Lafayette boys surge past Cameron
CAMERON, Mo. — When Cameron stormed back to take its first lead since the second quarter, Tim Nelson knew how he wanted to react. The Lafayette junior point guard hit a clutch pull-up jumper with 3 minutes, 19 seconds left in Friday night’s Midland Empire Conference matchup at Cameron High School. Nelson went on to score seven of his team-best 16 points in the fourth quarter to match a season high. The Fighting Irish finally pulled away for a comfortable 46-36 win in a physical game played in a spirited atmosphere. No player on the court stepped up to the situation like Nelson.
Benedictine nabs trio of local athletes
A trio of senior city football players made Benedictine coach Larry Wilcox’s 34-man recruiting class list Wednesday afternoon — one just hoping for a chance to keep playing, one looking for the right fit and one unexpectedly fulfilling a childhood dream. Lafayette’s Chris James spent his high school career as an undersized offensive guard and inspiring linebacker. An emotional leader, he helped the Fighting Irish to back-to-back playoff trips and the school’s first .500 regular season in more than a decade in 2009.
Another malady sidelines Mid-Buchanan star
Brett Pierce just wants to play basketball, but his body keeps getting in the way. The Mid-Buchanan senior point guard missed three full games and parts of two more during the past two weeks with a mysterious internal malady. This break in play comes after he missed time last January after having his appendix removed. Pierce also missed time as a sophomore year due to illness. Fighting through chest and abdominal pain through recent weeks, Pierce tried to play early last week against Tolbert Academy at the North Platte Invitational. He then missed the semifinal and championship games against Plattsburg and Jefferson.
Freshmen lead Mercer girls past Winston
WINSTON, Mo. — As Sierra Michaelis’ remarkable season rambles on, one word comes to mind to describe her plight. Teams continue to find exotic defenses to stop Mercer’s high-scoring impact freshman. The 5-foot-10 guard continues to put up big numbers, but as Tuesday night’s HDC Conference matchup at Winston proved, Michaelis knows what to expect from other teams.
Mercer freshman Michaelis’ season thus far, in perspective
There’s a long way for Sierra Michaelis to go, but the incredible Mercer freshman already sits on pace to surpass some remarkable records. Through 15 games (prior to Tuesday night’s matchup with Winston), the 5-foot-10 guard had 441 points, an average of 29.4 per game, through 15 games. Miller’s Hannah Wilkerson, currently a senior, set the state freshman record at 746 and 26.64 in 2006-2007.
Savannah girls thump Lafayette
SAVANNAH, Mo. — Savannah needed a quick recovery. Lafayette proved an opportune opponent. Just three days after a demoralizing loss to Maryville, Savannah’s pressure defense fueled a nearly flawless first half against the Fighting Irish on Monday night in the Midland Empire Conference opener for both teams. Savannah coach Terry Hopkins switched Blayre Helm for Lindsey Partridge in the starting lineup, going with a four-guard set that allowed the Savages’ full-court pressure to optimize. Lafayette managed just six points by halftime while turning it over 17 times, never threatening Savannah in a 58-32 defeat at Savannah High School.
Central receives finalized place in Suburban League
When the Hickman Mills School District announced the merger of its two high schools late last week, officials scrapped the Suburban League’s initial proposal for the next two-year cycle. But less than a week later, the final alignment for the now 25-team league is finished.
Missouri football districts receive bi-annual realignment
Maryville football must defend the school’s second state championship back in a familiar location. After a four-year odyssey in Class 2 that culminated this past fall with a state title, the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s bi-annual district realignment bumped Maryville back up to Class 3. The Spoofhounds pair with Chillicothe, Cameron and St. Pius X in District 16.
GAME BLOG: CITY WRESTLING MEET
How far away was Benton sophomore Aaron Seward from being a city wrestling champion a year ago. Try playing freshman basketball. A first-year wrestler with little varsity experience Seward put his name in annals of unlikely heroes of the City Wrestling Meet.
