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Nebraska loses at home to Michigan State

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riggertNebraskaLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Michigan State finally broke through against Nebraska.

Miles Bridges scored 16 points to lead five Spartans in double figures, and they shot 63 percent in the second half to pull away from Nebraska for a 72-61 victory on Thursday night.

The Spartans (14-9, 6-4 Big Ten), who beat Michigan on Sunday, won consecutive games for the first time since December and ended a three-game losing streak against the Cornhuskers (10-12, 4-6).

“Nebraska has beaten us like a drum,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. “I don’t think we have any players that have beaten Nebraska.”

His team’s difficulties against the Huskers have been a head scratcher. Michigan State regularly is near the top of the Big Ten. Nebraska is usually near the bottom.

It wasn’t as if the Spartans’ players were obsessed with ending the skid.

“That’s the funny thing in the Twitter era,” Izzo said. “Nobody thinks about yesterday or the day before. People don’t think about the past as much. I didn’t hear that as a battle cry. Maybe that’s good.”

The Spartans’ Cassius Winston said he and his teammates came into the game looking at the big picture. Michigan State is trying to make the NCAA Tournament for the 20th straight year, and there’s a lot more work to be done to get there.

“We said there’s no more room for error,” Winston said. “If we want to make our dreams, our goals we put out at the beginning of the season — if we want to make them come true, we’ve got to play consistently for every game.”

Michigan State’s bench outscored Nebraska’s 31-9, with Alvin Ellis III scoring 11 points and Nick Ward and Winston adding 10 apiece. Kenny Goins also had 10 points.

Tai Webster had 18 points to lead Nebraska, Jordy Tschimanga added a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds and Glynn Watson Jr. scored 13.

Michigan State made eight of its first 10 3-pointers in the second half and finished 11 of 17. The Spartans took the lead 7 minutes into the game and were ahead by single digits until Winston’s 3-pointer made it 50-38 with 13:50 left. They led by as much as 20.

“We pushed through adversity when they were starting to come back,” Bridges said, “and we fought to bust the lead wide open.”

Bridges, the Spartans’ 6-foot-7, 230-pound freshman sensation, was 7 of 10 from the field, including 2 of 5 on 3s, and had a team-leading six rebounds.

“He’s so versatile,” the Huskers’ Evan Taylor said. “Especially to be that size, he can go both ways — shoot the 3, shoot mid-range. We didn’t do too bad of a job on him. Good players are going to make plays.”

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue was at Pinnacle Bank Arena to have his Huskers jersey retired during a halftime ceremony. He played at Nebraska from 1995-98.

BIG PICTURE

Michigan State: The Spartans won away from East Lansing for the first time since Dec. 27. Izzo says his team is still a long way from being very good, let alone great. He said 15 turnovers were too many and that the Spartans need to do a better job rebounding. Nebraska held a 32-27 edge on the glass and got 12 on the offensive end.

Nebraska: The Huskers couldn’t carry over the momentum from beating a then-No. 22 Purdue at home on Sunday, and now they’ve lost six of their last seven.

SICK SPARTANS

Goins made his first start since Dec. 18 in place of Ward, who had started 10 straight games. Both missed two practices because of illness, but Izzo said Goins started because he felt better than Ward.

“Ward and Goins are sicker than dogs,” Izzo said. “I’m happy they could go. If you watched both of them, they were dying.”

UP NEXT

Michigan State visits Michigan on Tuesday. The Spartans beat Michigan 70-62 at home on Sunday.

Nebraska visits Iowa on Sunday. The Huskers beat Iowa 93-90 in double overtime at home on Jan. 5.

— Associated Press —

Jackson, Mason lead No. 3 Jayhawks past No. 2 Baylor 73-68

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riggertKULAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Josh Jackson had 23 points and 10 rebounds, then helped third-ranked Kansas prevent No. 2 Baylor from getting off a potential tying shot in the closing seconds of the Jayhawks’ 73-68 victory Wednesday night.

Frank Mason III added 19 points, including two free throws to seal the win, and Devonte Graham scored 13 as the Jayhawks (20-2, 8-1) pulled a game ahead of the Bears (20-2, 7-2) in the Big 12 race.

It was nip-and-tuck almost the entire way.

The game was tied 64-all with 2:23 left when Jackson went baseline for a dunk. After Mason made a couple of foul shots moments later, the teams began trading baskets down the stretch in a matchup that lived up to its billing.

Manu Lecomte’s fall-away jumper brought Baylor to 70-68 with 51 seconds left, but Ish Wainwright missed a 3-pointer badly on the team’s next possession. Svi Mykhailiuk made one of two free throws with 18 ticks left for the Jayhawks, then they buckled down for the biggest stop of the night.

Lecomte was hounded around the perimeter by Mason and Landen Lucas, and passed it off to Johnathan Motley, who likewise had nowhere to go with Jackson in his face. Motley’s pass landed out of bounds with 1.3 seconds left, and Mason made both free throws after getting fouled on the inbounds play.

Mykhailiuk finished with 11 points for the Jayhawks, who hung on to win their 51st consecutive game at Allen Fieldhouse — a building where Baylor has never won in 15 tries.

Motley led the Bears with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Lecomte also finished with 16 points.

The Jayhawks dominated the opening minutes, getting off shots before Baylor could settle into its vaunted zone. But they eventually got too sped up, turning it over three straight times.

Gradually, the Bears were able to slow the game to their liking, clawing back to take their first lead at 18-16 midway through the half. They proceeded to rip off a 10-2 run a few minutes later, their big salvo triggered by a defense that completely shut down the Jayhawks in the paint.

