The St. Joseph Mustangs have officially unveiled their 2023 roster.

The roster features a number of returning players from previous seasons, including catcher Oscar Pegg and infielders Ike Book, Noah Bodenhausen, Michael Paule, Cole Slibowski and Mason Holton.

Outfielders returning include Trevor McCollum, Dakota Spicer and Will Dryburg. The pitching staff will also return Braden Berry, Jay Greco, Tanner Scmidt, Jack Wells, Michael Infranca, Tyson Hilsabeck and Jaren Guck.

Local schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums who will play for the Mustangs this summer.

Mustangs' Opening Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, with a game against the Baldwin City Blues at Phil Welch Stadium.

Catchers Ben Click- William Jewell University Oscar Pegg- Lincoln Trail University

1st base Ike Book – Washburn University (Lafayette) Ryan Callahan-Johnson County

2nd base Noah Bodenhausen- Northwest Missouri State (Savannah) Michael Paule – McKendree University

Shortstop Cole Slibowski- Northwest Missouri State (Lafayette)

3rd base Mason Holton- Coffeyville CC Jayden Little- Highland CC (Lafayette)

Outfield Trevor McCollum- Washburn University Dakota Spicer- Truman State (Bishop LeBlond) Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC (Lafayette) Will Dryburg- Kansas Wesleyan (Bishop LeBlond) Easton Bruce- Washburn University Aron Harrington- Western Illinois

Pitchers Braden Berry- Incarnate Word University (Savannah) Jay Greco- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 		 Tanner Schmidt- North Central (Benton) Jack Wells- William Jewell University Mason Holton- Emporia State University 			 Michael Infranca- Washburn University Tyson Hilsabeck- Northwest Missouri State (Savannah) Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC (Lafayette) Jaren Guck- Truman State (Bishop LeBlond) Jayden Little- Highland CC (Lafayette) Ryker Curry-Pitt State University	 Brandon Stone- Johnson County CC Landon Fulk- Johnson County CC Luc Fladda-Oklahoma University Aron Harrington-Western Illinois Andrew Clark-Northwest Missouri State University

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678821765600.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs have officially unveiled their 2023 roster.The roster features a number of returning players from previous seasons, including catcher Oscar Pegg and infielders Ike Book, Noah Bodenhausen, Michael Paule, Cole Slibowski and Mason Holton.Outfielders returning include Trevor McCollum, Dakota Spicer and Will Dryburg. The pitching staff will also return Braden Berry, Jay Greco, Tanner Scmidt, Jack Wells, Michael Infranca, Tyson Hilsabeck and Jaren Guck.Local schools like Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney and Savannah all have alums who will play for the Mustangs this summer.Mustangs' Opening Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, with a game against the Baldwin City Blues at Phil Welch Stadium.The full roster is listed below:Catchers Ben Click- William Jewell University Oscar Pegg- Lincoln Trail University 1st base Ike Book – Washburn University (Lafayette) Ryan Callahan-Johnson County 2nd base Noah Bodenhausen- Northwest Missouri State (Savannah) Michael Paule – McKendree University Shortstop Cole Slibowski- Northwest Missouri State (Lafayette)3rd base Mason Holton- Coffeyville CC Jayden Little- Highland CC (Lafayette)Outfield Trevor McCollum- Washburn University Dakota Spicer- Truman State (Bishop LeBlond) Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC (Lafayette) Will Dryburg- Kansas Wesleyan (Bishop LeBlond) Easton Bruce- Washburn University Aron Harrington- Western IllinoisPitchers Braden Berry- Incarnate Word University (Savannah) Jay Greco- Southwestern Oklahoma State University 		 Tanner Schmidt- North Central (Benton) Jack Wells- William Jewell University Mason Holton- Emporia State University 			 Michael Infranca- Washburn University Tyson Hilsabeck- Northwest Missouri State (Savannah) Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC (Lafayette) Jaren Guck- Truman State (Bishop LeBlond) Jayden Little- Highland CC (Lafayette) Ryker Curry-Pitt State University	 Brandon Stone- Johnson County CC Landon Fulk- Johnson County CC Luc Fladda-Oklahoma University Aron Harrington-Western Illinois Andrew Clark-Northwest Missouri State University

St. Joseph Mustangs officially unveil 2023 roster, numerous locals included

MARYVILLE - The&nbsp; 15th-ranked Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm scored a stunning 61-57 win over the three-time defending national champion Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team in the NCAA Central Regional semifinals at Bearcat Arena Sunday. The Crimson Storm snapped Northwest's 18-game NCAA tournament win streak, shooting 59.5% from the field, including 62.5% in the second half. SNU outscored Northwest 36-25 in the second half. Northwest junior&nbsp;Wes Dreamer&nbsp;buried a three-pointer on the right wing with 42.2 left to even the game at 57-57. SNU freshman guard Javon Jackson, who poured in a game-high 24 points, hit the go-ahead jumper from the baseline with 14.8 left to give SNU a 59-57 lead. The Crimson Storm hit a couple more free throws with 2.1 remaining to seal the deal.

Senior and St. Joseph native Diego Bernard&nbsp;scored a team-high 14 points in only the fourth loss at home in his storied collegiate career, which includes over 150 wins, over 2000 points and three national titles. Southern Nazarene will take on Minnesota Duluth on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Central Region Final at Bearcat Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678706969755.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Northwest athletics." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Northwest athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - The&nbsp; 15th-ranked Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm scored a stunning 61-57 win over the three-time defending national champion Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team in the NCAA Central Regional semifinals at Bearcat Arena Sunday. The Crimson Storm snapped Northwest's 18-game NCAA tournament win streak, shooting 59.5% from the field, including 62.5% in the second half. SNU outscored Northwest 36-25 in the second half. Northwest junior&nbsp;Wes Dreamer&nbsp;buried a three-pointer on the right wing with 42.2 left to even the game at 57-57. SNU freshman guard Javon Jackson, who poured in a game-high 24 points, hit the go-ahead jumper from the baseline with 14.8 left to give SNU a 59-57 lead. The Crimson Storm hit a couple more free throws with 2.1 remaining to seal the deal. Senior and St. Joseph native Diego Bernard&nbsp;scored a team-high 14 points in only the fourth loss at home in his storied collegiate career, which includes over 150 wins, over 2000 points and three national titles. Southern Nazarene will take on Minnesota Duluth on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Central Region Final at Bearcat Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest Missouri State's MBB season ends with loss to Southern Nazarene

The Doniphan West girls' basketball team defeated Quinter 55-49 in Dodge City Saturday to capture the Class 1A-Division I state championship - the first state title in program history for the Mustangs.

Kyra Johnson led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds.&nbsp;Avery Weathersbee finished with 12. Doniphan West ends the historic season at 21-5 overall.

Riverside falls in state title game, Cyclones conclude historic run

In their first ever appearance in a state championship game, the Riverside girls' basketball team fell to No. 2 seed Berean Academy 48-31 in the Class 2A girls' title game at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas Saturday.

The Cyclones got off to an 11-2 start, but got down 34-22 by the end of the third quarter after being held to just two second quarter points.

 Taylor Weishaar led Riverside with 16 points. The Cyclones end an incredible season at 22-4. It was their first state tournament appearance in history after capturing their first sub-state title in history this season as well.

Class 2 boys' 3rd place in Missouri Plattsburg 59 Hartville 48. Plattsburg ends an incredible year at 31-1. It was just their second Final Four appearance in program history.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678597803526.jpeg" alt="Doniphan West captured their first ever state championship in girls' basketball after only their second appearance in state semifinals in school history. Photo courtesy of KSHSAA Covered." />
 <figcaption>Doniphan West captured their first ever state championship in girls' basketball after only their second appearance in state semifinals in school history. Photo courtesy of KSHSAA Covered.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Doniphan West girls' basketball team defeated Quinter 55-49 in Dodge City Saturday to capture the Class 1A-Division I state championship - the first state title in program history for the Mustangs.Kyra Johnson led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds.&nbsp;Avery Weathersbee finished with 12. Doniphan West ends the historic season at 21-5 overall.Riverside falls in state title game, Cyclones conclude historic runIn their first ever appearance in a state championship game, the Riverside girls' basketball team fell to No. 2 seed Berean Academy 48-31 in the Class 2A girls' title game at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas Saturday.The Cyclones got off to an 11-2 start, but got down 34-22 by the end of the third quarter after being held to just two second quarter points. Taylor Weishaar led Riverside with 16 points. The Cyclones end an incredible season at 22-4. It was their first state tournament appearance in history after capturing their first sub-state title in history this season as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678599067575.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Sports in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sports in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 2 boys' 3rd place in Missouri Plattsburg 59 Hartville 48. Plattsburg ends an incredible year at 31-1. It was just their second Final Four appearance in program history.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Doniphan West wins title, Riverside runners-up, Plattsburg comes home 3rd

SPRINGFIELD - After losing to Bishop LeBlond 39-35 in Bolivar back in January, Tipton was not going to be denied this time around.

