Fall Sports 2018 by Gina Langston

INSIDE

FALLSPORTS

PREVIEW

2018

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VEDETTE AUGUST 16, 2018

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Wildcat Football Brings 11-Man Game Back to Greenfield for 2018 By Bob Jackson Sports Writer

After spending four years as one of the few 8-man football programs in the area, the Greenfield Wildcats will be fielding an 11man team for 2018. This will cut down greatly on travel times, with some games previously having required a four or even six hour journey to play another 8-man program. The Wildcats are being led this season by first-year head coach Justin Breedlove, the third head coach for the program in as many years. Breedlove is assisted by Josh Dopson, Matt McCarthy and Nick Engleman. Last year’s squad went 8-2 as an 8-man program. The 2018 squad has 11 returning starters - five on offense, six on defense; 17 returning players are program lettermen. Coach Breedlove, an Evangel University graduate, said he likes the speed and senior leadership on the team, but that depth will be the key to a winning season for GHS as only 20 players are out for the squad, and the teams they face will often have 30 or more players. Greenfield is playing as an independent for the upcoming season in all sports, as the R-IV district was unable to find a conference home after being left out of the new Southwest Conference as the former Spring River Valley and Mid-Lakes conferences disintegrated last fall. The Class 1 District assignment will not be known until August 17, and the program has not been included in a jamboree. Instead, an inter-squad scrimmage will be held the night other schools are participating in jamborees. Players have also taken part in 7-on-7 camps over the summer. Despite not having a conference home this season,

Back row, left to right: Quin Morrow, Brandon Matthews, Daunte Stafford, Levi Matthews, Bailey Baker, Caden Sims, Tyrell Stafford, Nico Murray and Jacob Feezell. Front row: Brad Reid, Jacob Jones, Dustin Harmon, Gage Burns, Tyler Howard, James Dardenne, Noah Wilkins and Willie Garcia. Not pictured: Arron Matthews, Seth Trask and Brayton Ipock.

Greenfield will face former SRVC foes Sarcoxie and traditional arch-rival Lockwood, both included in the new Southwest Conference, as well as Jasper and Liberal, former SRVC schools that were able to join the WEMO conference. There will be a total of four home games and five away games. The program isn’t leaving 8-man completely behind, either, as an 8-man game with Osceola (WEMO) is on the schedule as well. Players on this year’s Greenfield High School football squad include: Bailey Baker, Jacob Boucher, Gage Burns, James Dardenne, Jacob Feezell, Willie Garcia, Logan Carver, Dustin Harmon, Tyler Howard, Brayton Ipock, Jacob Jones, Arron Matthews, Brandon Matthews, Levi

Matthews, Quin Morrow, Nico Murray, Brad Reid, Caden Sims, Daunte Stafford, Tyrell Stafford, Seth Trask and Noah Wilkins. Articles Editor James McNary contributed to this story.

GHS FOOTBALL

SCHEDULE

8/24 at Liberal 8/31 at Osceola (8-man)

9/7 Forsyth 9/14 at Marionville 9/21 at Sarcoxie 9/28 Pleasant Hope 10/5 Ash Grove 10/12 Lockwood 10/19 at Stockton

Wildcat Coaches Matt McCarthy, Head Coach Justin Breedlove and Nick Engleman. Not pictured, Coach Josh Dopson. (Photos by Bob Jackson)

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Wildcat Volleyball Team Ready For Action By Vedette Staff

The Greenfield High School girls volleyball team is ready for the 2018 season. The team had a camp this summer and will play in Class 1, but not in a conference. Head Coach is Marla Kemp and assistant coach is Melissa Hull. Eighteen players are out for the team. Senior Wildcats include Rendie Burns, defensive specialist; Kiarra Mai, setter with her athletic versatility and strong mindset; Lauren Jones, outside hitter and middle, led team last year in kills, blocks, digs and 2nd Team All Conference and All District; and Adreanna Garcia, loves the game, has good passing skills. GHS opens play on Tuesday, August 28, by hosting Thomas Jefferson of Joplin. They will host eight other home games. Greenfield is entered in three tournaments at Cabool, Jasper and Pleasant Hope. District play begins October 22. Team members are seniors: Lauren Jones, Kiarra Mai, Rendie Burns, Adreanna Garcia, Alysa Kelly; juniors: Adrianna Wallen, Aubrey Davis, Chelsea Harmon; sophomores:

Morgan Wright, Ashley Daniel, Jaden Baker, Izabella Stapp, Bessie Garcia, Sabrina Lewis, Teresa Mathews, Hannah Ward; and freshmen: Cynika Manary, Jodie Lewis and Beth Ward. Student manager is Blade Welch.

