both starting pitchers, McDonald County’s Cross Dowd and Warrensburg’s Sam Slobaszewski, kept the opposition at bay for most of the game.

The Mustangs pushed across the game’s lone run in the bottom of the second without a hit, as Weston Gordon and Fischer Sanny walked before a pair of Warrensburg errors allowed Gordon to cross home. 

The Tigers stranded the bases loaded in the fourth, as Dowd struck out Cole Kreisel to end the threat.

The hosts had the tying run at third base with two outs in the seventh before the Mustangs closed out the win.

Warrensburg out-hit Mac County 5-2. The Tigers (11-15) committed three errors, while the Mustangs did not have a miscue in the field. 

Dowd delivered a stellar performance on the mound. He went 6 2/3 innings, allowing just five hits and three walks while striking out nine.

Angel Ruiz recorded the final out to earn the save.

Dowd and Jack Parnell had Mac County’s lone hits.

Slobaszewski took the loss but allowed no earned runs in six innings. He gave up just two hits and three walks while striking out two. 

NOTE: McDonald County defeated Webb City 6-3 on April 4 at Barnes Field.

The rematch, which will be held at Warrensburg High School, will determine who advances to the state quarterfinals. 

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.

 

DISTRICT TRACK & FIELD: Webb City boys win team title; large group of local athletes advance to Class 4 sectional

Posted on by Jason Peake

HOLLISTER, Mo. — Webb City’s boys track and field squad captured the Class 4 District 6 championship on Saturday at Hollister High School.

The Cardinals compiled 169 points and Marshfield was second with 144. 

The Webb City girls were second in the team standings with 140 points. Marshfield was first with 168.

At the district meet, the top four finishers in each event advanced to next Saturday’s sectional meet in West Plains.

 

WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Webb City’s boys won six events and took second in four events.

Overall, Webb City advanced 19 entries to the sectional in 15 events. The Cardinals had two qualifiers in four different events (javelin, pole vault, 110 hurdles, 1600). 

Defending state champion Grayson Smith was the district champ in the pole vault after clearing 15-7 and senior Trey Roets won the javelin with a toss of 177-3. 

Webb City junior Evan Stevens won a pair of individual events, the 1600 in 4:38 and the 3200 in 10:06.

Nate Miller was the runner-up in the discus (145-4), Jordan Thornburg took second in the 100-meter dash (11.15 seconds) and Mason Hedger was second in the 800 (2:03). 

Ryan Reid placed third in the high jump, Tucker Liberatore was third in the javelin, Jadon Brisco took third in the pole vault and Noah Moss finished third in two events, the 400 and the 110 hurdles.

Eric Lathan (shot put), Atticus Luzadder (1600) and Jace Jones (110 H) all finished fourth. 

Webb City’s boys advanced in all four relays.

The Cardinals won the 4×800 relay in 8:26, with Hedger, Dakota Grove, Noah Lankford and Stevens competing.

Webb City’s 4×100 team took first in 43.24 seconds and Webb City was second in the 4×200.

The Cardinals placed third in the 4×400.

Webb City’s girls won five events and advanced to the sectional in 11 events.

Webb City senior standout Abi Street won two individual events and finished second in another.

A Kansas signee, Street won the 1600 in 5:43 and also crossed the line first in the 3200 in 12:30.

Street was the runner-up in the 800 with a time of 2:25, as her teammate Brooke Hedger took first in 2:21. A freshman, Hedger took second to her teammate Street in the 1600.

Cardinals junior Dawsyn Decker won the javelin with a toss of 131-2.

Also, Lily McCaw was the runner-up in the pole vault, Essence Robinson took second in the 400, Chase Stilley placed third in the high jump, Emily Countryman was third in the 3200 and Aubree Lassiter placed third in the discus.

The Webb City girls also fared well in the relays.

Featuring Robinson, Stilley, Aspen White and Hedger, Webb City’s girls won the 4×400 relay in 4:14.

The team of White, Kristina Bundy, Countryman and Street finished second in the 4×800 relay. 

The Cardinals were also second in the 4×100, with Kylie Jennings, Stilley, Alyssa Moreno and Robinson running.

 

CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Carl Junction sophomore Sydney Ward won two events, the 100-meter dash in 12.33 seconds and the 200 in 25.91.

Also for the CJ girls, Bella Montez crossed the line first in the 300 hurdles in 49.59 seconds, while Acadia Badgley won the pole vault by clearing 10 feet even.

Madilyn Olds finished fourth in the javelin.

Carl Junction’s 4×200 relay team of Olivia Battagler, Destiny Buerge, Dezi Williams and Ward took third.

The Bulldogs were third in the 4×100, with Battagler, Buerge, Bella Montez and Ward competing.

For the Carl Junction boys, Donnie Keith placed third in the discus, Braxton Dodds was fourth in the javelin and Dexter Merrell finished fourth in the 300 hurdles.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

McDonald County’s 4×400 relay team of Dominic Cervantes, Hunter Leach, Dalton McClain and Josh Pacheco took first in 3:30. 

The Mustangs were third in the 4×800 relay, with Tyler Rothrock, McClain, Miguel Mora and Leach competing.

The Mustangs also finished third in the 4×100 relay, with Samuel Barton, Esteban Martinez-Olvera, Cervantes and Josh Pacheco running.

