-
May drawn to Sikeston by the challenge, community, and past (7/26/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — At one time, Sikeston was a dynasty, rattling off 51 straight victories and boasting five undefeated seasons. But the Bulldogs of today are a far cry from those legendary teams. Now, a new dawn breaks, as Jim May, a coach with a proven track record who has seen the highs and lows of high school football, answers the call to reestablish the once-proud program. ...
-
Green Wave basketball concludes summer workouts (7/26/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Malden High School boys basketball finished their summer training in preparation for the 2024 through 2025 season. Head basketball coach Mike Kilgore said his main focus was on development this summer. While losing some key seniors, he just wants to make sure the younger players on his roster are ready to step up when the season starts...
-
Nichols grabs last win at Delta with historic victory at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/25/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianPart of a generational class that helped transcend the Ladycats into a Class 1 powerhouse, Addison Nichols of Delta got top honors at the 2024 Semoball Awards as this year’s My Daddy’s Cheesecake Girls Basketball Athlete of the Year. One of Southeast Missouri’s leading scorers, Nichols got a reputation around the boot for being ice cold from distance, and it showed with her clutch performance up and down the area...
-
Jackson's Gilbert improves game, earns second Semoball Award (7/25/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianFor the second year in a row, Jackson’s Alana Gilbert was named Girls Golf Athlete of the Year at the 2024 Semoball Awards on Friday, July 12, at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau. Gilbert won the 2023 award after an 18th-place finish at the state tournament, leading the Indians to a sixth-place finish as a team. The senior’s golf game improved this year, ultimately leading to another Semoball award, something Gilbert never saw coming...
-
Saxony's Eggemeyer wins inaugural boys VB Semoball Award (7/25/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianWith boys volleyball becoming an MSHSAA-sanctioned sport in 2024, the Semoball Awards named a Boys Volleyball Athlete of the Year for the first time. The inaugural award was won by Saxony Lutheran senior, Luke Eggemeyer who accepted the award at the 11th annual Semoball Awards on Friday, July 12, at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau...
-
Dynamic Puxico backcourt continuing its development this summer (7/25/24)Tom DavisDELTA – Often is the case in the off-season that fans can’t get a grasp on how good a team will be during scrimmages or open gyms. That doesn’t apply to the Puxico High School boy’s basketball squad.
-
Bearcat tennis prepping for upcoming (real) season (7/25/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – There are several goals to strive to attain in the off-season for high school athletes, but for seventh-year Dexter High School girl’s tennis coach Kristi Boles, this summer has been about discovery.
-
Sauer overcomes, excels en route to Semoball Awards Comeback Athlete victory (7/24/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianAgainst all odds, John-Paul Sauer made it happen. Recovering from a torn ACL, signing with Tulane University and finishing his senior season with Jackson baseball undefeated, the kid never let adversity get in the way of pure dominance. The Indians pitcher was an obvious choice for the 2024 Semoball Comeback Athlete of the Year sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals...
-
Bell City hoops seeking to pick up the pace offensively in 2024-25 (7/24/24)Tom DavisDELTA – The Bell City High School varsity boy’s basketball squad was much improved last winter for several reasons, including a much-improved offense. The Cubs averaged over 52 points per game, which was the most productive that the program had been since 2017.
-
Dexter Football wrapping up diligent off-season (7/24/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – It may be difficult to believe, but the off-season for high school athletes throughout Missouri is drawing to a close.
-
MSHSAA shakes up state baseball playoffs: Series play coming to Class 5 and 6 (7/23/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratThe Missouri high school baseball landscape is set for a significant shake-up in 2025, as the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced a major format change for its Class 5 and 6 state playoffs. Beginning next season, the quarterfinal round will transition from a single-elimination game to a best-of-three series...
-
After Semoball Awards, Saxony's Camille Richey has chance for more (7/22/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianFor the first time since Maddie Brune in 2016, a Saxony Lutheran girls soccer player took home the Girls Soccer Semoball Award. Camille Richey brought the hardware back to Saxony Lutheran High School as the junior was named the 2024 award winner at the 14th annual Semoball Awards on July 12 at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau...
-
Sydney Ringwald adds to trophy case with Semoball Award (7/22/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianThe Cape Central swimming domination continued in 2024 with the girls team winning their first-ever state title. The Tiger boys have won three state titles but this year it was the girls' turn and they accomplished the goal in a commanding way. Junior Sydney Ringwald was named the 2024 Semoball Girls Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year behind a huge season and even bigger performance at the state championships...
