We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Author: Dave Riggert

Missouri State holds off Evansville 55-51

Posted on

riggertMSUSPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Dequon Miller converted three of four free throws in the final nine seconds to help Missouri State hold on to beat Evansville, 55-51 Wednesday night.

Jaylon Brown’s layup with 11 seconds left got Evansville within one, 52-51. After a Missouri State timeout Miller drew a foul from Dru Smith and converted both free throws with :09 left. Brown turned the ball over three seconds later and Miller again drew a foul from Smith, this time hitting the first of two from the line.

Jarrid Rhodes scored 14 points and Miller added another 13 to lead the Bears (12-6, 3-2 Missouri Valley).

Missouri State converted just one of every three shots from the field (19 of 57 for 33.3 percent), including 8 of 23 from long range.

Brown and Ryan Taylor each scored 19 points for the Purple Aces (10-8, 1-4). Evansville shot 21 of 50 (42 percent) from the field.

— Associated Press —

KU’s Mason, Jackson named to Wooden Award Top 25

Posted on

riggertKULOS ANGELES – Kansas senior Frank Mason III and freshman Josh Jackson have been named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25, the Los Angeles Athletic Club announced Wednesday evening.

Chosen by a poll of national college basketball experts, the list comprises of 25 student-athletes who are front-runners for the John R. Wooden Award, based on their performances during the first half of the 2016-17 season. Kansas is one of five school with two players chosen. Mason and Jackson are two of four student-athletes from the Big 12 Conference on the list.

Mason leads the Big 12 in scoring at 20.4 points per game and 3-point field goal percentage at 54.9 percent. The 5-foot-11, Petersburg, Virginia, guard has nine games of 20 or more points this season, including two 30-point efforts for the No. 2/2 Jayhawks (15-1, 4-0). A two-time Big 12 Player of the Week, Mason is second in the league in assists at 5.6 per game and also ranks among the conference leaders in 3-point field goals made (third at 2.4), field goal percentage (seventh at 53.2 percent), free throw percentage (seventh at 74.7 percent) and assist-to-turnover ratio (eighth at 2.3).

Jackson is fourth in the Big 12 with a 15.4 scoring average and tied for 10th in rebounding at 5.4 boards per game. The 6-foot-8, Detroit guard has three double-doubles on the season and leads Kansas with 22 blocked shots. A three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and one-time Big 12 Player of the Week, Jackson has eclipsed the 20-point mark three times. The 2016 CBE Hall of Fame Classic Most Valuable Player, Jackson is second on the KU team with 24 steals and also ranks among the Big 12 leaders in field goal percentage (10th at 51.3), steals (10th at 1.5), blocked shots (ninth at 1.4).

The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2017 John R. Wooden Award presented by Wendy’s. The leading candidates will be further pared to 20 top players in early February. Fifteen top players who have proven to their universities that they are also making progress toward graduation and maintaining at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA will be submitted to voters on the Final Ballot prior to the NCAA Tournament. Voters are permitted to take into consideration the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament when casting the ballot. The 10-man Wooden Award All-American Team will be announced the week of the “Elite Eight” round of the NCAA Tournament.

The 41st annual presentation of the John R. Wooden Award to the men’s and women’s most outstanding basketball player will be the anchor presentation of the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy’s on ESPN2 on Friday, April 7, 2017.

John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25
Dwayne Bacon, Florida State
Lonzo Ball, UCLA
Joel Berry II, North Carolina
Jaron Blossomgame, Clemson
Dillon Brooks, Oregon
De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky
Markelle Fultz, Washington
Ethan Happ, Wisconsin
Josh Hart, Villanova
Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin
JOSH JACKSON, KANSAS
Justin Jackson, North Carolina
Luke Kennard, Duke
TJ Leaf, UCLA
Lauri Markkanen, Arizona
Kelan Martin, Butler
FRANK MASON III, KANSAS
Malik Monk, Kentucky
Monte Morris, Iowa State
Johnathan Motley, Baylor
Alec Peters, Valparaiso
Caleb Swanigan, Purdue
Melo Trimble, Maryland
Maurice Watson Jr., Creighton
Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga

— KU Athletics —

Nebraska fires defensive coordinator Mark Banker

Posted on

riggertNebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Mike Riley fired defensive coordinator Mark Banker on Wednesday after the unit underperformed in some of the Cornhuskers’ most important games.

Banker coached with Riley for 20 years, including 14 years at Oregon State and the last two at Nebraska.

“I want to thank Mark for his hard work and contributions to our football program the past two years and for all of his service and dedication as a member of my other coaching staffs,” Riley said. “We will conduct a national search to find a great coach, teacher and recruiter as we continue our pursuit of championships.”