Tipton (31-1) jumped out to an early lead, and never trailed in a 55-36 win over the Golden Eagles in the Class 2 girls' state basketball championship game at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield on Saturday night.

Tipton got off to a 10-2 start, and led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter. LeBlond (28-4) got down 29-18 late in the first half, but big buckets by Shae Lewis and Kaleigh Ziesel in the closing seconds of the second quarter made it a 29-21 ballgame at halftime.

LeBlond held Tipton to just three made field goals in the third quarter, but the Golden Eagles themselves were limited to just seven third quarter points.

Down 39-28 entering the fourth, LeBlond was unable to close the gap, and Tipton outscored the Eagles 16-8 over the final eight minutes.

"Unfortunately, (Tipton) was so aggressive that we couldn't pull through and pull the foul and try to disrupt their defense," LeBlond head coach Jackie Steltenpohl said after. "Overall, we just had to execute and we didn't."

Tipton shot 54.3 percent from the field through the entire game, including 64.3 percent in the second half. LeBlond shot 35.9 percent Saturday, including just 5-of-18 in the second half.

LeBlond was 3-of-16 from three, including 0-of-7 in the second half.&nbsp;

"Our shots weren't falling," Steltenpohl said. "So, that kind of mentally just us down. But, they stuck with it and fought to the end."

Myra Claas, a Lincoln University signee, led Tipton with 23 points and five steals. Fellow senior Briar Cox had 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Lewis and Ziesel led LeBlond with 10 points each. Senior Tatum Studer had nine points, four steals and two assists. Junior Kyla Conard had six points on a pair of made threes. Lewis led the team with six rebounds.

It didn't end the way they had hoped, but LeBlond has much to be proud of, as the 2022-23 season comes to a close.

Lewis, Studer and fellow seniors Emma Raines and Katie Beam helped rewrite the history book for LeBlond girls' basketball the last three seasons, capturing three straight district titles, three state quarterfinal appearances, and now the first Final Four berth since 1986, and the first state title game appearance since '83.

"These seniors definitely deserve it," Steltenpohl said, "and the rest of the team, because they've worked hard all season. We can't discredit the season we had."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678594649884.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball is the Class 2 state runner-up in 2023. Photo by Kimberly Huss." />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball is the Class 2 state runner-up in 2023. Photo by Kimberly Huss.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - After losing to Bishop LeBlond 39-35 in Bolivar back in January, Tipton was not going to be denied this time around.Tipton (31-1) jumped out to an early lead, and never trailed in a 55-36 win over the Golden Eagles in the Class 2 girls' state basketball championship game at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield on Saturday night.Tipton got off to a 10-2 start, and led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter. LeBlond (28-4) got down 29-18 late in the first half, but big buckets by Shae Lewis and Kaleigh Ziesel in the closing seconds of the second quarter made it a 29-21 ballgame at halftime.LeBlond held Tipton to just three made field goals in the third quarter, but the Golden Eagles themselves were limited to just seven third quarter points.Down 39-28 entering the fourth, LeBlond was unable to close the gap, and Tipton outscored the Eagles 16-8 over the final eight minutes."Unfortunately, (Tipton) was so aggressive that we couldn't pull through and pull the foul and try to disrupt their defense," LeBlond head coach Jackie Steltenpohl said after. "Overall, we just had to execute and we didn't."Tipton shot 54.3 percent from the field through the entire game, including 64.3 percent in the second half. LeBlond shot 35.9 percent Saturday, including just 5-of-18 in the second half.LeBlond was 3-of-16 from three, including 0-of-7 in the second half.&nbsp;"Our shots weren't falling," Steltenpohl said. "So, that kind of mentally just us down. But, they stuck with it and fought to the end."Myra Claas, a Lincoln University signee, led Tipton with 23 points and five steals. Fellow senior Briar Cox had 12 points and 14 rebounds.Lewis and Ziesel led LeBlond with 10 points each. Senior Tatum Studer had nine points, four steals and two assists. Junior Kyla Conard had six points on a pair of made threes. Lewis led the team with six rebounds.It didn't end the way they had hoped, but LeBlond has much to be proud of, as the 2022-23 season comes to a close.Lewis, Studer and fellow seniors Emma Raines and Katie Beam helped rewrite the history book for LeBlond girls' basketball the last three seasons, capturing three straight district titles, three state quarterfinal appearances, and now the first Final Four berth since 1986, and the first state title game appearance since '83."These seniors definitely deserve it," Steltenpohl said, "and the rest of the team, because they've worked hard all season. We can't discredit the season we had."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678597043468.jpeg" alt="Shae Lewis (22) puts up a contested shot. Photo by Chris Roush." />
 <figcaption>Shae Lewis (22) puts up a contested shot. Photo by Chris Roush.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678597084970.jpeg" alt="Kaleigh Ziesel hugs Jackie Steltenpohl during the medal presentation. Photo by Jake Meikel." />
 <figcaption>Kaleigh Ziesel hugs Jackie Steltenpohl during the medal presentation. Photo by Jake Meikel.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond falls to Tipton in state title, Eagles end historic season with runner-up finish

SEDALIA - Benton raced out to a 21-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, and the game pretty much felt in hand for the remainder of the time.

The Cardinals (26-3) controlled the tempo from start to finish, leading by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter before Nevada got some late buckets on Benton's reserves.

Still, Benton won 53-45 Saturday in state quarterfinals at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. The Cardinals have punched their ticket to the Class 4 Final Four for a record third consecutive season.

"It's amazing," said senior and Missouri Western signee Kelsey Johnson. "I'm glad we're going three times in a row. Hopefully, we can bring home the ring this time!"

Johnson sparked Benton early with 10 points in the first quarter alone. Johnson and fellow senior Peyton Anderson combined for three made triples in the first to fuel the big start.

"We knew we had to come out and play as hard as we possibly can and not get down," Johnson said.

Nevada (22-7) pulled a bit closer in the second quarter, but Benton still led 31-18 at halftime.

Defensively, Benton wore Nevada out down the stretch, as the Tigers were held to just two made field goals in the third quarter. The Cardinals pushed their lead to 49-28 with 3:56 left in the game.

Not long after, after a steal and fastbreak layup by Simmons in the closing minutes, head coach Chris Michaels called timeout, and the starters came off the floor with smiles on their faces and a roaring cheer behind them.&nbsp;

"It was so fun," Simmons said. "I love it whenever our crowd travels with us. They're one of the best fanbases around."

"I mean, they drove 2.5 hours for us, so you can't get any better than that," Johnson concurred.

Johnson led all scorers with 18 points. Simmons was right behind with 15. Anderson and junior Avery Morlock had seven, while freshman Eliana Arambula finished with six.

Benton made history Saturday, becoming the first high school basketball team, boys or girls, in St. Joseph history to qualify for three consecutive Final Fours.

The Cardinals will now shoot for more history in Springfield this coming week, trying to give the program its third ever state title and first since 2016.

Benton finished fourth at Springfield in 2021 and then runner-up just last year.

"Third time's a charm," Simmons grinned. "You never know!"

