With just one week before the ever-important NCAA Regional Rankings debut, the Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team continues to climb in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Top 25 poll released Tuesday.

The Bearcats jump to No. 18 in this week’s edition of the poll after picking up a 78-74 win at Pittsburg State on Saturday afternoon. With the win over the Gorillas, Northwest improved to 17-3 overall and 11-3 in conference play and clinched a spot in the MIAA Postseason Tournament, the first under head coach Ben McCollum.

The NABC Top 25 poll is made up of votes from coaches around the country and does not affect standing in the NCAA tournament. The first NCAA Regional Rankings come out Wednesday, Feb. 15, as the top eight teams in the rankings earn a spot in their respective regional tournament.

The top five teams all remained the same in the poll, led by No. 1 Bellarmine (Ky.) and followed by West Liberty (W. Va.) at No. 2. Winona State (Minn.) moved up to No. 3, as did Colorado School of Mines to No. 4 while Tarleton State (Texas) fell from No. 3 to No. 5.

Also cracking the NABC Top 25 is MIAA member Central Missouri at No. 25 while Missouri Southern sits one spot behind the Bearcats at No. 19.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

For the first time under head coach Ben McCollum the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats have earned a berth in the MIAA Postseason Tournament after a 78-74 win over Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon from John Lance Arena.

The Bearcats (17-3, 11-3 MIAA) held off a gritty Gorilla squad with late free throws. It is the first time in three season the Bearcats will return to the MIAA Tournament as they finished a regular season sweep of Pittsburg State (12-10, 8-7 MIAA).

With 3:17 left in the game DeAngleo Hailey knocked down three free throws pushing Northwest ahead for the fourth time at 64-62. His first free throw knotted the game for the eighth time of the day before his final two gave the Bearcats the lead for good.

After a missed Gorilla jumper at the other end, Hailey knocked down a three-pointer pushing the Northwest lead to 67-62 with just under three minutes to play. Hailey hit four three-pointers in the game and went 5-for-5 at the free throw line to finish with 17 points.

In the final minute junior guard, DeShaun Cooper, hit five of his final six free throws to ice the game. Cooper had a game-high 19 points and finished 11-of-13 on the night at the charity stripe.

After picking up an overtime win in the first meeting at Bearcat Arena, the second half turned into a physical battle. Both teams combined to shoot 66 free throws in the game as Northwest shot 78 percent on the night.

Northwest also connected on 10-of-24 three-pointers in the win as Justin Clark also hit four three-pointers. Clark and Jake Reinders each finished in double figures with 15 and 10 points respectively.

The Bearcats return home as they host Lincoln on Wednesday night at Bearcat Arena. Four of the Bearcats final six games are at Bearcat Arena to close out the season.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Drew Roberts’ game-high 20 points led six Pittsburg State players in double-figures as the 12th-ranked Gorillas downed the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats (4-18, 2-12 MIAA) 88-48 Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena.

The Gorillas (20-2, 14-1 MIAA) went 7-of-13 from three point range in the first half and shot a hot 66 percent while the Bearcats struggled offensively shooting just under 32 percent for the half.  The Bearcats trailed 56-30 at halftime.

Northwest could not overcome the deficit in the second half as the Gorillas would continue their dominance.

The Gorillas would go on the outrebound the Bearcats 55-to-36 for the game while scoring 36 of their 88 points in the paint.

The Bearcats would shoot just under 26 percent from the field for the game while the Gorillas converted 50 percent of their shots.

As a team, Northwest would hit 11-of-20 free throws while the Gorillas’ would go 13-of-19 from the line.

Candace Boeh led the Bearcats offensively as she finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Abby Henry and Ashley Thayer would chip in six points each while Henry also added three steals.

Roberts converted 6-of-12 three point shots for their Gorillas while Lauren Brown chipped in 12 points and 15 rebounds respectively.

