Franklynn Taute Makes Key Shot; Shorthanded Tigers Stun Rock Port

Franklynn Taute made a key shot with 1:34 left in the game to break a tie and a shorthanded Worth County squad, with only seven players at the game, stunned state-ranked Rock Port on the road 47-41 Tuesday, January 29th.

This was supposed to be hell week for the Tigers as they were pitted against Highway 275 powers Rock Port and Nodaway Valley. But someone forgot to appraise the Tigers of that fact as they immediately raced out to an 8-3 lead behind six from Caleb New and two from Cole Ruby. But Rock Port started taking control, scoring the next 11 points to take a 14-8 lead at the 1:45 mark of the first quarter.

It looked like so many other games Worth County has played this year; they have faded all year and struggled to compete against top-level competition. But all of a sudden, Caleb New made a hustle play to save a ball from going out and got it to Karson Briner; he missed but got a putback to break the run. Karson added a putback to cut it to 14-12 after one.

Rock Port scored right off the bat in the second; then, it turned into a defensive standoff for the next few minutes. A monster stuff from Karson Briner sparked the Tigers, who followed with an inside shot. Caleb New added a floater in traffic to tie it at 16.

The Blue Jays threatened to take control again, getting a big push at the end of the second and adding a steal at the 5:47 mark of the third to go up 24-18. But Briner, who kept the Tigers in the game all night, countered with an inside shot. The role players suddenly started stepping up, starting with Franklynn Taute knocking down a 3-pointer. Caleb New found Briner backdoor, and all of a sudden, Worth County was back in front 25-24. Rock Port hit a pullup, but little-used Dylan Smith countered with a 3-pointer. Then, Andrew Griffin, normally a backup post player, scored two straight drives to make it 32-26. Dylan Smith grabbed an offensive board and made one of two with half a second left in the third to make it 33-26.

Rock Port switched from a man to a zone and started getting stops as they cut the lead to 33-32 to start the fourth. Caleb New stopped the bleeding and Lucas Frisch hit a pair of free throws to make it 37-34, but Rock Port fought back to tie with 3:37 left. 

After a two-minute defensive standoff, Rock Port began holding it for the last shot, but Caleb New got a steal and fed Franklynn Taute to put the Tigers up for good 39-37 at the 1:34 mark. Rock Port missed a 3-pointer on the other end and then Worth County had a sideline inbounds play. The Tigers looked to be in trouble, but Cole Ruby lobbed it over two defenders' heads to Karson Briner on the opposite side of the floor and he finished to make it 41-37.

Rock Port got a putback with 44 seconds left to make it 41-39 and went into a full court press, stealing the ensuing inbounds pass. But they missed a point-blank layup. They got the offensive board, but Caleb New stole it and Rock Port was forced to foul, putting Lucas Frisch on the line. He made both free throws to make it 43-39 with 33 seconds left. 

The Blue Jays only needed five seconds to answer, getting a backdoor layup with 28 seconds left to make it 43-41 and Worth County nearly got a five-second violation, but got a timeout called a split second before. Rock Port nearly stole the ensuing inbounds pass, but Caleb New somehow got it into Cole Ruby, who was fouled and hit both free throws with 22 seconds left to make it 45-41. Worth County got a stop and with Rock Port swarming and pressing, trying to get the ball back, Lucas Frisch hit Karson Briner all alone for a layup to clinch the game.

Karson Briner had 16 for the Tigers. Caleb New had 10, Franklynn Taute 5, and Cole Ruby, Dylan Smith, Andrew Griffin, and Lucas Frisch all had 4.

Karson Briner had 4 blocks and Cole Ruby 1.

Karson Briner had 13 boards. Lucas Frisch had 6, Cole Ruby 4, Franklynn Taute 3, and Caleb New and Dylan Smith 1.

Cole Ruby had 9 assists. Lucas Frisch and Caleb New had 3.

Lucas Frisch had 3 tips. Andrew Griffin, Karson Briner, Cole Ruby, and Caleb New had 1.

Caleb New had 5 steals. Cole Ruby had 3 and Franklynn Taute 1.

Hayley Yost has Career Night, Bluejays Board 51 in Win

A shorthanded Northeast Nodaway squad broke a two game skid in a big way Monday, getting a career night from Hayley Yost to get a 67-18 win over South Holt in the first round of the King City Tournament. Kynder Florea came close to a career high as she had 14 in Monday's game; she had 15 against Gilman City. Baylie Busby got her normal output; she had 26 points and had a triple-double with 15 boards and 10 steals. 

The Bluejays have been varying from week to week in the new year. After closing out an impressive winning streak in December, they were run out of the gym by Nodaway Valley and Rock Port. They bounced back by winning the Stanberry Tournament, only to drop two close games last week against Platte Valley and Mound City. The hope is that a new week will bring a different outcome.

NEN spent most of the first quarter trying to find their chemistry again; they trailed 5-2 at one point. Skyler Florea kept them in the game at that point by grabbing six boards in the first few minutes of the game. South Holt kept coming at them and coming at them despite their record, but finally, foul trouble on the Knights took its toll along with the constant Bluejay pressure on the ball, hounding them into more and more turnovers as the game progressed. Two gold shirts picked up two fouls in the first quarter; with just seven dressed out, South Holt could not afford to have people foul out. 

Baylie Busby hit two free throws, Skyler Florea hit one, Hadley DeFreece scored off a steal, Skyler Florea scored from inside, followed by Blair Nelson. South Holt forced a turnover and cut it to 11-7, but then NEN started to find its chemistry, getting an inside shot from Hayley Yost and a steal from Busby to make it 15-7 after one.

The constant ball pressure paid off in the second quarter. Kynder Florea converted a three point play, Baylie Busby turned a steal into free throws, then Mylee Wilmes got a tip and Busby a steal to make it 24-7. South Holt hung around for a couple of minutes thanks to the three point line and kept their deficit at 29-13, but then Baylie Busby hit a 3-pointer from the left wing after Hadley DeFreece skipped it to her to start another run. Busby drove the left wing and scored, then Hadley DeFreece grabbed a defensive board, pushed it up the floor, and aired it out to Hayley Yost. Busby went coast to coast and Kynder Florea added a free throw to make it 39-13 at the half.

Yost had the hot hand in the third as she started off the scoring with a free throw, then ran the floor after a Busby steal and scored. Yost skipped one out of the post to Busby for three, then capitalized off another Busby steal. Busby added a free throw, then Hadley DeFreece skipped one to her for three. Kynder Florea and Hayley Yost both scored from inside to close out the third quarter with the Bluejays ahead 55-14.

Busby's putback started the scoring in the fourth quarter. With all the Knight defensive attention focused on Busby, Yost was left all alone as Hadley DeFreece inbounded one to her. Kynder Florea knocked down a 3-pointer from the top of the key after Skyler Florea got a steal, and Blair Nelson scored from inside off a pass from Mylee Wilmes.

Baylie Busby had 26 points. Hayley Yost had 15, Kynder Florea 14, Hadley DeFreece 5, Blair Nelson 4, and Skyler Florea 3.

Blair Nelson had 2 blocks and Skyler Florea 1.

Baylie Busby went beast mode with 15 boards. Skyler Florea had 14 to match a career high, Kynder Florea had a career high with 9, Hayley Yost 5, Blair Nelson 5, Hadley DeFreece 2, and Sadie Hall 1.

Baylie Busby had 8 assists. Hadley DeFreece had 4, Mylee Wilmes 3, Hayley Yost and Skyler Florea 2, and Kynder Florea and Blair Nelson 1.

Hadley DeFreece had 8 tips. Mylee Wilmes had 6, Baylie Busby and Kynder Florea 4 each, Hayley Yost 3, Blair Nelson 2, and Skyler Florea 1. 

Baylie Busby had 10 steals to complete a triple-double. Hadley DeFreece and Sadie Hall had 3 steals. Hall, a freshman, showed a lot of improvement, being in the right place at the right time on defense, allowing her to blow up some plays. Kynder Florea had 2, and Mylee Wilmes, Hayley Yost, and Skyler Florea had 1 each. 

Alli Burke, Shelby Gibson Lift Hawks to 10th Straight; Jackie Wray Boards 12 for Mustangs

Alli Burke and Shelby Gibson stepped up for Gilman City as the Hawks won their 10th straight, 40-15 over North Nodaway. The game was not easy at first for the Hawks. Avery Gregg hit a 3-pointer to start the game, but the focus for the Mustangs was to shut off Khloey Sperry and Avery Gregg and make someone else beat them. 

It was the Mustangs who were flying to the glass at first, getting an early 6-2 rebounding edge as Jackie Wray got a putback and Mya Hansen a free throw to knot it up at 3-3. It was 4-3 Gilman City until the 3:14 mark of the first, when all of a sudden, Avery Gregg threw a bullet pass to Sperry backdoor to get the Hawks untracked. Alli Burke scored off a steal to make it 8-3, and the teams traded free throws as the Hawks led 9-4 after one.

The Hawks spent the first quarter trying to figure out how to guard North Nodaway, but then, they hit on a tunnel 2-3 half court trap, switching into a man to man when North Nodaway was able to advance the ball. North Nodaway struggled for much of the night to figure out what defense the Hawks were in and was ice cold shooting at the west basket as Gilman City started to pull away. Khloey Sperry banked one high off the glass over Jackie Wray, Alli Burke got wide open back door as the Mustangs were trying to swarm Sperry, Khloey got loose inside off a pass from Colbi Webb, Alli Burke slashed and scored, and Khloey Sperry went coast to coast to make it 19-4 at the half.

Gilman City was limited offensively in the first half as Shelby Gibson was in foul trouble. Colbi Webb came off the bench and rebounded well for them, getting four boards. But Gibson was able to stay on the court in the second half, and with all the defensive attention focused on Sperry and Gregg, Gibson was wide open in the third quarter. 