Benton will face Central Park Hills (27-3) in state semifinals on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Great Southern Bank Arena on the Missouri State campus.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678565038393.jpeg" alt="Benton's Avery Morlock (3) drives the lane in the first half of the Cardinals' Class 4 state quarterfinal game against Nevada at State Fair Community College in Sedalia Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton's Avery Morlock (3) drives the lane in the first half of the Cardinals' Class 4 state quarterfinal game against Nevada at State Fair Community College in Sedalia Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSEDALIA - Benton raced out to a 21-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, and the game pretty much felt in hand for the remainder of the time.The Cardinals (26-3) controlled the tempo from start to finish, leading by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter before Nevada got some late buckets on Benton's reserves.Still, Benton won 53-45 Saturday in state quarterfinals at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. The Cardinals have punched their ticket to the Class 4 Final Four for a record third consecutive season."It's amazing," said senior and Missouri Western signee Kelsey Johnson. "I'm glad we're going three times in a row. Hopefully, we can bring home the ring this time!"Johnson sparked Benton early with 10 points in the first quarter alone. Johnson and fellow senior Peyton Anderson combined for three made triples in the first to fuel the big start."We knew we had to come out and play as hard as we possibly can and not get down," Johnson said.Nevada (22-7) pulled a bit closer in the second quarter, but Benton still led 31-18 at halftime.Defensively, Benton wore Nevada out down the stretch, as the Tigers were held to just two made field goals in the third quarter. The Cardinals pushed their lead to 49-28 with 3:56 left in the game.Not long after, after a steal and fastbreak layup by Simmons in the closing minutes, head coach Chris Michaels called timeout, and the starters came off the floor with smiles on their faces and a roaring cheer behind them.&nbsp;"It was so fun," Simmons said. "I love it whenever our crowd travels with us. They're one of the best fanbases around.""I mean, they drove 2.5 hours for us, so you can't get any better than that," Johnson concurred.Johnson led all scorers with 18 points. Simmons was right behind with 15. Anderson and junior Avery Morlock had seven, while freshman Eliana Arambula finished with six.Benton made history Saturday, becoming the first high school basketball team, boys or girls, in St. Joseph history to qualify for three consecutive Final Fours.The Cardinals will now shoot for more history in Springfield this coming week, trying to give the program its third ever state title and first since 2016.Benton finished fourth at Springfield in 2021 and then runner-up just last year."Third time's a charm," Simmons grinned. "You never know!"Benton will face Central Park Hills (27-3) in state semifinals on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Great Southern Bank Arena on the Missouri State campus.&nbsp;Postgame interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Bentons-Andrea-Simmons-and-Kelsey-Johnson---Nevada-postgame-e208enq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678566227742.jpeg" alt="Andrea Simmons (23) puts up a layup." />
 <figcaption>Andrea Simmons (23) puts up a layup.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678566250363.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson (12)." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson (12).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678566268672.jpeg" alt="Eliana Arambula (5)." />
 <figcaption>Eliana Arambula (5).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678566294785.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (2) drives toward the hoop in the second half." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (2) drives toward the hoop in the second half.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton grabs big lead early, controls Nevada to ensure third straight Final Four trip

SPRINGFIELD - Bishop LeBlond rushed out to an 8-0 start, but then led only 11-8 at the end of the first quarter.

By the halfway point of the second, though, it was apparent that New Haven would not be able to keep up.

The Golden Eagles (28-3) drained 11 three-pointers and dominated on the defensive end as well in a 45-23 victory over the Shamrocks of New Haven in a Class 2 state semifinal at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield Friday.

Senior Tatum Studer was simply on fire to start the game, scoring all of her game-high 16 points in the first half, helping the Golden Eagles grab a 24-12 halftime lead. Studer had 10 in the second quarter alone.

"After I felt that first three go in, I knew I was going to be hitting them," Studer said happily. "That first half at least. As soon as I got it, I looked to shoot and if it was open, I just pulled it."

LeBlond leaned on its defense out of the gate in the second half, holding New Haven to only two third quarter points. The Shamrocks, in fact, only scored six total points in the second and third quarters combined.

"When I think of basketball a lot of times, I think of defense," senior Shae Lewis said. "I love playing defense, and I think that's what important for this team is we're good defenders. We have active hands, so I think it's defense that helps us win most of these games."

LeBlond added 15 more points to its total in the fourth quarter, including two more threes from senior Katie Beam and another from Lewis.

Lewis and Beam each finished Friday with 12 points. Lewis scored 10 of that in the second half. Beam scored all of her points on four made threes.

The Eagles were 11-of-25 from three, while New Haven was just 2-of-12. The Shamrocks were held to just 29.4 percent shooting as a team. LeBlond also forced 16 turnovers, including 10 steals.

LeBlond now advances to the Class 2 state championship game on Saturday night at 8 p.m. to face Tipton (30-1) at Great Southern Bank Arena. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with pregame starting at 7:45.

This marks the first time since 1983 that the LeBlond girls have advanced to a state title game. That just so happens to be the first, and so far only year, that the Golden Eagles won it all in girls' basketball.

"We just have to remember it's just another game," Studer said. "It is our last game, which I'm blessed we made it this far. We just have to remember it's another game and we have to buckle down and we have to play."

Shae Lewis, Tatum Studer postgame interview

Other area state basketball results

Class 1 3rd place game - GBB in Missouri Platte Valley 46 Leeton 42 Class 1 3rd place game - BBB in Missouri Platte Valley 81 Glasgow 45 Class 2 state semis - BBB in Missouri Principia 65 Plattsburg 63. It's Plattsburg's first loss of the season. At 30-1, the Tigers face Hartville for 3rd place on Saturday at 10 a.m. Class 4 state quarterfinals - BBB in Missouri Lafayette 61 Center 41. Camden Bennett had 23 points. Mikey Thomas had 15. The Irish are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2016. The Irish will face Central Park Hills (27-3) in state semifinals on Thursday at noon.

Class 1A Division I - GBB in Kansas Doniphan West 52 Norwich 38. The Mustangs play in Dodge City at 2 p.m. Saturday for the title. They'll face Quinter (22-3).

Class 2A - GBB in Kansas Riverside 45 Pittsburg St. Mary's Colgan 42 - OT. St. Mary's Colgan was the No. 1 seed and 23-0 previously. Riverside will face&nbsp;Elbing-Berean Academy (23-1) or Hillsboro (21-3) for the title on Saturday at 6:15 in Manhattan. This marks Riverside's first appearance in a girls' basketball state title game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678500310732.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond's Tatum Studer (14) brings the ball up the floor during the Golden Eagles' Class 2 state semifinal against New Haven Friday. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond's Tatum Studer (14) brings the ball up the floor during the Golden Eagles' Class 2 state semifinal against New Haven Friday. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - Bishop LeBlond rushed out to an 8-0 start, but then led only 11-8 at the end of the first quarter.By the halfway point of the second, though, it was apparent that New Haven would not be able to keep up.The Golden Eagles (28-3) drained 11 three-pointers and dominated on the defensive end as well in a 45-23 victory over the Shamrocks of New Haven in a Class 2 state semifinal at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield Friday.Senior Tatum Studer was simply on fire to start the game, scoring all of her game-high 16 points in the first half, helping the Golden Eagles grab a 24-12 halftime lead. Studer had 10 in the second quarter alone."After I felt that first three go in, I knew I was going to be hitting them," Studer said happily. "That first half at least. As soon as I got it, I looked to shoot and if it was open, I just pulled it."LeBlond leaned on its defense out of the gate in the second half, holding New Haven to only two third quarter points. The Shamrocks, in fact, only scored six total points in the second and third quarters combined."When I think of basketball a lot of times, I think of defense," senior Shae Lewis said. "I love playing defense, and I think that's what important for this team is we're good defenders. We have active hands, so I think it's defense that helps us win most of these games."LeBlond added 15 more points to its total in the fourth quarter, including two more threes from senior Katie Beam and another from Lewis.Lewis and Beam each finished Friday with 12 points. Lewis scored 10 of that in the second half. Beam scored all of her points on four made threes.The Eagles were 11-of-25 from three, while New Haven was just 2-of-12. The Shamrocks were held to just 29.4 percent shooting as a team. LeBlond also forced 16 turnovers, including 10 steals.LeBlond now advances to the Class 2 state championship game on Saturday night at 8 p.m. to face Tipton (30-1) at Great Southern Bank Arena. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with pregame starting at 7:45.This marks the first time since 1983 that the LeBlond girls have advanced to a state title game. That just so happens to be the first, and so far only year, that the Golden Eagles won it all in girls' basketball."We just have to remember it's just another game," Studer said. "It is our last game, which I'm blessed we made it this far. We just have to remember it's another game and we have to buckle down and we have to play."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678502869560.jpeg" alt="Katie Beam finished Friday's game with 12 points on four made threes in a Class 2 state semifinal win over New Haven. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>Katie Beam finished Friday's game with 12 points on four made threes in a Class 2 state semifinal win over New Haven. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full game broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-vs--New-Haven-GBB---Class-2-state-semifinal---31023-e2075ae" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Shae Lewis, Tatum Studer postgame interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-vs--New-Haven-GBB-postgame---Shae-Lewis-and-Tatum-Studer-e2075d4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Other area state basketball resultsClass 1 3rd place game - GBB in Missouri Platte Valley 46 Leeton 42 Class 1 3rd place game - BBB in Missouri Platte Valley 81 Glasgow 45 Class 2 state semis - BBB in Missouri Principia 65 Plattsburg 63. It's Plattsburg's first loss of the season. At 30-1, the Tigers face Hartville for 3rd place on Saturday at 10 a.m. Class 4 state quarterfinals - BBB in Missouri Lafayette 61 Center 41. Camden Bennett had 23 points. Mikey Thomas had 15. The Irish are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2016. The Irish will face Central Park Hills (27-3) in state semifinals on Thursday at noon.Class 1A Division I - GBB in Kansas Doniphan West 52 Norwich 38. The Mustangs play in Dodge City at 2 p.m. Saturday for the title. They'll face Quinter (22-3).Class 2A - GBB in Kansas Riverside 45 Pittsburg St. Mary's Colgan 42 - OT. St. Mary's Colgan was the No. 1 seed and 23-0 previously. Riverside will face&nbsp;Elbing-Berean Academy (23-1) or Hillsboro (21-3) for the title on Saturday at 6:15 in Manhattan. This marks Riverside's first appearance in a girls' basketball state title game.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LeBlond dominates New Haven on both sides, Eagles onto state championship game