-
Mastering the Course: Luke outshines previous golf season (7/22/24)D'Courtland Christian~Daily American RepublicAfter missing last year's state golf championship by one stroke, Poplar Bluff High School golfer Caiden Luke was determined not to let the opportunity pass him by again. As a member of the Mules golf team, Luke helped them capture the 2024 MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf state title, snapping Poplar Bluff’s 28-year gap of being called champions. The last time the Mules won a state title was in 1996, and the last time they placed was in 2012 when they finished fourth...
-
Risco senior putting in the time to elevate already (very) strong game (7/22/24)Tom DavisDELTA – Being physically active might be a problem in the world of some teenagers throughout America, but that doesn’t include Risco High School senior athlete Sammy Smith.
-
St. Vincent’s Robinson named top gridiron defender at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/21/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianLeading an elite St. Vincent defense to the state semifinals last fall, Drake Robinson was tabbed the top defensive player in all of Southeast Missouri at the 2024 Semoball Awards. A hotly contested race with many worthy nominees, Robinson was in a neck-and-neck battle with Logan Hite of Poplar Bluff as two of the area's top linebackers over the course of the 2023 season...
-
Oran's Rylan Mills commits to SEMO after stellar championship season (7/19/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — Fresh off leading Oran to a state championship and earning MBCA Class 1 Player of the Year honors, Rylan Mills, a standout rising senior, has committed to continuing his academic and baseball career at Southeast Missouri State University...
-
Semoball Scholar-Athlete Asher Britt takes talents to Quincy (7/19/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON, Mo. – The path to college basketball is rarely a straight line, but for Asher Britt, every challenge has been met with the same quiet intensity: a refusal to fail. From a season-ending injury to balancing a demanding academic workload, the newly minted Semoball Scholar-Athlete has consistently found ways to overcome obstacles and excel both on and off the court. ...
-
Barks wins Boys Golf Athlete of the Year at Semoball Awards (7/19/24)By MIKE BUHLER, Daily American RepublicPoplar Bluff boys golfer Landon Barks has played just one year of high school golf, but what a year it was! During his recently-completed freshman season, Barks: “It feels great just to be able to know that we did that,” Barks said. “I had one year with my brother (Lawson) and we took advantage of that — and we were able to get state title and go to the nationals together as a team with him.”...
-
McBride signs with Mineral Area College track and field (7/19/24)D'Courtland Christian~Daily American RepublicThe Poplar Bluff Mules track and field team will be sending off another athlete to compete on the collegiate level. Graduate Kolyn McBride will get the chance to compete against the best after signing his national letter of intent on Friday with the men's track and field team at Mineral Area College at Poplar Bluff High School...
-
Jackson senior commits to Evansville baseball (7/18/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe Jackson High School baseball program continues the tradition of having a future Division I player leading the team. Rising senior Cooper Rhodes announced on social media on Thursday, July 18, his commitment to the University of Evansville. The Purple Aces went 39-26 and won the Missouri Valley Conference championship, and the Greenville Regional before falling to Tennessee, the eventual national champions, in a three-game Super Regional...
-
Southard, West depart Notre Dame tennis as Semoball Awards co-winners (7/18/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianFor Charlie West, it’s a three-peat. For Thomas Southard, it’s the perfect way to end a long, productive career at Notre Dame Regional High School. The top doubles pairing in Southeast Missouri got their seasons put out for all to see on July 12 as the pairing of Southard-West was tabbed as the top boys tennis performance at the 2024 Semoball Awards...
-
Graham wins Track and Field Athlete of the Year at Semoball Awards (7/18/24)By MIKE BUHLER, Daily American RepublicDarius Graham had a high school career to remember at Poplar Bluff High School in track and field, football and basketball. And winning the Semoball Award for Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year — the area equivalent of college football's Heisman Trophy — just adds to that legacy...
-
Hoffman takes second Volleyball award at Semoball Awards (7/18/24)By MIKE BUHLER, Dexter StatesmanSaying recent Advance High School graduate Lexi Hoffman had a memorable career on the volleyball court might be just a bit of an understatement. “I really didn't expect to get it two years in a row,” Hoffman said after winning the award. “It's crazy. There was a lot of good competition this year.”...
