2011 High School Basketball Preview

BASKETBALL Sunday, November 27, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL

SeaSon Preview

Smile through it all Lafayette’s Oceonna Weston played all last season while her mother recovered from injuries suffered as an innocent victim in an act of violence Page A2

Matt Reid/St. Joseph News-Press

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

for love of mom and basketball Lafayette’s Weston played all of last year amid near tragic circumstances of her mother’s shooting

By AndrEW dEWITT St. Joseph News-Press

O

ceonna Weston knew she had to be ready for a basketball awards banquet, but that didn’t matter.

She wanted to keep playing pick-up basketball at the Bartlett Center with the boys so she fired off a quick text message to Lafayette coach Ryan Madison that she’d be home soon. It was 85 degrees on the warm spring day, and sweat poured off Oceonna Weston during her labor of love and leisure.

When Madison arrived at her house, Oceonna Weston rushed inside, cleaned up quickly and went to receive her honor at the banquet.

“She’s out playing basketball before we go to the banquet,” Madison said.

“She loves basketball that much.”

Oceonna Weston goes most places either with a smile on her face or a basketball in her hands. A lot of times, it’s both.

Not even a near tragedy last year could sway Oceonna Weston from her love for basketball.

Her mom, Genea Weston, was shot in the head shortly before midnight on October 25, 2010 while sitting inside of her SUV near 16th and Angelique Streets in midtown St. Joseph. Genea Weston was transported to a Kansas City hospital where she remained in critical condition for more than two months.

“The first time seeing her was the hardest part,” Oceonna Weston said, “and I just had to go on with it.”

The violent near tragedy happened just a month before the start of Oceonna Weston’s sophomore season of basketball.

Genea Weston never coached or helped out with Oceonna Weston’s teams, but she attended most of her games since she started playing in the fourth grade.

That wasn’t possible last season after the shooting incident. She attended one Lafayette parents meeting before a scrimmage last season.

Oceonna Weston started the entire season and averaged a double-double.

“Basketball,” Oceonna Weston said and then paused for a second. “It’s just what I do. ” Oceonna Weston showed up to school the day after the shooting, a violent act in which Genea Weston became an innocent victim to a still unsolved crime. She felt comfortable at Lafayette among friends, teachers, teammates and coaches.

For Madison, it was a reality check in the first months at a new school after coming in from Class 1 Stanberry. Classmate and Fighting Irish point guard Ariel Dydell came into Madison’s room right when school started, crying.

Dydell’s emotions suddenly and clearly relayed the seriousness of the situation.

“I had never had anything like that happen in coaching,” Madison said. “Of course, who has? I went to the hospital that night and talked to the family.

“I felt horrible for her. It was very shocking.”

Genea Weston is now walking again and has made a well-publicized recovery from a wound that could have easily killed her.

She hopes to see her daughter play basketball this winter for the first time since being shot. The violence left Oceonna Weston in a state of transition for an entire year.

Oceonna lived with her godmother and cousin, senior guard Myia Weston, while

file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

Lafayette forward Oceonna Weston, right, scrambles for a loose ball last year against Benton. Weston’s mother, Genea Weston, was shot in the head as an innocent victim of an act of violence perpetuated last fall in midtown St. Joseph. Oceonna Weston played the entire season and led Lafayette in scoring and rebounding. her mom recovered in the hospital. It was a rollercoaster of a year for Oceonna, although she did the best to mask her emotions.

“I feel basketball is one of my saviors while she was in the hospital because I didn’t have to think about it,” Oceonna Weston said.

Basketball became more than just a sport for Oceonna Weston’s prolonged period of uncertainty.

The 5-foot-9 junior loves driving the ball to go up over a defender for an easy two points. On other teams, she could play point guard but instead mans a post position for the Irish. Oceonna developed her

ball-handing abilities by playing with the boys in pick-up games in the neighborhood or Bartlett Center.

Despite pushing around many of her Lafayette opponents, she can’t outmuscle the boys and has to adapt her game which leads to an impressive product on the floor.

“She had a couple plays last year that I turned to (assistant coach) Brad (Spinner) and said ‘Are you frickin’ kidding me?’” Madison said.

Oceonna Weston’s full abilities were on display over the holiday break last season.

During the Penn Valley Community

College Holiday Tournament, she scored more than 20 points in three consecutive games. The trio of big performances came just two months after Oceonna Weston almost lost her mother in one random misplaced act of violence.

“She didn’t change the way she practiced; she didn’t change the way she played,” Madison said. “What she does on the court was her escape. She came in here and she did what she loved to do.

I don’t know if I’ve coached many kids that love basketball the way she does.”

Andrew DeWitt can be reached at andrew.dewitt@newspressnow.com

Lafayette girls bring back entire roster from successful 2010-2011 campaign

By Cody Thorn St. Joseph News-Press

On the surface, Lafayette struggled through another tough season last year.

But looking deeper, the Fighting Irish made progress and look to take the next step under second-year coach Ryan Madison. Lafayette improved its win total by two (9-17 overall), notched one more league win (2-5 in Midland Empire Conference) and picked up the school’s first district victory since 2005.

With no seniors on last year’s roster, Madison and his team expect another step forward. The Irish haven’t had a winning record since the 2004-2005 season when they won the MEC title.

“We are more of a team now,” said senior guard Myia Weston, a four-year starter. “I think the big thing is the change in coaching. It was a big difference. Coach Madison has stepped up and coached us. I think he actually loves the game. He makes sure we are all here, and he is pretty consistent and serious about it.”

Lafayette returns two stalwarts in junior Oceonna Weston, a three-year starter, and Myia Weston.

Oceonna Weston scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per game last year, averaging a double-double for a second straight year, while Myia Weston averaged 10.1 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game.

Juniors Ariel Dydell and Brooke Ward and sophomore Ashley Hinkle — all guards — will comprise the rest of the starting five. Megan Tolar, a defensiveminded guard, provides a spark off the bench as the team’s 3-point specialist.

Dydell started down the stretch of last season after missing a majority of the year with a torn ACL. The flashy point guard didn’t return to 100 percent when she came back, and more time to heal could help her comfort level on the court. A fully healthy Dydell could have made Lafayette’s turnaround season even better last year.

“With Ariel getting hurt ... I thought, if (she was) healthy, we were in the area of a .500 team last year,” said Madison, who coached Stanberry to three district titles before taking over the Irish last year.

“With a group of a lot of kids returning, good depth, and the kids understanding the system, we have a chance to take the

next step this year.”

The guard-heavy lineup will be a big factor in most games, but Madison said he has options in the post as well.

Myia Weston’s versatility allows her to play multiple positions, which the team tried out during summer league. When Myia Weston is in the paint, Hinkle — second on the team in assists last year — shifts over to more ball handling duties.

Other options in the post include sophomores Kayla Wegenka and Mariana Figueroa.

“Even with (Oceonna), she can play the perimeter and can handle the ball as well as anyone. Everyone is capable of doing a lot of things,” Madison said.

The depth and experience gained for a younger team has not only the coach, but the players expecting bigger things in the North Side this winter.

“We didn’t go .500 last year, but I think we can be .500 and beyond,” Ward said.

“Last year, we went past the first round of districts, now the second round. It’s a baby step, but in the long run, it is big file photo/St. Joseph News-Press steps for us.”

Lafayette’s Myia Weston spins past Savannah guard Morgan Knorr during a Class 4 District 16 game last year at Platte County High School.

Cody Thorn can be reached at cody.thorn@newspressnow.com

Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

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Irish look to continue winning ways

Leeson steps up as junior leader for Lafayette, looks to build off last year’s semifinal run

BY MATT GLEAVES St. Joseph News-Press

Lafayette has been no stranger to success under coach Chris Neff in his four-year tenure.

That stretch went to its high point last season when the Fighting Irish ran all the way to the Class 4 semifinals for the first time since 1976. However, losses to eventual state champion Sikeston in the semifinal game and Soldan in the third-place game, ended Lafayette’s season with a fourth-place finish and a record of 22-10.

But with three postseason trips in four seasons under Neff, don’t expect the goals to fall short of the top. “We’re ready to go right back there,� junior Jeff Leeson said.

I really think that Jeff is ready to step into that role of stardom. He was really ready to step into that role last season but I think you will really see it happen this year. “We want to go right back there and see if we can get two Ws instead of two Ls.�

Lafayette’s semifinal run was the best since winning the state title in Class 3A 25 years earlier.