SCHEDULE 8/23 JAMBOREE

(at Stockton)

8/28 Thomas Jefferson 8/30 Ash Grove 9/4

Everton

9/6

at Stockton

Seniors Rendie Burns, Kiarra Mai, Lauren Jones and Adreanna Garcia. Not pictured: Alysa Kelly.

9/10 at Pleasant Hope Triad w/Sheldon 9/11 at Lamar 9/13 at Lockwood 9/15 Cabool Tournament 9/18 9/20 9/24 9/27

Jasper Exeter at Liberal at Golden City

9/29 Jasper Tourney 10/5 Pleasant Hope Tr. 10/8 at Verona 10/9 Niangua 10/16 at Marionville 10/18 NE Vernon County

Lady Wildcat Coach Marla Kemp and Assistant Coach Melissa Hull. (Photos by Bob Jackson)

Local Schools Play Musical Chairs for Conference Membership By James McNary Articles Editor

Multiple area high schools will be playing sports in different conferences this school year, or no conference at all, as is the case with Greenfield R-IV. Greenfield was left unable to find a conference home after the surprisingly swift disintegration of the Spring River Valley Conference last fall. Cracks began to show in the SRVC after Pleasant Hope was accepted as a new member into what was to become an 11-school league. Pleasant Hope would be leaving the Mid-Lakes Conference, which had seen several of its schools poached by other leagues, including the SRVC at its formation in the early 2000s. Uncertainty over whether some of the schools in the enlarged SRVC with smaller student populations would be able to maintain an 11-man football sched-

ule (even after Greenfield’s announcement they would be moving back to 11-man from 8-man) led to backroom discussions amongst some of the schools in both conferences, and eventually led to the formation of a new league, including only selected schools of each. So, in events echoing high school conference realignment of decades past, the larger schools then in the Spring River Valley Conference joined with the smaller schools then in the MidLakes Conference. Forming the new league, named the Southwest Conference, were Ash Grove, Diamond, Lockwood, Marionville, Miller, Pierce City, Pleasant Hope, and Sarcoxie. The remaining four schools in the Mid-Lakes Conference, Fair Grove, Skyline, Stockton and Strafford, together with the Forsyth and Clever schools that had earlier pledged to join the conference, worked

out a deal to merge the rump MLC with the newly formed Ozark Mountain Conference in 2020 to form an 11-team league with two divisions. The remaining SRVC schools, Golden City, Greenfield, Jasper, Liberal, and College Heights Christian School, were left out in the cold, looking for a new home. Golden City and College Heights were able to join the reconstituted Ozark 7 Conference after it had several members poached by the Southwest Central League, which had in turn had members poached earlier by the Mid-Lakes Conference. Jasper and Liberal were able to join the WEMO Conference in all sports, but will now have to travel to the Kansas City area for some games. Greenfield was unable to find a conference home for the 2018-19 school year, and will play this season as an independent.

Both the SRVC and MidLakes conferences had roots in the old Mid-West Conference, which broke up in the mid-1980s, the larger schools then breaking away to form the Mid-Lakes Conference, leaving the smaller schools to soldier on as a rump, non-football MidWest Conference. The three remaining old MWC football-playing schools (Jasper, Liberal, and Lockwood) had joined the WEMO Conference for football only at that time. In the early 2000s, the remaining schools in the old Mid-West Conference joined with half the schools of the then-Mid-Lakes Conference (and Diamond from the Ozark 8) to form the new SRVC, leaving the remaining MLC schools to scramble to find new members. Several of the smaller, non-football former MWC schools (including Dadeville and Everton) soon left the SRVC.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Tiger Football Prepare to Protect Their District Title

