Sports

In the 106-pound bracket at the Bentonville West Invitational Dec. 10, the winning wrestler was on the mat four times, but never for more than a minute.

The Exeter boys basketball team played in the Pierce City Invitational Nov. 28 through Dec. 3, falling to Marshfield in the opening round, 77-44, Verona in the consolation semifinal, 86-73, and Crane in the seventh-place game, 74-66. Nathan Tackett is pictured pulling in a rebound for the Tigers in the game against Verona.

For Cassville senior Jolie Evans, the reward for running is the result at the end, and the standout is will start a new chapter of rewards next year as a runner for Washburn University. Evans signed recently to the school, running cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring.

The Southwest boys basketball team has started the season at 4-3, with three seniors and three juniors leading this year’s squad. Rusty Roe, Southwest boys basketball coach, said the Trojans lost two starters from last season in Cruz Marquez and Caden Uthe, but they return plenty of firepower.

Five seniors are on the Cassville boys basketball roster this season, aiming to lead the team to new heights and under new management. Clayton Bagby, Cassville boys basketball coach, said he is excited to be returning to his roots.

Through the season, the Cassville volleyball team’s goals shifted to a focus on team cohesion, building a program under a new coach and nurturing young talent. Paige Huddleston, Cassville volleyball coach, said the Lady Wildcats (2-27) made some big strides despite their record.

Nine returning letter winners aim to lead the Southwest girls basketball team to a winning season this year, and the Lady Trojans say the only thing in their way is themselves. Destiny Jalbert, Southwest girls basketball coach, said the Lady Trojans feel some pressure this year to perform well.

A giant leap forward is what the Cassville boys wrestling program hopes to do this season, returning multiple state qualifiers and welcoming a buzz-creating freshman class. Nathan Fortner, Cassville wrestling coach, said about 20-25 boys will come out for the team this year, led by a trio of returning state qualifiers.

Cassville’s Senior softball pitcher Alyssa Whisenhunt, takes advantage of early signing period by signing her national letter of intent to play college softball at Independence Community College in Independence, Kan., where she plans a study course to become an Athletic Trainer. Her accolades at Cassville include three-time All-Conference Pitcher; three-time All-District Pitcher; two-time All-Region Pitcher, Rookie of the Year and Pitcher of the Year, carrying a 2.3 ERA. Alyssa is the daughter of Jerry and Melissa Whisenhunt, of Cassville.