2024 Sports Commission Awards

June 18, 2024 OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS E-PLEX CELEBRATING THE AREA’S BEST ATHLETES AND TEAMS

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Congratulations,

Athletes!

Find Your Game at:

2023 2024 ParkBoard.org/Sports 2

JUNE 18, 2024 • OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS The Springfield Sports Commission Awards Honors the Best Southwest Missouri Area Athletes, Teams and Specialty Awards Annually

Program of Events Opening Remarks............................................. Byron Shive | CEO & Executive Director, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Welcome................................................. Marc Mayer | Chairman, Springfield Sports Commission Board of Directors Invocation........................................................ Jason O’Neal | Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Missouri State Director Pledge of Allegiance............................................................. Kyle McClure | Springfield Sports Commission Vice Chair National Anthem........................................ The Lady Harmonies (Abi Harper, Addie Kelley, Shea Peters, Elisa Valbuena) Sports Commission Remarks.................................. Lance Kettering | Executive Director, Springfield Sports Commission GIRLS TENNIS BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING GIRLS GOLF GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY INSPIRATION AWARD – JJ HUTSON BOYS SOCCER SOFTBALL VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL-LINEMEN FOOTBALL-LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE BACKS FOOTBALL-OFFENSIVE SKILL POSITIONS INSPIRATION AWARD – REISS KADERLY GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING

BOYS TRACK GIRLS WRESTLING – LOWER WEIGHTS BOYS FIELD EVENTS GIRLS WRESTLING – UPPER WEIGHTS BASEBALL BOYS WRESTLING – LOWER WEIGHTS EMERGING SPORTS: BASS FISHING, BOYS WRESTLING – UPPER WEIGHTS BOWLING, ESPORTS, BOYS VOLLEYBALL INSPIRATION AWARD – MARVIE PRITCHETT GIRLS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR BOYS BASKETBALL INSPIRATION AWARD – JOSIE ORELLANA GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR BOYS TEAM OF THE YEAR SPIRIT AWARDS: MARCHING BAND, DANCE TEAM, CHEERLEADING TEAM GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR BOYS TENNIS BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR BOYS GOLF SPORTS COMMISSION CUP GIRLS SOCCER GIRLS FIELD EVENTS GIRLS TRACK

Closing Remarks............................................. Byron Shive | CEO & Executive Director, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

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ASSOCIATE LEVEL SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE TABLE SPONSORS* Bank of Billings Camdenton High School Carthage High School Central Bank / Central Trust Chadwick High School Contender eSports Diamond High School Elliott Lodging Fair Grove High School Fair Grove School District Family & Friends of Brock Bruner Family & Friends of Collin Clark

Family & Friends of Gage Depee Family of Ally Barton Family of Britney Ung & Lila Griesemer Glendale Swim Booster Club Great Southern Bank Lamar High School Lebanon High School Marshfield High School Mountain Grove High School Nixa High School Pizza World Cross Creek Sonic – 2605 W. Republic Rd. *List Current as of June 12, 2024

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Springfield Greene Co. Park Board Stockmen’s Bank The Family of Carleigh Kinnaird The Family of Kylee Cole The Kaderly & Stratton Families The Family of Madison Davis The Family of Mollie Thomas West Plains Area Dugout Club

Founded in 1999, the Springfield Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic development of the area through sports travel and tourism. The organization aims to enhance the quality of life and stimulate positive economic growth for our community by promoting and developing the Springfield area as a top destination for quality amateur, collegiate and professional sporting events.

SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION Lance Kettering, Executive Director Stan Adams, Director of Sports Business Development

SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS–OFFICERS Chair - Marc Mayer, Guaranty Bank Vice Chair - Kyle McClure, City Utilities Secretary - Mark Hecquet, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Treasurer - David Holtmann, City of Springfield Past Chair - Josh Scott, Springfield Public Schools

SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kyle Moats, Missouri State University Brandon Ayers, OMB Bank Aaron Owen, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds Melissa Bondy, Bass Pro Shops Brent Parker, University Plaza Erin Boster, Collegiate Awards Kelly Polonus, Great Southern Bank Devin Buehler, Mercy Sports Medicine Jason Pyrah, CoxHeath Teri Cantwell, Central Bank Jennifer Dalton, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Dan Reiter, Springfield Cardinals Dale Replogle, Elliott Lodging Tyler Hart, Springfield Hotel Lodging Association Byron Shive, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Scott Metcalf, Evangel University Jill Simmons, Springfield-Greene County Park Board Jeremy Mhire, Proximal Strength Stacie Wells, Stacie D. Wells Consulting Nyla Milleson, Drury University

PROUD TO HOST AND PARTNER WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS

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fans Supporters Special thanks tocurrent these Sports Commission PLATINUM MEMBERS $5,000 Platinum Members REST ASSURED REST ASSURED

Hotel Lodging Lodging Associa on Hotel Associa on

Gold Members $2,500

GOLD MEMBERS

Silver Members $1,000

SILVER MEMBERS

BRONZE MEMBERS $500 Bronze Members

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Associate Members City of Springfield; City Utilities of Springfield; Forvis; Heritage Insurance; Kwik Kar Automotive; Lake Country Soccer; Legacy Bank & Trust; Missouri City of Springfield; City Utilities; DNC-Sportservice; Forvis; Heritage Kwik Kar Automotive; Country Sports Hall of Fame; Nakato Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar; NealeInsurance; & Newman, LLP.; Ollis/Akers/Arney; Ozark EmpireLake Fairgrounds; OzarksSoccer; Legacy Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Co.; PriceNakato Cutter Charity Championship; Redline Athletics; Springfield Amateur Softball Association; Springfield Bank and Trust; Missouri Sports Hall of Fame; Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar; Neale & Newman, LLP; Ollis/Akers/ Convention & Visitors Bureau

Arney; Ozark Empire Fairgrounds; Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.; Price Cutter Charity Championship; Rolling Oaks Hospitality; Springfield Amateur Softball Association; Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Hotel Members

HOTEL MEMBERS

Angler’s Lodge; Arbor Suites at the Mall; Arbor Suites Medical Mile; Baymont Inn; Baymont Inn & Suites North; Best Western Plus Coach House Inn; Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven; Candlewood South; Candlewood Suites; Comfort Inn South; Comfort Inn & Suites; Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn & Suites South; Doubletree Hotel by Hilton; Drury Inn & Suites; Econo Lodge I-44; Fairfield Inn & Suites; Greenstay Hotel & Suites; Hilton Garden Inn; Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Medical District; Holiday Inn Express & Suites North; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites; La Quinta Inn & Suites Angler’s Lodge; Arbor Suites at the Mall; Arbor Suites Medical Mile; Baymont Inn; Baymont Inn & Suites North; Best Western Plus Coach South; Lamplighter Inn & Suites South; Oasis Hotel & Convention Center; Quality Inn - East Battlefield; Quality Inn & Suites North; Residence Inn by House Inn; Best Western Route 66InnRail Haven; Candlewood Candlewood Suites;Plaza Comfort South;Center; Comfort Inn & Suites; Courtyard Marriott; Sleep - Medical District; SpringHill SuitesSouth;

by Marriott; Tru by Hilton; University Hotel & Inn Convention Vib Best Western

by Marriott, Days Inn & Suites South; Doubletree Hotel by Hilton; Drury Inn & Suites; Econo Lodge I-44; Fairfield Inn & Suites; Greenstay Hotel Individual Members & Suites; Hilton Garden Inn; Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Medical District; Holiday Inn Express & Suites North; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites; La Jerald Andrews; Erin Boster; Bob Cirtin; Steve Everest; Gail Fredrick; Bill Hobbs; Lance Kettering; Tracy Kimberlin; Marc Mayer; Bob McBride; Kyle Quinta Inn & Suites South; Lamplighter Inn & Suites South; Oasis Hotel Convention Center; Quality Inn - East Battlefield; Quality Inn & Suites McClure; Josh Scott; Tom& Stout; Joe Tonkinson; Stacie Wells North; Residence Inn by Marriott; Sleep Inn - Medical District; SpringHill Suites by Marriott; Tru by Hilton; University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center; Vib Best Western

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Jerald Andrews; Erin Boster; Bob Cirtin; Steve Everest; Gail Fredrick; Bill Hobbs; Lance Kettering; Tracy Kimberlin; Marc Mayer; Bob McBride; Kyle McClure; Josh Scott; Tom Stout; Joe Tonkinson; Stacie Wells

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★ ★

★ Girls Tennis ★ ★ ★

Caitlin Archer, Logan-Rogersville High School Logan-Rogersville has had a nice tennis program over the past decade, with a few of its players having landed on this very list. The latest is Archer, a senior. She compiled 13 wins in 21 matches and won district at No. 1 singles. She also won a sectional match despite having influenza and advanced to the state quarterfinals. Much of her success stemmed from her patience and being strategic, as she would bring her opponent to the net, then win on passes and lobs.

Lila Griesemer, Springfield Catholic High School A junior, Griesemer proved to be among the best tennis players in southwest Missouri last fall.

She placed sixth in Class 2 in singles, and that came after a runner-up finish in districts. Her season included earning the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year, along with earning Big 8 Doubles Team of the Year with Caroline Nelson. She was 23-4 in singles play, and 14-1 in doubles. She earned first place in Flight 1 singles in the Big 8 and at the Republic Invitational and was second in singles at the Springfield Invitational.

Elana Hadi, Central High School

Olivia McGruder, Lebanon High School A junior, McGruder was 20-6 in No. 1 singles and 16-4 in No. 1 doubles. And most coaches figured she would have advanced to state, and earned some hardware, if not for a late-season injury ahead of the district meet. After all, she was building on her state tournament appearance of a year earlier. Ung was All-Ozark Conference in a season when she showed great command from the baseline and controlled the points from there, too, thanks to a tremendous serve.

Elizabeth Smith, Monett High School Smith was 25-6 as the No. 1 singles player for Monett, and finished seventh at the Class 1 state championships. She also was the runner-up at the Big 8 Conference, won the singles title at districts and was second at the Monett Invitational. Even better, her coach, Jason Smith, pointed out that she “is always focused in practice and does a great job motivating her teammates to practice hard to get better.

~ Fall Sports~

Hadi was 15-3 this season, her senior year. After advancing to the state tournament each of the previous three years, she finished third in the district meet – but that was one of the most challenging districts in the state. Still, she was a unanimous all-conference selection thanks to her tenacity and smarts and won the Springfield Invitational. She was consistent with her strokes and adjusted her game when she spotted what wasn’t working.

Chloe Stenger, Glendale High School A senior captain, Stenger held the No. 1 singles spot for a third consecutive year in the fall of 2023. She was All-State in doubles, as she and her partner advanced to the Class 2 state quarterfinals. Stenger also earned All-Ozark Conference and was named the 2023 Community Sports Development Athlete of the Year in the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. This all came a year after she finished seventh in the state in singles and was the USTA Missouri Junior Rec Player of the Year.

Britney Ung, Springfield Catholic High School A senior, Ung was 11-2 in singles play and 19-5 in doubles in the fall of 2023. She and her doubles partner placed fourth at the Class 2 state meet after earning a runner-up finish at districts and the Big 8 Conference meet. She also earned All-Big 8 Conference in winning Flight 3 in singles. Ung also earned second in No. 1 doubles at the Republic Invitational. Overall, she was a consistent server with the ability to sustain long rallies and finish at the net.

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★ Boys Swimming & Diving ★ ★ ★ Jason Allen, Central High School At the state meet, Allen was seventh in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing in 49.15 seconds to earn All-State honors. He was ninth in the 200-yard freestyle in 1:45. At the Southwest Missouri Championships, he helped the Bulldogs place for the first time in 12 years. He went 49.96 in the 100 freestyle and 1:48 in the 200 freestyle, with Allen earning a fourth place in the 100 and runner-up in the 200. He also placed the same in the conference meet.

Hudson Andrews, Glendale High School At the state meet, Andrews helped the 200-yard medley relay place eighth and was 11th in both the breaststroke and 200 freestyle relay. At the Southwest Missouri Championships, he was second in the 100 breaststroke, ninth in the 100 freestyle and was part of the winning 200 medley relay and runner-up 400 freestyle relay. His season included a runner- up in the 100 breaststroke at the Ozark Conference Championships. Glendale won the Southwest Missouri and Ozark Conference championships..

A junior, Andrews advanced to the Class X state meet and finished 10th in the 100 backstroke and was All-State with both the 200-yard medley relay (eighth place) and 400 freestyle relay (seventh). At the Southwest Missouri Championships, he won the 100 backstroke, was eighth in the 50 freestyle and was part of the winning 200 medley relay and runner-up 400 freestyle relay. He also won the 100 backstroke and was fourth in the 50 freestyle at the Ozark Conference.

Bryce Ruder, Kickapoo High School A junior, Ruder placed seventh in the 200-yard freestyle at the Class 2 state swim meet, finishing in 1 minute, 44.72 seconds. He also placed fifth in the 500-yard freestyle, in 4:40.

Ruder won both of those events at the Southwest Missouri Championships and at the Ozark Conference meet. His 200 freestyle time of 1:45 at the Southwest Missouri Championships was three seconds better than in conference, and his 500 freestyle time (4:48) was five seconds better than in the OC meet. He also helped the 200- and 400-yard relays earn golds.

~ Fall Sports~

Sawyer Andrews, Glendale High School

Ethan Vance, Camdenton High School A senior, Vance was the state runner-up in the 100-yard freestyle at the Class 1 state meet, finishing in 44.45 seconds, as he and the winner broke the previous state record. He also was second in the 50 freestyle in 20.15 seconds, and placed fourth in the 200 freestyle team relay (1.30.65). At the Southwest Missouri Championships, CoMo Invitational and Ozark Conference, Vance won the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle events.

Nathan Wardlow, Joplin High School A junior, Wardlow earned Honorable Mention All-State in Class 2 by finishing 11th in the 100-yard backstroke. He finished in 54.77 seconds, and that was Joplin’s lone all-state showing at the state meet. He had finished 16th in the prelims. That came after he finished the 500 freestyle in 4:53 at the Central Ozark Conference Championships, breaking the facility record of 4:55.29, set in December 1984.

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★ ★

★ Girls Golf ★ ★ ★

Page Bowman, Glendale High School A sophomore, Bowman won the Class 2 state championship, firing a 75-73 148 at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club in Bolivar. That was her sixth victory of the year. She also led Glendale to the Ozark Conference team title and a third-place finish at districts.

Her regular season featured wins at Camdenton, Willard, the MSU Relays and the Pearson Championship. She won the conference and was runner-up at districts.

Emree Dawn Cameron, Nevada High School A junior, Cameron won the Class 3 state championship with a 67-6 134 at the Crown Pointe Golf Club in Farmington, winning by seven strokes. She won the district title with a 68 at Whispering Oaks in Marshfield, and won at Pleasant Hill, Carthage, the NLT Invitational at Frank Peters Municipal Golf Course and at Joplin.

~ Fall Sports~

Marlene Edgeman, Marshfield High School This marks the third consecutive year Edgeman has landed on this list, and for good reason. She placed fourth at the Class 3 state championships, firing a 74-70 144. That came after she was the runner-up of the Class 3 district, with a 69, and won the Big 8 Conference Tournament with a 67. She also won Marshfield, Bolivar, Ozark and Strafford invitationals, and signed with Missouri State.

Josey Roberts, Ozark High School A sophomore, Roberts earned All-State, All-District and won the Central Ozark Conference last fall. She placed fourth at the Class 4 state meet, firing a 79-71 180 at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club in Bolivar. That came after carding a 71 at districts and 70 at the COC. Her length off the tee allows her to dominate, and she had a 72 scoring average – despite missing three tournaments because of an ankle sprain.

Emma Spurlin, Logan-Rogersville high school A senior, Spurlin advanced to the Class 3 state meet after a sixth-place showing at districts and fifth-place finish at the Big 8 Conference meet, where she fired a 73. She also was fifth at the MSU Relays, with a 76, and third at the Seymour Tournament, with an 87. Overall, Spurlin had an 81 scoring average – impressive results considering she took up golf only in her junior season. Her drives averaged 275 yards, and her work on her short game paid off, with a scholarship to Missouri Western.

