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Tag: Neosho Wildcats

BOYS HOOPS: Aurora takes early momentum in win over Neosho

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — Aurora took the lead and the momentum early, with Neosho briefly taking an advantage in the second period before the Houn’ Dawgs recovered to get back on top heading into the intermission with a lead they’d hold onto down the stretch to beat Neosho 59-47 on Monday in non-conference action inside the Neosho High School gymnasium. 

The Houn’ Dawgs used an early run to open the game in front, where Aurora stayed for most of the contest. The Wildcats battled to take a brief lead in the second quarter before Aurora countered and took an advantage into the intermission that they would never relinquish in the second half. 

Aurora (4-4) started the game on a 9-2 run over the first four minutes of action, with Jayden Carpenter knocking down a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to lead the surge.

The Houn’ Dawgs flirted with taking a double-digit lead into the second period after an offensive rebound and putback score from Cannon Thornhill made the score 15-4 before Kaiden Asberry knocked down a 3-pointer for Neosho (3-4). A bucket from Thomas Lara off a Wildcats’ turnover with a minute left made the score 17-7 before Neosho’s Ty Harris scored in transition before the first break to cut the deficit to nine to start the second period.

The Wildcats clawed back into the game to start the second period with a 9-2 run of their own. Asberry and Brodie Arthur splashed home 3-pointers to start things off before Asberry added a charity at the stripe and a floater to close the run with Neosho trailing by one, 19-18.

Neosho finally took its first lead of the game after eight straight points, with Asberry sinking another 3-ball to kick off the run before Harris ended it with an old-fashioned three-point play after drawing contact on the drive to give the Wildcats a 26-24 cushion with 1:52 on the clock.

The Houn’ Dawgs scored the final four points off the half to go into the intermission with a 28-26 lead.

Aurora started the second half quite similarly to the way they started off the game, using a 9-2 run to push the lead to eight, 37-29, through the midway point. Lara had four points and Cameron Whitener had a 3-pointer.

Neosho got a 3-ball from Collier Hendricks and two at the foul line from Colton Southern to cut the deficit back to once possession, 37-34, but the Houn’ Dawgs got a pair of treys from Thornhill late in the period to take a 43-36 advantage into the final eight minutes of play.

Aurora threatened to push the lead to double digits twice early in the fourth quarter only for Asberry to deliver from the perimeter in the corner on consecutive possessions to keep the lead in reach, 47-42, with five minutes left.

Neosho couldn’t get the momentum to put on a run in the last half of the fourth quarter. The Houn’ Dawgs played possession basketball to keep the Wildcats at bay, pushing the lead back to double digits late to close out the win. 

Lara had 18 to lead Aurora in scoring, while Thornhill closed with 16 points, including two 3-pointers. Dayton McHenry had 11. 

Asberry knocked down six 3-pointers on the way to a team-high 21 points for Neosho. Harris finished with nine points, while Arthur closed with seven in the loss.

Neosho hosts the Neosho Holiday Classic basketball tournament from Dec. 27-29.

WRESTLING: Neosho wins home tourney  

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

NEOSHO, Mo. — The host Wildcats won the team championship at the 36th annual Neosho Wrestling Tournament on Saturday.

Neosho topped the team standings with 218 points. Willard (191), Farmington (164.5) and Kearney (130.5) finished second, third and fourth. 

Rounding out the top 10 teams were Nixa, Har-Ber, Branson, Bentonville West, Belton and Kickapoo.

Neosho’s Anthony Stotts won the 113-pound bracket.

Finishing second in their respective brackets for the Wildcats were Victor Elias-Lopez (120), Kelton Shaffer (126), Fisher Butler (138) and Kaymon Rhone (175).

Carter Howard (150) and Everson Tomlinson (285) both finished third, while Tucker Feagens (106), Chase Kivett (165) and Dayton Kivett (190) took fourth.

Neosho’s Kade Lawson (157) and Ryan Counts (215) placed fifth in their brackets, while Lincoln Howard (144) finished sixth.

BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW: New cast of characters to lead Neosho

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

The Neosho High School boys basketball program is entering a new era.

The Wildcats will feature a new cast of characters on the court this winter after the program lost the bulk of last year’s lineup to graduation. 

“I’m really excited for this upcoming season,” Neosho coach Zane Culp said. “After losing seven seniors, we are ready for a fresh start and a new page for Neosho Basketball. We have a great mix of upper and underclassmen.”

Neosho must overcome the loss of Isaiah Green, Carter Baslee, Carter Fenske, Brock Franklin, Michael Day, Jared Siler and Kael Smith.

Last year’s seniors led the way as the Wildcats went 19-8 overall and 6-3 in the always-tough Central Ozark Conference.

Senior guard Collier Hendricks (6-2, 165) is the team’s lone returning varsity performer.

“He is going to be our best player and can score at all three levels,” Culp said. “He has worked really hard to get his game to where it is at. We are looking forward to the opportunity to get to coach him this year.” 

In addition to Hendricks, Neosho will rely on a large group of varsity newcomers this season.

Expected to play a key role is senior guard Colton Southern (6-2, 175).

“Colton is going to be one of our leaders,” Culp said. “He competes at every level of the game and is going to have a great year for us on both ends.”

Senior Coleman Deines (5-11, 170), juniors Brodie Arthur (6-0, 175), Ty Harris (5-10, 170), Kanten Smith (6-1, 170) and Quincy Simpson (6-2, 170) and sophomore Kaiden Asberry (5-10, 160) are other players expected to contribute this season.

“Coleman is a smart player that will look to hit shots and be a senior leader,” Culp said. “Brodie is a shot maker. He is one of the best shooters in our program and we are expecting big time production from him. Ty is a guy that can score in bunches. He has the ability to score a lot of points. He has put in the time this summer to prepare himself for our season.

“Kanten is an absolute bulldog,” Culp said. “He goes into every game like it is a fight. We are expecting him to be one of our toughest competitors. Quincy is an athletic kid and we will look for him to give us minutes playing hard and creating some opportunities for himself.

“Kaiden is a great shooter and has the ability to get teammates the ball and get them a good look,” Culp noted. “He also has worked really hard to improve his defense so we will task him with being one of our better defenders.”

With so many newcomers in key roles this season, Culp noted the Wildcats will look to prove the doubters wrong.

“Wins and losses are hard to say with a brand new group, but the boys are hungry to prove they are a competitive, strong basketball team,” Culp said. “We are going to play with a chip on our shoulder and with something to prove every game.”

Lack of varsity experience is the biggest area of concern heading into the season.

And with such an inexperienced squad, there could be some growing pains along the way. 

Simply put, Culp hopes to see the team make steady progress throughout the season, with peaking during the postseason an ultimate goal. 

“We have to be OK with going through struggles and learning together,” Culp said.  “We will have a group eager to learn and that will find ways to compete. And being an underdog in most games will end up being our strength.”  

Neosho will debut its new look squad when it hosts a jamboree with Webb City and McDonald County on Thursday.

Neosho opens the 2023-24 season at Nevada on Nov. 28.

