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HOOPS ROUNDUP: Carl Junction, College Heights girls earn lopsided victories; Webb City, Thomas Jefferson boys secure road wins

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

CARL JUNCTION GIRLS 94, WARRENSBURG 37

LEBANON, Mo. — Carl Junction’s girls rolled to a dominating victory in their opener of the I44 Lady’s Classic Basketball Tournament at Lebanon High School. 

The Bulldogs put up 35 points in the first quarter and held a commanding 57-16 lead by intermission en route to the blowout win.

Five players scored in double figures for Carl Junction. 

Kylie Scott scored 21 points and Destiny Buerge added 20 points to lead the Bulldogs.

Hali Shorter added 15 points on five 3-pointers, Klohe Burk had 11 points and Dezi Williams scored 10. 

Ranked first in Class 5, the Bulldogs (16-1) will meet Lee’s Summit West at 9 p.m. on Friday in the tourney semifinals. Lee’s Summit West beat Eldon 84-71.

 

TROY GIRLS 51, JOPLIN 22

LEBANON, Mo. — Troy jumped out in front and never looked back in a win over Joplin to open the I44 Lady’s Classic basketball tournament hosted by Lebanon High School on Thursday.

Troy led 29-12 at halftime and outscored Joplin 23-11 in the second half en route to the win.

Bailey Ledford led the way for Joplin with seven points. Serafina Auberry and Jill McDaniel each had four in the loss.

Ava Meyers finished with 21 points to lead Troy in scoring, while Lilly Robinson added 15. 

Joplin plays St. Charles at 4:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket on Friday.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS GIRLS 76, VERONA 38

VERONA, Mo. — College Heights Christian coach John Blankenship was pleased with his team’s performance on Thursday night.

“This was one of our best team efforts of the year,” Blankenship said. “Our defense was strong, our transition game was working and we shot really well. We were 12-for-26 from the 3-point line. We had six players knock down at least one 3-pointer. We have been working really hard on our shooting.”

Addie Lawrence made four 3-pointers for the Cougars, while Jayli Johnson, Allie Stout and Ava Lett all hit two treys apiece. Jesalin Bever and Maddy Colin each made one 3-pointer. 

Lawrence scored 16 points to lead CHC, while Johnson had 12 points, four assists and two steals.

Also for the Cougars, Colin contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Libby Fanning had 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Lett scored seven points and Stout had six. Lauren Ukena had eight steals to go along with four points and three assists.

Bever contributed five points, three boards and two steals and Kinley Marsh chipped in two points and six rebounds.

College Heights is now 10-8, 2-0 in conference games.

The Cougars host Wheaton at 6 p.m. on Friday night. 

 

CLEVER GIRLS 43, WEBB CITY 38

CLEVER, Mo. — Webb City dropped a non-conference road game on Thursday night in Clever.

The Cardinals are now 12-6. 

Webb City is at Carthage on Tuesday night for a COC clash. 

 

WEBB CITY BOYS 51, EAST NEWTON 43

GRANBY, Mo. — Webb City improved to 14-4 on the season with Thursday’s non-conference road victory.

Webb City led 30-15 at halftime, and the Cardinals held a comfortable 41-22 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The Cardinals were up by 20 points for a large part of the second half before getting their reserves playing time in the fourth quarter.

Joe Adams scored 14 points to lead the Cardinals, while Eli Pace added 11. Barron Duda and Alex Martin contributed nine points apiece for the Cardinals.

Robert McFarland scored 14 points for East Newton, while Braxton Wolfe added 12 and Marshal Renner had nine.

The Patriots fell to 7-13.

Webb City is at rival Carthage on Tuesday night. 

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON BOYS 54, GOLDEN CITY 52

GOLDEN CITY, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson erased a halftime deficit with a strong third quarter on the way to a 54-52 win over Golden City in Ozark 7 Conference and district action on Thursday. 

The Cavaliers (13-4, 2-0 Ozark 7) trailed 23-21 by the intermission before outsourcing the Eagles (12-8, 0-1 Ozark 7) 18-11 in the third period to gain a 39-34 cushion. Thomas Jefferson held Golden City off down the stretch to preserve the win.

““I thought our kids did a nice job defensively tonight,” Thomas Jefferson coach Chris Myers said to SoMo Sports. “They hit some big shots there late to make it interesting, but our kids responded well and hit some key free throws down the stretch. This was a big win as it had huge conference and district implications.”

Jay Ball had 19 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double to lead Thomas Jefferson in the win. Tyler Brouhard had 18 points, seven rebounds and five steals in the win. David Triplett finished with 14 points, including four 3-pointers, while Kip Atteberry had four assists and three points.

Golden City was led in scoring by Hosh Reeves’ 21 points, while Ty Force added 16 points and Spencer Parrill eight points in the loss.

 

SENECA BOYS 39, MONETT 37

SENECA, Mo. — Ethan Altic scored 18 points to lead the Indians, while Morgan Vaughn added nine.

Monett’s Ethan Meeks scored 15 points.

The Indians led 22-15 at halftime.

Seneca hosts Lamar on Tuesday.

 

OTHER SCORES

College Heights boys 78, Verona 45

Golden City girls 56, Thomas Jefferson 22 

 

HOOPS ROUNDUP: TJ boys suffer road loss; Seneca, Nevada girls earn lopsided wins

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SARCOXIE BOYS 57, THOMAS JEFFERSON 32

SARCOXIE, Mo. — The Thomas Jefferson boys basketball team suffered a 57-32 non-conference setback to the Sarcoxie Bears on Monday night.

The Cavaliers fell to 7-3, while the Bears improved to 7-6.

Jay Ball scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Cavaliers, while Tyler Brouhard added 10 points, seven boards and two blocks.

Three players scored in double figures for the Bears, as Jaron Malotte had 19, Tyler Hirtz scored 14 and Matt Swayne added 13.

The Bears led by seven at the end of the first quarter and then pulled away with a 21-8 second period.

Cavaliers coach Chris Myers noted his squad was simply unable to overcome poor perimeter shooting and turnovers.

Thomas Jefferson went 0-for-13 from beyond the 3-point line, and the Cavaliers had 24 turnovers. 

The Cavaliers head to Wheaton on Thursday night for the conference opener.

 

NEVADA GIRLS 59, EAST NEWTON 28

NEVADA, Mo. — Nevada’s 1-2 punch of Clara Swearingen and Maddy Majors combined for 51 points in Monday’s clash.

Swearingen scored 30 points and Majors added 21. Both players hit six 3-pointers in the lopsided win.

Brooklyn Blanchard and Josie Quinn scored nine points apiece for the Patriots (4-6). 

The Tigers built a 30-14 lead by halftime. A 19-9 third period blew the game open.

Nevada improved to 11-3 overall and 2-0 in the Big 8 West.

The Tigers take on Lamar on Tuesday. 

 

SENECA GIRLS 55, MOUNT VERNON 37

SENECA, Mo. — Seneca held a 16-point lead by halftime against the short-handed Mountaineers. 

Mount Vernon currently has just six girls on the roster.

Seneca’s Hazley Grotjohn scored 19 points and Parker Long added 15.

Cheyenne Bieber led Mount Vernon with 15 points.

Seneca hosts Cassville on Tuesday, while Mount Vernon is at Clever on Thursday.

 

GOLDEN CITY’S REEVES SCORES 53 POINTS

Golden City’s Josh Reeves poured in a school-record 53 points in last Friday’s 59-41 victory over Northeast Vernon County.

