Vera Davis 1925-2025

Vera Estalle (Carroll) Davis, beloved wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Tiffany Springs Assisted Living in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 100.

Vera was born on February 21, 1925, in Grant City, Missouri to Ralph and Aloha (Morin) Carroll. She was raised alongside her siblings, Betty (Galen) Ruckman, Marlin (Gerry) Carroll, and Leroy (MaDonna) Carroll. She lived her early years on the family farm near Grant City in northern Missouri, where her values, faith, and strong work ethic were first formed.

Growing up on the farm, Vera helped milk cows before and after school, enjoyed homemade ice cream nearly every summer evening, and spent countless hours playing croquet on a hilltop court. She would ride on horseback with her teacher, Aunt Pauline Hauber, to the one room schoolhouse. They would gather firewood for the wood burning fireplace to ensure the school was warm on cold winter days for the rest of the students.

In her last years of high school Vera moved to town to live with Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Edward Carroll. This allowed her to participate in after school activities with her classmates. She graduated from Grant City High School in 1943.

Vera briefly attended college in Maryville, Missouri, before deciding it wasn’t the right fit and relocating to Kansas City, Missouri. There she moved in with her aunt Ruby Carroll. In 1943, Vera became one of the millions of American women represented by the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” of World War II. Riding the streetcar and making three transfers, she worked as a riveter at the Fairfax plant, installing rivets on the wings of B-25 bombers, contributing directly to the war effort and exemplifying the courage and determination of her generation.

After the war, she met her first husband, Charles McDougal. They married on April 7,1946. Charles was in the Army with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Charles later served as a paratrooper during the Korean War and was captured in February 1951. He tragically died as a prisoner of war.

In 1955 she met Floyd Davis while working at the California Ranch House in Kansas City. They married on May 17, 1958. Floyd worked as the controller and assistant treasurer for the Kansas City Star. They first lived in an apartment in Kansas City then moved to a house on Swope Parkway, finally building their forever home in south Kansas City. Floyd died from a massive heart attack on June 21, 1977. Vera loved the home they built together and remained there for 58 years, until a few months before her passing.

Though she had no children, Vera’s life was filled with deep relationships, close family bonds, and enduring friendships. She loved to host family and friends at her home. Her nieces and nephews have fond memories of her Thanksgiving feasts and sleeping on her living room floor. She raised African Violets in her basement for 30 years, which she donated to her church for table decorations and rummage sales as well as gifts for shut-ins. She enjoyed playing bridge with her church friends, doing crossword puzzles, and spending hours at the dining room table with jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid Royals fan, attending many games including the standing room only World Series game in 1985 with her nephew Charles Clark. You could also find her answering questions while watching the daily Jeopardy game on TV. She loved bowling in a league at the Red Bridge Bowling Alley. She would go to auctions, estate sales, and garage sales. She loved to find treasures like depression glass to add to her large collection of glassware. She seemed to always find a diamond in the rough bringing a sparkle to her eyes. She enjoyed spending hours in her back yard with flowers and grew tomatoes to eat, can, and give to friends. Her passion was traveling. She visited all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, and Scotland. She went on four Caribbean cruises and multiple bus tours. She enjoyed road trips with her niece Kathy Clark visiting relatives and her family farm in northern Missouri. Her favorite trip of all time was going to Ireland with her sister Betty, brother Leroy, her sister- in- law MaDonna, and her niece LaDonna.

Above all, Vera had a strong and unwavering faith and a deep love for Jesus that guided her life. She was faithfully devoted to the Red Bridge United Methodist Church of which she was a member until her final day. Her faith was evident in her humility, kindness, resilience through loss, and the quiet grace with which she lived.

Vera will be remembered for her sharp mind, gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and a life marked by service, strength, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the remarkable century she faithfully lived.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, and siblings as well as sister and brother in laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:00 am with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. Christian burial will take place immediately following the service at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wayside Waifs and the American Heart Association.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 24th, 2025

On December 16th, Mark Sanchez (45) of Lubbock (TX) failed to appear in Daviess County Associate Circuit Court on charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving, and Speeding. A warrant was issued and bond set at $1,500, cash only.

