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The NAIA has released its Division II preseason basketball coaches poll and Becky Vest’s College of the Ozarks Lady Cats will start the season as the sixth ranked team in the country.

The Lady Cats return a large part of last years squad, including All-Americans Kelsie Cleeton and Cassidy Johnson.  As well as the leadership of seniors: Lakin Simmerman, Shelby Roberts, and Madison Wells.  They are joined by a great recruiting class that includes the Missouri Three Point Shooting record holder, Abby Oliver.

The Lady Cats and Bobcats open the season on Friday against Morningside.  Women’s game tips at 5:30 at the Keeter Athletic Complex.

 

 

2017-18 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 Poll (Oct. 24)

RANK	LAST WEEK	SCHOOL [1ST PLACE VOTES	2016-17 RECORD	TOTAL POINTS
1	1	Marian (Ind.) [11]	35-3	312
2	2	Saint Xavier (Ill.) [1]	34-3	302
3	3	Concordia (Neb.)	34-3	293
4	5	Southeastern (Fla.)	28-1	276
5	4	St. Francis (Ill.)	34-2	275
6	6	College of the Ozarks (Mo.)	28-5	266
7	7	Eastern Oregon	30-5	249
8	9	Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)	27-7	241
9	8	Jamestown (N.D.)	27-6	236
10	11	Morningside (Iowa)	24-9	225
11	13	Cardinal Stritch (Wis.)	25-7	207
12	14	Tabor (Kan.)	27-7	193
13	15	Indiana East	29-6	180
14	17	Indiana Tech	25-8	169
15	15	Southern Oregon	27-5	168
16	12	Friends (Kan.)	28-6	167
17	18	Northwestern (Iowa)	20-12	164
18	19	Indiana Northwest	25-7	125
19	NR	Reinhardt (Ga.)	27-6	122
20	21	Hastings (Neb.)	22-10	115
21	NR	Saint Francis (Ind.)	18-16	110
22	23	Siena Heights (Mich.)	24-10	98
23	NR	Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)	20-12	91
24	25	Milligan (Tenn.)	23-10	77
24	NR	UC Merced	17-12	77

Others Receiving Votes: Mayville State (N.D.) 56; Northwest Christian (Ore.) 27; Saint Mary (Kan.) 26; IU Kokomo 25; Oregon Tech 22; Point (Ga.) 13; Taylor (Ind.) 10; Indiana Wesleyan 8; Valley City State (N.D.) 7; Kansas Wesleyan 6; Trinity Christian (Ill.) 6; Aquinas (Mich.) 4; Keiser (Fla.) 3; Bellevue (Neb.) 3

Reeds Spring opened up play in the District Playoffs last night by hosting defending state champion Monett.

Most were expecting a tight contest but the Wolves had different ideas as they dominated all three phases of the game and rolled to a 59-6 win over the Cubs.

Reeds Spring would only have to go one yard on its first offensive drive after a bad snap on Monett’s first punt set the Wolves up.  Blake Gronvold take the first snap and follow Austin Bradfield across the goal line to get the scoring started.

Kelly Newton would add the first of his two touchdowns with 5:41 left  in the first quarter.  Add two safeties and the home team had an 18-0 lead at the end of the first twelve minutes.

The Wolves would put the game away before intermission scoring FIVE second quarter touchdowns, including two from Logen Plumb.  The 6-5 senior showed his versatility with a nice pick six for his first score and then added a touchdown reception to bring an end to the first half.  In total Reeds Spring would lead 52-0 going into the break.

Newton would play only one play in the second half.  On the first play from scrimmage, the fullback took the handoff and ran up the middle for 15 yards.  That put him over the 1500 mark for the season, becoming the first Wolf to ever reach that mark.

The rest of the Wolves starters would come out a few plays later and Sean Gross would finish leading  them on a scoring drive had ended with a Cody Hughes 6 yard run.

Reeds Spring would substitute heavily the rest of the night.  Monett would break up the shutout on a Cody Thompson touchdown reception with 6:05 left to play.

The defense gave the offense a short field most of the night.  As they frustrated the Monett offense and owned the line of scrimmage.

With the win Reeds Spring advances to the District Semi-finals and will travel to Cassville next week.

Branson advances with a victory over Central and will head to Lebanon next week.  Hollister saw their season come to an end at the hands of Cassville.