Up Next:  Northwest continues MIAA action as they host the Lincoln Tigers Wednesday, Feb. 8.  Tip-off from Bearcat Arena is set for 5:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Tosha Tyler scored 17 points as the No. 10 Northeastern State Riverhawks slipped past the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats taking a 58-55 win Wednesday night in non-conference action from Bearcat Arena.

With the loss, the Bearcats continue their now five-game skid and fall to 4-17 overall and 2-11 in MIAA play.  The 10th-ranked Riverhawks improved to 18-2 overall.

Northeastern State looked in control during the first half and at one point held a 17-7 lead, but the Bearcats would battle back and cut the Riverhawks’ lead to three points at halftime.

Northwest would take their first lead of the game with 16:00 remaining in the second half off of a jumper by Maggie Marnin.

The two teams would battle back-and-forth throughout the second half until the 8:10 mark when Carrington Fox would hit a jumper to put the Riverhawks up for good.

Northwest battled back from cold shooting in the first half in which they shot just under 27 percent from the field compared to Northeastern State’s start of 34 percent.

As a team, Northwest would hit 13-of-20 free throws while the Riverhawks’ would go 12-of-16 from the line.

Shelly Martin led the Bearcats offensively as she finished with 12 points while adding six steals.

Abby Henry and Maggie Marnin would chip in eleven points each while Henry also added three steal.  Each would chip in five rebounds as well in the loss.

Up Next:  Northwest will continue MIAA action this weekend as they head to Pittsburg, Kansas Saturday to take on the No. 12 Pittsburg State Gorillas.  Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —

The Northwest Missouri State football coaches announced its 2012 class today. The list features 24 high school athletes who signed National Letters of Intent.

Northwest finished its 2011 campaign at 11-3 and returned to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, the most of any NCAA DII team. The Bearcats also averaged an NCAA -best 50 points per game during the regular season.

The Northwest staff will add nine players from the state of Missouri, the most in this year’s class, followed by five players from Iowa and Kansas.

In addition to successful recruiting in Missouri, Northwest will add three players from Nebraska and two players from Illinois and one Texas.

“Recruiting quality student-athletes takes a great deal of time and effort,” said Dorrel, who is entering his second season at the helm of the Bearcats. “I would like to recognize the effort of our coaching staff. We made it an emphasis to recruit young men with high character, solid academic records, and great athletic ability. Our staff did a great job going to recruits’ houses and schools establishing relationships with potential student-athletes, their parents and their high school coaches. I am very appreciative of the coaches’ hard work and to them I say ‘A big thanks’.”

“Also Assistant A.D. for Compliance, Lori Hopkins, is an integral part of every student-athlete’s career at Northwest. Her efforts usually go unnoticed and she has made my life easy throughout the recruiting process and we thank her for all of her hard work.”

The academic success of the recruits also is a point of pride for the football staff. Dorrel added that 23 of the 26 recruits qualified for academic scholarships and averaged a 3.38 GPA with an average ACT score of 22.4.

Dorrel praised the staff at Northwest for their help with the recruiting process.

“Also, when a young man chooses a school, it goes beyond just football. The quality of academic opportunities, the campus, the facilities, and the current student-athletes all play a role in their decision-making process.  With that being said, we had great academic appointments with numerous departments on this campus. Multiple parents made positive comments about our professors here at Northwest. We greatly appreciate your hard work and willingness to take time out of your personal life to help us. The revamped Talent Development Center in the Library was a big hit as well. Thanks to Leslie Galbreath, Linda Standerford, and the rest of the TDC staff.”

Added Dorrel, “Walking across our campus, you can’t help but feel inspired by how well kept it

is. We have a beautiful campus and to those who take care of it, thank you. I would also like to thank custodial services. They spent a lot of time making sure everything was opened up for us and well maintained.”

