2014-2015 Winter Sports Preview

2014-2015

Winter Sports Preview

Maryville • Jefferson • Nodaway-Holt • North Nodaway • Northeast Nodaway • South Nodaway • West Nodaway • Northwest Missouri State University

A special section published by the Maryville Daily Forum November 28, 2014

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Winter Sports Preview

Maryville Daily Forum

MARYVILLE SPOOFHOUNDS

Spoofhounds ready to begin Stoecklein era

By JASON LAWRENCE Sports editor

Matt Stoecklein knows he has big shoes to fill, taking over for Hall of Famer Mike Kuwitzky.

Kuwitzky amassed 477 wins in 28 seasons at the helm of the Spoofhound boys basketball program, and now his lead assistant slides over a chair after a 6-18 campaign last year that ended with an exit in the semifinal round of the district tournament.

“There’s going to be a lot of pressure to win a lot of games. I’m just gonna do the best that I can and really stress getting after it on the defensive end and try to move, move, move,” Stoecklein said after being hired for the head coaching position in May. “Offensively, we’re going to try and do some of the same things, but we’re also going to try and open up some transition and do some different things. Obviously, we will change some, but it’s going to be tough to follow that up because he has got a

Maryville Spoofhounds

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

The 2014-15 Maryville boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Corby Roush, John Zimmerman, Hagen Snow and Alex Bean; second: Spencer Morrison, Trey Oglesby, Jakob Gray, Mitchell Worthington, Jacob Woods, Payden Dawson, Joe McClurg, Brady Archer and Blake Schreck; third: Dustin Piper, Jackson Golightly, Hunter Stufflebean, Mason Graff, Jalen Sundell, Trystan Lyle, Jacob Cacek and Chip Dunlap.

mountain of wins.”

The first-year head coach will also benefit from a pair of assistants that have a lot of experience with winning.

Stoecklein retained Nic Mattson from Kuwitzky’s staff, but Grant Hageman moves into the varsity assistant role after winning 116 games as the head coach of the Lady Spoofhounds. Also assisting Stoecklein is Dillon Starzl, fresh off a standout career with Northwest, in which the Bearcats won 77 games in his four years

anchoring the post.

The Spoofhounds also return four players last year’s 6-18 team that averaged more than six points per game, including 6-3 senior guard Mitchell Worthington, 6-3 senior forward Jacob Cacek and 5-10 senior guard Hagen Snow, who all started last season. Worthington led the team with 6.9 points per game and also contributed five rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest. Cacek averaged 6.5 points and five boards per game and Snow, a three-

point specialist, averaged 6.3 points per game a year ago.

Stoecklein also returns 5-8 sophomore guard Trey Oglesby, who scored 6.6 points per game off the bench as a freshman as well as 5-10 senior guard Payden Dawson, 6-8 junior center Mason Graff, 6-1 junior guard Trystan Lyle, 6-3 junior forward Chip Dunlap and 6-1 sophomore guard Spencer Morrison, who all saw regular minutes last season.

“We might play about 10 kids this year,” Stoecklein said. “We believe we will be a much better team, especially around district time.”

Having so many players back, Stoecklein said he expects the Hounds to be “a team that plays together no matter what is happening on the court.”

Stoecklein also said the Midland Empire Conference would be tough again — and the Spoofhounds get an early look at a conference foe in the opening round of the 86th annual Savannah Tournament.

Maryville opens its season with Lafayette, the reigning MEC champion and Class 4 state runner-up, in the first round of the tournament at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

“It looks like it will be very tough this year,” Stoecklein said of the MEC, “but we hope that it will get us ready for districts.”

12/1-6 @ Savannah Tournament 12/9 Clarinda 12/12 @ Benton 12/15 @ East Buchanan 12/16 @ South Harrison 12/18 Jefferson 12/25-27 @ NCMC Shootout 1/6 @ Lafayette 1/13 Chillicothe 1/16 @ Falls City 1/19 @ Mid-Buchanan 1/23 @ Savannah 1/26-31 @ Cameron Tournament 2/3 @ Bishop LeBlond 2/6 Smithville 2/13 Benton 2/16 @ Cameron 2/20 Savannah

Floater time

Maryville sophomore guard Trey Oglesby lofts a soft shot up toward the rim during a game last season against South Harrison. Oglesby was often the first guard off the bench for a Spoofhound squad that went 6-18 a season ago. He was the teams’ second-leading scorer at 6.6 points per contest, and figures to have an expanded role this season under first-year head coach Matt Stoecklein.

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

Throw it down

FILE PHOTO

Maryville sophomore Jakob Gray slams home a dunk at the end of practice Friday, Nov. 21. The Spoofhounds’ head coach, Matt Stoecklein, said he has 15 players currently competing for varsity minutes.

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MARYVILLE SPOOFHOUNDS

New coaching staff leads youthful Lady Spoofhounds

By JASON LAWRENCE

along with junior guard Jacquelyn Ware and sophomore guard Kaylie Spire, both of whom saw varsity time With a new coaching staff off the bench last season. comes a new energy, and new 12/1-6 @ Savannah Boeh said she expects Maryville girls basketball Tournament Auffert to be one of the @ Clarinda coach Candace Boeh and her 12/9 most improved players assistant coaches have that in 12/15 East Buchanan from last season and sees 12/16 @ South Harrison Spire as up and coming spades.

They also have a young 12/18 Jefferson and as a potential “comteam that features just five 12/27-30 @ LeBlond Holiday mander on the floor” for seniors — only two of which Tournament the Spoofhounds. were on the team last year as 1/9 Lafayette Freshman Megan the Spoofhounds compiled a 1/12 Savannah Worthington is another 1/16 @ Falls City 4-24 record. player Boeh expects to 1/20 @ Penney Boeh, who is assisted by contribute right away as a @ Bishop LeBlond spark to Maryville’s inside her twin sister Alexis and Al- 1/22 exa Anderson, said her staff 1/26-31 @ Cameron game. is “hopeful for improve- Tournament “She can post up and go 2/2 Lathrop ment” this season. both ways in the paint,” “As a new coaching staff, 2/4 Cameron Boeh said. “She also has @ Smithville we are fresh and full of en- 2/5 a great 10-12 foot jump 2/10 Chillicothe ergy,” Boeh said. “We are shot.”

2/12 @ Benton excited about the girls we Having players that 2/17 Nebraska City have and the opportunity to contribute inside and out 2/19 @ Savannah coach the Hounds. We will will be helpful to the style be working each day toward the new coaching staff is creating ladies that have basimplementing. ketball talent and skill, remarkable charac“We want to run a fast-paced game — ter, self-discipline and a great work ethic. getting the ball up the floor quickly,” Boeh We will be taking small steps along the said. “We want to establish a high-low, way and will find motivation through our inside-out game where all team members successes and failures.” on the floor are involved.”

The Spoofhounds return two starters The Spoofhounds have also set a goal from Grant Hageman’s team last season — of winning at least half of their games this 5-11 junior post Josie Patton and 5-7 junior season and compete night-in and night-out guard Abby Van de Ven. in the tough Midland Empire Conference.

