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The countdown has begun and in few short weeks it will be football season.  Gone is the Small COC, and here is the New Big 8.  This is a conference that has a ton of tradition.

A preview of this years teams will come in the not so distant future but I thought I would give you a few tidbits on some of the new places we will be seeing.   Get used to the words tradition and pride, they are more than just catch phrases in the Big 8.

Nothing new for Reeds Spring in seeing Hollister, Rogersville, Catholic, or Marshfield, they have been playing for years.  The other two teams in the East may not be quite as familiar but not far from it.

Aurora- The Houn Dawgs and Wolves might as well have been in the same league.  Whether it was district playoffs or regular season the two seemingly always got together.  Before last year they had played 10 of the previous 11 seasons.   They still play at the field by the old high school.  Its a grass field.  Coach Moler was at Aurora before coming to Reeds Spring.

Mt Vernon- Wolves have played these guys 4 times in the previous two seasons.  The ‘Neers defeated Reeds Spring for the district championship a year ago on their way to the State Championship Game.  Very nice, still new stadium with artificial turf.  Nice field house for home team visitors have a little walk, they dress and the school

There are some familiar faces in the other division as well as some folks that the Wolves have never seen

Cassville-  This is one of the teams that the Wolves are pretty familiar with.  The two have played the previous three seasons including twice a year ago.  This is a school that has plenty of tradition.  David Large built a state power there and those expectations continue today. Older grass field but a nice facility, well taken care of.

Monett- This is a school that Reeds Spring has played sparingly through the years.  Its a team that won the State Title two years ago.  Wolves beat them for the first time last season.  Its a school that expects success and usually achieves it.  Knowledgeable and very loyal fan base.  A nice artificial turf field.  Did a nice job of keeping the nice feel of an older stadium with the new field.  Nice place to see a game.

Lamar- This is one of the teams that Reeds Spring has never played but everyone has heard about.  One of the best programs in the state at any level.  They have won seven straight Class 2 State Titles.  Large fan base… Unique Offense… Hard Nose Defense…. Very nice natural surface field.

East Newton- The Patriots have struggled for quite a while, there is no denying that.  The have struggled with numbers and playing in a tough league has not done them any favors.  They were shut out six times a year ago, scoring more than a touchdown only once.  Older facility with a grass field.

Seneca- Another team with tradition.  They really had some playoff battles with Branson, back in the day.  Usually smash-mouth, hard nose football is a given with the Indians.  They have a grass playing surface and the fans are right on top of the field.  Can be an intimating place to play.

McDonald County- The biggest School in the bunch and the newest member of the Big Eight (before this expansion)  The Mustangs have struggled as of late but seemingly turned a corner last year.  After going winless in 2016, a new coach and seemingly new team emerged in 2017 getting all the way back to the .500 mark.  The Mustangs play on grass.

Nevada- Probably the school that I know least about.  They were a charter member of the Big 8 when it was formed in 1929.  They will return to the league this season.  One of the few places I have not been.  They do have a grass playing surface.

Looking forward to seeing some of these places over the next few years..  Just a reminder.. Teams play everyone in their division every year and also play three teams from the other division.  Next year you play the same teams but flip-flop home and away.  Then we go to the next rotation.

 

Blue Eye girls basketball was made quite  a run last season.  Picking up where they left off in 2016-2017.  The addition of Taylor Arnold proved to be key, as the Lady Bulldogs won District and Sectional Championships before falling to Skyline in the State Quarterfinals.

While Arnold still has her senior season at Blue Eye to play, she has made a decision on where she will play her college ball.

She has announced she will join the Evangel Crusaders and coach Megan Leuzinger as part of the 2019-2020 signing class.

Arnold averaged more than 16 points for Coach Ken Elfrink and the Lady Bulldogs this past season.  But, its not just on the court where Arnold excels.  Her 4.0 grade point average proves that she makes sure to get the job done in the classroom as well.

The countdown is on.  We are less than SEVEN WEEKS from the start of the high school football season.

Things will look different around the tri-lakes.  Three of the areas four teams are in new conferences.  Only Branson, remains in the same league, but that will be different, as Joplin has joined the COC.  Notice there is no longer a need to have LARGE in front of those letters.  Also, Forsyth has a more manageable schedule and will be competing in a district and the post season for the first time.  For the first time in the programs existence, Jacob Hamon will not be on the Hollister Tiger Blue and White.  He has joined the staff at Branson and former Mountain Grove coach, Rich Adkins, has taken over the reigns.

Here is a look at the composite schedule for the area teams.

All four teams will take part in Jamborees on Aug 17th.

