MARYVILLE - Missouri Western women's basketball didn't know until about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, whether or not they had clinched at least a share of the MIAA regular season championship.

The No. 21 Griffons (22-4, 17-3 MIAA) had, an hour previously, thumped Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, 67-44, at Bearcat Arena in a battle of NCAA tournament contenders.

Missouri Western, in order to clinch on Saturday, needed not only to beat Northwest, but also needed Fort Hays State (21-6, 15-6 MIAA) to beat Missouri Southern (19-7, 15-5 MIAA) in Hays, KS.

It took until almost 4:30, it took double overtime, but Hays did beat the second place Lions, 85-81.

The Griffons, with a two-game lead over both MoSo and Hays, have clinched at least a share of the league title, regardless of what happens in their last two regular season games.

As for Saturday's game in Maryville, Missouri Western made a statement, racing out to a 26-5 start and leading by as many as 22.

The Griffons, who have held five straight teams to 59 points or less, and seven straight opponents to sub-40 percent shooting, held the Bearcats (20-6, 14-6 MIAA) to an abysmal 28 percent (14-of-50) from the field.

Northwest was also an ugly 10-of-24 at the free throw line. Missouri Western forced 20 turnovers, and scored 20 points off of those.

The Griffons, winners of 12 straight games and now five straight against Northwest, shot an efficient 51 percent from the field (26-of-51) and were a sharp 12-of-14 at the foul line.

Brionna Budgets led Western with 17 points. Jayme Jackson and Tiani Ellison each had 10. Connie Clarke was just shy of a double-double with nine points and nine boards.

LaJahda Boyland came off the bench to score nine.

Molly Hartnett led Northwest with 16 points. Evelyn Vazquez came off the bench for 10.

The Griffons bullied Northwest in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats there 36-12. Northwest also missed five layups.

Missouri Western women's basketball has clinched an MIAA regular season crown for the sixth time in program history and the first time since 2016.

A win at Newman Thursday would give it to the Griffs outright.

MWSU men battle hard, No. 7 Northwest holds on for win

The Missouri Western men got down 8-0 in the first 4.5 minutes at Bearcat Arena, and at the moment, it seemed like it could be a long day.

Missouri Western responded, taking a one-point lead with 7:15 left in the first half, and trailing by only a point, 26-25, at the break.

No. 7 Northwest (22-4, 18-2 MIAA) never trailed in the second half, led by as many as 12 and held on for a 65-57 win over the Griffons in Maryville Saturday in front of a packed house.

The Griffons (15-11, 9-11), who have lost five straight and eight of their last nine, played a stellar first half defensively, holding the sharp shooting 'Cats to just 7-of-19 shooting in the first half.

Northwest was solid in the second half, hitting 14-of-23 from the field, including 4-of-9 from deep.

Bennett Stirtz led the way with a game-high 22 points. He also had seven rebounds. Wes Dreamer, who had missed the last three games with a wrist injury, returned to the lineup, dropped 16 points and grabbed a team-best eight boards.

Missouri Western, who was without starting forward, lead rebounder and second best scorer Taye Fields last Saturday against Rogers State, got Fields back in the lineup, and he added eight points, seven boards, four assists, three blocks and two steals off the bench.

Zion Swader had his best scoring day since January 18, leading the Griffons with 14 points. JaRon Thames had 13. Justin Bubak added 10.

Missouri Western shot 40.8% (20-of-49) on the day, and were a solid 12-of-14 at the free throw line, but were held to 5-of-19 from three.

Despite the losing skid, Missouri Western has clinched a spot in the MIAA tournament with Central Missouri losing to Washburn Saturday, 68-49.

Northwest, who on Thursday clinched its 11th straight regular season MIAA title with Fort Hays State's loss to Pittsburg State, has now won 11 straight games since <a href="https://www.myqcountry.com/2024/01/13/mwsu-wbb-dominate-bearcats-griffon-men-break-long-streak-against-northwest/">losing at MWSU, 76-70, on January 13</a>.

Northwest ends the regular season 12-0 at home. They've also beaten Western in each of the last 15 games played at Bearcat Arena in the series.

Missouri Western ends the regular season on the road this week, first facing Newman on Thursday. The women tip at 5:30, the men at 7:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

Both Griffon teams are then at Pittsburg State Saturday for 1:30 and 3:30 games.

Northwest is at Central Oklahoma Thursday, and Missouri Southern Saturday.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708823709454.jpeg" alt="Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - Missouri Western women's basketball didn't know until about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, whether or not they had clinched at least a share of the MIAA regular season championship.The No. 21 Griffons (22-4, 17-3 MIAA) had, an hour previously, thumped Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, 67-44, at Bearcat Arena in a battle of NCAA tournament contenders.Missouri Western, in order to clinch on Saturday, needed not only to beat Northwest, but also needed Fort Hays State (21-6, 15-6 MIAA) to beat Missouri Southern (19-7, 15-5 MIAA) in Hays, KS.It took until almost 4:30, it took double overtime, but Hays did beat the second place Lions, 85-81.The Griffons, with a two-game lead over both MoSo and Hays, have clinched at least a share of the league title, regardless of what happens in their last two regular season games.As for Saturday's game in Maryville, Missouri Western made a statement, racing out to a 26-5 start and leading by as many as 22.The Griffons, who have held five straight teams to 59 points or less, and seven straight opponents to sub-40 percent shooting, held the Bearcats (20-6, 14-6 MIAA) to an abysmal 28 percent (14-of-50) from the field.Northwest was also an ugly 10-of-24 at the free throw line. Missouri Western forced 20 turnovers, and scored 20 points off of those.The Griffons, winners of 12 straight games and now five straight against Northwest, shot an efficient 51 percent from the field (26-of-51) and were a sharp 12-of-14 at the foul line.Brionna Budgets led Western with 17 points. Jayme Jackson and Tiani Ellison each had 10. Connie Clarke was just shy of a double-double with nine points and nine boards.LaJahda Boyland came off the bench to score nine.Molly Hartnett led Northwest with 16 points. Evelyn Vazquez came off the bench for 10.The Griffons bullied Northwest in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats there 36-12. Northwest also missed five layups.Missouri Western women's basketball has clinched an MIAA regular season crown for the sixth time in program history and the first time since 2016.A win at Newman Thursday would give it to the Griffs outright.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708824902586.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (23)." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (23).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708824929696.jpeg" alt="Jayme Jackson (11)." />
 <figcaption>Jayme Jackson (11).</figcaption>
 </figure>Candi Whitaker postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---NWMSU-postgame-e2g7t5u/a-ab0gut6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB--Northwest---22424-e2g7ssk/a-ab0gu85" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>MWSU men battle hard, No. 7 Northwest holds on for winThe Missouri Western men got down 8-0 in the first 4.5 minutes at Bearcat Arena, and at the moment, it seemed like it could be a long day.Missouri Western responded, taking a one-point lead with 7:15 left in the first half, and trailing by only a point, 26-25, at the break.No. 7 Northwest (22-4, 18-2 MIAA) never trailed in the second half, led by as many as 12 and held on for a 65-57 win over the Griffons in Maryville Saturday in front of a packed house.The Griffons (15-11, 9-11), who have lost five straight and eight of their last nine, played a stellar first half defensively, holding the sharp shooting 'Cats to just 7-of-19 shooting in the first half.Northwest was solid in the second half, hitting 14-of-23 from the field, including 4-of-9 from deep.Bennett Stirtz led the way with a game-high 22 points. He also had seven rebounds. Wes Dreamer, who had missed the last three games with a wrist injury, returned to the lineup, dropped 16 points and grabbed a team-best eight boards.Missouri Western, who was without starting forward, lead rebounder and second best scorer Taye Fields last Saturday against Rogers State, got Fields back in the lineup, and he added eight points, seven boards, four assists, three blocks and two steals off the bench.Zion Swader had his best scoring day since January 18, leading the Griffons with 14 points. JaRon Thames had 13. Justin Bubak added 10.Missouri Western shot 40.8% (20-of-49) on the day, and were a solid 12-of-14 at the free throw line, but were held to 5-of-19 from three.Despite the losing skid, Missouri Western has clinched a spot in the MIAA tournament with Central Missouri losing to Washburn Saturday, 68-49.Northwest, who on Thursday clinched its 11th straight regular season MIAA title with Fort Hays State's loss to Pittsburg State, has now won 11 straight games since <a href="https://www.myqcountry.com/2024/01/13/mwsu-wbb-dominate-bearcats-griffon-men-break-long-streak-against-northwest/">losing at MWSU, 76-70, on January 13</a>.Northwest ends the regular season 12-0 at home. They've also beaten Western in each of the last 15 games played at Bearcat Arena in the series.Missouri Western ends the regular season on the road this week, first facing Newman on Thursday. The women tip at 5:30, the men at 7:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).Both Griffon teams are then at Pittsburg State Saturday for 1:30 and 3:30 games.Northwest is at Central Oklahoma Thursday, and Missouri Southern Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708825915883.jpeg" alt="Zion Swader (right) tries to go up for a shot against Mitch Mascari (22). Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Zion Swader (right) tries to go up for a shot against Mitch Mascari (22). Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Martin interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---NWMSU-postgame-e2g7t7a/a-ab0guvv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB clinches MIAA title with win over Northwest, Bearcat men edge Griffs