North Nodaway had been starting games off well, even against good teams, only to fade when the third quarter came around. They tried to reverse that trend as they no longer had to shoot at the west basket, which seemed to jinx both Mustang teams that night. Jackie Wray, Mya Hansen, and Lacy Riley all connected early for the Mustangs. But then Gibson kept getting open in the post, playing her best quarter of the year and scoring nine points in the period as the Hawks scored 11 straight to break it open at 37-10. Alli Burke added a steal and an inside shot as she had six for the period.

Jackie Wray had a putback at the buzzer for the Mustangs, but Khloey Sperry hit a free throw and Shelby Gibson got a putback to give Gilman City its biggest lead of the night at 40-12.

For Gilman City, Khloey Sperry had 14, Alli Burke 12, Shelby Gibson 11, and Avery Gregg 3.

Khloey Sperry had 2 blocks and Avery Gregg 1.

After getting killed on the boards early, Gilman City reasserted control of the boards and ended up with a 46-25 rebounding advantage. Khloey Sperry went beast mode with 16 boards. Avery Gregg only had 3 points, but stuffed the stat line in everything else, including 8 rebounds. Shelby Gibson had 8 rebounds as well. Kelsey Sperry had 5, Colbi Webb and Alli Burke had 4 each, and Caitlynn Chalfant had 1.

Avery Gregg had 6 assists. Alli Burke had 3, Kelsey Sperry and Khloey Sperry had 2, and Colbi Webb and Shelby Gibson had 1 each.

Avery Gregg had 9 tips. Shelby Gibson had 6, Khloey Sperry 4, Kelsey Sperry 2, and Pyper Taggart 1.

Avery Gregg had 7 steals. Khloey Sperry had 4, Alli Burke 3, and Shelby Gibson 2.

For North Nodaway, Jackie Wray and Lacy Riley had 6. Mya Hansen had 3.

Jackie Wray had 1 block.

Jackie Wray had 12 boards. Addalea Barcus and Lacy Riley had 4 each, Mya Hansen 3, and Lily Blane and Taccoa Moyer 1.

Mya Hansen and Lily Blane had 2 assists each. Lacy Riley and Addalea Barcus had 1.

Lily Blane had 4 tips. Mya Hansen had 3, Lacy Riley 2, and Taccoa Moyer 1.

Lily Blane had 4 steals. Lacy Riley had 3, Mya Hansen 2, and Addalea Barcus and Jackie Wray 1 each.

Mason Casner Leads Four in Double Figures as Mustangs Snap Skid

Mason Casner led four North Nodaway players in double figures with 16 as the Mustangs snapped a three game losing streak despite being shorthanded. Playing without Trevin Wyllie (ankle), they were in trouble against Tri-County, trailing 31-25 at halftime. In their previous game, a 67-44 loss to Platte Valley, they had gotten away from what had made them click the past two years, stopping teams defensively, and that pattern continued for the first half of the Tri-County game. "Offensively, we were doing fine; we needed to get back to playing defense," said coach Cody Jenkins. "When you get stops on defense, good things will happen on the other end of the floor."

Sure enough, North Nodaway started coming back, fueled by hot shooting. For some reason, the west basket at Gilman City was a puzzle for both North Nodaway teams, with the girls getting only four points at that basket in their previous game while the boys were missing a ton and fueling Tri-County. But the shots started to fall in the second half and North Nodaway regained the lead and hung on to win 51-49 Monday in the first round of the Gilman City Tournament.

At first, it looked like North Nodaway had this game easily as Jordan DeLeon hit two free throws, Blaine Clements hit from the high post, and Mason Casner got a steal and added a 3-pointer as North Nodaway led 9-2. But then Carter Fewins, normally a role player for them, suddenly got the hot hand and sharpshooter Keaton Norman got loose from downtown. By the end of the first quarter, the lead was gone and Tri-County had tied it at 11.

The game was tied at 13 before Fewins continued to have the hot hand, scoring four straight. Gabe Manning added a steal to put Tri-County ahead 19-13. Without Wyllie, their biggest sparkplug, North Nodaway had to find a spark from somewhere and Blaine Clements, normally an inside player, found the range, hitting two 3-pointers to keep it close. Jordan DeLeon was playing good defense on skyscraper Landen Dodds, holding him to two for the half and five for the game. But another role player, Tucker Curtis, stepped up for Tri-County, scoring five points late before Jordan DeLeon cut it to 31-25 at the half.

But somehow, the energy level for North Nodaway was totally different coming out of the locker room for the third quarter. Owen Martin, who had been hampered by foul trouble in the first half, got on the board with two 3-pointers and Jordan DeLeon got a putback to put North Nodaway back in front 33-32 at the 5:09 mark of the third quarter. Mason Casner got a shot from just inside the line to make it 35-32 before Dodds converted a three-point play and Manning scored off a steal to put Tri-County back in front 37-35. But Casner hit from the right baseline for three and Owen Martin scored off a drive over Dodds before Manning cut the Tri-County deficit to 40-39 after three.

But Manning has shown the ability to score in bunches for Tri-County, and sure enough, he started driving at will to push Tri-County back ahead by 45-40. But just as it looked like Tri-County might take over the game, Owen Martin got a tip-in to break the run and make it 45-42. Keaton Norman got a backdoor layup to make it 47-42, but Mason Casner hit a 3-pointer after Owen Martin jumped a pass and Blaine Clements hit from the high post to knot it at 47.

Keaton Norman, who normally spots outside for three-pointers, went backdoor again and put Tri-County in front 49-47, but Jordan DeLeon tied it again at 49 with 1:02 left. Manning tried to counter, but missed a point-blank layup and Mason Casner countered with a free throw on the other end to make it 50-49 with 48 seconds left.

Tri-County tried to work it into the high post, but Blaine Clements got a steal and Tri-County, with only one team foul, was forced to start fouling. They picked up four in rapid succession and put Kaeden Nave on the line with 28 seconds. Nave, who hadn't scored all night, hit one of two to make it 51-49. Tri-County tried to work it inside to Dodds, but he missed and Manning picked up his fifth foul trying to get the rebound from DeLeon with 13 seconds left.

DeLeon missed both free throws, but Tri-County was down their best guard and struggled to get a shot off. Finally, Norman got loose for an NBA 3-pointer, but it bounced off and Blaine Clements got the defensive board as time expired.

Mason Casner had 16 points. Jordan DeLeon had 14, Blaine Clements and Owen Martin 10, and Kaeden Nave 1.

Jordan DeLeon had 12 boards to complete a double-double. Mason Casner had 6, Owen Martin and Blaine Clements 4, Ridge Clements 3, and Kaeden Nave 2.

Mason Casner had 4 assists. Jordan DeLeon, Owen Martin, and Ridge Clements had 3, and Kaeden Nave and Blaine Clements 2 each.

Owen Martin had 4 tips. Kaeden Nave and Blaine Clements had 2 each and Mason Casner 1.

Mason Casner, Kaeden Nave, Jordan DeLeon, Owen Martin, and Blaine Clements all had 1 steal.

William Paul Rowlett 1935-2025

     William Paul Rowlett, 89, of Hatfield, Mo was born on Mother’s Day May 12, 1935, on the family farm west of Hatfield to parents of Lem and Edith Rowlett He joined two older sisters, Dorothy and Doris Faye. He passed away on January 26, 2025 in Grant City, MO.

     Paul graduated from North Harrison High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri. He served in the Air Force and had a career as a Teletype Operator with the St. Joseph Gazette. But Paul always returned to the family farm west of Hatfield, where he lived most of his life. In later years Paul lived and farmed with his sister Faye, with whom he was very close.

     Paul had many interests and talents. He was a lifelong farmer, and especially loved working with his sheep and Great Pyrenees dogs. He was a carpenter, remodeling the farm home and constructing many of the outbuildings. He was a seamstress too, making clothing, quilts and drapes. He loved to spend time visiting with people.

     Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dorothy Verbeeck. His is survived by his sister Doris Faye Rowlett. A private inurnment will be a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.

Terry Larison 1950-2025

Terry Loyd Larison was Opal Faye (Gartside) Larison and Loyd Larison’s late in life child. The happy couple planned on having a little dark-haired daughter following a baby-sitting stint with their niece. So, on May 2, 1950 Opal gave birth to their blonde-headed baby boy of which they were so proud of. He never called them mom and dad but Opal and Loyd and when he was lost at the Iowa State Fair, the officers could not understand why he wasn’t asking for his mom and dad but instead for Opal and Loyd.

Terry was the youngest of three brothers and did his best to follow in his older brothers’ footsteps. He really loved it when his brother Gary came home for visits because he would follow them up with the treasure hunt for Gary’s lost change in the sofa. Their friends became Terry’s friends and all would teach Terry about the world.

Terry married Tara Jan Constant in 1975 and they had their own little blond-haired boy, Clint T. Larison. They could not agree on the middle name, so they just used T.

In 1987 at the Sheridan Centennial, Terry reconnected with Janet Wake and they were together ever since. They married in 1990 and in 1993 they gave birth to their own dark-haired baby girl, Teri Leigh Larison. She became their constant companion and when she left for college, Terry informed Janet that they could no longer eat out because Teri Leigh was not there.

Janet and Terry felt that God always meant for them to be together. They really figured no one else could handle them.

Terry considered himself an entrepreneur. He liked the sound of the word and he never settled down to just one way to make a living. He farmed, worked construction, hauled machinery, sold and hauled wood, bought and sold machinery, worked for 2 auctioneers (Jerry Davis and Jim Merrigan), bought and sold farms and finally raised cattle. One of his real loves was classic cars; he really loved the ones he found in a ditch and sold to someone else to restore.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and mother-in-law. He is survived by his son Clint T. Larison and his daughter Teri Leigh Larison. He is also survived by Clint’s wife Angela, Clint’s daughter Allison and her daughter Olivia and Clint’s son Troop. He is survived by many friends, including but not limited to his ‘son’ Henry Rowen and his ‘daughter’ Amber Walker.

Janet remains in their home with their cat that Terry came to love named Firefly.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 at 2:00pm, at the Sheridan Cemetery- Vanskyock Addition, Sheridan MO under the direction of the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Grant City MO.