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Ray-Pec outduels Neosho in district title game

Posted on by Lucas Davis

It was a pitcher’s duel in every sense of the term, with top-seeded Raymore-Peculiar defeating second-seeded Neosho 5-0 in the Class 5 District 7 title game on Monday at the JHS Athletic Complex.

After three scoreless innings, the Panthers used a trio of consecutive hits and an error by the Wildcats to push across two runs to take the lead. Pay-Pec added insurance with a single tally in the fifth inning and two more runs in the sixth while holding off Neosho the rest of the way en route to the win.

“It wasn’t our cleanest game defensively, but at that point, it kind of doesn’t matter if you don’t score any runs,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said. “I thought Beclynn (Garrett) and Addy (Hart) both had hard-hit balls, but we just weren’t able to string anything together. (Kelsie Donaldson) kept us off balance. … It was a game of inches. … Our girls battled and I am very proud of them.”

Neosho closes the season with a 26-7 record as the Central Ozark Conference champions and graduates one senior—Kylie Flewelling.

“Looking back on the year, I told the girls they can be disappointed, but don’t leave feeling like we didn’t have a good season,” Cummins said. “It is hard to put into perspective. We are a young group with three juniors making up almost all of our upperclassmen. I think we will come back next year with a little more gusto in understanding what it takes to win. We challenged them early and were so tough on them and they came back every day ready to work knowing our expectations. It is just a great group of kids.

“We told them yesterday that they are still one of 16 teams still playing in Class 5, and we are one of the smallest Class 5 schools. To hang, and to beat a lot of them, is something to be proud of. Now, we know what it takes to beat (the top teams in Class 5) and they will be ready to go. I am so proud of what we accomplished this year and hope we can take it one step further next season.” 

Ray-Pec advances to the quarterfinal round of the Class 5 state tournament and takes on Liberty on Saturday.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Neosho’s Beclynn Garrett smacked an opposite-field double to the gap in right-center field with two outs in the top of the fourth inning to get a runner in scoring position in the Wildcats’ favor for the first time in the game.

Carleigh Kinnaird followed with a sharp grounder up the middle snagged by Ray-Pec pitcher Kelsie Donaldson, who threw over to first for the final out to get out of the jam.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Panthers found life with the bats with consecutive singles from Carmen Boxberger and Donaldson to lead off the frame before Hayden Kurtz followed with a third straight hit, a single up the middle to plate the game’s first run.

An error with two outs on a fly ball to the outfield by the Wildcats allowed the second run, unearned, to score in the inning. 

Neosho led off the top of the fifth with a double down the third-base line but failed to advance the runner in the next three at-bats to end the threat.

“She just does a great job of working it outside of the zone but making it look good enough to be in the zone,” Cummins said of Donaldson in the circle. “She did a good job of mixing it up and down, too.”

Boxberger added an RBI single up the middle in the bottom of the fifth inning to push the lead to 3-0.

The Panthers added two more runs in the sixth inning on a two-run double by Kendall Johnson to push the lead to five runs.

IN THE CIRCLE

Donaldson struck out 17 Wildcats and scattered two hits over seven innings to earn the complete-game shutout win for the Panthers.

Kinnaird was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs, four earned, on seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts in six innings.

“I thought Carleigh threw well,” Cummins said. “She had a couple of hard-hit balls and there were some errors that led to some extra runs. I don’t think she should be disappointed because she threw well to give us a chance if we scored some runs behind her.”

FOOTBALL: Webb City knocks off upset-minded Neosho on Senior Night

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City sent its seniors out on a positive note.

Bouncing back nicely from last week’s setback, Webb City rode a strong fourth quarter to a 37-18 Senior Night victory over Neosho on Friday in Central Ozark Conference action at Cardinal Stadium.

“Sending the seniors out with a win was the goal tonight,” Webb City coach Ryan McFarland said. “They’ve done such a great job for us all year. Everyone always remembers their Senior Night game, so we wanted to make sure we sent them out on a high note.”

On the night the team’s 33 seniors were recognized, Webb City definitely had to earn the win.

The hosts were clinging to a 20-18 advantage in the third quarter against the upset-minded Wildcats. But the Cardinals scored 17 unanswered points in the final frame.

“Hats off to our defense,” McFarland said. “At halftime, everyone was frustrated. Neosho’s Quenton Hughes does a phenomenal job at quarterback and running their offense. But hats off to our defense for getting some stops late in the game.”

The Wildcats were looking for their first win over Webb City since 1999. Despite a solid effort, it wasn’t meant to be. 

“I’m proud of our kids,” Neosho coach Brandon Taute said. “They fought really hard. That’s a testament to who our kids are. It’s been a rough year as far as close game after close game after close game. It would’ve been easy for them to check it in at any point, but tonight shows who they are. These kids just keep battling and battling.”

Webb City and Neosho have been assigned to Class 5 District 7, so they could see each other again in the postseason. 

Both teams hope to make some noise when the district playoffs arrive.

Taute noted he’s confident his Wildcats still have their best performance ahead.

“I think we’re capable of beating anybody,” Taute said. “If we can clean some things up and put together a full game, I think we’re capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. Playing our best football in Week 10 has been the goal all along.” 

McFarland said his team still has work to do if it wants to accomplish its goal of making a deep postseason run.

“We made too many mistakes in the first half, but credit Neosho,” McFarland said. “Neosho’s defense caused us some problems. We’ve got to be better than that moving forward if we want a chance to do something in the postseason. The last two weeks we’ve made too many mental mistakes, and we have to get those things fixed.”

 

GAME RECAP

Webb City defeated Neosho 37-18 on Friday at Cardinal Stadium. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Webb City junior running back Noah Durman got the hosts on the board with a 4-yard touchdown run up the middle with nine seconds left in the first quarter, capping an 11-play, 54-yard drive.

Three plays after a Webb City turnover on downs, Neosho junior wide receiver Hudson Williams hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Hughes with 6:55 left in the second quarter. The PAT kick was blocked by Webb City’s Brody Eggleston, keeping the Cardinals in front, 7-6.

On the next series, speedy sophomore Gabe Johnson bounced to the outside and sprinted to a 51-yard touchdown run for the Cardinals, extending the lead to 14-6.  

Johnson’s 1-yard QB keeper made it 20-6 with just over 40 seconds remaining in the first half.

The score wouldn’t hold up for long.

Neosho went 68 yards on four plays in just 42 seconds, scoring just before the half when junior Tyrone Harris caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Hughes. A 49-yard pass play to Harris set up the score, which trimmed Webb City’s lead to 20-12 at the break.

After intermission, the Wildcats pulled within two after Harris hauled in a 31-yard pass with 4:33 left in the third quarter. The visitors attempted to tie the game, but the 2-point conversion was off the mark. 

The Cardinals lost their second fumble of the second half on the next series, but the Wildcats were unable to take advantage, as the Webb City defense forced a key turnover on downs.

Webb City’s Alex Dunne converted a 27-yard field goal with 10:20 left in the fourth quarter to give the Cardinals some breathing room at 23-18.