Grace Tiedemann, Springfield Catholic High School A sophomore, Tiedemann carded an 81-80 161 at the Class 4 state meet and tied for 16th. She was ninth at the district meet with an 82, and fired a 72 to place third at the Big 8 Conference Tournament. Additionally, Tiedemann fired a 72 at the MSU Relays, a 79 at Ozark and 76 at Bolivar. She had a season scoring average of 76.4. Much of her success was the result of a focus on her long game.

Savannah Thessing, New Covenant Academy A senior, Thessing was the state runner-up in Class 2, firing a 81-73 154 at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin. That was just two strokes away from winning it. Her season included firing a 73 at the Seymour Invitational at Whispering Oaks Country Club in Marshfield, and then carding 71, 73, 76, 78, 70 and 78 in ensuring meets. The 78 won District 3 at the Cassville Golf Club.

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★ Girls cross country ★ ★ ★ Ellsie Estes, Ozark High School A sophomore, Estes finished in 18:33 in the Class 5 state meet, or 16th overall. She also was fourth in District 2 (18:50) and the runner-up of the Central Ozark Conference Championships (19:10).

She clocked a 19:20 at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., and 21:44 at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Okla. She also was 19:49 at the Richard Clark Invitational and, after the season, went 18:48 in the Nike Cross Country Midwest Regional.

Mackinzie Harris, Nixa High School

A sophomore, Harris ran a personal-best in her final meet of the season, the Class 5 state championships, finishing in 18:45. She placed fifth in District 2 at 18:56 and was third in the Central Ozark Conference in 19:14. She also ran 19:48 at the Cedar Ridge Invitational, 20:35 at the Gans Creek Classic and 19:36 at the Missouri Southern Stampede. Her season began with top 16 finishes at the Richard Clark Invitational (20:10) and Raymore-Peculiar Invitational (20:27).

~ Fall Sports~

Julia Jump, Bolivar High School A senior, Jump earned All-State in Class 4 with a personal-record time of 19:19, good for 15th overall. She ran the same time at the district meet, and was consistently under 22 minutes through the season. For instance, she was 20:06 at the Richard Clark Invitational, 19:26 at the Missouri Southern Stampede, 21:52 at Camdenton and 21:42 at the Ozark Conference.

Alexandra Li, Central High School Li made history for Central’s program, becoming its first to win the Ozark Conference (20;24) and the first to qualify for state in consecutive years. She also led the 2023 team to its fastest team finish at the district meet. She went 19:19 at the Class 5 state meet after setting a personal-record 19:16 at districts. She went 19:18 at Missouri Southern, 20:53 at the Oklahoma State Jamboree and 19:30 at the Chile Pepper Festival.

Ayden Spotila, Bolivar High School A senior, Spotila finished the Class 4 state meet in 19:33, and that came a week after she ran District 6 in 19:21, a personal record. She also placed fourth at the Ozark Conference meet, finishing in 21:19. She also had solid showings at the Hermitage Invitational (21:15), Missouri Southern Stampede (20:12) and the Richard Clark Invitational (20:26). She also was voted the Class 4 Girls Athlete of the Year by the Southwest Missouri Cross Country Coaches Association.

Alayna Stewart, Kickapoo High School

The old saying in sports is that it’s not how you start but how you finish. In Stewart’s case, how can you not be excited about next cross country season? After all, she set a personal record at the Class 5 state meet, finishing in 19:07. She also ran District 2 in 19:11, 20:12 at the Laker Invitational, 20:22 at the Gans Creek Classic in late September and 19:57 at the Missouri Southern Stampede.

Abigail Tague, Lebanon High School The future is bright for Lebanon cross country, as Tague still has two seasons to go. She was 27th at the Class 5 state meet, earning All-State, and that came after a third-place finish – and school record – in 18:46 at the district meet. She also was the runner-up in the Ozark Conference (20:57) at Lake Springfield. She won the Laker and Buffalo invitationals, ran the Gans Creek Classic in 20:06 and the Missouri Southern Stampede in 19:46.

Gracie Troester, Republic High School A junior, Troester finished in 18:15 at the Class 5 state meet at Gans Creek. That was good for seventh place and came a week after she won District 2 in 18:12, which not only marked a personal record but also set the program’s record. Overall, she won seven of 10 meets in which she competed. Notably, she won the Richard Clark Invitational (18:37), the Cedar Ridge Invitational (19:09) and the Central Ozark Conference (18:28). She also ran in 18:44 at the Missouri Southern Stampede.

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★ Boys cross country ★ ★ ★ Aaron Ashley, Nixa High School A junior, Ashley was among the top runners in southwest Missouri, as he was clocked in 15:23 at the Class 5 state championships, placing seventh. He won twice in the fall, at the Richard Clark Invitational (15:31) and District 2 (15:32) and had two second-place finishes, at Missouri Southern (personal record 15:19) and the Cedar Ridge Invitational (16:20). He was third at the Central Ozark Conference meet (15:48).

Ian Horton, Joplin High School If Horton’s name seems familiar, it should be, considering he has landed on this list before.

A senior, he placed third at the Missouri Southern Stampede in 15:23 and finished 11th at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., with a time of 15:38. He also won the Central Ozark Conference. He did not compete at the state meet, but Horton signed to run for Arkansas State University next season.

A freshman, Klaiber placed fourth in the Class 3 state meet with a time of 15:40, a personal record. That came on the heels of winning District 2 in 15:45. His season saw him finish either first or second in 10 other races. His wins included the Cottey College Invitational, Camdenton Invitational, the Ozarks Highlands Conference meet and El Dorado Springs.

He was runner-up in the gold division at the Missouri Southern Stampede (15:45).

Chase Sorrell, East Newton High School A senior, Sorrell was the Class 3 state runner-up last fall, finishing in 15 minutes, 32 seconds. That time also marked a personal record for Sorrell. His season featured winning the Big 8 Conference in 16:26, the Lamar Invitational (16:37) and the Missouri Southern Stampede (15:40). Three times he was a runner-up, including at District 2 (16:02) and the Gans Creek Classic (16:25). Sorrell signed to run for Missouri Southern.

~ Fall Sports~

Wyatt Klaiber, El Dorado Springs High School

Evan Stevens, Webb City High School Stevens has been one of the area’s top runners for some time. Last fall, he ran the Class 5 state meet in 15:45, and was sixth in District 2 in 15:39. He also placed fourth in the Central Ozark Conference in 15:55. His season included winning the East Newton Invitational in 15:55, and placing second in the Laker Invitational (16:21). He was 15:54 in the Missouri Southern Stampede.

Chance Tindall, Joplin High School Jopln has produced quality distance runners in recent years. A junior, Tindall enjoyed a successful fall season in 2023, as he placed ninth at the Class 5 state cross country meet, doing so in 15:29. That time was just 13 seconds shy of putting him in the top four. His season featured a riunner-up finish in the Central Ozark Conference, where Tindall finished in 15:34. He nearly matched that at the district meet, in which Tindall ran in 15:36 and placed fifth.

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★ ★

★ Inspiration Award ★ ★ ★ JJ Hutson, Lebanon high school

If you ever meet Lebanon’s JJ Hutson, he’ll probably crack jokes, or ask to go outside. In the summer, he’ll stay up late and sleep in.

“Sometimes,” said his mom, Mindy, “he is finding inspirational quotes, videos and scripture to remind him to be strong and keep going. A couple of favorites of his ... ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, and that’s why it’s called a present. (And) ‘The magic you are looking for is in the work that you are avoiding.’”

In other words, the Lebanon High School junior is refusing to let paralysis below the waist prevent him from making a positive impact. And it’s why he is deserving of an Inspiration Award during the 2024 Sports Commission Awards presented by Elliott Lodging.

During his recent sophomore year, Hutson suffered paralysis during a September auto accident during the fall. In fact, he was pinned in the vehicle for two hours.

Recovery has been a challenge at times for the recent member of the Lebanon junior varsity football team and its track & field team.

But it’d be more of a test if not for his positive attitude.

“Obviously every day is a challenge in this new situation,” said Will Christian, Lebanon’s athletic director and football coach. “But his attitude has been great from the start. His faith is strong.”

The team walked his jersey No. 68 to the field on Friday nights. That was among many ways the community showed support for Hutson, who still hits the weight room, building on his upper body.

“JJ is going to be a coach for us,” Christian said.

“His presence is valuable for our kids, and he will lead by example. We are hopeful he can throw the discus his senior year on the track team in the para games.”

The son of Travis and Mindy, Hutson has an older brother, Bran- don, and 10-year-old sister, Vivian.

“The best thing we’ve done for him is talk with him and treat him normal,” Mindy said. “Travis and I do our best to remind him that he’s doing a great job and that we’re proud of him. Vivian still annoys him like any good little sister does, but loves to help him with whatever he needs. Brandon continues to walk by and turn JJ’s chair off just to mess with him and is quick to step up and help when asked.”

★ ★

★ Boys soccer ★ ★ ★

Caeden Cloud, Nixa High School A junior forward who is a handful for opponents, Cloud helped Nixa’s late-season surge that included an upset of No. 2 seed Glendale in the district semifinals. He scored 22 goals and had 10 assists, making him Nixa’s all-time scoring leader (42 goals, 18 assists for 102 points). He was Second Team All-State, and First Team All-District and All-Central Ozark Conference for a team that finished 16-9.

Brady Goodson, Logan-Rogersville High School A senior goalkeeper, Goodson helped Logan-Rogersville finish as the Class 2 state runner-up. He had 57 saves, including three of four penalty kicks in games and had four of 20 shutouts. He earned Goalkeeper of the Year in Class 2, district, region and conference for a team that finished 26-1. Overall, he had 46 career shutouts and is headed to play soccer at Evangel University.

Caleb Lepant, Ozark High School A senior forward, Lepant scored 38 goals and had 10 assists, breaking Ozark’s single-season scoring record. That left him with 53 goals and 25 assists for his career. He earned First Team All-State, AllCentral Ozark Conference and was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the district and region.

Ozark finished 24-3-2 and reached the state quarterfinals before falling 2-1 to eventual state champion Rockhurst. He signed with Missouri Science & Technology.

Stewart McDonald, Logan-Rogersville High School

Rian Mulherin, Springfield Catholic High School A senior defender and team captain, Mulherin was a big reason why Springfield Catholic reached the Class 3 Final Four and placed fourth, with a 19-10 overall record. He earned First Team All-State, AllDistrict and all-conference honors in addition to being named the Class 3 Region 3 Player of the Year.

He did manage to score seven goals and make three assists, but mostly organized the Irish’ defense. He signed to play soccer at Drury University.

Liam Olson, Kickapoo high School A senior midfielder, Olson was a four-year varsity player who helped the Chiefs to the state quarterfinals as a sophomore and junior. This past season, he scored nine goals and made 21 assists for a team that reached the district semifinals. He earned Second Team All-State by showing his versatility and ability to play with an extremely high soccer IQ. Olson has signed to play at Drury University.

~ Fall Sports~

A senior midfielder, McDonald helped Logan-Rogersville reached the Class 2 Final Four and finish as a state runner-up, with a 26-1 record. He scored 45 goals and had 14 assists, giving him 93 goals and 40 assists for his career. He was First Team All-State, in addition to the Big 8 Conference, District and Region Player of the Year. He has signed to play football, as a kicker, for Missouri State.

Phin Scott, Ozark High School A senior midfielder whose vision and technical skills set him apart, Scott was challenging to stop through the fall. He scored 24 goals and had 14 assists, giving him 35 goals and 24 assists for his career. He earned Second Team All-State honors, in addition to First Team All-Central Ozark Conference and All-Region.

His play helped Ozark finish 24-3-2 in a season when it won the COC, districts and reach the state quarterfinals.

Misha Trimble, Glendale High School

A senior midfielder, Trimble helped the Glendale Falcons to a 16-8 record, including 10-0 in the Ozark Conference. He scored 19 goals and had 19 assists, and it led to Trimble earning Honorable Mention AllState, as well as First Team All-Ozark Conference, All-Region and All-District. He was one of the team captains and proved to be a technical player that can strike a ball well with both feet.

Welle Welle, Carthage High School A senior forward, Welle finished the 2023 fall season with a whopping 38 goals and 20 assists. That left him as the No. 2 goal scorer and leader in assists in Carthage’s history. The success certainly led opposing coaches to give him his due recognition, as Welle was named Second Team All-State, as well as All-Region, All-District, All-Central Ozark Conference. He has signed to play at Neosho Community College.

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★ ★

★ Softball ★ ★ ★

Reece Anderson, Willard High School A senior leadoff hitter, Anderson helped Willard finish 25-12 and reach the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

She hit .407 with 46 hits, including 21 doubles, two triples and three home runs. She also drove in 23 runs and scored 48 times. Defensively, she had a .917 fielding percentage as a shortstop. It all led to her earning First Team All-Region, All-District and All-Central Ozark Conference. Anderson signed with Drury University.

F a~l l / S p r i n g S p o~ r t s

Jenna Belcher, Republic High School A senior leadoff hitter, Belcher proved to be one of the area’s top shortstops and willed herself back to the district tournament after breaking a collarbone midseason. A surgery led to the insertion of a plate and six screws. She still finished with a .393 average, with 15 RBI and three home runs. She also stole 19 bases.

Although not eligible for all-conference honors because of missing time, she earned All-District. Belcher has signed with Missouri State for track and field.

Carleigh Kinnaird, Neosho High School A junior, Kinnaird was 13-5 in 115 innings, with a 2.19 earned run average. She struck out 192 batters and issued 42 walks, with a 1.043 WHIP. As a batter, she hit .373 with a .431 on-base percentage. She had 18 singles, 12 doubles, two triples and five home runs, and drove in 37 runs. She also scored 19 runs.

Kinnaird was Second Team All-State, and First Team All-Region, All-District and the Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year for a 26-7 team that won the COC first the first time.

Alyson Miller, Willard High School A senior, Miller was one of the area’s best hitters. She had 45 hits, including 16 home runs, six doubles and two triples for a .429 batting average. She also drove in 52 runs and scored 43 runs herself. She also had a .868 fielding percentage for a team that reached the Class 5 state quarterfinals. She earned Second Team All-State honors in addition to First Team All-Central Ozark Conference and First Team All-District.

Hailey Presley, Marion C. Early High School A senior, Presley dominated in the circle, compiling a 22-12 record in 205.1 innings. She finished with a 1.88 earned run average, 376 strikeouts and eight shutouts. As a batter, she hit a team-best .491 with 53 hits, including 23 extra-base hits, and drove in 33 runs. That helped Marion C. Early to the Class 1 Final Four, with a third-place finish. All of that led to numerous awards. Among them was First Team All-State, All-Region and All-District. She signed with Labette (Kan.) Community College.

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★ ★

★ Volleyball ★ ★ ★

Reagan Baade, Ozark High School A senior who was a six-rotation outside attacker, Baade was relied upon to pass in serve receive, play middle back defense and block and attack. She finished last fall with 346 kills, or 3.6 per set, with a 38.4 kill percentage, a .220 hitting percentage, 37 aces and a 93 percent serving percentage. Overall, she had 274 digs. Baade earned American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honors, in addition to All-State, All-District and All-Central Ozark Conference. Her play helped Ozark finish 29-6 and win the COC.

Jacy Bray, Nixa High School A senior setter, Bray earned Class 5 All-State honors after tallying 913 assists, 294 digs, 39 aces and 120 kills last fall on a team that finished 28-7. She ran the 5-1 offense and, while her athleticism was valuable, her court awareness and instincts fueled her success. She finished her final three seasons with 1,963 assists, 578 digs and a .335 attack percentage. and signed with the University of Texas-Arlington.

Bella Faria, Kickapoo High School

Rilynn Finley, Republic High School A senior outside hitter, Finley earned All-State honors, in addition to First Team AllDistrict and All-Ozark Conference. She led Republic in almost every statistic, dominating on the front row. She set single-season school records with 510 kills, a 31.9 percent hitting percentage and 299 digs. Overall she finished with 1,259 career kills, and was a four-year starter. She has signed with Missouri State University.

