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BOYS HOOPS: Webb City starts fast, finishes strong against Seneca

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Taking the court with a little extra motivation, Webb City started fast and finished strong in an 88-58 victory over Seneca on Thursday night in a non-conference boys basketball clash inside the Cardinal Dome.

In a game they never trailed, the speedy Cardinals built a 16-point lead by the midway point of the first quarter.

“Our guys were really motivated tonight,” Webb City coach Jason Horn said. “Coach (Cort) Hardy spent a lot of time here as an assistant and he coached a lot of our guys when they were coming up through the program. They wanted to have a good showing against him. I thought we were very aggressive, sharp and focused to start the game. And it always helps when you hit some shots early. That really fed our defense.”

Propelled by its full court pressure defense, and getting plenty of hoops in transition, Webb City held an 18-2 lead by the 3:55 mark of the opening stanza.

But Seneca adjusted to the speed of the game and the Indians started getting high-percentage shots from in close. In fact, the Indians closed the first quarter on a 13-4 surge, trimming Webb City’s lead from 16 to seven at 22-15.

“You have to give Seneca credit,” Horn said. “We won that first four minutes, but they were much better in that second four minutes. They made a run at us.” 

In the first meeting between the two programs since 2012, the fast-paced and back and forth second period was nearly even, as the Cardinals outscored the Indians 19-18 in the frame for a 41-33 halftime advantage.

“Seneca was hurting us in the soft spots of our 1-2-2,” Horn said. “We talked to our kids about that at halftime and we were able to make the adjustment.”

The visitors were still within striking distance when Webb City finished the third quarter on a 17-6 run for a 65-45 cushion.

“We wanted to wear them down and keep running at them in waves,” Horn commented. “We hope the wear and tear will take its toll. We play nine guys, and with the way we want to play, we’re going to need all of them. We want the tempo as fast as we can get it and we want to use our speed to our advantage. And the guys really like playing that way. I enjoy coaching that way and I think our fans like watching us play that way.” 

Webb City senior guard Barron Duda hit a trio of 3-pointers in the game-changing third quarter, while Eli Pace, Omari Jackson and Holton Keith all contributed buckets as the hosts won the third quarter 24-12.

In the early stages of the fourth quarter, Gabe Johnson and Keith both drilled 3-pointers before Jackson converted a steal into a layup, and the Cardinals blew the game open by pushing their lead to 30 at 79-49.

“We’re going to score in waves and it’s going to come in bunches,” Horn said. “But there are also going to be some short droughts. We have to play through them. And I thought our kids played extremely hard tonight.” 

Receiving votes in the MBCA’s Class 5 poll, Webb City hiked its record to 5-2.

Webb City shot 56 percent from the floor, making 36 of 64 shot attempts, including 11 of 24 from long range.

Four players scored in double figures for the Cardinals. 

Duda led the way with 24 points on 8 of 16 shooting, including 5 of 9 from 3-point land. 

A junior point guard, Pace scored 20 points to go along with eight assists.

Keith scored 16 points and Jackson added 12. Johnson just missed double figures with eight points.

Johnson and Keith compiled four assists and three steals apiece.

Hardy’s Seneca squad fell to 4-4. 

The Indians made 51 percent of their field goal attempts (23 of 45) and out-rebounded the Cardinals 27-26, but the visitors had 24 turnovers to Webb City’s 12.

Three players scored in double figures for the Indians. Senior forward Morgan Vaughn scored 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting and also grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Indians.

Senior Gavyn Hoover added 14 points and junior Zane Grotjohn had 13 points.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Webb City will take on St. Joseph Central at 3:30 on Dec. 28 at the Twelve Courts of Christmas tourney in Kansas City. 

Seneca will be among the teams competing at next week’s Neosho Holiday Classic.

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

GIRLS HOOPS: Webb City ends ’23 with blowout victory

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Coming off a pair of close setbacks, the Webb City girls basketball team needed to get well.

On Tuesday night, the Cardinals did just that.

Webb City led from start to finish in a dominant 60-17 victory over Seneca in a non-conference clash inside the Cardinal Dome.

It’s safe to say the Cardinals concluded the 2023 portion of the schedule on a high note, as they took control early on the way to a confidence-building blowout victory. 

“It’s a great way to end the first part of the season,” Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. “This is a game we really needed. We’ve been in several close games the last few weeks and we hadn’t been able to get over the hump. I thought tonight we put together more of a complete game than we’ve had so far this season. We shot the ball well and we defended well. I think we played well as a team tonight. This one is definitely something we can build on going into Christmas break.”

Webb City took the court one night after suffering a 53-49 loss at Pittsburg, Kansas. The Cardinals also dropped a 51-47 decision to Bentonville West last Wednesday at the Lady Mustang Classic.

On Tuesday, Webb City scored the first 11 points of the game, as Malorie Stanley, Addie Burns and Kirra Long all knocked down 3-pointers early in the contest and Abby Sargent made an uncontested layup.

The Cardinals held a 13-4 lead by the end of the first quarter and the hosts were up comfortably 29-10 at halftime.

Webb City outscored Seneca 23-7 in the lopsided third period and the hosts took a commanding 52-17 lead into the final frame. There was a running clock in the fourth quarter.

A 5-foot-9 senior guard, Stanley scored 13 points and hit four 3-pointers for the Cardinals. 

“Malorie has been playing really well for us and she’s been shooting the ball really well,” Coach Robbins said. “She hit five 3s last night at Pittsburg and she made four tonight. She’s finding the open areas of the zone defense and we’ve been able to find her in scoring position. She’s shooting the ball with confidence.” 

Stanley is now the lone senior in the lineup, as senior guard Mia Robbins is out of action due to a knee injury.

A pair of freshmen also had nice outings for the Cardinals. 

A 6-foot forward, Burns compiled 13 points and seven rebounds, while the 5-8 Sargent contributed 12 points, five assists, four steals and five boards from the point guard position.

Freshman Whitlee Keith scored eight points, while juniors Long and Jenna Schulz contributed five points apiece. Junior Brynn Gilchrist and freshman Adalyn Maxwell each chipped in two points.

Webb City shot 48 percent from the floor for the game, hitting 21 of 43 field goal attempts.

The Cardinals have a lot of youth on the court, as five freshmen—Sargent, Burns, Keith, Adalyn Maxwell and Kaelyn Maxwell—have been getting lots of varsity playing time thus far. Freshman Jocelyn Maxwell and sophomore Karsyn Cahoon also saw playing time in Tuesday’s blowout win.

“We’ve been playing a lot of young kids and I feel like they’re developing at a good rate,” Coach Robbins said. “We need them to continue to be coachable and we need them to continue to buy-in. As they improve, I think we’ll be able to get over the hump in the close games.” 

Seneca’s Olivia Haase scored eight points and Ashtyn Lannon added five.  

Seneca (1-7) will compete at the Neosho Holiday Classic from Dec. 27-29.

Webb City (3-7) will return to action on Jan. 2 at home against Nevada (6-4). 

“There’s definitely some things we need to work on over Christas break so we can have a good second half of the season,” Robbins noted. 

