Dave Riggert – Page 61 – St. Joseph Post Archive

St. Joseph Mustangs announce 2019 roster

Posted on February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) — St. Joseph Mustangs manager Johnny Coy has announced his 2019 Mustangs’ roster.

Coy’s second season as the organization’s manager features several familiar faces and local talents on the roster.

“It’s very important to the organization to have players in their second summer with us,” Coy said. “Last year, we had probably 95 percent of our roster brand new. Johnson’s last season we had so many seniors that it wasn’t possible to bring those guys back so we basically had to start fresh. We have a very large amount of players coming back this year from last years team. Playing in front of huge crowds every single day is something that our players will be much more used to this year— having spent a whole summer here already. The returners know what to expect coming to St. Joseph and they couldn’t be more excited. The fans are excited about it as well. Having players that they are already familiar with is huge as well, there are definitely some fan favorites coming back.”

This year’s team features players from all levels of college baseball and from across the country.

In fact, there are a few players from St. Joseph—Central graduates Noah Cameron and Dawson Smith. The team also features several players from around the area like Brady Holden (Fauceet), Colton Kenagy (Gower), Austin Brooks (Plattsburg), and Mack Stephenson (Weston).

The 2019 Mustangs also have players from the two local Division II MIAA Conference school—Missouri Western’s Jacob Purl and Northwest Missouri State’s Derek Hussey (Chillicothe).

“This summer was smoother than my first year recruiting players,” Coy said. “Last year’s team was basically brought together from scratch, and we lost so many players right before the start of the season for various reasons. We lost around 8 players a week before our first game— most of them pitchers. This year, however, I was able to bring back some key contributors, who I have great relationships with, who I know will be there opening night and also added some very well established college players to compliment them. I am very excited for this summer’s team.”

With the season just a few months away, Coy said he’s ready to get his team to St. Josepto beginin the 2019 campaign.

“I talk to my Mustang players quite often and keep up on how their college seasons are going,” Coy said. “My Division 2/JUCO players have already started their seasons, and my Division 1 players are starting February 15th. I am so excited to keep up on these guys throughout their spring season and once that season is over, they will all come to St. Joseph to enjoy another amazing summer in front of the best fans in baseball. The season can’t get here soon enough.”

The St. Joseph Mustangs’ 2019 season starts on May 29 against the Midwest A’s.
Mustangs’ manager Johnny Coy returns for his second season, after notching a 24-24 record last season.

Season tickets for 2019 are available by visiting Phil Welch Stadium or calling 816-279-STJO (7856).

Here is the 2019 roster:
Catchers
Jordan Maxson (Kansas State)
Brady Garrison (Neosho Community College)

1st Baseman
Alex Phillips (Missouri Southern)
Terrence Spurlin (Kansas State)

2nd Baseman
Drew Beazely (South Dakota State University)
Jackson Dierenfeldt (Drury)

Shortstop
Jack Wagner (Kansas)
Karsen Reid (Arkansas State)

Third Baseman
Josh Lincoln (East Central University)

Outfielders
Dylan Ketch (Salve Regina)
Max Mircovich (Rhode Island)
Davin Gummere (Missouri Southern)
Derek Hussey (Northwest Missouri State)
Mike Wright (Southeastern Louisiana)
Brady Holden (State Fair Community College)

Pitchers
Corey Cowan (Missouri Southern)
Drake Kanallaka (Maryville University)
Mahlyk Davis (Dodge City CC)
Nick Houzenga (Central Oklahoma)
Ronnie Winngington (SWICC)
Dawson Smith (Emporia State)
Mack Stephenson (William Jewell)
Tom Beliveau (Salve Regina)
Michael Mathews (Salve Regina)
Colton Kenagy (Keiser University)
Jake Purl (Missouri Western)
Brennon Covington (Missouri Southern)
Cole Gacke (Missouri Southern)
Cameron July (Undecided)
Austin Brooks (Cowley CC)
Jared Wilson (Cowley CC)
Noah Cameron (Central Arkansas)

— Mustangs Press Release —

Missouri Western baseball & softball schedules changed this weekend

Posted on February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

ST. JOSEPH – Once again, forecasted weather has resulted in significant changes to the Missouri Western spring sports schedules. Griffon Baseball postponed its home-opening series with St. Cloud State due to forecasted cold temperatures this coming weekend. Griffon Softball saw its scheduled weekend at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic re-written and moved.

