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‘Cats place in Big 8 Pickleball tournament

In the advanced girls doubles Big 8 Pickleball Tournament bracket, Cassville’s Madison Halterman, center left, and Elly Ramaeker, center right, took first place. New Covenant Academy’s Kassi Adams and Halle Adams were second, and Nevada’s Katie Johnson and Skylur Burns were third. Contributed photo
Cassville’s Makaiden Bolles, far left, and Emerson Grossman, second from left, took third place in intermediate girls doubles at the Big 8 Pickleball Tournament. First place went to Chloe Morris and Kyrsten Owen, of Nevada, and second went to Natalie Block and Emerson VanDeWege, of New Covenant. Contributed photo
Cassville’s Tyson Bohmke, far right, and Ethan Bohmke, second from right, took second place in advanced boys doubles at the Big 8 Pickleball Tournament. First place went to Jayden Thankamani and Cody Leung, of Nevada, and third went to Silas VanDeWege and Keilynn Armitage, of New Covenant. Contributed photo
Cassville’s Andrew Gray, far right, and Simon Gates, second from right, took second place in intermediate boys doubles at the Big 8 Pickleball Tournament in Monett in April. New Covenant’s Taylor Crayton and Gavin Berry were first, and Nevada’s Kasen Mendez and Luke Anderson were third. Contributed photo
Cassville’s Ashton Wheeler, far right, and Makaiden Bolles, second from right, took second place in intermediate mixed doubles at the Big 8 Pickleball Tournament. First place went to Halle Adams and Kielynn Armitage, of New Covenant, and third went toBryan Mendez and Chloe Morris, of Nevada. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

The pickleball courts at Monett City Park witnessed a day of intense competition and camaraderie as the second annual Big 8 Conference Pickleball Tournament unfolded on April 24.

Sponsored by Veregy and Security Bank of Southwest Missouri, and with substantial support from the Monett/ Cassville YMCA, the tournament showcased the talents of 58 players from four area schools.

Under the clear skies and on eight well-maintained courts, participants engaged in 5 hours of marathon pickleball play across 10 brackets.

‘The tournament, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport, saw remarkable displays of skill and sportsmanship from all contenders,’ a press release said.

Nevada High School clinched the team championship for the second consecutive year, securing four gold medals, two silver medals and seven bronze medals. New Covenant Academy placed second, and Cassville claimed third, highlighted by Elly Ramaeker’s and Maddie Halterman’s gold medal triumph in the advanced girls doubles bracket. Monett High School finished in 4th place.

Other notable Cassville student performances included Ethan Bohmke’s and Tyson Bohmke’s silver medal finish in the advanced boys doubles bracket, Simon Gates and Andrew Gray’s silver medal win in the intermediate boys doubles bracket, and Ashton Wheeler and Makaiden Bolles’ silver medal award in the intermediate mixed doubles bracket.

Emerson Grossman and Bolles won bronze in the intermediate girls’ doubles bracket, and Tyson Bohmke and Ramaeker won bronze in the advanced mixed doubles bracket.

Adding to the tournament’s prestige, five USA Pickleball Ambassadors from the Southwest Missouri District lent their expertise to ensure smooth organization and administration. Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) Coach Dave New, of Wichita, Kan., attended the event to evaluate the tournament structure, eyeing similar opportunities for the youth in the Wichita area.

‘Moreover, the head pickleball coach from Drury University, Jarrod Smith, was present, offering support and evaluating the talents of the student- athletes,’ the press release said. ‘Blessed with ideal playing weather, the tournament unfolded seamlessly, thanks to the dedication of numerous volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it a success.’

Due to scheduling conflicts in the late spring semester, the Big 8 Tournament will be moved to the fall semester next school year, aLlowing for broader participation and smoother logistics.

‘With the sport’s popularity on the rise, anticipation is already building for next fall’s tournament, promising even more thrilling matches and memorable moments,’ the release said.

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