“Alex has done a great job all year, and we’re not afraid to kick field goals,” McFarland said. 

After a Neosho punt, Webb City extended its lead to 30-18 with 6:51 remaining on a 33-yard touchdown strike to  junior Jackson Lucas.

Next, Webb City junior defensive back Andrew Young recorded a 68-yard interception return with 5:38 left for the final exclamation point on the contest. It was Young’s second interception of the night. 

“Getting that pick six was obviously big,” McFarland said. 

 

Neosho quarterback Quenton Hughes passed for 273 yards against Webb City on Friday night. The Cardinals won the game 37-18. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

NAMES & NUMBERS

Ranked seventh in Class 5, Webb City hiked its record to 6-2. 

Webb City recorded 409 yards of total offense, with 270 rushing and 139 passing.

Junior Andrew Elwell led the Cardinals with 88 rushing yards on 21 carries, while Johnson had 87 yards on nine carries.

Jordan Howard made eight tackles and Brett Korth had six stops for the Webb City defense.

Neosho (1-7) finished with 360 yards, 273 through the air and 87 on the ground. 

A senior, Hughes completed 19 of 37 passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Harris had 14 receptions for 179 yards and two scores, while Williams caught three passes for 66 yards.

Junior running back Denver Welch led Neosho’s rushing attack with 80 yards on 19 carries. 

Cade Spiva was credited with 11 tackles, while Bostyn Patterson had 10 stops.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Webb City concludes the regular season next Friday at Branson (4-4), while Neosho hosts Joplin (5-3) in Week 9.

 

WEBB CITY 37, NEOSHO 18

Neosho         0   12   6     0 — 18

Webb City    7   13    0   17 —37

SCORING SUMMARY

WC: Noah Durman 4 run (Alex Dunne kick)

NEO: Hudson Williams 26 pass from Quenton Hughes (Kick blocked)

WC: Gabe Johnson 51 run (Dunne kick)

WC: Johnson 1 run (Kick failed)

NEO: Tyrone Harris 7 pass from Hughes (Kick blocked)

NEO: Harris 31 pass from Hughes (Pass failed)

WC: Dunne 27 field goal

WC: Jackson Lucas 33 pass from Johnson (Dunne kick)

WC: Andrew Young 68 interception return (Dunne kick)

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

DISTRICT SOFTBALL: Neosho holds off Lee’s Summit in opening round

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Seventh-seeded Lee’s Summit rallied back from an early hole to tie second-seeded Neosho in the middle innings of the Class 5 District 7 opening-round game only to see the Wildcats answer right back and keep the Tigers at bay the rest of the way for a 6-3 win on Thursday at the JHS Athletic Complex.

“I like that we scored early to get the lead and I thought Olivia (Emery) threw well,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said after the win. “I was a little frustrated with our defense. We just weren’t real sharp. … We had good production from the top and the middle of our lineup. … Overall, we did enough to win and that is what matters. I would like to play a little cleaner on Saturday.”

HOW IT HAPPENED

Neosho took the initial advantage when a pair of runs came home to score in the second inning on two Lee’s Summit throwing errors. Autumn Kinnaird hit a ground ball to short with a runner on third base and reached on a throwing error. Kinnaird advanced on the play and the return throw to second sailed into the outfield, allowing her to round third and touch home on the play for a 2-0 lead.

The Wildcats picked up a third tally in the third inning when Avyn Blair drove a run in with a ground ball to shortstop, scoring Addy Hart from third in the process for a 3-0 advantage.

Lee’s Summit rallied all the way back to tie the game up on an RBI single by Ryann Arnold with the bases loaded to center field, which was compounded by a Neosho error to allow two more runs to score and tie the game at 3-3.

Arnold looked to score on a bunt in the next at-bat, before Autumn Kinnaird faked the throw to first and tagged the runner trying to score from third to keep the game tied.

“It was huge because it allowed us to get Olivia through less pressure without the go-ahead run on third,” Cummins said of Kinnaird’s play at the plate. “That was a huge heads-up play by Autumn and it was a big momentum swing for us.”

Neosho didn’t wait to respond, as Carleigh Kinnaird clubbed a ball over the scoreboard with two outs and two on for a three-run home run and a 6-3 advantage.

“As soon as it was, I just screamed,” Cummins said with a laugh. “I don’t even think it was words that came out. You just knew off the bat. … She just crushed it. I asked our coaches if it went over the scoreboard. They said, yeah, that ball is in Kansas now.” 

IN THE CIRCLE

Emery earned the win after allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits and three strikeouts in four innings. Carleigh Kinnaird pitched three scoreless relief innings on two hits, a walk and two strikeouts.

Alyssa Nichols took the loss after allowing six runs, four earned, on eight hits, two walks and six strikeouts in six innings of work.

IN THE BOX

Autumn Kinnaird had two hits, scored a run and drove in one. Carleigh Kinnaird homered on the way to three RBI and a run scored to lead the Wildcats.

ON DECK

(2) Neosho takes on (3) Lee’s Summit West at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

FOOTBALL: Neosho holds off Ozark to earn first win of the season

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — The Neosho football team built an early lead and staved off a late Ozark comeback attempt to claim its first win of the season with a 20-14 victory on Friday night at Bob Anderson Stadium.

The Wildcats improved to 1-6, while the Tigers slipped to 1-6.

Neosho led by as many as 14 points in the game but had to lean on its defense late after Ozark had trimmed the deficit to six points in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers were held in check for much of the second half but managed to break the scoring lull when running back Jack Bowers recorded his second touchdown of the night on a 2-yard plunge to make it a six-point game with 2:25 remaining in the contest.

A successful onside kick recovery by Drake Swift set the Neosho offense up at its own 47-yard line, and the Wildcats managed to get a first down and milk precious seconds off the clock before turning the ball over on downs in Ozark territory.

With just 23 seconds remaining, Ozark took over at its own 31 before an errant snap to quarterback Peyton Russell resulted in a Neosho fumble recovery. The Wildcats then went into their victory formation to officially claim their elusive first triumph of the season.

The Neosho defense managed to keep the Ozark offense scoreless on eight of its 10 drives on the night, generating a pair of takeaways and forcing three turnovers via downs.

The Wildcats got off to a quick start offensively in the game as they built a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter with scoring drives of 80 and 83 yards.

First blood was drawn by Neosho just over two minutes into the game when a fourth-and-4 play saw quarterback Quenton Hughes connect with running back Denton Welch out of the backfield for a 47-yard TD.

Ozark seemed poised to respond to the Neosho score with one of its own on its first offensive possession of the night. But after advancing into Neosho territory, a fumble by Bowers was recovered by Neosho’s Virgil Rosier for a turnover at the NHS 17.

The Wildcats capitalized on the takeaway with a methodical 13-play drive fueled by a balanced attack with seven rushes and six completed passes. The drive was capped by a three-yard TD run by Welch, putting Neosho up two TDs with 3:48 left in the first quarter.

The Tigers managed to claim their first points at the 7:30 mark of the second quarter when a 49-yard drive was punctuated by a 20-yard TD scamper by Bowers, trimming the NHS lead to 14-7.

