Your online home for Joplin area sports coverage.

Tag: Webb City

FOOTBALL PREVIEW: New era begins at Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

A new era is officially underway in Webb City.

Ryan McFarland is the new man in charge of the Webb City football program, as he’s taken over the reins of the storied program after the retirement of hall of fame coach John Roderique. 

McFarland is not only a former assistant coach in the program, but also a Webb City graduate and former player.

“This is a unique situation as I graduated from here in 2001,” said McFarland, who played on Webb City’s 2000 state championship squad. “I was an assistant coach here for the 2003, ’04 and ’06-13 seasons. You could say I took this job because I believe in the players we have and the coaches I get to work with.” 

McFarland was Seneca’s head football coach from 2016-2020 before returning to his alma mater to be an assistant coach.

“Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to come back and work for Coach Roderique,” he said. “It has been a blessing to have been an assistant the last two years because I have been able to build relationships with the players and the coaching staff. Being here has definitely helped make this a smooth transition for everyone involved.” 

Ryan McFarland

Coming off a state championship in 2021, the Cardinals were plagued with significant injuries to key performers throughout the ’22 season. 

“In 2022, it seemed like we had more than our fair share of injuries,” McFarland said. “Looking back, those injuries gave opportunities to our younger players to gain valuable Friday night experience. We hope that experience helps us in the 2023 season.”

Webb City finished with a 6-4 record after falling to Republic in the district semifinals. That season-ending setback ended Webb City’s impressive district title streak at 22.

Entering the 2023 season, Webb City features seven returning starters on offense and five returning starters on defense. Also, the Cardinals feature four returning players who garnered all-conference recognition at the conclusion of last season.

 

OFFENSE

Webb City’s ground attack will be led by a pair of returning starters, seniors Breckin Galardo and Omari Jackson.

Breckin Galardo

In 2022, Galardo recorded 1,260 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, both team highs, on his way to earning second-team all-COC honors. Jackson contributed 614 yards and eight touchdowns, second on the team in each category.

McFarland noted the running back tandem should be even better this fall. 

“Jackson had a great game in Week 1 against Nixa, but an ankle injury early in Week 2 limited him the rest of the season,” McFarland said. “That injury to Jackson allowed Gallardo to get some playing time and he made the most of it.” 

The five other returning starters on offense are senior offensive linemen Shaun Hunt (6-0, 250), Nate Miller (6-2, 250), Tucker Liberatore (5-11, 180) and Kole Carr (6-4, 250) and senior tight end Jonah Spieker (6-3, 220).

Hunt and Miller earned all-conference honors last season, while Hunt also garnered all-state recognition. 

Other players who could contribute on the offensive line include juniors Brady Belcher (6-1, 240) and Eric Lathan (6-0, 245).

“The biggest strength we have going into the season should be our offensive line play,” McFarland said. “We return Miller, who will be a three-year starter, Hunt, who was an all-state center for us last season, and Liberatore, Carr and Brady Belcher all started multiple games last season. Jonah Spieker has played a lot of snaps over the past two seasons. This group definitely struggled at times last season, but we expect them to be able to play at a high level with them all having an additional year in the weight room and with the experience of having played a lot of snaps on Friday nights.”

As far as the quarterback position, senior Braden McKee, sophomore Gabe Johnson and junior Jackson Lucas are options under center.

In five games as a junior, the 6-3, 200-pound McKee completed 8-of-18 passes for 71 yards. 

“He is competing for the starting QB position and probably understands our offense more than anyone else we have,” McFarland said of McKee. “He will be a key piece to our offensive success.” 

The speedy Johnson saw action in six games as a freshman, rushing 26 times for 108 yards while completing all three of his pass attempts for 18 yards.

As far as the competition for the starting QB position, McFarland said, “They all have different skill sets at the position and it will be interesting to see how that competition plays out.”

Other athletes who are expected to play key roles this fall are senior tight end Drew Vonder Haar, junior wide receiver/kick returner Joseph DeGraffenreid and junior running back Andrew Elwell. Juniors Garrett Powell and Noah Durman are other options at running back. 

A top newcomer to the squad is senior kicker Alex Dunne, who previously played at Lee’s Summit North.

 

DEFENSE

The Cardinals feature five returning starters on defense—senior linebacker Christian Brock (6-1, 215), senior lineman Rowdy Webb (6-0, 205), senior defensive back Conner Gayman (6-0, 185), junior lineman Jace Wright (5-10, 240) and junior defensive back Andrew Young (5-11, 170).

An all-conference performer, Brock recorded 87 tackles last year, tops among returning players.  Gayman recorded 43 tackles last fall, while Young made 40 stops in ’22.

Seniors Jordan Howard (5-10, 220) and Aaron Bell (5-11, 205) are other linebackers expected to contribute nicely, while senior defensive ends Jace Jones (6-7, 255) and Jordan Mason (6-4, 225) are also expected to play big roles.

McFarland feels the defensive line should be a strength of the squad this fall. 

“We don’t have the experience coming back like we do on the offensive line, but we have a group of guys that we feel are ready to contribute in a big way,” McFarland said. “Rylan Walker (6-0, 250 Jr.) is another prospect that is also one of our strongest players who should factor in on the defensive line. We’ll also look to use some of our offensive line depth, Miller and Liberatore, to help keep our D-line fresh throughout the season.”

McFarland is confident the team’s seniors will provide great leadership this fall.

“We have a very talented senior class who are great young men to be around,” he said. “We expect these guys to set the tone each day at practice and in the weight room.”

 

COACHING STAFF CHANGES

Webb City’s coaching staff will look a little different this season.

“I would have to say the absence of Coach Roderique will be the biggest change for our team heading into the season,” McFarland said. “With change comes new challenges and we have coaches who have been on staff for a while that are getting the opportunity to gain new roles. 

“Aaron Davied and Trey Derryberry will coordinate our defense this fall. They both have an extensive football background and have been around the Webb City program for much of their coaching career. On offense, Aaron Snow and Andrew Doennig will have an expanded role in opponent scouting and play calling and Coach Snow will also coordinate our passing game. I’m excited about our coaching staff that we were able to retain and the coaches we were able to bring in. We lost a lot of coaching experience off our staff the last few years, but we have been able to replace that experience with younger, energetic coaches who bring new ideas to the table.”

 

WEEK 1 IS HERE

Webb City opens the ’23 season at Nixa on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

McFarland said this year’s team hopes to make Webb City proud.

“No matter what our offense and defense look like, we will play a fast, physical and disciplined style of football that the Webb City alumni and community will be proud of,” he said.

 

Webb City football schedule
Aug. 25 at Nixa
Sept. 1 vs. Carl Junction
Sept. 8 at Republic
Sept. 15 vs. Joplin
Sept. 22 vs. Ozark
Sept. 29 at Willard
Oct. 6 at Carthage
Oct. 13 vs. Neosho
Oct. 20 at Branson

 

 RELATED STORY: END OF AN ERA: Webb City’s Roderique announces retirement – SoMo Sports (somo-sports.com)

SWIMMING PREVIEW: With seven starters back, Webb City is reloaded for ’23 season

Posted on by Jason Peake

With seven returning starters and a number of promising newcomers, the Webb City High School boys swimming and diving team has the expectations set high entering the 2023 season.