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

STATE FOOTBALL: Seneca runs away from St. Pius X to reach Class 3 state title game

Posted on by Lucas Davis

SENECA, Mo. — Seneca will be playing in the state title game for the first time since 2013 after blowing out St. Pius X 41-17 in the Class 3 semifinal round on Saturday.

The Indians (13-0) took the lead on the second possession of the game and never looked back. The Warriors (11-3) kicked a field goal on the opening possession and were held off the scoreboard until the final 5:10 minutes of the game, with Seneca scoring 41 unanswered at one point to build a lead too big to come back from while clinching an invitation to the Class 3 state championship game in the process.

Seneca RB Jackson Marrs scores a touchdown during the Indians’ win over St. Pius X in the Class 3 semifinals on Saturday. Photos by Tyler Wade.

Seneca will take on Central (Park Hills) at 11 a.m. in the Class 3 state title game at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri on Friday.

The last time the Indians played for a state title was in 2013-14 when Seneca fell to Maryville 50-28.

St. Pius X got on the scoreboard first with a 35-yard field connection from Julian Abella with 8:09 left in the first quarter. 

Fresh off a fourth-down conversion on its ensuing drive, Seneca struck for the big play when QB Gavyn Hoover hit a wide-open TE Hagen Ginger over the middle, who sprinted his way to the end zone and fought off a tackle at the goal line for a 53-yard touchdown reception and a 6-3 lead with 5:40 to play in the first quarter.  

Hoover completed 3-of-5 passes for 91 yards through the air and added 17 carries for 96 rushing yards in the win.

Seneca OLB Nolan Napier picked up a loose ball on a bad snap by the Warriors for a turnover to give the offense an extra possession in plus territory at the St. Pius 39-yard line. 

Seneca QB Gavyn Hoover sprints to the end zone for a touchdown during the Indians’ win over St. Pius X on Saturday in the Class 3 semifinals. Photo by Tyler Wade.

The Indians’ offense made the most of the turnover when Hoover capped the ensuing drive after breaking free for a 19-yard touchdown on fourth and 1 with 47 seconds left in the first quarter to push the lead to 12-3.

Seneca RB Jackson Marrs picked up gains of 21 yards and 32 yards to set up a 1-yard rushing score from Hoover to give the Indians a 20-3 lead following a 2-point conversion on a run by WR Ethan Altic with 8:06 to play in the first half.

Marrs finished the game with 17 carries for a game-high 185 rushing yards in the win.

Seneca used the big play again to find paydirt, this time on the ground when Marrs ripped off a huge gain on a third-and-17 run after he took the last-second option pitch and made several would-be tacklers miss before sprinting his way to an 87-yard touchdown with 49 seconds left in the first half to push the lead to 28-3 after Hoover ran in the 2-point try.

The Indians closed the first half with an interception by SS Kaden Clouse with 28 seconds left.

Seneca WR Ethan Altic finds paydirt on a carry during the Indians’ win over St. Pius X on Saturday in the Class 3 semifinals. Photos by Tyler Wade.

Seneca took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched down the field with a 23-yard  run on a reverse by Altic and a 24-yard rush from Marrs to set up a 9-yard touchdown run up the middle from Hoover to extend the lead to 34-3 with 6:39 to play in the third period.

After another empty Warriors’ possession, Hoover hooked up with Altic for a 43-yard connection to get down to the St. Pius X 12-yard line, ultimately setting up a 1-yard touchdown on the ground by Marrs at the 3:13 mark of the third quarter to start the running clock with a 41-3 lead.

St. Pius scored with 5:10 to play in the game when RB Jacob Manis broke free for a 29-yard touchdown to make the score 41-11.

The Warriors got a late receiving score from Luke Tomc as time expired. 

STATE FOOTBALL: Seneca back in the state semifinals after dominating win over Ava

Posted on by Lucas Davis

AVA, Mo. — Seneca is making a second straight trip to the state semifinals for the first time since the 1994-95 seasons after dominating Ava 56-8 on Friday in the Class 3 quarterfinals.

The Indians (12-0) and Bears (11-1) traded touchdowns to open the game, with Ava leading 8-6 at one point. Seneca then scored 50 unanswered points using a stout defensive effort and methodical drives before taking the top off the defense and putting the game out of reach with big plays through the air.

The Indians take on the winner of Odessa (9-2) and St. Pius X (10-2), with that game being played at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Kansas City.

Seneca put on a methodical opening drive that lasted 10 plays and went for 71 yards and ended with an Indians’ touchdown when RB Jackson Marrs, who rushed 11 times for 98 yards in the win, spun out of a tackle at the 4-yard line before crossing the goal line from 5 yards out with 7:27 on the clock for a 6-0 lead.

Ava answered back with its first possession, getting a short field on the kickoff before needing seven plays to go 51 yards. The Bears used a 20-yard run on a keeper to the edge by QB Aiden Lane to get into the end zone before RB Rylin Dickson took a pitch right and broke a tackle to convert the 2-point try for an 8-6 lead with less than five minutes to play in the opening quarter.

Seneca drove down deep inside Ava territory on its ensuing drive before facing a fourth-down-and-1 from the 3-yard line before Marrs found a hole to the right for a touchdown to regain the lead, 13-8, with 9:57 left in the first half.

The Indians forced the Bears into the first punt of the game after stalling Ava’s ensuing drive near midfield. 

Seneca struck quickly. Marrs took the drive’s opening handoff and absorbed a hit near the line of scrimmage before bouncing off and ripping off a 53 yard run to flip the field. On the next play, QB Gavyn Hoover kept the ball for a 22-yard touchdown to give the Indians a 19-8 lead over the Bears with five minutes left in the first half.

Seneca’s defense, which held Ava to 155 yards of total offense in the win, followed up by forcing Ava to punt for the second straight drive, and the Seneca offense, which gained 487 yards against the Beats, rewarded the stop with another score just before the intermission.

Getting the ball at the 14 with 90 seconds to play in the first half, Seneca was facing third-down-and-long before Hoover, who completed 7-of-10 passes for 239 yards, connected with WR Blake Hurn for a 30-yard gain up the far sideline. On the next play, the Indians faked a screen before Hoover chucked it down field to WR Ethan Altic, who hauled in the pass and sprinted up the near sideline before being knocked out at the 2-yard line. 

Seneca looked to score on a third-down carry by Marrs before holding was called. The Indians responded with Hoover finding Altic on a corner route, with Altic jumping over his defender to make the catch for the touchdown with 27 seconds left in the first half. Hoover threw back across the field to TE Hagen Ginger on the 2-point conversion to make the score 27-8.

Ava faced a fourth-and-long on the first drive of the second half before Seneca stopped the play well short before forcing a fumble with Marrs falling on it.

On the next play, Hoover threw a deep ball to Altic down the middle of the field for a 38-yard touchdown to put the Indians on top 33-8 with less than nine minutes to play in the third quarter. 

Seneca forced a turnover-on-downs on the next defensive possession and again on the first play of the ensuing SHS drive on offense the Indians went deep. Hoover faked a jet sweep before finding WR Blake Skelton on a 37-yard touchdown on a post route for another quick-score through the air to push the lead to 40-8.