On December 16th, Stephen Hamilton (39) of Maryville failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Burglary (Felony) and Stealing. A warrant was issued and bond set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On December 16th, Judge Corey Herron issued a warrant for the arrest of Shahana Hall (33) of Maryville following receipt of a violation report. The defendant was on probation on a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). Bond was denied.

On December 17th, Reagan Heyde (19) of Stanberry pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI, Speeding, and Minor Visibly Intoxicated. They were assessed $696 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley and placed on two years probation. Defendant must complete Arrive Alive at 25 and a driver improvement program.

On December 17th, Shaviyah Sese (21) of Maryville failed to appear in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court on charges of Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway and No Valid License. A warrant was issued and bond set at $150, cash only.

On December 17th, Bradley Burton (40) of Albany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to two counts of No Valid License. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Rebecca McGinley. Defendant must make $300 to Gentry County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, pay court costs of $115.50, keep vehicle insured and show proof, obtain employment, and not drive unless legally licensed on one count.  For the other count, defendant must pay $265.50 in fines and costs.

On December 17th, Jimmy McCampbell (83) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to Property Damage. He was fined $1,000 by Judge Jay Hemenway and ordered to pay $300 to the Harrison County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund.

On December 17th, Larry Anthony (61) of Albany pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Jay Hemenway. Defendant may not own a firearm.

On December 17th, Rex McClain (68) of Cainsville pleaded guilty in Harrison County Associate Circuit Court to two counts Violation of Protection Order and one count Stalking. He was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for 50 served by Judge Jay Hemenway.

On December 17th, Larry Atkison (42) of Jamesport pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Rebecca McGinley. Defendant must complete SATOP within 90 days and follow all recommendations, make $300 to Gentry County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, and pay $115.50 in court costs. Defendant may not drive unless licensed, possess or consume alcohol, or enter bars.

On December 18th, Nodaway County Associate Circuit Judge Robert Rice ordered the extradition of Suras Rostas (22) from Nodaway County to Canyon County (ID) to face charges of Burglary (Felony) and Grand Theft (Felony). Bond was set at $200,000.

On December 19th, Daviess County Associate Circuit Judge Micha Lea Dixon issued a warrant for the arrest of Chaya Enloe (38) of Cameron following receipt of a bond violation report. Bond was denied. The defendant is facing a charge of Possession of Prohibited Item at Jail (Felony).

On December 20th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Kristen Milum (41) of Altamont alleging Domestic Assault. Bond was set at $5,000, cash only.

On December 22nd, Adam Marsh (45) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Non-Support. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant must pay $112.50 per month for current child support.

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. 

 

Caleb New Scores 15 as Tigers Back on Track Against Braymer

Caleb New went off for 15 points for the Tigers, who bounced back to beat Braymer, a final four team last year, 42-36 Tuesday, December 23rd. Brock Healy also had 15. Worth County got back to playing lockdown defense on the other end, holding the Bobcats to their season-low in the win. Braymer has a high-powered offense, scoring 56 or more points in all of their wins, but Worth County was able to stop them. Brock Healy also had 15, and Hayden Sanders took two key charges on defense with the game on the line.

Hayden Sanders and Brock Healy connected early for the Tigers, but the rest of the quarter belonged to the Bobcats, who used a long 3-pointer by Jamesyn Haley to jump-start their offense. Skyscraper Wade Kincaid followed with four straight, and a Bobcat putback put them up 13-4 after one quarter.

But all of a sudden, Worth County realized they could play basketball with them as Healy connected with a 3-pointer to start the second quarter. Kincaid cut inside and scored to make it 17-9, but Caleb New hit one 3-pointer and Brock Healy two as the Tigers rallied to tie it at 18 before Kincaid put the Bobcats back in front 22-21 at the half.

