All Big 8 East Team…

The All-Conference Team has been announced for the Big 8 East.  And, both Hollister and Reeds Spring have players on the list.

Gage Singer won Gatorade Player of the year honors and expects to receive a phone call on draft day so there is no surprise in him winning the league’s top player honor.  Marshfield was a surprise to many this year and that is in part due to Coach Pate, who took home top coaching honors.   Here is a look at this years honorees.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gage Singer – Aurora
COACH OF THE YEAR: William Pate – Marshfield

Pitchers

1st Team
Gage Singer Aurora *
Jeremy Rader Catholic
Austin Dobrick Marshfield

2nd Team
Will Boswell Mt. Vernon
Austin Hall Logan Rogersville
Truett Gardner Marshfield

Honorable Mention 
Will Duff Catholic
Justin Locke Reeds Spring
Avery Weber Hollister

Outfield

First Team
A.J. Craft Logan Rogersville *
Konnar Hatfield Hollister *
Rafe Darter Mt. Vernon *

2nd Team
Landon Richards Hollister
Garrett Moody Hollister
Aaron Fisher Aurora

Honorable Mention
Blake Gronvold Reeds Spring
Caleb Ashley Logan Rogersville
Ryan Cline Aurora

Catchers

1st Team
Carson Barr Aurora

2nd Team
Brooks Espy Marshfield

Honorable Mention
Cole Watson Reeds Spring
Quinn Price Mt. Vernon

Infielders

First Team
Seth Stamps Reeds Spring *
Will Duff Catholic *
Reed Metz Logan Rogersville
Gage Singer Aurora

2nd Team
Thomas Kane Logan Rogersville
Thomas McIllwain Marshfield
Carter Bither Catholic
Caleb Casanova Logan Rogersville

Honorable Mention
Will Boswell Mt. Vernon
Logan Armitage Hollister
Truett Gardner Marshfield
Colby Teaster Hollister
Cale Miller Mt. Vernon
Jaesik Friggle Aurora

DH

1st Team
Zach Cole Catholic *

Utility

1st Team
Layton Morgan Hollister

2nd Team
Jeremy Rader Catholic

Honorable Mention
Colby Johnston Mt. Vernon

*  Denotes a unanimous selection

photo courtesy of Facebook

 

Tigers and Wolves named All-District

The All-District team from Class 4 District 11 has been released…

FIRST TEAM

Gage Singer   Aurora

Carson Barr   Aurora

Will Duff     Catholic

Jeremy Rader  Catholic

Seth Stamps   Reeds Spring

Jack Hadank     Bolivar

AJ Kraft                 Rogersville

Thomas Kane     Rogersville

Reed Metz             Rogersville

Layton Morgan      Hollister

Konner Hatfield     Hollister

Logan Armitage      Hollister

 

Second Team

 

Jaesik Friggle     Aurora

Ryan Cline          Aurora

Gage  Goss          Catholic

Zach Cole            Catholic

Zach  Shelangoski    Catholic

Carter Bither         Catholic

Cole Watson        Reeds Spring

Brock Pitts            Bolivar

Parker Erickson    Bolivar

Austin Hall             Rogersville

Caleb Cassanova      Rogersville

Landon Richards       Hollister

MSHSAA

Another Great Class…

Another year has flown by.  A year ago I sat in front of my computer and typed about the special folks that I was going to see Graduate that night.  Well, 365 days has gone by.  A few things have changed.  I have attended a lot of Reeds Spring graduations, this will be my first as a member of the Board of Education.  But one thing that is the same…. some quality young men and women will be receiving diplomas tonight.

Just a few that have left lasting impressions on me:

Kalena Asbill- the little spark plug with an engine that does not quit.  Her hard work and competitive drive has earned her the opportunity to play college ball in Iowa.

Seth Stamps- everyone loves this dude.  He has been a pleasure to watch on the football and baseball fields.  But it has been even better watching him grow into the quality young man he has become.

Ben Moler- Because of this dad, I have probably been around he longer than any of the other graduates.  What he was able to do on the football field was always amazing.  As I have written previously, we are going to have faster football players, we are going to have more talented football players.  But it is going to be a tall order for the Wolves to have a BETTER football player.  He is a flat out dude.  He will succeed at whatever life has in store for him.

Justin Miller- The last sibling of a family that has meant a lot to Reeds Spring Sports.  I think even his brothers will admit that, they saved the best for last.  This guy is top notch and happy that we will only have to drive to Bolivar to watch him play in the future… Go Bearcats

Parker Maloney- Parker is a leader and a real inspiration.  Here is a dude that moved in as a Sophomore basketball player and ended up making a real difference on the football field and the tennis court.  I have said it before, I am not sure I have seen anyone make the improvement he did between his junior and senior years on the gridiron.  And, when he wasn’t playing he was there supporting his classmates.  Can’t wait to see what is ahead for him

Blake Gronvold- As tough as they come.  He is a flat out leader.  He has that “it” factor about him that makes people want to follow.  No doubt, gonna miss #2.

