GOWER - East Buchanan got tested in a way Tuesday that they haven't been tested much this season.

The Bulldogs, who outscored their first six opponents by a combined 67-8 margin, got down 2-0 in the top of the first inning.

East Buchanan (7-0) had the answer. Sophomore Trevor Klein led off the bottom of the first with a walk, and senior Conner Musser promptly scored him on a two-run homer down the left field line.

The Bulldogs scored three more runs in the second, and that's all they'd need in a 5-2 victory over their rival Mid-Buchanan in Gower on a soggy Tuesday afternoon.

Musser, who surrendered only three total hits after the first inning, and only four total hits on the day, struck out eight batters and kept the Dragons scoreless for the game's final six innings.

&nbsp;"Conner threw a great game today in these elements," East Buchanan coach Dave Elms said. "It was starting to pick up a bit with the wind and the mist and the rain. Field started to get a little slick, but he did a great job of controlling the strike zone. I think he commanded the zone from the very first pitch of the first inning."

After hitting one batter and walking another in the first inning, Musser issued no free passes in innings 2-6, and the Bulldogs played error-free in the field behind him.

"We're pretty fundamentally sound," Musser said. "I feel like we all build off of each other and we all trust each other. That's what you can do when you play as a team."

East Buchanan, who had scored 10 or more runs in each of their last five games leading into Tuesday, was held to just five hits against Mid-Buchanan, but the Dragons (2-2) had little counter offensively.

In fact, Musser and the Bulldog defense retired 13 of the last 14 Mid-Buchanan batters.

"I feel like I get better as the game goes on most of the time," Musser said. "Defense was playing good behind me, and I knew I could do it with how good we've been playing recently."

Junior Derek Sprague started and took the loss on the mound for Mid-Buchanan, as he surrendered five total runs, four earned, in three innings pitched.

Junior relievers Zach Kelley and Denton Biller combined to pitch three innings of scoreless relief, including five strikeouts.

Offensively, Klein doubled, walked twice and scored twice to lead East Buchanan.

Hopes were high for the Bulldogs when the season began, as the Class 2 state runner-ups in 2021 returned the bulk of their lineup and pitching from last season.

They've lived up to the hype so far, as East Buchanan has rocketed their way to a 7-0 start and now boast the best record in the KCI Conference and the best record in Class 2 District 15.

"These kids are now older and stronger," Elms said. "They've been through it before. They're stepping up right where those kids left off from last year. So, we lost some starters, but I also think we had some starters come back who are playing important roles for us."

East Buchanan travels to Plattsburg Thursday. Mid-Buchanan goes to Pembroke Hill Wednesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649205868386.jpeg" alt="Conner Musser struck out eight batters in a complete game victory over Mid-Buchanan Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Conner Musser struck out eight batters in a complete game victory over Mid-Buchanan Tuesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGOWER - East Buchanan got tested in a way Tuesday that they haven't been tested much this season.The Bulldogs, who outscored their first six opponents by a combined 67-8 margin, got down 2-0 in the top of the first inning.East Buchanan (7-0) had the answer. Sophomore Trevor Klein led off the bottom of the first with a walk, and senior Conner Musser promptly scored him on a two-run homer down the left field line.The Bulldogs scored three more runs in the second, and that's all they'd need in a 5-2 victory over their rival Mid-Buchanan in Gower on a soggy Tuesday afternoon.Musser, who surrendered only three total hits after the first inning, and only four total hits on the day, struck out eight batters and kept the Dragons scoreless for the game's final six innings.&nbsp;"Conner threw a great game today in these elements," East Buchanan coach Dave Elms said. "It was starting to pick up a bit with the wind and the mist and the rain. Field started to get a little slick, but he did a great job of controlling the strike zone. I think he commanded the zone from the very first pitch of the first inning."After hitting one batter and walking another in the first inning, Musser issued no free passes in innings 2-6, and the Bulldogs played error-free in the field behind him."We're pretty fundamentally sound," Musser said. "I feel like we all build off of each other and we all trust each other. That's what you can do when you play as a team."East Buchanan, who had scored 10 or more runs in each of their last five games leading into Tuesday, was held to just five hits against Mid-Buchanan, but the Dragons (2-2) had little counter offensively.In fact, Musser and the Bulldog defense retired 13 of the last 14 Mid-Buchanan batters."I feel like I get better as the game goes on most of the time," Musser said. "Defense was playing good behind me, and I knew I could do it with how good we've been playing recently."Junior Derek Sprague started and took the loss on the mound for Mid-Buchanan, as he surrendered five total runs, four earned, in three innings pitched.Junior relievers Zach Kelley and Denton Biller combined to pitch three innings of scoreless relief, including five strikeouts.Offensively, Klein doubled, walked twice and scored twice to lead East Buchanan.Hopes were high for the Bulldogs when the season began, as the Class 2 state runner-ups in 2021 returned the bulk of their lineup and pitching from last season.They've lived up to the hype so far, as East Buchanan has rocketed their way to a 7-0 start and now boast the best record in the KCI Conference and the best record in Class 2 District 15."These kids are now older and stronger," Elms said. "They've been through it before. They're stepping up right where those kids left off from last year. So, we lost some starters, but I also think we had some starters come back who are playing important roles for us."East Buchanan travels to Plattsburg Thursday. Mid-Buchanan goes to Pembroke Hill Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649206410811.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan players come out of the dugout to celebrate Conner Musser's game-tying home run in the first inning." />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan players come out of the dugout to celebrate Conner Musser's game-tying home run in the first inning.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Conner Musser throws complete game, East Buchanan holds off Mid-Buchanan Tuesday

Girls’ soccer LeBlond 2 Savannah 1. Full coverage here. Chillicothe 3 Benton 1 St. Joseph Central 2 North Kansas City 0 Mid-Buchanan 6 Kansas City Lutheran 1

Baseball Lafayette 4 Cameron 3 East Buchanan 10 Maryville 0 (5 innings). The Bulldogs are 6-0 to start the year.

Savannah 7 Lathrop 1 St. Joseph Christian 5 North Platte 1. The Lions are now 5-1. Nodaway Valley 4 Stewartsville-Osborn 2 DeKalb 7 North Nodaway 2

Boys’ golf Maryville took first at the Irish Tournament at Fairview Golf Course in St. Joseph Monday, beating Lafayette by 12 strokes.

Boys’ tennis Park Hill 7 St. Joseph Central 2 Trenton 9 Benton 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649160250327.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGirls’ soccer LeBlond 2 Savannah 1. Full coverage here. Chillicothe 3 Benton 1 St. Joseph Central 2 North Kansas City 0 Mid-Buchanan 6 Kansas City Lutheran 1Baseball Lafayette 4 Cameron 3 East Buchanan 10 Maryville 0 (5 innings). The Bulldogs are 6-0 to start the year. Savannah 7 Lathrop 1 St. Joseph Christian 5 North Platte 1. The Lions are now 5-1. Nodaway Valley 4 Stewartsville-Osborn 2 DeKalb 7 North Nodaway 2Boys’ golf Maryville took first at the Irish Tournament at Fairview Golf Course in St. Joseph Monday, beating Lafayette by 12 strokes.Boys’ tennis Park Hill 7 St. Joseph Central 2 Trenton 9 Benton 0

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - April 4, 2022

SAVANNAH - Senior Emily Welter tied the game with a goal late in the first half, and sophomore Emily Weddle broke that tie with another goal late in the second half, and Bishop LeBlond (4-1) came away with a 2-1 win at Savannah Monday.

