Ozark Preps Illustrated November 2010 by Publication Printer

ozark i l l u s t r at e d November 2010

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW THE

LEGACY CONTINUES

Jim Pendergrass takes over at Kickapoo In The

FAST LANE

The rise of high school swimming in the Ozarks

FROM THE

GRIDIRON HARDWOOD TO THE

Can Dorial Green-Beckham help lead Hillcrest to another state title?

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LETTER EDITOR

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the premiere issue of Ozark Preps Illustrated, a FREE monthly magazine devoted entirely to coverage of high school sports in the Ozarks. The passion and excitement of high school sports in the Ozarks run deep. Be it a packed gymnasium for a Tuesday night match-up between rivals, or a Friday night under the lights, high school sports in the Ozarks are the biggest ticket in town. Whether it’s the new coach or the old legend, the tough loss or the drive to State, communities all across the Ozarks are bound by one common theme—devotion to the local high school sports teams.

Ozark Preps Illustrated will include coverage of ALL high school sports in the Ozarks region—both boys and girls. Whether it’s football or volleyball, boys basketball or girls cross country, Ozark Preps Illustrated will have it covered. From preseason conditioning to the finals of the state tournament, Ozark Preps Illustrated will be there all year long. This issue of Ozark Preps Illustrated features our Winter Sports Preview. “Back 2 Back” features multi-sport phenom Dorial Green-Beckham and the Hillcrest basketball team, as the Hornets go after consecutive state titles on the hardwood. It has been a roller coaster of emotions for the Lady Chiefs at Kickapoo this year, from the high of a march to Columbia last spring to the lowest of lows with the passing of Coach Stephanie Phillips after a long battle with cancer this summer. Coach Phillips’ friend and colleague, Jim Pendergrass, takes over the helm at Kickapoo this season, and “The Legacy Continues” offers a profile of Coach Pendergrass and the seamless transition ongoing at Kickapoo. With the increase in year round swimming programs and club teams, the state of high school swimming in the Ozarks is very good. “In the Fast Lane” profiles the reasons behind the increase in the quantity and quality of swimmers at area high schools. Finally, the upcoming seasons for many of the area wrestling programs are previewed. are very thankful for each of you, our readers, and invite any feedback—posior negative—you wish to provide. If you have any story ideas, photos you would to be considered for publication, or would like to advertise in future issues of magazine, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail at bshive@ozarkpreps.com.

Thanks for reading Ozark Preps Illustrated! Sincerely,

i l l u s t r at e d

from the

Dear Readers,

We tive like the

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Editor-In-Chief

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bshive@ozarkpreps.com

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i l l u s t r at e d P r a i r i e Wa r b l e r Publishing, LLC

P.O. Box 777 illust Bolivar, MO 65613 Publisher/Editor-In-Chief i l l u s t r at e d Byron Shive Graphic Design/Photo Editing Ty DeClue illust Contributing Writers Jerald Andrews i l l u s t r at e d Steve Hancock Contributing Photographers Brianna Blackwell, Tracey Burns, i l l u s t Jamie Carney, Wes Putman, Lisa Rayl, Payton Rayl, Stephanie Shade, i l Alyssa l u sSpradlin, t r atLori ed Taylor Cover Photos illust Lori Taylor Printer i l lShweiki u s tMedia r at e d 4954 Space Center Dr. San Antonio, TX 78218 This issue is dedicated to the memory of

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Lindai lGayle Shive l u s t r at e d (1948-2010)

Ozark Preps Illustrated (OPI) is published monthly by Prairie Warbler Publishing LLC. Reproduc- i l l u s t tions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. OPI is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography, or manuscripts, and will not be feese or d sii lresponsible l u sfortholding r at miliar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will be become property of OPI.

Editorial Disclaimer illust All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editors. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of OPI, nor that of the publisher.

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OPI has a clear committment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a illu str ed necessity in obtaining credibility in at the magazine.

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STARTING LINE-UP

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Back 2 Back?

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BOYS BASKETBALL

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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Hillcrest won the Class 5 state championship last season.

illustr i l l u s title t r this atthe at e ed d after Can Hornets win a second-straight year

dropping to Class 4?

i l l u s tPREVIEWS r at e d BOYS BASKETBALL

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

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i l l u s t r at e d GIRLS SWIMMING

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In The Fast Lane

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The number of quality high school swimmers in the Ozarks has risen steadily in i l lThe illust u ssport t r at r at e d in year d recent years. willecontinue to grow with increased participation round swimming and the planned construction of a 50-meter indoor facility.

i l l GIRLS u s t r at ed SWIMMING

WRESTLING

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GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

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er Dr. 78218

Hillcrest’s Dorial Greeni l lby uWes s t r at e d Beckham (Photo Putman)

Jim Pendergrass is named head coach of the Lady Chiefs after the passing of his friend and colleague, Stephanie Phillips.

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aori ed

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The Legacy Continues

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PREVIEWSi l l u s t r at e d

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WRESTLING PREVIEWS

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Blue Eye’s Tara Williams (Photo courtesy of Blue Eye High School)

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DEPARTMENTS

monthly produc- i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d ion are eturn of uscripts, se or d sii l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d nd corf OPI.

contact ot necesublisher.

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nd pubrrors of s are a ed agazine.

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Branson Football Coach Steve Hancock talks i l l u s t r at e d about keeping it simple.

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opinions of OPI.

Photo Finish Chalk Talk

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End Zone

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Jerald Andrews, President of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, talks about i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t the i l l u s t r at e d r at ed influence of high school coaches. i l l u s t r at e d

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PHOTO FINISH

(L to R): Springfield Catholic’s Kelly Devlin (#359), Weaubleau’s Bethany Roweton, Bolivar’s Sierra Wells (#185), Halfway’s Katy Hensley (#354) and Olivia Francka (#353), and Bolivar’s Ashley Lawson (#172) lead the pack at the start of the Bolivar Invitational Sept. 14 on the campus of Southwest Baptist University. Francka, an All-State performer in both cross country and track, was the individual race winner with a time of 20:52.02, while Springfield Catholic won the team competition. (Photo by Stephanie Shade)

Republic senior Payton Rayl competes in a tournament at Marshfield Country Club on Sept. 13. Rayl, who won the district championship this season, qualified for her fourth trip to the state championships. (Photo by Lisa Rayl)

Walnut Grove pitcher Hannah Harman hurls her third strikeout of the game to break the state career strikeout record in the Lady Tigers’ 6-2 District championship victory over Dadeville on Oct. 8. The senior hurler finished the game with 10 strikeouts to up her career total to 1,104, surpassing the previous mark of 1,096 strikeouts. (Photo by Payton Rayl)

Logan-Rogersville quarterback Joe Zimmer (#4) follows the blocks of Dylan Bussell (#64) and Eian Beaver (#74), as the Springfield Catholic defense fights to make a tackle in a Sept. 17 game at Rogersville. The Fightin’ Irish won the small school Central Ozarks Conference match-up 20-13. (Photo by Alyssa Spradlin / South County Mail )

Glendale’s Elise Munroe rises high for a kill in the Lady Falcon’s match-up with Nixa on Sept. 2. Glendale won the hard fought match 2-1. (Photo by Brianna Blackwell)

Hillcrest freshman Jorge Don Juan attempts to prevent a header by Willard’s Andrew Smith in the team’s match-up on Sept. 30 as part of the 2010 Willard Fall Soccer Classic. (Photo by Lori Taylor)

chalk talk Steve Hancock Head Football Coach, Branson Pirates

In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in the complexity of life. The economy is sour, and technology has opened up a new world of communication such as cell phones, texting, Twitter, and Facebook. Editing for coaches has evolved from 16mm to VHS to DVD to the Internet. Things are not as simple as they used to be. Referring to the coaching field, there is no profession that spends more time trying to figure out a better way to do things. Coaches go to clinics, buy DVD’s, videos, and get on the Internet to gain a wealth of knowledge. There are no secrets in coaching football, as we all steal ideas from one another. Offenses have evolved over generations. We have gone from single wing to wing T, from wishbone to flex bone, dead T to multiple and power I, shotgun to spread offenses. We have different personnel packages: full house, double tight two backs, 1 tight 2 WR, 3 WR, empty, all to try to get an advantage on the defense. So as a coach, what do we do with our offense? I talked to Dr. Tom Osborne once about why a person with a PhD coaches football. He answered with something like that he loves the chess game of the things you can do with eleven men on offense. I don’t have a PhD, so I try to stay away from all the chess games. If you ask one of my former players or former coaches, they will give you a simple answer: Brown 44 Dive. The simplest and fastest way to get from one point on the field to the end zone is a straight line.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Yes, I did listen in geometry class. game of football too complex. We like I asked a coach once why he didn’t the challenge of a chess game and try run the counter (pulling guard and to out coach our opponent. Why make tackle), and he said there are too many things so difficult? We take our tailmoving parts. The simplest most effec- back, line him up in the “B” gap, adtive way to move the football down just his depth according to his speed, the field is to knock the defender off and tell him to outrun the QB to the the line of scrimmage and run the ball hole. We tell our linemen to zone step straight ahead. Yes, I know that is old to the hole, and have a run through school, but if old school means getting block to level 1-2-3. Sometimes the your back flat and knocking someone simplest things in life are the best. off the line of scrimmage and running Through my many years of coaching I down hill, then yes I am old school. have believed in these simple things: I was always brought up a meat and potatoes guy. My figure proves Simple Truths I Know About Everybody: that point. My dad had simple rules 1. We choose to be happy or sad. growing up: don’t talk unless you have 2.We believe or doubt, work or loaf, something good to say, love God and succeed or fail. country, respect your elders, vote Re- 3.We all look to either get or to give. publican, and drive a Ford. Like all 4.We are all basically lazy. coaches, I have experimented with 5.We do not like to get out of our many things on offense, and have alcomfort zone. (I tell the kids everyways come back to running the dive. day I get paid to keep you out of I even went through a mid-life crisis your comfort zone.) and ran the spread for three years. My 6.We are inclined to be jealous of spread offense is now going double others. tight, spreading out the D-linemen 7.We like to procrastinate. and creating two more gaps to defend. 8.Complaining is our national past A wise man in the booth told me time. during a ballgame, just run the dive. 9.We will pass the buck in pressure I said I couldn’t run the dive every situations. play. I was wrong. I can remember 10.We will do anything for those we a game when I was frustrated with care for. the offense, and I called a time out. I told the offense that we were not Simple Truths I Know About Athletes: going to run anything other than the 1.Athletes respond better to positive dive, and we were going to get our reinforcement than negative. backs flat and get off the ball. Twelve 2.Athletes like to be disciplined and plays later, we scored a touchdown. follow a regimen. We as coaches try to make the 3.Athletes are no different today—you

8. 9.

just have to find what trips their trigger. 4.Athletes do work as hard today— their expectations and demands are much greater today. 5.Weight programs are critical— athletes do not have much manual labor. 6.Athletes have less parental support. (It is harder and harder to convince athletes to play secondary roles.) 7.Athletes will rise to the level of expectations you demand. 8.Very few athletes love the game as coaches do. (Athletes play for a variety of reasons.) 9.An athlete who is goal-oriented is

tunity to be the best they can be. much more motivated. Taking all of these things into 6.Everything in our program will reconsideration when developing a volve around the team first attitude. core of beliefs, we came up with 7.We will strive to run a disciplined the Branson Pirate football proand fair program. gram simple formula for success: 8.We will be committed to a common goal: to out work, spend more time, 1. We will strive to keep our priorities in order: GFFI (God, family, friends, and out prepare our opponent. 9.If we do the right thing the right way and I) often enough, then winning will 2.We will strive to become a football family. take care of itself. 3.We will strive to make our athletes 10.We will strive to make our parents, school, and community proud. better people. So when life bogs you down 4.We will strive to have a program that operates with mutual respect. and things get too complicated (coaches, players, and parents) just use the KISS theory (Keep It 5.We will give our athletes the oppor- Simple Stupid): RUN THE DIVE!

