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2014-15 WINTER SPORTS MAGAZINE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Nixa graduates continue winning tradition playing college ball.

BROKEN RECORD What records will NHS Eagles basketball break this year?

Photos, rosters and schedules for every NHS and NJHS winter sports team

2 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

www.NixaXpress.com 123 Sherman Way, Ste. 101 P.O. Box 594 Nixa, MO 65714 (417) 725-3745 Fax 725-3683 Amelia Wigton Editor editor@nixaxpress.com Jeff Kessinger Sports Editor sports@nixaxpress.com Jess Hamlet Contributor Paul Johns paulj@nixaxpress.com Tricia Chapman triciac@ccheadliner.com Sales

3 4 6

HOME RUN Jacob Ruder finalizes commitment to K-State.

SHE SHOOTS, SHE SCORES Toshua Leavitt to play Division 1 basketball.

BROKEN RECORD Eagles basketball continues winning tradition.

HOME RUN Jacob Ruder finalizes commitment to K-State.

3

CONTENTS 8 10

MOVIN’ ON UP Christophel making mark on MSU grid iron.

ENCORE Austin Ruder earns MVC All-Freshman Team honors at MSU.

12

BOTTOM LINE Xpress Sports Editor Jeff Kessinger gives insight on winter sports season.

13 16 18 20 21 22 23

NHS BOYS BASKETBALL

On the cover...

Nixa seniors Carley Allen, Camille Wilmes, Toshua Leavitt and Hannah Horgan are set to lead an athletic flock of Lady Eagles into the 2014-2015 season.

NHS GIRLS BASKETBALL

NHS WRESTLING

NHS GIRLS SWIMMING

NJH BOYS BASKETBALL

NJH GIRLS BASKETBALL

NJH WRESTLING

Photo Jeff Kessinger/XPress

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 3

Ruder finalizes commitment to Kansas State baseball Basketball fans in southwest Missouri know Nixa’s Jacob Ruder. He’s the 6-foot-7 kid patrolling the lane and popping outside to knock down 3-pointers.

But that’s only for fun.

Ruder the baseball player is a dominant right-handed pitcher, good enough to compete in Division I college baseball.

He finalized his commitment to that sport Nov. 12 by signing a national letter of intent with Kansas State University.

“I knew I wanted to play baseball,” Ruder said. “I’ve always played basketball for fun. And to play with my brother for the first couple of years was a great experience.”

Ruder picked Kansas State over Missouri State.

“Kansas State was just a better fit,” Ruder said. “I went up there last fall and watched them play a football game and it was just a great atmosphere. I just knew when I went up there that was the place for me. I kind of took my time and made sure 100 percent that’s where I wanted to be. The coaching staff up there is wonderful and all the fans of the

program.”

The senior was a big piece of last spring’s district championship baseball team, a club that ended its season one game shy of a trip to the final four.

Ruder threw a complete-game no-hitter and drove in the game-winning run as the Eagles defeated Willard 2-0 in the sectional round.

“His success comes from the hard work and the sacrifices he’s made,” Nixa baseball coach Howard Greenwood said.

“He’s a great teammate. He makes my job easier.”

Jay Osborne, Ruder’s basketball coach Nixa, agreed with Greenwood that hard work has played a big part in Ruder’s development.

“He’s got a gift, but he also has a tremendous work ethic and is such a highlycompetitive person,” Osborne said.

It’s not just on-field things that impress about Ruder, though.

“I teach a special P.E. class and Jacob helps me out,” Greenwood said. “I get to see a side of him that a lot of people don’t get to see. His kindness, help-

Story by Jeff Kessinger • Nixa Xpress

fulness and thoughtfulness to those students.”

Ruder will study something along the lines of business or accounting while at Kansas State, but he has sights set on continuing his baseball career after college.

“I’d love to play in the major leagues, as every kid would,” Ruder said. “When I was picking a college I had that in my mind a little bit, but I also wanted to pick a school that felt right. To play Big 12 baseball is a dream of mine and I plan on going there for three to four years and develop and get an education while I’m at it. That way if something does happen, I blow out my arm or something, I have something to fall back on.”

The signing drew a big crowd to the Nixa High School gym, something that wasn’t lost on Ruder.

“I’m excited. I’m happy all these people came out here and supported me,” Ruder said. “Everybody that came here has had an influence on my life. It means a lot for everybody to show up. I just couldn’t be more thankful.”

File photo

Nixa senior Austin Ruder earned second team all-state honors in 2014 thanks to his dominance on the pitching mound. He’ll take the skills he’s honed on Nixa’s baseball diamond to Kansas State next year.

4 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

‘She’s earned it’ Story by Jeff Kessinger • Nixa Xpress

File photo

Nixa senior Toshua Leavitt put hard work together with natural talent to become the Lady Eagles’ first NCAA Division I signee since 2008. She will continue her basketball career at Texas State University.

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 5

Leavitt works her way into a Division I-caliber basketball player.

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er coach calls her a pure talent, but make no mistake. Toshua Leavitt earned her NCAA Division I scholarship.

The senior point guard inked a letter of intent to play with Texas State Nov. 12, making her the first Lady Eagle to sign at that level since Aly Stock — now an assistant coach at Nixa — in 2008. It was the culmination of years of hard work for Leavitt. “(Division I) has always been my goal,” Leavitt said. “When it became clear that I could do it, I just wanted to work harder and harder to get that.”