Reeves hit eight 3-pointers in the win. 

HOOPS: Pierce City sweeps Thomas Jefferson in Friday doubleheader

Posted on by Lucas Davis

The visiting Pierce City Eagles entered the TJ Fieldhouse and earned a pair of varsity wins on Friday night against the Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers.

In the nightcap, Pierce City held on for a 41-39 win over a Thomas Jefferson team ranked seventh in Class 1 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.

Pierce City’s Quortin Parks broke a 39-all score with a contested jumper, Pierce City senior Zane Clayton stepped in and took a pair of charges from Thomas Jefferson senior Tyler Brouhard, and the Eagles denied Brouhard, who hit a three for that 39-all score, any opportunity to hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds.

After building a 14-12 lead headed into the second quarter, Thomas Jefferson showed frequent signs of rust with four points in the second and eight in the fourth reflective of that.

There’s a good reason for that — Thomas Jefferson had last played Dec. 12 against Lockwood, giving the Cavaliers 25 days between games.

“It’s the storyline every year at this time of the year for us,” Thomas Jefferson coach Chris Myers said. “We looked like a team that hadn’t played a game since Dec. 12. We can’t use that as an excuse. Game’s been on the schedule, and we knew it was coming. We just didn’t play very well, from top to bottom. Too many turnovers, too many empty possessions on offense. We worked hard and got stops on defense, but we didn’t allow ourselves to be patient enough on the offensive end to get good looks and that’s the story of the game.”

Pierce City took advantage of Thomas Jefferson senior center Jay Ball’s absence in the second quarter, scoring the first nine points of the quarter to jump ahead 21-14.

The Eagles went into halftime with a 27-18 lead after their 15-4 second quarter.

“Jay’s in foul trouble,” Myers said. “Any time our big man’s in foul trouble, we’re a different basketball team. We had to play four minutes of that second quarter with him on the bench, trying to survive, and some of those younger kids stepped up and kept us in the game a little bit. At the end of the day, we had the ball with a chance to tie it or take the lead. We just didn’t get it done.”

Ball led all scorers with 16 points, Brouhard finished with 11 points, Levi Triplett scored all four of his points in the first quarter, Tony Touma and Ethan Renger each knocked down a trifecta during Thomas Jefferson’s second-half charge on the Eagles’ lead, and freshman Kohl Thurman made a pair of free throws as Thomas Jefferson entered the bonus late in the third.

“We’ve got to continue to grow,” Myers said. “We’ve got some young kids and some inexperienced kids that are getting a lot of varsity minutes right now. They’re moving forward and we’re happy about that. We’re going to keep on continuing to put it all together and be on the right side of some more of these.”

Thomas Jefferson dropped to 7-2 overall and the Cavaliers return to action Monday on the road against Sarcoxie.

Emmitt Price led Pierce City (7-6) with 13 points Friday, Parks scored eight of his 10 points after halftime, Luke Perry scored all eight of his points in the first half, Clayten O’Hara added seven, Clayton two, and Austin Beaty one.

 

PIERCE CITY GIRLS 57, THOMAS JEFFERSON 28

Pierce City ended the first quarter Friday with a 15-2 scoring run and a 17-7 lead on the host Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson started out strong with a Gabbi Hiebert field goal and a trifecta staking the Cavaliers to a 5-2 lead.

Pierce City led 32-15 at halftime and 53-22 after three quarters.

Pierce City’s Olivia Stanphill led all scorers with 19 points, Ayla Renkoski scored 11 of her 13 points in the third quarter, the trio of Madi Tindell, Rylie O’Hara and Macie Crowther each netted six points, Keishia Delgado scored Pierce City’s first two points and finished with three, and freshmen Faron Linn and Emma Hunt each scored two points for the 8-6 Eagles.

Sophomore center Lannah Grigg led Thomas Jefferson with 11 points, Hiebert finished with nine, and Tannah Grigg and Sarah Mueller each scored their four points in the second half.

Thomas Jefferson fell to 5-3 overall and the Cavaliers are back on the court Tuesday at home against Southwest.

BOYS HOOPS: Thomas Jefferson holds off Lockwood

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Thomas Jefferson built a nine-point lead after the first quarter and held off Lockwood down the stretch for a 66-59 win on Monday.

The Cavaliers improved to 7-1 with the win.

Thomas Jefferson outscored Lockweed 19-10 in the first quarter to build a cushion. The Cavs pushed the lead to 13 by the start of the fourth quarter and kept Lockwood at bay during the final eight minutes to preserve the win.

Tyler Brouhard had 25 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double, while Jay Ball had 15 points. Levi Triplett had 11 points and Ethn Renger knocked down a team-high three 3-pointers on the way to nine points.

Dalton Mammen had 29 points to lead Lockwood, while Elijah Kerr added 11.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Pierce City on Jan. 5.

GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP: Thomas Jefferson, Nevada earn wins; CHC falls

Posted on by Lucas Davis

THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRLS 53, LOCKWOOD 22

Thomas Jefferson rallied back from a slim deficit to run away from Lockwood for the win on Monday.

Lockwood held a one-point lead over Thomas Jefferson after the first quarter only for the Cavs to blank the Tigers in the quarter on the way to a 30-14 lead by the intermission. Thomas Jefferson (5-1) put the game away in the third quarter after outscoring Lockwood 22-5.

Gabbi Hiebert had 17 points, making a trio of 3-pointers, while Lanna Grigg had 13 and Sarah Mueller 12, with two 3-pointers, to give Thomas Jefferson three players in double figures. Alexis Stamps added five, Tannah Grigg four and Nico Carlson finished with two.

Gatlyn Clawson led Lockwood with nine points.

Thomas Jefferson is at Riverton on Jan. 5.

 

NEVADA 65, ROGERSVILLE 37

NEVADA, Mo. — Nevada outscored Rogersville 31-16 in the first half and cruised to victory to open the week on Monday.

With the win, Nevada improved to 5-2 on the season.

Maddy Majors led Nevada with 26 points, while Clara Swearingen finished right behind with 25 points. Swearingen knocked down seven 3-pointers in the win, while Majors buried four triples. Katie Johnson and Abbey Heathman each scored six.

Nevada travels to Carthage on Thursday.

 

GALENA (KANSAS) 47, COLLEGE HEIGHTS 43

GALENA, Kan. — The Cougars suffered a close loss to the Bulldogs from Southeast Kansas.

“I was pleased with our effort and intensity tonight,” College Heights coach John Blankenship said. “Other than a few break downs, we played good team defense tonight. Unfortunately, those few break downs were costly in a close game. Mia Sarwinski is a great player. She is so quick and strong, which makes her very hard to defend.” 

Blankenship noted his team had its chances.

“We were 4-for-16 from the free throw line, including 1-for-6 in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Galena, on the other hand, was 6-for-7 in the fourth quarter and that was the difference in the game.” 

Libby Fanning recorded a double-double for College Heights with 14 points and 17 rebounds. 

Also for the Cougars, Jayli Johnson had 10 points and three assists, Lauren Ukena compiled three points, five steals and two assists, Maddy Colin contributed four points and seven boards and Ava Lett scored five points.

Sarwinski scored 23 points for Galena.

College Heights (4-3) hosts Diamond on Friday.