KING CITY - St. Joseph Christian raced out to a 16-point lead against King City in the first half on Friday night, but the Wildkats got it back to within two possessions in the third quarter.

Heck, King City was to within eight points with two minutes left.

The Lions (20-6), playing in King City's gym, never waivered, sinking 14-of-17 free throws and making five three-pointers in a 50-37 win in the Class 1 District 15 championship game Friday night.

King City (21-8) scored the first two points of the game, but St. Joseph Christian answered with a 7-0 run and never trailed after.

The Lions led 24-14 at halftime, and while it got a little tight down the stretch, a clutch three-pointer by senior Maya Freudenthal put Christian ahead 44-33 with 1:38 to go.

"I thought it was a really big shot," Freudenthal said, "especially at the timing of it. I knew right then that we were done and that we got it."

Freudenthal hit four three-pointers, two in the second quarter and two in the fourth, finishing with 12 points. Senior Chloe Burnham led the way with a game-high 20 points.

Burnham, a Seward County CC signee, was 9-for-9 at the free throw line Friday.

"It means so much," Burnham said of the victory, as Christian has now achieved 20 wins in three straight seasons, and district titles in two of the last three years.

"We really worked so hard these last 3-4 years. Last year, we had to play LeBlond (in district semifinals) and that sucked, but we knew we were going to get it this year, because we're strong and solid all the way around."

Junior Lexi McDaniel complimented the effort with 11 points.

Christian had beaten King City earlier this season on December 15, 49-35, in St. Joseph. While the Lions are playing well at the right time, it hasn't come easy this season.

Head coach Erin Patrick says his current starting lineup has only played together for 10 of the 26 games so far this season.

 Freudenthal missed about 9-10 games after breaking a finger in the season-opener against Rock Port. Burnham broke her nose on two separate occasions this season.

Not to mention the Lions have faced a tough gauntlet this year with games against Nodaway Valley twice (23-5), North Platte (23-5) twice and also Meadville (27-0).

Yes, Christian had beaten King City by double digits two months ago, but to Patrick, that didn't matter at all going into Friday.

"That's the beauty of sports - what happened in the past doesn't matter," he said. "Look at how they talked the Chiefs down this year. The past means nothing. You just have to come and play. I think it's helped we've had a competitive schedule."

Christian advances to state sectionals on Monday for a game on the road against Platte Valley (26-1). That game will be played in Conception Junction with a likely tip time of 6 p.m.

Platte Valley beat Nodaway Valley in the C1D16 title game Friday, 45-41.

It's a Platte Valley team that's been to the Final Four in Class 1 in each of the last four seasons, winning state titles in 2021 and '22.

But, as Patrick reiterated - the past is the past. What matters to Christian is the now. What's in front of them.

"Like playing Platte Valley, it's going to be whoever executes, rebounds and shoots the best is going to win that game."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708742986795.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Christian girls' basketball celebrates after receiving the district championship plaque at King City High School Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Christian girls' basketball celebrates after receiving the district championship plaque at King City High School Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKING CITY - St. Joseph Christian raced out to a 16-point lead against King City in the first half on Friday night, but the Wildkats got it back to within two possessions in the third quarter.Heck, King City was to within eight points with two minutes left.The Lions (20-6), playing in King City's gym, never waivered, sinking 14-of-17 free throws and making five three-pointers in a 50-37 win in the Class 1 District 15 championship game Friday night.King City (21-8) scored the first two points of the game, but St. Joseph Christian answered with a 7-0 run and never trailed after.The Lions led 24-14 at halftime, and while it got a little tight down the stretch, a clutch three-pointer by senior Maya Freudenthal put Christian ahead 44-33 with 1:38 to go."I thought it was a really big shot," Freudenthal said, "especially at the timing of it. I knew right then that we were done and that we got it."Freudenthal hit four three-pointers, two in the second quarter and two in the fourth, finishing with 12 points. Senior Chloe Burnham led the way with a game-high 20 points.Burnham, a Seward County CC signee, was 9-for-9 at the free throw line Friday."It means so much," Burnham said of the victory, as Christian has now achieved 20 wins in three straight seasons, and district titles in two of the last three years."We really worked so hard these last 3-4 years. Last year, we had to play LeBlond (in district semifinals) and that sucked, but we knew we were going to get it this year, because we're strong and solid all the way around."Junior Lexi McDaniel complimented the effort with 11 points.Christian had beaten King City earlier this season on December 15, 49-35, in St. Joseph. While the Lions are playing well at the right time, it hasn't come easy this season.Head coach Erin Patrick says his current starting lineup has only played together for 10 of the 26 games so far this season. Freudenthal missed about 9-10 games after breaking a finger in the season-opener against Rock Port. Burnham broke her nose on two separate occasions this season.Not to mention the Lions have faced a tough gauntlet this year with games against Nodaway Valley twice (23-5), North Platte (23-5) twice and also Meadville (27-0).Yes, Christian had beaten King City by double digits two months ago, but to Patrick, that didn't matter at all going into Friday."That's the beauty of sports - what happened in the past doesn't matter," he said. "Look at how they talked the Chiefs down this year. The past means nothing. You just have to come and play. I think it's helped we've had a competitive schedule."Christian advances to state sectionals on Monday for a game on the road against Platte Valley (26-1). That game will be played in Conception Junction with a likely tip time of 6 p.m.Platte Valley beat Nodaway Valley in the C1D16 title game Friday, 45-41.It's a Platte Valley team that's been to the Final Four in Class 1 in each of the last four seasons, winning state titles in 2021 and '22.But, as Patrick reiterated - the past is the past. What matters to Christian is the now. What's in front of them."Like playing Platte Valley, it's going to be whoever executes, rebounds and shoots the best is going to win that game."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Erin-Patrick-e2g72dq/a-ab0elnc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Chloe-Burnham--Maya-Freudenthal-e2g72ev/a-ab0elq6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708746526590.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708746585786.jpeg" alt="Chloe Burnham (right)." />
 <figcaption>Chloe Burnham (right).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708746610770.jpeg" alt="Danika Wattenbarger (4)." />
 <figcaption>Danika Wattenbarger (4).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708746640908.jpeg" alt="Jaci Jorgensen." />
 <figcaption>Jaci Jorgensen.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708746678437.jpeg" alt="Lexi McDaniel (right)." />
 <figcaption>Lexi McDaniel (right).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Christian holds off King City for district championship