Savannah (2-2) struck first within the first 10 minutes. Senior Corinne Stewart split through a couple of defenders and put through an unassisted goal to give the Savages a 1-0 lead with 31:09 left in the first half.

LeBlond had several looks at the goal through the first half, but Savannah's midfield and sophomore keeper Lily Scheidegger kept the Eagles off the board for awhile.

Late in the first half, junior Tatum Studer passed a ball through the middle of the box, and senior Emily Welter put it top shelf to knot the game at 1-1 with 6:45 left in the first half. The score remained the same heading into halftime.

"(Tatum) just hit the ball through pretty well," said Welter, "and I just knew, I don't know, I had to get that one in, because it was a pretty good ball."

LeBlond controlled the pace offensively for much of the second half, coming up with seven shots-on-goal over the final 40 minutes. Yet again, Savannah did all they could to make life difficult for the Eagles.

Scheidegger finished with nine total saves, but LeBlond kept coming in the closing minutes. Weddle dribbed the ball down field and into the box, drawing Scheidegger out of the goal to try and cover.

Through a traffic jam of players, Scheidegger fell down, opening the door for Weddle, who slid down herself and put a rolling ground ball into the net to put LeBlond up 2-1 with 5:45 remaining.

"Honestly, I didn't really think it was going in," Weddle admitted. "But, it slipped past (Scheidegger) and obviously went in. So, I don't know. It was kind of crazy."

Savannah, which had only two shots-on-goal in the second half, couldn't come up with an effective counter in the closing minutes and the Eagles held on to win after getting blanked 8-0 at Smithville six days prior.

Still, a pretty good start for a team looking to repeat as district champions after losing nine seniors from the 2021 squad.

"I feel pretty confident in us," said Weddle, a team captain this year. "We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we still have a lot of potential and we just need to keep playing like we know how to play."

LeBlond heads to Maryville on Thursday, while Savannah is home to Chillicothe Tuesday. The Hornets won 3-1 at Benton on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649121247554.jpeg" alt="LeBlond's Emily Welter (12) tries to get around a pair of defenders in the first half of the Golden Eagles' 2-1 win at Savannah Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>LeBlond's Emily Welter (12) tries to get around a pair of defenders in the first half of the Golden Eagles' 2-1 win at Savannah Monday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSAVANNAH - Senior Emily Welter tied the game with a goal late in the first half, and sophomore Emily Weddle broke that tie with another goal late in the second half, and Bishop LeBlond (4-1) came away with a 2-1 win at Savannah Monday.Savannah (2-2) struck first within the first 10 minutes. Senior Corinne Stewart split through a couple of defenders and put through an unassisted goal to give the Savages a 1-0 lead with 31:09 left in the first half.LeBlond had several looks at the goal through the first half, but Savannah's midfield and sophomore keeper Lily Scheidegger kept the Eagles off the board for awhile.Late in the first half, junior Tatum Studer passed a ball through the middle of the box, and senior Emily Welter put it top shelf to knot the game at 1-1 with 6:45 left in the first half. The score remained the same heading into halftime."(Tatum) just hit the ball through pretty well," said Welter, "and I just knew, I don't know, I had to get that one in, because it was a pretty good ball."LeBlond controlled the pace offensively for much of the second half, coming up with seven shots-on-goal over the final 40 minutes. Yet again, Savannah did all they could to make life difficult for the Eagles.Scheidegger finished with nine total saves, but LeBlond kept coming in the closing minutes. Weddle dribbed the ball down field and into the box, drawing Scheidegger out of the goal to try and cover.Through a traffic jam of players, Scheidegger fell down, opening the door for Weddle, who slid down herself and put a rolling ground ball into the net to put LeBlond up 2-1 with 5:45 remaining."Honestly, I didn't really think it was going in," Weddle admitted. "But, it slipped past (Scheidegger) and obviously went in. So, I don't know. It was kind of crazy."Savannah, which had only two shots-on-goal in the second half, couldn't come up with an effective counter in the closing minutes and the Eagles held on to win after getting blanked 8-0 at Smithville six days prior.Still, a pretty good start for a team looking to repeat as district champions after losing nine seniors from the 2021 squad."I feel pretty confident in us," said Weddle, a team captain this year. "We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we still have a lot of potential and we just need to keep playing like we know how to play."LeBlond heads to Maryville on Thursday, while Savannah is home to Chillicothe Tuesday. The Hornets won 3-1 at Benton on Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649121783085.jpeg" alt="Camryn Higer (left)." />
 <figcaption>Camryn Higer (left).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Emily Weddle's goal breaks late tie, LeBlond comes through with win at Savannah Monday

The NCAA women's basketball Division II Elite Eight tournament is set to be held at St. Joseph's Civic Arena in both 2023 and 2024, and city officials are making sure the facility will be ready in time.

Built in 1980, Civic Arena is getting some long-awaited renovations. A half-cent sales tax increase approved by St. Joseph voters last August is expected to raise $50-$60 million for the city's parks and recreation facilities before it sunsets in 10 years. About $2.1 million of that will go toward the arena.

Brett Esely, Elite Eight tournament director for 2023-24, and director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, says the goal over the last year-and-a-half has been to get Civic Arena ready to host the NCAA event, which in turn, will make the arena better equipped to host other things, too.

"When you think about the process over the last 18 months," Esely said, "the goal was to get the facility NCAA basketball ready first, knowing that there's many more events that take place in Civic Arena that are above and beyond basketball. Above and beyond sports."

The major renovations inside Civic include a newly refurbished and repainted floor, which was done locally by Hillyard, Inc. Esely says the next big project on the inside will be replacing the original scoreboard, which does not have video capabilities.

"I think the next major 'wow' for the inside will be the scoreboard," Esely stated. "The current scoreboard is original to the building. It does essentially what you need it do right now - keep time and score. But, think about what you expect to see when you go in a major entertainment or athletic venue."

Esely also said scorers' tables will be added, and those, too will have LED lights so they'll be able to display different advertisements and messages - just like you'd see at any modern arena.

Another big renovation will be new basketball hoops. The current ones are 43 years old, and are also original to the building.

"Think about how many shots and dunks and just general wear and tear those hoops have seen over the course of 43 years," Esely noted. "Knowing that's obviously a vital piece of a basketball game."

Esely says all 3,800 seats will be replaced as well. Three sides of the arena still have their original seating. The west side is the only one that's been renovated in the last 10 years - only because those seats were condemned.

Next year will mark the fifth time that St. Joseph has hosted the NCAA DII women's basketball Elite Eight. The last time was in 2011. While the thought of building a new arena in downtown appeals to some, Esely says taking care of what's already here is the most viable option for now.

"I don't know if a new arena in St. Joe is going to be a reality any time soon," Esely said. "Knowing this is a community that likes to take care of what they have, and knowing the marketability that arena has especially when it comes to small college athletics, these upgrades are vital."

With the Missouri Western women's basketball team fresh off of an Elite Eight appearance in Birmingham this past month, excitement for this event coming back to St. Joseph is palpable.

Whether the Griffons make the Elite Eight at Civic or not, Esely is confident that St. Joseph will treat the event with the right amount of excitement and respect.

