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Author: Dave Riggert

LeBlond & Savannah win district titles Wednesday

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The Bishop LeBlond and Savannah baseball teams each captured district championships Wednesday night in St. Joseph.

In the Class 2 District 16 title at Missouri Western’s Spring Sports Complex, LeBlond downed West Platte 9-6 to advance to sectionals for the second time in three years.  The Eagles are now 13-9 this season and they’ll play Monday against the winner of Distrcit 15, as Lafayette County and Summit Christian plays their title game Thursday.

In the Class 3 District 16 championship game at Phil Welch Stadium, Savannah avenged an earlier loss to Smithville with a 4-1 victory for its second straight district title.  The Savages improve to 21-4 and will play Richmond in their sectional game Tuesday.

Blake McFadden threw a complete-game one-hitter as he struck out 16 batters and didn’t allow a walk.

Savannah broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning as Tyler Wilt and Preston Bailey had RBI singles, and Clayton Holt drove in two runs with a double.

McFadden’s no-hitter was broken up by Eric Gromacki with a single up the middle to lead of the seventh.

Missouri Western’s Edmisson signs first five players

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Missouri Western women’s basketball coach Rob Edmisson has announced the signing of five student athletes to the National Letter of Intent for the 2012-2013 season. The Griffons welcome junior college transfers Tiffanie Abrams of Detroit, Mich. (Connors State College), JaQuitta Dever of Tulsa, Okla. (Seminole State College), sisters Sharniece Lewis of Warrensburg, Mo. (Highland CC) and Jallisa Lewis of Warrensburg, Mo. (State Fair CC) and four year transfer Heather Howard of Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Oklahoma State University) to next year’s squad.

Abrams, a 5-10, forward from Detroit, Mich. transfers to Western from Connors State College. She played her high school basketball at Alan Academy. Last season, Abrams played in 29 games leading her team with 15.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. She is a good shooter making 48-percent (151-314) from the field, 42.4-percent (64-151) from long range and 68.5-percent (89-130) from the charity stripe. She also dished out 32 assists and had 49 steals. She helped her team to a 17-13 overall record last season.

Dever, a 5-5, point guard from Tulsa, Okla. transfers to Western from Seminole State College. She played her high school basketball at Thomas Edison in Tulsa. She helped her team to a 19-9 overall record a season ago. Dever played in 28 games while leading her team with 14.1 points per game. She also averaged 3.4 rebounds per game to go along with 2.4 assists and 2.8 steals per game. She led her team with 135 field goals made and was second on the squad with 27 three pointers. She is also a solid free throw shooter making 70-percent (98-140) of her attempts. She plans on majoring in sports management at Western.

Sharniece Lewis, a 5-10, guard from Warrensburg, Mo. transfers to Western from Highland Community College. She played her high school basketball at Warrensburg high school. Last season, Lewis played in 32 games helping her team to a 28-4 record. She averaged almost 16 points per game while shooting 34.7-percent (79-228) from long range. She was second on her team with 200 field goals made and led her team snaring 6.7 rebounds per game. She averaged 1.1 assists per game and 1.8 steal per game. She was a First Team all-Region selection this past season at Highland CC. She plans on majoring in athletic training at Western.

Jallissa Lewis, a 5-10, forward from Warrensburg, Mo. transfers to Western from State Fair Community College. She helped her team to an 18-12 overall record a season ago. She played in 30 games averaging 5.1 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game. She made 32-of-52 free throw attempts and 79-of-228 long range attempts. As a freshman she averaged 3.8 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest while starting eight games. She played a key role in the Lady Roadrunners Region XVI Championship. She played her high school basketball at Warrensburg high school, where she averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per contest.