Troy Froeshle- seems like I watched him grow up on the court.  He just quietly went about doing his job…  Gonna miss that shot.

Cole Watson- guy has been a real threat, whether it was behind the plate on in the batters box he can do damage.  And, for that matter, he showed he could do the same to defensive backs on the football field.

I could go on… Shelby Strailey, Max Meilner, Courtney Scobee, Keeley Bauer, Cameron Essick..   You get the idea.

These young men and women have left their mark on Reeds Spring and are ready to do the same across our nation.  But always remember: no matter where you go, not matter how much success you achieve… Once a Wolf… Always a Wolf….  Congrats Class of 2019

logo courtesy of RSHS

Armitage Chooses Pitt State…

There are a lot of reasons to make a trip over to Pittsburg, Kansas.  Its a nice drive, the scenery is great, oh, and we cant forget Chicken Annie’s (or Chicken Mary’s if you prefer).  But local folks will soon have another reason to make the drive.

On Friday, Hollister wide receiver, Logan Armitage, signed a national letter of intent to play football for the Pitt State Gorillas.

Armitage did not have the gaudy numbers, as a senior,  like a lot of players headed to college to play. But, that is, in part, due to the ball control offense that Hollister employs.  With his size and athleticism, he is a matchup nightmare for smaller defensive backs.

Coaches thought so much of his talents, that he was named All-Conference, All-Region, All-Area, and All-State.

He has been a big weapon for Tiger quarterbacks in his time in the program.  There is no doubt that he will be a tough one to replace.

He looks to see time as a receiver and possibly handle some punting duties for the Gorillas.

Pitt State was 8-3 a year ago.  But, historically they are one of the premier programs in all of NCAA Division II.  They compete in the MIAA

Signing (click on link or hear interview Jim Connell and I had with Logan)

Armitage with Hollister Coaches

Forsyth and Hollister Headline Softball District…

The school year is rapidly coming to an end and so are spring sports.  That means post season is upon us.  Spring Softball is first up.

Hollister is hosting the district that features our local schools.

Forsyth is the number one seed and will get a first round bye.  Hollister received the second seed and, likewise, will get to bypass the opening round.  Spokane is number three and will face #6 Hurley the opening day.  And, Fourth seeded Blue Eye take the number five seed, Galena.

Games get underway on Monday, with Blue Eye vs Galena at 4:30 followed by Spokane/Hurley around 6:30.  The Semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday with the Title game set for next Thursday.

MSHSAA

 

North Ark Lands Frenzel

It was a little less than a year ago that I attended a National Letter of Intent Signing at Hollister High School.  Coach Seychelle Mahoney was there to welcome KK Thomas to the North Arkansas College Lady Pioneers Softball Family.  Fast Forward to last week:  I am at the same school, Coach Mahoney is there, and so is KK.  But, this time it’s all about Maddy Frenzel.

Frenzel will be joining Thomas as a member of the Softball team at North Ark.  She signed her National Letter of Intent in front of a nice crowd of family, friends, and teammates.

Frenzel has been a big part of the success of the Hollister program as they have transitioned from competing in the Fall to competing in the Spring.   The athleticism we have seen on display in multiple sports at HHS will be a big plus for the Lady Pioneers.

FrenzelSigning  (click on link to hear interview with Maddy)

All smiles with Family
Coach Morgan talking about Maddy
It is official

 

Linson is One of a Kind

Last Friday afternoon the Lyon College women’s basketball team lost its second round game in the NAIA Division I Basketball Championships, ending their season.  Thus, ending the playing career of one of my all-time favorite high school athletes from the tri-lakes.

I have had the pleasure of covering a lot of great folks in my time doing this job.  I have got to see a number of future NCAA Division One athletes in a number of sports.  And while I appreciate that ability and love that I get a front row seat to see and talk to them, that is not what always catches my eye.  I love seeing that athlete that may not have been born with elite, god-given talent, but works, like crazy to achieve success.  I really marvel at the player that goes all-out everyday, whether it be a game, a practice, or a pickup game with friends.  I totally appreciate that student that cares more about their teammates, and their success than that of their own.  These things describe Blue Eye alum Tressa Linson.

At just a little over five feet, Linson was a varsity player at Blue Eye from the get go.  And, from the get-go, it was full throttle all the time.  I cant say I have ever seen a player work harder or give more effort over an entire high school career.  And, it was solid intensity all the time, even before the game would start.  Heck, I am not sure I have seen anyone get through the introduction line quicker than Linson.  And, from day one, she made everyone, on the court, around her better.