The Irish battled their way through the Class 4 District 16 tournament with two overtime wins before breezing through the first two rounds of the state playoffs. Even with the two season-ending losses, Lafayette stands at 8233 in Neff’s four years with parts of three MEC titles, including last

season has been health. Leeson has been confined to crutches because of his injury and at least two others have nagging injuries. “We are unhealthy right now — CHrIS Neff, with the injuries to Jeff and a Lafayette coach speaking about Jeff Leeson’s leadership role to the team. few others,� Neff said. “But with regards to the rest of the team, year’s shared crown. display a unique inside-outside I’ve been thrilled.�

Leeson averaged 8 points per game most teams have trouble Other than Leeson and senior game last season as a starter, matching. guard Caleb Bates, the rest of the but will be looked upon to fill the “I really think that Jeff is Irish team has little to no varsity scoring void a quartet of seniors ready to step into that role of experience. Bates returns as the left behind. All-State point guard stardom,� Lafayette coach Chris most experienced guard for the Tim Nelson led Lafayette at 15.1 Neff said. “He was really ready Irish. He started all 32 games last points per game last year, and the to step into that role last season, season and averaged 6 points per Irish also lost the post presence but I think you will really see it game. of Ian Toalson, gritty guard play happen this year.� “We have a host of guards that of Max Sollars and the hustle deLeeson is battling an Achilles will step in and see a lot of minfense of top reserve Tyrai Skeen. injury and has only been able to utes,� Neff said.

Leeson spent much of the time practice on a limited basis. deferring to Nelson and Toalson, According to Neff, the team’s Matt Gleaves can be reached but he uses his 6-foot-5 frame to biggest struggle in the young at matt.gleaves@newspressnow.com

FILE PHOTO/St. Joseph News-Press

Lafayette players leave the court following a Class 4 state semifinal loss to state champion Sikeston last year at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Lafayette advanced to the Class 4 semifinals for the first time since 1976.

VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE 2011-2012

Varsity Boys Schedule DATE 11/29 12/3 12/15 12/16 12/22 12/27-12/30 1/3 1/6 1/9-1/14 1/20 1/24 1/26-1/28 1/31 2/3 2/6 2/8 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/20-2/24

OPPONENT Benton Kentucky Shootout Center Bishop LeBlond NCCC Shootout Neosho Holiday Tournament East Buchanan Liberty North Kearney Tourney Hogan Prep Maryville Nixa Invitational Tourney Savannah Cameron Benton Harmon Bishop LeBlond Chillicothe Smithville Districts

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OPPONENT Savannah Tourney Maryville Rock Bridge Central Bishop LeBlond Holiday Hoops Holiday Hoops PVCC Holiday Tourney Savannah Maryville Kearney Tourney Falls City Savannah Cameron Benton Bishop LeBlond Chillicothe Smithville Districts

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

A

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Hook enters final season keeping Central’s girls ready focus on players, winning games to run with guards

By ThomAs huITT-JohNsoN St. Joseph News-Press

By ANDREW DEWITT

Central expects to run this season.

The Indians have a group of guards that forecast a fast tempo after losing a large contingent of post players from last year.

Coach Kevin Kelley said after centers Kari Schram and Reid Brown graduated, his team will rely on its guards to shoot the ball well and play hard defense this season. “We don’t have the size that we had last year,� Kelley said. “We’re going to have to do things a little different.�

Both Schram and Brown were all-conference players, and Kelley admits losing them will hurt. Central played the past couple of seasons with its size in the post, relying on rebounds and using the post-game to score.

This season, the Indians will press more and try to force other teams to turn the ball over and rush on offense. This hopefully forces the opposition into mistakes and provides Central with easy opportunities on the offensive end. “We’re going to get up and down the floor and press a little more,� Kelley said. “We’ve got to get some turnovers and get some easy baskets. We’ve got to try to disrupt (teams) from getting into their offense.�

Ali Howat will start for the second straight year at point guard and should anchor the offense.

St. Joseph News-Press

Central coach Neal Hook doesn’t want to put focus on his final year coaching the Indians, but it does matter to the players.

The school recently announced Hook as Central’s athletic director, taking over for Paul Athens for the next school year. The St. Joseph School District prefers athletic directors to serve in that capacity alone, which makes the upcoming season Hook’s last with the Indians.

Hook took over for Athens 12 years ago as boys basketball coach and now Hook continues to follow in Athens’ path. “It does mean a lot to us that it’s his last year,� senior guard Dre Irvin said. “I’ve known him since the eighth grade when he came to watch our games.�

Hook said he isn’t approaching this season any differently, and that its all about the players and not his farewell season.

Central will still be undersized in the Suburban Middle 6 conference, but the run-and-gun look the Indians played last season will continue to be the team’s signature style. Central returns six players and will have a depth on the bench to bring in players.

Sophomores Derek Gray and Elijah Lee could break out this year after playing small roles on varsity as freshmen.

Hook said it’s difficult to judge how much a player will improve from one year to the next, but he expects several players to move into key spots this season. “We’re looking to build on last year’s run-and-gun style,� senior Brad Schlange said. “We’re kind of undersized, but we have scorers all around.�

Hook and his Indians embraced the new style last season.

Central returns a majority of its players from last season’s team that finished 13-12 and finished 5-5 in conference play, good for third-place. The parity should return this season in the Suburban League Big 6.

Truman returns two all-conference players while Lee’s Summit West features standout Shaquille Harrison. Ruskin is always a tough matchup for Central.

The Indians expect to be right back in the thick of the conference title chase. “I liked our intensity,� Schlange said. “We were ferocious on defense, and we have to get down the

court and build on that.�

Central will miss guard Carson Lau’s leadership, 3-point shooting ability and ability to push the ball up the court.

Outside of Lau, the Indians lost very little from a year ago.

Junior Shun Williams had an impressive summer playing for Kansas City AAU powerhouse Pump-n-Run. His team won a tournament in Las Vegas and Hook expects big things from the

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6-foot-5 forward.

Williams averaged 12 points per games last year while adding 7.5 rebounds per game in a sophomore season that started out slowly. “We felt like he had a great summer with Pump-n-Run playing,�

Hook said. “I think he can bring back that experience and have a big year for us.�

Y _ CULTUR IR

OppOsing team

Blue Springs Lee’s Summit Kearney Truman Benton Lafayette William Jewell Tournament Lee’s Summit West Park Hill Ruskin Liberty Tournament Benton North Kansas City Truman Oak Park Lee’s Summit West Park Hill Liberty Ruskin North Kansas City Districts Sectionals Quarterfinals State

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CENTRAL

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Central guard Ali Howat drives through two Liberty defenders during a game last year at Central High School. Howat returns for her senior season and second with the Indians after briefly moving to Kansas City and playing at Staley.

file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

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12/3 12/7 12/10 12/14 12/16 12/17 12/27-12/30 1/4 1/7 1/14 1/18-1/21 1/24 1/25 1/28 1/31 2/4 2/8 2/11 2/15 2/18 2/21-2/25 3/2 3/5 3/11-3/12

Thomas Huitt-Johnson can be reached at thomas.hj@newspressnow.com

Central forward Shun Williams pushes the ball between two Ruskin defenders during a game last year at Central High School. Williams is a junior this year.

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After leaving Central her sophomore season, she returned and served as a key leader for the Indians last year. Other guards that figure in for the Indians include Ashleigh Bristol and Melissa Murphy, one of five seniors that will have valuable playing time for the Indians.

Another senior — Amber Chivington — will split time at both forward positions to give Central depth in the paint.

Rounding out the senior class is Caytlin Francis and Erica Eagleburger.

Even with the departure of speedy guard Mercedes Estes, Central remains confident in Howat to lead the way.

The senior has plenty of experience and speed to go up and down the court when asked. Opposite of her is Brady Rodney, a sophomore who Kelley said has improved after breaking into last year’s rotation.

Standing 5-foot-4, Rodney is one of the smaller players on the court, but her quickness will be relied upon during the year to help the Indians.

Kelley said that he would like to play seven players a night. He said his team shoots the ball well at times, but the Indians will have to shoot more consistently and rebound well to win games. “We’ve been trying to work on blocking out a bit,� Kelley said. “We’re going to have to do a solid job on the boards.�

Central girls basketball sChedule Date

11/29-12/3 12/9 12/13 12/15 12/16 12/17 12/20 12/22 1/3 1/6 1/13 1/17 1/18 1/24-1/29 1/31-2/4 2/7 2/10 2/14 2/16 2/21-2/25 3/2 3/5 3/11-3/12

OppOsing team

Ft. Osage Tournament Ruskin Lee’s Summit West Oak Park Benton Lafayette Ruskin Liberty Lee’s Summit West N. Kansas City Truman Lee’s Summit Kearney Cameron Tournament Northland Classic Tournament N. Kansas City Park Hill Truman Park Hill Districts Sectionals Quarterfinals State

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

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Benton girls return with depth, eye playoff contention

By ROSS MARTIN St. Joseph News-Press

Benton lost only one senior from last year’s 16-11 team. Sydney Wilkinson represents the lone fourth-year player on this year’s squad.