Douglas Waychus 1956-2025

Douglas Jay Waychus died peacefully in his sleep just outside of Blythedale, Missouri on January 17, 2025, at the age of 68.

He was born on March 24, 1956, in Mason City, Iowa to Frank P. and Vera (Logeman) Waychus.

On April 9th, 1999, he married his beloved Rosetta Stevens.

Doug served in the United State Marines from 1973-1977. After serving a special mission in Vietnam he returned home to Mason City where he attended North Iowa Area Community College. He received his degree in electronics.

Douglas worked at Mason City Mercy Hospital from 1980 until he retired in 2010. He wore many hats: painter, carpenter, maintenance, and finally Facility Coordinator. He joined the Mason City Tile and Marble family for 5 years until he “really” retired to be a full-time grandpa.

He loved giving back to his community. He led the charge to create Mason City’s Veteran’s Monument. He designed, facilitated the building, and helped establish norms for this beautiful monument. Not only did he push for the veterans to be celebrated and honored, but he served as the Commander of the VFW and the Comandante in the Marine Corps League. His favorite pastime was playing “Santa” for the MacNider Museum.

Douglas and Rosetta moved to Missouri and built their dream home on the family farmland in 2020. Here they built a community of chickens, cows, dogs, gardens, and wonderful friends. Doug was a jack of all trades, would help anyone in need, and loved animals, guns, NASCAR, and his family and friends.

Doug is survived by his wife, Rosetta, of the home; his beloved dogs, Pebbles, Penny, Stinky, and the newest addition Lucky; children, Danielle (Chris) Patterson, Meghan (Thad) Landers, Markus Hamlett, and Joslyn Waychus; grandchildren, Kayden, Tegan, Jaydon, Taelyn Landers, Porter, and Pepper Patterson; his sister, Ruth Powers; sister-in-law, Terri (Lester) Johns; brother-in-law, Doug Stevens; nieces and nephews, Lindsay Hanson, Christina (Morris) Pittsenbarger, Lance (Jan) Johns, David (Diane) Johns, Tim (Polly) Johns, Sherman Lee Stevens, Nick (Lindsay) Stevens; and many longtime friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Waychus; and infant son, Shane.

Memorial Services followed by Military Rites were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Roberson Funeral Home, 10058 10th St. Eagleville, MO. Family received friends an hour prior to services from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton, MO in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

Lisa Gibson Retires from North Harrison After 37 Years

The North Harrison School Board, at its regular Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, accepted the retirement of Lisa Gibson. She will retire at the end of the school year after 37 years of service to the district. She started in 1988, when Ronald Reagan was the President, the Chiefs were floundering in the AFC West cellar after having won four games each of their last two years, the Royals were the hot ticket in town, the Internet had not been unleashed, Worth County was still playing 11-man, and Claude Samson was still coaching at Northeast Nodaway.

The North Harrison CTA provided a supper for the board for Board Appreciation Month. The board was also presented with cards from the elementary students.

The board approved Kolton Graham to be the representative for the MUSIC Scholarship.

The board renewed the contract of Superintendent Ethan Sickels and made him the Social Studies teacher for junior high and high school.

The board approved the calendar for the 2025-26 school year. The first day of school will be August 20th while the last day of school will be May 13th. Christmas break will be from December 22nd to January 6th.

North Nodaway Board Names Karissa Oberhauser Fourth Grade Teacher, Extends Chris Turpin’s Contract

The North Nodaway School Board Wednesday voted to name Karissa Oberhauser the new fourth grade teacher for the elementary. The vote was 6-0-1 with Kane Oberhauser abstaining. The board voted to extend Superintendent Chris Turpin’s contract through the 2027-28 school year; that vote was unanimous.

Science teacher and baseball coach Cody Bix reported that 16 came to the most recent baseball meeting.

Bix talked about the Academic Showcase and other projects that his students were doing. They were focusing on creating green city spaces for Hopkins, building roller coasters, and holding a Top Gun drone contest. Jordan DeLeon was first, Trevin Wyllie was second, and Cody Bird was third. Seventh grade students were brainstorming what to include in a science fair.

Angie Hughes of MOSIP, the Missouri Securities Investment Program, came to the meeting to talk about their program. The board voted to transfer the debt service checking account balances to MOSIP.

The board voted to select Southern Bank for banking depository services. The board received proposals from Nodaway Valley Bank, Southern Bank, and Connections Bank. Connections Bank offered higher interest rates, but Southern Bank waived all service fees in its bid.

The board voted to approve the ballot for the April 8th election. Incumbents Krista Barcus and Kane Oberhauser and challenger Gina Wray will be on the ballot. The vote was 5-0-2 with Barcus and Oberhauser abstaining.

The first draft of the 2025-26 school calendar was submitted. The tentative opening day will be on August 20th and the last day of school will be May 19th, barring makeup days. There will be 169 student days of school with 1109.8 total hours of school.

High School Principal Roger Johnson reported that the Junior High Scholar Bowl has started off 2-1.

The high school has started WIN time. The goal is to target specific skills in Middle School Math, Middle School English, and Middle School Science. These areas were determined through the NWEA benchmark and teacher recommendations.

There are currently two student teachers helping out in English and Ag.

Students are adjusting well to the No Cell Phone Use policy. There were only two discipline referrals for violations. One attempted to break open the phone locker and another tried to sneak theirs into their locker.

The FBLA has opened up an apparel business and has already picked up 50-70 orders to complete for different school organizations.

Teachers are offering several 30 minute test prep sessions after school for various college entrance exams.

Numerous athletes got academic awards from the MSHSAA. Honored were the volleyball and cross country teams. Individually, Laney Turner, Lacy Riley, and Casey Wray will be honored. Making Academic All-State were Draven Rowland, Casey Wray, and Owen Martin. Casey Wray was named to the Four State Honor Band. Alanis Wray successfully completed her early graduation requirements.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that the holiday dinner in December was a big hit and the elementary students enjoyed interacting with the big kids.

The school is working on expectations for walking and talking in the gym, hallway conduct, and cafeteria expectations. Students are volunteering to clean up in the elementary cafeteria.

There were no discipline referrals for cell phone use under the new policy. Townsend said that kids were fascinated with the new pouches and were very good about putting the phones in them.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that there was a city water main break in Hopkins, but that the school decided not to have an early out after the city fixed it quickly.

There are three grates left to put in at the bus barn.

The playground company came back to make sure that the slides had the proper exit distance to comply with ADA requirements.

The Maryville Forum plans to do a big article about the district’s facility upgrades.

Turpin says he plans to attend the Pickering City Council Meeting February 3rd to see how he might help with a new community sign. He reported he is also helping the Hopkins CBC solicit bids for some concrete work across from the Roxy.

The school is in the process of getting bids for new desks and basketball hoops.

The school is also in the process of getting health insurance rates for next year.

Rate Increases Discussed at Grant City Council

     The Grant City Council Wednesday discussed increasing utility rates. Gas Superintendent Carl Staton presented the council with a proposed rate change for 2025. He proposed the base rate for gas increase by 60 cents to a minimum of $12 and increase 20 cents to the ladder, putting the rate at $3.85 per additional cubic foot of gas. The $3.85 pays for wages, repairs, and the cost of fuel. The council agreed to wait until the weather warms up so customers can see it on their May bill. Water and wastewater increases were tabled to see if Nodaway County increases its rates.

The council discussed property lines for the City Barn. The mapping the city uses for properties is incorrect. The map will be changed to reflect the correct property lines. City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes has gotten deeds to the rest of the city properties.

The city did not get the demolition grant for two buildings on the Square. The DNR will have to do Phase I and II on the Dogman Building, because the current ones are too old.  The DNR is going forward with Phase II for the Masonic Lodge so that when funding is approved, there will be no holdup. Jeanes met with Attorney Taryn Henry about moving forward with taking down dilapidated houses that property owners have refused to clean up. The next step will be a public hearing; after the hearing, the city can go in and take down the buildings and put a lien on the property.

Water Superintendent Ryan Fletchall reported that water samples have been good. The city crews have had to deal with frozen meters during subzero weather Tuesday and Wednesday. Fletchall attended a training class in Albany that will keep his certification current.

The water plant is overflowing the water tower. The city will look into getting a paddle meter to keep track of the gallons of water the city is being charged that is overflowing.

Tyson Troutwine reported that the city needs to cut brush to locate the main water line that feeds the city. The brush is overgrown, and if there would happen to be a break, the city wouldn’t be able to get equipment to it.

There were seven water customers shut off for nonpayment.

 

Khloey Sperry Has Big Night Against Redbirds; Winning Streak Reaches Nine

Khloey Sperry took her game to a new level Friday as Gilman City raised its winning streak to nine games with a 58-25 win over Winston, scoring 30 points. The Redbirds made two charges at the Hawks in the first half to keep the game close, but then Gilman City limited the Redbirds to six second half points as their relentless attack on the rim wore on the red shirts. The Hawks are now in control of their own destiny in the HDC race. They will play in their home tournament before a showdown with Grundy County, which is also heating up. 

Sperry scored four points and Alli Burke scored off a drive as the Hawks took a 6-0 lead. But Winston had been playing excellent basketball lately, and Shealynn Pliley, who ate North Harrison alive earlier in the year, hit two 3-pointers and started airing the ball out at will, forcing an 8-8 tie. Sperry countered with a drive that turned into a three point play and then a steal to put the Hawks back in front 13-8.

It looked like the Hawks would pull away after Shelby Gibson scored inside off a pass from Avery Gregg and then Sperry cut inside and scored and then hit two free throws to make it 19-8 to start the second quarter. But then Pliley and the Redbirds responded as she started airing the ball out at will. Turnovers fueled the Winston run as Pliley either scored or assisted on all of their points as they closed to within 21-19 at the half. 

Gilman City had tried both man and zone to try to slow down Pliley; they finally went full court man to man, which finally seemed to take the Redbirds out of their rhythm. Shelby Gibson scored the first four points of the second half for the Hawks; then, Khloey Sperry scored from inside and hit a free throw to make it 28-19. Pliley countered by airing one out to another red shirt to make it 28-21, but Sperry countered with a drive and scoop after Shelby Gibson got her the ball, and scored another inside shot to make it 32-21. 