Aug 24th

Reeds Spring vs Nevada

Branson at Republic

Hollister vs East Newton

Forsyth vs Skyline

 

Aug 31

Reeds Spring at Seneca

Branson vs Neosho

Hollister at Lamar

Forsyth at Lighthouse Christian (at Ozark HS)

 

Sep 7

Reeds Spring vs Rogersville

Branson at Ozark

Hollister vs Spfld Catholic

Forsyth at Greenfield

 

Sep 14

Reeds Spring at Mount Vernon

Branson vs Webb City

Hollister vs McDonald County

Forsyth vs Fair Grove

 

Sep 21

Reeds Spring vs Spfld Catholic

Branson vs Joplin

Hollister at Marshfield

Forsyth vs Pierce City

 

Sep 28

Reeds Spring at Hollister

Branson at Carthage

Forsyth at Pembroke Hill

 

Oct 5

Reeds Spring vs Marshfield

Branson vs Nixa

Hollister at Aurora

Forsyth vs Stockton

 

Oct 12

Reeds Spring vs Cassville

Branson at Carl Junction

Hollister vs Rogersville

Forsyth vs Strafford

 

Oct 19

Reeds Spring at Aurora

Branson vs Willard

Hollister at Mt Vernon

Forsyth at Buffalo

 

It was announced this spring that the NAIA would change its basketball offering from a two division format to a single division beginning in with the 2020-2021 academic year.

One of the things that was left up in the air at that time, is what kind of format would they use for the Championships.  On Friday, that question was answered.

The National Administrative Council has given approval that men’s and women’s postseason tournaments will include 64 qualifiers each.  A final site will host a 16 team tournament for each gender.  Opening rounds will consist of 4-teams at sixteen different sites.

The NAC determined that the 64/16 format “will offer the a superior student-athlete experience as well as provide the best opportunity for cost saving and team travel reimbursement.”

Overall there will be the same number of qualifiers as we had under the old 32 team two division format.

There was some thought that they would stick with the 32 team format, all at one site,  despite dropping down to the single division.

One thing that has not been finalized is who will get to serve has host for the Championships.  One theory is that since we are now only looking at a 16 team Championship, that Kansas City could possibly host both the men and the women.

Its just my opinion, but that would surprise me.  I, look for the men to head to Kansas City while the women go to Sioux City.  I actually have nothing to base that on, other than my perceptions.  We will see how things develop.

There was not a player in the tri-lakes with higher expectations this year than Jenner Steele.  The Hollister catcher had a huge junior campaign and coming into his senior year, its safe to say that no hitter in this area was more feared.

Steele did not disappoint.  Starting with the jamboree and throughout the season opposing teams did what they could to work around the slugger.  He finished the year with a .390 batting average and 7 homers.  But those numbers alone did not tell the whole story.  Overall, to the eye test, he seemed like a better hitter this season.  His average was lower but he seemed to be more disciplined at the plate.  His accomplishments have been noticed as he has been named 1st team All-State

Steele will attend Hutchinson Community College in Kansas next year to continue his athletic career.

Jackson Bekemeier received honorable mention All-State.  He will remain a teammate of Steele, as he has also chosen Hutch as his next home.

Its been over a year since the announcement that Reeds Spring and Hollister (along with Marshfield, Catholic, Rogersville, and Nevada) were joining the Big 8 Conference.  Play in the newly expanded League will begin in August.

Current Big 8 Members Monett, East Newton, Lamar, McDonald County, Seneca, and Cassville will be joined by Nevada to make up the West Division of the new league.  Former COC foes Reeds Spring, Hollister, Catholic, Marshfield, and Rogersville will welcome Aurora and Mt Vernon to the East Division.  But what does this mean for scheduling?  Well, for different sports it means different things.  For the purpose of this I will stick with the Fall Sports.

Football will be played within the divisions.  You play everyone in your division every year.   To complete your nine game regular season schedule each team will play THREE “cross-over” games.  Now, its important to know that the cross-over games are to complete the schedule only.  They will NOT count in the Conference Record.  Each Division will crown its own Champion and will have its own All-League Team.

This first season the Wolves will host Nevada and Cassville, while traveling to Seneca for its cross-over games.  Hollister will host East Newton and McDonald County and will get to drive to Lamar for their three additional games.  Next year they schedule will remain the same but will flip-flop home and away.  The schools will then go to the next rotation of opponents.

Softball will have the opportunity to play a true round-robin.  With more games and less schools playing (Hollister and Mt Vernon play their softball in the Spring) there is a chance to play everyone.  Thus, a true league champion will be crowned.

Volleyball looks to be playing three cross-over games as well.  But unlike football, they will reserve an open date at the end of the season.  On that date the two divisions will matchup with the team that finished in the same position from the other division.  Thus claim a true Big 8 Champ.

Basketball in the winter and Baseball in the spring will be doing something similar at the end of their seasons a well, but we will look at Winter and Spring sports and the changes in their schedules a little later…

Other than League Meets Cross-Country, Girls Golf will see little change.  Neither Reeds Spring nor Hollister compete in Soccer so changes there wont effect them.

Its a brand new day in what amounts to a brand new league.  Lots to look forward to Welcome to the Big Eight (Fourteen) (+6) or whatever you want to call it.

 

Last night I had the honor of attending the Springfield Sports Authority Awards with the Duncan Family.   Awards are presented to the top athlete in each of the high school sports in SW Missouri.  We were surrounded by the best of the best.  State Champions, All-Americans, State Record Holders were through out the room.