And there aren’t many players who work harder than Leavitt.

“She’s earned it. She’s good enough to play at that level,” Nixa coach Jennifer Perryman said. “She’s the kid in the gym all day, every day.”

Leavitt and Perryman share a special bond, one that started years ago.

“I got to watch her as a fourth- and fifth-grader and I’ve seen her grow into an unbelievable player,” Perryman said. “She’s taken a huge step.

She’s grown, worked and matured in the past four years.”

Perryman has played a big role in that growth. She saw Leavitt come into the program as a freshman with talent and skills, but she also had a perfectionist streak that had become more of a problem.

“I knew that the team relied on me a lot, so if I just worried about me being perfect, then I would let the team down because I would get mad,” Leavitt said. “She’s helped me a lot. She’s helped me overcome attitude issues and become a better player, a better teammate as well and a better leader — on and off the court.”

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“When it became clear that I could do it, I just wanted to work harder and harder to get that.”

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And Leavitt’s teammates have taken notice.

“She’s a great leader for us,” Perryman said. “The girls look up to her.

They’ve always loved her and now they respect her.”

Leavitt averaged 16 points, three rebounds and two assists per game last season for the Lady Eagles, earning her all-state honors. She already owns the school’s single season 3-point record and is closing in on the all-time mark for 3-pointers made.

Nixa will be counting on her this season to continue to score, defend and lead.

“We’ve always had a good connection as point guard and coach,” Perryman said. “I can give her a look and she knows what I’m thinking and I know what she’s thinking.”

Those things caught the eye of Texas State coach Zenarae Antoine, who’s excited to have Leavitt join the program.

“I am looking forward to coaching Toshua in our system and watching how she complements her teammates,” Antoine said in a university press release. “Toshua is an excellent fit for what we do offensively. She has a high basketball IQ and she plays with an incredible amount of intensity and confidence.”

Leavitt is excited to have her college decision made and final. She’s looking forward to suiting up with the Bobcats, but first has some unfinished business at Nixa.

“It feels good to get it off my chest and not have to worry about it,” Leavitt said. “I’m glad that I got the opportunity to do it before the season.

That way I can just play for fun and not worry about it. (This year) I’m going to work on getting better and stronger.”

Good luck to all our fine Nixa StudentAthletes!

McDonalds and the Community Working Together to create a Great Place to Live.

Locally Owned & Operated by Teresa and Chip McGeehan

6 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

RECORD-BRE

Eagles basketball continues win

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 7

EAKING

nning tradition.

The Nixa Eagles basketball team is no stranger to broken records. In fact, when asked about them, head coach Jay Osborne wasn’t sure which record was being spoken about.

“We usually break a couple each year,” Osborne said.

File photo

The Nixa Eagles pose with the championship trophy after winning their division of the Blue & Gold Tournament in December 2013. Nixa set a new record last year with its fourth straight title at the annual holiday tournament. They shoot for No. 5 this season.

All for good reason, as his Eagles have won the last five out of six Central Ozark Conference championships and three out of the last five district titles.

One of the biggest records the Eagles claimed during the 2013-14 season was their fourth straight victory during the annual Blue and Gold Tournament — a feat never before reached.

Last year, Nixa fought tooth and nail just to be in the championship. It looked like Strafford might have got the better of the Eagles as the final seconds ticked down in the semi-final round. The Indians managed to send the game into overtime on a 3-point prayer from junior Kyle Foley. However, the Eagles managed to control overtime and walk into the championship round on the heels of a 50-45 victory.

In the championship round, Nixa faced Republic, a top-ranked team in Class 4, who would seal its third straight victory in the tournament if they walked away with the win.

A great start out of the gate would give the Eagles the momentum they needed to take down the Tigers, securing a 60-56 win.

“No other school has ever done that,” Osborne said of their fourth consecutive win.

“We’ve had players win all four while they were in high school.”

When asked about his hopes for a fifth win, Osborne was reluctant to say.

“It’s still a long time from now,” he said. “I think the top seven or eight teams will be more balanced, so it will be harder to win a fifth one. It really depends on the seed we draw. We have as good a chance as anyone to win it.”

The Eagles have a lot of holes to fill this year after losing seven seniors. They returned all-state senior Jacob Ruder, who has signed with Kansas State University to play baseball.

Also returning is 6-foot-6 junior Chase Allen, who last year broke the school record for field goal percentage in one season — hitting 73.1 percent of his shots.

“We are working on filling the holes of the guards we graduated,” Osborne said.

Story by Jess Hamlet for the Nixa Xpress

Movin’ on 8 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

Nixa graduate Christophel making mark on MSU grid iron.

Story by Jess Hamlet • for the Nixa Xpress

N

“One of the main things I learned at Nixa was to play with class. Classiness was implemented in that program very heavily.”

— Eric Christophel

ixa is no stranger to its athletes finding success beyond their high school playing days. In his years since graduating from Nixa High School, Eric Christophel has made his mark on the Missouri State University grid iron. A junior on the squad, he was in the top five on the team in receptions.

