stjoelive.com | Stories for March 2008

Royals capture season opener at $138-million Tigers debut with thud

DETROIT - Money can't buy wins. Just ask the Detroit Tigers.

Western's deep threats long on talent

Just eight months ago Jerry Partridge declared Missouri Western's receiving corps the deepest and most talented in his decade with the Griffons.

Obert, Hays tabbed for GRC coaching jobs

As Caleb Obert finished out his playing days at Northwest Missouri State, he knew head coaching was his ultimate destination. He certainly never thought that chance would come so soon.

Central's late chance results in narrow win

Amber Lattin's assist total could have reached eight Monday night against Lafayette, and that might be a conservative estimate.

Ex-Royals catcher Santiago linked to drug dealer's car

KANSAS CITY - A car seized as part of an investigation into a high-end cocaine conspiracy in Kansas City was owned by former Royals catcher Benito Santiago, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Relieved Kansas fans celebrate in streets

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Thousands of jubilant Kansas fans poured onto Massachussetts Street on Sunday after the Jayhawks squeaked past Davidson 59-57 and vaulted into the Final Four against North Carolina and Roy Williams.

Royals open season today at ultra-talented Tigers

DETROIT - Jim Leyland gathered the Detroit Tigers for a meeting in Houston before they traveled home to open the season today against the Kansas City Royals. Detroit's manager did not share his entire message with reporters, but did discuss some of what he said as it related to owner Mike Ilitch spending about $135 million this season.

Kansas stops upstart Davidson to reach Final Four

DETROIT - And then there were ones. Four No. 1s, that is. Kansas wore down Stephen Curry and plucky upstart Davidson with its size and strength, holding on for a 59-57 victory Sunday that put all four No. 1 seeds into the Final Four for the first time. "We wanted to make history," Mario Chalmers said, "and we did."

Sunday's Local College Results

Saturday's Prep Sports

FANTASTIC FINISHES: Top 5 Central vs. Benton baseball climactic conclusions

5. Central 3, Benton 2 March 29, 2008 The Indians plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and squeaked by previously undefeated Benton on Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium.

Spring in their step

Thanks to inclement weather and drawn-out winter sports, the spring sports schedule always seems to get off to a slow start. But a few breaks in the clouds ushered in a fresh season and already delivered a few performances worthy of more than an agate page mention. If you didn't get a chance to get out to some of the first events of the spring sports slate, here are some of the best performances from the first two weeks of action:

Royals seek improvement of young players to move up in AL

KANSAS CITY - After compiling only one winning season since 1994, is a weary Kansas City finally raising a white flag? Free agent right fielder Jose Guillen is the only meaningful addition to an offense that produced a league-low 102 home runs. While the Royals do have a significant development in the dugout with a new manager, "new" is very much the operative word for someone who has never coached or played in the bigs.

Final Four drought haunts Kansas' Self

DETROIT - Bill Self didn't try to deflect talk about the tag that has dogged his career. Best Coach Without A Final Four Appearance. It's not a label you'll find in an NCAA record book, but some variation of the title usually accompanies any conversation about Kansas' coach.

Central eclipses Benton

After Central's offense spat and sputtered for almost six innings, it appeared Benton - for once - was headed for a ho-hum victory against its cross-city rival. The Cardinals should have known better. Central used a lightning-quick, two-out rally to stun previously undefeated Benton and come away with a 3-2 win Saturday at Phil Welch Stadium. The come-from-behind win added another thrilling chapter to the teams' competitive rivalry and enabled the Indians to exact revenge after an 8-7 loss in the City Round Robin two weeks ago.

Friday's Prep Sports

Cardinals to enlist homeless in recycling effort

ST. LOUIS - The mess left after a major league sports event is enormous. Hot dog wrappers, plastic cups, beer bottles and discarded programs are strewn about bleachers, parking lots and the stadium concourse. Starting with Monday's season-opener against Colorado, the St. Louis Cardinals will join a relatively small number of professional sports teams that recycle debris left by fans. Homeless people will do the cleanup work as part of a job retraining effort.

Guillen ready for opening day

MILWAUKEE - Now that Jose Guillen knows he'll be allowed to play on opening day, he's beginning to show he'll be ready to go. Guillen had an RBI single and stole a base and the Kansas City Royals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1 in an exhibition game at Miller Park on Friday night. It was only the fourth hit of spring training for Guillen, who came into Friday's game batting .136 - not exactly the offensive oomph the Royals were looking for when they signed Guillen to a $36 million, three-year contract in the offseason.

Kansas powers its way into Elite Eight

DETROIT - The Kansas Jayhawks toyed with Villanova, throwing alley-oop passes off the backboard and raining 3-pointers from all over the court without breaking a sweat. Brandon Rush scored 16 points, Russell Robinson had 15 and top-seeded Kansas routed the 12th-seeded Wildcats 72-57 Friday night to earn a spot in the Midwest Regional final.

Royals' Guillen given a reprieve

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball put the suspensions of Baltimore's Jay Gibbons and Kansas City's Jose Guillen on hold for 10 days, giving lawyers for players and owners more time to reach an agreement toughening their drug rules. The outfielders were suspended for 15 days each by commissioner Bud Selig on Dec. 6, following media reports linking them to performance-enhancing drugs. The penalties were to start Sunday, when the U.S. portion of the major league season begins. "Pretty surprising," Gibbons said after Friday's announcement. "Put it this way: I'm cautiously optimistic - at least they're talking."

Penalty kick gives LeBlond its edge

Bishop LeBlond midfielder Kim Girard scarcely believed her eyes when Lafayette's Miranda Webster reached up with her hand to bat at the ball. Because Webster isn't the Fighting Irish's goalkeeper. Webster's hand-ball in the opening minute set up Girard's a penalty kick in the second minute, which she converted for the only score in the Golden Eagles' 1-0 victory Friday evening at Eagle Stadium.

Warm weather, warmer music

Saint Joseph Symphony presents 'Sounds of Spring' this Saturday

Spring is coming, bringing increased temperatures, sunny skies - and in the case of this weekend, Bach and Mozart. You can thank the Saint Joseph Symphony for that as they perform their "Sounds of Spring" concert at 8 p.m. March 29, at the Missouri Theater. Unlike previous concerts in their 2007/2008 season, the Saint Joseph Symphony won't be bringing the noise quite as much. This weekend's concert will feature a 35-piece chamber orchestra, about half the size they use for their regular concerts. The orchestra's size suits the concert's material better, according to Michael Matthews, interim executive director for the Saint Joseph Symphony.

Sculpture with a hidden agenda

Exhibit by Gail Simpson on display at Northwest Missouri State University

For more than two years, an 11-foot-by-10-foot pig has greeted visitors at the DeCordova Museum's 35-acre sculpture park in Lincoln, Mass., near Boston. And it's a pig with a hidden agenda, only revealed upon close inspection. The pink wood-and-steel sculpture is called the Trojan Piggy Bank and is the work of artists Gail Simpson and Aristotle Georgiades. Through their company, Actual Size Artworks, the two have collaborated on many large-scale indoor and outdoor public art projects across the country since 1992. "It's been a tremendously popular piece," says Corey Vronin, DeCordova's director of marketing and public relations. "People really enjoyed it." "Enjoyed" is the key word. A recent windstorm destroyed it so you can no longer see it.

Rock and roll and reggae roots

Long-time musicians Walkenhorst and Porter to perform at First Ward House this weekend

Kansas City musicians Bob Walkenhorst and Jeff Porter each have had long and varied music careers, with more than 50 years of music between them. The two will share their musical history with an acoustic set at 9 p.m. Saturday at the First Ward House. Walkenhorst, who started playing music with his brother at the Ground Round in the '70s, became front man for The Rainmakers, which released five albums in the U.S. and Europe from 1986 to 1996.

Movie review: Leaving the war behind

'Stop-Loss' presents powerful portrait of wartime issues

You can take the soldier out of war, but you can't take the war out of the soldier. This topic has been the focus of war movies both memorable and forgettable. You can go ahead and put "Stop-Loss" in the former category with its moving portrayal about America's soldiers caught in the emotional crossfire of a controversial issue in a controversial war.

On the scene: Guitars, symphonies and more guitars

If you read this thing from beginning to this point, you've already learned about a the return of a Rainmaker (page D2) and symphonic sounds for spring (pages D8 and D9). You also can learn about a sculptor coming to Maryville you should check out on page D16. After that, we've got plenty of guitars. Some will be strumming. Others thrashing. All should satisfy some sort of musical craving.

Artist of the week: B.J. Talley

Many people know B.J. Talley as a gifted guitarist who performs with numerous musicians around St. Joseph. But Talley's latest venture is trading melodies for mind manipulation. After learning hypnosis, Talley entertains crowds in a different way through hypnosis, magic and comedy. To see Talley in action, go see his Comedy Hypnosis Show at 8 p.m. tonight at the Ramada Inn. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

What's up for the week of March 28

Cordonnier's Place

Cordonnier's Place is one of St. Joseph's long-standing hangouts for food and drink. It's located off the Stockyards Expressway along with some other well known watering holes, Hap's Place and Mackenzie's Bar & Grill. As far as the food goes, you can ask a local off the street and they will tell you Cordonnier's is the place to go for catfish. (Seriously, when I was lost on the other side of town, a kind woman in her yard didn't know the address, but knew it was the place for catfish.) A News-Press reader also recommended the carp for our Best Bite. In addition, their hand-cut tenderloin is very popular for lunch and dinner.