Motley began to assert himself at the other end, scoring most of his 14 first-half points right at the basket, as the Jayhawks’ poor interior play continued to drag them down in the second half.

It was their outside shooting that kept them in the game.

Mykhailiuk drained two 3-pointers in quick succession out of the locker room, part of a 13-0 run that gave the Jayhawks a 41-36 lead. Mason added five points during the charge, which energized another sellout crowd at the Phog and prompted Baylor coach Scott Drew to call a timeout.

WHO IS HE?

Wainwright honored his late grandfather, Maurice King, by wearing “King-Wainwright” on his jersey rather than just his last name. Maurice King, who died in 2007, was the first black starter in Kansas history and played alongside Wilt Chamberlain in the 1950s.

BIG PICTURE

Baylor is hardly out of the conference race. Its two Big 12 losses have come at West Virginia and Kansas, and there is no harm in that. The challenge going forward is to beat those teams at home.

Kansas nevertheless took a big step toward winning its 13th straight league title, and did it by beating the Bears for the ninth straight time. Jayhawks coach Bill Self improved to 8-0 against top-5 teams in Allen Fieldhouse.

UP NEXT

Baylor returns home to play Kansas State on Saturday.

Kansas welcomes Iowa State to the Phog on Saturday.

— Associated Press —

Kansas State loses at home to TCU in OT 86-60

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riggertKansasStateMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — JD Miller scored 18 points, Vladimir Brodziansky had 17 and Kenrich Williams hit two 3-pointers in overtime as TCU defeated Kansas State 86-80 on Wednesday night.

Williams opened the overtime scoring with a 3-pointer and his big shot with 1:48 to play after a trey by KSU’s Xavier Sneed made it 83-77 with 1:48 to play.

The Wildcats closed it to 3 with 25 seconds to go after Wesley Iwundu had a dunk and made 1 of 2 free throws on the next possession but Alex Robinson made two free throws at 15 seconds and after a KSU missed, Jaylen Fisher made a free throw with six seconds left.

Robinson and Fisher had 12 points each for the Horned Frogs (15-7, 4-5 Big 12) and Williams had 11 and 10 rebounds.

Kamau Stokes had 21 points and Sneed 19 for the Wildcats (15-7, 4-5).

Brodziansky’s jumper with 25 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 73 and then he blocked a shot but Stokes, who got the ball back but couldn’t get a last shot to fall.

BIG PICTURE

TCU: The win by TCU breaks a four game losing streak for the Horned Frogs.

Kansas State: The Wildcats are now on a season high-three game losing streak after Wednesday’s loss.

UP NEXT

TCU will host Texas on Saturday

Kansas State travels to Baylor on Saturday

— Associated Press —

Missouri Western’s Williamson brings in 41 players in first recruiting class

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riggertMissouriWesternST. JOSEPH – First-year Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson announced his first-ever recruiting class Wednesday, and it was a big one.

In all, 41 young men were announced as part of the 2017 signing class, including walk-ons and transfers. It was the largest announced signing class for Missouri Western football in more than five years.

“I’m very excited about this class we have coming in and for the young men that will be joining our program,” head coach Matt Williamson said. “I can’t say enough about our coaching staff and the diligence they have shown. It has been a sprint the last few weeks with a lot of miles and a ton of visits along the way. I feel this class has been thoroughly vetted from a character and academic standpoint in that we are getting players in here that not only will be great players on the field, but good representatives of our program and the university.”

By the numbers, the class includes signees from eight different states, 11 offensive linemen, eight defensive linemen, seven linebackers, four wide receivers, seven defensive backs, three running backs and one quarterback. The class also includes five transfers.

Marcus Brown
LB | 6-1, 190 lbs.
Raytown, Mo. | Raytown South H.S.
Participated in Blue-Grey All-American Bowl … had 93 tackles with 17 for loss and three sacks as a senior … forced four fumbles and blocked four punts as a senior

Devon Burton
WR | 6-2, 205 lbs.
St. Joseph, Mo. | Benton H.S.
All-District wide receiver as a senior … had 13 touchdowns as a senior and 36 in his high school career … three-time all-city wide receiver

Evan Chohon
LB | 6-3, 215 lbs.
Columbus, Neb. | Scotus Catholic H.S.
Two-time All-State linebacker … 2017 Shrine Bowl selection … 2015 Nebraska State Champions

Arnold Crayton
DL | 6-3, 240 lbs.
Houston, Texas | Cy-Fair H.S.
First team All-District and first team Academic All-District as a senior … recorded 14 tackles for loss in 2016 … holds high school squat record

Nate Daugherty
DL | 6-5, 230 lbs.
Joplin, Mo. | Joplin H.S.
First Team All-Conference as a defensive end and second team All-Conference tight end … first team All-District defensive end … also named first team Academic All-District

Bryce Enzbrenner
WR | 6-2, 200 lbs.
Atchison, Kan. | Atchison H.S.
Two-time All-League wide receiver … two time Top-11 All-Area … two-time Honorable Mention All-State

Spencer Etters
DB | 5-7, 175 lbs.
Lee’s Summit, Mo. | Lee’s Summit West H.S.
Honorable mention All-Conference as a senior … part of 2013 6A State Championship team

Cameron Evans
DL | 6-0, 245 lbs.
Neptune Beach, Fla. | Fletcher H.S.
Florida-Georgia Border Wars All-State selection … First Team All-Big School (Florida) … North Florida First Team defensive lineman

Shamar Griffith
RB | 5-7, 150 lbs.
Hannibal, Mo. | Hannibal H.S.
Ranks ninth all-time in rushing yards in state of Missouri … first team All-State … first team All-District and first team All-Conference as a running back and defensive back

