Basketball Preview College by NPG Newspapers

Sunday, November 23, 2014

BASKETBALL COLLEGE SEASON PREVIEW

MISSOURI WESTERN WOMEN

FLYING TO NEW HEIGHTS Griffon women ready to take leap forward in Edmisson’s 3rd year

By THOM HANRAHAN St. Joseph News-Press

ob Edmisson’s players believe this will be the year things come together. Edmisson is entering his third year as coach of the Missouri Western women’s basketball team and he and his players have gone back and forth putting together a roster and playing style they say might surprise some people.

In 2011-12, Edmisson won a national championship with Oklahoma City University. When he took over the Griffons in 2012-13, he introduced a new style of play that might be ready to gel this season. “We played fast and went with athletic kids and maybe weren’t as big,” he said. “But we pressed and went uptempo and immediately went 16-10 and turned the program off a seven-win season the year before. Last year, we recruited and got some bigger kids and tried to play some of the MIAA style with size and for us we kind of took a step back. “This year, we went back and brought in kids that fit more of the style that I have coached before and what we did the fi rst year.” The Griffons, picked No. 11 in the preseason MIAA coaches poll, fi nished last season as the top team in scoring defense, but near the bottom of the league in scoring offense. Edmisson said part of that is by design — he believes in tenacious defense, but that the offense should start to emerge this year. “We have some kids who can flat shoot the ball this year and hopefully that will make our lives a little easier on defense,” Edmisson said. Last year, the Griffons allowed opponents just a little more than 50 points per game, but only were able to score 60.6 points per game themselves. Guard Ariana Novak is coming off an ACL injury that sidelined her after just six games last year. During those fi rst six games, the Griffons were 4-2 and Novak was averaging 10.7 points per game. After she was lost for the season, the team went 6-14 and averaged 15.7 less points per game. But the 5-foot-8 senior says she is ready to go this year and likes what she sees on the court this year.

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE MEN

Bearcats replace talented class by staying tough By CHRIS BILS St. Joseph News-Press

File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

Missouri Western guard Sarafina Handy makes her entrance Oct. 30 at the 11th annual Griffon Basketball Tip-Off Party at MWSU Fieldhouse. Handy is one of many new players this winter.

File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

Missouri Western guard Miliakere Koyamainavure goes up for a layup against Missouri during an exhibition game Nov. 11 in Columbia, Mo. “Our transition from last year to If the team’s transition includes an this year is huge,” she said. “We defi- increased scoring output, 5-9 junior nitely are more offensively strong college transfer guard Sarafi na Handy than we were last year. Defensively thinks the Griffons will be just fine. we are starting to get into that groove, “We haven’t been too worried on the because we are known as a defensive team.” Please see GRIFFONS/Page 14

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Any time a program looses a large and successful senior class, there is a period of transition that ensues. The team needs new leaders and a new identity. That is the case for Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball this year. The Bearcats are coming off a season in which they won a share of the MIAA regular season and tournament championships, and made it all the way to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II tournament. This year, they are faced with the task of replacing their top two scorers — DeShaun Cooper (17.6 points per game) and Dillon Starzl (14.5) — and the rest of an accomplished six-member graduating class. “I don’t know that you necessarily replace those kinds of kids,” Northwest coach Ben McCollum said. “I think that we need to continue the culture that we’ve already established with our toughness, our work ethic, our effort throughout games and then our handling of adversity. If we can do those things, I think we’re going to be OK.” Instead of worrying about who will replace Cooper’s slashing drives or Starzl’s steady inside presence, the Bearcats believe the key to success this season lies in something far less tangible: it’s in their culture. Playing in the MIAA, teams set off on a grueling 3½-month journey full of long road trips and two — sometimes three — games per week. The champion will be the team that plays to win every night, no matter how many days of rest they are playing on or what the scoreboard says at the end of the fi rst half. It is a league that rewards toughness. So how does a program develop that trait? “It just really starts with the players (McCollum and his staff) recruit,” sophomore forward Zach Schneider said. “Obviously, you can develop toughness, but it helps to recruit players that already have it.” Walk down the halls of the Northwest athletic facility at 5 a.m. during the fall semester and you can hear hooting and hollering coming from the weight room. It’s the men’s basketball team preparing for late-season games by pouring the energy it will take to win them out of their barely awake bodies. “That develops mental toughness,” Schneider said. He is one of three players that McCollum points to as exemplifying the principles he looks for. The sharpshooter provided 7.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in Please see NORTHWEST/Page 15