Listed below is an alphabetical listing of the 2012 Northwest football class with player notes and Dorrel’s comments on the student-athletes:

• Colby Bowers (Richmond, Mo.) – Long Snapper, 6-0, 230
High School: Richmond HS   Head Coach: Rob Bowers
Parents: Rob and Kerra Bowers
Notes: Bowers was a two-time All-State offensive lineman and earned first-team honors on the defensive line as a senior as well … Helped lead the Spartans to a Missouri State Title as a junior and a state semifinal finish in 2011 before falling to the eventual state champions … Richmond finished 29-2 in his final two seasons paying for his dad Rob Bowers … Was named all-conference as a junior and senior on both the offensive and defensive lines … Tabbed KMZU Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and was the District Defensive Player of the Year … Was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2011 and earned second-team All-Metro OL from the Kansas City Star
Coach Dorrel: “Colby is a great long snapper who will grow into a good center. He is a coach’s son and he is a tough, blue collar kid. His long snapping times are a consistent 0.68-0.72 seconds. These are great times for a high school student-athlete.”

• Brock Behrndt (St. Louis, Mo.) – Tight End, 6-5, 240
High School: Lafayette HS   Head Coach: Boyd Manne
Parents: James and Sheree Behrndt
Notes: An All-State selection as a senior and two-time all-conference pick … Recorded 18 catches for 306 as a senior averaging 17 yards per catch … Scored two touchdowns each varsity season as a junior and senior … Tallied 14 catches for 198 yards as a junior … Helped lead the Lancers to an 8-3 record and the state playoffs as a senior … Excels in the classroom as well being named a six-time scholar athlete at Lafayette
Coach Dorrel: “Brock is a big target and has the potential to be a good player in our offense. He understands football and how defensive coverage’s work. He will be a big asset in the red zone.”

• Steven Butler Jr. (Mesquite, Texas) – Defensive back, 5-7, 160
High School: West Mesquite HS   Head Coach: Mike Overton
Parents: Steven Butler Sr.
Notes: Earned second-team All-State acclaim for the Wranglers … Also named to first-team all-district and all-area teams … From same high school as former Bearcat Aldwin Foster-Rettig and current safety Fred Ngwu
Coach Dorrel: “Steven is a lock-down corner. He is very competitive and has nose for the ball. He is an aggressive tackler that plays bigger than his size.”

• Zach Callahan (Shawnee, Kan.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 270
High School: Mill Valley HS   Head Coach: Joel Applebee
Parents: Bill and Vickie Callahan
Notes: Callahan was a two-time All-State honoree and two-time all-conference pick … Participated in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl … Earned All-America status in wrestling at Mill Valley and placed third at the Kansas State Championships in 2011 … Helped lead the Jaguars to back-to-back playoff appearances
Coach Dorrel: “Zach is big and physical. He is a great wrestler and we love his toughness and his athleticism. He is going to make a good offensive guard for the Bearcats.”

• Joshua Falk (Joliet, Ill.) – Defensive End, 6-5, 205
High School: Joliet Catholic Academy   Head Coach: Dan Sharp
Parents: Colleen Falk and Bill Nelson
Notes: Helped lead the Hilltoppers to two Illinois State runner-up finishes as a sophomore and senior… Was named captain of the JCA track and field teams … An Illinois All-State scholar athlete
Coach Dorrel: “Josh has the potential to be very big! We love his motor and frame. He is an exciting pass rusher and we’re excited about his potential to grow as a student-athlete at Northwest.”

• Chris Foster (Overland Park, Kan.) – Defensive End, 6-5, 220
High School: Blue Valley HS   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Alan and Debbie Foster
Notes: Helped the Tigers to back-to-back Kansas State Championship games earning a state title as a junior and a runner-up finish as a senior … A three-year varsity lettermen, he earned Honorable Mention All-State honors and was an All-Metro selection by the Kansas City Star … Earned first-team all-conference accolades and was a four-year honor roll student … High school teammate of future Bearcats, Kyle Zimmerman and Justin Fulks
Coach Dorrel: “Chris had a tremendous senior year after an injury during his junior season. Chris has a great frame and has a lot of potential. He is really great at playing off blocks. He can play strong side or weak side defensive end.”