Savage girls build on their experience
Savannah spent most of last season playing without a senior on the roster, inexperienced and looking for an identity. Still a generally successful team, the Savages continue to reap the rewards this season. Savannah stands at 12-3 entering tonight’s nonconference tilt with Maryville. The losses came to MEC rival Benton in December and two losses to larger competition at last week’s Truman Invitational. Coach Terry Hopkins never gave up on last year’s squad, but he knew the Savages were building.
Benton earns 2nd straight city wrestling title
Benton captured a second straight City Wrestling Meet team title Thursday night at Springer Gymnasium. Official records were not available, and the last time the Cardinals achieved this feat can’t be known. But the consensus around the mat? A long time, possibly as long as three decades.
Indians struggle in wrestling dual against Blue Springs
For better or worse, numbers increased for Central wrestling this season. The Indians have more wrestlers out for the team than any previously in coach Brett Swope’s five-year tenure. But in increasing malady, they have more injuries in their lineup with most of them to key wrestlers. The trend continued in Wednesday night’s dual against Blue Springs.
Decimated Indian wrestling squad knocked off by Blue Springs
For better or worse, numbers increased for Central wrestling this season. The Indians have more wrestlers out for the team than any previously in coach Brett Swope’s five-year tenure. But in increasing malady, they have more injuries in their lineup with most of them to key wrestlers.
Irish boys survive Spoofhounds
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Chris Neff cringed as he watched his team repeatedly settle for distant jump shots during the second half Tuesday night against Maryville. “Or not take them,” the third-year Lafayette coach quipped. Lafayette built a 12-point halftime lead behind the dynamic combination of juniors Ian Toalson and Tim Nelson. That run included a rough-and-tumble three-point play and two dunks for Toalson.
Mistakes catch up with Mound City in Elwood tournament title game
ELWOOD, Kan. — For every positive aspect of Mound City’s game Saturday night, a negative appeared to counteract the good. The young, inexperienced Panthers forced Immaculata into 15 turnovers but committed 18. They attempted 27 free throws but 26 fouls gave Immaculata 37 tries from the line. Mound City snared 13 offensive rebounds, but most of that production resulted from inconsistent shooting. In the end, Mound City’s negatives led to a 57-48 loss in the championship game of the Elwood Invitational.
PREP NOTEBOOK: Central wrestling deals with injuries to stars
Central boasts a pair of state-ranked wrestlers in Missouri’s largest classification, an honor to be sure. Problem being, neither Josh Phillips nor Lane Swan has wrestled for the Indians in more than a month.
Benton beats nemesis Platte County
BASEHOR, Kan. — Breonna Embray spent nearly 30 minutes of game time chasing and running through screens. The Benton junior guard’s right ankle throbbed the whole way, but Embray put on a defensive showing that often goes unrecognized. Not against Platte County and star guard Taylor Johnson.
King City boys a thorn in Jefferson's side
The celebration didn’t look any different for King City’s boys. Maybe the talented squad didn’t fully realize the enormity of the accomplishment. After defeating Jefferson to win the Stanberry Invitational on Saturday, King City took another step toward lofty playoff aspirations for this season. But the victory took a giant step back into history in another historic win for the Wildkats.
Central moves down in Suburban League conference
Two years ago, Central's administration found a concern with the alignment of the Suburban League. The conference heard the issue out, and the Indians finally received their desired placement in the Kansas City area's most visible high school conference. The preliminary setup of the four-tier league puts Central in the second group and back with schools closer to its size. A change to the Suburban League bylaws last year facilitated the change with Central's pleas finally advancing the discussion.
Benton girls emerge from ugly contest with Kearney
KEARNEY, Mo. - Benton plays defense with an emphasis on making other team's offense look ugly. But a mostly packed-in zone from Kearney turned Saturday's Bulldog Classic title game hideous. With Benton's defense holding the hosts down, poor outside shooting from the Cardinals forced the offensive load onto senior forwards Karli Sample and Shelbee Cox. Sample's game-high 18 powered Benton through the funk in a 35-29 slugfest, enough to make defensive-minded coach Brett Goodwin pause and cringe.