COLUMBIA - Jade Brundige had battled Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith twice in the 2024 season, including in the district title match two weeks prior.

Both of those matches ended in Smith victories. It appeared, for a little while, that Thursday's 115-pound state title between the two at Mizzou Arena in Columbia was headed that way again.

Brundige, a state champion last year at 100 pounds, overcame an early 4-1 deficit, tied the match at 4-4 with an escape and takedown in the second period and was rewarded a near fall at the end to beat Smith 6-4.

"Throughout the season, (Smith) was the one who always won," Brundige said. "But, I told myself, 'Those are matches that are in the past. Right now, focus on what you can do.'"

Smith (42-2) nearly had a reversal to tie the match and send it to sudden death, but time had just run out.

Brundige, a sophomore and the first female state wrestling champion in her school's history, has now gone to the top of the podium in each of her first two trips to state.

"I just had to keep reminding myself that I want this," she said. "You've put the work in. There's a lot of preparation that goes into something like this. So, just keep telling yourself 'you got this' and just go after it and get it."

On the boys' side, the Lafayette Fighting Irish can now say that they've had a state wrestling champion in each of the last three years.

After Jay Greiner had won at 160 and 165 pounds in the last two years respectively, senior Jackson Perkins added to the Irish legacy.

The senior and 190-pounder defeated No. 1 ranked Jace Renfro of Seneca, 7-4, in the title match Thursday evening, becoming the fourth state champion in Lafayette boys' history.

Perkins, a Benedictine (KS) wrestling commit, caps off an outstanding senior campaign with a 52-1 record. He improves off a third place finish at state last year in the 175-pound class.

"I just feel so happy," he said. "No other way to describe it. I went down to my knees in happiness. Went up to my parents and hugged them. No better feeling."

Perkins, the No. 2 ranked wrestler in the state in his class, took early control with two takedowns in the first period. One more takedown with 13 seconds left sealed the deal.

"I did everything my coaches said," Perkins noted. "We watched so much film on (Renfro) and...I knew everything he was doing. I was able to shut him down and work my stuff."

While coaches Jason Greiner and Josh Walters got him over the finish line, Perkins credited his first ever coach. His father, Jack - a Central High School Hall of Famer, who placed sixth at state twice and was a freestyle state champion in wrestling himself.

"Since fifth grade, he was my coach," Jackson said. "He was my high school coach until we moved. Now, I have two more wonderful coaches who have added on and improved what was already there."

Class 1 girls 190 pounds - Plattsburg’s Kenlee Fish comes home 3rd with a pin in her final match. She ends the season at 37-7.

235 pounds - Gallatin’s Miah Parker finishes 5th as a freshman, ending her season at 24-7.

Class 1 boys 106 pounds - Gallatin's Eli Sperry comes home a state runner-up, nearly completing a comeback, but falling 6-5 in his title match. He ends the season at 37-2. Sperry is a two-time state medalist, placing 4th last year.

144 pounds - Maysville’s Draken Bennett finishes 4th. Bennett ends his senior year at 42-8. He’s a two-time state medalist, placing 5th last year at 138.

150 pounds&nbsp;- Maysville’s Carter Harms finishes 6th. He ends his freshman season at 34-18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

165 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville's Brendan Barton comes home as a state runner-up, ending his senior year at 28-8. Barton is a three-time state qualifier and now two-time medalist, improving off of a sixth place finish last year.

215 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville's Max Heintz was pinned in the first period of his title match, coming home with a silver medal. Heintz was a state runner-up last year as well. He ends his senior season with a 40-9 record.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Class 2 boys 106 pounds - Savannah's Lawson Francis finishes 3rd as a freshman. His record is 50-7. He lost in semifinals, but won his medal match with a pin in the first 59 seconds.

"Biggest thing was pry just having my mind right," Francis said on recovering from a loss Thursday morning. "I feel like if my mind wasn't right, I don't think I'd have been able to make it to the third place match."

126 pounds - Mid Buchanan's Spencer Cunningham is a three-time state medalist. He comes home third in 2024 as a junior, ending his season at 33-6.

Cunningham went 3-0 in wrestlebacks after falling in quarterfinals.

126 pounds - Savannah's Creighton Cook comes home sixth. He's 41-17. Cook is now a two-time state medalist. He placed sixth last season at 120 pounds.

144 pounds - Benton's Ethan Nash finishes fourth. He ends his senior year at 36-7.

150 pounds - Plattsburg's Caden McLallen comes home sixth. A two-time state qualifier, McLallen ends his junior year at 21-11.

157 pounds - Lafayette's Elias Chapin comes home third. The junior is 46-12. He lost his first round match on Wednesday and went 4-0 in wrestlebacks.

"I've never even made it to the bubble match in districts," Chapin reflected. "To have that much growth and the coaches are just really good. I can say everything, but...I'm happy. I'm excited for next year."

175 pounds - Mid-Buchanan's Colton Kirkham is now a two-time state medalist, as he finished third. He ends his senior year at 40-4.

215 pounds&nbsp;- Savannah's Cooper Burnsides defeated Mid-Buchanan's Owen Stockbauer for third place in a 1-0 decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burnsides is now a three-time state medalist. Stockbauer has medaled fourth each of the last two years. He ends his senior campaign with a 32-8 record.

"I'm still happy with what I did," Burnsides said, after finishing as a state runner-up last season as well. "Finishing top three is really good. And I'm glad I got the chance to go here."