“I’m excited to see what these guys can do,” Webb City coach Shawn Klosterman said. “It will be tough to get our relays into state this year, but the boys are pretty focused on getting into the MSHSAA Championship in as many events as possible. We are returning one individual state qualifier (Micah Brouwer) but a few of the guys put in the work this summer and have put themselves in position to have a shot.”

Senior standout Micah Brouwer is the team’s returning individual state-qualifier, as he finished 18th in the prelims of the 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s state meet. Brouwer also competed at last year’s state meet as part of two relays, the 200 medley and the 400 freestyle.

Brouwer was last year’s Central Ozark Conference champion in the 100 breaststroke while also finishing third in the 200 individual medley. 

Other returning starters for the Cardinals are seniors Steve Kenlee (butterfly, freestyle) and Aiden Patterson (distance freestyle), juniors Adrien Black (distance freestyle), Dagan Chacon (freestyle, backstroke) and Landon Sharon (diving) and sophomore Dalton Spence (breaststroke, individual medley).

Kenlee placed third in the 200 freestyle and fifth in the 100 butterfly at last year’s COC Meet.

The group of returning starters are expected to lead the Cardinals this fall. 

“Our upperclassmen have great experience and are really helping the younger guys to assimilate into the program,” Klosterman said. “I think we’ll be able to put together great relays even after losing several heavy hitters to graduation last year. Landon Sharon will most likely qualify for state in diving and having his experience there looks like it is bringing our new divers up to a competitive level pretty quickly. I think local teams will be surprised by the strength of our diving with only one returner.”

Newcomers who are expected to contribute are junior Derrick Crook (diving), sophomores Grant Humphrey (diving) and Lincoln Swann (diving) and freshmen Quentin Custenborder (freestyle), Cole Dalton (backstroke, sprint freestyle) and Isaac Shipley (breaststroke, IM).

How the team’s newcomers progress and contribute will be a key to success for the Cardinals. Klosterman hopes to see steady improvements throughout the season, with peaking at the end of the campaign always a goal. 

“I think we are going to see a season with a lot of individual improvement and it will be competitive for our guys to earn spots on the A relay teams to try get qualified for state,” Klosterman said. “The boys will be pushing each other all the way.”

Klosterman, who is in his 25th season leading the Cardinals, noted the team lost a solid group of seniors to graduation.

With that, there are some holes to fill. 

“We graduated some heavy hitters last year with Judah Ritchie, Emiliano Vasquez and Cody Herndon all leaving vital spots empty in our state relays,” Klosterman said. 

Klosterman added there are always challenges entering a new season, but with hard work the team will have a shot at a successful year.

“I think the challenge this season will be getting the boys into better shape than they have ever been,” he said. “The returning guys know that if we’re going to get into the state meet this year they have to turn in times that are next level compared to where they ended the season last year. Another challenge will be that even though our new freshmen have some swimming experience, they will be training at a higher level and will have to step up in a big way.”

The Cardinals finished second at last year’s COC Meet after winning the event the two previous years. Webb City would love to take back the team trophy this fall.

“The COC is always a focus for us and this year we know that Carthage will be loaded and tough to beat,” Klosterman said. “We have an advantage with four divers on the roster, and our incoming freshmen are not inexperienced. I think we will fill the events well enough to give them a challenge.”

The Cardinals, who went 22-4 in duals last year, open the ’23 season on Aug. 31 in Springfield.

Webb City will host the annual Red Bird Invitational on Oct. 7 and the Cardinals will host the Central Ozark Conference Meet on Oct. 17.

 

Steve Kenlee will once again be a key performer for the Webb City Cardinals.

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: With entire roster back, Webb City has goals set high

Posted on by Jason Peake

With no seniors on last year’s squad, the Webb City softball team returns plenty of varsity experience entering the 2023 season.

Featuring a large number of newcomers in 2022, the Cardinals went 17-20 overall and 5-4 in the COC. Webb City won a postseason game and ended the year with a district semifinal loss to eventual champion McDonald County.

Cardinals coach Shauna Friend is confident last year’s experience, and the growing pains along the way, should pay off in a big way this season.

“We have a lot to be excited about this season,” Friend said. “We are returning our entire roster with a year of experience to build on. It’s a great group of athletes both in talent and character. They will compete and be fun to watch.”

Returning players with prior varsity experience include seniors Sydney Strickland, Dawsyn Decker and Jensyn Pickett, juniors Laney Taylor, Addi Brown, Rylynn McFarland and Emily Wood and sophomores Lily Hall, Kylee Sargent, Alex Maturino, Makenzie Wynn, Madeline Barchak, Kyley Senter, Karsyn Cahoon and Joleesa Jarmin.

Friend noted most of the starting positions are up for grabs during the preseason.

“Sydney Strickland and Lily Hall will return as our starting first and second basemen as best as I can tell at this point,” Friend said. “We have a lot to work out in the first three weeks of practice. There will be a lot of competition for varsity playing time and positions.”

Like Strickland and Hall, Sargent and Pickett started on the infield last season, while Maturino, Decker and Wynn were starting outfielders. Coach Friend noted there will likely be some shuffling of where returning athletes play in the field.

In 2022, Sargent recorded a .379 batting average with 44 hits, 45 runs scored, 27 RBI and six home runs, while Maturino hit .341 with 29 hits and 18 RBI.

Decker batted .270 with 30 hits, 23 runs scored and 20 RBI, Pickett hit .275 with 28 hits and 24 RBI, Hall batted .312 with 34 hits and 15 RBI and Strickland had a .276 batting average with 27 hits, 17 runs scored and 16 RBI. Hall earned first team all-conference honors last season as an infielder.

Lily Hall is one of Webb City’s top returning softball players this fall. File photo.

One returning starter, sophomore catcher Liz Rhuems, is currently unable to compete due to an injury. Rhuems was an honorable mention all-conference selection last season after hitting .405 with 49 hits, 34 RBI and 30 runs scored.

The team’s most experienced hurler, Taylor pitched 132 innings in 34 outings last season, striking out 71 and finishing the fall with a 3.18 ERA on the way to earning 11 wins. 

Cahoon had 24 appearances in the circle. She struck out 52 and picked up three wins. Jarmin pitched in six games, earning two wins.

Freshmen Abby Sargent (IF/OF), Addie Burns (P) and Alivia Nieburg (P) are newcomers to watch.

With 15 returning players, and with a number of promising newcomers, the Cardinals have plenty of depth. 

“Our strength this year would be depth at many positions, including one of the most crucial positions—pitcher,” Friend said. “We have a total of eight pitchers that I feel confident to step into a varsity circle and record quality innings. I think having depth at various positions will help the players push each other to give their best effort and continue to improve throughout the season.”

Consistent offensive production will be one of the team’s main keys to success this fall.

“Offensively, we will have to improve on our consistency through the lineup,” Friend said. “We will have to find ways to move runners and get timely hits to drive them in. The players are going to have to put in the extra time and effort on the tee and in the cage, as well as be coachable in order to continue to improve offensively.”

Playing with confidence, communicating on the field and building solid team chemistry will be other keys to success for the Cardinals. 

“Last year, with very little varsity experience at all, we lacked confidence, communication and chemistry,” Friend said. “These three criteria are critical for success in a team sport. I believe with the added year of experience, the players will have more confidence in themselves and their teammates. They know that communication has to improve and have been working on that over the summer. And chemistry, not the chemistry I teach, but team chemistry—the glue that keeps a team together and focused on their goals. Successful teams have good team chemistry.”