Clearly, the Cardinals are not only built to win now but for the foreseeable future as well. They will play eight players this season, including six juniors, who received large amounts of minutes in 2010-2011, part of a young but experienced group that took over last year. “They were able to get in as sophomores and see what it’s like to play at a higher level,� said Benton coach Brett Goodwin, who holds a 283-70 career record, 214-60 with the Cardinals. “Now with that understanding of what it takes, it’s not so much of me having to push to get what I want because they know there’s a certain level we have to get to be consistent as we were not able to get there last year. “It’s more them demanding more of each other. It’s expected now.�

Benton returns four starters but must replace the leadership and defense of Breonna Embray, one of the best on-ball defenders Goodwin has coached.

Guards Wilkinson and junior Andee Wahlert and junior forward Lauryn Doolan should all return to the top five.

Lindsay Doolan, Lauryn’s sophomore sister, will start opposite her sibling, and the third guard spot will be decided between juniors Erin Riddle, Kenzie MussFILE PHOTO/St. Joseph News-Press er and Paige Kneale.

Clearly, Benton has five capable guards Four Bishop LeBlond defenders focus on Benton’s Sydney Wilkinson as she brings the ball into the lane during last year’s City Basketball Showcase at Civic Arena. to split time.

Riddle emerged as a sharpshooter and consistent scorer off the bench at the end of last season, while Kneale started all year. Musser, a rangy presence, received her introduction to varsity play last year.

The post position doesn’t sit empty with Goodwin ready to employ a four-player rotation of Doolan-Doolan and DomannDomann.

Junior Savannah Domann played large minutes off the bench last year, and her freshman sister Morgan should also contribute as Benton plans to rotate nine players and play the up-tempo press defense characteristic of Goodwin’s early tenure with the Cardinals. “I feel like the past two years we’ve always had a part of the team that’s weak, but this year, I feel like we’re strong in every area,� Wahlert said.

Benton’s depth should concern the rest of the Midland Empire Conference and Class 4 District 16.

The Cardinals are 161-31 during the past seven seasons with last year’s “down season� a big factor in the loss column. Last year, Benton lost in the district semifinals to Platte County, failing to reach the title game for the first time since 2004.

Step one for the Cardinals is a return to the district title game and then the hope is to match the playoff trips of 2003, 2005-2007 and 2009. “It’s a lot, a lot of pressure thinking about the leaders we’ve had in the past,�

Wilkinson said. “I feel like I can do it if I stick together with the team to be a leader.�

Ross Martin can be reached at ross.martin@newspressnow.com

Ross takes over, changes team’s culture

By ANDREW DEWITT St. Joseph News-Press

Only three minutes into basketball practice at Springer Gymnaisum, and Benton’s boys have already sweated through their practice jerseys, huffing and puffing.

New coach George Ross Jr. rarely interrupts the team doing a transition game drill, but when he does, it’s for a good reason. No more than three passes, Ross tells the team.

He reinforces that the scorer is supposed to point at the passer after a basket. “It’s getting the kids to believe,�

Ross said. “Once you get the kids to buy in, they start to see there is a method to the madness, and they see that it will work. The success kind of follows.�

Ross takes over for Ron Tyler, who retired after finishing 4-21 and 2-5 in MEC play last season. Ross said the transition has been pretty flawless.

Expect high flying, high-pressure basketball from the Cardinals this

season. Ross led Atchison (Kan.) to two Class 4A state semifinal appearances before serving as an assistant coach at Benedictine College. “It’s been real tough,� senior guard Ryan Mitchell said. “Coach Ross is really demanding but in a good way.�

Ross returns to the high school game and inherits a team with seven seniors returning, including guard Chris Young, who earned All NewsPress honors as a junior and averaged more than 15 points per game.

Seniors Ryan Mitchell, Tyler Fredrickson, Cory Sexton, Matt Cowles, Lucas Powers and Brad Steltenpohl also come back.

Junior Jared Ross will integrate into the team after transferring with his father from Atchison. “We want to win and win now,�

Mitchell said. “We don’t have a choice.�

George Ross’ practices make it obvious that slacking and not giving effort is pretty much the only thing not allowed.

“We just talk about hard work,�

George Ross said. “That’s a hallmark staple of the program. That’s one of the things that we don’t have to coach. That’s an expectation. Fifty percent of what we do is just effort — sprinting from point A to point B. If we get the effort out of them, the execution will come from that.�

Benton played in a couple summer leagues during this offseason and participated in a few shootouts, which helped the team gain an understanding of the new system. But during preseason, the team installed the nuts and bolts of the system.

At an early season practice, individuals struggled to master where to move at all times in the system. But instead of getting down on each other, the players started teaching each other as they gained understanding for what each player was supposed to do. “We’ve got some good people to build with,� George Ross said.

Andrew DeWitt can be reached

FILE PHOTO/St. Joseph News-Press

Benton’s Tyler Fredrickson shoots over Maryville defender Dillon Luke during a game last year at Springer Gymnasium.

BentonCardinals VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL 2011-2012

DATE 11/29 12/2 12/6 12/8 12/13 12/15 12/16 12/19 12/27-29 1/5 1/9-14 1/16-21 1/23 1/31 2/3 2/6 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/20-25

OPPONENT HOME/AWAY Lafayette Away Harrisonville Away Platte County Away Maryville Away Savannah Away Bishop LeBlond Away Central Home Schlagle Away Rolla Invitational Tourney Away Smithville Home Kearney Invitational Tourney Away Basehor-Linwood Tourney Away Central Away Cameron Home Chillicothe Away Lafayette Home Maryville Home Savannah Home Bishop LeBlond Away Districts Away

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VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL 2011-2012

DATE 12/3 12/9 12/15 12/16 12/19 12/28-30 1/3 1/5 1/9-14 1/16-21 1/23 1/27 1/28 1/30 2/2 2/7 2/9 2/14 2/16 2/20-25

OPPONENT HOME/AWAY Raytown Away Harrisonville Home Bishop LeBlond Away Central Home Savannah Home Lady Jays Holiday Classic Away Notre Dame De Sion Home Smithville Away Kearney Invitational Tourney Away Basehor-Linwood Tourney Away St. Teresa’s Academy Home Springfield Kickapoo Away Ozark Away Cameron Away Chillicothe Home Lafayette Home Maryville Away Savannah Away Bishop LeBlond Home Districts Away

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

A

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Interim coach Kastner plans to keep Vertin’s seat warm

By ROSS MARTIN St. Joseph News-Press

Don’t expect big changes for Bishop LeBlond, even with coach Steve Vertin out for an indefinite portion of the season.

Veteran coach and LeBlond athletic director Greg Kastner takes the reins until Vertin returns, whether that be some time this year or next.

Kastner, who spent 11 seasons as Vertin’s assistant before stepping back last year, plans to stick with most of Vertin’s methods.

So expect to see the 1-3-1 zone defense and similar offense in Vertin’s absence. “A lot of the stuff is still going to be the same, yeah, but we’ll have a few wrinkles along the way,� said Kastner, who spent a decade as head boys basketball coach prior to Vertin’s arrival.

Vertin would be starting his 13th year, but he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in mid-October to remove blockage.

The veteran leader owns a 194120 career record with the Golden

Eagles, including three district titles, a 2008 Class 3 quarterfinal appearance and a fourth-place showing in Class 2A in 2002. Vertin only has three losing seasons on his ledger in 12 years at the helm but two of those came in the past two seasons with a young group lacking in experience.

LeBlond (8-16) returns all five starters from last year and hopes to reverse the trend of back-to-back losing seasons. “Out of every year to have coach Vertin gone this is the best,� senior Joe Voltmer said. “We’re returning experience, and we’re working on execution. We all know what it takes. You can’t be set up any better than that.�

This year’s experience-heavy group includes seniors Voltmer, Sage Barnes and Chuckie Kempf, who earned all-MEC honors last season. Despite a fifth-place, 3-4 showing in MEC play last year, this group doesn’t just want to concede to the seven larger schools in the league.

It’s not about just competing and preparing for its Class 3 district. “Honestly, we plan on winning in the MEC,� Voltmer said. “We don’t

plan on sitting around. We plan on beating everybody we play. We’re never going to go into a game thinking we won’t.�

Juniors Jacob Madden and Grant Gillaspie round out LeBlond’s experienced five, which has lost in the first round of districts to East Buchanan each of the past two seasons.