Pacheco took third in the triple jump, while Leach was third in the 800, Toby Moore finished third in the shot put and fourth in the discus and Cervantes placed fourth in the 400. 

The Mac County girls took second in the 4×400 relay, with Clara Horton, Corina Holland, Ireona Nirka and Anna Price competing. 

The team’s 4×800 relay finished fourth, with Horton, Kate Cheney, Dallie Racher and Price competing.

Holland placed third in the 400 and Lacey Nix finished fourth in the pole vault.

 

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Monett’s Konner Poynter won three events, the 110 hurdles, the 300 hurdles and the 200-meter dash. He was also fourth in the 100.

 

TRACK & FIELD: Carthage sweeps team titles at McDonald County

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — In the opener of the 2023 track and field season, Carthage’s girls and boys both captured the team championships at McDonald County’s Ebenee Munoz Memorial Stampede on Wednesday.

Carthage’s girls compiled 197.5 team points to finish on top of the standings. Monett (134) and Cassville (103) were second and third, with McDonald County (93.5) fourth.

Carthage’s boys took first in the team standings with 187 points. East Newton was second with 105, Cassville was third with 101 and Monett was fourth with 100.

 

GIRLS HIGHLIGHTS

Carthage’s Lexa Youngblood had a memorable start to her sophomore season, as she won two individual events and was also part of two winning relays. 

Youngblood took first in both the 100-meter dash (12.71 seconds) and the 400-meter dash (1:02).

Also winning individual events for Carthage were Joey Hettinger (long jump), Karlie Nichols (discus), Lilly Holmes (shot put) and Maggie Boyd (1600). 

In the 4×100 relay, Carthage’s team of Alexis Patrick, Youngblood, Aven Willis and Hettinger took first in 52.22 seconds.

The Tigers also won the 4×400 relay in 4:21, with Willis, Evelyn Carrol, Boyd and Youngblood competing.

The Tigers were second in the 4×800 relay, with Grace Brown, Katy Witherspoon, Lauren Choate and Boyd competing. Carthage was also second in the 4×200 relay, with Willis, Trisha Kanas, Kamryn Dininger and Patrick running.

Carthage’s Jaidyn Brunnert took second in both the triple jump and the 100 hurdles and she was third in the 300 hurdles.

Also taking second in their individual events were Hettinger (high jump), Witherspoon (3200) and Nichols (shot put). Willis placed third in the 200 and Carrol finished third in the high jump. 

College Heights Christian’s Jesi Bever was second in the long jump and fourth in the 100 hurdles, while teammate Maddy Colin placed fourth in the high jump.

Also for CHC, Jayli Johnson and Lauren Ukena finished third and fourth in the 100, while Marla Anderegg placed fourth in the 1600 and fifth in the 800. 

The Cougars placed third in the 4×800, with Johnson, Anderegg, Amelia Hagale and Ukena competing.

Jasper sophomore Crystal Smith had a big meet, as she won four individual events—the high jump, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and the 200-meter dash.

Other individual event winners in the girls meet were Cassville’s Annie Moore (pole vault) and Jolie Evans (800), Monett’s Addalyn Brownlee (triple jump) and Sadie Camp (3200) and McDonald County’s Anissa Ramirez (javelin).  

McDonald County’s Analisa Ramirez was the runner-up in the javelin, while Anna Price took third in the pole vault and Peyton Cooper was third in the discus.

 

BOYS HIGHLIGHTS

Winning individual events for Carthage were Miguel Solano (400), Daryl Martin (300 hurdles), Haydon Cooper (pole vault) and Micah Lindsey (shot put).

Carthage’s Trenton Yates finished second in three events—the 110 hurdles, high jump and triple jump. Yates was third in the 300 hurdles.

Also taking second for the Tigers were Braxton McBride (100), Solano (1600), Devin Smith (3200), and Kruz Castor (long jump). Caleb Fewin finished third in the 3200 and Solano was third in the 800.

Carthage finished second in the 4×400, with Castor, Jackson Hettinger, Darrin Witt and Jonah Eby competing.

The Tigers also placed second in the 4×800 (Trey Nye, Skuylor Honeycutt, Michael Lanyon, Fewin).

McDonald County’s Josh Pacheco (long jump, triple jump) and Andrew Moritz (javelin) claimed first-place finishes for the Mustangs. 

The Mustangs won the 4×100 relay (Samuel Barton, Dalton McClain, Tucker Dill, Esteban Martinez-Olvera) and the 4×200 relay (Martinez-Olvera, Aidrian Short, McClain, Pacheco).

Cassville won the 4×400 (Charles Elliott, Caleb Leach, Peter Littlefield, Jacob Martinez) and the 4×800 (Elliott, Matteo Lumetta, Martinez, Caleb Leach).

Monett’s Konner Poynter had a memorable meet, winning the 100, 200 and 110 hurdles.

Other individual event winners were Monett’s Julio Cruz (3200) and East Newton’s Chase Sorrell (800, 1600), Michael Crowe (high jump) and Dominic Shaw (discus).

College Heights’ top finish came in the 4×200 relay, as the team of Colsen Dickens, Derek Bowman, Ethan Ukena and Logan Decker took second.

Also for the CHC boys, Dickens finished third in the 400, Caleb Quade placed third in the high jump, Decker finished fourth in the long jump, Ukena took fourth in the triple jump and fifth in the 200 and Ian Edwards was sixth in the 110 hurdles. 