The dagger came when Avery Gregg got untracked as the Redbirds started sagging off to help on Sperry and Gibson and left her alone twice; she hit back to back jacks to break it open at 38-21. Avery Gregg got a steal and got it to Sperry and Colbi Webb hit two free throws to make it 42-21 after three.

The avalanche continued in the fourth quarter as Shelby Gibson hit Sperry, who drove for a layup. Avery Gregg got a steal, then an Avery Gregg got a tip and Khloey Sperry got a steal, and got it to Gregg, who got it to Sperry for a finish. Gibson got loose in transition and Avery Gregg hit a baseline three before Sperry hit the 30 point mark to give Gilman City its largest lead at 55-22. 

Khloey Sperry had 30, Avery Gregg 11, Shelby Gibson 10, Alli Burke 5, and Colbi Webb 2.

Khloey Sperry had 3 blocks.

Khloey Sperry had 12 boards. Shelby Gibson had 7, Kelsey Sperry 6, Alli Burke 5, Avery Gregg 4, Pyper Taggart and Caitlynn Chalfant 2 each, and Colbi Webb 1.

Shelby Gibson and Avery Gregg had 7 assists. Kelsi Sperry had 4, Khloey Sperry 3, and Caitlynn Chalfant 1.

Avery Gregg had 6 tips. Kelsey Sperry and Khloey Sperry had 2, and Shelby Gibson and Caitlynn Chalfant 1 each.

Avery Gregg had 6 steals. Khloey Sperry had 4, and Shelby Gibson, Kelsey Sperry, and Alli Burke had 1 each. 

Karson Briner Gets 15 Points, 13 Boards, and 5 Blocks in Tiger Win

Karson Briner had 15 points, 13 boards, and 5 blocks, Worth County had four in double figures, and the Tigers overcame an injury to Hayden Sanders (Achilles) to pull off a 52-44 win over North Harrison Friday, bouncing back from a forgettable loss to Princeton the game before.

Hayden Sanders sparked the Tigers early, taking a charge on Wyatt Maize and hitting a 3-pointer to push the Tigers to a 5-2 lead. But then North Harrison's press started taking its toll as Gage Fortner knotted it right back up and Jensen Davis scored four straight and Wyatt Maize added a pair of free throws to put the Shamrocks in front 11-6.

Despite Briner picking up his second foul, Hayden Sanders hit two free throws, Caleb New hit a 3-pointer, and Hayden Sanders drove through a screen and hit a 3-pointer to put the Tigers back in front 14-11 after one.

Jensen Davis cut it to 14-13, but Hayden Sanders and Cole Ruby hit back to back jacks to make it 20-13. But North Harrison hung around for the rest of the quarter as Jensen Davis scored off a drive and Wyatt Maize knocked one down from the high post to make it 20-17. Ryder Smyser's putback made it 22-17, but Jensen Davis' steal cut it to 22-19 at the half.

North Harrison continued to hang around for the start of the third quarter and Wyatt Maize's 3-pointer cut their deficit to 28-26 at the 5:30 mark of the third quarter. But it looked like the Tigers would take over after Karson Briner started going off on one of his big scoring bursts, scoring six straight to make it 34-26. But two things derailed the Tigers' momentum. First, Hayden Sanders left with his injury and did not return. Then, Karson Briner picked up his third foul and the Shamrocks started to come back. Wyatt Maize hit a free throw, Evan Schreiber hit a pullup, and Ryker Fortner came off the bench to hit a 3-pointer to make it 34-32 after three.

Caleb New drove and scored to temporarily stop the bleeding to start the fourth, but Worth County looked to be in trouble without their best ball handler in Hayden Sanders after Jensen Davis and Wyatt Maize scored off steals to knot it at 36. Cole Ruby drove and scored, only for one of Gage Fortner's off-balance triples to go in and put the Shamrocks up 39-38. "We thought we had all the momentum at that point," said their coach, Justin Joiner.

But then Cole Ruby alertly pushed it up the floor to Karson Briner, who hit from the baseline to put the Tigers up for good. Cole Ruby drove and hit two free throws, then Karson Briner got behind the defense and got a pass from Cole Ruby to make it 44-39. Meanwhile, Caleb New was playing his best ball since coming back from his injuries; he was getting the team into the offense and helping everybody know where they were supposed to be.

Caleb New drove and scored, drew the foul, missed a free throw, only for Briner to put it back in for a four point play to make it 48-39.

Evan Schreiber's desperation drive stopped the bleeding with 1:14 left and made it 48-41 and Karson Briner's free throw with 1:01 left was answered by Gage Fortner's guarded three with 50 seconds left to make it 49-44. But Caleb New was fouled and hit both free throws with 48 seconds left to make it a three possession game at 51-44.

North Harrison tried unsuccessfully for the next 30 seconds to free itself for a 3-pointer to make it four before Wyatt Maize missed a runner with 18 seconds. Cole Ruby hit a free throw to make it 52-44 and then blocked Gage Fortner's 3-point try. Evan Schreiber missed a tip-in try and Karson Briner secured the defensive board for the Tiger win.

Karson Briner had 15 points. Hayden Sanders had 13, Caleb New and Cole Ruby 10, and Ryder Smyser and Cannon Fletcher 2 each.

Karson Briner had 5 blocks and Cole Ruby 1.

Karson Briner had 13 boards. Lucas Frisch had 9, Hayden Sanders 7, Cannon Fletcher 4, Cole Ruby and Ryder Smyser 3, and Andrew Griffin and Caleb New 2 each.

Cole Ruby had 8 assists. Hayden Sanders had 4, Caleb New 2, and Cannon Fletcher 1.

Caleb New had 5 tips. Karson Briner had 2 and Hayden Sanders, Cannon Fletcher, Ryder Smyser, and Lucas Frisch had 1.

Hayden Sanders and Caleb New had 3 steals each. Andrew Griffin had 2 and Cannon Fletcher and Cole Ruby had 1.

For North Harrison, Jensen Davis had 14, Wyatt Maize 12, Gage Fortner 11, Evan Schreiber 4, and Ryker Fortner 3.

Owan Roberson had 3 blocks and Wyatt Maize 1.

Owan Roberson had 10 boards. Wyatt Maize had 7, Andrew Craig 6, Evan Schreiber 4, Jensen Davis and Gage Fortner 3 each, and Dustin Hamilton 1.

Wyatt Maize had 4 assists. Owan Roberson had 3, Jensen Davis and Gage Fortner had 2, and Dustin Hamilton, Andrew Craig, and Evan Schreiber 1 each.

Wyatt Maize had 5 tips. Gage Fortner had 3, Jensen Davis 2, and Ryker Fortner and Dustin Hamilton 1 each.

Jensen Davis had 6 steals. Wyatt Maize had 2, and Owan Roberson, Gage Fortner, Dustin Hamilton, and Ryker Fortner had 1 each.

Megan Tracy Goes Off on Shamrocks as Tigers Win

Megan Tracy went off on North Harrison for 12 points as Worth County's Tigers broke a two-game losing streak and won 44-24 over the Shamrocks, crashing their Homecoming Friday. Kristen Tracy went beast mode on the Shamrocks, grabbing 15 boards and adding 9 points and 6 assists. The Tigers had been looking for someone besides Kristen Tracy and Audrey Runde to score, and they finally did so as they had six players in the scoring column and four with seven points or more. For North Harrison, the addition of Stella Rinehart allowed them to rest key players while Gracie Young heals from a knee injury, but Worth County outrebounded them 41-23. The Tigers went back to what worked earlier in the year, winning the giveaway/takeaway battle; they forced 20 turnovers while surrendering the ball 13 times.

Ava Rinehart scored the first three points of the game for North Harrison, but the rest of the first quarter was Tigers all the way, with Megan Tracy getting eight points in a row at one point to shoot them into an 11-4 lead. Addison Milligan scored a backdoor layup, but Rylee Ruckman connected to make it 13-6 after one quarter.

Stella Rinehart took a charge on defense to close out the first quarter, but it was the Tigers who had the momentum as Kristen Tracy got untracked against the tall Shamrock front line and Audrey Runde got a three point play to make it 20-6. At that point, Worth County had a 15-6 rebounding advantage, had 7 assists to 2 for North Harrison, and was winning the turnover battle 6-1. 

North Harrison hung around, closing the margin to 22-12 at halftime, but Audrey Runde and Kambree Briner hit free throws. Ava Rinehart picked up her fourth foul and Worth County started pressing, and Kristen Tracy got a putback to make it 26-12 at the 6:06 mark of the third quarter, and things were threatening to snowball for the Shamrocks. Ava Rinehart came back in and North Harrison stopped the bleeding as Rinehart's free throws kept it at 30-16. But Keira Hardy knocked one down from the high post to make it 32-16 at the third quarter buzzer, and back to back jacks from Audrey Runde and Keira Hardy broke the game open to make it 38-16. 

Jaxcynn Hansel cut it to 38-18, but Ava Rinehart fouled out and Kristen Tracy scored three straight to give Worth County its biggest lead of the night at 41-18. 

Megan Tracy had 12 points. Kristen Tracy had 9, Audrey Runde 8, Keira Hardy 7, and Rylee Ruckman and Kambree Briner 4.

Kristen Tracy had 1 block. 

Kristen Tracy had 15 boards. Megan Tracy and Kambree Briner had 8 each, Rylee Ruckman 6, Keira Hardy 3, and Audrey Runde 1.

Kristen Tracy had 6 assists. Kambree Briner had 5, Keira Hardy 3, and Kambree Briner 1.

Kambree Briner had 5 tips. Megan Tracy had 4, Kristen Tracy and Keira Hardy 3, Rylee Ruckman 2, and Audrey Runde 1.

Keira Hardy had 4 steals. Kristen Tracy and Rylee Ruckman had 3 each, Megan Tracy and Kambree Briner 2 each, and Rayleigh Smith 1.