GEM CITY CLASSIC ROUNDUP: CHC girls fall in semis; TJ boys advance to championship; McAuley beats Diamond

Posted on by Lucas Davis

DIAMOND, Mo. — College Heights and Miller found themselves in a defensive battle with the Cardinals coming away with a 37-26 win in the Gem City Classic semifinals on Thursday.

“We went cold in the third quarter and tried to force too many passes,” CHC coach John Blankenship said to SoMo Sports. “A little more dribble penetration and patience in getting the ball reversed would have been advantageous for us. However, I am really proud of my team for hanging in there with the third-ranked team in the state. They are a very solid basketball team on both ends of the court.”

The shorthanded Cougars, playing without Addie Lawrence, were led by Libby Fanning’s double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds. Kinley Marsh added seven rebounds and a steal.

CHC matches up with East Newton in the third-place game on Saturday.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON BOYS 63, GALENA 51 (WEDNESDAY)

Thomas Jefferson boys took an early lead before trailing by the intermission, only to rally back down the stretch for a win in the semifinal round of the Gem City Classic on Wednesday at Diamond High School.

The Cavaliers took an 18-12 lead into the second period before trailing by two at the intermission. Galena (Missouri) pushed the lead to five by the start of the fourth quarter before Thomas Jefferson outscored the Bears 21-4 in the final eight minutes to rally for the win.

Jay Ball had a double-double with 33 points and 23 rebounds. The rebound total tied a school record. Tyler Brouhard had 11 points and 10 rebounds to also record a double-double. Kip Atteberry had nine points, including two 3-pointers, while Kohl Thurman added six points and Levi Triplett four.

Thomas Jefferson advances to the boys championship game with a matchup against El Dorado Springs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

 

MCAULEY 42, DIAMOND 31 (WEDNESDAY)

Seventh-seeded McAuley boys basketball went into halftime tied with third-seeded Diamond and outscored the host Wildcats 28-17 in the second half to earn a consolation-bracket victory in the Gem City Classic.

“I am really proud of our effort,” McAuley coach Tony Witt said. “This is a good win for us moving forward. I am extremely proud of our guys.”

The Warriors earned their first win of the season after taking control of the contest by outscored Diamond 14-5 in the third period and never relinquished the lead down the stretch.

Noah Black had 18 points, while Rocco Bazzano-Joseph finished with 11.

Ty McDermontt led Diamond with 14 points.

McAuley matches up with Carthage JV in the fifth-place game on Saturday.

 

BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW: Inside presence to lead Thomas Jefferson in 2022-23

Posted on by Lucas Davis

After graduating five players from a year ago, Thomas Jefferson looks to reload on the run as the Cavaliers return plenty of experience with the goal of repeating last year’s success.

“I think the boys are excited about the upcoming season,” Thomas Jefferson coach Chris Myers said. “We have had some success over the past few years, and these boys are ready for their opportunity to keep that success going.”

To reach the 20-win mark, though, the Cavaliers will be relying primarily on the inside presence of returning 6-foot-6 all-conference senior center Jay Ball as well as 6-foot-2 all-conference senior G/F Tyler Brouhard. Thomas Jefferson also welcomes back 5-foot-8 senior G Kip Atteberry and 5-foot-10 senior G/F Levi Triplett. 

Ball averaged 17 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.4 assists per game a season ago. Brouhard averaged 8.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and two steals per game last year. 

“Our number one strength is our inside game both offensively and defensively,” Myers said. “We have two very proven varsity players in Jay and Tyler, but we will need several other players to step up and fill the void left by last year’s graduating class.

“We are very unproven at the guard position. Our new guards will have to show an ability to handle pressure, and the confidence to get to the rim or hit perimeter shots. I think that confidence will come as the year progresses.”

New additions to make an impact at the varsity level for the Cavaliers figure to be 5-foot-8 senior G Tony Touma, 6-foot-1 sophomore F Ethan Renger, freshman 6-foot-2 F Kohl Thurman and 6-foot-2 senior C Benji Carroll.

“I think we have the pieces to be competitive each night,” Myers said about his expectations for the Cavaliers this season. “We have a solid big man returning, an established shooting guard, and some other players that could step up and help us have a competitive team.”

With several new players getting accustomed to the varsity level this season, it will take time for Thomas Jefferson to gel as a unit. Experience playing together is what builds trust on the court.

“As with any team, our players must buy into their role,” Myers said about the keys for his team’s success. “As stated before, we also must gain confidence quickly at the guard positions in order for us to compete night in and night out.”

Thomas Jefferson opens the season at Exeter on Monday before traveling to Bronaugh on Tuesday. After taking part in the Gem City Classic from Nov. 28 – Dec. 3 in Diamond, Thomas Jefferson is at Everton on Dec. 6 before opening up at home on Dec. 9 against Miami.

GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW: Thomas Jefferson enters upcoming season with high expectations

Posted on by Lucas Davis

After Thomas Jefferson saw a six-win improvement under first-year head coach Traci Walker last season, the Cavaliers are entering the 2022-23 year with extreme optimism for what could be in store for them in the very near future.

“I think this will be one of the most successful seasons TJ has seen,” said Walker, who is entering her second season at the helm. “I am returning everyone but one starter. The girls are coming back stronger, more focused and determined to achieve their personal and team goals.”

After graduating just one senior a year ago, Thomas Jefferson returns four starters and several other players with varsity experience—seniors Nico Carlson (F), Tannah Cassatt (F) and Phoenix Wade (G), juniors Gabbi Hiebert (G), Sarah Mueller (G), Alexis Stamps (G/F) and Presley Long (G) and sophomore forward Lannah Grigg.

Hiebert averaged 13.5 points and seven rebounds a game last season, while Grigg averaged 10 points and nine rebounds a contest.

With such a large group of returning players, that experience will be key for the Cavaliers this season. Having already spent a year in Coach Walker’s program, those upperclassmen are much further ahead at this point than last season.
“One of the biggest strengths of this program is the dedication of the players and coaches,” Walker added. “We have a large group of returners who know what to expect from the coaches. We are mentally and physically prepared to have a great season.

“Because we have quite the lineup, most being returners, our successes will be knowing what we are capable of. This group of girls has a unique bond, which translates onto the court. The community can expect great things from the TJ Lady Cavs this season.” 

Of course, the biggest concern for Coach Walker heading into the season is keeping the girls motivated at every turn and every sign of adversity. Those are the moments that help a team looking to take the next step get there.

“One concern for this group of girls is keeping them motivated,”Walker said. “My girls are excited about the group of returners we have, but we must remain humble, but hungry to have the best season TJ has had. It will take constant encouragement from coaches.”

Thomas Jefferson opens the season with a road matchup against Exeter on Nov. 21.

College Heights sweeps McAuley Catholic in district semis

Posted on by Lucas Davis

The College Heights Christian Cougars will play for their third district championship in a row after their 3-0 win (25-19, 25-10, 25-15) on Saturday against McAuley Catholic in the Class 1 District 11 semifinals at the Thomas Jefferson Fieldhouse.

College Heights’ Addie Lawrence swings through a kill during the Cougars’ win over McAuley in district action on Saturday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

Second-seeded College Heights improved to 23-9-2 on the season entering Tuesday’s district title match against top-seeded Jasper (24-8-3).

Jasper defeated Liberal 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-9) in the first semifinal match Saturday.

College Heights started out a little bit slow Saturday, but the Cougars found a rhythm late in the first set that carried over into the second and third sets.