Western softball boxes, Mar.27

Thursday's prep sports, Mar. 27

Kansas State ready to start over after disappointing 2007 season

MANHATTAN, Kan. - For Kansas State linebacker Ian Campbell, getting over last season's disappointing four-game collapse to end the season was a bit like trying to get past the bitterness of a bad cup of coffee. "It put a bad taste in my mouth," said Campbell, who will be a senior for the Wildcats, a team that finished 5-7 in 2007 and missed a bowl game for the third time in four years. "Anybody that's a competitor isn't going to like to end on a note like that."

Texas powers past Royals

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Hank Blalock and Milton Bradley hit back-to-back homers, and the Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Thursday. Right-hander Jason Jennings, who missed three months last season with the Houston Astros because of elbow problems, gave up two runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Olivo's suspension reduced; K.C. awaits word on Guillen

SURPRISE, Ariz. - The suspension of Kansas City Royals catcher Miguel Olivo was reduced from five to four games Thursday. The team was awaiting word from the commissioner's office on whether outfielder Jose Guillen's 15-day suspension will be eliminated. Olivo had been suspended for the start of this season because of a fight with the New York Mets during the final weekend of last season while he was with the Florida Marlins.

Diminutive Griffon packs big punch

Mandie Nocita might need to stand on her toes to measure up to the full height of 5 feet, 3 inches, as she is listed on Missouri Western's softball roster. She likely struggles to reach triple digits on the scales, too, though the athletic department is too conscious of gender etiquette to list weights. But Nocita belted two home runs and drove in four RBIs Thursday evening as her Griffons split a twinbill with Central Missouri at MWSU Softball Complex.

Villanova's Reynolds reflects on childhood, Round of 16 matchup with KU

DETROIT - Scottie Reynolds might not be here today if a woman he has never met had made a different decision years ago. Villanova's star guard reflected Thursday - a day before the 12th-seeded Wildcats played top-seeded Kansas in the Midwest Regional semifinals - on the pivotal choice his birth mother made 20 1/2 years ago in Alabama. The woman, who Reynolds knows only by name, later gave him up. Rick and Pam Reynolds adopted Reynolds, raising him in Virginia and Illinois.

The Metallica effect

The popular metal band and rock festivals just don't mix

When I looked at the 2008 Bonnaroo lineup, I saw a band on the bill that made me have to blink a few times to make sure that my contacts weren't smudged. Right there, at the top of the bill. Metallica. Kings of thrash metal. A legendary group in the minds and hearts of metalheads with an absolutely rabid fanbase. But the more I talked to people, so many people thought they didn't belong on the bill. That they weren't appropriate headliners for the 4-day music and camping festival in Manchester, Tenn. The question is why?

Northwest softball boxes, Mar. 26

Wednesday's prep sports, Mar. 26

Departed Royals reliever Riske helped youngster Greinke overcome anxiety

PHOENIX - David Riske spent only a year in Kansas City, but that was enough time to help a painfully shy kid who had lost his way.

Royals trade Huber, deal for Rockies reliever

SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Kansas City Royals acquired right-hander Ramon Ramirez from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named. The Royals also traded outfielder-first baseman Justin Huber to San Diego for a player to be named and assigned right-handers Roman Colon and Chin-hui Tsao and catcher Ken Huckaby to minor league camp. Kansas City also designated left-hander Jorge De La Rosa for assignment and optioned right-hander Kyle Davies to Triple-A Omaha, clearing the way for left-hander John Bale and right-hander Brett Tomko to get the final two spots in the rotation.

It's the same old story, until the leeches take hold

Demi Moore finds a new, and bloody, way to appear youthful

It was a boring, blah week in the world of Hollywood, until Demi Moore revealed her latest method of staying young looking. Here's a hint, it involves leeches. Grossed out yet?

The Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association all-state teams

Benton's Coy highlights local MSSA all-state picks

Three city players earned recognition on the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association all-state teams, released today. Benton boasts two returning all-state players, while Bishop LeBlond's Jonathan Wright made the list for the first time.

Tuesday's Prep Sports

Tuesday's Local College Results

Northwest-Buena Vista Baseball Box Scores

Monday's Prep Sports

Chiefs plan public workout session on Western campus

Missouri Western will host the Kansas City Chiefs' final on-field workout this offseason. Kansas City president Carl Peterson announced Monday that select Chiefs will participate in the 90-minute workout, which will feature players in jerseys and shorts - no pads - on June 12 at Spratt Stadium.

Griffons' softball looks for right chemistry

Western football kicks off spring camp

One Griffons' sluggish spring is another's chance to stop thumb sucking. Kristi Warneke is a notoriously slow starter to the softball season - something Missouri Western coach Jen Bagley thought they could avoid during the pitcher's senior season. But Warneke is 2-7 with a 4.95 ERA, still searching for the form that carried her to a 14-14 record and 3.07 ERA last season. That's left the pitching burden on a couple of freshmen - Allison Jones and Jonnelle Belger - and Western's tandem is a big reason the Griffons are 14-11 and have won four in a row.

Western women's basketball star faces another hurdle

Griffons' Curry up against legal issue

Ashleigh Curry's status with the Missouri Western women's basketball team has been in doubt since she became academically ineligible before the start of the current academic year. Now coach Lynn Plett has more to consider than the star guard's grades. St. Joseph Police arrested Curry early Sunday morning outside the Lost and Found Night Club. According to the police report, officers observed three subjects fist fighting as they left the downtown club while it was closing.

Cameron loses football coaches

A whirlwind week at Cameron leaves the Dragons' football program minus two coaches, including the most successful head coach in school history. Eric Thomas resigned his position Monday to accept an assistant head coaching job at Columbia-Hickman (Mo.), leaving behind a program he took to the pinnacle of Missouri football. Thomas compiled a 38-20 record in five years, including two Class 2 state title game appearances and a record-setting championship in 2005. Thomas assumes the offensive coordinator duties at Hickman, a Class 6 school, after accepting the position late last week.

Central's pitching gets knocked around in loss to Oak Park

Central's youthful pitching staff won't gain experience without a few lessons. Oak Park taught a trio of underclassmen pitchers how to give up runs in bunches Monday afternoon at Bartlett Park. The Northmen scored nine runs in the first inning off junior starter Josh Thompson on the way to a 16-8 victory. Central twice avoided a 10-run-rule victory while outscoring Oak Park 8-7 during the final six innings. Thompson still drew the loss after lasting only two-thirds of an inning in his first varsity start.

The Sound of Philadelphia

The O'Jays. MFSB. Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Teddy Pendergrass. Bill Paul. The Three Degrees. These are some of the names of the artists who typified the Philly Soul sound. A sound that was more polished than Stax Records and more sophisticated than Motown. Philly Soul producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff created a lush sweetly soulful sound with lush string arrangements that combined elements of pop, jazz, world music and disco.

Mahay finds home in Royals' bullpen

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Ron Mahay should reach 20 victories this season. Mahay, a well-traveled left-handed pitcher who began his career as an outfielder, is sitting on 19 wins as he begins his first season with the Kansas City Royals. "It might take me 12 years to get to 20 wins," Mahay said, laughing. "Randy Johnson does it in about four months."

Royals' Greinke looks sharp against White Sox

TUCSON - Joe Crede might just take back his job as the White Sox's third baseman from promising replacement Josh Fields. Fields, though, is not ready to concede anything yet. He singled and scored a run on Sunday in the White Sox's 6-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Western star makes transition to Arena Football League

Among the All-Americans and first-team conference performers from Division I seasons past, a former Griffon continues to make his case for peer status. Michael Cobbins transitioned from Division II football at Missouri Western to the Arena Football League ranks this season. Now he calls former Texas Tech quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who led the NCAA in passing in 2004, and UCLA defensive end Justin Hickman, an All-American in 2006, teammates. But for Cobbins to prove he belongs on the L.A. Avengers' active roster means heeding the advice of former high school coach Andy Ashley.

REWIND: Top 5 spring athletes to watch

A lot of sports got underway today, and after a long year of basketball and football, it can be easy to find some recognizable names competing in other sports. Here's five sure to make headlines in the next couple of months as we sprint towards summer.

REWIND: Back on track

Athletes all over the region look to take their run at state titles

A freshman state champion for Central, three straight state titles for Polo in Class 1, an unexpected championship run for Hamilton and a third shot put state championship for an athlete from North Harrison? Yes, all of those feats were achieved during last year's track and field season, and that's only to name a few of the outstanding moments. Even better for the area, many medallists and other state champions return looking to make Northwest Missouri a hot bed for track and field talent again this year.

Butler plays well in Royals' 3-2 loss

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Billy Butler went 3-for-3 with his team-leading fourth home run in the Kansas City Royals' 3-2, 10-inning loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday. Butler, normally the designated hitter, played first base.

