The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team picked up a 2-1 victory on Thursday over Ouachita Baptist at Rab Rogers Field in Arkadelphia, Ark.

– The Bearcats move to 1-4 on the year while the Tigers fall to 2-3 overall.

– Landon Figg was 3-for-5 with the game-winning RBI in the fifth.

Key Northwest Statistics
– Northwest scored one run in the fourth and added one in the fifth. The Tigers scored their lone run in the third.

– The Bearcats had two runs on six hits with two errors. OBU had one run on three hits with one error.

– Mondesi Gutierrez walked three times and scored a run.

– Alixon Herrera was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

– Derek Hussey was 1-for-3 with a walk.

– Luke Hassman scored a run.

– Logan Rycraft, Jake Velasco and Jay Hrdlicka each drew walks.

– Joseph Hietpas got the win, going 6.1 innings. He allowed just one unearned run and two hits. He struck out six and walked five.

– Jacob Wagner allowed just one hit in 1.2 innings of scoreless relief.

– Trevor Dudar finished off the game by working a hitless ninth inning.

Key Northwest Innings
– Hietpas set the Tigers down in order in the fourth and Wagner worked a three-up, three-down frame in the eighth.

– Hassman led off the fourth by getting hit by a pitch. After a pair of groundouts, Hassman ended up on third with two down. Hererra came up with an RBI single to center to tie the game, 1-1.

– In the fifth, Northwest got a leadoff single but a double-play wiped out the baserunner. With two down, Gutierrez walked and went to second on a wild pitch. Figg capitalized with a RBI single to drive in the go-ahead run.

Up Next
– Northwest will take on Henderson State on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Ark.

— Northwest Athletics —

By David Boyce – Northwest Athletics

EMPORIA, Kan. – Through most of the game, Northwest Missouri State’s men’s basketball team struggled making baskets. And with 3 minutes, 30 seconds left, the Bearcats found themselves down one point to Emporia State Wednesday evening at White Auditorium.

The Hornets, who entered the game with only eight victories overall and three in the MIAA, were looking to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Division II this season against Northwest, ranked No. 6 in the NABC top 25.

Simply put, the Bearcats needed to make plays down the stretch to prevent Emporia State from having its Super Bowl moment.

The Bearcats made those winning plays in the final 3 minutes and pulled out a 55-50 victory. The win lifted Northwest to 20-2 overall and 12-2 in the MIAA. The Bearcats will play for sole possession of first place Saturday at Washburn.

“This is probably one of the toughest places to win a game,” said senior Justin Pitts, who finished with 10 pints and six assists. “To win means a lot, especially going into Washburn. This is my last time playing here so it is good to get the win.”

The offensive execution started with a basket from junior Joey Witthus that gave Northwest a 44-43 lead with 3:24 left.

Sixteen seconds later, Witthus received a pass from freshman Ryan Hawkins and drained a three-pointer, increasing the Bearcats’ lead to 47-43.

“That was big there to get us a little bit of a lead, but it was definitely my teammates who made the extra pass to get me open,” said Witthus, who finished with a game-high 15 points. “That is what is so special about this team. It is the trust we have in each other.”

Northwest senior Chris-Ebou Ndow followed Witthus’ field goals with a basket, which gave Northwest a 49-43 with just over 2 minutes left.

The two-minute sequence was enough to put a pesky Hornets team away.

“Early on, we got shots, but we just couldn’t knock them down,” said Northwest coach Ben McCollum. “And then we started pressing and when you press, the ball doesn’t move as much.

“We were fortunate enough to come away with a win. We didn’t let our offense affect our defense, which was huge.”

Trailing by two points to start the second half, Northwest went inside to senior Brett Dougherty and he quickly responded with two baskets in the paint to put Northwest ahead 27-25.

But over the next six minutes the Bearcats continued to struggle on offense. With 12:15 left in the game, Northwest was locked in a 34-34 tie with the Hornets.

Over the next 3 minutes both teams had trouble scoring. The game remained tied at 36-36 with 9:25 left.

Nearly 90 seconds later, Northwest took a 38-36 lead when Pitts drove inside and passed it to Ndow, who slammed home a dunk with 8 minutes left.

“I think that is pretty big, especially on nights like tonight when nobody is hitting shots from the outside,” Pitts said about the key assists the Bearcats had. “Whoever penetrates knows there are back cuts. I have the ultimate trust that everybody will make plays.”

Over the next 5 minutes there were five lead changes. Emporia State held a slim 43-42 lead at the final media timeout with 3:33 left.