Neosho capped the scoring in the first half with a 35-yard field goal by Juan Blancarte to take a 17-7 advantage into halftime.

Neosho’s final score of the night, a 23-yard field goal by Blancarte, came at the end of a drive that started at the NHS 10-yard line and gave the home team a 20-7 lead with 5:02 to play in the third quarter.

UP NEXT

Neosho will hit the road to take on Webb City next Friday at 7 p.m. while Ozark plays host to Branson.

 

SCORING SUMMARY

Ozark 0 7 0 7—14

Neosho 14 3 3 0—20

FIRST QUARTER

Neo—Denver Welch 47 pass from Quenton Hughes (Juan Blancarte kick), 9:56

Neo—Welch 3 run (Blancarte kick), 3:48

SECOND QUARTER

Oza—Jack Bowers 20 run (Sam Clark kick), 7:30

Neo—Blancarte 35 field goal, 5:44

THIRD QUARTER

Neo—Blancarte 23 field goal, 5:02

FOURTH QUARTER

Oza—Bowers 2 run (Clark kick), 2:25

 

Records—Neosho 1-6, Ozark 1-6

 

SOFTBALL: Neosho earns gritty win over Joplin in conference action

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

NEOSHO, Mo. — There have been a plethora of Central Ozark Conference softball games this season that featured a bevy of runs crossing the plate, but Tuesday’s matchup with Neosho hosting Joplin was not one of them.

The Eagles and Wildcats found themselves in a pitcher’s duel, with Joplin taking the initial advantage before Neosho scraped back to take the lead and held onto it the rest of the way en route to a 4-3 win that had conference and district implications.

“I thought we could have been a little cleaner on defense, but I was really, really proud of how we just gritted our teeth and made some plays in the field,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said. “Carleigh (Kinnaird) threw great and worked out a couple of jams. We did just enough to squeak by with those four runs. … At the end of the day, having these tough wins that make you kind of bow your neck at the end are what takes teams through the postseason. I would have loved to score more runs, but I am just pleased with how we finished the game. That puts us in a good spot to know that we have been in tough situations against one of the best lineups in Missouri.” 

IN THE CIRCLE

Neosho pitcher Carleigh Kinnaird delivers to home during the Wildcats’ win over Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Jessica Geninger.

Carleigh Kinnaird earned the complete-game win in the circle for the Wildcats after allowing three runs, one earned, on seven hits, a walk and nine strikeouts in seven innings.

Caelyn Bobski started and took the loss for Joplin after allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits, a walk and two strikeouts in four innings. Ava Wolf allowed one run on three hits in two relief innings.

“I was very pleased with the pitching today from our sophomores,” Joplin coach Brenden Schneider said. “Bob did a great job. When you only give up two hard hits all game, that is credit to what our girls have done. The experience they have from pitching so many innings this year will put us in a great spot later on. They have done everything asked of them and I’ve been very pleased.”

GAME ACTION

The Eagles started the scoring in the top of the first when Jadyn Pankow picked up an RBI on a groundout with runners on second and third and no outs for a 1-0 lead.

Neosho tied the game up in the bottom of the second inning when Olivia Emery grounded out with runners on the corners to force home a run and make the score 1-1.

The Wildcats jumped in front in the third inning when Autumn Kinnaird led off the inning with a double to right field before scoring on a sacrifice fly from Beclynn Garrett.

“I will brag and brag and brag about the bottom of our lineup because 7, 8 and 9 were so clutch for us,” Cummins said. “We got bunts down and had some great at-bats. … When you look at the difference in the game, that was a huge part of it.”

Joplin pitcher Caelyn Bobski delivers to the plate during the Eagles’ loss to Neosho on Tuesday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

In the next at-bat, Carleigh Kinnaird gave herself some insurance when she smacked a ball to the opposite field over the wall in right-center for a solo homer and a 3-1 advantage. 

The Eagles cut the lead to one in the top of the fifth after Maria Loum, who reached on an error, came around to score on a wild pitch with two outs in the inning to make the score 3-2. Joplin had the tying run on third but failed to push it across.

“We missed some opportunities on offense and kind of shot ourselves in the foot on defense,: Schneider said. “Which has kind of been something that we have done this year. And in close games, you can’t do that if you want to win.”

Joplin’s Libby Munn led off the sixth inning with a sharp double to left field to get the tying run in scoring position but Kinnaird struck out the next three Eagles to end the threat.

“She did a great job,” Cummins said. “Since they have such a good lineup, we tweaked the game plan a little bit and I am really pleased with how she adjusted. She is gritty and tough as nails and wants to win so badly. … Overall, I am very pleased with her and the maturity she has shown on the mound.” 

Neosho’s Autumn Kinnaird earns a base hit during the Wildcats’ win over Joplin on Tuesday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Avyn Blair singled in front of a double by Emery before Ashlyn Stevens reached on a bunt to load the bases with no outs for Neosho in the bottom of the sixth. Kynden Smith gave the Wildcats insurance with a one-out sacrifice fly to left field to plate a run and push the lead to 4-2.

Joplin refused to go away quietly, as Bailey Ledford reached with two outs in the seventh on a single to left before taking second on a heads-up play on the throw back in. Abby Lowery beat out an infield hit in the next at-bat, with Ledford coming all the way around from second to slide in safe at the plate and cut the deficit to 4-3. 

Kinnaird induced a groundout with runners on first and second to end the threat and the game.

“I was really pleased with how we gutted it out,” Cummins said. “ I was talking to my family after the game and I told them I feel like I’ve been hit by a train, and I am sure the girls feel that way, too. It was just gutsy. I am proud of our fight.”

AT THE PLATE

Autumn Kinnaird and Emery each doubled on the way to two hits and a run scored apiece. Emery added an RBI. Carleigh Kinnaird homered, drove in one and scored once. Garrett had a hit and drove in one for Neosho.

Ledford had three hits and scored twice for Joplin. Munn doubled and had two hits, while Lowery and Pankow each had a hit and an RBI.

ON DECK

Neosho (21-5, 6-1 COC) is at Willard on Thursday.

Joplin (13-11, 3-4 COC) is at Nixa on Thursday.

FOOTBALL: Carthage rallies past Neosho in second half; Wildcats’ Hughes surpasses 5,000 passing yards

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO, Mo. — Carthage’s winning streak against Neosho on the gridiron survives another season. 

Barely. 

The Tigers tallied four second-half touchdowns and surrendered just one score on their way to a 35-21 victory over the Wildcats Friday night at Bob Anderson Stadium.

Carthage QB Brady Carlton looks for running room early in the contest against Neosho. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Carthage hasn’t lost to Neosho since the 2008 season. 

After trailing 14-7 at the break, Carthage rattled off a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 21-14 lead on Neosho, thanks to junior quarterback Brady Carlton’s 5-yard run and a Rudy Perez 6-yard touchdown reception from Carlton, and another two scores in the fourth.

Carthage, which improved to 2-3, held Neosho to a single touchdown in the second half, and junior defensive lineman Trevor Meadows forced a fumble and recovered it to set the Tigers up for Jackson Hettinger’s 22-yard touchdown pass from Brady Carlton to give the visitors a crucial two-score lead.