Wisconsin eliminates K-State, can't dim Beasley's shine

OMAHA, Neb. - Even after Wisconsin advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament on Saturday, Michael Beasley still was the hot topic of conversation. That was OK with the Badgers, who made Beasley all but disappear in the second half of their 72-55 victory over Kansas State.

Kansas rolls into Sweet 16

OMAHA, Neb. - Kansas made Blowout City live up to its name one last time. Capping off two days of mismatches in Omaha, the top-seeded Jayhawks pulled away from UNLV in the second half and romped to a 75-56 victory Saturday at the NCAA's Midwest Regional, another emphatic team effort by a deep, talented group out to win the proud program's first national title in 20 years.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: Western's new A.D. brings hope

It's fourth-and-23. The Griffons are down by 5 points. One second is left on the clock, and a last-ditch play is all that's left. That's where Missouri Western's search for a new athletic director stood a few weeks ago. But in this case, the Hail Mary scored.

Royals roll past Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. - The Seattle Mariners paid a hefty price to get Erik Bedard. So far this spring, they've got little to show for their investment. Bedard was knocked around for the third straight start, giving up seven runs and nine hits in five innings during Seattle's 8-3 loss to Kansas City on Friday.

Peterson reaches crossroads

Former Central wrestler earns 2nd All-American distinction

Blake Peterson never paid much attention to rankings. Division II opponents probably should have paid more attention to Truman State's redshirt junior 165-pounder during last weekend's NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.

Finding art a home

Why is there no art gallery in St. Joseph?

If you go to restaurants or delis, you will see it. You'll see it at banks. Libraries, too. And lest we forget the local hospital. "It" is local art. Local art that is spread out all over town in large part because it doesn't have a local gallery to call home. While St. Joseph is home to the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and there are different art shows held throughout the year, most galleries have been opened independently and closed quickly. By the Stroke of a Brush Galleria opened at 726 Felix St. in 2004. Gone. The Starving Artist Gallery was at 617 Felix St. So was The Gallery, which opened afterward. Now, the address is the home of Planet Ink Tattoo Gallery. With plenty of art and no place to hang it, art organizations like the Riverwalk Art Association have worked out deals with businesses to display the work of local artists in relatively high-traffic areas like restaurants, banks and libraries.

Getting Bucky

'American Idol' finalist and country singer Bucky Covington comes to the Buffalo Bar

Bucky Covington is a good ol' boy who had big ol' dreams. The 30-year-old blond-haired country singer went from working at his dad's body shop in Rockingham, N.C., to "American Idol" season five finalist to successful country artist, with his singles "A Different World" and "It's Good To Be Us" making the top 20 country singles chart. But when he was a kid, Covington had visions of himself as a performer after listening to the Jeff Healey Band.

Laid back and live

Wade Williamson takes the stage Saturday at Cafe Acoustic

When Wade Williamson takes the stage at Cafe Acoustic Saturday, he'll get by with a little help from his friends. The singer/songwriter will be joined on stage by former Crash of '29 bandmate Corey Riley. Oh, and any other friends who drop in. "Friends come and go when they can," Williamson says. That laid-back, go-with-the-flow attitude means that audiences most likely will be treated to something different every time they see Williamson perform.

Review: You know the drill

'Drillbit Taylor' has familiar formula

If Owen Wilson had a business card, it would read "comic wingman." The surfer dude/everyman has helped amp up the level of laughs, most memorably in comedies with Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers") and Ben Stiller (in both "Starsky and Hutch" and "Zoolander"). But when Wilson is asked to command the comedy as a bogus bodyguard in the Judd Apatow-produced "Drillbit Taylor," his surfer zen and comic timing aren't enough to propel an uneven film and a script that relies entirely on convention.

On the scene: Hoppin' down the entertainment trail

I guess this would qualify as one of the holiest weeks of the year, with the whole Good Friday/Easter holiday and all. And just think, we just got through a St. Patty's Day weekend where the one thing that was sacrilegious was not being Irish, and even then, if you had a beer in your hand and were rocking some shade of green, you got away with it. This weekend, there are a few places you could go to assure that when you walk into your church for Easter, you have a tune stuck in your head or ears that ring like the tone of the emergency broadcast system.

Artist of the week: Teresa Harris

Local artist Teresa Harris, assistant professor of art at Missouri Western State University, makes books. Not writes books, makes books - out of a mixture of media to reflect the power and significance of the physical object rather than the words on their pages. You can read between the lines of Harris' work at her exhibit at The Yost Gallery at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan.

What's up for the week of March 21

College softball boxes, Mar. 20

Thursday's prep sports, Mar. 20

Central makes some noise in city baseball tournament

As vocal as Landin Eckhardt was Thursday, his bat shouted the loudest. The Central senior catcher blasted a three-run home run during the sixth inning and helped the Indians pad their tenuous lead against Lafayette. After a heartbreaking loss to Benton the night before, Central rebounded with a 6-1 win against the Fighting Irish in the City Baseball Round Robin Tournament. "I feel like I've got to back things up with as much as I say," said Eckhardt, a vocal leader and Illinois State commit. "It feels good to put your money where your mouth is." The Indians' sluggish finish against Benton seemed to carry over in the early stages against Lafayette (1-2), as Central (1-1) stranded three runners in scoring position through the first two innings.

Rock N' What?

2008 Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame inductees continue to rock less

When the inductees for the 2008 Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony were announced, I had to admit it was a head scratcher. Madonna in the Rock Hall? Leonard Cohen? John Mellencamp? Well, at least John Mellencamp put out a few good Midwest rockin' tunes and a Hall of Famers list of influences. So, I tuned in to watch the ceremony on VH1 only to find out that it was going to be broadcast live on VH1 Classic. Instead, I was treated to an episode of one of VH1's many celebreality programs. Oh, how the coverage of rock royalty has fallen.

Royals trade for Reds RHP Salmon

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Reds have traded relief pitcher Brad Salmon to the Kansas City Royals. The Reds said Wednesday they will receive either a player to be named or cash.

Freshman vs. freshman: K-State's Beasley, USC's Mayo ready for NCAA matchup

OMAHA, Neb. - Michael Beasley was standing in a narrow hallway outside the Kansas State locker room. Suddenly, O.J. Mayo appeared at the end of the corridor. "Yo, Michael!" Mayo yelled. "Juice!" Beasley screamed back. They shook hands and embraced, these two freshman stars, both of them stopping by the NCAA tournament on their inevitable journey to the NBA.

Kansas hopes Portland State just a bump on way to national title

OMAHA, Neb. - These Kansas seniors have been through a lot. Not one, but two stunning losses in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Then, the equally bitter disappointment of coming up one win short of the Final Four. There's only one way to go out: a national championship.

Western, Northwest softball split pair

MARYVILLLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State avoided the doubleheader sweep when Casey Carper's ninth-inning single drove home Tiffany Graham for the 1-0 victory Wednesday over Missouri Western at Bearcat Field.

Garton helps Benton stay unbeaten in City Round Robin

Benton needed a boost. The Cardinals pitching had been rocked. Their offense continued to stall with the bases loaded. Central threatened their perfect record in the City Round Robin Baseball Tournament. With so many new starters thrown onto the starting line-up card, the only question was who would emerge.

Tabor's coaching legacy lives on

Don Tabor commanded respect, and long after he retired from coaching, Tabor's disciples continued to seek the approval of their mentor.

Wednesday's college sports, Mar. 19

Wednesday's prep sports, Mar. 19

Longtime football coach Don Tabor dies at 77

Local coaching legend Don Tabor died early this morning at his St. Joseph home. He was 77. Tabor spent 40 seasons as a high school football coach, 32 in St. Joseph with Christian Brothers, LeBlond and Benton. His career record was 178-147-5. Tabor led LeBlond to the playoffs in 1984 but parted ways with the parochial school after that season. He took over Benton's program the following season and led the Cardinals to six playoff appearances - including the state title game in 1991, the only time a city school has reached an 11-man state championship game.

Apple could release unlimited music bundle

Reports are saying that Apple is currently in talks with major record labels that would allow their users to download as many songs as they want...for an extra price.

Tuesday's prep sports, Mar. 18

Cubs complete comeback against K.C.

Marquis makes case for rotation spot against Royals

MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Jason Marquis made it known early in spring training he wants no part of the bullpen this season. Or the Chicago Cubs, if they assign him there. The right-hander bolstered his case for a spot in the rotation with another sound start Tuesday, allowing one run and five hits over five-plus innings in the Cubs' 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

City baseball tournament set for today

Poor field conditions pushed the City Round Robin Baseball Tournament back an additional day, and the games scheduled for Tuesday will be played at their scheduled locations today.

Huber's strong spring might not be enough for roster spot

Royals outfielder having trouble cracking lineup despite hitting .316 during preseason

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Justin Huber has the talent and the numbers. He just might not have a spot on Kansas City's roster. The 25-year-old Australian won the 2005 Texas League batting title with a .343 average and was named the MVP of the 2005 Futures Game after hitting a two-run double.

Northwest women already looking forward to next season

MARYVILLE, Mo. - As many players as he saw conclude their college careers on Saturday, Northwest Missouri State coach Gene Steinmeyer sees reason to be excited about the future.