“This was good for us,” Witthus said. “It shows that not every game is going to be pretty. We have to fight and continue to fight and stick with the game plan, and that is what we did tonight. We got some big stops and rebounds and came away with the win.”

Although the Bearcats led most of the first half, they never found an offensive rhythm and that cost them in the final seconds. A long three-pointer by Emporia State senior Garin Vandiver sent Northwest into halftime trailing 25-23.

The best stretch for Northwest in the first half came with the score tied 12-12. Pitts drove to the basket and kicked the ball out to Witthus for a three-pointer.

After a defensive stop, Pitts repeated the play and dribbled inside and flipped the ball back outside. On this occasion, Ndow, who finished with 12 points, drilled a three-pointer, giving Northwest an 18-12 lead.

Northwest only made one more field goal the final 5:48 in the first half. The lack of offense allowed Emporia State to slowly make up the difference.

The Bearcats went 7 for 21 from the field in the first half for 33 percent. The only player with shooting success was Ndow, who made two of his three shots.

— Northwest Athletics —

By David Boyce – Northwest Athletics

EMPORIA, Kan. – In the final five regular-season games, Northwest Missouri State’s women’s basketball team needs to find a way to duplicate Wednesday night’s second quarter for the entire game.

The Bearcats lost 76-62 to Emporia State at White Auditorium. But in the second quarter against a perennial power in the MIAA, the Bearcats showed what they are capable of doing.

“We knew coming in that it is hard to play here,” said senior Tanya Meyer. “They are a solid team. Being able to fight and show that fight the whole game after we got down quite a bit in the first quarter, I think that helps going into Saturday’s game. Being on the road (at Washburn), it is going to be another tough one, but we are ready for the competition.”

Against Emporia State, Meyer and freshman Jaelyn Haggard turned in performances worthy of all-conference consideration. Meyer finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds and Haggard had 23 points, four assists and four rebounds.

Northwest gave up 26 points in the first quarter and trailed by 14. The one bright spot for the Bearcats in the first 10 minutes was the scoring of Haggard, who knocked down three of four field goals and scored eight of her team’s 12 points.

The rest of the Bearcats fed off of Haggard’s energy in the second quarter and that sparked a dramatic turnaround. Although Northwest went into halftime down 38-32, the Bearcats jogged into the locker room knowing it could keep pace with Emporia State.

“I felt coming out of the first quarter, the wheels could fall off,” said Northwest coach Buck Scheel. “We didn’t do that. I was really happy the way our kids competed and cut the lead down to six.

“We had really good movement, for the most part, with the ball. We were getting some good stops defensively from everybody at different times, which is what you got to have against a team like that.”

The second-quarter surge started with a basket from Meyer, who turned up her game another notch. She scored 11 points in the second quarter.

Trailing 29-16, Northwest cut its deficit to single digits on a floater by Haggard followed by a basket by Meyer, making it 29-20.

“I think we came out in the second quarter really strong,” Haggard said. “The first quarter we had a pretty big gap between us and them, but we came out and fought. I am really proud of how hard we worked. We didn’t come out with a win, but I am proud the way we came out and grinded.”

Indeed.

A few minutes later, Haggard hit a long three-pointer that closed the gap to 31-23. Meyer then took over. A layup and a three-pointer by Meyer pulled Northwest to within five at 33-28. Northwest ended the first half on a running layup by Haggard.

“We were finding the open person on offense and not forcing up shots like we did in the first quarter,” Meyer said. “That helped us get that margin to six going into the second half.”

The Bearcats shot 56 percent from the field in the second quarter and held Emporia State to 31 percent. Meyer and Haggard combined for 28 points.

Unfortunately, Northwest’s defense wasn’t as tight in the third quarter and that hurt the Bearcats from making a push to get closer. Emporia State went 11 for 17 for a blistering 65 percent from the field in the third quarter.

Northwest shot the ball well in the third quarter, making eight of 14 shots for 57 percent. The Bearcats, though, were outscored 24-18 and that put them behind 12 points going into the final quarter. It was too much of a deficit for Northwest to make up in the final 10 minutes.

Sheel was pleased the way Haggard bounced back from Saturday’s game against Lindenwood.

“She wasn’t happy with that game,” Scheel said. “A lot of times, especially with freshmen, you don’t know how they are going to bounce back. She came in like it was another game and came out and competed.

“To have a freshman who is going through those bumps in the road and handling the learning curve of Division II as well as this conference, it is good to see.”