Banker is the second assistant from the 2016 staff who was fired. Riley dismissed special teams coordinator Bruce Read on Nov. 27, two days after the Huskers’ 40-10 loss at Iowa.

Though the Huskers rose from 64th to 30th nationally in total defense, they struggled on the big stage. Nebraska started 7-0 but lost four of its last six games. The Huskers allowed an average of 42 points and 445 yards in their three games against ranked opponents. Though they were second in the Big Ten with 16 interceptions, they finished 10th in the conference in pass defense.

The Huskers tackled poorly while giving up 521 yards to Tennessee in a 38-24 Music City Bowl loss on Dec. 30.

Riley also announced defensive backs coach Brian Stewart and director of player personnel Ryan Gunderson are leaving to pursue other opportunities.

“Brian Stewart has informed me of his plans to take a defensive coordinator position at another university,” Riley said. “Brian feels this is a great opportunity for him and his family and I respect his decision.”

Gunderson oversaw roster management and the recruiting and evaluation process. Riley said Gunderson wants to pursue an on-field coaching opportunity.

— Associated Press —

Savannah hires Randy Schrader as head football coach

Posted on

Savannah2Savannah High School announced Tuesday that Randy Schrader has been hired as Head Football Coach for the 2017-18 school year.  Schrader has been a Head Coach for 26 years in Iowa and Illinois, with his last two stops as Head Coach at Washington (IA) High School and Rockford (IL) College.

Schrader has 107 career wins and has taken teams to the state semi-finals and championship game. When asked, Schrader said “I have one goal I haven’t accomplished; I haven’t won a state title. I’m looking forward to having that opportunity at Savannah.”

During his career in education, Schrader has also served as an Athletic Director and Dean of Students. Schrader has won multiple Coach of the Year awards and served on the Iowa Football Coaches Association Board of Directors. Additionally, he is a certified Bigger, Faster, Stronger clinic presenter. Former colleagues referred to Schrader as a “change agent,” a “great motivator,” and having “character beyond reproach.”

Savannah High School received over 20 applications and many applicants had extensive experience as head coaches or coordinators at various sized schools.

“At the end of the process, our selection committee felt that Randy Schrader stood out as the unanimous choice,” according to Dr. Robert Sigrist, Principal, When asked about Coach Schrader. Dr. Sigrist added, “ We feel that Coach Schrader is the type of coach our students deserve, one who can provide them with leadership that will give them the football skills to be successful on Friday nights, but more importantly, life skills to become successful fathers, husbands, and men.”

— SHS Press Release —

Mizzou blows another halftime lead in 77-72 loss to Auburn

Posted on

riggertMissouriCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Mustapha Heron scored 16 points, including 12 in the second half, as Auburn defeated Missouri 77-72 Tuesday, marking its first Southeastern Conference victory of the season.

Auburn (11-5, 1-3 SEC) had five players in double figures. Bryce Brown scored 9 of his 13 points in the first half and finished 4-for-8 from 3-point range, and Ronnie Johnson had 13 points and four assists. Jared Harper and Horace Spencer added 10 points apiece and combined for nine rebounds.

Missouri forward Jordan Barnett led all scorers with 20 points to go with six rebounds. Terrence Phillips had 12 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Jordan Geist added 10 points.

Both teams’ desperation for an SEC victory dictated the pace of the game, which saw 14 lead changes.

Missouri (5-10, 0-3) made just 2 of 18 field goal attempts to start the game, but never trailed by more than two possessions thanks to its rebounding and free-throw shooting. Missouri outrebounded Auburn 28-20 in the first half and made 7 of 9 free-throw attempts as Auburn committed 13 personal fouls.

Missouri took its first lead following a 10-0 run that lasted 4:03, during which Auburn committed four turnovers and eight fouls, including three offensive fouls.

Kim Anderson called a timeout with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, and Missouri responded with a 9-3 run to take a 35-34 halftime lead.

The second half continued in a physical, back-and-forth fashion, and both teams entered the double-bonus with over eight minutes remaining, and it came down to free-throw shooting. While Auburn shot just 54.5 percent from the free-throw line, the Tigers made 6 of 6 from the line in the final minute. Missouri was 23-for-33 from the free-throw line (69.7 percent) and 22-for-68 from the field (32.4 percent.)

BIG PICTURE

Auburn: After double-digit losses to Georgia and Vanderbilt, Auburn lost a heart-breaker at home to Ole Miss January 7, dropping to 0-3 in conference play. This marks Auburn’s first SEC victory of the season, and its first win over Missouri since Jan. 10, 2015.