Donnell Hawkins
RB | 5-8, 185 lbs.
St. Charles, Mo. | Francis Howell North H.S.
First team All-Conference athlete … second team All-District and All-Conference running back … 2016 Team Special Teams Player of the Year

Dalton Hill
OL | 6-3, 250 lbs.
Center, Mo. | Twain H.S.
First team All-State offensive lineman … three-time EMO All-Conference selection

Jase Hollingsworth
OL | 6-4, 280 lbs.
Odessa, Mo. | Odessa H.S.
Second team All-State … first team All-Conference offensive lineman … second team All-Conference defensive lineman

Spencer Hollowell
LB | 6-2, 205 lbs.
Liberty, Mo. | Liberty H.S.
Two-time All-Conference … played outside linebacker, middle linebacker, defensive end and safety … totaled 153 career tackles with 13 for loss and 6.5 sacks

Everett Horton
DB | 5-11, 185 lbs.
Kansas City, Mo. | Park Hill South H.S.
Two-time first team All-Conference selection … two-time All-District selection … third team All-State

Jacob Johnson
OL/LS | 6-2, 225 lbs.
Nevada, Mo. | Nevada H.S.
First team All-Conference and All-District defensive end as a senior … first team All-Conference and All-District linebacker as a junior … three-time academic letter winner

Austin Kemp
OL | 6-3, 260 lbs.
Oak Grove, Mo. | Oak Grove H.S.
All-Conference and All-District selection on football team … placed third at 285 lbs in 2016 MSHAA Wrestling Championships … Greco Roman state champion wrestler

Riley King
OL | 6-3, 285 lbs.
Derby, Kan. | Derby H.S.
Won three state championships at Derby … three-year varsity letter winner … 2016 first team offensive lineman

Donavan Lukens
DL | 6-4, 225 lbs.
Wentzville, Mo. | Timberland H.S.
All-Conference defensive end … All-District defensive end … Team Defensive Lineman of the Year

Kyron Mason
RB | 5-10, 180 lbs.
Kansas City, Mo. | William Chrisman H.S.
Rushed for 739 yards and had 12 touchdowns as a senior … picked up 1,092 all-purpose yards … All-Conference

Ryan Mells
DL | 6-2, 270 lbs.
West Des Moines, Iowa | Dowling Catholic H.S.
First team All-State defensive lineman … first team All-District lineman … four-time state champion

Luke Murphy
OL | 6-4, 290 lbs.
Basehor, Kan. | Basehor-Linwood H.S.
First team All-KVL … second team All-Metro … two-time honorable mention All-State

Isaiah Patrick
DB | 6-1, 185 lbs.
Columbia, Mo. | Columbia Rock Bridge H.S.
Recorded 102 tackles as a senior … All-District safety … team defensive MVP

Hunter Patterson
LB | 6-1, 185 lbs.
Olathe, Kan. | Olathe Northwest H.S.
Recorded 49 tackles as a senior … had six tackles for loss and two sacks last season

Cody Richardson
DL | 6-3, 230 lbs.
Grain Valley, Mo. | Grain Valley H.S.
Two-time All-Conference defensive end and tight end … All-District and All-Area as a senior

Charles Satnan
OL/LS | 6-8, 230 lbs.
Sedalia, Mo. | Smith-Cotton H.S.
Started on special teams all four years … selected Rubio Long Snapping Top-50 Long Snapper

Austin Schaefferkoetter
DL | 6-2, 240 lbs.
Sullivan, Mo. | Sullivan H.S.
All-State defensive end as a junior … two-time first team All-Conference on the offensive and defensive lines … two-time first team … All-District on both lines

Ethan Scott
DB | 6-3, 190 lbs.
Yukon, Okla. | Yukon H.S.
All-Conference and All-District selection … honorable mention All-State … team Offensive Player of the Year

Montrell Scott
DB | 5-11, 175 lbs.
St. Louis, Mo. | Hazelwood East H.S.
Led the conference in interceptions as a senior … first team Suburban 12 North All-Conference … second team All-State

Israel Smith
LB | 6-0, 200 lbs.
St. Joseph, Mo. | Central H.S.
Holds four career records at Central as a running back … first team All-Conference running back … third team All-State

Will Smith
DL | 6-2, 200 lbs.
Troy, Kan. | Troy H.S.
Two-time All-State defensive end … second team All-State offensive lineman … also an All-League punter

Bryce Steffens
LB | 6-1, 220 lbs.
Lenexa, Kan. | St. James Academy
Two-time honorable mention All-State linebacker … member of USA National Football Team

Andrew Stroud
OL | 6-3, 300 lbs.
St. Joseph, Mo. | Bishop LeBlond H.S.
First team All-State as a senior … second team All-State as a junior … three-time All-City … three-time All-Conference and All-District

Zach Suppes
DB | 6-0, 195 lbs.
Kansas City, Mo. | Park Hill H.S.
Honorable mention All-State linebacker

Andrew Wine
LB | 6-1, 200 lbs.
Omaha, Neb. | Millard North H.S.
First team All-State linebacker … recorded 75 tackles, 11 for loss as a senior … also accumulated 1,977 all-purpose yards on offense

Tayshon Wrench
DB | 5-7, 155 lbs.
Kansas City, Mo. | Ruskin H.S.
Led team in tackles … All-District as a senior … named second team All-Conference

Keegan Zars
OL | 6-5, 295 lbs.
Shawnee, Kan. | Mill Valley H.S.
First team All-State … second team All-KC Metro … Top-100 Kansas All Classes

Adrian Davis
WR | 6-4, 205 lbs.
St. Petersburg, Fla. | Southeast Missouri State
Last played at SEMO in 2015 … played in 17 games over two seasons at SEMO with 39 catches for 396 yards and four touchdowns … attended Lakewood High School

Jared DeVoe
OL | 6-4, 300 lbs.
New Market, Iowa | South Dakota State
Played in three games last season at SDSU as a sophomore … did not appear in any games as a redshirt freshman in 2015 … was a three-year starter at Clarinda H.S.