“Eric has really worked hard to be a significant contributor to our offense,” Rick Kindhart, assistant athletic director and director of athletics communications, said. “He is coming off one of the best games of his career at Indiana State where he had a couple of clutch receptions on a long drive in the final two minutes of the game.”

At Indiana State University, Christophel put up his first touchdown.

The following week at home against Southern Illinois University, he posted a career best 73 yards with four receptions.

Christophel has found a home at MSU, drawn to the college when he thought playing at the next level might not be a possibility.

“After a career threatening injury in high school, the coaches here at MSU gave me my only opportunity to play at the Division 1 level,” he said.

Though the transition often is difficult, Christophel was able to take what he learned on the Eagles team and apply it to the Bears.

“One of the main things I learned at Nixa was to play with class,” he said. “Classiness was implemented in that program very heavily.”

Christophel has put in the effort when it comes to being successful on the field, whether it’s 5 a.m. workouts, or being aggressive during games.

“As a slot receiver, he often draws difficult assignments, and he handles those responsibilities really well,” Kindhart said. “He’s not afraid to go over the middle to make a play and do what it takes to help his team win.”

When asked about the differences between high school and collegiate atmosphere, the school spirit he enjoyed at Nixa came to mind.

“A lot of the athletes who are fortunate enough to get an opportunity in college aren’t prepared to face the fact that every one else in collegiate athletics are just as talented as you,” Christophel said. “In high school, being successful on talent alone with little preparation is common. At Nixa, school spirit was always strong win or lose, you would always have support at the games rather than here at the collegiate levels, the spirit is much greater behind a winning team.”

As Christophel draws near the end of his collegiate career with Missouri State, he looks to his next steps, which naturally include sports.

Though he currently is majoring in marketing with an emphasis on advertising and promotion, Christophel has his eyes on football again.

“I plan on going into the field of coaching when I graduate and hopefully find a way to be successful in coaching collegiate or professional football,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Missouri State University

Eric Christophel, a 2011 graduate of Nixa High School, has carved out a spot for himself in the Missouri State offense. He ranked in the top five in receptions for the Bears in 2014 and will be one of the team’s leading returning receivers next season.

up

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 9

10 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

Photo courtesy of Missouri State University

Austin Ruder, a 2013 graduate of Nixa High School, drained 72 3-pointers for Missouri State last season, a freshman record. He’s worked hard in the offseason to make sure his sophomore year is even better.

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 11

Ruder ready to follow up dynamite freshman season.

As a true freshman at Missouri State, Nixa grad Austin Ruder set a freshman record for 3-pointers, led the team in minutes played and earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team honors. Surprised? You might be the only one.

“I knew if I played how I could play, I would have success,” Ruder said. “I wasn’t surprised at the outcome. I put in a lot of hard work over the years. That was just the payoff of it.”

And what a payoff it was. Ruder knocked down 72 3-pointers in 33 games last season, the most ever by a Missouri State freshman and tied for the third-best ever by a freshman in the MVC. He averaged 8.6 points per game, third on a team that went 20-13 and qualified for postseason play.

Those are great numbers, a continuation of what Ruder did at Nixa. The all-state guard averaged 19 points, three assists and four rebounds for coach Jay Osborne as the Eagles went 22-6 and finished the season as district runners-up.

Ruder started all four years for the Eagles and scored a school-record 1,722 career points. Nixa was 101-16 during his time there, with a pair of district titles and three Central Ozark Conference crowns.

That experience, and playing with AAU squad Mo-Kan Elite, more than prepared Ruder to jump into college basketball.

“The academic side of it was the biggest change for me,” Ruder, who is majoring in accounting, said. “We have to get six hours a week in at study hall and there’s just not the kind of free time you’re told you’re going to get in college.”

Just like he did on the court, though, Ruder is excelling in the classroom. He was named to the MSU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for both the fall 2014 and spring 2014 semesters.

Still, there were those that doubted Ruder could make the jump to NCAA Division I basketball. He heard them.

“Anywhere you go there are always going to be people that doubt you, especially since I’m not the fastest, quickest, most athletic guy,” Ruder said. “But I worked harder and used it as motivation.”

Now comes the second act. Ruder is ready and his coach believes he is, too.

“Austin had a tremendous freshman year and we just want to build on that,” Missouri State coach Paul Lusk said.

“He excels at shooting the basketball. He’s just a gamer, a guy who will continue to improve throughout his career.”

Ruder continued to hone his shot in the offseason, of course, but he also focused on getting himself in better shape. The effect of that hard work is noticeable.

“My stamina has definitely increased quite a bit,” Ruder said. “And my strength is a lot better than last year, which I think will allow me to do a lot more.”

But don’t think Ruder wants to be just a long-range bomber. He’s focused on rounding out his game as the Bears aim for the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1999.

“I kind of settled a lot last year as just a shooter, so I need to evolve my game,” Ruder said. “I want to do more with the ball. I want to drive a bit and be a shooter. And I want to be a better defender. I’m definitely looking to improve on that.”

File photo

Austin Ruder’s hard work at Nixa High School not only earned him all-state honors as an Eagle, but also prepared him to start his NCAA Division I basketball career at Missouri State.

“I knew if I played how I could play, I would have success ...

I put in a lot of hard work over the years.”