"St. Joseph does these events well," Esely said. "They embrace the event, they understand the magnitude and I think the visitors who come to town, they really appreciate the red carpet St. Joseph rolls out, because it's a big deal. The city lets these visitors know that the event's here. That's a big deal for events like this."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647621168431.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe NCAA women's basketball Division II Elite Eight tournament is set to be held at St. Joseph's Civic Arena in both 2023 and 2024, and city officials are making sure the facility will be ready in time.Built in 1980, Civic Arena is getting some long-awaited renovations. A half-cent sales tax increase approved by St. Joseph voters last August is expected to raise $50-$60 million for the city's parks and recreation facilities before it sunsets in 10 years. About $2.1 million of that will go toward the arena.Brett Esely, Elite Eight tournament director for 2023-24, and director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, says the goal over the last year-and-a-half has been to get Civic Arena ready to host the NCAA event, which in turn, will make the arena better equipped to host other things, too."When you think about the process over the last 18 months," Esely said, "the goal was to get the facility NCAA basketball ready first, knowing that there's many more events that take place in Civic Arena that are above and beyond basketball. Above and beyond sports."The major renovations inside Civic include a newly refurbished and repainted floor, which was done locally by Hillyard, Inc. Esely says the next big project on the inside will be replacing the original scoreboard, which does not have video capabilities."I think the next major 'wow' for the inside will be the scoreboard," Esely stated. "The current scoreboard is original to the building. It does essentially what you need it do right now - keep time and score. But, think about what you expect to see when you go in a major entertainment or athletic venue."Esely also said scorers' tables will be added, and those, too will have LED lights so they'll be able to display different advertisements and messages - just like you'd see at any modern arena.Another big renovation will be new basketball hoops. The current ones are 43 years old, and are also original to the building. "Think about how many shots and dunks and just general wear and tear those hoops have seen over the course of 43 years," Esely noted. "Knowing that's obviously a vital piece of a basketball game."Esely says all 3,800 seats will be replaced as well. Three sides of the arena still have their original seating. The west side is the only one that's been renovated in the last 10 years - only because those seats were condemned.Next year will mark the fifth time that St. Joseph has hosted the NCAA DII women's basketball Elite Eight. The last time was in 2011. While the thought of building a new arena in downtown appeals to some, Esely says taking care of what's already here is the most viable option for now."I don't know if a new arena in St. Joe is going to be a reality any time soon," Esely said. "Knowing this is a community that likes to take care of what they have, and knowing the marketability that arena has especially when it comes to small college athletics, these upgrades are vital."With the Missouri Western women's basketball team fresh off of an Elite Eight appearance in Birmingham this past month, excitement for this event coming back to St. Joseph is palpable.Whether the Griffons make the Elite Eight at Civic or not, Esely is confident that St. Joseph will treat the event with the right amount of excitement and respect."St. Joseph does these events well," Esely said. "They embrace the event, they understand the magnitude and I think the visitors who come to town, they really appreciate the red carpet St. Joseph rolls out, because it's a big deal. The city lets these visitors know that the event's here. That's a big deal for events like this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648754371395.jpeg" alt="Mound City and Stanberry played a Class 1 state sectional game at Civic Arena in St. Joseph on March 1." />
 <figcaption>Mound City and Stanberry played a Class 1 state sectional game at Civic Arena in St. Joseph on March 1.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Civic Arena will be Elite Eight ready in 2023, city officials say

Senior Ty Hilsabeck threw nine strikeouts in a complete game and held Lafayette without a hit in a 2-1 victory for Savannah at Phil Welch Stadium on a breezy Tuesday afternoon.

The last time these MEC foes met, Lafayette ended Savannah's season with a 7-0 defeat in the district championship at Lathrop last May.

"It felt good," Hilsabeck said of the victory. "We owed Lafayette after kicking us out last year. So, it felt good to get 'em."

Lafayette's lone run came in the bottom of the second inning when senior Xavion Page got on with a leadoff walk. He stole second and made it home on groundout sacrifices from Brendon Bushong and Drake Losson, giving the Irish an early 1-0 lead.

Lafayette only had three baserunners in the game's final five innings - a walk, an error and a hit batter. Hilsabeck put the Irish down in order in the bottom of the seventh to seal the deal.

"He did a great job of keeping them off balance," Savannah coach Erich Bodenhausen said of Hilsabeck's performance. "He really pounded the strike zone and he's not even in midseason form yet. So, he's only going to get better as we go through this."

Offensively, Savannah notched seven hits and got on the board in the top of the fourth. Sophomore Wyatt Jackson led off the frame with a single up the middle. Junior Ethan Dudeck followed that up with a walk.

In the next at-bat, senior Ethan Dennis singled hard down the right field line, scoring both runners and putting Savannah up 2-1.

Savannah (7-1) notched a hit in five different innings, but stranded 10 total runners and left bases loaded in both the second and sixth innings.

"We didn't get any timely hits," Bodenhausen said. "We came out on Saturday (against Central) and scored a whole bunch of runs. Yesterday (against Plattsburg) and today, we came out and we had to scratch out everything we got. But, that's the way baseball is and that's why it's fun."

At the end of the day, Savannah has won five straight, and has played eight total games, while most teams in the area have only played 2-4 thus far.

"We're feeling good," Hilsabeck said. "We need to keep scoring runs to put pressure on people, because I'm sure they're going to be coming after us."

Savannah is home to Cameron Thursday, while Lafayette is at Maryville on the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600856083.jpeg" alt="Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSenior Ty Hilsabeck threw nine strikeouts in a complete game and held Lafayette without a hit in a 2-1 victory for Savannah at Phil Welch Stadium on a breezy Tuesday afternoon.The last time these MEC foes met, Lafayette ended Savannah's season with a 7-0 defeat in the district championship at Lathrop last May."It felt good," Hilsabeck said of the victory. "We owed Lafayette after kicking us out last year. So, it felt good to get 'em."Lafayette's lone run came in the bottom of the second inning when senior Xavion Page got on with a leadoff walk. He stole second and made it home on groundout sacrifices from Brendon Bushong and Drake Losson, giving the Irish an early 1-0 lead.Lafayette only had three baserunners in the game's final five innings - a walk, an error and a hit batter. Hilsabeck put the Irish down in order in the bottom of the seventh to seal the deal."He did a great job of keeping them off balance," Savannah coach Erich Bodenhausen said of Hilsabeck's performance. "He really pounded the strike zone and he's not even in midseason form yet. So, he's only going to get better as we go through this."Offensively, Savannah notched seven hits and got on the board in the top of the fourth. Sophomore Wyatt Jackson led off the frame with a single up the middle. Junior Ethan Dudeck followed that up with a walk.In the next at-bat, senior Ethan Dennis singled hard down the right field line, scoring both runners and putting Savannah up 2-1.Savannah (7-1) notched a hit in five different innings, but stranded 10 total runners and left bases loaded in both the second and sixth innings."We didn't get any timely hits," Bodenhausen said. "We came out on Saturday (against Central) and scored a whole bunch of runs. Yesterday (against Plattsburg) and today, we came out and we had to scratch out everything we got. But, that's the way baseball is and that's why it's fun."At the end of the day, Savannah has won five straight, and has played eight total games, while most teams in the area have only played 2-4 thus far."We're feeling good," Hilsabeck said. "We need to keep scoring runs to put pressure on people, because I'm sure they're going to be coming after us."Savannah is home to Cameron Thursday, while Lafayette is at Maryville on the same day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600909998.jpeg" alt="Parker Brayley." />
 <figcaption>Parker Brayley.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600932405.jpeg" alt="Drake Losson." />
 <figcaption>Drake Losson.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Hilsabeck throws no-hitter, Savannah edges Lafayette in defensive battle Tuesday

&nbsp;Nominations for the second annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame induction class have been coming in steadily since the first class was enshrined last September.