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Otis Taylor, the longtime Kansas City Chiefs 
wide receiver who along with quarterback Len Dawson formed one of the 
NFL's dynamic duos, died Thursday after more than a decade of health 
problems. He was 80.

Taylor's family, who had been caring for him 
as he dealt with Parkinson's disease and dementia, confirmed that he had
 passed away a mere seven months after Dawson, his close friend and 
teammate.

Taylor spent all 10-plus years of his career in Kansas 
City, where he was a fourth-round pick out of Prairie View A&amp;M in 
the 1965 AFL draft. He went on to have two 1,000-yard seasons during an 
era in which the passing game was still evolving, and he finished his 
career with 7,306 yards and 57 touchdown catches.

"Otis made my job easy,” Dawson once said. “If you got the pass to Otis, you knew he’d catch it.”

Taylor
 is perhaps best remembered for the 46-yard touchdown pass in the 1970 
Super Bowl that clinched the Chiefs' victory over the Vikings. He was 
part of two AFL championship teams, was voted to the Pro Bowl after the 
AFL-NFL merger in 1971 and 1972 and was inducted into the Chiefs' ring 
of honor in 1982.

Yet for all the plaudits during his playing 
days, Taylor continually came up short of enshrinement in the Pro 
Football Hall of Fame. He was a senior finalist this past year but 
failed to make it through to the final round of voting.

Taylor was
 diagnosed with Parkinson's and associated dementia in 1990, and in 
2012, his family filed a lawsuit against the NFL claiming it was legally
 responsible for health issues he experienced beginning with seizures in
 1969.

Bedridden and largely unable to talk in recent years, the 
lawsuit sought financial help for his care, overseen for more than a 
decade by his sister, Odell, a licensed vocational nurse, along with his
 wife Regina and son, Otis Taylor III.

After his playing days and before his health problems, Taylor spent 11 years as a scout for the Chiefs.

He
 found himself at the center of another controversy in 1987, when NFL 
players had gone on strike. Taylor was arriving to Arrowhead Stadium for
 work when Jack Del Rio, who had just been traded to the team, mistook 
him for a replacement player and attacked him. Taylor pressed charges 
against Del Rio, now the defensive coordinator of the Washington 
Commanders, and the two settled out of court.

“My family and I 
would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Otis’ wife Regina, his
 sister Odell and the entire Taylor family as we mourn his passing,” 
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. “He was one of the most 
dynamic receivers of his era, and he helped revolutionize the position. 
Off the field, he was kind and dedicated to his community. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with his family. Otis’ legacy will live forever.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678483121679.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs' Otis Taylor (89) catches a first quarter pass from quarterback Len Dawson during the AFL championship game in Oakland, Calif., Jan. 4, 1970. (AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs' Otis Taylor (89) catches a first quarter pass from quarterback Len Dawson during the AFL championship game in Oakland, Calif., Jan. 4, 1970. (AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Otis Taylor, the longtime Kansas City Chiefs 
wide receiver who along with quarterback Len Dawson formed one of the 
NFL's dynamic duos, died Thursday after more than a decade of health 
problems. He was 80.Taylor's family, who had been caring for him 
as he dealt with Parkinson's disease and dementia, confirmed that he had
 passed away a mere seven months after Dawson, his close friend and 
teammate.Taylor spent all 10-plus years of his career in Kansas 
City, where he was a fourth-round pick out of Prairie View A&amp;M in 
the 1965 AFL draft. He went on to have two 1,000-yard seasons during an 
era in which the passing game was still evolving, and he finished his 
career with 7,306 yards and 57 touchdown catches."Otis made my job easy,” Dawson once said. “If you got the pass to Otis, you knew he’d catch it.”Taylor
 is perhaps best remembered for the 46-yard touchdown pass in the 1970 
Super Bowl that clinched the Chiefs' victory over the Vikings. He was 
part of two AFL championship teams, was voted to the Pro Bowl after the 
AFL-NFL merger in 1971 and 1972 and was inducted into the Chiefs' ring 
of honor in 1982.Yet for all the plaudits during his playing 
days, Taylor continually came up short of enshrinement in the Pro 
Football Hall of Fame. He was a senior finalist this past year but 
failed to make it through to the final round of voting.Taylor was
 diagnosed with Parkinson's and associated dementia in 1990, and in 
2012, his family filed a lawsuit against the NFL claiming it was legally
 responsible for health issues he experienced beginning with seizures in
 1969.Bedridden and largely unable to talk in recent years, the 
lawsuit sought financial help for his care, overseen for more than a 
decade by his sister, Odell, a licensed vocational nurse, along with his
 wife Regina and son, Otis Taylor III.After his playing days and before his health problems, Taylor spent 11 years as a scout for the Chiefs.He
 found himself at the center of another controversy in 1987, when NFL 
players had gone on strike. Taylor was arriving to Arrowhead Stadium for
 work when Jack Del Rio, who had just been traded to the team, mistook 
him for a replacement player and attacked him. Taylor pressed charges 
against Del Rio, now the defensive coordinator of the Washington 
Commanders, and the two settled out of court.“My family and I 
would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Otis’ wife Regina, his
 sister Odell and the entire Taylor family as we mourn his passing,” 
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. “He was one of the most 
dynamic receivers of his era, and he helped revolutionize the position. 
Off the field, he was kind and dedicated to his community. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with his family. Otis’ legacy will live forever.”

Longtime Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor dies at age 80

Bishop LeBlond girls' basketball turned a major corner in 2021.

The Golden Eagles defeated East Atchison for the program's first district title since 2007. That season ended with a tough, 20-point loss at Grace Gymnasium to Wellington-Napoleon in state quarterfinals.

A year later, another district title, and the first 20-win season since 2011. But again, the season ended in quarters against Wellington-Napoleon - this time a 51-40 loss to the eventual state champions at Liberty North.

Another year later, another corner turned. The Eagles (27-3) in 2023 broke their quarterfinal curse, dominating Miller this past Saturday, 55-39, at the MWSU Fieldhouse to clinch their first Final Four berth since 1986.

"I know as a player, I always strived for that goal," said LeBlond coach Jackie Steltenpohl, a LeBlond alum and four-year letterwinner for Benedictine. "I'm just proud of how hard this team this year has worked, leading up to these last four years. Especially these seniors. I'm just so proud of how hard they've been working and...they achieved that goal."

LeBlond, ranked No. 1 in Class 2 for at least the last month, started the year 20-0. Ten of their wins this season have come against teams that won 20 or more games.&nbsp;

In fact, LeBlond this season alone has faced five teams from two states in four different classes that have made it to state semifinals.

Tipton (29-1), Meadville (29-0), Platte Valley (27-3), Benton (25-3) and Nebraska's Falls City Sacred Heart (26-3). LeBlond's record against these teams is 3-2.