Kya Johnson, Kickapoo High School A three-year varsity starter, Johnson helped Kickapoo to a 91-23 record in three seasons with a state runner-up finish as a junior and fourth-place finish as a senior. An American Volleyball Coaches Association Third-Team All-America pick her senior year, Johnson finished the season with 593 digs and 49 aces. She also was All-State, in addition to FirstTeam All-Ozark Conference and All-District. Fortunately, fans can continue to watch her in Springfield, as she signed with Missouri State University.

~ Fall Sports~

A senior outside hitter, Faria finished with 339 kills, a .282 hitting percentage, 35 total blocks, 440 digs and 48 aces. She helped Kickapoo reach the Class 5 Final Four and earn a fourth-place finish. The postseason awards soon followed, as Faria earned American Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-American honors, as well as AVCA AllRegion 6. She also was First Team All-State, All-District and All-Ozark Conference. She signed with Arizona State.

Paige pearcy, Nixa High School A senior libero, Pearcy helped Nixa reach the Class 5 District 6 semifinals and a 28-7 overall finish. She had 500 digs, 75 assists and 38 aces in her second year on varsity, and that covered 102 games, or 35 matches. She had 729 digs in her final two seasons as Nixa’s serve receive and defensive leader. Pearcy’s work ethic had a positive influence on the team, as she was always eager for extra reps and time in the gym to improve her skills

Mollie Thomas, Marshfield High School A senior setter, Thomas helped Marshfield to a 21-10 record and top five finish in Class 4.

She earned her third All-State honor, in addition to All-District and All-Big 8 Conference.

She finished with 479 assists, 275 digs, 31 blocks, 44 aces and 226 kills. For her career, she has 1,844 assists, 950 digs, 80 blocks, 226 aces and 874 kills. She has signed with Florida Gulf Coast University and will play beach volleyball.

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★ Football-Linemen ★★★

Jayden Antonelli, Nixa High School It wouldn’t be surprising if Nixa High School changed its name to Nixa Manufacturing Company, because the Eagles churn out stalwart after stalwart it seems. Antonelli played on the defensive line for the Eagles’ Class 6 state quarterfinal team, earning unanimous Class 6 First Team All-Region and First Team All-Central Ozark Conference as a defensive end. He finished with 72 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and had eight sacks.

Talan Chandler, Nevada High School

~ Fall Sports~

Nevada advanced all the way to the Class 4 state quarterfinals, and plowing the road was Chandler on the offensive line. A University of Missouri commit, Chandler earned First Team honors for All-State, All-District, All-Region and All-Big 8 West Conference, as well as the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association. That was no surprise to many, considering Chandler was All-State in each of the previous two seasons. The U.S. Army Bowl Game selection had 357 caraeer pancake blocks.

Jackson Cantwell, NIXA High School Cantwell was starting on the offensive line for Nixa as a freshman in 2022 and surged even more in the 2023 season as the Eagles soldiered to the Class 6 state quarterfinals. Just months after setting the state shot put record, Cantwell earned First Team All-State honors, along with First Team All-Region, and was a unanimous pick to the First Team All-Central Ozark Conference team.

Dontrell Holt, Joplin High School You would think that Holt is the centerpiece of some company’s marketing firm, because his name always seems to be everywhere. He signed with Iowa State University this school year after helping the Joplin Eagles reach a Class 6 district championship game. He earned Second Team All-State honors, along with unanimous First Team All-Region and unanimous First Team All-Central Ozark Conference.

Kellen Lindstrom, Glendale High School A defensive lineman, Lindstrom was one of the most sought-after recruits last fall and ultimately signed with the University of Tennessee of the Southeastern Conference. He earned First Team All-State, in addition to being voted a Class 5 Region Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, the Ozark Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous First Team All-Ozark Conference. He finished with 109 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

Carter Nation, Republic High School The Republic Tigers advanced all the way to the Class 5 state championship game, and its offensive line plowed the way. Among the stalwarts up front was Nation, a 5-foot-10, 220-pounder who earned First Team All-State, as well as First Team All-Region and unanimous First Team All-Central Ozark Conference. His work enabled Republic’s quarterback, Wyatt Woods, to amass nearly 2,500 yards combined in rushing and passing, with 32 touchdowns. Nation has committed to Missouri State-West Plains for baseball.

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★★

★ Football-linebackers & defensive backs ★★★ Brock Bruner, Fair Grove High School Over the past dozen years, Fair Grove football has produced talent, and Bruner is the latest to emerge as one of the Eagles’ stalwarts. A linebacker, he earned Class 2 First Team All-State honors, along with First Team All-Region and First Team All-MidLakes Conference as a linebacker and tight end. He accumulated 115 tackles, 16.5 for loss, with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also hauled in 325 yards receiving on 21 receptions.

Gage Depee, Branson High School

~ Fall Sports~

Depee earned First Team All-State as a linebacker in Class 5, was a unanimous selection as a First Team All-Region talent and was First Team All-Central Ozark Conference. He also pulled double duty as a running back, and earned Second Team All-Region as a running back, and secured Second Team All-COC honors. All this after he had 111 tackles, three for loss, along with three sacks and an interception. He also rushed for 1,058 yards on 183 carries, scoring eight touchdowns.

Hugh Eaton, Marionville High School Marionville won the Class 1 state championship, with Eaton earning the Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-State as a linebacker. He finished with 97 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and had two sacks. He also was the Player of the Year in the Region and Southwest Conference. That was in addition to earning First Team All-Region, First Team All-Southwest Conference and then, as a running back, earning Second Team All-Region.

Khiler Nance, Lamar High School Lamar captured the Class 2 state championship, and Nance played a big role throughout the season. A linebacker, he was voted by coaches as the Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-State, the Region Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous selection as both a First Team All-Region and First Team All Big-8 Conference West talent. He had 112 tackles, 11.5 for loss, two sacks, one pass break-up, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a defensive touchdown.

Spencer Ward, Nixa High School Ward has been a one-man wrecking crew the past two seasons, with 2023 seeing the Nixa senior finish with 157 tackles, two for loss, along with two interceptions. That led to numerous honors: First Team All-State as a defensive back in Class 6, Region Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous First Team All-Region, and the Central Ozark Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He also rushed for 17 yards and had 261 yards receiving with two touchdowns.

alex Wilkerson, Lamar High School En route to the Class 2 state championship, Lamar leaned on several key players.

Wilkerson emerged as one the Tigers’ latest all-around standouts, as he earned Class 2 First Team honors, as well as First Team All-Region as a quarterback, defensive back and punter. Defensively, he had 53 tackles, six for loss, four pass break-ups, six interceptions and one defensive touchdown. Offensively, he threw for 988 yards on 46 completions, with 16 touchdowns. He also rushed for 804 yards on 115 carries, scoring 12 TDs.

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★★

★ Football-Offensive Skills ★ ★ ★ Kade Durnin, Camdenton High School A quarterback, Durnin earned Third Team All-State honors in Class 5 after leading Camdenton to the district semifinals. He had a big arm in 2022 and proved it again in 2023, throwing for 3,175 yards on 262 completions. That included 34 touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 429 yards on 93 carries, scoring 10 touchdowns. Durnin also was Second Team All-Region at quarterback and First Team All-Ozark Conference.

Jax Glendenning, Lebanon High School Lebanon reached a Class 5 district championship game, and Glendenning was among the reasons why the Yellowjackets had a strong season. A running back, he earned Third Team All-State and as a unanimous First Team All-Region selection in addition to the Ozark Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Glendenning rushed for 1,519 yards on 202 carries, scoring 19 touchdowns. He also was a Second Team All-COC linebacker, with 46 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception.

Jack Cheaney, Nevada High School

Briggs Hughston, West Plains High School West Plains has consistently produced talent over the past decade-plus, and Hughston certainly continued the Zizzers’ success story. A wide receiver, he earned Second Team All-State in Class 4, as well as unanimous All-Region, unanimous First Team All-Ozark Conference and, for good measure, Second Team All-Ozark Conference as a linebacker. On offense, he caught 58 passes for 1,080 yards, with 20 going for touchdowns.

Kellen Lair, Fair Grove High School Fair Grove reached the Class 2 state semifinals last fall. Lair was a big reason why. He was All-State as a returner (first team) and running back (second team), and was the All-Southwest Missouri Class 2 Offensive Player of the Year. He also was the Mid-Lakes Offensive Player of the Year. Lair rushed for 1,968 yards, scoring 37 touchdowns, and also hauled in 600 yards receiving, with 10 touchdowns.

~ Fall Sports~

A 6-foot, 175-pound running back, Cheaney rushed for 2,056 yards on 207 carries and scored 31 touchdowns for a Nevada team that reached the Class 4 state quarterfinals. He earned Second Team All-State honors, in addition to being named the Region Offensive Player of the Year, a unanimous First Team All-Region running back and unanimous First Team All-Big 8 Conference West rusher.

Jackson Marrs, Seneca High School A running back, Marrs earned First Team All-State in Class 3, as well as Class 3 Region Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region. He also was the Big 8 Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-Region linebacker. Marrs rushed for 1,738 yards on 250 carries, scoring 35 touchdowns. He also had 59 tackles, three tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Quin Renfro, Joplin High School Renfro earned First Team All-State in Class 6 as a running back, after rushing for 1,601 yards on 174 carries. He scored 18 touchdowns, and also had seven receptions for 80 yards – including a touchdown. He also was the Class 6 Region Offensive Player of the Year, unanimous First Team All-Region and the Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year. His work helped Joplin reach the district championship game.

Wyatt Woods, Republic High School

Republic reached the Class 5 state championship game, after edging tradition-rich Webb City 21-20 in the semifinals. He earned Second Team All-State in Class 5 as a quarterback and was the Region Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Central Ozark Conference after a big year for Republic. He was a dual threat, rushing for 1,543 yards on 248 carries and scored 19 touchdowns. He also threw for 933 yards on 44 completions, 13 that went for touchdowns.

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★ ★

★ Inspiration Award ★ ★ ★ Reiss Kaderly, Marshfield high school

In sports, fans often think the toughest people are football linemen, basketball forwards, wrestlers, and boxers.

However, 11-year-old Reiss Kaderly from Marshfield is proving to be tougher than them all. Her resilience and positive outlook have earned her an Inspiration Award from the Springfield Sports Commission and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Reiss, who was born with a complex set of heart defects, understands the meaning of battling every day. Last September, she showed worsening signs of heart failure, leading to her fourth open-heart surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Despite the severity of her condition, Reiss maintained an incredibly positive attitude.

Her parents, Roy Kaderly, the head track & field coach and assistant football coach at Marshfield High School, and Sara Kaderly, a senior marketing manager for New- Stream Enterprises, supported her throughout. Reiss also has two younger siblings, Bowen (6) and McCoy (4).

During nearly three months in the hospital, Reiss faced recovery, cardiac arrest, and a stroke. Yet, she remained optimistic, making friends, mixing slime, and planning karaoke parties.

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Her unwavering faith was her guiding light, with her motto being that God knew she could handle it.

The Marshfield community rallied behind Reiss with numerous fundraisers, letters and well-wishes. The overwhelming support from the community made a significant impact on Reiss and her family.

“I would like to thank all of the community for helping us out whenever I was in the hospital and doing so much for us,” Reiss said. “It made me feel loved. And my mom and dad for helping me through it all. Even though it was a rough time for me and them, they helped me through it.”

Reiss’s story is a testament to the power of positivity and community support. Her courage and determination make her a true inspiration, showing that the toughest battles are often fought with a smile and a hopeful heart.

In lieu of donations to Reiss’s journey, the family asks that you make a donation to On Angels’ Wings or Ronald McDonald House Charities in her honor.

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★ Girls Swimming & Diving ★ ★ ★ Lucy Hough, Lebanon High School A junior, Hough earned three top-eight finishes at the Class 1 state meet – meaning she was All-State in each. She was sixth in both the 50-yard freestyle (24.70 seconds) and 200-yard medley (1:54) and was eighth in the 100 backstroke (1:08). Her season included winning the 100 breaststroke at the district and Ozark Conference, where she earned four top-three finishes – including winning the 200-yard medley relay and placing second in the 200 freestyle relay.

Missy Mizell, Lebanon High School

A sophomore at the Class 1 state meet, Mizell placed fourth in the 50-yard freestyle (24.42 seconds), fifth in the 100-yard backstroke (59.31 seconds) and sixth in the 200-yard medley (1:54). She also helped the 200-yard freestyle relay advance to state. At districts, she won the 100 backstroke (1:00) and was a runner-up in the 50 freestyle, 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay. At the Ozark Conference meet, she won three events.

Reese Moore, Glendale High School

Sophia Sechler, Greenwood Laboratory School Greenwood Laboratory School swimming and diving coach John Mullen makes two things clear about Sechler – and both are great examples for younger athletes to learn from: She is coachable and, when things don’t work out, she works harder and bounces back. Sechler did that throughout her junior season, and it resulted in a fifth-place finish at the Class 1 state meet, as she scored a 341.5 in diving. She was sixth at districts and a runner-up at the Southwest Missouri Championships.

Chloe Miller, Carl Junction High School

A senior, Miller graduated as one of the most successful swimmers in Carl Junction history.

She had 12 top-eight finishes in her career and had four ninth-place finishes. In 2024, at the Class 1 state meet, she placed third in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. In the 50 freestyle, her time of 24.04 seconds was only 0.13 seconds from winning it. She swam the 100-yard freestyle in 53.40 seconds, with the winner swimming it 52.26 seconds. She also earned First Team All-Central Ozark Conference and helped Carl Junction place second at the conference meet.

~ Winter Sports~

A senior, Moore earned Class 1 All-State status in two events in 2024, placing fourth in the 100-yard freestyle and fifth in the 50-yard freestyle. She also helped the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay teams advance to state. At the Southwest Missouri Championships, she was second in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 50 freestyle. At the Ozark Conference, she won the 100 freestyle and was runner-up in the 50 freestyle.

Addy Moore, Kickapoo High School

A sophomore, Moore placed sixth in Class 2 in both the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard individual medley at the state meet. Her 100 time of 57.69 seconds set a Kickapoo record, and she swam the 200 in 2:08. She also helped two relay teams – the 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle – advance to state. At the Southwest Missouri Championships and Ozark Conference meet, Moore won the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard butterfly races.

Paige Sheridan, West Plains High School A senior, Sheridan was a three-time All-State medalist in Class 1 in 2024, earning a runnerup in the 500-yard freestyle (5:08) and fourth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:56). She also was fourth with the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:41) and competed with the 400-yard freestyle relay. At the Southwest Missouri Championships, as well as the Ozark Conference, she won both of those individual races and helped the relays win, too, with West Plains repeating as conference champions. She has signed with Rockhurst University.

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★ girls Wrestling-Lower weights ★ ★ ★ Halea Bartel, Lebanon High School A senior, Bartel helped Lebanon finish third in Class 2, as she won the 130-pound weight class and finished 40-7 overall. At the state tournament, she withstood some tough tests.

After a first-round pin, she won 6-3, 6-5 and then 7-3. That was a notable turnaround, considering she placed third at the District 3 tournament. Her season, though, included winning the Ozark Conference and placing second at the Kansas City Stampede.

Abigail Fuglsang, Camdenton High School

~ Winter Sports~

A junior, Fuglsang finished 45-1 this past winter, earning a third-place medal in the 110-pound weight class of the Class 2 state tournament. She reached the quarterfinals thanks to two pins, but a 4-0 loss sent her to the consolation side. However, she soldiered on, winning her next two matches, including a 9-1 victory in her final match. She dominated everywhere else, winning District 3, the Ozark Conference, the Queen of the North, and the Capital City Tournament.

Addison Harkins, Nixa High School A sophomore, Harkins was the state runner-up in Class 2’s 130-pound weight class. At the state tournament, she scored three pins to advance to the finals. Overall, she finished 49-6, wining District 3, the Central Ozark Conference and was fifth at the Wonder Women and fourth at the Kansas City Stampede. She won three other tournaments.

Faith James, Cassville High School James has enjoyed a remarkable high school career and concluded it with a state championship in the 135-pound weight class of the Class 1 state tournament. In finishing 47-2, she pinned her way to the finals in three matches and then pinned her opponent there. Her season featured winning District 3, the Big 8 Conference, the Wonder Women and Monett and Nixa invitationals.