285 pounds - Plattsburg's Dakota Rankin finished fifth. A two-time state medalist, Rankin ends his senior year at 30-10.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708655956581.jpeg" alt="Savannah's Jade Brundige (black) tries to hold down Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith (green) during the Class 1 girls' state title match at 115 pounds. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Savannah's Jade Brundige (black) tries to hold down Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith (green) during the Class 1 girls' state title match at 115 pounds. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCOLUMBIA - Jade Brundige had battled Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith twice in the 2024 season, including in the district title match two weeks prior.Both of those matches ended in Smith victories. It appeared, for a little while, that Thursday's 115-pound state title between the two at Mizzou Arena in Columbia was headed that way again.Brundige, a state champion last year at 100 pounds, overcame an early 4-1 deficit, tied the match at 4-4 with an escape and takedown in the second period and was rewarded a near fall at the end to beat Smith 6-4."Throughout the season, (Smith) was the one who always won," Brundige said. "But, I told myself, 'Those are matches that are in the past. Right now, focus on what you can do.'"Smith (42-2) nearly had a reversal to tie the match and send it to sudden death, but time had just run out.Brundige, a sophomore and the first female state wrestling champion in her school's history, has now gone to the top of the podium in each of her first two trips to state."I just had to keep reminding myself that I want this," she said. "You've put the work in. There's a lot of preparation that goes into something like this. So, just keep telling yourself 'you got this' and just go after it and get it."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jade-Brundige---Savannah-e2g5hmc/a-ab0aj10" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F1854611458308671%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>On the boys' side, the Lafayette Fighting Irish can now say that they've had a state wrestling champion in each of the last three years.After Jay Greiner had won at 160 and 165 pounds in the last two years respectively, senior Jackson Perkins added to the Irish legacy.The senior and 190-pounder defeated No. 1 ranked Jace Renfro of Seneca, 7-4, in the title match Thursday evening, becoming the fourth state champion in Lafayette boys' history.Perkins, a Benedictine (KS) wrestling commit, caps off an outstanding senior campaign with a 52-1 record. He improves off a third place finish at state last year in the 175-pound class."I just feel so happy," he said. "No other way to describe it. I went down to my knees in happiness. Went up to my parents and hugged them. No better feeling."Perkins, the No. 2 ranked wrestler in the state in his class, took early control with two takedowns in the first period. One more takedown with 13 seconds left sealed the deal."I did everything my coaches said," Perkins noted. "We watched so much film on (Renfro) and...I knew everything he was doing. I was able to shut him down and work my stuff."While coaches Jason Greiner and Josh Walters got him over the finish line, Perkins credited his first ever coach. His father, Jack - a Central High School Hall of Famer, who placed sixth at state twice and was a freestyle state champion in wrestling himself."Since fifth grade, he was my coach," Jackson said. "He was my high school coach until we moved. Now, I have two more wonderful coaches who have added on and improved what was already there."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jackson-Perkins---Lafayette-e2g5koo/a-ab0as0h" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708656772385.jpeg" alt="Jackson Perkins embraces head coach Josh Walters after winning his title match. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jackson Perkins embraces head coach Josh Walters after winning his title match. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F1129184961780805%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Other area resultsClass 1 girls 190 pounds - Plattsburg’s Kenlee Fish comes home 3rd with a pin in her final match. She ends the season at 37-7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650424483.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>235 pounds - Gallatin’s Miah Parker finishes 5th as a freshman, ending her season at 24-7.Class 1 boys 106 pounds - Gallatin's Eli Sperry comes home a state runner-up, nearly completing a comeback, but falling 6-5 in his title match. He ends the season at 37-2. Sperry is a two-time state medalist, placing 4th last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708657550374.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>144 pounds - Maysville’s Draken Bennett finishes 4th. Bennett ends his senior year at 42-8. He’s a two-time state medalist, placing 5th last year at 138.150 pounds&nbsp;- Maysville’s Carter Harms finishes 6th. He ends his freshman season at 34-18.&nbsp;&nbsp;165 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville's Brendan Barton comes home as a state runner-up, ending his senior year at 28-8. Barton is a three-time state qualifier and now two-time medalist, improving off of a sixth place finish last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708657594941.jpeg" alt="Brendan Barton (right). Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brendan Barton (right). Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>215 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville's Max Heintz was pinned in the first period of his title match, coming home with a silver medal. Heintz was a state runner-up last year as well. He ends his senior season with a 40-9 record.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708657655421.jpeg" alt="Max Heintz (left). Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Max Heintz (left). Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 2 boys 106 pounds - Savannah's Lawson Francis finishes 3rd as a freshman. His record is 50-7. He lost in semifinals, but won his medal match with a pin in the first 59 seconds."Biggest thing was pry just having my mind right," Francis said on recovering from a loss Thursday morning. "I feel like if my mind wasn't right, I don't think I'd have been able to make it to the third place match."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Cooper-Burnsides--Lawson-Francis---Savannah-e2g5hl9/a-ab0aiqk" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650749225.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>126 pounds - Mid Buchanan's Spencer Cunningham is a three-time state medalist. He comes home third in 2024 as a junior, ending his season at 33-6.Cunningham went 3-0 in wrestlebacks after falling in quarterfinals.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Spencer-Cunningham--Colton-Kirkham-e2g5hiu/a-ab0aifh" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>126 pounds - Savannah's Creighton Cook comes home sixth. He's 41-17. Cook is now a two-time state medalist. He placed sixth last season at 120 pounds.144 pounds - Benton's Ethan Nash finishes fourth. He ends his senior year at 36-7.150 pounds - Plattsburg's Caden McLallen comes home sixth. A two-time state qualifier, McLallen ends his junior year at 21-11.157 pounds - Lafayette's Elias Chapin comes home third. The junior is 46-12. He lost his first round match on Wednesday and went 4-0 in wrestlebacks."I've never even made it to the bubble match in districts," Chapin reflected. "To have that much growth and the coaches are just really good. I can say everything, but...I'm happy. I'm excited for next year."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Elias-Chapin---Lafayette-e2g5hh9/a-ab0aibs" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650959039.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>175 pounds - Mid-Buchanan's Colton Kirkham is now a two-time state medalist, as he finished third. He ends his senior year at 40-4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650990739.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Spencer-Cunningham--Colton-Kirkham-e2g5hiu/a-ab0aifh" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>215 pounds&nbsp;- Savannah's Cooper Burnsides defeated Mid-Buchanan's Owen Stockbauer for third place in a 1-0 decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;Burnsides is now a three-time state medalist. Stockbauer has medaled fourth each of the last two years. He ends his senior campaign with a 32-8 record."I'm still happy with what I did," Burnsides said, after finishing as a state runner-up last season as well. "Finishing top three is really good. And I'm glad I got the chance to go here."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Cooper-Burnsides--Lawson-Francis---Savannah-e2g5hl9/a-ab0aiqk" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708651125427.jpeg" alt="Stockbauer vs. Burnsides. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stockbauer vs. Burnsides. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>285 pounds - Plattsburg's Dakota Rankin finished fifth. A two-time state medalist, Rankin ends his senior year at 30-10.&nbsp;Photo albums<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02sSq6YR4ufkHp9st4wSz25Vr38Q8BvoxyuQWeR3Vq6SoZk5crr9Rba1VvHVyWyTjSl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="753" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02LC3xoZryW8JtBcLWLonQSw2ikZKeHgFX5Ba4fKV7A8CiTV28vipAF9FK7bansK5zl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="715" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Brundige wins gold again for Savannah, Lafayette's Perkins wins state as a senior

COLUMBIA - Owen Stockbauer has had a memorable senior year.

He helped North Platte football to a state runner-up finish this past fall. Now, he'll have a chance to go out on top in his final year with Mid-Buchanan wrestling.