“It was a super fun match,” College Heights coach Mary Colin said. “I thought the girls played really good. Three of them took the ACT (Saturday), so we kept joking that their brains, they came in mentally fatigued. They weren’t as energetically hyped as normal, but I thought they were still very consistent and serious about getting the job done.

“There were a couple mishits at first, which I like to blame on the vision of being in an ACT and your eyes are so tired. After that, for sure, we started getting some rhythm.”

College Heights used a 4-0 run late in a tight first set to go ahead 24-18 and the Cougars closed it out 25-19 after exchanging side-outs with the Warriors.

McAuley’s Kloee Williamson earns a kill in the district matchup with College Heights on Saturday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

College Heights started out slow in the second but put together a few scoring runs — highlighted by a 7-0 early in the set that put the Cougars into the lead and a 5-0 that gave them a lead by 10 points at 18-8 — that produced a 25-10 set for the Cougars.

College Heights again saw McAuley Catholic take an early lead in the third, but the Cougars finished it off 25-15 with 5-0 and 3-0 runs giving them the lead for good at 5-3 and 8-4.

Maddy Colin finished the match with six kills, 23 assists, six digs and one ace, Addie Lawrence added 14 kills, Lauren Ukena picked up four kills, nine digs and three aces, Libby Fanning had two kills and two blocks, Lindsay Griesemer had 10 digs, Marley Woodford made four kills, Ava Masena made 10 digs and served two aces, Katie Moss had one assist and two digs, and Lilly Plassman added one assist and four digs.

The five-match stretch in late September and early October that College Heights played without Lawrence has benefited the Cougars after her return to the lineup Oct. 6 in their conference match against McAuley Catholic.

McAuley’s Lily Black raises for a block attempt in the Warriors’ matchup with College Heights in district action on Saturday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

“For sure, Addie gets a lot of reps and when she was gone, the other girls got a lot of reps,” Coach Colin said. “I think there was one match when Lauren got set 77 times and Lindsay got set 60 times, so they went from maybe 25 touches to a whole lot more touches. I would definitely say the entire team improved offensively while she was gone because they were getting more touches. Now, she’s back and they’re still stepping up.

“I thought they all played really good today, and we had all to do something special in this moment. Like there was this one ball, I call it Plinko when it hits the ceiling, and it dinks around and Maddy’s coming, and she couldn’t get to it. At the last second, she yelled help and there were two girls waiting on it. That’s good teamwork.”

College Heights and Jasper have become familiar opponents during the past two seasons.

Tuesday marks their fourth match of this season with Jasper winning two of three against College Heights in matches played within a two-week stretch in September.

Jasper defeated College Heights 2-0 in the Jasper and the Lamar tournaments, while College Heights won a regular match in five sets on Jasper’s home court.

Last season, College Heights took all three matches against Jasper, including a five-set match for the Class 1 District 9 championship.

“Jasper’s so good,” Coach Colin said. “So good. They are fun to watch. They are solid all the way around. It’s going to be a great match. It is going to be kill for kill, and both teams are going to be in it to win it. It’s going to be a fun match.”

McAuley Catholic, meanwhile, finishes the season 21-15-2 overall, and the Warriors tripled their wins total from the previous 7-18-1 season.

The Warriors’ 21 wins this season are their most since the 24-win district championship team in 2018.

“I wish that we would have gone at least four, at least taken one game from College Heights,” McAuley Catholic coach Sarah Nangle said. “It would have been fun. Honestly, I’m not at all upset with my girls. I thought they battled hard, especially having to deal with losing our libero (senior JoJo Wheeler) in that third set. It forced them to come together.

College Heights’ Ava Masena passes the ball in the win over McAuley in district play on Saturday. Photo by Shawn Fowler.

“I’m proud of them. We’ve had a great season, better than last year, and it stinks the seniors went out the way they did not being able to make it any farther, but I’m excited and hopeful for next season already.”

Wheeler and fellow senior Lily Black each played their final matches for the Warriors.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON FALLS TO LIBERAL IN QUARTERS

Thomas Jefferson’s season came to an end in the Class 1 District 11 quarterfinal round on Friday when the fifth-seeded Cavaliers lost 25-11, 11-25, 25-21, 16-25 and 15-12 in a five-set thriller. 

Thomas Jefferson closes the year with a 12-17-1 record.

Lannah Grigg led the way with 18 kills, 17 digs, seven aces, three blocks and two assists, while Macie Shifferd had 13 digs, four kills, two assists and an ace. Mary Nguyen finished with 13 digs, 12 assists, three kills and an ace, while Nico Carlson had 20 digs, six kills and four assists. Gabbi Hiebert had five kills, six digs, two assists and a block. Marley Flanagan had four digs, with Alexis Stamps adding seven digs, two kill, five assists and three aces. Maggie Sutton had 13 digs and two aces, while Yasmina Mokhtar had six digs.

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: CJ sweeps Willard; McAuley, Senenca and TJ fall

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARL JUNCTION SWEEPS WILLARD

WILLARD, Mo. — Carl Junction closed out the regular season with a 25-22, 25-12 and 25-20 road sweep over Willard on Tuesday. 

The win sends the Bulldogs into the postseason with a 20-10-2 record. Kylie Scott had 13 kills, two aces and two blocks, while Destiny Buerge had nine kills and 17 digs for Carl Junction. Lo Jones had 43 assists, five kills and two aces. Karissa Chase closed with 12 kills and two aces, while Jocelyn Brown added 10 digs.

Carl Junction is the second seed in the Class 4 District 6 tournament and will take on seventh-seeded McDonald County at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Willard High School.

 

SENECA FALLS IN FOUR

ROGERSVILLE, Mo. — Seneca fell 25-21, 25-11, 24-26 and 25-11 to Rogersville on Tuesday to wrap up the regular season.

The Indians head into the postseason with a 20-11-1 record and open the Class 3 District 12 tournament as the No. 2 seed. Seneca takes on the winner of third-seeded Nevada and sixth-seeded Monett at 6:15 p.m. on Monday at Mount Vernon High School.

Parker Long had 16 kills and 12 digs, while Jera Jameson had 12 digs and four blocks for Seneca. Brylee Sage added 22 assists, while Ella Graham finished with 10 digs. Braxton Raulson had 10 digs and two aces.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON FALLS TO GOLDEN CITY

Thomas Jefferson was on the wrong end of a 25-17, 25-16 and 25-20 sweep by Golden City on Tuesday.

Mary Nguyen finished with seven digs, five kills and five assists, while Nico Carlson had six higs, five kills, three assists, a block and a kill. Gabbi Hiebert finished with eight kills, five digs and three assists, while Lannah Grigg added 12 digs, six kills, four aces in service and three blocks. Macie Shiffer had four digs, three kills and an assist, with Marley Flanagan finishing with eight digs. Alexis Stamps added nine digs, four assists, an ace and a kill, and Maggie Sutton finished with 12 digs.

Thomas Jefferson is the fifth seed and takes on fourth-seeded Liberal at 5:30 pm. on Friday in the Class 1 District 11 tournament hosted by the Cavaliers.

 

MCAULEY FALLS TO PIERCE CITY

McAuley Catholic was swept by Pierce City 25-19, 25-16 and 25-16 on Tuesday. 

No other information was available.

McAuley is the third seed and takes on sixth-seeded Sheldon at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Class 1 District 11 tournament hosted by Thomas Jefferson.