For North Harrison, Jaxcynn Hansel had 6. Ava Rinehart and Lani Briggs had 5, Addison Milligan 4, Hali Smith 3, and Stella Rinehart 1.

Jaxcynn Hansel had 6 blocks and Hali Smith 1.

Hali Smith had 13 rebounds. Ava Rinehart had 4, Jaxcynn Hansel, Addison Milligan, and Lani Briggs had 2 each, and Stella Rinehart 1.

Lani Briggs had 3 assists. Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith had 2.

Hali Smith had 6 tips. Ava Rinehart had 4, and Jaxcynn Hansel and Stella Rinehart had 1.

Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith had 2 steals. Addison Milligan and Jaxcynn Hansel had 1.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for January 22nd, 2025

On January 14th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Zachary Gottlieb (36) of Bethany alleging Domestic Assault (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On January 14th, Xander Montgomery (22) of Skidmore pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Assault. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice.

On January 14th, Ronald Brown (56) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing. He was placed on probation for one year and ordered to pay $1,100 in restitution plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On January 14th, Amber Spire (40) of Clarinda pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Stealing. She was placed on two years probation and ordered to pay $500 in restitution and costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On January 14th, Judge Matthew Krohn issued an arrest warrant for Michael Rutledge (20) of New Hampton following a probation violation report. Bond was set at $15,000, cash only. Defendant was subsequently arrested on January 17th by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Rutledge had been on probation after being convicted in Harrison County Circuit Court of Child Molestation.

On January 15th, Garrett Hough (20) of Carson (IA) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). He was fined $40.40 plus costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On January 16th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Matthew Black (42) of Union Star alleging Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000 cash or corporate Surety. Defendant must submit results of drug and alcohol testing to the court weekly.

On January 16th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Joseph Robinson (26) of Chillicothe alleging Assault (Felony). Bond was denied.

On January 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Diana Fisher (65) of Clearmont alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant, on 17 different occasions between October 18th, 2024 and December 17th, 2024, stole a combined total of $210.25 worth of merchandise from the Maryville Wal-Mart.

On January 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Kristin Karr (28) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant, on eight different occasions between November 21st, 2024 to December 8th, 2024, stole $990.43 worth of merchandise from a Maryville store.

On January 17th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Mark Frampton (67) of Maryville alleging DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On January 18th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Jesse Gray (48) of Gallatin alleging Making a Terroristic Threat (Felony), two counts Harassment (Felony), Domestic Assault, Peace Disturbance, and Property Damage. Bond was denied. The acts were alleged to have occurred January 17th. The Gallatin School was placed on soft lockdown that day, and the Daviess County Courthouse was locked down as well.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rebounding Woes Doom Bluejay Girls Against Platte Valley

In a back and forth game between Northeast Nodaway and Platte Valley's girls Tuesday, January 21st, it was rebounding that made all the difference as Platte Valley used a 35-21 rebounding advantage to grab a 38-36 win over the Bluejays in Jefferson.

The game featured big runs by both teams. First, Maleeah Bliley hit a 3-pointer and Emalee Langford scored off a drive to put Platte Valley in front 5-0. Then, Baylie Busby hit Hayley Yost backdoor and then Busby followed with a 3-pointer and an inside shot off a Hadley DeFreece inbounds pass to give the Bluejays the lead at 7-5. Mya Wray scored from the high post to knot it at 7, but Busby countered with a 3-pointer to make it 10-7.

Platte Valley started making use of their rebounding as Allie Day grabbed an offensive board and hit two free throws to cut it to 10-9 and Bliley hit her second triple of the quarter to give Platte Valley the lead back at 12-10 after one.

Free throws from Busby and Skyler Florea put the Bluejays in front 13-12 to start the second, but Mya Wray hit from the high post and then added a 3-pointer to give Platte Valley a 17-13 lead. The lead stayed at four at the half. Busby cut it to 19-17, but then Langford's free throw and Wray's triple gave Platte Valley its biggest lead of the night.

But then Blair Nelson hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and Busby got a putback. Busby twice hit Hayley Yost inside to give the Bluejays the lead back at 26-23 after three.

Mya Wray then took over the next three minutes, scoring from inside, knocking down a shot from the high post, and scoring off a steal to make it 29-26 at the 5:24 mark. Busby made one of two with 4:20 left after splitting two defenders, but Maleeah Bliley hit a 3-pointer with 3:14 to make it two possessions. Hayley Yost scored two free throws to cut it to 32-29 with 3:06 left, but a Langford steal led to a feed of Mackenzie Swinford from Mya Wray to make it 34-29.

Northeast made a big push as Kynder Florea got on the board with a free throw and then Baylie Busby converted a steal to make it 34-32 with 2:05 left. Bliley scored for Platte Valley to make it 36-32, but Kynder Florea drove and hit two free throws to make it 36-34. 

Hadley DeFreece got a steal with Platte Valley trying to run the clock out, but missed a contested layup. Platte Valley was able to run the clock from 40 seconds down to 20 as Northeast had to foul three times to finally put them on the line. But then the rebounding woes resurfaced at the worst possible time. First, Bliley missed two, only for Swinford to grab an offensive board and allow Platte Valley to run it down to 14 seconds. Then, the Bluejays put Mya Wray on the line; she missed two free throws, only for Swinford to grab it again and Platte Valley ran it down to 9 seconds. Finally, Mya Wray hit two free throws to make it 38-34. Kynder Florea drove and scored with 3 seconds left, but Platte Valley was able to hold the ball out of bounds to run out the clock.

Baylie Busby had 17 points for the Bluejays. Hayley Yost had 8, Kynder Florea 5, Blair Nelson 3, Hadley DeFreece 2, and Skyler Florea 1.

Blair Nelson and Hadley DeFreece had 5 boards each. Skyler Florea had 4, Baylie Busby 3, and Sasha Deardorff and Kynder Florea 2.

Baylie Busby had 5 assists. Hadley DeFreece had 2, and Hayley Yost, Skyler Florea, and Kynder Florea had 1.

Baylie Busby had 7 tips. Hadley DeFreece had 4, Kynder Florea 2, and Hayley Yost had 1.

Hadley DeFreece and Baylie Busby had 5 steals each. Hayley Yost had 2, and Kynder Florea, Blair Nelson, Skyler Florea, and Sasha Deardorff had 1.

Caleb New Returns, Tiger Boys Grab Consolation

Caleb New was unexpectedly cleared to play Friday night for the consolation game with Stanberry and the Worth County boys beat Stanberry 46-42 to grab the trophy at Stanberry. New did not do a lot during the game, but his mere presence on the floor was enough to give the Tigers a lift and allow the boys team to beat Stanberry on their floor for the second time in two weeks, always a tough task to do.

Karson Briner played his most complete game of the year, getting 16 points. Hayden Sanders had 14, Cole Ruby 13, Cannon Fletcher 2, and Lucas Frisch 1. The Tigers shot 36% from the field and 9 for 16 from the line.

Karson Briner had 17 rebounds for the Tigers. Cole Ruby had 10, Cannon Fletcher 6, Caleb New 4, and Lucas Frisch and Hayden Sanders 2 each.

Cole Ruby and Cannon Fletcher had 3 assists. Hayden Sanders and Caleb New had 2, and Lucas Frisch and Karson Briner had 1.

Hayden Sanders had 2 steals. Cole Ruby, Caleb New, Cannon Fletcher, Karson Briner, and Ryder Smyser had 1.

Karson Briner had 3 blocks.

Cannon Fletcher had 4 tips. Caleb New had 2 and Lucas Frisch and Karson Briner had 1 each.

Worth County got to the consolation finals by beating Northeast Nodaway 61-29 Wednesday. They got 11 points from Hayden Sanders and 6 more from Cannon Fletcher in the first quarter alone as they put up 25 points in the period and never looked back.

Karson Briner had 14 points. Hayden Sanders had 13, Cole Ruby 12, Cannon Fletcher, Franklynn Taute, and Andrew Griffin 6, and Lucas Frisch 4.

Karson Briner had 12 boards. Lucas Frisch had 9, Cannon Fletcher 6, Cole Ruby 4, Ryder Smyser and Andrew Griffin 3, Ethan Lininger and Franklynn Taute 2, and Hayden Sanders, Dylan Smith, and Wes Brown 1.

Cole Ruby had 4 assists. Cannon Fletcher had 3, Franklynn Taute, Lucas Frisch, and Ryder Smyser 2, and Hayden Sanders, Ethan Lininger, and Dylan Smith all with 1.

Jayden Goble Boards 14, Addie Iddings 11 as Panthers Win

Surprising Pattonsburg has won their fourth out of their last six, their latest at the expense of Stewartsville/Osborn for third place at the OSHS Tournament Friday. They outworked and outhustled the Wildcards to build up a lead of as much as 15 before the Wildcards mounted a frantic rally in the fourth before coming short 38-33.

The Wildcards led 6-5 in the first quarter after Addie Jackson’s pullup with 57 seconds left, but after a two minute defensive standoff to start the second quarter, Kinsley Johnson took on three Wildcard defenders and scored to take the lid off the basket. Cheyenne Miller added a steal and then got behind the OSHS defense as Addie Iddings got her the ball to make it 11-6. The Panthers were swarming and crashing the boards at will at one point, with Jayden Goble, who led the team with 14 boards, getting a sixth chance putback to make it 13-6.

Wildcard sparkplug Rylie Squire hit a 3-pointer and Laine Downs a putback to cut it to 13-11, but Kinsley Johnson drove and found Annabelle Gardner backdoor, and Jayden Goble got her second putback of the quarter to make it 17-11 at the half.

Addy Ramos hit a 3-pointer to cut it to 19-18 in the third, but Kinsley Johnson knocked down a shot in the high post with defenders draped all over her and Addie Iddings hit a 3-pointer after Annabelle Gardner had crashed into the stage to save a ball from going out and Cheyenne Miller pushed it up the floor.

The avalanche continued as Addie Iddings found Gardner backdoor again, Iddings hit an NBA triple, and Kinsley Johnson drove and threw up a one-handed push shot that went in to make it 31-18 after three.