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By Byron Shive

The Hillcrest Hornets are the reigning Class 5 state champions, and after dropping to Class 4 in the offseason, are eyeing back-to-back state titles this season. The Hornets gained invaluable big-game experience during their state tournament run, including a couple of dramatic rallies to keep the state title dreams alive, and will look to use this experience to key another deep tournament run this season. After trailing throughout the Class 5 state championship game against Oakville last March, things did not look good for the Hillcrest Hornets midway through the fourth quarter. “Throughout the whole game, I kept telling the team, ‘just get us a lead in the fourth quarter and we’ll win,’” said head coach John Schaefer. “I told them late in the game, ‘we’re not going to get it all back in one basket, so let’s stick to what we’re good at.’” One thing the Hornets were good at was letting Dorial Green-Beckham take over a game. Hillcrest, which had trailed in only a couple games during the 12-game winning streak the team brought into the championship game, went on a 15-2 run to close out the 54-49 victory. The run was buoyed by Green-Beckham, who scored 10 of his 21 points and blocked a pair of shots in the final four minutes. Hillcrest will have to replace three starters off of last year’s state titlists, including standout Trey Starks, who led the team in scoring last season at 21.4 points per contest. The Hornets also will be without the services of Taylor

Sade and his 13 points per game, as well as floor leader Mitchell Jenkins. “With the way we play offense and defense, we just try to plug people in,” said Schaefer, who will be entering his third season at the helm of the Hornets. “You’re not gonna replace a Trey Starks, so we’ll have some role players who will need to step into their role. We do return eight seniors who played a lot last year. It will take a while for everything to come together, but I can say this: I wouldn’t want to play us.” In addition to eight seniors, Hillcrest also returns all-everything junior standout Dorial Green-Beckham, the reigning MaxPreps Athlete of the Year for his exploits on the gridiron, hardwood, and track. GreenBeckham was a double-double threat every time he hit the floor last season, averaging 18.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest last year. “Dorial is a superb athlete, obviously,” said Schaefer, “and he’s gotten better every year he’s been here. He was a little green, no pun intended, when he got here. He’s not a big vocal leader, but he leads by example. He is a gamer. His presence alone is intimidating.” Also returning in the backcourt will be senior Byron Williams, who Schaefer described as, “one of the most under estimated guards in the conference.” Williams, who averaged 6.6 points and 1.2 assists per game last year, will be expected to make a significant leap in production and leadership this season. “Byron Wil-

liams is the best on-the-ball defender on the team,” said Schaefer. “He has a motor, and he can score. He’s a leader and a very passionate player.” According to Schaefer, a quartet of players is battling for the final three starting spots this season. Sophomore Austin Petry, a 6’0” guard, started some last season, and figures to have the inside track for a starting spot opposite Williams in the Hornets’ backcourt. Senior Morgan Ruiz, a 6’4” swingman, played a lot of minutes last season, and figures to join Green-Beckham on the frontline. Senior Thomas Shepard, a 6’1” guard, also will vie for a starting slot in the Hornets’ three-guard line-up. One intriguing possibility is incoming freshman Darnell Green, Do-

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BACK? rial’s younger brother, who Schaefer believes has the skills to start in his first year. Dorial sees a lot of himself in his younger brother. “He’s like me my freshman year,” said GreenBeckham. “He has a lot of things to improve on, both physically and mentally, but he’s a good player.” The Hornets have quality depth from a host of players who saw varsity minutes last season. Senior guards Reggie Calloway, Joel Lewellan, Christian Swanson, and Luke Thompson all are experienced, and will push the starters for more minutes. Sophomores Roy Hardy and Rylan Pryor also will figure into the mix. “The best thing we do is play defense,” said Schaefer. “We’re pretty athletic, but we need to get better at

offense and taking better shots. We need to be able to score out of our half court set. We need to be a lot better in transition, and get offense off of our defense. It will be difficult for us to score against bigger, stronger teams.” As returning starters, Green-Beckham and Williams know that leadership will be important. “Me and Dorial will lead the team to where we need to go,” said Williams. “With our experience, whenever we get into a tight situation in games, we need to calm it down and show composure.” GreenBeckham believes every player has a leadership role. “Everybody needs to be their own leader,” he said. “Everyone needs to stay focused and never let up. We’re all leaders who need to play hard and not let everyone down.” Coach Schaefer knows that Hillcrest will be circled on every opponent’s schedule. “There’s always a Hillcrest’s Byron Williams (#3), Luke Thompson (#5), and Dorial Green-Beckham (#32) play defense against Oakville in the Class 5 state championship game last March. The Hornets won the game 54-49, using a 15-2 run in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter to erase an eight-point deficit. (Photo by Wes Putman)

target on your back after you win a state title,” he said. “We’re going to get everybody’s best game. Everybody wants to say that they beat the defending state champs. As long as Dorial’s on our team, there will be a target.” Green-Beckham echoed those sentiments. “Everyone will be looking to beat us,” said Green-Beckham. “But when the ball is thrown up, it’s still just basketball. We’ll be looking to get a win and prove that we’re the best team in the area.” Williams also is aware that every game will be a big one for the Hornets’ opponent. “We won state, so that’s a big target,” he said. “If everybody plays their role, though, we’ll be able to handle what any team gives us.” Coach Schaefer is not worried about his team being complacent after winning a state title. “I remind them every day that they (stink), pretty much,” he said. “Our sophomore class is pretty good, and Darnell Green is a pretty nice player as a freshman. Our seniors may have a ring on their finger and not get to play.” Despite the experience returning from last season, Schaefer knows there will be growing pains early on. “We’re old, but we’ll be a little green early on,” he said, “but by midseason and late season, we’ll be solid. I feel good about our chances come the post season.” Green-Beckham also feels good about the Hornets’ chances. “We’re going to go out and try to get another state championship,” he said.

BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS BOLIVAR LIBERATORS

After winning District and Sectional titles and making the school’s first quarterfinal appearance since 1963, the Liberators will have to replace all five starters from last season’s 20-8 squad. The departed seniors were part of a group which won two District titles in three years. Coach Robby Hoegh has six seniors and four juniors on this year’s team who will be looking to step up into the roles vacated by the departed players. Seniors Matt Magana, Gage Jacobs and Jacob Spindler contributed off the bench last season, and will be looking to step into starting roles this season. “Defense and rebounding will be the biggest key to our success this year,” said Hoegh. “Finding a good balance on offense with an inside and outside attack should make us a difficult team to defend.” The Liberators do have some height along the frontline, with a pair of players standing 6’5” in seniors Josh Chamberlain and Eric Hines, while junior Keifer Starbird checks in at 6’6”. Senior Lyle Martin and juniors David Harris, Jason Myers and Darnell Walker will also contribute.

CHADWICK CARDINALS After a slow start last season, Chadwick won 12 of its final 14 games and won the school’s third-straight District championship. The Cardinals’ season ended in Sectional play against Dadeville, which finished third in the state in Class 1 a year ago. The Cardinals will have three starters back to go after another conference and District title. Chadwick returns 1st-team AllState selection Seth Thomas, who was also the Mark Twain Conference MVP last season. The 6’4” senior averaged a team-leading 21.2 points per contest a year ago, and should be one of the

area’s top players this season. The only other senior on the roster is Jake Hull, who averaged 4.4 assists per game last season, but will be looked to for more scoring this time around. Junior Dakota Johnson emerged as a starter on last year’s team as a sophomore, and will be looked to for defense and rebounding this season. Juniors John Blair and Nick Thompson will be looking to step into starting roles after significant contributions off the bench last season. Junior Luke Johnson, a cat quick guard with good ball handling skills, will be vying for the starting point guard spot. “I’m very optimistic about this upcoming season with the group of guys we have returning, and coming off of our strong finish last season,” said head coach Scott Payne. “We are going to be a team of upperclassmen that have now learned to play together as a team. I think we will have a deeper bench this season, and guys that are hungry for varsity minutes.” The deep bench will have a slate of talented juniors who will be fighting for minutes, including Robert Cook, Anthony Getman, Vince Rogers, Justin Shipman, and Michael Sutcliffe. “We are continuing to improve, and I’m expecting a big year out of this group of guys,” said Payne. “The key will be whether we can gel together as a team, and if everyone will understand their role on the team.”

CENTRAL BULLDOGS After an inconsistent 11-16 season a year ago, the Bulldogs will be looking for improvement with an entirely new line-up this time around. “We were small and had a hard time scoring very many points,” said head coach Eddie Thomas. “We played hard, but it was just one of those types of years.” Coach Thomas’ rebuilding efforts will not be easy, as he must replace seven lettermen, including all five starters.

The Bulldogs do have a key returnee on the frontline in 6’4” senior Taylor Curtis, who shot 47.6 percent from the field last season. Other players that figure to see significant varsity action are juniors Taylor Davidson (6’4”), Daulton Gentry, Austin Harris, and 6’4” Jacob Hurlich. “The key to this year’s success is how well we can come together as a team, with all new players,” said Thomas. “We will have to play smart and hard.”

CLEVER BLUEJAYS The Bluejays went 24-9 last season and advanced to the state Final Four, where Clever finished fourth after losing to eventual state champion Sturgeon in the semifinals. However, all five starters graduated, meaning that head coach Brian McTague will have to reload in a hurry. The cupboard is not bare at Clever, but the Bluejays will be young in 201011. In fact, Clever does not have a single senior on this year’s team. Junior Clark Petrochilos and sophomore Dalton Fisher both saw action last season. In addition, Coach McTague will look for a trio of sophomores in Matt Hamilton, Josh Martin, and Travis Pennewell, and a couple of freshmen in Jared Albright and Colton Pemberton to stepup and contribute at the varsity level. “Our biggest key will be how hard we compete and how well we defend,” said McTague, in his sixth season at Clever. “We have some quickness and length and feel like we can be a very strong defensive team. Offensively, we need to get everybody on the same page with our system and to understand the difference between a good shot and a bad shot.” Petrochilos, the team’s senior statesman as a junior, will be looked to for leadership. “He has been a very good leader for us in showing the other kids how hard they need to work to be good.”

CRANE PIRATES After a posting a 20-7 record and going undefeated in conference play in winning the regular season SouthWest Central League title a year ago, the Crane Pirates will be looking for bigger and better things in 2010-11. The Pirates return a pair of starters from a year ago. All-everything senior Levi Cook led the team in scoring (24 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg) a year ago, and was named 1st-team AllState, among other honors. Manning the middle for Crane will be 6’6” senior Anthony Vermillion (8.8 ppg/8.8 rpg), who was an honorable mention all-conference performer last season. “We need to be patient on offense and bring more intensity on the defensive end,” said head coach Rob Guerin, entering his third season at Crane. “Communication and teamwork will dictate how well we perform this year.” The Pirates also welcome back several other contributors from last season, including a pair of seniors in 5’11” Zach Atkins and 5’10” Hunter Quick. Junior Cody Lumpkin and sophomore Bailey Moore also contributed for the varsity in 2009-10, while sophomores Jordan Bowling and Cole Walden also saw some varsity action last season. Junior Alex Estes and sophomore Canyon Clevenger will be making the jump to the varsity this season. Crane competed throughout the summer against several Class 4 and 5 teams, which will pay dividends for the Pirates this season. “We won a lot of games and were able to compete with bigger schools that we usually don’t see in the regular season,” said Guerin.

FORSYTH PANTHERS After an up and down 2009-10 season which saw the Panthers lose 10 games by single digits—after leading in all of them—Forsyth will be building for the future in 2010-11. The Panthers will begin the rebuilding phase under new head coach Jeremy Peterson, who will be taking over the program from longtime head coach Gary Blevins after seven years as an assistant.

“Our biggest key to this season will be inexperience,” said Peterson. “We are extremely young and will need to work exceptionally hard on the defensive end in order to be competitive this season.” The Panthers were hit hard by graduation last year, with four of the top six varsity players now departed from the program. Forsyth does return a couple of building blocks in junior Seth Nilges and sophomore Derek Hurst, both of whom were spot starters a year ago. Forsyth will also be looking for contributions from Chris Mortensen and Tyler Stuck, a pair of junior transfers. Juniors Billy Dees and Jon Herd will be making the jump to the varsity level this season. Depth will be provided by a group of incoming freshmen who were members of Forsyth’s 16-2 junior high team which won the SouthWest Central League title last season, including Garret Holmes, Andrew Hutchison and Grant Walker. The Panthers do not have a single player taller than 6’1”, so rebounding will be extremely important. “With such a small and quick line-up, we will have to make rebounding and defense a top priority this season and seasons to come,” said Peterson. “We will continue to emphasize the defensive end of the floor, as we have in the past, while looking to score the majority of our points in transition. Rebounding and guarding the post will definitely have to be a top priority for us and will eventually determine what kind of season we have this upcoming year.”

GALENA BEARS Galena exceeded preseason expectations last season by posting a 17-9 record and third-place finish in the rugged SouthWest Central League. “Our conference is second to none in the state for Class 2 and 3 schools,” said head coach Terry Jester. However, the Bears must replace five departed seniors, including three starters, this season. The Bears do have a pair of junior starters back in Nate Paul, who will need to increase his 9.2 points per game average this season, and Grady Roach,

who shot 67 percent from the field last season. A host of players will battle for the final three starting spots, including seniors C.J. Cortez and Colby Hall, junior Wyatt Stephens, and sophomores Tyler Aschwege and Austin Tate. “We are in a rebuilding year,” said Jester. “We lost a great group of seniors. We will be a junior-dominated team with many questions. I have seen teams in our position step up and be a surprise. That will be our goal. Last year, we were a good defensive team. How hard we decide to play is my biggest concern.”

Glendale’s Thomas Whittaker drives around a defender in a junior varsity game last season. Whittaker, a sophomore, will be making the jump to varsity this year. (Photo by Jamie Carney)

GLENDALE FALCONS After a 17-9 campaign in 200910, the Falcons return their top 10 players—and all five starters—from a year ago, who will face one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the state. In addition to the usual local powers on the schedule, Glendale will also face St. Francis Borgia in the Norm Stewart Classic and Shiloh Christian out of Arkansas. Glendale’s “go-to” guy will once again be Cameron Johnson, a 6’4” junior who was a 1st-team All-Ozark Conference performer a 11

year ago. Senior Tommy Hedges is the team’s workhorse, while junior Blake Freedman is the team leader on the court. Junior Nolan Bettlach, a defensive stopper, and junior sharpshooter Joey Harbour also return. “This should be a really fun year having everyone back from last year,” said head coach Sean Williamson. “We will try to get up and down the floor and play fast, but under control. Defensively, we want to pressure the ball and try to force our opponent to make mistakes. We have a lot of players who can score, so the scoring should be spread throughout our roster.” The Falcons return five quality reserves from last season, too, all of whom will be pushing for more minutes. The list includes seniors Mason Hodges and Casey Wagoner, as well as juniors Thomas Halter, Connor Keltner, and Trevor Vaughn. Senior Austin Green and sophomore Thomas Whittaker also will be making the jump to varsity. “For most of us, this will be our third year playing together, so I think the chemistry definitely will be there considering the success we have had the past two seasons,” said Johnson.