Vanel Dossous
WR | 6-0, 190 lbs.
Hamilton, N.J. | Bowling Green
Played in 11 games with two starts last season at Bowling Green … hauled in nine catches for 79 yards … played two seasons at Mt. San Jacinto Junior College where he was CCCAA Region IV All-State first team as a punt returner in 2015

Dom Marino
QB | 6-2, 200 lbs.
Sarasota, Fla. | East Central Mississippi C.C.
Passed for 2,568 yards with 27 TDs at ECCC … also rushed for more than 1,000 yards with six rushing TDs … NJCAA All-Region … attended Venice High School

Alec Wallingsford
OL | 6-2, 255 lbs.
St. Louis, Mo. | Lincoln University
Started 11 games at center line last year for Lincoln … played in 11 games with nine starts at Lincoln as a true freshman in 2015 … attended Oakville H.S.

— MWSU Athletics —

Northwest Missouri State announces 2017 football recruiting class

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Northwest2013riggertMARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head football coach Rich Wright has announced the additions of 36 student-athletes to the Bearcat roster following national signing day on Wednesday. The 2015 and 2016 NCAA Division II National Champions class includes student-athletes from eight different states including Iowa (10), Missouri (7), Nebraska (5), Wisconsin (5), Florida (3), Kansas (3), Illinois (2) and Indiana (1). There are 19 offensive players, 16 defensive players and one kicker.

The 2017 signing day class average GPA was 3.14 with an average ACT score of 22. There are 27 individuals who have earned an academic scholarship at Northwest.

“First I would like to thank our coaching staff,” said Wright. “When you play for a National Championship, your window for recruiting becomes finite. The coaches hit the ground running and compiled a tremendous group of talented individuals. The quality of student athlete that we brought to campus was remarkable and will make this community proud. The class fits our culture and will positively represent the program and university.

“Coaches are only one piece of the recruiting puzzle. Our faculty goes above and beyond the call to help share our amazing university with student athletes and their families. We appreciate their willingness to give of their time and talents to help in the process. You have a profound impact on why our players select Northwest Missouri State University. Thank you for your continued commitment and passion for Northwest.

Finally I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our outstanding support staff. Lori Hopkins, Joe Quinlin and Kelly Quinlin, Ashley Strickland, Matt Jasinski, Andy Peterson, Nate Davis, Scott Nielson, Mel Tjeerdsma, Mark Clements, our admissions staff/tour guides, Dr. Matt Walker, Tucker Peve, Marshall Fey, and our buildings/grounds staff . The time and attention from these individuals are what makes Northwest unique when recruits and their parents compare us to other institutions. We appreciate your hard work, and dedication.”
Michael Ahrendsen | 6-1 299 OL La Porte City, Iowa / Union HS
Ahrendsen led Union High School to a 2016 Class 2A runner up finish at state … selected to the 2017 Iowa Shrine Bowl … named first team 2A All-State by the Des Moines Register … three time first team all-district … 2016 district 4 defensive line MVP … four-year starter, two year team captain and two year team MVP … class 2A state wrestling qualifier … 2015 class 2A State Wrestling Duals team champion … member of the Leadership Council … Garret Gingrich Leadership Award recipient … played for head coach Joe Hadachek … plans to be an Agriculture major … parents are Cory and Jan Ahrendsen.

Phillip Blaine | 6-1 260 DT Apopka, Fla. / Apopka HS
Blaine helped lead Apopka High School to a 2014 8A state championship in Florida … 2013 team was state runner-up … 2013 and 2016 district champion … selected to the Central Florida All-Star team … member of the Academic Consortium of Scholars … 3.17 cumulative GPA … played for coach Rick Darlington … plans to be a Computer Science major … parents are Gregory and Phyllis Blaine.

Calvin Bright | 6-4 245 DE Roland, Iowa / Roland- Story HS
Bright was a first team all-state selection at Roland-Story High School … two time first team all-district 3 defensive lineman … named district three defensive MVP … class 2A sack leader in 2016 … Heart of Iowa Conference champion in wrestling … named to the school’s A Honor Roll … coached by Aaron Stensland … plans to major in Physical Education with an emphasis in coaching … parents are Ralph Bright and Michelle Bright.

Armani Carmickle | 6-2 180 WR Kenosha, Wisc. / Indian Trail Academy
Carmickle was an all-state honorable mention wide receiver at Indian Trail Academy … named all-conference, all-region … named school’s Male Athlete of the Year … named team MVP … indoor state champion in long jump and triple jump, earning Athlete of the Meet honors … finished second in triple jump at outdoor state championships … holds school records in triple and long jumps … coached by Mike McKay … plans to be a Biology/Psychology major … parents are John and Marci Carmickle.

Jack Carnie | 6-5 300 OL Roca, Neb. / Norris HS
Carnie was an all-state honorable mention performer at Norris High School … led team to district title … selected to the 2016 River Battle Bowl All-Star Game … named honorable mention all-district … three time track and field letterman … named to school’s AB Honor Roll four times … coached by Jim Jacobsen … plans to be a Business major … parents are David and Amy Carnie.