Neosho’s Quenton Hughes looks for rushing room in the Wildcats’ loss to Carthage on Friday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Then, the Carthage defense answered the bell once again when sophomore defensive back Braxton Ralston corralled an interception and returned it 33 yards after teammate Joey Czahor tipped the pass near the goal line with just 1:03 left, helping secure the win.

The Wildcats got out to a 14-0 lead with two big-play touchdowns courtesy of the QB Quenton Hughes and WR Hudson Williams connection.

The duo linked up for a 60-yard touchdown score less than a minute into the contest that vaulted Hughes past the 5,000-yard career passing mark in the process. 

After the Neosho defense stuffed Carthage three times within the 5-yard line, Hughes tossed two 33-yard passes to Williams—the second going for a score and 14-0 advantage.  

Junior receiver Langston Morgan and junior running back had the other Carthage touchdowns. Morgan hauled in a 43-yard reception from Collins via a halfback pass to make it 14-7, and Collins rushed in a 5-yard score for the final tally of the contest.

Neosho junior running back Denver Welch scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to knot the score at 21-21 midway through the fourth quarter and before the Tigers’ defense clamped down.

Carthage stays on the road and plays Ozark next Friday, while Neosho (0-4) takes the trip to Branson (2-3). 

BOYS SOCCER: Joplin knocks off Neosho

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Joplin High School boys soccer team defeated Neosho 4-2 on Tuesday night.

The Eagles took a 3-0 lead after Adam Badr scored in the 12th minute and Ely Montanez recorded goals in the 44th and 67th minutes.

Blanton Garrigan and Andy Cordova assisted on Montanez’s goals. 

Neosho scored back-to-back goals in the 75th and 76th minutes, with Fabiani Ohajaca scoring the second goal.

Joplin responded in the 77th minute, as Cordova scored, with Badr assisting.

The Eagles took 22 shots, with eight shots on goal. The Wildcats took 11 shots, with five on goal. 

Joplin had four corner kicks to Neosho’s one.

Joplin goalkeeper Brayden Anderson was credited with three saves. 

Joplin will compete at this weekend’s Jefferson City tournament. 

Neosho hosts McDonald County on Wednesday.

 

SOFTBALL: Neosho rallies late to beat Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEOSHO, Mo. — Just when it looked like the visitors had all of the momentum, the host Neosho Wildcats rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a 5-4 Central Ozark Conference victory over the Webb City Cardinals on Tuesday at the Marion Sports Complex.

With a sixth straight win, Neosho improved to 17-5 overall and 4-1 in the COC. 

Webb City slipped to 12-7 and 2-3 in the COC. 

Entering the matchup with plenty of momentum after winning the Branson Tournament over the weekend, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when junior shortstop Beclynn Garrett launched a solo home run over the fence in center field.

The Cardinals were no-hit by Neosho junior right-hander Carleigh Kinnaird through five innings, but the visitors finally got the bats going in the top of the sixth, erupting for four runs.

Freshman shortstop Abby Sargent and sophomore catcher Kylee Sargent hit back-to-back singles to begin the sixth before sophomore third baseman Alex Maturino blasted a three-run home run to center for a 3-1 lead.

Later in the frame, senior second baseman Jensyn Pickett smacked a home run to left to give the visitors a three-run cushion. 

But the Wildcats responded with four runs of their own in the bottom half.

Garrett tripled to start the rally and later scored on sophomore second baseman Addysan Hart’s sac fly to right.

The hosts tied the game on junior left fielder Avyn Blair’s two-run base hit to right field.

Later in the frame, Blair scored the go-ahead run from third after a wild pitch. 

Kinnaird, who retired the side in the seventh, earned the complete-game pitching victory. She gave up four runs on four hits and two walks and struck out 10.

Garrett went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Webb City freshman Addie Burns took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. 

Both teams have conference home games on Thursday, as Webb City hosts Republic and Neosho entertains Ozark. 

 

FOOTBALL: Carthage notches first win over Carl Junction

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage got into the win column for the first time this season after taking the early lead and never relinquishing it in a 41-28 win on Friday.

Carthage QB Brady Carlton looks for rushing room in the Tigers’ win over Carl Junction on Friday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

The Tigers scored on the opening drive and built a three-score lead by the end of the first quarter before Carl Junction stormed back to cut the Tigers’ lead to 27-21 at the intermission. The Tigers forced the Bulldogs into a turnover on downs midway through the third quarter and took advantage with a touchdown to build a two-score lead without wavering down the stretch. 

Carthage took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards on five plays to get into the end zone. The Tigers used a 35-yard run from QB Brady Carlton to set up a 6-yard rushing score from Carlton for a 7-0 lead with 9:58 left to play in the first quarter.

After a Carl Junction punt, WR Jackson Hettinger ripped off a 78-yard run before RB Landyn Collins bounced off a tackle and found paydirt from 5 yards out to give Carthage a 13-0 advantage with less than five minutes to play in the opening period.

The Tigers made it three for three in scoring drives when Collins broke off a 14-yard rushing touchdown for a 19-0 lead with 55 seconds left in the opening quarter.

Carl Junction WR Ryder Pyles hauls in a reception in the Bulldogs’ loss Carthage on Friday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Carl Junction got on the scoreboard with 10:02 to play in the second quarter after QB Dexter Merrell ripped off a 31-yard touchdown to cut the Tigers’ lead to 19-7 and cap a 70-yard, seven-play drive.

The Bulldogs cut the lead to 19-14 when Merrell found WR Ryder Pyles streaking across the field for a 93-yard touchdown midway through the second period. 

The Tigers responded when Carlton kept the ball up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown run with 4:45 on the clock and converted the ensuing 2-point conversion to give Carthage a 27-14 advantage.

Stewart reversed field for a 17-yard touchdown run on the following Carl Junction drive to get Bulldogs back within one score, 27-21, with less than four minutes to play in the first half.

Carl Junction went for it on fourth down early in the second half but failed to convert, and Carthage took advantage of the short field when Carlton found TE Karson Murray with a jump ball in the end zone on fourth-down-and-10 for a 25-yard touchdown before keeping it for the 2-point conversion to give the Tigers a 35-21 lead over the Bulldogs with 1:50 left to play in the third quarter. 

Carthage RB Landyn Collins picks up a chunk gain against Carl Junction on Friday. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

Carl Junction refused to go away, driving once again on the ensuing possession before Merrell hit Jett Mills in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown to trim the Tigers’ cushion to 35-28 with 8: left in the game.

Carthage put the finishing touches on the win with one more methodical drive that ended with Collins crossing the end zone with 2:39 remaining to give the Tigers a two-score lead, 41-28.

Again, showing no quit, the Bulldogs went into their hurry-up offense with little time remaining and marched down the field into the red zone but turned it over on downs with less than a minute to play.

Carthage (1-3) is on the road against Neosho in Week 4.

Carl Junction (1-3) hosts Branson in Week 4.