HALFWAY CARDINALS Halfway finished 3-23 in 200910, and must replace four seniors from last year’s team, including three starters. However, head coach Jeff Schnakenberg has several returnees with starting experience, as the Cardinals look for bigger and better things in the upcoming season. “Halfway will be able to win a lot of games if we can get the team effort or teamwork to become the factor that makes us hard to play against,” said Schnakenberg. “We will have no one player that we can depend on for 20 points per game, so we must work together with the hopes that we can get eight players to average 7-8 points each per game. The same story applies in the rebounding department. We will not put a 5’10” kid on the floor knowing he will get 20 rebounds a game.” Halfway returns junior Joe Merklin to the starting line-up, and he will 12

be looking to increase his six points and five rebounds per game averages from a year ago. The Cardinals also return a few letter winners with starting experience in senior Will Drake, and juniors Jared Kite and Steven Whitney. Junior Claudio Forrester, who contributed off the bench for the Cardinals last season, also returns. Halfway also welcomes a few newcomers to the program, and Schnakenberg will be counting on all of them for production. Senior Shane Kerns can play inside or out, and will see significant minutes for the Cardinals. Freshmen Nick Drake and Dalton Taylor will see immediate action.

HUMANSVILLE TIGERS With a new head coach in place in Dale Patton, the Tigers will be looking at new ways, new discipline, a new system, and a new program in 201011. “How quickly the adjustment is made to the changes will determine the success of this year’s program,” said Patton of his senior-dominated team. Humansville returns three starters from last season’s 6-20 team in Colton Wendleton, Levi Crews and Nathan Hoelscher. Wendleton, who was second-team All-Polk County League a year ago, topped the career 1,000-point mark last season. Crews, an honorable mention all-conference selection last season, is just over 100 points shy of the 1,000-point plateau, and should get there early this season. The rest of the Tigers’ senior-dominated squad includes seniors Tommy Orrell, Miguel Keller, Ethan Mason, and Cody Keller, as well as junior Ray Winfrey. Depth will be provided by sophomores Bobby Coffin, Dakota Haugstead and Stoan Spicher, all of whom saw limited varsity action last season, but will be counted on to make major contributions in 2010-11. Coach Patton is pleased with the player’s work ethic thus far. “The players have come with their lunch buckets ready to work,” he said. “And it is this kind of effort that will be needed for four quarters if any success is to be had this year.”

KICKAPOO CHIEFS The Chiefs finished with a winning record last season at 17-11, which included a win over nationally-ranked United Faith Christian Academy out of North Carolina in the first round of the Tournament of Champions, but at Kickapoo, success is not determined in terms of whether it was a winning season or not. “It was a learning experience for both the players and the coaches last season,” said head coach Dick Rippee. “We struggled at times with knowing what to do, when to do it, and whom to do it for. We must get every player on the same page this season.” The Chiefs do return a trio of starters from last season, as well as several others who now have played a full year under Rippee’s system. Senior Brodie Wingert (6’5”), the top returning scorer at 12 points per game, returns to anchor the frontline. Senior Cody Anderson returns at point guard, where he led the team in assists a year ago, while fellow classmate Chris Underwood (6’1”) is the other returning starter and averaged nine points per game last season. The Chiefs’ line-up did receive a boost with the transfer of 6’7” Christian Kirk, who has verbally committed to Missouri State. Kirk is “a power player, and going at 220 pounds, is a load inside,” said Rippee. Also returning for the Chiefs are senior Tyler Hall, who was a spot starter last season, and junior Ryan Thornhill, who was second on the team in assists last year. Other returnees include seniors Payton Reed and Alex Brown, and junior Ryan Rippee. Sophomore Tyler Bussell, a 6’1” sophomore who started for the junior varsity last year, has a bright future and will be looking to contribute this season for the Chiefs. “The key to our season will be whether or not our guys play together and use one another’s talents to make one another better,” said Rippee. “We have good athletes and good basketball players. Using our depth to our advantage will be another key. We have eight or nine guys that know how to play the game.”

MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS MILLER CARDINALS Despite a slow start last year, the Bluejays finished strong, winning six of their last eight games to finish in a second-place tie in the small school division of the Central Ozarks Conference. “We are looking forward to picking up where we left off at the end of last season,” said fourth-year head coach Tom Stokes. Marshfield returns three starters— and nearly 45 points per game—from last season’s 10-14 squad, including a pair of two-year starters and allconference performers in juniors Jared Greenlee and Utah Findley. Greenlee, a 6’3” 1st-team all-conference selection, averaged 20.2 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per contest last year. Findley (6’2”), who was a second-team all-conference honoree, averaged 15.5 points per game a year ago for the Jays. Senior sharpshooter Ty Diehl also returns to the starting line-up, after posting 35 percent accuracy from behind the three-point arc a year ago. The Jays have several players returning with part-time starting experience, including seniors Jake Van Diggelen (6’2”) and Evan Theobald, and juniors Tanner Christoph (6’4”) and Sean Wallace. Marshfield will also welcome a trio of newcomers to the program this season, including Jake Powell, a 6’3” senior home school transfer who “will step right in and provide us with another scoring threat,” said Stokes. Freshmen Blayne Armstrong and Lawfton Summers will also both see significant varsity action in their first season at Marshfield. “We must be a better defensive team than we were a year ago,” said Stokes. “We also must improve our free throw and three point percentages. Another big key to this season will be having more productive depth on the team. There are some high expectations around the community going into the season, but the players and coaches need to remember one thing— talk is cheap! With the schedule we have, we know we are going to have to come out and give it our all in every practice and on every game night.”

Miller got off to a slow start in 2009-10, losing four of its first six games, but the Cardinals rebounded nicely to go undefeated in Spring River Valley Conference play. The football team’s deep run in the state playoffs played a role in the slow start, as the basketball players all played key roles on the gridiron, as well. “Our key to success this year will be getting off to a better start to the season,” said first-year head coach Scott Brakebill, who was an assistant coach for Hillcrest’s Class 5 state champions last year. The Cardinals will need to replace a four-year starter in standout Derek Jack, as well as a couple of other key contributors in Will Harrington and Dallas Bloomer. However, Coach Brakebill returns four starters from last season’s team, including senior Justin Jack (19.2 ppg/12 rpg), who surpassed the 1,000-point plateau last year and will threaten the school’s career scoring mark this season. Jack has averaged a double-double in each of his first three years at the varsity level, and should have no problem grabbing his 1,000th career rebound early in the upcoming season. Joining Jack as returning starters are a trio of fellow seniors in Tyler Hinshaw, who averaged over three steals per game a year ago; Zach Eaton, who is on pace to break the career record for three point baskets at Miller; and fellow sharpshooter Rhen Garner, who knocked down three-pointers at a 40 percent clip last season. Coach Brakebill will also be looking to juniors Jordan Moots and Fred Sattler, as well as sophomore Riley Jack, to step in and play crucial roles for the Cardinals. Providing depth for the team are senior Brandon McNutt, juniors Stewart Parnell and Jesse Sparks, and sophomores Kyle Davidson, Derrick Estell and Chris Collins. “If we can continue to take steps forward in defense, rebounding, and ball control, then I like our chances this season,” said Brakebill. “Each game will be a good test and prepare us to make a run come playoff time.”

Miller’s Justin Jack drives for a lay-up against a Laquey defender in the 2009 state third-place game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. Jack, a senior who averaged 19.2 points and 12 rebounds per game last season, has averaged a double-double in each of his first three years at the varsity level. (Photo courtesy of Miller High School)

NIXA EAGLES The 2009-10 season was one of the best in the proud history of Nixa athletics, as the Eagles finished with a final #3 ranking in Class 5 after posting a 27-2 record. Nixa rolled through Central Ozarks Conference play with an undefeated record and won the District, before falling to eventual state champion Hillcrest in Sectional play in a 67-60 thriller. The Eagles had seven players who rotated in and out of the starting line-up last season, and four of those players return in 2010-11, including 5’10” senior Ben Fisher, 6’1” junior Kameron Bundy, and sophomores Jalen Norman (6’4”) and Austin Ruder (6’1”). Newcomers this season include 13

senior Luke Denbow and juniors Jordan Epps and Jordan Jenson. “We will not be as deep as last year’s team, but still have quality players at all positions,” said longtime Nixa head coach Jay Osborne. “Team chemistry should be a quality asset for us. Our players and team will again play extremely hard and should be enjoyable to watch.” The Eagles’ schedule for the upcoming season features a daunting pre-conference slate of tournaments and opponents. “This will be the toughest schedule any Nixa team has ever played,” said Osborne. Nixa opens the 2010-11 campaign on Nov. 27 in Van Buren against Jackson at the Current River Shootout, and follows that up the following week with a trip to Columbia to face Rock Bridge in the Norm Stewart Classic. The Eagles will also play in the HY-Vee Shootout against Wichita Heights, as well as the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. The Eagles will tune-up for the TOC with a trip to Kansas City in early January to play Hogan Prep Academy, last season’s state runner-up in Class 3. “We are excited about this team and the expectations we have,” said Osborne. “Our goals will be set very high. The tough competition will make us a better team.”

OZARK TIGERS The 2009-10 season was a successful one for Ozark, which won the Blue & Gold Tournament en route to a 21-6 record. However, in order to replicate—or improve upon—that success, the Tigers must replace seven departed seniors from last year’s roster. “We are rebuilding in the greatest sense of the word,” said longtime Ozark head coach Steve Hunter. “No returning starters or players with significant varsity experience leaves a lot of question marks. We do have a good nucleus of seniors who have been waiting their turn due to a talented class ahead of them, though.” That senior nucleus includes 6’5” Josh Cookingham, who averaged 6.3 points per game last season in a lim14

ited role; Cody Holzer, who hit 52 percent of his three-point attempts last year; and guard Jared Cohen, who also saw time with the varsity last season in a limited role. Hunter will look to fill the remaining varsity spots from last season’s junior varsity and freshmen teams, which posted a combined 41-4 record a year ago. “We believe our style and system of playing will generate a squad capable of competing in our conference, tournaments, and District playoffs,” said Hunter. “We’ll look for some growing pains early, but a lot of depth and competitive practices will help develop a team that is hungry to carry on the Ozark tradition.”

PARKVIEW VIKINGS After experiencing growing pains two seasons ago, the Vikings rebounded to post a 23-5 record last season, which saw Parkview defeat rivals Kickapoo once and Glendale twice in the same season. “We had a team which experienced a tough season as sophomores,” said head coach Bill Brown. “I feel this motivated them to work hard in the offseason to prepare them for a more successful season and the rigors of varsity basketball.” The Vikings must replace two departed starters, but have a host of seniors ready to replicate last season’s success. Korry Tillery, a 6’6” 220 lb. senior, will anchor the Vikings’ frontline after averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds per game a year ago. The backcourt will be led by senior Alex Poke, who contributed 14 points per game from his starting guard slot last season. Senior Jalen Goodwin also returns to the starting line-up. Senior Jordan Hitchcock, who was a spot starter last season, will look to take on a more prominent role in 2010-11, as will junior Taylor Acord, last season’s sixth man. Sophomore Erik Durham has a year of part-time varsity experience under his belt, and will compete for more minutes in the upcoming season. “We have to have better defense this season,” said Brown, “and we

have to improve our mental toughness. We have experienced some success this past season and the expectations are high, but we better bring our ‘A’ game every night if we want to reach our team goals.”

PLEASANT HOPE PIRATES After notching a 13-11 record a year ago, the Pirates will have to replace five seniors this season who departed to graduation. New head coach Rodney Mullings, who steps into the top role after five years as an assistant, will have a key building block, though, in senior Eric Sechler, who averaged over 20 points per game last season, as well as seven rebounds and six assists per contest. Returning to anchor the middle will be versatile 6’4” senior Blayne Cowan, who displays good shooting range for his size, but who also is a good finisher around the basket. Senior Brad Hinkle stands only 5’10”, but his 240 pounds allow him to bang inside. Speedy junior Cameron Falk will look to pick up points in transition. “Our defense will be the key to our success this year,” said Mullings. “If we can force people into rushed shots and get rebounds, we will have a successful year. Offensively, we have to play together and hit our shots when we are open. With a small lineup, we will probably only get one chance to score. Our seniors will carry the scoring load, but our underclassmen will have to score when they get the chance. We have a lot of room to improve, so I am looking forward to this season with the kids I have.”

REEDS SPRING WOLVES The Wolves have put together twostraight winning seasons, and narrowly lost the District championship game a year ago to Republic. Reeds Spring lost three starters and three key reserves to graduation, but return a talented—albeit small—line-up this time around. “This will be the smallest Reeds team in over 10 years, but I think we

will have a better scoring attack than either of our previous teams,” said head coach Dan Jones, now entering his third season. “We will be much faster and more of a threat from anywhere on the floor. It will be hard to pressure us, where teams have had success in the past they will see a different look. As long as we use our lack of height to our advantage, combining hustle with speed and playing tough, hard-nosed defense, we should have a very exciting season.” Reeds Spring returns a pair of senior starters in Alex English and Johnny Willis. English, who was the team’s second-leading scorer a year ago, is an inside-outside threat who can score from anywhere on the floor. Willis, who missed the end of last season with an injury, returns and will bring a combination of speed and strength to the line-up. The Wolves have several players vying for starting roles this season. Versatile senior Marcus Johnson can operate in the post or out on the wing. Senior Miles Battaglia will bring sticky defense to the backcourt, while classmate Garrett Verheyen is a defensive stopper. Senior sharpshooter Matt Meyer has the range to stretch defenses, while fellow senior J.J. Ogo is a crafty guard who can get to the hole. Speedy junior Aaron Allphin and athletic sophomore Austin Selby also figure prominently in the Wolves’ plans this season. “We will be a tough team to beat night in and night out,” said Jones. “Our biggest weakness is lack of experience at the varsity level, but I feel as the season progresses we will overcome that and become a very mature team. We should be in the mix to compete for the District championship.”