Braden Dey | 6-1 175 LB Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln North Star HS
Dey was a two time honorable mention Class A All-State performer at Lincoln North Star High School … twice named first team all-conference and was a first team all-city performer two times … voted team captain in 2016, being named team’s MVP … named to the 2016 River Battle Bowl … voted team defensive MVP as a junior … helped lead team to state playoffs in 2015 … three time baseball starter … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Mark Waller … plans to be a Biology/Psychology major … parents are Rick and Karie Dey.

Jacob Erdman | 6-3 285 OL Plover, Wisc. / Steven’s Point HS
Erdman was a first-team All-State offensive line performer at Steven’s Point Area Senior High School … was named the WVCS’s lineman of the year in back-to-back years … twice named first team all-conference … holds a 3.3 GPA … coached by Pete McAdams … plans to major in Business with an emphasis in marketing … mother is Tammy Schwebach-Erdman.

TJ Garrity | 6-4 240 DE Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha South HS
Garrity was named the 16th best prospect in the state of Wisconsin by WISSports.com … was an all-conference, all-area and all-county performer … named to the Tim Krumrie Award Watchlist, given to the best defensive lineman in Wisconsin … named to school’s academic honor roll … three-sport scholar athlete award … coached by A.J. Raebel … plans to be a Business major … parents are Tom and Mary Garrity.

Cody Gilman | 6-3 280 OL Hardin, Ill. / Calhoun HS
Gilman was a first-team All-State offensive lineman at Calhoun High School … named to the Illinois Shriner High School All-Star team in 2016 … two time all-conference performer on the offensive and defensive lines … named academic all-conference in 2015 and 2016 … coached by Aaron Elmore … plans to be an Agronomy major … parents are Kevin and Heather Gilman.

Gus Gomez | 6-0 170 WR Stilwell, Kan. / Blue Valley HS
Gomez earned all-state honorable mention accolades at Blue Valley High School … named All-EKL … an all-state honorable mention performer in basketball and also earned all-conference honors … named to school’s academic honor roll with a 3.3 GPA … coached by Eric Driskell … undecided on major … parents are Ruben and Sue Gomez.

Kendall Gould | 6-1 170 WR Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha North HS
Gould was a first team all-conference performer at Waukesha North High School … four-sport athlete, named first team all-conference in track and holds school record in triple jump … second team all-conference performer in basketball … named honorable mention all-conference in baseball … coached by Matt Harris … undecided on major … mother is Michelle Vasquez.

Elijah Green | 5-11 240 LB Maryville, Mo. / Maryville HS
Green was a two-time all-state performer at Maryville High School … was twice named all-conference and all-district … led team to four straight conference and district titles … team won 2013 state title and were runners-up in 2016 … named to the schools AB Honor Roll four times … coached by Matt Webb … undecided on major … parents are Clarence and Chelli Green.

David High | 6-4 300 OL Matteson, Ill. / Rich Central HS
High was a second team all-area performer at Rich Central High School … twice named all-conference … won team’s offensive MVP honors … named team’s most improved player in 2015 … named to school’s academic honor roll … DECA state qualifier … named school’s DECA MVP … coached by Terrell Alexander … plans to major in Business with an emphasis in sports management … parents are David High and Chery Hamilton.

Kadon Hulett | 6-3 230 DE Creston, Iowa / Creston HS
Hulett was named second team all-state in 2016 at Creston High School … was a first team all-district and a first team OWH All-Western Iowa performer … second team all-district in 2015 … two time team captain … second team all-district, all-conference and All-Western Iowa performer in baseball … two time state qualifier in wrestling, leading team to title in 2016 … member of the National Honor Society … won team GPA awards in baseball, wrestling and football … coached by Brian Morrison … plans to major in Psychology … parents are Chuck and Tami Hulett.

Keilon Hunter | 5-9 155 DB Overland Park, Kan. / Blue Valley North HS
Hunter was an honorable mention all-state defensive back at Blue Valley North High School … named to the All-EKL team as a junior and again as a senior … won the Time Warner Cable Play of the Year honor as a junior … lettered three times in football … named academic all-conference twice … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Andy Sims … plans to major in business … parents are Ray Hunter and Carmen Conn.

Cuttar Huss | 6-0 175 WR Troy, Kan. / Troy HS
Huss was a two-time Kansas 2-1A Offensive Player of the Year honoree at Troy High School … led team to 2-1A state championship as a senior in 2016 … named first team all-state three times at wide receiver … named to the Kansas All-Class All-State Top-11 … invited to the 2017 Kansas Shrine Bowl … named first team All-State in basketball as a junior … named second-team all state in baseball as a junior … led baseball team to a third place finish at state in 2016 … co-Valedictorian of graduating class … named to school’s Dean’s list … coached by Derek Jasper … plans to major in Biology … parents are Don and Jill Huss.

Dante Keys | 6-1 180 WR Plainfield , Ind. / Plainfield HS
Keys was an all-conference performer at Plainfield High School … led the team as a senior with 1,194 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns … broke school record with a 99 yard kickoff return … lettered in football three times … also a two-time indoor state track and field qualifier … 3.99 GPA … member of the National Honors Society … DECA member … coached by Brian Woodard … plans to major in Biology … parents are Parke and Stephanie Lucas.

Jack Moore | 6-3 210 LB Oskaloosa, Iowa / Oskaloosa HS
Moore was named to the 2016 INA All-State third team at Oskaloosa High School … earned first team all-district honors as a senior … voted team MVP as a senior … team captain in both football and basketball during junior and senior seasons … named second team all-conference in basketball as a junior and was honorable mention as a sophomore … qualified for state in high jump during sophomore seasons … has lettered three times in football and four times in basketball … named to the 2016 Academic All-State football team … three time academic all-conference performer in football … two time academic all-conference in basketball and track … coached by Jake Jenkins … plans to major in Biology … parents are Matt and Elizabeth Moore.

