Month: August 2017

The Reeds Spring Softball team could not have asked to get off to much of a better start.  Going into yesterday’s matchup with Carl Junction, they were 5-0, including three blowout victories, and two wins against COC-Large schools.

Yesterday, they provided more of the same.  Jumping out early on the Lady Bulldogs and bringing home a 6-4 win against another COC-Large school.

The Lady Wolves plated two runs in the top of the first inning on an error by CJ first baseman, Kaylie Hulette.  Brooke Davis would double to lead off the second and would score the Lady Wolves third run of the night on a RBI single from Keeley Bauer.  Bauer and Davis would each reach base three of their four times at bat on the afternoon.

Davis would double and score again in the fourth inning.  Reeds Spring would lead 4-2 going into the seventh inning.  They would add two big insurance runs, and they would need them.  The Lady Bulldogs made it interesting scoring two and bringing the tying run to the plate but in the end, they could do no more.

Izzy Erickson picked up the win, going six innings.  She allowed only three hits and two runs, one of which was earned.  She walked five and struck out ELEVEN!!!  Mackenzie Duvall pitched the seventh.

The Lady Wolves are now 6-0 on the season.  They are right back in action tonight against East Newton before opening up conference play at Bolivar on Thursday.  I know its early but Coach Scott Walker’s ladies are showing signs of what could be a special year.

It is hard to imagine a school having  a better fall sports season than the Monett Cubs had a year ago.  The Soccer Cubs advanced to the State Championship game before seeing their quest end.  Meanwhile, the Football team got over that final mountain and claimed the State Title.

A year later the Cubs Football team is 2-0 and the soccer team is now 3-1  after taking all three games they played at the Branson Tournament.

The defacto Championship Game took place Saturday Afternoon at Pirate Stadium. The Pirates hung right with the Cubs. The back and forth match was extremely physical at times and saw a player from each team earn a yellow card.   It was starting to look like we would go to the intermission scoreless until Monett junior forward, Jason Puente found the back of the net with 5:46 left in the first half.

The Pirates strong defense kept them in the game and on multiple occasions looked to have a chance to set the offense up for a tying goal only the have the Monett defenders right there to put a stop to it.

Things became a lot tougher for the Pirates when Johnny Perez added a second goal for the Cubs with 7:55 left in the contest.  Branson did not go quietly however.  Justice Webber drew the Pirates back to within one when he connected from 40 yards out but the they could not get anything else by Joshua Patino.

The Pirates now stand at 3-1.  They had defeated Marshfield 7-2 in the match immediately before this one.

New high school football rankings are out.  Despite last weeks loss, Reeds Spring is still receiving votes in the Class 3 poll.  Their opponent this week, Cassville, is getting recognition as well.  Teams from SW Missouri are in bold print.

 

CLASS 6
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Blue Springs (15) 1-0, 150, 1
2. CBC, 1-0, 135, 2
3. Kirkwood, 1-0, 120, 4
4. Park Hill, 1-0, 95, 5
5. Eureka, 10-2, 88, 6
6. Hazelwood Central, 1-0, 70, 7
7. Lee’s Summit West, 1-0, 45, NR
8. Raymore-Peculiar, 1-0, 44, 8
9. Rock Bridge, 1-0, 29, NR
10. Rockhurst, 0-1, 21, 3
Dropped out: No. 9 Blue Springs South, No. 10 Francis Howell
Also receiving votes: Francis Howell (1-0), 14; Jefferson City (1-0) 9; Springfield Kickapoo (1-0), 5

CLASS 5
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Vianney (15), 1-0, 150, 1
2. Fort Zumwalt North, 1-0, 132, 2
3. Staley, 1-0, 126, 3
4. Battle, 1-0, 104, 4
5. Liberty, 1-0, 86, 5
6. Glendale, 1-0, 61, 8
7. Fort Osage, 1-0, 53, 9
8. Chaminade, 0-1, 47, 6
9. Ozark, 1-0, 28, NR
10. Park Hill South, 1-0, 22, 10
Dropped out: No. 7 Carthage
Also receiving votes: Carthage (0-1), 11; William Chrisman (1-0) 4; Jackson (1-0), 4