After forcing another turnover-on-downs on the defensive end, Seneca’s offense faced a second-down-and-23 before Hoover found Altic in the flat, with Altic weaving his way through would-be tacklers for a 46-yard touchdown. Altic ended the night with four catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Hurn took the 2-point handoff around the edge to convert and make the score 48-8, starting the running clock late in the third quarter. 

Seneca found the end zone one more time with the second unit when RB Hunter Hanes scored from a yard out with three minutes left before he took the handoff and converted the 2-point try to push the lead to 56-8 with 3:07 left in the game.

 

DISTRICT FOOTBALL: Seneca staunch early on the way to third straight district title

Posted on by Lucas Davis

SENECA, Mo. — Top-seeded Seneca used a stingy defensive effort and had its way offensively while building a three-score lead into the intermission before going on to pull away down the stretch for a 49-21 win over second-seeded Mount Vernon in the Class 3 District 6 championship game on Friday.

The district title is the third straight for Seneca, which hasn’t happened since 1989-1991. The Indians advance and travel to take on Ava on Friday in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

Seneca QB Gavyn Hoover lunges forward for extra yardage in the Indians’ win over Mount Vernon on Friday in the Class 3 District 6 title game. Photo by Tyler Wade.

The Indians (11-0) scored four times in the first half thanks in large part to a stifling defense, which had a takeaway that led to one of the four first-half touchdowns and 28-7 lead. The Mountaineers (10-2) scored first out of the intermission and kept the Indians off the scoreboard in the third quarter before Seneca swung the momentum permanently with an early fourth-quarter touchdown to push the lead out of reach.

Seneca struck first in the powerhouse matchup after marching down the field on the opening possession before QB Gavyn Hoover kept the ball from 12 yards out with 8:04 left in the first quarter for a touchdown and the 7-0 lead. 

The Indians took a two-score lead in the first quarter after scoring on their straight possession to open the game. RB Jackson Marrs found the edge on a first-and-goal carry before avoiding the sideline on the way to a 10-yard touchdown with less than six minutes to play for a 14-0 lead to cap another long, churning drive.

Seneca’s defense, which didn’t allow a first down in the first half until being flagged for pass interference late in the first half, forced a turnover when DB Blake Hurn hauled in a tipped pass for an interception on a third-down pass at the 44 by MVHS QB Gavin Johnston and returned it down inside the 10-yard line. On the next play, Marrs took the handoff and barrelled his way into the end zone while dragging several Mountaineers with him for a 21-0 lead with 5:29 on the block in the second period.

Hoover ripped off a 50-yard run on a keeper up the left sideline to get inside the red zone, setting up a 13-yard rushing score from Marrs on the next Seneca drive to give the Indians a 28-0 lead heading into halftime. 

Mount Vernon quarterback Gavin Johnston drops back to pass against Seneca in the Class 3 District 6 title game on Friday. Photo by Tyler Wade.

The Mountaineers got on the scoreboard late in the first half when Johnston found WR Jarrett Zerby for a 23-yard connection with 39 seconds on the clock to cut the lead to 28-7.

Mount Vernon got back within two scores of the lead on the first possession of the second half. The Mountaineers struck for the big play through the air when Johnston found Zerby all alone on broken coverage for a 30-yard touchdown pass out of the locker room to cut the Seneca lead to 28-14 with 10:15 to play in the third quarter. 

After a scoreless third quarter, Seneca got on the scoreboard for the first time in the second half when Hoover kept the ball for a 15-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to push the lead back to three scores, 35-14, with 9:34 left in the game.

Hoover, who picked up a crucial fourth-down-and-3 with an 18-yard run on a broken play earlier in the drive, gave the Indians a 42-14 lead with a 23-yard rushing touchdown with 5:37 left in the game. 

Seneca used a big play late to put the game away when FB Morgan Vaughn hauled in a screen pass and broke free for a 57-yard receiving touchdown with 3:27 to play.

With 29 seconds left, Johnston found WR Jake Leeper for a 55-yard touchdown to wrap the scoring in the game.

FOOTBALL: Seneca secures outright Big 8 West crown with thrilling seesaw victory over Nevada

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

A dramatic late-game scoring drive propelled the Seneca Indians to a 40-36 victory over the Nevada Tigers, while in the process, also locking up the outright Big 8 West division championship Friday night at Nevada High School’s Logan Field. 

The stakes were high for Seneca (9-0, 6-0) in a matchup that pitted state-ranked squads, as a loss would have relegated the Indians to a three-way share of the Big 8 West title with Nevada and Lamar. 

The Indians’ normally reliable run defense was flattened by Nevada running backs Jack Cheaney and Dezmon Robinson in the first half, as the tandem racked up a combined 252 yards on the ground, with Cheaney accounting for 205. 

Nevada junior tailback Jack Cheaney detonates for a 99-yard touchdown run late in the first half of Friday night’s loss to visiting Seneca. Photo by Bill Wynn.

Cheaney detonated for a 75-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter, while closing out the first half with a 99-yard romp to paydirt. In between, Robinson’s 37-yard scamper to the end zone helped the Tigers to a 21-14 halftime lead. 

The Tigers (7-2, 4-2) capitalized on an Indians’ miscue early in the second half, with a short scoring drive capped by Cheaney’s 30-yard touchdown run. 

Trailing 28-14, the Indians replied with a quick-strike drive that was punctuated by Ethan Altic’s six-yard rushing score on a reverse pitch — but the Indians trailed 28-20 after an unsuccessful two-point play.

Early in the fourth, and back in possession, quarterback Gavyn Hoover’s 45-yard run down the left sideline was followed by Jackson Marrs’ five-yard rushing score. Marrs then powered in from two yards out on the 2-point play, knotting the contest at 28. 

Looking to make another big play, Cheaney was unable to secure the catch on the ensuing kickoff, turning the ball over deep in Nevada territory. Three plays later, Marrs gained the right edge en route to a 14-yard rushing score. A failed 2-point conversion left the Indians with a 34-28 lead near the midpoint of the fourth. 

Seneca quarterback Gavyn Hoover runs for a big play during Friday night’s road victory over Nevada. Photo by Brandi Redman.

After yielding 20 unanswered points, the Tigers needed only a few plays to find the end zone, with Robinson’s elusiveness paying dividends on a 41-yard touchdown run — followed by Grady Stewart’s quarterback sneak on the 2-point play for a 36-34 Nevada lead.

Seneca saved its best for last, chewing up more than six minutes of clock on a methodical 15-play scoring drive. 

With 19 seconds remaining, Hoover rolled to his right and connected with junior wide-out Hagen Ginger in the corner of the end zone, accounting for the final margin. 

On the game’s final play, Gabe Smith’s pass attempt deep downfield fell incomplete. 

Cheaney, meanwhile, rushed for 283 yards on 16 carries, to go along with three touchdowns — giving him 24 for the season. 

For Seneca, Marrs also finished the night with three touchdown runs.

Second-ranked Seneca will be the No. 1 seed for the Class 3 District 6 tournament and have a first-round bye.