— Northwest Athletics —

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head football coach Rich Wright has announced the Bearcats’ 2018 signing day class. This year’s class includes 38 new players for the 2018 roster. There are two junior college transfers and 36 high school seniors who signed on Wednesday. There are 15 student-athletes from Missouri, six from Nebraska, five from Iowa, four from Kansas, three from Florida and Illinois and one each from Arkansas and California.

Joe Barnes (DB – Liberty HS; Kansas City, Mo. – 5-9, 180)

Was an all-state performer at Liberty HS for coach Chad Frigon … was an All-Simone Team member as a senior … set the Liberty High School record for tackles … was the 2017 Conference Player of the Year … was named Academic All-State in 2016 … parents are Kristy and Joe Barnes.

JD Benbow (TE – Staley HS; Kansas City, Mo. – 6-2, 220)

Was a first team all-state performer at Staley HS for coach Phil Lite … earned first team all-district and first team all-conference honors … was named to the All-Simone Team … parents are Vicki Bellanti and James W. Benbow.

Andrew Blum (LB – Glenwood Senior HS; Glenwood, Iowa – 6-3, 205)

Selected to the Iowa Shrine Bowl … three-time all-county performer for coach Cory Faust … served as team captain senior year … earned three all-district honors including first-team honors as a senior … named academic all-conference and all-district … member of the National Honor Society … 2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist … 4.0 Academic Honor Roll … parents are Dave and Chris Blum.

Blake Brown (WR – Blue Valley HS; Stilwell, Kan. – 6-1, 182)

All-state wide receiver at Blue Valley HS for coach Allen Terrell … second team All-EKL performer Brent Robertson teammate of the Year award … Principal’s Honor Roll … member of the National Honor Society … parents are Russ and Meghan Brown.

Ryan Dewhirst (TE – Rock Port HS; Rockport, Mo. – 6-2, 230)

All state tight end and defensive end for head coach Ross Hastert at Rock Port HS … helped lead team to back-to-back conference titles … voted team’s offensive MVP … three time letter recipient … named Football academic all state … named track academic all-state … member of the National Honor Society … parents are Richard and Linda Dewhirst.

Karson Dickson (DL – Bruning-Davenport/Shickley HS; Carleton, Neb. – 6-3, 220)

Was a two-time state champion for head coaches Chris Ardissono and Mark Rotter at Bruning-Davenport HS … was a first-team all-state performer as a senior … helped lead his team to a track and field runner-up finish at state … also played basketball and helped lead his team to a fourth-place state finish in 2015 … parents are Kevin and Jodi Dickson.

Tevin Eckwood (DB – Har-Ber HS; Springdale, Ark. – 5-11, 160)

Was a two-time all-state honoree at Har-Ber HS for coach Chris Wood … was a 7x MaxPreps Player of the Game … parents are Theron Eckwood and Tyra Eckwood.

Hunter Gerths (OL – Ellsworth CC; Albia, Iowa – 6-5, 270)

Played at Ellsworth Community College … first team All-State performer at Albia HS … named first team all-conference … voted team’s best offensive lineman … earned Iron Man award for best attendance in weight room and most improvements in strength … voted hardest hitter by team … played for coach Jerry Staton … parents are John and Heather Gerths and Mike and Heather Hindman.

Mitch Goff (OL – Dowling Catholic HS; Des Moines, Iowa – 6-3, 280)

Was a first team all-state elite performer at Dowling Catholic for coach Tom Wilson … was named first team all-district as a senior … earned academic recognition in football and baseball … parents are David and Shelly Goff.

Walker Graves (DL – Chillicothe HS; Chillicothe, Mo. – 6-3, 309)

A three-year all-state performer at Chillicothe HS for coach Phil Willard … earned all-conference honors four years and was all-district three years … named to the KKWR/KRNR All-Star team three years … the KMZU Defensive Player of the Year twice … four year varsity starter in basketball and qualified for state track and field three times … member of the National Honors Society … four year Principals honor roll … Academic all-state in track and football three years … parents are Jason and Andrea Graves.

Giavonni Guido (ATH – Millard West HS; Omaha, Neb. – 6-0, 160)

Was a first team all-metro and the all-metro coaches player of the year at Millard West HS for coach Kirk Peterson … parents are Teri and Perry Guido.

LaTroy Harper (WR – Penney HS; Hamilton, Mo. – 6-1, 185)

Was a first team all-state and Class One Offensive Player of the Year at Penney HS for coach Caleb Obert … was named an all-district and all conference performer by multiple publications … helped lead his team to a 2016 State title … also an all-state selection in basketball and holds the school record in the high jump … member of the National Honors Society … parents are Telly and Angi Harper.