The State Football Poll has been released for the final before the playoffs get underway.  Reeds Spring is receiving votes and just outside the top ten at #11.  Here is a look at the poll, with SW Missouri teams in bold..

No surprises in the final district standings for area teams… Reeds Spring did everything they could but came up less than a point short of  Seneca for the top spot.

Class 3

1. Seneca                    8-1       44.86
2. Reeds Spring          7-2       44.04
3. Cassville                6-3       38.34
4. Aurora                   5-4         34.08
5. Mt Vernon             5-4          33
6. Monett                   3-6          27.32
7. Hollister                2-7           22.21
8. East Newton         0-9          14.18

As I pointed out in previous weeks, things will look a little different when the seedings come out this afternoon.  Teams are exactly as predicted last week.   Despite the better record and the point advantage, Reeds Spring will drop behind Cassville  because they lost to the Wildcats Week 2.  The seedings will and match-ups will look like this

 

8. East Newton  at   1.  Seneca

5. Mt Vernon  at  4.  Aurora

7. Hollister  at  2.  Cassville

6. Monett  at  3. Reeds Spring

Class 5

1. Lebanon           6-3       36.29
2. Glendale          5-4         33.4
3. Ozark               5-4         32.6
4. Branson           3-6           23.28
5. Waynesville      0-9         17.33
6. Central              0-9         12.43

A couple of flip flops from the standings in this one… But it is the same as I have predicted for the last 4 weeks…Branson finished two games behind Ozark and nearly ten points but the Pirates beat them head to head and Glendale beat Lebanon in their Ozarks Conference game.

1. Glendale    BYE

2.  Lebanon    BYE

5. Waynesville  at 4. Ozark

6. Central   at   3.  Branson

The long awaited match-up between Reeds Spring and Springfield Catholic took place last night, in front of a huge crowd, at Carl Langley Field.  And as many expected, going into the season, the final Small Central Ozarks Conference Championships was on the line.

The teams had been part of a three way tie with Bolivar a year ago.  This season both defeated the Liberators, as well as all other schools in the league.  This set up the winner take all game for the title.

Reeds Spring would take the opening kickoff and only use one minute to get on the scoreboard.  Kelly Newton scored the first of this two touchdowns on the night on a 69 yard run.

It would not take the Wolves long to strike again.  1:19 later it was Seth Stamps crossing the goal line on a 39-yard score to make it 14-0 while people were still arriving.

Catholic would answer with its best drive of the night.  They took six minutes to drive the field and ended with a Tyson Riley, one yard score.

That would be it for the Irish on the night.  Reeds Spring added another Stamps score in the final minute of the first quarter.  And, Reeds Spring led 21-7 after the first twelve minutes.

Kelly Newton broke loose on a 67 yard score in the second quarter and the Wolves were able to cruise from there.

Cole Watson got is name in the scoring column with a fourth quarter touchdown that gave us the 35-7 final.

Reeds Spring would rack up 332 rushing yards in the first half alone.  Kelly Newton ran unofficially for 243 yards for the night on just 11 carries.  The senior fullback has now rushed for over 1400 on the season.

The Reeds Spring defense frustrated Riley and the Irish offense most of the night.

The Championship is the first ever outright COC title for Wolves.  The last time they had a Conference title to themselves was 1981 as members of the Green County League.

 

The fall seasons continue to wind down on us..  The Class 5 District 10 Soccer Tournament has been seeded.

Branson received the four seed and will take on the host Nixa on the Eagles home field at 5:00 on Monday Oct 23rd

Joplin and Ozark will play at 7.  The winners will meet for the Championship and a birth in the State Playoffs at 6:00 on Thursday the 26th.

Hollister Tiger head football coach Jacob Hamon is about to receive enshrinement into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.   The leader of the Tiger program is being recognized for his accomplishments on the field as a player at Branson High School and later at Evangel University in Springfield.

Hamon is listed as one of this years ELITE 11,  which recognizes players who excelled on the field at the high school and college level in Missouri.

During his years as a Pirate, Hamon was a force at the linebacker position.  Playing for head coach Steve Hancock and Defensive Coordinator Ron Martin, Hamon was credited with 152 career tackles, then a Branson Pirate Program Record.  He was named Class 4 All-State for his efforts his senior year in 2003.  Then the linebacker standout went on to get his education and play his college ball at Evangel.