Seventh-ranked Nevada will be the No. 1 seed for the Class 4 District 7 tournament and the Tigers will also have a bye next Friday. 

 

Nevada running back Dezmon Robinson finds room to run on a 37-yard rushing touchdown Friday night. Photo by Brandi Redman.

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.

 

FOOTBALL: Seneca steamrolls Reeds Spring to remain undefeated

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SENECA, Mo. — The Seneca Indians continued their torrid start to the season with Friday night’s 54-21 trouncing of the visiting Reeds Spring Wolves. 

Having outscored their first five opponents by a combined 227-14, the Indians entered the contest ranked No. 2 in Class 3. 

Seneca quickly set the tone with its punishing run game — capping a 9-play, 75-yard drive via Jackson Marrs’ 11-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Gavyn Hoover then connected with Morgan Vaughn on the 2-point play for a quick 8-0 lead. 

Lamar had been the only team to have found paydirt against the Indians’ vaunted defense this season, but the Wolves managed to do so on their second possession of the contest.

Seneca’s Brodie Probert tackles Jace Bolin on Friday. Photo by Israel Perez.

With the Reeds Spring leaning on its ground game for the majority of the drive, Seneca’s secondary was caught off guard when Daniel Fliflet hauled in a perfectly placed pass from Blandy Burall for a 22-yard touchdown strike to punctuate the 80-yard scoring drive. A failed 2-point attempt left the Wolves trailing 8-6 midway through the opening frame.

On the ensuing possession, Marrs chewed up major yards on the ground, accentuated by a 28-yard run to the 1-yard line. Marrs then punched it in from the goal line, followed by Roman Miller’s successful run on the 2-point play, handing the Indians a 16-6 advantage.

Seneca extended its lead to 24-6 early in the second quarter. The sequence of events unfolded after the Indians converted a 4th-down conversion with a 25-yard run — as Hoover finished off the drive with a short rushing score. Hoover then called his number on the 2-point play, gliding into the end zone untouched.

Looking to avert a blowout, the Wolves turned to trickeration, faking an end-around run as Christopher Daniels scampered down the left sideline for a 67-yard touchdown romp. The Wolves also hit on the 2-point play, with Burall linking up with James Dowdy to trim the deficit to 24-14.

The Indians managed two more scoring drives over the final five minutes of the half, with Marrs finding paydirt on both — including a 6-yard rushing score with 8 seconds showing on the scoreboard, swelling Seneca’s lead to 40-14.

The Indians ran 41 plays in the first half en route to a decisive time of possession advantage. Marrs also rushed for 115 yards on 15 carries and four touchdowns, while Hoover added another 48.

The Indians tacked on two more touchdowns in the second half, coasting to victory. 

Seneca is now 6-0. The loss drops the Wolves to 4-2. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Seneca hits the road for a clash with Big 8 East foe East Newton (2-4), while Reeds Spring squares off with Aurora (3-3).

 

Seneca’s Blake Hurn looks to evade Kaemon Hutchison on Friday night. Seneca remained undefeated by beating Reeds Spring 54-21. Photos by Israel Perez/SoMo Sports.

 

Seneca’s Gavyn Hoover carries the ball while Braiden Langston looks to make the tackle on Friday night at Seneca High School.

 

Seneca’s Ethan Altic is pictured during Friday’s game with Reeds Spring.

 

Seneca’s Roman Miller picks up a big gain on the ground on Friday night.

 

Seneca’s Jackson Marrs is brought down by Spencer Michaud and Braiden Langston on Friday night. The Indians defeated the Wolves 54-21 to remain undefeated. All photos by Israel Perez.

FOOTBALL: Seneca dominant in win over Monett, starts season 5-0

Posted on by Lucas Davis

SENECA, Mo. — The Seneca Indians continued their dominant start to the football season on Friday night, moving to 5-0 with a 56-0 victory over the Monett Cubs at Seneca High School.

The Indians, ranked No. 2 in Class 3 after earning a 14-point road win over Class 2 No. 1 Lamar one week prior, dominated the Class 4 Cubs (0-5) from start to finish as they jumped out to a 40-0 halftime lead and forced a running clock for the entirety of the second half.

Seneca logged its fourth shutout victory of the season and has outscored its opponents 227-14 through the first five weeks. The Indians are off to a 5-0 start for a second consecutive year.

After opening the game with a defensive three-and-out, the Indians drove 85 yards in eight plays to score the game’s first touchdown on a 2-yard run by running back Jackson Marrs. The drive featured a heavy dose of the rush attack as well as a 33-yard pickup on a pass from quarterback Gavyn Hooper to Morgan Vaughn.

The Cubs drove into Seneca territory later in the first quarter before turning the football over on downs. Seneca took advantage of the takeaway with a 63-yard pass play from Hooper to WR Ethan Altic, which set up a 13-yard touchdown run by Marrs to give the Indians a 14-0 lead less than a minute into the second quarter.

Just a few minutes later, The Indians struck again when tight end Hagen Ginger hauled in a play-action pass from Hoover for a 36-yard touchdown that gave the home team a 20-0 lead with 9:19 showing the second stanza.

The final five minutes of the second half saw three more Seneca scores, including a 6-yard touchdown scamper by Marrs, an electric 80-yard touchdown pass from Hooper to Altic and a 5-yard touchdown run by Roman Miller.

The Monett offense was limited to just a pair of first downs and was forced to punt five times in the first half.

The Indians received the kickoff to open the second half and proceeded to find the end zone for a seventh consecutive drive after marching 71 yards in under six minutes of game clock. Miller recorded his second score of the night on a 37 yard run through the heart of the Monett defense for a 48-0 lead.

Seneca logged its final score of the night on the second play of the fourth quarter when RB Hunter Hanes capped a 71-yard drive with a 4-yard score plunge.

UP NEXT

Seneca will play host to Reeds Spring next Friday while Monett seeks its first win of the season at home against East Newton. 

 

SCORING SUMMARY

Monett 6 34 8 8 — 56

Seneca 0 0 0 0 — 0

FIRST QUARTER

Sen—Jackson Marrs 2 run (kick fail)

SECOND QUARTER

Sen—Marrs 13 run (Gavyn Hoover run)

Sen—Hagen Ginger 36 pass from Hoover (kick fail)

Sen—Hoover 6 run (Marrs run)

Sen—Ethan Altic 80 pass from Hoover (pass fail)

Sen—Roman Miller 5 run (pass fail)

THIRD QUARTER

Sen—Miller 37 run (Brodie Probert run)

FOURTH QUARTER

Sen—Hunter Hanes 4 run (Probert run)

 

FOOTBALL: Seneca knocks off Lamar in showdown of undefeated powers

Posted on by Jason Peake

In a heavyweight clash featuring two of the state’s top-ranked teams, the Seneca Indians landed a knockout blow in Friday night’s 28-14 triumph over the host Lamar Tigers. 

Entering the contest as the No. 3 ranked team in Class 3, Seneca (4-0) had yet to yield a point on the season, outscoring its opponents by a combined 143-0. Lamar (3-1), the No. 1 ranked team in Class 2, broke through on the Indians’ vaunted defense on the game’s opening drive.