Webb City opens the season on Aug. 26 at McDonald County. The Cardinals will take on Quapaw (Oklahoma) at 11 a.m. and the host Mustangs at 1 p.m.

Webb City’s first home game is slated for Aug. 28 against Nevada. 

With fall practices underway, Friend noted the expectations are high every year at Webb City. This year is no different.

“I believe every year you set your goals and expectations high, otherwise why put in all the time, effort, and sweat,” she said. “We expect to compete to win every game, to learn and improve from every game, and ultimately fight for a district championship and advance to the state championship.”

SOCCER PREVIEW: Webb City returns solid core in ’23

Posted on by Jason Peake

With an experienced group back, the Webb City boys soccer team has the expectations set high this fall.

Webb City features eight returning starters and seven other players who saw varsity playing time on a team that won a district championship and advanced to the Class 3 quarterfinals.

“We are very excited for this season,” Webb City coach Nick Harmon said. “The boys have had a productive summer training window and certainly have high expectations going into the regular season. I expect to have an enjoyable season. This group is a lot of fun to work with, they have great attitudes and work well together. Many of them have grown up playing together, so the team environment feels like family.”

Webb City’s returning starters are seniors Luis Gallardo (MF), Jadon Brisco (D), Trevor Peterson (D), Joseph Wermuth (F) and Josh White (F), juniors Daniel Aguilar (D) and Kaulden Hood (F) and sophomore Diego Aldrete (D).

The team’s other returning varsity letterwinners are seniors Brendan Campbell (F) and Brayden Brockmiller (F), juniors Kade Weston (GK), Ryan White (MF), A.J. Pease (D) and Zander Powers (MF) and sophomore Hudson Spikereit (MF).

Webb City’s Daniel Aguilar passes the ball during the Cardinals’ district semifinal matchup last fall. File photo.

“The biggest strength of this squad is the depth that we have coming back,” Harmon said. “We have qualified and experienced players at every position, so we believe there will be competition for playing time in every role. This is something we’ve not always had in the past, and will definitely drive the team to work harder this season.”

Harmon is confident the Cardinals have the talent to put together a solid season.

“The keys to success are being mentally tough and focused on the task at hand,” Harmon said. “The game of soccer always comes with ups and downs. If last season taught us anything, it’s that we turned around one of the lowest points we’ve ever been at (a six-game losing streak) and ended up at one of the highest highs the program has ever experienced (a state quarterfinal appearance). If we can focus on what we can control and work our hardest, day in and day out, we will have success.”

In order to have success, the Cardinals must continue to make steady progress throughout the fall season, Harmon added. 

“It’s a long season with a lot of games, particularly for high school athletes,” Harmon noted. “We have to stay motivated and sharp every day, especially as the season drags on and injuries begin to occur. It’s a big ask for teenagers to train at a high level every day in order to compete with the tough schedule that we have. But we have a great junior and senior class who we are confident will lead the team properly this season.”

Webb City went 13-12 overall last season, with a 3-6 mark in the always-tough Central Ozark Conference. After capturing a district title, the Cardinals ended the season with a 2-1 loss to Glendale in the quarterfinals of the Class 3 state tournament.

The Cardinals lost four key performers to graduation in Alex Flores (F), Felipe Perez (F), Connor Black (GK) and Isaac Wade (F). 

Webb City hosts Carl Junction at 6:30 on Aug. 29 in the ’23 opener. 

 

Webb City’s Joseph Wermuth fights off a defender during the Cardinals’ district title match against Belton last fall. File photo.

CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: Stevens will lead the way for Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Webb City cross country team will feature one of the state’s top distance runners this fall — senior Evan Stevens.

Concluding a memorable spring track and field season on a high note, Stevens captured the Class 4 championship in the 3200-meter run while also placing fifth in the 1600 at last May’s state meet.

That’s not all. Stevens won sectional and district titles in both the 1600 and 3200 last spring and he was the Central Ozark Conference champion in the 3200 and the COC runner-up in the 1600.

During last fall’s cross country season, Stevens captured a district championship, finished third at the COC Meet and concluded a solid junior campaign by crossing the line 11th at the state meet in Columbia. 

Webb City coach Dustin Miller noted the main goal for Stevens this fall is simple—an individual state championship.

“I think Evan has the potential to break 15 minutes and win a Class 4 state title,” Miller said. “He should be a top-five runner (in all classes). He had a great track season and has had a monster summer of training.”

Evan Stevens

Stevens isn’t the only returning all-stater on Webb City’s roster.

Senior Mason Hedger is the team’s second returning all-stater. Hedger finished 12th at last year’s district meet, 20th at the COC Meet and 20th at last year’s state meet. 

After a runner-up finish in the 800-meter run at the district track meet last May, Hedger placed fifth at the sectional meet, just missing out on a state berth.

Coach Miller noted Hedger’s goal this fall is to finish in the top 10 at the state meet. 

Other returning athletes for the boys team include senior Dakota Grove, junior Spencer Kendall and sophomores Andrew Dawson and Noah Lankard, all of whom saw varsity action last year. 

A top newcomer to the boys team is sophomore Fenton Rice. 

Miller described his boys team as gritty and hungry.

“Evan is a stud, Mason is a returning all-stater and then we have a very tight pack,” he said. “They have been pushing each other to the limit all summer and they are starting to fully trust each other and step up for one another.” 

Miller noted his boys team is highly-motivated to have a great season.

“Our boys are coming off of one of the worst seasons in a decade (sixth at the COC Meet) and they are hungry to prove they are worthy of wearing the Webb City uniform,” Miller said. “I think this group will stand up well against some loaded teams in the area like Nixa and Joplin. We’ll be ready to perform our best in the postseason.” 

 

GIRLS OUTLOOK

Sophomore Brooke Hedger is expected to lead the way for the Webb City girls cross country team this fall.

Last year, Hedger finished ninth at the district meet, 15th at the conference meet and 67th at state.

Hedger also had a solid freshman year on the track. She was a sectional and district champion in the 800 before finishing fourth in the same event at last May’s state track meet.

Miller noted his goal for Hedger is a top-10 finish at the state championships.  

In addition to Hedger, the Cardinals return senior Emily Countryman, junior Rachel Miller and sophomore Kristina Bundy. All have competed at the state meet. 

Coach Miller noted Countryman and Rachel Miller are aiming to become individual state qualifiers. 

Bundy battled an illness during her freshman year, and Miller expects her to take a big step forward due to increased training. 

Miller expects a solid group of freshmen, including Emma McKenzie, Olivia Klotz, Hadley White and Mia Antillon, to contribute nicely at the varsity level.

“We have a legitimate No. 1 runner (Hedger), a solid No. 2 (Countryman) and a very tight pack with Rachel, Kristina, Emma McKenzie, Olivia Klotz and Mia Antillon. They are pushing each other daily and progressing quite nicely.”

Miller said the goals are set high.

“The girls are hard to project with the impact our freshmen can have, but I think we will push for a COC title, district title and state trophy if we are in Class 4,” he said. “This team is relatively inexperienced and will improve drastically throughout the season.” 

Also of note, the Cardinals lost one of the state’s best distance runners to graduation, as Abi Street has taken her talents to the University of Kansas.

Street finished third at last November’s state cross country championships. 

 

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Webb City’s first competition of the 2023 season will be at the annual SWCCCA Meet in Bolivar on Sept. 2.