FOOTBALL: Republic runs away from Neosho

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho took the lead with an opening score before Republic ripped off 49 unanswered points on the way to a 56-21 win over the Wildcats on Friday.

The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 28-0 in the second quarter to build the insurmountable lead.

Neosho took the opening possession and marched 60 yards to get in the end zone when QB Quenton Hughes hit RB Denver Welch out of the backfield and upfield for a 13-yard touchdown with 9:47 to play in the first quarter.

Republic tied the game up with 1:44 on the clock in the first quarter on a 6-yard keeper on a third-and-goal keeper from QB Caide White to tie the game at 7-7.

White added an 8-yard rushing touchdown just after the quarter change to give the Tigers a 14-7 lead over the Wildcats.

Republic went up 21-7 when White crossed the goal line from 3 yards out with 10:33 left in the second quarter.

FB Kanon Krol took a carry 6 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing Republic drive for a 28-7 lead before the Tigers went up 35-7 after QB Wyatt Woods ripped off a 69-yard touchdown run with three minutes left in the first half. 

Neosho turned it over on the following series with a fumble and Republic took advantage after QB Wyatt Woods found WR James Rexrote for a 29-yard touchdown with 1:43 before the half for a 42-7 lead in favor of Republic. 

Republic pushed the lead to 49-7 early in the second half when David Hayes scored on a 18-yard run.

Welch scored from 3 yards out with 3:13 left in the third quarter to cut the Neosho deficit to 49-13.

Republic got back into the end zone when Jackson Taylor from 10 yards out scored with 9:41 left to make the score 56-13.

Hughes found Welch again on a deep ball for a 74-yard touchdown pass with less than seven minutes to play in the game to make the score 56-21.

Republic (3-1) hosts Willard in Week 4.

Neosho (0-4) hosts Carthage in Week 4.

BOYS SOCCER ROUNDUP: Joplin beats Willard; Laytham leads Carthage past Neosho; CHC earns 1st win

Posted on by Jason Peake

JOPLIN 4, WILLARD 0

The Joplin High School boys soccer team rode a strong second half to a 4-0 victory over Willard on Tuesday night.

After a scoreless first half, the Eagles scored four goals after intermission.

Leo Valdez scored in the 43rd minute before Ever Blanco made it 2-0 in the 49th minute, with Ely Montanez assisting.

Andy Cordova’s goal in the 53rd minute, assisted by Adam Badr, gave the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

Badr scored in the 57th minute, with Montanez assisting, for the final margin.

The Eagles had 10 shots on goal to Willard’s eight, with a 16-11 advantage on overall shots.

Joplin goalkeeper Brayden Anderson made eight saves, while Willard’s Jacob Jones was credited with six saves.

The Eagles took six corner kicks to the Tigers’ two.

Joplin (2-4) is at Monett on Thursday.

 

CARTHAGE 8, NEOSHO 0

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Senior forward Silas Laytham recorded a hat trick, scoring goals in the 14th, 20th and 37th minutes, leading the Carthage Tigers to a convincing win over the Neosho Wildcats on Tuesday night at David Haffner Stadium.

In addition to Laytham’s three first half goals, Kenny Cifuentes, Henry Hernandez and Welle Welle all scored in the first half, giving the Tigers a 6-0 halftime lead.

Welle and Reece Horton scored in the second half for the final margin.

Carthage (5-1) is at Springfield Central on Thursday.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS 9, FORT SCOTT 2

Michael Parrigon scored five goals and had two assists to lead College Heights (with McAuley Catholic) to a non-conference win on Tuesday.

Liam Nelson added two goals for the Cougars, while Hudson Clevenger and Justin Bgoni added one goal apiece.

College Heights (1-4) is at Greenwood on Thursday.

 

VOLLEYBALL: Carthage wins five-set thriller over Neosho in COC action

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage remained unblemished at home after dropping the first set before rallying to beat Neosho 23-25, 25-13, 25-22, 19-25 and 15-12 in a five-set Central Ozark Conference thriller on Monday.

“We knew going in that Neosho is always a scrappy team,” Carthage coach Chloe Allmoslecher said. “They never give up and tonight, we knew it was going to be that way. Five sets later, here we are. Luckily, we came out on top. I think we could have stepped up in our service game. We missed a lot of serves tonight. In these five-set matches, it can get long and tiresome, but you can never let that be an excuse because the other team is playing five sets, too.”

The win, which also had district implications, is the Tigers’ third straight, all coming at home where CHS is 3-0. In total, Carthage is 7-4 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.

Neosho falls to 4-6 after losing its conference opener. 

The opening set was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team taking much of an advantage until Carthage used a 7-2 spurt, including a three-point service run that included an ace from Sadie Comer, to build a 19-15 advantage 

“We have just been a team that has struggled getting off to a good start,” Allmoslecher said of the first set getting away from the Tigers. “We have lost a lot of first sets, with the first 15 points kind of being where we struggle. We are still working on that, but as we turn the corner into the more competitive part of our schedule, we are going to have to figure that out.”

Neosho chipped away at the lead before ripping off six of the next seven points, ultimately taking a 24-22 lead on Rylyn Mortiz’s serve. After a sideout kill by Carthage’s Millie Templeman, Neosho’s Whitney Kivett ended the game, 25-23, with a kill of her own. 

Carthage flipped the script in the second set, starting strong and not giving up the lead. The Tigers used a strong opening service from Riann Schwartz that saw an ace and a kill from Bella Coy for a 4-0 lead.  

After a sideout kill from Neosho’s Taylor James, Carthage scored five of the next six points—two kills from Templeman as well as kills from Comer and Coy—to build a 10-3 lead.

“When you get a good start, get some momentum and get over that hump and not in a hole, it’s not as overwhelming,” Allmoslecher said of her team bouncing back in the second set. “I want our girls to realize how much having the momentum from the get-go can affect a set. We are getting there.”

Back to back aces from Comer later in the set built a 13-5 lead for the Tigers. Carthage put the finishing touches on the second set with six of the last seven points, including two aces from Ella Schwartz and two kills from Templeman.

Carthage was forced to rally from an early hole in the third set, as Neosho jumped out to a 7-3 advantage. Three straight kills from Ava Bourgault and an ace from Comer tied the set at 7-7.

The Tigers found themselves trailing 14-9 before scoring eight of the next nine points to take a 17-15 lead on service runs from Ella Schwartz and Comer. Bourgault and Templeman had kills, while Ella Schwartz had an ace. 

Carthage pushed the third-set lead to five, 22-17, on a three-point run in service by Comer and ultimately put the third set away on a kill from Templeman.

“Coming from behind has actually been a huge hurdle that we have overcome,” Allmoslecher said. “This summer, it was a battle for us. If we were in a hole, we were going to lose the game. Battling back is actually our strong suit now. Our girls aren’t scared from being behind … they did a good job of fighting to win that set.” 

In a tightly-contested fourth set, Neosho took the first advantage midway through after scoring eight of nine points, highlighted by a four-point service run by Audrey Sims, which included an ace and a block from Maddy Olson for a 21-14 lead.