—Austin Ruder

Story by Jeff Kessinger • Nixa Xpress

12 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

Looking forward to covering competitive Nixa winter sports Jeff Kessinger • Nixa Xpress Sports Editor

T

427859b

he calendar flips, the temperatures drop and — mercifully — sports move indoors. But championship efforts don’t stop.

In some places it might be hard to top a fall season that saw state-level performances in sports like cross-country, football and tennis and deep playoff runs in several other sports. That’s not a problem at Nixa, where the school’s basketball, swimming and wrestling programs are consistently competitive.

Sure, coach Jay Osborne’s Eagles have a mess of starters to replace from a squad that hit the 20-win plateau last winter, but there’s still plenty of talent guided by one of the area’s most respected coaching staffs — and tall talent at that. Seven Eagles are listed at 6-foot-4 or taller, including seniors Connor Ennis

(6-foot-6) and Jacob Ruder (6foot-7) and juniors Chase Allen (6-foot-7) and Garrett Bacon (6-foot-6).

It’s speed, not size, that will make coach Jennifer Perryman’s Lady Eagles dangerous on the hardwood again. Few are quicker to the basket than senior guard Toshua Leavitt, who is also one of the most deadly 3-point shooters in school history. And her gritty play sets the tone for this squad.

She leads a trio of players returning from a 20-win campaign last winter. Carley Allen and Shelby Ewing provide varsity experience for the Lady Eagles, who will count on newcomers like Paige Klempel and Hannah Horgan.

Dustin Martin leads the wrestling Eagles who continue to produce top-level talent. The now-graduated Joe Velliquette won a state title at 138 pounds

last year, giving Nixa a total of seven state champions. Nixa sent six wrestlers to state last winter and brings back a couple of them, including Christian Lance, who was fifth at 182 pounds.

Martin’s roster this season features nine seniors and 15 juniors.

It’s a small but mighty group in the pool for coach Pete Hill. It’s a group you can count on two hands, but it includes returning state qualifier Elle Moon, who qualified for state in four individual events, earning all-state honors in the 200-yard individual medley and making the consolation race in the 100-yard freestyle. She’s spent the offseason working hard to improve on those performances.

So get out to a gym — or natatorium — this winter. It’s warm inside and the athletes will be putting on a show.

Follow all your Nixa varsity sports on the Nixa Xpress website: www.nixaxpress.com; Facebook: Nixa Xpress; and Twitter: @NixaXpress

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 13

NHS VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

NHS JV BOYS BASKETBALL

BOYS VARSITY/JV BASKETBALL ROSTER NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

Chase Allen

12

Austin Bracker

10

Connor Ennis

12

Jacob Ruder

12

Garrett Bacon

11

Avery Canady

10

Preston Flood

11

Jack Sanders

9

Terry Barber

12

Colin Chandler

12

Brett Hammit

9

Matt Schlottman

10

Tyler Bleau

10

Parker Dent

11

Jacob Kleinsmith

10

Seth Viebrock

10

Christian Bundy

10

Alex Eakins

11

Ben Lambton

10

Evan Bergmann

10

Nathan Elmer

9

Dawson Mills

12

Coaches: Jay Osborne, Brock Blansit, Andrew Boyce, Tim Williams, Jared Middleton

14 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

BOYS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL ROSTER

NHS FRESHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL

NAME Max Bilbrey Tailen Canady Masen Gideon Tanner Hartman Jacob McCullum Kyle Ramey Alex Roberts Caleb Turner Joseph Weatherly Brady Williams Coach: Andrew Boyce Manager: Trey Backes

Christmas Tree Lot Hours beginning Friday, Nov. 28th: M-S 7:30-7:00 Sun 9:30-6:00

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510 W. Mt. Vernon Nixa, MO 65714

Portions of Each Sale goes to Nixa Band Boosters

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 15

BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

DATE

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

11/17

6:45 p.m.

Varsity

Scrimmage Parkview

Republic

2/26

7:30 p.m.

Varsity

Neosho R-V

Neosho

3/2-7

Varsity

MSHSAA Districts

TBA

11/17

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Scrimmage Republic

Republic

3/11

Varsity

MSHSAA Sectionals

TBA

11/25

6 p.m.

Harrison - JV

Harrison, AR

3/14

Varsity

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Harrison

Harrison, AR

MSHSAA QuarterFinals

TBA

11/25

JV

Cub Martin JV Tournament

Nixa

3/20-21

Varsity

MSHSAA Final Four

Columbia Mizzou Arena

JV

12/1-6

JV

12/4

6 p.m.

Waynesville -JV

Nixa

12/4

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Waynesville

Nixa

12/10

6 p.m.

Kickapoo - JV

Kickapoo

12/12

5:30 p.m. Varsity

Ozark Mountain Shootout vs. St. Charles

Glendale

JV

12/13

8:30 p.m. Varsity

Ozark Mountain Shootout vs. Pacific

Glendale

12/16

6 p.m.

Glendale - JV

Glendale

12/16

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Glendale

Glendale

Varsity

Blue And Gold Tournament

MSU

12/26-30

JV

1/5

6 p.m.

JV

Republic - JV

Republic

1/6

6 p.m.