Now, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is encouraging everyone to get their submissions in for this year's class by Thursday, March 31.

Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, says nominations will be taken all year round, even if submitted after the 31st.

He says there's about 50 combined individuals and teams who have already been nominated and are in the database.

"That submission window is open 365 days a year," Esely said. "So, if you submitted somebody in the middle of the summertime, that nomination would go right into our database and that person would be eligible for next year."

Anyone is eligible to nominate an individual or team, and those nominations are active for five years. A nomination form can be filled out <a href="https://stjomo.com/stjosephsportscommission/">online here</a>.

People can also pick up a nomination packet from the St. Joseph CVB's main office at 911 Frederick Avenue during regular business hours.

Nominees must either be born in Buchanan County, accomplish their sports feat in the county or be contributing to sports in the county at the present time.

Esely says starting the Hall of Fame induction process last year drew a lot of attention to sports achievements in the area that may have been forgotten about, or just not as well known.

"We wanted people to not only take note about our inaugural class," Esely pointed out, "but we were hoping people would say, 'Well, golly. I know an individual that's worthy of nomination, or I know a team.' In some cases, those inductions were folks or accomplishments that we knew about. But, in some cases they were folks or accomplishments that we didn't know about, and that's why it's so crucial."&nbsp;

Nominees will be considered but not limited to athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, officials and referees, media members, sports medicine, trainers, support staff and beyond.

The second Hall of Fame Class will consist of up to ten individuals and one team. The enshrinement ceremony is set for September at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in St. Joseph.

Esely says the exact date is to be determined, but it'll be on a Sunday and it will depend on the Chiefs schedule, which will be announced along with the rest of the NFL schedule in either late April or early May.

"What Friday or Saturday evening at any time of year, let alone in the fall," Esely asked, "are you going to find a date that the schedule works for almost everyone involved? So, we found that Sunday worked very well last year."

Esely, who was integral in starting the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame in November 2020, says having this Hall of Fame and annual enshrinement ceremony are critical for preserving the history of sports achievements in the city and county.

"Our sports history in St. Joseph and Buchanan County stretches 150-200 years," Esely said. "There's a lot of that history that's obvious, but realistically, there's a lot more of that history that's not obvious."

The 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class will be announced in early-mid June.

Last year's inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class included Lafayette graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett, and more.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/174bd76a-6fa7-450f-aad6-afe6633e91d2">The full 2021 class can be seen here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648580960759.jpeg" alt="Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;Nominations for the second annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame induction class have been coming in steadily since the first class was enshrined last September.Now, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is encouraging everyone to get their submissions in for this year's class by Thursday, March 31.Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, says nominations will be taken all year round, even if submitted after the 31st.He says there's about 50 combined individuals and teams who have already been nominated and are in the database."That submission window is open 365 days a year," Esely said. "So, if you submitted somebody in the middle of the summertime, that nomination would go right into our database and that person would be eligible for next year."Anyone is eligible to nominate an individual or team, and those nominations are active for five years. A nomination form can be filled out <a href="https://stjomo.com/stjosephsportscommission/">online here</a>.People can also pick up a nomination packet from the St. Joseph CVB's main office at 911 Frederick Avenue during regular business hours.Nominees must either be born in Buchanan County, accomplish their sports feat in the county or be contributing to sports in the county at the present time.Esely says starting the Hall of Fame induction process last year drew a lot of attention to sports achievements in the area that may have been forgotten about, or just not as well known."We wanted people to not only take note about our inaugural class," Esely pointed out, "but we were hoping people would say, 'Well, golly. I know an individual that's worthy of nomination, or I know a team.' In some cases, those inductions were folks or accomplishments that we knew about. But, in some cases they were folks or accomplishments that we didn't know about, and that's why it's so crucial."&nbsp;Nominees will be considered but not limited to athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, officials and referees, media members, sports medicine, trainers, support staff and beyond.The second Hall of Fame Class will consist of up to ten individuals and one team. The enshrinement ceremony is set for September at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in St. Joseph.Esely says the exact date is to be determined, but it'll be on a Sunday and it will depend on the Chiefs schedule, which will be announced along with the rest of the NFL schedule in either late April or early May."What Friday or Saturday evening at any time of year, let alone in the fall," Esely asked, "are you going to find a date that the schedule works for almost everyone involved? So, we found that Sunday worked very well last year."Esely, who was integral in starting the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame in November 2020, says having this Hall of Fame and annual enshrinement ceremony are critical for preserving the history of sports achievements in the city and county."Our sports history in St. Joseph and Buchanan County stretches 150-200 years," Esely said. "There's a lot of that history that's obvious, but realistically, there's a lot more of that history that's not obvious."The 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class will be announced in early-mid June.Last year's inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class included Lafayette graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett, and more.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/174bd76a-6fa7-450f-aad6-afe6633e91d2">The full 2021 class can be seen here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648582771433.jpeg" alt="The Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 was inducted into the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class last September. " />
 <figcaption>The Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 was inducted into the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class last September. </figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Nominations for 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class due Thursday

It was an all around busy day of spring sports across the area Monday.

Baseball St. Joseph Central 9 Truman 3 Maryville 4 Benton 3 Savannah 4 Plattsburg 3 St. Joseph Christian 13 Rock Port 2 South Harrison 15 North Andrew 5 East Buchanan 14 Pembroke Hill 0 East Atchison 5 South Holt 3 Stewartsville-Osborn 14 North Nodaway 4 Northeast Nodaway 19 DeKalb 3 Platte Valley 14 Nodaway Valley 4

Girls’ soccer Lafayette 2 Atchison, KS 1 - OT Platte County 2 St. Joseph Central 1 Savannah 2 Benton 1

Boys’ golf Lafayette took first in a triangular with Benton and East Buchanan at Fairview Golf Course with a team score of 179, winning by 48 strokes. Connor Zeit was the tournament medalist for Lafayette, shooting a 41.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648554151220.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was an all around busy day of spring sports across the area Monday.Baseball St. Joseph Central 9 Truman 3 Maryville 4 Benton 3 Savannah 4 Plattsburg 3 St. Joseph Christian 13 Rock Port 2 South Harrison 15 North Andrew 5 East Buchanan 14 Pembroke Hill 0 East Atchison 5 South Holt 3 Stewartsville-Osborn 14 North Nodaway 4 Northeast Nodaway 19 DeKalb 3 Platte Valley 14 Nodaway Valley 4Girls’ soccer Lafayette 2 Atchison, KS 1 - OT Platte County 2 St. Joseph Central 1 Savannah 2 Benton 1Boys’ golf Lafayette took first in a triangular with Benton and East Buchanan at Fairview Golf Course with a team score of 179, winning by 48 strokes. Connor Zeit was the tournament medalist for Lafayette, shooting a 41.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - March 28, 2022

The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team made history Saturday, becoming the first program in NCAA Division II history to produce three consecutive national championships with a 67-58 victory over the Augusta (33-4) at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Junior guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;put the Bearcats on his back with a game-high 31 points in what was likely his final game in a Northwest uniform.

His 31 points also gives him 2,829 in his career - the new Division II career scoring record. His 168 made three-pointers this season are also a new DII record, as Hudgins is now 17-0 in NCAA tournament games.