Miller believes both teams, the boys and girls, have the pieces in place to put together stellar seasons.

“We return a good balance of veterans and new athletes at the varsity level to keep things interesting,” Miller said. “This group and the coaching staff are hungry. Both teams have been committed all summer and work hard.” 

And if you ask Miller, he’ll tell you the keys to success are not complicated.

“The team has to be more important than individual accolades,” he said. “Once we get to the point where kids are happy putting forth their best effort and finishing behind teammates who are similar to them, then the sky’s the limit for this group.” 

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: Webb City returns solid core from Final Four squad

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Webb City High School volleyball team made history last fall by advancing to the Final Four.

And with a solid core returning, the Cardinals have the goals set extremely high once again in 2023.

“Expectations are high considering how we finished last season,” Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence told SoMo Sports. “We lost a lot of talented players, but our returners are stepping up and the new ones are excited to take on their roles too. I hope we’re able to build off of the confidence from last year. It’s been fun to watch these kids take on new challenges and roles for this season. The best part of coaching is watching the kids develop into the best they can be. Winning is just icing on the cake.” 

In a season to remember, Webb City finished fourth at the 2022 MSHSAA Class 4 Volleyball Championships, ending the season with a record of 32-6-2 (6-3 COC).

The Cardinals advanced to the semifinals for the first time in school history after winning a district championship for the second straight season and for the third time in four years. Webb City also surpassed 30 wins for the first time in program history.

The Cardinals appear to have the pieces in place to make another deep postseason run, as Webb City returns four key performers from last year’s squad.

Senior libero Sophia Crane, senior outside/right side hitter Aubree Lassiter and sophomore middle/outside hitter Jaeli Rutledge return with starting experience, while junior middle/outside hitter Kirra Long also gained significant varsity playing time a season ago. 

Pictured is Webb City senior libero Sophia Crane. File photo.

The 5-foot-4 Crane has already earned all-state, all-district and first-team all-conference honors during her standout prep career, while the 6-foot tall Lassiter has already earned all-state, all-district and second-team all-COC honors ahead of her senior year.

Crane recorded 535 digs and 54 aces last fall, while Lassiter compiled 305 kills, 119 digs, 52 blocks and 51 aces as a junior. 

“Those two have great chemistry with our other players and are stepping into leadership roles,” Lawrence said. “They’re two great volleyball players. It will be exciting to see what records they break this season.” 

The 6-foot-1 Rutledge made an immediate impact as a freshman a year ago (198 kills, 82 blocks) and will take on a bigger role this fall.

“Her skills have improved over the club season, her role for us will be a lot bigger and her presence on the floor is intimidating to opponents,” Lawrence noted. “Her volleyball IQ and game play has her lined up for an exciting season.” 

The 5-8 Long is another player who is expected to take a big step forward this season.

“She’s a very athletic player, steps up when needed and is underestimated, which makes her more dangerous this year,” Lawrence said of Long, who contributed 86 kills and 41 blocks as a sophomore. “She continues to grow in her game and is a great teammate.” 

With the graduation of Kyah Sanborn, Webb City will have a new setter this season. Lawrence said sophomore Savannah Crane will be stepping into the starting setter position this year.

“She was stifled with injury early in the summer, but she stepped in great in July to show what she can bring to this team,” Lawrence said of Savannah. “Watching her get more comfortable every day will make her an even bigger threat on the floor.” 

Junior outside hitter Mia Lenker is another player who should contribute nicely for the Cardinals. 

“Mia will step in to help in ball control and swings on the front row,” Lawrence said. “Her consistency and game experience on the floor is building trust fast within the team. She’s never flashy, but is determined to make the play and gives great feedback and self-talk to keep her head where she needs to be. Bringing her out of her shell has been fun to watch and she continues to step up each day.”

Seniors Makayla Mayes (M/OH) and Jadyn Catterson (DS) and junior Mia Barone (M/OH) are other players who are competing for varsity playing time.

“All three of these players are pushing every day for a spot on the floor,” Lawrence said. “They’re great team players and will definitely help us a lot.” 

Despite losing a solid group of seniors to graduation — Sanborn, Kate Brownfield, Brenda Lawrence and Jenna Noel — Lawrence noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.

“Strengths this year is the experience we still have on the floor from last year,” she said. “Playing at the higher levels day in and day out has pushed these players to grow their game. That being said, each one of the new players were competing against them every day in practice, as well. Getting the opportunity to be the one contributing in games is what they’ve been working for.”

If the Cardinals want to make a return trip to the Final Four, the returning and new performers must come together on the court, Lawrence noted. 

“We lost some talented players, each one brought a different specialty to our team,” Lawrence said. “Team chemistry was unmatched last year and I feel we can carry that on into this season. But we have to find our own way there. Each of them were in serve-receive with Sophia every rotation. Losing that consistency is tough. We’ll continue to drill serve and serve-receive hard daily to build our own chemistry on the court together.”

Lawrence added that last year’s finish has provided extra motivation for her returning players. The Cardinals not only want to return to the semifinals, but they’d also love to go one step further and play for a state championship.

“Remembering where we’ve been and not being satisfied with it,” she said, noting the hope to finish higher than fourth at state. “We want more. We must be willing to work even harder this year to make it happen. And we have a bigger target on our backs.”

Webb City hosts Bentonville West at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the ’23 opener.

 

Kirra Long (18) and Aubree Lassiter (11) will once again be key performers for the Webb City High School volleyball team this fall. File photo.

GIRLS SOCCER: Area players named to All-COC team

Posted on by Jason Peake

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

 

2023 ALL-COC GIRLS SOCCER TEAM

FIRST TEAM

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

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

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

Goalkeeper: Alexis Soloman, Ozark (Sr.).

 

SECOND TEAM

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

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

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

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

 

HONORABLE MENTION TEAM

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

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

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

 

FAMILY AFFAIR: Cousins Cy and Kaylor Darnell dazzle for Webb City Cardinals 

Posted on by Jason Peake

As the Webb City Cardinals (22-13) baseball team gets set for its Final Four game on Friday afternoon, cousins Cy and Kaylor Darnell will see their high school careers conclude this weekend. 

Regardless of how things play out in their semifinal round showdown against St. Francis Borgia (24-5), the dazzling Darnell duo knows they have just two games left at the prep level before going on to play collegiately at Missouri Southern State University. 

If Webb City comes away victorious in the semifinals, it will play for a state championship on Saturday afternoon. A loss to St. Francis Borgia, however, will leave Andrew Doennig’s squad trying to bounce back successfully in the third-place game. 

Either way, it might be a perfect time for reflection and reminiscing by the cousins, who have both benefited greatly from fathers with tremendous experience as baseball head coaches that has helped guide these rising diamond stars through their sparkling successes thus far. 

“Well, it has been helpful because not many kids get to have a college coach as your dad,” assures Cy Darnell, who just happens to be the son of current MSSU baseball head coach Bryce Darnell. “He has helped me become a better player and person through all of it.” 

Cy and Kaylor Darnell are not just cousins, but also longtime teammates. Courtesy photo.

A lot like Cy Darnell, it’s easy to see that Kaylor Darnell developed a tremendous determination and drive to excel at the game he loves so much from his father as well. 

“My dad is a big part of me, and baseball and I love him for that,” insists Kaylor Darnell, who is the son of former Webb City skipper Flave Darnell. “It’s always fun going to play catch with him and hitting in the cage with him.” 