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC FIGHTIN' IRISH

The Fightin’ Irish finished with a 15-12 record last season, and return the core of their team for 2010-11. “We are very excited about our season,” said head coach Sam Wutke. “We return the core of our team from a year ago, and made significant strides last year.” Seniors Jeffrey White, who aver-

aged 10 points per game last season, and Scott Chesbro, who was the team’s best three-point shooter, return, as does leading rebounder Jack Wolfe, a junior who also averaged 10 points per game. Junior Chad McBride, who was the team leader in assists and thirdleading scorer a year ago, also returns. Coach Wutke will also look for significant contributions from seniors Brandon Kratz, Cris Gartland and Tim Gerwell, as well as junior Carlo Duaban. “Like any year, hard work and teamwork will be key to our success,” said Wutke, “but the pieces to the puzzle are in place, and with some luck, we should have an exciting season.”

STOCKTON TIGERS

After a slow start last season, due in no small part to injuries, the Tigers hit their stride in the new year, which led to a District championship. Stockton must replace three departed seniors, but head coach Mike Kenney has a strong nucleus of players returning in 2010-11. “We bring back a very strong nucleus of players that have grown accustomed to winning,” said Kenney, now in his 12th year as head coach of the Tigers. “With that experience and a will to get back to the level we played at last year, we have high expectations.” The Tigers return their leading scorer from a year ago in athletic shooting guard Robbe Ewing. The senior was a 1st-team All Mid-Lakes Conference performer a year ago, and was also named 1st-team All-District. Fellow classmate Gavin Kenney, an honorable mention all-conference player last season, returns to his starting spot in the middle, and will be counted on to be an integral part of the Tigers’ plans this season. Junior Dalton Freeze, a very long and athletic 6’5” power forward-center, will bring a lot of energy and toughness to the frontline. Stepping in to the starting line-up this year at small forward will be senior Buck Walker, who is one of the best athletes in the area. Starting at point guard this season will be senior Ethan Walker, who brought a lot of on-theball defensive pressure off the bench

last season. Providing depth for the Tigers will be a pair of juniors in Dustin Pate and the versatile Josh Baker. “We still need to be better defensively and finish games,” said Kenney. “The players have done a very good job of working hard. They are not content coming off last year’s success. This has motivated them to work hard for another successful season.”

STRAFFORD INDIANS Last season was a special one at Strafford, as the Indians began the year by winning their own tournament, and followed that up with a third-place finish in the Blue & Gold Tournament, Strafford’s highest finish ever in the tourney. The Indians went undefeated in Mid-Lakes Conference play en route to posting a 25-3 record on the year. Strafford returns three starters off of last year’s team, including 6’4” senior Conner Wilson, who surpassed the 1,000-point scoring plateau while averaging a double-double (19 ppg, 11.5 rpg) last season. Fellow classmates Jared Yarberry, who averaged 14 points per game, and Anthony Peters also return to the starting line-up this season. Senior Tanner Davis will also be looked to for production from his guard slot. “We need to stay out of foul trouble, and we need to get some help from our younger kids, especially in the post area,” said head coach Mike Wilson. “We have several players returning with varsity experience, so we should be competitive.” The Indians will begin their season once again by playing hosts at the Strafford Invitational Tournament, which begins on Nov. 29. Editor’s Note For the Winter Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s winter sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

THE

LEGACY

CONTINUES By Byron Shive

The sounds of bouncing balls and squeaking shoes fill the gym, as players dart to and fro, attacking the basket in a series of dribbling drills. State championship banners hanging from the rafters oversee the action, and provide a constant reminder to the players below of the legacy of success of the program. “Dribble, stutter, then cross,” shouts Jim Pendergrass, the new coach at the helm of the powerhouse Kickapoo Lady Chiefs. “Drive hard about two dribbles, stutter, then cross,” he shouts again, as he oversees the team’s offseason individual workouts. Pendergrass is no stranger to the Kickapoo program. In fact, he was an assistant coach for the Lady Chiefs from 2001-03, a run which was capped off by an undefeated season, state championship, and national ranking at the end of the 2002-03 season. Pendergrass returned to Kickapoo last season to serve as an assistant coach under his longtime friend and colleague, Stephanie Phillips. The Lady Chiefs lost almost 75% of their scoring from last year’s 25-6 squad which finished third in the state in Class 5, but the program’s biggest loss was felt 16

on July 10 when Coach Phillips passed away after a nearly three-year battle with colon cancer. It was a loss that went far beyond the basketball court. “Steph touched a lot of lives,” said Mark Fisher, Athletic Director for the Springfield Public Schools. “It was not only through her basketball coaching, but the way she handled adversity. We all learned a great lesson from her. She fought until the end, and her teams reflect that same determination.” “The way she was is what’s going to be remembered,” said Pendergrass of Coach Phillips, “from the impact she had on people’s lives to the relationship she had with everyone. She was able to touch a lot of people, and that stuff sticks with you your whole life.” “She taught me the game of basketball,” said assistant coach Leslie Hanchey of Coach Phillips. “When

I played for her at Kickapoo, looking back, it was the best four years of my life. She demanded nothing but the best from every single member on our team. Sure, there were days when we couldn’t stand her, and days we cried because we were so mad, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. “She not only taught us how to be the best basketball players we could be, but she also taught us how to be the best individuals we could be,” added Hanchey, who played under Coach Phillips at Kickapoo from 2001-05. “I can honestly say I worked harder for her as a player than I did for any other coach I ever played for— even when I played college ball. “She made me realize that basketball isn’t everything,” continued Hanchey. “Games will be played, practices will be tough, and days will

be long, but at the end of the day, it’s making sure those girls know you love them, and it’s making sure your family knows how incredibly important they are to you. Coach Phillips made me realize, ultimately, that I want to be just like her.” Senior Jordan Graham is no stranger to adversity, having missed nearly half of last season with a torn ACL. After returning to play an integral part in the march to Columbia, Graham tore her other ACL during an AAU tournament this past July, and will be out of action until the end of December at the earliest. It will be the second straight season

hive

that the 5’9” senior will start the year rehabbing an injury. Coach Phillips’ long battle has put things in perspective for Graham, though. “Seeing what Coach (Phillips) went through puts everything in perspective,” said Graham, who will be counted on to play and defend all five positions upon her return. “What I’m going through is nothing at all. My injuries are not life-threatening. Everything happens for a reason.” “Coach Phillips had a huge impact, and not only with basketball,” said Annie Armstrong, one of two returning starters from last season. “You could always go to her with anything. She was a great coach in basketball, and in life.” “Coach Phillips showed everyone what a true fighter looks like,” said Hanchey, who was a member of both of Coach Phillips’ state championship teams. “She showed everyone that she was going to fight her disease until her last breath and that’s exactly what she did. She showed everyone that it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog. And she fought. Hard. Every single day. She fought to show her players how much she loved them and loved the game of basketball. She fought to show the school that she wasn’t going to go down without a fight.

(L to R): Kickapoo assistant coach Jim Pendergrass, head coach Stephanie Phillips, Holly Wade, and Greta Wiersch celebrate during the fourth quarter of the Lady Chiefs’ stirring 12-point fourth quarter comeback against nationally-ranked Chaminade Julienne Catholic in the 2003 KTXR Lady Classic. (Photo courtesy of Kickapoo High School)

“Most importantly, she showed us what having faith really means,” added Hanchey. “She knew that the odds were against her but she never lost faith in herself, she never lost faith in her support group, and most importantly, she never lost faith in God. She showed us that even though she was dealt an unfair hand, that God was in control, and she had complete faith

in Him and His plan.” Coach Phillips’ passing was especially difficult for Pendergrass. The two were “best friends,” though Pendergrass does not remember exactly when that friendship began. The two attended college together at Southwest Missouri State, and later coached together at different times under legendary coach Cheryl Burnett. “It was a rela17

tionship that grew over time,” he said. After leaving Kickapoo following the 2002-03 season, Pendergrass spent almost four years at the University of Michigan, alternating between roles as Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant Coach. He returned to Southwest Missouri in the summer of 2007 for a brief stint as Assistant Coach at Southwest Baptist University before becoming the Director of Basketball Operations at Missouri State prior to the 2007-08 season. Pendergrass became the head coach at Walnut Grove in time for the 2008-09 season, and led the Lady Tigers to a 17-10 record. Following the season, his longtime friend came calling once again, and after one season, Pendergrass left Walnut Grove to be an assistant coach at Kickapoo. “I had a great job at Walnut Grove,” said Pendergrass. “From a professional standpoint, it was a difficult decision. But from a personal standpoint, when your best friend needs your help, it was an easy decision. We had talked periodically about me coming back. It had been six years since we had last coached together. We both had changed over time, but a lot was still the same as it ever was.” Coach Phillips’ illness limited her time and ability to coach last season, but she had her trusted friend to help guide the team in her absence. In many respects, the two were one and the same as basketball coaches. “Steph and I had a lot of the same philosophies basketball-wise,” said Pendergrass. “That’s what made us a great coaching team. If she said something, I’d be thinking it, and vice-versa. We really had an unusual coaching relationship. I had much more freedom coaching than most assistants have with their head coaches.” Coach Phillips was able to return in a limited capacity for the state tournament run, though. “When she was

out, and we were coming down to the end of the season, I would talk to her about the team, but not every day,” said Pendergrass. “I kept thinking about how much I wanted her to coach the team in Districts.” Pendergrass knew he had to have the approval of Scott Phillips, Coach Phillips’ husband, who thought it was a great idea. Pendergrass called Coach Phillips and said, “I want to coach with you one more time. I want to see if we can do it again.” Phillips was surprised and responded with, “let me think about it.” As the team got closer to Districts, Pendergrass’ phone calls to Phillips grew more frequent,

miss her,” said Pendergrass. “But I’m really glad I got to share that time together, because it was really special.” When the time came to name a replacement for Coach Phillips, Pendergrass went through the interview process just like everyone else, but it was an easy decision for the district to make. “When we were looking at hiring a girls basketball coach at Kickapoo, we really were looking for someone that met several qualifications,” said Fisher, the district Athletic Director. “First, we wanted someone with outstanding basketball knowledge. Second, we wanted someone who knew the area and knew the landscape. Third, we wanted someone with some familiarity with the program. Jim filled all three of these. “He understands the program,” added Fisher. “Plus, he already had a relationship with these young ladies. It was a difficult time with Stephanie’s illness, and Jim was there to help these young ladies through it. He’s a workaholic. If there is a game being played and the lights are on, he’ll be there.” “Jim is such a passionate basketball coach,” said Hanchey, who played two years at SBU before becoming an assistant coach at Kickapoo in 2007. “He really cares about the girls, not only as players, but as individuals. He is always telling them that if they need anything to not hesitate to ask him. He would go to the end of the world for these girls. He’s an all-around compassionate, funny guy. But he also is business when it comes to basketball. When it is time to play, it’s time to get serious. He demands, just like Coach Phillips, the best from the girls. He will do whatever he can to make them better people and better basketball players.” Assistant Coach Erica (Warfield) Brummel echoed the sentiments of Pendergrass as a workaholic. “There’s not a night that goes by that he’s not

“I think about her every day I go out on the court, and I miss her. But I’m really glad I got to share that time together, because it was really special.” Jim Pendergrass

as did his talk of basketball. “I talked basketball more and more, trying to get her blood going again.” Coach Phillips returned from treatments in Minnesota in time to attend Senior Night. A few days later, when Pendergrass asked her again about returning to coach the team in Districts, Phillips responded, “I think I want to try it again, but I’ll not be at practices, and I’m not going to do any scouting.” It became a day-to-day arrangement, whereby Coach Phillips would come to games when she felt up to it. After the team defeated Branson and Glendale to win Districts, it was off to face Hillcrest for the Sectional title at SBU in Bolivar. “She didn’t feel like coaching against Hillcrest,” said Pendergrass. “She said, ‘you’ve got ‘em tonight. I’m just going to sit here on the bench.’ By the end of the first quarter, though, she said ‘I’m feeling better now,’” Pendergrass said with a hearty laugh. Phillips coached the team the rest of the game. “I think about her every day I go out on the court, and I

at a basketball game,” she said. “He’ll go to elementary and middle school games. He’s always texting me updates with scores.” Hanchey said, “Jim’s biggest passion is basketball. I tell him all the time that he sleeps, eats, breathes, and dreams about basketball.” Brummel believes that it has been—and will be—a seamless transition from Coach Phillips to Coach Pendergrass. “A lot of things are the same,” she said. “Basketball-wise, they (Phillips and Pendergrass) are very similar. Coach Pendergrass got to put in a lot of his offense and defense last year. This year is more of an addition— adding on to what we did last year.” Armstrong agreed that there is familiarity with Coach Pendergrass. “Even though Coach Pendergrass was the assistant, he still had a lot of input last year,” she said. “This year will still be the same—there’s a lot of familiarity.” Rachel Schroff, a 5’7” junior sharpshooter, also sees a lot of similarities between Phillips and Pendergrass. “They’re both very big with the small things,” she said. “They both like for us to do everything right the first time. It’s school first, then basketball. They’re both very loving and strongwilled. Both get involved in your life.” “They both demand 100% from their players at all times,” said Hanchey. “They both emphasize team defense over individual offense. And they both think that the players should put the team ahead of themselves. Also, they both expect their coaching staff to bring 100% to all practices and games. Lastly, and in my opinion the most important thing, is they both emphasize that the little things that go unnoticed, such as rebounding, steals and assists, are equally as important as scoring points.” Pendergrass will have his work cut out for him, as the Lady Chiefs look to replace four letter winners

(including three starters) from last year’s squad. Gone are a couple of 1st-team All-Staters in Casey Carroll and Makenzie Smith, as well as a defensive game-changer in Amanda Landolt. Joslyn Arthur, a key contributor off the bench last season for the Lady Chiefs, also must be replaced. Graham, who played in only 11 games last season due to a torn ACL, is the top returning scorer at 10.2 points per game, but she will be out with her second ACL injury until late December at the earliest. Armstrong, a 5’8” junior, was a starter last season, and was a weapon from behind the three-point arc, connecting on 43.4%

to have the younger players step up. Those of us who saw varsity action last year will have to step up and work as hard as we can all the time. We have to show the team what’s right and what needs to be done.” “If you have leadership, you’ve got a lot,” said Pendergrass. “It’ll take time to develop. Everybody will have to step up into new roles. It will take time to replace what we lost, but the team will take on a whole new identity. Our success will depend on how fast everybody gels together. What we need is experience. I’ve been pleased with the team’s work ethic, though. “It will all come down to how well we defend and how well we rebound,” he added. “If you do those two things well, you’ll have a chance to win every night.” As usual, the Lady Chiefs’ schedule features a gauntlet of some of the area—and state’s—best teams. “Every game is going to be a challenge with our schedule,” said Pendergrass, “but that’s exciting. You know where you’re at all the time. You can’t take a night off.” Regardless of what experience the Lady Chiefs return for the 2010-11 season, as the state championship banners hanging in the gym signify, the bar has been set high for the Lady Chiefs’ program. “We are going to have to work hard to get back to State,” said Graham. “We have to show a lot of the younger girls what the program’s about.” The Lady Chiefs have ridden an emotional roller coaster in 2010, from the high of the state tournament run, to the lowest of lows with the passing of their coach, friend and mentor. Coach Phillips maintained the legacy of success that was passed to her when she took over the helm at Kickapoo in 2001, winning state championships in 2003 and 2005. That legacy has now been passed to her friend, Jim Pendergrass.