The Bearcat bench also provided a spark on both ends of the floor Saturday, outscoring the Augusta bench 19-4.

Northwest (34-5), which won its last 11 games in a row to end the season, captured their third straight national championship, and fourth in five years. Augusta used the post play of their 7-1 center Tyshaun&nbsp;Crawford to build an 18-12 lead eight minutes into the contest. The Bearcats hit the Jaguars with an 11-2 run which included a pair of three-pointers from&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;that gave Northwest a 23-20 lead with 6:40 remaining in the half.

Hudgins&nbsp;tallied 22 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The Bearcats closed the first half on a 27-10 scoring run to take a 39-28 lead into the locker room. Northwest started the second half on fire, as Hudgins' fifth made three put the Bearcats up 52-34 with 13:47 remaining.

Augusta, which saw a 19-game winning streak snapped Saturday, answered with a 10-0 run, but Luke Waters had a critical bucket with 6:54 left to give Northwest a 54-44 lead. The Jaguars kept coming, however, and trimmed the Bearcat lead to 57-56 with 2:36 to play.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;sank a pair of free throws with 2:24 left to put the Bearcats back up 59-56.

Eventually, Northwest got enough stops and made enough free throws to lead 64-56 with 45.6 remaining. Mitch Mascari produced 11 points and four rebounds, while Waters added 12 points and three steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648391001831.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team made history Saturday, becoming the first program in NCAA Division II history to produce three consecutive national championships with a 67-58 victory over the Augusta (33-4) at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Junior guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;put the Bearcats on his back with a game-high 31 points in what was likely his final game in a Northwest uniform.His 31 points also gives him 2,829 in his career - the new Division II career scoring record. His 168 made three-pointers this season are also a new DII record, as Hudgins is now 17-0 in NCAA tournament games.The Bearcat bench also provided a spark on both ends of the floor Saturday, outscoring the Augusta bench 19-4.Northwest (34-5), which won its last 11 games in a row to end the season, captured their third straight national championship, and fourth in five years. Augusta used the post play of their 7-1 center Tyshaun&nbsp;Crawford to build an 18-12 lead eight minutes into the contest. The Bearcats hit the Jaguars with an 11-2 run which included a pair of three-pointers from&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;that gave Northwest a 23-20 lead with 6:40 remaining in the half.Hudgins&nbsp;tallied 22 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The Bearcats closed the first half on a 27-10 scoring run to take a 39-28 lead into the locker room. Northwest started the second half on fire, as Hudgins' fifth made three put the Bearcats up 52-34 with 13:47 remaining.Augusta, which saw a 19-game winning streak snapped Saturday, answered with a 10-0 run, but Luke Waters had a critical bucket with 6:54 left to give Northwest a 54-44 lead. The Jaguars kept coming, however, and trimmed the Bearcat lead to 57-56 with 2:36 to play.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;sank a pair of free throws with 2:24 left to put the Bearcats back up 59-56.Eventually, Northwest got enough stops and made enough free throws to lead 64-56 with 45.6 remaining. Mitch Mascari produced 11 points and four rebounds, while Waters added 12 points and three steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest makes history, Bearcats claim third straight national title

The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team (33-5) will play for its third straight national title and its fourth in five years Saturday as the Bearcats get set to face Augusta for the Division II men’s basketball national championship at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on CBS. The Bearcats are back in the title game after a 70-57 win over Black Hills State in Thursday’s Final Four game.

Northwest is 33-5 - the most losses they’ve taken in six years and they also lost back-to-back games in the regular season this year for the first time since 2015. Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says despite some doubts, he felt like this group was capable of doing something special.

"I don't think anything was ever wrong with us," McCollum said after Thursday's game. "I've said it before, we're not the 2021 Bearcats. There's a whole new story, and there's only one of us. It's our story and we're writing it and it's a special story."

Sophomore Luke Waters, who scored a team-high 17 points on Thursday, says getting back to this point speaks volumes to the work ethic and tradition of their program.

"It's amazing," Waters remarked. "It speaks to Mac (McCollum), it speaks to this group and our resiliency. We were challenged this year. It hasn't been easy one bit. The fact that we have the opportunity to compete for a national championship and a title game, it speaks to our team and our program honestly."

Northwest faces an Augusta team that’s 33-3 overall and winners of 19 straight games. This will mark the first ever meeting between the two programs.

Northwest has won 16 straight NCAA tournament games going in, meaning Diego Bernard and Trevor Hudgins have never lost in the NCAA tournament in their college careers.

Northwest will try and be the first men's basketball program in DII history to win three straight national titles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648241267499.jpeg" alt="The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team celebrates after winning a national championship over West Texas A&amp;M in 2021. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team celebrates after winning a national championship over West Texas A&amp;M in 2021. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team (33-5) will play for its third straight national title and its fourth in five years Saturday as the Bearcats get set to face Augusta for the Division II men’s basketball national championship at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on CBS. The Bearcats are back in the title game after a 70-57 win over Black Hills State in Thursday’s Final Four game.Northwest is 33-5 - the most losses they’ve taken in six years and they also lost back-to-back games in the regular season this year for the first time since 2015. Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says despite some doubts, he felt like this group was capable of doing something special."I don't think anything was ever wrong with us," McCollum said after Thursday's game. "I've said it before, we're not the 2021 Bearcats. There's a whole new story, and there's only one of us. It's our story and we're writing it and it's a special story."Sophomore Luke Waters, who scored a team-high 17 points on Thursday, says getting back to this point speaks volumes to the work ethic and tradition of their program."It's amazing," Waters remarked. "It speaks to Mac (McCollum), it speaks to this group and our resiliency. We were challenged this year. It hasn't been easy one bit. The fact that we have the opportunity to compete for a national championship and a title game, it speaks to our team and our program honestly."Northwest faces an Augusta team that’s 33-3 overall and winners of 19 straight games. This will mark the first ever meeting between the two programs.Northwest has won 16 straight NCAA tournament games going in, meaning Diego Bernard and Trevor Hudgins have never lost in the NCAA tournament in their college careers.Northwest will try and be the first men's basketball program in DII history to win three straight national titles.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest seeks third straight national title against Augusta Saturday

After contract negotiations on an extension fell through, the Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill.&nbsp;

Several reports surfaced through the day on Wednesday, stemming all the way from Hill's agents being given permission to seek a trade, to teams being interested, and finally to the packages being offered, until ultimately Hill was traded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins were the teams that emerged as the top suitors for the Pro Bowl wide receiver, it was the Dolphins that came out on top.

Miami sent a first round pick (Pick 29), a second round pick (Pick 50), and a fourth round pick in the 2022 Draft, as well as a fourth and sixth round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City for Hill.

Hill was instantly greeted in Miami with the contract extension he was seeking, signing a four year deal worth $120 Million with $72.2 Million guaranteed.&nbsp; The deal averages the $30 Million that reports earlier in the day said Hill was seeking.

The departure of Hill leaves a noticeable gap in the Chiefs offense, even with the signing earlier this week of receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.&nbsp; Kansas City's wide receivers now include Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Justin Watson, Cornell Powell, Gehrig Dieter, and Corey Coleman.