Jessa Joiner, Lebanon High School Talk about a dominate performance. That’s what Joiner did at the Class 2 state tournament, as she won the 115-pound weight class. She earned a technical fall (15-point win), a pin, a 9-0 major decision and then a pin in the finals. A junior, she finished 48-0 in a season in which she won District 3, the Ozark Conference, the Wonder Women and the Kansas City Stampede, among several.

Kelsey Watts, Nixa High School A senior, Watts helped Nixa place second in the Class 2 team standings, as she was the state runner-up in the 105-pound weight class at the state tournament. She finished 433, advancing to the finals with two pins and a 9-2 decision. Her finals match went into sudden death overtime. She won just about everywhere else – District 3, the Central Ozark Conference, the Queen of the North, the Wonder Women and the Kansas City Stampede.

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★ girls Wrestling-upper weights ★ ★ ★ Mariyah Brumley, Lebanon High School Brumley finished off a perfect senior season with a state championship in the 190-pound weight class at the Clas 2 state tournament. She scored two pins and 16-6 major decision to reach the finals, where she then pinned her opponent in the second period. Her 39-0 season featured winning District 3, the Ozark Conference, the KMO Cowbell Duals, the Wonder Women and the Kansas City Stampede.

Brenya Crahan, Nixa High School Crahan punctuated her senior season with a state championship, winning the 145-pound weight class in Class 2 and helping Nixa nearly win the team title. She pinned her first three opponents and then earned a 6-3 decision in the finals. That completed a 52-0 season in which Craham won District 3, the Central Ozark Conference, the Queen of the North and seven other events – including the prestigious Wonder Women and Kansas City Stampede.

A junior, Dupree won the 155-pound weight class at the Class 2 state tournament, helping Nixa place second as a team. She finished 40-2. At state, she pinned her first two opponents, scored a 5-0 victory in the semifinals and then earned a pin in the finals.

Dupree also won the district, Central Ozark Conference, Super Girl 64, the Kansas City Stampede and was the runner-up at the Wonder Women. She also was Nixa’s first ever U.S Women’s All-American at the national meet in April.

McKenzie Moffet, Waynesville High School A senior, Moffet finished 37-5 last winter and earned a third-place medal in the Class 2 state tournament, in the 170-pound weight class. She won her first match, but suffered a setback in the quarterfinals. That required her to win five consecutive matches, and she pulled it off, with 5-3 and 8-2 decisions, followed by a pin and 5-0 decision.

Clara Rathmann, Camdenton High School Rathman earned a third-place medal in the 235-pound weight class at the Class 2 state tournament. After suffering a two-point loss in the quarterfinals, she had to win twice to earn the top-three finish and did just that with a pin and a 3-0 decision. Overall, she ended her senior year with a 21-1 record, which included winning District 3, the Ozark Conference, Queen of the North and the Mexico Brick City Classic.

~ Winter Sports~

Cali Dupree, Nixa High School

Isabella Renfro, Seneca High School Perfection. That’s the best way to describe Renfro’s season, as she won the Class 1 state championship in the 190-pound weight class. Her record? Try 47-0, and her state tournament performance was impressive. She pinned all four of her opponents. All this in a season in which she won District 3, the Lady Thundering Herd tournament, the Big 8 Conference, the Newton Tournament, Diamond State Lady Invitational and Mrs. Claus Slam.

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★ Boys Wrestling-Lower weights ★ ★ ★ Carter Foglesong, Carl Junction High School A junior, Foglesong was the runner-up in the 113-pound weight class at the Class 3 state tournament. That he suffered a loss in the finals shouldn’t overlook the fact that he dominated on his way there, with three pins. He won District 3, the Central Ozark Conference, the Pacific Varsity Invitational, the Branson Invitational and the Harrisonville Christmas Tournament.

~ Winter Sports~

Carter Howard, Neosho High School A sophomore, Howard finished as the state runner-up in the 144-pound weight class in Class 4 this winter. At the state tournament, he advanced to the final with a 13-5 major decision and 6-4 and 3-2 decisions. Overall, he finished 42-5. Howard won District 3, the Central Ozark Conference and the Kansas City Stampede. He also was the runner-up at the Winnetonka Invitational.

Ryzen Isringhausen, Branson High School Isringhausen became only the second Branson Pirate to win a state wrestling title – and first since 2012 – in capturing the 106-pound weight class in Class 3. He finished 47-1.

At the state tournament, he scored a pin, 5-0 decision, 11-4 decision and won it all on a tiebreaker. His season featured winning District 3, the Central Ozark Conference, the Hickman and Branson Invitationals, and the Monett and Neosho tournaments.

Brant Laughlin, Seneca High School Seneca has long produced wrestling talent, and the future certainly looks bright. Only a freshman, Laughlin was the state runner-up in the 126-pound weight class in Class 2 and finished 45-4. He advanced with a pin, 11-4 decision, pin before the finals. Laughlin won four other tournaments – District 3, the Seneca Invitational, the Big 8 Conference, and the Santa Slam. He was runner-up at the Newton Tournament of Champions.

Andrew Manley, Seneca High School A senior, Manley went unbeaten at 48-0 this past season, winning Class 2’s 144-pound weight class. He tore through the state tournament with three pins just to reach the finals, where he then scored a 4-0 victory. Manley won District 3, the Seneca Invitational, the Big 8 Tournament, the Newton Tournament of Champions and the Santa Slam.

Cooper Moore, Bolivar High School A junior, Moore earned a state runner-up in the 144-pound weight class of the Class 3 state tournament. He got there with a pin, 7-3 decision and another pin in order to reach the finals. That came a week after he won the District 3 tournament. Moore also won the Ozark Conference and placed second at the Goerg Worley Invitational. He finished 42-4.

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★ Boys Wrestling-Upper weights ★ ★ ★ Brady Griffin, Willard High School A junior, Griffin was the Class 4 state runner-up in the 285-pound bracket. At state, he won by pin and two 3-2 decisions in order to advance to the finals. He finished with a 44-4 record, having won District 3 and the Central Ozark Conference, and was the runner-up of the Red Schmitt Holiday Tournament and Tiger Pride Battle. He also was third at the Winnetonka Invitational.

Jayce Hitt, McDonald County High School

Samuel Murphy, McDonald County High School Murphy followed up a state championship in 2023 with another one, winning the Class 3 state championship in the 215-pound weight class. He really earned it. After two pins at state, he won the semifinal 2-1 and then captured the title in a 1-0 decision. That capped a 47-4 season in which he won District 3, the Kyle Thrasher Invitational, the Big 8 Tournament, the Branson Invitational and the Kinloch Classic.

Jace Renfro, Seneca High School Renfro earned a state runner-up in the 190-pound weight class in Class 2. He finished the season 45-3, and he advanced to the finals with two pins and a 10-3 decision before a 7-4 setback in the championship. Renfro won District 3, the Seneca Invitational, the Big 8 Tournament and placed second at the Newton Tournament of Champions. He also won the Santa Slam.

Malachi Rider, Nixa High School Rider moved in from Kentucky, where he had enjoyed a lot of success, and made his mark in Missouri. He won the state championship in the 157-pound weight class in Class 4, with his state results featuring a technical fall, pin, 5-1 decision and then a 20-7 decision in the finals. He finished with 33 wins, having won District 3, the Central Ozark Conference and the Lafayette Invitational.

~ Winter Sports~

Hitt placed third in Class 3 in the 285-pound weight class, and he earned his way there.

Hitt won his opening match by a technical fall, but suffered a 9-2 loss in the quarterfinals.

From there, he had to win four consecutive matches to earn third place and did just that, with a 1-0 decision in his final match. That capped a 44-4 season that saw him win District 3, the Kyle Thrasher Invitational, the Big 8 Tournament, the Branson Invitational and the Kinloch Classic.

Porter Talbot, Willard High School Talbot earned a state runner-up medal in the 215-pound weight class of the Class 4 state tournament. He finished 44-5 for the season, with his state tournament featuring two pins and a 5-1 decision to advance to the finals. He also won the District 3 and Central Ozark Conference tournaments, as well as the Red Schmitt Holiday Tournament and the Neosho Invitational. He was second at the Tiger Pride Battle.

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★ Inspiration Award ★ ★ ★ Mavrie Pritchett, Miller HIGH SCHOOL

Usually, when a team makes a district champi- onship game, its focus is on the task at hand. In 2023, however, the Miller High School volleyball team heard the news that sophomore Mavrie Pritchett had been diagnosed with leukemia.

Fortunately for the Miller community, Pritch- ett has soldiered on with a positive attitude – and it’s why she is being recognized with an Inspira- tion Award during the 2024 Sports Commission Awards presented by Elliott Lodging.

“It’s important to stay this way because, when going through treatment, it can be incredibly difficult to see the bright side of things and stay positive, which I think is a big part of the healing process,” Pritchett said. “I always want people around me to see me for me and not the sick side of me, so that’s another reason I try to just stay true to myself.”

Pritchett is a three-sport athlete at Miller and hopes to be back playing volleyball this fall.

The Lady Cardinals’ volleyball rivals – Diamond (bake sale), Pierce City, Mount Vernon, and Stockton – held fundraisers. Miller High School used a Friday night football game a week after her diagnosis to show support, with fans wearing orange shirts – signaling a leukemia battle – and bracelets.

The Future Farmers of America club held a benefit, and special seating was created so Mavrie could attend basketball games away

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from large crowds.

“I will always be thankful and so, so grateful for everyone,” Pritchett said.

Said Miller teammate Camden Stockton, “She has brought us closer as a group and just her strength and ability to stay positive through ev- erything has inspired us as a group. But the most important thing she has done is taught us how to stay strong together and everything will be OK.” Counselors for students and educating the student body about leukemia and the battle were emphasized, said athletic director Justin Snider. The school also worked with her schedule so that she didn’t fall behind academically.

“A quote I always read is, ‘Life is how it is, not how it was,’” Mavrie said. “This always helped me understand that I can’t change whatever was happening to me at the time but, instead, was changing me into who I’m becoming.”

She added, If I had to say something to others trying to overcome a challenge, it would be to always know you’re not alone and to stay grateful. As some days are hard, there is always someone going through something just as hard or worse, so it’s important to keep pushing.”

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★ Girls Basketball ★ ★ ★

Ashton Bell, Fair Grove High School A junior shooting guard, Bell helped Fair Grove repeat as Class 3 state champions. She averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 21. assists and 2 steals a game, shooting 36 percent from 3-point range and 73 percent from the free-throw line. She earned Class 3 All-State honors, in addition to being a unanimous First Team All-Mid-Lakes Conference selection.

Kylee Cole, Aurora High School Cole averaged 20.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals game. She made 37.5 percent of her 3-point attempts along the way, as Aurora finished 25-5, repeating as district champion and narrowly missing out on the Final Four. She was a Class 4 All-State selection, in addition to being the District 12 Player of the Year and First Team All-Big 8 East.

Breona Hurd, Waynesville High School Hurd signed with the University of Virginia in November, and then proceeded to remind everybody why she was highly recruited. She averaged 24.5 points and 12.2 rebounds a game, and tacked on 3.7 assists a game. She guided Waynesville to a 17-win season that reached a district semifinal. She earned Class 6 All-State honors, as well as First Team All-Ozark Conference.

Kya Johnson, Kickapoo High School

Allyssa Joyner, West Plains high School A senior forward/center, Joyner averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, shooting 58 percent from the field and 40 percent on 3-pointers. This winter marked her third Class 5 All-State honor, fourth All-District selection and was the Ozark Conference Player of the Year in addition to Miss Show-Me Basketball. She finished with 1,642 points and 762 rebounds in her career. She signed with College of the Ozarks.

Lauren Luebbert, Marshfield High School Luebbert was a Class 5 All-State selection, in addition to being the Player of the Year in the Big 8 East and co-Player of the Year in District 6. She averaged 15 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game for a Marshfield team that reached the Class 5 Final Four and placed fourth. It was the program’s first Final Four in 10 years.

Elsie Larsen, Strafford High School A sophomore, Larsen averaged 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals a game for a Stafford team that reached the district championship game. She shot 42 percent on field-goal attempts, 34 percent on 3-pointers and 75 percent on free throws. She earned Class 3 All-State, in addition to Player of the Year in Class 3, District 33 and was a unanimous First Team All-Mid-Lakes Conference pick.

Misora Nambara, Republic High School Nambara averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists this past winter. She shot 50 percent from the field and was 45 percent on 3-point attempts. Ultimately, she earned Class 6 All-State honors, in addition to First Team All-Central Ozark Conference. Her play aided Republic to reach the district championship game, where Republic suffered a close, 54-52 loss to eventual state runner-up Kickapoo.

~ Winter Sports~

A senior point guard, Johnson averaged 10 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 steals a game. She was 68.8 percent on free throws, 35.2 percent on 3-point attempts and 37.5 percent on field goals. Johnson earned Class 6 All-State honors, along with District 5 Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference. Kickapoo placed second in the state, finishing 30-2.

Mikayla Pilley, Kickapoo High School A junior forward, Pilley averaged 15.2 points, 6 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.8 assists a game. She also made 65.4 percent of her free throws. Her play propelled Kickapoo to the Class 6 Final Four, where they finished as the state runner-up and a 30-2 record. Pilley was a Class 6 All-State selection, in addition to First Team All-District 5 and All-Ozark Conference.

Kylie Scott, Carl Junction High School A senior forward/center, Scott averaged 17.7 points, 11 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals a game. She was 72 percent on free-throw attempts, too. Her play helped Carl Junction win 16 games and place second in three tournaments. Scott earned Class 5 All-State honors in addition to First Team All-Central Ozark Conference. She has since signed with Oral Roberts University.

Ellie Smith, Walnut Grove High School A junior point guard, Smith averaged 14.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.5 steals a game for a Walnut Grove team that reached the Class 1 state quarterfinals and finished 26-4. The team also won the Polk County League, going unbeaten.

She earned Class 1 All-State honors and was the Player of the Year in District 4 and in the Polk County League.

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★ Girls Basketball ★ ★ ★

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★ Boys Basketball ★ ★ ★

Chase Branham, Logan-Rogersville High School A sophomore point guard, Branham averaged 20 points a game and also led Logan-Rogersville in steals and assists. He also averaged 46 percent on 3-pointers and shot 89 percent on free throws. His play helped the Wildcats reach the Class 4 Final Four. He was All-State, the Big 8 East Player of the Year, First Team All-Big 8 East and the Co-Player of the Year in District 11.

Tyrique Brooks, Central High School

A senior guard, Brooks averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals a game. He shot 64 percent on 2-point field goals and 43 percent on 3-pointers. He earned Class 6 All-State honors, Co-Player of the Year in Class 6 and in District 5 and First Team All-Ozark Conference. Central finished 25-7, placed third in Class 6, and Brooks signed with Missouri Southern.

~

Aidan Burns, Thayer High School

A senior guard, Burns averaged 20.4 points, 40 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game for a Thayer team that finished 23-9 and reached the Class 3 Final Four, placing third. Burns improved as a perimeter shooter this season and enhanced several parts of his overall game. That led to Class 3 All-State honors, in addition to being named the Co-Player of the Year in both the South Central Association and District 3.

Collin Clark, Greenwood High School

Barron Duda, Webb City high School

A senior guard, Duda averaged 22 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3 steals a game. He made 77 3-pointers and shot 61 percent on 2-point field goals for a team that finished 21-7. He was a Class 5 All-State selection, in addition to earning Player of the Year in the Central Ozark Conference one year after he was on its second-team list. He has signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Keion Epps, Central High School

A junior, Epps averaged 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.3 steals a game for the Central Bulldogs, which finished third in Class 6 – their best showing in school history. He shot 48.7 percent from the field, including 41.6 percent on 3-pointers. He earned Class 6 All-State honors, in addition to First Team All-Ozark Conference and was District 5 Co-Player of the Year.

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Jacob Lafferty, Sparta High School

Winter Sports

A junior shooting guard, Clark helped Greenwood finish 25-4, win the district championship and reached the Class 3 state quarterfinals. He averaged 19.6 points and 11.2 rebounds a game, shooting 44 percent on 2-point field goals and 31 percent on 3-pointers. He also averaged 4.5 assists a game and was 65 percent on free throws.