This years class is highlighted by former MIZZOU quarterback Brad Smith and former Missouri State Football Coach Jesse Branch.

Also of local interest, the 1981 State Championship Football team from Greenwood High School will be honored.  Among the team members is my long time broadcasting partner Scott McCaulley.

The MSHOF’s annual Football Luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield.

 

The seasons for all fall sports are reaching the post-season and that includes Volleyball.   District Tournament seeds have been released..

Class 1

Blue Eye is the number one seed at Galena.  The Lady Bulldogs get a first round bye and will play the winner of the Hurley vs Chadwick match in Tuesdays semi-final.

Galena and Bradleyville got the three and six seeds respectively and will play on Monday for the right to play second seeded School of the Ozarks.

Class 2

Forsyth is the six seed in the district at Clever.  The Lady Panthers will face Spokane in Monday’s opening round.

Class 3

Reeds Spring is the #3 seed and will take on #6 Mountain Grove in the opening round at Logan-Rogersville on Monday.

Earlier that night fifth seeded Hollister will take on #4 Springfield Catholic.

Class 4

Branson is the fifth seed in the district at Kickapoo.  The Lady Pirates will play West Plains in the opening round.  Like the others, that first round will take place on Monday Night.

The new state football rankings have been released.  The teams from SW Missouri are in bold.  Local teams will get a first hand look at a couple of ranked teams this week.  Branson is at Class 4 #1 Webb City and Reeds Spring hosts Class 3 #10 Springfield Catholic with the final Small COC Title on the line.

CLASS 6
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. CBC (13), 7-1, 148, 1
2. Eureka (2), 8-0, 134, 2
3. Blue Springs, 6-2, 117, 3
4. Lee’s Summit West, 7-1, 105, 4
5. Kirkwood, 6-1, 97, 5
6. Park Hill, 6-2, 77, 6
7. Rock Bridge, 7-1, 52, 10
8. Lindbergh, 7-1, 39, 7
9. Hazelwood Central, 7-1, 32, 9
10. Rockhurst, 5-3, 21, 8
Also receiving votes: Francis Howell (6-2), 5; Ft. Zumwalt West (6-2), 1; Joplin (7-1), 1

CLASS 5
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Vianney (15), 8-0, 150, 1
2. Staley, 8-0, 133, 2
3. Fort Zumwalt North, 8-0, 122, 3
4. Liberty, 7-1, 104, 5
5. Fort Osage, 6-2, 89, 6
6. Poplar Bluff, 8-0, 60, 7
7. Pattonville, 4-3, 59, 8
8. Battle, 5-3, 46, 4
9. Sedalia Smith-Cotton, 8-0, 33, 9
10. Webster Groves, 4-2, 26, 10
Also receiving votes: Carthage (5-3), 3

CLASS 4
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Webb City (15), 7-0, 150, 1 
2. Carl Junction, 7-1, 133, 2 
3. Platte County, 7-1, 122, 4
4. Parkway Central, 7-1, 97, 5
5. Ladue, 6-2, 87, 6
6. Kearney, 6-2, 77, 3
7. St. Francis Borgia, 8-0, 52, 10
8. Smithville, 7-1, 29, 8
9. MICDS, 6-2, 26, NR
10. Parkway North, 4-4, 20, 7
Dropped out: No. 9 Camdenton
Also receiving votes: St. Mary’s (7-1), 17; Grain Valley (6-2), 5; Moberly (6-2), 4; West Plains (6-2), 4; Camdenton (6-2), 2

CLASS 3
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. McCluer South-Berkeley (14), 6-0, 149, 1
2. Blair Oaks (1), 8-0, 135, 2
3. Park Hills Central, 8-0, 119, 3
4. Seneca, 8-0, 99, 4 
5. Chillicothe, 7-1, 91, 5
6. Center, 7-1, 76, 6
7. Eldon, 7-1, 60, 7
8. Maryville, 6-2, 42, 8
9. Hogan Prep Academy, 8-0, 33, 9
10. Springfield Catholic, 7-1, 15, 10
Also receiving votes: Mexico (6-2), 6