Howard, a 6-3, forward from Shawnee Mission, Kan. transfers to Western from Oklahoma State University. She played her high school basketball at Shawnee Mission West high school. Last season, Howard played in 18 games averaging 7.6 minutes of action. She snared 11 offensive rebounds and blocked two shots. As a sophomore she played in 31 games making two starts which included the Big 12 Championship against Texas Tech. During her freshman season she saw action in 20 games which included against Kansas in the Big 12 Championship and against Chattanooga in the NCAA Tournament. Howard plans on majoring in sports management at Western.

“We are excited to add this group to the Missouri Western basketball family,” commented coach Edmisson. “We believe we have added a group of young ladies who will add athleticism and size to all of our positions. We felt like we needed to add a level of experience to our roster and this group brings a lot of floor experience to our program. I believe all of these players will add to the level of excitement that our program needs to improve our chances of success. We are excited about what this group will bring on and off the floor as they are the type of student athlete we were looking for. We will be looking to add several more players in the near future to round out our 2012 class,” stated Edmisson.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Royals promote Myers & Odorizzi to AAA Omaha

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The Kansas City Royals announced Wednesday that the organization has promoted outfielder Wil Myers and right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi from Northwest Arkansas (AA) to Omaha (AAA).  Both players will join the Storm Chasers when they return to action tomorrow to host Tacoma at Werner Park.

Myers, 21, has dominated the Texas League from the outset, departing the league as its leader in hitting (.343), slugging (.731), OPS (1.146), tied for the top spot in total bases (98), ranking tied for second in home runs (13) and third in RBI (37).  He has homered six times in his last 10 games.  Myers was Kansas City’s third round pick in the 2009 First Year Player Draft and got his first taste of big league spring training as a non-roster invitee earlier this year.

Odorizzi, 22, leaves Northwest Arkansas with a 4-2 record and 3.32 ERA in seven starts.  He is second in the Texas League in strikeouts (47) and fourth in WHIP (0.97).  He has been most impressive over his last four starts, going 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA, allowing six earned runs in 27.1 innings for a 1.98 ERA while fanning 33.  Odorizzi has limited opposing hitters to a collective .191 batting average through his first seven assignments.  He was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on December 19, 2010, along with Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar and Jeremy Jeffress in exchange for Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt.  Odorizzi was the 32nd overall pick of the Brewers in the 2008 First Year Player Draft and he also had a taste of big league spring training this year as a non-roster invitee.

— Royals Media Relations —

Four Bearcats earn All-South Central Region track honors

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Four Northwest Missouri State track and field athletes have been selected to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA) All-South Central Region teams for the 2012 season.

On the men’s side Ryan Darling was honored in the 1500-meter run as he ran the second best time in program history 3:51.08, at the Dr. Keeler Invitational on the last week of the regular season.

The same trio that will represent the Bearcats at the NCAA Outdoor Championships also garnered All-Region accolades. Kate Walter, for her record setting year in the hammer throw, Lekiesha McKnight in the shot put and Brittany Poole in the 3000-meter steeplechase.

Walter, McKnight and Poole earned a spot in their respective events Tuesday on the NCAA list to compete at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships May 24-26 in Pueblo, Colo.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Chiefs sign two draft picks & four free agents, including Benton grad Martin Rucker

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The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that the club has signed two draft picks and four free agents. The following players are now under contract with the Chiefs:

2012 Draft Picks

OL Jeff Allen (6-4, 306) was selected by the Chiefs in the second round (44th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He appeared in 49 games for Illinois, playing both tackle positions on the offensive line. He closed out his career with 47 consecutive starts, which ties him for the third‐longest start streak in school history. Allen earned All-Big Ten Conference recognition all four seasons with the Fighting Illini. The Chicago, Ill., native served as a team captain for Illinois and prepped at Martin Luther King High School, where he was an all-state selection.

DB De’Quan Menzie (5-11, 202) was selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played in 33 games (18 starts) in two seasons at Alabama. Menzie tallied 68 tackles (47 solo), 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks (-10.0 yards), one interception and 15 passes defensed for the Crimson Tide. The Columbus, Ga., native transferred from Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College where he notched 91 tackles and seven interceptions his freshman and sophomore seasons. He prepped at Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., where he earned all-state honors.