He more than doubled his rebounds from a year ago.

A senior forward, Lafferty guided Sparta to a 22-6 record, which included a third-place finish in the Blue & Gold Tournament and winning the Strafford Invitational. He averaged 28.4 points and 12.7 rebounds, as well as 2.1 assists and 2.8 steals a game. Lafferty earned Class 3 All-State, as well as Player of the Year in District 3 and First Tam All-Summit Conference.

Adam McKnight, Nixa High School

Nixa fans will get to enjoy McKnight for three more seasons. A freshman forward this past winter, he averaged 13.4 points and 10.1 rebounds a game for a Nixa Eagles team that finished 21-7. The Eagles won the Blue & Gold Tournament, the Central Ozark Conference and the Liberty North Tournament this past winter. McKnight was a unanimous First Team All-COC selection.

Brady Nicholson, Ash Grove High School

A senior, Nicholson averaged 27.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game. He also was a 93-percent free-throw shooter on a team that went undefeated in the Southwest Conference, was the district runnerup and finished 19-8 overall. He earned Class 2 All-State honors, in addition to All-District and AllSouthwest Conference and has signed with Drury University.

Amare Witham, Glendale High School

A sophomore guard, Witham averaged 24.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals. She shot 57 percent on 2-point field goals, and 36 percent on 3s. He also was an 83 percent free-throw shooter. Ultimately, he earned First Team All-State in Class 6, in addition to All-District and All-Ozark Conference. His play helped Glendale earn 17 wins and a runner-up finish in the Greenwood Blue & Gold Tournament.

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★ Inspiration Award ★ ★ ★ Josie Orellana, Ozark High School

She seemed on her way to becoming a big name in volleyball in southwest Missouri, playing on some of the area’s best club teams.

Josie Orellana, unfortunately, was diagnosed in June 2022 with acute myeloid leukemia. A student at Ozark High School, she fought the good fight, for months and months, before passing away in December of 2023.

However, the fact she showed bravery – and uplifted so many of those around her – is why Orellana is being recognized with an Inspiration Award posthumously at the 2024 Sports Commission Awards presented by Elliott Lodging.

“Josie said something early in the fight, that cancer may take a lot of things, but it would never take her smile. And she was right about that – Josie kept her smile and her spirit and fought to the very end,” said her dad, Frank. “She had every excuse to fold, to be bitter, to be crushed by the weight of what she was fighting against. Yet she never did – even in death, cancer never took her spirit. Her bravery was inspiring.”

Josie played volleyball beginning at age 8, with her mom, Traci, as a coach. Over the years, she played with Thr33 VBA, which eventually qualified for the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships. She later joined Malosi Sand Academy before joining Apex Volleyball.

“She was a fierce competitor when she was on the volleyball court, embracing any challenge,” said Ozark High School coach Adeana Brewer. “She was going to find a way to win and expected the very

best out of herself and her teammates around her.”

Even after her diagnosis and treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., Orellana planned a comeback. Olympian Lori Endicott-Vandersnick left her a spot on a team through the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department and began training again in February 2023 after her cancer went into remission. Unfortunately, it returned that June.

Ozark volleyball wore purple shirts (her favorite color) and orange shirts (leukemia awareness) and placed her jersey No. 35 on the bench.

“The most important thing we do as a team is playing for her every time we step on the court,” teammate Reece Cook said.

“When we are in the middle of a long season – lots of games, practices, keeping up with school work – when things are difficult, we can gain motivation from how hard Josie and her family fought the battle against leukemia,” said teammate Macy Humble.

“She was a truly kindhearted person, and while we (her parents and brother, Marcus) always believed that about her, the messages we’ve received and stories that have been shared—some by people we’ve never met but that knew Josie—has been overwhelming,” Frank said. “In her short time here, she really made a difference in many people’s lives. … She was so much more than just a gifted athlete – she was a beautiful soul that had so much to offer the world.”

A Proud Supporter of the Sports Commission Awards

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★ ★

★ spirit awards ★ ★ ★

Marching Band: Nixa Crimson Corps Craig Finger is in his 28th year of directing the Nixa Crimson Corps, and the past year was one of the program’s best. It earned first-place trophies at the Missouri State University Ozarko Festival and Washington Festival. The Corps placed second at the Ozark Festival and was a finalist at the Bands of America Regional in East Tennessee and 16th overall at the BOA Super Regional in St. Louis with a performance called, “Behind Their Eyes.” The band featured 42 seniors who had been in the program for four years. The Corps started rehearsals in June 2023, held camps in August and, during school, rehearsed at 6:45 AM daily and one evening a week.

Cheerleading: Ozark High School

Dance: Glendale Crimson Girls The most successful dance team in southwest Missouri was the Glendale Crimson Girls, who were the Class 4 state champion. That competition was held in Kansas City. Coached

by Shanna Fishel, the Crimson Girls were seventh nationally in small varsity team performance, first in Class 3A/4A jazz regionals, second in Class 3A/4A mix regionals, first in Class 4A jazz at state and first in 4A mix at state. There were 15 members of the team, which showed its dedication by practicing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 PM to 5 PM. It was Glendale’s second consecutive state title.

~ Spirit Awards ~

The top cheerleading team in southwest Missouri belonged to Ozark High School, which earned first-place honors at eight events in the state, including at the Missouri State Championship and Missouri Game Day State Championship. No team had ever achieved that feat. The team also was placed seventh and eighth nationally in the United Cheer Association’s Varsity Game Day and Super Large Varsity Traditional, respectively. Coached

by Tess Keller with a staff including Megan Adams and Angelo Corsolini, Ozark had 26 members who practiced about four days a week from March to August, and up to five days weekly fin the other months.

PROUD TITLE SPONSOR Since 2013

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★ Boys Tennis ★ ★ ★

Drue Coen, Forsyth High School A 6-foot-4 senior, Coen was a leader on a team that was 15-1, with the loss in the state quarterfinals.

He was 23-6 in singles and 14-2 in doubles, playing No. 1 doubles with the team’s No. 4-ranked player.

In singles, he won all of his matches in the No. 1 spot except for splitting with one opponent and losing another in a third-set tiebreaker.

Hart Hillman, Kickapoo high school A senior, Hillman surged to a 22-8 record in singles play. He finished second in singles draw at the Springfield Invitational, falling only in a tiebreaker to Willard’s No. 1 player. He went on to win district singles in Class 3 District 5 and qualified for the state meet, finishing tied for 12th. Hillman improved from last year by being more aggressive in controlling points, having patience and finding ways to win close matches. A team leader, he signed to play tennis at Evangel.

~ Spring Sports ~

Joshua Kim, Central high School A senior, Kim was 22-1 in singles play for Central, with his only loss to the eventual state champion in the state semifinals. His wins included opponents from Rock Bridge, Branson, Lee’s Summit West and Kickapoo. He and his doubles partner won the Springfield Invitational for the third consecutive year, and he didn’t lose a single game in singles play there. He was 23-1 in doubles play, and earned all-conference for a third year in a row.

Connor Kitchin, Ozark high School A senior, Kitchin was 17-7, and that included qualifying for the Class 3 state meet after earning a runnerup finish in District 5. According to his coach, Rebekah Jenkins, Kitchin greatly improved his serve placement, his strategy for closing the point and his mental toughness overall. He showed strong and fast serves down the middle, and his approach shots put him in an offensive position.

Cody Leung, Nevada high School A senior, Leung was 21-6 this past spring and advanced to the state tournament. He had second-place finishes in Carthage and Fort Scott invitationals before dominating against Harrisonville, Clinton and Mount Vernon.

Monett’s Elijah Ridenour elevated his game, and Leung went on to earn emphatic wins against Knob Noster, LoganRogersville and Reeds Spring en route to a third-place finish in the conference, win district and the sectional.

Ben Merrifield, Branson High School A sophomore, Merrifield was 21-10 in singles play, earning Class 2 All-State honors after placing fourth in the state tournament. He also was a district runner-up and, in doubles play, was 15-10 as he played both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. He greatly improved in the offseason and during the season, with his positive attitude carrying him to success. A big serve and ground strokes marked his play, and he enhanced his volleys and touch.

Seth Miller, Willard High School A senior, Miller was 28-5 in singles play this past spring and advanced to the state tournament, where he placed sixth. He won the Springfield Invitational, beating the No. 1 singles players from Branson and Kickapoo. Call it a great improvement from a year ago, when he was Willard’s No. 3 singles player.

Miller improved all ground strokes, his serve and his game overall, including a great backhand and patience. He also showed great leadership.

Elijah Ridenour, Monett High School A junior, Ridenour was 24-7 this past season, winning the conference, district and sectional, and he advanced to the state tournament. That actually was pretty remarkable considering he is still learning a lot about the sport. This year, he showed that his serve can be a weapon, and then he became more consistent and played what his coach called “smart tennis.” It helped that he loves the game, with the upcoming summer possibly a great next step in his development.

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★ Boys Golf ★ ★ ★

Harry Satterlee, Joplin High School A senior, Satterlee was All-State by placing third at the Class 5 state tournament, firing a 69-71 140, or four strokes from the title. That was highlighted by an incredible save for par. A tee shot settled near the base of a tree and, instead of taking a penalty, he escaped to make the green. This spring, he won five events, placed third at the Central Ozark Conference and second at districts. He had a 70.9 season scoring average.

Jaxon Bailey, Monett High School

Ethan Mustard, Lebanon High School Mustard fired a 75-75 150 at the Class 5 state meet at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club.

He won the District 3 meet with a 70, and was the runner-up of the Ozark Conference meet with a 71. His finish at the OC – he birdied three of his final four holes – secured the team title for Lebanon. He won four events this past spring, including the Helias Catholic Invitational, and was the runner-up at the Missouri State Relays – one of three runner-up finishes.

Noah Naugle, Nixa High School Naugle fired a 79-74 144 at the Class 5 state meet at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield. That assured him of a tie for 12th and came in what was a memorable spring. He helped Nixa win the Ozark Conference team title – he fired a 76 at Rivercut Golf Course – and he tied for fifth at the Class 5 District 3 meet at Fremont Hills Country Club in Nixa, firing a 73 to tie for fifth.

~ Spring Sports ~

A senior, Bailey tied for 14th at the Class 3 state meet, firing a 75-77 151 at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield. That came after he won the district championship at Briarbrook in Carl Junction, where he had five birdies. He also had an eagle on No. 9, to shoot 4 under par on the front nine. Bailey had a 72 scoring average, winning five tournaments, including his third Big 8 Conference championship with a 3-under par.

Jack Spencer, Carl Junction High School Spencer added 15 pounds of muscle before this spring, and that led to his drive skyrocketing. He tied for sixth place at the Class 4 state meet at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, firing a 75-76-151. He was fifth at districts. Spencer won the Central Ozark Conference individual title with a 2-under par 70 at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, making par on the third hole of a playoff after sticking a wedge shot within five feet of the pin. He won three regular-season meets

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★ Girls Soccer ★ ★ ★

Haley Brown, Springfield Catholic High School A goalkeeper, Brown led the team to the Class 3 state quarterfinals and a 20-6-1 record.

She made 116 saves, while recording 17 shutouts and a 0.59 goals against average. She earned First Team All-Big 8 Conference and All-District 6 and was named Goalkeeper of the Year for both. She has been nominated for the Class 3 Region 3 and All-State teams.

For her career, Haley recorded 54 shutouts and 481 saves – the most in Lady Irish history for both categories.

Baylea Davis, Kickapoo High School

~ Spring Sports ~

A senior midfielder, Davis scored 15 goals and had 20 assists for Kickapoo, which finished as a district runner-up with a 20-7 record. She was Class 4 All-Region 3, as well as First Team All-District and First Team All-Ozark Conference. She started every game and played every minute of her four-year career, which included a Final Four berth a year ago.

She has signed with Drury University.

Elli Davison, Kickapoo High School A junior forward, Davison scored 41 goals and had 21 assists – and those stats closely mirror those of her sophomore season. She earned Class 4 Region 3 All-Region from the Missouri Soccer Coaches Association, in addition to First Team All-District and AllOzark Conference. She helped Kickapoo finish 20-7 in a spring when the team reached the district finals.

Bailey Snyder, Nixa High School A junior defender, Snyder showed energy, skill and great leadership. Overall, opponents struggled to get shots off against Nixa, which enjoyed a 22-2 season and yielded only 15 goals. She did add seven goals and an assist, too. Snyder was the Defensive Player of the Year in Class 4 District 3, as well as First Team All-District and All-Ozark Conference in a year when Nixa’s only regular season loss was to Park Hill South, the No. 1-ranked team most of the season.

Shaelee Franck, Nixa high School A sophomore forward, Franck scored 34 goals and had 19 assists for a team that reached the state quarterfinals, outscoring its opponents 115-15. She earned Class 4 All-Region (and the Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year), All-District and All-Central Ozark Conference.

She showed signs of being a complete player this season, scoring three goals in a win against Kickapoo – two on penalty kicks, one with each foot.

Calli Watson, Marshfield high School A senior midfielder/forward, Watson scored 81 goals this past spring, giving her 254 – third-most all-time in Missouri high school history. She is a nominee for All-State and All-Region after earning Player of the Year in the Big 8 Conference and District 6. She helped Marshfield to reach the district finals and earn a 19-3 overall record, as she was like an extra coach on the field. She has signed with Drury University.

Charlie Wistrom, Glendale high School A junior midfielder/forward, Wistrom scored 43 goals and made 17 assists. That led to her earning First Team All-Ozark Conference and All-District, with more postseason honors expected in June. Her work helped Glendale to a 15-8 record, including 9-1 in the Ozark Conference. Because she was so versatile, Glendale moved her through its midfield and up top, and she generated a lot of offense for what was a young team. She has committed to Nebraska.

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★ Girls Field Events ★ ★ ★ Adyson Clark, Marshfield High School A senior, Clark earned two All-State honors in Class 4 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. She placed fifth in the discus with a throw of 40 feet, 7 inches – setting a personal record. She also placed eighth in the shot put with a throw of 117-8. Clark battled an ankle injury all spring, and wore a walking boot. Despite that, she won the shot put at four events and placed second three times. She won it at districts. She also was the runnerup at districts and sectionals in the discus.

Maliya Clark, Clever High School

Abby McBride, Marshfield High School McBride made sure to end her decorated high school career with two more All-State performances. Competing in Class 4 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, she placed sixth in both the long jump (17-06) and triple jump (35-08). She was fourth in both of those events at sectionals, won the triple jump at districts at the Big 8 Conference, and was second and third in the long jump at those events. She was a four-time conference and district champion in the triple jump.

Madilyn Olds, Carl Junction High School A junior, Olds won the state championship in the javelin in Class 4, with a throw of 149 feet, 9 inches. She also was the district champions and sectional champion in the event. She made great progress this season, having barely missed the finals in the javelin a year ago.

This year, she set a personal and school record in the javelin, breaking the school record five times this season.

~ Spring Sports ~

What a way to end your high school career. Clark was a four-time All-State honoree at the Class 3 MSH- SAATrack &FieldChampionships.Shewonthetriplejumpwithaleapof38feet,1.5inches–ormore than an inch better than the runner-up. She also placed third in the long jump (18-2), sixth in the 100 hurdles (15.56 seconds) and fourth with the 4x200-meter relay (4:11). She was either first or second at the Mid-Lakes Conference, districts and sectionals in those events.

Crystal Smith, Jasper High School A junior, Smith did well at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, earning three AllState honors in Class 2. She won the 100 hurdles in 14.81 seconds, placed third in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, 11 inches, and was eighth in the high jump in 4 feet, 11 inches.

She had won all three events – and the 100-meter dash – at the conference, districts and sectionals meets.

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★ Girls Track ★ ★ ★

Ally Barton, Liberal high school A freshman, Barton won two state championships in Class 1 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. She ran the 800 meters in 2:19, and the 1,600 meters in 5:22. Those times were better than her performances in districts and sectionals, with both of her state times roughly 15- and 12-second improvements in the lead-up to state. In the 800, her season included winning sectionals after a runner-up finish in districts, as well as winning it at three regular-season events. In the 1,600, Barton won districts and sectionals.