• Justin Fulks (Overland Park, Kan.) – Running Back, 5-11, 175
High School: Blue Valley HS   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Willis and Cynthia Fulks
Notes: A three-year starter for the Tigers at running back earning first-team All-State accolades as a junior and senior … Holds the school record for most yards in a career with 5,111 and touchdowns with 51 … Ran for over 1,800 yards as a senior scoring 21 touchdowns while adding 315 yards receiving on 22 catches and four TDs helping the Tigers to a Kansas State runner-up finish … Was named to the Kansas City Star All-Metro Team at running back and earned first-team All-Simone and first-team all-conference honors … Carried for over 1,700 yards as a junior scoring 15 touchdowns setting the single season school record, only to break it again as a senior … Helped lead the Tigers to a Kansas Class 5A State Championship during his junior season and a 12-1 record … Earned second-team all-conference accolades as a sophomore rushing for 845 yards and nine scores … Narrowly missed playing for three Kansas State Titles as his Tigers team fell to eventual state champion Olathe North and current Bearcat James Franklin in the semifinals … Was a Kansas State qualifier in track as a junior in the 100 meters and 200 meters … Earned two letters in track and field during his junior and sophomore seasons … High school teammate of current recruits Kyle Zimmerman and Chris Foster
Coach Dorrel: “Running, catching, punt returns, kick returns, Justin can do it all! He is truly a multi-threat tailback. He is a playmaker that can go the distance any time he touches it.”

• Luke Guenther (Altoona, Iowa) – Offensive Line, 6-6, 245
High School: Southeast Polk HS   Head Coach: Denny Muller
Parents: Tom and Shari Guenther
Notes: An All-State pick in the state of Iowa on the offensive line … Helped the Rams to a 10-2 record as a senior and a state quarterfinal appearance … Was named first-team all-conference and to the Elite All-Conference Team … Was a two-time academic all-conference selection as a junior and senior in football and basketball and once in soccer
Coach Dorrel: “Luke is a tremendous athlete. He is still growing and has a great frame. His footwork makes him primarily a right tackle and he is an outstanding pass protector.”

• Zach Hilsabeck (Barnard, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-7, 312
High School: South Nodaway   Head Coach: Dustin Skoglund
Parents: Mike and Ragena Hilsabeck
Notes: Earned first-team all-district accolades as both offensive and defensive lineman … Was named first-team all-conference
Coach Dorrel: “We have had the luxury of having Zach in our summer camps the last few years. He has a great work ethic and has great toughness! We are excited for him to wear the green and white. He has tremendous potential and he has all the physical attributes you look for in a left tackle. We are very excited about his future.”

• Phil Jackson II (Carol Stream, Ill.) – Running Back, 6-0, 220
High School: Glenbard North HS   Head Coach: Ryan Wilkens
Parents: Phillip and Veronica Jackson
Notes: A three-time all-conference back rushed for over 1,500 yards during his final season … Added 20 touchdowns and earned all-area accolades … Averaged six yards per carry helping the Panthers reach the Illinois state playoffs
Coach Dorrel: “When you watch Phil on video you notice his quick feet. He has great vision and an ability to finish runs. He fits well in our offense and he is a big back that is a different dimension.”

• Carson Klocko (Norwalk, Iowa) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 185
High School: Norwalk HS   Head Coach: Paul Patterson
Parents: Jason and Brenda Klocko
Notes: Helped lead the Warriors to the Iowa state playoffs twice and earned All-State accolades from the coaches association and Iowa Newspaper Association as a senior … Was the leading tackler for Norwalk leading them to a district title twice and earning all-district honors all four years … Will play in the 2012 Iowa Shrine All-Star Football game and was an academic all-district selection … Klocko was a three-time state qualifier in track and field and a two-time academic all-conference honoree
Coach Dorrel: “Carson is tall and rangy. He’s good at breaking up passes, but also has the ability to play downhill and support the run. His ability will allow our defensive staff to use him in a variety of ways.”