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: Webb City and Joplin earn sweeps; TJ falls to Liberal

Posted on by Lucas Davis

WEBB CITY SWEEPS MCDONALD COUNTY

ANDERSON, Mo. — Webb City went on the road and earned a three-set win over McDonald County on Monday to start the week with a win.

The Cardinals improved to 25-4-2 on the season after earning a 25-11, 25-14 and 25-15 win over the Mustangs, who fell to 6-18-1 on the season.

Jaeli Rutledge led Webb City with 10 kills, three blocks and two digs. Brenda Lawrence added seven kills and four digs, while Aubree Lassiter finished with six kills and a dig. Kate Brownfield finished with five kills and four digs. Sophia Crane led the team in digs with 11, while Kyah Sanborn led the Cardinals with 26 assists to go along with five digs and two kills.

McDonald County’s Savannah Leib recorded nine kills and two blocks, while Jayden Forcum had 17 assists and Hay Nay Way had 12 digs.

Webb City’s road trip continues with a matchup at Ozark on Tuesday before returning home for a matchup with Branson on Thursday.

 

JOPLIN SWEEPS PITTSBURG

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Joplin hit the road and traveled to Pittsburg, Kansas, for cross-state volleyball action and came away with a 25-20, 25-16 and 25-15 win over the Pittsburg Purple Dragons on Monday.

The win improves the Eagles’ record to 14-10-1,

Bailey Owens led Joplin with 12 kills and two blocks. Serafina Auberry added five kills and seven digs, while Raelin Calderon contributed four kills. Paisley Parker had three kills and a team-high 22 digs, while Jayla Hunter finished with 17 digs. Adalynn Niorfaise finished with 24 assists and 12 digs. 

Joplin hosts Neosho on Tuesday before hosting Nixa on Thursday for Senior Night.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON FALLS TO LIBERAL

Thomas Jefferson won the first set before dropping the next three in a 23-25, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-22 loss to Liberal on Monday.

Mary Nguyen had six kills, five digs, five assists and two aces. Nico Carlson had eight digs, four aces, four assists, two blocks and a kill. Gabbi Hiebert had three digs, three kills, an assist and a block, with Lannah Grigg finished with 12 kills, two aces, three digs and two assists. Macie Shifferd had one ace, 13 digs, three kills and two assists. Alexis Stamps had two aces, two digs, three kills and four assists, while Maddie Sutton added five digs and an ace.

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: CHC falls to McDonald County in three sets; Jasper sweeps Thomas Jefferson

Posted on by Lucas Davis

COUGARS FALL TO MUSTANGS

ANDERSON, Mo. — McDonald County hosted College Heights and earned a three-set win over the Cougars on Monday.

The Mustangs earned a sweep with a 25-21, 25-16 and 25-22 performance over College Heights (16-6-1).

College Heights’ Lauren Ukena finished with 20 digs and seven service points, while Libby Fanning had nine kills. Ava Masena finished with 15 digs defensively for the Wildcats, while Maddy Colin had 19 assists.

McDonald County’s Carlie Martin and Megan Elwood recorded eight kills apiece, while Madison Parker and Layla Wallain added seven kills apiece.

Mac County’s Jayden Forcum had 25 assists, while Hay Nay Wat had a team-high 23 digs. 

McDonald County is at Lamar on Tuesday. 

College Heights hosts Verona on Tuesday.

 

JASPER SWEEPS TJ

Thomas Jefferson hosted Jasper and fell 25-21, 25-11 and 25-19 on Monday.

Mary Nguyen finished with three aces, three digs, a kill and five assists. Nico Carlson had an ace, four digs, four kills, one assist and a block, while Gabbie Hiebert had eight kills and a dig.  Lannah Grigg added three digs and an assist, while Macie Shifferd had five digs. Marley Flanagan had an ace and four digs, while Maggie Sutton added one dig and an ace.  

Thomas Jefferson is at Verona on Thursday.

 

CARTHAGE FALLS AT BENTONVILLE
Carthage suffered a 3-0 loss at Bentonville (Ark.) on Monday.
The set scores were 25-21, 25-19, 25-6.

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: CHS sweeps Exeter; TJ falls to McAuley in four

Posted on by Lucas Davis

COLLEGE HEIGHTS SWEEPS EXETER

College Heights won its sixth regular season match in row with a sweep of Exeter on Tuesday.

The win improves the Cougars to a 15-3-1.

Addie Lawrence had 15 kills and six aces to College Heights, while Lauren Ukena had 10 kills. Maddy Colin finished with 29 assists, 11 service points and five aces. 

The Cougars host Golden City on Monday and welcome East Newton on Tuesday.

 

TJ LOSES IN FOUR TO MCAULEY

McAuley volleyball defeated Thomas Jefferson 26-24, 26-24, 5-25 and 25-20 on Tuesday. 

Mary Nguyen had five aces, six digs, four kills and four assists to lead the Cavaliers, while Nico Carlson added seven kills, four assists and a block. Gabbi Hiebert six kills, five assists, two blocks. Lannah Grigg had two aces, six digs, six kills, three assists and a block. Alexis Stamps finished with five digs, five kills and four assists. Maggie Sutton added three aces and seven digs, while Macie Shifferd had four kills and three assists. 

 

 

 

GIRLS TENNIS ROUNDUP: Carl Junction, Thomas Jefferson and Webb City all earn wins

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CARL JUNCTION 7, JOPLIN 2

Carl Junction girls tennis won five of the six singles matches and two of the three doubles matches to earn a Central Ozark Conference win over the Eagles on Tuesday.

At No. 1 singles, Joplin’s Emma Watts defeated Jenna Besperat 8-5.

The Bulldogs won the other five singles matches.

Naiyah Wurdeman edged Jensen Vowels 8-6, Isabel Read beat Mya Ndedi Ntepe 8-5, Alyssa Graves defeated Brynn Driver 8-4, Emily Rice topped Alex Carson 8-5 and Emmy Higgins beat Bonnie Smith 8-5.

At No. 1 doubles, CJ’s Besperat and Wurdeman defeated Watts-Driver 8-3. Joplin’s Vowels and Ndedi Ntepe defeated Read-Graves 8-6, but CJ’s Rice and Higgins beat Carson-Smith 8-5.

Joplin is at the Springfield Invitational on Wednesday. Carl Junction takes on Branson on Thursday. 

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON SWEEPS MONETT

Thomas Jefferson tennis moved to 6-0 on the season after sweeping Monett 9-0 on Tuesday.

In No. 1 singles action, TJ’s Allison Ding defeated Elizabeth Smith 8-2, with Jeanna Jeyaraj beating Deleny Rueda 8-2. Kyla Yang defeated Vayla Smith 8-0 in No. 3 singles. Warda Morsy swept Salas Hernandez 8-0, while Jessica Joseph earned an 8-1 win over Serenity Laning. Wrapping up singles play, Mayson Solum defeated Emma Parrigon 8-0.

In doubles action, Ding and Jeyaraj defeated E. Smith and V. Smith 8-2, while Yang and Solumn finished with an 8-2 win over Rueda and Laning. Morsy and Joseph wrapped doubles action with an 8-0 sweep of Hernandez and Parrigon.

Thomas Jefferson takes part in the Monett Invitational on Wednesday.

 

WEBB CITY SWEEPS NEOSHO

NEOSHO, Mo. — Webb City earned a 9-0 road sweep over Neosho on Tuesday in Central Ozark Conference action.

The win moves the Cardinals to a 3-9-1 record, while Neosho falls to 0-7.

