LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self has always relied on veteran point guards to run his teams, All-Americans such as Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham, or Tyshawn Taylor, who led an unheralded group of Jayhawks to the Final Four in 2012. Often overlooked prospects, they grow and mature over three or four years in the program.
Top seeds Gonzaga, Kansas and Arizona are in. So is little Saint Peter’s, the giant killer and only the third No.
In addition to the previously-published Marceline High School girls honored at the March 15 winter sports awards program, 10 MHS boys were recognized by the head coaches of the basketball and wrestling squads for their performances and achievements this season. From left, freshman Drew Griffin was named the wrestling Tigers’ “newcomer of the year” and also earned the “takedown machine” award for having the most takedowns on the team. Senior Jace Bixenman was selected by the coaching staff as the MHS boys’ “most improved” grappler and also earned the “escape artist” award for the most successful escape moves on the season, head coach Andrew Stewart announced. Freshman Caden Mast was the basketball program’s “most improved” junior-varsity player, head coach Michael Severa disclosed. Junior Adain Daller received the basketball Tigers’ “most improved” award. Senior Wyatt Molloy was selected as the cage Tigers’ “offensive player of the year” and also was chosen to the all-Lewis and Clark Conference team. Senior Zach Niemeier received three basketball honors – “defensive player of the year,” the “Tiger Award” for dedication and hard work, and the “team captain” award for leadership. Senior Mason Barnett was selected as the “most outstanding wrestler” after placing second in the Class 1 state tournament. Senior Hunter Nelson received the wrestling team’s “Tiger Award,” along with recognition for having reached the 100-wins plateau for his individual career and the “finisher” award as the team leader in wins by fall. Also receiving special recognition, but not present for the post-event photo, were senior basketball player Will Heller, who, like Molloy, was voted to the all-conference team, and sophomore wrestling Tiger Conner Quinn, who got the “near-fall machine” and “reversal machine” statistical awards for pacing MHS’ boys in those maneuver categories. (Paul Sturm/LCL PHOTO)
COLUMBIA — All indications Monday were that long-time Florida State University assistant coach Dennis Gates, head coach at Cleveland State University the past three years and Horizon League Coach of the Year each of his first two seasons at that school, was set to be named new men’s basketball head coach at the University of Missouri.
With the state’s high school spring sports season getting into full swing this week – at least if the weather cooperates, the Missouri State High School Activities Association has announced the classification and district assignments for the track-and-field, baseball, and boys’ golf seasons in which Linn County schools and bordering schools will compete.
The annual honors ceremony for Marceline High School’s winter sports athletes (basketball, wrestling) was held for the 2021-22 teams this past Tuesday in the school fieldhouse. In addition to the MHS boys recognized, these Lady Tigers, along with some not present for the photo, were honored. (From left) Sophomore Molly Sportsman was named “Newcomer of the Year” for the wrestling team. Madison Teeter, a 10th grader also, was chosen “Most Improved” girls’ grappler. Sophomore Maddie Dauber, a state-tournament qualifier, received the “Outstanding Wrestler” honor. Seniors Kennedy Edgar and Ramzee Bruner shared the basketball “Team Captain” award. Chloee Dorrell, another 12th grader, received the “Tiger Award” for basketball for her team leadership, hard work, and dedication. Sophomore Ireland Bloss was chosen “Most Improved” Lady Tigers cager. Junior Addison Huber was selected for the “Offensive Player of the Year” award in basketball. Natalee Pennington, a freshman, received the “Defensive Player of the Year” honor. Senior Sevilla Bussman was co-recipient (with Dorrell) of the “Tiger Award” and senior Gracey Jordan was “Tiger Award” winner for the wrestling team. Jordan and Rachael Cupp (not present for photo) also were recognized and honored for being the first 4-years participants in the girls’ wrestling program which came into existence their freshman year. The other girls’ award recipient not on hand for the post-event photo was freshman Finley Watson, tabbed as “most improved” junior-varsity basketball player. A photo of the MHS boys’ award recipients will appear in an upcoming edition of the LCL. (Paul Sturm/LCL PHOTO)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady’s retirement lasted 40 days.
A pair of lefthanded-hitting former Chicago Cubs reportedly have settled on their homes for at least the start of the 2022 Major5 League Baseball season. Long-time Cubs star first baseman Anthony Rizzo will stay with the New York Yankees, agreeing Tuesday night to a $32 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Fourteen players from teams whose schools are in or include part of Linn County have been included on the all-conference teams of their respective leagues of which the LCL had been informed by early this past Wednesday afternoon.
Keegan Murray has given Iowa a firstteam Associated Press All-American for the third straight year, and Kofi Cockburn has made it two in a row for Illinois — not bad for a couple programs that haven’t had a whole lot of them.