For now, they are listening to Kastner’s instruction and preparing for the start of the season as if Vertin were not around.

But when he returns, Vertin will take back over, and Kastner can return to his short-lived retirement from basketball. “It’s just an easy transition for me to just kind of take over. I’m excited about doing it,� Kastner said. “Right now, I’m coaching the team, and I’m working just as hard as coach Vertin would if he was here. “I know the final result is, we hope, that coach Vertin comes back before the season is over at 100 percent health.�

Ross Martin can be reached at ross.martin@newspressnow.com

g Bishop LeBlond’s Sage Barnes goes up in the air over Lafayette’s Tyrai Skeen during last year’s City Basketball Showcase at Civic Arena. file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

Completely new cast in place for Eagles girls

By ThOMAS huITT-JOhNSON St. Joseph News-Press

Bishop LeBlond coach Wayne Miller said his team must revamp itself entirely. Losing all five starters will make a team do that.

The Golden Eagles played last season using six multi-talented seniors — Jackie Ziesel, Ali Orban, Ashburn Holley, Erin Christiansen and Loree and Conner Hazelrigg — which brought them to the Class 3 District 16 Championship game.

For the third straight year, LeBlond met Maryville for the title, and for the the third straight year, the Spoofhounds prevailed.

Despite coming up short again, the team will always remain in Miller’s memory, in large part due to the time he spent with the group. “It’s so nice when you got kids that are veteran and they’ve already been in the system and they know what’s going on and know how to go about things,� Miller said. “Now, we’re basically starting all

over again with a whole bunch of inexperienced kids, and we’re small and I don’t know how well we’ll shoot the ball.�

Miller said he is curious to see what the next group of players brings with them. He knows following their predecessors will be tough, but they have no choice.

Senior Hailey Slater is looked upon as the go-to player this season.

The 5-foot-7 forward will control the tempo for LeBlond, according to Miller.

Slater is one of only two returning players with significant varsity experience. “Slater is taking charge a bit and trying to lead,� Miller said.

Holley, a 6-foot post, anchored the Eagles’ last season.

Without her size in the middle, LeBlond will again look to use speed and good defense. Along with Slater, fellow senior Sydney Olinger and junior Erin Jones will be key to helping LeBlondwin games.

Jones, who Miller says is a bit

aggressive, and Olinger provide depth in the post. Danielle Beers, the expected starting point guard, must develop quicly to team with Slater in the backcourt.

Guards Ziesel, Christiansen and Orban shared ballhandling duties last year and won’t be easy to duplicate. “(Beers) sees the floor well. If we can get the ball in her hands and get in the open floor, we’ll have a chance,� Miller said.

Miller told his team that he needs two kids to score 20 points a night or 10 girls to give him five apiece. He’s not sure what to expect due to the overall inexperience. “You try to give them an offense and start it and hope to get the best shot available,� Miller said. “That’s kind of where we are now, and we’re going to find out how good we are defensively and if we can board. We need to go play and find out. I got 10 kids that are going to see action.�

Thomas Huitt-Johnson can be reached at thomas.hj@newspressnow.com

file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

Bishop LeBlond’s Hailey Slater establishes post position against Smithville’s Maddie Nelson last year at Grace Gymnasium.

BISHOP LEBLOND HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 2011 VARSITY BOYS VARSITY GIRLS

Bishop LeBlond High School

DATE 11/28-12/3 12/6 12/13 12/15 12/16 12/28-12/30 1/5 1/10 1/13 1/17 1/20 1/23-1/28 1/31 2/3 2/7 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/23 2/27-3/3

OPPONENT Savannah Tourney Jeerson Falls City Benton Lafayette LeBlond Tourney Chillicothe Mid-Buchanan Excelsior Springs Lawson Cameron Cameron Tourney Maryville Savannah Pembroke Hill Lafayette Smithville Benton Alta Vista Charter Districts

LOCATION Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Away

TIME TBA 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

TBA 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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7 p.m.

TBA

DATE 11/28-12/3 12/6 12/15 12/16 12/28-12/30 1/3 1/6 1/10 1/17 1/23-1/28 1/31 2/2 2/7 2/9 2/14 2/16 2/21 2/23 2/27-3/3

OPPONENT Savannah Tourney Jeerson Benton Lafayette LeBlond Tourney Mid-Buchanan Chillicothe St. Pius X Falls City Cameron Tourney

LOCATION Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Notre Dame De Sion Home Savannah Home Cameron Away Lafayette Home Smithville Away Benton Away O’Hara Away Maryville Home Districts Away

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A

ALL-MEC CONFERENCE 2010-11 Girls team First team

Player

Class

sChool

Player

Class

sChool

Mataya Wooten

Sr.

Maryville

Jackie Ziesel

Sr.

LeBlond

Breonna embray

Sr.

Benton

sydney Catlett

Sr.

Smithville

Conner hazelrigg Sr.

LeBlond

Taylor Gadbois

Sr.

Maryville

sydney Wilkinson Jr.

Benton

Player

Maddie Nelson

So.

Smithville

oceonna Weston So.

Lafayette

lindsey Partridge Sr.

Savannah

Honorable mention anna Curtis Jr. Cameron Myia Weston Jr. Lafayette Kelsey hicks Sr. Chillicothe Blayre helm Jr. Savannah

Class

sChool

andee Wahlert

So.

Benton

ashli lykins

Fr.

Cameron

erin Christiansen Sr.

LeBlond

Molly stiens

Sr.

Maryville

shannon McClellan Sr.

Maryville

Gailynn Kelly

Jr.

Savannah

Kelcia edwards

Sr.

Smithville

Class

sChool

boYs team First team Player

Class

Dillon Deck

Sr.

Player

Class

sChool

Chris young

Jr.

Benton

Smithville

Tyler Peterson

Jr.

Savannah

alex Thompson

Sr.

Chillicothe

So.

Maryville

Tyler Walter

Jr.

Maryville

Jr.

Savannah

Jeff leeson

So.

Lafayette

Cameron richardson Sr.

Benton

sChool

Mitch hatten

Sr.

Cameron

Jonathan Baker

Tim Nelson

Sr.

Lafayette

Blake McFadden

Trace Naylor

Sr.

Cameron

Tyler Peve

Sr.

Maryville

Honorable mention austin Frerichs Jr. Smithville Chuckie Kempf Jr. LeBlond

Ian Toalson

Sr.

Lafayette

Player

Michael Fleshman Jr.

Cameron

Jacob Madden

So.

LeBlond

Brock Mick

Fr.

Smithville

FIle PhoTo/St. Joseph News-Press

Maryville’s Tyler Walter goes up for the layup against the Benton defense during a game last year at Springer Gymnasium.

MEC conference boYs BENTON

g last year: 4-21 (2-5 MEC) g Coach: George Ross Jr., entering 1st season g Top returners: G Chris Young, Sr.; F Tyler Fredrickson, Sr.; F Matt Cowles, Sr.; G Ryan Mitchell, Sr. g Key losses: Cameron Richardson

BISHOP LEBLOND

g last year: 8-15 (3-4 MEC) g Coach: Greg Kastner, entering 7th season g Top returners: G Chuckie Kempf, Sr.; F Jacob Madden, Jr.; G Grant Gillaspie, Jr.; F Joe Voltmer, Sr. g Key losses: none

CAMERON

g last year: 25-3 (6-1 MEC) g Coach: Richard Berry, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Michael Fleshman, Sr.; G Luke Hunter, Jr.; G Carter Morrison, Jr.; F Vince Franks, Sr. g Key losses: Mitch Hatten, Trace Naylor

CHILLICOTHE

g last year: 4-20 (0-7 MEC) g Coach: Tim Cool, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Nic Voorhies, Sr.; G Tyler Midgett, Sr.; F Spencer Hart, Sr.; G Jacob McKiddy, Sr. g Key losses: Alex Thompson, Zach Douglas, Damien Lame

LAFAYETTE

SAVANNAH

g last year: 22-10 (6-1 MEC), finished 4th in Class 4 g Coach: Chris Neff, entering 5th season g Top returners: G Caleb Bates, Sr.; F Jeff Leeson, Jr.; G Xavier Kurth, So. g Key losses: Tim Nelson, Ian Toalson, Max Sollars, Tyrai Skeen

g last year: 14-13 (3-4 MEC) g Coach: Nick Kemerling, entering 10th season g Top returners: G Tyler Peterson, Sr.; G Blake McFadden, Sr.; F Ryle Williams, Sr. g Key losses: none