The Cougars were fifth in the 4×100 relay and sixth in the 4×800.

 

McDonald County Ebenee Munoz Memorial Stampede

Girls team standings: Carthage 197.5, Monett 134, Cassville 103, McDonald County 93.5, Jasper 65, College Heights Christian 51, East Newton 22, Southwest 20, Wheaton 10.

Boys team standings: Carthage 187, East Newton 105, Cassville 101, Monett 100, McDonald County 94, Jasper 67, College Heights 48, Southwest 21, Gentry 6, Wheaton 5.

NEOSHO HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Fast start leads Mustangs past Patriots for 7th place

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

MCDONALD COUNTY BOYS 54, EAST NEWTON 35

NEOSHO, Mo. — The McDonald County Mustangs raced out to a big early lead and never looked back in the Black bracket’s seventh-place game on Friday at Neosho Junior High.

In a game they never trailed, McDonald County led 21-3 by the end of the first quarter. 

The Mustangs took their biggest lead, 22 points, at the 6:41 mark of the fourth quarter.

Sterling Woods scored 21 points, handed out six assists and grabbed four steals to lead the Mustangs (6-6), while Josh Pacheco recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Cross Dowd added 10 points for the Mustangs, while Weston Gordon scored seven.

East Newton received 11 points from Marshall Renner and nine apiece from Chase Sorrell and Braxton Wolfe. 

Wolfe had 12 rebounds for the Patriots (5-7).

McDonald County scored 20 points off East Newton’s 16 turnovers and the Mustangs outscored the Patriots 34-8 inside the paint.

 

SAPULPA 55, CASSVILLE 42

Sapulpa used a 12-4 run in the second quarter to pull away in the Black bracket’s fifth-place game on Friday at Neosho High School.

The first, third and fourth quarters were nearly even.

Aidan Cook scored 11 points to lead the Wildcats (7-4). 

LADY MUSTANG CLASSIC: Webb City holds on late, beats McDonald County

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — Webb City connected on 5-of-7 free throws in the final minute to secure a hard-fought 38-35 victory over McDonald County on Tuesday in the consolation semifinals of the Lady Mustang Classic.

With the win, the Cardinals (4-3) advance to play Farmington in the tourney’s fifth-place game at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 

McDonald County (3-5) will play Gentry (Arkansas) for seventh at 3:30 p.m.

After trailing early, Webb City scored the final seven points of the first quarter, as Malorie Stanley and Kylee Sargent both hit 3-pointers and Izzy Lopez made one free throw to give the Cardinals a 10-4 lead entering the second period.

A trey from Lopez gave the visitors a 15-6 advantage early in the second quarter, but Mac County freshman Carlie Martin scored three buckets to keep the Mustangs within striking distance.

Webb City received a hoop inside by Kim Martin and a trey from Kirra Long late in the first half before Mac County’s Megan Elwood made two free throws, cutting Webb City’s lead to 20-15 at the break. 

Webb City, once again played without starting post player Sami Mancini, also had to play much of the first half without senior Kate Brownfield, who picked up three fouls by the early stages of the second quarter. 

After intermission, the Mustangs scored the first nine points of the third quarter and took a 25-24 advantage into the fourth period. 

The game was deadlocked at 27 when the Cardinals took the lead for good after Brownfield and Dawsyn Decker each scored buckets inside.

Stanley’s mid-range jumper gave Webb City a four-point lead, but Mac County’s Martin answered with a hoop of her own with 1:20 to play.

Next, Brownfield made 3-of-4 shots at the charity stripe, McDonald County’s Jamie Washam hit two free throws of her own before Martin’s basket cut Webb City’s lead down to one with 16 seconds left.

The Cardinals and Mustangs both misfired on the front end of 1-and-1 free throws with 11 seconds and six seconds remaining, respectively. That kept the Cardinals in front by just a single tally.

Webb City’s Long was fouled with 3.2 seconds left, and the sophomore guard calmly sank both shots for the final margin. 

On the hosts’ final possession, a last-second heave near midcourt was off the mark.

A senior guard, Lopez scored 10 points to lead the Cardinals. Brownfield and Stanley scored six points apiece, while Long had five.

Martin scored 16 points to lead McDonald County, while Elwood added eight.

In the first consolation semifinal, Farmington edged Gentry 60-59.

 

Lady Mustang Classic

Tuesday’s scores

Farmington 60, Gentry 59

Webb City 38, McDonald County 35

Carl Junction 68, Springdale 44

Bentonville West 56, Fort Smith Southside 53

 

Wednesday’s schedule

Seventh place: McDonald County vs. Gentry, 3 p.m.

Fifth place: Farmington vs. Webb City, 5

Third place: Springdale vs. Southside, 6:30

Title game: Carl Junction vs. Bentonville West, 8 

 

LADY MUSTANG CLASSIC: Carl Junction cruises to victory; Mac County, Webb City suffer opening-round losses

Posted on by Jason Peake

ANDERSON, Mo. — A dominant first half propelled Carl Junction to a 67-37 victory over Gentry (Arkansas) on Monday in an opening-round contest of the 2022 Lady Mustang Classic at McDonald County High School.

Carl Junction will meet Springdale (Arkansas) in the semifinals at 6:30 on Tuesday night.