Bearcat men overcame plenty of adversity

Team forced to adjust to constant change during regional run

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Twenty-four wins and eight losses aside, Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Steve Tappmeyer said Tuesday he is proud of his team for a different reason. "I feel very, very good about this team and how they handled adversity," said Tappmeyer, whose Bearcats reached the semifinals of the South Central Regional Tournament in Stephenville, Texas, before bowing out to Central Oklahoma on Sunday.

Should Mac users run antivirus software?

One of Mac's biggest marketing tools is that their computers are safer than their Windows counterparts. But should Mac users still run antivirus software just as a precaution?

Honor your favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers

Thursday is Sweater Day, in honor of what would've been Mr. Rogers 80th birthday

Fred Rogers would've turned 80 on Thursday. To celebrate, Family Communications Inc., the non-profit organization founded by Mr. R, is asking you to don your favorite sweater.

Kansas wins Big 12 tourney, gets NCAA No. 1 seed

KANSAS CITY - The symmetry wasn't lost on Kansas coach Bill Self. The fifth-ranked Jayhawks had just played a superb first half against No. 6 Texas in the Big 12 tournament championship game, one Self called the best played in Kansas City since the Jayhawks won the 1988 NCAA title. A little over an hour later, Kansas was selected as the No. 1 seed in Midwest region, which has sites in Nebraska and Michigan - just like in 1988. And one more eery similarity: the Jayhawks' bracket includes Vanderbilt, which Kansas beat in the regional semifinals 20 years ago.

Central Oklahoma eliminates Northwest men

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Central Oklahoma coach Terry Evans compared Sunday's South Central Regional Tournament semifinal game against Northwest Missouri State to a heavyweight fight. "Both teams just came out swinging, and they knocked us down first," Evans said. But the Bronchos struck the more devastating blows down the stretch to score a 73-59 knockout of No. 2 Northwest. No. 3 Central Oklahoma advances to Tuesday's final against Tarlton State, which beat Southwest Baptist in Sunday's other semifinal. Northwest ends its season at 24-8.

No consolation for West Platte

Blue Jays subdued in third-place game

COLUMBIA, Mo. - West Platte senior Kyle Elder knew he was going out. He just decided to take one last fiery act of frustration with him. Elder fouled out 2 minutes into the fourth quarter, then added his sixth foul on a technical as he showed his displeasure with the officiating. Clever scored eight points off the sequence before West Platte held the ball again and ran away with a 67-33 victory Saturday night at Mizzou Arena in the Class 2 third-place game. "To me, I like to look at life lessons, and we didn't handle ourselves very well," said West Platte coach Zane Tanner. "I don't like that fact, and I know the kids were disappointed, too, in their actions.

Northwest Missouri-Central Oklahoma Men's Box Score

Sunday's Local College Sports

Calloway scores another knockout

PHILADELPHIA - St. Joseph boxer Rob Calloway notched another victory on Saturday night against a previously undefeated fighter.

Emporia State ends Northwest's playoff run

CANYON, Texas - Northwest Missouri State's run finally ended Saturday night, as Emporia State closed a South Central Regional semifinal with a 27-10 run to end the Bearcats' season, 83-71. Northwest, which finished at 18-14, built an early lead and held on despite injuries and foul trouble before Emporia State's inside scoring helped the Hornets get back in the game to set up the closing run.

Class 2 Girls Championship Box Score

Friday's Northwest Men's Baketball Box Score

Saturday's Local College Results

Northwest-Emporia Women's Box Score

Kansas does Texas 2-step

Jayhawks beat Aggies on Saturday, Longhorns await in Big 12 final

KANSAS CITY - After toiling for three years on a team that prides itself on share-the-wealth balance, Brandon Rush felt uneasy in the spotlight. The 6-foot-6 junior scored a career-high 28 points Saturday as No. 5 Kansas beat Texas A&M, 77-71, in the Big 12 semifinals but then tried to deflect credit to his teammates.

Top 5 moments in state high school championships

Three local teams played in six games during this week's small-class Show-Me Showdown, spanning from Thursday to Saturday. Jefferson's boys captured a third straight state title in Class 1, while Hamilton's girls finished with an unblemished 32-0 championship in Class 2. That's the big picture. Here's a look at the top five moments from the games involving local teams. Have your own memory from the action? Let us know with an e-mail to rossmartin@npgco.com

City schools ready to hit the baseball diamond

Any way you look at it, Benton's dominance of the City Baseball Round Robin can't be overstated. Four years into the event, the Cardinals haven't lost a game to their St. Joseph brethren and outscored Central, Lafayette and Bishop LeBlond by a combined score of 126-24. Benton hopes to add three more wins to its total this week when the event is scheduled to run Monday through Wednesday.

Familiar foe awaits Bearcat men

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - As enjoyable as a 24-point blowout in the postseason can be, Northwest Missouri State's Bearcats had a limit to their celebrating. After all, Central Oklahoma looms in today's 5 p.m. men's semifinal. "You can't enjoy them very long in a situation like this," Northwest coach Steve Tappmeyer said. "We know we can't feel too good about this for too long." And that good feeling, Tappmeyer said, should have lasted no longer than the postgame shower and meal.

Hamilton girls finish 32-0 year with Class 2 championship

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Hamilton's four seniors thought the Class 2 state championship could provide an emotional roller coaster ride, regardless of outcome. The quartet knew the battle with top-ranked Westran provided the final chance to play together. But no tears were shed Saturday at Mizzou Arena. The 46-39 victory probably helped keep the negative sensations away.

Smothering defense propels Northwest men

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - St. Edward's post Danielle Pierre summed his team's frustrations with Northwest Missouri State perfectly. "Their defense got us out of whack," said the 6-foot-7 New Yorker. The Bearcats effectively used a half-court press, taking a huge early lead off turnovers, and coasted to a 72-48 victory over the Hilltoppers on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the South Central Regional Basketball Tournament. Northwest (24-7) will play Central Oklahoma in today's 5 p.m. semifinal game.

Bearcat women achieve miracle in Texas

Northwest advances to semifinals with overtime, half-court buzzer-beater

CANYON, Tex. - Junior Meghan Brue's desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer of overtime gave Northwest Missouri State a 72-71 overtime win Friday night against top-seeded West Texas A&M. The win, breaking a 45-game West Texas home winning streak, sent the Bearcats to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional at the First United Bank Center. "I knew I was going to get the ball," Brue said. "I bobbled it a bit because I was trying to shoot it before I caught it."

Kansas shrugs off nebraska

Jayhawks' worst 1st half of season not enough of head start for Huskers

KANSAS CITY - Brandon Rush scored six points in a 15-4 run, and No. 5 Kansas overcame its worst half of the season Friday night, erasing a shocking nine-point Nebraska lead and beating the Huskers 64-54 in the Big 12 tournament.

Friday's Prep Sports

Ravens' playoff run comes to end

SIOUX CITY, IOWA - Standing at a distance usually reserved for NBA shooters, Hastings' Heather McKeon decided to hoist a shot attempt anyway. The 25-footer swished in, giving Hastings an insurmountable 10-point lead in the final moments of its 70-62 win against Benedictine College on Friday at the Tyson Events Center.

West Platte boys fall to South Iron

COLUMBIA, Mo. - West Platte left South Iron senior Levi Middleton open on the left side one too many times. Almost inexplicably at times, West Platte overcame a lackluster performance to stay within striking distance during the Class 2 semifinal at Mizzou Arena. South Iron never trailed and led by as many as eight in the first quarter, nine twice in the second and 16 in the fourth quarter. West Platte made one last furious charge in the final 5 minutes, tying the game for the only time in the final minute. Middleton's 3 from the left wing with 6 seconds left proved the difference and sent the Panthers to the state title game with a dramatic 57-54 win.

Turkey time gets expanded

State extends hunting hours

With winter finally loosening its grasp on Northwest Missouri, turkey hunters are ready to take to the woods in pursuit of a big Missouri longbeard. With the youth season just more than a month away and the regular season soon thereafter, hunters should be aware of several new regulations affecting youth hunters and those who are new to the sport. The first regulation change allows those participating in the 2008 Youth Turkey Season to hunt from half an hour before sunrise to sunset. This is a big change from past seasons, when all hunters were required to stop shooting at 1 p.m. The new regulation will provide valuable extra time afield during the two-day season slated for the second weekend in April.

Hunters should support legislative proposal

Every now and then, a piece of legislation comes along that just makes sense. State Rep. Don Ruzicka, R-Mount Vernon, and more than 50 other representatives who have signed on as co-sponsors introduced legislation that provides liability protection to landowners who invite hunters and anglers onto their property. In a nutshell, the bill establishes the "Landowner Liability Protection Act" (House Bill 1798), which says that a landowner who permits or invites, without charge, another person to use his or her land for hunting or fishing purposes doesn't extend any assurance that the premises are safe.