In No. 1 single’s action, Webb City’s Kinzlea Smith defeated Neosho’s Claudia Martensen 8-5, while Ally Ansley defeated Lyndsey Doke 8-2. Ayla McDonald finished off Georgia Housh 8-3 for the Cardinals in No. 3 singles, while Brynlee Hollinngsworth defeated Sydnee Minton 8-1. Averey Terry defeated Lauren Nageotte 8-4 and Avery Brown defeated Claire Burghart 8-1.

In doubles action, Smith and McDonald defeated Martensen and Doke 8-6, while Ansley and Hollingsworth won 8-0 against Housh and Minton. Wrapping up doubles, Terry and Brown defeated Nageotte and Burghart 8-2.

TENNIS ROUNDUP: Thomas Jefferson sweeps Webb City; Neosho stumbles

Posted on by Lucas Davis

THOMAS JEFFERSON SWEEPS WEBB CITY

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson girls tennis earned a 9-0 sweep of Webb City on Monday to move to 5-0 on the season.

In No. 1 singles action, TJ’s Allison Ding defeated Webb City’s Kinzlea Smith 8-3, while Jeanna Jeyaraj defeated Ally Ansley 8-1. In No. 3 singles play, Kyla Yang defeated Ayla McDonald 8-3, with Warda Morsy earning an 8-2 win over Brynlee Hollingsworth. TJ wrapped up singles action with Jessica Joseph defeating Averey Terry 8-0 and Mayson Solum defeating Avery Brown 8-1.

In No. 1 doubles action, Ding and Jeyaraj defeated Smith and McDonald 8-1, with Yang and Solum beating Ansley and Hollingsworth 8-1. Wrapping up doubles action, Morsy and Joseph defeated Terry and Brown 8-1.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Monett on Tuesday.

 

NEOSHO FALLS TO MOUNT VERNON

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Neosho lost 9-0 to Mount Vernon on Monday.

The Wildcats fall to 0-6 on the season.

In No. 1 singles action, Neosho’s Claudia Martensen lost to Isabella Mosley 3-8, while Lyndsey Doke fell to Vicki Moore 8-2. In No. 3 singles, Georgia Housh lost to Allison Schubert 8-0, with Sydnee Minto lost to Molly Burk 8-0. Lauren Nageotte lost to Adelynn Hall 8-2, and Clair Burghart lost 8-2 to Raegan Pendleton. 

In doubles action, Martensen and Doke lost to Mosley and Schubert 8-1, while Housh and Nageotte lost to Moore and Burk 8-1. Minton and Burghart fell to Hall and Pendleton 8-2.

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: College Heights sweeps Marionville; Seneca tops Crane; TJ, Carthage suffer losses

Posted on by Lucas Davis

CHC SWEEPS MARIONVILLE

MARIONVILLE, Mo. — College Heights improved to 8-1-1 on the season after sweeping Marionville 25-18, 25-22 and 25-16 for a road win on Monday.

The Cougars were led by Maddie Colin’s 19 service points, including five aces, and 27 assists, while Addie Lawrence contributed a team-high 19 kills. Lauren Ukena had eight digs and 14 service points, while Ava Masena added a team-high 22 digs. Libby Fanny had four kills and two blocks.

 

SENECA SWEEPS CRANE

CRANE, Mo. — Seneca volleyball stayed perfect on the season after a three-game sweep of Crane 26-24, 25-19 and 25-22 on the road Monday.

Braxton Raulston led the way with 13 kills and a block kill for Seneca, while Brylee Sage added 28 assists. Park Long had nine kills, nine digs and one block kill. Ella Graham had seven digs and two aces, while Tatum White had three aces.

Seneca hosts Webb City on Tuesday.

 

TJ FALLS TO LOCKWOOD IN FIVE SETS

LOCKWOOD, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson suffered a five-set loss to Lockwood 25-21, 19-25, 25-12, 23-25 and 15-11 on Monday to fall to 4-6 on the season.

Gabbi Hiebert had nine kills, four digs and two blocks, while Nico Carlson had five kills, six assists and a block. Mary Nguyen had two aces, three kills and four digs. Alexis Stamps finished with four kills, while Lannah Grigg had four aces, three digs, four kills and five blocks. Leah Studer added three aces and six assists, while Macie Shifferd finished with two aces, two kills and four digs.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Wheaton on Thursday.

 

CARTHAGE FALLS TO SHILOH CHRISTIAN

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage suffered a 3-0 setback to Shiloh Christian on Tuesday. The Saints defeated the Tigers 25-23, 25-15, 25-21.

Abby Holderbaum and Brielle Cartwright recorded eight kills apiece for the Tigers, while Raven Probert had 18 digs and 10 assists, both team-highs.

Riann Schwartz and Kailyn Schultz contributed 11 digs apiece, while Jaidyn Brunnert had nine assists. 

Carthage (3-6) is at Cassville on Tuesday night. 

GIRLS TENNIS ROUNDUP: Cavaliers edge Eagles; Wildcats fall to Cubs

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON 5, JOPLIN 4

Thomas Jefferson’s girls tennis team earned a 5-4 non-conference victory over Joplin on Wednesday. 

Joplin won the No. 1 doubles match by injury forfeit, but the Cavaliers pulled out close wins in the other two doubles matches.

At No. 2 doubles, Thomas Jefferson’s Kyla Yang and Mayson Solum edged Jensen Vowels and Mya Ndedi Ntepe 8-6.

Thomas Jefferson’s Warda Morsy and Jessica Joseph defeated Alex Carson and Bonnie Smith 8-5 at No. 3 doubles.

At No. 1 singles, Joplin’s Emma Watts defeated Allison Ding 8-5. 

Ndedi Ntepe beat Emalee Ro 8-2 at No. 2 singles. 

TJ’s Yang edged Vowels 9-7 at No. 3 singles, but Joplin’s Brynn Driver beat Morsy 8-3.

The Cavaliers earned wins at No. 5 and No. 6 singles to secure the dual victory, as Joseph defeated Carson 8-5 and Solum topped Jadyn Elder 8-1.

 

MONETT 8, NEOSHO 1

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho’s lone win of the dual came at No. 2 singles, as Lyndsey Doke defeated Deleny Rueda 8-4.

The Cubs won the other five singles matches and the three doubles contests. 

In other singles matches, Elizabeth Smith defeated Claudia Martensen 8-4, Vayla Smith beat Georgia Housh 8-0, Jocelyn Hernandez-Salas topped Keely Keeton 8-4, Serenity Laning beat Sydnee Minton 8-0 and Emma Parrigon edged Lauren Nageotte 8-6.

In doubles, Smith-Smith defeated Martensen-Keeton 8-2, Rueda-Hernandez-Salas edged Doke-Housh 9-7 and Laning-Parrigon topped Minton-Nageotte 8-6.

TENNIS ROUNDUP: TJ opens with win over Nevada; Joplin downed by Branson; Neosho falls to Republic

Posted on by Lucas Davis

THOMAS JEFFERSON OPENS WITH ROAD WIN OVER NEVADA

NEVADA, Mo. — Thomas Jefferson girls tennis hit the road to open the season and came away with a 7-2 win over Nevada on Thursday.

The Cavaliers (1-0) were 5-1 in singles action and 2-1 in doubles play.