Clicking on all cylinders from the start, the Bulldogs built a 19-4 advantage by the end of the first period and held a commanding 38-15 lead by intermission en route to the lopsided win. 

Ranked fourth in Class 5 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association, Carl Junction is now 6-1 on the season.

Carl Junction scored 14 unanswered points in the opening period, and Destiny Buerge’s buzzer-beating runner in the lane gave the Bulldogs a 19-4 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Bulldogs extended their lead right away in the second period.

Treys from Hali Shorter and Buerge, hoops inside from Kylie Scott and Dezi Williams and two free throws from Klohe Burk gave Carl Junction a commanding 36-9 lead.

The Bulldogs held a comfortable 38-15 lead at intermission.

A pair of hoops from Buerge pushed CJ’s lead to 51-22 with four minutes left in the third period.

Gentry hit three unanswered 3-pointers to cut their deficit to 20, and Carl Junction held a 51-31 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs’ lead was never in jeopardy in the final frame. Buerge’s old-fashioned 3-point play made it 59-35.

A senior guard, Buerge poured in 33 points to lead Carl Junction. 

Also for the Bulldogs, Burk scored nine points, while Shorter and Williams added six points apiece. Scott, who missed most of Saturday’s Tournament of Champions title game with a sore ankle, contributed five points.

Alyssa McCarty scored 20 points for the Pioneers (4-3). 

Springdale overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to beat Farmington 51-47 in overtime.

Just two weeks ago, Carl Junction edged Springdale 62-58 in the semifinals of the CJ Classic. The rematch will determine who plays for the Lady Mustang Classic championship. 

In Monday’s other tourney action, Fort Smith Southside defeated McDonald County 51-37 and Bentonville West topped Webb City 66-36.

McDonald County and Webb City will meet in the consolation semifinals at 5 on Tuesday night.

 

FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE 51, MCDONALD COUNTY 37

The game was deadlocked at halftime before Southside took control by winning the third quarter 19-5 en route to knocking off the tourney hosts.

Eight points in the paint from Megan Elwood gave McDonald County a 13-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Mustangs led 17-10 after a hoop from Carlie Martin and free throws from Carlee Cooper, but Southside used an 11-1 run to take a 21-18 lead. 

After Mac County’s Cooper hit a game-tying trey from the top of the key, the visitors scored in the lane. But Elwood answered with a hoop inside of her own, tying the game at 23 at halftime.

The Mavericks put together a game-changing 13-2 run in the third quarter to pull ahead for good.

McDonald County’s deficit was 42-28 entering the fourth quarter, and the Mustangs were unable to rally late. McDonald County pulled within nine early in the final frame, but the Mavericks reeled off seven straight points.

A senior forward, Elwood scored 11 points to lead the Mustangs (3-4). Cooper scored eight points and hit two 3-pointers, while Anna Clarkson had seven and Martin added six.

 

BENTONVILLE WEST 66, WEBB CITY 36

Playing without a key performer, Webb City got down early and never recovered in this one.

The Cardinals (3-3) played without the services of 6-5 post player Sami Mancini for undisclosed reasons.

Webb City junior guard Mia Robbins scored eight points in the opening frame, but Bentonville West held a 21-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Cardinals managed only a single tally in the second quarter, a free throw from Malorie Stanley.

On the other hand, West hit seven 3-pointers in the first half and led 41-13 at halftime.

Bentonville West’s lead was 55-25 at the end of the third quarter.

Robbins scored nine points to lead the Cardinals, while Dawsyn Decker had seven. Kirra Long scored five points, Kate Brownfield and Kylee Sargent contributed four points apiece and Stanley had three. 

 

Lady Mustang Classic

Monday’s scores

Carl Junction 67, Gentry 37

Springdale 51, Farmington 47

Fort Smith Southside 51, McDonald County 37

Bentonville West 66, Webb City 36

WRESTLING ROUNDUP: Carl Junction tops Joplin; McDonald County beats Seneca

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

CARL JUNCTION 57, JOPLIN 18

The Carl Junction Bulldogs won seven matches by fall on their way to a 57-18 win over Joplin on Thursday night. 

Carl Junction’s Carter Foglesong (106), Lukas Walker (120), Sam Melton (126), Marcus Lopez-Durman (157), Dexter Merrell (165), Cody Berry (190) and Cayden Bollinger (285) all won their respective matches by fall.

Winning matches by fall for Joplin were Alex Short (144) and Draven VanGilder (215). 

At 132 pounds, Joplin’s Andrew Burke earned a 10-7 decision over Keaton Colburn, while CJ’s Max Matthews recorded a 9-3 win over Freddy Cerrato-Martinez at 138. Joplin’s Orion Norris defeated Nevan Challenger 4-2 at 150 pounds.  

CJ’s Cole Beezley (113) and Tony Stewart (175) won by forfeit.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 42, SENECA 39

McDonald County edged Seneca 42-39 on Thursday night in a boys wrestling dual.

Mustangs coach Josh Factor told SoMo Sports that he believes this is McDonald County’s first ever dual win over Seneca.

Seneca’s Paxton Bruegal (106), Keatin Burleson (126), Eli Manley (132), Brady Roark (138), Trentyn Raney (144) and Andrew Manley (150) all won their matches by fall. 

Seneca’s Hunter Hanes edged Robinson Yoshino 15-13 at 113 pounds. McDonald County’s Colter Vick won by fall at 190 pounds.