Patton often spear-headed the Hounds’ “We have a very tough conference. This press last season and, according to Boeh is is a conference that I am proud to be a part a “player who can really run the floor and of,” Boeh said. “No game will be easy and finish under the basket.” Van de Ven is de- I truly believe on any given night any team scribed as “very athletic” and noted for her can be beat. We hope to bring high energy ability to “really attack the basket off the and intensity to rise above and compete dribble or pull up with the jumper.” each night out.”

Boeh also listed senior post Rachel The Spoofhounds open the season with Auffert — one of the first players off the the Savannah Tournament, which will run bench a season ago — as an impact player Dec. 1-6.

Sports editor

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

Maryville Lady Spoofhounds

The 2014-15 Maryville girls basketball team includes: front row, from left: Maddie Holtman, Josie Patton, Abby Van de Ven, Jessica Sheil and Felicia Sheil; second: MacKenna McMahon, Bethel Orshiso, Kaylie Spire, Domenica Tapia, Amanda Frueh, Halley Sims, Jacquelyn Ware, Ashton Reuter and Abbie Greeley; third: Emily Berning, Amberlea Auffert, Megan Worthington, Maggie Kempf, Jessica Wilmes, Rachel Auffert and Rebekah Shermuly.

Follow the Spoofhounds all year long at maryvilledailyforum.com.

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Maryville Spoofhounds

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The 2014-15 Maryville wrestling team includes: front row, from left: Cody Jackson, Jacob Partridge, Trevor Zimmerman, Jake Maughan, Nathaniel Alexander, Jacob Search and Mark Zahnd; second: Harrison Parkhurst, Ryan Owens, Jackson Sanders, Cayden Dunbar, Matt Twaddle, Brendan Weybrew, Meric Sheehan and Logan Zimmerman; not pictured: Alex Thompson.

Spoofhound wrestling has a new look for 2014-15

By JASON LAWRENCE

28-6 at 126 lbs., took fifth in Class 1 a season ago.

Sophomores Cayden Dunbar and Matt The Maryville wrestling team returns four Twaddle also return after qualifying for state qualifiers, but will still have a new look state at 120 and 132 lbs. last year as freshheading into the 2014-15 season. men with records of 18-19 and 20-23, reFollowing 40 years at the helm of the spectively.

Spoofhounds, Joe Drake stepped down fol“Only lost one senior, lots of returning lowing the 2013-14 season and his top assis- wrestlers,” Kellerstrass said. “Nathaniel Altant for the past two years, Connor Keller- exander and Brendan Weybrew are returnstrass, has stepped in to try and fill Drake’s ing state medalists for us. Cayden Dunbar shoes. and Matt Twaddle are returning state quali“Hopefully I can bring a different, fresh fiers as well that should score lots of points perspective on things,” for us.”

Kellerstrass said back in The one senior the SpoofMay after he was given the 12/13 @ Bedford/Lenox hounds graduated was state Tournament reins of the program. “That qualifier Dane Hull, who 12/16 @ Penney/Gallatin being said, I’ve built a lot of posted a 40-11 campaign in 12/18 @ Albany/Stanberry relationships with the boys his final year at Maryville.

12/19-20 @ Lexington over the past couple of years, Maryville also returns ju Tournament so they respond to me well.” 1/8 Savannah/ nior Jacob Partridge, junior And while Kellerstrass, Cameron/Lafayette Trevor Zimmerman, junior who will be assisted by his 1/10 Cody Jackson and sopho@ Mid-Buchanan brother Kemper, said he has Tournament more Logan Zimmerman a lot of young wrestlers this 1/13 @ Rock Port/Albany who were in the varsity startseason, he will lean on his se- 1/15 @ Falls City/Sabetha ing lineup last season. The niors, namely returning state 1/24 Spoofhounds will also get a @ MEC Tourney medalists Brendan Weybrew 1/27 @ Benton/St. Pius lift from the return of Meric and Nathaniel Alexander, to 1/29 @ Mt. Ayr/Bedford/ Sheehan, who missed the lead by example.

Lenox/Pleasantville majority of last season with

“We’ve got a lot of young 1/31 Quad State Classic a broken collarbone. kids in the room this year,” 2/5 Lawson/Maysville Kellerstrass also said the Kellerstrass said. “We’re 2/7 @ Albany Tourney Hounds have three keys to going to focus a lot on fun- success heading into the seadamentals and practice at a son. high level so that we’ll be “We have to be in shape prepared when we start competing in De- to battle all three periods,” he said. “(We) cember. We’ll look to our seniors to lead by must be fundamentally sound in every posiexample in the room and that will help ev- tion we find ourselves. We need to be more eryone buy into our system.” dominate on our feet this year, as well.”

Weybrew finished second in Class 1 in The Spoofhounds open the season at the heavyweight division, finishing his ju- 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Bedford/ nior campaign at 42-2. Alexander, who went Lenox Tournament in Bedford, Iowa.

Sports editor

Page 4

Winter Sports Preview

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N. NODAWAY MUSTANGS

Shipman, Mustangs expect improvement

By STEVE HARTMAN

lor Olson and Michael Trautz, believes the strengths of his players will dictate the Mustangs’ style of play.

Led by a new coach who’s not new to sev“I believe in teaching fundamentals, but eral of his players, the North Nodaway Mus- our style of play will depend on our talent,” tangs look for vast improvements over last Shipman said. “We will be fast with a lot season’s 2-21 overall record, of returning players from last which included an 0-7 mark year.” in the Highway 275 Confer- 11/24 Union Star Being new to the area, ence.

11/25 @ South Nodaway Shipman passed on predictJake Shipman has taken 12/1-6 @ Mound City ing what teams were the faover the head coaching reins Tournament vorites in the Highway 275 of the Mustangs. Shipman 12/9 Conference race, but he did @ Worth County did his student teaching at 12/12 @ Mound City say this about his Mustangs.

North Nodaway three years 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO “This team will be overago, and spent the past two Tournament looked a by a lot of our oppoSouth Holt seasons coaching at Gilman 1/5 nents and we look to surprise 1/8 @ North Harrison City. every single one of them,” he @ Nodaway-Holt “I’m familiar with a lot of 1/9 said. “We look to finish in the the players returning here 1/12-17 @ Fairfax upper half of the conference due to my student teaching Tournament this year.”