JV

Carl Junction - JV

Nixa

1/6

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Carl Junction

Nixa

Lindbergh Tournament

Lindbergh High School

1/8-10 1/13

Varsity 6 p.m.

JV

Logan-Rogersville - JV

Rogersville

9TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

SITE

11/24

7:15 p.m.

Branson

Branson

12/10

6 p.m.

Kickapoo

Kickapoo

12/11

7:15 p.m.

Webb City

Nixa

12/16

4:30 p.m.

Glendale

Glendale

12/18

6 p.m.

Neosho R-V

Neosho

1/7

6 p.m.

Republic

Republic

1/8

6 p.m.

Carthage

Nixa

1/12

7 p.m.

Bolivar

Bolivar

1/13

5 p.m.

Logan-Rogersville

Rogersville

1/14

7:15 p.m.

Willard

Nixa

1/15

7:15 p.m.

Ozark

Nixa

1/19

6 p.m.

Spokane

Nixa

1/20

4:30 p.m.

Kickapoo

Nixa

1/22

5 p.m.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon

TBA

Kickapoo

TBA

1/13

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Logan-Rogersville

Rogersville

1/24

1/20

6 p.m.

Kickapoo - JV

Nixa

1/24

TBA

Glendale

TBA

1/20

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Kickapoo

Nixa

1/26-31

TBA

Ozark Freshman Tournament

Ozark

1/22

6 p.m.

Mt. Vernon - JV

Mt. Vernon

2/2-7

TBA

COC Tournament

Nixa

1/22

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon

2/10

5 p.m.

Carthage

Carthage

Varsity

Nixa Invitational Tournament

Nixa

JV

Branson -JV

Branson

1/29-31

JV JV

2/6

6 p.m.

2/6

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Branson

Brandson

2/10

6 p.m.

Carthage - JV

Carthage

2/10

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Carthage

Carthage

2/13

6 p.m.

Republic - JV

Nixa

2/13

7:30 p.m. Varsity

2/16-21

JV JV

Republic

Nixa

JV

Ozark JV Tournament

Ozark

JV

Ozark - JV

Ozark

2/17

6 p.m.

2/17

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Ozark

Ozark

2/20

6 p.m.

Webb City - JV

Nixa

2/20

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Webb City

Nixa

2/24

6 p.m.

Willard - JV

Nixa

2/24

7:30 p.m. Varsity

Willard

Nixa

2/26

6 p.m.

Neosho R-V - JV

Neosho

JV JV JV

Stories, schedules, text alerts and Eagle Fan information

Check out www.nixaathletics.net

16 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

GIRLS VARSITY/JV BASKETBALL ROSTER NAME

GRADE

JaiDee Akers

10

Carley Allen

12

Maran Atwooll

11

Lindsey Blansit

10

Morgan Davi

10

Shelby Ewing

11

Kayla Goss

11

Olivia Henderson

10

Hannah Horgan

12

Irelynn Kinney

10

Paige Klempel

11

Teneka Langston

11

Toshua Leavitt

12

Jeni Liss

11

Bissett Michaelson

9

Mia Vincent

10

Halley Wiggins

9

Camille Wilmes

12

Paige Wells

11

Lakyn Wools

10

NHS VARSITY/JV GIRLS BASKETBALL

Coaches: Jennifer Perryman, Jon Stock, Aly Stock

GIRLS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL ROSTER NAME Brooke Barnes Katie Brookshier Maddie Fischer Julie Mason Bissett Michaelson Shelby Obernuefemann Destiny Shadwell Kaylee Smith Shelby Ritz Grace Roberts Jamie Thompson Halle Viles Hannah Vest Hannah Young

Good Luck

Eagles!

NHS FRESHMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 17

GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

DATE

11/22

1 p.m.

Varsity

Jamboree

Parkview

11/25

6 p.m.

JV

Aurora - JV

Nixa

11/25

7 p.m.

Varsity

Aurora

Nixa

12/1-3

TBA

JV

Parkview JV Tournament

Parkview

12/8

4:30 p.m. JV

Parkview - JV

Parkview

12/8

5:30 p.m. Varsity

Parkview

Parkview

12/11-13

TBA

Varsity

Stephanie Phillips Classic

Kickapoo

12/15

6 p.m.

JV

Glendale - JV

Nixa

12/15

7 p.m.

Varsity

Glendale

Nixa

12/17-20

TBA

JV

Ozark JV Tournament

Ozark

12/18

5:30 p.m. JV

Kickapoo - JV

Kickapoo

12/18

6:30 p.m. Varsity

Kickapoo

Kickapoo

12/27-30

TBA

Varsity

Pink And White Lady Classic

Drury

1/5

6 p.m.

JV

El Dorado Springs - JV

Nixa

1/5

7 p.m.

Varsity

El Dorado Springs

Nixa

1/7

6 p.m.

JV

Republic - JV

Nixa

1/8

6 p.m.

JV

Waynesville - JV

Nixa

1/8

7 p.m.

Varsity

Waynesville

Nixa

1/10

1 p.m.

JV

Rock Bridge - JV

Columbia

1/10

2 p.m.

Varsity

Rock Bridge

Columbia

1/12

6 p.m.

JV

Neosho R-V - JV

Neosho

1/12

7 p.m.

Varsity

Neosho R-V

Neosho

1/19

6 p.m.