CLASS 4
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Webb City (14), 1-0, 149, 1
2. Hannibal, 1-0, 121, 6
3. Harrisonville, 1-0, 102, 7
4. Carl Junction, 0-1, 88, 4
5. MICDS (1), 1-0, 77, 8
6. Kearney, 0-1, 73, 5
7. Parkway Central, 1-0, 56, NR
8. Camdenton, 1-0, 48, 9
9. Raytown South, 1-0, 47, 10
10. Ladue, 0-1, 25, 2
Dropped out: No. 3 Parkway North
Also receiving votes: Parkway North (0-1), 23; Platte County (1-0), 9; Grain Valley (1-0), 7

CLASS 3
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. McCluer South-Berkeley (10), 1-0, 141, 1
2. Maryville (4), 1-0, 137, 2
3. Blair Oaks, 1-0, 108, 4
4. Miller Career (1), 1-0, 106, 3
5. Center, 1-0, 100, 5
6. Park Hills Central, 1-0, 73, 7
7. Southern Boone, 1-0, 41, T10
8. Monett, 1-0, 31, 9
9. Mt. Vernon, 1-0, 25, NR
10. Osage, 1-0, 18; NR
Dropped out: No. 6 Owensville, No. 8 Reeds Spring, No. T10 Orchard Farm
Also receiving votes: Oak Grove (1-0), 10; Reeds Spring (1-0), 10; Owensville (0-1), 9; Springfield Catholic (1-0), 8; Eldon (1-0), 5; O’Fallon Christian (1-0), 2; Cassville (0-1), 1

CLASS 2
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Lamar (15), 1-0, 150, 1
2. Trinity, 0-0, 135, 2
3. Mountain Grove, 1-0, 114, 3
4. Lutheran North, 1-0, 104, 4
5. Ava, 1-0, 80, 5
6. Centralia, 1-0, 78, 6
7. South Callaway, 1-0, 55, 10
8. Cardinal Ritter, 1-0, 42, 9
9. Mtn. View-Liberty, 0-1, 26, 7
10. Brentwood, 1-0, 19, 10
Also receiving votes: Malden (1-0), 15; Lexington (1-0), 4; Macon (1-0), 3

CLASS 1
Rank, team, Rec., Pts., LW
1. Hamilton-Penney (15), 1-0, 150, 1
2. Valle Catholic, 1-0, 127, T2
3. Monroe City, 1-0, 121, T2
4. Marceline, 1-0, 102, 4
5. Lincoln, 1-0, 82, 6
6. Hayti, 1-0, 63, NR
7. Westran, 1-0, 58, 7
8. Pierce City, 1-0, 51, 9
9. Thayer, 0-1, 20, 5
10. Lockwood, 1-0, 17, 10
Dropped out: No. 8 Cass-Midway
Also receiving votes: Wellington-Napoleon (1-0), 16; Plattsburg (1-0), 9; Cass-Midway (0-1), 7; South Shelby (1-0), 2

Here is my tentative Broadcast Schedule, as it currently stands.  More games will likely be added..

8/18  RS football at Mount Vernon

8/22 Branson Softball at Monett

8/25 RS football vs Cassville

8/26 Branson Soccer at Branson Tournament

8/28 RS Softball at Carl Junction

9/1 Reeds Spring Football at Bolivar

9/8 Reeds Spring Football vs Rogersville

9/11 RS Softball at Norwood

9/15 RS Football vs Central

9/16 Branson Softball at Branson Tournament

9/18 RS Softball at Cassville

9/19 Branson Soccer at Neosho

9/22 RS Football at Hollister

9/23 Branson Softball at Springfield Tournament

9/23 RS Softball at Springfield Tournament

9/26 Branson Softball at Webb City

9/28 Branson Soccer vs Catholic

9/29 RS Football at Marshfield

9/30 RS Softball vs Kickapoo

10/3 Branson Soccer vs Webb City

10/4 SOFTBALL DISTRICTS

10/6 RS Football vs Buffalo

10/10 Branson Soccer at Glendale

10/13 RS Football vs Catholic

10/20 FOOTBALL DISTRICTS

10/23 SOCCER DISTRICTS

10/27 FOOTBALL DISTRICT SEMI-FINALS

11/3 FOOTBALL DISTRICT FINALS

Football games on 100.1.. All other broadcasts on perryphillipssports.com

The Reeds Spring Wolves saw their season end in 2016 with a district semi-final loss to Mount Vernon.  And, in a rare instance they started their 2017 season against the Mountaineers.

This was a much different night.  It was a night that saw Mount Vernon seemingly take advantage of every Wolf mistake and jump out to a 28-0 lead.  But the Wolves got things going from there and were able to end drives in the endzone.   They scored 20 unanswered points getting the game back to a one possession affair.  After another defensive stop a Mount Vernon punt penned them 98 yards from a possible tying score.  Then,  one last turnover turned into six more points for the Mountaineers and pretty much put the game away.  The 35-20 final drops the Wolves to 0-1 for the fist time since 2010.