The Alvy Early Memorial Classic has been moved from Bentonville, Arkansas to Arkadelphia, Arkansas with an abbreviated schedule. Missouri Western was scheduled for six games over three days this weekend in Bentonville, but will now play four games in Arkadelphia on the campuses of Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State Universities.

UPDATED GRIFFON SOFTBALL SCHEDULE AT THE ALVY EARLY MEMORIAL CLASSIC
Friday, Feb. 15
11 a.m. at Ouachita Baptist
3 p.m. vs Harding (at Henderson State)

Saturday, Feb. 16
9 a.m. at Henderson State
1 p.m. vs Arkansas at Monticello (at Henderson State)

Sunday, Feb. 17
No games for MWSU

MWSU is 4-2 entering the weekend after a split at the Arkasnas-Monticello DII Challenge last weekend in Bentonville. The Griffons ended their day in Arkansas with an 8-0, run-rule win over Ouachita Baptist.

The four game series for Griffon Baseball at the Spring Sports Complex against St. Cloud State will not happen this weekend. An announcement about possible make-up games this week is now expected to be made Wednesday.

— MWSU Athletics —

Tigers’ Cunningham named SEC Player of the Week

Posted on February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following her 43rd and 44th career 20-point games, Mizzou Women’s Basketball senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, announced by the conference office Tuesday. Cunningham averaged 24.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in Mizzou’s wins over No. 18 Texas A&M (Feb. 7) and Vanderbilt (Feb. 10).

Cunningham continues to lead active SEC players with 11 weekly honors in her career. This is the second time this season, and the fifth time in her career she has been named the SEC Player of the Week. In 2015-16, Cunningham earned a conference record six Freshman of the Week nods, a mark which was tied today with Kentucky’s Rhyne Howard earning her sixth Freshman of the Week nod.

Cunningham has been recognized among the best in the nation this season, as she sits on the watch lists for the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, the Wade Trophy and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award.

The Tiger senior led Mizzou to a 70-65 overtime victory over No. 18 Texas A&M on Thursday, as Cunningham notched her 12th career double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Cunningham matched a career-high with 12 rebounds and set a career high with 44 minutes played in the game. Cunningham accounted for six of Mizzou’s nine total points in overtime, and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line in the extra period.

On Sunday, Cunningham scored 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds and matched a career-high with seven three-pointers in Mizzou’s 69-46 win over Vanderbilt. Cunningham became the second Tiger to ever make seven threes in an SEC game, as she joins Morgan Eye, who made 11 against Auburn on Jan. 6, 2013. It marked the 11th time this season and the 44th time in her career she has reached 20 points, as Mizzou moved to 10-1 in games this season in which she has scored 20+ points.

Cunningham has been on a recent scoring-tear, as she has averaged 22.4 points per game over her last seven contests with five 20-point games. The Tiger senior ranks near the top of numerous statistical categories in the SEC, as she ranks fourth in three-point percentage (42.9 percent), fifth in scoring (17.1 ppg), fifth in three-pointers made (2.4) sixth in field goal percentage (49.5 percent), seventh in free throw percentage (79.7 percent). In conference games only, Cunningham leads the SEC in three-point percentage (54.7 percent) and three-pointers made per game (3.2), and ranks third in scoring (18.7 ppg), third in field goal percentage (55.8 percent), sixth in free throw percentage (87.8 percent).

Cunningham is the SEC career active scoring leader with 1,991 points, and ranks sixth in career rebounds (646) and seventh in assists (363). Among program records, Cunningham currently ranks second in career three-point percentage (.407), third in scoring (1,991 points), third in free throws made (480), third in free throw percentage (.830), third in three-pointers made (213), fourth in career points per game (16.7) and fifth in assists (363).