CLASS 2
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Lamar (13), 7-0, 148, 1
2. Trinity (2), 7-0, 137, 2
3. Lutheran North, 8-0, 119, 3
4. Ava, 8-0, 98, 4
5. Cardinal Ritter, 7-1, 77, 6
6. Lafayette County, 8-0, 73, 9
7. North Callaway, 7-1, 68, 7
8. Palmyra, 7-1, 40, 8
9. Lexington, 7-1, 29, 5
10. South Callaway, 7-1, 28, 10
Also receiving votes: Malden (7-1), 8

CLASS 1
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Monroe City (14), 8-0, 149, 1
2. Marceline (1), 8-0, 133, 2
3. Valle Catholic, 7-1, 117, 3
4. Hamilton-Penney, 7-1, 102, 4
5. Lincoln, 8-0, 94, 5 
6. Pierce City, 8-0, 79, 6 
7. Fayette, 6-1, 60, 8
8. Princeton, 8-0, 32, 9
9. Sarcoxie, 8-0, 29, 10
10. Hayti, 6-2, 16, 7
Also receiving votes: Thayer (6-2), 6; East Buchanan (7-1), 4; Westran (6-2), 2; Adrian (8-0), 1; Crest Ridge (8-0), 1

We are down to the final week of the regular season in high school football in Missouri.  Like I said, before, the Class 5 District has been pretty well set for  a while.  Class 3 on the other hand, came a little more into focus last week, but still a lot of possible movement.

Class 3

1. Seneca- The Indians have all but locked down this spot.  They have gone through their schedule, thus far, undefeated.  They have a tough one against Lamar this week, but even with a loss, odds are they will stay in this spot.
2.  Cassville- The Wildcats will have to beat Mount Vernon to get this spot.  That should be a great game, if they lose they will be fourth.
3. Reeds Spring- The Wolves will finish second in the standings, however they will automatically drop to third because of head to head losses.  This will happen no matter if its Cassville or Mount Vernon ends up in the third spot, since the Wolves lost to both.
4. Aurora… The Houn Dawgs look to be close to a lock to be in the 4-5 game.  And, it really has nothing to do with what they do this week.  If Cassville beats Mount Vernon, Aurora will be the four.  If the ‘Neers get the win Aurora will get the five.  (even if they lose this week and some how fall to the sixth spot, they beat Monett head to head so they would jump them and move back to the five seed.)
5. Mount Vernon…  The way I see things Mount Vernon will either be the #2 or the #5. Its pretty simple in their case.  Beat Cassville and they are the #2 seed and will get two home games as long as they win the first.  Lose to Cassville and drop to the #5 and play Aurora again, in Aurora, because of an earlier loss to the Houns.
6. Monett- The Cubs are pretty well locked into this spot.  After winning their first two games of the year they have dropped six straight.  But have been competitive in every game.  Most games have been tied or close well into the second half
7. Hollister – Like the Cubs, the Tigers won their first two games and have yet to find winning column since.  They will have a shot this week against a Marshfield team they beat last year, but even with a win, they finish here.
8. East Newton- Patriots will finish in this spot again.  After making strides a year ago they are winless in 2017.  The play Monett Friday Night.

Basically the way I see things.  If Cassville beats Mount Vernon, this will be the set up week 10, almost regardless of what else happens in the district (the exception to this would be multiple upsets outside the district that effect the strength of schedules for team within)

8. East Newton at 1. Seneca

5. Mt Vernon at 4. Aurora

7. Hollister at 2. Cassville

6. Monett at 3. Reeds Spring

If Mount Vernon Beats Cassville, I see it stacking up like this

8. East Newton at 1. Seneca

5. Aurora at 4. Cassville

7. Hollister at 2. Mt Vernon

6. Monett at 3. Reeds Spring

 

As I said, things in the local Class 5 district are much easier.

Class 5

1. Glendale… The Falcons may be close with Lebanon but should they fall behind they hold the head to head win and will move back to the #1
2. Lebanon.. see above.
3. Branson…  The Pirates are going to finish with a worse record than Ozark and with a lot less system points.  But the fact remains that Branson beat them in their COC matchup
4. Ozark- nice win over Nixa but see above
5. Waynesville- could be the scariest winless team in the state, but the fact remains they are winless, still not a matchup Branson wants to see, and they wont
6. Central…. The Bulldogs have had a long.. long…. long.. year

That will give us, in Week 10

Glendale.. Bye

Lebanon… Bye

Waynesville at Ozark

Central at Branson

We will see how things turn out…. At this time next week, things will be official and there will be no more guessing…