“Jim is such a passionate basketball coach. He would go to the end of the world for these girls. He will do whatever he can to make them better people and better basketball players.” Leslie Hanchey of her attempts last season. Liz Reida, a 5’7” senior and returning starter, is the quickest player on the team, and will be counted on to provide ball pressure defense for the Lady Chiefs. A pair of 5’7” juniors, Schroff and Zoe Allen, will be counted on heavily to step into key roles this season. Allen will be counted on to provide pressure defense, while Schroff, who saw significant minutes off the bench last season for the Lady Chiefs, is a good shooter with great basketball instincts and a high basketball IQ. In addition to the lost production from a year ago, the Lady Chiefs also lost significant leadership from the departed seniors. The theme of “stepping up” is apparent to the returning players. “The seniors last year were really good leaders,” said Armstrong. “This year, I have to step up as a leader, especially vocally.” “We are going to have to play as a team,” said Schroff. “We have

GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS BLUE EYE BULLDOGS After a 17-10 season a year ago, Blue Eye will once again look to battle for SouthWest Central League supremacy and a state playoff berth. “Team leadership and chemistry will determine our success,” said head coach Ken Elfrink. “How we handle adversity will also be a factor with our schedule being very demanding, and with a solid conference once again.” The Lady Bulldogs return two starters from last season in Tara Williams and Kayla Hickey, who is the top returning scorer at 13.7 points per game. Senior Vanessa Bilyeu started last season, but is questionable for this year due to an injury. Senior Natalie Snowden will look to make the transition to a starting role after contributing off the bench for Blue Eye last season. Seniors Lindsay Garza and Hunter Garrison return, as does classmate McKenna Elfrink, who will be returning from an injury. Coach Elfrink is also looking for members of last year’s junior varsity team to step up and contribute at the varsity level in the upcoming season, including juniors Alexis Mitchell, Katie Linson, and Maddye Campbell. Sophomores Chelsey Maloney, Taylor Miller, Rachel Moore, Aubree Rieple, Ellen Reusch, and Michelle Schall also figure to see varsity action this season. “We will again work hard to prepare ourselves for District time and playoff basketball,” said Coach Elfrink. “We will have to become a better offensive team, but continue to play solid defense, which is our staple here at Blue Eye. As long as our players understand the importance of their role on the team, I expect exciting things for the upcoming season.”

BRANSON PIRATES Last season, the Lady Pirates recorded the winningest season in school history after posting a 22-7 20

record. Branson won its first game in the District tournament before falling to state-bound Kickapoo by seven in the semifinals. However, the Lady Pirates lost three senior starters off of that team in Kristina Dodd, Cailynn Hayter and Maggie Givens. “We had a strong senior class that were great leaders and played hard every day in practice and games,” said head coach Kip Bough, in his fourth year at Branson. The Lady Pirates have a couple of juniors returning to the starting line-up in Michaela Dapprich, who averaged 13 points and six rebounds per game last year, and Ruby Stevens, who averaged 9.5 points and six boards per contest. Sophomores Jesse Barton and Moriah Dapprich will be stepping into the starting line-up this season, and will be counted on for added production after contributing off the bench a year ago. “One of the keys to the season will be how quickly our young kids adapt to the COC style of play,” said Bough. “We have a number of kids out and participating. We have a number of young kids in the gym working hard.”

CENTRAL BULLDOGS After a rebuilding year, in which Central started four sophomores and a junior, head coach Callie Newton is expecting her team to take the next step in the upcoming season. “We definitely had to learn and grow as we went along (last year),” she said, “but we got much stronger and more confident as the season went on. We lost several games by single digits and I feel like we could get a lot of those wins this year.” Junior Brittany McClelland is the top returning scorer after averaging 16 points per game last season. Senior Caprese Marshall is the lone senior starter this year, while juniors Ally Kunze, who averaged 11.6 points per game a year ago, and Alysia Chenault also return. “I think the kids finally believe

that they could be better than an 8-16 team, which has created a lot of talk and buzz,” said Newton, who is entering her third season at Central. “We ended last season with a lot of confidence, and we need to make sure that carries over to the start of this year. How well the team meshes and how quickly they begin to work together will be a big key to whether or not we can make some good things happen.”

CHADWICK CARDINALS After posting an 18-8 record last season, with six of the eight losses by less than eight points, the Lady Cardinals return four starters and nearly all of their scoring this season, including the Mark Twain Conference MVP in junior Jamie Hale, who was also a 1st-team All-District player last year. Hale was the Lady Cardinals’ leading scorer last season at 16.3 points per game, and also pulled down 7 rebounds and had 5.8 steals per contest. Chadwick will also return its second-leading scorer in senior Erika Davis, who battled through a nagging hip injury to score 15.1 points per game. Davis was an all-conference and allDistrict player last year. Senior point guard Shelby Jones provides the team with pressure defense, and will look to increase her 9.3 points per game scoring average from last season. Senior Krystyn Dollarhide, who was named 2nd-team all-conference last year, averaged 13.6 points per game and pulled down six rebounds per contest. Sophomore Kaylee Swindle has a year of varsity experience now, and will play a key role in the Lady Cardinals’ season. Senior Sierra Rozell is back for the varsity after missing her junior season, while sophomore Kelsey Ruhland will fight hard for more minutes down low. Junior Ashlee Jones, who transferred from Aurora, will also be in the rotation. Freshman sharpshooter Maddie Hursh will have a big

impact on the season as a freshman. Fellow classmates Bailey Bushong, Zena Hicks, Kara Maggard, and Riley Massey will also compete for minutes. “I believe we have a chance to have a very good season,” said head coach Terry Mitchell. “We will once again play pressure defense that, hopefully, will lead to easy baskets. We are still a very small team, so we will have to use our speed to our advantage. The main difference in this team will be much more depth. Once again, our District is very tough, but I believe we can compete with any team in it.”

CRANE PIRATES After a 12-14 campaign in 200910, the Lady Pirates are looking to improve on that mark in the upcoming season, and will have four starters returning to aid the cause. “With a mix of four returning starters and incoming young talent, this group of ladies will have to form team chemistry early and forge a strong team-oriented bond in order to be successful,” said head coach Jeremy Mullins. “If they can achieve that, they have a great chance to obtain the goals they have set for themselves in conference and District play.” Returning at point guard will be senior Alyssa Chastain, who will be joined in the backcourt by fellow seniors Josie Steele and Roxie Vaught. Returning in the post will be senior Kelsey Steele. The Lady Pirates will also look for contributions in the post from junior Kendra Downing and sophomore Maggie McManamy. The Lady Pirates prepared for the upcoming season by playing several games against stiff competition over the summer. “I was pleased with our intensity and unselfish play,” said Mullins of the offseason games. “Our communication on the defensive end of the floor was great, along with our rebounding.”

EL DORADO SPRINGS BULLDOGS The Lady Bulldogs took some lumps last season en route to an 11-15 record, but return all five starters and a

host of players with varsity experience this season. “Last year was a bumpy one for us,” said head coach Beau Swopes. “We were very young and on many nights it showed. Throughout the year, though, we grew closer as a team and started to form our identity.” Junior Taylor Alumbaugh is the top-returning scorer at 10.7 points per game, although sophomore Kaili Simmons will bring her 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game averages back to the starting line-up. The other returning starters include senior Rachel Lusk, and juniors Erin Bush and Sara Jennings. The Lady Bulldogs return plenty of players with varsity experience in junior Jamee Barnes and sophomores Courtney Hooper, Kate Sibley and Brooke Stacy. “The key to our success this year will be to continue to grow as a team, to cut down on the number of turnovers, and rebounding,” said Swopes. “We had a very good summer and we hope that carries over into the upcoming season.”

FORSYTH PANTHERS After an up and down season which saw the Lady Panthers finish 10-16, Forsyth will look for more consistency in the upcoming season, and will rely on the experience of four returning starters to improve on last year’s mark. “We have to stay healthy and stay out of foul trouble,” said head coach Jim Voliva, who enters his fourth season at the helm of the Lady Panthers. “Our speed should also be an asset that should help us to get up and down the floor this season.” The youthful Lady Panthers return a trio of juniors and a sophomore to the starting line-up this season. Juniors Brittanie Hall, Caryli Ingles, and Rainey Shelton return, as does 5’8” sophomore Kaitlyn Berry. Forsyth will also get contributions from several newcomers to the varsity level. Junior Olivia Braschler, a 5’10” post player, can also step out and knock down a three-pointer. Sam Everett will be one of the team’s best shooters this season. Guard Taylor Bills is also a good shooter, and should factor into the team’s plans this season. “I think this could be one of the best

years that the Forsyth Lady Panthers have had in quite some time,” said Voliva.

GALENA BEARS The Lady Bears battled through an up-and-down 13-13 season before putting it all together for three wins in a row at the end of the season, which included a first-round District win over Crane—the team’s first district win in six years. “The girls had a great year,” said head coach Jared Hoff. “We battled all year and were up and down.” Galena must replace three starters and another key contributor from last season’s squad. Hoff has three juniors, though, who figure to lead the team this year in returning starter Demi Price, Ashley Andrews, and Ali Wells. The Lady Bears will also look for contributions from a talented incoming freshmen class. “We are very young and inexperienced, so we will need to come together and help each other out,” said Hoff. “It will be interesting to see if our freshmen can handle the pressure and step up and help us out.”

GLENDALE FALCONS After posting a 17-10 record last season, which included second-place conference and District finishes, expectations are high for the upcoming season as the Lady Falcons return all five starters from a year ago. “Last year, a lot of players had to step up and fill some big roles due to injuries,” said head coach Renee Temple. “That has given us more confidence and determination to make this year a very good season.” Megan Deines, a 6’0” junior, is the top returning scorer at 15 points per game, and also contributed four rebounds and three assists per outing. Junior Julia Wells is back after scoring 10 points and pulling down 6.5 boards per contest last season, as is Anna Clark, who averaged 10 points per game. Rounding out the returning starters is a pair of seniors in 6’0” Kate Frazier and Katie Harold. The Lady Falcons have plenty of depth, including senior Emily Cline, who will be returning from injury, 21

and fellow classmate Kaylee Frazier. Juniors Payton Graves, Anna James (a newcomer to the program this season), Monica Ocarz, and Kaitlin Shelton will compete for minutes, as will sophomore JaneAnne Halter. Freshman Kim Deines also will be looked to for contributions in her first year at Glendale. “We have to utilize our depth if we want to be successful,” said Temple. “We also need to run the floor. Defensively, we have to pick up our intensity.”

HALFWAY CARDINALS Despite an 8-18 record last season, which included a six-game winning streak in January, the Lady Cardinals improved throughout, and will be looking for further improvements in 2010-11. Halfway returns a couple of starters in 5’8” senior Olivia Francka, who averaged 11 points per game last season, and junior Taylor Redd, who poured in over 15 points and pulled down 14.1 rebounds per contest a year ago. Looking to break into the starting line-up will be senior Stephanie Radford and sophomores Ali Fowler and Bailey Moore. Head coach Steve Gallivan will also have the services of six talented and versatile freshmen to add to the mix this season. “Our success will depend on whether we can develop our bench depth and refine our defense,” said Gallivan. “We also need to continue to develop our six incoming freshmen. The girls are enthusiastic about the upcoming season and have set very attainable season and post-season team goals. “As the season progresses, I expect this team to improve, as the younger players learn from their teammates and varsity experiences,” added Gallivan. “One of our team goals is to work hard and improve every game, so we are playing our best team basketball at the beginning of the District tournament in February.”

HERMITAGE HORNETS Although competitive in most of their games last season, the Lady Hornets finished with a 10-15 record. “We just had a hard time scoring enough points 22

Glendale’s Julia Wells drives around a Lexington (KY) Catholic defender in the 2009 KTXR Lady Classic at Weiser Gym. Wells, a junior, averaged 10 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. (Photo by Jamie Carney)

to win more games,” said head coach Shane Salmon. Hermitage must replace three departed seniors this season. Senior Kaylee Christian returns to start at forward, and will look to increase her 7.6 points per game scoring average from a year ago. The other starting spot rotated among 6’0” senior Ashley Crawford and sophomores Tisha DeFreece and Krysta Perkins. The Lady Hornets will also look for contributions from a talented crop of incoming freshmen. “If we can get some contributions out of them, and our returning players improve their scoring, we should be a very competitive team,” said Salmon. “I believe that Hermitage girls basketball will surprise some teams this year, and begin the journey back to being one of the better Class 1 teams in the area.”