Sacred Heart just won a state title in Class D2, and LeBlond beat them on the road back in December, 47-35. Tipton's only loss on the season is to LeBlond in the Hall of Fame Classic in Bolivar.

The Eagles' first loss of the season came at home to Meadville - a mighty impressive, undefeated team that's been at the top of Class 1 all season long.

LeBlond also took losses late in the season to Class 4 state tournament qualifiers in St. Pius X and Benton. The Eagles lost in the South Side to a Benton team that's on the brink of its third straight Final Four.

All of this to say, it's a hard to find a moment that's too big for this LeBlond team.

"We've been through a lot," said senior Katie Beam. "It's nothing we can't handle, but we're all looking forward to it and are very excited right now."

"I think it's proven to the community that we deserve to be here," Steltenpohl added. "(The schedule) gave our girls confidence more than anyone really recognized, and I think that helped push us through the whole season."

While strength of schedule and consecutive years of quarterfinal heartbreak have hardened this team, the family ties, have bound it together.

Steltenpohl, a 2011 LeBlond graduate, is assisted in coaching by her father, Mike Ziesel, who spent a combined 42 years as an educator at Benton, including 19 as a boys' basketball coach and 15 as the athletic director.

Ziesel's granddaughter, and Steltenpohl's niece, is junior and starting guard/forward Kaleigh Ziesel.

"It can be challenging at times, since we're family," Ziesel laughed. "They always like to yell at me, but you just move past it, because you know they just want you to do your best."&nbsp;

"That picture (see above) brings a tear to my eyes," Steltenpohl said. "But...I'm just proud of how hard they worked."

The family ties don't end there. Senior guard Katie Beam is joined on the team by her sister, Kayla, a junior. Together, they've been sharp shooters all season, particularly from long range.

"Man, it's been fun," Katie said. "We've been playing together since we were like three. So, to get to do this with (Kayla) and give it our all one last time before I go to college will be very memorable."

Whether by blood or by bond, this LeBlond team is a tight knit one. It's a team that has seen plenty of ups and downs just in the last couple of years alone.

Still, this group has achieved some major milestones with one more still to check off -the first state title for LeBlond girls' basketball since 1983.

"I think our girls are mentally prepared to win the first game and from there, we'll be ready for the next one."

LeBlond faces New Haven in state semifinals on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield. The game will be broadcast on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with coverage starting at 5:45 p.m.

LeBlond will then play for either 3rd place on Saturday at noon, or for a Class 2 championship on Saturday at 8 p.m. Regardless, Saturday's game will be on KFEQ as well. 680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com and the KFEQ app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678391976495.jpeg" alt="LeBlond's Kaleith Ziesel (15) comes off the floor to greet her aunt, head coach Jackie Steltenpohl, on Saturday following the Eagles' 55-39 win over Miller in state quarterfinals. Photo by Clifton Grooms." />
 <figcaption>LeBlond's Kaleith Ziesel (15) comes off the floor to greet her aunt, head coach Jackie Steltenpohl, on Saturday following the Eagles' 55-39 win over Miller in state quarterfinals. Photo by Clifton Grooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBishop LeBlond girls' basketball turned a major corner in 2021.The Golden Eagles defeated East Atchison for the program's first district title since 2007. That season ended with a tough, 20-point loss at Grace Gymnasium to Wellington-Napoleon in state quarterfinals.A year later, another district title, and the first 20-win season since 2011. But again, the season ended in quarters against Wellington-Napoleon - this time a 51-40 loss to the eventual state champions at Liberty North.Another year later, another corner turned. The Eagles (27-3) in 2023 broke their quarterfinal curse, dominating Miller this past Saturday, 55-39, at the MWSU Fieldhouse to clinch their first Final Four berth since 1986."I know as a player, I always strived for that goal," said LeBlond coach Jackie Steltenpohl, a LeBlond alum and four-year letterwinner for Benedictine. "I'm just proud of how hard this team this year has worked, leading up to these last four years. Especially these seniors. I'm just so proud of how hard they've been working and...they achieved that goal."LeBlond, ranked No. 1 in Class 2 for at least the last month, started the year 20-0. Ten of their wins this season have come against teams that won 20 or more games.&nbsp;In fact, LeBlond this season alone has faced five teams from two states in four different classes that have made it to state semifinals.Tipton (29-1), Meadville (29-0), Platte Valley (27-3), Benton (25-3) and Nebraska's Falls City Sacred Heart (26-3). LeBlond's record against these teams is 3-2.Sacred Heart just won a state title in Class D2, and LeBlond beat them on the road back in December, 47-35. Tipton's only loss on the season is to LeBlond in the Hall of Fame Classic in Bolivar.The Eagles' first loss of the season came at home to Meadville - a mighty impressive, undefeated team that's been at the top of Class 1 all season long.LeBlond also took losses late in the season to Class 4 state tournament qualifiers in St. Pius X and Benton. The Eagles lost in the South Side to a Benton team that's on the brink of its third straight Final Four.All of this to say, it's a hard to find a moment that's too big for this LeBlond team."We've been through a lot," said senior Katie Beam. "It's nothing we can't handle, but we're all looking forward to it and are very excited right now.""I think it's proven to the community that we deserve to be here," Steltenpohl added. "(The schedule) gave our girls confidence more than anyone really recognized, and I think that helped push us through the whole season."While strength of schedule and consecutive years of quarterfinal heartbreak have hardened this team, the family ties, have bound it together.Steltenpohl, a 2011 LeBlond graduate, is assisted in coaching by her father, Mike Ziesel, who spent a combined 42 years as an educator at Benton, including 19 as a boys' basketball coach and 15 as the athletic director.Ziesel's granddaughter, and Steltenpohl's niece, is junior and starting guard/forward Kaleigh Ziesel."It can be challenging at times, since we're family," Ziesel laughed. "They always like to yell at me, but you just move past it, because you know they just want you to do your best."&nbsp;"That picture (see above) brings a tear to my eyes," Steltenpohl said. "But...I'm just proud of how hard they worked."The family ties don't end there. Senior guard Katie Beam is joined on the team by her sister, Kayla, a junior. Together, they've been sharp shooters all season, particularly from long range."Man, it's been fun," Katie said. "We've been playing together since we were like three. So, to get to do this with (Kayla) and give it our all one last time before I go to college will be very memorable."Whether by blood or by bond, this LeBlond team is a tight knit one. It's a team that has seen plenty of ups and downs just in the last couple of years alone.Still, this group has achieved some major milestones with one more still to check off -the first state title for LeBlond girls' basketball since 1983."I think our girls are mentally prepared to win the first game and from there, we'll be ready for the next one."LeBlond faces New Haven in state semifinals on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Hammons Student Center in Springfield. The game will be broadcast on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) with coverage starting at 5:45 p.m.LeBlond will then play for either 3rd place on Saturday at noon, or for a Class 2 championship on Saturday at 8 p.m. Regardless, Saturday's game will be on KFEQ as well. 680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com and the KFEQ app.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394330572.jpeg" alt="Tatum Studer." />
 <figcaption>Tatum Studer.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394385908.jpeg" alt="Katie Beam." />
 <figcaption>Katie Beam.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394422360.jpeg" alt="Shae Lewis." />
 <figcaption>Shae Lewis.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394444192.jpeg" alt="Kayla Beam." />
 <figcaption>Kayla Beam.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394464183.jpeg" alt="Emma Raines." />
 <figcaption>Emma Raines.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Strength of schedule, family ties, guided LeBlond to historic Final Four berth

FAUCETT - Mid-Buchanan girls' wrestling has seen trailblazing athletes come through its program within the last couple of years alone.

Haley Sampson was the program's first ever state qualifier, qualifying all four years of her varsity career and medaling second in her senior season last year.

Layson Hafley became the first female state medalist in program history in 2021, medaling 5th as a junior and then 6th as a senior last year.

This season, the Dragons took it a step further. Starting the year with 11 wrestlers, Mid-Buchanan qualified three girls for the state wrestling meet on Feb. 22-23 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.

At 105 pounds, sophomore Delanie Smith won her title match 6-1, becoming the Dragons' first ever female wrestler to win a state championship, and capping an outstanding 46-3 sophomore campaign.