SCHEDULE 8/17 JAMBOREE at Sarcoxie Ash Grove, Stockton, Kneeling (left to right) – Eliab Cifuentes, Landon Stump, Coby Haggard, Quentin Raymond, Talon Bessendorfer, Damion Jordan, Zaide Rice, Dean Clabough, Reese Fyfe, Clayton Robertson, Colby Nelson, Hayden Hayne and Jamie Kramer. Standing – Blaine Garver, Ryan Sheets, Braxton Routeledge, Paxton Masterson, Cody Oeltjen, Lane Dunlap, Max Schnelle, Evan Bates, Blaine Berlekamp, Gabe Bench, Gaege Queen, Spencer Neal, Kane Cooper and Eli Friend. (Photos by Gina Langston)

By James McNary Articles Editor

After going 11-3 last year (5-2 in conference play), the Lockwood Tigers are hoping the graduation of nine starters won’t cost them the momentum they had last year, after winning in districts and proceeding to the state playoffs, where they lost to the eventual state runner-up. Sophomore Spencer Neal started every game last year as a freshman. The Tigers need him to use that experience to provide leadership for their younger kids this fall. Austin White is one of the toughest kids Rader has ever coached and is very coachable. “He will need to use his knowledge up front not only to help him, but everyone around him.” Jamie Kramer is “athletic and a fun kid to be around. He will

be a key piece for us in our skill positions this fall.” said Rader. “We had a good group of kids last year that worked hard, and were able to overcome some adversity throughout the regular season,” said Lockwood Head Coach Luke Rader. “That attitude allowed them to improve as the season went and have some success in the post season.” The Tiger football program, which also includes players from the Golden City Eagles, has four starting linemen from last year returning, upon whom Rader said the team will be relying. “We will need those guys to play well up front for us to have success, especially early as our younger skill players are gaining experience,” said Rader. It’s a similar story on the defensive side.

“Like on offense, we will return some kids up front that will need to play well while our younger kids in the back end gain experience,” said Rader. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. “The biggest key for us is we will need to practice well throughout the season and get better every day,” said Rader. Members of the Tigers football team include: Evan Bates, Gabe Bench, Talon Bessendorfer, Blaine Carver, Eliab Ciflentes, Kane Cooper, Lane Dunlap, Eli Friend, Reese Fyfe, Hayden Hayne, Damien Jordan, Jamie Kramer, Paxton Masterson, Spencer Neal, Gaege Queen, Quentin Raymond, Braxton Routeledge and Max Schnelle. Coaches include Head Coach Luke Rader, Sam Sconce, Don Bourchart, Adam Grisham and Brandon Moore

Above, During the first week of practice the Lockwood Tigers were back at it testing the strength they have been building all summer. Right, skill players run through each play with Coach Rader to perfect them. (Photos by Gina Langston)

Pierce City, Sarcoxie, Lighthouse Christian

8/2

at Pierce City

8/31 Sarcoxie 9/7 at Marionville 9/14 Jasper 9/21 Pleasant Hope 9/28 at Ash Grove 10/5 Miller 10/12 at Greenfield 10/19 at Diamond

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Lockwood Tiger Volleyball Competes In New Conference In 2018 By Vedette Staff

The Lockwood Tiger girls volleyball team will play in the new Southwest Conference in the fall of 2018. The new conference replaces the old Spring River Valley Conference. Veteran coach of eight years, Jamie Roschevitz and new assistant coach, Alexis Byrnes welcome the new challenge of playing bigger schools Ash Grove, Marionville and Pleasant Hope. Lockwood graduated Moriah and Rylee Neill, key players from last year’s team but should be strong by midseason. “They were great leaders and role models for the younger girls. I will miss their leadership and experience and over-

Heather Byrnes

all knowledge of the game. We always could count on them to get the job done. Although we still have

girls that have stepped into these roles this summer and will do a great job,” said Roschevitz. “While Heather and Lil-

lian have been very strong players since they began their high school career, this season they will have to be our ‘go to’ hitters. Not only will they need to be strong hitters as they will need to step into the leadership role of last year’s seniors. They both have a lot of varsity experience over the past four years and I know they will step into the senior role very well.” Heather is a middle hitter and one of the Lock-