Stockbauer (31-6) earned two, first-round pins in each of his first two matches to reach state semifinals in the Class 2 boys' 215 pound tournament at the state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena.

Stockbauer, a district runner-up and three-time state qualifier, is poised to improve from his fourth place finish at state in 2023.

"The whole plan (Wednesday) was to get in, get out and rest up for the next day for semifinals," he said. "That's where the big matches are really at."

Stockbauer gets set to face defending state champion Brayden Bush of Pleasant Hill (24-0) in semifinals. It was Bush who beat Mid-Buchanan's Wade Stanton in semifinals at 190 pounds in state last year.

"He's going to be a tough match, but hopefully, I can pull it off and go for the gold," Stockbauer added.

Also reaching semifinals at 215 pounds is the one who pinned Stockbauer for a district title last Saturday in Excelsior Springs - Savannah's Cooper Burnsides.

A state runner-up at 190 pounds last year, Burnsides (46-6) largely cruised on Wednesday, pinning his first opponent in 22 seconds. He won via a 6-0 decision in quarterfinals.

"I'm going in thinking I want to win state this year," Burnsides said plainly. "I hope my teammates go in, thinking the same thing, because last year, I placed second. This year, I want go first."

Two more Savannah wrestlers are already guaranteed medals, and will compete in semifinals Thursday. Freshman Lawson Francis (48-6) won via pin and 9-0 decision to get there at 106 pounds.

At 126 pounds, Savannah's Creighton Cook (41-14) is onto semifinals, sneaking in after a 5-4 decision in his quarterfinal bout. Cook medaled 6th at state last year in the 120-pound division.

At 190 pounds, the Lafayette Fighting Irish will have another wrestler representing them in semifinals. Senior Jackson Perkins (50-1) outlasted fourth-ranked Doug Blaha of Blair Oaks, 4-2, in a sudden victory result.

Now, Perkins looks to add to the Lafayette legacy, cemented by the now graduated Jay Greiner, who won state in each of his last two years with the Irish.

"All of the work I've put in over the years...I really want this," Perkins said. "There's nothing more I love in life. I just love wrestling. This is where I want to be. I want to make it to the state finals."

Numerous area wrestlers still have a chance to reach medal matches in wrestlebacks. Mid-Buchanan's Spencer Cunningham (126), Mid-Buchanan's Ryder Coons (138), Plattsburg's Caden McLallen (150), Lafayette's Elias Chapin (157), Benton's Kaden Lee (165), Mid-Buchanan's Colton Kirkham (175), Benton's Jason Blue (215) and Plattsburg's Dakota Rankin (285) are all still battling.

Wrestlebacks for Class 1 boys start at 8:15 a.m. Thursday. Class 1 girls' wrestlebacks start at 10:15 a.m. and at 12:15 for Class 2 boys.

Local results from Class 1 boys and girls' state wrestling Wednesday <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f224d7ad-67f5-458d-adee-ab833e9687ef">can be found here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708578310163.jpeg" alt="Savannah's Creighton Cook is onto the state semifinal round in the Class 2 boys' 126-pound bracket. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Savannah's Creighton Cook is onto the state semifinal round in the Class 2 boys' 126-pound bracket. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCOLUMBIA - Owen Stockbauer has had a memorable senior year.He helped North Platte football to a state runner-up finish this past fall. Now, he'll have a chance to go out on top in his final year with Mid-Buchanan wrestling.Stockbauer (31-6) earned two, first-round pins in each of his first two matches to reach state semifinals in the Class 2 boys' 215 pound tournament at the state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena.Stockbauer, a district runner-up and three-time state qualifier, is poised to improve from his fourth place finish at state in 2023."The whole plan (Wednesday) was to get in, get out and rest up for the next day for semifinals," he said. "That's where the big matches are really at."Stockbauer gets set to face defending state champion Brayden Bush of Pleasant Hill (24-0) in semifinals. It was Bush who beat Mid-Buchanan's Wade Stanton in semifinals at 190 pounds in state last year."He's going to be a tough match, but hopefully, I can pull it off and go for the gold," Stockbauer added.Also reaching semifinals at 215 pounds is the one who pinned Stockbauer for a district title last Saturday in Excelsior Springs - Savannah's Cooper Burnsides.A state runner-up at 190 pounds last year, Burnsides (46-6) largely cruised on Wednesday, pinning his first opponent in 22 seconds. He won via a 6-0 decision in quarterfinals."I'm going in thinking I want to win state this year," Burnsides said plainly. "I hope my teammates go in, thinking the same thing, because last year, I placed second. This year, I want go first."Two more Savannah wrestlers are already guaranteed medals, and will compete in semifinals Thursday. Freshman Lawson Francis (48-6) won via pin and 9-0 decision to get there at 106 pounds.At 126 pounds, Savannah's Creighton Cook (41-14) is onto semifinals, sneaking in after a 5-4 decision in his quarterfinal bout. Cook medaled 6th at state last year in the 120-pound division.At 190 pounds, the Lafayette Fighting Irish will have another wrestler representing them in semifinals. Senior Jackson Perkins (50-1) outlasted fourth-ranked Doug Blaha of Blair Oaks, 4-2, in a sudden victory result.Now, Perkins looks to add to the Lafayette legacy, cemented by the now graduated Jay Greiner, who won state in each of his last two years with the Irish."All of the work I've put in over the years...I really want this," Perkins said. "There's nothing more I love in life. I just love wrestling. This is where I want to be. I want to make it to the state finals."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708580254568.jpeg" alt="Jackson Perkins after his quarterfinal victory." />
 <figcaption>Jackson Perkins after his quarterfinal victory.</figcaption>
 </figure>WrestlebacksNumerous area wrestlers still have a chance to reach medal matches in wrestlebacks. Mid-Buchanan's Spencer Cunningham (126), Mid-Buchanan's Ryder Coons (138), Plattsburg's Caden McLallen (150), Lafayette's Elias Chapin (157), Benton's Kaden Lee (165), Mid-Buchanan's Colton Kirkham (175), Benton's Jason Blue (215) and Plattsburg's Dakota Rankin (285) are all still battling.Wrestlebacks for Class 1 boys start at 8:15 a.m. Thursday. Class 1 girls' wrestlebacks start at 10:15 a.m. and at 12:15 for Class 2 boys.Local results from Class 1 boys and girls' state wrestling Wednesday <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f224d7ad-67f5-458d-adee-ab833e9687ef">can be found here</a>.Photo album<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02m59rK9ehJChFA6HcENxMB3M9GYh2Wsq4KrCMaLvrhT418sMjNPrgbbHYJBGxY897l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="664" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah sends three boys to state wrestling semis, Mid-Buch and Lafayette send one

COLUMBIA -&nbsp;State wrestling started Wednesday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia with Class 1 boys, Class 1 girls and Class 2 boys leading things off. 

all medal matches for these classes will be on Thursday.

Results from the opening rounds Wednesday

Class 1 girls at 115 pounds -&nbsp;two area wrestlers are onto semifinals. Savannah’s Jade Brundige and Mid-Buchanan’s Delanie Smith both rolled through their first two rounds.

Each of them pinned their first two opponents to punch their ticket to Thursday’s semifinal round. Brundige was a state champion at 100 pounds as a freshman. She says she felt prepared and comfortable in the opening rounds Wednesday.