Hollister put up record numbers for their program in 2016 and started 2017 by adding another to the list.  The 54-0 win over Pleasant Hope marks the largest margin of victory in program history.  The Tigers found the endzone four times in the first quarter and never looked back.  Coach Jacob Hamon’s defense added a record of their own coming up with the Tigers first shutout, ever.

Branson had a back and fourth affair against conference foe Neosho.  After jumping out to a 10-0 lead, the Pirates saw the Wildcats answer with a couple of TDs to garner a 14-10 lead.  But the Pirates would come up big on fourth down.  Karson Knudson went down and scooped up a pass from Ryan Still in endzone to put the Pirates up 17-14.  The Defense got a big stop near their own redzone to preserve the win and take Coach Anthony Hays to 1-0 as the Lead Pirate.

Here is a look at the preseason High School football rankings as seen by the voting Media….  Wolves start the year at #8 in Class 3

CLASS 6

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts.
1. Blue Springs (15) 12-2, 150

2. CBC, 11-2, 134

3. Rockhurst, 9-3, 114

4. Kirkwood, 13-1, 111

5. Park Hill, 6-4, 81

6. Eureka, 10-2, 77

7. Hazelwood Central, 11-1, 61

8. Raymore-Peculiar, 6-5, 44

9. Blue Springs South, 4-6, 18

10. Francis Howell, 9-3, 17

Also receiving votes:  Jefferson City (6-5) 10; Springfield Kickapoo (9-2), 5; Lee’s Summit West, 9-3, 3

 

CLASS 5

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts.

1. Vianney (15), 9-5, 150

2. Fort Zumwalt North, 12-2, 128

3. Staley, 10-3, 124

4. Battle, 12-1, 106

5. Liberty, 7-4, 81

6. Chaminade, 8-3, 65

7. Carthage, 10-2, 59

8. Glendale, 11-1, 40

9. Fort Osage, 5-6, 28

10. Park Hill South, 10-2, 15

Also receiving votes: Ozark (8-3), 12; William Chrisman (8-2) 7; Jackson (8-3), 5; Lebanon (7-4), 3; Liberty North (4-7), 2

 

CLASS 4

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts.

1. Webb City (10), 9-4, 136

2. Ladue (2), 12-2, 117

3. Parkway North, 11-3, 113

4. Carl Junction, 9-3, 108

5. Kearney (2), 14-1, 98

6. Hannibal, 10-3, 66

7. Harrisonville (1), 12-3, 64

8. MICDS, 9-3, 53

9. Camdenton, 6-4, 29

10. Raytown South, 6-5, 17

Also receiving votes:  Parkway Central (9-3), 10; Jefferson City Helias (7-5), 6; Platte County (8-4), 6; Grain Valley (8-4), 2

 

CLASS 3

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts.

1. McCluer South-Berkley (8), 12-1, 133

2. Maryville (6), 14-1, 123

3. Miller Career, 10-3, 113

4. Blair Oaks, 11-1, 94

5. Center, 13-1, 87

6. Owensville, 12-1, 84

7. Park Hills Central, 11-2, 51

8. Reeds Spring, 8-3, 41

9. Monett (1), 14-1, 22

T10. Orchard Farm, 8-3, 20

T10. Southern Boone, 9-3, 20

Also receiving votes: St. Charles West (7-5), 16; Osage (9-2), 13; Eldon (7-5), 5; Oak Grove (5-6), 2; Cassville (8-3), 1

 

CLASS 2

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts.

1. Lamar (14), 14-0, 149

2. Trinity (1), 12-1, 135

3. Mountain Grove, 10-2, 110

4. Lutheran North, 9-3, 102

5. Ava, 8-3, 72

6. Centralia, 9-4, 66

7. Mtn. View-Liberty, 12-1, 64

8. South Callaway, 10-1, 59

9. Cardinal Ritter, 5-5, 28

10. Brentwood, 11-2, 16

Also receiving votes:  Lawson (11-3), 9; Malden (11-1), 7; Macon (11-1), 4; Lexington (10-2), 2; Strafford (3-7), 2

 