MISSOURI WESTERN MEN

Griffon men to prepare for infusion of youth By THOM HANRAHAN

ing to grow as people and it has really helped those two that we have started practice. Those guys like to play. Second-year Missouri Western men’s “A senior’s job fi rst and foremost is to basketball coach Brett Weiberg calls lead in any way that a young man can his team “interesting.” lead. Whether that be by example, by efAnother word might be young. fort, by communication or everything As the Griffons prepare for the opencombined.” ing of the regular season, Weiberg likes And Weiberg said that leadership will where his team is. be important to the development of the “We are going to play a lot of senior team’s four incoming freshmen. Weiguards and we are also going to play berg said he expects them to contribute a freshman guard and we are going to right away and there will likely be sceplay a true sophomore guard,” Weiberg narios where the Griffons have two or said. three freshmen on the floor at the same Among those guards, Western retime. And he said those players and the turns 5-foot-9 senior Ryan Devers, who seniors share responsibility for the outFile photo | St. Joseph News-Press led the team in scoring, assists, recome of that learning experience. bounds and minutes. Also returning is Missouri Western guard Ryan Devers goes for a The quartet includes forwards Mason Devers’ senior backcourt mate, Cortrez shot against Northwest Missouri State during a Hughes, Currie Byrd and Seth Bonifas. Colbert, who fi nished second in those game last year at Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo. At 6-9, Bonifas is the tallest player on categories last season. Weiberg said this year’s roster. The fi nal freshman both players will need to step up this win seasons. addition is Cole Clearman, 6-foot guard. “Those guys are doing a good job,” year and lead the team in order for the Griffons to improve on back-to-back 10- Weiberg said. “They are both continuPlease see WEIBERG/Page 14

St. Joseph News-Press

File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

Northwest Missouri State guard Matt Wallace scores a layup on a fast break against Lindenwood during a game last year at Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Griffons focus on defense, scoring CONTINUED FROM Page 13 offensive end, because we feel that will come,” she said. “As long as we stick to our defensive principles, we can get a lot of things in transition and we have a lot of scorers on the perimeter and on the inside.” Edmisson said part of bringing in players that can score the ball also is making sure they will work with those returning. Both he and the players said they believe that is taking place. Edmisson expects the incoming freshmen to receive noticeable playing time and that while they might be “a little heavy on the top end,” he expects more than just the seniors to contribute. The Griffons coach might start five juniors or four juniors and a sophomore at times. And he noted that incoming freshman Olivia Hanson, a 6-foot forward out of Fort Smith, Ark., has impressed in practice. “Our kids knew we would have a very aggressive recruiting class,” Edmisson said. “They knew that the kids we brought in would be very challenging talent-wise. “I think our chemistry is looking very promising. Assembling talent is the easy part. Getting personalities to mesh and understand roles is a little more difficult.” But Handy said that is not a problem for the Griffons. “I can’t remember the last time I was on a team with such good chemistry,” she said. “We understand each other.” Edmisson said maintaining that chemistry will depend on who steps up as leaders. He said that Novak and Tiara Hall are two that have shown exceptional leadership this year. Edmisson also talked about a newcomer that will have a big

File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

Missouri Western men’s basketball coach, Brett Weiberg, gives instruction to his team during an exhibition game last year.

Weiberg prepares for youth movement CONTINUED FROM Page 13 “Those guys will be good at times and those guys will be not so good at times,” Weiberg said. “But I think those guys are going to play really, really hard and you sense a certain amount of toughness in them.” Sophomore guard Wes Mitter remembers what it was like for him joining the team, saying those teammates embraced him and that the returning Griffons have embraced the four freshmen. “We all love each other,” he said. “And I see them getting lots of playing time and really being a part of this team.” The Griffons return five seniors. In addition to Devers and Colbert, Western will rely on Zack Price, Dareon Jones and Hans Thun to provide senior leadership. That leadership might prove to be something invaluable. When Weiberg took over the program last season, only three players remained from the 2012-13 roster. One of those, Cedric Clinkscales, was declared ineligible in mid-December and his replacement, Charlie Marquardt, is no longer with the team. All the seniors but Price finished in the top five on the team in minutes played last year. But all play mostly guard, with

Jones listed also as a forward. That translates into what will be a young front line for the Griffons. But that doesn’t have Weiberg worried. Marquardt’s 6-8 frame has been replaced by the 6-7 Byrd, the 6-8 Hughes and Bonifas. Devers said the younger players have fit right in and that the team lives together and keeps in touch constantly via text messages and phone calls if they are not together. Both Weiberg and Devers said the team has tried to encourage that tight team chemistry. “We are more like a family,” Devers said, who averaged 17.4 points, 3.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds last year. “We call each other brothers and it is meshing perfectly.’ One thing that hasn’t meshed perfectly for Devers and the Griffons over the past few seasons has been the won-loss record. Western’s last winning season was 2009-2010, when the team went 18-12. That doesn’t sit well with Devers, who said his time at Western is the first time since he began playing basketball that he has played for a team playing less than .500 ball. But he believes this is the year the Griffons break out of that 10-win rut and start making some noise in the MIAA. “That’s over,” he said. “I really hate losing and I really just can’t

DATE OPPONENT 11/24 Upper Iowa University 11/28-11/29 Comfort Inn/Drury Thanksgiving Classic 12/1 Hannibal-LaGrange College 12/6 Fort Hays State University 12/14 Baptist Bible College 12/18 Northeastern State University 12/20 University of Central Oklahoma 1/3 Washburn University 1/5 University of Nebraska at Kearney 1/8 Emporia State University 1/10 Pittsburg State University 1/14 University of Central Missouri 1/17 Southwest Baptist University 1/24 Missouri Southern State University 1/29 Lincoln University 1/31 Lindenwood University 2/4 Northwest Missouri State University 2/7 Lindenwood University 2/14 Missouri Southern State University 2/18 Lincoln University 2/21 Northwest Missouri State University 2/25 University of Central Missouri 2/28 Southwest Baptist University