Carthage used a sideout and four-point service run from Templeman that included an ace and two kills from Bourgault to trim the margin to 22-19 before Neosho forced a sideout and never relinquished service until finishing off the win. Moritz had a kill in the run and Olson finished the win with a kill.

Carthage took early control with a 4-1 lead in the fifth set off an ace from Riann Schwartz. 

The Wildcats battled back to take a 5-4 lead on a three-point service run from Moritz, with Jazmyn Washington earning a block and Olson a kill. 

Neosho cut the lead to 9-8 with a sideout kill from James before Comer earned a kill for a sideout in Carthage’s favor. Jaidyn Brunnert earned a kill before Comer aced to give the Tigers a 12-8 lead and the momentum.

A block from Neosho’s Lauren Sullivan was matched by a kill from Bourgault before she followed with an ace in service to put Carthage on top 14-9. Brunnert finished the match shortly after with a kill to seal the win.

“It was a really big win,” Allmoslecher said. “They are in our district and in our conference. We are also undefeated at home so far, so it is nice to have that confidence moving forward.”

UP NEXT

Carthage hosts Cassville on Tuesday.

Neosho hosts Diamond on Tuesday.

FOOTBALL: Veterans lead Bulldogs past Wildcats for first 2023 victory

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Ahead of the 2023 season, the new lead voice of the Carl Junction football program had plenty to say about his upperclassmen.

Carl Junction’s Dexter Merrell picks up positive yardage in the Bulldogs’ win over Neosho on Friday. Photos by Jessica Greninger.

“Our success will be built around them,” Todd Hafner originally told SoMo Sports.

After two losses to open the season, the Carl Junction veterans stepped up to lead the Bulldogs to a 32-24 win over Neosho in a battle of winless squads Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.

“The biggest thing is how hard our kids fought and how they pulled together when they needed to,” Hafner said after the first win of his second CJ tenure. “Offensively, we were stagnant in the first half, but we made the adjustments we needed to and played well down the stretch.”

Senior running back and linebacker Johnny Starks made a major impact with a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown, a long touchdown run early in the second half that set the pace for a wild finish, plus a blocked field goal and PAT.

“I don’t know how else to describe it,” Hafner said of Starks’ play. “He was the best player on the field tonight. He’s worked himself into such a good player. He’s able to play longer because he has put a lot of work in on his conditioning. I’m really proud of him.”

Meanwhile, junior running backs Marcus Lopez-Durman and Tony Stewart each added crucial touchdowns within Carl Junction’s new-look pistol option under Hafner, who has returned to the helm for a second tenure (1997-2000) after the departure of longtime coach Doug Buckmaster.

Carl Junction’s Tony Stewart looks for rushing room during the Bulldogs’ win over Neosho on Friday.

“They’re all a huge part of what we do,” Hafner said of his veteran leaders. “Our quarterback (senior Dexter Merrell) didn’t have a lot of passing or running yards, but he gave the ball to the right guy every time. At halftime, we showed him what he was doing and then he was great in the second half.”

Most of the action occurred in the second half, which began with the Bulldogs leading 7-6 on Starks’ blocked punt that turned into a 45-yard touchdown return for a score near the end of the second quarter.

On the first possession of the second half, Starks ripped a 69-yard touchdown run to provide a 14-6 cushion for Carl Junction.

Neosho cut the deficit to 14-12 when Quenton Hughes linked up with Hudson Williams for a 9-yard touchdown connection with 7:55 left in the third quarter.

Then, the Bulldogs settled for a Gavin Cowger 29-yard field goal to gain a 17-12 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Neosho’s Denver Welch breaks loose for a first down during the Wildcats’ loss to Carl Junction on Friday.

The Wildcats responded by taking its second — and final — lead with Denver Welch’s 3-yard touchdown run for an 18-17 advantage midway through the fourth.

It took just one play for Carl Junction to muster a response of its own. Lopez-Durman took an option handoff 67 yards all the way to the house prior to a two-point conversion providing the home side a seven-point lead at 25-18.

But Neosho didn’t roll over. Hughes tossed a deep ball down the sideline, connecting with Hudson Williams for a 63-yard touchdown pass and catch to trim the Bulldogs’ lead to 25-24. After the score, the Wildcats failed to add a two-point conversion or PAT for its third straight try.

Carl Junction put the nail in the coffin thanks to Stewart’s 9-yard touchdown run with 2:07 left and another strong defensive stand.

“I’m so happy to be here and I’m proud of our kids,” Hafner said. “I’m excited that we were able to play well and get the win for our community.”

UP NEXT

Carl Junction (1-2) will make the short trek to Carthage (0-3) next week. Neosho (0-3) will host Republic (2-1).

 

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Joplin rallies late past Carthage; Neosho walks off against Nixa

Posted on by Lucas Davis

JOPLIN 10, CARTHAGE 6

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage held a 6-5 lead heading into the seventh inning when Joplin rallied for five runs and the eventual win in the Central Ozark Conference opener on Tuesday.

Joplin’s Jadyn Pankow led off the top of the seventh with a walk in front of Riley Kelly’s single before Taryn Casey sacrificed them up to second and third with a bunt. Gracie Williamson delivered the first big hit with a game-tying single up the middle to plate a run. Lily Glover followed with an infield hit to score the go-ahead run. Maria Loum singled to center field with two outs later in the inning to bring home a run and Abby Lowery added an RBI single to center to wrap the scoring for the Eagles.

Carthage loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the inning, but a pop out and a strikeout ended the threat.

Ava Wolf started and took a no-decision after allowing five runs, one earned, on eight hits, two walks and three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Caelyn Bobski earned the win in relief after allowing one run on two hits, five walks and two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.

Addie Wallace took the loss after allowing 10 runs, eight earned, on 14 hits, three walks and two strikeouts in seven innings.

Pankow led the Eagles at the plate with three hits, a two-run home run in the top of the fifth and two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored. Lowery had two hits, two RBI and scored twice, while Loum had two hits, two RBI and scored a run. Kelly, Glover and Bailey Ledford had two hits each, with Kelly and Ledford each scoring a run.

Lexa Youngblood had three hits, including a double, and an RBI for the Tigers. Brooklynn Dolon-Main had two hits and scored twice. Jenna Calhoon doubled and scored a run.

Joplin (7-5, 1-0 COC) hosts Branson on Thursday.

Carthage (6-5, 3-1 COC) hosts Ozark on Thursday.

 

NEOSHO 8, NIXA 7

NEOSHO, Mo. — After Nixa scored a run in the top half of the inning to take a two-run lead, Neosho rallied with a three-run seventh to earn the walk-off win over the Eagles in the Central Ozark Conference opener on Tuesday.

Trailing 7-5 with three outs left, the Wildcats loaded the bases with the first three batters reaching on a walk by Kynden Smith, a single from Beclynn Garrett and a walk by Carleigh Kinnaird before Journey Arnall drove home two with a one-out single to right to tie the game at 7-7. After a strikeout for the second out in the inning and an intentional walk to load the bases, Ashlyn Stevens brought home the winning run on a fielder’s choice bunt, with the throw going home not in time. 