Katie Bayless

Natalie Decker

Lillian Eggerman 12

Emma Bronson

Kelyn Holman

Makenzie Purinton 12

Megan Berlekamp 11

Katie Schnelle

Kourtney Mein

Meleeah Friend

Hannah Kennon

Abriel Vaughn

Camryn Foster

Haley McElroy

Payton Moss

Daphne Moss

(Photo by Bob Jackson)

wood’s most consistent servers, while Lillian is an outside hitter and a great all around player. Freshman Kelyn Holman will see plenty of varsity playing time as the Tigers’ lead setter. Other varsity players will resume with key roles such as Makenzie Purinton, a returning starter and one of the Tigers’ best defensive players, senior L/OH; Emma Bronson, junior, OH; Abriel Vaughn, senior, DS; Kourtney Mein, senior, DS, who will be returning after an injury last season. The Tigers open play in Stockton, Thursday, August 23, at their Jamboree along with Stockton, Jasper and Greenfield. Then

SCHEDULE 8/23 6:00 Jamboree 8/28 6:00 Hollister 8/30 7:30 College Heights 9/4 7:30 at Osceola 9/6 7:30 El Dorado Springs 9/11 7:30 at Purdy 9/13 7:30 Greenfield 9/18 6:00 Golden City 9/20 7:30 at Pleasant Hope 9/25 7:30 Marionville 9/27 7:30 Diamond 10/2 7:30 at Sarcoxie 10/4 7:30 at Pirece City 10/9 7:30 Miller 10/11 7:30 at Ash Grove 10/15 7:30 Stockton 10/18 7:30 at Exeter

TOURNAMENTS 8/25 9/22 10/6 10/22-26

Above, the Lady Tigers learn to fly during a blocking drill.Below, Coach Roschevitz and her team work a passing drill during the first week of practice. (Photos by Gina Langston)

Verona Invitational Strafford Volleyfest Neosho Tournament Districts

Saturday, August 25, they are at the Verona Tourney, and later in the year compete in the tough Strafford Volleyfest and the Neosho tourney against Class 2, 3 ad 4 schools. Seven home games will be played at the LHS gym.

The Lockwood Volleyball Program in both in the Southwest Conference and postseason should be very competitive. “I expect the girls to work hard all season to be where we need to be in October,” said Roschevitz.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Miller Cardinal Football Looks For Winning Season In 2018

Front row: Kaul Kleeman, Neilson Hadlock, Colin Smith, Trent Comer, Presen Richardson, Justin Jeffers, Cale Tennis, Gavin Hill, Lane Fears, Thomas Miller and Dallin Nield. Middle row: Coach Jamie LaSalle, Ryan White, Nick Johnson, Brendan Thom, Brette DeClue, Joey Williams, Joel Kleeman, Jeffrey Lung, Logan Nield, Joey Strast, Coach Jim LaSalle and Dakota Washburn. Back row: Kevin Scheel, Devin Demster, Tyler Franzen, Ben Langston, Tony Comer, Will Smith, Parker Myhre, Clay Allen, Garret Rollet, Austin Hargis, Payton Reynolds and Kory Tillery.

By Vedette Staff

The Miller Cardinal Football team begins 2018 with veteran Coach Jamie LaSalle at the helm for the second year. The Cardinals went 3-7 in 2017 and will play in the new Southwest Conference, picking up new foes Ash Grove and Pleasant Hope but will not play old time foes of Greenfield, Jasper and Liberal. Assistant coaches for Miller are Jim LaSalle, Ryan White, Don Mitchell, Ron Daniels, Cory Tiller and Josh Kleine. Miller lost only two seniors to graduation returning 20 starters and 30 lettermen from a young team in 2017 who lacked experience. “We were extremely young and were not very strong,”said LaSalle. LaSalle likes his team’s depth and experience on both the offensive and defense line and most players have had two years of playing time. Key players to lead Miller are Nick Johnson WR, Kaul Kleeman QB RB, Joel Kleeman WR, Preston Richardson QB, Devin Demster TE, Neilsen Hadlock TE, Gar-

rett Rollett Ol, Will Smith OL, Tyler Franzen OL, Brendan Rinehart OL, and Ricky Pendergrass OL. “Kaul is fast and strong. He has an excellent arm and is a really good runner. He is also an experienced linebacker who can take on a lot of different responsibilities on defense,” said LaSalle. Speaking of his young team last season, “Richardson did not play until game 7 last season. He is a very good quarterback. He has a really good arm

and is accurate. He is also a threat to run.” “We will try to have a good mix of run and pass this season. We will play a lot of I formation and single back as well. Our strengths will be depth at offensive line and experienced running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and offensive line. Our size, strength, and speed has vastly improved over last season. We have done some really good work in the weight room and we have grown some.”