Mid-Buchanan's Rumpf returns to the mat
Wrestling fans have a chance to watch one of the area's best return to extended action today. They don't even have to travel to Kansas City Center High School to do so. Mid-Buchanan's Jake Rumpf will participate in his first tournament of the season today at the Yellowjacket Invitational. Returning from a broken wrist suffered during football season, the senior should be in the 140-pound bracket. The entire event can be viewed live at center.ihigh.com. The video can also be seen as an archived event after its completion.
Christian girls fight for every basket in tournament victory
FAIRFAX, Mo. - Forced into open jump shot after open jump shot, St. Joseph Christian's offense sputtered. Offensive rebounding helped the Lions find easier shot opportunities against Tarkio in Friday night's championship game of the Fairfax Invitational. Christian's suspect shooting helped create 17 second-chance points in a 57-50 victory. With no starters taller than 5-foot-9, the putbacks came as a surprise and a welcome relief.
Freshmen standouts power Mercer
Standing 5-foot-10 with a point guard skill set, Sierra Michaelis couldn't stay a secret for long. The Mercer freshman never hid from the eyes of the HDC Conference even during her middle school years. Now, Michaelis already has stamped her mark at the statewide level during the early season.
Benton girls pull away in 2nd half
Benton pulled night duty for the second time at the Bulldog Classic. Despite a 59-33 victory Wednesday night against Chillicothe, Benton coach Brett Goodwin won't miss the late starts. The top-seeded Cardinals led by just six at halftime before a third-quarter barrage helped them pull away from their Midland Empire Conference rivals in the semifinal round in Kearney, Mo.
Benton grappler Williams gets win, no revenge
SAVANNAH, Mo. - Dustin Williams looked across the mat and saw a wrestler in a black-and-orange singlet. But the Benton senior's 13-5 major decision against Platte County's Taylor Smith on Tuesday night didn't fully appease a wrestler looking for retribution. After losing to Platte County's Blaine Conner in last year's Class 2 189-pound state championship match, Williams wanted another shot. Instead, Conner sat out the dual at Savannah High School, and when he returns, Conner will remain at 171 this year.
Weather plays havoc with local high school basketball
The art of coaching continues to adapt to the technology available. As recent wintry conditions caused postponements and cancellations, cell phones remain a prominent line of communication with high school players. Complicated phone trees don't exist, and coaches often benefit with extra practice times during periods of inclement weather. "For the most part, we've still been able to do everything we've needed to do except play the games," Benton girls basketball coach Brett Goodwin said. "We did get in a Monday practice and a Tuesday practice before we took off Wednesday.
Griffon men survive without star
Missouri Western's leading scorer Marcus Rhodes watched from the bench with a bum ankle. The quartet of other starters came out in a funk during the first half Wednesday night against Missouri Southern. In a seemingly worst-case scenario, bench players Cortez Wallace, Marcus Jones and Mike DeWalt combined for 26 points in the first half, and fill-in starter Justin Taylor scored 16 of his team- and career-high 18 in the second half. In all, six Griffon players scored in double figures during a 89-84 victory - three of them not regular starters.
Rosier takes on go-to role in Mound City title run
When Mound City's dominance came under question, senior Gage Rosier took the ball, the pressure and his team's state title hopes and ran with all of them. A Week 5 loss to rival Worth County ended Mound City's 17-game winning streak and placed doubt on the Panthers' back-to-back 8-man state title aspirations. In Mound City's final seven games, Rosier ran for 1,026 yards and 22 touchdowns. That run included a 207-yard, five-touchdown performance from the star running back in the 8-man Show-Me Bowl against St. Joseph Christian - a 50-8 Mound City victory.
Coach builds stability at Savannah
Mark Cole came to Savannah in 2008, ready to take over a downtrodden team. Already the architect of a turnaround at Class 1 Gallatin, the hill appeared steeper with the Class 3 Savages in the always-competitive Midland Empire Conference. A project to toil with for a few years. Instead, Savannah's fourth coach in span of five years provided a stabilizing force in a community yearning for athletic success.
Weather hampers Garnett's rounds at Q-school
Brice Garnett started Saturday by completing the 18th hole of his third round. By the end of the day, the Gallatin, Mo., native and Missouri Western graduate played only eight more holes at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. Rain and eventually darkness cut short the fourth round of the final stage of qualification school for the PGA Tour.