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see — this year — us losing. “I think a lot of people will be impressed because we are a lot different from last year. The effort and competition is at a brand new level.” Last season’s team averaged 75.2 points per game, but allowed opponents 80.6 — only four teams in the MIAA allowed more. Both Devers and Mitter said defense will be a focus of this year’s team but they are confident the Griffons will also be able to put points on the board in a conference where Western is ranked No. 11 in the preseason coaches and media poll. Devers said that ranking bothered him a little at first, but that he understands the Griffons haven’t yet much respect. “Coach has a great mindset,” Devers said. “He is process guy and he takes it day-to-day. I think that’s going to be great long down the road.” No one remains from former Griffons’ coach Tom Smith’s final roster and Weiberg leaned on 10 freshmen or transfers to fill last year’s team. This year, Weiberg has six players returning, so it appears a foundation has been laid for the future.

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impact this season. Former East Buchanan player and Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College transfer Chelsea Dewey is providing “big-time leadership” running the team from the point guard position. In Western’s first two games, Dewey led the team with 13 assists. “She is really, really doing all the things that we absolutely wanted our point guard to do this year and it is making a big difference already,” he said. Another notable newcomer for Western is junior transfer LaQuinta Jefferson. The 6-foot guard is a former Division I recruit who was the No. 64 national prospect coming out of high school and had originally committed to Kentucky. Jefferson comes to Western from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo., where she was a finalist for the 2012 WBCA National Junior College Player of the Year Award. Jefferson had previously planned to attend LSU for the 2013-14 season. “She has real talent,” Edmisson said. “She is one of those that can change the complexion of a game really quickly.” Through the first two games of the season, Jefferson was averaging 20.6 points per game and was 15 of 24 from the field and shooting 50 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. And as for solving the offensive riddle, Edmisson says he thinks there are multiple answers. “I don’t know if we’ll have that kid that will average 25 a night, but we will have kids that any given night could get 25,” he said. “So I think our depth could be huge for us.”

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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Northwest Youthful Bearcats hope to buck expectations men replace talented class, stay tough

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE WOMEN

By CHRIS BILS

St. Joseph News-Press

MARYVILLE, Mo. — As Northwest women’s basketball coach Michael Smith enters his second season, there are a lot of new faces. So it makes sense that he would mix things up. Of the 15 players on his roster, five are true freshmen and four are transfers. That makes nine newcomers, many of whom have never experienced the rigors of being a college athlete, and the others who found their previous experiences not worth sticking around for. “I’ve taken an approach a little different than I have in the past,” Smith said. “We’ve started having a lot more meetings. I’ve never been known to do that in the past. We go two days on, one day off one week, three days on, one day off (the next).” By having them spend more time together off the court and creating extra days off on the practice schedule, he hopes to create a positive environment — one that fosters good relationships between players and leads to good chemistry when they take the floor. It seems to be working. “All the girls want their chance to play, but it hasn’t been where we’re trying to go after one another,” forward Shelby Mustain said. “It’s been really healthy competitiveness, and I think that’s really what is going to carry over to games. We’re going to be the team that gets on the floor and dives on those loose balls.” Though she is only a sophomore, Mustain is going to be one of the players Smith relies on heavily this season. After transferring from Division I Bradley following her redshirt season, Mustain averaged 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in her first collegiate season at Northwest.

but I think it will help us in the long run,” he said. “I’ve really seen that happen with this group.” Opportunities will be there for transfer players and even a few of the freshman to play meaningful minutes. Ashleigh Nelson (13.0 points, 2.2 assists per game) and Annie Mathews (8.5 points, 7.4 rebounds) are absent from this year’s squad, leaving junior guard Tember Schechinger (7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds), senior guard Alexandria Blaurock (1.0 points) and sophomore forward Ashley Guenther (0.7 points) as the remaining returning players. The four transfers are junior guards Samantha Hurst (Kansas City, Kan. CC), Taylor Shull (Bradley) and Morgan Walker (North Iowa Area CC), and freshman forward Alexis Libenguth (Maryville File Photo | St. Joseph News-Press University). Northwest Missouri State guard Ariel Easton dribbles against Pittsburg State in Smith hopes that with a year this December 2013 file photo. to recruit players that fit his imThe 6-foot-2 Jefferson a person and a player,” Smith age for the program and impleCity, Mo., product stayed in said. “Her leadership qualities ment his system, fans will start to see a team that fits his style, Maryville over the summer to right now are impeccable.” work on her game, and accordAnother key piece to the something he says was difficult ing to Smith she is the most Bearcats’ success will be 6-3 last season. The Bearcats will improved of the six returners post player Maggie Marnin. The attempt to play faster and stick on his roster. Mustain says the junior had to sit out all of last to man-to-man principles on weight training she did with season following a knee injury, defense. And while they were picked Northwest strength and condi- but she brings experience in the tioning coach Joe Quinlin has program that few others on the to finish ninth in the MIAA, he a lot to do with that. roster can relate to. As a sopho- says this is a group that is tal“It was kind of a wake-up more in 2012-13, Marnin put up ented enough to buck expectations and shake up the confercall to kind of see the strength 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. of the post play in the MIAA,” But the success of this team ence race. “I think it all comes down to she said. “I really knew that may hinge less on how those I had to get stronger physi- three perform and more on getting some confidence early cally. Being here all summer how quickly the newcomers with any team, especially a and working out was huge. are able to fall into their roles bunch of new players,” he It made a huge impact. I feel on what Smith calls a very said. “Being picked preseason stronger than I’ve ever felt.” deep team. To help with the ninth that’s nothing, but Feeding Mustain in the post transition, he has quickly de- that’s great. There’s no preswill be senior guard Ariel fined what he expects from sure on us. People feel that way, but I really truly believe Easton, who led the Bearcats each one of his players. in scoring last season at “The sooner you can be we can be a force in the MIAA 15.7 points per game. After open and honest with your before it’s all said and done.” transferring from two junior players and see where they fit colleges, Easton has finally in and let them know where Chris Bils can be reached found a home at Northwest. they fit in, it may not be what at chris.bils@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBils. “She’s matured so much as they want to hear right away