Sam Phillips | 6-2 210 LB Tabor, Iowa / Fremont Mills HS
Phillips was a three-time All-State performer at Fremont Mills High School … he was named first team all-district all four seasons … earned football academic all-state honors and was a six time academic all-conference selection … was a three-time first team all-conference selection in basketball … qualified for state in track three times, placing twice … earned All-Western Iowa honors in football and basketball three times … coached by Jeremy Christiansen … plans to major in Biology … parents are Brett and Annie Phillips.

Israel Pitchford | 6-2 200 LB Waukesha, Wisc. / Waukesha North HS
Pitchford was an all-conference honorable mention performer at Waukesha North High School … named scholar athlete three times … admitted into the Gifted and Talented program … coached by Matthew Harris … plans to major in Business Management … parents are Marlon and Mindy Pitchford.

Cole Rollnger | 5-10 190 DB Eldridge, Iowa / North Scott HS
Rollinger was named an all-state wide receiver by the Iowa News Association in 2016 at North Scott High School .. named first team all-district and first team all-metro during senior season … finished second on the team in tackles as a senior after leading the team during junior year … invited to the Blue-Grey All-America Bowl in Jacksonville Fla., in 2016 … as a junior, named all-district, all conference and all-metro … earned a first-quarter Football Academic Award in the fall of 2016 … coached by Kevin Tipper … plans to major in Exercise Science … parents are John and Kim Rollinger.

Eli Ross | 6-1 230 LB Kansas City, Mo. / Staley HS
Ross was a three-time all-state performer at Staley High School … named All-Suburban White Conference four times, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 … named all-district three times and all-city two years … was an All-Simone performer twice … left Staley HS as the program’s record holder with 374 total tackles and 210 solo tackles … named to schools academic honor roll four times and has earned three academic letters … coached by Phil Lite … plans to major in Computer Science … parents are Keith and Joyce Ross.

Corbin Ruth | 6-0 180 DB Malcolm, Neb. / Seward HS
Ruth was an all-state honorable mention performer as a junior and again as a senior at Seward High School … two-time first team all-district honoree … selected to the 2016 River City Bowl … earned the Seward Football Fourth-Quarter Award three times … four time letter winner in football … named the Elks Male Sports Award recipient in 2016 … all-state honorable mention performer in basketball and was an all-district honoree in 2016 … lettered in basketball and baseball … member of the National Honors Society … academic all-state in football, basketball and baseball … named to school’s academic honor roll … coached by Jamie Opfer … plans to major in Biology … parents are Royce and Jennifer Ruth.

Jacob Ruzicka | 6-2 220 TE Wahoo, Neb. / Wahoo HS
Ruzicka was a first team all-state performer at Wahoo High School … was a two-time fall-area and all-district performer during junior and senior seasons … was an all-state performer in basketball … named first team all-conference twice in basketball and earned all-conference MVP honors in 2015-16 … coached by Chad Fox … plans to major in Agricultural Business … parents are John and Vicki Ruzicka.

Parker Sampson | 5-10 185 K Kansas City, Mo. / Park Hill HS
Sampson was a MFCA first team all-state kicker at Park Hill High School … named first team all-class 6 district 4, first team All-Suburban Conference Gold Division and Missouri Media All-State Class six as a senior … set seven Missouri state high school kicking and punting records … 2015 Kansas City Star All-Metro second team kicker … MFCA third team all-state kicker in 2015 … two time first team all-district performer … named team’s MVP in 2015 and was program’s special teams player of the year three times … had a 3.0 GPA … coached by Josh Hood … plans to major in Business … parents are Tom and Kelley Sampson.

Chase Shiltz | 5-10 190 RB Creston, Iowa / Creston HS
Shiltz was a two-time first team all-state running back at Creston High School … earned second team all-state honors in 2014 … finished his high school career with 5,329 rushing yards … had 11 games with 200 or more rushing yards … recorded four 300+ rushing yard performances … two year team captain … coached by Brian Morrison … undecided on major … parents are John and Dorie Shiltz.

Cody Tanner | 6-2 285 OL Greenfield, Iowa / Creston HS
Tanner earned third team all-state honors in 2016 at Creston High School … was a two time first-team all-conference performer … lettered in football three years … coached by Brian Morrison … plans to major in Agriculture … parents are Roger and Robbie Tanner.

Raymond Thomas | 5-7 170 RB Bradenton, Fla. / Braden River HS
Thomas was an all-county first team honoree at Braden River High School … was a two-time all-area performer … was team captain in 2016 … three year starter … coached by Curt Bradley … plans to major in Business … parents are Raymond Thomas Sr., and Katina Williams.

Jordan Thompson | 5-10 190 RB Apopka, Fla. / Apopka HS
Thompson helped lead Apopka High School to a 2016 district title, going 9-0 … named team captain and earned the Apopka War Eagle award … named to the school’s academic honor roll … coached by Rick Darlington … plans to major in Business … parents are Wesley Thompson and Renee Tulloch.

Tucker Tripp | 6-3 230 DE Maryville, Mo. / Maryille HS
Tripp was a first team all-state performer at Maryville High School … earned first team all-conference, all-district and all-county honors during his junior and senior seasons … named first team all-media as a senior … was the 2016 St. Joseph News Press Defensive Player of the Year … named a KKWK-KMRN all-star defensive end as a senior … named to the schools’ Bronze Honor Roll three times … named to the 95% club during junior and senior years … coached by Matt Webb … plans to major in Business … parents are Brian and Shelly Tripp.