Facing a third and 18, junior signal-caller Cooper Haun connected with speedy wideout Ian Ngugi for a 25-yard touchdown strike and a quick 7-0 lead. 

The Indians replied with a methodical 10-play, 80-yard drive, capped by Morgan Vaughn’s 6-yard touchdown reception. Vaughn also punched in the 2-point play, handing the Indians an 8-7 advantage. 

The first half was mostly a defensive slugfest, accentuated by sophomore defensive back Brodie Probert’s 62-yard pick-six — staking the Indians to a 14-7 halftime advantage. 

Seneca quickly set the tone in the second half, picking up a pair of fourth-down conversions as it marched downfield. While Ethan Altic’s playmaking abilities have been on full display this season, it was fellow wideout Blake Skelton who out-leaped double coverage for a spectacular 35-year touchdown reception. A failed 2-point play left the Indians with a 20-7 lead at the concussion of the third quarter. 

Quickly back in possession, Seneca quarterback Gavyn Hoover linked up with Altic for a 40-yard completion deep in Lamar territory. Facing a 4th-and-goal from the 3, Hoover rolled to his left and lofted a perfectly placed pass to Altic for a 3-yard touchdown grab. Hoover then dropped back on the 2-point play and found Hagen Ginger in the back corner of the end zone, as the Indians seized a 28-7 lead early in the fourth quarter. 

Lamar entered the contest averaging 40 points per game but looked overmatched against the Indians’ suffocating defense. While Seneca dominated the trenches, its secondary was also lights out — with Probert coming up with his second interception of Haun, snuffing out a fourth quarter drive. After scoring on its opening possession, Lamar didn’t find paydirt again until late in the fourth quarter. 

To tell it like Lamar head coach Jared Beshore, limiting explosive plays was of paramount importance. But a cascade of highlight-reel plays ultimately doomed his squad. 

“Are we going to be able to prevent or limit big plays?” Beshore told SoMo Sports prior to kickoff. “Seneca knows how to get the ball into the hands of its playmakers.” 

Beshore also said that the Tigers had steadily been gaining confidence after “ups and downs” to begin the season. 

“We had a tough game against Logan-Rogersville, but I think we learned a lot without losing that game,” he said of the 34-14 victory in Week 2. “We’ve been more physical the past few weeks and have been playing more confidently — and I think we’re a better football team than we were in Week 1.” 

The Tigers defense did limit Hoover to just 15 passing yards in the first half, but the standout signal-caller finished the contest with 135 yards through the air. Skelton, meanwhile, finished with five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

While Seneca and Lamar are Big 8 foes, there will not be a rematch because they’re in different classes. The juggernaut Indians host winless Monett next Friday, while Lamar travels to East Newton.

 

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: Seneca tops Crane; Carl Junction falls to Rogers

Posted on by Lucas Davis

SENECA 3, CRANE 1

SENECA, Mo. — Seneca rallied from a first-set loss to beat Crane 22-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-19 for the Indians’ first win of the season on Monday.

“Our hitters really connected well with our setter, Anna, tonight,” Seneca coach Rachel Ayo said. “There are still things we need to work on, but this win was a step in the right direction.”

Seneca (1-4) was led by Jera Jameson, who had 17 kills and a block, while Olivia Leonard had 12 kills and a block. Anna Adkins finished with 37 assists, three aces and a block kill. Ella Graham led defensively with 16 digs and four aces, while Valencia Araujo added nine digs and Maddy Hemnree four aces.

Seneca is at East Newton on Tuesday.

 

ROGERS (ARK.) 3, CARL JUNCTION 2

ROGERS, Ark. — Carl Junction went on the road and fell in a five-set match to Rogers, Arkansas, by the score of 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 26-28 and 13-15 on Monday.

The loss puts the Bulldogs at 8-2 this season, with Carl Junction hosting Willard on Thursday.

Kylie Scott led Cj with 26 kills, two aces, two blocks and 10 digs on the defensive end. Karissa Chase had 16 kills and three blocks, while Miya Carnes had 38 assists. Abigail Wilson had 14 digs, while Jocelyn Wngert had 13 digs. Jadyn Howard finished with five aces. 

 

LOCKWOOD 3, THOMAS JEFFERSON 0

Thomas Jefferson suffered a 25-21, 25-14 and 25-11 loss to Lockwood on Monday.
No other information was made available.

FOOTBALL: Sizzling Seneca crushes Cassville

Posted on by Jason Peake

SENECA, Mo.  — Continuing their early season dominance, the Seneca Indians rode quarterback Gavyn Hoover’s arm to a 44-0 pummeling of the Cassville Wildcats on Friday night.

Ranked No. 3 in Class 3, Seneca (3-0) has now outscored its opponents by a combined margin of 143-0.

On their first play from scrimmage, Hoover linked up with receiver Ethan Altic for a 47-yard touchdown strike. Hoover then punched in the 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Blake Skelton’s 34-yard reception highlighted a 76-yard scoring drive — capped off by Jackson Marrs’ 2-yard rushing touchdown. A failed 2-point play left the Indians up 14-0 at the conclusion of the first quarter.

The Indians’ passing attack continued to click on all cylinders, with Altic hauling in a 37-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter. Hoover’s punishing run on the 2-point play staked Seneca to a 22-0 advantage. 

Hoover’s precision passing wasn’t the only issue for the Wildcats. 

Midway through the second quarter, Hoover’s 48-yard scamper sparked a 6-play, 85-yard scoring drive. The Indians held a commanding 30-0 halftime lead. 

Seneca padded its cushion via second half touchdown runs from Marrs and Brodie Probert, coasting to the decisive victory. 

Hoover completed 8 of 11 passes for 212 yards and a pair of passing scores, while also rushing for more than 100 yards and a touchdown. 

The Indians racked up 440 yards of offense while holding the Wildcats to just 55 yards. 

Linebacker Morgan Vaughn wreaked havoc in the Cassville backfield, registering a pair of sacks. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Indians travel to Lamar, the top-ranked team in Class 2. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. next Friday.

FOOTBALL: Seneca sensational in 62-0 romp over Springfield Catholic

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Seneca Indians continued their sizzling start to the season Friday night, amassing over 400 yards of offense en route to a decisive 62-0 victory over the host Springfield Catholic Irish.

Seneca (2-0) has now outscored its first two opponents by a combined 99-0. 

The Indians found paydirt on all six of their first half possessions, beginning with senior signal-caller Gavyn Hoover’s 53-yard touchdown strike to Blake Hurn.

It wasn’t all offense though, as Nolan Napier’s blocked punt was scooped up by Ryan Owens and returned to the Irish 1-yard line — with senior tailback Jackson Marrs eluding tacklers for the score. Following a 5-yard penalty, Marrs went untouched from the 8-yard line to convert the 2-point play and push the lead to 16-0.

Late in the opening frame, Ethan Attick’s 41-yard scamper on an end-around had the Indians setting up shop deep in Irish territory. Marrs did the heavy lifting, punching it in from the 2.

