Sports

Clayton Bagby, Cassville girls basketball coach, speaks at the inaugural “Meet the Squad” event on Friday night.

Tigers bring experience into season with more favorable matchups It took until February for the Exeter boys basketball team to find its first win in a 4-21 campaign last year, and the Tigers hope experience over the last few years will translate to a more competitive squad in the gym this season. Tremayne Williams, Exeter boys basketball coach, said that’s the key goal this season — to be competitive night in and night out.

“LOVE and TEAM” is the motto for the Southwest High School girls basketball team this season, which is looking to find new success with only twothirds the number of players compared to last season. Destiny Jalbert, Southwest High School girls basketball coach, said building chemistry with the eight-girl roster is goal No.

The Exeter trap team recently competed in its conference shoot, with two boys and two girls taking first and second. Jeremiah Reed placed first for the boys, and Star Xiong was first for the girls. In second place were Tristan Voyles for the boys and Lily Stephenson for the girls. Team members in picture include: Jeremiah Reed, Tristan Voyles, Lily Stephenson, Jacob Stevenson, Briley Hargus, Brexton Bowman, Coy Aldridge and Ava Aldridge. Not pictured: Star Xiong, Rain Xiong, Tanner Raney. The team’s coaches are Lee Tripp and Donnie Gautney.

Three starters return to the Cassville boys basketball team this season, hoping to continue its defense-first mindset while upping production on the offensive end. Caleb Reynolds, Cassville boys hoops coach in his second year at the helm, said inexperience may provide a challenge this season, but not one the Wildcats cannot overcome.

ktroutman@cassville-democrat. com The Wheaton girls basketball team kicks off its season on Saturday, hoping an increase in participation will facilitate a growth in the win tally this season.

The most decorated golfer in Cassville history wrapped up her career in the fall with a third straight state medal, and she will tee off next fall aiming to win more hardware for another school with a big cat mascot. On Nov.

Southwest High School will start the basketball season with its annual Tipoff celebration on Friday with a home game against Exeter. Southwest queen candidates are: sophomore Lyndon Vanzandt, freshman Lillian Barnett, junior Abigail Clark, senior Vivica Villegas, and junior Montana Skelton. Contributed photo

Every summer, prep fall sports teams set their goals for the season, but not many achieve those goals in the same fashion as the Cassville softball team — making history. The Lady Wildcats finished the season at 16-15 and Class 3, District 6 champions after a 7-6 walk-off win over Doniphan.

It was not the scoreline Cassville had hoped for on Friday, but the Wildcats hope to take experience gained this season into 2024, having finished at 6-5 with a postseason win and a district semifinal loss to Seneca, 48-0.