CONTINUED FROM Page 13 21 minutes per game last season — good enough to earn MIAA Freshman of the Year honors — and will be counted on to have a breakout year in his first as a starter. The other two are both seniors. Forward Grant Cozad was fourth on the team in scoring last year, pumping in 9.9 points and 3.8 rebounds behind Starzl down low. Guard Matt Wallace played less than 20 minutes per game, averaging 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, but McCollum says he is as steady as they come as far as effort. “If we can get those guys to be at a high level every day in practice, in games, in everything that they do, I think that we could have a good basketball team,” he said. “If we don’t then I think it’s going to be a lot more difficult for us to be successful.” Joining Wallace at guard are redshirt freshman Justin Pitts, sophomore Anthony Woods and junior Conner Crooker, who averaged 11.2 points per game last season and shot 51 percent from behind the arc (56 of 109). Lafayette graduate and true freshman Xavier Kurth also could see minutes in the backcourt. Alongside Cozad and Schneider at forward are Dillon Starzl’s brother Dray Starzl — a true freshman — and redshirt freshman Brett Dougherty. It is a young group, but one that is eager to prove itself and that understands what is expected of them. “Every night you’re playing a good team, and if you don’t bring it that night then there is a good chance you’re going to lose,” Wallace said. “I think that helps you in the long run. Once you get to the tournament, you’re used to playing hard every day.” Chris Bils can be reached at chris.bils@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBils.

NWMSU BEARCATS BASKETBALL 2014-2015

MENS DATE 11/25 11/29 12/3 12/6 12/16 12/20 12/31 1/3 1/5 1/8 1/10 1/14 1/17 1/21 1/28 1/31 2/4 2/7 2/11 2/18 2/21 2/26 2/28

OPPONENT

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Sunday, November 23, 2014

BENEDICTINE WOMEN

HDC Conference Boys Capsules EAST HARRISON ❯ Last year: 21-5, 7-1 HDC Coach: Travis Rinehart, 1st season ❯ Top returners: G Slade Orndorff, sr.; F Brian Reno, sr.; F Ryan Reno, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Ben Rinehart, F Matthew Craig, G Dakota Hale GILMAN CITY ❯ Last year: 0-20, 0-8 HDC ❯ Coach: Chris Schoning, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Alec Sievering, sr.; F Skylar Reynolds, so. ❯ Key losses: G Dylan Sievering

Benedictine’s Jackie Ziesel drives toward the basket during a game last year in Atchison, Kan. The former Bishop LeBlond star is starting for the Ravens this season. Adam Gardner Atchison Globe

GRUNDY COUNTY ❯ Last year: 18-8, 6-2 HDC ❯ Coach: Les Jackson, 33rd season ❯ Top returners: G Mason her stride down the home Radcliff, jr.; F Seth Riddle, jr. stretch last season. ❯ Key losses: F Destin Gann, “(Taff) is playing like G Clayton Radcliff, F Mason we expected, like the playLarson

Ravens to replace 4 starters By ADAM BURNS St. Joseph News-Press

ATCHISON, Kan. — When a program loses four starters and six seniors, usually a roster reconstruction takes place. Slightly used role players mixed in with freshmen are generally expected to fill major holes. But when coach Chad Folsom loses four starters, he simply implements experienced players into starting roles. Folsom’s strategy is simple: wear out the opposition with relentless defense and take advantage of fresh legs off the bench. In turn, those legs are prepared for larger roles when necessary. Now is that necessary time. “All these gals played last year but maybe weren’t the standouts at the time,” Folsom said. “I think they’re ready to step up.” Chayla Rutledge is arguably the best returning force in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Rutledge, a junior honorable mention AllAmerican, is expected to lead. “Chayla is definitely the centerpiece coming back as an All-American and our leading scorer from last year,” Folsom said. “She gives teams tough matchups because she can play inside and out. She’s going to be a force for us.”