SMITHVILLE

MARYVILLE

g last year: 17-9 (5-2 MEC) g Coach: Chad Jones, entering 10th season g Top returners: F Austin Frerichs, Sr.; G Brock Mick, So.; G Cory Marmet, Jr. g Key losses: Dillon Deck

g last year: 16-10 (4-3 MEC) g Coach: Mike Kuwitzky, entering 26th season g Top returners: G Jonathan Baker, Jr.; G Tyler Walter, Sr. g Key losses: Tyler Peve, Dillon Luke

Girls BENTON

g last year: 16-11 (5-2 MEC) g Coach: Brett Goodwin, entering 11th season g Top returners: G Sydney Wilkinson, Sr.; G Andee Wahlert, Jr.; F Lauryn Doolan, Jr.; G Erin Riddle, Jr. g Key losses: Breonna Embray

BISHOP LEBLOND

g last year: 20-6 (5-2 MEC) g Coach: Wayne Miller, entering 5th season g Top returners: G Hailey Slater, Sr. g Key losses: Jackie Ziesel, Ashburn Holley, Conner Hazelrigg, Ali Orban, Erin Christiansen, Loree Hazelrigg

CAMERON

g last year: 11-15 (1-6 MEC) FIle PhoTo/St. Joseph News-Press g Coach: Matt Wenck, entering 3rd season Lafayette guard Megan Tolar drives to the basket against g Top returners: G Anna Curtis, Sr.; G Ashli Lykins, So. Maryville defender Brook Byland during a game last year at Lafayette High School. g Key losses: Caroline Lowenstein

CHILLICOTHE

SMITHVILLE

LAFAYETTE

g last year: 25-6 (6-1 MEC), finished 2nd in Class 4 g Coach: Trevor Mosby, entering 7th season g Top returners: G Maddie Nelson, Jr.; F Paige Imhoff, So.; G Bethany Pierce, So. g Key losses: Sydney Catlett, Kelicia Edwards, Erin Robinson

MARYVILLE

g last year: 12-11 (3-4 MEC) g Coach: Terry Hopkins, entering 10th season g Top returners: G Gailynn Kelly, Sr.; G Blayre Helm, Sr.; G Brittney Chambers, Sr.; G Morgan Knorr, Sr.; F Carly Cox, Jr.; G Kayla Minor, Sr. g Key losses: Lindsey Partridge

g last year: 9-17 (2-5 MEC) g Coach: Ryan Madison, entering 2nd season g Top returners: F Oceonna Weston, Jr.; G Myia Weston, Sr.; G Ashley Hinkle, So.; G Brooke Ward, Jr.; G Megan Tolar, Jr.; G Ariel Dydell, Jr. g Key losses: none

SAVANNAH

g last year: 24-4 (6-1 MEC), lost in Class 3 quarterfinals g Coach: Grant Hageman, entering 6th

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g last year: 5-17 (0-7 MEC) g Coach: Rachel Parkey, entering 2nd season g Top returners: F Sarah Baldwin, Sr.; F Samantha McKiddy, Jr.; G Maddy Williams, Jr. g Key losses: Kelsey Hicks, Bradee Gabel

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CAMERON HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY 2011-12 BASKETBALL

BOYS

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION 12/2 Richmond Home 12/6 Excelsior Springs Away 12/9 Liberty North Away 12/13 Lawson Away 12/15 Lathrop Home 12/16-12/20 Harrisonville Tournament Away 12/29 NCMC Holiday Hoops Away 1/5 Savannah Home 1/9-1/14 Kearney Bulldog Classic Tournament Away 1/17 Plattsburg Away 1/20 Bishop LeBlond Away 1/23-1/28 Cameron Tournament Home 1/31 Benton Away 2/3 Lafayette Home 2/6 Hamilton Away 2/10 Smithville Home 2/14 Trenton Home 2/17 Chillicothe Home 2/21 Maryville Away

GIRLS

TIME 5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA TBA 5:30 p.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

8 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

DATE 11/28 12/1 12/5 12/13 12/16 12/21-12/22 12/28-12/30 1/6 1/9-1/14 1/16 1/23-1/28 1/30 2/3 2/7 2/9 2/14 2/16 2/21

OPPONENT LOCATION Plattsburg Home Excelsior Springs Home Liberty North Away Lawson Away Oak Grove Away NCMC Holiday Hoops Home Bishop LeBlond Holiday Tournament Away Savannah Away South Harrison Tournament Away Lathrop Home Cameron Tournament Home Benton Home Lafayette Away Bishop LeBlond Home Smithville Away Trenton Home Chillicothe Away Maryville Home

TIME 6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBA TBA 5:30 p.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

TBA 5:30 p.m.

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

A

2011 ALL NEWS-PRESS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS

Sunday, November 27, 2011

2011 ALL NEWS-PRESS BoyS BASKETBALL TEAMS

1st team

1st team

Player

Jackie Ziesel

HeIGHT Class

5-9

Sr.

sCHool Bishop LeBlond

sierra Michaelis

5-10

So.

Mercer

lindsay Vollmer*

5-10

Sr.

Chelsey Merrigan

5-9

Taylor Gadbois

5-10

Player

Mitch Hatten*

HeIGHT Class

6-8

Sr.

sCHool Cameron

austin eckert

6-2

Jr.

ACCHS

Hamilton

Tim Nelson

5-9

Sr.

Lafayette

Sr.

Jefferson

Dillon Deck

6-8

Sr.

Smithville

Sr.

Maryville

Keagan Prather

6-2

Sr.

Hamilton

2nd team

2nd team Player

HeIGHT Class

Player

sCHool

HeIGHT Class

sCHool

Brandon Wyatt

5-10

Sr.

Mid-Buchanan

eli smith

6-3

Sr.

Troy

Lathrop

Billy Wendt

6-2

Sr.

South Harrison

Sr.

Smithville

Ian Toalson

6-4

Sr.

Lafayette

5-5

Jr.

Central

Jacob stoll

6-0

Sr.

Jefferson

5-9

Jr.

North Platte

Brent Bush

6-0

Jr.

DeKalb

Megan rosenbohm 5-7

Fr.

Nodaway-Holt

Kendle schieber

5-7

Jr.

Jefferson

Janelle saling

5-8

Sr.

sydney Catlett

5-9

ali Howat emilee Buckler 3rd team

3rd team

Player

5-5

sCHool Jr. St. Joseph Christian

Player

alexa Taff

HeIGHT Class

Chris young

5-10

Jr.

o’Ceonna Weston

5-9

So.

Lafayette

Forrest Hicks

6-6

Jr. St. Joseph Christian

rebekah Capader

6-0

Sr.

Trenton

lucas schawang

6-1

Jr.

Mound City

Breonna embray

5-7

Sr.

Benton

Kyle livengood

6-6

Sr.

Tarkio

Kaitlyn Mercer

6-2

Sr.

Stanberry

Josh Pickrell

6-4

Sr.

Hamilton

Tara ellerman

6-1

Jr.

ACCHS

ondrej Gargula

6-5

Sr.

ACCHS

Coach of the year: Trevor Mosby

FIle PHoTo/St. Joseph News-Press

Cameron forward Mitch Hatten shoots over Smithville’s Austin Frerichs during the second quarter of a Cameron Invitational game last season.

Hatten was the News-Press boys player of the year.

Smithville

* Denotes player of the year

HeIGHT Class

sCHool

Benton

Coach of the year: Chris Neff

Lafayette

* Denotes player of the year

20 Basketball 2012 Season Se

BOYS SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

11/28-12/3 12/13 12/14 12/16 12/20 1/5 1/6 1/9-1/14 1/17 1/21 1/24 1/26-1/28 1/31 2/3 2/7 2/8 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/20-2/25

Savannah Tournament Benton Excelsior Springs Atchison Hamilton Cameron Maryville Kearney Tournament West Platte Gary Filbert Classic (Mexico) Clarinda Eldon Tournament Lafayette LeBlond Homecoming Smithville Liberty North Chillicothe Benton Maryville District

Proud supporter of Coach Hopkins & Kemerling

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DATE

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TBA 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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11/28-11/23 12/6 12/8 12/16 12/19 12/28 1/3 1/6 1/9 1/11 1/17 1/18 1/20 1/23-1/28 1/31 2/2 2/7 2/9 2/14 2/16 2/20-2/25

OPPONENT

SITE

TIME

Savannah Tournament St. Teresa’s Academy Pleasant Hill Atchison Benton North Central Shootout Lafayette Cameron Maryville O’Hara East Buchanan Liberty North Clarinda Cameron Tournament Lafayette LeBlond Smithville Chillicothe Benton Maryville District

Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Away

TBA 4 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

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5:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

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TBA

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A

Playoff shortfall leaves Lions hungry to achieve Loss in sectional play fuels Christian

BY MATT GLEAVES St. Joseph News-Press

St. Joseph Christian coach David Johnson stepped into a golden situation in his first season with the Lions in 2010.