JV

Carl Junction - JV

Nixa

1/19

7 p.m.

Varsity

Carl Junction

Nixa

1/22-24

TBA

Varsity

Smith-Cotton Classic

Sedalia

2/2

6 p.m.

JV

Skyline Hickory County - JV

Skyline

2/2

7 p.m.

Varsity

Skyline Hickory County

Skyline

2/5

6 p.m.

JV

Branson - JV

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

3/11

Varsity

MSHSAA Sectionals

TBA

3/14

Varsity

MSHSAA QuarterFinals

TBA

3/19-21

Varsity

MSHSAA Final Four

Columbia Mizzou

Jeff Kessinger/Nixa Xpress

Nixa’s Shelby Ewing hits the floor to battle Aurora’s Emily Parker for a loose ball during the first half of the Lady Eagles’ 53-51 win Nov. 26.

9TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

SITE

Branson

11/24

6 p.m.

Branson

Branson

6 p.m.

Hillcrest

Nixa

2/5

7 p.m.

Varsity

Branson

Branson

12/2

2/9

6 p.m.

JV

Carthage - JV

Carthage

12/8

4:30 p.m.

Parkview

Parkview

6 p.m.

Republic Freshmen Tournament

Republic

2/9

7 p.m.

Varsity

Carthage

Carthage

12/9-13

2/12

6 p.m.

JV

Republic - JV

Nixa

12/11

6 p.m.

Webb City

Nixa

5 p.m.

Glendale

Nixa

2/12

7 p.m.

Varsity

Republic

Nixa

12/15

2/16

6 p.m.

JV

Ozark - JV

Ozark

12/18

4:30 p.m.

Kickapoo

Kickapoo

6 p.m.

Bolivar

Bolivar

2/16

7 p.m.

Varsity

Ozark

Ozark

1/6

2/19

6 p.m.

JV

Webb City - JV

Nixa

1/7

6 p.m.

Republic

Nixa

6 p.m.

Willard

Nixa

2/19

7 p.m.

Varsity

Webb City

Nixa

1/14

2/23

6 p.m.

JV

Willard - JV

Nixa

1/15

6 p.m.

Ozark

Nixa

5 p.m.

Carl Junction

Nixa

6 p.m.

Spfd. Central

Spfld. Central

Freshman - COC Tournament

Republic

2/23 2/28-3/7

7 p.m.

Varsity

Willard

Nixa

1/19

Varsity

MSHSAA Districts

TBA

1/20 2/3-7

18 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

NHS WRESTLING

WRESTLING ROSTER NAME

GRADE

Skylar Barber

NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

Alec Deveney

Charles Hawkins

9

William Park

11

Nicholas Baxter

11

Evan Deveney

Gus Hayes

9

Anthony Patinsky

10

Hunter Blair

11

Stanton Finley

12

Austin Heatherly

11

James Ramsey

12

Garrett Fritz

12

Wyatt Hunt

12

Lane Reppond

11

Carter Boone Aidan Childs

11

Misael Garcia

11

Christian Lance

12

Trevor Rock

9

Noah Clark

11

Oswaldo Garcia

9

Connor Langdon

11

Tucker Snow

10

Maverick Cowens

12

Noah Gate

10

Turner Lewis

9

Connor Snyder

10

Caleb Cunningham

10

Spencer Gatlin

11

Matthew Marshall

9

Isaiah Wade

9

Andrew Curry

Jonathan Ghering

10

Chandler McAtee

9

Mason Wilcox

10

Aaron Davidson

11

Nathaniel Gimlin

11

Enon Miller

10

Hunter Wilson

10

Austin Davis

9

Evan Hall

9

Joshua Morin

9

Ryan Davis

9

Cody Harris

9

Marshall Osborne

12

Veliquette ends career with third straight title Joe Velliquette closed out his Nixa career with a Class 4 state championship at 138 pounds in 2014 and finished the season 33-0. Velliquette also won state titles in 2013 (126 pounds) and 2012 (106 pounds) and captured three Central Ozark Conference championships.

He is currently wrestling for the University of Pennsylvania and won three of his first five collegiate matches.

File photo

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 19

WRESTLING SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

DATE

TIME

LEVEL OPPONENT

SITE

12/2

5:30 p.m.

JV

Carthage - JV

Carthage

1/9

6 p.m.

Varsity

Ozark/Jeff City

Ozark

12/2

6:30 p.m.

Varsity

Carthage

Carthage

1/13

6 p.m.

JV

Waynesville

12/5-6

TBA

Varsity

Fox Ron Sauer Duals

Arnold, MO

Waynesville/Hickman - JV

12/5-6

TBA

JV

Fox Ron Sauer Duals - JV

Arnold, MO

1/13

7 p.m.

Varsity

Waynesville/Hickman

Waynesville

1/17

9 a.m.

Varsity

Branson Invitational

Branson

12/9

7 p.m.

JV

Joplin - JV

Nixa

1/20

5:30 p.m.

JV

Branson/Central - JV

Branson

12/9

8 p.m.

Varsity

Joplin

Nixa

1/20

6:30 p.m.

Varsity

Branson/Central

Branson

12/16

5:30 p.m.

JV

Willard/Reeds Spring - JV

Willard

1/23-24

5 p.m.