Rutledge’s role changes from an overachieving sophomore to a captain expected to score in bunches. “I feel more responsibility being a captain this year; I have to lead by example,” Rutledge said. Leading requires more than just doing it by example, and Rutledge knows that. She said she’s going to have to take over vocally, too, which is something Erin Murphy took care of the past two seasons. “This year I’ve tried to step in and fill her shoes,” Rutledge said of Murphy, a two-time all-conference player. Also expected to elevate her game is senior Jackie Ziesel. For three seasons, Ziesel has done her part in the scorer’s sheet, but couldn’t find herself in the starting five. Ziesel, a Bishop LeBlond product, averaged 10 points per game last season as the first player off Folsom’s bench. “Last year she very well could have been a starter and was our third leading scorer,” Folsom said of Ziesel. “We’re counting on her on the perimeter.” Ziesel joins Rutledge as a captain of this season’s team. Folsom is also expecting a lot from the final captain, sophomore point guard Alexa Taff. Taff, out of St. Joseph Christian, played behind now-graduated Rosie Youngstrom. Taff found

er we recruited out of St. Joe Christian,” Folsom said. “She’s rising up as a leader for us.” The defensive pressure is expected to be there once again. “We’ve changed our schemes a little bit from last year,” Folsom said. “I think it plays more into our strengths, so we’re definitely working on fullcourt press and half-court traps and definitely going to want to pressure the ball and make it difficult on other teams.” Rutledge can’t help but be excited. “It’s always great getting started,” she said. “It’s a great feeling; it’s like Christmas morning.” Folsom believes the team is in a good place after being projected to finish fourth by the conference coaches. “We may have come back hungrier this year with something to prove,” he said. “We don’t have a target on our back; we’re more of an underdog.” Starting from scratch is not something this program has ever had to endure in Folsom’s 13 years as head coach. And he expects this season to be no different.

MERCER ❯ Last year: 14-12, 5-3 HDC ❯ Coach: Jeff Wyatt, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Cashman Hartley, so.; G Bryer Noe, so.; G Trey Wilson, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Garrett Noe, C John Girdner NORTH HARRISON ❯ Last year: 6-22, 2-6 HDC ❯ Coach: Aaron Long, 1st year ❯ Top returners: G Reed Hallock, sr., F Drew Parkhurst, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Luke Stanley, G Gaige Blake, F Jordan Hurt PATTONSBURG ❯ Last year: 6-18, 2-6 HDC ❯ Coach: Cody Jenkins, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: F Jared Teel, sr.; G Geffrey Hartley, sr.; G Nathan Moore, so. ❯ Key losses: G Derek Huskey

NEWTOWN-HARRIS ❯ Last year: 9-13, 4-4 HDC ❯ Coach: Mike Creekmore, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Zach Coin, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Adam Crawford, G Micah Busick TRI-COUNTY ❯ Last year: 5-17, 2-6 HDC ❯ Coach: Penny Gardner, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Dillon Cook, jr. ❯ Key losses: G Tyler Lane, F Nate Sutton WINSTON ❯ Last year: 24-4, 7-1 HDC ❯ Coach: Tim Harding, 4th season ❯ Top returners: F Chevy Calhoon, sr.; G Stephen Evans, sr.; F Jordan Leonard, jr.; G Craig Lewis, so. ❯ Key losses: none

HDC Conference Girls Capsules EAST HARRISON ❯ Last year: 7-16, 2-6 HDC ❯ Coach: Tom Hogan, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Harlee Ellsworth, so.; G Briley McLain, so. ❯ Key losses: F Takaya McLain GILMAN CITY ❯ Last year: 14-9, 6-2 HDC ❯ Coach: Adam Clark, 1st season ❯ Top returners: Mikayla Toombs, sr.; Morgan Reed, sr.; Kady Sperry, sr. ❯ Key losses: none GRUNDY COUNTY ❯ Last year: 9-19, 1-7 HDC ❯ Coach: Les Jackson, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: G Emily Milazzo, jr.; G Kylie Littleton, sr.; F McKenna Owens, sr.; C Matana Munday, so.

❯ Key losses: G Elizabeth Novak

MERCER ❯ Last year: 27-2, 8-0 HDC ❯ Coach: Dan Owens, 19th season ❯ Top returners: G Bailey Owens, so.; G Nicole Kost, so.; F Lindsay Wyatt, so. ❯ Key losses: G Haley Sample NEWTOWN-HARRIS ❯ Last year: 2-11, 3-5 HDC ❯ Coach: Mike Creekmore, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: F Abby Wells, jr.; G Veronica Busick, jr. ❯ Key losses: C Becca Johnson NORTH HARRISON ❯ Last year: 20-7, 6-2 HDC ❯ Coach: Aaron Long, 5th season ❯ Top returners: F Haley Craig, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Bailey Perkins