Not surprisingly, both Cy and Kaylor have been immersed into this ‘summertime pastime’ sport that is truly a family affair in their homes since they could walk, or so it seems. 

“I have played ever since I was about seven years old,” Cy Darnell recollected. “I have always had the passion for it because of how different it is from other sports.” 

Kaylor Darnell recalled that, “I have played baseball since I can remember, and my dad introduced it to me.” 

As these young men have worked diligently to eliminate any flaws in their performances over the years, they assessed their own play and Cy Darnell, who shines at shortstop for the Cardinals, suggested that “I think the best part of my game is my glove on defense. 

“But the most improved part of my game overall is being a good teammate through the rough times along the way.”

Cy Darnell is Webb City’s leading hitter (.331 BA, 41 hits).

There’s no doubt that Kaylor Darnell has proven masterful on the mound time and time again for Webb City and he maintains that “I have been most improved with my pitching. It’s something I have always enjoyed, and I’m blessed enough to be able to keep doing it.” 

Kaylor owns a 9-2 record with a 1.34 ERA on the mound ahead of the semifinals. 

While Cy and Kaylor obviously keep laser-focused at doing their own thing individually as well as they possibly can on the baseball diamond, there’s an appreciation for each other’s skillsets athletically, along with loyalty to one another as relatives. 

“It has been so cool to play with my cousin throughout my high school career, through junior varsity and varsity,” Cy Darnell says. “It’s just been awesome to play with him on the infield when he is not pitching.” 

“My relationship with Cy has been good,” Kaylor says. “He’s like a brother. We’ve had our differences, but that doesn’t make me love him any less. He’s a great guy and he’s fun to be around. I enjoy playing baseball with him. 

“Cy is a great player and knowing that I have a great fielder behind me makes it that much easier to pitch.” 

Cy and Kaylor have obviously spent a lot of time together the past several years while starring for Coach Doennig’s Cardinals. And they’ll continue to team up as they strive for success at MSSU. 

Most importantly of all, perhaps, their loyalties will remain firm as a pair of family members who have each other’s backs on and off the field, wherever their paths go from here. 

 

Cy Darnell Fast Facts
Age: 18
Parents: Bryce & Pamela Darnell
Siblings: Sister, Darcy Darnell, junior at Missouri Southern State University
Favorite Subject in School: History
Planned College Major: Education
Favorite Baseball Movie: Sandlot
Favorite Major League Baseball Player: Francisco Lindor

Kaylor Darnell Fast Facts
Age: 18
Parents: Flave & Casey Darnell
Siblings: None
Favorite Subject in School: Math
Planned College Major: Industrial Engineering
Favorite Baseball Movie: Bench Warmers
Favorite Major League Baseball Player: Mike Trout

   

Senior Kaylor Darnell is a starting pitcher for the Webb City Cardinals.

 

Senior Cy Darnell plays shortstop for the Webb City Cardinals.

   

Cy and Kaylor Darnell, pictured with their fathers Bryce and Flave, were also teammates on the Webb City High School football team. The cousins will end their prep careers this weekend at the MSHSAA Class 5 state baseball tournament in Ozark. Courtesy photo.

STATE BASEBALL: Webb City meets Borgia in Class 5 semifinal

Posted on by Jason Peake

For the first time since 2010, the Webb City Cardinals are in the Final Four of the MSHSAA state baseball tournament.

Webb City (22-13) meets St. Francis Borgia (24-5) at 1 p.m. on Friday in a Class 5 semifinal at Sky Bacon Stadium in Ozark.

The Webb City-Borgia winner will take on either Festus (25-8) or Fort Zumwalt South (27-6-1)  at 1 on Saturday in the state title game.

The third-place game is slated for 10 a.m. on Saturday at what was previously US Ballpark. 

In the quarterfinals, Webb City beat Kearney 3-2 and Borgia knocked off Glendale 2-0.

The quarterfinal opponents are the lone common opponents this season. Glendale nipped Webb City 5-4 and Borgia beat Kearney 8-5.

Webb City is 8-1 on neutral fields this season, while Borgia is 5-0.

The Cardinals score 5.5 runs per game and allow 3.1, while the Knights average 6.2 runs per game and give up 3.1. Washington-based Borgia is on a 10-game winning streak.

Webb City captured its seventh district title since 2011.

The Cardinals were the Class 4 runner-up in 2010. In recent history, Webb City was second in Class 3 in 2008 and the program won back-to-back state championships in ’05 and ’06, also in Class 3.

Before that, Webb City was second in ’97 and fourth in ’88. 

The Knights won the Class 4 title in ’19. 

 

PROBABLE LINEUP

Webb City’s probable lineup will feature junior second baseman Sam Weller in the leadoff spot, followed by senior shortstop Cy Darnell, junior catcher Shaun Hunt, junior third baseman Drew Vonder Haar, junior designated hitter Christian Brock, senior first baseman Kenley Hood, senior pitcher Kaylor Darnell, senior left fielder William Hayes and senior center fielder Gage Chapman. Senior Eli Miller starts in right. Senior right-hander Walker Sweet is the closer.

 

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

Posted on by Jason Peake

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

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

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

 

CLASS 5

JOPLIN HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CARTHAGE HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

 

NEOSHO HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

 

CLASS 4

WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

 

MCDONALD COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

 

NEVADA HIGHLIGHTS

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

He’ll compete in the triple jump on Saturday.

 

CLASS 3

COLLEGE HEIGHTS GIRLS

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

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

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

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

 

OTHER CLASS 3 HIGHLIGHTS

Two regional athletes won state titles in Class 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Jason Peake

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

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

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

 

WEBB CITY 3, BELTON 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belton ends the season at 17-14.

 

MCDONALD COUNTY 1, WARRENSBURG 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angel Ruiz recorded the final out to earn the save.

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by Jason Peake

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

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

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

 

WEBB CITY 13, GRANDVIEW 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

WARRENSBURG 4, CARL JUNCTION 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logan Eck tossed a scoreless inning in relief.

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

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

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

 

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

Posted on by Jason Peake

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

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

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

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

 

WEBB CITY HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Webb City’s boys advanced in all four relays.

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

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

The Cardinals placed third in the 4×400.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Webb City girls also fared well in the relays.

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

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

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

 

CARL JUNCTION HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

Madilyn Olds finished fourth in the javelin.

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

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

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

 

MCDONALD COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

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

 

BOYS TENNIS: Thomas Jefferson tops Webb City in district semifinals

Posted on by Jason Peake

Second-seeded Thomas Jefferson defeated third-seeded Webb City 5-0 in a semifinal contest of the Class 2 District 7 boys tennis tournament on a warm Tuesday at the TJ courts.

The undefeated Cavaliers, who improved to 12-0, will travel to Kansas City to play top-seeded Barstow at 4:30 on Wednesday for the district championship. 

On Tuesday, the Cavaliers swept all three doubles matches and ended the dual with two singles victories.

At No. 1 doubles, Thomas Jefferson’s Prithvi Nagarajan and Devan Murali defeated Webb City’s Jacob McDonald and Tristan Lynch 8-3.

At No. 2 doubles, TJ’s Tyler Brouhard and Chengle Qian beat Felipe Perez-Trevor Peterson 8-2.

Jack Goodhue and Sam Li defeated Webb City’s Zach Stump and Jacob Russell 8-2 at No. 3 doubles.