Jared Vineyard | 6-1 210 TE Kansas City, Mo. / Staley HS
Vineyard was an all-district and all-conference performer at Staley High School … member of the National Honors Society … named to the Staley Falcon Honor Roll … coached by Phil Lite … plans to major in Biology … father is Joe Vineyard, mother is Rochelle Lite and stepfather is Phil Lite.

Jackson Walker | 6-2 215 DE Solon, Iowa / Solon HS
Walker was a second team all-district honoree at Solon High School … named to the all-district academic team … coached by Kevin Miller … plans to major in Biology … parents are Damon and Carolin Walker.

Trey Washington | 6-1 175 DB Grimes, Iowa / Dallas Center-Grimes HS
Washington was a second team all-state performer at Dallas Center-Grimes High School … earned first team all-district accolades three times … named to school’s AB Honor Roll three times … coached by Scott Heitland … plans to major in Business … parents are Gabe and Heidi Washington.

Jake White | 6-1 265 OL Maryville, Mo. / Maryville HS
White was an all-state offensive lineman at Maryville High School … twice earned All-MEC honors on the offensive line … was a 2016 all-district honoree … named to the 2015 and 2016 All-Fall Nodaway County team … served as team captain in 2016 … named to school’s academic honor roll three times … coached by Matt Webb … plans to major in Education … parents are Suzi White and the late Dr. Jason T. White.

Max Wittman | 6-5 260 OL Kansas City, Mo. / Liberty HS
Wittman was a two-time all-conference performer at Liberty High School … named second team all-district as a senior … earned academic all-state honors in 2016 … coached by Chad Frigon … plans to major in Biology/Chemistry … parents are Jim Wittman and Sara Madson.

Braden Wright | 6-2 180 QB Elkhorn, Neb. / Elkhorn South HS
Wright helped lead Elkhorn South High School to a pair of state championships … named to the Class B All-State team … named second team Superstate … two time all-area, all-district and all-conference performer … named to school’s academic honor roll … scored 29 on ACT … coached by Guy Rosenberg … plans to major in Biology … parents are Bobby and Lisa Wright.

— Northwest Athletics —

MWSU soccer adds a dozen with 2017 signing class

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riggertMissouriWesternST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western soccer coach Chad Edwards announced his 2017 signing day class on Wednesday.

The class will consist of 12 student-athletes, all coming to Missouri Western directly from high schools in three different states.

“It’s really cool to see kids fulfill their dreams of playing collegiate soccer,” Edward said. “For us to be a part of that process and for us to be able to provide an opportunity at such a great institution, is really cool. We’re looking forward to having these 12 kids on campus. They’re going to be program-changers, and really help us get to where we want to go.”

Edwards’ 2017 signing class includes:

Ally Barb
Goalkeeper| Ozark, Mo.| Ozark HS | Sporting Springfield

2x All-Region Team, 3x All-Conference Team
2016 Team Captain, MVP
15 shutouts, .63 GAA, and 128 saves as a Junior

“Ally is a tremendous goalkeeper who possesses all the attributes that you like in the position,” Edwards said. “She will challenge for the starting spot this fall.”

Ava Blessie
Midfielder | Papillion, Neb.| Mercy HS | Gretna Soccer Club

2016 All-State
Three-year varsity letter winner, Academic All-State
Sister of current Griffon, Bridget Blessie

“Ava is a versatile, athletic, hard working player that has the ability to play multiple positions,” Edwards said. “Being a Blessie, we know she is a tireless worker that has a tremendous love for the game and Griffon Soccer.”

Brooke Howe
Midfielder| Blue Springs, Mo. |Blue River Community College

NJCAA All-Region XVI 1st Team
Team captain at Blue River
Scored four goals and had three assists in her one year at Blue River

“Brooke is an extremely athletic, technical midfielder that had immediate success at Blue River and we expect that from her this fall,” Edwards said. “Coach Owens and Childers are quality coaches there that I know will have her ready to make an impact right away.”

Jayme Jackson
Midfielder| Lansing, Kan. | Lansing HS|

Two-time KVL Champion, Regional Champion
Three-year varsity starter
Powerlifter

“Jayme is an under the radar type player,” Edwards said. “She is very athletic and has a tremendous work ethic that will easily carry over to the collegiate level.”

Jordan Jennings
Defender | Kansas City, Mo. | Lee’s Summit North | FC Kansas City

2016 High School District Champion
Multi-sport letter winner
National Honors Society member

“Jordan is an extremely hard working player that gets forward well and is a tenacious one-on-one defender,” Edwards said. “She will definitely add strength to our, already top class, back line.”

Madelyne Lupercio
Forward| Omaha, Neb. | Lincoln Pius X HS| Elite Girls Academy

Has scored 38 goals with 22 assists in high school
Most goals and points in a season at Millard South HS
Five-time club state champion, 2016 regional champion

“Madelyne is a strong, physical and athletic player that has the ability to play multiple positions and score goals, Edwards said. “She has experienced much success at a high level, which will enable her to transition smoothly into the college game. ”

Ashley Mathis
Forward | Lee’s Summit, Mo. | Lee’s Summit West HS | KC Select Soccer Club

Four-year letter winner
Missouri ’98 ODP Team
National Honors Society member

“Ashley has a motor that doesn’t stop and is an awesome leader,” Edwards said. She will contribute in multiple ways; we are looking forward to her having a huge impact on the program.”

Anika Nobs
Defender | Creve Coeur, Mo. | St Joseph’s Academy | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club

Led High School team in goals as a freshman
Team captain
Multi-sport athlete-1st team All-Conference in Track & Field
Gymnastics state champion

“Anika is a super athletic, multi-dimensional player that has the pace to run by anyone,” Edwards said. “She comes from a fantastic club background that has her prepared at the highest level.”