Free Agent Signings

DB Dominique Ellis (5-11, 195) joins the Chiefs as a rookie free agent. He played in 48 games with South Carolina State and North Carolina State. His career numbers include 139 tackles (108 solo) with 10 interceptions returned 59 yards with one TD. Ellis spent his freshman year at North Carolina State before transferring to South Carolina State for his final three seasons. As a Bulldog, Ellis recorded 128 tackles (102 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss and nine interceptions returned 59 yards with one TD. The Union, Ga., native was on the Chiefs rookie minicamp roster this past weekend prior to getting signed. He prepped at North Springs High School in Atlanta, Ga., where he was a PrepStar all-region selection as a senior.

OL Rich Ranglin (6-3, 315) joins Kansas City after spending three seasons in the Arena Football League, playing for three different AFL clubs. Most recently, the offensive lineman was a member of the San Jose SaberCats (2012), the Kansas City Command (2011) and the Milwaukee Mustangs (formerly the Milwaukee Iron in 2010). Ranglin was named the Arena Football League’s Offensive Lineman of the Year for the 2011 season. He was a four-year letterman at Central Connecticut State, where he was a preseason All-American selection and earned second-team All-Northeast Conference honors as a senior for the Blue Devils.

TE Martin Rucker (6-5, 251) played in 12 games (two starts) with the Cleveland Browns (2008), Dallas Cowboys (2010-11) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2011). He has recorded two receptions for 17 yards (8.5 avg.). The St. Joseph, Mo., native was selected in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns while Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel held the same position.

Rucker started all 50 games in four seasons at Missouri (2003-07) after redshirting as a freshman. He hauled in a school-record 203 career receptions for 2,175 yards (10.7 avg.) and 18 touchdowns for the Tigers. His 2,175 receiving yards rank second in school history.

LB Leon Williams (6-3, 248) joins Kansas City after stops with the Cleveland Browns (2006-08) and Dallas Cowboys (2010). He has played in 57 NFL games (12 starts) with 154 tackles (113 solo), 5.0 sacks (-24.0 yards), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and six passes defensed. In 2007, he posted career-highs by playing in all 16 games (nine starts) with 80 tackles (58 solo), 4.0 sacks (-20.0 yards) and three passes defensed. He was a fourth-round selection (110th overall) of Cleveland in the 2006 NFL Draft when Crennel was the head coach. Williams played in 47 games at the University of Miami (Fla.), where he recorded 131 tackles (78 solo), 2.5 sacks (-27.0 yards), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three passes defensed. He was a Dick Butkus Award finalist in 2004.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

Missouri back-up QB Berkstresser arrested for leaving accident

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Missouri back-up quarterback Corbin Berkstresser has been arrested after reportedly leaving the scene of an early-morning car accident.

Columbia police say Berkstresser hit a parked car in an off-campus neighborhood early Tuesday but failed to stop. He was arrested several hours later and released on bail after posting a $4,500 bond. No injuries were reported.

Leaving an accident scene is typically a misdemeanor offense in Missouri but Berkstresser could face a felony charge because property damage to the other car exceeded $1,000.

The redshirt freshman backs up starting quarterback James Franklin. He worked with the first team for most of spring practice after Franklin injured his shoulder. Franklin is expected back by the fall.

— Associated Press —

Royals sweep two-game series at Texas

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On the road against the American League’s best offense isn’t the most ideal way to make your season debut. Vin Mazzaro made the most of it.

Mazzaro kept Texas’ potent lineup in check for five innings, and Billy Butler and Brayan Pena each drove in a pair of runs to lead the Kansas City Royals to their second straight win over the Rangers, 7-4 on Tuesday night.

The Royals, losers of 12 straight last month, have now won five of six games and pulled off a rare two-game sweep of the Rangers — Kansas City’s first since 1977.