Talk to people that know her, and she may have been even better off the court.  Not once, have I heard a single bad thing said about her.  She cares for those around her,just like she does her teammates on the floor.  She does the work in the classroom and is an NAIA Scholar Athlete.  She was also a Champion of Character, and a representative at the NAIA Convention.  While at Blue Eye she was the South Central MO FCA Female Athlete of the Year.

She is set to graduate in May and Congrats are in order, as she is set to be married this summer.

There have been players that have put up more impressive numbers.  And, there will be better players come along, I have no doubt.  But not sure there will ever be another quite like her.

Thanks Tressa and best of luck.  ( We short people have to stick together.)

photo courtesy of Lyon College

MSHSAA releases Class and District Assignments for Spring Sports

In keeping with its new procedure the Missouri State High School Activities Association released assignments this morning for all Spring Sports.  In the past Class and Districts were determined and released the in the fall.

Not really a lot of changes over last year for out teams.  On the Soccer front, there was thought that the Branson girls may drop to Class 3.  That was not to be.  Their enrollment was just a little over the line and they will stay in Class 4.  They will be join in a four team district by Ozark, Nixa, and Kickapoo.  Site of the district tournament will be determined in the coming weeks.

On the Baseball front… Reeds Spring and Hollister will see one noticeable change in their District.  Mount Vernon was shipped west and replaced by Bolivar.   The Wolves, Tigers, and Liberators, will be joined by Aurora, Logan-Rogersville, and Springfield Catholic.

Branson will see a lot of familiar faces… their district includes: Ozark, Nixa, Kickapoo, West Plains, Glendale, and Parkview.

Perhaps the biggest change for our local teams comes for the Forsyth Panthers.  Coach Richardson’s club has been shipped west.  They are in a district with Clever, Diamond, East Newton, Marionsville, and Sarcoxie.

In Class 2 Blue Eye, will look at the likes of Gainsville, Galena, Mansfield, Seymour, Sparta, and Spokane.

There is only one class for Girls Softball in the Spring.  But, for the first time, all of our schools that play in the Spring are in the same District.  Perhaps that will increase the chances of one of them hosting…  Hollister, Blue Eye, and Forsyth are joined by Bradleyville, Galena, Hurley, and Spokane.

Golf, Tennis, and Track assignments were released as well and can be found at http://mshsaa.org

Happy to say that a number of baseball, softball, and soccer games can be heard right her on perryphillipssports.com

A number of Jamborees are scheduled for tonight and play can get underway for good next Friday…  good luck to all.

MSHSAA

 

 

2018-19 Perry Awards…

Here are a look at my selections for the 2018-19 “Perry Awards” .   Keep in mind that this is just one mans opinion.  I do not look at nor consider any stats while making my choices.  Its all done by the “eye test” and is certainly all for fun….  Congrats to all that helped make this past high school basketball season one to remember…

 

1                                                               Girls                                Boys

 

Youngin of the Year(frosh/soph)          Bug Bailey-Hollister               Lance Hafar-RS       

 

Keep an Eye On                                    Avery Arnold-Blue Eye             Ty Cooper-RS

 

My Final Shot                                    Konnhar Patton-Blue Eye             Andrew Mitchell-Blue Eye

 

Best Floor General:                           Kelina Asbill-RS                           Nathan Garnett-Blue Eye

 

Underrated:                                       Aubry Henson-Hollister              Cole Jones-Hollister 

 

Straight out Player                      Taylor Arnold-Blue Eye                      Trey Bernard-Branson

 

Controls the Paint                    Scarlett Texeira-Forsyth                      Carter Krysl- Hollister

 

Not About Me                           Shelby Strailey- RS                          Dawson Deroo- Forsyth

 

Coach of the Year                           Ken Elfrink                                           Pete Leonard

 

Player of the Year                    Priscilla Williams-Branson                    Andrew Mitchell-Blue Eye

photo courtesy of Jim Connell
Photo Courtesy of Jim Connell

Asbill on All-District Team…

Its another day and another honor for Reeds Spring senior guard Kalena Asbill.  The Briar Cliff University signee has been named to the Class 4 District 11 All-District Team.  She was the leading scorer for the Lady Wolves this season and holds every steals record in the programs history.

Player of the Year
Jordyn Gault – Logan-Rogersville

District Coach of the Year
Denny McHenry – Logan-Rogersville

Jordyn Gault – Logan-Rogersville – Senior
MacKenzie Brunson – West Plains – Sophomore
Maci McHenry – Logan-Rogersville – Senior
Hailey Meeks – West Plains – Senior
Kalena Asbill – Reeds Spring – Senior
Morgan Mahan – West Plains – Senior
Cassidy Cunningham – West Plains – Junior
Jim’mesha Davis – Hillcrest – Freshman
Taylor Overstreet – Logan-Rogersville – Senior
Alexis Moon – Marshfield – Senior
Elizabeth Martin – Aurora – Sophomore

photo courtesy of Ozarks Sports Zone