After failing to garner a single target in last week’s season-opener, Morgan Vaughn experienced a reversal of fortune on his 18th birthday Friday, hauling in a 61-yard touchdown reception. Once again Seneca converted the 2-point play for a 30-0 lead. 

After tacking on two more touchdowns, the Indians held a commanding 42-0 halftime advantage. With the starters resting and the running clock activated, Seneca continued its onslaught, finding the end zone three more times.

Marrs finished with three rushing scores, while Hoover passed for two and rushed for one.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Indians host Big 8 foe Cassville, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. next Friday.

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Carthage pours it on late over Seneca; McDonald County erupts early to beat Joplin

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARTHAGE 9, SENECA 5

SENECA, Mo. — A scoreless game through three innings saw Seneca take the initial lead with a run in the fourth before a three-run fifth by Carthage swung the momentum in favor of the Tigers, who capped the win with a six-run seventh inning en route to the road win over the Indians on Tuesday.

Addison Wallace earned the complete-game win after allowing five runs, three earned, on 11 hits, a walk and eight strikeouts in seven innings.

Abigail Jamros took the loss after allowing nine runs, seven earned, on 11 hits, a walk and six strikeouts in seven innings.

Carthage’s Ashlyn Brust finished with two hits, two RBI and a run scored, while Brooklynn Dolon-Main had two hits and an RBI and Aven Willis had two hits and scored a run. Shelby Hegwer doubled, scored twice and drove in one.

Jamros had three hits, including a double, and RBI and scored a run for the Indians, while Kahli Fields doubled on the way to two hits, two RBI and a run scored. Abby Stelts had three hits, and an RBI.

Carthage (3-2) and Seneca (0-2) take part in the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational softball tournament on Friday and Saturday hosted by Joplin. 

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 12, JOPLIN 2

ANDERSON, Mo. — McDonald County hung crooked numbers on the scoreboard in the first four innings and added a single tally in the fifth on the way to a five-inning win over Joplin on Tuesday.

Jaylee Brock earned the win after allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings.

Ava Wolf took the loss after allowing five runs, three earned, on four hits, two walks and three strikeouts in an inning of work. Caelyn Bobski allowed seven runs, five earned, on eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings of relief.

Carlee Cooper had three hits, including a home run and a triple, a game-high four RBI and three runs scored, while Kearston Hopkins doubled and tripled, scored three times and drove in two for McDonald County. Katelynn Townsend finished with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, while Brock had two hits and two RBI.

Abby Lowery, who doubled, and Jadyn Pankow each had two hits for the Eagles, while Lowery scored a run. Bailey Ledford doubled and drove in one.

Joplin (3-3) hosts the Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Invitational softball tournament on Friday and Saturday.

McDonald County (2-2) is at Marshfield on Thursday.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Culture change has Seneca’s confidence sky high ahead of Hillburn’s third season

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Since Cody Hillburn was named head coach at Seneca two years ago, there has been a culture change inside the Indians’ program.

Though the casual fan may not realize how important it is, a unified locker room with one goal in mind is a crucial first step in changing the fortunes of a program for the better. And none of that is possible without proper leadership.

“There is a lot that goes into that,” Hillburn said. “First, it’s the type of kids we have at Seneca. These kids have bought into what we do and they show up and work. We don’t have to coach things like attitude and effort. We just get to coach football, which is nice. Secondly is the community of Seneca. They are highly supportive of our football program and the kids. They show up on Friday nights and provide, in my opinion, one of the best small-school atmospheres in the state. Lastly, our school administration and leadership has been great. Anything I’ve needed to get this thing turned around has been met with a ‘yes’.”

For Seneca, that sentiment under Hillburn has produced positively not only in the locker room, but on the field as well.

After an 8-5 season for Hillburn in his inaugural season for his alma mater, the Indians took an even bigger leap in success in 2022. Seneca finished with an 11-2 record, including a 7-1 conference record to win the Big 8 West, and a district title before ultimately falling to the eventual Class 2 state champions, Lamar, in the state semifinals. 

“The first thing I saw was the first week after our season ended in Year 1 was how quickly our kids were ready to get back to work,” Hillburn said when asked what led to success from his first to second season. “Then I knew we had a chance to really take the next step in our second year. … The younger kids saw what we could do (after that first season) and really ran with it in the offseason and worked extremely hard in the weight room and in offseason conditioning. It changed our bodies and got us to be more competitive in Year 2.”

In 2023, Seneca will be on everyone’s radar and will no longer be taken lightly. This is the year the Indians will be the game circled on the opposing team’s calendar every week. Coach Hillburn is excited to see how his team responds.

“We’ve had that conversation,” Hillburn said. “That’s where we want to be as a football program. We want the target on our backs. I think it’s going to be interesting.”

While the Indians lost eight starters from a year ago, they return 13 guys with starting experience for the upcoming season. That experience is what will drive Seneca to success in 2023.

“As a coach, the thing you worry about the most every year is leadership,” Hillburn said. “We lost a lot of really good leadership from last year. … To see some of these guys step up into those leadership roles (this offseason) has been pretty rewarding for me as a coach.”

Highlighting the list of returners for the Indians are senior all-state RB/LB Jackson Marrs and senior all-state QB Gavyn Hoover as well as senior LB Morgan Vaughn, senior WR/DB Ethan Altic, senior OL/DL Brian Bigbee, senior WR/DB Blake Hurn and junior TE Hagen Ginger, all of whom garnered multiple accolades a year ago.

“A lot of those guys were playing as sophomores,” Hillburn said. “They were contributing on offense, defense and special teams. This group has logged a ton of snaps. It’s not a huge group, but we are going to rely heavily on those guys.”

Senior WR/DB Eli Olson, senior WR/DB Blake Skelton and sophomore LB Roman Miller also return to the varsity level.

Also expected to make an impact at the varsity level this year—senior OL/DL Treyton Castaneda, junior QB/DB Kaden Clouse, junior OL/DL Nolan Napier, junior OL/DL Diego Amaya, junior OL/DL Dominique Brown, junior OL/DL Sawyer Cornell, junior OL/DL Landon Commons, junior WR/DB Caanan Miller, junior TE/LB Ryan Owens, junior OL/DL Lane Scribner, sophomore RB/LB Roman Miller, sophomore QB/DB Brodie Probert and sophomore OL/DL Jace Renfro.

“We are going to have to have some young kids step up on the offensive and defensive lines,” Hillburn said. “We only return one starter up front, so that is a concern. We have some kids who have been waiting their turn and have been working extremely hard, they just don’t have those live varsity reps, yet. But, I do think it is a group that is going to grow and get better every year.”

The Indians are eager to continue to build the program into the type of team Coach Hillburn envisioned them to be when he took over. It’s clear the mindset is where it needs to be. All that is left is executing.

“I think more than anything over these first two years, our kids understand you don’t just show up on Fridays and win football games,” Hillburn said. “There is a detailed process that goes into it. I truly feel our kids have bought into that process.”

Seneca opens up the season with a home matchup against Aurora on Aug. 25.

FALL SEASON: The 2022-23 SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year

Posted on by Lucas Davis

SoMo Sports is proud to represent and contribute to the coverage of prep athletics for Joplin and its surrounding communities, and because of that, we’ve decided to continue our SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year series.