McKenzie was nominated for Girls Soccer Player of the year.   And, while she did not walk away with the award, the fact that she was a finalist shows just what kind of a season and a career this remarkable young lady had.  She undoubtedly belongs with this elite group.   She leaves Branson with every offensive school record you can imagine.

After returning home last night I received word that the Palm Beach Atlantic University signee has raked in another award.  She has been named All-Region by the Missouri Soccer Coaches Association.  The Class 4 Region 3 Team is dominated by Lee’s Summit West.  This marks back to back seasons that Duncan has been named to the team.

Its the All-Star Football game around these parts.  One last chance for SW Missouri Football players to wear the helmet representing their high school and for some one last time to put on the pads and take the field.  For fans, its one last chance to see them..

The 17th annual Grin Iron Classic will take place, tomorrow night,  at Springfield’s JFK Stadium with a 7:30 Kickoff.

The game will not be short of local talent.  Nick Pead and Kyle Hunn will represent Branson, while Asa Baker and Kelly Newton put on that Reeds Spring helmet one last time.   They will all play for the East squad.  All-Four are coming off outstanding high school careers.

Pead and Hunn were both 2nd team All-COC-Large.  Hunn has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Truman State.

Baker and Newton for fixtures for what has been the most productive run in Reeds Spring Football History.  Baker, was named All-Conference and All-Area.  Newton, who set the school rushing and touchdown record this season, was all-conference, all-area, and All-State.  Baker will attend Lindenwood University.

Dan Swafford, from Ava, will coach the east squad, while Mt Vernon’s Tom Cox will lead the West.  Reeds Spring Head Coach Lance Gosch will work with the defensive backs on Swafford’s staff.

Admission is $6 and proceeds go to the “Tooth Truck” to help provide dental services to children in need.

Also, on Saturday Volleyball players will get their turn…   Reeds Spring Outside Hitter Maggie Daniels, will be among the All-Stars taking part.

The school year has drawn to a close and while the graduates are moving on others are looking towards summer workouts.  Before we get too involved with that and get into my always exciting countdown to football I thought I would take a look back at the year that was, and just give a few of my thoughts/memories.

1.  McKenzie Duncan is one of a kind.  I was fortunate enough to be there at her six goal match this season.  She leaves Branson with every offensive record imaginable ..  Her smile and competitiveness will be sorely missed
2. Reeds Spring Football exited the COC the way they wanted, as undefeated Conference Champs.  It was their first outright League Title since 1981.
3. Kelly Newton took over the fullback role and did it in a way that RSHS has never seen.  He crushed the school rushing record and TD record.
4. Izzy Ericson had an incredible season in the circle and at the plate for RS Softball.
5. Jacob Hamon gives up the head coaching reins at Hollister to go back to his alma mater.
6. Forsyth played its first varsity football season and made some noise.
7. Anthony Hays completed his first year leading the Pirate Football Program.
8. It was fun to see Lauren Garrison excel at every sport she tried.
9. Gracie Jaeger is a flat out athlete.  She reminds me of Allison Regier.
10. Branson Girls Basketball basically had two different seasons.. Glad to see that people still believe that there are more important things than winning.
11. Becky Vest is incredible, not sure she will ever get as much credit as she deserves.
12. Lane Carroll, Macaiah Rocha, Andrew Mitchell sometimes names are enough.
13. Noah Briley is a guy that was a flat out stud. Not sure people realize how good he was.
14. Jenner Steele is as good as this area has seen in a while.
15. Coach Burgi is a real class act.
16. RS Track reloaded
17. Colin Cross is a dude that just went about his business doing his job and doing it well for four years..  We need more of that kind of guy.
18. Baker, Plumb, Carroll, Nordin, Modlin, Irvin, Newton, Staugaard, Romesburg, Hackathorn, Zachary, Harmon, Bunch, Crutcher, Bradfield, Bible, Cross, Rasmussen  I am going to miss you guys.

There are a lot of things I did not cover here.  It makes them no less important.  These were just a few things off the top of my head.  The point is, a lot of special things happened this school year.  A lot of special memories were made.  A lot of special folks say “good bye” to high school sports.  To everyone one of you, “THANK YOU”   It has been a real pleasure.

 

The season may have come to an end in the district semi-finals for Branson Soccer, but the awards are still coming.

The All-District Team has been released and a number of Lady Pirates have made the list.

Leading the way is McKenzie Duncan.  The senior Midfielder was chosen as the Co-Offensive Player of the Year.  She leaves Branson as the most prolific goal scorer and assist maker in the programs history.  She is headed for the Beach to start her College career.

She is joined on the first team by her running mate and the best goal keeper this area has ever seen, Lauren Garrison, the Co-GK of the Year.  Like Duncan, Garrison has an entire section of the Branson record book.  If its a goal keeping record, she owns it.

Others getting recognition…

Second Team

Molly Duncan – Forward/Midfield

Cierra Groover-Forward

Alexis Ramirez- Defender

Honorable Mention

Madelyn Fields-Forward

Chloe Lampe-Defender

Brooke Hunn- Midfield

The Lady Pirates finished the year  13-11.