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Hamilton shrinks against Harrisburg

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. — Lindsay Vollmer exhaled and allowed her shoulders to slink down in frustration. A product of four straight missed free throws, the Hamilton junior’s body language mirrored the team’s mind set midway through the second quarter of Saturday’s Class 2 quarterfinal against Harrisburg. The Hornets were down big, and a comeback effort never congealed. “When you see your stud step up there, and she’s missing free throws,” Hamilton coach Dave Prather said, “you can just see everyone’s shoulders go down a little bit. They start thinking it’s going to be that kind of night.

St. Joseph Christian's Maggart hangs up his whistle

Always a man of family and faith, Danny Maggart listened to both and made a tough decision. The St. Joseph Christian girls basketball coach retired from that position this week, informing his players of the decision Monday afternoon.

Maryville's Stiens signs on to be Husker

Jordan Stiens spent her first three years of high school as one of the best track and field athletes in the area. The Maryville senior racks up gold medals with ease at every level — until state. Stiens can’t quite seem to master rival and fellow senior Tiffani McReynolds of Pembroke Hill, but Stiens matched her recently when she made a college choice.

Mid-Buchanan boys knocked out in overtime

TRENTON, Mo. — With each made basket in the third quarter, Bryce Kemper upped his animation. Mid-Buchanan’s fiery coach could feel the energy. With his Dragons suddenly up 12 against Wellington-Napoleon, Kemper and Mid-Buchanan believed the advantage could stick. Instead, Wellington-Napoleon’s duo of Blake Seitz and Ethan Arndt combined for 33 points in the second half and overtime to lead the Tigers to a 73-68 Class 2 sectional win Wednesday night at Ketcham Community Center.

Jefferson boys back in quarterfinals

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Jefferson senior Gilbert Henry scored six points during a quick 11-0 third-quarter run then tallied the Eagles’ first nine points of the fourth quarter, helping Jefferson pull away from North Harrison in a 59-39 Class 1 sectional win Tuesday at Bearcat Arena. The win propels Jefferson back to the quarterfinals. The Eagles (24-4) are in their sixth straight postseason trip, the first four of which ended in the state championship game. Last year, Jefferson lost in sectionals to Newtown-Harris.

Jefferson girls survive Mercer

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Chelsey Merrigan picked up her fourth foul late in the third quarter and threw her hands up in disgust. Jefferson’s star junior had watched Mercer freshman Sierra Michaelis continually carve through the Eagles’ press defense and kept bringing the Cardinals back. After the foul, Merrigan saw her ability to quell the momentum diminished. “I knew they needed me on the floor, and I knew I couldn’t, just couldn’t foul,” Merrigan said. “I just had to play.”

Lafayette girls coach resigns

Expecting her first child within the next few weeks, Katie McCullough made a decision for herself and her family. Lafayette’s girls basketball coach for the previous four seasons resigned Monday afternoon from that position. She intends to make more time for her expanding home life and also plans to pursue a future career in school administration. McCullough submitted her letter of resignation Monday around noon and informed her players of the decision later in the afternoon.

Vertin steps down as LeBlond's football coach

He'll remain as head boys basketball coach

Steve Vertin resigned his position as Bishop LeBlond’s head football coach Monday afternoon. Longtime Central coach Tony Dudik isn’t a candidate yet. But he might be very soon. Dudik’s name became synonymous with the job last year, but the timing didn’t work out. He stayed at Central for one final season before retiring from the St. Joseph School District.

Mid-Buchanan shocks No. 1 Hamilton

ALBANY, Mo. — Drew Gray locked eyes with fellow Mid-Buchanan senior Brett Pierce and hoisted his teammate into the air. Generously listed at 5-foot-7, Pierce gazed over a mob scene at Albany High School and finally stood as big as he’s played for his entire undersized career. The spark-plug point guard finished with a game-high 23 points in Saturday afternoon in the Class 2 District 16 championship and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter that included an 8-for-9 performance at the line.

Mid-Buchanan blitzes by Tarkio

ALBANY, Mo. — Even with so much to look forward to this weekend, Mid-Buchanan decided to make Tarkio a victim. With a district championship rematch with Hamilton looming, the Dragons blitzed past the Indians 75-42 on Thursday night at Albany High School. Winning the Class 2 District 16 semifinal sets up the anticipated rerun of Hamilton’s overtime victory last year.

Ross Martin

Prep-Sports Reporter

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