"I was just really happy I could represent the school by winning," Smith said. "It's just nice to know that all of my hard work paid off and I was representing all of the people who helped get me there."

Mere minutes later, at 135 pounds, senior Kalli Schuster followed suit with a 7-0 decision in the title bout, ending her varsity career with a gold medal in her first appearance at the state wrestling meet.

"That was the main goal for all three years," Schuster said. "So, it was really nice to be able to get that."

The Dragons qualified three girls for state this year - Smith, Schuster and sophomore Molly Stanton, who was one match away from medaling.

 Head coach Jake Rumpf, who just completed his fifth season with the Dragons, is proud of the work his team put in all season.

"This is a sport where you put a lot of work in," he said. "The girls put a lot of work in, and it's tough. I'm just proud of them for not being afraid to do something that's challenging, and to see their hard work pay off at the biggest stage at the state tournament and become state champs was really awesome."

"It's a great feeling as a coach to see your kids find success."

Schuster, a senior at North Platte, is no stranger to athletic success. She's a three-time state medalist in track, helping the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/88b97114-ecdb-4c32-b55e-163e1dff8b86">Panthers to a state title last spring</a>. She's won gold in both the 4x100 and 4x200 relays each of the last two years.

Winning gold in wrestling, Schuster says, was a bit more personally satisfying.

"Getting gold at wrestling is definitely a bigger deal for me," she said. "I haven't been doing it as long and it's more of an individual sport. I got gold for relays, but that's a team effort. This is like, just me. I went out there and did it myself."

Girls' wrestling, especially in the last few years, is rapidly expanding. While MSHSAA has sanctioned the sport since 2018, more and more states are doing the same, with 34 of them now officially offering girls' wrestling.

The numbers in girls' wrestling continue to grow for schools like Mid-Buchanan and others across the area. In St. Joseph for instance, Central's Hailie Wagner and Ashley Slade became the first female wrestlers in school history to qualify for state.

Rumpf sees no reason why the growth of the sport won't continue in the near future.

"I have a daughter who's about to be three," he said. "I hope one day she does it. There's a lot to be said for these ladies who are really kind of paving the way for this sport, and it's going to grow and only continue to get better. I really enjoy coaching it and am proud of how hard they work."

"It's nice to see the amount of girls wrestling grow," Smith added. "That's just more competition and more girls to make you better and it's also nice to see the sport that's given you so much just grow and give more people that."

Smith and Schuster won't soon forget Hafley and Sampson - two former teammates and fellow trailblazers, who helped show them that success at the highest level is possible, no matter who you are.

"Layson and Haley were really big role models for me," Schuster said. "Haley especially, because I knew her from track and wrestling. So, watching her grow, and being partners with Layson, really helped me become the wrestler I am."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678308156586.jpeg" alt="Kalli Schuster (right) wrestles in the MSHSAA state championships at Mizzou Arena on Feb. 23. Photo by Chris Roush." />
 <figcaption>Kalli Schuster (right) wrestles in the MSHSAA state championships at Mizzou Arena on Feb. 23. Photo by Chris Roush.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostFAUCETT - Mid-Buchanan girls' wrestling has seen trailblazing athletes come through its program within the last couple of years alone.Haley Sampson was the program's first ever state qualifier, qualifying all four years of her varsity career and medaling second in her senior season last year.Layson Hafley became the first female state medalist in program history in 2021, medaling 5th as a junior and then 6th as a senior last year.This season, the Dragons took it a step further. Starting the year with 11 wrestlers, Mid-Buchanan qualified three girls for the state wrestling meet on Feb. 22-23 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.At 105 pounds, sophomore Delanie Smith won her title match 6-1, becoming the Dragons' first ever female wrestler to win a state championship, and capping an outstanding 46-3 sophomore campaign."I was just really happy I could represent the school by winning," Smith said. "It's just nice to know that all of my hard work paid off and I was representing all of the people who helped get me there."Mere minutes later, at 135 pounds, senior Kalli Schuster followed suit with a 7-0 decision in the title bout, ending her varsity career with a gold medal in her first appearance at the state wrestling meet."That was the main goal for all three years," Schuster said. "So, it was really nice to be able to get that."The Dragons qualified three girls for state this year - Smith, Schuster and sophomore Molly Stanton, who was one match away from medaling. Head coach Jake Rumpf, who just completed his fifth season with the Dragons, is proud of the work his team put in all season."This is a sport where you put a lot of work in," he said. "The girls put a lot of work in, and it's tough. I'm just proud of them for not being afraid to do something that's challenging, and to see their hard work pay off at the biggest stage at the state tournament and become state champs was really awesome.""It's a great feeling as a coach to see your kids find success."Schuster, a senior at North Platte, is no stranger to athletic success. She's a three-time state medalist in track, helping the <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/88b97114-ecdb-4c32-b55e-163e1dff8b86">Panthers to a state title last spring</a>. She's won gold in both the 4x100 and 4x200 relays each of the last two years.Winning gold in wrestling, Schuster says, was a bit more personally satisfying."Getting gold at wrestling is definitely a bigger deal for me," she said. "I haven't been doing it as long and it's more of an individual sport. I got gold for relays, but that's a team effort. This is like, just me. I went out there and did it myself."Girls' wrestling, especially in the last few years, is rapidly expanding. While MSHSAA has sanctioned the sport since 2018, more and more states are doing the same, with 34 of them now officially offering girls' wrestling.The numbers in girls' wrestling continue to grow for schools like Mid-Buchanan and others across the area. In St. Joseph for instance, Central's Hailie Wagner and Ashley Slade became the first female wrestlers in school history to qualify for state.Rumpf sees no reason why the growth of the sport won't continue in the near future."I have a daughter who's about to be three," he said. "I hope one day she does it. There's a lot to be said for these ladies who are really kind of paving the way for this sport, and it's going to grow and only continue to get better. I really enjoy coaching it and am proud of how hard they work.""It's nice to see the amount of girls wrestling grow," Smith added. "That's just more competition and more girls to make you better and it's also nice to see the sport that's given you so much just grow and give more people that."Smith and Schuster won't soon forget Hafley and Sampson - two former teammates and fellow trailblazers, who helped show them that success at the highest level is possible, no matter who you are."Layson and Haley were really big role models for me," Schuster said. "Haley especially, because I knew her from track and wrestling. So, watching her grow, and being partners with Layson, really helped me become the wrestler I am."Interviews<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-girls-wrestling-coach-Jake-Rumpf-e2031c3" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-wrestlers-Kalli-Schuster--Delanie-Smith-e2031dh" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678310852509.jpeg" alt="Delanie Smith at state. Photo by Chris Roush." />
 <figcaption>Delanie Smith at state. Photo by Chris Roush.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678310868208.jpeg" alt="Delanie Smith at the podium." />
 <figcaption>Delanie Smith at the podium.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678310885934.jpeg" alt="Kalli Schuster on the podium." />
 <figcaption>Kalli Schuster on the podium.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Delanie Smith, Kalli Schuster make Mid-Buchanan history with state wrestling titles

LIBERTY - The Benton girls' basketball team got an early scare from St. Pius X in Tuesday's state sectional game at William Jewell.

The Warriors hit five first half three-pointers, limiting Benton to just a 26-24 halftime lead.

The Cardinals (25-3) came out of the locker room strong, however, and scored 21 third quarter points to eventually pull away in a 64-50 win over Pius in Class 4 state sectionals at the Mabee Center in Liberty Tuesday night.

Pius had their best success in the second quarter, hitting four threes in that period alone and even tying the game 24-24 at one point. The Cardinals still led 26-24 at the break and never trailed in the game.

"(Coach Chris) Michaels told us to just calm down, take our time and that really helped everybody's confidence a little," Benton senior Kelsey Johnson said. "We started hitting (shots) and it was good from there."

Indeed, the Cardinals opened the second half on a 10-2 run and led by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter.

Johnson led the way with a game-high 20 points. She led Benton with three made triples. Sophomore Andrea Simmons had some early foul trouble, but still came away with 13 points.

Junior Avery Morlock finished with 11, senior Peyton Anderson had nine and sophomore Emma Loehnig scored six off the bench.

Loehnig had some key rebounds and second chance points in moments where Simmons was on the bench with three early fouls.

"Emma Loehnig is really special to have on the floor," Benton coach Chris Michaels said. "Specifically when we don't go very deep. We trust our whole bench, but we play 6-7 girls. So, when you play 6-7 and you know you can bring in another starter, we're usually okay with that."