HILLCREST HORNETS After a slow start to the season, the Lady Hornets rebounded nicely by winning the District title, before falling to eventual state finalist Kickapoo in Sectional play. Hillcrest will be dropping to Class 4 this season, after a few years battling in Class 5.

Hillcrest returns three starters and several players who have contributed at the varsity level to the court this season. Leading the way will be highly recruited senior Taylor Parham, who has started for the varsity since first entering the school doors as a freshman. Parham, who has been named 1st-team All-Conference and All-District each year at Hillcrest, is “one of the strongest and most talented players Hillcrest has had,” according to head coach Jeni Hopkins. Parham is in the top 10 in every category of the record books at Hillcrest, and should surpass the 1,000-point plateau early this season. Junior point guard Taylor Kleier has also started varsity since her freshman year, and was a 2nd-team All-Conference and All-District honoree last season. Senior Paige Rogers rounds out the returning starters, and provides the Lady Hornets with an inside-outside scoring threat. Junior sharpshooter Kendra Painter, a spot starter last season, will look to step into a more prominent role this season. Juniors Bekah McTeer and Zandra Campbell will look to contribute this season in the post for Hillcrest. “Our keys to success will be utilizing our experience and building off of a strong finish last season,” said Hopkins. “We will need our leaders to spark our newcomers and be ready for a very challenging schedule.”

HUMANSVILLE TIGERS After a 21-8 campaign and second straight District championship last season, the Lady Tigers will need to replace a pair of four-year starters in Kayla Bays and All-Stater Arianne Henry in the upcoming season. First-year head coach Paul Parrigon will have three returning starters to build around, including a pair of all-conference and All-District players in senior Maggie Johnston and junior Lyndie Routh. Juniors Kellie Bays and Becky Stafford also have starting experience on the frontline for Humansville. Providing the Lady Tigers with depth will be seniors Sara Christtensen and Marriah Watkins, junior Kayla Cross, sophomores Brittany Fonteneau and Tiffani

Jenkins, and freshman Miranda Allison. The key to continuing the Lady Tigers’ recent success will be “building a strong defense that will lead to easy baskets on the other end,” said Parrigon. “We really want to get after teams and not give them any free moments. On offense, confidence and taking good shots are always important.”

HURLEY TIGERS Despite a 10-13 record last season, the Lady Tigers will be looking to build on the momentum of winning five of their last six regular season games a year ago. Hurley finished second in the Mark Twain Conference tournament. Hurley returns three starters from last season, including 5’10” senior Cortney Conrad, who averaged 13.2 points and grabbed 7.7 rebounds per game last year. Other returning starters include senior Bailee Wright and junior Mariah Jennings. Sophomore Lori Kleier will be moving into the starting line-up this season after contributing off the bench a year ago. “Our defense will be our key,” said head coach Trevor Towe. “We are not going to score 60 or 70 points each night, so we will have to concentrate on holding our opponents down.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE WILDCATS The Lady Wildcats finished at 1017 last season, but the record “did not represent the potential the team had,” said head coach Keith Spaulding. “As a coaching staff, we did not feel that we did what was needed to prepare the team to be successful.” Logan-Rogersville returns three starters in seniors Bailey Braden and Erin Meacham, as well as junior Callie Smith. The Lady Wildcats also return several players with varsity experience in seniors Daelyn Cole and Shelby Rust, junior Kat Zumalt, and sophomore Sam Stiles. “We have the potential to have lots of players competing every day for playing minutes at the varsity level,” said Spaulding. “If we can sacrifice individual wants for team successes

by working hard every day, we should develop into a very good team.”

MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS Marshfield finished with a winning record last season at 15-11, but by the Lady Jays’ lofty standards, that can be considered a down year. Adding to the motivation for the upcoming season is that this year’s senior class has yet to win a District title, finishing in second-place the past three seasons after District championship losses. “Our seniors, especially, are tired of coming in second at Districts the past few years,” said senior Jessie Bruton. “This gives us all the more desire to win.” Jessie Bruton, along with twin sister Alley, are two of three talented returning starters for Marshfield this season. Senior Amanda Gourley has started at Marshfield since her freshman year, and has been named 1st-team AllConference and All-District for the past two seasons. Jessie Bruton, who also was named 1st-team All-Conference and All-District last year, will provide the Lady Jays with her usual solid shooting and pesky defense. Alley Bruton has lettered the past three seasons, but is coming off an ACL injury. Fellow senior Shelby Porter, a part-time starter last season, is coming off shoulder surgery and will not be ready until midseason. “We are very small in size, so we could have difficulty with our rebounding,” said legendary head coach Gary Murphy. “It will be very important for us to block out and pursue every rebound with great effort. We will also need to shoot the ball very well and take good shots.” Coach Murphy will be looking for a slate of underclassmen to step up this season and contribute at the varsity level, including sophomores Maddie McCall and Maddie Clark. Marshfield welcomes four freshmen to the program who were part of successful junior high teams. Lauren Aldridge, Kylee Murgel, McKinna Smith, and Allie Van Diggelen “all have an opportunity to play early in their careers if they can handle the leap in intensity, and physically,” said Murphy.

MILLER CARDINALS Last season was a memorable one for the Lady Cardinals, which included a 28-5 record and a trip to Columbia, where Miller finished in third-place in Class 2A. However, the Lady Cardinals lost three talented seniors to graduation, including all-everything Hannah Wilkerson, and a pair of 1st-team All-Conference and All-District players in Nicole Adams and Betsy Epps. “This team will have to do things differently from last season,” said first-year head coach Cleveland Williamson. “First, the scoring will have to be more balanced. We will need two to three girls in double figures, with another three to four girls around six to eight points each. To help with the scoring, we will need to do two key things: play good defense and get some easy buckets in transition.” The Lady Cardinals do return a pair of senior starters in Jessica Cook, a tenacious player at both ends of the floor, and Kaitlin Johnson, whose role on the team will be expanded this season after a 2nd-team all-conference performance a year ago. Speedy junior Brooke Hill and 6’0” sophomore Jessica McAdams will most likely step into the starting line-up this season after contributing off the bench for the Lady Cardinals a year ago. McAdams has the potential to use her size to post nightly double-doubles. Sophomore Emily Allen is also a potential double-double threat after increasing her shooting range over the summer. “We will need to come together as a team for us to be the best that we can be this season,” said Williamson. “Almost everyone will have a larger role or new role on the team.”

OZARK TIGERS After a 17-10 campaign in 2009-10 which ended in a disappointing overtime loss to Glendale in the first-round of the District playoffs, the Lady Tigers will be looking to contend for conference and District honors this season. “We are excited for another challenging season,” said head coach Yancey Little. “We feel like we have some 23

size and depth that will help us compete nightly. This group will have to play hard and unselfish. How well we handle the adversity of playing such a tough schedule will determine how prepared we are come District time. Staying focused and mentally tough is a must.” Ozark returns three starters from last season, including senior Jackie Wacha, a strong defender whose offseason work has established her once again as the Lady Tiger’s floor leader in 2010-11. Junior Melanie Williams, a 6’0” post player with the ability to score inside and out, also returns to the starting line-up after a 2nd-team all-conference performance a year ago. The other returning starter is junior Brooke Paulsell, who will be looked to for more scoring in the upcoming season. The Lady Tigers have experienced depth in the form of returning letter winners Colbi Howser, a versatile “blue collar” senior; Stormie Carter, a speedy and athletic senior; and sophomore Haylee Beard. Ozark will also look for contributions from a pair of athletic newcomers in junior Meleah Goodin and 6’0” sophomore Jackie Fugate. Freshman Hannah Cook also should contribute immediately at the varsity level. “This season, our number one focus is definitely defense,” said Howser. “With the group of girls we have, I think our defense will be (the) key to our success. We just have to work hard every day in practice and strive to be blue collar.”

PARKVIEW VIKINGS The Lady Vikings posted an 18-8 record in 2009-10, which included a second-place conference finish, but will have to replace three starters in the upcoming season. “We had a very good season,” said head coach Keri Nichols. “We had success because we were able to take advantage of our athleticism.” The bulk of that athleticism departed to graduation, as Lydia Key, Shelby Stewert and Hayley McLemore will not be suiting up for the Lady Vikings in 2010-11. Also departed is Chantel Barnett, who contributed off the bench last season. 24

All is not lost, though, as the Lady Vikings do return a trio of seniors, all of whom have starting experience. Emily Akins averaged 18.6 points per game last season, and will anchor Parkview’s backcourt this season. Rana Thomas, a 5’10” forward, averaged 12.2 points per game last season and nearly three steals per contest. Molly Robb, a 5’9” forward, will look to increase her scoring and rebounding averages this season. “Our success will depend on how well our newcomers to the varsity perform,” said Nichols. “Our point guard position must be strong, and we must take advantage of our speed on both the offensive and defensive ends.”

PLEASANT HOPE PIRATES

After winning the Mid-Lakes Conference title for the first time in school history last season, the future is bright and expectations are high for the Lady Pirates in 2010-11, as Pleasant Hope returns four starters and 92 percent of its scoring from a year ago. One of those returning starters is one of the state’s best scorers in senior standout Lauren McCurry, who averaged 25 points per game last season and was named 1st-team All-State. McCurry has verbally committed to play basketball at Drury. The Lady Pirates started three freshmen last year, all of whom return with a year of varsity experience. Sophomore Catlin Evans averaged 10 points per game last season. Fellow classmates Hailey Richardson and Kari Hillenburg will look to increase their production in more prominent roles this season. Skyla Staffen, a 5’10” post player who averaged eight points per contest a year ago, is the likely fifth starter in her final year at the prep level. The Lady Pirates have depth in the form of seniors Miranda Durr and Aleda Stanek, as well as sophomore post player Bailey Hinkle. “We will be a solid offensive team, but we must defend with a greater sense of urgency,” said head coach Jim Flora. “We were very competitive all season long (last year). We played some very strong competition and won most of

our games, and were right there in the rest. I think we will have a chance to compete in every game this season.”

REEDS SPRING WOLVES After a disappointing 2009-10 season, change is in the air at Reeds Spring, as the Lady Wolves welcome first-year coach Scott Spooner to the program, who will bring a new attitude and system to the team. “Our success will depend on how well we adapt to a new system and a new coach,” said Spooner. “We will also need to improve our fundamentals and play as a team each night.” The Lady Wolves must replace three departed seniors, but have several players returning with varsity experience. Last year, Reeds Spring “played a lot of sophomores in the rotation, so we were young and gained valuable experience,” said Spooner. Senior Casi Williams returns to the starting line-up, and will be looked to for more leadership and production in the upcoming season. Junior Sabra Boes also is a returning starter, and her well-rounded game will be a key to the team’s success. A trio of juniors will look to step up into full-time starting roles this season after a year of varsity experience. Kortnie Vernon and Sam Akromis both put in part-time starting duty last season, and will need to increase their production this time around. Hadley Givens was a key contributor off the bench last season, but will see her role expand in 2010-11.

REPUBLIC TIGERS After an inconsistent regular season, the Lady Tigers got hot in the state playoffs, winning the District title before falling to eventual state champion Webb City in the Sectional round. Republic will look to build on last season’s successful finish this time around, while avoiding the injuries that plagued the team during the 1214 campaign last season. “We were injury plagued most of the year, which contributed to the reason for our record,” said head coach Kris Flood.

The Lady Tigers must replace four departed seniors this season, including two regular starters. Republic returns seniors Kyra Ramsey and Payton Rayl to the starting line-up, as well as 6’0” junior Alexis Edwards. Sophomore Sarah Kruel also saw starting minutes last season. Depth will be provided by seniors Kylas Fieth and Emily McDaniel, junior Brooke Dutton, and sophomore Alex Botkin. “We have a good balance of inside-outside play,” said Flood. “Hopefully, we can keep everybody healthy for a full year. How quickly we gel as a unit will also be a huge key. They all have a good basketball IQ, which helps especially with the younger kids to grasp concepts quickly. The chemistry was also a pleasant surprise, which could go a long way this year.”

Central League and District titles, the Lady Trojans will have to replace five key contributors this season, including a trio of All-State performers in Kayla Coffer, Alison Stevens and Brooke Stevens. “How hard we work and develop from the beginning of the first day of practice until the last game will be a big key this season,” said head coach Jerry Songer. “We will be young, with several freshmen getting playing time. Players knowing their roles will have a big impact this season.” The Lady Trojans return juniors Torie Coffer and Mikalah Hardcastle to the starting line-up this season. Seniors Dalis Coffer and Courtney Baughman also return, and will need to step-up their production and leadership in their final year at Sparta. The Lady Trojans will look to juniors Lakin Grimes and Megan Kinyon, as well as sophomores Nicole Jenkins and Taylor Johnson for production and depth. “The players seem to be ready to play and work hard,” said Songer. “How successful we are this year will depend on how hard we work.”