Madison Davis, Willard high school Davis ended her high school career with four All-State finishes at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. Competing in Class 5, she went 14.53 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, good for fourth place, and was sixth in the 300-meter hurdles in 45.50 seconds. Her 100 time broke her own school record. She also helped the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relay teams to seventh-place and thirdplace finishes at state.

~ Spring Sports ~

Samantha Dowd, McDonald County high school Dowd earned Class 4 All-State status in two events at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. A sophomore, she ran the 100 meters in 11.99 seconds, finishing fourth, and was the runner-up in the 200 meters, in 24.05 seconds. She helped the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays qualify for state, with Dowd’s postseason including runner-up finishes in the 100 and 200 at sectionals and winning both at the Big 8 Conference (set meet record in the 100) and District 6.

Brooke Hedger, Webb City high school A sophomore, Hedger earned two top-eight finishes in Class 5 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, securing All-State status. She ran the 800 meters in a personal-best 2:14, good for eighth place, and the 1,600 meters in 5:00, which was sixth. Her season included winning the 800 at the Central Ozark Conference, District 6 and Sectional 3. She was runner-up in the 1,600 at conference and districts.

Jozey Sharp-MacPherson, Mountain Grove high school A senior, Sharp-MacPherson earned four All-State medals in Class 3. She was the runner-up in the 200 meters, finishing in 25.63 seconds, and was fourth in the 100 meters, in 12.4 seconds. She also anchored the winning 4x100-meter relay, in which Sharp-MacPherson brought her team from five yards back, leaned and won by six-hundredths of a second. The 4x200 relay placed. She finished her career with 10 state medals and will compete in water skiing at Missouri State.

McKinli Mays, El Dorado Springs high school Mays had a great weekend in Jefferson City at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, earning three All-State honors in Class 3. She placed fourth in the 400 meters in 58.76 seconds and was ninth in the triple jump. She also anchored the 4x400 (4:05) and 4x800 relay teams (9:46) that won state titles, with the 800 relay smashing its school record. And to think she still has two more seasons of high school.

Aryah Moore, Glendale high school A senior hurdler, Moore brought home All-State honors from the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships in Class 5. She placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles (14.59 seconds) and seventh in the 300-meter hurdles (45.57 seconds). She also helped the 4x400-meter relay place sixth. Her postseason included winning both hurdles events at the Ozark Conference Championships, districts and sectionals. She has signed with Missouri State University.

Gracie Troester, Republic high school A junior, Troester earned a pair of All-State honors at the Class 5 MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. She placed third in both the 1,600 meters (4:57) and the 3,200 meters (11:03). She broke her own school record in the 1,600. She also qualified for state in two other events, in the 800 meters (12th-place finish) and the 4x800 relay, which broke its own school record (9:28) in finishing in seventh place

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Full Page Marshfield AD

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★ Boys Track ★ ★ ★

Canyon Crowley, Fair Grove high school A junior, Crowley came home from Jefferson City with two All-State honors from MSHSAA’s Class 3 Track & Field Championships. He was the runner-up in the 200 meters, finishing in 21.99 seconds, and placed third in the 400 meters in 48.49 seconds. He won both of those races at the Mid-Lakes Conference, districts and sectionals, and he had success in the 100, including third-place showings at Nixa and Southwest Baptist.

Landon Duchscherer, Marion C. Early High School A senior, Duchscherer won a Class 2 state championship at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, winning the 1,600 meters with a personal-best time of 4:27. He also was the runnerup in the 3,200 with a time of 9:50, also a personal best. That came on the heels of a solid spring. He won the 3,200 at the Ash Grove Invitational, placed fifth at the Southwest Baptist Invitational and won the 1,600 and 3,200 races in both districts and sectionals. He has signed with SBU.

Spring Sports

WYATT Klaiber, El Dorado Springs high school A freshman, Klaiber earned two All-State honors at MSHSAA’s Class 1 Track & Field Championships, placing third in the 3,200 meters (personal-best 9:34), fourth in the 1,600 meters (9:34) and helped the 400-meter and 800-meter relays place in the top five. His season really took off at the Pittsburg State Relays, and he later won the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 races at the Ozark Highlands Conference meet.

Sinry Mendoza, Hollister high school A sophomore, Mendoza earned three All-State honors at the Class 3 state meet. He won the 3,200 meters in 9:27, placed second in the 1,600 meters in 1:56 and also was second in the 800 meters. That came a year after he was a state qualifier in the 400 and 1,600 meters, with Mendoza finishing fourth and 11th. So it was quite an improvement, and Mendoza won the 3,200 by only 0.20 seconds.

Ian Ngugi, Lamar High School A senior, Ngugi placed in four events at the Class 3 state meet: third in the 100 meters (10.83 seconds), fifth in the 200 meters (22.29 seconds), and helped the 100-meter relay earn a second-place (42.72 seconds) and the 4x200 win the race (1:28). He earned nine firsts combined in conference, districts and sectionals. He has signed to play football at Southwest Baptist.

Cade Nold, Dora high school A junior, Nold won two state championships at MSHSAA’s Class 1 Track & Field Championships. He won the 800 meters in 1:57 and the 400 meters in 49.15 seconds. This season, he improved his speed work by adding the 200 meters and 100 meters in training, leading to 0.48-second improvement in his 400 time. He also ran the indoor season, placing 17th out of 211 runners at the University of Arkansas High School Invitational, dropping 2.39 seconds off his 800 time.

Chase Sorrell, East Newton high school The track community was wondering if Sorrell could defend his state titles from a year ago, and he did just that, winning the 800 meters and 1,600 meters at the Class 3 MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. He ran the 800 in 1:54, and the 1,600 in a personal-best 4:15. Sorrell also placed seventh in the 3,200 meters (9:38) He won the 800 at sectionals, District 6 and the Big 8 Championships, and was second and fourth in the 1,600 in the district and sectional, respectively.

Colton Willis, Strafford high school Willis qualified for three events at the Class 3 MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, and earned two All-State honors. He ran the 3,200 meters in 9:37, good for sixth place. Willis also was eighth in the 1,600 meters in 4:26.22 – which marked an 18-second improvement from his state time last year.

He also ran the 800 meters (2:04). His season included winning the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in the Mid-Lakes Conference and placing third in all three events at District 6.

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★ Boys Field Events ★ ★ ★ Jackson Cantwell, Nixa High School A sophomore, Cantwell continues to impress. He won two state titles in Class 5 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, defending his title in the shot put and winning the discus a year after being the runner-up. In the shot put, he turned in a throw of 71 feet, 11 inches. He won the discus with a throw of 203-03. He won every meet this season, including the Central Ozark Conference, Sectional 3 and District 6 – all after setting a personal-record at the Kansas Relays in the discus (205-3). His shot put at districts (74-8) also was a personal record.

~ Spring Sports ~

Brayden Hicks, Marshfield High School A junior, Hicks won the Class 4 state title in the triple jump at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, with a leap of 46 feet flat. He also placed sixth in the long jump, at 22 feet, 5 inches. That came a year after he finished seventh in both events at state. This year, he won the triple jump at most events, including the Big 8 Conference, districts and sectionals, and was third in the long jump at districts and sectionals.

Andrew Jacobs, West Plains High School At one point in late May, it appeared that Isringhausen might not even advance to the Class 5 MSHSSA Track & Field Championships in the pole vault. After all, at districts, his pole broke, and he broke his nose in six places. However, he rallied and earned a state title in the event, with a 14-8.25. That came after he nearly “no-heighted,” meaning he would have gone home empty-handed.

Hayden Mays, Nixa High School Nixa’s boys track and field team tied for fifth place in Class 5 at the MSHSAA Track & Field Championships, and Mays played a key role in the success. A sophomore, he was the state runner-up behind teammate Jackson Cantwell in the shot put, with a distance of 56 feet, 5.75 inches. Mays also placed third in the discus with a 184-05.

Ty Wiethop, Camdenton high School Camdenton has produced a number of talented athletes over the years, and Wiethop is another good story. He’s only a sophomore and goes into next season already with a state championship, having won the Class 4 long jump at MSHSAA’s Track & Field Championships. He went 22 feet, 10 inches, winning a tiebreaker thanks to his second-best jump of 22-7. His grandfather and his aunt were both state qualifiers in the long jump.

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★ Baseball ★ ★ ★

Tristan Hunter, Forsyth High School A senior outfielder, Hunter helped Forsyth reach the Class 3 state quarterfinals. He batted .500 with a 0.927 slugging percentage and 0.577 on-base percentage in 82 at-bats. He had 41 hits, including 21 singles, 10 doubles, five triples and five home runs. He also drove in 34 runs. On the mound, he struck out 98 batters in 49.1 innings, compiling an 8-0 record. He yielded only two earned runs for a 0.284 earned run average. He earned all-conference along with First Team All-District. He has signed to play baseball at the University of Kentucky.

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Ross Lawrence, Logan-Rogersville high school The Logan-Rogersville Wildcats reached the Class 4 state sectionals thanks in part, to Lawrence, a senior pitcher. He struck out 79 batters in 49 innings and compiled a 1.13 earned run average. He was 9-2 overall. He earned First Team All-Big 8 Conference and First Team All-District. He has signed with Missouri State University.

A senior shortstop, Ross helped Glendale win the Class 6 District 6 championship and reach the state quarterfinals. He batted .444 with a .516 on-base percentage and a .685 slugging percentage. Ross finished with 48 hits, 10 doubles, two triples and four home runs. Along the way, he drove in 34 runs and scored three himself, and had 16 stolen bases. He also was incredibly disciplined at the plate drawing more walks (16) than strikeouts (15). He earned First Team All-Ozark Conference and All-District. He has signed with the University of Central Arkansas.

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Tank Sims, West Plains high School West Plains reached a Class 5 district semifinal this past spring, with Sims playing a big role. A senior catcher, he batted .593 with a .684 on-base percentage and a 1.105 slugging percentage.

He also had 51 hits, including 17 doubles and nine home runs. He drove in 60 runs and scored 15. He was First Team All-District 6 and, in the Ozark Conference, the Position Player of the Year and the unanimous First Team All-OC catcher. He has signed with Southeast Missouri State.

Spring Sports

Mark Ross, Glendale High School

Drew Wedgeworth, Glendale high School A senior pitcher, Wedgeworth helped Glendale reach the Class 6 state quarterfinals.

Wedgeworth was 8-2 with a 2.11 earned run average. In 72.2 innings, he struck out 60 batters and walked only 14. At the plate, he batted .318 with a .458 on-base percentage, with 28 hits that included seven doubles. He drove in 36 runs, scored 11 himself and drew 22 walks. He was First Team All-Ozark Conference, the OC Pitcher of the Year and All-District. He signed with Missouri State.

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★ emerging sports ★ ★ ★ Bass Fishing: Corbin Bailey & Kaden Messina, Camdenton high school Both juniors at Camdenton High School, Bailey and Messina qualified for the Major League Fishing national tournament in South Carolina in mid-June 2024 after finishing third at the regional. There, they will compete against 400 other teams from across the country. In state competition, the duo outscored more than 200 other teams. They were fourth at Bull Shoals Lakes (17 pounds, 8 ounces), won the Lake of the Ozarks tournament (22.33) and placed second at the Table Rock Lake invitational (5.40).

Boys Volleyball: Max Mulyk, Nixa high school MSHSAA recently green-lighted the sport of volleyball for boys teams, and Nixa was among the first to jump in. One of the area’s top players this past season was Max Mulyk, a junior setter. He earned Second Team All-District, making 237 assists, with an 89.6 serve percentage and wasn’t afraid to attack near the net, making eight blocks and making 18 kills.

E-Sports: Preston Beckett, Ozark high school Beckett has been instrumental on Ozark’s Rocket League team, with this past school year seeing him make the state championships for a second consecutive year. He was the runner-up after playing third in 2022. His coach says he is competitive to the core, but also a great resource for others to coach and help improve their own game, and a mentor to the younger students around him. He lifts up teammates and pushes them to be the best they can be. For the past several years back to when Ozark’s e-ports program was in its early days, Preston was around and making an impact beyond just statistics.

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It may not be long before MSHSAA elevates the sport of bowling to varsity status, as it is catching hold in the Show-Me State. A senior, Matney is one of the reasons the sport may get there. He averaged a 213 this past school year, winning the Junior Travel League with a high game of 275. He bowled on the Willard High School bowling team, placing first in the local division. He also captained the archery team and is an interim firefighter for Ebenezer Fire District.

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Emerging Sports

Bowling: Aiden Matney, Willard High School

★★

★ Girls Performance of the Year ★★★ Shaelee Franck, Nixa High School A sophomore, Franck delivered a hat trick in a 3-1 victory against Kickapoo, leading the Nixa girls soccer team to its first soccer district title in three years. Two goals came on penalty kicks and another extended Nixa’s lead to 3-0 with 25 minutes left. Kickapoo had won the past six district titles.

Lauren Luebbert, Marshfield high school The Marshfield High School girls basketball program has had some big-time performances in its storied history, which dates back to the 1980s. Luebbert added to the tradition to push the Lady Jays into the Final Four for the first time since 2014. She scored 16 points, 10 in the second half, as Marshfield went on a 22-8 run, rallying to beat Helias Catholic in the Class 5 quarterfinals. The Lady Jays trailed 41-34 with 6 1⁄2 minutes left.

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Emree Cameron, Nevada High School

Kloee Williamson, McAuley Catholic High School

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The only senior on McAuley Catholic’s girls basketball team, Williamson had a memorable regular-season game against New Covenant Academy on January 25, scoring a game-high, school-record and a career-high 42 points and making 11 steals. It was a 67-36 victory, with Williamson making 12 of 22 field goals, going 3 of 7 on 3-pointers, and converted 15 of 21 free throws. She also had three rebounds and blocked a shot.

All Sports

A junior, Cameron shattered a state record in a 36-hole total with her 10-under par 134, capturing the Class 3 state championship. That allowed her to win by seven strokes as she fired a 5-under-par 67 at the Crown Pointe Golf Club. She sank 16 birdies, highlighted by a 20-foot putt on the final hole. Her victory came a day after Parkway West’s Kylie Secrest shot an opening round 68, raising the stakes for Cameron.

Jozey Sharp-MacPherson, Mountain Grove High School A senior, Sharp-MacPherson earned five All-State medals in Class 3. She was the runnerup in the 200 meters, finishing in 25.63 seconds, and was fourth in the 100 meters, in 12.4 seconds. She also anchored the winning 4x100-meter relay, in which Sharp-MacPherson brought her team from five yards back, leaned and won by six-hundredths of a second. The 4x200 relay placed fifth. She finished her career with 10 state medals and will compete in water skiing at Missouri State.

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★ Boys Performance of the Year ★★★ Jackson Cantwell, Nixa High School The sky’s the limit for Cantwell, who this spring broke the national sophomore discus record with a 205-4 throw at the Kansas Relays and moved to No. 2 in the nation. He also threw the shot put 72-3.75 at the Licklider Relays in Jefferson City in April, going to No. 1 in the nation by three feet and besting his personal record by five feet.

Brady Nicholson, Ash Grove high school

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Alex Wilkerson, Lamar High School What a way to punctuate a season. Wilkerson accounted for 325 total yards and four touchdowns in the Class 2 state championship football game. He had the two biggest plays of the game. The first came with 55 seconds left in a tied game when he intercepted a pass, putting a stop to Valle Catholic’s potential winning drive. The other big one was his 25-yard TD in the first play of overtime.

jack Brinkman, Central High School Brinkman helped Central’s boys soccer team make history, as he scored two goals in a district championship game upset of Webb City, giving Central its first district title since 2019. He took two feeds from Isaac Garcia. The Bulldogs had lost seven consecutive games entering the district tournament, but then beat Hillcrest, Branson and Webb City to move on.

Miller High School Boys Basketball Team On the night of Jan. 6, 2024, it appeared that the Miller Invitational Tournament trophy was going home with the hometown team’s opponent. However, the Miller boys basketball team overcame a 12-point deficit with 2 minutes left and rallied to beat Billings 53-52 in overtime.

Coached by Brandon Weiss, it was Miller’s first MIT championship since 2009. Deacon Fris hit six 3-pointers, including three in the final 43 seconds of regulation, and finished with 20 points.