Worth County experience two years ago,” 1/22 North Nodaway opened its @ West Nodaway Shipman said. “I’m excited 1/23 season Monday night with South Page to be back at North Nod- 1/26 a 67-34 win against Union NE Nodaway away. I coached several of 1/30 Star, thanks in large part to East Harrison my current players in junior 2/2 a three-quarter court press 2/6 @ Rock Port high three years ago.” and four guards on the floor @ St. Joe Christian at all times, and a 63-60 Junior guard Koby Reyn- 2/12 olds is the leading return- 2/13 Fairfax loss against South Nodaway East Atchison ing scorer for the Mustangs, 2/20 Tuesday night that came as he averaged 11.8 points down to a missed three-point per game last season. Other attempt by Coleman that Mustangs who figure to get plenty of play- would have forced overtime. ing time include senior Dakota Chesnut, The Mustangs (1-1) continue their season senior Ricki Rios, sophomore Dakota Smy- at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the Mound City ser, sophomore Peyton Coleman and senior Invitational tournament. North Nodaway, Tristian Wray. seeded sixth, will take on the third-seeded Shipman, who will be assisted by Tay- Rock Port Bluejays.

Staff writer

STEVE HARTMAN/DAILY FORUM

North Nodaway Lady Mustangs

The 2014-15 North Nodaway Lady Mustangs are: front row, from left: Bailey Tate, Breann O’Riley, Sam Frueh, Alisha Davison and Taylor Combs; second: Kelsi Oberhauser, Bethany Herndon, Madison Thompson and Lyssa Lowry.

New head coach leads Mustangs into 2014-15

By STEVE HARTMAN

“I believe in hard work and effort.” Jackson said. “Not everyone has the same ability, but everyone has the ability to work Sami Jackson, a South Nodaway gradu- hard and give maximum effort. Teams that ate and former Missouri Valley College work hard can beat more talented teams basketball standout, has taken over as the that haven’t put the work and effort into head coach for the North Nodaway Lady preparation.”

Mustangs, and the squad Jackson, who starred at looks to improve on last seapoint guard for the Mis11/24 Union Star son’s 11-14 overall record. souri Valley Vikings beJackson, who will be as- 11/25 @ South Nodaway fore starting her coaching sisted by her sister Lindsi, 12/1-6 @ Mound City career, sees the Highway who also played at Missouri Tournament 275 Conference race be@ Worth County Valley, worked with the Lady 12/9 ing very competitive this 12/12 @ Mound City Mustangs over the second season.

12/15-20 @ Northwest MO half of last season, so she “We have a tough con Tournament has some familiarity with the ference,” Jackson said. “I 1/5 South Holt team she has inherited and don’t think you can just 1/8 @ North Harrison her goals for the squad are look at it and say this team 1/9 @ Nodaway-Holt very direct. or that team is going to 1/12-17 @ Fairfax “Our goal is to have a bet- Tournament win it.” ter overall season than last 1/22 North Nodaway opened Worth County year,” Jackson said. “We 1/23 its season Monday night @ West Nodaway know we’re going to have 1/26 with a 50-25 victory South Page to work hard every game. 1/30 against Union Star behind NE Nodaway We’re not going to be a team 2/2 14 points and 27 rebounds East Harrison that gives up.” from Thompson and a 612/6 @ Rock Port Sophomore post Madison 2/12 @ St. Joe Christian 39 loss against South NodThompson averaged eight 2/13 Fairfax away Tuesday night . points per game as a fresh- 2/20 The Lady Mustangs (1East Atchison man and is the Lady Mus1) continue their season tang’s leading returning as the No. 5 seed at the scorer. Senior Sam Frueh Mound City Invitational and junior Breann O’Riley return as expe- tournament at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. rienced varsity competitors for Jackson’s 2 when they take on the fourth-seeded squad, which finished with a 3-5 record in Nodaway-Holt Lady Trojans, last season’s the Highway 275 Conference last season.

Highway 275 champion.

Staff writer

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North Nodaway Mustangs

STEVE HARTMAN/DAILY FORUM

The 2014-15 North Nodaway boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Ricki Rios, Dakota Chesnut, Koby Reynolds, Peyton Coleman, Dakota Smyser and Ryan Carter; second: Daytona Lutz, Cole Bird, Garrett Torres, Ben Hart and August Hoepker; third: Wesley Peve, Kendrick Calfee, Wyatt Tate, Ty Cowan and Tristian Wray; fourth: assistant coach Taylor Olson, head coach Jake Shipman and assistant coach Michael Trautz.

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S. NODAWAY LONGHORNS

Inexperienced but talented, Longhorns look to compete

By DALTON VITT

ple with hustle and intensity,” Skoglund said. “(We) will make youthful mistakes, but have some pretty solid talent.”

After a difficult season in the Platte ValSouth Nodaway lost six seniors from ley Conference a season ago, head coach last season’s team: Zeb Coleman, Damien Dustin Skoglund and the South Nodaway Willmore, Kyle Wolf, Grant Beggs, Nick boys basketball team look to take a step Bloom and Dalton Murphy. Coleman, forward with a youthful Willmore and Dalton Murroster for the upcoming phy were all starters for the 2014-15 season.

Longhorns.

11/25 North Nodaway “I expect to be competi- 12/1-5 @ PVC Dalton Murphy, a scrappy tive with some growing Tournament forward on the glass, poured pains along the way,” Sk- 12/9 St. Joseph Christian in 9.6 points per game and oglund said. “We are in- 12/12 King City 7.4 rebounds per game in Skexperienced but talented. 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO oglund’s frontcourt.

(We have a) very strong Tournament The Longhorns posted a core of sophomores and 1/5 5-17 overall record a year @ Stanberry juniors, only two seniors.” 1/9 @ Osborn ago, including a 1-7 mark in Those two seniors are 1/12-17 @ Stanberry conference play.

Logan Murphy and Jim- Invitational “(The PVC will be) tough, NE Nodaway my Carter, who each aver- 1/20 as always,” Skoglund, in his @ Jefferson aged four points per game 1/23 fourth year as the Longhorn as juniors, with Murphy 1/27 Nodaway-Holt head coach, said. “Jefferson, @ West Nodaway kicking in one assist and 1/29 Dekalb, North Andrew and @ Fairfax two steals per night while 2/3 Osborn all look to be very @ DeKalb good.”

Carter added three re- 2/6 2/9 Rock Port bounds per game.

South Nodaway opened its 2/10 @ Mound City Junior Dalton Warner season Tuesday night with a Union Star also added four points per 2/13 63-60 victory against North 2/17 @ Stewartsville game last season.

Nodaway. The schedule conNorth Andrew In order to compensate 2/20 tinues with the PVC Tournafor the inexperience of a ment scheduled for Dec. 1-5. young roster, Skoglund The Longhorns are the No. 6 hopes the Longhorns can play with passion seed and will take on third-seeded DeKalb and energy. at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 at South Nod“Young, but should surprise some peo- away High School.

Staff writer

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

South Nodaway Longhorns

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

South Nodaway Lady Longhorns

The 2014-15 South Nodaway girls basketball team includes: front row, from left: Carmen Cubanas, Shelby Hull, Joslynn Warner, Erin Salsbury, Sydney Harlan and Meaghan McConkey; second: Savannah Bennett, Baylee Hilsabeck, Elizabeth Turpin, Mallory McConkey, Sabrina Trautz and Alex Buckles; third: Dolores Holtman, Payton Henggeler, Ashton Henggeler, Phelps Hawley, Allison Hilsabeck and Marissa Wiederholt; not pictured: Kristen Nielson and Malainee Hilsabeck.