Now former teammates of Hill's reacted to the trade, including Hardman and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Chiefs will now seek to replace Hill, whether that be through free agency or the draft that begins on April 28th.&nbsp; Reports surfaced prior to the Hill trade that former Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was visiting Kansas City on Wednesday, no contract was imminent for Valdes-Scantling.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter contract negotiations on an extension fell through, the Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill.&nbsp;Several reports surfaced through the day on Wednesday, stemming all the way from Hill's agents being given permission to seek a trade, to teams being interested, and finally to the packages being offered, until ultimately Hill was traded.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins were the teams that emerged as the top suitors for the Pro Bowl wide receiver, it was the Dolphins that came out on top.Miami sent a first round pick (Pick 29), a second round pick (Pick 50), and a fourth round pick in the 2022 Draft, as well as a fourth and sixth round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City for Hill.Hill was instantly greeted in Miami with the contract extension he was seeking, signing a four year deal worth $120 Million with $72.2 Million guaranteed.&nbsp; The deal averages the $30 Million that reports earlier in the day said Hill was seeking.The departure of Hill leaves a noticeable gap in the Chiefs offense, even with the signing earlier this week of receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.&nbsp; Kansas City's wide receivers now include Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Justin Watson, Cornell Powell, Gehrig Dieter, and Corey Coleman.Now former teammates of Hill's reacted to the trade, including Hardman and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">10 imma just go grab dat jersey u said I can have .. I aint lying boy! It was privilege to be able to play alongside yu big bro! Not only that having real convos with you, helped me thru alot! Godspeed…literally 🤞🏾🖤 <a href="https://twitter.com/cheetah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheetah</a>&mdash; GLYDE (@Clydro_22) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clydro_22/status/1506676237284089862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Damn …&mdash; Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) <a href="https://twitter.com/MecoleHardman4/status/1506690481958408206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs will now seek to replace Hill, whether that be through free agency or the draft that begins on April 28th.&nbsp; Reports surfaced prior to the Hill trade that former Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was visiting Kansas City on Wednesday, no contract was imminent for Valdes-Scantling.

Tyreek Hill's time in Kansas City done for now, receiver traded to Miami

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are Final Four bound once again. 

The Bearcats marched into Evansville, Indiana as the number-five seed matching up with number- four seed Bentley, coming out on top 61- 43.

Northwest got off to a fast start taking a 5-0 lead early in the first half and never looked back, holding the lead for the entire game. 

Trevor Hudgins led the Bearcats with 24 points, while Diego Bernard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  

The Bearcats will face the winner of number-one seed Nova Southern and number-eight seed Black Hills State on Thursday, time is to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647975396209.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are Final Four bound once again. The Bearcats marched into Evansville, Indiana as the number-five seed matching up with number- four seed Bentley, coming out on top 61- 43.Northwest got off to a fast start taking a 5-0 lead early in the first half and never looked back, holding the lead for the entire game. Trevor Hudgins led the Bearcats with 24 points, while Diego Bernard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Bearcats will face the winner of number-one seed Nova Southern and number-eight seed Black Hills State on Thursday, time is to be determined.

Northwest Missouri State shuts down Bentley, advances to Final Four

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A historic and memorable season for Missouri Western women's basketball ends in just the program's third ever Elite Eight appearance.

The No. 7 seed Griffons (24-10) got down by 11 in the first half, trailed by 20 entering the fourth and fell to No. 2 seed Grand Valley State 67-44 on Monday afternoon at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.

Coming off of a Central Region title last Monday and a full week's rest, Missouri Western was unable to recreate their March magic against the Lakers.

Grand Valley (31-2) got off to a 9-2 start in the opening minutes. Western hit back, though, and only trailed 18-13 at the end of one.

The Lakers then led 32-17 with 2:54 left in the first half before the Griffons answered with a 6-0 run and only trailed 34-23 at the break.

For the first five minutes of the third quarter, each team only put up five points and Western was still in it, trailing 39-28 with 4:44 left in the third.

Grad transfer Jaelyn Haggard then made a pair of free throws to cut it to 39-30, but Grand Valley then reeled off a 12-0 run late in the third to eventually lead 54-34 entering the fourth.

"We felt like we were in the game, even though we weren't shooting it well," Missouri Western assistant coach Emily Wacker said. "Just needed to be able to start knocking some down and getting scores in a row. Stringing them together, and we couldn't do it and you see that."

The Griffons struggled to make baskets throughout, shooting just 15-of-51 on the day, including 3-of-14 in the final quarter and a 2-of-14 effort from beyond the arc.

Grand Valley State held Western to a season-low 44 points - just the third time all year the Griffons were held under 50 points.

"We were getting stops," Wacker said. "But ultimately, we couldn't put the ball in the hole all night and that made it tough. We didn't execute to the level we'd like to and that came back to bite us."

Senior Corbyn Cunningham led Western in her final game with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Sophomore Brionna Budgets had nine, freshman Alyssa Bonilla scored eight and Haggard had seven.

Grand Valley shot 25-of-58 on the day, and finished with four players in double figures. Junior Emily Spitzley scored a game-high 20 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three. Hadley Miller, Hannah Kulas and Ellie Droste each scored 10.

Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but Western was outscored in the paint 34-20 and the Lakers outrebounded the Griffons 41-31.

The final game stings, but big picture, the 2021-22 season was a program changer for Missouri Western women's basketball.

Most wins and the first NCAA tournament berth in six years. First Sweet 16 in 25 years. First Elite Eight in 27 years. All after just six wins a season ago.

Three seniors - Cunningham, Haggard and Mychaell Gray depart, but four starters and 13 total players on the current roster are set to come back next year.

Needless to say, the future is bright for Missouri Western women's basketball.

"This should be nothing but fuel to keep getting better," Wacker said of the season. "The expectation has been set. The bar has been set. This is is the level we want to compete at. So, I'm excited. We need some rest, but excited for a great offseason and to continue to get better.