In completed singles matches, Nagarajan defeated McDonald 6-1, 6-0 and Qian beat Perez 6-0, 6-1.

Barstow (10-2-1) beat fifth-seeded Belton 5-0 in the other semifinal.

Barstow defeated Thomas Jefferson in last year’s district championship match en route to taking third place at the state tournament. 

Webb City concluded the season with a record of 5-9.

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD: Webb City features returning state medalists

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Webb City High School girls track and field team features a trio of athletes who are among the state’s best in their respective events.

Senior distance runner Abi Street is coming off a stellar cross country season.

Street finished third in Class 4 at the state cross country championships with a 5K time of 19:06. 

Street captured conference and district championships in cross country. At the conclusion of the fall, Street was named the top Class 4 female runner by the SWCCCA.

At last year’s state track meet, Street finished 12th in the 3200 with a time of 12:07.

Street just missed qualifying for state in the 1600 after finishing fifth at the sectional. Street has signed to run for the University of Kansas.

Webb City junior Dawsyn Decker took fourth place in the javelin at last year’s Class 4 state meet with her toss of 126-3.

Decker, who won conference and district titles in her signature event, will have her sights set on another podium finish this spring.

Webb City sophomore Sami Mancini finished seventh in Class 4 in the shot put last year (36-6.25).

A standout on the basketball court, Mancini will also look to score big points in the discus.

Webb City will also feature a number of promising underclassmen this spring.

Freshman Brooke Hedger is expected to contribute nicely in the 800 and 1600, while sophomore Chase Stilley is expected to score big points in the high jump.

Junior Aubree Lassiter and freshman Jaeli Rutledge are two athletes who are expected to score points in the throws.

Seniors Kylie Jennings and Essence Robinson should also be key performers in multiple events.

Webb City’s girls track team is scheduled to begin the season on Thursday at the Carthage Invitational. 

 

GIRLS HOOPS: All-COC team released, Buerge is Co-Player of the Year

Posted on by Jason Peake

Below is the All-Central Ozark Conference girls basketball team for 2022-23.

 

ALL-CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE TEAM

Co-Player of the Year: Kaemyn Bekemeier, Republic

Co-Player of the Year: Destiny Buerge, Carl Junction

Coach of the Year: Brad Shorter, Carl Junction

 

FIRST TEAM

Bekemeier, Republic (U)

Buerge, Carl Junction (U)

Norah Clark, Nixa (U)

Kylie Scott, Carl Junction (U)

Kianna Yates, Carthage (U)

Sami Mancini, Webb City (U)

Jordyn Foley, Ozark

 

SECOND TEAM

Kailyn Washington, Willard

Misora Nambara, Republic

Laila Grant, Nixa

Karlee Ellick, Neosho

Kate Brownfield, Webb City

Alexis Soloman, Ozark

Taylor Foster, Branson

 

HONORABLE MENTION TEAM

Molly Blades, Republic

Lauren Choate, Carthage

Ellison Mehrhoff, Branson

Molly Rushing, Ozark

Lilly Mahy, Nixa

Dezi Williams, Carl Junction

 

ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM

Brooke Teter, Nixa

Molly Rushing, Ozark

Karlee Ellick, Neosho

Scarlett Floyd, Willard

Klohe Burk, Carl Junction

Jocelyn McQueen, Branson

 

DISTRICT HOOPS: Carl Junction tops Webb City for 8th straight title

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — In more ways than one, the number eight is suddenly quite meaningful for the Carl Junction High School girls basketball team.

For starters, top-seeded Carl Junction captured the program’s eighth straight district championship by beating second-seeded Webb City 67-42 on Tuesday night in the title game of the Class 5 District 7 tournament inside a packed Cardinal Dome.

The number eight is significant for another reason, as the Bulldogs are now one of the final eight teams still playing in Class 5.

“It feels good to keep the streak going,” Carl Junction coach Brad Shorter said. “Our kids believed. I thought we did a good job of limiting their opportunities. They usually got one shot and that was it. It’s all about rebounding and defense. When we do those two things well, we’re pretty tough to beat.”

Carl Junction’s seniors have contributed to four straight district titles. 

“This is very exciting,” Carl Junction senior guard Destiny Buerge said moments after scoring 36 points. “We’ve won four district championships in the four years I’ve been playing high school basketball. It’s the best. It means a lot to keep the streak going. It shows how much work we’ve put in.”

The district title streak started in 2016.

“Those first district championships started a long time ago and I got to be a part of those on the bench,” Carl Junction senior guard Hali Shorter said. “We used to be little kids in the stands, so to be a part of this now means a lot to us. We wanted to keep the tradition going.”

After building an 11-point lead by intermission, the Bulldogs scored the first 11 points of the third period to put the game away.

“That was huge for us,” Coach Shorter said of the third quarter surge. “I think that proved to be the difference in the game.”

Carl Junction senior guards Klohe Burk (2) and Hali Shorter (15) look to trap Webb City’s Kirra Long during Tuesday’s district title game inside the Cardinal Dome. Photo by Derek Livingston.

NAMES & NUMBERS

Ranked first in Class 5 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association, Carl Junction improved to 28-1 with a 23rd straight victory.

Buerge made 12-of-24 field goal attempts and 10-of-14 free throws to finish with a game-high 36 points. Buerge, a Pittsburg State recruit, also compiled 12 rebounds and four assists.

Senior guard Klohe Burk had 12 points, making a trio of 3-pointers to go with three steals.

Junior forward Kylie Scott scored seven points and handed out four assists, while freshman Jadyn Howard had five points, sophomore Dezi Williams added four points and Hali Shorter contributed three points, two assists and two steals.

“I thought Jadyn Howard and Anna Burch did a great job off the bench with Kylie (Scott) got into a little foul trouble,” Coach Shorter noted. “They played huge for us. Obviously, Destiny and Klohe were tough for us. They did some great things.”

The Bulldogs shot 41 percent (24-of-58), including 6-of-21 from 3-point range (29 percent). Carl Junction went just 13-of-27 at the charity stripe.

Carl Junction senior guard Hali Shorter knocks down a 3-pointer against Webb City’s Izzy Lopez during Tuesday’s Class 5 District 7 title game. Photo by Derek Livingston.

Carl Junction’s suffocating zone defense limited the Cardinals to 35 percent shooting (17-of-49). Webb City made just 5-of-25 attempts from beyond the arc (20 percent). The Cardinals also left quite a few points out there by going 3-for-11 at the foul line.

Webb City had 18 turnovers to Carl Junction’s seven.

Webb City’s game plan was no secret, as the Cardinals looked to work inside-out by pounding the ball inside to 6-foot-5 sophomore center Sami Mancini for hoops in the paint or kick-outs to the team’s perimeter shooters.

Mancini finished with 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go along with 19 rebounds. But no one else for Webb City scored more than six points.

“She’s such a presence inside and she’s going to get her points,” Coach Shorter said of Mancini. “She’s a great player. I thought we did a good job on her when we were at full-strength.”

After Mancini’s 23 points, junior point guard Mia Robbins scored six, junior guard Malorie Stanley and sophomore guard Kirra Long each scored five and senior guard Izzy Lopez had three.

Senior guard Kate Brownfield handed out five assists and grabbed four boards. 

Webb City concludes the season with a record of 18-11. The 18 wins are the most for the program since 2014.