Ryder Smyser hit an inside shot and Caleb New a 3-pointer to put the Tigers back in front 26-22. Braymer clawed back all quarter, finally getting it tied when Dakota Brandon's guarded pulled at the buzzer went down to tie it at 28. 

The game was tied at 30 before Hayden Sanders hit a 3-pointer at the top of the key and Caleb New followed with a steal to put Worth County in front for good at 35-30. Braymer fought back again to within one after Kincaid and Brandon connected, but Dylan Smith kept a Tiger possession alive with an offensive board and found Brock Healy, who drove in for a pullup with 3:11 to make it 37-34. Hayden Sanders then took the first of his two charges drawn in the quarter as Corbin McBee unsuccessfully tried to lower his head and shoulders into Sanders on a drive attempt. Hayden Sanders inbounded it to Ryder Smyser, who connected to make it 39-34, and Worth County got a stop on defense.

But Braymer had a lot of fouls to give and could afford to be very aggressive on defense. They were called for an intentional foul on Brock Healy, who missed both free throws and Worth County turned it over on the subsequent possession. But Hayden Sanders took his second charge on defense, wiping out a Bobcat basket, and this time, Brock Healy made both tries with Worth County finally in the bonus with 17 seconds left. That made it 41-34.

Braymer rushed the ball down the floor and dropped it off to Charlie Anderson inside with seven seconds left, but Caleb New hit one of two to make it 42-36 with 6 seconds left, and Braymer lost the ball out of bounds with three seconds to clinch it for the Tigers.

Caleb New and Brock Healy had 15 each. Hayden Sanders and Ryder Smyser had 6 each.

Ryder Smyser had 7 boards. Dylan Smith had 4, Caleb New and Brock Healy 2, and Brayden Combs and Hayden Sanders had 1.

Brock Healy had 4 assists. Dylan Smith and Hayden Sanders had 3, and Brayden Combs, Ryder Smyser, and Caleb New had 1.

Brock Healy had 4 tips. Ryder Smyser and Hayden Sanders had 2, and Brayden Combs and Caleb New had 1 each.

Caleb New had 3 steals. Hayden Sanders had 2, and Ryder Smyser, Brayden Combs, Brock Healy, and Ethan Lininger had 1.

Kynlee Steele Has Career Night, Tiger Girls Back on Winning Track

Worth County's girls broke a three-game skid, beating Braymer 53-36 in Trenton Tuesday, December 23rd. There were several factors that led to them breaking their slump. First was the emergence of Kynlee Steele as a force on the boards. She didn't play against Mount Ayr (flu), but when she returned for the Braymer game, the Tiger freshman had an immediate impact off the bench, grabbing six points and nine rebounds, both career highs for varsity. That meant that Worth County could rest key players. There were other factors as well. The first was that Worth County stopped giving up all the easy transition baskets that they gave up during their three-game slide. The second was that they only turned the ball over 9 times and gave up 9 offensive boards; they turned it over 14 times and gave up 13 offensive boards against Mount Ayr. And their rebounding doubled; they got 22 against Mount Ayr and 44 against Braymer. 

Audrey Runde started the Tigers off with a triple from the top of the key off a pass from Kristen Tracy. Kambree Briner stole an outlet pass and fed Kristen Tracy for two. Kambree Briner found Runde backdoor and then Megan Tracy for three to make it 10-0. 

Braymer began a comeback bid, getting points from four different players as Khloe Rogers, Natalie Wright, Wren Coats, and Harper Henley all scored during an 8-2 Bobcat run that made it 12-8. But Rylee Ruckman hit a 3-pointer with time winding down in the first quarter to put the Tigers back in front 15-8.