Peterson's toughness gives Northwest a boos

MARYVILLE, Mo. - With a little more of Dave Colt's athletic tape and a little more of his own determination, Andy Peterson hopes he can close out his Northwest Missouri State basketball career in style. Peterson, the Bearcats' 6-foot-4 guard, has spent as much time as anyone in Colt's athletic training room, addressing a long list of injuries that have plagued his body, but never his spirit. "It's been frustrating at times, but he's learned how to rehab, and he knows Dave Colt as well as anybody in town," Northwest coach Steve Tappmeyer said. "Hopefully, he'll be blessed with good health, and he can finish this thing out."

Hamilton girls keep championship hopes alive

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Lindsay Vollmer's 3-pointer from the right corner went down but so did the Hamilton freshman. As Vollmer collected herself, she realized a foul was called on Clopton's Tricia Haake after the shot. Count the 3 and give her two free throws. Hamilton's 65-50 win against Clopton went that way Friday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. As the Class 2 semifinal wore on, Hamilton slowly pulled away - capped by the bizarre sequence early in the fourth quarter involving Vollmer that led to a five-point possession. Vollmer strode to the free-throw line, sharing a smile and a laugh with senior Taryn Bruce.

Jefferson boys capture third straight state title

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The outcome long since decided, Jefferson's starters didn't let a lopsided result quell their enthusiasm. Watching from the bench, Doug Archer, Craig Mattson, Kevin Moffat and Kyle Schieber exploded off their chairs as the final seconds ticked away Friday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. Another victory secure, another state title in hand, Jefferson enjoyed the moment after a 59-30 win against Glasgow in the Class 1 state championship game.

Calling all music fans!

Wanna do some good today? Help a fellow fan have the ultimate fan experience.

The News-Press' own Ricky Gipson is one of four finalists in P.O.D.'s All Access Warrior Pass VJ contest. And he needs your help.

Green in the face

Places to have a good time for St. Patty's Day

Green teeth. Breath smelling of corned beef and cabbage. Guinness-stained clothing. Welts from the persistent pinching of your peers for not sporting any festive colors. If you have any of these symptoms, chances are you've taken part in the Celtic holiday known as St. Patrick's Day, where everybody is Irish for at least one 24-hour period a year. And in celebration of this day, there are a few places to go and events to see to keep your Irish eyes-a-smilin'. At noon on Saturday, March 15, the 22nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will run through downtown St. Joseph. The parade is sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Heartfelt harmony

Steel Wool Mill gears up for performance at Cafe Acoustic

One day, Jason Crabb bought a banjo. He figured if he purchased the instrument, he'd have to commit to learning how to actually play it. "I just wanted to try something different," he says. Todd Ward took almost the same path as Crabb. About four years ago, he decided to learn how to play the guitar. Now the guitarist and the banjo man are strumming in a band called Steel Wool Mill.

On the scene: Irish for a day, entertained for a weekend

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. This time of year, I usually find myself celebrating with a few college buddies in Cleveland, Ohio; drinking plenty of Irish Stout, eating corned beef, wandering the streets downtown thankful I am not affected by lake effect snow. So, in St. Joseph, what is there to do for this ultimate Irish holiday? Actually, quite a bit. Our center spread (on D8 and D9) talked about a few things going on in town. I'll give you one more: Foster's will be opening at noon on March 15 for the St. Patty's Day parade with a musical performance by Rick Allen and Chris Jamison at 9 p.m.

Artist of the week: Ann Willoughby

What Ann Willoughby, C.E.O. and president of Willoughby Design Firm in Kansas City, creates is definitely not art in the traditional sense. What she creates is branding identities through her room designs and graphic designs, which she has utilized in working with clients like Three Dog Bakery, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noodles & Co., SPIN! and Kevin Carroll. She has won numerous national and international design awards. To see her work in person, go to the first-floor gallery of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building through March 21 during regular business hours.

What's up for the week of March 14

Jefferson Boys Box, Mar. 13

Local athletes make college commitments

Last fall, Bishop LeBlond's imposing front line volleyball players spiked the Golden Eagles to a playoff berth. Two of those hitters - Maggie Adams and Lauren Hicks - will get the chance to continue their careers collegiately. Adams signed a letter of intent with Coffeyville Community College on Thursday, while Hicks intends to play at Division III Simpson College in Iowa. "Those two girls have been very dedicated to the program for the last four years," LeBlond coach Kim Huss said. "This is the sport that's most important to them, and their passion for it allowed them to be able to continue to play."

Ravens roll into 2nd round of NAIA tournament

SIOUX CITY, Iowa The Benedictine women took control early in their NAIA Division II National Tournament opener on Thursday and never looked back. Third-seeded Benedictine started the game on an 11-2 run and overwhelmed sixth-seeded Aquinas (Mich.) College, which never got much of an offense going in the Ravens' 79-57 victory.

Northwest Missouri State women's scouting report

Here's a look at the matchups in today's game between the Northwest Missouri State women and West Texas A&M.

Taking the edge off a tough call, Steinmeyer-style

MARYVILLE, Mo. - In his first two years as a coach in the MIAA, Gene Steinmeyer got technical fouls. Perhaps officials were making a statement to the new guy on the block. Perhaps he was being tested. But with an approach that can only be considered part stand-up comedian and part bulldog, Steinmeyer hasn't been "T'd up" for the past seven seasons, and he hopes to keep it that way.

Jefferson prepares for shot at 3rd straight state title

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Jefferson's didn't lose its status as defending champion, at least not on Wednesday. A classic 70-68 victory against Scott County Central puts the Eagles in a fourth straight state title game, seeking a third consecutive championship. Many considered the semifinal matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2 would decide the championship. Jefferson's veteran bunch knows today's 2 p.m. matchup with Glasgow (29-2) can't be overlooked.

Jefferson advances to Class 1 championship

COLUMBIA, Mo. - When Scott County Central made its second-half run, Jefferson junior Craig Mattson knew what Jefferson needed. He wanted to see some vintage Doug Archer. "I was looking for Doug to start blocking people," Mattson said. Archer, a 6-foot-7 senior, blocked only two shots Thursday afternoon in the Class 1 semifinal matchup. But both came in the final minute, including a rejection that started a fastbreak to extend Jefferson's lead to three with 41 seconds left.

Learning to crawl

What you need to do to organize a pub outing for your crowd

Chris Fleck knows a few things about organizing a pub crawl. He's celebrated his birthday with one for the past five years. "We had such a blast the first, we just started thinking of how to outdo last year," he says. Whether you're throwing together a last-minute one for St. Patrick's Day weekend or want to get a head start on Cinco de Mayo, hosting a pub crawl takes some planning.

Wednesday's Prep Sports

High school basketball playoff capsules

Here's a look at the matchups in this week's high school basketball championships in Columbia, Mo.

Western women's coach Plett turns focus to rebuilding

Six days removed from one of the more tumultuous seasons in his 29-year coaching career, Lynn Plett found himself 1,750 miles away from the Missouri Western campus. Don't worry Griffon fans; he's coming back. An investigation into the women's basketball program and an eight-player roster for most of the conference season didn't dissuade Plett. Instead, he spent Wednesday negotiating the streets of San Francisco on his way to the California's community-college championships in Stockton. Plett wants to make sure that when the next season tips off, the Griffons have enough players to at least stage a full scrimmage.

Bearcat bench reserves best for last

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The pregame introductions and resulting cheers always go to the starting five. But on Sunday, Northwest Missouri State's reserves deserved the loudest cheers of all. Backup players scored 44 of Northwest's 82 points to help the Bearcats defeat Southwest Baptist in the women's championship game of the MIAA Tournament. Their contributions helped vault the Bearcats (17-13) into Friday's 8 p.m. game against West Texas A&M in the South Central Regional in Canyon, Texas.

Calloway back in ring, still working toward title bout

Rob Calloway still is trying to put the exclamation point on his career with a cruiserweight world title fight. But the St. Joseph boxer is keeping himself sharp with regular fights, including this weekend's bout in Philadelphia. "I'm trying just to stay busy, take on these young guys to keep my name out there until I get my opportunity," the St. Joseph boxer said from the Philadelphia camp where he works out with trainer Marshall Kauffman.

Big 12 Tournament kicks off today

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas State seems to have the credentials to get into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a dozen years. The Wildcats won 20 games during the regular season, finished third in the tough Big 12 Conference and have one of the best players in the country in freshman Michael Beasley. Still, they don't want to take any chances.

Tigers get back on field for spring drills

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Excitement is high, and so are expectations, as Missouri goes through spring football drills. The Tigers are coming off one of their most successful seasons ever, a 12-2 season that saw them win the Big 12 North, reach No. 1 for a week and beat Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Missouri was one win away from reaching the national championship game, losing the Big 12 title game to Oklahoma.

Royals squeak out win against Diamondbacks

Greinke overcomes early solo homers as Butler slugs K.C. past Arizona

With 47 home runs in the last two years, Eric Byrnes has become one of Arizona's top power hitters. It was only a matter of time before Byrnes hit his first one in spring training. He homered off Kansas City starter Zack Greinke in Arizona's 8-7 loss to the Royals on Tuesday.

Sacred Heart claims 8th championship

Irish claim first Nebraska state title since 2004 with double-digit victory

Different places await Northwest basketball teams

Bearcats' basketball teams prepare for separate journeys to Lone Star locales

True North - Live At The Cafe

It's a hoot listening to True North. Their music is fun, clever and feel good nostalgic in a 1970s sort of way. It's the kind of stuff you listen to in a 1969 Camaro on a hot summer night cruising the main drag.