Johnson scored off a drive to start the fourth to make it 33-18, but then the Panthers started trying to do too much on offense and Addy Ramos’ guarded three was enough to ignite the OSHS crowd. As the turnovers started to mount, Ramos hit two free throws to cut it to 33-23 and then she jumped a pass to cut it to 33-25.

Addie Iddings restored order with a 3-pointer, but Addie Jackson scored three straight and Ramos got loose again for three to make it 36-31 with 2:08 left. The Wildcards had fouls to give, which meant they could afford to be aggressive.

After the Wildcards missed two shots that would have made it two points, Pattonsburg was finally able to get on the line and Jayden Goble and Cheyenne Miller hit free throws down the stretch to hold off the Wildcards.

North Nodaway Quarterly Awards

GOLD HONOR ROLL

7th Grade — Zoey Pearson.

8th Grade — Eliza Clements, Conner Pearson.

Freshmen — Laney Turner.

Sophomores — Lily Blane.

Juniors — Addalea Barcus, Blaine Clements, Lacy Riley, Gannon Volner, Casey Wray.

Seniors — Olivia Renfro, Lakota Rucker.

SILVER HONOR ROLL

6th Grade — Braxton Dougherty, Arianna Owen-Sportsman, Kamden Reynolds, Kayden Snuffer, Avary Volner.

7th Grade — Hudson Alexander, Sophee Clapp, Samuel Jenkins, Reed Martin, Cade Miller, Ava Steinman, Cannon Stricker, Chandra Wyllie.

8th Grade — Luke Clements, Jaycie Edington, Jackson Keho, Hayden Marriott, Zoey Philips, Marek Stevens.

Freshmen — Kaeah Edington, Taccoa Moyer, Draven Rader, Lena Richards, Savannah Rucker, Pyper Smith.

Sophomores — Myatt Emery, Mya Hansen, Ridge Harger, Aiden James, Tequilla Miller, Keith Riedel.

Juniors — Sadee Clapp, Kaeden Nave, Jackie Wray, Trevin Wyllie.

Seniors — Nevaeh Halvin, Gabryelle Harper, Owen Martin, Katelyn Parman, Amy Richards, Neveah Smith, Alanis Wray.

BRONZE HONOR ROLL

6th Grade — Brentley Marriott, Jacobie Edington, Aleesia Rader.

7th Grade — Trenton Roberts.

8th Grade — Journi Farnsworth, Elijah Tatum.

Freshmen — Weston Alexander, Trynzlee Ebrecht, Conner Reeves.

Sophomores — Nevaeh Rowland.

Juniors — Jordan DeLeon, Emily Keho.

Seniors — Kody Bird.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

6th Grade — Braxton Dougherty, Jacobie Edington, Kamden Reynolds, Israel Torres.

7th Grade — Hudson Alexander, Cade Miller, Tristen Wray.

8th Grade — Elijah Tatum.

Freshmen — Trynzlee Ebrecht, Taccoa Moyer, Conner Reeves, Savannah Rucker.

Juniors — Lacy Riley.

OTHER AWARDS

Middle School Achievement — Arianna Owens-Sportsman.

Middle School Leadership — Marek Stevens, Zoey Phillips.

Middle School Mustang Award — Jackson Keho.

Student of the Quarter — Hudson Alexander.

High School Achievement Awards — Lena Richards, Wyatt Emery, Aiden James, Mya Hansen, Jackie Wray, Alanis Wray, Gabryelle Harper.

High School Leadership — Nevaeh Halvin.

High School Citizenship — Taccoa Moyer.

Student of the Quarter — Casey Wray.

Worth County First Semester 7-12 Honor Roll

HIGH HONOR ROLL

Seniors -- Carter Chapman, Camdain Frisch, Bridgette Hightshoe, Keaten Morin, Emma Spencer, Mackenzie Walter.

Juniors -- Jace Cameron, Riley Ridge, Eric Ritchie, Marissa Schmitz.

Sophomores -- Kambree Briner, Jessie Chapman, Bo Collins, Sara Fletchall, Evalyn Gilland, Addison Gray, Krista Monticue, Caleb New, Hayden Sanders, Emsley Spainhower, Kristen Tracy.

Freshmen -- Braelyn Fletchall, JoLynn Hawk, Liam Hayden, Breeanna Ray, Audrey Runde, Megan Tracy.

8th Grade -- Bella Blankenship, Conner Chapman, Jordan Dannar, Tucker Fletchall, Camden Gray, Brock Healy, Kassidy Joslin, Brooke Monticue, Kennedy Murphy, Gracie Thurman.

7th Grade -- Heather Deardorff, Kaydence Downing, Cole Hardy, Jane Hawk, Londyn Maudlin, Lane Pickering, Brecklyn Rush, Hadley Rush.

REGULAR HONOR ROLL

Seniors -- Evan Baker, Karson Briner, Abbi Brown, Eliza Corey, Eva Engel, Anissa Russell.

Juniors -- Alyssa Clarkson, Brayden Combs, Brylea Paxson, Sawyer Thurman.

Sophomores -- Brandon Bever, Arianna Galanakis, Keira Hardy, Alivia Moyer, Cole Ruby, Dylan Smith, Ryder Smyser.

Freshmen -- Trenton Adwell, Unique Brown, Brynn Chapman, Hartley Fitzgerald, Lola Morin.

8th Grade -- Mark Curtis, Robert Dees, Mason Hiatt, Brianna Riley, Haley Russell, Kynlee Steele, Owyn Wuillay.

7th Grade -- Briella Benson, Hudson Cameron, Jarrett Gilland, Jakob Herbert, Paige Hubbard, Catelynn Moyer, Clayton Oberhauser, Jaydon Roush, Brooklyn Smith, Gunnar Smith.

Worth County Second Quarter Elementary Honor Roll

SIXTH GRADE

A Honor Roll -- Tatum Allee, Kaeslyn Briner, Gabbey Maudlin.

B Honor Roll -- Mitchell Baca, Ilene Combs, Kinley Fletchall, Emmett Frisch, Renae Gladstone, Jolee Hauber, Jace Mullock, Aria Oberhauser, Luca Sagel, Alexi Snead, Audra Spainhower, Kynlee Wymore.

FIFTH GRADE

A Honor Roll -- Desmond Dannar, Hadley Downing, Gwyn Healy, Mason Hern.

B Honor Roll -- Lenora Barner, Cree Blankenship, Addison Cadle, Chase Davidson, Daden Findley, Elise Jenkins, Kyah Joslin, Grayson Mullock, Jarrett Rush, Keylee Smith.

FOURTH GRADE

A Honor Roll -- Addison Cass, Sophia Combs, Elley Maudlin, Riggin Smyser.

B Honor Roll -- Kade Adams, Bristol Benson, Emerlee Clarkson, Sutton Patrick. 

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Pre-K -- Rylie Davidson, Saige Holmes.

Kindergarten -- Declan Corbett, Lucas Hill, Savanna Hill, Lilyann O'Grady.

First Grade -- Haven Briner, Lylah Corbett, Piper Green, Newt Holmes, Logan Jones.

Second Grade -- Henry Cass, Sam Clarkson, Bowen Findley, Mack Maudlin, Baylor Sagel.

Third Grade -- Oliver Lovan.

Fourth Grade -- Bristol Benson, Emerlee Clarkson, Sophia Combs, Alaina Roush.

Fifth Grade -- Desmond Dannar, Chase Davidson, Orin Dillavou, Peyton Stephenson, Ridley Ware.

Sixth Grade -- Kaeslyn Briner, Gabbey Maudlin, Aria Oberhauser, David Wideman, Kynlee Wymore.

Worth County Extends Superintendent Chris Healy's Contract

The Worth County School Board, at their regular meeting on Wednesday, extended the contract of Superintendent Chris Healy through the 2026-27 school year. 

The board extended the bid acceptance date for summer bond projects through January 21st, so no bids were opened at the meeting. 

The first reading of the new calendar for next year was done. Tentative starting date for the school will be August 19th and the final day of school will be May 15th.

The board approved a listing for the property at 400 Meade Street in Grant City with Twaddle Realty of Maryville.

The Technology Program was rated as "Excellent" by the board. The school installed redundant Internet service last fall. The school continues to maintain its technology by purchasing and replacing Chromebooks each year and rotating the old hardware from vocational grants into the elementary. Vocational grants helped purchase 17 new desktop computers, a SmartBoard, a laptop, and a 3D printer. Tech personnel provide timely training and responses to technology problems. The district continues to be 1:1 device to student for grades 3 through 12 and students can take the Chromebooks home. The business department provides coding courses for students. The school installed two new security cameras and a new electric bus parking lot.

Concerns listed include the fact that Chromebook replacement purchases will need to be budgeted for out of district funds. Access control software for entryways is becoming outdated. Alarm systems throughout the building are not connected to each other. 

Recommendations include researching alarm systems and best options to bring up to date, researching and staying up to date on cybersecurity, and continuing to maintain funding for technology upgrades.

The Activities Programs were rated as "Excellent." Strengths listed include the fact that 91% of junior high and high school students are involved in extracurricular activities. Many teams and organizations have received high levels of success. New visitor and student section bleachers have been installed at the football field. New lighting and fencing has been installed at the softball field. A new discus ring and sand have been purchased for the long jump and triple jump pits. All coaches have been trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid. The gym floor has been refinished. New uniforms have been purchased for the track and softball teams.

Concerns include looking in to updating the batting cage at the softball field. The outside of the track needs more rock. The Choir has not gotten new uniforms since 2015 and the Band has not gotten new uniforms since 1995. Coordinating practice times and meetings are difficult because of high participation and duplicate members. Basketball practices are conducted at inconvenient times because of only having one gym; there are times that four teams are trying to schedule practices on the same day. The stage isn't available for music practices during basketball practices. The multipurpose room isn't adequate space to function for a practice facility. Students miss instructional time because of activities.

Recommendations include researching and reevaluating needs of athletic facilities and looking for options for purchasing band uniforms.

The current activities/athletics budget is $144,000, which is 3.1% of the district budget.