McDonald County’s Paden Vance (120), Levi Smith (157), Brady Bogart (165), Huxley Wardlaw (175), Samuel Murphy (215) and Jayce Hitt (285) all won their matches by forfeit.

The Mustangs also defeated Diamond 45-22.

At 144, Mac County’s Blaine Ortiz earned a tech fall, 20-4, over James LaFever. Ortiz earned his 100th career victory. 

Also for the Mustangs, Smith won by fall at 157 and Vick earned a major decision, 14-2, at 175.

Eberson Perez (106), Kevin Blancas (126), Bogart, Murphy and Hitt all won by forfeit.

Diamond’s Braydon Pelt earned a tech fall, 18-2, at 113, while Connor Pelt won by fall at 120 and Alex Stevens earned an 8-4 decision over Yeison Lopez-Duenas at 132.

Diamond’s Cody Neal (150) and Brayden Clement (190) both won by major decisions.

Seneca defeated Diamond 57-12.

The Indians received pins from Bruegal, Hanes, Eli Manley, Andrew Manley, Nash Crane and Gentry Barnes. Raney defeated LaFever 8-6 at 144 and Jace Renfro won by DQ at 190. 

Diamond’s Brandon Calentine won by fall at 157.

 

GIRLS RESULTS

McDonald County and Seneca tied 24-24 in a girls dual. 

Winning matches by fall for Seneca were Louzella Graham (120), Tessa Kinslow (135) and Liberty Cornell (155). Isabella Renfro won by forfeit at 235.

Winning by forfeit for Mac County were Jaslyn Benhumea (110), Kimberly Torres-Blancas (115), Jazmynn Brewer (145) and Helen Martinez-Mazariegos (170).

McDonald County defeated Diamond 30-18. 

In the lone contested bouts, Diamond’s Callie Montgomery (135) and Allison Calentine (145) won their matches by fall over Rylie Huston and Brewer. 

Seneca beat Diamond 21-6.

In contested matches, Seneca’s Kinslow defeated Montgomery 12-8 and Cornell won by fall over Calentine.

CJ CLASSIC ROUNDUP: Neosho, Seneca end tourney with wins

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Neosho and Seneca both earned victories on the final night of the 46th Carl Junction Classic.

Neosho won the tourney’s fifth-place game 46-35 over rival McDonald County on Thursday night, while Seneca defeated Mount Vernon 54-35 in the event’s seventh-place game. 

 

NEOSHO 46, MCDONALD COUNTY 35

In a game they never trailed, Neosho took control early by establishing a 19-2 lead. 

The Wildcats scored 14 unanswered points during the early surge.

Neosho led 22-6 at halftime and a pair of hoops in the paint from senior forward Karlee Ellick gave the Wildcats a comfortable 31-10 lead with 4:35 remaining in the third period.

However, the Mustangs finished the third quarter on an 11-2 run, but they still trailed 33-21.

McDonald County cut its deficit to seven in the fourth quarter, but Neosho never relinquished its lead en route to capturing the consolation championship. 

Ellick scored 14 points to lead Neosho, while Beclynn Garrett had 10 and Raine Harris added seven. Ellick was named to the all-tourney team. 

McDonald County received 11 points from Carlee Cooper and six from Jamie Washam. 

 

SENECA 54, MOUNT VERNON 35

Sophomore guard Hazley Grotjohn scored 16 points to lead Seneca, while senior forward Parker Long had 14 and junior guard Samarah Mittag added nine.

For the Mountaineers, sophomore Cheyenne Bieber scored 11 and classmate Addie Hall had nine.

The Indians led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The Mountaineers scored the first seven points of the second quarter to briefly take the lead, but the Indians closed the first half on a 14-0 run to take a 28-17 halftime advantage.

Seneca extended its lead to 44-24 by the end of the third quarter and the Mountaineers were unable to rally in the final frame. 

WRESTLING PREVIEW: McDonald County to rally around five returning state qualifiers

Posted on by Jason Peake

The McDonald County boys wrestling team has 10 starters and five state qualifiers returning for the 2022-23 season, numbers sure to bring a certain level of excitement to any program.

The Mustangs can build around 120-pound junior Jose Mendoza, 138-pound senior Blaine Ortiz, 150- or 157-pound senior Levi Smith, 215-pound junior Samuel Murphy, and 285-pound junior Jayce Hitt, their five returning state qualifiers.

Murphy, Hitt, and Ortiz have earned a combined four state medals during their high school careers so far, including a state runner-up for Ortiz at 113 pounds in 2021 and Murphy a third-place finish last season.

Move-ins Emmit Houston (from North Park HS in Walden, Colo.) and Nathaniel McLaughlin (Arkansas) have been thrown into a mix that also features other returning starters in senior Cross Spencer (150 / 157), sophomore J.T. Clemons (150 / 157), sophomore Brady Bogart (170), sophomore Alex Bogart (190), and sophomore Malosi Sosef (190).

On top of that, Beau Bennett (Pittsburg HS, Baker University), Joshua Tyler (Springdale Har-Ber HS, Williams Baptist), and Reid Davis (Butler HS) have joined the coaching staff.

“I feel like it’s going to be an exciting season for both our girls and boys teams,” McDonald County coach Josh Factor said. “We have a very talented group on our boys team and yet we have never won any hardware in the Big 8 Conference, district, or state tournaments. It’s always fun to strive to accomplish something for the first time as a team. As for our girls team, we’re still working on getting our first girl to the state tournament.”