The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year were chosen by reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who researched, discussed and agreed upon one athlete to represent for their school in each high school varsity sport from the fall, winter and spring seasons. The recipients were chosen by their athletic performances at the varsity level for the 2022-23 school year.

Without any further wait, the 2022-23 SoMo Sports Fall Sports Athletes of the Year.

 

FALL SEASON

FOOTBALL

Luke Gall, senior, Carthage

Carthage senior RB Luke Gall avoids Webb City during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO

An outstanding player both offensively at running back and defensively at linebacker during his prep career, Carthage’s Luke Gall rushed for 2,000 yards and 40 touchdowns on 246 carries and made 106 total tackles during his senior campaign, playing a major role in Carthage advancing to the Class 5 state semifinals.

The area’s most-outstanding two-way performer, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Gall was named the Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year, the COC’s Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year and the Region’s Offensive and Defensive POY. 

Carthage went 11-2 in ’22, with a 22-21 setback to Nixa the team’s lone regular-season setback. Eventual state champion Francis Howell defeated Carthage 35-13 in the Class 5 semifinals. 

Gall and his classmates played for a program that finished a combined 42-6 overall during their four years of high school.

With his storied and remarkable prep career concluded, Gall has signed to continue his athletic career at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. 

HM: Quin Renfro, junior, Joplin

 

SOFTBALL

Jacie Frencken, junior, McDonald County

McDonald County’s Jacie Frencken had quite the junior season for the Mustangs on the diamond.

The junior infielder clubbed her way to a .510 batting average while getting on base at a .574 clip. She provided plenty of power after slugging 1.010 and came up clutch time and time again with a .683 batting average with runners in scoring position.

In total, Frencken set a bevy of single-season school records with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 53 RBI, earning herself the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year as well as earning first-team all-district, all-region and all-state while helping lead the Mustangs to a 23-10 record and a trip to the Class 4 state playoffs.

HM: Nevaeh Dodson, junior, McDonald County; Jill McDaniel, senior, Joplin

 

VOLLEYBALL

Parker Long, senior, Seneca

Seneca senior Parker Long earns a kill with a tip over the defense in the Indians’ win over Mountain Grove on Thursday. FILE PHOTO

Parker Long finished her career in Seneca on a high note.

The 5-foot-9-inch outside hitter was a catalyst in the Indians’ 23-12-1 season that ended with a program-first trip to the quarterfinal round of the Class 3 state playoffs. Long led Seneca with 448 kills, 474 digs and 65 aces on the season.

She had a 40.1% kill rate with a .269 hitting percentage and averaged four kills per set.

Among the accolades Long earned this season, she was named first-team all-conference and district as well being the first Seneca player to earn Class 3 all-state honors as well.

HM: Kyah Sanborn, senior, Webb City; Lo Jones, senior, Carl Junction

 

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Hobbs Campbell, senior, Joplin

Joplin’s Hobbs Campbell capped an outstanding senior season by finishing fifth at the MSHSAA Class 5 Cross Country Championships.

Competing in the state’s biggest classification, Campbell toured the 5K course at Gans Creek with a time of 15 minutes, 42 seconds to earn all-state honors.

Ahead of the state championships, Campbell finished fourth at the Class 5 District 2 meet with a time of 15:36.

Also of note, Campbell won the Central Ozark Conference Meet with an impressive time of 15:21.

Campbell will continue his athletic career at the University of Kansas.

HM: Kip Atteberry, senior, Thomas Jefferson; Evan Stevens, junior, Webb City  

 

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Abi Street, senior, Webb City

Webb City senior Abi Street crosses the finish line during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO

In a season full of highlights, Webb City senior Abi Street recorded a program-best finish at the state championships.

In a stellar conclusion to a standout prep cross country career, Street finished third in the Class 4 girls race with a time of 19 minutes, 6 seconds. 

The third place showing is the highest place ever by a Webb City female at the state meet. 

In addition to earning all-state recognition for the second straight year, Street captured district and conference championships during the fall.

Street was the top female finisher at the Class 4 District 2 meet (18:53) and she also took first at the Central Ozark Conference Meet (18:40).

Street will compete collegiately at the University of Kansas.

 

HM: Kendall Ramsey, junior, McAuley Catholic

 

GIRLS GOLF

Emree Cameron, sophomore, Nevada

Nevada High School sophomore Emree Cameron was the runner-up at the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Golf Championships.

Cameron finished the two-day state tourney with a 2-over-par 146, just two strokes back of the state champion, Marshfield’s Marlene Edgeman.

In a stellar fall season, Cameron was the Class 2 District 3 champion with an even-par 70.

Cameron finished third at the Big 8 Conference Meet with a 2-under-par 68.

Cameron won 18-hole tournaments in Joplin, Lamar, Bolivar, Carthage and Nevada. She averaged a 69 on 18-hole courses last fall while averaging a 34.5 on 9-hole courses.

Cameron set a school record by shooting a 7-under-par 65 at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course on Sept. 23.


BOYS SOCCER

Alex Flores, senior, Webb City

Alex Flores’ final season with Webb City soccer was a strong conclusion to his prep career.

The standout forward helped lead the Cardinals to their program’s first district title since 1999 by finding the back of the net 28 times during his senior season.

Flores also added seven assists on the year, garnering him all-conference, district and state recognition.

 

BOYS SWIMMING

Micah Brouwer, junior, Webb City

Webb City’s Micah Brouwer finished as one of the top and most dynamic swimmers in the area.

He finished the season with Webb City as the Central Ozark Conference champion in the 100-yard breaststroke with a state consideration time of one minute, 4.94 seconds and was third in 200 IM.

Brouwer had a third-place time in the 100 breastroke of 1:03.39 in the SWMO Championships.

At the state meet, Brouwer finished 18th in the prelims of the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:03, just missing a trip to the finals.

 

GIRLS TENNIS

Emma Watts, senior, Joplin

Joplin’s Emma Watts returns a shot during the 2022-23 season. FILE PHOTO

Joplin High School senior Emma Watts concluded her stellar prep career by putting together a solid 2022 season.

Watts finished her senior year with a 21-7 record in singles play.

Along the way, Watts captured the singles championship at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament. It was Watts’ third conference championship, as she and Astrid Cardenas won COC doubles titles the two previous seasons.

Watts finished third in the singles bracket at the Class 3 District 6 individual tournament.

 

HM: Allison Ding, junior, Thomas Jefferson

SECTIONAL TRACK & FIELD: College Heights girls advance to state in Class 3; Lamar boys win team title

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — The College Heights Christian girls track team advanced to state in three events at Saturday’s Class 3 Sectional 3 meet at West Plains High School.

The top four finishers in each event advanced to next weekend’s state meet in Jefferson City.

College Heights Christian’s 4×400-meter relay team of Jesalin Bever, Jayli Johnson, Allie Stout and Lauren Ukena finished third in 4:15.

The CHC 4×200 relay team of Johnson, Stout, Ukena and Bever finished fourth with a time of 1:48.

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

In other events, Bever finished seventh in the 100 hurdles and Ukena was eighth in the 200. 

