Sports
Trojans reflect on successful season
In the summer of 2023, the Southwest boys basketball team declined to set any expectations. Coming off its first district title in 57 years, the Trojans had lost half the team to graduation and had yet to find an identity.
Bulldogs bring ‘sneaky good’ potential
With six returning starters taking to the diamond for Wheaton this season, Bulldogs Baseball Coach Tucker Dermott said this year is one of the most promising for his squad to be “sneaky good.” Excited for Wheaton’s positional and lineup versatility, as well as its pitching depth and experience, Dermott said the Bulldogs have a lot of players up for spots who can play anywhere. “Being a small team in the past, I’ve had to make it work because of our lack of depth,” he said.
New faces tee off with Wildcat 3
A year of growth in 2023 ended at the district tournament, and with three returners on the roster, Cassville’s boys golf team is looking to break back into the big dance. Senior Cole Watts will lead a squad of nine golfers this season.
Rebuilding with mechanics
Six starters return to a Southwest softball team billing itself as in a rebuilding year and ready to battle through growing pains. Emily Snyder, Southwest softball coach, said the Lady Trojans have been working through the summer to improve, specifically in regard to mechanics.
Jig On the Water, March 24
The water is at 62 CFS right now. This is great water to fish; it is clear and running well.
Cassville hoops grows through inexperience
A young Cassville boys basketball team took to the court this season with little experience, and after 27 games, the Wildcats went from leaning on a few players to competing night in and night out as a team.
Lady Wildcats net 31 players
Numbers are up for the Cassville girls soccer team this season, and the program hopes to use that interest to produce a winning season. Jake Forste, Cassville soccer coach, said the 30-strong squad aims to improve on last year’s 7-13 mark.
Purdy begins title chase
Purdy is three years removed from its Class 1 state title season, and the freshmen on that team enter their senior season hungry for a return to postseason glory. Lori Videmschek, Purdy softball coach, said three seniors and eight returning starters will take to the diamond this season, setting the goals of winning the conference and the district, then pushing to the Class 1 final four.
Paulsen wins 4th-ever All-State award for Trojans basketball
Southwest High School senior Brendyn Paulsen has been named to the Class 3 All-State Team. A First Team All-District, All-Conference and All-Area selection, as well as district and conference Player of the Year, Paulsen averaged 18.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this year.
‘Cats stalking district title
With six returning starters and the first district win in eight years, the Cassville baseball team is setting championship goals this season.