Stanley Clarke - The Toys of Men

After much too many years of scoring movies and making lame smooth jazz albums, premier jazz bassist Stanley Clarke returns to his 1970s jazz fusion roots with "Toys of Men."

Bearcats set to face unfamiliar foes

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The MIAA Tournament provided a week's worth of familiar foes for both the Northwest Missouri State men and women. That familiarity might have helped them to two championships and a pair of NCAA tournament berths. But both Bearcat teams face unfamiliar terrain in their respective South Central Regional fields. The men, especially, have a lot of research to do. Their first-round game is against No. 7 St. Edward's (23-6), who Northwest has never played.

Depth boosts Northwest men throughout MIAA Tournament

KANSAS CITY - Announcements and plaques could wait; the Bearcats wanted to take in the view from the top. Almost as soon as MIAA tournament officials could set up a ladder under the basket at Municipal Auditorium on Sunday, Northwest Missouri State seniors Matt Withers and Andy Peterson climbed it to claim their part of the championship nets following the Bearcats' 57-51 win over Emporia State in the title tilt. The net-cutting ceremony is supposed to follow the announcement of the all-tournament team. But with the way the MIAA basketball championships went this weekend, teams had to enjoy their perches because they didn't last for long.

Northwest women rediscover their intensity just in time

KANSAS CITY - The Northwest Missouri State women should save a piece of net or at least a championship T-shirt for their Missouri Southern counterparts. If the Bearcats were the artists this weekend with their tenacious defense, the Lions were the inspiration. The Lions exited the MIAA tournament in the first round, but their influence lasted into Sunday afternoon at Municipal Auditorium. In the process of losing to Northwest in overtime, Southern infused the Bearcats with the confidence and style to win the second conference crown in the program's history.

Northwest men maintain smothering defense in MIAA title game

KANSAS CITY - When Emporia State forward Jordan Fithian fouled out with 2 minutes, 21 seconds left in Sunday's championship game of the MIAA Tournament, Northwest Missouri State benefited in a number of ways. Not only did they get the Hornets' best rebounder out of the game, but they also found themselves in the bonus situation. Mose Howard responded with six free throws the rest of the way, helping secure a 57-51 victory for the Bearcats.

Northwest women's bench gives Baptist a beating

KANSAS CITY - Andrea Dill hadn't enjoyed a game like this since the first week of the season. Micaela Uriell hadn't produced this much since the Christmas break trip to Hawaii. But they were among a corps of reserves who contributed more than half the points Sunday in Northwest Missouri State's 82-58 rout of Southwest Baptist at Municipal Auditorium.

Northwest Missouri State basketball box scores

Northwest men strike down Ichabods in MIAA semifinal

KANSAS CITY The third time against Washburn was the charm for Northwest Missouri State, which eked out a 50-49 victory Saturday night at Municipal Auditorium to reach today's men's championship game of the MIAA Tournament. "After one like that, my brain's probably too rattled to say anything that makes sense," coach Steve Tappmeyer after the thriller, in which the Bearcats (22-7) survived a last-second inbounds play under Washburn's basket by tipping the ball just enough to disrupt the Ichabods' rhythm.

Saturday's Prep Sports

Jefferson boys seek 3rd straight championship

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Jeffersons' Kyle Schieber doesn't often allow his emotions to bubble up. Most of the time, the junior guard will stoicly stroke a 3-pointer and gallop back on defense - not allowing a ripple of excitement to enter his expression. Schieber's enthusiasm overflowed, however, during a crucial stretch that helped the Eagles earn a 77-63 victory Saturday against previously undefeated Newtown-Harris. With the win in Bearcat Arena, Jefferson earned its fourth straight trip to the Class 1 semifinals in Columbia, Mo.

LeBlond's postseason run ended by Hogan Prep

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Bishop LeBlond's Tyler Irizarry and Hogan Prep's Marcus Denmon crumpled to the floor in separate heaps. The shrill of a whistle sounded, but it was unclear which player drew the foul. Meanwhile, Irizarry and Denmon exchanged words. LeBlond's senior opened his mouth, and whatever came out changed the course of Saturday's Class 3 quarterfinal. Officials called Irizarry for the loose ball foul and added a technical. It gave him four fouls with 3 minutes, 26 seconds left in the first half and started a crippling chain of events for LeBlond. Hogan Prep scored five points off the foul-technical-possession combination, part of a 12-point run that gave the Rams the separation needed to run away with a 71-54 victory at the University of Central Missouri's Multipurpose Building.

Rock Port's shot at semifinals rims out

MARYVILLE, Mo. - After a game full of breathtaking baskets, Karley Evans needed only one more jump shot. The Rock Port senior got an open look in the final moments of Saturday's Class 1 quarterfinal but watched in dismay as the ball twice bounced off the rim and fell to the floor. Despite a thrilling comeback, the Blue Jays fell one point short of a state berth and suffered a 54-53 loss to No. 1-ranked Meadville in Bearcat Arena.

Lafayette boys coach reflects on banner year

Chris Neff's first campaign at Lafayette will be a tough act to follow. A 1991 graduate, Neff returned to the Fighting Irish's sideslines and led his alma mater to a remarkable turnaround. Lafayette saw a 13-game improvement from last year's record, took two out of three games from Midland Empire Conference rival Benton and guided his squad to its first district title in 23 years.

Roe sparks West Platte in quarterfinals

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - Erick Roe took his time, but the West Platte senior decided to show some intensity in Saturday's Class 2 quarterfinal. Held to seven points in the first half, Roe scored seven of his game-high 22 points in a 1 1/2-minute stretch early in the third quarter against Lee's Summit Community Christian - including a dunk and pull-up 3-pointer that sent the perennial all-stater strutting around the court. The spurt opened up a double-digit advantage for the Blue Jays, and they held on for a 57-45 win at the University of Central Missouri's Multipurpose Building that sends them to the state semifinals for the third time since 2003.

Hamilton girls keep up their perfection

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - As quick as Osceola could turn the ball over, the Indians could turn it on offensively. Hamilton simply kept its full-court pressure on, rode out the hot streaks and waited for the miscues. Osceola used a quick 10-point run in the third quarter to stake a five-point lead, but 30 turnovers eventually doomed the Indians in Saturday's Class 2 quarterfinal at the University of Central Missouri's Multipurpose Building. Hamilton's Jordan Esry scored six during a decisive run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters, tallying 13 of her team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter of the Hornets' 59-48 victory.

Northwest women advance to MIAA championship game

KANSAS CITY Northwest Missouri State played the role of brawler on Saturday afternoon, scoring a knockout of top-seeded Washburn in the women's semifinals of the MIAA basketball tournament. "This was a boxing match," Northwest coach Gene Steinmeyer said. "(The officials) were going to let it get physical, and we took advantage of it." The fifth-seeded Bearcats (16-13) have found new life in their NCAA Tournament aspirations, which they can fulfill today with a victory in the 1 p.m. championship game against Southwest Baptist, a 70-65 winner over Truman State in Saturday's other semifinal.

An all-Bearcat finale in MIAA women's tournament

KANSAS CITY - Prior to Saturday, an all-Bearcat women's final existed only in the imaginations of two coaches. During the past decade, the conference's power pair kept shutting the door on Jim Middleton and Gene Steinmeyer's plans to eliminate the blue and gold from the MIAA's tournament final each year. Finally this week, Emporia State and Washburn left that door open just enough for Middleton's Southwest Baptist Bearcats and Steinmeyer's Northwest Missouri State Bearcats to slip into the conference title game at Municipal Auditorium.

Bannister tagged for 5 runs in loss

Teahen returns to action, belts 2-run homer in losing effort

Playoff Capsules: Today's Class 1, 2 and 3 Quarterfinals

Who and what to look for during today's matchups in Maryville, Warrensburg

Basketball Notebook: Irish rolling in March

Falls City-Sacred Heart advances to today's Class D2 championship

Northwest men roll into MIAA semifinals

Bearcat men trounce Gorillas in first-round

Western AD search comes to conclusion

Winding process finally yields David Williams as next leader

LeBlond-Hogan Prep not quite a rematch

Golden Eagles face challenge from Mizzou recruit Marcus Denmon in quarterfinals

Friday's Prep Sports

GAME BLOG: Northwest women 74, Southern 66 (OT)

Northwest Missouri State's women on Thursday did something against first-round foe Missouri Southern that no other team has done this year. The Bearcats overcame a halftime deficit to beat the Lions.

MIAA Tournament Blog: Day 1

The MIAA basketball championships needed less than eight hours to produce a shocking upset. Emporia State ranked 22nd nationally, seeded second and home to the MIAA's all-time leading scorer lost 77-70 to No. 7 Truman State on Thursday night.

Celebrating my love of Legos

The classic toy turned 50 this year. What Lego creations have you built lately?

Legos turned 50 this year. A quick Google search can show you just what you can make with these wonderous toys.

Roll it!