Mizzou hits the road this week for a matchup with No. 5 Mississippi State on Thursday before returning home to Mizzou Arena on Sunday to host Tennessee.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Former Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt signs with Cleveland

Posted on February 11, 2019February 11, 2019

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns believe there’s remorse in Kareem Hunt’s heart. The NFL hasn’t gotten that far.

Following their own investigation, the Browns signed Hunt to a one-year contract Monday, giving the former star Chiefs running back a second chance after a video showed him pushing and kicking a woman.

“I think we’re all appalled by it,” general manager John Dorsey said at the team’s headquarters, hours after the Browns announced the controversial signing. “It is an egregious act. We all understand that. But after doing our research, extensive research, analyzing the situation, we came to the conclusion that I am willing to help a man from a second chance moving forward to be a better person, and that’s all you can ask for in society, and that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Soon after the disturbing video surfaced in December, Kansas City released the 23-year-old Hunt, who was seen in a physical altercation with the woman last February during an argument in the lobby of a Cleveland hotel where he stayed.

While Kansas City’s actions drew public support, the move put Hunt’s career in peril and placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list. He was in his second season with the Chiefs and one of their best players after leading the league in rushing as a rookie.

Now, the Browns feel comfortable giving the Cleveland native an opportunity to make amends. Hunt, who sought treatment and counseling, could still be suspended by the league under its personal conduct policy for the incident and two others that surfaced after he was released by the Chiefs.

The league’s investigation is ongoing, and until it’s completed the Browns won’t know if or when he’ll be able to play. Hunt has not been charged with a crime.

Dorsey drafted Hunt in 2017 and feels the former Toledo back’s contrition is genuine.

“I’ve known him since 2016 and I’ve found him to be a neat, young guy,” Dorsey said. “Now let’s reiterate, the egregious act that he did commit … there is no room for those types of things. We all know that moving forward. But as you go along and you start to see that this individual is truly remorseful, he understands the instances that took place there and he’s trying to make himself a better person now moving forward, and that’s all you can ask for.

Dorsey said he spoke to “numerous individuals” during the team’s investigation, adding he did not reach out to the victim, who has not spoken publicly about the incident.

In a statement released by the team, Hunt said:

“First off, I would like to once again apologize for my actions last year. What I did was wrong and inexcusable. That is not the man I was raised to be, and I’ve learned a great deal from that experience and certainly should have been more truthful about it after the fact. I’m extremely grateful that John Dorsey, Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the Cleveland Browns organization are granting me the opportunity to earn their trust and represent their organization in the best way possible on and off the field.

“I am committed to following the necessary steps to learn and to be a better and healthier person from this situation. I also understand the expectations that the Browns have clearly laid out and that I have to earn my way back to the NFL. I’m a work in progress as a person, but I’m committed to taking advantage of the support systems that I have in place to become the best and healthier version of myself.”

Hunt’s incident is one of the more high-profile assault cases to plague the league in recent years.

In 2014, Baltimore running back Ray Rice was captured on video punching and knocking out his then-fiancee in an elevator. He was released by the team and never returned to the NFL.

The Browns, coming off a tumultuous 7-8-1 season that followed an 0-16 record in 2017, are creating headlines by giving Hunt a second chance even as the NFL has not yet decided on his status. Dorsey expects the league to wrap up its investigation “within a couple weeks.”

Dorsey expects backlash for the decision to sign Hunt, but feels he knows Hunt well enough to believe he’s changed.

“I truly, in my heart of hearts, believe there is a humble soul within that person, I really do,” Dorsey said. “He owns up to it. … he’s remorseful and I think he understands the magnitude of it, and right now he wants to be a better person and prove to people that, you know what, that was an isolated mistake that I made and that will never happen again.

“He’s got to earn that trust from today moving forward.”