"Especially when you think about where we were a year ago. Really, really proud of this team and the individuals who put in so much work."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647900818198.jpeg" alt="MWWU's Alyssa Bonilla (4) dribbles around the key in the first half of the Griffons' Elite Eight matchup with Grand Valley State Monday at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>MWWU's Alyssa Bonilla (4) dribbles around the key in the first half of the Griffons' Elite Eight matchup with Grand Valley State Monday at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBIRMINGHAM, AL - A historic and memorable season for Missouri Western women's basketball ends in just the program's third ever Elite Eight appearance.The No. 7 seed Griffons (24-10) got down by 11 in the first half, trailed by 20 entering the fourth and fell to No. 2 seed Grand Valley State 67-44 on Monday afternoon at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.Coming off of a Central Region title last Monday and a full week's rest, Missouri Western was unable to recreate their March magic against the Lakers.Grand Valley (31-2) got off to a 9-2 start in the opening minutes. Western hit back, though, and only trailed 18-13 at the end of one.The Lakers then led 32-17 with 2:54 left in the first half before the Griffons answered with a 6-0 run and only trailed 34-23 at the break.For the first five minutes of the third quarter, each team only put up five points and Western was still in it, trailing 39-28 with 4:44 left in the third.Grad transfer Jaelyn Haggard then made a pair of free throws to cut it to 39-30, but Grand Valley then reeled off a 12-0 run late in the third to eventually lead 54-34 entering the fourth."We felt like we were in the game, even though we weren't shooting it well," Missouri Western assistant coach Emily Wacker said. "Just needed to be able to start knocking some down and getting scores in a row. Stringing them together, and we couldn't do it and you see that."The Griffons struggled to make baskets throughout, shooting just 15-of-51 on the day, including 3-of-14 in the final quarter and a 2-of-14 effort from beyond the arc.Grand Valley State held Western to a season-low 44 points - just the third time all year the Griffons were held under 50 points."We were getting stops," Wacker said. "But ultimately, we couldn't put the ball in the hole all night and that made it tough. We didn't execute to the level we'd like to and that came back to bite us."Senior Corbyn Cunningham led Western in her final game with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Sophomore Brionna Budgets had nine, freshman Alyssa Bonilla scored eight and Haggard had seven.Grand Valley shot 25-of-58 on the day, and finished with four players in double figures. Junior Emily Spitzley scored a game-high 20 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three. Hadley Miller, Hannah Kulas and Ellie Droste each scored 10.Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but Western was outscored in the paint 34-20 and the Lakers outrebounded the Griffons 41-31.The final game stings, but big picture, the 2021-22 season was a program changer for Missouri Western women's basketball.Most wins and the first NCAA tournament berth in six years. First Sweet 16 in 25 years. First Elite Eight in 27 years. All after just six wins a season ago.Three seniors - Cunningham, Haggard and Mychaell Gray depart, but four starters and 13 total players on the current roster are set to come back next year.Needless to say, the future is bright for Missouri Western women's basketball."This should be nothing but fuel to keep getting better," Wacker said of the season. "The expectation has been set. The bar has been set. This is is the level we want to compete at. So, I'm excited. We need some rest, but excited for a great offseason and to continue to get better."Especially when you think about where we were a year ago. Really, really proud of this team and the individuals who put in so much work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647901878618.jpeg" alt="Corbyn Cunningham (30) controls the opening tip in Monday's Elite Eight game against Grand Valley State. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Corbyn Cunningham (30) controls the opening tip in Monday's Elite Eight game against Grand Valley State. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-vs--Grand-Valley-State-postgame---MWSU-assistant-coach-Emily-Wacker-e1g2540" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Grand Valley limits MWSU offensively, Griffons season ends at Elite Eight

BIRMINGHAM, AL - It's been 27 years since the Missouri Western women's basketball team has been here.

Elite Eight. Big stage. National championship game in site. This 2021-22 team is in pretty 'elite' company.

This is just the third time in Missouri Western's history that the women's basketball team has played in the Elite Eight - the last two trips being in 1994 and again in '95.

The '94 team lost to eventual national champion North Dakota State, 91-74, in the national quarterfinals. A year later, the Griffons beat Florida Southern 79-77 to reach the Final Four for the first time ever.

After losing to NDSU again in the semifinals, 74-67, Western beat Stonehill out of Massachusetts 76-66 to claim third place in the national tournament.

Since then, Missouri Western made the NCAA tournament nine more times between 1997-2016. Never in that span did they get back to the Elite Eight. In fact, the Griffons got beat in the first round of the NCAA tournament six times from 1998-2016.

Suddenly, this 2021-22 team finds themselves in a unique position. In the Elite Eight after just six total wins the season prior.

Ryan Menley, who's covered the Griffons for 20 years through the lens of his video camera for KQTV and then Griffon athletics, says something special is going on this year.

"I do think it's the greatest comeback story in Missouri Western history," Menley said. "Just from where that program was one year ago. You'd thought they'd get better. You thought they'd take some steps and strides in the right direction, but I don't think anybody saw this."

Missouri Western returned nine players from last year's 6-16 squad. They also added four true freshmen and three transfers in the offseason. One of those three was Northwest transfer, grad student and St. Joseph Central alum Jaelyn Haggard, who leads the team with 59 made three-pointers this season.

A key piece in Western's runs in 1994-95 was Central alum and guard Dana Obersteadt, who came off the bench and provided a spark.

Then voice of the Griffons Bob Orf, who covered Western on KFEQ from 1989-2015, sees the similarities from then to now.

"A hometown product shows up and plays a big role," Orf said of the Obersteadt/Haggard similarity. "Haggard is a great player, there's no question about that. You only wish she played for Western for those four years she had been up north. But, yeah she's had a great fifth year and they've been amazing."

Jeff Mittie, who head coached the Missouri Western women from 1992-95, and is currently leading the Kansas State women's team on their own NCAA tournament run, described those '94 and '95 teams as 'unselfish.'

Missouri Western, this season, has scored 20 or more bench points in 23 total games. Unselfish would be a great way to describe this team as well.

"There are similarities to 1994, '95 and this year," Orf said. "It is a little bit eerie when you look at it."

There's certainly a few parallels. Mittie took the '93 team from 16 wins to 29 in '94. Current head coach Candi Whitaker went from six wins last year to 24 and counting this season.

On this current roster of 16 players, 13 of them are underclassmen. Whitaker has achieved two, 20-plus win seasons in her three years at the helm.

With the Division II women's basketball Elite Eight set to be in St. Joseph in 2023 and '24, one has to wonder if this program can build on this season's success and get back to the biggest stage in their home city.

"Who knows?" Orf remarked. "Maybe Coach Whitaker will get some great recruits and add to this team and maybe we'll be back again."

"There's always been this underlying attention with Missouri Western women's basketball," Menley added. "I think what this group has done has brought that back to the forefront."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647823897159.jpeg" alt="The 1994-95 Missouri Western women's basketball team. Photo courtesy of Missouri Western athletics." />
 <figcaption>The 1994-95 Missouri Western women's basketball team. Photo courtesy of Missouri Western athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBIRMINGHAM, AL - It's been 27 years since the Missouri Western women's basketball team has been here.Elite Eight. Big stage. National championship game in site. This 2021-22 team is in pretty 'elite' company.This is just the third time in Missouri Western's history that the women's basketball team has played in the Elite Eight - the last two trips being in 1994 and again in '95.The '94 team lost to eventual national champion North Dakota State, 91-74, in the national quarterfinals. A year later, the Griffons beat Florida Southern 79-77 to reach the Final Four for the first time ever.After losing to NDSU again in the semifinals, 74-67, Western beat Stonehill out of Massachusetts 76-66 to claim third place in the national tournament.Since then, Missouri Western made the NCAA tournament nine more times between 1997-2016. Never in that span did they get back to the Elite Eight. In fact, the Griffons got beat in the first round of the NCAA tournament six times from 1998-2016.Suddenly, this 2021-22 team finds themselves in a unique position. In the Elite Eight after just six total wins the season prior.Ryan Menley, who's covered the Griffons for 20 years through the lens of his video camera for KQTV and then Griffon athletics, says something special is going on this year."I do think it's the greatest comeback story in Missouri Western history," Menley said. "Just from where that program was one year ago. You'd thought they'd get better. You thought they'd take some steps and strides in the right direction, but I don't think anybody saw this."Missouri Western returned nine players from last year's 6-16 squad. They also added four true freshmen and three transfers in the offseason. One of those three was Northwest transfer, grad student and St. Joseph Central alum Jaelyn Haggard, who leads the team with 59 made three-pointers this season.A key piece in Western's runs in 1994-95 was Central alum and guard Dana Obersteadt, who came off the bench and provided a spark.Then voice of the Griffons Bob Orf, who covered Western on KFEQ from 1989-2015, sees the similarities from then to now."A hometown product shows up and plays a big role," Orf said of the Obersteadt/Haggard similarity. "Haggard is a great player, there's no question about that. You only wish she played for Western for those four years she had been up north. But, yeah she's had a great fifth year and they've been amazing."Jeff Mittie, who head coached the Missouri Western women from 1992-95, and is currently leading the Kansas State women's team on their own NCAA tournament run, described those '94 and '95 teams as 'unselfish.'Missouri Western, this season, has scored 20 or more bench points in 23 total games. Unselfish would be a great way to describe this team as well."There are similarities to 1994, '95 and this year," Orf said. "It is a little bit eerie when you look at it."There's certainly a few parallels. Mittie took the '93 team from 16 wins to 29 in '94. Current head coach Candi Whitaker went from six wins last year to 24 and counting this season.On this current roster of 16 players, 13 of them are underclassmen. Whitaker has achieved two, 20-plus win seasons in her three years at the helm.With the Division II women's basketball Elite Eight set to be in St. Joseph in 2023 and '24, one has to wonder if this program can build on this season's success and get back to the biggest stage in their home city."Who knows?" Orf remarked. "Maybe Coach Whitaker will get some great recruits and add to this team and maybe we'll be back again.""There's always been this underlying attention with Missouri Western women's basketball," Menley added. "I think what this group has done has brought that back to the forefront."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-womens-basketball-adds-to-prolific-history-with-2022-Elite-Eight-run-e1g0lmg" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647135657338.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western celebrates after a Central Region semifinal win over Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, Kansas on March 12. Photo by Brandon Zenner." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western celebrates after a Central Region semifinal win over Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, Kansas on March 12. Photo by Brandon Zenner.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU women's basketball adds to prolific history with 2022 Elite Eight run