Braymer tried a box and one on Kristen Tracy, but it backfired as Audrey Runde scored off a Kambree Briner steal, Ruckman hit a free throw and then added a steal and drive and a 3-pointer to make it 23-8. Braymer hung around as Nevaeh Scott hit from the high post and Khloe Rogers hit a 3-pointer to make it 23-13. Kristen Tracy scored from inside and then added a steal before Braymer closed to within 26-15 at the half.

Worth County had struggled in the third quarter several times this year. Braymer made a push to start the second half but could never get closer than 10. Kristen Tracy scored four straight after Rogers' free throw had cut the Bobcat deficit to 27-17 at the 6:22 mark of the third quarter. Megan Tracy added a 3-pointer to make it 34-19. Henley cut it to 34-21 for Braymer, but then Nevaeh Scott, their best post player, picked up her fourth foul and Worth County took advantage. Keira Hardy hit a free throw, Kristen Tracy got a putback, Rylee Ruckman hit a free throw, Kristen Tracy drove the high post, and Kambree Briner got loose in transition at the third quarter buzzer after Tracy got her to ball to make it 42-23 after three.

Braymer started solving Worth County's half-court trap to start the fourth as Natalie Wright got four straight and Abigail Smith two as the Bobcats cut it to 44-29. But then Audrey Runde broke the run with a 3-pointer and Kynlee Steele got the hot hand down the stretch to make it 53-33 with 1:07 left in the game.

Kristen Tracy had 17 points. Rylee Ruckman had 11, Audrey Runde 10, Megan Tracy and Kynlee Steele 6 each, Kambree Briner 2, and Keira Hardy 1.

Megan Tracy had 1 block.

Kristen Tracy had 14 boards to complete a double-double. Kynlee Steele had 9, Megan Tracy 7, Audrey Runde 5, Rylee Ruckman 4, Kambree Briner 3, and Keira Hardy 2.

Kambree Briner had 8 assists. Kristen Tracy had 7, Audrey Runde, Megan Tracy, and Keira Hardy 2, and Rylee Ruckman 1.

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

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

Helen Morrison 1940-2025

Helen Lee Morrison, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on January 28th, 1940, in Clearmont, MO, Helen was a cherished resident of Hopkins and Maryville, MO, where she spent the majority of her life surrounded by family and friends.

Helen was the devoted wife of the late Leroy Morrison and the loving daughter of the late Roy Denver Blanchard and Opal Viola Blackford Blanchard. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers—Dean (Charlene) Blanchard, Raymond (Pat) Blanchard, and Glenn (Jean) Blanchard—and her sister, Cathleen (Donald) McIntyre. She also joins her brother-in-laws, Ronald (Mary) Coleman and Bill Morrison, in eternal rest.

A proud graduate of Hopkins High School, Class of 1957, Helen dedicated 30 years of her life to serving as the City Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Hopkins, MO. Prior to her esteemed career with the city, she worked as a Vice President/Treasurer/Teller at the Hopkins State Bank. Helen was also known for her adventurous spirit, accompanying her husband Leroy as his "co-pilot" on countless journeys in his truck.

Helen's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her children, sons, Kirby (Angela) Morrison, Curt (Kim) Morrison, and daughter, Toni Morrison. She was a proud grandmother to Jackson (McKenna) Morrison, Spencer (Tessa Schlatter) Morrison, Mackensie (TJ) Self, and Keegan Morrison. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchild, Wyatt Self. She also leaves behind brother-in-laws Jim (Linda) Morrison and Kelly Morrison, sister-in-law Carol Morrison, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Helen was a faithful supporter of her children's and grandchildren's activities, always present with encouragement and love. She cherished winters in Arizona, trips to Colorado in the fifth wheel, and was known for her beautiful baby quilts, delicious baking, and cooking. Helen enjoyed morning coffee at Gray's, playing cards, and Saturday night dances with Leroy.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Helen's life at a funeral service on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, MO. Honorary pallbearers will include her grandsons Jackson Morrison, Spencer Morrison, Keegan Morrison, TJ Self, and family friends Dan Coleman, Owen Coleman, Todd Stites, and Chris Nally.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hopkins Cemetery Fund. There will be a reception after the service at Something Borrowed, at the corner of First and Main in Maryville.

Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home. Helen's warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.

North Harrison Homecoming February 6th

North Harrison will have its Homecoming on Friday, February 6th, 2026.

The football and softball candidates for this year will be Andi Nail and Andrew Craig. The basketball candidates will be Jaxcynn Hansel and Ethan Henson. The freshman candidates will be Raegan Hogan and Bruce Lueken. The sophomore candidates will be Addison Milligan and Ryker Fortner. The junior candidates will be Emma Chandler and Landon Johnson. The senior candidates will be Stella Rinehart and Dustin Hamilton. Kindergarten attendants will be Maitlyn Gibson and Koe Pulliam.

A high school dance will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 7 pm to 9 pm. It will be a semiformal dance with snacks, a DJ, and a good time. Students may bring an out-of-school date.

A junior high game night will be announced at a later date. It will be a night filled with games and activities. It will be for sixth to eighth graders and will be for North Harrison students only.

 

Caleb New has 15; Worth County Boys Hold Off Warrior Rally

Worth County’s boys held off a frantic Albany rally in the fourth quarter after building up a 16 point lead and held on to win 41-31. Caleb New had 15 points for the Tigers on offense and Brayden Combs took a key charge on defense to kill the Warrior rally in the fourth.

Worth County came into the game with a 3-0 record and momentum after their overtime win over King City. But Albany, after a slow start, was on a red hot streak, having won their last four games. They talked Curtis Cox, their long-time boys basketball coach, into coming out of retirement; the Warriors are sure to be a nightmare for opposing coaches in coming years. They are already back to playing suffocating man-to-man defense, constant movement on offense, not giving up easily, and not backing down from anyone. The result was a defensive slugfest in which Worth County was able to make a few more plays than Albany, while the Warriors will look back on their 3 for 13 showing from the line and wonder what might have been.

The first quarter belonged to the Tigers as Brock Healy started them off with a 3-pointer and Hayden Sanders got a drive to make it 5-2. Barrett Worrell’s free throws cut the Warrior deficit to 5-4, but then Caleb New scored off a drive and then cleaned up after a Brayden Combs steal. Ryder Smyser got loose in transition after a Jordan Dannar steal to make it 11-4. Jace Palmer cut inside to cut it to 11-6, but Caleb New countered with a pair of free throws to make it 13-6 after one.

The Warriors made a push to get back in the game in the second as Daulton Worrell went backdoor and then hit a free throw. He missed the second, but Jace Palmer got the putback to make it 13-11.

But then Albany went on an eight-minute scoring drought as Worth County built up a double-digit lead after Hayden Sanders took a charge on defense on a possession in which Albany could have tied or taken the lead. Brock Healy scored off a drive and then added a guarded three to make it 18-11. Ryder Smyser scored from inside, and Hayden Sanders and Jordan Dannar scored off drives to put the Tigers up 23-11 at the half.

Caleb New connected from inside to start the third quarter to make it 25-11 before Shae Miller broke the Warrior drought and Daulton Worrell followed with a drive to make it 25-15.

The Tiger margin stood between 10 and 12 before Caleb New cleaned up after missing a runner and Hayden Sanders hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 32-17. Albany had their chances to answer, but missed six straight free throws in the quarter. Caleb New’s free throw to start the fourth gave Worth County its biggest lead at 33-17.

But then Daulton Worrell finally got one to go down after picking up a carom and Barrett Worrell added a 3-pointer. Daulton Worrell scored off a drive to make it 33-24. Jace Palmer then added a 3-pointer to make it 33-27, Albany got the ball back, and Palmer had an drive down the left baseline and an apparent score that would have made it four. But the basket was wiped off, and Palmer was called for a charge as Brayden Combs had stepped in perfectly and taken the charge on defense to kill the rally.

