Basketball
Trojans trying for trio of trophies
The past two seasons for the Southwest boys basketball team have been a couple of the best in its history. Winning back-to-back district titles under Rusty Roe, the Trojans are under new management this season with Jeff Treat taking over coaching duties.
Driving for a dozen
A dozen wins and a district tournament victory are the main goals for this year’s Exeter girls basketball team. Jennifer Young, Lady Tigers’ coach, said with a trio of returners and three more players with significant minutes, Exeter is poised to improve.
Starting with a ship
The Purdy boys basketball team is under new management this season, and the first taste of action saw the new coach’s squad win the tournament at his previous place of employment. The Eagles are off to a 3-0 start to the season, taking home the Verona Tip-Off Classic trophy with a 71-44 win over Hurley, a 63-60 win over Pleasant Hope and a 45-44 victory over Blue Eye.
Lady Trojans double numbers
The Southwest girls basketball team has doubled its roster from last year, embarking on a season without no seniors and under new management. Shawn Johnson, former assistant coach in his first year as head coach, said he brings 23 years as a coach, including 13 in JV or junior high basketball and 10 in varsity softball, and he’s excited to see what the Lady Trojans can do this season.
Lady Wildcats bring back 8 letterwinners
With eight of the Lady Wildcats’ nine letterwinners from the 2023-2024 season returning to the fold, the Cassville girls basketball team has its sights set on being the first team above .500 since 2017-2018.
Lady Eagles hoops is back!
The Purdy girls basketball program is back in business. Unable to field a team in the 2023-2024 season, a dozen years after back-to-back state championships, Coach Stephanie Heman said eight girls are reviving the storied squad.
Bulldogs feeling fresh
Few high school basketball teams this season will be as fresh as Wheaton’s. With new Head Coach Josh Wiseman at the reins, the Bulldogs — who went 19-9 and were district runner-up last season — have just one full-time starter and one bench player coming back to the squad that graduated six.
3 return to floor for Wildcats
Young team to rely on experience to stay competitive The Cassville boys basketball team has only three returning starters this season, and the Wildcats will look to rely on their experience to stay competitive in the Big 8 and beyond. Caleb Reynolds, Cassville boys basketball coach, said the program is moving in the right direction, and the Wildcats aim to keep it that way.
Year in Photos — Barry County hoops
Exeter’s Jesse Eaton directs the play during a home basketball game last season.
Year in Photos — Cassville girls basketball
Cassville’s Elly Ramaeker battles for a loose ball in a contest against Monett last year.