Garnett in mix at Q-School
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Brice Garnett can score himself with an incomplete at the halfway point of the PGA's final stage of Qualification School. Garnett carded his best of three rounds thus far in the six-day tournament but didn't finish the 18th hole. He stands in a tie for 50th place after shooting 4-under through 17 in Friday's third round.
PGA qualification dreamin'
Surrounded by former PGA golfers and a host of hopefuls, Brice Garnett continues to believe. The Gallatin, Mo. native and 2006 Missouri Western graduate wants to be counted among golf's best. In pursuit of his lofty goal, Garnett started the PGA's third stage of qualification school.
Cardinal boys open with victory
A win against Chillicothe doesn't signify the start of a monumental campaign. But coach Ron Tyler still enjoyed Benton's 52-45 season-opening victory Tuesday night at Springer Gymnasium against the Hornets. Austin Parrot hit three first-quarter 3-pointers to jump-start the Cardinals, and they hit 11 of 20 free throws in the fourth quarter to start the season with an uplifting result.
Pleasant Hill pushes Benton wrestling in opening dual
Just one match into his state championship defense, Nick Taul already went to the limit to earn a win. Benton's senior heavyweight earned a 2-1 double-overtime win Tuesday in the Cardinals' season-opening dual against Pleasant Hill at Modis Gymnasium. An escape with 18 seconds left in the second session of the second overtime gave Taul the win against sophomore Tully Byrne. Pleasant Hill (1-0) still managed a 44-28 victory in a matchup of teams receiving preseason top-five billing from missouriwrestling.com.
Hamilton stings Valle Catholic for Class 1 state championship
ST. LOUIS Â-- Trevor Dixon's injury didn't fit in with Hamilton's state championship plans. With the Hornets' leading rusher on the sideline for most of the second half, the players changed the script and found a way to win against Valle Catholic. Atoning for a critical fumble, senior running back Dylan Chadwick ripped off a game-breaking 50-yard run late in the fourth quarter, and Keagan Prather's touchdown scamper on the next play provided the final points in Hamilton's 21-17 victory in Saturday's Class 1 Show-Me Bowl at Edward Jones Dome. Prather's second interception on Valle's ensuing possession allowed the Hornets to run out the clock on the school's first football state championship.
Hamilton hopes for historical victory
HAMILTON, Mo. - A talented group of seniors full of speedy skill players and bruising lineman finally broke Hamilton through to an unprecedented level. Nine senior starters lead the Hornets into today's Class 1 Show-Me Bowl against Valle Catholic (14-0). Playing in the state championship game for the first time in school history, Hamilton does not enter Edward Jones Dome alone. The players take the memories of last year's seniors with them - the group that came up just short.
Mound City waltzes to state title
ST. LOUIS - Playing St. Joseph Christian for the fourth time in two seasons, Mound City knew better than to take a second straight state championship for granted. Instead, the Panthers used an efficient running game and stifling defense to confound the Lions. Mound City's 50-8 victory Friday morning in the 8-man Show-Me Bowl made it consecutive years the Panthers started the season with a win against Christian and finished the year with the same result. About the only complaints on Mound City's performance came from the team's demeanor during a subdued trophy presentation.
Maryville secures Class 2 championship
ST. LOUIS - Realizing Maryville didn't need to run another play, Derek DeMott finally let loose. The Spoofhounds' senior leapt into the air near midfield, head tilted toward the rafters at Edward Jones Dome. The chance to enjoy a Class 2 state championship must have seemed overdue. About 363 days overdue.
SHOW-ME BOWL: Day 1
Ross reflects on Day 1 of the Show-Me Bowl, which included local victories by Mound City and Maryville.
Hamilton overwhelms Wellington-Napoleon
HAMILTON, Mo. - Trevor Dixon looked slightly awkward as he broke into the open field on the first play. Almost unsure of where to run, Hamilton's junior running back blasted through the gaping hole opened by his offensive line and bolted 84 yards for a touchdown. "I wasn't really expecting it," Dixon said. "But our line did what they were supposed to do, and we hit it."