Lady Horns hope to build on last season’s success

By DALTON VITT

tacked on another 7.6 points,

11/25 North Nodaway 3.4 rebounds and two assists 12/1-5 @ PVC per game in Murphy’s backFollowing a strong show- Tournament court.

St. Joseph Christian ing during the 2013-14 sea- 12/9 Nielson and the McConson, the South Nodaway 12/12 King City key’s also earned All-Congirls basketball team returns 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO ference honors a season ago. an experienced group of core Tournament Nielson led things on the @ Stanberry players ready to build on to 1/5 low block, posting seven @ Osborn points, grabbing six rewhat was accomplished a 1/9 1/12-17 @ Stanberry season ago. bounds and dishing out 1.4 Head coach Aaron Mur- Invitational assists per game.

NE Nodaway phy returns five impact play- 1/20 “We have a great group @ Jefferson ers: senior forwards Kristen 1/23 of girls who will work exNielson, Malainee Hilsabeck 1/27 Nodaway-Holt tremely hard,” Murphy said. @ West Nodaway and Allison Hilsabeck, as 1/29 “I could not ask for a more @ Fairfax well as sophomore guards 2/3 coachable group of athletes. @ DeKalb I feel very fortunate to coach Meaghan McConkey and 2/6 2/9 Rock Port this group and I am looking Mallory McConkey. @ Mound City Mallory McConkey aver- 2/10 forward to a very exciting 2/13 Union Star aged 10.1 points per game year.” @ Stewartsville a season ago to go with 3.7 2/17 After finishing second in North Andrew rebounds and 1.8 assists per 2/20 the Platte Valley Conference

Staff writer

game. Meaghan McConkey

The 2014-15 South Nodaway boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Michael McConkey, Tristan Freemyer, Trent McGeorge, Jordan Murphy and Logan Harlan; second: Corey Walker, Trey Farnan, Caleb Prettyman, Jimmy Carter, Austin Pulley and Logan Murphy; not pictured: Dalton Warner.

See more local coverage of Maryville, Jefferson, South Nodaway, Nodaway-Holt, Northeast Nodaway, North Nodaway and West Nodaway high schools as well as Northwest Missouri State online at maryvilledailyforum.com.

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Bring it up

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South Nodaway sophomore guard Mallory McConkey dribbles up court during a game last season against Nodaway-Holt.

at 6-1 with an overall record of 17-8 last year, Murphy’s goals remain lofty. He’s aiming for his team to finish “at the top of our conference” and to compete for a district championship.

South Nodaway also finished in the upper echelon of a trio of tournaments last season: second in the Northwest Missouri Tournament, third in the Platte Valley Conference Tournament and third in the Stanberry Tournament.

“The PVC looks to be very competitive once again this year,” Murphy said. “No one can be overlooked. However, I see North Andrew, Jefferson, Dekalb and Northeast Nodaway to be tough opponents.”

To open the season, the Longhorns started with a commanding 61-39 win against North Nodaway at home Nov. 25.

Their year continues next week with the PVC Tournament running Dec. 1-5. The Longhorns are the No. 2 seed and host seventh-seeded Union Star at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

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Maryville Daily Forum

NORTHWEST BEARCATS

Bearcats look to replace offensive stars in 2014-15

By DALTON VITT Staff writer

Rise and release

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

Northwest senior guard Matt Wallace elevates over a pair of Rockhurst defenders to shoot during the Hillyard Classic in St. Joseph Saturday, Nov. 22. Wallace has stepped into the starting lineup this season and will be looked to to provide more offense than in years past.

The Northwest men’s basketball team has an uphill battle in front of it after advancing all the way to the Central Region Championship of the Division II NCAA Tournament a season ago.

It was the best season under head coach Ben McCollum, in which the team posted a 24-9 record, the highest win total in McCollum’s five years at the helm.

The engine for last year’s Bearcats was point guard DeShaun Cooper, the MIAA Player of the Year, who graduated to leave a major void in the Northwest offensive attack. Other vital pieces McCollum will have to try to replace include frontcourt mates Dillon Starzl and Kyle Schlake, as well as defensive-oriented guards Bryston Williams and Tyler Funk.

In all, Northwest lost nearly 50 points per game in scoring average from those five. Stepping in to replace those minutes will be freshman guard Justin Pitts, senior guard Matt Wallace and junior guard Conner Crooker in the backcourt, to go with senior forward Grant Cozad and sophomore forward Zach Schneider in the frontcourt.

In the Bearcats’ first two games of the year, the team shot 31.4 percent from the floor in a loss against Minnesota State Moorhead before bouncing back to shoot 52.7 percent in a win the following day against Upper Iowa.

“I feel pretty good about (our rebounding), I feel pretty good about our defense, it’s our offense that killed our defense,” McCollum said following the loss to Minnesota State-Moorhead. “When you can’t score, it puts so much pressure on you defensively.

It’s hard to keep coming back and fighting when you can’t score.”

After taking advantage of Starzl and Schlake’s size a season ago, the Bearcats

will have to figure out a way to replace the bulk on the block. With Schneider starting as a stretch-four, rather than a traditional power forward, Northwest, logically, is at an immediate rebounding disadvantage.

However, Schneider’s ability to knock down open three-pointers is a major boon to the flow of the offense, as he easily creates space for slashes to the rim by the cornucopia of guards surrounding him. The Prairie Village, Kansas native knocked down outside shots at a ridiculous rate during his freshman season, hitting nearly 45 percent of his three-point attempts.

Perhaps even more important to the Northwest offense are Wallace and Crooker, two nearly polar opposites on that end of the floor. Wallace, a create-and-kick playmaker, tallied nearly three assists per game in 18 minutes per night last season. With all the weapons around him during last year’s MIAA title campaign, he attempted just 13 three-pointers and shot only 36.5 percent from the floor. If he proves he can knock down open shots — which he did by hitting a pair of threes during a win against Upper Iowa early this season — it will be a major boost for the flow of the offense.

As for Crooker, who prefers to catch-andshoot on the outside or slash into the paint for floaters and runners, much more of the offensive focus will be placed squarely on his shoulders. During his sophomore season, the southpaw posted shooting splits of 50.6 percent from the field, 51.4 percent from three and 87.5 percent from the charity stripe.

Through five games this season, Northwest (4-1) is allowing 69.6 points per game while scoring 78 points per game behind Crooker and Schneider.

“As long as we keep with it, keep with the process and keep believing that we’re destined to be a good team, we’ll be OK,” McCollum said.

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Winter Sports Preview

Page 7

NORTHWEST BEARCATS

Northwest women out to push the pace this year

By DALTON VITT Staff writer

Watching Northwest women’s basketball this season might be a little more like watching a tennis match. Head coach Michael Smith, in his second year, wants to push the tempo of the game as fast as possible with a roster chock-full of athletic, versatile guards.

The Bearcats have a deep roster that Smith isn’t at all afraid to dive into, evidenced by all 13 uniformed players getting minutes in each of the team’s first three games.