• Kyle Meyer (Versailles, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-3, 245
High School: Morgan County R-2   Head Coach: Glen Lemmon
Parents: Marvin and Kathy Meyer
Notes: Was an All-District selection on the offensive and defensive line and also a two-time all-conference selection on both sides of the ball … Earned All-Lake honors and was a two-time all-academic pick … Was  secretary and president of the Morgan Co. FCA
Coach Dorrel: “A great athlete for his size. He runs well and he will be a good puller in our offense. We found Kyle late in the recruiting process and we are very excited he picked Northwest. He has a tremendous work ethic.”

• Dylan Morris (Lawson, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-5, 270
High School: Lawson HS   Head Coach: Todd Dunn
Parents: Troy and Pam Morris
Notes: A unanimous all-conference selection, Morris also earned Second-Team All-State accolades … Was named All-Metro by the Kansas City Star and named Iron Man voted on by teammates … Earned all-district honors and helped lead Lawson to back-to-back Missouri playoff appearances
Coach Dorrel: “Dylan is another young man we had in our summer camps. He is big and physical and his frame gives him a chance to be a solid right tackle. We know what we are getting: a big, tough, hardworking kid. I have watched this kid grow as a player since his sophomore year.”

• Trey Randle (Kansas City, Mo.) – Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 275
High School: Rockhurst HS   Head Coach: Tony Severino
Parents: Tyler and Jamie Randle
Notes: A First-Team All-State lineman for the Hawks … Earned second-team All-Metro from the Kansas City Star as a senior … Helped lead Rockhurst to a Missouri State Championship as a junior and to the sectional round a senior before falling to eventual state champion Blue Springs South and future Bearcat teammate Casey Sudhoff … Finished his final two seasons as a prep with a 24-2 record
Coach Dorrel: “Trey is primarily a defensive tackle. He has a great motor and is a complete player. He can play run, but still is very effective on passing downs. He can also play strong side defensive end if we need him to.”

• TJ Schieber (Hamilton, Mo.) – Tight End, 6-3, 238
High School: Penney HS   Head Coach: Dave Fairchild
Parents: Tim and Traci Schieber
Notes: A two-time Missouri State Champion for the Hornets, Schieber was named the Missouri Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Was a first-team All-State selection as a junior and senior and second-team All-State pick as a sophomore … Was a four-time all-conference selection and named to the St. Joseph News Press First-Team in each of his junior and senior year … Was named Defensive Player of the Year by the St. Joseph News Press High School Football selections and the KMZU Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year … Earned an individual Missouri State Championship in the shot put as a junior
Coach Dorrel: “TJ is a physical football player. He has great hip explosion and we feel he will be an outstanding tight end with potential to play early. He knows how to work hard in class and on the field. His ability to one-on-one block the defensive end will make him a good player.”

• Chase Sherman (Crete, Neb.) – Offensive Line, 6-0, 270|
High School: Crete HS   Head Coach: Chuck McGinnis
Parents: Darin and Kathy Sherman
Notes: A two-time Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska selection on the offensive line …  Earned Lincoln Journal All-State acclaim at Crete High School … Helped lead Crete to back-to-back the Nebraska Class B State Championship Games claiming the state championship as a junior …Also finished with a 12-1 record en route to a conference championship as a senior … Older brother Brock Sherman is currently a freshman linebacker at Northwest
Coach Dorrel: “Chase is a true center that does a great job blocking back for a pulling guard. He also does a good job of working to level two and both of these attributes are important for our centers. He has great pad level and is a physical kid.”