SCHEDULE 8/17 JAMBOREE at Pleasant Hope East Newton, Marionville, Pleasant Hope

8/24 at Stockton 8/31 Pleasant Hope 9/7 at Strafford 9/14 at Diamond 9/21 Ash Grove 9/28 Sarcoxie 10/5 at Lockwood 10/12 at Pierce City 10-19 Marionville

Last year’s young team has worked hard this summer to improve upon last year’s record. Working to improve their strength, speed and accuracy, the Cardinals may be back for a few wins. (Photos by Gina Langston)

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

SPORTS

GREENFIELDVEDETTE.COM Email Sports Photos and Stats to Gina Langston at greenfieldvedettepublisher@mchsi.com DEADLINE for all ad/editorial info is Noon Friday.

Cardinal Volleyball: Always Building To That Next Level SCHEDULE 8/21 Jamboee

8/25 8/27 8/30 9/4

Host to Verona, Golden City

at Verona Invitational Galena Thomas Jefferson College Heights Christian 9/6 Billings 9/11 Fair Grove 9/15 at Ash Grove Tournament 9/18 Verona 9/20 Pierce City 9/25 at Sarcoxie 9/27 Marionville 10/1 New Covenant Academy 10/2 at Ash Grove 10/4 Diamond Senior Night 10/9 at Lockwood 10/11 at Pleasant Hope 10/13 at Sparta Volleyball Classic 10/16 at Clever 10/18 at School of the Ozarks 10/22-25 Districts

Front row, left to right: Kiarra Cole, 12 OH/MH; Macy Mitchell, 12 OH/RS; Saydie Barnes, 12 S/OH; and Bethany Gulick, 12 MH. Middle row: Claudia Hadlock, 9 S/OH; Lexi Smith, 9 MH; Desirae Carver, 10 DS; Cheyenne Lathem, 10 OH; Alli Mitchell, 9 S; Audrey Barnes, 11 OH/RS; Shaelyn Clark, 9 DS; Sydnee Clark, 11 DS; McKenzie Lewis, 9 OH; and Ashton Kingsley, 9 MH. Back row: Caitlyn Burks, 9 MH; Jessica Epps, 11 DS/OH; Taylor Belcher, 11 OH; Jazmin McElroy, 11 OH/RS; Sophia Lansdown, 10 OH; Jasmine Whaley, 10 OH; Kaylee Helton, 9 MH/OH; Ashlyn Hill, 10 OH; Gabbi Meonkhoff, 10 S; and Alexa Bishop, 9 DS. By Vedette Staff

This will be the start of Coach Tamra Lander’s 15th year as head coach all at Miller. The Cardinals came up one set short of a trip to the Final Four last year. “It’s hard to forget being that close and not making it to the Final Four, but our philosophy is ‘The only point that matters in the next point.’ We are just going to take it a game at a time, always building to that next level.” says Lander. Bethany Gulick is back after leading the team in kills last season. Bethany will be playing the ‘M1’ position. She’s coming off of a great summer and her ability to

see the floor and pick apart an opponent’s weakness makes her an offensive threat. The Cardinal offense may look a different this season. “We have several options in the setter position this year and since Saydie is an all around solid player who can play many positions,” explains the coach. Returning players that will make an impact are Macy Mitchell, senior OH; Jessica Epps, junior DS; Jazmine McElroy, junior OH; and Audrey Barnesjunior OH. There will also be lots of new faces that will help round out Miller’s team: Kiarra Cole- senior OH; Alli Mitchell- freshman

setter; and Claudia Hadlock- freshman OH/setter. “The Southwest Conference has several good volleyball programs we hope to continue to compete and hopefully finish somewhere near the top.” states Lander. “As always, expectations are high for our team. Our goals are to finish at the top of the conference and make a long run into the post season.” Miller will host Verona and Golden City for their Jamboree on August 21. “We have a great group of girls this season. It will be exciting to see how they mature and gel together as the season progresses,” said Coach Landers.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 • The Vedette • greenfieldvedette.com