Varsity

Winnetonka Tournament

Winnetonka

1/24

5 p.m.

Varsity

Winnetonka Tournament

Winnetonka

1/24

9 a.m.

JV

Kickapoo JV Tournament

Kickapoo

12/16

6:30 p.m.

Varsity

Willard/Reeds Spring

Willard

12/19

4:30 p.m.

Varsity

Kansas City Stampede

Hale Arena

12/20

9:00 a.m.

Varsity

Kansas City Stampede

Hale Arena

1/27

5 p.m.

JV

JV Match-Up Night

Nixa

12/20

9:05 a.m.

JV

Lebanon JV Tournament

Lebanon

1/31

9 a.m.

Varsity

COC Tournament

Branson

1/2

10:30 a.m.

Varsity

Kinloch Classic

Parkview HS

2/3

5:30 p.m.

JV

Kickapoo/Republic - JV

Republic

2/3

6:30 p.m.

Varsity

Kickapoo/Republic

Republic

Parkview HS

2/7

9 a.m.

JV

JV COC Tournament

Nixa

2/13-14

5 p.m.

Varsity

MSHSAA Districts

Jefferson City

2/19-21

5 p.m.

Varsity

MSHSAA State Championships

Mizzou Arena

1/3

9:30 a.m.

Varsity

Kinloch Classic

1/8

5:30 p.m.

JV

Neosho R-V - JV

Nixa

1/8

6:30 p.m.

Varsity

Neosho R-V

Nixa

1/9

5 p.m.

JV

Ozark/Jeff City - JV

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20 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

SWIMMING SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

LEVEL

OPPONENT

SITE

12/9

4 p.m.

JV/Varsity

All Relays

Natatorium-Spfd

12/13

8:30 a.m.

JV/Varsity

Winnetonka Invitational

North Kansas City

12/16

4:30 p.m.

JV/Varsity

Central/Rogersville/Hillcrest/Marshfield/Seymour

Natatorium-Spfd

1/9

4:30 p.m.

JV/Varsity

Glendale/Blue Springs/MICDS/Kickapoo/LS West

Natatorium-Spfd

1/10

9 a.m.

JV/Varsity

Ozarks Invitational

Natatorium-Spfd

1/23-24

8:40 a.m.

JV/Varsity

KC Classic

Kansas City

1/27

2:45 p.m.

JV/Varsity

COC Invitational

Natatorium-Spfd

1/30

4:30 p.m.

JV/Varsity

Kickapoo/St. Teresa’s Academy/Lindbergh

Natatorium-Spfd

1/31

8 a.m.

JV/Varsity

Springfield Invitational

Natatorium-Spfd

2/3

4:30 p.m.

JV/Varsity

Central/Rogersville/Hillcrest/GW/Marshfield/Summit

Natatorium-Spfd

2/12

5 p.m.

JV/Varsity

SWMO Championships-Swimming Prelims

Natatorium-Spfd

2/13

6 p.m.

JV/Varsity

SWMO Championships-Diving Finals

Natatorium-Spfd

2/14

1 p.m.

JV/Varsity

SWMO Championships-Swimming Finals

Natatorium-Spfd

2/14

4 p.m.

JV/Varsity

Last Chance Meet

Natatorium-Spfd

2/20

3 p.m.

Varsity

MSHSAA State Championships-Prelims

St. Peters, Mo

2/21

9:30 a.m.

Varsity

MSHSAA State Championships-Diving Finals

St. Peters, Mo

2/21

3 p.m.

Varsity

MSHSAA State Championships-Swimming Finals

St. Peters, Mo

NHS SWIMMING

GIRLS SWIMMING ROSTER NAME

NAME

NAME

Julia Baechli

Grace Hukill

Anna Peterson

Julie Benson

Elle Moon

Hanna Wubbena

Kensey Frazee

Coaches: Pete Hill, Mirium Watson

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 21

NJH BOYS 7TH GRADE BASKETBALL ROSTER

NJH BOYS BASKETBALL 7TH GRADE

NAME Ace Akers Tanner Barnes Ely Caufield Sam Cochran Aaron Engleman Cameron House Zach Ismaio Evann Long Josh Mason Kristian Ramey

NJH BOYS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Joe Reid

DATE

TIME

LEVEL

OPPONENT

SITE

11/24

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Ozark Junior High

Ozark

Sal Scalise

11/25

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Willard Junior High

Nixa

Bryson Smith

12/2

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Branson Junior High

Nixa

Jared Spence

12/9

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Republlic Junior High

Republic

Eros Sustaita

12/15

5 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Waynesville Middle School

Nixa

Kolby Wobker

1/8

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Carthage Junior High

Carthage

1/9

5:30 p.m.

7/8 Grade A/B

Webb City Junior High

Nixa

1/12

5:30 p.m.

7th Grade A/B

Carl Junction Junior High

Carl Junction

1/12-16

TBA

8th Grade A/B

Ozark 8th A&B Tournament

Ozark

1/13

5:30 p.m.

7th Grade A/B

Camdenton Junior High

Camdenton

1/13

5:30 p.m.

8th Grade A/B

Camdenton Junior High

Nixa

1/15

5:30 p.m.