Sports Inc. names Dudik its coach of year
Dan Smith made the announcement of the 2009 St. Joseph Sports, Inc., coach of the year brief and poignant. The president of the group honoring a city coach for the 12th year didn't need to say much else. Central football coach Tony Dudik earned the honor for the first time, and according to Smith, the longtime mentor became the first to earn a unanimous vote. Selected from a pool of one nominee from each of the city's five high schools, Dudik took home an award long overdue for a coach so intertwined with St. Joseph's youth for the past three-plus decades.
Mid-Buchanan's defense shuts down North Platte in sectional
DEARBORN, Mo. - When North Platte's offense threatened, Mid-Buchanan's defense didn't just befuddle the Panthers' offense. The Dragons devastated their opponents with repeated timely stops. Mid-Buchanan overcame four turnovers and 10 penalties accounting for 105 yards with five interceptions of North Platte quarterback Evan Hill. Nick Andriano's third pick of the game with 2 minutes, 38 seconds left stopped North Platte's final try, and Mid-Buchanan held on for a 14-10 win in Wednesday's Class 1 sectional. "We just stepped up to the challenge every time," said Andriano, who also caught a 59-yard touchdown pass in the first half.
Tonight's sectional playoff capsules
Tonight's sectional playoff capsules:
Gray looks to keep Mid-Buchanan rolling
Mid-Buchanan senior quarterback Drew Gray spent his fair share of time on the field the last time the Dragons reached the playoffs.
Mound City trounces Worth County
MOUND CITY, Mo. - Even after trouncing their rivals, Mound City's players kept the celebration humble. Clearly the previous loss to Worth County refocused the defending state champions. Gage Rosier ran for four first-half touchdowns on his way to 252 yards, and Mound City shut out Worth County in a 52-0 victory in Friday night's 8-man quarterfinal at Ceglinski Field. After losing 22-20 to Worth County during the regular season, Mound City played like a team intent on another run to the Show-Me Bowl.
Mid-Buchanan gets past King City
KING CITY, Mo. - A long run from Christian Robbins on a jet sweep. A couple of King City penalties. A smattering of short completions. Nothing overwhelming from Mid-Buchanan's offense. But when Christian Robbins capped a 17-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown reception, the Dragons led King City for the first time. The score, 3.4 seconds from halftime, started a streak of 24 unanswered points from Mid-Buchanan. What started so inconspicuously morphed into a 24-12 Mid-Buchanan win in Wednesday night's Class 1 regional at Wehrli Field.
PICK 'EM BLOG: 11-man regionals
As I sit on my couch trying to flush the last of flu symptoms out, I can't help bet look at my picks record and feel even more sick.
St. Joseph Christian rolls along to playoffs
St. Joseph Christian accomplished a lot in Friday night's regular season finale. The Lions put on a dominating performance against visiting Southwest Livingston, wrapped up an undefeated district title and kept all of their main players healthy entering a sixth straight playoff trip. Christian built a big early lead behind five Southwest turnovers and allowed the starters to rest for the latter part of the first half in a 58-0 win at Christian Field.
Polley cleared to return to ring
A seemingly career-ending diagnosis led Byron Polley to retirement. A second look from a specialist last week provided the 30-year-old St. Joseph boxer with a reason to reconsider. Polley recently decided to end a brief three-month retirement, despite earlier reports he was suffering from white matter disease. A second look from a Kansas doctor last week changed the outlook. While Polley continues to be at risk for head injuries, the doctor said that just comes with the dangers of the sport.
Irish knock off Cardinals, earn playoff berth
No Benton defender threatened Chris James as he strode toward the end zone at Sparks Field. Unaccustomed to carrying the ball, the Lafayette senior dove over the goal line anyway. "I didn't want to screw up my first varsity touchdown," said James, a linebacker and undersized guard at 6-foot, 185 pounds. James' pick-6 interception during the third quarter gave the Fighting Irish the lead for good in the district finale. D'Andre Talton added a 24-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to give Lafayette the only two-score advantage for either team, and the Irish held on to beat their rivals 19-14 Friday night.
Older Newer