-
Notre Dame’s Sides grabs Boys Soccer Award at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/17/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianOne of the greatest goal-scoring talents in Southeast Missouri, the spectacular Bryce Sides capped off his prep career in style with a Boys Soccer Player of the Year win in last week’s 2024 Semoball Awards. Part of a Notre Dame squad that has far and wide established a reputation of being one of the top teams in Southeast Missouri, Sides became the de facto leader in goals for a tough Bulldog squad...
-
Woodland’s Kinder reflects on last year’s breakout, previews upcoming junior season (7/17/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianPart of a Woodland team that’s taken such a big step forward over the past few years, Korbin Kinder’s junior season quickly approaches, and he’s looking to take the Cardinals basketball team to newer, greater heights. The Cardinals, having struck together more than 20 wins last season but falling short early in district play, had a mixed bag when looking back on their 2024 season, with many highs and many lows...
-
ONE STEP AT A TIME: Mules football looks to improve during summer workouts (7/17/24)D'Courtland Christian~Daily American RepublicThe Poplar Bluff Mules football team hits the field for the summer, led by their recently appointed head coach, Jeff Mannon, who intends to take everything one step at a time. Since the first day of summer training, the Mules have been going full steam ahead. They’re hoping this is the beginning of something extraordinary with the new staff and the return of a few key players...
-
Redbirds optimistic ahead of next season (7/17/24)MARK J. SANDERS~Contributing WriterELLSINORE — The East Carter Redbirds finished the baseball season with a 13-9 record and their fourth consecutive Black River League championship. After falling in the second round of the Class 2 District 2 tournament, head coach Ethan Boyer reflected on the past season and looked ahead to next year...
-
Bloomfield hoops working toward next step under Sindle (7/16/24)Tom DavisPUXICO – Ben Sindle has been guiding the Bloomfield High School varsity boys basketball program for 12 months, but the roller-coaster ride that he and his Wildcat athletes have endured may make it seem longer.
-
Lauren Eftink goes out with a bang with Semoball Award (7/16/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianFor the second year in a row, Notre Dame cross-country and track and field athlete Lauren Eftink took home the Semoball Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year award, adding to three total including her Semoball Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year award in 2023...
-
Father-son Layton duo headline Woodland’s splashing Semoball Awards performance (7/16/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianPart of the Woodland Cardinals’ efforts to claim the Semoball Cup this year, the Marble Hill program made a big statement in this year’s Semoball Awards. This push came largely behind the efforts of Reed Layton, who took home the crown as the Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year for his pair of state titles this fall...
-
Puxico hoops getting defensive through summer tests (7/16/24)Tom DavisPUXICO – There wasn’t a lot NOT to like about how the Puxico High School varsity boy’s basketball team played last winter, particularly at the defensive end of the court.
-
Kennett and Holcomb athletes represent bootheel at Semoball awards (7/16/24)Kaelin Triggs ~ Delta Dunklin DemocratCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Semoball Awards were presented with glamor, nerves and excitement. The best student athletes in all of Southeast Missouri showed up hoping to do what they do best, win. Three student athletes from Kennett and Holcomb athletes were honored and recognized as the best players in their sport and the best athletes in the SEMO region for 2024...
-
SEMO Football travels to Kennett for social event (7/15/24)Kaelin TriggsKENNETT, Mo. - Grecian Steak House was the meeting center for a Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) football event on Wednesday, July 10. SEMO’s head football coach Tom Matukewicz wanted an event where he can promote the upcoming season and inform residents in ‘the bootheel’ about Redhawk football. Bud Hilburn, who graduated from Kennett High School and played football at SEMO, agreed to organize the event for his alma mater and former coach. ...
-
Future is bright for Jackson golfer after tournament win (7/14/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe future is bright for this rising senior Ian Lambert won the Missouri Junior Golf Amateur Championships at Crown Point Golf Club in Farmington on Wednesday, July 10. The tournament featured some of the best high school-aged golfers in Missouri. “That’s probably one of the bigger tournaments, so it’s a good feeling,” Lambert said...
-
Brian Jordan shares life lessons at Semoball Awards (7/13/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianBrian Jordan, a two-sport athlete who played in the NFL and MLB, shared lessons he’s learned throughout his life at the 11th Annual Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, on Friday night at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau. Jordan shared three goals he has lived his life by from when he was a kid to even now as an adult...
-
Jadis Jones, Handley McAtee win Athlete of the Year at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/13/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe 11th Annual Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, was the night when the last high school athletic year ended and the upcoming year began. Many finalists and winners had already said goodbye to their high school past and moved on to the next phase of their life journey. For them, Friday night at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau was a reunion with friends and rivals alike...