“I like this group, I think we’ve got a lot of weapons,” Smith said. “We’re still trying to get somewhat comfortable offensively. … Boy, when we’re going, we’re pretty fun.

We’ve got good depth — we’ve got depth at every position that I think that’s going to be the key, especially when you get into a tough MIAA season.

“These young kids got to get some minutes when they can, even if it’s just three minutes.”

Standing out from the crowd among those 13 is senior guard Ariel Easton, a multi-faceted player who can handle the ball as part of secondary rotations, slice through a defense to get to the rim and excels at spotting up for open three-pointers. Easton led the Bearcats with 15.7 points per game a season ago, and could assume an even larger role with guard Ashleigh Nelson — second on the team with 13 points per game — and forward Annie Mathews — third at 8.5 points per game — no longer on the roster.

Easton accumulated her points on just 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 31.3 percent from behind the arc, numbers that could improve with more of an attacking offense this season that could provide easier looks and less of a necessity for isolation plays.

The senior guard, a transfer from State Fair Community College, already set a new career-high against College of St. Mary this

year with 30 points on eight three-pointers in the third game of the season.

“Ariel’s matured a lot, just like all of our kids have matured a lot through the year,” Smith said. “… Last year, everybody was new, they were trying to get familiar with things. I was trying to get familiar with them last year. They’ve kind of settled in a little bit, really built that chemistry, that friendship off the court that’s carried on to the court.”

Other important returners include junior hybrid forward Tember Schechinger and sophomore forward Shelby Mustain, who scored 7.3 and 5.8 points per game, respectively, a season ago.

Junior center Maggie Marnin also returns this year following knee surgery that held her out for all of last season. Marnin last played in 2012-13, leading the team in scoring and finishing second in rebounding with 11.2 and 5.4 averages per game.

Joining Easton in the backcourt is junior point guard Taylor Shull, a transfer from Division I Bradley University. In her sophomore season for the Braves, Shull dished out 25 assists in her 23 games played, averaging 1.8 points per game in 11.9 minutes per night. The Mt. Pleasant, Iowa product complements Easton’s aggressive mentality with heady passing, leading Northwest with 22 assists through six games.

Easton is leading the team so far in both scoring (19.2 points per game) and rebounding (5.8). Schechinger checks in at 6.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in her role as the Bearcats’ sixth man.

After eking their way into the MIAA Tournament a year ago, and nearly taking down Northeastern State in the first round, the Bearcats are (2-4) to start the season.

“We’ve got some good players,” Smith said. “I think we’ve got a really good mix of some returners and some good newcomers. I think, as the season goes on, we’ll continue to hopefully see some good things out of this group.”

Post presence

JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM

Northwest sophomore forward Shelby Mustain makes her way to the rim in a game against College of St. Mary’s earlier this season. Mustain scored 5.8 points per game a season ago, but will have to make a bigger impact with Annie Mathews no longer on the team.

The Northwest indoor track and field preview will appear in the regular edition of the Maryville Daily Forum.

Page 8

Winter Sports Preview

Maryville Daily Forum

NE NODAWAY BLUEJAYS

Experience leads Lady Jays into 2014-15 campaign

By JASON LAWRENCE

rebounds and two assists per

11/25 Albany game as a junior while Cof12/1-5 @ PVC felt just missed out on averThe Northeast Nodaway Tournament aging a double-double with girls basketball team returns 12/9 Tarkio nine points, eight rebounds seven upperclassmen from 12/12 Stanberry and four blocks per game in a 15-11 season a year ago, 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO 2013-14. and fourth-year head coach Tournament Spire also returns after @ Mercer Vance Proffitt is excited to 1/2 earning honorable mention Union Star see his team get on the floor 1/5 All-Platte Valley accolades 1/6 Worth County for the first time. and posting nine points, five “This team has me excited 1/9 Stewartsville rebounds and four assists per to see them play,” Proffitt 1/12-17 @ South Harrison game. said. “They are working their Tournament Proffitt, who is assisted @ South Nodaway by Joyce Steins this season, tails off in practice and with 1/20 1/23 @ North Andrew also expects seniors Bailey the new girls and returning @ Fairfax girls, this team should be a 1/27 Judd and Kaysie Wiederholt 1/30 @ North Nodaway and juniors Allie Runde and fun one to watch all year.”

West Nodaway Senior Brianna Riley and 2/3 Talina Nelson to make an 2/5 @ Nodaway-Holt junior Dallis Coffelt and Jill impact. @ Jefferson Spire all return a season af- 2/10 “We will be a very new ter putting up more than six 2/13 DeKalb team with each other and @ Osborn points a piece for Proffitt. Ri- 2/19 have to grow and learn how Sports editor

STEVE HARTMAN/DAILY FORUM

Northeast Nodaway Bluejays

The 2014-15 Northeast Nodaway boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Wyatt Henggeler, Eli Scroggie, Austin Jones, Garet Jackson, Andrew Faustlin, Brayden Welch and Dylan Mildfelt; second: head coach Chaim Jenkins, Andrew Freemyer, Dalton Auffert, Max Giesken, Rowdy West and assistant coach Desmond Williams.

Northeast Nodaway will lean on seniors this year

By JASON LAWRENCE Sports editor

The Northeast Nodaway boys basketball team will be adjusting to new roles early in the season, but Chaim Jenkins will once again lean on a trio of seniors to lead the 2014-15 edition of the Bluejays.

Jenkins, who has a career record of 39-38, lost seniors Joel Scroggie, Steve Schulte and Shaun Burns to graduation, but will have Andrew Faustlin, Austin Jones and Garet as senior leaders this season.

Jackson averaged 9.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and two assists per game last year and Faustlin, who was coming back from injuries suffered in a car accident and easing into things, averaged 2.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and one assist per contest as the Bluejays went 14-12 and 3-4 in the Platte Valley Conference, good for fifth in the league.

In addition to junior Max Giesken, who averaged 1.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists off the bench, Jenkins expects contributions from sophomores Andrew Freemyer and Rowdy West, as well. “(We will be an) even team that can fight and do

ley averaged six points, three

67-58 overtime loss against

11/25 Albany Albany.

12/1-5 @ PVC They are back in action Tournament as the No. 7 seed in the 12/9 Tarkio Platte Valley Conference 12/12 Stanberry Tournament, taking on No. 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO 2 seed Jefferson at 9 p.m.

Tournament Monday, Dec. 1 at South 1/2 @ Mercer Nodaway High School.

1/5 Union Star 1/6 Worth County 1/9 Stewartsville 1/12-17 @ South Harrison Tournament 1/20 @ South Nodaway 1/23 @ North Andrew 1/27 @ Fairfax 1/30 @ North Nodaway 2/3 West Nodaway 2/5 @ Nodaway-Holt 2/10 @ Jefferson 2/13 DeKalb 2/19 @ Osborn

the little things,” said Jenkins, who is assisted for the second year by Desmond Williams. “Keys to success will be if we can maintain an active defense and play a smart and opportunistic offense.”