The team Johnson inherited from longtime coach had all the key components to allow him to make one major adjustment. Johnson switched Christian to more of a push-the-ball up offense that he coupled with tough, pressure defense.

Once the team grasped it, helped them to a 22-5 season that included wins in all four tournaments the Lions entered, including districts. However, on the biggest stage, the offense abandoned the Lions.

The entire team struggled mightily to score against Hardin-Central in Class 1 sectional play Christian’s first trip to the postseason since 2004. A school that has fluctuated between Class 1 and Class 2 seemingly let a golden opportunity slip away in a game filled with mistakes and poor shooting. “It was a loss of sleep for about six months for me,� Johnson said. “That was a game that we had chances and opportunities but when you get into postseason play anybody can beat anybody.�

Johnson’s system has worked before.

He owns a 152-50 career record after his first year with Christian following a successful stint at Baileyville B&B (Kan.) where he led the school to three straight

Class 1 championship games from 19982000, winning the title in 1999.

For this season’s Christian squad to be consistent and effective, Johnson believes that the team’s conditioning and post play will be key factors.

Christian graduated starting forward Mariah Weil and reserve Erin Hook, but seniors Kasey Hall and Danielle Beard will provide the Lions with stability.

Depth in the front court becomes the main issue. “We will probably be looking to use a three-(player) rotation down in the post,� Johnson said. “We would like to play from the inside out, but we will have to see when the season starts.�

Christian will have to figure out ways to execute its offense against teams that know the new philosophy under Johnson’s guidance.

Senior guard Alexa Taff will be looked upon to provide the Lions with a swift decision maker at the top of the offense.

Along with junior Emylee King and senior Courtlin Osborn, the Lions boast a trio of experienced guards.

With the success of the 2010 squad, Johnson is preparing his team for everyone’s best shot. However, the returning talent lends credibility that the Lions could be poised to make another run to the point where they fell short a year ago. “Everyone knows that we are going to push the ball this season,� Johnson said. “I think at times we struggled against a zone (defense) and struggled with our conditioning at times so we are trying to address that early in the season.�

Matt Gleaves can be reached at matt.gleaves@newspressnow.com

file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

St. Joseph Christian guard Alexa Taff drives past Mound City junior Taylor Miles during a district game last year at North Andrew High School.

Christian boys return 10 players from last year’s playoff team

BY MATT GLEAVES St. Joseph News-Press

file photo/St. Joseph News-Press

St. Joseph Christian’s Forrest Hicks goes to the basket against Elwood’s Blane Wilson during a game last season at St. Joseph Christian School.

St. Joseph Christian’s basketball team went from the bottom to the top in a hurry.

Last season, Christian made its second trip to the state playoffs in school history and first in nine years. The Lions won only seven games combined the previous two seasons, including a 1-19 2009 campaign.

Despite a loss in sectionals to Braymer, Christian made the leap back into the Class 1 elite in Christian coach Scott Jenkins’ sixth year. “I think that experience in the playoffs last season is really motivating the team,� Jenkins said. “It was maybe two weeks after that loss that the guys were in here wanting to go back to work.�

Christian beat King City in overtime in the district championship game.

However, the Lions trailed from the outset versus Braymer, and their season ended at 18-9. After graduating only two seniors, the Lions are hungry for even more suc-

This year we have the whole team together for three weeks as opposed to one week like we normally have before our first game — ROBBIE KAUFMAN, senior at St. Joseph Christian commenting on practicing with the team.

cess this season and a postseason return.

Forrest Hicks, the Lions’ leading scorer from 2010, returns with his 20 points per game average which led the team last season. The 6foot-6 senior pairs up, with Robbie Kaufman to form a dual-post front line that creates tough matchups for other small schools. “(Hicks) is a key element in our offense obviously,� Jenkins said. “But we have some kids that were

sophomores last season that will be able to step up and score some points when (Hicks) isn’t.�

Christian returns 10 players, and for the first time in three years, the Lions’ football contingent joined practices before Thanksgiving. A semifinal loss to Mound City kept the football team from a fourth straight Show-Me Bowl and upped Jenkins’ practice numbers from five players to double digits last week. “This year we have the whole team together for three weeks as opposed to one week like we normally have before our first game,�

Kaufman said.

Christian’s main goal is a return to the state tournament but this time to make a playoff run. The Lions want to use the disappointing Braymer loss to help their approach to every game this year. “(Last year’s loss) is a big motivation, but we also just have to take everything one step at a time and focus on getting ready for our first game,� Hicks said.

Matt Gleaves can be reached at matt.gleaves@newspressnow.com

St. Joseph Christian School VARSITY BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL 2011-2012

DATE 12/6 12/8 12/13 12/15 12/20 12/28-12/30 1/3 1/6 1/9-1/14 1/16-1/21 1/17 1/23-1/28 1/31 2/3 2/7 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/21 2/24 2/26-3/2 3/6 3/10 3/15-3/17

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LOCATION Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home TBA Away Away Away

TIME 5 p.m.

6 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA TBA 5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

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5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

A10

Sunday, November 27, 2011 ACCHS’ Austin Eckert (15) draws contact on his way to the hoop during his team’s 62-50 loss to Wichita Collegiate in the Class 3A state consolation game last year in Hutchinson, Kan. Eckert was a firstteam All-Delaware Valley League selection.

2010-11 ALL-DVL teams

Player

Girls team

boYs team

First team

First team

Class

haley Kelly* Sr. Jordan Kramer* Jr. abbey Kearney* Sr. Tara ellerman* Jr. Carrie lierz Sr. Katie Noll Sr. Jacee Kramer Fr. Morgan Trott Sr. haley Pfau Jr. Brittney simek Jr. liz Todd Jr. hannah Compton Sr.

sChool

Oskaloosa JCN Valley Falls ACCHS Jackson Heights JCN JCN K.C. Christian Oskaloosa Immaculata Immaculata Horton

second team Kassidy Blevins So. Doniphan West Paige Fenly So. Troy Markie Gray So. Pleasant Ridge allison Wallisch Jr. ACCHS Megan Vanderweide Jr. ACCHS Terri stewart Jr. McLouth Kate Brickell Jr. JCN Morgan streeter Sr. Valley Falls Brooke Fowler Jr. ACCHS lora Pickman Sr. Horton ashley Dishon Jr. Horton Maura schmidling Sr. Immaculata Honorable mention abbi ellis Fr. Doniphan West allie simmin So. Wathena Bailey Blair Sr. Wathena anna Kern Sr. JCN Cassie roberts Sr. Pleasant Ridge lexi skaggs Sr. Pleasant Ridge

Player

Class

sChool

austin eckert*

Jr.

ACCHS

ondrej Gargula*

Sr.

ACCHS

eli smith*

Sr.

Troy

Marc ellis*

Jr. Doniphan West

Dalton Minor

Jr.

JCN

adam Bowser

Sr.

Oskaloosa

Jordan Morrow

Sr.

Valley Falls

Jordan Mehalic

Sr.

K.C. Christian

royce elder

Sr.

Wathena

T.J. Kocour

Jr.

MH-MA

Jeff hale

Sr.

JCN

ryan Martin

Sr.

ACCHS

second team logan longwell Sr. Immaculata riley hundley Sr. ACCHS Graham shadwick Sr. K.C. Christian Cody Dureya Jr. Jackson Heights Gavin swearngin Jr. McLouth Gary Flack Sr. Pleasant Ridge John ernzen Sr. Pleasant Ridge Brooks Glassel Sr. Valley Falls Johnny lawless Jr. MH-MA alex Nottingham Sr. Valley Falls Dominic Kingman Jr. JCN Josh Merz Jr. Horton Honorable mention Brandon heim Jr. Pleasant Ridge shawn Dailey Jr. McLouth *Denotes unanimous decision

File PhoTo/ St. Joseph News-Press

2010-11 ALL-BIG 7 LeaGue teams Girls team

boYs team

First team Player

Class

First team sChool

Player

Class

sChool

ryann Bowser

Jr.

Holton

Forrestal hickman Sr.

Holton

Jayna smith

Jr.

Holton

Trent Tanking

So.

Holton

McKayla Brezina Jr.

Nemaha Valley

Tyler Burdiek

So.

Holton

erica rottinghaus Sr.

Nemaha Valley

Kevin Burdiek

Sr.