PATTONSBURG ❯ Last year: 20-8, 4-4 HDC ❯ Coach: Chris Hodge, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Kelly Warford, sr.; G Rheanna Gardner, jr.; F Haleigh Plymell, jr.; F Megan Crone, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Carly Cornett, G Heather Booth TRI COUNTY ❯ Last year: 0-20, 0-8 HDC ❯ Coach: Penny Gardner, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Katana Almond, jr. ❯ Key losses: G Ashley Madison, G Leeza Siddoway

WINSTON ❯ Last year: 13-14, 6-2 HDC ❯ Coach: Kayla Cheeney, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: F Kaytlyn Barnes, jr.; G Bailey Curtis, sr.; G Skylar Hall, jr. Key losses: none

Miss a great photo of the big game? Go to newspressnow.com, browse our photo galleries and click

Adam Burns can be reached at adam.burns@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SJNPSports. **Local Photographs only. No AP or wire photographs available for purchase.

BENEDICTINE MEN

New season, new identity for Moody’s squad this year

By ADAM BURNS St. Joseph News-Press

ATCHISON, Kan. — Benedictine men’s basketball took the campus by storm last season with a historic ride that saw its first national tournament appearance in 47 years. They Ravens were crowned HAAC champions and won a game in the national tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. But that was last year. “Last year was great,” said Benedictine coach Ryan Moody. “But last year was last year.” At this point a season ago, the Ravens were knocking on the door in Moody’s second season as coach. They were selected to finish fourth. But this season, the Ravens were picked to top the conference by all coaches and recently selected as the No. 4 team in the nation in the preseason poll. “We’re in unchartered territory for our program,” Moody said. The theme this year is “turn the page.” The Ravens must switch gears from being the underdog to top dog. They will get to do so with six seniors who have valuable experience,

including four returning starters. With that being said, Moody says this group will have to find its own identity. “Now that we have six seniors, we can’t have six guys in charge and six guys always voicing their opinions and trying to be leaders,” Moody said. “Sometimes guys are going to have to be willing to be led.” Not all leaders are seniors. “Our starting point guard, John Harris Jr. is a junior and so some of those seniors on the floor are going to need to be led by John and then John needs to be led by seniors at times. So we need to find that chemistry of that leadership,” Moody said. Chemistry finds its way into most preseason discussions, but this squad has proved it in recent years out on the floor. “Most people take (chemistry) for granted. It’s part of the reason we are as good as we are,” said Harris, who averaged 11.4 points per game last year. “We’ve all been playing together for awhile, so it’s good to know that those people are going to be there because they know you, you know them.”

Gone from last year are forwards Charlie Wallrapp and Steven O’Brien and guard Herb Khangura. Returning at the guard position is an experienced group that is highlighted by seniors Jonathan Anaekwe, Brett Fisher and Luke Norville and juniors Harris and Shawn Fleming Jr. Moody said the forward position is up for grabs and wouldn’t be surprised if he had multiple players contributing. Jallen Messersmith, who was the second leading shot blocker in the country last year (2.5 per game), is likely to start. After Messersmith, others expected to contribute to the forward position are senior Rafail Tsourakis and sophomores Jake Schannuth, Connor Fleming and Justas Norvilas. Even freshman Christian Hatterle has raised some eyebrows. Harris expects Schannuth, his roommate, to have a good year. “He’s excited to get out there and make some noise this year,” Harris said about Schannuth. “He’s got a chance for a lot of minutes this year.” Adam Burns can be reached at adam.burns@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SJNPSports.

BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 2014-2015 DATE 11/25 12/1-12/6 12/12 12/15-12/20 1/5 1/6 1/9 1/12-1/17 1/23 1/27 1/30 2/2 2/3 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/13 2/20

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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Grand River Conference Boys Capsules ALBANY ❯ Last year: 16-9, 4-5 GRC ❯ Coach: Kurtis Cox, 14th season ❯ Top returners: G Drew Cottrill, sr.; F Noah Wilmes, sr. ❯ Key losses: G/F Drew Bain, F Andrew Raines

KING CITY ❯ Last year: 12-5, 4-5 GRC ❯ Coach: Micah Breckenridge, 1st season ❯ Top returners: G/F Skylar Lane, sr.; F Deven Taylor, sr.; G/F Noah Poling, jr. ❯ Key losses: F John Spiking

BRAYMER ❯ Last year: 23-5, 8-1 GRC ❯ Coach: Brad Cox, 5th season ❯ Top returners: G Logan O’Dell, jr.; G Juan Brandon, sr.; F Jordan Miller, so.; G Wade Phillips, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Dillan Hall, F Kyle Kelly

MAYSVILLE ❯ Last year: 9-17, 3-6 GRC ❯ Coach: Eric Carter, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: Cameron Tinder, sr.; Skyler Zimmerman, sr.; Andrew Crawford, sr.; Matt White, jr.; Austin Podbevsek, so. ❯ Key losses: G Barry Griffith

GALLATIN ❯ Last year: 20-8, 6-3 GRC ❯ Coach: Brent Burke, 4th season ❯ Top returners: G Jacob Boyd, sr.; F Harris Cameron, jr.; G Grant Simmons, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Chris Cameron

POLO ❯ Last year: 5-20, 1-8 GRC ❯ Coach: Jonathan Pickrell, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Parker Smith, jr.; G Tristan Rardon, sr.; F Jesse Vaughan, jr.; C Mason Misel, sr.