Lonell Harris (DB – St. Augustine HS; St. Augustine, Fla. – 6-1, 165)

Was an all-conference and all district performer for St. Augustine HS … earned the team’s Top Jacket Award … was named second team all-district as a junior … played for head coach Brian Braddock … parents are Cameron and Demetria Harris.

Cole Hembrough (TE – Glenwood HS; Chatham, Ill. – 6-3, 220)

An all-state performer for coach David Hay at Glenwood HS … earned all-conference honors and served as team captain as a senior … selected Academic All-State … parents are Stacey and Roy Gilmore.

Thomas Henrichs (P – Liberty HS; Liberty, Mo. – 6 -4, 196)

Was a first team all-state punter at Liberty HS for coach Chad Frigon … was a first team all-conference punter and quarterback as a senior … earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a junior at quarterback … named first team all-conference as a pitcher and was an all-state honorable mention performer … given the football academic award for three seasons … parents are John and Kelly Henrichs.

Noah Hilton (DL – Ralston HS; Omaha, Neb. – 6-4, 240)

Was a three-year letter winner at Ralston HS for coach Jason Fink … also lettered in wrestling four years … was part of the football and wrestling leadership counsel … named academic all-conference all four years in football, wrestling and baseball … parents are Ann and Chad Hilton.

Mike Hohensee (QB – St. Charles North HS; Saint Charles, Ill. – 6-2, 210)

Was a first team all-state performer at St. Charles North HS for coach Robert Pomazak … was named conference MVP and also earned all-area honors … was the Chicago Bears’ Player of the Week … parents are Mike and Deb Hohensee.

Zach Howard (DL – Bolivar HS; Bolivar, Mo. – 6-3, 310)

Was an all-state performer at Boliver HS for coach Glen Johnson … earned all-conference honors three times and was a two-time all-district performer … named first-team all-region twice … was also named first team all-district in baseball … member of the National Honor Society … was on the Academic Honor Roll … parents are Matthew and Erin Howard.

Devan Jackson (OL – Worth County HS; Grant City, Mo. – 6-5, 300)

First team all-state performer at Worth County HS for coach Chris Healy … first team all-district and all conference as a senior … named first team All-News Press … helped lead his team to the 8-man state title in 2017 … parents are Dennis and Jina Jackson.

Eann Johnson (DB – Robinson HS ; Tampa, Fla. – 5-11, 180)

Was a two-time all-county selection at Robinson HS for coach Shawn Taylor … parents are Renee and Scott Johnson.

Drake Kinsella (DL – Worth County HS; Grant City, Mo. – 6-3, 230)

Plead for coach Chris Healy at Worth County R-III HS … named all state three years on the defensive line and twice on the offensive line … helped lead team to 2017 State Championship … three-time all-district and three-time all-district performer … three-time all conference performer … named first team all-state, all-district and all-conference in basketball … went to state in the shot put … parents are Larry and Janet Kinsella.

Jackson Likens (K – Blue Valley HS; Stilwell, Kan. – 5-11, 184)

Was a first-team all-state kicker at Blue Valley High School for coach Allen Terrell … was named to the All-USA Kansas team by USA Today … was a first team all-conference performer, leading the team in field goals, PAT percentage, scoring and kickoffs as a senior … earned honorable mention all-state accolades as a junior … Principal’s Honor Roll … member of National Honors Society … parents are Brad and Janae Likens.

Grant Matthies (TE – Creighton Preparatory; Omaha, Neb. – 6-3, 215)

Was a two-time all-metro and an all-state performer at Creighton Prep for coach Tim Johnk … parents are Brett Matthies and Marsha Matthies.

Tyler Miller (DL – Staley HS; Kansas City, Mo. – 6-3, 238)

Was a two-year first team all-state performer at Staley HS for coach Phil Lite … earned first team all-district and first team all-conference awards during junior and senior years … was named to the All-Simone team in 2017 … helped win 2017 Class 5 state title … was also an all-conference and all-district performer in track … was a second-team all-conference performer in wrestling … member of the National Honors Society … first team all-state academic performer … parents are Darrell and Susan Miller.

Matt Murphy (DB – Lincoln Way West HS; New Lenox, Ill. – 6-0, 175)

Was an all-state defensive back at Lincoln Way West HS for coach Dave Ernst … was a three-time all-conference performer … named all-area by multiple publications … member of the National Honors Society … parents are Paula and Brian Murphy.