Last season, Murphy finished third and Hitt fifth at state at 220 and 285, as the Mustangs finished 17th overall in Class 3 with 39 points.

The Mustangs finished seventh in Class 3 District 3 with 118 points and Ortiz, Murphy, and Hitt each won district titles.

McDonald County also finished third in the Big 8 and Ortiz, Smith, and Murphy each claimed individual conference titles.

Murphy put together a 47-2 overall record and Ortiz finished 41-7, Smith 42-10, Hitt 24-6, and Mendoza 18-21.

Spencer went 15-30 last season, Clemons 9-27, Brady Bogart 1-9, Alex Bogart 17-26, Sosef 4-6, and Houston achieved a 24-10 overall record during his freshman season in Colorado.

On the girls side, McDonald County returns Jaslyn Benhumea at 105, Stacy Apolinar-Lopez at 145, and Gisel Aragon at 170.

The Mustangs open the season on Thursday with a dual against Big 8 powerhouse Seneca, winners of four straight Big 8 tournament titles. The Mustangs went 12-15 in duals last year.

“Concerns will be how will our teams respond to competing in tough tournaments throughout the season,” Factor said. “We will have several tough tournaments, but the Kansas City Stampede on Dec. 16-17 and the Thrasher Tournament on Jan. 27-28 will both be good tests for our boys team and our girls will be challenged at every event they attend.

“For our teams to succeed this year, we have to remain healthy and be able to compete at our best in February. If we can do those two things, I believe success will be the result.”

The KC Stampede brings together some of the very best wrestling programs from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, as well as some ringers from states like Texas, Georgia, and Iowa. Murphy highlighted McDonald County’s performance last year with third place, successfully rebounding after his first loss of the season.

Francis Howell hosts the Kyle Thrasher Memorial Tournament and last season’s event brought in 37 teams from across the state of Missouri.

McDonald County will compete in the Big 8 Tournament for the girls Jan. 18 at Nevada and the boys Jan. 20 at Cassville.

District and state competition are in February for boys and girls.

CJ CLASSIC: Host Bulldogs advance to title game, will meet Nevada 

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — After seeing a 21-point lead nearly evaporate, the Carl Junction Bulldogs got the job done when crunch time arrived.

In a physical back and forth clash, Carl Junction held on late for a 62-58 victory over Springdale (Ark.) on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the 46th Freeman Sports Medicine CJ Classic.

“These are the kind of games we want early in the season,” Carl Junction coach Brad Shorter said. “Springdale plays so hard and they are going to win a lot of games this year. We saw two completely different brands of basketball the last two nights. Neosho has size and Springdale has quickness. We were able to handle both of them, so we feel good. We had some kids step up and tonight was a good game for us for sure.”

Carl Junction built a 21-point lead in the second half, but the host Bulldogs had to withstand Springdale’s late surge for what could be described as a hard-fought win. 

Springdale cut its deficit to four late in the game, but the hosts never relinquished their lead. 

“Our kids kept fighting,” Shorter said. “It could have easily went south, but they hung in there and kept fighting. We needed a game like this because it’s hard to simulate that kind of speed in practice. This game is going to be good for us later in the year.”

The tourney hosts will meet Nevada at 8:30 on Thursday night in the championship game. It’s a rematch of last year’s title game that the Bulldogs won.

In a showdown between Bulldogs, Carl Junction raced out to a 16-4 lead after a pair of hoops from senior guard Destiny Buerge. The hosts’ lead was 16-8 at the end of the first frame. 

Carl Junction took a 23-13 lead after back-to-back putbacks by Kylie Scott, but Springdale forced the hosts into a number of turnovers with their full-court pressure defense, and in the process, the visitors cut their deficit down to two.

But the hosts finished the first half on an 8-0 surge, as Buerge and Scott had one bucket apiece and Dezi Williams scored twice in the paint.

Those points gave Carl Junction a 31-21 halftime advantage. 

Carl Junction scored the first nine points of the second half, as Scott made a free throw, Klohe Burk and Buerge buried treys and Burk knocked down a midrange jumper for a 40-21 cushion.

The visitors stopped the run, but CJ soon held a 21-point lead at 45-24 with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter. 

Springdale didn’t quit, however, as the visiting Bulldogs reeled off 12 straight points to pull within eight.

Buerge drained a key 3-pointer to stop Springdale’s spurt, giving CJ a 49-38 lead entering the fourth period.

Carl Junction held a 57-45 lead with three minutes to play when Springdale used a 10-2 run to get within four with 45 seconds remaining. 

The hosts wouldn’t be denied. Buerge sank two charities, the visitors turned the ball over and Williams made one of two attempts at the foul line to seal the win. Springdale hit a late trey for the final margin. 

“It was a game of runs,” Shorter said. “And it’s November basketball, so it can be pretty ugly at times. But we’ll get there.”

Ranked third in Class 5 by the MBCA, Carl Junction improved to 2-0. 

A Pittsburg State signee, the 5-foot-8 Buerge poured in 25 points to lead Carl Junction. She hit four treys, grabbed five boards and had four steals.

A 6-3 junior forward, Scott recorded a double-double with 15 points and 21 rebounds. 

Burk added 11 points and Williams had nine points and four steals.