Nemaha Valley

Tamera stallbaumer Sr.

Sabetha

Kyle hunninghake Sr.

Nemaha Valley

Jacqueline Frey

Jr.

Sabetha

Dalton abel

Sr.

Santa Fe Trail

Taylor Klover

Sr.

Hiawatha

Caleb Barger

Jr.

Royal Valley

Maddie lindstrom Sr.

Hiawatha

Troy Matson

Jr.

Sabetha

Madison hoover

Sr.

abbey Bays

Sr. Perry-Lecompton

Royal Valley

Honorable mention Kylie Miller Jr. Holton Jill lutz Sr. Holton Meggie hall Jr. Sabetha Kortney edelman Jr. Sabetha Monica sanders Sr. Jefferson Co. West Chelsea hodison Jr. Royal Valley shelby Dahl Fr. Santa Fe Trail

Jonathan Denton Jr. Perry-Lecompton Cory Brown

So. Jefferson Co. West

Honorable mention Keegan McKernan Sr. Nemaha Valley Dillon roy Sr. Jefferson Co. West Kooper Winterscheidt Jr. Hiawatha Brenden Bigham Sr. Hiawatha Jesse snyder Sr. Sabetha anthony Perry Sr. Santa Fe Trail

MAUR HILL Basketball 2011-2012MOUNT ACADEMY

ATCHISON DATE

12/5-12/8 12/6 12/9 12/13 12/16 12/16 12/20 1/6 1/9 1/12 1/13 1/17-1/21 1/23 1/27 1/31 2/3 2/7 2/10 2/14 2/16 2/17 2/21 2/23

OPPONENT LOCATION Lafayette Tourney (VB) Away

Pleasant Ridge ACCHS McLouth Savannah (VB) Savannah (VG) Spring Hill Sumner Bonner Springs Schlagle (VG) Schlagle (VB)

Tonganoxie Tourney

Washington Tonganoxie Harmon Wyandotte Washington Sumner Schlagle Harmon (VG) Harmon (VB) Wyandotte (VG) Wyandotte (VB)

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7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7p p.m.

DATE

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OPPONENT

Jefferson North

LOCATION

Home NEK Shootout vs. Troy Home NEK Shootout vs. Riverside Away NEK Shootout vs. Doniphan West Away Troy Away Jackson Heights Home ACCHS Home KC Christian Home Pleasant Ridge Away Riverside Tourney Away Horton Away Immaculata Away Doniphan West Away Valley Falls Home Jefferson Co. North Away Oskaloosa Home McLouth Away

TIME

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

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5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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Wishing you Good Luck this Season!!

Basketball Preview 2011-12

Sunday, November 27, 2011

A11

area kansas schools Boys ACCHS

HIAWATHA

g Last year: 19-2 (12-0 DVL), finished 4th in Class 3A g Coach: Jeff Starkey, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Austin Eckert, Sr. g Key losses: Riley Hundley, Ondrej Gargula, Ryan Martin

RIVERSIDE

g Last year: 7-14 (4-10 Big 7) g Coach: Gordon Gunderson, entering 19th season g Top returners: G Kooper Winterscheidt, Sr. g Key losses: Brendan Bigham

HORTON

ATCHISON

g Last year: 2-17 (2-11 DVL) g Coach: Michael Lanter, entering 2nd season g Top returners: F Josh Merz, Sr. g Key losses: Chris McClaskey, Tayor Moman

g Last year: 1-21 (0-10 KCAL) g Coach: Matt Hall, entering 1st season g Top returners: F Blake Dykstra, Jr.; F Michael Vaughn, Jr.; F Tanner Huntington, So. g Key losses: Jonathan Ogletree, CeZanne Burnes

MAuR HILL-MOuNT ACADAMy

DONIPHAN WEST

SABETHA

g Last year: 10-12 (6-8 Big 7) g Coach: Scott Burger, entering 10th season g Top returners: F Troy Matson, Sr. g Key losses: Jesse Snyder, Trey McCluskey, Ryan Lane

TROy

g Last year: 13-6 (8-4 DVL) g Coach: Tim Van Dyke, entering 18th season g Top returners: G T.J. Kocour, Sr.; F Johnny Lawless, Sr.; G Austin Lewman, Sr. g Key losses: Patrick Klebba

g Last year: 4-15 (3-9 DVL) g Coach: Matt Ellis, entering 2nd season g Top returners: G Marc Ellis, Sr.; F Derek Gibson, Jr.; F Tyler Diveley, Sr.; G Luke Twombly, Jr. g Key losses: none

g Last year: Wathena 12-8 (8-5 DVL), Elwood 16-6 (7-1 PVC) g Coach: Tim Orth, entering 18th season g Top returners: F Derek Nold, Sr.; G Blane Wilson, Sr.; F Paden Halter, Sr. g Key losses: Royce Elder, Bryson Wilson

g Last year: 8-11 (4-8 DVL) g Coach: Dallas Keller, entering 4th season g Top returners: G Dylan Norris, Sr., F Reece Simpson, Jr. g Key losses: Eli Smith, Garrett Masters, Steven Clary

girls

FILE PHOTO/St. Joseph News-Press

Wathena’s Derek Nold, left, and Sawyer Adkins try to pull down a rebound offensive board during an Elwood Invitational game last season. Nold and Adkins will play for Riverside this year.

Troy’s Kodie Wetmore tries to dribble past ACCHS’ Hannah Corpstein during a game last year at Troy High School.

ACCHS

g Last year: 17-2 (11-1 DVL) g Coach: Cy Wallisch, entering 13th season g Top returners: C Tara Ellerman, Sr.; G Allison Wallisch, Sr.; G Megan Vanderweide, Sr.; G Brooke Fowler, Sr. g Key losses: none

g Key losses: Jenna Hundley

RIVERSIDE

FILE PHOTO/St. Joseph News-Press

ATCHISON

SABETHA

g Last year: 10-11 (7-2 KCAL) g Coach: Roni Ettleman, entering 4th season g Top returners: G Paige Wood, Sr.; G/F Rachael Sowers, Jr.; G Madison Sanders, jr. g Key losses: Ashley Gray, Alanna Downing, Kaitlyn Underwood

DONIPHAN WEST

g Last year: 9-10 (5-7 DVL) g Coach: Troy Hoffman, entering 3rd season g Top returners: G Abbi Ellis, So.; F Kassidy Blevins, Jr. g Key losses: Taryn Gibson

HIAWATHA

g Last year: 7-14 (4-10 Big 7)

g Last year: Wathena 4-16 (2-11 DVL), Elwood 8-13 (3-5 PVC) g Coach: Bryan Adkins, entering 1st season g Top returners: F Allie Simmin, Jr.; G/F Skyleigh Pummell, Sr.; G Taylor Smith, Sr. g Key losses: Katie Jenkins, Bailey Blair, Sara Snodgrass, Arielle Richey g Last year: 18-4 (12-2 Big 7) g Coach: Alex McAfee, entering 10th season g Top returners: G Jacqueline Frey, Sr.; G Meggie Hall, Sr.; F Kortney Edelman, Sr. g Key losses: Tamera Stallbaumer

TROy

g Coach: Brett Krauter, entering 1st season g Top returners: none g Key losses: Taylor Klover, Maddie Lindstrom

HORTON

g Last year: 10-9 (9-4 DVL) g Coach: Scott Erickson, entering 2nd season g Top returners: G Ashley Dishon, Sr.

g Key losses: Lora Pickman, Hannah Compton

MAuR HILL-MOuNT ACADEMy

g Last year: 5-14 (4-8 DVL) g Coach: Courtney Edmonds, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Jordan Campbell, Sr.; G Sarah Mullins, Jr.

g Last year: 8-11 (3-9 DVL) g Coach: Derrick Jasper, entering 15th season g Top returners: F Paige Fenley, Jr. g Key losses: Whitney Klaus, Kodie Wetmore, MacKenzie Clary

Join these Boosters in Saluting the Cyclones!

Back To Health 324 St. Joseph St., Wathena 785-989-4644

Riverside Varsity Basketball 2011-2012 Date 12/2 12/6 12/9

Opponent Jefferson Co. West Doniphan West Maur HillMount Acadamey 12/10 Troy 12/13 Horton 12/16 Pleasant Ridge 1/3 Troy 1/6 Immaculata 1/10 Valley Falls 1/13 Oskaloosa 1/17-1/21 Riverside Tournament 1/27 Maur HillMount Academy 1/31 ACCHS 2/3 McLouth 2/7 Jefferson Co. North 2/10 Kansas City Christian 2/17 Doniphan West 2/21 Jackson Heights 2/27-3/3 Sub-State

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Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away

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TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Away

4 p.m.