Jenkins said three of the top four teams from last season — North Andrew, Jefferson and DeKalb — would be good again. He said Osborn is “a really dangerous dark horse that could surprise.”

The Bluejays opened the year Tuesday night with a

FILE PHOTO

Eyes on the basket

Northeast Nodaway junior forward Dallis Coffelt goes in for a layup in a game last season against West Nodaway.

to play together throughout the year,” said Proffitt, who has a 57-80 career mark. “Our goal is to be playing our best basketball by the end of the year.”

The Lady Jays will be tasked with replacing Taryn Farnan’s 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as well as the three-point shooting of Holly Redden and leadership of point guard Claudia Wiederholt.

After going 3-4 in the Platte Valley Conference and finishing fifth, Proffitt doesn’t see the main chunk of his team’s schedule getting any easier this season.

“The PVC is going to be a tough one this year on the girls side,” he said. “With North Andrew, Jefferson and South Nodaway, we will have our hands full all year in the conference.”

The Bluejays opened the season with a 43-27 victory Tuesday night against Albany behind a double-double from Coffelt, and gets an early look at the PVC during the Platte Valley Conference Tournament.

Northeast Nodaway is the No. 5 seed and will take on fourth-seeded DeKalb at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 at North Andrew High School.

FILE PHOTO

Jumper

Northeast Nodaway senior guard Garet Jackson lines up a jump shot during a game last season against West Nodaway. Jackson is the Bluejays’ leading returning scorer at 9.8 points per contest.

STEVE HARTMAN/DAILY FORUM

Northeast Nodaway Lady Bluejays

The 2014-15 Northeast Nodaway girls basketball team includes: front row, from left: Jill Spire, Vanessa Riley, Bailey Judd, Brianna Riley, Kaysie Wiederholt, Allie Runde and Emily Redden; second: assistant coach Joyce Steins, Taylor Coffelt, Dallis Coffelt, Talina Nelson and head coach Vance Proffitt.

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Maryville Daily Forum

Winter Sports Preview

Page 9

NODAWAY-HOLT TROJANS

Trojans aim to be 275 conference champs

By STEVE HARTMAN

valuable varsity experience while averaging one point and one rebound per game last season and 5-6 sophomore James Chesnut Losing four starters would be a cause for round out the early-season contenders for concern for many basketball starting positions for Pecoaches, but Nodaway-Holt’s tersen and assistant coach Terry Petersen is excited about 12/1-6 @ Mound City Kevin Dodson. the prospects for his 2014-15 Tournament “If we can get consistent 12/9 Stewartsville squad. play from our bench, we “We hope to compete for 12/12 @ Tarkio could have a very successa conference title,” Petersen 12/15-20 @ Northwest MO ful year,” Petersen said. said. “Our guard play will be Tournament “We will be quicker and a key early in the year as most 12/25-27 @ NCMC faster than last season. The of our ball handlers graduated Shootout addition of Cory Rosen1/6 @ North Andrew from last year.” bohm at point guard really 1/9 North Nodaway The Trojans finished the solidifies our starting five.”

2013-14 season with a 17-9 1/12-17 @ Fairfax That bench consistency overall mark, which included Tournament should come from 6-foot Union Star a Northwest Missouri Tour- 1/20 junior Brandon Newton, 1/23 Mound City nament championship. Nod6-foot sophomore Carey @ Worth County away-Holt posted a 5-2 High- 1/26 Volner, 6-2 senior Dylan @ South Nodaway Gallagher and 5-8 sophoway 275 Conference mark, 1/27 @ Fairfax which was good for second 1/30 more Kaiden Vance.

2/5 NE Nodaway place.

While Petersen and his @ West Nodaway squad take aim at capturing The lone returning starter 2/6 St. Joe Christian from last season is 6-1 senior 2/10 a Highway 275 Conference 2/13 South Holt title, the coach sees several post Jackson Beattie, who av@ Albany eraged 10 points and six re- 2/19 schools as contenders for 2/20 @ Rock Port bounds per game last season. the conference championSenior forward Cody Schnieship. dermeyer (6-2) averaged six “Mound City should be points and six rebounds per game last sea- the clear favorite,” Petersen said. “They son as the Trojans’ sixth man, and Maryville should get a stiff challenge from West Nodtransfer Cory Rosenbohm, a 5-9 junior, will away, Rock Port and possibly us.” be a fixture at point guard for NodawayThe Trojans open the 2014-2015 season Holt, and Petersen looks forward to having as the fourth seed in the Mound City Tourhim in the lineup. nament. Their first action will be at 9 p.m.

Brody Day, a 5-11 sophomore who gained Tuesday, Dec. 2 versus fifth-seeded Tarkio.

Staff writer

Nodaway-Holt Lady Trojans

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The 2014-15 Nodaway-Holt girls basketball team includes: front row, from left: Maggie Fuhrman, Rachel Farmer and Maddie Lance; second: Phoebe Gard, Colbie Carden, Mikala Hankins, Macie Bohannon and Ali Shewey; third: assistant coach Josh Petersen, Frankie Lemar, Ashley Brashears, Jaylee Holmes, Jordan Long, Sam Shipps and head coach David Carroll.

Younger Lady Trojans hope to improve throughout season

By STEVE HARTMAN

bounds per game for the Lady Trojans during the 2013-14 season.

Guard Frankie Lemar, a 5-3 junior, averLast season the Nodaway-Holt Lady aged four points, two rebounds, one steal Trojans posted a 26-1 record, which in- and one assist coming off the bench for cluded a 7-0 record in the Highway 275 last season’s squad, while 5-7 junior JorConference, which was good for a confer- dan Long averaged 2.5 points and four reence championship. The Lady Trojans also bounds as the first post substitute off the captured the Class 1, Disbench for last year’s team. trict 16 title with a 73-59 Macie Bohannon, a 5-7 12/1-6 @ Mound City victory over South Holt. sophomore, averaged two Graduation hit the Tournament points, three rebounds and a squad hard as Maryville 12/9 Stewartsville steal during limited playing 12/12 @ Tarkio Daily Forum Player of time last season.

12/15-20 @ Northwest MO the Year Megan RosenOther Lady Trojans who Tournament bohm, who now plays for should see significant action 12/25-27 @ NCMC Southwest Baptist; sharpthis season include 5-6 soph Shootout shooting Kalli Devers; do- 1/6 omore Maddie Lance and @ North Andrew everything guard Darcie 1/9 5-5 junior Ashley Brashears.