“To come in here and win two games is big for us,” said Royals manager Ned Yost. “Our pitching has been pretty good. That shows you how good.”

Mazzaro, making the start in place of left-hander Danny Duffy, who is out for the season with a torn elbow ligament, gave up three runs on seven hits. He had two strikeouts.

“It’s a tough situation,” Mazzaro said of the injury to Duffy. “But any situation you get thrown in you have to give it your best. You never know when you’ll get another one. I just went out there and stayed focused on every pitch.”

Mazzaro and the Royals got a little help from two throwing errors by Rangers starter Colby Lewis (3-3), which led to five unearned runs in the first two innings.

Mike Moustakas, who reached base for a 22nd consecutive game, homed in the third for Kansas City.

Major league home run leader Josh Hamilton, who is only the fourth player in 40 years to lead the majors’ triple crown categories 35 games into a season, according to information provided by the Rangers from the Elias Sports Bureau, extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a single and added a sacrifice fly.

Reliever Tim Collins struck out five of the six batters he faced in the sixth and seventh innings for the Royals, who handed Lewis his third loss in May.

“Collins was dynamite tonight,” said manager Ned Yost. “The bullpen has been doing it all year long.”

Lewis’ throwing error on a comebacker to the mound by Eric Hosmer put runners on second and third with no outs in the first. Jarrod Dyson scored on Butler’s fielder’s choice and Lewis retired Alex Gordon on a flyout to left field before Jeff Francoeur doubled and Moustakas was hit by a pitch. Pena followed with a two-run single to put the Royals up 3-0.

Moustakas came around to score on Chris Getz’s run-scoring base hit.

Kansas City sent nine hitters to the plate in the inning.

“The only thing we can look back at is that Colby should have made that play,” said Texas manager Ron Washington. “If he makes that play, it’s a zero on the scoreboard.

“They swung the bat, but those at-bats wouldn’t have happened if we execute some plays.”

Dyson led off the second with a single and advanced to second when Lewis bounced a pickoff attempt short and wide of the bag. Butler hit a double to score Dyson and put Kansas City ahead 5-0.

The run support was plenty for Mazzaro and the bullpen, which held the majors’ top-scoring team to one run in four innings. Mazzaro had made six starts with Triple-A Omaha this season, going 1-0 with a 4.37 ERA. Before his promotion May 8, Mazzaro had allowed just two runs on eight hits in 13 innings in his last two starts.

David Murphy and Mitch Moreland had RBIs for the Rangers, and Brandon Snyder homered in the ninth.

Dyson reached base three times for Kansas City, including a double to lead off the game.

— Associated Press —

Northwest Missouri State women add prep guard from Tulsa

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Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball has signed high school senior Hannah Branch to play for the Bearcats next season head coach Mark Kellogg announced Monday.

Branch was a four-year starter for Tulsa HOAH, a homeschool program, in which she led her team to 92 wins and three top five finishes at the National Homeschool Basketball Championships. She was a two-time First-Team All-American and All-Metro selection by the Tulsa World as a junior and senior as she led her team in scoring at 15.2 points per game.

“Hannah is a perfect fit for our program and we are elated to welcome her to the Bearcat family,” Kellogg said. “Hannah is a point guard that can score in a variety of ways and has a great feel for the game. We think we have solidified our point guard position for the next few years and her excellence in the classroom is the epitome of a true student-athlete.”

As a senior, she led her team to a 21-16 record, competing against some of Oklahoma’s best teams.  NOAH competed against 11 state-tournament teams this past season as she helped lead NOAH to a late season win over eventual 3A Oklahoma State Champion, Oklahoma City Millwood.

A solid long-range shooter, Branch had a career high six three-pointers in a loss to eventual 5A runner-up Tulsa East Central. As a senior she averaged 4.4 assists per game and 3.2 steals.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

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