Hayden Sanders then hit a tough shot in the high post with a hand in his face to make it three possessions again at 35-27. Albany missed some chances to answer, and as they were swarming and pressing, Hayden Sanders drove through four Warrior defenders and found Ryder Smyser all alone to make it 37-27.

Barrett Worrell hit a shot from the wing, Brock Healy went one for two from the line, and Daulton Worrell scored off a drive with 45 seconds left to make it 38-31 and a chance to convert a three-point play. But his free throw went astray, and Worth County ran off 20 seconds before Albany could get them fouled. Brock Healy made one of two from the line, and Caleb New hit two free throws at the end to clinch it.

Caleb New had 15 for the Tigers. Brock Healy had 10, Hayden Sanders 8, Ryder Smyser 6, and Jordan Dannar 2. The Tigers were 3 for 17 from the 3-point line, 8 for 12 from the free throw line, and 12 for 31 from inside the arc for a total of 15 for 48 from the field.

Ryder Smyser and Brock Healy had 8 boards. Caleb New had 6, Brayden Combs and Jordan Dannar 2, and Dylan Smith and Hayden Sanders with 1.

Jordan Dannar had 3 assists. Brock Healy had 2, and Brayden Combs, Hayden Sanders, and Ethan Lininger had 1.

Brock Healy had 2 steals. Brayden Combs, Hayden Sanders, Jordan Dannar, and Caleb New had 1.

Brock Healy, Jordan Dannar, and Ryder Smyser had 1 block.

Brock Healy, Hayden Sanders, and Jordan Dannar had 3 tips. Brayden Combs and Ryder Smyser had 2 and Caleb New had 1.

The girls were not so fortunate as they were ice cold from the field, shooting 13 for 44 in a 45-30 loss to Albany. They were 1 for 12 from the 3-point line, 12 for 32 from inside the arc, and only made four trips to the line, converting three.

Kambree Briner had 10 points for the Tigers. Megan Tracy had 7, Audrey Runde 6, Kristen Tracy 4, and Rylee Ruckman 3.

Audrey Runde had 5 rebounds for the Tigers. Kristen Tracy had 4, Rylee Ruckman 3, and Megan Tracy, Kambree Briner, Kennedy Murphy, and Keira Hardy 2.

Kambree Briner had 5 assists and Megan Tracy 3.

Megan Tracy had 2 steals. Rylee Ruckman, Keira Hardy, and Kristen Tracy had 1.

Kristen Tracy had 2 blocks and Rylee Ruckman 1.

Kambree Briner had 4 tips. Kristen Tracy had 2, and Audrey Runde and Keira Hardy had 1.

 

Brock Healy Scores 28 for Tigers, but Bubble Bursts Against Raiders

Brock Healy had a career night with 28 points for Worth County Friday, but the bubble finally burst for the Tigers against Mount Ayr as they fell 75-72.

The game looked like it was going from bad to worse for the Tigers, as Jackson Ruggles was up to 34 points for the Raiders at the 4:15 mark, Tiger coach Les New had gotten a technical foul for protesting a call, Mount Ayr was up 57-37, and the game was in danger of spiraling into running clock territory.

But the call served to fire up the Tigers as Hayden Sanders, who had been battling all the bumps and bruises he had gotten during football, suddenly emerged as a third scoring option behind Healy and Caleb New. He had a pair of free throws and then drove, pulled back, and hit a 3-pointer to make it 57-42. Adler Reed, Mount Ayr’s most physical player, drew a technical foul and sat until the closing minutes of the game. Brock Healy added a free throw and Caleb New, who had been bottled up by Ruggles all night, finally got loose inside to make it 57-45.

Ruggles finally hit two free throws to make it 59-45, but a box and one, with Dylan Smith and Jordan Dannar taking turns guarding him, finally slowed him down as the Tigers kept coming. Hayden Sanders hit a pair of 3-pointers and Caleb New drove and converted a three-point play, and all of a sudden, it was a brand new ballgame at 59-54 after three.