Away Away Home Home

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Away Home Home TBA

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TBA

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

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Basketball Preview 2011-12

A12

KCI conference

ALL-KCI CONFERENCE 2010-11

BOYS

BOYS TEAM FirST Cory Bower*° Michael Burton*° Devin Sellers Garrison Green*° Lee Cureton* Brandon Wyatt* Nick Andriano* Mike Tupica* Brandt Sanders Alex Roe

WEST PLATTE

TEAM Jr. East Buchanan Sr. East Buchanan Sr. Lathrop Jr. Lawson Sr. Lawson Sr. Mid-Buchanan Sr. Mid-Buchanan Jr. Mid-Buchanan Sr. North Platte Sr. West Platte

HOnOrABlE MEnTiOn Caleb Mitchell

Sr. East Buchanan

Seth huffhines

Sr.

Lawson

Taylor Dameron

Jr.

Lawson

Christian Robbins

Sr. Mid-Buchanan

Daniel Jameson

Sr.

North Platte

Tyler hogle

Sr.

Plattsburg

Nathan Coulson

So.

West Platte

Sunday, November 27, 2011

EAST BUCHANAN

g Last year: 11-14 (2-4 KCI) g Coach: Zane Tanner, entering 15th season g Top returners: F Adam Roe, So.; F Nathan Coulson, Jr.; G Dylan Guthrie, Jr. g Key losses: Jacob Wilson, Alex Roe

g Last year: 19-7 (4-2 KCI) g Coach: Kevin Jermain, entering 6th season g Top returners: F Cory Bower, Sr.; F Ryan Stallard, Sr.; F Brandon McNeely, Sr.; G Cazes Johnson, Sr. g Key losses: Michael Burton, Caleb Mitchell, James O’Brien

NORTH PLATTE

g Last year: 17-11 (2-4 KCI), lost in Class 2 sectionals g Coach: Roger Giger, entering 28th season g Top returners: G Tanner Catlett, Sr.; F Joe Fedrizzi, Sr.; G Levi Hill, Jr. g Key losses: Brandt Sanders, Daniel Jameson, Evan Hill

MID-BUCHANAN

LATHROP

g Last year: 5-20 (1-5 KCI) g Coach: Ben Thomason, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Brandon Stimelsky, Jr.; C Josh Leibrandt, Jr.; G Chris Koehn, Jr.; G Alan-Michael Sparling, Jr. g Key losses: Devin Sellers, Brock Gipson

LAWSON

g Last year: 16-10 (6-0 KCI) g Coach: Brad Smith, entering 17th season

fiLe phoTo/St. Joseph News-Press

Mid-Buchanan guard Michael Tupica pump fakes against East Buchanan guard Dillon Pasley during a Class 2 District 16 game last year at East Buchanan High School.

g Top returners: G Garrison Green, Sr.; F Taylor Dameron, Sr.; F Sam Hendrickson, Sr.; F Blake Edwards, Jr. g Key losses: Lee Cureton, Seth Huffhines

g Last year: 24-4 (5-1 KCI), lost in Class 3 sectionals g Coach: Bryce Kemper, entering 7th season g Top returners: G Mike Tupica, Sr. g Key losses: Brandon Wyatt, Nick Andriano, Christian Robbins

PLATTSBURG

g Last year: 3-19 (1-5 KCI) g Coach: Brett Dickerson, entering 3rd season g Top returners: G Carter Ward, So.; F Andrew Dickerson, Jr. g Key losses: Tyler Hogle, Damond Lanham

GirlS

GirlS TEAM FirST TEAM hannah o’Donnell*° Sr. East Buchanan Chelsea Dewey So. East Buchanan Janelle Saling*° Sr. Lathrop Randi Blaser Sr. Lathrop Kayla Glenn*° Jr. Lawson Mackenzie McNeely° Jr. Lawson Jaaron Kassanavoid*° Sr. Lawson Cassy Moppin° Jr. Mid-Buchanan emilee Buckler*° Jr. North Platte Betsy Lee Sr. North Platte Jackie Graham*° So. Plattsburg DJ Ward Sr. Plattsburg HOnOrABlE MEnTiOn Alex Goodwin

Sr.

Lathrop

Lacy Bishop

Sr.

Lathrop

Khadesha Rowland Jr. Mid-Buchanan Denotes unanimous decision * ° Denotes repeat selection

North Platte coach Karl Matt reacts during the Class 2 semifinal loss against Couch last year at Hearnes Center in Columbia, Mo.

NORTH PLATTE

g Last year: 22-8 (5-1 KCI), finished 4th in Class 2 g Coach: Karl Matt, entering 5th season g Top returners: F Emilee Buckler, Sr.; G Crystal Haugsness, Sr.; G Kelsey Adkins, Sr. g Key losses: Betsey Lee, Kaitlyn McLaughlin

EAST BUCHANAN

g Last year: 12-14 (2-4 KCI) g Coach: Cori Elms, entering 2nd season g Top returners: G Chelsea Dewey, Jr.; F Sidney Plackemeier, Jr. g Key losses: Hannah O’Donnell, Tori Cantrell

LAWSON

g Last year: 17-11 (3-3 KCI), lost in Class 3 sectionals g Coach: Lisa Glenn, entering 9th season g Top returners: G Kayla Glenn, Sr.; G MacKenzie McNeely, Sr.; F Janee Kassanavoid, Jr.; F Katelyn Rickwa, Sr. g Key losses: Jaaron Kassanavoid

PLATTSBURG

g Last year: 13-11 (5-1 KCI) g Coach: Dave Kopp, entering 1st season

fiLe phoTo St. Joseph News-Press

g Top returners: G Jackie Graham, Jr.; G Kenzie Treese, Sr. g Key losses: DJ Ward, Marisa Hall, Tatum Hannah

LATHROP

g Last year: 20-6 (5-1 KCI) g Coach: Mark Gordon, entering 7th season g Top returners: G Ashley Beers, Jr.; G Sam Williams, Sr.; F Tayler Fisher, Sr.; F McKenzie Groves, Jr. g Key losses: Janelle Saling, Alex Goodwin, Randi Blaser

MID-BUCHANAN

g Last year: 8-15 (1-5 KCI) g Coach: Ron Underwood, entering 2nd season g Top returners: F Khadesha Rowland, Sr.; F Erica Phillips, Sr.; G Cassy Moppin, Sr. g Key losses: none

WEST PLATTE

g Last year: 3-20 (0-6 KCI) g Coach: Jesse Stewart, entering 1st season g Top returners: G Brooke Horseman, Jr.; G Chloe Faris, Jr.; F Samantha Comer, Sr.; G Jordan Dialek, Jr.; F Jana Hochard, Sr. g Key losses: Lauren Rhodes

EAST BUCHANAN BULLDOGS 2011-2012 Girls Basketball

2011-2012 Boys Basketball

DATE 12/1 12/3-9 12/13 12/16 12/20 12/28-30 1/6 1/9-14 1/17 1/20 2/3 2/10 2/14 2/16 2/17 2/21 2/23 2/25-3/3 3/7 3/10 3/15-17

DATE 12/1 12/3-9 12/13 12/16 12/20 12/28-30 1/6 1/9-14 1/20 1/26 2/3 2/10 2/14 2/16 2/17 2/21 2/23 2/25-3/3 3/7 3/10 3/15-17

OPPONENT HOME/AWAY Orrick Home KCI Tournament Away Hamilton Away North Platte Away South Harrison Home LeBlond Tourney Away Lawson Home Lathrop Tourney Away Savannah Home Mid-Buchanan Home West Platte Away Lathrop Away Plattsburg Home Trenton Away St. Joseph Christian Home Gallatin Home Jefferson Away District Tourney Away Sectionals Away Quarterfinals Away State Away

TIME 6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA

OPPONENT HOME/AWAY Orrick Home KCI Tournament Away Hamilton Away North Platte Away South Harrison Home LeBlond Tourney Away Lawson Home Lathrop Tourney Away Mid-Buchanan Home Maryville Away West Platte Away Lathrop Away Plattsburg Home Trenton Away St Joseph Christian Home Gallatin Home Jefferson Away District Tourn Away Sectionals Away Quarterfinals Away State Away

TIME 6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

TBA 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA

Good Luck, Bulldogs!

Join these East Buchanan Boosters In Saluting the Bulldogs!

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Embroidery, Screenprint & Sports Apparel T-SHIRTS TO LETTERMAN JACKETS

302 Railroad Ave.

Gower, MO 64454 816-424-3119 bdogland@gmail.com

web store www.gospiritgear.com