The possible hits and misses for spring's movie season

Well, the Oscars have come and gone. Plenty of people with unique accents and two eccentric sibling directors (the Coen brothers) walked away with a bunch of golden bald statuettes. It's spring (or at least it will be soon). What films will be a good excuse to camp out in a dark theater for a couple of hours even when the weather outside is not so frightful? According to Bob Shultz, KQ2 movie critic, this season doesn't look to have as many films to guarantee similar success to last spring after an already lackluster year for movies.

A closer look

Bodies Revealed exhibit opens at Union Station

Two sets of lungs sit side by side at Union Station. One set are the lungs of a smoker, blackened with nicotine. The other set are the lungs of a non-smoker, still pink after death. Both lungs are real, not models created to discourage smoking. And both offer a closer look at the human body as part of Bodies Revealed at the Bank of America Grand Gallery at Union Station. The exhibit, which features real human bodies that have gone through a process called polymer preservation, opened Feb. 29 and will run through Sept. 1.

Under the big top

Moila Shrine Temple Circus entertains children of all ages this weekend

Acrobats and jugglers and clowns, oh my! The St. Joseph Civic Arena will be transformed into the big top this weekend, as the Moila Shrine Temple Circus comes to town. Show times are 7 p.m. tonight, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. This year's circus revolves around animal acts, says ringmaster Billy Martin. There are frisbee-catching dogs, elephants, ponies and Clayton Rosaire's "educational as well as entertaining" act with white, tabby and Bengal tigers.

On the scene: Decisions, decisions

Sometimes, I have moments of paradox, especially when it comes to what I watch on TV. As much as I am enthralled with the election coverage, I also find myself completely obsessed by the skank-fest known as "Rock of Love." While my viewing habits may fluctuate, my commitment to giving you local entertainment information remains steadfast. Can we get off our butts and find something to do this weekend? Yes we can!

Artist of the week: Dysern

Dysern claims they are "perched on the epicenter of the universe," but we're pretty sure they are from somewhere in Northwest Missouri. The trio, featuring Jamie "Nashville" Nash on vocals and bass, Billy Briggs on drums and Cory "King Kong" Valenti on guitar, pound out heavy grooves combined with elements of goth and death metal. They've been making themselves at home at Cagney's off and on for the past few months and will return to St. Joseph in April. For more information on the group, go to www.myspace.com/dysern.

What's up for the week of March 7

Thursday's Prep Sports

Washburn puts an end to Western's season

KANSAS CITY - Yanique Javois overcame her bout with strep throat. The same cannot be said for Missouri Western's attempts to do the equivalent against Washburn's shooters. Javois - the Griffons' leading scorer - battled her illness for the past few days and spent Wednesday's practice lying on the side of the court. The steady stream of Lady Blues' 3-pointers didn't make Javois and the Griffons feel any better Thursday. Top-seeded Washburn tied a school record with 15 3-pointers and dispatched the eighth-seeded Griffons easily 78-65 in the first round of the MIAA Tournament at Municipal Auditorium.

Northwest women rattle Southern, advance to 2nd round

Panic set in at just the right time to benefit Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats forced numerous turnovers in overtime Thursday en route to a 74-66 victory against Missouri Southern in the MIAA Tournament. "We threw the game away, literally," Southern coach Maryann Mitts said.

Northwest men's scouting report

Here's a look at the matchup between today's contest between the Northwest Missouri State and Fort Hays State men's MIAA Tournament game.

MIAA Tournament men's capsules

Here's a look at the men's team's competing in this weekend's MIAA tournament.

All in the Bearcat family

Twins make a home with Northwest athletics program

He may have been the 2006-07 MIAA Most Valuable Player in men's basketball and Northwest Missouri State's team leader in both rebounding and scoring for two straight seasons, but Hunter Henry doesn't believe he's the best athlete in his family. That honor, he believes, goes to his twin sister, Hannah, who gets a rare break from her Northwest track schedule to watch her brother compete in this week's MIAA basketball tournament. The Bearcats play Pittsburg State at 6 tonight in the first round at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium, and Hunter can only hope he can match his sister's All-MIAA performance less than a week ago in the conference indoor championships.

Athletic director choice turns down Western

Missouri Western started its search for an athletic director over in November when it didn't find a suitable candidate. The university's second search stalled Thursday when a finalist didn't find Western's offer suitable. Andy Carter, who is Newberry (S.C.) College's athletic director, told the News-Press that Western offered him the position and he turned it down Thursday morning when the two sides couldn't reach an agreement in the negotiation process.

Mad hoops

At home or away, there are plenty of ways to celebrate March Madness

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, otherwise known as March Madness, will get under way on March 18. But most people are awaiting eagerly the time they start honing their "bracketology" and begin rooting for their favorite college team to go to the Final Four, the Big Dance or whatever you want to call it. Whether you are preparing to make the trip out to your favorite sports bar or want to organize a party in your own pad for a home court advantage, basketball fans will have reason to celebrate this annual roundball tradition.

03/06/08 WbNW Podcast: News-Press roundtable

On the eve of the MIAA tournaments, Scott Pummell, Rick Dunaway and I sat down to offer up our All-MIAA teams and coaches of the year and make our predictions for the conference tourneys. Listen to it before all the prognostications prove ill-advised.

Hamilton girls dispatch Putnam County

Jordan Esry had this funny feeling about free throws. "All day, I kept telling myself, 'Free throws, Jordan. You've got to put your free throws in,'" the Hamilton senior guard said. While she only took one trip to the line, the situation couldn't have been bigger.

Coming up Golden

LeBlond advances to quarterfinals

When Jonathan Wright took a seat on the bench with his fourth foul and less than a minute left in the third quarter, Bishop LeBlond teetered on the edge of disaster. St. Pius X sat within five points in Wednesday night's Class 3 sectional, seemingly poised to make a run at the Golden Eagles. Instead of falling off balance, LeBlond scored four points in the final 18 seconds before the fourth quarter - including two from Wright's replacement, Reid Gillaspie. The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, and LeBlond pulled away for a 66-48 victory at Civic Arena to earn its first quarterfinal berth since 2002.

MIAA Basketball Tournament Schedule

Wednesday's Prep Sports

Iowa State takes Missouri to double-overtime

Tigers' Carroll scores career-high 26 while helping team win home finale

COLUMBIA, Mo. - DeMarre Carroll had a career-high 26 points and eight rebounds and scored six points in the second overtime of Missouri's 81-75 victory over Iowa State on Wednesday night. Leo Lyons added 19 points and nine rebounds for Missouri (16-14, 5-9), which won its home finale in a half-full Mizzou Arena. Lyons missed a 15-foot fadeaway that would have ended it in regulation and was benched for about eight minutes near the start of the second half, presumably for indifferent play.

Western close to naming new AD

Missouri Western could name its new athletic director as soon as Friday. Committee chair Dan Nicoson said Wednesday the university's goal is to announce the sixth athletic director in its history "by Friday or Monday." The three finalists to replace Mark Linder - Andy Carter, David Williams and Jean Berger - all interviewed on campus last week.

MIAA women's capsules

Emporia State Emporia, Kan. Record: 21-6 (14-4 MIAA) Seed: No. 2 Ranking: No. 21 nationally; No. 5 South Central Region Coach: Brandon Schneider, 10th season Who to Watch: F Michelle Stueve has the size (6-2), mobility and experience as a senior to be a force. She was the unanimous choice for MIAA Player of the Year. She ranks second in the conference in scoring (22.0 ppg) and third in rebounding (8.4 rpg). Junior transfer Ida Edwards became eligible at semester and gave the Hornets another extremely athletic forward. Cassondra Boston is among the MIAA's best point guards. Streaks: Won 2 straight and 10 of past 11

Northwest-Southern women's scouting report

NORTHWEST WOMEN TODAY'S MATCHUP: No. 5 Northwest Missouri State vs. No. 4 Missouri Southern WHEN: 2:15 p.m. WHERE: Municipal Auditorium RADIO: KXCV (90.5 FM, Maryville), KRNW (88.9 FM, Chillicothe), KNIM (1580 AM, 97.1 FM Maryville), KAAN (95.5 FM, Bethany) INTERNET: www.themiaa.tv RECORDS: Northwest 14-13 (9-9 MIAA); Missouri Southern 18-9 (9-9 MIAA)

Western-Washburn women's scouting report

WESTERN WOMEN Today's matchup: No. 8 Western vs. No. 1 Washburn When: noon Where: Municipal Auditorium Radio: KFEQ 680 AM, gogriffons.com Internet: www.themiaa.tv Records: Western (12-14, 7-11 MIAA); Washburn (22-5, 14-4)

Newtown-Harris plays it Cool

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. Without his team's usual double-digit lead, KJ Cool didn't fret Newtown-Harris' rocky start on the offensive end. The Tigers would let their play on the other side of the court take care of it. "Our defense just starts it all, really," KJ Cool said. "We know if we're playing good defense, the offense will follow." Newtown-Harris forced 26 turnovers and outpaced Stewartsville on the way to a 54-39 victory Tuesday during Class 1 sectional play at the Chillicothe Field House.