Hayden Sanders drove and hit two free throws to start the fourth quarter to make it 59-56, but Mount Ayr’s supporting cast came through as Rowan Sackett hit two free throws after an offensive board, Drew Graham drove and scored, and Hayes Stogdill hit a guarded three to put the Raiders back up double digits at 66-56.

But Worth County kept coming as Ryder Smyser suddenly started finding the open man at will, hitting Caleb New for three, Brock Healy for three, Hayden Sanders for a drive, and Caleb New in the high post to make it 67-66.

Tate Dugan hit a pair of free throws and then connected from inside to make it 71-66 with 1:38 left, but Brock Healy brought it up and hit a pullup three to make it 71-69.

Dylan Smith, whose defense on Ruggles had been instrumental in Worth County’s comeback bid, picked up his fifth foul and Ruggles finally got untracked with a pair of free throws to make it 73-69. But Brock Healy hit Hayden Sanders for three and Worth County was not done yet. Ryder Smyser got a steal and Worth County had a golden opportunity with 27 seconds left to tie or take the lead.

But Brock Healy missed both free throw tries, and Worth County was forced to foul. Jackson Ruggles got his 39th and 40th points to make it 75-72 with 15 seconds left.

As Hayden Sanders was bringing the ball up the floor, Hayes Stogdill wrapped him up with eight seconds left to prevent a tying three-point attempt. At first, one referee called it an intentional foul, which would have meant Worth County getting the ball back after two free throws, but then another referee rushed in and waived it off. Hayden Sanders missed the first and intentionally missed the second, touching off a wild scramble. The ball went out of bounds off Worth County, and Mount Ayr was able to run out the clock.

Brock Healy had the hot hand for Worth County in the first quarter, knocking down 14 points in the period. But Jackson Ruggles was even hotter, getting 16 points, including three 3-pointers for the Raiders, who took a four point lead at one point before Caleb New beat the buzzer to make it 21-20. It was like the district title game back in 2022, when Tony Osborn went off on Worth County for 62 points.

The same thing happened for Mount Ayr in the second quarter, with Ruggles continuing to have the hot hand and everybody else chipping in for them as they led by as much as 41-24 before Hayden Sanders hit a pair of free throws and Brock Healy got his second wind to cut it to 43-31 at the half. The third quarter belonged to Ruggles, who scored 12 of his team’s first 14 points in the period before Worth County began its comeback bid.

Brock Healy had 28 points for the Tigers. Hayden Sanders had 23, Caleb New 18, and Jordan Dannar 3.

Ryder Smyser had 1 block.

Caleb New had 9 rebounds. Ryder Smyser had 6, Brock Healy, Hayden Sanders, and Brayden Combs had 2, and Ethan Lininger and Jordan Dannar had 1.

Ryder Smyser had 8 assists. Hayden Sanders had 4, Brock Healy 3, Caleb New 2, and Ethan Lininger, Dylan Smith, and Brayden Combs 1 each.

Caleb New had 4 tips. Brock Healy had 3, Jordan Dannar and Dylan Smith 2, and Ryder Smyser, Brayden Combs, and Hayden Sanders 1.

Hayden Sanders had 4 steals. Brock Healy, Ethan Lininger, Caleb New, Ryder Smyser, and Dylan Smith all had 1.

The girls game went the same way, with Mount Ayr building up a big lead before Worth County put together a frantic rally at the end before falling 58-47. The Tigers had every reason to fear Izzy Gilbertson, one of the best post players they will see all year. But Mount Ayr was beating them up and down the floor like King City did as they built up a 12-10 lead after one. Six of their 12 points were off transition looks. The Tigers battled the shot clock early, but adjusted by the second quarter. With Gilbertson on the bench with two fouls, Kristen Tracy got a putback, Kambree Briner scored from inside, and Megan Tracy hit a 3-pointer as Worth County erased a late deficit and took a 21-20 lead at the half.