Dadeville Bearcats to Field Softball Team for 2018

By Bob Jackson Reporter

After being unable to field a girls’ softball team last year due to a lack of players, Dadeville Bearcat softball will return for fall 2018 with a team of 10 players. Dadeville plays in the perennially tough Polk County League, alongside neighboring Walnut Grove, which is reportedly this year’s team to beat. The softball team is coached by Ben Dobbins, assisted by Abby Jarman. Dadeville softball will open their 2018 season August 24 at the Humansville tournament, and is also scheduled to play in the

Hermitage tournament. Team members for the 2018 season include: Bella Hamshire, Kenzie King, Lexi Lakey, C.C. Miller, Rylee Mullings, Abby Sappington, Maceey Sappington, Sadee Sherwood and Hadley Yarbrough.

SCHEDULE 8-28 at Humansville 9-13 at Walnut Grove 9-21 Macks Creek

Back row: Abby Sappington, Lexi Lakey, Bella Hamshire, Sadee Sherwood. Front row: Rylee Mullings, CC Miller, Maceey Sappington, Hadley Yarbrough and Kenzie King. (Photos by Bob Jackson)

9-24 at Weableau 9-27 Halfway 10-4 Hermitage

Coach Ben Dobbins

Walnut Grove Tiger Softball Team Plans Winning Season

By Bob Jackson Reporter

The Walnut Grove Girls Softball team plans on improving from a 15-12 record in 2017 as they begin the 2018 fall season in Class 1. Seventh year head coach, Jeff Dishman and assistant coach, Chris Long, will face a busy schedule this fall and have only 11 players out for the team. The Tigers open play on Saturday, August 25, by hosting Dora and Willard at the Walnut Grove field, one of the finest small school fields in Southwest Missouri. They will also host their own tournament on September 7-8 and play in the Springfield Tournament September 20-21. Walnut Grove will have nine home games and will

compete in the Polk County League with Halfway and Hermitage, the class of the conference.

SCHEDULE 8-27 El Dorado Springs 8-28 Wheatland 8-31 at Hermitage 9-4 Humansville 9-5 at Glendale 9-11 Halfway 9-13 Dadeville 9-17 at Fair Play 9-18 at Morrisville 9-20 Ava 9-24 at Marshfield 9-25 Mansfield 9-26 Parkview 10-2 at Weableau 10-5 at Seymour 10-8 Macks Creek

Back row: Lauren Johnson, Makaya McVay, Grace McPhail, Maddy Hughes, Myrandea McVay and Skyler Boyd. Front row: Morgan Hailey, April Countryman, Faith Gilkey, Cortney Stevens and Anna Bourks.

Head Coach Jeff Dishman

Asst. Coach Chris Long

Everton Tigers Begin 2018 Volleyball Play Aug. 25 By Bob Jackson Sports Reporter

The Everton High School volleyball squad is gearing up for the 2018 season, hoping to improve after having a down year in 2017. The team is returning three starters from last year with five newcomers, as well as a new head coach, Terry Ellis. Ellis, who currently serves as a substitute teacher for various area schools, is a former collegiate-level coach, having spent 17 years with the volleyball program at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, as well as some time at the high school level. The Tigers, who play in the Mark Twain Conference, will open their season with play at the Verona tournament on Saturday, August 25. Other scheduled tournaments include the Mark Twain Conference Tournament and the Pleasant Hope Tournament. The current 2018 schedule includes five home matches and nine away. Team members in-

clude: Ravyn Bowers, Madie Hayes, Jazzenn Luney, Brooke Smith, Lizzarae Smith, Amanda Tihonovich, Kaylyn Whitney and Ezra Wood.

SCHEDULE

8-30 at Pleasant Hope 9-4 at Greenfield 9-6 at New Covenant 9-11 at School of Ozarks 9-13 at Niangua 9-14 at Chadwick 9-17 Jasper 9-24 at Thomas Jefferson 9-27 Hurley 10-4 Golden City 10-9 Chadwick 10-11 at Bradleyville 10-16 Niangua 10-22 Class 1 District

Back row: Jazzenn Luney, Madie Hayes, Ravyn Bowers and Kaylyn Whitney. Front row: Amanda Tihonovich, Ezra Wood, Brooke Smith and Lizzarae Smith.