Hali Shorter handed out four assists and grabbed three rebounds. 

Three players reached double figures for Springdale, as Adriana Hernandez scored 17, Charleen Hudson had 15 and Aubriana Wilson added 14.

Coach Shorter noted Springdale’s speedy guard-oriented team was not easy to defend. The visitors, who are now 4-1 on the season, hit 10 3-pointers and forced CJ into more than 20 turnovers. 

“We tried to rest Destiny, but we didn’t handle the ball very well,” Coach Shorter said. “But seeing those things means we know what we need to work on. Our girls realize that.”

In the other semifinal, Nevada topped Parkview 61-55. 

In Tuesday’s consolation action, Neosho pounded Mount Vernon 66-38 and McDonald County beat Seneca 51-38.

 

NEOSHO 66, MOUNT VERNON 38

Neosho scored the game’s first 11 points and never looked back. 

The Wildcats led 20-5 at the end of the first quarter before extending their lead to 20 late in the first half at 38-18.

Up 40-24 at halftime, Neosho started the third quarter on a 14-0 run to take a 30-point lead and put the game way out of reach. 

Senior post player Karlee Ellick scored 27 points on 13 field goals and a free throw to lead Neosho. The 6-2 Ellick scored 18 points in the first half.

Sophomore Beclynn Garrett added eight points and senior Maelynn Garrett had seven for the Wildcats (2-3).

Sophomore Addie Hall led the Mountaineers (1-2) with 19 points, while classmate Cheyenne Bieber added 10. Grant Berendt’s Mount Vernon squad features just one senior and no juniors. 

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 51, SENECA 38

The Mustangs led 13-8 at the end of the opening period.

McDonald County was up 27-15 at halftime and the Mustangs held a 39-30 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Junior Anna Clarkson led the Mustangs (2-1) with 16 points and freshman Carlie Martin scored 14 points.

Sophomore Hazley Grotjohn led Seneca with 14 points, while senior Parker Long and junior Samarah Mittag added nine points apiece for the Indians (1-2).

 

NEVADA 61, PARKVIEW 55

The game was tied at 12 at the end of the first quarter before Nevada took a 31-24 lead into intermission.

The Tigers (2-1) led 47-39 at the end of the third quarter and they never surrendered their lead in the final frame.

Senior Abbey Heathman scored 26 points for Nevada, while junior Clara Swearingen added 22 and senior Maddy Majors chipped in 11.

Tara Masten scored 22 points for Parkview (2-1).

 

Thursday’s schedule

4 p.m. —Mount Vernon vs. Seneca (7th place)

5:30—Neosho vs. McDonald County (5th place)

7—Parkview vs. Springdale (3rd place)

8:30—Carl Junction vs. Nevada (Title game)

BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW: Dowd, Woods to lead McDonald County

Posted on by Jason Peake

A pair of returning starters are expected to lead the way for the McDonald County boys basketball team this winter.

Senior guards Cross Dowd and Sterling Woods both return with prior starting experience for the Mustangs.

“Sterling Woods will be the floor general and our point guard playmaker, putting players in position to be successful,” Mustangs coach Brandon Joines told SoMo Sports. “Cross Dowd utilizes his scoring ability and defensive play to lead the team through experience.”  

Dowd earned second-team all-conference honors after averaging 12 points and three rebounds per game last season. Woods averaged eight points and three assists per game last winter.

“We definitely have some players we feel are ready to step up and make positive things happen for our program this year,” Joines said. “Our varsity experience and leadership will come primarily from the guard positions, which means we’ll have some new key contributors on both ends of the floor as we look to compete for conference and district titles this season. We have a roster with several guys who have competed in big games outside of just basketball, and now they’ll have the opportunity to see increased playing time on the court.”  

Other players returning with prior varsity experience who will be in bigger roles this season are senior forward Weston Gordon, senior guard Dalton McClain, junior forwards Josh Pacheco and Destyn Dow and junior center Toby Moore.

“Josh Pacheco and Destyn Dowd must provide athletic length on the defensive end for us to contain opposing offenses, while the former also provides an offensive spark with his improved scoring ability at the varsity level,” Joines said. “Weston Gordon will provide hustle and grit as a high IQ player with great awareness for the ball, while Toby Moore (6-4, 285) must be a force inside with his unique size, rebounding, and finishing ability. Dalton McClain’s shooting can provide an added spark to our offensive success, as well.”  

Junior guard Sam Barton and senior guard Jaxson Harrell are other players who are competing for varsity playing time.

McDonald County went 5-1 in the Big 8 West and 12-14 overall last season. The Mustangs lost a talented senior class to graduation. It featured the likes of Cole Martin, Pierce Harmon, Eli McClain, Teddy Reedybacon and Bo Leach. 

With those losses to graduation, the Mustangs will need several players to take on expanded roles.

“Whenever you have a significant amount of production leave through graduation, it’s always exciting to see others fill the void with their increased opportunities,” Joines said. “Our work ethic, grit, and will-to-win must rise up to match the goals we wish to accomplish this season as guys get more comfortable in their expanded roles.” 

Guard play should be a big strength of the Mustangs this season. Joines noted the team features several multi-sport athletes who bring a lot of versatility and athleticism, as well.

“Our experience at the guard positions will be a key factor in accomplishing our goals,” he said, “and the fact that many of our players are multi-sport athletes has allowed them opportunities for athletic growth through competing in important games outside of just basketball. As with most teams with strong guard play and experience, we anticipate decent scoring output and ball movement on the offensive end.”