STOCKTON TIGERS

Stockton’s Kaitlan Cramer rises for a threepoint shot in last season’s District action at State Fair Arena in Sedalia. Cramer, who is the Lady Tigers’ top returning scorer at 15.9 points per game, is one of five returning starters for Stockton. (Photo by Tracey Burns)

SPARTA TROJANS

After yet another successful season, which saw Sparta finish with a 27-3 record and win back-to-back SouthWest

Last season, the Lady Tigers posted a record of 25-5 and captured a share of the Mid-Lakes Conference title and went on to win District and Sectional titles. This season, Stockton returns all five starters from last year, so expectations are sky high for the Lady Tigers in 2010-11. “There is a lot of excitement in Stockton for the upcoming season, and we are looking forward to the start of the season,” said head coach Richard Driscoll. “There are many teams that we play that are returning the majority of their roster, which means we will need to be much improved from last year to reach the goals that the girls are capable of reaching.” The Lady Tigers return the bulk of their scoring from last season, including four starters who averaged double figures in scoring. Kaitlan Cramer is the top returning scorer at 15.9 points per game, with Chayla Rutledge close behind at 15.8 points per outing. Garrett Burton (11.3 ppg) and Ashli Burton

(10.3 ppg) also averaged double figures. Amber Thomas is also a returning starter. Bree Burns and Kelsi Wilkins also return, and will look to contribute off the bench once again for the Lady Tigers. “Our number one key is that we need to play together,” said Driscoll. “We also need to stay healthy. Third, we need to play a high level of defense every night. We really want to have a defensive-minded identity, and really focus on that side of the floor all year. If we do that, then I think we will be alright.”

STRAFFORD INDIANS Strafford’s tough non-conference schedule and rugged Mid-Lakes Conference slate, coupled with the Lady Indians’ struggles in scoring baskets, led to a disappointing 5-21 record in 2009-10. However, the Lady Indians do return four starters this year that will be looking to end this season on a more successful note. Senior point guard Tayler Filley returns to run the offense, and will be joined in the backcourt by fellow classmate Lauren Vicat and sophomore Emily Oberbeck. Senior Anna Flint returns on the frontline for Strafford. Head coach David Brewer will have depth in senior Jaclyn Hankins and juniors Ashlee Jackson and Shelby Quick. “The keys to our success this season will be consistent offense, solid defense and rebounding, and the girls’ toughness and whether they believe in themselves,” said Brewer, now in his fourth year at the helm. “With a difficult schedule, we need to execute offensively and grind out every defensive possession.”

WALNUT GROVE TIGERS Walnut Grove went 24-4 last season and won the Polk County League with a 7-0 mark, but saw their season end in disappointing fashion with a District championship game loss to Verona. However, the Lady Tigers do return four starters from last season’s team, so expectations are high for the 2010-11 campaign. “We are very excited for the upcoming season, and our expectations 25

are very high,” said head coach Rory Henry. “We feel we have a very deep team, with a nice mix of size and speed. With a lot of hard work, we hope to be playing deep into March.” The Lady Tigers have a key piece to the 2010-11 puzzle in standout athlete Hannah Harman, a 5’11” senior who was named 1st-team All-State and the Polk County League MVP a year ago after averaging 19.2 points and six boards per game and knocking down three-pointers at a 40 percent clip. Harman also became the state career strikeout record holder after a dominating career on the diamond for the Lady Tiger softball team. Joining Hannah as a returning starter will be her cousin, Haley Harman, who averaged 10 points per game while racking up 2nd-team AllDistrict and All-Conference honors a year ago. A third cousin, Cheyenne Harman, also returns as a starter, while junior Kaylea Adams rotated in and out of the starting line-up last season. Providing depth for the Lady Tigers will be senior Stephanie Countryman, junior Karlie Koenemann, and sopho-

more Sierra Horton. Walnut Grove will also welcome in a talented freshman class which went undefeated for two years at the junior high level, including Madisyn Freeze, Heather Harman (Hannah’s sister), Lexi Harman (Haley’s sister), and Megan Shuler. “We are expecting big things out of this freshmen class,” said Henry. “Our success will depend on how well this group can adjust to the high school level.”

WILLARD TIGERS The Lady Tigers had a strong season a year ago, finishing with a record of 15-11 and the top seed in District 12, but a disappointing loss to Hillcrest in the District title game leaves Willard hungry in 2010-11. “We were not very deep (last year), but the players we return are determined to get back to the District championship game,” said head coach Kendra Lotter. Willard must replace four departed seniors, including three starters and the team’s top bench player. Senior Angel Wilcox is a returning starter in the backcourt, while 5’10”

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junior forward Brook Duncan is a returning starter on the frontline. Duncan averaged 13.6 points and pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game last season, while blocking 46 shots. Senior guard Laura Creed and junior forward Brittany Scott, key contributors last season, will be looking for more integral roles this season. Sophomore Krystine Sechler also contributed off the bench last season, but should start at guard in the upcoming season. Willard will also welcome back three players who missed last season due to injury in senior Lyndsey Brooks (shoulder), and juniors Kayla Powers (elbow) and Kaylee Williams (ACL). “Our keys to success will be to cut down on our turnovers from last year,” said Lotter. “We need to be able to handle the ball with care. Another key will be defense and rebounding. We have some key junior forwards that will have to do a good job on going to the boards and blocking out. Our defense has to be something we crack down on if for no other reason than we could get some transition points off of steals or rebounds.”

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In The

FAST

By Byron Shive

As the fall boys swimming season wraps up and the girls get set to enter the pool, the Ozarks has seen a rise in recent years in not only the quantity of high school swimmers, but also in the number of quality swimmers in the prep ranks. One factor that has led to an increase in participation in swimming at the high school level—and talent—is the club teams in the area, especially Springfield Aquatics at Drury University and Missouri State Aquatics at MSU. “We have a large group of up-andcoming swimmers who will be the next generation of stars,” said Brian Reynolds, head coach of the national powerhouse Drury swimming and diving teams, as well as Director of Springfield Aquatics. “And this group will become prep school athletes. In the past two or three years, there’s been an increasing number of Springfield swimmers place at the state meet.” Steve Boyce, who coaches the boys and girls swimming teams at Glendale, Ozark and Parkview, is no stranger to the local swimming scene, having competed collegiately for Reynolds at Drury and coached at various levels for the past 20 years. “It used to be that the only pools in the area were at country clubs and a few public pools,” he said. “There simply weren’t any summer league programs. This summer, though, we had 19 teams from the area competing for the summer league title. “People like Michael Phelps have not hurt us in increasing awareness,” added Boyce of the American icon who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. “His accomplishments have provided a tremendous amount of publicity to the benefits of year round swimming.” One unique feature about the area swim teams is that a handful of coaches are responsible for coaching multiple teams. One of the reasons for the dual coaching concept is that there are

not enough facilities in the area. The majority of the area teams practice at the Foster Natatorium, located on the southeast side of Springfield, while a few teams practice at the Central High School pool. “There’s not enough time in a day for every team to practice,” said Mark Fisher, Athletic Director for the Springfield Public Schools. Although the concept of dual coaching has some drawbacks, the benefits are many, including allowing for the hiring of assistant coaches, which “increases the amount of attention we can pay to each kid,” said Boyce. “One of the benefits of coaching multiple teams is that at practice, there are not big gaps in ability between the teams from the different schools,” added Boyce. “From the best swimmer to the worst swimmer, there aren’t large gaps in times, so everybody’s got someone to train with in practice— even if their training partner is from a different school.” The dual coaching concept has also resulted in cheaper transportation costs, as one coach travels with multiple teams to and from meets on the same bus. “Multiple teams sharing a pool at the same time also breeds a lot of camaraderie between the coaches and with the kids from other schools,” added Boyce. The next step in the process of putting Springfield swimming on the map throughout the state—and nation—is the planned construction of a 50-meter indoor facility at Doling Park in Springfield. Currently, the area only has 25-meter indoor facilities, which is referred to as “short course swimming” in swimming parlance. “50 meter long course swimming is a different ani-

mal altogether,” said Reynolds. “You have to do a lot of it to be good at it.” “Springfield is the largest city in the United States without a 50-meter indoor facility,” said Jason Hite, who coaches girls swimming teams at Kickapoo and Marshfield and the boys teams at Greenwood, Kickapoo and Nixa. “It’s unbelievable to me that we don’t have better facilities, especially with two nationally-recognized college programs in town.” The Springfield Parks Board has plans to renovate the existing pool at Doling Park with an additional state of the art facility. “This will allow multiple teams to practice at the same time,” said Fisher. “It will also allow Springfield to host state, regional, and national events.” “It would be an unbelievable addition to the city of Springfield in so many ways,” said Boyce of the planned 50-meter facility. “It would give us the opportunity to not only improve the local programs, but the tourism dollars it would generate would be immeasurable. It could open up opportunities that did not previously exist.” Boyce made reference to the new student recreation center at the University of Missouri, which includes a state of the art 50-meter pool. “Michael Phelps broke a world record in that pool,” said Boyce. “To have something like that happen here in Springfield would be amazing, but you have to have the facility in place first.” What is in place in the Ozarks is a strong foundation which continues to churn out highly competitive swimmers, many of which find their way to a local high school swim roster.

GIRLS SWIMMING PREVIEWS CENTRAL BULLDOGS After posting a 13-2 record last season, the Lady Bulldogs return a host of state qualifiers to the pool this season, including diver Ellie Reichard, who finished in eighth-place at the state meet. Sara Swango also will be back after qualifying for the state meet in the 100-meter backstroke, 100-meter butterfly, and two relays. Other state qualifiers returning include Serena Chang, a qualifier in three relays, and Laurel McDaniel and Livie Sommerfeld, both of whom qualified for state in two relays. Taryn Ekins returns after qualifying for state in one relay. “With the loss of a few great seniors, we will need some strong leaders once again this year,” said head coach Wendy Shepard. “There will need to be hard work and dedication on all parts.” The Lady Bulldogs will have depth in all events from the following: Tia Blasi, Bailey Cole, Ellen Eisenhour, Lauren Kerivan, Staci Mitts, Sarah Nichols, Kelsey Ollis, Kerri Raleigh, Jenna Roan, and Ruth Zhang.

GLENDALE FALCONS Expectations for the upcoming season are high for the Lady Falcons after their second-place finish at State last year. Glendale returns a stable of experienced swimmers, including four individual State qualifiers. “Our greatest change will be an increased workload in practice,” said head coach Steve Boyce, who is in his first year at the helm at Glendale. “This should set us up for fast swimming at the end of the season.” Key returnees for the Lady Falcons include Anna Leonard, Sarah Powell and Allie Reynolds, all of whom qualified for the State meet last season. After focusing on club swimming last season, Gretchen Stein also returns this season. Stein scored 28

at the State meet two seasons ago. The schedule features trips to invitational meets at Independence, Carthage, and Parkway South, as well as the City of Roses Invitational meet in Cape Girardeau.

HILLCREST HORNETS

The Hillcrest Hornets girls swimming team did not have any state qualifiers last season, but return a host of experienced swimmers to the pool for the 2010-11 campaign. “We have improved a lot from last season,” said head coach John Mullen. “We should have some swimmers start placing in some of our bigger meets.” Leading the way for the Lady Hornets will be junior Kristen Lierz, who was close to qualifying for state last season, Lierz will swim the individual medley, backstroke and distance freestyle this season. Also returning are fellow juniors Skylar Lee in the backstroke and freestyle; Paige Moffis in the butterfly, freestyle and distance events; and Samantha Stevens in the individual medley, breaststroke and butterfly. The Lady Hornets also return sophomore Nikki Peterson in the breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley, as well as fellow classmates Kayla Fischer and MaKayla Marchout. The Lady Hornets also expect contributions from a large group of incoming freshmen. “We hope to get some girls qualified for state this year,” said Mullen. “It’s so tough to do, though, in girls swimming. If you don’t swim year round, it’s pretty hard to qualify for State.”

KICKAPOO CHIEFS Kickapoo had a highly successful season in 2009-10, as the Lady Chiefs swam to a 12-1 record, and won the AllCity Championships for the first time in over 20 years on its way to a 12thplace finish at the state meet. Kickapoo also defeated rival Glendale headto-head for the first time in 20 years.

The Lady Chiefs must replace eight swimmers from a year ago, but Kickapoo returns a stable of quality swimmers and divers this time around. Senior Merideth Swain is a versatile asset of the Lady Chiefs, with the ability to qualify for State in any event. Swain’s strengths are the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly. Senior Jenna Harmison also is a strong competitor in multiple events, and just missed placing at the state meet last year in two individual events, but was a member of two relays which placed in 5th-place. Senior Hallie Roach, a sprint freestyler who also can swim the butterfly and backstroke events, was also a member of the two relays which placed in 5thplace at the state meet last season. Kickapoo will also have a crew of divers that will help the team in scoring. “We are hoping to have a couple of girls with strong backgrounds in gymnastics join the team to add to the two divers we have returning from last year,” said head coach Jason Hite. “It’s going to be fun to see the incoming freshmen mix with the experienced girls. My hope is that the senior girls will show the younger girls the tradition of this team, so they can continue the high level of success we have been having lately. We want other teams to know they iwill face a rchallenge llu st at e d when they see us on their schedule.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE i l l u s t WILDCATSi l l u s t r at e d

This will be the first year for the Lady Wildcats’ swimming and diving team. “The key to this year will be num- i l l u s t bers and parental support,” said head coach Wendy Shepard. any i l l u s“As t rwith at e d new program, you are going to have to have a building year, and without parental support it will be very tough. I i l l u s t feel very confident that the number of parents supporting swimi l lRogersville u s t r at ed ming will be great! I have already been in contact with a few parents who are illust

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very excited to have a girls team.” It is also the first year for boys swimming at Logan-Rogersville, and Shepard has been pleased with the support for the boy’s team. “The parental support for the boys team has been amazing, with only four swimmers for the boys,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a great year with Logan-Rogersville girls swimming and diving.”

NIXA EAGLES The Lady Eagles are looking to build on last season’s strong season, in which Nixa qualified two of its relays for the state meet from a team dominated by underclassmen. Nixa returns sophomore Anna Brink, who placed at state in the 200-meter freestyle and qualified in several other events. Anna is the younger sister of former Eagle standout and state champion, Nick Brink. The Lady Eagles also return three seniors in Kylie Davolt, Rachel Ghan, and Rachel Savage, as well as juniors DeNeile Cooper, Marisa Frazier, and Frankie Leffert. In addition to Brink, returning sophomores include Heidi Blankenship, Juliet Gatiba, Sam Groves, Ashley Hesterberg, Jenny Jankovitz, Anna Martin, Megan Moore, and Hannah Shook. Nixa also has a strong group of incoming freshmen, who head coach John Mullen expects to contribute immediately. “We have some girls coming in who I know have some times that are faster than some of our relay members last year,” he said. “It will help our depth and will also make some of the spots in our relays very competitive.”

MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS Marshfield, which finished 4-6 last season, continues to build its program. The Lady Jays will be looking to continue their rise in the area swim ranks, as the team welcomes back several quality swimmers and a new head coach in Jason Hite. Senior Jessica Stepp was a state qualifier in diving last season, while junior Sarah Haire is a solid all-around swimmer, but particularly competitive in the 50-meter freestyle. Marshfield will also look to seniors Jessie Greer and Lachelle Johns; juniors Alyssa Kirkham, Casie Johns, and Lauren Robinson; and sophomore Natalie Johns for contributions in multiple events. “We’ve had a limited number of swimmers before and still been able to get some good scores against some of the teams in the area,” said Stepp. “The girls are really excited about the season, and I think we’re going to have a really good one.”

OZARK TIGERS The Lady Tigers will look to build on last season’s solid campaign in 2010-11. Ozark only lost one swimmer off of last year’s roster, but that loss was the team’s

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The Lady Vikings continue to build their program, and will look to increased numbers this year to build on the foundation that three departed seniors helped to lay. “Parkview has the least amount of experience of any of the area swim teams,” said Steve Boyce, in his second year guiding the Lady Vikings. “By practicing with Glendale and Ozark, they have a real opportunity to see what it takes to step up to their level. They get to see up close every day in the pool what it takes to compete at a high level.” The Lady Vikings return three swimmers off of last year’s squad, but according to Boyce, preseason meeting numbers look like the team will have in excess of 12 athletes for the upcoming season.

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PARKVIEW VIKINGS

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only state qualifier in Shea Higgins. Ozark will be led this season by Ashley Short, who narrowly missed qualifying for the state meet last year. Emily Quas will also be a major factor in the pool for the Lady Tigers. Coach Steve Boyce, who is in his first year as head coach of the Lady Tigers, believes that an increased workload in practice will set the team up for faster times by the end of the season. Daily practices with local power Glendale will also be beneficial for the Lady Tigers.

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WRESTLING PREVIEWS BRANSON PIRATES After a season which saw Branson qualify three wrestlers for the state meet, the Pirates are looking to accomplish even loftier goals in 2010-11. Branson must replace six departed seniors, including four regular starters, but the Pirates want to double their number of state qualifiers in the upcoming season, as well as compete for conference honors. “The key to our future success will be our athletes buying into our system,” said head coach Rob Pitman. “We need to focus on mental toughness and being the better conditioned wrestler in the third period. We have great returning wrestlers this year that have great leadership skills. It is important that they buy into the system and lead this team to the top.” Leading the way for the Pirates will be juniors Jonathon Inman, who finished in fifth-place at the state meet last season, and Michael Cuthbertson, one of the three state qualifiers a year ago. Inman and Cuthbertson will serve as team captains this season, along with A.J. Martinez, Ian Knell, Grant Chamberlain, and Allen Crewse. Knell set the school record for quickest pin last season in a six second victory. An influx of new talent will also key success for the Pirates. “In the four years that I have been here, this is the most athletes that have been interested in our wrestling program,” said Pitman. “We have some new faces this year that I feel will break into the starting line-up. We have had wrestlers this year who have been wrestling year round, and are looking to be top wrestlers in the state at their weight.”

CENTRAL BULLDOGS The youthful Bulldogs will seek to continue the growth of their program, as Central returns everyone from last season’s 5-7 squad. The list includes 30

nine sophomores, three juniors, and a pair of seniors. Despite the team’s youth last season, the Bulldogs did notch a second-place finish at the Marshfield Dual Tournament, and placed ahead of all other Springfield schools at the Holiday Tournament. Returnees Steven Cody, Quest Reagan and Alex Hernandez will help lead the young team this season as tricaptains. “We have a lot of returning starters,” said Cody, a senior who set a school record for victories last season after posting a 34-6 mark at 189 lbs. “I think we will have a solid team.” The youth brigade of sophomores is led by returning starters George Alderton (103 lbs.), Buddy Mullins (112 lbs.), Jeff Held (119 lbs.) and Tanner Wood (140 lbs.). Alderton recorded a 16-12 mark last year at 103 lbs., while Held and Wood posted records of 23-13 and 22-17, respectively. Reagan and Hernandez, a pair of juniors who be relied on for leadership this season as tri-captains with Cody, both posted winning records last season. Reagan went 21-19 at 152 lbs. last year, while Hernandez posted a 22-18 record at 215 lbs. “The wrestlers are working well as a team and motivating each other to work hard in the wrestling room and the weight room,” said head coach Brian Pyck. The program is also excited about a strong crop of incoming freshmen that were part of a 22-man team at the eighth grade level last season. Central will begin its 2010-11 campaign on Nov. 30 with the Parkview Dual meet at Parkview. The Bulldogs also will participate in the Border Duals Tournament on Dec. 3-4 in Jay, Okla. The first home match will be on Dec. 9 against Hillcrest and Logan-Rogersville.

KICKAPOO CHIEFS After gaining valuable experience last season, the Chiefs return to the mat in 2010-11 with a roster full

of experienced wrestlers. “We had a very young team last year,” said head coach Billy Buckley. “Toward the end of the season, though, we started to come together and gel as a team.” Kickapoo graduated just two seniors off of last year’s team, but return five seniors this time around, all of whom will be looked to provide leadership and results on the mat this season. The list of seniors includes Clayton Allison, Chris Gree, Mitchell Jardell, Dustin Trebbe, and Daniel Trout. Coach Buckley also expects a slate of juniors to step up and contribute at the varsity level, including Karl Brown, Scott Dahlgren, Corey Gingrich, and Chris Park. In addition, the Chiefs are looking for contributions from a few sophomores in Kyle Allison, Michael Georges, and Caleb Slay. “We are working on being able to build on last year’s successes,” said Buckley. “As a young team last year, we made some mistakes that our coaching staff has been working on to improve for this season.” The Chiefs have also seen an increase in the number of students out for wrestling. “We have had an average of 20 kids in our preseason program, and that is without all of our football guys,” said Buckley. “The kids are starting to buy into our program and make the commitment needed to getting better.”

MARSHFIELD BLUEJAYS The Blue Jays continue to grow and improve on the mat, and will look to take the next step in 2010-11 after posting five dual wins last season—the most in school history. “My first year here (2008), we had seven wrestlers and did not have a dual win,” said head coach Ivan Robison, now in his third year at Marshfield. “This past season, we had 18 kids out and a full line-up most of the year.” The Jays have committed to offseason workouts, camps and clin-

ics, and Robison expects the added work to pay off this season. “We did a lot of work over the spring and summer,” said Robison. “Several of our returning wrestlers were active in freestyle wrestling and attended camps and clinics. We had an aggressive summer workout program which consisted of lifting and wrestling.” Several of the Jays’ returnees competed in the Missouri USA Freestyle state tournament, which allowed them to get added experience by virtue of wrestling 40 or so matches each last spring and summer. The Jays will only have two seniors on their youth-dominated roster this season in J.P. Jacks and Jared Jones. Returning juniors include Jordan Grim, Shea Junte, Jacob Milligan, Danny Poe, Josiah Reese, and Jeremiah Robison. The Jays also have seven returning sophomores in Elliot Cordova, Josh Coleman, Kaleb Goodpaster, Sean McCorkle, James McCullough, Connor Ornelas, and John Washburn. Marshfield has a strong crop of incoming freshmen wrestlers, which Robison believes “will be a major shot in the arm for our program.” Marshfield will be making the move to Class 3 District 3, which is loaded with some of the area’s top wrestling teams. “This will be a very tough move for our young team,” said Robison. “Our kids are lacking in ex-

perience, but the more time they spend on the mat can only equate to more success during the upcoming season.” Marshfield will hit the road early and often this season. The Jays open their season with a head-to-head match-up at Reeds Spring on Nov. 30. The schedule features tournaments at Pleasant Hill, Camdenton, Raytown South and Republic, as well as the Central Ozarks Conference tournament. Marshfield’s first home match will be on Jan. 11 against Parkview.

NIXA EAGLES After two years as the wrestling coach at Logan-Rogersville, head coach Dustin Martin returns to his alma mater in his first year at the helm of the Nixa Eagles. “We have a strong group of seniors and juniors, and are especially deep with talent and numbers in the light weights,” said Martin of the Eagles. The Eagles lost a pair of state qualifiers to graduation in Andy Cauble and Sam Evans, but return five state qualifiers in seniors Tony Corsolini (112 lbs.), Lyden Corya (125 lbs.), Jake Pritchett (135 lbs.), and Nick Rapp (152 lbs.). Junior Lane Corya also returns after finishing in sixth-place at the state meet last season at 103 lbs. One of the first things on Martin’s to-do list at Nixa was to develop a

strenuous offseason weight lifting regimen for the team. “We have had a core group of guys that made the commitment to work hard and dedicate themselves to the program throughout the summer,” said Martin. “It is very important that you enter the season as strong as possible in order to stay healthy and competitive during the long season.” According to Martin, leadership and unity will be the keys to success in the upcoming season. “We have a strong group of seniors and juniors that will lead the way for Eagles Wrestling,” said Martin. “It will be crucial that several leaders emerge during the beginning stages of practice. Senior leaders Jake Pritchett and Lyden Corya have set the bar high during the preseason workouts. “The other key area to the season is developing that tight team unity bond,” added Martin. “With a lot of distance trips on the schedule, the Eagles wrestling team will need to step up as a team and support one another both on and off the mat.” With the recent reclassification for Missouri wrestling teams, Nixa has been bumped up to Class 4, the state’s highest classification and one that is loaded with perennial powerhouses from across the state. In fact, Nixa’s 14-team district features teams from Kansas City, Jefferson City, Columbia, St. Louis and Waynesville, as well as Springfield. The district includes former state champions in Blue Springs, Blue Springs South and Holt. “In order to better prepare ourselves for the District change, we have changed up this year’s schedule to try and catch teams from each part of the state,” said Martin. The Eagles’ schedule features tournaments at Kirksville, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, and Jefferson City. 31

END ZONE

When I was a kid growing up in rural Missouri, the first sport I was exposed to was baseball. By age 6, I was introduced to playing through a summer pee-wee league program. My coach was Bobby Brown, who was the young basketball coach of Bolivar High School, who would coach the Liberators to a state Class M championship that year and would go on to become one of the most successful high school coaches in Missouri’s history. (Bobby Brown was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2009). Before I arrived for the first practice, I was lectured on how I was to pay attention to every word that was said and do exactly what I was told to do! My parents instructed me that the coach “was always right,” long before Sam Walton was coaching his associates the same lesson for customers. A parallel exposure to baseball was listening to the St. Louis Cardinals on KGBX with my Dad. There was a radio in the dairy barn, as well as one in the house, and if the Cardinals were on, you could hear Jack Buck and Harry Caray giving every detail. Between those early days of learning the sport and becoming a lifelong Redbird fan, it didn’t take long for my young life’s desires and dreams to take shape around becoming baseball’s next superstar. Like my friends, I adopted a favorite Cardinal that I idolized. I started writing his name on everything I owned. His number became mine. I even attempted to adopt his name and convinced my friends that they should refer to me as Kenny, which

Jerald Andrews President, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

stood for the Cardinals’ All-Star third baseman Ken Boyer. Yes, the gold glove fielder, who batted clean up and wore number 14, was my sports hero. I can still see K.B. on my old glove and bat. Number 14 was inscribed on everything that I held close. The only thing that ever slowed this infatuation of my third grade teacher, Mrs. Peterson, who informed me that she did not have a Ken or Kenny in her classroom and she better never see that name on another math paper! Her response was only surpassed by my Mother using kerosene to remove the ball point pen KB/14 tattooed on my right bicep. While those dreams were important in filling my head and heart with hopes of life beyond the hard work of a dairy farm, they also served as an impetus to strive to become as good of an athlete as possible. A foundation was laid that prepared me to pursue realistic goals of high school fields and courts. It was through this level of competition that so many of our lives were developed and refined. And without exception there was always a coach involved in that process. During the last fifteen years, I have had the privilege of enshrining and honoring some of Missouri’s greatest sports stars into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. And I would be the first to tell you that handing those plaques to the likes of Musial, Brock, Dawson, Brett and others has been a thrill. However, a greater thrill has been inducting the likes of (Doug) Potts, (Roy) Green, (Steve) Hancock and (Reba) Sims. These individu-

als, along with hundreds of others, have given their entire careers to the coaching and training of young lives. In most cases, a high school coach is the most influencing factor in a young person’s life, second only to their own parents. And in today’s society, with so many kids being raised by one parent or, unfortunately, in many cases without a consistent parent at all, the coach is the substitute day in and day out. Oftentimes, kids are going to look for role models outside of their own homes to further shape their lives, hopes and dreams. In my case, that was Coach Doug Potts, who came to Bolivar as I was entering my freshman year in high school. Little did I know what an influence this man would have on my life in virtually every category. Yes, he taught me quite a bit about football, ranging from skills, to rules, to being a part of a team, and even honing some long-snapper skills! But even more important were the life skills that he reinforced related to honesty and integrity, being in church, taking care of your body, and striving for perfection in the classroom, as well as on the football field. I know many of you have had a Coach Potts in your lives. And while today’s stars with names like Pujols, Butler, Cassel and Bradford are in the spotlights and headlines, in thirty to forty years you will be remembering those high school coaches that are instructing our children to play their respective sport, while providing them with lessons that will shape their lives.

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