Mackenzie O’Neill
Midfielder | St Louis, Mo. | Oakville HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club

Four- year varsity starter
Four-year Scholar-Athlete award recipient
Honored by her teammates with the Role Player Award

“Mack is a physical, smart and technical midfielder with great vision. She is a natural leader on and off the field,” Edwards said. “Mack is also a versatile player that has the ability to play in multiple positions.”

Taylor Schwartzkopf
Forward | Farmington, Mo. | Farmington HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club

2x All-State, 3x All-Conference
2016 Regional Radio Spring Sports Dream Team
Has tallied 69 goals and 17 assists in her high school career

“Taylor is a super athletic, pure goal scorer that has the ability to get vertical really well,” Edwards said. “She competed and had success at the highest level of club soccer. We are looking forward to Taylor having an immediate impact on our front line.”

Madison Utley
Forward| Bridgeton, Mo. |Pattonville HS | Scott Gallagher Soccer Club

Has amassed 96 points her high school career on 31 goals and 34 assists
2016 All-State selection
Multi-sport athlete

“Madison is a tenacious, gritty player that has a knack for scoring goals but also contributes to a lot of goals as well,” Edwards said. “She comes from a great club, high school and family background that will have her more than ready to have immediate success.”

Danny Walsh
Defender | Omaha, Neb. | Skutt HS | Gretna Soccer Club

2016 All-State
2016 high school state champion
Four-year Academic All-Conference

“Danny’s work ethic, determination and physicality will help her become the outside back we want in the program,” Edwards said. “She will be a great addition to one of top back lines we have ever had.”

— MWSU Athletics —

Tigers’ Amber Smith named SEC Freshman of the Week

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riggertMissouriCOLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou freshman guard Amber Smith (Shreveport, La.) was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, announced Tuesday by the league office. It is Smith’s first career SEC weekly honor and Mizzou’s third this season along with Co-Player of the Week recognitions for sophomore Sophie Cunningham and senior Sierra Michaelis.

Smith was a catalyst for Mizzou off the bench as she sparked the Tigers to a pair of home wins over Auburn and No. 25 Kentucky. The freshman averaged 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds and shot a blistering 70.6 percent from the field in 28.5 minutes per contest. She scored in double digits in back-to-back games for the first time in her career.

Smith chipped in 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting against Auburn. The 85.7 percent shooting night from the floor was her highest single-game field goal percentage when taking more than four attempts in her career.

Last night, Smith posted 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting to lead Mizzou past No. 25 Kentucky. She added a career-high eight rebounds in a career-high 31 minutes off the bench in the win.

Smith has scored in double figures in three of the last five games and four times in her career. Mizzou is 4-0 in those contests.

With Smith as a major contributor, Mizzou has now won five consecutive games, its longest streak in conference play since joining the SEC. The Tigers have also won four straight games over Top 25 opponents at Mizzou Arena.

Next on the slate for the Tigers is a matchup on the road with No. 5 Mississippi State on Sunday. Tip is set for 1:30 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Griffon softball to begin season one day earlier

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riggertMissouriWesternST. JOSEPH – The 2017 Missouri Western softball season will begin a little earlier than originally scheduled.

This weekend’s HSU/OBU Ronnie Hawkins Invitational has become a Friday, Saturday tournament due to forecasted rain in the Arkadelphia, Arkansas area.

Games were originally scheduled to be played this Saturday and Sunday. Opponents, venues and game times have not changed, but all games will be played one day eariler than initially scheduled.

Missouri Western will open the event Friday at 12:00 p.m. against Rogers State at Ouachita Baptist.

— MWSU Athletics —

Northwest’s Vollstedt named Don Hansen Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year

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Northwest2013riggertPITTSBURG, Kan. – Northwest Missouri State University linebacker Jacob Vollstedt has been named the 2016 Don Hansen Division II co-Defensive Player of the Year. Vollstedt was also named to the Don Hansen All-America first team and joined eight other Bearcats on the list of honorees this past season. Earning second team honors were quarterback Kyle Zimmerman, offensive lineman Jamie Thieman, defensive end Collin Bevins and safety Kevin Berg. Center Chase Sherman was named third team All-America while fullback Jordan Grove, kicker Simon Mathiesen and defensive end Cass Weitl were named honorable mention.

Vollstedt led the team with a career-high 140 tackles last season. He had 25.0 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery. He was also named to the D2CCA All-America and D2Football.com All-America first team.

Zimmerman threw for 3,763 yards and 37 touchdowns this season. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year, the CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year, the runner up for the Harlon Hill Trophy and was named second team AP All-America. Thieman appeared in 13 games for the Bearcats as a senior. He was a first team All-MIAA honoree. Bevins recorded 61 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He earned first team All-America honors from the AFCA and the AP Little team. Berg finished the year with 60 tackles with four interceptions. He was named to the D2CCA All-America first team, the AP All-America third team and the D2Football.com honorable mention All-America team.

Sherman started all 15 games for the Bearcats at center. He was named a D2CCA First Team All-America and AP All-America third team.

Grove was a first team All-MIAA performer, catching at team-high 60 passes for 614 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for a pair of touchdowns on 24 carries as a junior. Mathiesen went 18-of-21 on field goal attempts and hit 86-of-88 PAT attempts in 2016. He was a D2Football.com second team All-America performer and was a first team All-MIAA honoree. Weitl led the team with 10 sacks and finished the year with a career-high 83 tackles and 19.0 tackles for loss. He forced three fumbles and blocked a pair of kicks. He was a first team All-MIAA performer.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.

— Northwest Athletics —

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