As far as areas of concern, Joines noted the team must improve defensively and limit turnovers.

“Improvement on the defensive end is an absolute must,” Joines said. “And we need to maximize opportunities and minimize mistakes on the offensive end. Improvement requires strong work-ethic, dedication and trust as players and coaches become acclimated to our somewhat shifted roster through continuous reps in practice and games.”

McDonald County opens the season at Joplin on Tuesday night. 

The Mustangs’ first home game will be Dec. 6 against Hillcrest. The team hosts the Mustang Classic from Dec. 15-17.

GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW: With key performers back, McDonald County optimistic about 2022-23 season

Posted on by Jason Peake

Sean Crane is optimistic that good things are ahead for his McDonald County girls basketball program. 

The Mustangs feature six players with prior varsity experience back and also have a promising group of newcomers for the 2022-23 season.

“We’re very excited about this season, as we have a very hardworking group returning,” Crane said. “This group doesn’t exactly have lots of varsity experience, but it is a very good core of hardworking, team-oriented individuals. As we are going to be a mixture of young and older players, I believe we’ll be a team that improves greatly throughout the season as we develop and gain experience playing with one another.” 

McDonald County’s top returning performers are senior forwards Megan Elwood, Analisa Ramirez and Lexie Abbott and junior guards Anna Clarkson, Carlee Cooper and Katelynn Townsend. Cooper and Elwood are three-year varsity performers.

Top newcomers are juniors Jacie Frencken, Natalie Gillming and Corina Holland and sophomores Rylee Anderson and Roslynn Huston. Frencken, Anderson and Huston are forwards, while Gillming and Holland are guards.

Freshmen Carlie Martin and Jamie Washam are other players who could contribute at the varsity level this winter.

Crane said there’s a lot to like about this year’s group.

“Improved guard play will be a key for us this season,” Crane said. “We’re very excited about our guards. They gained lots of experience last season. And I believe we’ll be a good defensive team by season’s end. This is something that we’ve hung our hat on in the past. We want to play solid defense and out-work other teams. I also believe having as many flexible players as we have will also be a huge advantage for us going forward.”

The Mustangs lost standout Addy Leach to graduation. The team also suffered a blow when Samara Smith moved out of the district. Both players earned all-conference honors at the conclusion of last season.

The Mustangs managed just five wins last season, but Crane is confident the team has the potential to greatly improve upon last year’s record. 

“I believe we will be much improved defensively,” Crane said. “We expect each player on the floor to work hard defensively and to guard multiple positions.”

McDonald County is off to a 1-0 start, as the Mustangs defeated Hillcrest 46-30 in last Friday’s season opener. 

The Mustangs will be among the teams competing at the Carl Junction Classic beginning on Nov. 28. McDonald County will host its Lady Mustang Classic from Dec. 12-14.

DISTRICT FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Seneca, Lamar, Mount Vernon, Nevada all earn wins, season ends for Mac County

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SENECA, MOUNT VERNON ROLL, WILL MEET IN TITLE GAME

The top-seeded Seneca Indians rolled into the championship game of the Class 2 District 4 tournament by beating the fourth-seeded Hollister Tigers 42-0 on Saturday afternoon. 

Seneca (9-1) will host No. 2 Mount Vernon (8-3) at 7 on Friday night. 

Seneca’s Gavyn Hoover scored on a 6-yard run with 8:42 in the first quarter to open the scoring. A 17-yard run by Hoover and three touchdown runs from Jackson Marrs made it 35-0 at halftime.

Marrs scored with 4:29 left in the third period to give the Indians a 42-0 lead.

The Mountaineers beat Forsyth 42-15 on Saturday. 

Mount Vernon led 35-0 at the half and 42-0 at the end of the third period.

 

LAMAR 56, STOCKTON 10

No. 1 seed Lamar beat No. 4 Stockton 56-10 in the semifinals of the Class 2 District 5 tournament on Saturday. 

Lamar led 42-3 at halftime en route to the lopsided win.

Lamar (9-1) meets Fair Grove (7-4) in Friday’s district title game. 

 

BOLIVAR 21, MCDONALD COUNTY 7

McDonald County’s season came to an end in the semifinals of the Class 4 District 6 tournament on Friday night.

The game was tied at halftime, but the second-seeded Liberators scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns in the second half to upend the sixth-seeded Mustangs. 

McDonald County’s touchdown came on a 39-yard pass from Cross Dowd to Jack Parnell. 

The Mustangs, who beat Marshfield 7-6 in the district quarterfinals, end the season with a record of 6-5.

The district championship game will feature No. 1 West Plains vs. No. 2 Bolivar on Friday.

 

NEVADA 43, LINCOLN PREP 7

Third-seeded Nevada advanced to the championship game of the Class 4 District 7 tournament by knocking off second-seeded Lincoln College Prep 43-7 on a rainy Friday night in Kansas City.

Avious Steadman scored four touchdowns for the Tigers, who are now 9-2. Also scoring touchdowns for the Tigers were Jordan Johnson and Henry Campbell. 

Nevada is at No. 1 seed KC Center (10-0) next Friday in the district championship game. 

Center defeated fifth-seeded Carl Junction 33-6 in the semifinals. 

 

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