"Through these first two rounds, I feel like I wrestled pretty decently and everything," Brundige said after. "Leading up to the semifinals and finals, the work I've put in and everything is really showing, so I feel prepared."

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/73313db4-55de-4c00-889d-0d1aa59d6b38">Delanie Smith was a state champion last year</a> at 105 pounds. Smith and Brundige wrestle in semifinal matches, starting at 10:15 Thursday morning.

Class 1 girls at 135 pounds - Mid-Buchanan's&nbsp;Molly Stanton was pinned in her quarterfinal match, but battled back with a pin in second wrestlebacks. She needs two wins to secure a state medal.

Class 1 girls at 190 pounds -&nbsp;Plattsburg’s Kenlee Fish is onto semifinals with a pin and 4-2 decision.

Class 1 boys at 106 pounds - Gallatin’s Eli Sperry has advanced to semifinals and is guaranteed a state medal with a pin and tech fall in his first two matches.

Class 1 boys at 144 pounds - Draken Bennett of Maysville has secured a third career state medal in his senior year. He advanced to semis with a 14-6 major decision and then a 9-6 decision in quarterfinals.

Class 1 boys at 165 pounds - Brendan Barton of Maysville is onto semifinals after scoring pins in the first two rounds.

Class 1 boys at 215 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville’s Max Heintz is onto semifinals after a pin and then 8-6 decision in his first two matches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708554586408.jpeg" alt="Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith (green and black) secured a pair of first-round pins in her first two matches at the 2024 MSHSAA state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena Wednesday. Smith's record is now 41-1 as she chases a second career state title. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Mid-Buchanan's Delanie Smith (green and black) secured a pair of first-round pins in her first two matches at the 2024 MSHSAA state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena Wednesday. Smith's record is now 41-1 as she chases a second career state title. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCOLUMBIA -&nbsp;State wrestling started Wednesday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia with Class 1 boys, Class 1 girls and Class 2 boys leading things off. all medal matches for these classes will be on Thursday.Results from the opening rounds WednesdayClass 1 girls at 115 pounds -&nbsp;two area wrestlers are onto semifinals. Savannah’s Jade Brundige and Mid-Buchanan’s Delanie Smith both rolled through their first two rounds.Each of them pinned their first two opponents to punch their ticket to Thursday’s semifinal round. Brundige was a state champion at 100 pounds as a freshman. She says she felt prepared and comfortable in the opening rounds Wednesday."Through these first two rounds, I feel like I wrestled pretty decently and everything," Brundige said after. "Leading up to the semifinals and finals, the work I've put in and everything is really showing, so I feel prepared."<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/73313db4-55de-4c00-889d-0d1aa59d6b38">Delanie Smith was a state champion last year</a> at 105 pounds. Smith and Brundige wrestle in semifinal matches, starting at 10:15 Thursday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708555147748.jpeg" alt="Jade Brundige. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jade Brundige. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 1 girls at 135 pounds - Mid-Buchanan's&nbsp;Molly Stanton was pinned in her quarterfinal match, but battled back with a pin in second wrestlebacks. She needs two wins to secure a state medal.Class 1 girls at 190 pounds -&nbsp;Plattsburg’s Kenlee Fish is onto semifinals with a pin and 4-2 decision.Class 1 boys at 106 pounds - Gallatin’s Eli Sperry has advanced to semifinals and is guaranteed a state medal with a pin and tech fall in his first two matches.Class 1 boys at 144 pounds - Draken Bennett of Maysville has secured a third career state medal in his senior year. He advanced to semis with a 14-6 major decision and then a 9-6 decision in quarterfinals.Class 1 boys at 165 pounds - Brendan Barton of Maysville is onto semifinals after scoring pins in the first two rounds.Class 1 boys at 215 pounds -&nbsp;Maysville’s Max Heintz is onto semifinals after a pin and then 8-6 decision in his first two matches.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0bchdLaGgTetG4ZygZakFPvUPg2DmmLdywbgdCBXQcg87Wkm3dBrs4SCReC7LmbmAl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="792" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah's Brundige, Mid-Buch's Delanie Smith onto semifinals in girls' state wrestling

Eric Hosmer announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday following a 13-year career that included winning four Gold Gloves and helping lead Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.

Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games. The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.

“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”

Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.

“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.

Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.

Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.

Eric Hosmer announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday following a 13-year career that included winning four Gold Gloves and helping lead Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games. The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.

Eric Hosmer retires from baseball following a 13-year career and a World Series title

Kameron Freemyer had lived the dream of a lifetime.

A Mound City native and former Missouri Western women's basketball player, she spent this past season as an intern in player development for the Kansas City Chiefs.

After the Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in five years, Freemyer took part in the victory parade three days later. Riding on top of a bus. Beaming. As everyone in downtown Kansas City was. Then, at the end, the unthinkable happened.

"It was a day of celebrating the Chiefs and bringing the Lombardi home to Kansas City again," Freemyer told KFEQ Radio. "It was a surreal moment, seeing all of those fans out there supporting our team.

In those moments (after), they were scary, but our main focus was making sure everyone was safe and made it back, and they did. Our hearts go out to those who were impacted."

Two men have been charged with murder in last week’s shooting that killed one person and injured 22 others after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Both adults are charged with second-degree murder and other charges.

Both men have been hospitalized since the shooting. The new charges come after two juveniles were detained last week on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. Authorities said more charges are possible. Police have said a dispute among several people led to the shooting.

Greg Carbin was there that day as well. Carbin is a 2007 Missouri Western graduate and former defensive back for the Griffon football team. He was head strength coach at Missouri Western for seven years and has been an assistant strength coach with the Chiefs for the last five.

He says the path to healing in the aftermath of Wednesday's tragedy starts from within. Starts with being a little kinder to one another.

"We can make our city better by being good humans," Carbin said. "It really starts with you seeking the Holy Spirit everyday and you just being a good person. There's a lot of good people in the city. Through the works of Trav (Travis Kelce), the Hunts, the Mahomes', I think they're going to do their due diligence in bringing the city together."

The Chiefs have since launched the 'KC Strong' emergency response fund which supports victims impacted by the shooting. The team is accepting donations online.

Jay White, former Missouri Western punter and kicking coach, just finished his ninth season with the Chiefs as an assistant equipment manager. He, like many, struggle to make sense of what happened this past week.

Yet, when White looks to the future, he remains hopeful.

"Tragedies like this are senseless," he said. "But, there's great people around us and it's a great organization. I think we'll be...we'll end up on top."

Despite what has happened, one thing holds true - the Chiefs are on top of the football world for the third time in five years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaving no doubt that they are, indeed, a dynasty.

That’s something that Greg Carbin wants all of Chiefs Kingdom to remember and relish as everyone grapples with the tragedy that ensued such a joyous occasion.