North Nodaway Gallagher and post Bailee 1/12-17 @ Fairfax “We are a sophomore and Lance all received their Tournament junior team predominately,” diplomas in the spring and 1/20 Carroll said. “We hope to Union Star have moved on. improve throughout the sea1/23 Mound City Head coach David Car- 1/26 son.” @ Worth County roll orchestrated the last 1/27 Carroll, 86-23 during his @ South Nodaway rebuilding of the Lady 1/30 coaching tenure at Nodaway@ Fairfax Trojans’ program by tak- 2/5 Holt, will again be assisted NE Nodaway ing over a squad that had 2/6 @ West Nodaway by Josh Petersen. Carroll lost 48 straight games and 2/10 sees South Holt and Mound St. Joe Christian winning 86 games over 2/13 South Holt City as the favorites to win the next four seasons. 2/19 the Highway 275 title on @ Albany This time, the rebuilding 2/20 the girls side, along with a @ Rock Port doesn’t need to be as exmuch-improved Rock Port tensive. squad.

“We have some girls that were able to The Lady Trojans open their season as get a lot of playing time last year,” Car- the No. 4 seed at the Mound City Invitaroll said. “This experience hopefully will tional Basketball Tournament, which runs be something we will be able to build on.” from Dec. 1-6.

Jaylee Holmes, a 5-8 junior, is the lone They will play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, returning starter from last season’s team, Dec. 2 against fifth-seeded North Nodand she averaged five points and 4.5 re- away.

Staff writer

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Nodaway-Holt Trojans

The 2014-15 Nodaway-Holt boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Zach Walker, Cory Rosenbohm, Cole Alloway, Eli Sloniker, Jackson Beattie and Brody Day; second: James Chesnut, Rian Anderson, Tad Smock, Tucker Schwebach, Tyler Steele and Kaiden Vance; third: head coach Terry Petersen, Carey Volner, Brandon Newton, Cody Schniedermeyer, Dylan Gallagher, Dakota Leeper and assistant coach Kevin Dodson; not pictured: D.J. Beaderstadt.

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Maryville Daily Forum

WEST NODAWAY ROCKETS

Rockets look to compete for conference, district crowns

By STEVE HARTMAN

set the tone for us on most nights and we hope to build on the success we had over the course of last season.”

The West Nodaway They will be charged with boys basketball team has 12/1-6 @ Mound City filling the scoring void by its sights set on confer- Tournament guard Jaden Gillenwater, @ North Andrew ence and district crowns 12/9 who averaged a team-leading this season. Those expec- 12/11 Worth County 16 points per game, moving tations are fueled by the 12/12 @ Rock Port to Mound City and the rereturn of four of the top 12/15-20 Northwest MO bounding hole left by Jonasix players from last sea- Tournament thon Madere South Page son’s team, which finished 1/5 Johnson sees a very comSouth Holt 17-10 overall, including a 1/9 petitive race on the boys side 4-3 mark in the Highway 1/12-17 @ Fairfax of the Highway 275 Confer275 Conference and a trip Tournament ence, with several contend1/22 @ Union Star to the district semifinals. ers for the top spot, including North Nodaway “This year we have 1/23 his own squad. @ Albany several returning play- 1/27 “There are several teams South Nodaway ers with multiple years of 1/29 who will be in the hunt for @ Tarkio varsity experience,” head 1/30 the conference title, includ2/3 @ NE Nodaway coach Roger Johnson said. ing this group of players.”

“They set a goal over the 2/6 Nodaway-Holt Johnson said. “It will really summer to compete for 2/9 Craig come down to who executes Mound City a conference and district 2/13 night-in and night-out and 2/16 @ South Holt title.” does so consistently.” @ Craig Leading the returnees is 2/20 The Rockets open their senior guard Trevor Mey- season at 6 p.m. Monday, er. Meyer, selected as the Dec. 1 at the Mound City Maryville Daily Forum Nodaway County Invitational tournament. West Nodaway is boys basketball player of the year last sea- the No. 2 seed in the tournament and will son, averaged 15 points and five assists per play seventh-seeded Fairfax. game a year ago.

Senior Ryan Evans will join Meyer in the backcourt. Evans averaged five points and more than two assists a game last year.

A pair of junior post players, Blake Farnan and Jakob Cordell, return to bolster the Rockets’ inside game. Farnan averaged 5.5 points and five rebounds last season, while Cordell averaged three points and five rebounds per game a year ago.

Other players who could see early-season playing time for the Rockets include senior Chase Barnett, junior Bryson Smith, junior Josh McGinness and senior Brenton Beason. Several other freshmen and JASON LAWRENCE/DAILY FORUM sophomores could contribute this season as well.

“This is a close knit team who has played together for several years,” Johnson said. West Nodaway senior guard Trevor Meyer, “We are excited about the upcoming sea- the reigning Daily Forum boys Player of the son and hope to play our best basketball Year, drives to the basket during the Rockat the end of the year. Our defense should ets’ jamboree last Saturday.

Staff writer

STEVE HARTMAN/DAILY FORUM

West Nodaway Lady Rockets

The 2014-15 West Nodaway Lady Rockets are: from left: Alissa Nelson, Anna Hoefling, Hailey Hull, Alyson Dye, Melody McGinness, Paige Hagey, Cheyenne Herzberg and Kristine Ecker.

Lady Rockets looking for success in Jones’ 2nd year

By STEVE HARTMAN

list of returnees for West Nodaway. McGinness averaged 5.7 points per game last season, and despite her small statue, recorded After a winless 2013-14 season, the West an average of two rebounds per game for the Nodaway Lady Rockets are Lady Rockets. looking to take the next step Fellow senior Alyson Dye in the rebuilding process and 12/1-6 @ Mound City returns to give the Lady pick up some victories dur- Tournament Rockets an experienced post 12/9 @ North Andrew ing the 2014-15 campaign. presence. Dye averaged 2.1 12/11 Worth County West Nodaway finished points per game in 2013-14 last season with an overall 12/12 @ Rock Port and grabbed 5.2 rebounds record of 0-22, including an 12/15-20 Northwest MO per contest.

0-7 mark in the Highway Tournament Other Lady Rockets South Page 275 Conference. The Lady 1/5 who figure to see considSouth Holt Rockets, coached by second- 1/9 erable court time include 1/12-17 @ Fairfax year head coach Toshia Jones sophomores Kristine Ecker, Tournament and first-year assistant Matt Cheyenne Herzberg, Hailey 1/22 @ Union Star Dice, look to improve upon Hull and Paige Hagey. All 1/23 North Nodaway these marks in the upcoming received valuable varsity 1/27 @ Albany season. experience as freshmen last 1/29 South Nodaway They will have to do it, 1/30 season. @ Tarkio however, without do-every- 2/3 According to Jones, the @ NE Nodaway thing guard Emily Cordell, 2/6 Nodaway-Holt Lady Rockets look to get who averaged nine points, 2/9 Craig “better every day.”

7.5 rebounds, two steals and 2/13 Opening the season at the Mound City a block per game a season 2/16 Mound City Invitational @ South Holt ago while earning a spot on 2/20 tournament, the Lady Rock@ Craig the Daily Forum All-Nod- ets are seeded eighth, and away County team, and is open the tournament at 4:30 now running track at Northp.m. Monday, Dec. 1, when west. they take on the top-seeded Lady Knights Senior guard Melody McGinness tops the of South Holt.