Hunt, of course, could wind up with a suspension for a portion of the 2019 season. A player who is placed on the commissioner’s exempt list may not practice or attend games, but with the team’s permission he may be present at its facility on “a reasonable basis for meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation, and other permitted non-football activities.”

If and when he is able to play, Hunt could have a major role with the Browns. Nick Chubb ran for 996 yards as a rookie last season and the team has Duke Johnson, a versatile back who also is one of the team’s best receivers. Johnson signed a three-year, $15.6 million contract in June.

— Associated Press —

Missouri’s Cunningham named to Naismith Trophy midseason team

Posted on February 11, 2019February 11, 2019

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) was named to the Citizen Naismith Trophy Midseason Team, announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club Monday. The list includes 30 players for the Women’s National Player of the Year award.

The midseason team will be narrowed down to 10 national semifinalists on March 4, 2019, then four finalists will be named on March 22, 2019, with the winner being announced on April 6, 2019.

Cunningham has been recognized among the best in the nation this season. In addition to the Naismith Trophy midseason team, Cunningham also currently sits on the watch lists for the Wooden Award, the Wade Trophy and the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award.

Cunningham has been on a recent scoring-tear, as she has averaged 22.4 points per game over her last seven contests with five 20-point games. Cunningham scored 27 points, grabbed eight rebounds and matched a career-high with seven three-pointers in Mizzou’s 69-46 win over Vanderbilt on Sunday. It marked the 11th time this season and the 44th time in her career she has reached 20 points, as Mizzou moved to 10-1 in games this season in which she has scored 20+ points. Earlier in the week, the Tiger senior led Mizzou to a 70-65 overtime victory over No. 18 Texas A&M on Thursday, as Cunningham notched her 12th career double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Last season, Cunningham earned AP All-America Honorable Mention and All-SEC First Team honors for the second consecutive season after averaging 18.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. She was the only player in the nation to shoot better than 54 percent from the field (54.2 percent, 186-for-343), 45 percent from three (45.7 percent, 69-for-151) and 83 percent from the free throw line (83.6 percent, 133-for-159).

Mizzou hits the road this week for a matchup with No. 6 Mississippi State on Thursday before returning home to Mizzou Arena on Sunday to host Tennessee.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Missouri Western baseball falls to No. 13 Southern Arkansas 11-9

Posted on February 10, 2019

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – For the third time in this young season, the Missouri Western baseball team (2-5) lost a game it led in the seventh inning or later. No. 13 Southern Arkansas (4-3) scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh, Sunday, to defeat Missouri Western 11-9 in the Henderson State Invitational.

NOTABLES

The offensive momentum from an 11-1 win on Saturday continued into the early portion of Sunday’s game with MWSU scoring five runs in the top of the first on Southern Arkansas
MWSU’s first three batters of the game all singled, including a two-RBI single from Casey Danley
With two out in the first, Andrew Curry drove in one with a triple
Brooks Day followed Curry’s at bat with a two-run homer, his first of the season
Southern Arkansas took a 6-5 led with a three-run fourth inning
MWSU answered with two runs in the fifth
The Griffons scored another in the sixth and one more in the seventh to take a 9-7 lead
With two on and two out in the bottom of the seventh, SAU got the rally going with a two-RBI triple and ended it with a two-RBI single
After Sunday, 51 percent of Griffon opponents’ runs (26) crossed the plate in the seventh inning or later
Offensively, Missouri Western has scored eight of its 43 runs (19%) over the final three innings
Griffon pitchers struck out 10 batters Sunday and lead the MIAA with 12 more Ks than any other team
As a staff, the Griffons are averaging 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings

STATS & LEADERS

Curry led the team with three hits, going 3-for-4 with a walk. He scored three runs and drove in one
Danley went 2-for-5 with two RBIs
Conrad McMahon went 2-for-4 with two runs scored
Jacob Purl struck out seven over the first four innings, but gave up six earned runs on five hits
Kellan Richards (0-2) took the loss, facing two batters in the seventh and allowing two earned runs on one hit and one walk

UP NEXT

St. Cloud State is scheduled to come to St. Joseph for a four-game series, Feb. 15-17
The Huskies are 3-0 and picked up wins over No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville and No. 20 Central Missouri last weekend

— MWSU Athletics —

Missouri women defeat Vanderbilt for Pingeton’s 500th career win

Posted on February 10, 2019

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball (18-7, 7-4) cruised to a 69-46 victory over Vanderbilt (6-17, 1-9) on Sunday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. With the win, head coach Robin Pingeton recorded her 500^th career victory as the Tiger improved to 6-0 at Mizzou in SEC play.

Senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) led the charge, scoring 27 points and tallying eight rebounds. Senior forward Cierra Porter (Columbia, Mo.) contributed 15 points, a season-high, and snagged 7 rebounds. The Tigers also scored 12 second-chance points, largely thanks to sophomore forward Emmanuelle Tahane (Bondy, France) pulling down five offensive boards.

TURNING POINT

The Tiger offense started the game on fire, opening the game on a 12-2 run. Cunningham led the team as she drilled four three-pointers in the first five minutes of the game. The defense also chipped in, holding Vanderbilt to just 15 points in the first half. The Tiger defense also held the Commodores to only seven field goals in the first half.

TOP TIGERS

With 27 points and eight rebounds, Cunningham continued her recent dominance. She now has scored 20+ points 11 times this season. Cunningham also tied a career-high in three-pointers as she drilled seven shots from beyond the arc.
Porter tallied 15 points and snagged seven rebounds. Her 15 points are the most she has scored since returning to the court this season.
Tahane pulled down eight rebounds, a career-high, while scoring six points. The sophomore forward also snagged five offensive boards, a season-high.

NOTES

Pingeton notched her 500^th career victory with the win over Vanderbilt. At Mizzou alone, she now has 165 victories. Among active head coaches, she stands in second place in the SEC and 32^ndoverall among Division-I head coaches.
Redshirt senior guard Lauren Aldridge (Marshfield, Mo.) dished out five assists today, pushing her over 400 career-assists. She now has 176 assists in her career at Mizzou.
With eight rebounds on the day, Tahane recorded a career-high. Tahane also snagged a season-high five offensive boards.
Cunningham drilled seven three-pointers in the game, setting a new season-high and tying a career high that came against SIUE (12/10/17).
Cunningham tallied 27 points, the 11^th time this season that she has recorded 20+ points. The Tigers move to 10-1 on the season when Cunningham scores 20 points or more.
Over her last seven contests, Cunningham is averaging 22.4 points per game with five 20-point games.
Porter recorded 15 points, the highest mark since she has returned to the court this season. She previously had 12 against Auburn (1/27/18)
With three free-throws made, Porter now ranks 10^th all-time at Mizzou with 323.
With two free throws, Cunningham has made 480 free throws in her career, just two behind of sole possession of first place all-time in Mizzou history.
The Tiger defense came up strong, holding the Commodores to 22% from the field and just 15 points in the first half. This is the third time this season that Mizzou has held an opponent to 15 points or below in one half.
Mizzou has now held its opponents to 65 points or less in 22 of 25 games this season.

UP NEXT

Next, Mizzou hits the road as the Tigers are set to battle No. 6 Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss. on Thursday, Feb. 14. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Dixon banks in game-winning, half-court shot as Missouri State beats Illinois State

Posted on February 10, 2019

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Jarred Dixon banked in a half-court shot just before the final buzzer to help Missouri State beat Illinois State 66-65 on Sunday.

Leading 65-63 with 7.8 seconds left, Illinois State turned it over on an inbounds play. The ball changed hands several times, leading to multiple players diving for the loose ball and it finally fell to Dixon, who took one dribble and launched it off the backboard before getting tackled by his teammates.

Tulio Da Silva posted 17 points and seven rebounds and Ryan Kreklow had 14 points for Missouri State (13-12, 7-5 Missouri Valley Conference), which earned its fourth consecutive home victory. Dixon added 13 points. Josh Webster had 11 points for the hosts.