Owen Weiss’ two free throws with 5.9 seconds left in OT won it.

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~ All Sports ~

Nicholson became the first player in Greenwood Blue & Gold Tournament history to score 50 points in a single game, doing so in an 82-80 victory against unseeded Willow Springs.

It’s even more remarkable considering the tournament had been played for 77 years before Nicholson accomplished the feat in the tournament opener. Overall, he had 12 field goals and four 3-pointers, and was perfect on 14 free-throw attempts.. The previous record was 49, set by Greenwood’s Aminu Mohammed in 2019.

★ ★

★ Girls Team of the Year ★ ★ ★ Chadwick High School Girls Cross Country Team Coached by Jenny Gardner, the Chadwick girls cross country team won the Class 1 state championship – the program’s first in history. And the Cardinals scored 60 points, or 38 better than the runner-up, Liberal. Chadwick’s freshmen Landry girls, Emily and Macy, placed fifth and seventh, respectively, in 20:30 and 20:34. Raeleigh Little, a junior, was 15th in 21:15, and Alexis Loveland, a senior, was 23rd with 21:33. Gretchen House and Madeline Sallee also competed for Chadwick.

Diamond High School Softball Team Coached by Kelsey Parrish, Diamond rallied to beat Kennett 8-5 in extra innings for the Class 2 spring softball state championship. The Wildcats trailed 5-3 entering the seventh inning before Taelyn Reeder contributed a tying, run-scoring single. Catcher Grace Frazier threw out a runner, sending the game into the eighth. Caitlyn Suhrie then delivered a two-run single and scored on an error. Suhrie pitched the final 4.1 innings in relief, as Diamond finished 38-1 – but unbeaten in Missouri.

Fair Grove High School Girls basketball Team

Fair Grove High School Girls Volleyball Team Coached by Tonya Peck, Fair Grove’s volleyball team captured its first state championship in program history last fall, beating tradition-rich Hermann in five sets. The scores were 25-22, 25-18, 17-25, 25-21 and 15-5. Shea Skouby, Hannah Maxwell, and Ashton Bell had 16, 15 and 11 kills each. Brooke Daniels contributed 30 assists, and Maxwell had 21. Faith Klindsworth had 33 digs, while Daniels, Maxwell, Bell and Allison Findley combined for 78. Fair Grove finished 35-1-2.

All Sports

Coached by Gary Greene, the defending champion Fair Grove Lady Eagles beat El Dorado Springs 33-27 in the Class 3 state championship game. The teams had split two regular-season games. In the finale, the Lady Eagles used an 11-0 run early in the first half and never trailed, holding their opponent 19 percent shooting and forcing 19 turnovers. Abbey Greene scored 12 points, and Brooke Daniels added nine as Fair Grove (25-7) won its final eight games.

Skyline High School Girls Basketball Team Coached by Kevin Cheek, the Skyline girls basketball team won the Class 2 state championship by beating Principia 61-47. Ashlen Garrett scored 37 points, and Kenzi Cheek added nine points and five rebounds for a team that finished 30-2. Skyline had advanced thanks to a 50-43 sectional victory against Northwest Hughesville, followed by a 60-41 win against North Platte and a 47-42 victory against Tipton.

Its only losses were to two Final Four teams, Marshfield (Class 4) and El Dorado Springs (Class 3)

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★ Boys Team of the Year ★ ★ ★ Chadwick High School Boys Basketball team Coach by Shawn Guerin, the Chadwick Cardinals won their program’s first state basketball championship, beating Braymer 67-38 in the Class 1 finale. Chadwick scored 29 points off turnovers and outscored its opponent 46-14 in the paint. Clayton Garrison guided the way with 24 points, 15 rebounds and five steals. Grady Preston added 21 points, and Tristan Smith had 11. Chadwick (29-3) won its three previous games by a combined 20 points, including 52-49 in the semifinals.

Hartville High School Boys Basketball team Coached by Brett Reed, the Hartville Eagles captured the Class 2 state boys basketball championship with a 60-42 victory against Weaubleau. That completed a 29-2 season for Hartville, which saw senior Grant Culver and Payton Cogdill combine for 20 of their 30 points in the first half as Hartville built a 23-point advantage before halftime. Boone Garrison added 12 points. Hartville’s only close game in the state tournament was a 61-58 victory against Eugene in the sectional.

~ All Sports ~

Hermitage High School Boys Cross Country team Coached by Mark Sabala, Hermitage captured the Class 1 boys state cross country championship last fall, compiling the low score of 74 points – or 23 better than runner-up Van Buren. Bennett Mantooth placed fifth in 16:45. Senior Justus Yates and junior DeJuan Chambers placed 11th and 12th, respectively, in 17:27 and 17:29. Junior Jaxon Wheeler (17:48) was 30th. Cash Turner, Gabriel Montejo and Trenton Pyeatt also competed as Hermitage won its third consecutive state title.

Lamar High School Football team Coached by Jared Beshore, the Lamar Tigers won the Class 2 state football championship by beating Valle Catholic 35-28, rallying from a 21-point deficit. It marked Lamar’s first state title since 2020.

Alex Wilkerson connected with Chase Querry on a 69-yard touchdown pass, rushed for a 21-yard score and had the winner with a 25-yard run in overtime. Logan Kish’s 72-yard TD run had tied it.

Lamar finished 13-1.

Lamar High School Boys Track & Field team Coach by Rodney Baldridge, the Lamar Tigers boys track and field team won the Class 3 state championship, its first crown since 2014. The 4x800-meter relay of Aiden Sheat, Adam Kluhsman, Chase Querry and Ian Ngugi won the relay state title. That group placed second in the 400-meter relay, with Ngugi placing third in the 100 meters, Querry third in the long jump, and Trace Wooldridge a state runner-up in the shot put. The 42 points edged Eldon’s 37.5 points.

Marionville High School Football team Coach by Rodney Baldridge, the Lamar Tigers boys track and field team won the Class 3 state championship, its first crown since 2014. The 4x800-meter relay of Aiden Sheat, Adam Kluhsman, Chase Querry and Ian Ngugi won the relay state title. That group placed second in the 400-meter relay, with Ngugi placing third in the 100 meters, Querry third in the long jump, and Trace Wooldridge a state runner-up in the shot put. The 42 points edged Eldon’s 37.5 points.

Willard High School Baseball team Coached by Scott McGee, the Willard Tigers won their second baseball state championship in four years by beating Webster Groves 5-1 in the Class 5 finale in early June. Jarrett McGee’s two-run single through the left side of the infield – the shortstop had shifted over to third base – broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning. Kaelin Adams pitched five innings of relief, allowing only two hits. Willard, which had 11 seniors, finished 34-5

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★ Girls Athlete of the Year ★ ★ ★ Brooke Daniels, Fair Grove High School A junior, Daniels was All-State in three sports and All-Region in softball. In volleyball, she was a setter who had 612 assists, 479 digs, 227 kills, 55 blocks, 46 aces and a 97.3 percent serve percentage.

In softball, she batted .388. In basketball, the point guard led Fair Grove to the state title, averaging 8 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. In track, she earned three All-State honors at the Class 1 state meet.

She was fifth in the javelin (120-07), seventh in the 300-meter hurdles (45.86 seconds) and helped the 4x100-meter relay team place fifth (50.76).

Kya Johnson, Kickapoo High School A senior, Johnson was All-State in two sports, volleyball and basketball. She was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Third-Team All-America pick after Johnson finished the season with 593 digs and 49 aces. She also was All-State, in addition to First-Team All-Ozark Conference and AllDistrict. In basketball, she helped Kickapoo to a state runner-up finish in Class 6, averaging 10 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 steals as a point guard. She also was the District 5 Player of the Year.

Little earned All-State in three sports this past school year. In cross country, she placed 15th at the Class 1 state meet and helped Chadwick win the state championship in the first year of the program.

In basketball, she averaged 14.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3 steals a game. She finished with 1,162 career points. In track, Little anchored the 4x800-meter relay, which earned a fourth-place finish (10:22) in Class 1.

Abby McBride, Marshfield High School A senior, McBride earned two All-State honors in track & field, placing sixth in Class 4 in both the long jump (17-06) and triple jump (35-08). She started the year earning All-Big 8 Conference and All- District in volleyball on a team that finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in Class 4. She had 1,250 career assists, almost 900 digs and 406 kills. In basketball, she also was All-Big 8 and All-District for a third consecutive year on a team that reached the Class 4 Final Four. A guard, she averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.2 assists a game.

Neely Schaaf, El Dorado Springs High School

Scott earned All-State in both volleyball and basketball for Carl Junction. In volleyball last fall, she finished with 427 kills, giving her more than 1,000 kills in a career, and was an All-Central Ozark Conference selection. In basketball, she averaged 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds as a forward/center and finished her career with 1,398 points, as well as 1,046 rebounds and nearly 300 blocks. She earned First Team All-COC and has signed with Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.

Jozey Sharp-MacPherson, Mountain Grove High School A senior, Sharp-MacPherson was All-State in both volleyball and track and field. In volleyball, she set the school record for career assists, with 1,759. She was First Team all-conference and All-District. In track, she was one of the area’s best sprinters, earning four All-State honors this spring and helping Jasper place fourth in Class 3. She was the runner-up in the 200 meters and fourth in the 100 meters.

She also anchored the winning 4x100-meter relay and the fifth-place 4x200 relay. She graduated with school records in each of those events.

Crystal Smith, Jasper High School Smith is a four-sport athlete who was all-conference in each. In fact, she was All-State in volleyball as well as track and field. In softball, the third baseman earned All-District, batting .391 with five home runs and 22 RBI. In volleyball as a middle blocker/outside hitter, she had 652 kills, for a .406 hitting percentage and 251 digs. In basketball, she averaged 36.7 points, 5.8 rebounds 3.1 assists and 6.3 steals a game. She finished 22nd in MSHSAA history for steals in a career (421), including 16 in a single game in 2024 (tied for fourth all-time).

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Schaaf was All-State in three sports. In volleyball, she had 286 kills, a 32.6 kill percentage, a .206 hitting percentage, 33 aces, a 93.9 serve percentage, 335 digs and 426 assists. In basketball, Schaaf helped El Dorado Springs to a Class 3 state runner-up finish. She averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals a game. She made 63 percent of her free throws, too, and was the Ozark Highlands Conference Player of the Year. In track, she helped the 4x400-meter (4:05) and 4x800meter (9:46) relays win Class 3 state titles.

Kylie Scott, Carl Junction High School

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~ All Sports ~

Raeleigh Little, Chadwick High School

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★ Boys Athlete of the Year ★ ★ ★ Jackson Cantwell, Nixa High School A sophomore, Cantwell shined on the national stage as well as on the state stage. In football, he was All-State as a Class 6 lineman. In track & field, he broke the national sophomore discus record with a 205-4 throw at the Kansas Relays and moved to No. 2 nationally. He also moved to No. 1 nationally in the shot put (72-3.75), and went on to win Class 5 state titles in the shot put and discus.

M.J. Gritts, Marshfield High School A senior, Gritts was one of southwest Missouri’s most dangerous punt returners and earned respect with First Team All-State in Class 4. He also was a load in wrestling, placing sixth in Class 3’s 138-pound weight class. And he finished 51-7. In the spring, he helped the 4x100-meter relay qualify for state. He was All-Big 8 Conference in the 100 and 200 meters, and was a part of the 100 and 400 relays. He was All-District in the 200.

Jayce Hitt, McDonald County High School A senior, Hitt was a solid two-sport athlete for McDonald County. In football, he earned Second Team All-State as a lineman in Class 4. He helped McDonald County win District 6 and reach the state quarterfinals, beating Marshfield, West Plains and Bolivar to get there. In wrestling, he placed third in heavyweight, having rallied with four consecutive wins after losing in the quarterfinals. He was 44-4.

Stewart McDonald, Logan-Rogersville High School

Toby Moore, McDonald County High School A senior, Moore was a Class 4 All-State offensive lineman on a state quarterfinal team and signed with UNLV. The offense generated 4,634 yards and 360 points. In basketball, he averaged 10.2 points and 7.3 rebounds and earned All-Big 8 West Conference honors. In track, he competed in shot put and discus, earning All-State (eighth place) in Class 4 in the shot put. He placed second in both at the Big 8, won both in districts and was second and fourth at sectionals.

Chase Sorrell, East Newton High School

All Sports

McDonald is a rare four-sport athlete. In soccer, he was a First Team All-State midfielder for LoganRogersville’s Class 3 state runner-up team, with 45 goals and 13 assists. He also was a Second Team All-State kicker in football, making six field goals, including three beyond 40 yards, converted 19 of 21 PATs, and had 29 touchbacks. He averaged 40.4 yards per punt. In basketball, he captained a team that placed third in Class 4. He also placed fourth at the state golf meet..

A senior, Sorrell was the Class 3 state runner-up in cross country, finishing in 15 minutes, 32 seconds. In the spring, he won 800 meters and 1,600 meters at the Class 3 MSHSAA Track & Field Championships. He ran the 800 in 1:54, and the 1,600 in a personal-best 4:15. Sorrell also placed seventh in the 3,200 meters (9:38). In between, he earned All-Big 8 West Conference honors

Ian Ngugi, Lamar High School A senior, Ngugi earned First Team All-State in football as an athlete and Second Team All-State honors in Class 2 as a returner. That came after he helped Lamar win the state championship. In the spring, he placed in four events at the Class 3 state meet: third in the 100 meters (10.83 seconds), fifth in the 200 meters (22.29 seconds), and helped the 100-meter relay earn a second-place (42.72 seconds) and the 4x200 win the race (1:28).

Trace Wooldridge, Lamar High School Decades ago, it was common to see a football linemen show up in the spring on the track & field team.

A senior, Wooldridge did just that again this past school year. Not only did he help Lamar win the Class 2 state football championship, but he also earned First Team All-State as a defensive lineman. In the spring, he was one of the top shot put competitors in the state, as he earned a runner-up in Class 3 with a throw of 54 feet, 7 inches. He also played basketball.

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★ commission cup ★ ★ ★

iNAUGURAL Sports Commission CUP The Springfield Sports Commission Cup recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements of the entire athletics program at each school in the Sports Commission Awards area. Points are awarded to each school based upon their finish in the MSHSAA sanctioned sports. The Top Ten will be announced this evening. The winning school will receive the Sports Commission Cup which will preside at the School District for display and will then be presented to the winner each year.

SCORING REMINDER A point system that honors athletic programs in southwest Missouri that have achieved team success during the academic school year.

Point System The point system was created based on the championships sponsored by MSHSAA. Two separate point systems account for bracket sports and non-bracket sports although the two systems are similar in format.

Bracket Sports Points are determined with points awarded in a descending manner with 75 points being awarded to the state champion.

Points descend in increments of 10 for teams that reach the final four where MSHSAA provides a championship and third-place contest. The following brackets descend in increments of five with the only exception being football where no third-place game is held.

Non-Bracket Sports Points are determined in a descending manner of the top 16 teams. See the accompanying chart for the scoring structure.