• Casey Sudhoff (Blue Springs, Mo.) – Linebacker, 6-0, 220
High School: Blue Springs South HS   Head Coach: Greg Oder
Parents: Terry and Patty Sudhoff
Notes: Helped lead the Jaguars to a Missouri Class 6 State Championship and a 12-2 record as a senior … Earned first-team all-conference and all-area honors as a senior
Coach Dorrel: “Casey is a winner! He is very instinctive at linebacker and he has a nose for the ball. He runs well for his size and he is a sideline to sideline type of player.”

• DeAndre Thomas (Gladstone, Mo.) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 195
High School: Winnetonka HS   Head Coach: Sterling Edwards
Parents: Michelle Canon and Wilbur Thomas
Notes: All-State defensive back will be 1-of-2 two-sport athletes for the Bearcats in the recruiting class … Thomas will also run track after an outstanding football and track career for the Griffins … Was a two-time all-conference DB leading Winnetonka to the second round of the Missouri State Class 5 playoffs … Captain of both football and track teams … Earned conference championship in 110m high hurdles … Ranked 13th in AAU decathlon … Outstanding student as a three-time honor roll student
Coach Dorrel: “Plays downhill and physical. This kid is a great athlete. He loves to play football and loves to hit. He is tall and has great range. He will be an impressive young man when he is done.”

• Ben Trewyn (Bettendorf, Iowa) – Kicker, 5-11, 195
High School: Pleasant Valley HS   Head Coach: Rusty Van Wetzinga
Parents: Penny and Vern Trewyn
Notes:  A two-time All-State kicker for the Vikings … Was named First-Team all-conference as a junior and senior while also earning second-team all-conference honors at linebacker … Was named to the Academic all-conference team his senior season and earned First-Team All-Metro
Coach Dorrel: “Strong leg and Midwest kicker that knows how to kick in cold and wind. That was very important to us as a coaching staff. We expect him to learn from Todd and has potential to redshirt and be a four-year starter.”

• Jordan Van Roekel (Monroe, Iowa) – Athlete, 6-3, 195
High School: Prairie City-Monroe HS   Head Coach: Greg Bonnett
Parents: Brad and Mary Van Roekel
Notes: An All-State athlete led Prairie City-Monroe to the Iowa state quarterfinals and an 11-1 record … Was named first-team all-district as a three-year letter winner … Was an all-conference basketball and baseball player for the Mustangs helping lead the basketball team to a third place finish at the state championships … A 400-meter hurdles state champion as a junior and a three-year state qualifier for the Prairie City-Monroe track and field team … Played for former Bearcat linebacker, Greg Bonnett, who played at Northwest in the late 1990’s
Coach Dorrel: “A great athlete that runs well with his size. Could be a linebacker or defensive lineman! Is long with tremendous upside. He loves to play the game and his work ethic and toughness will make him successful at whatever position we go with.”

• Jacob Vollstedt (Iowa City, Iowa) – Linebacker, 6-2, 225
High School: Iowa City Regina HS   Head Coach: Marv Cook
Parents: Doug and Sandy Vollstedt
Notes: Vollstedt was MVP of the Iowa Class 2A State Championship in 2010 and 2011 helping lead the Regals to back-to-back Iowa State Titles … Regina went 14-0 in both seasons as Vollstedt earned first-team All-State honors as a junior and senior from the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Newspaper Association … Was named the District 5 Player of the Year in 2011 earning first-team all-district recognition in his final two seasons as well … Was named the Iowa City Press Citizen Area Defensive Player of the Year and Regional Defensive Player of the Year by the Cedar Rapids Gazette … Was a three-year starter for the Regals soccer team helping guide the team to three consecutive Iowa State Championships on the soccer pitch as well
Coach Dorrel: “Jacob is a physical linebacker that is a great tackler! He does a good job of taking on the lead blocker or offensive guard. He gets off blocks and gets to the ball carrier and is very instinctive.”