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that there were 14 office referrals for the second quarter.

Attendance winners for December were the 5th graders (97.09%), Pre-K (96.85%), and the 1st grade (96.48%). 

High School Principal Josh Smith reported on what various classes were studying. American Government students are designing and creating flashcards to depict the basic rights and purposes of all seven articles and 27 amendments to the US Constitution. 8th grade social studies students are choosing an American colony of their choice and designing a brochure. Junior high music students are creating their own drum accompaniment to a song of their choice. Art history students are creating biography posters of artists and their work. They then create their own piece of work that is in the style of their artist.

Winners of the December attendance challenge were the seventh grade (97.09%), followed by the freshmen (95.93%) and the sophomores (94.98%).

Camden Griffith Scores 31, Kenyon Puls Boards 12 as Hawks Beat Mormon Trail

Gilman City's boys were faced with a tough test Thursday as Mormon Trail, at 6-4, came to town, but the Hawks held off a Saint charge in the third quarter and came away with a 59-37 win. The Hawks dropped a close game to Hale (10-2) the game before, but they got back on the winning track to win eight out of their last 10 and remain one of the hottest teams in the area. Camden Griffith scored 31 points, and the rebounding came through again, with Kenyon Puls grabbing 12 boards and Jace Estrada staying out of foul trouble and getting 11. Mormon Trail came in with Owen Anderson averaging 22 points per game and post player Lane Flesher capable of doing a lot of damage on the boards, but the Hawks were able to hold Anderson to 10 points in Thursday's game. Landon Preston had 9 assists for the game and Puls dished out another 6. Camden Griffith made his presence felt on defense with 9 tips, while Landon Preston adding 6.

The Hawks led wire to wire after Kenyon Puls threw one to Landon Preston to make it 2-0. Anderson cut it to 2-2, but Landon Preston found Camden Griffith for three and a Griffith tip and steal led to a layup by Preston on the other end to make it 7-2. The Saints hung around, first using a 2-2-1 press, then a man to man, and even some box and one on Griffith, while the Hawks sat back in their zone to keep Anderson out of the paint or Flesher from getting it in the post, dared the Saints to shoot from deep, and got out and ran whenever possible when the Saints pulled the trigger and missed. 

Flescher closed the Saints to within 17-14 after one despite eight in the period from Griffith and seven from Preston, but then Camden Griffith took over in the second, going off for 13 in the period. He started off the scoring with a putback. Then, a block from Bo Eads was corralled by Jace Estrada, who fed Camden Griffith, who fed Preston for a layup. After another Hawk stop, Griffith stopped like he was going to pull it out, only to explode to the rim and convert a three-point play to make it 24-14. 

Lane Flescher cut it to 26-17 at the 4:26 mark of the second, but then a chaotic sequence swung the momentum in the Hawks' favor. First, Gilman City stole the ball; then, Cooper Smith stole the ball back for the Saints. Landon Preston stole it back and fed Camden Griffith to make it 28-17 and spark another run. Kenyon Puls added two free throws, Landon Preston got a steal and fed Dakota Meringa, who fed Griffith for two, and Griffith posted inside and scored again to make it 34-17 at the half.

The Hawks had been struggling to get out of the gate in third quarters; for instance, they let Tri-County back into the game in that frame and they took the Hawks to overtime. Sure enough, Ethan Hostetler hit a 3-pointer from the left wing. Mormon Train came out in a box and one on Preston and as Gilman City was trying to solve it, Lane Flescher connected for a three point play to cut it to 34-23. Camden Griffith got one over Flescher to make it 36-23, but Anderson, who had been quiet since the first quarter, struck with a guarded three to make it 36-26.

But the Hawks didn't fold and Parker Virtue came off the bench and got a pass from Puls to break the run. Camden Griffith aired one out to Landon Preston, and then Griffith hit from his favorite spot on the baseline off a pass from Puls to restore order at 42-26. A defensive lapse, where the Hawks left Ben Eslick all alone underneath the basket threatened to spark another run as the Saints cut it to 42-28 and the gold shirts got a stop on the next possession, but Landon Preston got a steal, missed, but Dakota Meringa cleaned up to make it 44-28. Flescher's free throw was countered by Camden Griffith's steal to make it 46-29 after three.

Parker Virtue went off to start the fourth quarter, scoring from inside to start the scoring. Flescher scored off an Eslick steal to make it 48-31, but then Parker Virtue grabbed an offensive board and drew a foul from him, hitting one of two from the line. A Kenyon Puls drive set up Virtue inside again, Landon Preston hit Camden Griffith in transition, and Griffith and Estrada worked the inside as the Hawks led by as much as 57-33 in the fourth.

Camden Griffith had 31 points. Landon Preston had 13, Parker Virtue 7, Jace Estrada 4, and Kenyon Puls and Dakota Meringa 2 each.

Bo Eads had 2 blocks.

Kenyon Puls had 12 boards. Jace Estrada had 11, Camden Griffith 9, Parker Virtue 4, Landon Preston 3, Dakota Meringa 2, and Bo Eads 1.

Landon Preston had 9 assists. Kenyon Puls had 6, Camden Griffith 3, and Dakota Meringa, Bo Eads, and Jace Estrada 1. 

Camden Griffith had 9 tips. Landon Preston had 6, Kenyon Puls 4, and Parker Virtue and Jace Estrada 1.

Landon Preston had 5 steals. Camden Griffith and Parker Virtue had 2 each.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for January 15th, 2025

On January 3rd, the Maryville Forum reported that a fire broke out at the Dr. Charles Dean Humberd house in Barnard across from the school. The damage was contained to a single room. The Tri-C and Maryville Fire Departments along with the Barnard Fire Department responded.

On January 6th, the South Dakota US Attorney’s Office announced that Emily Yeary (26) of Summerset (SD) was sentenced to 40 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to Enticement to Travel for Illegal Sexual Activity, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity, Possession of Child Pornography, Obstruction of Justice, Tampering with Witness, and Transfer of Obscene Material to Minor. The defendant allegedly groomed and then abused multiple young girls from Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida, and Missouri. The Kirksville Police Department was heavily involved in this case, playing a critical role in ensuring the safe return of one of her victims to their family.

On January 7th, Collin Rudder (20) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Leaving the Scene, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and DWI. He was fined $300 plus court costs and placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice. Defendant must not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage until age 21, enter any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol until 21, not possess or consume any controlled substance unless lawfully prescribed, and obtain and maintain full time employment or education unless physically or cognitively unable.

On January 7th, Musa Mabwe (31) of Rockford (IL) failed to appear in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court on charges of DWI, Resisting Arrest, and Illegal U-Turn. An arrest warrant was issued, bond revoked, and bond was set at $2,500, cash only.

On January 8th, the Kirksville Police Department responded to a report of a man making threats with a knife. They were met with a man with a knife and an adult female who was screaming. The male allegedly charged at officers with the knife and was shot and killed by police.

On January 8th, the City of Grant City picked up a stray dog on west Farrell Street. Under Grant City ordinances, all dogs must be on a chain, inside a fence, or kept indoors.

On January 8th, Habib Abdi (29) of Bloomington (MN) pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on probation for two years and assessed $164 in fines, court costs, and a $300 fee to the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant must attend and complete SATOP within 60 days.

On January 8th, Wyatt Starmer (27) of Martinsville admitted to violating his probation for DWI and Speeding by consuming alcohol. Probation was continued. Defendant shall be subject to alcohol monitoring as directed. Probation was extended for 60 days.

On January 9th, Kevin Adcock (36) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Grundy County Circuit Court to a charge of Resisting Arrest (Felony). He was sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Matthew Krohn and ordered to pay $475 in restitution. The sentence is concurrent with a case in Harrison County.

On January 9th, the Kirksville Police Department reported the arrest of Cyle Kelly (36) of Kirksville after getting a call regarding a burglary in progress. Officers allegedly found the defendant on top of a 20 year old woman, who was unconscious. The Kirksville Police Department says the defendant refused to follow commands and was physically separated. Officers were able to administer first aid to the victim, preventing serious injuries or death. Kelly was charged with Assault (Felony), Burglary (Felony), Attempted Rape (Felony), and two misdemeanor Assaults.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Floyd Johnson (59) of Graham alleging Leaving the Scene. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant struck a parked vehicle in a parking lot and drove off.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Drew Wiederholt (22) of Ravenwood alleging DWI (Prior).

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Presley Davison (19) of Menlo (IA) alleging Stealing. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant shoplifted and under-rang items at a Maryville business with total losses alleged as $96.20.

On January 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Paul Saimon (41) of Marshall alleging DWI and Speeding (80 mph).

On January 10th, Freddy Kercy (32) of Ottumwa (IA) failed to appear in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court on charges of DWI and No Valid License. A warrant was issued and bond set at $1,500, cash only.

On January 10th, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Jacob Borntreger (31) alleging Burglary (Felony) and Attempted Rape (Felony). Bond was set at $100,000, cash only.

On January 10th, United Electric Cooperative reported that a scam was targeting Maryville businesses. The scammers were pretending to be Evergy, and they were spoofing their phone numbers. The scammers falsely stated that they were disconnecting customers’ electrical service unless they went to Wal-Mart to make a gift card payment.

On January 10th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of Clinton Davis (36) of Independence alleging Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and two counts Felon in Possession of Firearm. On December 8th, 2024, the defendant allegedly led officers on a high speed chase reaching speeds of as high as 105 mph in Independence. The defendant got away, but was later located and arrested after he drove a BMW, which officers learned had been stolen, to a gas station on December 20th.

On January 11th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Isaac Kecker (24) of Eau Claire (WI) in Harrison County on a charge of Speeding (103 mph).

On January 13th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against William Finn (44) of Maryville alleging Violation of Protection Order.