"Such a blessing," Carbin said. "All Glory to God for our third Super Bowl championship in the last five years. It starts from the top down in ownership to head coach Andy Reid, my boss (Ryan Reynolds), everyone in the organization and all the different departments."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708316395058.jpeg" alt="From left to right - Jay White, Connor Peters, Neil Huskey, Kameron Freemyer and Greg Carbin. All former Griffon athletes and/or employees now working for the world champion Kansas City Chiefs. These five were honored during the Missouri Western basketball game on Saturday in St. Joseph. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>From left to right - Jay White, Connor Peters, Neil Huskey, Kameron Freemyer and Greg Carbin. All former Griffon athletes and/or employees now working for the world champion Kansas City Chiefs. These five were honored during the Missouri Western basketball game on Saturday in St. Joseph. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKameron Freemyer had lived the dream of a lifetime.A Mound City native and former Missouri Western women's basketball player, she spent this past season as an intern in player development for the Kansas City Chiefs.After the Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in five years, Freemyer took part in the victory parade three days later. Riding on top of a bus. Beaming. As everyone in downtown Kansas City was. Then, at the end, the unthinkable happened."It was a day of celebrating the Chiefs and bringing the Lombardi home to Kansas City again," Freemyer told KFEQ Radio. "It was a surreal moment, seeing all of those fans out there supporting our team.In those moments (after), they were scary, but our main focus was making sure everyone was safe and made it back, and they did. Our hearts go out to those who were impacted."Two men have been charged with murder in last week’s shooting that killed one person and injured 22 others after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Both adults are charged with second-degree murder and other charges.Both men have been hospitalized since the shooting. The new charges come after two juveniles were detained last week on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. Authorities said more charges are possible. Police have said a dispute among several people led to the shooting.Greg Carbin was there that day as well. Carbin is a 2007 Missouri Western graduate and former defensive back for the Griffon football team. He was head strength coach at Missouri Western for seven years and has been an assistant strength coach with the Chiefs for the last five.He says the path to healing in the aftermath of Wednesday's tragedy starts from within. Starts with being a little kinder to one another."We can make our city better by being good humans," Carbin said. "It really starts with you seeking the Holy Spirit everyday and you just being a good person. There's a lot of good people in the city. Through the works of Trav (Travis Kelce), the Hunts, the Mahomes', I think they're going to do their due diligence in bringing the city together."The Chiefs have since launched the 'KC Strong' emergency response fund which supports victims impacted by the shooting. The team is accepting donations online.Jay White, former Missouri Western punter and kicking coach, just finished his ninth season with the Chiefs as an assistant equipment manager. He, like many, struggle to make sense of what happened this past week.Yet, when White looks to the future, he remains hopeful."Tragedies like this are senseless," he said. "But, there's great people around us and it's a great organization. I think we'll be...we'll end up on top."Despite what has happened, one thing holds true - the Chiefs are on top of the football world for the third time in five years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaving no doubt that they are, indeed, a dynasty.That’s something that Greg Carbin wants all of Chiefs Kingdom to remember and relish as everyone grapples with the tragedy that ensued such a joyous occasion."Such a blessing," Carbin said. "All Glory to God for our third Super Bowl championship in the last five years. It starts from the top down in ownership to head coach Andy Reid, my boss (Ryan Reynolds), everyone in the organization and all the different departments."Greg Carbin, Jay White interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Greg-Carbin--Jay-White---21724-e2fu21j/a-aavo0ad" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Kameron Freemyer interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Kameron-Freemyer---21724-e2fu27e/a-aavo10n" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708319318237.jpeg" alt="Greg Carbin (left) and Jay White (right). Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Greg Carbin (left) and Jay White (right). Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708319460855.jpeg" alt="Kameron Freemyer. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Kameron Freemyer. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost

Former Griffons turned Chiefs reflect on joys of victory, shock of tragedy, after parade

Missouri Western women's basketball has followed a familiar formula in the latter half of its current 11-game winning streak.

Wanting to get its offense back to full speed, while also playing stellar defense from start to finish.

The No. 24 Griffons (21-4, 16-3 MIAA) hasn't quite had the offensive firepower as of late, but the defense turned in yet another stellar performance in a 57-43 win over Rogers State on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.

Missouri Western hasn't scored more than 73 points in the last six games. They haven't scored more than 61 in the last three.

Yet, their last four opponents have been held to 59 points or fewer.

The last team to shoot better than 40% against the Griffons was Central Missouri - six games ago.

Rogers State (9-15, 4-14 MIAA) was held to 32.8% shooting Saturday, including 0-of-10 from three. Missouri Western scored 19 points off of 18 Hillcat turnovers.

The Griffons led by nine at halftime, but that lead was cut down to three, 29-26, with 8:40 left in the third. Missouri Western ended the quarter on a 12-2 run, entering the fourth, ahead 41-28.

That lead ballooned to 56-37 with 2:07 remaining. The Griffons honored six seniors on Senior Day Saturday. Two of them came up big in the win.

Connie Clarke logged her 26th career double-double as a Griffon with 15 points and 14 rebounds - both game-highs. She also had three steals.

Jordan Cunningham came off the bench, tying her season-high with 13 points on 6-of-6 shooting.&nbsp;

Missouri Western won the rebounding battle 43-34. The Griffons also scored 32 fastbreak points, while Rogers State had just two of those. Missouri Western also got 29 bench points.

With Fort Hays State and Missouri Southern both taking losses on Saturday, Missouri Western now has a two-game lead in the MIAA standings with just three regular season games left.

A win at Northwest Missouri State next Saturday would clinch at least a share of the regular season conference title - something the Griffons haven't captured since 2016.

Griffon men lose 11-point lead, and lose in another heartbreaker

The way Thursday's and Saturday's games unfolded for Missouri Western men's basketball this week was eerily identical.

In both games played in St. Joseph, the final home games of the season, the Griffons (15-10, 9-10 MIAA) got off to a quick start and a nice lead, but both games were lost on, essentially, what ended up being buzzer beaters.

In Saturday's edition, with the game tied at 56-56 and 3.2 seconds left in regulation, Rogers State's Anthony Marshall Jr. inbounded in the half-court to teammate Rodney Battle.

Battle, fighting off Reese Glover, stepped back for a baseline bunny that floated high and through the cylinder.

That shot, with 0.6 seconds left, lifted the Hillcats to a 58-56 win over the Griffons on Saturday at MWSU Fieldhouse.

This two days after the Griffons <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/12a25d0e-e3d9-4888-a601-2f052665b23e">lost to Northeastern State, 62-61</a>, on a go-ahead layup with 1.6 seconds remaining.

Missouri Western (15-10, 9-10), losers in seven of their last eight overall, were without their top rebounder and second best scorer Taye Fields Saturday, who sustained both a wrist and a hip injury against Northeastern State Thursday.

Fields had started the first 24 games of the season.

Missouri Western coach Will Martin said in postgame on KFEQ Radio that Fields warmed up, but "just couldn't go" against Rogers. Martin did not specify when the all-MIAA guard/forward might return to the lineup.

Missouri Western was hot out of the gate, leading 27-16 with 6:38 left in the first half. Problem is, the Griffons didn't score again in the first half after that.

Rogers (14-10, 11-7 MIAA) ended the half on a 13-0 run to go up 29-27 at halftime.

The Griffons got down 41-36 with 9:52 to play, but weathered the storm in a game that featured seven lead changes and six ties.

Missouri Western went on a 10-2 run to take a 54-50 lead at the final media break with 4:40 to go.

But again, like the end of the first half, the Griffons went on a drought, being held scoreless for the last 3:17 of the game and hitting just one of their last 11 shot attempts.