Freshman Kate Sell led Pius (15-13) with 14 points. She made four threes on the night. Pius made 10 total three-pointers in the loss, but the Benton defense forced 20 turnovers on the night.

"Defense starts our offense," Michaels said. "So, we needed to sit down and defend and communicate and get ready defensively and know the scout. We went through the scout one more time, and that little refresher just sparked us."

Benton, who's won 13 straight games, advances to the state quarterfinals for a third straight year. The Cardinals will face Nevada (22-6) at State Fair Community College in Sedalia on Saturday at noon.

One win stands between Benton and a third consecutive Final Four appearance.

"We still have more to play," Johnson said. "It's exciting we won that game, but that's just the beginning. We still have one more to win, and two more after that. So, we're still working."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678246904878.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (2) tries to dribble against a defender in Tuesday's sectional game against St. Pius X. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (2) tries to dribble against a defender in Tuesday's sectional game against St. Pius X. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLIBERTY - The Benton girls' basketball team got an early scare from St. Pius X in Tuesday's state sectional game at William Jewell.The Warriors hit five first half three-pointers, limiting Benton to just a 26-24 halftime lead.The Cardinals (25-3) came out of the locker room strong, however, and scored 21 third quarter points to eventually pull away in a 64-50 win over Pius in Class 4 state sectionals at the Mabee Center in Liberty Tuesday night.Pius had their best success in the second quarter, hitting four threes in that period alone and even tying the game 24-24 at one point. The Cardinals still led 26-24 at the break and never trailed in the game."(Coach Chris) Michaels told us to just calm down, take our time and that really helped everybody's confidence a little," Benton senior Kelsey Johnson said. "We started hitting (shots) and it was good from there."Indeed, the Cardinals opened the second half on a 10-2 run and led by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter.Johnson led the way with a game-high 20 points. She led Benton with three made triples. Sophomore Andrea Simmons had some early foul trouble, but still came away with 13 points.Junior Avery Morlock finished with 11, senior Peyton Anderson had nine and sophomore Emma Loehnig scored six off the bench.Loehnig had some key rebounds and second chance points in moments where Simmons was on the bench with three early fouls."Emma Loehnig is really special to have on the floor," Benton coach Chris Michaels said. "Specifically when we don't go very deep. We trust our whole bench, but we play 6-7 girls. So, when you play 6-7 and you know you can bring in another starter, we're usually okay with that."Freshman Kate Sell led Pius (15-13) with 14 points. She made four threes on the night. Pius made 10 total three-pointers in the loss, but the Benton defense forced 20 turnovers on the night."Defense starts our offense," Michaels said. "So, we needed to sit down and defend and communicate and get ready defensively and know the scout. We went through the scout one more time, and that little refresher just sparked us."Benton, who's won 13 straight games, advances to the state quarterfinals for a third straight year. The Cardinals will face Nevada (22-6) at State Fair Community College in Sedalia on Saturday at noon.One win stands between Benton and a third consecutive Final Four appearance."We still have more to play," Johnson said. "It's exciting we won that game, but that's just the beginning. We still have one more to win, and two more after that. So, we're still working."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678246957021.jpeg" alt="Andrea Simmons (23) tries to go up for a layup in the second half." />
 <figcaption>Andrea Simmons (23) tries to go up for a layup in the second half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678246972432.jpeg" alt="Eliana Arambula." />
 <figcaption>Eliana Arambula.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678247003151.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson (12) holds the ball in the backcourt." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson (12) holds the ball in the backcourt.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678247029369.jpeg" alt="Benton coach Chris Michaels addresses the team during a timeout." />
 <figcaption>Benton coach Chris Michaels addresses the team during a timeout.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton uses big second half to down St. Pius X in state sectionals Friday

The Missouri Western women's basketball team was not selected for the NCAA tournament Sunday, despite a largely successful season.

Missouri Western needed to win at least one game in the MIAA tournament to bolster their NCAA tournament resume, but the Griffons were eliminated in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals against Fort Hays State with a 71-62 loss this past Friday night.

Despite a 24-7 record and finishing 3rd in a stacked MIAA, the Griffons were not selected for the big dance.

Missouri Western was the No. 8 seed in the previous week's Central Region rankings, but the Great American Conference tournament champion, Southern Nazarene, was an automatic bid, knocking the Griffons off the bubble.

Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker says the NCAA needs to rethink how they fill the Division II bracket, but also rethink how they prioritize the DII student-athlete experience.

"(The MIAA) should have six teams in this year," Whitaker said on the MWSU Coaches' Luncheon Monday. "If we are going to preach student-athlete experience, what in the world are you doing if you're not allowing kids to have the experience of a postseason when they deserve it?"

"So, until the NCAA wants to care more about the Division II experience, and the Division II athlete, you're going to continue to sell these kids short on what their experience should be."

The Griffons had the sixth toughest schedule in the country in Division II women's basketball, according to the Massey Ratings.

Of the six teams Missouri Western lost to this season, all of them won at least 20 games, and five of them are in the NCAA tournament.

The Griffons, who made the Elite Eight last season, had four more regular season wins this year than what they had the year prior. MWSU beat three ranked teams this season, and the 18 conference wins is the most for the Griffon women since the 2015-16 season.

Not to mention an outstanding 11-2 record in true road games.

Missouri Western was one of 11 teams in Division II women's basketball this year that had 20 or more wins, but didn't get an invite to the big dance.

There were also 11 DII women's teams with 10 or more losses this year that earned a bid.

Doesn't make much sense, does it? If this were Division I, Missouri Western is likely a 5-8 seed. And then the Fort Hays State women, with a 20-12 record, is probably an 8-11 seed. The Tigers were also left out this year.

The Division I tournament consists of only four regions, with teams seeded 1-16, allowing for more at-large bids from all across the country. Allowing for those capable and deserving at-large teams to have a shot at the big prize.

Often times in Division I, teams in the Power 6 conferences that qualify for the NCAA tournament can get in with a sub-.500 conference record, and teams from the same conference, often times, are put on opposite sides of the bracket, allowing for the best possible matchups with the best teams, come Final Four time.

Whereas in Division II, on the men's side this season for example, MIAA rivals Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State could meet in the Central Region final at Bearcat Arena, cutting either UCO or Northwest's chances short of even having a shot at an Elite Eight or Final Four appearance.

Northwest is 30-2. UCO is 26-5. Both have been in the top 10 all year. Why are they on the same side of the backet?

The NJCAA and NAIA have managed to run successful, true national tournaments that use a nearly identical format to that of Division I.

The DII tournament being split into eight regions is meant to save money on travel expenses for DII universities that have smaller budgets than their DI counterparts.

Yet, in the Central Region alone, teams like Missouri Southern, Central Missouri, Nebraska-Kearney and Pittsburg State will have to travel up to 11 hours to get to Minnesota-Duluth - the host site of the women's Central Region tournament this year.

"I mean, how much more money could it cost?" Whitaker said, on the idea of changing the DII format. "I know it all comes down to money, but they've got to look at it. I think the NCAA, no question, needs to look at what they're doing. As athletics have evolved, we also need to evolve and do right by student-athletes."

There's always going to be some teams left out or unhappy, regardless of what format or formula you use. The solution, or the overturning of this at the DII level, Whitaker notes, won't be easy.

"It's something we have to be loud about and fight for if we're going to fight for our athletes."

But, with the current rules being what they are, Whitaker recognizes that losing to Pittsburg State at home in the regular season finale and then going 0-1 in the conference tournament cost them in the end.

"Someone had to get left out and it was us," she said. "It's unfortunate, but we look at what we can control, and my goodness we should have won one more game. We had a rebound (against Pittsburg State) to probably secure that, and we didn't do that. So, we do take responsibility."

Despite not being selected for the tournament, Missouri Western has many reasons to be optimistic for the future.

The Griffons, who have won 21 or more games in three of the last four seasons, are set to return 15 of the 16 players on this year's roster.

Whitaker is proud of her team, regardless of what the selection committee decided.