In singles, No. 1 Allison Ding earned an 8-2 win over Alyssa Mitchell, while TJ’s Jeanna Jeyaraj lost to Hennessy Brown 8-4. Kyla Yang earned an 8-6 win, while Warda Morsy defeated Kourtnee Vestal 8-4. Jessica Joseph earned an 8-2 victory over Alissa Stutesman, with Mayson Solum wrapping singles action for the Cavs with an 8-4 win over Susannah Kimmell.

In doubles, Ding and Jeyaraj finished off Mitchell and Brown with an 8-5 win, while Yang/Solum fell 9-8 (7-5) to Elkington/Vestal. Morsy/Joseph defeated Stutesman/Kimmel 8-5.

Thomas Jefferson hosts College Heights on Tuesday.

 

JOPLIN FALLS TO BRANSON

Joplin’s girls tennis team dropped a Central Ozark Conference match to Branson on Thursday, with the Pirates earning a 6-3 win over the Eagles.

At No. 1 doubles, Branson’s Andrea Fuentas and Slyvie Barbour defeated Emma Watts and Brynn Driver 8-2, while Joplin’s Jensen Vowels and Mya Ndedi Ntepe beat Avery Webber-Carly Vanderplum 8-2. 

Branson’s Cassandra Carter-Jasmine Tran won the No. 3 doubles match 8-5 over Alex Carson and Bonnie Smith.

At No. 1 singles, Watts defeated Fuentas 8-0. 

Branson’s Barbour beat Ndedi Ntepe 8-3 and Webber defeated Vowels 8-2, but Driver topped Vanderplum 8-5. 

Carter beat Carson 8-5 and Tran topped Gwenna Street 8-0.

The Eagles are at the Edwardsville Invitational this weekend.

 

NEOSHO FALLS TO REPUBLIC

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho came out on the wrong side of a 9-0 loss against Republic on Thursday.

In singles action, Neosho’s Claudia Martensen lost 8-2 to Jasmine Howard, while Lyndsey Doke also fell 8-2 against Isabelle Wells. Republic’s Mari Davidson defeated Neosho’s Keely Keeton 8-1, while Sydnee Minto lost 8-2 to Grace Replogle. Lauren Nageotte fell 8-0 to Monica Henry and Claire Burghart lost 8-3 to Taylor Massey to wrap singles action.

In doubles play, Republic’s teams of Howard/Davidson, Wells/Matilyn Carpenter and Henry/Lilly Carlo all had 8-0 wins over Martensen/Keeton, Doke/Minton and Nageotte/Burghart.

SPRING SEASON: Prep athletes earn SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year

Posted on by Lucas Davis

At SoMo Sports, we understand the importance of student-athletes competing in prep sports in terms of development, both mentally and physically, for young adults who are preparing for life after high school.

Not only does competing in prep sports help build character, but it also provides student-athletes with tools such as communication, leadership and self-drive that will benefit them as they continue on life’s journey. 

With that in mind, SoMo Sports wanted to honor the top athletes in the area who put in countless hours of hard work during practice, workouts, games/meets as well as on their own time by naming them as a SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year.

The Athlete of the Year selections go out to the top area athlete in each sport during the fall, winter and spring prep seasons. 

The standout athletes are chosen by SoMo Sports reporters Jason Peake and Lucas Davis, who tirelessly cover prep sports for Joplin and its surrounding communities during the school year. Along with nominations by area coaches, SoMo Sports used individual accomplishments during the regular season and postseason as well as team success as factors for choosing each Athlete of the Year. 

The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year awards will be divided up in three stories—fall, winter and spring. Each sport will have an Athlete of the Year, and if warranted, there may be one or two honorable mentions per sport as well.

The SoMo Sports Athletes of the Year three-part story is sponsored by Cell Phone Medics.

SOMO SPORTS SPRING ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Donovyn Fowler, Joplin, senior

Joplin senior Donovyn Fowler is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for boys track and field.

Donovyn Fowler’s senior season at Joplin High School could be described as remarkable and historic. In one of the best individual seasons in JHS history, Fowler captured conference, district, sectional and state titles in both the long jump and triple. Fowler went undefeated in both events the entire spring, setting school records along the way. 

At the Class 5 state track meet, Fowler won the long jump with a leap of 25-3.25. The mark is a new Class 5 meet record.  Fowler won the triple jump with his mark of 49-8.25. He became the first athlete from JHS to win two state titles in the same season. Fowler, who also qualified for state in the 200 and with the team’s 4×100 relay, led the Eagles to a second-place finish in the team standings. It’s the first time since 1978 a Joplin team finished in the top four at state. 

Fowler will continue his athletic career at Oklahoma. 

HM: Grayson Smith, Webb City; Donovahn Watkins, Joplin

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD 

Addison Lawrence, College Heights Christian, junior

College Heights Christian’s Addie Lawrence is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for girls track and field.

For the second straight season, College Heights Christian’s Addison Lawrence brought home multiple gold medals from the state track meet. And for the second straight season, Lawrence is the SoMo Sports Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

A junior, Lawrence earned all-state honors in four events at the Class 2 state track meet, with two first-place finishes to go along with a runner-up and fourth-place showing. Lawrence was the state champion in the 400-meter dash with a time of 58.97 seconds. She won the same event in Class 1 in ’21.  Lawrence led the Cougars to podium finishes in two relays, capturing gold and silver medals.  The CHC team of Jayli Johnson, Lauren Ukena, Emily Winters and Lawrence won the 4×400-meter relay in 4 minutes, 9 seconds.  College Heights Christian’s 4×200-meter relay team of Johnson, Ukena, Winters and Lawrence finished second with a time of 1:48.5.

Lawrence also finished fourth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.67 seconds. With Lawrence leading the way, the Cougars finished fifth in the Class 2 team standings. Ahead of the state championships, Lawrence was the district and sectional champ in both the 200 and 400. 

In a season to remember, Lawrence won four individual events at the Ozark 7 Conference Meet—the 100, 200, 400 and long jump. Lawrence set the school record in the 200 with a time of 25.35 and the team’s 4×400 ran a record time of 4:07.87.  

HM: Ally Montez, Carl Junction; Jennalee Dunn, Joplin.

 

BOYS TENNIS

Ian Ding and Tyler Brouhard, Thomas Jefferson Independent

Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding is one half of the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for boys tennis.

In a season to remember, Thomas Jefferson’s Ian Ding and Tyler Brouhard finished third in the Class 2 doubles bracket at the MSHSAA Boys Tennis Championships. The duo concluded the season with a 27-3 record in doubles matches.

At the state tourney, Ding and Brouhard advanced to the semifinals, where they suffered a three-set setback to Ladue’s Brian Tokarczyk and Amit Kadan. In the third-place match, the Cavaliers defeated Parkway West’s Kai Daudsyah and Winston Gao in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.

Ding and Brouhard led the Cavaliers to a 13-3 record in dual matches. Ding was a senior, while Brouhard was a junior this past spring.

 

BASEBALL

Levi Helm, pitcher, McDonald County, senior

McDonald County pitcher Levi Helm had perhaps the biggest bounce back season of any SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year selection. After a junior campaign filled with frustrations similar to Rick Ankiel in not being able to find the strike zone on the mound, Helm flipped the fortunes of his prep career as a senior. One of the most dominating pitchers in the area this season, Helm turned in a 6-2 record to go along with a 2.25 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched, issuing just 19 walks. Even better, Helm was just as dominant at the plate after posting a .374 batting average with four home runs, four doubles and a pair of triples to go along with 23 RBI. Helm’s success on the bump and in the box was not only integral to McDonald County’s 22-9 season, it earned him unanimous first-team All-Big 8 Conference as well as first-team all-state honors by the MHSBCA. 