Battle, who hit the game-winner, led Rogers State with a game-high 21 points. JaRon Thames went out in style on his Senior Day with his second straight double-double, logging 13 points and 12 boards.

Zion Swader had his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Reese Glover, in his first start of the season and 44th of his career, scored 11 points on three made three-pointers.

Justin Bubak came off the bench for a season-high 10 points to go with six boards. Missouri Western dominated on the glass 48-27, but lost the turnover battle 14-6.

Both Missouri Western teams are off this week before going to Maryville to play Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, February 24.

The women's game starts at 1:30, the men's at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

The Northwest women (20-5, 14-5 MIAA) have won five straight, beating Northeastern State Saturday, 72-54.

The Northwest men, ranked No. 11, are on the brink of clinching yet another MIAA regular season title - it'd be their 11th in a row.

The Bearcats pulled away from Northeastern State down the stretch in a 73-56 resul Saturday.

The Bearcat men have won 10 straight - ever since losing at Missouri Western on January 13, 76-70.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708220875163.jpeg" alt="Jayme Jackson (11) had six points in a 57-43 win over Rogers State on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Jayme Jackson (11) had six points in a 57-43 win over Rogers State on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western women's basketball has followed a familiar formula in the latter half of its current 11-game winning streak.Wanting to get its offense back to full speed, while also playing stellar defense from start to finish.The No. 24 Griffons (21-4, 16-3 MIAA) hasn't quite had the offensive firepower as of late, but the defense turned in yet another stellar performance in a 57-43 win over Rogers State on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph.Missouri Western hasn't scored more than 73 points in the last six games. They haven't scored more than 61 in the last three.Yet, their last four opponents have been held to 59 points or fewer.The last team to shoot better than 40% against the Griffons was Central Missouri - six games ago.Rogers State (9-15, 4-14 MIAA) was held to 32.8% shooting Saturday, including 0-of-10 from three. Missouri Western scored 19 points off of 18 Hillcat turnovers.The Griffons led by nine at halftime, but that lead was cut down to three, 29-26, with 8:40 left in the third. Missouri Western ended the quarter on a 12-2 run, entering the fourth, ahead 41-28.That lead ballooned to 56-37 with 2:07 remaining. The Griffons honored six seniors on Senior Day Saturday. Two of them came up big in the win.Connie Clarke logged her 26th career double-double as a Griffon with 15 points and 14 rebounds - both game-highs. She also had three steals.Jordan Cunningham came off the bench, tying her season-high with 13 points on 6-of-6 shooting.&nbsp;Missouri Western won the rebounding battle 43-34. The Griffons also scored 32 fastbreak points, while Rogers State had just two of those. Missouri Western also got 29 bench points.With Fort Hays State and Missouri Southern both taking losses on Saturday, Missouri Western now has a two-game lead in the MIAA standings with just three regular season games left.A win at Northwest Missouri State next Saturday would clinch at least a share of the regular season conference title - something the Griffons haven't captured since 2016.Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---RSU-postgame---21724-e2ftve3/a-aavnpqc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Jordan Cunningham interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jordan-Cunningham---RSU-postgame-e2fu0e1/a-aavnrl2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708222820817.jpeg" alt="Mackenzie Hart (22) rings the bell in celebration." />
 <figcaption>Mackenzie Hart (22) rings the bell in celebration.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708222858584.jpeg" alt="Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>Griffon men lose 11-point lead, and lose in another heartbreakerThe way Thursday's and Saturday's games unfolded for Missouri Western men's basketball this week was eerily identical.In both games played in St. Joseph, the final home games of the season, the Griffons (15-10, 9-10 MIAA) got off to a quick start and a nice lead, but both games were lost on, essentially, what ended up being buzzer beaters.In Saturday's edition, with the game tied at 56-56 and 3.2 seconds left in regulation, Rogers State's Anthony Marshall Jr. inbounded in the half-court to teammate Rodney Battle.Battle, fighting off Reese Glover, stepped back for a baseline bunny that floated high and through the cylinder.That shot, with 0.6 seconds left, lifted the Hillcats to a 58-56 win over the Griffons on Saturday at MWSU Fieldhouse.This two days after the Griffons <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/12a25d0e-e3d9-4888-a601-2f052665b23e">lost to Northeastern State, 62-61</a>, on a go-ahead layup with 1.6 seconds remaining.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rodney Battle drills the catch and shoot midrange off the inbound with 0.4 to go as <a href="https://twitter.com/rsumbb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rsumbb</a> bears Missouri Western 58-56! <a href="https://t.co/r2pMu95IKP">pic.twitter.com/r2pMu95IKP</a>&mdash; NCAA D2 Buzzer Beaters (@D2BuzzerBeaters) <a href="https://twitter.com/D2BuzzerBeaters/status/1759032106607317380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Missouri Western (15-10, 9-10), losers in seven of their last eight overall, were without their top rebounder and second best scorer Taye Fields Saturday, who sustained both a wrist and a hip injury against Northeastern State Thursday.Fields had started the first 24 games of the season.Missouri Western coach Will Martin said in postgame on KFEQ Radio that Fields warmed up, but "just couldn't go" against Rogers. Martin did not specify when the all-MIAA guard/forward might return to the lineup.Missouri Western was hot out of the gate, leading 27-16 with 6:38 left in the first half. Problem is, the Griffons didn't score again in the first half after that.Rogers (14-10, 11-7 MIAA) ended the half on a 13-0 run to go up 29-27 at halftime.The Griffons got down 41-36 with 9:52 to play, but weathered the storm in a game that featured seven lead changes and six ties.Missouri Western went on a 10-2 run to take a 54-50 lead at the final media break with 4:40 to go.But again, like the end of the first half, the Griffons went on a drought, being held scoreless for the last 3:17 of the game and hitting just one of their last 11 shot attempts.Battle, who hit the game-winner, led Rogers State with a game-high 21 points. JaRon Thames went out in style on his Senior Day with his second straight double-double, logging 13 points and 12 boards.Zion Swader had his first career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Reese Glover, in his first start of the season and 44th of his career, scored 11 points on three made three-pointers.Justin Bubak came off the bench for a season-high 10 points to go with six boards. Missouri Western dominated on the glass 48-27, but lost the turnover battle 14-6.Both Missouri Western teams are off this week before going to Maryville to play Northwest Missouri State on Saturday, February 24.The women's game starts at 1:30, the men's at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).The Northwest women (20-5, 14-5 MIAA) have won five straight, beating Northeastern State Saturday, 72-54.The Northwest men, ranked No. 11, are on the brink of clinching yet another MIAA regular season title - it'd be their 11th in a row.The Bearcats pulled away from Northeastern State down the stretch in a 73-56 resul Saturday.The Bearcat men have won 10 straight - ever since losing at Missouri Western on January 13, 76-70.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708223442023.jpeg" alt="Zion Swader (2) had his first career double-double Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Zion Swader (2) had his first career double-double Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708223510068.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames (24) had his fourth double-double of the season Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames (24) had his fourth double-double of the season Saturday. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Martin interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---RSU-postgame---21724-e2fu0rb/a-aavns7p" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--Rogers-State---21724-e2fu0lg/a-aavns40" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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