Kinnaird started and took a no-decision after allowing six runs, four earned, on six hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings of work. Olivia Emery earned the win after allowing one run on two hits and three strikeouts in two innings of work.

Paige Garetson took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits, three walks and four strikeouts in 1 2/3 relief innings. Brienne Chilton started and took a no-decision after allowing five runs on seven hits, two walks and four strikeouts in five innings.

Garrett had three hits, including a double, to lead Neosho at the plate. She also had a team-high three runs scored. Addy Hart had two hits and a team-high three RBI. Journey Arnall had a hit and two RBI for the Wildcats. 

Neosho hosts Republic on Thursday.

GIRLS TENNIS ROUNDUP: Thomas Jefferson tops Joplin; Neosho beats Aurora

Posted on by Jason Peake

THOMAS JEFFERSON TOPS JOPLIN

Thomas Jefferson’s 2023 home opener definitely went well.

The Cavaliers defeated Joplin 9-0 in a girls tennis dual on Monday at the TJ courts.

In singles matches, Thomas Jefferson’s Allison Ding edged Mya Ndedi-Ntepe 8-6, Jeanna Jeyaraj beat Isabelle Zamanzadeh 8-2, Esther Yang topped Alex Carson 8-1, Warda Morsy defeated Zayda Derganc 8-2, Mayson Solum beat Julia Reyes-Alvarado 8-2 and Emalee Ro edged Gwenna Street 8-6.

In doubles matches, Ding and Jeyaraj defeated Ndedi-Ntepe and Carson 8-3, while Yang-Solum beat Zamanzadeh-Derganc 8-3 and Morsy-Ro topped Alvarado-Lily Compton 8-1.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Nevada on Thursday. Joplin hosts Carthage on Tuesday. 

 

NEOSHO BEATS AURORA

In the opener of the 2023 season, the Neosho High School girls tennis team defeated Aurora 5-4 on Monday. 

The Wildcats won four of the six singles matches.

At No. 1 singles, Neosho’s Keely Keeton defeated Kloey Boyd 8-5.

Aurora’s McKenna Bradley defeated Emma VanDorn 8-4 and Libby Sawyers beat Francisca Ruiz 8-4.

The Wildcats won the singles matches at No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6. Angel Lee defeated Adeline Patillo 8-3, Sydnee Minton beat Esmeralda Botello 8-0 and Abigail Coutu topped Jaydn Venable 8-3.

Aurora won two of the three doubles matches.

Boyd-Sawyers defeated Keeton-VanDorn 8-4 and Bradley-Potillo edged Ruiz-Lee 8-6.

Neosho’s Minton and Coutu defeated Botello-Venable 8-5.

Neosho is at Nixa on Tuesday and at Republic on Thursday. 

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Neosho tops Seneca; Carl Junction rallies past Cassville; Carthage falls

Posted on by Lucas Davis

NEOSHO 9, SENECA 2

SENECA, Mo. — Neosho poured it on late with eight runs coming in the final three innings of a win over Seneca on Monday in the season opener for both teams.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning before both teams went scoreless through the next two frames. Neosho scored three runs in the fourth to take a four-run lead. Both teams traded a pair of tallies in the fifth before Neosho put the game away with a three-run sixth inning.

Olivia Emery earned the win after pitching four scoreless innings on four hits and five strikeouts.

Abigail Jamros took the loss after allowing nine runs, five earned, on nine hits, four walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings of work.

Addysan Hart had two hits, two RBI and scored a run, while Journey Arnall had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI. Beclynn Garrett had two hits, including a double, and scored a run.

Kahli Fields had two hits and scored a run to lead Seneca at the plate. 

Neosho takes part in the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational kicking off on Sept. 1.

Seneca hosts Carthage on Tuesday.

 

CARL JUNCTION 8, CASSVILLE 4

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Carl Junction scored five runs in the final three innings to rally for a win over Cassville on Monday.

The Bulldogs scored three times in the first inning thanks to a two-out three-run home run from Izzie Southern. The Wildcats plated four runs in the third inning to take the lead before Carl Junction’s Ryleigh Palmer, who doubled, and Madi Olds had consecutive run-scoring hits to give the Bulldogs the 5-4 lead in the fourth. Carl Junction added two runs on a Cassville error in the fifth and Palmer brought another run home in the sixth with a sac fly.

Olds had two hits, scored a run and drove in a run to lead CJ at the dish. Southern homered, drove in three and scored twice. Palmer had a hit and two RBI with a run scored. Hannah Cantrell and Kady Hunt each had a hit and combined for three runs. 

Kyler Hayward had two hits, two RBI and a run scored, while Kalee Lowe and Joei Blankenship each doubled on the way to two hits and a run scored. 

Kiley Spencer earned the win for CJ after allowing four runs, three earned, on nine hits and six strikeouts in a complete-game effort.

Aubrey Stoufer took the loss after allowing eight runs, four earned, on six hits, five walks and seven strikeouts in six innings.

Carl Junction (4-1) is at Hillcrest on Wednesday.

 

CAMDENTON 6, CARTHAGE 1

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Camdenton scored five runs in the second inning fueled by a pair of Carthage errors en route to a win over the Tigers on Monday.

Addison Wallace took the loss for Carthage after allowing six unearned runs on eight hits, two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. 

Cayden VonSande earned the win in the circle after allowing one run on six hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings.

Shelby Hegwer had a hit and an RBI to lead the Tigers at the plate. Lexa Youngblood, Brooklynn Dolon-Main, Alexis Smith, Lottie Youngblood and Aven Willis all collected hits for Carthage. 

Addyson Clay had three hits and two RBI, while VonSande had two hits and an RBI and Ellie Moore added two hits and a run scored to lead the Lakers at the plate.

Carthage (2-2) is at Seneca on Tuesday.

BOYS SOCCER: Neosho opens season at Rolla Shootout

Posted on by Jason Peake

ROLLA, Mo. — The Neosho High School boys soccer team went 0-2 at the Rolla Shootout on Saturday.

In the first game of the 2023 season, Rolla defeated Neosho 4-1.

“We had some first game nervousness for sure but had some really good moments,” Neosho coach Steve Schnackenberg said. “We need to make those positive moments now for the entire 80 minutes.  It was great to see the potential we have this season.”

Neosho’s goal was scored by Fabiani Ohajaca Casasola on a penalty kick.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Tribbey made five saves.

Rolla had nine shots on goal, while Neosho had seven shots on goal. 

In the team’s second game, Hannibal defeated Neosho 3-0.

“It was a much better game,” Schnackenberg said. “We are still looking to gel together around our core players. We got to see some young and new players step up and earn some playing time.”

The Wildcats had five shots on goal but were unable to score. Hannibal had nine shots on goal.

Tribbey was credited with six saves. 

Recording shots on goal for the Wildcats were Franklin Maldonado-Mendez, Ohajaca Casasola (2), Juan Blancarte and Santino Gomez Velasquez.

Neosho is at Branson on Tuesday. The Wildcats will host Webb City at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 in the home opener.

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