Brownfield and Lopez played their final game for the Cardinals, who were attempting to win a district title for the first time since 2014. 

“I’m proud of our girls and I’m proud of the progress we made this year,” Webb City coach Lance Robbins said. “I think our program is headed in the right direction. We’ve raised the bar. We’re going to miss our two seniors. Kate and Izzy did a great job and they’re great leaders. I’m confident our team will work hard to get better and hopefully we’ll find ourselves playing for a district title next year.” 

 

GAME RECAP

When these two teams met at the end of the regular season, Carl Junction held on late for a three-point win. There was no suspense in the final minutes this time around. 

Faced with a win or go home scenario, and playing in an electric environment, Carl Junction led 15-8 at the end of the first quarter. 

Webb City senior guard Izzy Lopez handles the ball against the pressure of Carl Junction’s Klohe Burk on Tuesday night. Carl Junction won the game 67-42.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 28-15 after treys from Shorter, Buerge and Burk and a hoop inside from Howard.

The Cardinals trimmed their deficit to eight after two hoops in the paint from Mancini and another from Stanley.

Led by Buerge’s 16 first half points, Carl Junction held a 32-21 lead at halftime.

After the break, the Bulldogs put together their game-changing 11-0 run to pull away for good. A 3-pointer from the top of the key from Burk capped the spurt and made it 43-21.

Webb City responded with nine straight points, but the tourney hosts trailed 47-30 entering the fourth quarter.

Free throws from Scott and Buerge, followed by a layup from Buerge after a Webb City turnover gave CJ a comfortable 52-32 lead with six minutes to play.

Webb City’s only lead of the night came at 2-0.

“We didn’t get off to a very good start offensively,” Coach Robbins said. “Defensively, we missed some assignments early in the game and that gave them some open looks that they knocked down. I thought Carl Junction was playing with more confidence than we were early in the game. We were able to keep it close in the first half, but Destiny kind of took over in the third quarter. We didn’t have an answer for her. Carl Junction is a good basketball team, and when Destiny is playing like that, and their role players can shoot it like they did tonight, they’re tough to beat.” 

Carl Junction’s Dezi Williams and Webb City’s Mia Robbins are pictured during Tuesday’s district championship game inside the Cardinal Dome. Photos by Derek Livingston.

PACKED DOME

Webb City’s Cardinal Dome was packed on Tuesday night, making for a great atmosphere for the district title game.

“It was a fantastic environment for the girls,” Coach Robbins said. “It was a packed house and that’s great for girls basketball in Southwest Missouri.” 

“It was an awesome atmosphere tonight,” Hali Shorter said. “I’ll remember this atmosphere for a long time. It was awesome.” 

“It might have been the best environment we’ve played in,” Buerge said. “That might have been the best student section we’ve ever had. I’m glad they showed up for this game.”

“It was great in here tonight,” Coach Shorter added. “It was two teams getting after each other.”

 

ELITE EIGHT

Carl Junction advances to the quarterfinals of the Class 5 state tournament and will play District 8 champion Lincoln College Prep (17-9) at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. 

“We’re starting to figure some things out and we want to peak at the right time,” Coach Shorter said. “We hope that’s coming at some point.”

“We have to keep pushing game by game,” Buerge added. “We just have to keep working hard in the gym.” 

 

DISTRICT TITLE STREAK

Since falling to McDonald County in the district title game in 2015, Carl Junction’s girls basketball program has now won eight consecutive district championships. 

Below is a look back at Carl Junction’s title streak.

Carl Junction’s recent district championships

2016 — Carl Junction 52, Carthage 46  

2017 — Carl Junction 57, Cassville 26  

2018 — Carl Junction 51, Webb City 37  

2019 — Carl Junction 42, Webb City 14 

2020 — Carl Junction 72, Webb City 32

2021 — Carl Junction 55, Webb City 52

2022 ­— Carl Junction 65, Willard 60

2023 — Carl Junction 67, Webb City 42

Carl Junction senior guard Destiny Buerge looks to score in the lane against the Webb City Cardinals, including Sami Mancini. Buerge scored 36 points in her team’s 67-42 victory. All photos by Derek Livingston/SoMo Sports.

 

Webb City sophomore center Sami Mancini puts up a shot in the lane against Carl Junction’s Kylie Scott and Dezi Williams.

 

Destiny Buerge scores inside against Webb City on Tuesday night inside the packed Cardinal Dome.

 

Carl Junction senior Destiny Buerge, with her fellow seniors Allie Wrestler, Klohe Burk and Hali Shorter behind her, accepts the district title plaque from Webb City High School Assistant Principal Jeff Wilkie on Tuesday night.

 

The Carl Junction Bulldogs pose with the district championship plaque on Tuesday night. It’s Carl Junction’s eighth straight district championship. Photos by Derek Livingston.

DISTRICT HOOPS: Webb City knocks off Carl Junction, advances to semifinals

Posted on by Jason Peake

BELTON, Mo. — Second-seeded Webb City took control early on the way to a 56-37 victory over seventh-seeded Carl Junction on Wednesday in a quarterfinal contest of the Class 5 District 7 tournament at Belton High School.

Webb City (17-10) will meet third-seeded Ruskin (18-8) at 7 on Friday night in the semifinals. 

The Cardinals led 14-7 at the end of the first quarter, with senior forward Alex Martin scoring eight in the opening frame. 

In the second quarter, Webb City pulled away for a 26-12 lead after hoops from Eli Pace, Barron Duda and Martin. 

At the half, the Cardinals held a 30-14 advantage. Webb City made 13 field goals in the first half to Carl Junction’s six.

The Cardinals extended their lead past 20 at 37-16 early in the third period after a trey from senior guard Joe Adams. 

Webb City senior Alex Martin scored 22 points to lead the Cardinals past the Carl Junction Bulldogs on Wednesday in Class 5 District 7 play. Photo by Darris Strickland.

By the end of the third quarter, Webb City held a comfortable 43-26 advantage.

The Bulldogs pulled within 14 at 49-35 with just under three minutes to play after a 3-pointer from freshman guard Cooper Vediz, but the Cardinals never relinquished their lead in the fourth quarter. 

Martin paced Webb City with 22 points and nine rebounds. The 6-5 Martin, a Fort Scott Community College recruit, made 11-of-14 field goal attempts. 

Sophomore guard Holton Keith compiled eight rebounds, eight assists and six points, while junior guard Barron Duda added 10 points and seven boards.

Webb City shot 46 percent from the floor, making 25-of-54 field goal attempts. 

The Bulldogs shot 28 percent (15-of-54). 

Ayden Bard scored 14 points and grabbed nine boards to lead Carl Junction, while Lucas Vanlanduit and Vediz added 10 points apiece. 

Carl Junction ends the season with a record of 8-19.

The team’s seniors are Bard, Vanlanduit, Ky Warren, Xavier Perkins, Braxton Dodds, Luke Jones and Nathan Planchon.

 

Class 5 District 7

Wednesday’s scores

(1) Grandview 69, (8) Warrensburg 62

(4) Belton 79, (5) Hogan Prep 68

(2) Webb City 56, (7) Carl Junction 37

(3) Ruskin 48, (6) Raytown South 36

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

 

Carl Junction’s Xavier Perkins shoots a jumper against Webb City on Wednesday night at Belton High School. Photos by Darris Strickland.