SPRINGFIELD - The game was fun. Until it wasn't.

At least, that's how Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels described it.

Benton (25-6) led at the end of the first and second quarter and throughout much of the third. However, a buzzer beater three by John Burroughs' Monet Witherspoon put the Bombers up 33-31 entering the fourth.

Burroughs (22-4) never trailed the rest of the way, and the Bombers went onto win 54-46 in the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship at JQH Arena in Springfield Saturday.

John Burroughs, winning their program's first state title in their fifth Final Four appearance, sunk 12-of-16 free throws in the final quarter to help seal the victory. Their 1-3-1 zone defense also created problems for Benton offensively.

"That was a heck of a game," Michaels said. "It was fun. Until it wasn't. You have to give congratulations to Burroughs. They did some things to us that we did not expect. That's a heck of a job by their staff."

The game started out for Benton much like Friday's semifinal did against Helias Catholic. Low scoring, and the Cardinals jumped to an early, slim lead.

Behind a couple of early three-pointers by senior Jaida Cox, and another by junior Peyton Anderson, the Cardinals led 11-8 at the end of one. Leading by as many as four in the first half, Benton took a 21-19 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was back and forth for awhile, but Benton built a 30-25 advantage with 2:21 after a successful and-one by Cox.

John Burroughs ended the third quarter on an 8-1 run, which was capped off by the three-pointer by Witherspoon, who finished with 16 points.

Benton tied it twice early in the fourth, but Burroughs took the lead for good with 5:08 to go after a pair of Allie Turner free throws but the Bombers up 41-37.

Cox was called on an offensive charge on Benton's ensuing possession with 4:29 remaining, and Burroughs continued to get stops and get free throws.

Turner, who led Burroughs with 19 points, went 12-for-14 at the foul line Saturday, including 10-for-12 in the final period.

"We tried to take her away," Michaels said of Turner. "She won't go away. Like, she keeps catching the ball. We put two girls on her, and she caught the ball. So, that's a good player."

Cox led her team in her final varsity game with 20 points. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Benton now says an emotional goodbye to three varsity seniors - Cox, Olivia Walters and Lauren Burright. Walters had six rebounds, while Burright had five points and three boards.

"It was a great time," Cox said as she reflected on her final game in her final season. "Especially being out on that floor with those girls for the last time. I just knew I had to put everything in for those girls who were going to do the same thing for me in the end."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647739113869.jpeg" alt="Jaida Cox (4) drives against John Burroughs' Allie Turner (11) in the first half of the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship game in Springfield Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jaida Cox (4) drives against John Burroughs' Allie Turner (11) in the first half of the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship game in Springfield Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - The game was fun. Until it wasn't.At least, that's how Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels described it.Benton (25-6) led at the end of the first and second quarter and throughout much of the third. However, a buzzer beater three by John Burroughs' Monet Witherspoon put the Bombers up 33-31 entering the fourth.Burroughs (22-4) never trailed the rest of the way, and the Bombers went onto win 54-46 in the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship at JQH Arena in Springfield Saturday.John Burroughs, winning their program's first state title in their fifth Final Four appearance, sunk 12-of-16 free throws in the final quarter to help seal the victory. Their 1-3-1 zone defense also created problems for Benton offensively."That was a heck of a game," Michaels said. "It was fun. Until it wasn't. You have to give congratulations to Burroughs. They did some things to us that we did not expect. That's a heck of a job by their staff."The game started out for Benton much like Friday's semifinal did against Helias Catholic. Low scoring, and the Cardinals jumped to an early, slim lead.Behind a couple of early three-pointers by senior Jaida Cox, and another by junior Peyton Anderson, the Cardinals led 11-8 at the end of one. Leading by as many as four in the first half, Benton took a 21-19 lead into the locker room.The third quarter was back and forth for awhile, but Benton built a 30-25 advantage with 2:21 after a successful and-one by Cox.John Burroughs ended the third quarter on an 8-1 run, which was capped off by the three-pointer by Witherspoon, who finished with 16 points.Benton tied it twice early in the fourth, but Burroughs took the lead for good with 5:08 to go after a pair of Allie Turner free throws but the Bombers up 41-37.Cox was called on an offensive charge on Benton's ensuing possession with 4:29 remaining, and Burroughs continued to get stops and get free throws.Turner, who led Burroughs with 19 points, went 12-for-14 at the foul line Saturday, including 10-for-12 in the final period."We tried to take her away," Michaels said of Turner. "She won't go away. Like, she keeps catching the ball. We put two girls on her, and she caught the ball. So, that's a good player."Cox led her team in her final varsity game with 20 points. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.Benton now says an emotional goodbye to three varsity seniors - Cox, Olivia Walters and Lauren Burright. Walters had six rebounds, while Burright had five points and three boards."It was a great time," Cox said as she reflected on her final game in her final season. "Especially being out on that floor with those girls for the last time. I just knew I had to put everything in for those girls who were going to do the same thing for me in the end."It's not the ending Benton wanted, but the Cardinals finish with 10 more wins than what they had last year, and they improve off of their fourth place finish at state last season, taking the program to back-to-back state semi appearances for the first time ever.The work to come back to Springfield for a third straight year, Michaels says, begins right away."This is a special group," Michaels said proudly. "They've done something that's never been done before in Benton history and Benton is pretty storied. These girls have changed the culture of Benton girls' basketball in the sense of how much they love each other, and how much they're willing to work for us."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Benton-postgame-31922---Chris-Michaels--Jaida-Cox--Lauren-Burright--Olivia-Walters-e1fvdlf" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741614801.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (right) dribbles the ball in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (right) dribbles the ball in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741657700.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson (12) brings the ball up the floor." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson (12) brings the ball up the floor.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741686043.jpeg" alt="Olivia Walters (24) tries to pull the ball away from a defender." />
 <figcaption>Olivia Walters (24) tries to pull the ball away from a defender.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741759828.jpeg" alt="Avery Morlock (left) and Jaida Cox (right) share a moment after the trophy and medal presentations Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Avery Morlock (left) and Jaida Cox (right) share a moment after the trophy and medal presentations Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.