Benedictine Women's Basketball

Benedictine Women's Basketball Box Score

Tuesday's Prep Sports

Benedictine fall in HAAC title game

ATCHISON, Kan. Benedictine had three chances to win the game in the final 23 seconds of the Heart of America Athletic Conference women's tournament championship game Tuesday night against MidAmerica Nazarene. The last attempt at the win put up by center Leah Stuhlsatz from the elbow went in but was ruled to have left her hand too late, allowing MidAmerica to escape with a 61-60 win.

Duo propels Rock Port forward in playoffs

Rock Port came into Tuesday's Class 1 sectional 13 years removed from its last playoff appearance. But against South Nodaway, the Blue Jays consistently put the ball in the hands of their two players with postseason experience. Hanna Vette and Karley Evans - who moved to Rock Port in the offseason - combined for 35 points and hit 6 of 6 free throws in the final 31.4 seconds to beat South Nodaway 40-35 at MWSU Fieldhouse. Evans played in five playoff games for DeKalb the past two years, including a state title in 2006, while Vette reached the Class 2 quarterfinals last year at Tarkio.

Bearcat women's coach says he expected more

Northwest Missouri State women's basketball coach Gene Steinmeyer used the dreaded "U" word on Tuesday, raising the eyebrows of his players. But he hopes the "U" word will inspire him to rack up a trio of "Ws" this week in the MIAA Championships. "We admit we underachieved this year," Steinmeyer said. "My players probably didn't like to hear me say 'underachieved,' but they have to realize what's happened. Coaches have underachieved, and players have underachieved."

Jazz All Stars

Every jazz listener has his or her favorite musician on each instrument. Some think Stanley Clarke is the best bass player ever. Others are partial to Jaco Pastorious. If you could assemble a jazz band of your choice and money or whether the musicians were alive or dead didn't matter, who would you choose?

Griffons' Javois makes All-MIAA first-team

Whether it was academics or athletics, Laurent Javois always urged his daughter to aim high. In keeping with his wishes, Yanique Javois entered the 2007-08 season striving for a first-team spot on the All-MIAA team. Monday goal became reality when the conference named Javois to its first team. "I always set my standards high," said Javois, whose 18.6-point average ranked third in the MIAA. "It's a personal goal. I knew my team would need me to be an all-conference performer for our team to be successful."

MIAA standings and post season honors

High school playoff matchups

High school playoff matchups:

Western women like their draw for the MIAA tourney

Western missed out on the seventh seed in the MIAA tournament when Truman State won Saturday. The Griffons aren't disappointed with the eighth seed. It earns them a date Thursday with top-seeded and No. 17 Washburn. The Lady Blues swept Western this year by a combined 37 points, and in their last meeting in Topeka, Kan., the Griffons mustered just four field goals in the second half - all by Yanique Javois. But Western coach Lynn Plett maintained Monday that his team would rather face Washburn than second-seeded Emporia State. The Hornets can employ an up-tempo style similar to Western's, and Plett said Emporia is as good, if not better, at scoring in transition than the Griffons. Conversely, Washburn is more of a half-court team that the Griffons feel they would have a better chance of exploiting mismatches against.

Kansas sub-state surprises emerge

Two local schools advanced to the Class 3A brackets in Kansas' eight-team state tournament. Both ACCHS' girls and Horton's boys shocked the sub-state to get there. ACCHS' girls moved to the postseason for a second straight year but own the No. 8 seed. The Tigers (12-11) play 23-0 Riley County at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hutchinson, Kan.

High school coaching vacancies spring up

The football coaching carousel in the Grand River Conference currently sits in another frantic revolution. Four GRC schools have posted openings, after five first-year coaches patrolled the sidelines this past season. Gallatin's position opened recently when Mark Cole accepted Savannah's head coaching job two weeks ago. Now, South Harrison, King City and Tarkio join the search for new head coaches.

Saturday's Missouri Western Tennis Box Scores

Western men's coach talks about plan to rebuild

When it became clear all the yelling he could muster wouldn't save Missouri Western, Tom Smith sat head in hands during the final minutes of Saturday's season finale. That pose became as familiar as the impending results on the scoreboard during the Griffons' 8-19 campaign that featured a 3-15 mark in the MIAA conference. There was no magic formula to save this team. The Griffon men's 2007-08 campaign came to an unceremonious end Saturday night in a turnover-marred loss to Missouri Southern. Western lost 12 of its last 13 games, book-ending a win over Emporia with two six-game losing streaks.

Western men match worst season ever

In a mostly forgettable season, the Missouri Western men ensured they'll at least be remembered for something after Saturday night. Hello, history. Goodbye, mediocre anonymity. Following their 87-80 loss to Missouri Southern, the Griffons joined coach Gary Filbert's 1980-81 team as the worst record-wise in program history. Both clubs finished 9-18. This season's Griffons went 3-15 in the MIAA and ended their season on a six-game losing streak, matching the longest slide in Smith's 20-year tenure at the school - a mark they reached earlier this year. It's also the Griffons' only last-place finish under Smith.

Unexpected stars shine in South Harrison's big win

ALBANY, Mo. - With his team's leading scorers sputtering, South Harrison coach Colin McCampbell urged someone to step up and score. He didn't expect the answer he received. Starters Tommy Pettijohn and Tye Lydon poured in 14 and 13 points, respectively, and boosted the Bulldogs to a 49-33 victory against Albany on Saturday in the Class 2 District 16 championship at Albany High School. "When some of our go-to guys haven't had good nights, those other guys have stepped up and really carried us," McCampbell said. "It wasn't one player scoring 40 points.

Saturday's prep basketball

Northwest women finish bad week with a limp

HAYS, Kan. - Going into the regular season finale Saturday, the Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team had just one thing to decide - whether the Bearcats would be wearing green or white in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. Fort Hays State had more important issues on its agenda, looking for a berth in the tourney. The only way to give itself a chance was with a win - and it showed. The Tigers jumped up late in the first half en route to a 69-59 win at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.

Western women earn MIAA tourney berth

No one on Missouri Western's bench knew the Fort Hays-Northwest Missouri score. No one bothered asking either. The Griffon women didn't want any help when it came to an MIAA tournament berth, and they didn't need it against Missouri Southern on Saturday. Western earned the eighth and final seed in Kansas City by virtue of its 70-58 victory against the Lions. The Griffons (12-14, 7-11 MIAA) still could've gotten into the conference tourney had Northwest beat Fort Hays, but they focused instead on controlling the happenings at MWSU Fieldhouse. That turned out to be prudent because Northwest lost to Fort Hays (Truman's win over Pittsburg State earlier in the day assured the best Western could do was the eighth seed).

Hamilton girls survive battle of ranked teams

Roe powers West Platte boys

LATHROP, Mo. - Hamilton hit big shots at the end of the first and second quarters to stay close. Freshman Lindsay Vollmer snapped out of her funk to start the second half to bring the Hornets back to even. It was the kickstart Hamilton needed against North Platte in Saturday afternoon's Class 2 District 15 championship game at Lathrop High School, and the Hornets held on for a 61-54 win. Hamilton coach David Prather said the first half against North Platte was the second time all year Vollmer played to her age - first since the season-opener.

LeBlond boys overwhelm Lawson in district title game

CAMERON, Mo. - Lawson's 6-foot-6 Joe Kassanavoid rained in a pair of 3-pointers during Saturday night's first half against Bishop LeBlond. Normally, outside shots from the Cardinals' bulky inside force would be cause for concern. In the Class 3 District 16 title game, they were Lawson's only field goals in the first half against a stout LeBlond defense. Combined with gobs of missed shots, the 18 turnovers in the first half quickly turned the title bout into LeBlond's coronation. The Golden Eagles rolled to a 55-22 victory at Cameron High School, earning their first 20-win season and district title since 2002.

Stories for March 2008

Monday, March 31

Sunday, March 30

Saturday, March 29

Friday, March 28

Saint Joseph Symphony presents 'Sounds of Spring' this Saturday

Exhibit by Gail Simpson on display at Northwest Missouri State University

Long-time musicians Walkenhorst and Porter to perform at First Ward House this weekend

'Stop-Loss' presents powerful portrait of wartime issues

Thursday, March 27

The popular metal band and rock festivals just don't mix

Wednesday, March 26

Demi Moore finds a new, and bloody, way to appear youthful

Tuesday, March 25

Monday, March 24

Western football kicks off spring camp

Griffons' Curry up against legal issue

Sunday, March 23

Saturday, March 22

Athletes all over the region look to take their run at state titles

Friday, March 21

Former Central wrestler earns 2nd All-American distinction

Why is there no art gallery in St. Joseph?

'American Idol' finalist and country singer Bucky Covington comes to the Buffalo Bar

Wade Williamson takes the stage Saturday at Cafe Acoustic

'Drillbit Taylor' has familiar formula

Thursday, March 20

2008 Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame inductees continue to rock less

Wednesday, March 19

Tuesday, March 18

Marquis makes case for rotation spot against Royals

Royals outfielder having trouble cracking lineup despite hitting .316 during preseason

Team forced to adjust to constant change during regional run

Thursday is Sweater Day, in honor of what would've been Mr. Rogers 80th birthday

Sunday, March 16

Blue Jays subdued in third-place game

Saturday, March 15

Jayhawks beat Aggies on Saturday, Longhorns await in Big 12 final