Bracket Sports

Non-Bracket Sports Place Points

1 – 75 2 – 40 3 – 30 4 – 20 5-8 – 15 9-16 – 10

1 - 75 2 - 40 3 - 35 4 - 30 5 - 28 6 - 24 7 - 22 8 - 20

Football 1 – 75 2 – 40 3-4 – 30 5-8 – 20

2023-24 Top 10 **Order will be revealed at the event**

50

2023

2024

9 - 19 10 - 18 11 - 17 12 - 16 13 - 15 14 - 14 15 - 13 16 - 12

Sports Commission Award Winners, 2013-2023 Girls Athlete of the Year 2023 – Macie Mays, El Dorado Springs 2022 – Riley Arnold, Blue Eye 2021 – Riley Arnold, Blue Eye 2020 – Kaesha George, Monett 2019 – Hayley Frank, Strafford 2018 – Hayley Frank, Strafford 2017 – Hayley Frank, Strafford 2016 – Claire Workman, NCA/Summit Prep 2015 – Emma Lander, Crane 2014 – Emma Lander, Crane 2013 – Morgan Kensinger, Fair Grove Boys Athlete of the Year 2023 – Kam Durnin, Camdenton 2022 – John Gholson, Nixa 2021 – Case Tucker, Lamar 2020 – Terrell Kabala, Webb City 2019 – Tyson Riley, Springfield Catholic 2018 – Arkell Smith, Carthage 2017 – Connor Sechler, Bolivar 2016 – Chase Allen, Nixa 2015 – Lane Duncan, Licking 2014 – Spencer Haik, Glendale 2013 – Shane Williams, Mt. Vernon Girls Team of the Year 2023 – Lebanon Girls Wrestling 2022 – Springfield Catholic Golf 2021 – Willard Volleyball 2020 – Springfield Catholic Golf 2019 – Strafford Basketball 2018 – Strafford Basketball 2017 – Strafford Basketball 2016 – Strafford Basketball 2015 – MVBT/Liberty Volleyball 2015 – Winona Volleyball 2013 – Pleasant Hope Softball Boys Team of the Year 2023 – Ash Grove Baseball 2022 – Glendale Swimming 2021 – Hartville Basketball 2020 – Hartville Basketball 2019 – Greenwood Basketball 2018 – Aurora Baseball 2017 – Mansfield Baseball 2016 – Mountain Grove Baseball 2014 – Springfield Catholic Baseball 2014 – Greenfield Boys Track & Field 2013 – Republic Basketball Girls Performance of the Year 2023 – Kaemyn Bekemeier, Republic 2022 – Ashton Judd, West Plains 2021 – Lilly Whitten, Skyline Boys Performance of the Year 2023 – Jackson Cantwell, Nixa 2022 – Greenwood Basketball 2021 – Marshall Swadley, Willard Inspiration Award 2022 – Bella Fletcher, Greenwood Volleyball 2022 – Libby Lakey, Dadeville Cross Country 2022 – Miller High School Girls Basketball 2022 – Jacob Skaggs, Willard Boys Tennis 2022 – Lawrence Green & Skyline Athletics 2021 – Mollie Beeson, Pierce City Softball 2021 – Lilah Genel, Parkview Cross Country 2021 – Morgan Green, Marshfield 2021 – Ashlyn Grier, Marshfield Volleyball 2021 – Bennie Hank Joiner, Lebanon Wrestling 2021 – Victor Kelbaugh, Reeds Spring Basketball 2021 – Cross Kubik, Kickapoo Baseball 2020 – Damon Emery & Dora Boys Basketball 2020 – Michael Finley – Willard Wrestling 2020 – Ethan Maddox & Marshfield Girls Basketball 2020 – Anya Smith & Rogersville Pomcat Dance team 2019 – Skyline Boys Basketball

2017 – Coach Doug Jones Legacy, Mansfield Baseball 2016 – Jacob Luebbering, Ava 2015 – In honor of Logan Middleton, Nixa 2014 – Tim Whisnant, Gainesville FALL SPORTS Girls Tennis 2023 – McKylie Cox, Willow Springs 2022 – Brynley Brotherton & Ether Choe, Kickapoo 2021 – Lexi Berry & Megan Roberts, Bolivar 2020 – Erin Jarvis, Springfield Catholic 2019 – Erin Jarvis, Springfield Catholic 2018 – Anna Rader, Springfield Catholic 2017 – Rachel Dwyer, Glendale 2016 – Rachel Dwyer, Glendale 2015 – Madison Watts & Hannah Nixon, Logan-Rogersville 2014 – Abbey Belote, Parkview 2013 – Samantha Johns & Avery Lawson, Forsyth Boys Swimming & Diving 2023 – Dakota Windsor, Lebanon 2022 – Lucas Chadwell, Glendale 2021 – Michael Jasinski, Glendale 2020 – Ben Hines, Nevada 2019 – Ben Hines, Nevada 2018 – Ethan Bergmann, Logan-Rogersville 2017 – Cole Smith, Ozark 2016 – Samuel Senn, Kickapoo 2015 – Samuel Senn, Kickapoo 2014 – Jordan Hill, Nixa 2013 – Will Brand, Glendale Girls Golf 2023 – Marlene Edgeman, Marshfield 2022 – Reagen Zibilski, Springfield Catholic 2021 – Reagen Zibilski, Springfield Catholic 2020 – Kayla Pfitzner, Springfield Catholic 2019 – Kayla Pfitzner, Springfield Catholic 2018 – Amber Wilson, Camdenton 2017 – Ari Acuff, Kickapoo 2016 – Ari Acuff, Kickapoo 2015 – Paige Moles, Marshfield 2014 – Paige Moles, Marshfield 2013 – Ashley Childers, Mt. Vernon Girls Cross Country 2023 – Abigail Street, Webb City 2022 – Brayden & Jordan Kantola, West Plains 2021 – Riley Arnold, Blue Eye 2020 – Klaire Brown, Kickapoo 2019 – Alexis Barber, Ozark 2018 – Kelie Henderson, Bolivar 2017 – Tabitha Weber, Marshfield 2016 – Tabitha Weber, Marshfield 2015 – Claire Workman, New Covenant Academy 2014 – Tabitha Weber, Marshfield 2013 – Lexi McNiel, Plato Boys Cross Country 2023 – Tyler Harris, Kickapoo 2022 – Tanner Talley, New Covenant Academy 2021 – Riley Simpson, West Plains 2020 – Daelen Ackley, El Dorado Springs 2019 – Clayton Whitehead, Carthage 2018 – Ryan Riddle, Webb City 2017 – Stephen Kielhofner, Springfield Catholic 2016 – Stephen Kielhofner, Springfield Catholic 2015 – Marcus Johnson, Nixa 2014 – Spencer Haik, Glendale 2013 – Thomas Chabrecek, Crane Softball 2023 – Taylor Akers, Kickapoo 2022 – Jenna Lane, Logan-Rogersville 2021 – Haidyn Berry, Webb City 2020 – Izzy Erickson, Reeds Spring 2019 – Julia Higgins, Republic 2018 – Morgan Loggins, Waynesville

2023

2017 – Zoey Mullings, Strafford 2016 – Tabitha Francka, Morrisville 2015 – Allie Krueger, Monett 2014 – Bailie Stine, Marionville 2013 – Catlin Evans, Pleasant Hope Boys Soccer 2023 – Corbin Clay, Kickapoo 2022 – Alex Spence, Glendale 2021 – Luke Courtney, Kickapoo 2020 – Kyle Sutton, Branson 2019 – Mitch Stephens, Glendale 2018 – Dylan Brown, Republic 2017 – Keaton Amstutz, Ozark 2016 – Jason Puente, Monett 2015 – Caleb Rodriguez, Waynesville 2014 – Ryan Randell, Springfield Catholic 2013 – Nic Bauer, Glendale Volleyball 2023 – Grace O’Reilly, Springfield Catholic 2022 – Sydney Golden, Nixa 2021 – Payton Van Veen, Willard 2020 – Birdie Hendrickson, Logan-Rogersville 2019 – Birdie Hendrickson, Logan-Rogersville 2018 – Chloe Rear, Strafford 2017 – Chloe Rear, Strafford 2016 – Chloe Rear, Strafford 2015 – Laynie Dake, Mt. Vernon 2014 – Mikala Hicks, Fair Grove 2013 – Morgan Kensinger, Fair Grove Football 2023 – Andrew Link, Kickapoo (Linemen) 2023 – Luke Gall, Carthage (LB & DB) 2023 – Ramone Green, Jr., Nixa (Offense) 2022 – Tristan Wilson, Lebanon (Linemen) 2022 – Austin Wilkerson, Lamar (LB & DB) 2022 – Luke Gall, Carthage (Offense) 2021 – Tristan Wilson, Lebanon (Linemen) 2021 – Treghan Parker, Webb City (LB & DB) 2021 – Devrin Weathers, Webb City (Offense) 2020 – Isaiah Davis, Joplin 2019 – Will Boswell, Mount Vernon 2018 – Will Boswell, Mount Vernon 2017 – Josh Pruett, MV-BT/Liberty 2016 – Malachi Stout, Kickapoo 2015 – Josh Martin, Camdenton 2014 – Blayne Armstrong, Marshfield 2013 – Jaelon Acklin, MV-BT/Liberty WINTER SPORTS Girls Swimming & Diving 2023 – Chloe Miller, Carl Junction 2022 – Ashlyn Moore, Kickapoo & Maggie Moore, New Covenant Academy 2021 – Maggie Moore, New Covenant Academy 2020 – Maggie Moore, Summit Prep Academy 2019 – Cabrini Johnson, Logan-Rogersville 2018 – Molly Moore, Summit Prep Academy 2017 – Molly Moore, Summit Prep Academy 2016 – Krista Shimizu, Summit Prep Academy 2015 – Madeline Nelson, Glendale 2014 – Krystal Caylor, Kickapoo 2013 – Anna Brinck, Nixa Girls Wrestling 2023 – Isabella Renfro, Seneca (Upper Weights) 2023 – Jessa Joiner, Lebanon (Lower Weights) 2022 – Quincey Glendenning, Lebanon 2021 – Ashlyn Eli, Nixa 2020 – Lizzie Miller, Buffalo 2019 – Lizzie Miller, Buffalo

2024

51

Sports Commission Award Winners, 2013-2023 Boys Wrestling 2023 – Eli Zar, Neosho (Upper Weights) 2023 – Zan Fugitt, Nixa (Lower Weights) 2022 – Eli Zar, Neosho (Upper Weights) 2022 – Zan Fugitt, Nixa (Lower Weights) 2021 – Jesse Cassatt, Carl Junction (Upper Weights) 2021 – Zan Fugitt, Nixa (Lower Weights) 2020 – Gaven Sax, Waynesville 2020 – Trevor Christian, Lebanon 2019 – Cayden Auch, Neosho 2018 – Adrian Hitchcock, Neosho 2017 – Ethan Smith, Buffalo 2016 – Niko Chavez, Willard 2015 – Christian Lance, Nixa 2014 – Chase Brennan, Monett 2013 – Chase Brennan, Monett Girls Basketball 2023 – Kaemyn Bekemeier, Republic 2022 – Bella Fontleroy Kickapoo 2021 – Lacy Stokes, Mount Vernon 2020 – Priscilla Williams, Branson 2019 – Hayley Frank, Strafford 2018 – Hayley Frank, Strafford 2017 – Kelsey Winfrey, Lebanon 2016 – Lexie Vaught, Crane 2015 – Morgan Henderson, Buffalo 2014 – Lauren Aldridge, Marshfield 2013 – Andi Haney, West Plains Boys Basketball 2023 – Kael Combs, Nixa 2022 – Garrett Davault, Norwood 2021 – Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood 2020 – Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood 2019 – Aminu Mohammed, Greenwood 2018 – Monte Johal, Glendale 2017 – Jared Ridder, Kickapoo 2016 – DJ McNew, Mountain Grove 2015 – Juwon Morgan, Waynesville 2014 – Chris Kendrix, Willard 2013 – Austin Ruder, Nixa SPRING SPORTS Boys Tennis 2023 – Caden Lingenfelser, Willard 2022 – Caden Lingenfelser, Willard 2021 – Caden Lingenfelser, Willard 2020 – Asa Borup, Joplin 2019 – Garrett Lewis, Joplin 2018 – Garrett Lewis, Joplin 2017 – Jason Nayar, Springfield Catholic 2016 – Jason Nayar, Springfield Catholic 2015 – Tucker Ethridge & Jack Gold, Logan-Rogersville 2014 – Wil Sistrunk, Greenwood 2013 – Tucker Ethridge & Matthew Gartland, Logan-Rogersville Boys Golf 2023 – Jaxon Bailey, Monett 2022– Aiden Asby, Bolivar 2021 – Max Bowman, Glendale 2020 – Dawson Meek, Glendale 2019 – Dawson Meek, Glendale 2018 – Dawson Meek, Glendale 2017 – Taylor Haltom, Ava 2016 – Taylor Haltom, Ava 2015 – Baron Weaver, Glendale 2014 – Ben Charles, West Plains 2013 – Clayton Moles, Marshfield

52

Girls Track 2023 – Crystal Smith, Jasper 2022 – Ally Montez, Carl Junction 2021 – Brianna Utecht, Marshfield 2020 – Brianna Utecht, Marshfield 2019 – Brianna Utecht, Marshfield 2018 – Kylie Meier, Camdenton 2017 – Grace Wormek, Camdenton 2016 – Ariel Okorie, Waynesville 2015 – Claire Workman, New Covenant Academy 2014 – Claire Workman, New Covenant Academy 2013 – Kailey Chapman, Spokane Girls Field 2023 – Taylor Mayo, Kickapoo 2022 – Taylor Mayo, Kickapoo 2021 – Cali Essick, Branson 2020 – Kaesha George, Monett 2019 – Kaesha George, Monett Boys Track 2023 – Angel Dickerson, Camdenton 2022 – Daelen Ackley, El Dorado Springs 2021 – Daelen Ackley, El Dorado Springs 2020 – Lance Ward, Carl Junction 2019 – Lance Ward, Carl Junction 2018 – Nate Swadley, Willard 2017 – Nate Swadley, Willard 2016 – Daylan Quinn, MV-BT/Liberty 2015 – Lance Molz, El Dorado Springs 2014 – Brendan Black, Greenfield 2013 – Blake Alexander, Strafford Boys Field 2023 – Jackson Cantwell, Nixa 2022 – Donoyn Fowler, Joplin 2021 – Marshall Swadley, Willard 2020 – Nate Baldwin, Sarcoxie 2019 – Zach Westmoreland, Joplin Girls Soccer 2023 – Reilly Heman, Glendale 2022 – Reilly Heman, Glendale 2021 – Abby Harrison, Nixa 2020 – Aeryn Kennedy, Camdenton 2019 – Jadyn Easley, Ozark 2018 – Jadyn Easley, Ozark 2017 – Jadyn Easley, Ozark 2016 – Alyson Reinold, Kickapoo 2015 – Kasey Opfer, Glendale 2014 – Whitney Snow, Camdenton 2013 – Payton DeHart, Nixa Baseball 2023 – Ben Smith, Springfield Catholic 2022 – Ben Smith, Springfield Catholic 2021 – Landon Richards, Hollister 2020 – Garrett Rice, Willard 2019 – Gage Singer, Aurora 2018 – Wyatt Sparks, Aurora 2017 – Connor Sechler, Bolivar 2016 – Hunter Dame, Conway 2015 – Hunter Dame, Conway 2014 – Tyler Ast, Springfield Catholic 2013 – Deric Link, Fair Grove

2023

2024

EMERGING SPORTS Bass Fishing 2023 – Logan Welch, Bolivar 2022 – Caden Kowal & Reece Waters, Camdenton 2021 – Brock Pearce & Preston Trapp, Diggins 2019 – Devon Rathbun & Caleb Haines, Parkview 2018 – Devon Rathbun & Caleb Haines, Parkview Archery & Target Shooting 2023 – Alyssa Willis, Sarcoxie Boys Volleyball 2023 – Curtis Fair, Republic Esports 2023 – Wilson Mao, Kickapoo SPIRIT AWARDS Cheer 2023 – Ozark 2020 – Glendale 2019 – Republic 2018 – Seneca 2017 – Central 2016 – Republic 2015 – Ozark 2014 – Ash Grove 2013 – Ozark Dance Team 2023 – Glendale 2020 – Glendale 2019 – Glendale 2018 – Glendale 2017 – Glendale 2016 – Kickapoo 2015 – Glendale 2014 – Willard 2013 – Bolivar Marching Band 2023 – Kickapoo 2020 – Camdenton 2019 – Camdenton 2018 – Kickapoo 2017 – Lebanon 2016 – Parkview 2015 – Lebanon 2014 – Willard 2013 – Camdenton Specialty Awards 2017 – Uniform – Logan-Rogersville Baseball 2016 – Athletics Director - Will Christian, Lebanon 2015 – Student Section - Nixa 2015 – PA Announcer - Ramona Whayne, Hartville 2014 – Fans - Cassville 2013 – Mascot - West Plains Sports Commission Award 2023 – Mediacom 2022 – Jerald L. Andrews 2021 – CoxHealth & Mercy Sports Medicine 2020 – Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks 2019 – Springfield Greene Co. Park Board 2018 – Elliott Lodging

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