 

Webb City junior guard Barron Duda hoists a 3-pointer against Carl Junction on Wednesday night. The Cardinals beat the Bulldogs in the district quarterfinals.

 

Carl Junction freshman guard Cooper Vediz shoots a 3-pointer over Webb City sophomore Eli Pace on Wednesday night in Belton. Webb City beat Carl Junction 56-37 in district tournament play. Photos by Darris Strickland.

GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP: Carl Junction tops Branson; Neosho, Carthage, Webb City fall in COC play

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARL JUNCTION GIRLS 71, BRANSON 56

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — After a close first half, Carl Junction outscored Branson 22-7 in the third quarter to pull away for good on Thursday night in Central Ozark Conference girls basketball action.

Ranked first in Class 5, Carl Junction hiked its record to 22-1 overall and 6-0 in the Central Ozark Conference.

Up 21-17 at the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs were clinging to a 33-28 lead at intermission.

But Carl Junction dominated the third period and built a 55-35 lead heading into the final frame.

Standout senior guard Destiny Buerge scored 25 points to lead the Bulldogs, while junior forward Kylie Scott had 23 points and senior guard Klohe Burk added 12 points.

Taylor Foster paced Branson with 18 points.

The Pirates slipped to 9-10 overall and 1-3 in the COC.

Carl Junction hosts Neosho on Tuesday in the team’s final home date.

 

OZARK GIRLS 49, NEOSHO 42

NEOSHO, Mo. — Ozark led by three heading into the final eight minutes of action and held off Neosho for a Central Ozark Conference and district win on Thursday.

The Tigers (11-10, 4-1 COC) went into halftime up three and the lead was the same as both teams entered the fourth quarter. Ozark got the first bucket of the fourth and kept that pace down the stretch. The Tigers pushed the lead to six early in the period before the Wildcats (10-11, 1-3 COC) cut it back to three with three minutes left. Unfortunately, that would be as close as Neosho got before Ozark pushed the margin out to seven and held on to the final horn.

Ozark’s Jordyn Foley started the final period off with a 3-pointer from the top of the key before Karlee Ellick scored on the inside for Neosho.

Ellick earned a steal for a layup on the break by Autumn Kinnaird the other way to trim the lead back to three, 41-38, with 3:11 to left in regulation.

After a pair of free throws from Sydney Hampton, Molly Rushing earned a steal for a fast-break score with 2:15 to play to give the Tigers a 45-38 cushion and essentially put the game out of reach.

Ellick led the Wildcats in scoring with 15 points, while Meredith Baldwin and Courtney Thomason each scored seven points. Raine Harris finished with six and Kinnaird closed with five. 

Neosho is at Carl Junction on Tuesday.

Ozark hosts Republic on Monday.

Webb City’s Malorie Stanley drives to the hoop against Republic’s Alex Price on Thursday night inside the Cardinal Dome. Photos by Derek Livingston.

REPUBLIC GIRLS 66, WEBB CITY 53

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Webb City girls basketball team hung tough with Class 6 No. 3 Republic for a large part of the night, but the Tigers rode a strong third quarter to a COC win over the Cardinals on Thursday inside the Cardinal Dome.

Webb City’s Sami Mancini scores inside against Republic on Thursday night.

After a close first half, the Tigers outscored the Cardinals 23-7 in the game-changing third period to take control.

Webb City fell to 14-8 overall and 4-2 in the COC. 

Sophomore post player Sami Mancini scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Webb City. On Wednesday, Mancini announced on Twitter that she’s received an offer from Vanderbilt.

Kate Brownfield added 10 points for the Cardinals, while Mia Robbins and Kirra Long added seven points apiece.

Republic improved to 19-3 and 4-1 in the conference.

Missouri State commit Kaemyn Bekemeier led Republic with 22 points and 10 rebounds. A senior guard, Bekemeier has scored more than 2,000 points during her prep career.

Lauren Chastain added 15 points for the Tigers.

Webb City took a three-point lead after Mancini’s hoop inside and Long’s trey, but the Tigers reeled off five straight points to take a 15-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers began the second period on a 13-6 run to go up nine. During the surge, the Tigers were able to force the Cardinals into a number of turnovers with their full-court press.

Webb City’s Robbins hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to cut her team’s deficit to 28-22 at halftime.

Ignited by their pressure defense, the Tigers used a 16-2 run in the third quarter to pull away for good. 

By the time the third period ended, Republic held a comfortable 51-29 lead.

The Cardinals had one last run in them. Brownfield scored eight straight points and Mancini hit the second of two foul shots, cutting Webb City’s deficit to 11 with 4:20 left.

But the Tigers wouldn’t be denied.

Webb City is at Joplin on Monday night.

 

NIXA GIRLS 68, CARTHAGE 37

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Nixa held a seven-point lead after the first quarter and expanded upon it over the remaining three quarters en route to a conference and district win over Carthage on Thursday.

The Eagles (16-5, 3-2 COC) outscored the Tigers (9-13, 1-5) by 14 in the second quarter to push the lead more than 20 by the intermission. Nixa held pace in the second half on the way to victory.

Sadie Conway had 13 points to lead Nixa, while Norah Clark finished with 12. Laila Grant added 10 for three players in double figures.

Carthage’s Kianna Yates led the Tigers with 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Lexa Youngblood added seven points, while Maggie Boyd and Lauren Choate each finished with five in the loss.

Carthage hosts Branson on Monday on Senior Night.

GIRLS HOOPS: Strong second half propels Webb City to 7th straight win

Posted on by Jason Peake

ROGERSVILLE, Mo. — Webb City rode a strong second half to a 49-37 victory over Sparta on Tuesday night at the Lady Wildcat Classic at Logan-Rogersville High School. 

The game was tied at halftime before Webb City outscored Sparta 26-14 in the second half.

With the win, the Cardinals extended their winning streak to seven and hiked their record to 11-4.

Ranked ninth in Class 3 by the MBCA, Sparta fell to 12-4. 

Webb City was down 11-9 at the end of the first quarter. Sami Mancini scored seven of Webb City’s nine first quarter points.

The Cardinals trailed by three twice in the second quarter, but Kate Brownfield’s seventh point of the period tied the game at 20. 

The Trojans led by two late in the first half, but Webb City’s Kirra Long made a layup and the contest was deadlocked at 23 at halftime. 

After trailing by five early in the second half, Webb City finished the third quarter on a 13-1 run to take a 36-29 lead into the final frame. During the game-changing surge, Webb City received points from Mancini, Izzy Lopez, Brownfield, Malorie Stanley and Long.

The Cardinals went up by double digits early in the fourth quarter after hoops from Brownfield and Mia Robbins, and Webb City never relinquished its lead.

A senior guard, Brownfield scored 19 points to lead the Cardinals. A sophomore guard, Long added 12 points.

Also for the Cardinals, Mancini scored eight points before fouling out, while Robbins had six points and Stanley and Lopez each had two.

Webb City will return to tourney action at 6 p.m. on Thursday against Class 5 No. 6 Rolla.

Rolla (12-3) rolled past Central 70-35 on Tuesday at the tourney. Willow Gideon scored 19 points for the Bulldogs, and Resa Martin added 15. 

Experienced sports journalists providing great local sports coverage in Southwest Missouri.

Schools

SOMO Sports

SOMO Sports

Learn more about how you can advertise on SOMO Sports!

LEARN MORE

Web design: BigPxl