-
Winning in the Cards as Woodland claims 11th Annual Semoball Cup (7/13/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianWith the 11th edition of the Semoball Cup awarded Friday night, the Woodland Cardinals made waves by claiming their first all-sports title in school history. At the 2024 Semoball Awards, the Cardinals had their undeniable athletic year come to a close by being crowned the greatest program in Southeast Missouri...
-
Kelly clinches 7-on-7 title; Sikeston shows promising strides (7/11/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — Two weeks removed from the Dexter 7-on-7, Sikeston showcased noticeable improvements on both sides of the ball at Thursday's home 7-on-7 tournament, leaving first-year coach Jim May encouraged by the team's progress, albeit acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead...
-
Semoball Awards speaker's message one of tough choices and a dream (7/11/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian“If you believe, you can achieve anything in life.” “And it all starts with a dream.” That is the theme of the speech former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Brian Jordan is set to deliver as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Semoball Awards on July 12 at LaCroix Church...
-
Kaetlyn Danley of Holcomb earns All-Region softball honors (7/11/24)Kaelin TriggsHOLCOMB, Mo. - Kaetlyn Danley, a graduated senior from Holcomb High School, was selected for the 2024 NFCA High School Spring All-Region team. The NFCA, National Fastpitch Coaches Association, recognized 191 athletes from 108 schools as All-Region. The award honors softball athletes from eight regions in the United States. ...
-
Hard work is paying dividends with Caruthersville athletics (7/11/24)Tom DavisHigh school athletes returned to the fields, diamonds, gyms, and weight rooms this week following a mandated week break by the MSHSAA last week, and no school is seeking to continue its positive mojo more so than those athletes and coaches at Caruthersville High School.
-
'Family' brings former MLB pitcher back to Southeast Missouri (7/11/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe desire to return home is strong. Matt Palmer wasn’t just a baseball coach in Arizona but also a business owner, working in construction. When Cape Central turned to the Caruthersville native to run the baseball program, Palmer was ready to close that chapter of his life and return to his roots...
-
Parson on rise for Lady Royals (7/10/24)By MARK J. SANDERS, Daily American RepublicAlexis Parson had a tremendous season for the Twin Rivers Lady Royals this past season leaving her return this season filled with anticipation and expectations. Parson, a pitcher, recorded 175 strikeouts last season. From the plate, she hit .457 with 32 hits and 29 RBIs...
-
Former Bulldog relishing final weeks with CITY2 before college journey (7/10/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianSt. Louis City’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, St. Louis CITY2 (11-3-2), stands on top of the Western Conference with three months to go into the regular season. However, for former Notre Dame Bulldog Nolan McGuire, the next few matches will be his last, as he is going to collegiate soccer career at DePaul when the Blue Demons begin their preseason in August...
-
Following the Flock: David joins Blue Jay teammates at MBU (7/9/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, M0. — Charleston may boast a trophy case overflowing with basketball gold, but a gridiron pipeline is quietly flowing to the Missouri Baptist University. This summer, Charles David becomes the latest Blue Jay standout to make the jump to college football, joining former teammates Lane Morrow and Rommie Turner on the St. Louis campus...
-
South Pem hoops trying to move on from yesterday with summer tests (7/9/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – The South Pemiscot High School boy’s basketball squad showed last winter that it could handle high-pressure situations, as it surprised many by advancing to the MSHSAA Class 2 State Finals and finishing fourth. However, with six of its top seven players returning for the 2024-25 season, the question remains how will that group handle significantly higher expectations?
-
Farmer pursues college hoop dreams (7/8/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Quamareous Farmer approached his senior basketball season filled with nerves. After battling an ankle injury his junior year, he was unsure how he would be able to come back and perform. He was unsure if he would be able to play at all...
-
Former Notre Dame Bulldog thriving as professional athlete (7/7/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe MLS season has been one of struggle and turmoil for St. Louis City. However, their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, St. Louis CITY2 (11-3-2), stands on top of the Western Conference table after defeating LAFC2 4-3 at CITYPARK on Saturday, July 6, in St. Louis...
-
Young Jackson hoops squad working to find its new identity this summer (7/6/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – The first two seasons of Jackson High School basketball under Indian Coach Kory Thoma have gone extremely well. Under his guidance, the Indians have combined for 40 wins and an appearance in the MSHSAA Class 6 State Finals in 2023, where his team took fourth place.