Keandre Cook, who was second on the Bears in scoring entering the contest with 14 points per game, shot only 10 percent for the game (1 of 10).

Phil Fayne had 22 points for the Redbirds (14-11, 7-5). Milik Yarbrough added 17 points and six rebounds. Zach Copeland had 12 points.

Missouri State plays Evansville on the road on Wednesday. Illinois State faces Northern Iowa on the road on Wednesday.

— Associated Press —

Griffons get another road win as they hold off Lindenwood 88-81

Posted on February 10, 2019

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Missouri Western Men’s Basketball (11-13, 5-8 MIAA) had one of its best offensive performances of the season on Saturday, resulting in an 88-81 win over Lindenwood (11-14, 4-9 MIAA) on the road.

NOTABLES

The Griffon offense struggled in the opening minutes, scoring just 14 points and 33 percent shooting in the first 10 minutes.
After Lindenwood gained its largest lead of the game at 22-19 with under nine minutes to play in the first half, the Griffons used a 19-9 run to take a 38-29 lead into the halftime break.
Lavon Hightower led all scorers at the half with 11 points, while Tyrell Carroll scored nine.
Bryan Hudson stretched the Missouri Western lead to 13 points with five minutes remaining in the game.
The Lions would not go away, going on a 10-0 run to pull within reach at 71-68 with 2:47 to play.
The Griffons turned to Tyus Millhollin’s clutch shooting late in the fourth. Millhollin went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes to seal the win.
The Missouri Western offense was firing on all cylinders in the second half. The Griffons shot 58 percent in the half, going 5-7 from three and making all 17 free-throw attempts.
The Griffons set season-highs in field goal percentage (54), three point percentage (50), and free throw percentage (86) in the win.
Saturday’s 88-point performance comes just two days after their season-low 52 points at Lincoln in their last game.
The Griffons scored 52 points in the second half alone against Lindenwood, which is as much as they scored the entire game in Thursday’s loss to Lincoln.

LEADERS

Millhollin led the team with 22 points with four made three’s.
Hightower finished with 21 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
Carroll added 18 points and four assists.
Hudson scored an efficient 16 points on just nine shot attempts.

UP NEXT

Missouri Western will return to the MWSU Fieldhouse for a matchup with Southwest Baptist (11-11, 5-8 MIAA)
The Bearcats fell 74-65 to Washburn in their game on Saturday.

— MWSU Athletics —

No. 1 Bearcats overcome first half deficit, roll to 75-57 win at Lincoln

Posted on February 9, 2019

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri – The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team overcame a six-point first-half deficit and remained perfect on the season with a 75-57 road triumph over the Lincoln Blue Tigers on Saturday in Jason Gymnasium.

Senior Joey Witthus and fedshirt freshman Trevor Hudgins paved the way. Witthus tallied a game-high 30 points, while Hudgins chipped in with 24. Hudgins scored 16 of his in the opening half.

Lincoln led 22-16 with 9:29 remaining in the opening half. Northwest would close the half on a 20-6 run to hold a 36-28 advantage at the break.

Northwest extended its run into the second half and built a 48-30 lead with 17:02 to go in the game.

The Bearcats committed only one turnover in the game – a shot clock violation with 1:50 left in the game.

The Bearcats drained 22-of-26 at the free throw line, while the Blue Tigers made 5-of-8 at the free throw stripe. Northwest out-rebounded Lincoln, 34-31.

Northwest (23-0 overall, 13-0 MIAA) secured its 12th straight road victory and 23rd straight MIAA win. Lincoln suffered its sixth loss this year and only its fourth setback in MIAA play.

Northwest will be back in action in Bearcat Arena on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Central Missouri.

NOTES: Hudgins made four more free throws to extend his consecutive free throws made streak to 31 in a row … Kelvin Parker holds the Northwest record for consecutive free throws made with 35 … Central Missouri’s Reggie Soward holds the MIAA record with 36 consecutive made free throws from Dec 12, 2004-Jan. 29, 2005.

— Northwest Athletics —