Peyton Plunkett (LB – Palmyra HS; Palmyra, Mo. – 6-2, 205)

Was a first team all-state selection at Palmyra HS for coach Kevin Miles … named all-district and was the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 … was an all-area linebacker as a senior … also an all-district and all-conference performer in baseball and basketball … member of FCA … served as junior class president … named to the honor roll all four years … parents are Justyn and Camille Plunkett.

Riley Prachar (DL – Venice Senior HS; Venice, Fla. – 6-4, 240)

Helped lead his team to a Class 7A state title as a senior at Venice HS for coach John Peacock … was the district leader in sacks and finished fifth in total tackles … went 36-4 in three seasons … holds a 3.8 GPA … parents are Paul and Travis Prachar.

Cameron Purvis (RB – Omaha Northwest HS; Omaha, Neb. – 5-10.5, 175)

Was an all-state honorable mention performer at Omaha Northwest HS for coach Steve Warren … selected to the 2017 River Battle Bowl All-Star game … earned four football letters and was a two-time team captain … given the 2017 Omaha Westside Kiwanis Sports Leadership Award … parents are Edward and Candace Purvis.

Robert Rawie (RB – Liberty HS; Liberty, Mo. – 6-0, 175)

Was a two-time all-state running back at Liberty HS for coach Chad Frigon … was named to the All-Simone team as a senior … named All-Metro twice … first team all-conference and was voted the Conference Player of the Year … was also named all-state in track and field … named to the football academic honor roll … A+ program participant … parents are Doug and Cindy Rawie.

Nijel Roberts (WR – Blue Valley North HS; Overland Park, Kan. – 6-0, 160)

Was an all-state performer at Blue Valley North HS for coach Andy Sims … earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a wide receiver and was a second-team all-state honoree as a defensive back … qualified for state track and field twice … parents are Jeremy and Felisha Roberts.

AJ Sieh (OL – AHSTW HS; Avoca, Iowa – 6-4, 300)

Played for head coach Davis Pattee at AHSTW HS … was a three-time all-state honoree, earning second team accolades as a junior and again as a senior … named first team all-district as a senior … member of National Honor Society … parents are Alan & Bobbi Sieh.

Isaiah Strayhorn (RB – Southwestern CC; Chula Vista, Calif. – 5-10, 205)

All-conference running back at Southwestern CC for head coach Ed Carberry … rushed for 920 yards and 14 touchdowns … rushed for 209 yards and four touchdowns against College of the Desert … played high school at Eastlake HS … parents are Tammy and David Strayhorn.

Mason Sullivan (OL – Lincoln HS; Lincoln, Neb. – 6-0, 258)

Was an all-state honorable mention offensive lineman at Lincoln HS for coach Mark Macke … was named all-city as a senior … received the Dennis K. Meyer Memorial Scholarship in 2017 … also placed at state in powerlifting … named to the academic honor roll … parents are Heather Sullivan and Joe Sullivan.

Isaac Vollstedt (LB – Regina HS; Iowa City, Iowa – 6-1, 205)

Two-time state champion at Regina High School for coach Marv Cook … played in four-consecutive state title games … first team all-district twice and was the Iowa Newspaper Association’s First-Team All-State selection as a utility player … also won a state title in 2017 in soccer … is a three-year starter on the soccer team … earned the Iowa Excellence in Academic Achievement Award three times … given the 2016 Outstanding Youth Service Award … parents are Doug and Sandy Vollstedt.

Tre Wheaton (WR – Blue Springs HS; Blue Springs, Mo. – 6-1, 175)

Was a first team all-conference performer at Blue Springs HS for coach Kelly Donohoe … also earned all-district honors … parents are Sheree Wheaton and Sean Wheaton.

Nyjel White (OL – Hickman HS; Columbia, Mo. – 6-4, 265)

Was an all-state performer at Hickman High School for coach Trevor Rubly … earned all-district honors as a senior and was vote the team’s offensive MVP … parents are Keisha White and Albert White.

Javon Williams (DB – Grandview HS; Grandview, Mo. – 6-0, 175)

Was a first team all-state performer at Grandview HS for coach Jeremie Picard … earned first team all-conference and first team all-district honors as a senior … voted team MVP as a senior … named the 2017 Jackson County Advocate Defensive Player of the Year … is also a two-time all-conference performer in baseball … on the Principal’s Honor Roll and was awarded Perfect Attendance … parents are Amy Younce and Daniel Herron.

Seth Zegunis (OL – Olathe Northwest HS; Lenexa, Kan. – 6-4, 285)

Was a first team all-state performer at Olathe Northwest HS for coach Chip Sherman … named first team all-league … was a 2016 NAIA Champion of Character … parents are Mike and Nikole Zegunis.

— Northwest Athletics —