On January 14th, Carrolton officers responded to a call regarding an aggressive pit bull. The dog had jumped a fence and was threatening someone. Officers shot and killed the dog after it charged someone.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hadley DeFreece Steal Lifts Bluejays Past Warriors for Stanberry Title

Hadley DeFreece had a steal with 2:44 left in the game that put Northeast Nodaway's girls up for good and the Bluejays held on through some anxious moments before avenging their opening night loss to Albany, getting a 35-33 win Saturday afternoon. There were some anxious moments for both teams throughout the tournament; the Bluejays were challenged hard by King City, who led much of the way before Kynder Florea's free throw with 1.9 seconds left put the Bluejays on top. Albany had trouble with North Andrew in the first round before winning 49-45 and then trailed Platte Valley much of the way in the semifinal before putting together a dominant fourth quarter to come back and win.

The game started  off as a tight defensive struggle in the first quarter. Albany could not solve Northeast's unorthodox 2-3 zone, which relies on extreme ball pressure and a one or two man press on whoever is bringing the ball up the floor. Albany was playing Northeast with full court man to man pressure throughout the game. Both teams only managed two points as Jayden Hillyard got loose in transition once for the Warriors while Skyler Florea got loose against the Albany press and scored. Baylie Busby picked up two quick fouls and sat for much of the first quarter.

It looked like Northeast might take control to start the second quarter as Busby came back and scored off a drive, Skyler Florea scored from inside, and Blair Nelson knocked one down from the high post to make it 8-3 at the 3:30 mark of the second quarter. But then Jayden Hillyard knocked one down from the high post for Albany and then Busby picked up a charge trying to drive around a ball screen and the Warriors hung around, closing to within 13-11 at the halftime buzzer on Kaitlyn Bunker's inside shot after Hayleigh Wink's inbounds pass. 

Busby came back to start the third quarter, but Bunker put the Warriors in front 14-13 with an inside shot at the 5:50 mark of the third quarter. Busby answered with an inside shot as Northeast moved her inside to take advantage of a smaller defender and she added a free throw to make it 16-14. Albany had been trying to shoot Northeast out of their unorthodox zone throughout the game and finally got a Kennedi Epperly 3-pointer to drop with 4:24 left to make it 17-16. But Busby answered with a steal and Hayley Yost kicked one out to Skyler Florea for three to make it 21-17 after three.

Bunker cut it to 21-18, but then Hayley Yost, after standing on the left baseline and being left alone forever, finally heard Sasha Deardorff from the bench telling her to take it and she did, hitting her first ever 3-pointer with 6:53 left to make it 24-18. Albany stormed back when Kennedi Epperly hit her second 3-pointer and Maddix Epperly hit one from the high post, but Busby answered with a drive and Skyler Florea hit two free throws to make it 27-23 with 4:38 left.

Things then threatened to head south for the Bluejays as Skyler Florea fouled Bunker for her fourth foul with 3:46 left. Bunker converted the basket and the free throw to make it 27-26. Bunker then scored again to make it 28-27 and put Albany in front. 

Albany got a stop and the ball back with a chance to run out some clock, but then Hadley DeFreece got a steal and converted it on the other end over a defender to put the Bluejays back in front and then Blair Nelson hit a free throw to make it 30-28 with 2:13 left.

Kennedi Epperly, who hit both Albany 3-pointers up to that point, missed a go-ahead three and a tie-up went to the Bluejays with 1:46 left. Emmy Hogue stole it for Albany, but Kynder Florea blocked it. Hayley Yost secured the rebound but couldn't keep her balance and traveled with it. 

On the ensuing possession Hadley DeFreece got a tip, and Kynder Florea got a steal, and Baylie Busby had a good look at a 3-point shot that would have put NEN up five but missed it. The tie-up on the rebound went back to Albany with 1:25 left. 

Emmy Hogue tried a drive down the left baseline but missed and Jayden Hillyard got the offensive board and was fouled. She made one out of two with 56 seconds left to draw Albany to within one at 30-29.

Albany ran a trap at Busby on the ensuing possession and fouled her, and Busby made one out of two to make it 31-29. On the second shot, Skyler Florea got an offensive board and was fouled, making one of two with 49 seconds left to make it 32-29. Kennedi Epperly missed a tying three on the other end and Skyler Florea rebounded it and got it to Baylie Busby, who made both free throws with 32 seconds left to make it 34-29.

There were some anxious moments in the closing seconds as Northeast fouled Jayden Hillyard with 18 seconds left, but she missed both free throws. Albany fouled Busby with 14 seconds left and she made one of two with 14 seconds left to make it 35-29. Maddix Epperly missed a 3-pointer in the closing seconds, but Kaitlyn Bunker made a putback and was fouled with 1.9 seconds left, making it 35-31.

Longtime Northwest Missouri State Women's Basketball coach Gene Steinmeyer used to obsess about ways a team could lose a two or three possession lead in the last few seconds. Sure enough, Bunker missed the ensuing free throw, only to grab the ball and put it back in to make it 35-33. Albany frantically called timeout to try and set up a steal and a game-tying or game-winning 3-pointer, but the clock continues to run in high school after a made basket, and Referee Mike Mattson ruled time had expired. 

Skyler Florea and Baylie Busby had 12 points each. Hadley DeFreece had 5 and Blair Nelson and Hayley Yost had 3 each.

Kynder Florea had 2 blocks and Hayley Yost 1.

Skyler Florea had 9 rebounds. Baylie Busby had 8, Blair Nelson 6, Kynder Florea 5, Hadley DeFreece 4, and Hayley Yost and Sasha Deardorff 2 each.

Hadley DeFreece had 3 assists. Kynder Florea had 2 and Baylie Busby, Skyler Florea, Blair Nelson, and Hayley Yost had 1 each.

Hadley DeFreece had 9 tips. Baylie Busby had 6, Kynder Florea 5, Skyler Florea 4, and Hayley Yost, Blair Nelson, and Sasha Deardorff had 2 each.

Kynder Florea had 5 steals. Hadley DeFreece had 3, Baylie Busby 2, and Hayley Yost and Skyler Florea 1 each.

Hali Smith Gets 13 Points, 12 Boards, but Shamrocks Denied Consolation

Hali Smith had a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards while Ava Rinehart had 13 points and 8 steals, but a shorthanded North Harrison squad was denied consolation with a 47-36 loss to South Harrison's JV squad. They lost 49-33 to a rapidly improving Mercer squad, and they picked up their seventh win of the year with a 44-36 win over East Harrison. But the win over the Bobcats came at a price, as they lost Gracie Young to an injury, leaving them with five players. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel on the horizon. Stella Rinehart is joining the team mid-season to team with Ava to form a second itineration of the Crazy Cousins after Jaci Davis and Lani Briggs pulled it off last year. If the Shamrocks get Young back, that will bring them up to seven, making them better able to rest key players. 

They played against a South Harrison JV squad led by Rory Fitzgerald, only a freshman, but who dominated the game against the Shamrocks with 13 points and 20 boards for the night. The Bulldogs were swarming and pressing all night, forcing 25 Shamrock turnovers. North Harrison fought back, forcing 23 South Harrison turnovers. But the big difference was in the number of bodies South Harrison could throw into the game; they used all eight of their players at some point, whereas North Harrison didn't have a bench they could turn to. The difference told in the rebounding, where South Harrison outrebounded North Harrison 51-34. But North Harrison was able to make several charges after falling behind before they finally faded in the fourth quarter.

The Shamrocks actually led 8-6 late in the first quarter behind four points from Hali Smith and two from Jaxcynn Hansel and Ava Rinehart. But then the purple shirts' pressure and rebounding started to pay off as baskets from Rory Fitzgerald and Ambrey Hunter put South Harrison up 10-8 after one. A steal from Kataya Sunderman, a shot in the high post from Pyper Giles, and a 3-pointer from Hunter put South Harrison up to stay at 17-8.

The Bulldog lead grew to as much as 25-13 before Hali Smith hit three late free throws in the half to cut it to 25-16. North Harrison had a chance to capitalize on the momentum at the end of the half, but it was South Harrison who came out on fire. Jaxcynn Hansel picked up her third foul, putting the Shamrocks in danger of finishing with four players, and Roxy Fitzgerald scored three, Hunter three, and Ella Estes two as South Harrison built their lead up to 33-14.

But then North Harrison showed the kind of grit coach Aaron Long had been looking for all year as Ava Rinehart started stealing the ball from South Harrison and hitting her shots. It was sparked when Hansel, playing with three fouls, took a charge on defense. Hansel followed with a drive and Rinehart a three pointer to make it 33-21. Pyper Giles and Ella Estes scored to make it 37-21, but then Hali Smith hit from the left wing and then Ava Rinehart hit a 35-footer with five seconds left to cut it to 37-26 after three.

Jaxcynn Hansel continued the momentum into the fourth quarter as she hit from the wing after Ava Rinehart inbounded it to cut it to 37-28. Fitzgerald hit a free throw to make it 38-28, but Hali Smith scored from inside and Rinehart added a steal to cut it to 38-32 with 5:59 left.

But then a series of lapses on the next sequence killed the momentum. First, Ella Estes hit two free throws. Then, Kataya Sunderman got a steal and made one of two; Rory Fitzgerald grabbed the offensive board on the ensuing miss and put it back in to make it 43-32 again. As a four-minute scoring drought for the Shamrocks piled up, Fitzgerald added a baseline shot and Ambrey Hunter hit a 3-pointer to make it 48-32. Ava Rinehart finally broke the drought with 1:41 left with a 3-pointer and Addison Milligan got on the board after a Rinehart steal, but South Harrison was able to run out the clock.

Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith had 13 points. Jaxcynn Hansel had 8, Addison Milligan 2, and Lani Briggs 1.

Hali Smith had 4 blocks and Jaxcynn Hansel 2.

Jaxcynn Hansel and Hali Smith had 12 boards each. Addison Milligan had 6 and Ava Rinehart 4.

Ava Rinehart and Hali Smith had 4 assists. Addison Milligan and Lani Briggs had 2 each.

Ava Rinehart had 6 tips. Jaxcynn Hansel had 4, Addison Milligan and Hali Smith had 2, and Lani Briggs had 1.

Ava Rinehart had 8 steals. Hali Smith had 6, Lani Briggs 2, and Jaxcynn Hansel and Addison Milligan had 1 each.