❯ Key losses: F Justin Thompson

F Colton Jennings

STANBERRY PRINCETON ❯ Last year: 27-2, 9-0 GRC, ❯ Last year: 16-11, 3-6 GRC placed 3rd in Class 1 ❯ Coach: Justin Collins, 1st ❯ Coach: Nick Groomer, 5th season season ❯ Top returners: G Brant Faulkner, sr.; F Stephan Elliot, ❯ Top returners: F Daniel Hailey, jr.; G Alex McQuinn, so.; F Justin Hamilton, sr. jr.; G Isaac Heddinger, sr., F ❯ Key losses: none Shelby McMillen, jr. ❯ Key losses: C Ryan Jensen, SOUTH G Nathan Luke HARRISON ❯ Last year: 10-16, 7-2 GRC WORTH COUNTY ❯ Last year: 2-19, 1-8 GRC ❯ Coach: Kale Watson, 1st season ❯ Coach: Bryce Schafer, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Darin Williams, sr.; G Dalton Clem❯ Top returners: G Brevyn mons, sr. Ross, jr.; C Truman Moore, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Daniel Darby, Key losses: none

File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

Stanberry’s Ike Heddinger drives up the court during the Class 1 ShowMe Showdown third-place game against Macks Creek last year at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 2014-2015 DATE 12/1-12/6 12/12 12/19 1/9 1/23 2/3 2/6 2/12 2/13 2/17 2/20

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Maysville’s Kristin Strong goes up for a shot against South Harrison during a Class 2 District 16 tournament game last year at East Buchanan High School in Gower, Mo.

Grand River Conference Girls Capsules ALBANY ❯ Last year: 1-21, 0-9 GRC ❯ Coach: Alan Gottula, 4th season ❯ Top returners: F Kristie Sorensen, jr.; F Kelsey Sorensen, sr.; G Shelby Fish, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Kate Arthur BRAYMER ❯ Last year: 17-11, 5-4 GRC ❯ Coach: Mitch Barnes, 6th season ❯ Top returners: G Madison Mallory, jr.; G Mallory Hughson, jr.; F Sadie Watson, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Darcey Peters, G Beth Milligan GALLATIN ❯ Last year: 24-5, 9-0 GRC, lost in Class 2 sectionals ❯ Coach: Rick Lin, 23rd season ❯ Top returners: G Sara Lin, sr.; G Kailey Salmon, sr.; F Bailey Maxwell, jr.; F Kylie Collins, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Kaitlyn Hefley KING CITY ❯ Last year: 17-10, 7-2 GRC ❯ Coach: Ashley Bogart, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: F Hannah Wood, sr.; G Samantha Hill, sr.; G Kennedy Tunks, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Morgan Miller, G Jordan Brechenridge, G Lexi Herbert MAYSVILLE ❯ Last year: 16-12, 5-4 GRC ❯ Coach: Michael Trussell, 7th season ❯ Top returners: G Rachel Boucher, jr.; F Bailey Frasher, jr.; G Jade Hahn, jr.; G Kristin Strong, jr. ❯ Key losses: F Hannah

McPike, G M.J. Kapp

POLO ❯ Last year: 15-11, 5-4 GRC ❯ Coach: Greg Keith, 9th season ❯ Top returners: G Adriana Segar, sr.; G/F Sidney Copeland, sr.; F Danielle Allen, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Tabitha Poje PRINCETON ❯ Last year: 8-18, 0-9 GRC ❯ Coach: Wade Hall, 1st season ❯ Top returners: G Paige Phillips, sr.; G Rachelle Parks, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Trinity Kile SOUTH HARRISON ❯ Last year: 20-6, 7-2 GRC ❯ Coach: Bill Pottorff, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: F Hunter Purdun, jr.; C Ciara Jennings, jr.; G Kianna Bennett, jr.; F Carly Wagner, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Kaylee Smith, G Josie Williams STANBERRY ❯ Last year: 10-14, 4-5 GRC ❯ Coach: Karla McQueen, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Madesen Gage, jr.; F Lainey Stuart, jr. ❯ Key losses: G Kaleigh Wilmes WORTH COUNTY ❯ Last year: 3-18, 2-7 GRC ❯ Coach: Josh Smith, 1st season ❯ Top returners: C Kaitlyn Davidson, sr.; G Sydney Thummel, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Kristen Andrews

BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 2014-2015 DATE 12/5 12/9 12/12 12/16 12/19 1/6 1/9 1/13 1/19 1/23 1/27 1/30 2/3 2/6 2/10 2/13 2/17 2/20 2/24 2/26

OPPONENT Nemaha Central Hiawatha Perry-Lecompton Royal Valley Holton Sabetha Jefferson West ACCHS McLouth Invitational Tourney (VB) Nemaha Central (VG) Hiawatha Invitational Tourney (VG) Nemaha Central (VB) Hiawatha Perry-Lecompton Royal Valley Holton Sabetha Jefferson West ACCHS Troy