• Michael Wickham (Bennington, Neb.) – Wide Receiver, 6-3, 190
High School: Bennington HS   Head Coach: Greg Bohn
Parents: Mathew and Connie Wickham
Notes: A two-time All-State selection helped the Badgers reach the Nebraska State playoffs twice … Was a two-time all-district selection and earned First-Team All-Omaha Area accolades as a junior and senior … A four-year letter winner set school records for receiving yards and rushing yards in a game … Was also a three-year varsity starter on the Badgers basketball team leading the team to a third-place finish in 2009 and three conference championships … Was an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior and two-time honorable mention All-Omaha Area pick on the hardwood … Also a Nebraska State Champion in 200m for the Badger track and field team and a state qualifier in the 100 meters, 400 meters, 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays … Wickham also earned a district championship in the 100m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m
Coach Dorrel: “Played entire season at quarterback, but is a natural wide receiver. Runs very well and has great playmaking ability. We are excited about his future and feel he will progress at a rapid pace in our offense when he is solely focused on playing wide receiver.”

• Connor Wilson (Omaha, Neb.) – Rover, 6-1, 205
High School: Millard North HS   Head Coach: Fred Petito
Parents: Greg and Cindy Wilson
Notes: Wilson was a two-year letter winner and an All-State Honorable Mention pick … Helped lead the Mustangs to a Nebraska State Championship as a junior and returned to the playoffs as a senior
Coach Dorrel: “Connor played multiple positions in high school. His toughness is his greatest attribute. He grew up watching Bearcat football and we are excited to see him put on a Bearcat uniform! He fits well at rover and he does a great job of being physical at the line of scrimmage.”

• Kyle Zimmerman (Overland Park, Kan.) – Quarterback, 6-1, 183
High School: Blue Valley   Head Coach: Eric Driskell
Parents: Duane and Barb Zimmerman
Notes: Zimmerman helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Kansas Class 5A State Championships earning a runner-up finish as a senior and capturing the title during his junior season … Was an Honorable Mention All-State selection as a senior and junior … Set school records for most passing touchdowns in a game and in a career … Finished second on the all-time passing yards list at Blue Valley … Was named Kansas City Star All-Metro Honorable Mention also earning second-team all-conference accolades … Named a finalist for Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … Also a standout in the classroom as a four-year all-conference scholar athlete … High school teammate of future Bearcats Justin Fulks and Chris Foster
Coach Dorrel: “Kyle is a dual threat quarterback. He is a leader and a great student-athlete and has all the qualities we look for in our quarterbacks. He knows how to win and football is very important to him. His ability to improvise when the pocket breaks down is what makes him special.”

Committed to play at Northwest

• Quanzee Johnson (Shawnee, Kan.) – Athlete, 5-9, 155
High School: Bishop Miege HS   Head Coach: Tim Grunhardt
Parents: Darryl and Valerie Johnson
Notes: Johnson was a First-Team Kansas All-State defensive back for former Kansas City Chiefs lineman Tim Grunhardt at Bishop Miege … Helped the Stags to the sectional round of the Kansas state playoffs before falling to Blue Valley and future Northwest teammates Kyle Zimmerman, Chris Foster and Justin Fulks … Was a two-time all-conference pick at running back and corner back
Coach Dorrel: “Quanzee is an exciting athlete! He can play running back or wide receiver. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands and he is a solid student-athlete with a bright future.”

• P.T. Mahoney (Belton, Mo.) – Athlete, 6-5, 230
High School: Belton HS   Head Coach: Mark Thomas
Parents: Pat and Kathy Mahoney
Notes: Mahoney was a two-time all-conference selection he earned offensive line and defensive line honors as a junior and senior … Was named Lineman of the Year as a senior for the Pirates
Coach Dorrel: “P.T. has a great frame and we believe his potential to succeed here at Northwest is great. He does a great job playing with his hands and getting off blocks.”

Transfers (The following student-athletes are currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring drills.)