CLASS 1

Rank, team, 2016 Rec., Pts., LW

1. Hamilton-Penney (13), 15-0, 146+

T2. Monroe City (2), 11-4, 125

T2. Valle Catholic, 11-2, 125

4. Marceline, 12-1, 108

5. Thayer, 7-6, 90

6. Lincoln, 13-1, 72

7. Westran, 8-4, 47

8. Cass-Midway, 11-2, 43

9. Pierce City, 5-4, 32

10. Lockwood, 9-3, 14

Also receiving votes:  Hayti (10-2), 10; Wellington-Napoleon (10-2), 10; Plattsburg (6-7), 2; South Shelby (6-5), 1

 

There is no getting around the fact that the Bolivar Liberators have owned the Small COC.  Before last year the Liberators had claimed every COC-Small Title since the league COMPLETELY switched to two divisions. That streak looked to be over when their long winning streak came to an end at Carl Langley Field last year.  But, a Springfield Catholic upset of Reeds Spring kept the Wolves from winning the title outright and earned them a piece of the title as well as allowing Bolivar to continue that part of the streak.  For the first time we had tri-champs.

Look for the same teams to be in contention again this year.  Things will be different this year.  Its the last go-around for the league as we know it.  Buffalo is leaving for a newly formed conference.  Bolivar is staying but they are all alone and have not been able to find a league that wants to welcome them.  The rest of the conference is headed to a redesigned Big 8 starting next year.. You know that everyone would win that last title as they head out the door….

Reeds Spring said goodbye to the speed of Korey Robinette and the unselfish leadership of JP Gardner along with a lot of guys that helped get the program to where it is today.  But, they return a huge part of last years team including an intact offensive line and the biggest part of the front four on defense as well.  Both inside linebackers are back and two of the three DBs.  Perhaps the biggest shoes to fill will be those of four year kicker Joel Gertson.  He was nearly automatic on extra points and would regularly put the ball in the endzone on kickoffs.

Blake Gronvold goes into his first full season as QB1 after taking the job in the middle of the season last year.  Kelly Newton moves from halfback to fullback and Seth Stamps returns as one of the primary ballcarriers.

Springfield Catholic turned the corner in their third year under Steve Hancock and Ron Martin.  The Irish had a number of graduates on the offensive side of the ball but the defense returns almost intact.  Quarterback Tyson Riley makes the Irish offense go and the junior, will perhaps be looking to make an even bigger impact this year.  As much press as he gets for his offensive skills, its the other side of the ball where I think he really excels.  As a sophomore, he was as good as a safety as I saw all of last year.

Bolivar is not going away quietly.  The Liberators will look quite a bit different this year.  For the first time in quite some time they will not have a quarterback with a D1 arm behind center.  Look for them to rely heavily on their defense and the legs of running back Lane Loomer.  They are a team that feels slighted with the rest of the league taking off for greener pastures.  And, you know they want to finish off what their former teammates started and go wire to wire with the Conference Championships.

Hollister make huge strides a year ago.  They jumped into the top half of the league, won more games than ever before, and want to keep that ship going.  Now, it wont be easy.  One of the strengths of the Tigers a year ago was its offensive line.  Those guys are gone.  Lots of inexperience will be counted on to protect Jackson Bekemeier and his cast.  Coach Jacob Hamon and his assistants are as enthusiastic as you will find.  If that same energy rubs off on the Tigers they might just find themselves climbing up  the standings again.  Getting off to a good start is key for them.

Marshfield is the biggest school in the league but has struggled as of late.  They find themselves starting all over again with a new head coach.  Cody Bull returns to the Ozarks after a stint in Texas to lead the Blue Jay football program.

Logan-Rogersville is a great example of how quick fortunes can change in small town high school football.  It wasnt that long ago they were hoisting a State Championship Trophy.  Their demise can be placed squarely on numbers.  A lot of times after success the numbers jump and more success blooms.  It has been the opposite with the Wildcats.  A number of athletes have chosen to specialize and they have been hit as hard as anyone in the Ozarks with that problem.

Buffalo is once again in transition.  After a couple of years as the lead Bison, Mark Jackson moved on for family reasons.  The Bison turned to a hometown guys.  Ed Phillips returns to the place he graduated high school.  The former Branson defensive coordinator takes over a program that has struggled mightily over the past decade.   They really like some of the talent that is coming in the next three or four years and hope to rebuild a once proud program.

Now, who will be the final Champ that this league will produce?

My worthless prediction..