7th Grade A/B

Aurora Junior High

Aurora

NJH BOYS 8TH GRADE BASKETBALL ROSTER

1/19-23

TBA

7th Grade A/B

Ozark 7th A&B Tournament

Ozark

NAME

1/20

5:30 p.m.

8th Grade A/B

Aurora Junior High

Nixa

1/22

5:30 p.m.

8th Grade A/B

Carl Junction Junior High

Carl Junction

1/26

TBA

7th Grade A

7th COC

Nixa

1/26

TBA

8th Grade A

8th COC

Carthage

NJH BOYS BASKETBALL 8TH GRADE

Jace Reinke

Coaches: David Ferguson, Scott Moulder Manager: Grant Thompson, Cody Jones

Logan Ayers Nick Bracker Braeden Combs Hunter Crabtree Ryan Cram Gunner Ellingsworth Isaiah Engelman Jordan Farmer Brandon Gordon Logan Jennings Hunter McConnell Kinson Michel Blake Mozley Taylor Patterson Spencer Pierce Lukas Roemen Sean Sample Carson Young Coaches: Ed Corya, Steve Dunagan Manager: Jake Heflin, Tyler Stoneberger

22 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine

NJH GIRLS 7TH GRADE BASKETBALL ROSTER

NJH GIRLS BASKETBALL 7TH GRADE

NAME Mariah Agnew Maddie Blansit Kiersten Bybee Lauren Canady Elizabeth Eastin Amanda Eckels Emily Edwards Callie Ennis McKenzie Hines Payeton Loughead Gabby Nielsen Ellie Osborne Carley Reeves-Eakins

NJHS GIRLS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

SITE

Paige Sportsman

11/10-14

TBA

Marionville JH Girls Hoopapalooza

Marionville

Sarah Vermillion

11/18

5:30 p.m.

Neosho

Neosho

Maddie Ward

11/20

TBA

Carl Junction

Nixa

Sierra Watkins

11/24

5:30 p.m.

Aurora

Nixa

Alexis Wolfe

11/25

5:30 p.m.

Willard

Willard

Lexie Wools

12/2

5:30 p.m.

Branson

Branson

12/4

5:30 p.m.

Carthage

Nixa

12/12

5:00 p.m.

Waynesville

Waynesville

12/15-19

TBA

7th COC Tournament

Branson

12/15-19

TBA

8th COC Tournament

Republic

1/6

TBA

“B” Team vs. Willard

Nixa

1/9

5:30 p.m.

Ozark

Ozark

Taylor Arnold

1/13

5:30 p.m.

Camdenton 8th Grade

Camdenton

Shelby Berry

1/13

5:30 p.m.

Camdenton 7th Grade

Nixa

Kelsey Biro

1/15

5:30 p.m.

Republic

Nixa

Allison Brumley

1/19-23

TBA

Nixa 8th “A” Tournament

Nixa

Sophia Caccioppo

1/19-23

TBA

Nixa 8th “B” Tournamment

Nixa

Skyla Chitwood

1/19-23

TBA

Branson 7th Tournament

Branson

Deborah Seale

NJH GIRLS 8TH GRADE BASKETBALL ROSTER NAME

Lakin Copeland Abby Hamilton Ashley Harkins Shyla Horgan Sophia Jackson Emily Lambton Drue Lawrence Katalina Mitchell Ryan Murphy Stevie Norton Katherine Ream Katie Satterfield Ashley Swearengin

Coaches: Lesley Eakins, Fernando Sustaita Managers: BryAna Fegley, Lillian Towe

Let’s Go

Eagles!

Coaches: Steve Fischer, Raymonda Barnes Manager: Katilyn Boyd, Daisy Weaver

NJH GIRLS BASKETBALL 8TH GRADE

2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine • N the Zone - 23

NJH WRESTLING ROSTER NAME

NAME

NAME

Zackary Ballew

Dylan Rust

Dalton Sterns

Kevin Bennett

Ethan Shepard

Nolan Voice

Taylor Cheek

Mason Simmons

Hunter Christionson

NJH WRESTLING

Matthew Ecker Noah George Noah Gibson Anthony Guzman Ethan Heartman Cooper Hines Logan Lewis Logan Looney Dustin McCort Trent McFall Matthew Melton Bradon Middleton Dalton Moad Jason Perryman Nathan Perryman Dawson Rakers Carter Rohr

NJH WRESTLING SCHEDULE DATE TIME

LEVEL

OPPONENT

SITE

11/13

5:30 p.m. 7/8 grade

Willard Junior High

Willard

11/18

5:30 p.m. 7/8 grade

Republic Junior High

Nixa

11/22

TBA

Branson Tournament

Branson

11/25

5:30 p.m. 7/8 grade

DD vs Branson/Hollister

Hollister

12/2

5 p.m.

7/8 grade

Carthage Junior High

Carthage

12/8

5 p.m.

7/8 grade

DD vs Ozark/Marshfield

Nixa

12/11

5 p.m.

7/8 grade

DD vs Waynesville/Willard

Waynesville

12/13

TBA

7/8 grade

COC

Carthage

12/16

5 p.m.

7/8 grade

DD vs Lebanon/Waynesville

Lebanon

7/8 grade

30+ Years Experience!

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24 - N the Zone • 2014-15 Winter Sports Magazine