Missouri: This marks the third consecutive game Missouri has lost when leading at halftime and the fourth time this season. Missouri led LSU 40-35 at halftime before falling 88-77, and was up 26-20 on Georgia, eventually losing 71-66.

UP NEXT

Auburn: Visits No. 6 Kentucky Saturday. Auburn won the last meeting 75-70 on Jan. 16, 2016 against then 14th-ranked Kentucky, snapping an 18-game losing streak against the Wildcats.

Missouri: Visits Arkansas Saturday. Missouri has lost four straight to the Razorbacks, most recently 84-72 in Fayetteville on Feb. 20, 2016.

— Associated Press —

No. 2 Kansas uses big second half to rally past Oklahoma

Posted on

riggertKUNORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Frank Mason scored 19 of his 28 points in the second half, and No. 2 Kansas rallied to beat Oklahoma 81-70 on Tuesday.

With No. 1 Baylor losing at West Virginia earlier in the night, the Jayhawks will be in position to claim the No. 1 ranking for the first time this season if they beat Oklahoma State on Saturday.

Josh Jackson scored 16 points and Devonte’ Graham added 13 for the Jayhawks (15-1, 4-0 Big 12), who have won 15 straight.

Rashard Odomes and Kameron McGusty each scored 13 points for the Sooners (6-9, 0-4), who lost their seventh in a row.

The Jayhawks opened the second half on a 13-0 run. A 3-pointer by Mason put Kansas up 56-47, and the Jayhawks maintained control from there.

— Associated Press —

No. 25 Kansas State lets late lead slip away in loss at Texas Tech

Posted on

riggertKansasStateLUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Keenan Evans made a go-ahead layup with 15 seconds left, helping Texas Tech beat No. 25 Kansas State 66-65 on Tuesday night.

Evans’ basket gave the Red Raiders a 63-62 lead. Aaron Ross and Niem Stevenson then combined for three foul shots for Texas Tech before Barry Brown made a 3-pointer in the final seconds for Kansas State.

Evans finished with 18 points. Zach Smith had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Red Raiders (13-3, 2-2 Big 12), who improved to 11-0 at home.

Kamau Stokes led Kansas State (13-3, 2-2) with 17 points. Dean Wade added 12 points, and D.J. Johnson finished with 11.

BIG PICTURE

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders went 20 for 26 at the line, compared to 13 for 18 for the Wildcats. The difference in free throws helped make up for Kansas State’s 10-for-20 night from beyond the arc. The victory could help Texas Tech get into the poll next week.

Kansas State: The Wildcats had won eight of nine, with the lone loss coming against Kansas.

UP NEXT

Texas Tech: Visits Oklahoma on Saturday night. The Sooners lost 81-70 to No. 2 Kansas on Tuesday night, dropping to 0-4 in the Big 12.

Kansas State: Hosts No. 1 Baylor on Saturday. The Bears got their first loss of the season on Tuesday night, falling 89-68 to No. 10 West Virginia.

— Associated Press —

City High School Basketball Scores & Schedule

Posted on

riggertBasketballMONDAY’S SCORES

GIRLS
KEARNEY TOURNAMENT – 1ST ROUND
Lafayette 59 (8-3)
Fort Osage 28

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

BOYS
Benton @ Pleasant Hill
Bishop LeBlond vs. Mid-Buchanan
Central vs. Oak Park
Lafayette vs. East Buchanan

GIRLS
Bishop LeBlond @ St. Pius X

Mizzou’s Houck named Preseason First Team All-American

Posted on

riggertMissouriCOLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball standout RHP Tanner Houck (Collinsville, Ill.) was named a Preseason First Team All-American by PerfectGame.com, announced Monday (Jan. 9). Houck was one of five starting pitchers selected to the first team with three of the five SP honorees coming from the Southeastern Conference. The PerfectGame.com first team selection for Houck comes on the heels of a third-team preseason All-America honor from Collegiate Baseball News last month. Houck was also named the No. 8 MLB Draft prospect by Baseball America earlier this month.

Houck is coming off of a stellar sophomore season during which he posted a 2.99 ERA in 105.1 innings pitched, allowing just 82 hits while striking out a career-best 106 against only 27 walks. He went 5-6 in 15 starts and was twice named SEC Pitcher of the Week while garnering Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week honors following his start against Vanderbilt. He limited batters to just .209 hitting in 2016.

Houck, who owns a 13-11 career record and 3.23 career ERA, will anchor Mizzou’s pitching staff for first-year head coach Steve Bieser. In two years, Houck has limited batters to .220 hitting and owns a strikeout-walk ratio of 5.1 (197-39). He has thrown more than 100 innings in each of his first two seasons as a Tiger and is expected to be one of the first 10 players selected in next year’s Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File