HM: Kyler Stokes, Joplin; Cy Darnell, Webb City; Cole Martin, McDonald County

 

SOFTBALL

Madi Bentley, pitcher, Diamond, senior

Madi Bentley had perhaps one of the most memorable seasons in her final year with the Diamond Wildcats. The senior pitcher, who is committed to Southwest Baptist, not only dominated in the circle, but was as potent at the plate all season long to help lead her Wildcats to their first ever state title in a 6-4 win over Skyline in the Class 2 championship as well as a school best 29-3 record. 

Bentley, who earned the complete-game win in the ‘ship, finished with a 19-2 record with a 1.75 ERA in 21 starts this season while striking out 235 batters and walking just 31 through 131 2/3 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .178 batting average in the process. At the plate, Bentley hit .480 to go along with 17 doubles, 11 home runs and three triples. She also drove in 48 runs. Bentley, a first-team all-state honoree, also left her historical mark on the program with career records of 657 strikeouts in the circle as well as 23 home runs with a bat in her hands.

 

BOYS GOLF

Jack Spencer, Carl Junction, freshman

It was quite a freshman season for Carl Junction’s Jack Spencer. He earned a win at the Carthage Invitational to go along with a third-place standing at the Ozark Invitational. He also added a fifth-place finish at the Twin Hills Invitational and was a qualifier for the Horton Smith competition all while averaging 76 strokes per round. Spencer topped his first prep season off with all-district honors and a seventh-place finish in the Class 4 state tournament.

 

GIRLS SOCCER

Lauren Burgess, Carl Junction, senior 

Carl Junction’s Lauren Burgess is the SoMo Sports Athlete of the Year for girls soccer.

Carl Junction senior forward Lauren Burgess had an impressive final season on the pitch for the Bulldogs. The four-year varsity starter capped her career by helping lead Carl Junction to a 21-6 record, the best season from the Bulldogs in nearly a decade, as well as a berth to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. 

Burgess finished the year with a team-high 26 goals and added a team-high 22 assists. She earned Class 3 Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year, District 6 Player of the year and was also named first-team all-conference.

 

 

STATE TENNIS: Thomas Jefferson doubles team takes third; Ding ends stellar career on a high note

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —  In the grand finale of a stellar prep tennis career, Thomas Jefferson senior Ian Ding went out with a win.

Ding and Tyler Brouhard finished third in the Class 2 doubles bracket at the MSHSAA Boys Tennis Championships on Friday at the Cooper Tennis Complex.

In the third-place match, the Cavaliers defeated Parkway West’s Kai Daudsyah and Winston Gao in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, to conclude the 2022 season on a high note.

Pictured is Thomas Jefferson senior Ian Ding.

“I’m really happy with how we finished the season,” Ding said. “Coming in, I didn’t know if we’d even make it to the Final Four. Coming away with third place is amazing. It’s nice I was able to end my career with a win. I think this is a great accomplishment, so I’m just really happy with how we ended things.” 

“It’s been a great tournament for us,” Cavaliers coach Tom Brumfield said. “We had high expectations, but you never know who you’re going to play until you get here. And there’s no easy rounds at state. It’s not like you can play bad and get by. Our doubles team did an awesome job. They played well overall. The wind picked up today and made it challenging for both sides, but our guys did a great job.” 

In Thursday’s opening round, Ding and Brouhard defeated Branson’s Garrett Beckham-Nathan Bartram 6-1, 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Ding and Brouhard beat Grain Valley’s Carter Compton-Kade Compton 6-3, 6-3.

After going 2-0 on Thursday, the Cavaliers met Ladue’s Brian Tokarczyk and Amit Kadan in Friday morning’s semifinals. The Ladue duo topped Ding-Brouhard in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 10-4. 

Brumfield noted the hard-fought match could have gone either way. 

Tyler Brouhard hits a volley at the net during the Class 2 third-place match on Friday at the Cooper Tennis Complex. Photos by Jason Peake.

“They were right there with a chance to go to the finals,” Brumfield noted. “They were close. They made a few mistakes in the tie-breaker.” 

With that loss, the Cavaliers headed to the third-place match, where they were in control from the start.

The Cavs limited their mistakes while taking advantage of their opponents’ miscues.

“I think we played really well,” Brouhard said. “We’ve been training all year for this. We stayed consistent on the court. We got our serves in and our net play was very good. Third place is great.”

As a doubles team, Ding and Brouhard only dropped three matches all season while winning nearly 30 contests. 

“Tyler and I played well together all season,” Ding said. “I think we have good chemistry. We know what the other person is going to do. Today, we played steady and tried not to give away too many free points.”

Tyler Brouhard and Ian Ding celebrate a point on Friday morning.

While Ding’s prep career has come to an end, Brouhard is just a junior. He noted this year’s state showing will provide extra motivation for next spring.

“It’s definitely a confidence boost for me and I’m definitely going to train in the offseason,” Brouhard said. “Hopefully I’ll improve and be back here next year.” 

Brumfield added he was pleased with the performance of Thomas Jefferson sophomore Prithvi Nagarajan, who went 1-2 in singles on Thursday. 

“Prithvi was in every match he played, which was great to see,” Brumfield said. “He won a match at state as a sophomore. He did a great job.”

Ding and Hari Nagarajan were the team’s lone seniors this season. 

The Cavaliers will return a solid core next season, as Brouhard, Prithvi Nagarajan, sophomores Chengle Qian and Devan Murali and freshman Jack Goodhue will all return with varsity experience. 

“Tyler’s game is looking better all the time, so next year we’ll need him to step up and be a leader,” Brumfield said. “I’m really proud of Tyler for playing the way he did here at state.”

 

A STELLAR PREP CAREER

Ian Ding serves during Friday’s third-place match.

The left-handed Ding established himself as one of the region’s top players during his freshman season, as he displayed a solid overall game from the start.

He qualified for state in singles as a freshman, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual state champion. 

Of course, Ding missed out on a sophomore campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a junior, Ding finished fourth in the singles bracket at state. Ding also played a key role as the Cavaliers went 15-1 in duals and earned a runner-up finish at last year’s Class 2 state team tournament. 

This year’s Thomas Jefferson squad went 13-3 in dual matches. 

Ding, also a standout student at TJ, added a third-place showing at state to his tennis resume. 

“A lot of great memories,” Ding said of his high school tennis career. “Obviously, I missed a whole year in 2020. The three years I had with Coach Brumfield and the team were really amazing. I had great teammates and a great coach. It’s a little bittersweet right now.” 

As far as his future plans, Ding said he’ll be attending Boston University to major in computer science. Ding added he hopes to play on the university’s club tennis team.

In the moments following the Cavs’ season-ending victory, Brumfield took a moment to reflect on Ding’s standout prep career. 

To Brumfield, there’s no doubt Ding left his mark on the TJ tennis program. 

“Ian got robbed of a sophomore season,” Brumfield said. “I think if he would have gotten to play as a sophomore he might be way up there all-time in wins at TJ, counting singles and doubles. Ian’s had a great career…really something special. And I just told him there’s not many people that finish their careers with a win at state. He did.” 

 

 FULL RESULTS: 2022BoysTennisSinglesDoubles – Google Drive

 

 

 

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