• David Tooley (Moberly, Mo.) – Wide Receiver, 6-5, 203
Previous School: Wyoming   High School: Moberly HS   Head Coach: Jason Ambrosen
Parents: Trenia Tooley
Notes: Tooley saw action in 10 games as a true freshman for the Cowboys … He caught seven passes for 115 yards averaging 16.4 yards per catch … His first collegiate touchdown came in a come-back win over San Diego State helping give Wyoming a bowl berth … Tooley did not play in the New Mexico Bowl due to a knee injury … Prior to college, Tooley prepped at Moberly High School in central Missouri … He was an All-State athlete leading the team with 57 catches for 921 yards and seven touchdowns along with being the team’s leading kick returner … Led team to back-to-back Missouri state playoff appearances earning All-District and All-Conference accolades each year as a junior and senior … Was also a three-year letterman in track and field at Moberly … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “David has a big frame and has tremendous playmaking ability. We will use his size as an advantage and you will see him line up at multiple positions. He is coming off an injury and has been out of football for a year and a half and we need to be patient, but I am confident when he is back to 100% he will be a great student-athlete.”

• Brandon Dixon (Margate, Fla.) – Defensive Back, 6-0, 195
Previous School: Joliet JC   High School: Coconut Creek HS
Parents: Ronnie and Deborah Dixon
Notes:  Named first-team all-conference and first-team all-region defensive back for the Wolves … Earned All-America accolades at Joliet JC before the school cancelled the football program … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “He is a complete football player. He has confidence that you want in your corner backs. Brandon played at a great high school football program that exposed him to great athletes. We are expecting him to make an immediate impact on our football program.”

• Stacy Whitaker (Jacksonville, Texas) – Defensive Back, 6-2, 185
Previous School: Tarleton State   High School: Jacksonville HS
Parents: Tracy Whitaker and Patricia Brown
Notes: was an all-district corner back at Jacksonville High School … Named track MVP and was a regional finalist in track and field … Saw limited action in six games at Tarleton State … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
Coach Dorrel: “A tall and rangy corner back, that we really like in our league. He is young and will continue to grow in our program as he improves.”

• Adam Vanderpool (Kansas City, Mo.) – Offensive Line, 6-6, 275
Previous School: Southern Illinois    High School: Park Hill HS   Head Coach: Greg Reynolds
Parents: John and Lee-Ann Vanderpool
Notes:  Vanderpool earned a redshirt at Southern Illinois and will have all four-years of eligibility at Northwest … A product of Park Hill High School, he was an All-State selection as a senior and junior in Class 5 … Two-time all-conference pick and All-Metro via the Kansas City Star after helping team to back-to-back playoff appearances … Also played baseball, leading team into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs as a junior… All-Conference and All-Metro team first baseman … Is currently enrolled at Northwest and will participate in spring practice
CoachDorrel: “Adam was a top recruit in last year’s class and transferred back from Southern Illinois to be closer to family. He has a great frame and spring ball will be very important for him. He will push for a position at right guard or right tackle. He is a tremendous football player.”

— NWMSU Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State returned to the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 released Tuesday standing at No. 22 in the latest rankings.

The Bearcats enter their bye week at 16-3 on the season and are coming off a 75-57 win over then-No. 23 Fort Hays State. Northwest sits tied atop the MIAA standings with Central Missouri at 10-3 with a game and a half separating second-place Washburn.

After receiving votes in last week’s poll, Northwest is the highest ranked MIAA team in the NABC Top 25.

Bellamine (Ky.) remains at No. 1 followed by West Liberty (W. Va.) at No. 2.

South Central Region foe, Tarleton State climbs to No. 3 with Winona State at No. 4 and Colorado School of Mines rounding out the top five.

Other region opponents in the top 25 include Midwestern State at No. 11 and Missouri Southern at No. 23.

The Bearcats return to the hardwood Saturday as they travel to Pittsburg State for a 3:30 p.m. tipoff from John Lance Arena.

— NWMSU Sports Information —