Staff writer

To the rim

Let’s team up and support our athletes

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The 2014-15 West Nodaway boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Tyler Bears, Cody Galyan, Justin Shimak, David Hull, Logan Stickler, Jon Lewis and Schyler Johnson; second: Trevor Meyer, Ryan Evans, Trace Hunt, Josh McGinness, Damon Hull and Chase Barnett; third: Brenton Beason, Jakob Cordell, Bryson Smith, Blake Farnan and Austin Wymore.

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Maryville Daily Forum

Winter Sports Preview

Page 11

JEFFERSON EAGLES

Lady Eagles have tools to build on 2013 campaign

By JASON LAWRENCE

lineup quite yet.

In addition to finishing 16-12 last season, Pedersen’s young team finished third Head coach Tyler Pedersen and the Jef- in the Platte Valley Conference at 5-2 and ferson Eagles return eight players, includ- took second place in the PVC and North ing all five starters, from a year ago when Platte Tournaments, as well as finishing the Eagles finished second as the Class 1, District 15 numerous times and with a runner-up to Mercer.

11/25 @ South Harrison 16-12 overall record.

Pedersen, who has a “We need to build on the 12/1-5 @ PVC 144-33 career record, experience we gained last Tournament hopes to build on that, 12/9 Bishop LeBlond season,” Pedersen said. “We and also hopes his team 12/12 @ Albany will play a very competitive gains consistency on the 12/16 Mound City schedule, and need to imoffensive side of the ball, 12/18 @ Maryville prove every day at practice builds on the solid defense 1/2 @ Worth County and every game.” played last season and has 1/6 Stanberry The Eagles only lost one 1/9 fun. @ St. Joseph senior and will have just Christian The Eagles will have three — Danae Schieber, 1/12-17 @ Stanberry their hands full with the Makayla Wilmes and Brook- Invitational Platte Valley Conference lyn Stoll — on a roster lit- 1/20 again this year as North North Andrew tered with youth that gained 1/23 Andrew, the Class 1 runSouth Nodaway valuable playing time last 1/26-31 @ North Platte ner-up, and South Nodyear.

Invitational away, the No. 2 team in In addition to Schieber, an 2/3 the PVC a year ago, bring North Harrison honorable mention All-Con- 2/6 back strong teams, PederOsborn ference pick a year ago, and 2/10 sen said.

NE Nodaway Stoll, Jefferson returns its 2/13 “The PVC will be very @ Stewartsville starting backcourt of sopho- 2/17 competitive this season,” Union Star mores Kelsi McQuinn and 2/19 he said. “North Andrew @ DeKalb Sarah Chor as well as center and South Nodaway bring Jessie Henry, who averaged a lot back from good teams 11.7 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, and DeKalb a season ago, earning All-Conference hon- looks to be very competitive as well.” ors and a spot on the Daily Forum’s AllJefferson opened the season with a 52-36 County team. road victory over South Harrison Tuesday In addition to those five, Pedersen, who night in Bethany, and is back in action as is assisted by Charlea Lewis, also expects the No. 3 seed in the Platte Valley Confersophomore Kayla Schmitz and senior ence Tournament at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 Makayla Wilmes to contribute out of the against sixth-seeded Stewartsville at North gates, though he hasn’t settled on a starting Andrew High School in Rosendale.

Sports editor

Jefferson Lady Eagles

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The 2014-15 Jefferson girls basketball team includes: front row, from left: Stephanie Chor, Danae Schieber, Sarah Chor, Josie Deen, Mikayla Mattson, Brooklyn Stoll and Kelsi McQuinn; second: head coach Tyler Pedersen, Kayla Schmitz, Makayla Wilmes, Jessica Henry, Kellie Palmer, assistant coach Charlea Lewis; not pictured: Vanessa Holtman.

Jefferson Eagles

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The 2014-15 Jefferson boys basketball team includes: front row, from left: Grant Meyer, Regan Meyer, Dakota Bliley, Jason Sullivan, Logan Eckstein, Michael Burch and Clayton Wilmes; second: assistant coach Charley Burch, Jed Galbraith, Bryce Deen, Caden Farnan, Corby Walker, Ben Jermain and head coach Tim Jermain.

Young Eagles look to mature quickly, improve

By JASON LAWRENCE Sports editor

Jefferson head coach Tim Jermain has an inexperienced roster and has been dealing with injuries throughout the preseason, but the Hall of Famer fully expects his team to be ready to compete come time for districts.

The Eagles are coming off a 20-8 season, but lost seven seniors to graduation following a district title game loss to Stanberry, which took third in Class 1 a season ago.

“Our goals are continue to improve throughout the season to be ready to compete come the district tournament,” Jermain said. “We are young and inexperienced and have had to deal with several early season injuries. One of the keys will be how quickly this team matures, especially with a very challenging early season schedule.”

The Eagles do, however, return nine players from last season’s team, including 5-11 junior point guard Ben Jermain, 5-11 junior post Bryce Deen, 5-9 junior guard Jason Sullivan and 6-4 sophomore center Caden Farnan, who all played last year.

Tim Jermain Ben Jermain, who is out with a broken thumb, started at point guard last season, while Deen is the most experienced player the Eagles have returning after starting with Ben Jermain and three seniors.

Coach Jermain said junior Corby Walker and sophomores Michael Burch, Regan Meyer and Grant Meyer have a chance to see a lot of playing time early on, as well.

“This will be a fun bunch to coach,” said Jermain, who boasts a career record of 525-153. “I look forward to a competitive year.”

The Eagles went 5-2 in the Platte Valley Conference last year, finishing behind North Andrew. Jermain, who is assisted by Charley Burch, said the Cardinals appear to be the team to beat again, but that DeKalb

would be “much improved after playing mostly sophomores last year.”

Jefferson will get an early look it its conference opponents, too. The Eagles opened the season with a 65-34 victory at South Harrison Tuesday night.

Jermain’s squad opens the Platte Valley Conference Tournament at 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 as the No. 2 seed and will take on seventhseeded Northeast Nodaway at South Nodaway High School.

11/25 @ South Harrison 12/1-5 @ PVC Tournament 12/9 Bishop LeBlond 12/12 @ Albany 12/16 Mound City 12/18 @ Maryville 1/2 @ Worth County 1/6 Stanberry 1/9 @ St. Joseph Christian 1/12-17 @ Stanberry Invitational 1/20 North Andrew 1/23 South Nodaway 1/26-31 @ North Platte Invitational 2/3 North Harrison 2/6 Osborn 2/10 NE Nodaway 2/13 @ Stewartsville 2/17 Union Star 2/19 @ DeKalb

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732 South South Main 732 Main 732 South South Main Main 732 Maryville, MO Maryville, MO Maryville, MO Maryville, 660-562-2468

660-562-2468 660-562-2468 660-562-2468 732 South Main Delivery: Delivery: Delivery: 660-562-6060 Maryville, MO 660-562-6060 DELIVERY: 660-562-6060 660-562-2468 660-562-6060 Delivery: 660-562-6060

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