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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Kansas Girls Capsules ACCHS ❯ Last year: 8-14, 4-9 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Mike Eckert, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Rachel Newquist, sr., G Lillie Holtgrave, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Tannah Ernzen, G Leah Scholz, G Taylor Vandeloo ATCHISON ❯ Last year: 12-9, 8-2 KCAL ❯ Coach: Roni Ettleman, 7th season ❯ Top returners: F Laurene Cushinberry, sr.; G Makenzie Dougherty, jr. ❯ Key losses: G Arika Smith, F Ashton Ettleman DONIPHAN WEST ❯ Last year: 11-10, 5-8 Twin Valley Riverside’s Jaden Cox, right, gives chase for a rebound while ACCHS’ ❯ Coach: Troy Hoffman, 7th season Katie Sullivan defends during a game last year at Riverside Middle ❯ Top returners: F Regan Gibson, sr.; G School in Elwood, Kan. Kenzie Blevins, jr. File photo | St. Joseph News-Press

ACCHS ❯ Last year: 0-21, 0-13 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Sterling Jackson, 1st season ❯ Top returners: F Trever Smith, jr.; G Lane Bowen, so.; C Levi Baker, sr.; G/F Kyle Kimmi, sr.; G Jesse Noll, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Quentin Reichart, F Ryan Olmstead ATCHISON ❯ Last year: 12-9, 5-5 KCAL ❯ Coach: Matt Hall, 4th season ❯ Top returners: G WyKeen Gill Jr., jr.; C RaShaun Chambers, sr.; F Jerel Rawls, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Tanner Huntington, G Jerome Luster, F Blake Dykstra DONIPHAN WEST ❯ Last year: 4-17, 3-10 Twin Valley ❯ Coach: David Johnson, 2nd season ❯ Top returners: G Jeffrey Watts, sr.; F Tynan Bollinger, sr.; PG Austin Taylor, jr.; F Justin Clark, jr.; G/F Cooper Leach, jr.; G Lane Spiker, jr. ❯ Key losses: G Luke Rush HIAWATHA ❯ Last year: 8-13, 5-8 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Andrew Eckert, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: F Connor Winters, sr.

❯ Key losses: G Parker Hasenkamp, G Conner Bigham

HORTON ❯ Last year: 14-7, 6-3 NEK ❯ Coach: Michael Lanter, 5th season ❯ Top returners: F Trey Dishon, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Dakota Bayles MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY ❯ Last year: 12-9, 7-5 NEK ❯ Coach: Tim Van Dyke, 21st season ❯ Top returners: C Dillon Kramer, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Brian Scott RIVERSIDE ❯ Last year: 6-15, 4-9 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Bryan Adkins, 10th season ❯ Top returners: G Andrae McGaughy, sr.; F Phoenix Keller, sr.; C Alec Miller, sr. ❯ Key losses: Alex Davidson, Zach Halter TROY ❯ Last year: 13-10, 7-6 Twin Valley ❯ Coach: Dallas Keller, 7th season ❯ Top returners: G Collin Jasper, sr.; G Jake Ross, sr.; F Nathan Gaarder, sr.; G Tristan Speer, sr. ❯ Key losses: F William Boeh, G Trevor Bembrick, G Daulton Jasper

HIAWATHA ❯ Last year: 6-15, 4-9 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Brady Jasper, 1st season ❯ Top returners: C Emily Gartner, jr.; G Courtney Brockhoff, so.; G Molly Kettler, so.; F Crystal Barbary, jr. ❯ Key losses: none HORTON ❯ Last year: 10-6, 4-1 NEK ❯ Coach: Ken Shippy, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: F Sarah Coversup, sr. ❯ Key losses: F Mariah Hisle, G Keeley Cowley, G Logan Rodvelt, G Amber Wilhelm MAUR HILL-MOUNT ACADEMY ❯ Last year: 9-11, 3-6 NEK

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TROY ❯ Last year: 8-14, 4-9 Twin Valley ❯ Coach: Derek Jasper, 18th season ❯ Top returners: G Alex Winder, sr.; F Breanna Smith, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Alanie Stock, F Kaylee Bennett, F Baileigh Jenkins

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DATE 12/4 12/5 12/12 12/19 1/6 1/9 1/13 1/27 1/30 2/3 2/6 2/10 2/12 2/13 2/17 2/20 2/24

RIVERSIDE ❯ Last year: 1-20, 0-13 Big Seven ❯ Coach: Bob Blair, 1st season ❯ Top returners: G Rayne Butts, so.; F Mackenzie Brewer, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Erica Halter

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Atchison guard WyKeen Gill Jr. drives to the lane in a game against Horton last year.

❯ Coach: Brad Kunecke, 3rd season ❯ Top returners: G Avery Lewman, jr.; C Kendra Brull, sr. ❯ Key losses: G Becca Funk, G Allie Harris, F Morgan Falk

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Kansas Boys Capsules

❯ Key losses: G Abbi Ellis, G Scotti Twombly, G Payton Leach