But Gilbertson returned to start the third quarter, and the tide began to turn. Audrey Runde hit in the high post to make it 23-20, but Mount Ayr started beating Worth County up and down the floor again and built up a 30-26 lead. Kambree Briner hit two free throws with 3:00 left in the third to make it 30-28, but then Mount Ayr responded with a 17-0 run spanning the rest of the third quarter and start of the fourth to take a 47-28 lead. Out of those 17 points, ten of them were off steals and transition looks and two were when someone lost track of their player on defense.

Rylee Ruckman stopped the bleeding with a three-pointer to make it 47-31, but Mount Ayr still maintained a 19-point lead at the 3:23 mark.

Worth County began its comeback bid when Audrey Runde drove and scored and Kristen Tracy added a steal. Tracy scored from the baseline and added a free throw to make it 54-42 before Gilbertson stopped the bleeding for Mount Ayr. Rylee Ruckman hit a 3-pointer and Megan Tracy scored from inside to make it 56-47, but the Tigers ran out of time at the end.

 

Khloey Sperry Powers Gilman City; Hawks Overcome Adversity, Wolves

Gilman City was on the ropes in the fourth quarter Monday against East Atchison. They had lost the lead against the Wolves, trailing 29-28 after three after they had led most of the day. They switched to a man to man defense after the Wolves closed the period with a flurry of 3-pointers and regained the lead early in the fourth, only for Avery Gregg to pick up her fourth and fifth fouls in quick succession. The fifth foul was a phantom call, as Gregg stripped the Wolves player and it was all ball.

The Hawks were clinging to a 32-31 lead with just over five minutes left when Gregg fouled out. The Hawks were in horrific foul trouble, with Khloey Sperry, Hailey McClure, and Tenley Griffith all with three. But the tying and go-ahead free throws went astray, and East Atchison could not convert a putback try. Alli Burke hit a 3-pointer on the other end, and the Wolves did not score another point as Gilman City pulled away to a 42-31 win.

From there, East Atchison went ice-cold from the field. Brylee Slemp, their best driver, fouled out of the game, and most of their shots were not just missed, but missed badly. Khloey Sperry added a steal to make it 37-31 with 3:09 left and Burke, who had not connected all day, got her second triple with 1:31 left to provide the dagger. It was the second game in a row where Burke had been scoreless all game, only to erupt in the fourth quarter. Khloey Sperry jumped a pass and scored on the other end to make it 42-31.

The first part of the game looked like all Hawks as Khloey Sperry, Tenley Griffith, Avery Gregg, and Hailey McClure all chipped in and Griffith controlled the boards as Gilman City built up a 15-8 lead after one. They led by as much as 17-8 after Alli Burke got a tip and Avery Gregg got a steal early in the second before the whistles and fouls began to mount, with Griffith picking up her third foul. East Atchison hung around, with Rainy Nordhausen’s free throws cutting the Wolves deficit to 18-14 late in the second. Despite the foul trouble continuing to mount early in the second half, Gilman City rebuilt the lead to 28-18 before East Atchison suddenly caught fire at the end of the third to take the lead.

Khloey Sperry had 20 points. Avery Gregg had 8, Tenley Griffith and Alli Burke 6, and Hailey McClure 2.

Khloey Sperry had 3 blocks. Alli Burke had 2 and Hailey McClure 1.

Tenley Griffith had 12 boards. Khloey Sperry had 11, Hailey McClure 9, Alli Burke 6, Avery Gregg 4, and Paisley Taggart 2.

Avery Gregg, Tenley Griffith, Khloey Sperry, and Alli Burke all had 2 assists. Hailey McClure had 1.

Hailey McClure had 8 tips. Khloey Sperry had 7, Alli Burke and Tenley Griffith had 4, and Avery Gregg 3.

Khloey Sperry had 5 steals. Avery Gregg, Alli Burke, and Paisley Taggart had 3 and Hailey McClure and Tenley Griffith had 1.