The CHC girls finished eighth in the 4×100 relay, with Johnson, Stout, Ukena and Addison Lawrence competing.

 

LAMAR BOYS WIN TEAM TITLE

Lamar’s boys won the team title with 109 points. East Newton was second with 72.5, while Fair Grove was third with 69 and Owensville was fourth with 67.

Lamar’s boys won the 4×100, took second in the 4×800 and finished third in both the 4×200 and 4×400 relays.

Lamar’s Tyson Williams won the discus (149-9) and took second in the shot put (48-4.25).

Pierce Heins was the runner-up in the 400 and Jase Dillon was second in the high jump.

Also for the Tigers, Trace Wooldridge was third in the shot put, Ian Ngugi finished third in both the 100 and 200, Carson Sturgell took third in the pole vault, Cameron Sturgell was third in the javelin, Terrill Davis finished third in the long jump and Blaine Breshears was fourth in the 400.

 

OTHER CLASS 3 HIGHLIGHTS

East Newton’s Chase Sorrell won the 800 in 1:58 and took first in the 1600 with a time of 4:31. A junior, Sorrell was fourth in the 3200.

East Newton’s Michael Crowe won the high jump (6-1.25), Eden Enlow took first in the javelin (153-3) and Dominic Shaw won the shot put (48-9.75) and took second in the discus (148-11).

For the Cassville boys, Matteo Lumetta took third in the 3200, Caleb Leach finished fourth in the 800, Ashton Wheeler was fourth in the long jump and Charles Elliott took fourth in the 300 hurdles. Cassville won the boys 4×800 relay.

Mount Vernon’s Jacob Erpelding was fourth in the 110 hurdles and Aurora’s Daunte Floyd finished third in the triple jump.

On the girls side, Seneca’s Isabella Renfro won the shot put with a toss of 39-2.75.

Lamar’s Kiersten Potter won the 3200 in 11:33 and took second in the 1600 in 5:20, while Elise Ferris won the long jump (16-10) and Audra Lloyd finished third in the discus.

Mount Vernon’s Camryn Cornell was third in the high jump, Nina Cowherd placed fourth in the 100 and Kadence Krempges took fourth in the pole vault. Mount Vernon’s girls finished third in two relays, the 4×100 and the 4×200.

Cassville’s Jolie Evans finished third in the 800 and fourth in the 3200, while teammate Aaliyah Franklin took fourth in the discus.

Aurora’s Makena Hall won the 100 hurdles and the pole vault and took third in the long jump, while teammate Maisie Phillips was fourth in the 100 hurdles.

East Newton’s Brooke White finished third in the shot put.

Seneca’s Cambry Long just missed qualifying in the 400 after finishing fifth.

DISTRICT BASEBALL: Monett’s Young tosses no-hitter vs. Seneca

Posted on by Jason Peake

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Marcus Young tossed an eight-inning no-hitter as top-seeded Monett defeated third-seeded Seneca 1-0 in the championship game of the Class 4 District 11 tournament on Thursday.

The Cubs scored the game’s lone run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a bases-loaded walk.

A Missouri Southern recruit, Young walked two, struck out five and did not allow a hit in a masterful performance.

Seneca’s Grant Houchin did not allow a run in 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven. Lincoln Renfro took the loss after allowing a run in the eighth.

In the bottom of the eighth, Young was hit by a pitch, Aidan Clapper sacrificed, Evan Witt was intentionally walked and Joshua Wallace singled to load the bases. Miles Young drew a walk to end the game in walk-off fashion.

Seneca ends the season with a record of 18-13.

Monett (16-8) will host Nevada (19-9) at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the sectional round of the state tournament. 

DISTRICT BASEBALL: Seneca advances to title game

Posted on by Jason Peake

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Third-seeded Seneca knocked off second-seeded Mount Vernon 2-1 in the semifinals of the Class 4 District 11 baseball tournament on Tuesday.

The Indians (18-12) will meet top-seeded Monett (15-8) in the district title game at 4 on Thursday at Cassville High School.

In a game that featured just three combined runs, Seneca scored once in the first inning on Hagen Ginger’s RBI single, with Conner Ackerson scoring on the play.

The Mountaineers (11-12) tied it up in the third when Jarrett Zerby tripled and later scored on Jacob Leeper’s ground out. 

The Indians scored the go-ahead run in the fifth, as Drew Sherwood doubled to left and came home on Lincoln Renfro’s RBI single to right.

Seneca’s Sherwood was the winning pitcher. He went six innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out seven. 

Renfro earned the save by tossing a scoreless seventh.

Braden Dodson took the loss but allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out six. 

 

MONETT 2, CASSVILLE 1

Monett beat fifth-seeded Cassville 2-1 in the other semifinal.

The Cubs pushed across single tallies in the second and third innings, while Cassville’s lone run crossed home in the fifth.

Monett’s Carson Burtrum was the winning pitcher. He gave up one run on three hits and struck out four in 4 1/3 innings. Marcus Young picked up the save.

Hunter James took the loss after surrendering one earned run on seven hits in six innings.

 

DISTRICT TRACK & FIELD: College Heights girls, area athletes advance to Class 3 sectional

Posted on by Jason Peake

HOLLISTER, Mo. — The College Heights Christian School girls were among the teams competing at the Class 3 District 6 track meet on Saturday at Hollister High School.

The top four finishers in each event advanced to next Saturday’s sectional meet in West Plains.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

The team of Jayli Johnson, Allie Stout, Lauren Ukena and Jesalin Bever won the 4×200-meter relay with a time of 1:48.

The CHC girls were third in the 4×100 relay, with Johnson, Stout, Ukena and Addison Lawrence competing.

The team of Bever, Johnson, Stout and Ukena took fourth in the 4×400.

Also for the CHC girls, Ukena took second in the 200, Johnson took fourth in the 400 and Bever finished fourth in both the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles.

 

SENECA HIGHLIGHTS

Seneca’s Isabella Renfro placed second in the shot put with a toss of 35-0.75, while Cambry Long took third in two events, the 200 (27.87 seconds) and the 400 (1:01).

Seneca’s girls finished fourth in the 4×200, with Savannah Johnson, Addyson Jones, Anna Adkins and Long competing.

Seneca’s 4×200 relay team of Jackson Marrs, Ethan Altic, Blake Hurn, Brodie Probert just missed qualifying after finishing fifth. 

Grant Landers finished fifth in the triple jump and the Indians were sixth in the 4×100.

 

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Lamar’s boys and Clever’s girls were the team champions. 

Winning events for the Lamar boys were Tyson Williams (discus), Trace Wooldridge (shot put), Carson Sturgell (pole vault) and Ian Ngugi (100).

East Newton’s Chase Sorrell won three events, the 800, 1600 and 3200. East Newton’s Michael Crowe won the high jump.

Cassville’s Charles Elliott (300 H) and Ashton Wheeler (long jump) were district champs.

Winning individual events in the girls meet were Aurora’s Makena Hall (pole vault, 100 hurdles) and Lamar’s Elise Ferris (long jump), Addison Brown (discus) and Kiersten Potter (3200).

 

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