1. Reeds Spring – Wolves want the title they think should have been theirs alone last year
2.  Springfield Catholic- Coach Hancock’s bunch is good and have only gained more confidence after last years rise.
3. Bolivar- not often you pick someone that has done what they have done 3rd and they could easily prove me wrong.  But judging them on last year and what they and other teams have coming back… this is the spot.
4. Hollister- I know, most people will say I am picking them a little high.  But those people said that of me picking them high last year.  If they can protect Bekemeier they will finish here.
5. Marshfield- Blue Jays will get better.  Its just a matter of it being this year or a year or two down the line.
6. Logan-Rogersville- Wins might be tough to come by.. but I think they get Buffalo.
7. Buffalo- Hope Coach Phillips is able to get things going at Buffalo.  And I think he will.  But, its not going to be this year.  The new conference will help starting in 2018

 

The fall sports season is upon us and you have to look no further than the teams schedules to realize that…  Its Friday August 11th and that means Jamboree Night for high school football teams.

Reeds Spring is hosting for the first time…  The Wolves will welcome Branson along with Aurora and McDonald County.

Hollister is hosting once again this year, as well.  Springfield Catholic, Diamond, and Ava will attend.

The Forsyth Panthers will be taking part in a Jamboree for the first time.  They travel to Jasper along with Liberal and Rich Hill.

Forsyth is starting at 6, Hollister at 7, and Reeds Spring/Branson at 7:30

Soccer Jamborees are also going on tonight… The tri-lakes lone entry in that sport-The Branson Pirates, will head to Bolivar along with Camdenton and Lebanon.  They will kick at 4:30

Softball Jamborees are a little more spread out..  Reeds Spring will head to Hillcrest in the morning to start at 9.

Branson will host Aurora, Bolivar and Cassville on Tuesday at 6.

The rest of the softball teams in the area have their seasons in the spring.

Volleyball is a little spread out as well.  Branson will join West Plains at Kickapoo Monday at 5.

Hollister is at Central Monday at 6 and will be joined by Lebanon and Strafford.

The Reeds Spring Lady Wolves will go to Willard on Tuesday at 5. Mountain Grove will be there as well.

Forsyth is hosting this year.  The Lady Panters will welcome Ava, Billings, and Crane on Thursday at 6

Cross-Country teams will take part in opening races as well this next week.

 

Press Release by Dori Rapinchuk

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced their selections for the first year of the NAIA National Championship Host Excellence Awards. Seven honors were awarded to championship site hosts that have shown excellence during the 2016-17 school year.

“We know just how much hard work goes into hosting NAIA championships so we want to make sure we honor that effort,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “This, year we had a great group of hosts and are pleased to announce the winners who did an excellent job of creating the right atmosphere, handling difficult issues, and working well alongside our staff to put forth great events for our student-athletes.”

College of the Ozarks was named the award recipient for “Best NAIA Student-Athlete Championship Experience Event.”  The College has served as the host of the NAIA DII Men’s Basketball National Championship for the past 18 years.

The hallmark to NAIA championship events is the opening student-athlete experience. The event is expected to create a memorable experience for the student-athletes as well as being a showcase for the host city.

Branson’s Dixie Stampede annually hosts this event the evening before the championship’s first game.  Dixie welcomes the 32 teams, their fans, and representatives of the NAIA and College of the Ozarks, providing a hearty feast and engaging entertainment.

“College of the Ozarks is honored to receive this award from the NAIA,” said Dori Rapinchuk, College of the Ozarks tournament co-director.  “We strive to do the best job possible in all aspects of hosting the NAIA DII Men’s Basketball National Championship, and we have had great success thanks to the remarkable support of our community sponsors and volunteers. The applause for this specific award, however, should be directed to our amazing sponsor of the Tip-Off Banquet—Dixie Stampede.  Dixie excitedly came on board with us for our first NAIA Championship in 2000, and they have continued through the years to provide an incredible venue—tipping off the championship in a big way for all of our participating teams and their fans.”

“Hosting the Tip-Off Banquet is our favorite special event of the year, and a great way to kick off the Spring season for Branson,” shared Bryan Cossiboom, General Manager of Dixie Stampede. “Sponsoring as an honorary coach is a rare privilege.  We get to know these young men, become a part of their program for a week, and have even had players from the early years return with their families.  We are very proud to be affiliated with such a fine program and look forward to many more years to come.”

College of the Ozarks is contracted to continue hosting the NAIA DII Men’s Basketball National Championship through 2019, with next year’s championship scheduled for March 7-13, 2018.

For information about the NAIA Championship hosted by College of the Ozarks, contact the College of the Ozarks’ Athletic Office at 417-690-2565.