"I am so proud of our players and how hard they've worked and the seasons they've put together," Whitaker said. "We have a lot of talent coming back, and we'll have meetings in the next week and make sure we're on the same page, and excited for what we have returning."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676162912204.png" alt="Stock photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team was not selected for the NCAA tournament Sunday, despite a largely successful season.Missouri Western needed to win at least one game in the MIAA tournament to bolster their NCAA tournament resume, but the Griffons were eliminated in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals against Fort Hays State with a 71-62 loss this past Friday night.Despite a 24-7 record and finishing 3rd in a stacked MIAA, the Griffons were not selected for the big dance.Missouri Western was the No. 8 seed in the previous week's Central Region rankings, but the Great American Conference tournament champion, Southern Nazarene, was an automatic bid, knocking the Griffons off the bubble.Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker says the NCAA needs to rethink how they fill the Division II bracket, but also rethink how they prioritize the DII student-athlete experience."(The MIAA) should have six teams in this year," Whitaker said on the MWSU Coaches' Luncheon Monday. "If we are going to preach student-athlete experience, what in the world are you doing if you're not allowing kids to have the experience of a postseason when they deserve it?""So, until the NCAA wants to care more about the Division II experience, and the Division II athlete, you're going to continue to sell these kids short on what their experience should be."The Griffons had the sixth toughest schedule in the country in Division II women's basketball, according to the Massey Ratings.Of the six teams Missouri Western lost to this season, all of them won at least 20 games, and five of them are in the NCAA tournament.The Griffons, who made the Elite Eight last season, had four more regular season wins this year than what they had the year prior. MWSU beat three ranked teams this season, and the 18 conference wins is the most for the Griffon women since the 2015-16 season.Not to mention an outstanding 11-2 record in true road games.Missouri Western was one of 11 teams in Division II women's basketball this year that had 20 or more wins, but didn't get an invite to the big dance.There were also 11 DII women's teams with 10 or more losses this year that earned a bid.Doesn't make much sense, does it? If this were Division I, Missouri Western is likely a 5-8 seed. And then the Fort Hays State women, with a 20-12 record, is probably an 8-11 seed. The Tigers were also left out this year.The Division I tournament consists of only four regions, with teams seeded 1-16, allowing for more at-large bids from all across the country. Allowing for those capable and deserving at-large teams to have a shot at the big prize.Often times in Division I, teams in the Power 6 conferences that qualify for the NCAA tournament can get in with a sub-.500 conference record, and teams from the same conference, often times, are put on opposite sides of the bracket, allowing for the best possible matchups with the best teams, come Final Four time.Whereas in Division II, on the men's side this season for example, MIAA rivals Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State could meet in the Central Region final at Bearcat Arena, cutting either UCO or Northwest's chances short of even having a shot at an Elite Eight or Final Four appearance.Northwest is 30-2. UCO is 26-5. Both have been in the top 10 all year. Why are they on the same side of the backet?The NJCAA and NAIA have managed to run successful, true national tournaments that use a nearly identical format to that of Division I.The DII tournament being split into eight regions is meant to save money on travel expenses for DII universities that have smaller budgets than their DI counterparts.Yet, in the Central Region alone, teams like Missouri Southern, Central Missouri, Nebraska-Kearney and Pittsburg State will have to travel up to 11 hours to get to Minnesota-Duluth - the host site of the women's Central Region tournament this year."I mean, how much more money could it cost?" Whitaker said, on the idea of changing the DII format. "I know it all comes down to money, but they've got to look at it. I think the NCAA, no question, needs to look at what they're doing. As athletics have evolved, we also need to evolve and do right by student-athletes."There's always going to be some teams left out or unhappy, regardless of what format or formula you use. The solution, or the overturning of this at the DII level, Whitaker notes, won't be easy."It's something we have to be loud about and fight for if we're going to fight for our athletes."But, with the current rules being what they are, Whitaker recognizes that losing to Pittsburg State at home in the regular season finale and then going 0-1 in the conference tournament cost them in the end."Someone had to get left out and it was us," she said. "It's unfortunate, but we look at what we can control, and my goodness we should have won one more game. We had a rebound (against Pittsburg State) to probably secure that, and we didn't do that. So, we do take responsibility."Despite not being selected for the tournament, Missouri Western has many reasons to be optimistic for the future.The Griffons, who have won 21 or more games in three of the last four seasons, are set to return 15 of the 16 players on this year's roster.Whitaker is proud of her team, regardless of what the selection committee decided."I am so proud of our players and how hard they've worked and the seasons they've put together," Whitaker said. "We have a lot of talent coming back, and we'll have meetings in the next week and make sure we're on the same page, and excited for what we have returning."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/MWSU-Luncheon-3623---WBB-coach-Candi-Whitaker-e1vv672" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Whitaker: NCAA should 'care more' about DII student-athlete experience

LIBERTY - It took Lafayette until the 2:17 mark of the first quarter to knock down their first offensive field goal of the game.

Once the Irish broke that seal, though, the flood gates opened.

Lafayette (21-7) knocked down eight total three-pointers, including five in the third quarter, and the Irish ultimately cruised to a 62-38 win over Odessa in a Class 4 state sectional game at William Jewell's Mabee Center in Liberty Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678164074241.jpeg" alt="Lafayette's Camden Bennett (35) drives in the first half of Tuesday's Class 4 sectional game against Odessa at the Mabee Center in Liberty. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Lafayette's Camden Bennett (35) drives in the first half of Tuesday's Class 4 sectional game against Odessa at the Mabee Center in Liberty. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLIBERTY - It took Lafayette until the 2:17 mark of the first quarter to knock down their first offensive field goal of the game.Once the Irish broke that seal, though, the flood gates opened.Lafayette (21-7) knocked down eight total three-pointers, including five in the third quarter, and the Irish ultimately cruised to a 62-38 win over Odessa in a Class 4 state sectional game at William Jewell's Mabee Center in Liberty Monday."We just had to come out and be solid on defense," Lafayette senior Camden Bennett said. "Just pressure the ball and...I thought we could come out with a 'W' and we did."Odessa (13-14) got off to a 4-1 start after holding Lafayette off the board altogether in the game's first four minutes.Trailing 6-3, Bennett got things going late in the first with a layup to draw it to within one. Connor Zeit followed shortly thereafter with a three-pointer to put the Irish up 8-6.Lafayette never trailed again.The Irish ended the first quarter on a 7-0 run to up 10-6 entering the second. A George Galloway three and a couple more layups by Bennett helped the Irish take a 21-13 lead into the locker room.Odessa hung in for a bit, making three triples and going 5-for-5 at the free throw line in the third quarter. But, the Bulldogs were no match for Lafayette's onslaught to start the second half.The Irish buried five three-pointers in the third quarter, three of them from Connor Zeit alone, and Lafayette made nine total field goals in the third to go up 46-27 entering the fourth.Six more points from Bennett in the fourth quarter, and an extra three from Galloway, helped put the game on ice.Bennett finished with a game-high 15 points. Connor Zeit had 12 - all from long range. Galloway finished with 11, while senior Mikey Thomas scored nine of his 10 points in the third quarter."We didn't want to settle for threes all night," Zeit said. "Once we found a good mix of getting to the hoop and knocking down shots, I think that really helped us increase our lead throughout the game."Jackson Murry led Odessa with 13 points. The Bulldogs had turnover problems, especially in the first half, and wound up with 17 giveaways."Defense is this team's best attribute," Lafayette coach Kevin Bristol said. "When we're focused and being consistent with what we do, and our principles on how we play defense, we're damn good."Lafayette has now won seven straight games, and have punched their ticket to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2020.Lafayette will next face Center (18-7) on Friday at 4 p.m. at State Fair Community College in Sedalia with a trip to the Final Four on the line."It's really rewarding," Bennett said. "We put a lot of work in this year. Everyone has put their heart and souls into this year and just being able to go to the quarterfinals, it's something we haven't done in a few years. It's really special, and I'm just hoping we can get it done Friday."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678165209911.jpeg" alt="Antonio Williams (4) goes up for a layup on a fastbreak." />
 <figcaption>Antonio Williams (4) goes up for a layup on a fastbreak.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678165230619.jpeg" alt="Ethan Zeit (21)." />
 <figcaption>Ethan Zeit (21).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678165248834.jpeg" alt="George Galloway." />
 <figcaption>George Galloway.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678165263609.jpeg" alt="Melik Reed." />
 <figcaption>Melik Reed.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678165276167.jpeg" alt="Quinn Lowe." />
 <figcaption>Quinn Lowe.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.