Basketball
Year in Photos — Barry County boys basketball
Southwest’s Kasen Holder rises above the crowd for 2 during a Southwest Holiday Tournament game last season.
Year in Photos — Cassville boys basketball
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2024-2025 athletics seasons. — KT
Lady Wildcats hoops spends summer building fresh lineup
Losing four starters to graduation in May, the Cassville girls basketball team spent a month in the summer beginning the process of putting a nearly new five on the floor.
Jared Lankford: Holding on until the end
During the offseason, rule changes for what are considered unfair advantages in sports occur regularly.
Take the “Tush Push,” made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Effectively, it is a glorified quarterback sneak with the twist of having over 600 pounds of men gently nudging the quarterback forward to gain the necessary distance for a score or first down.
Wildcats welcome Mike Ray as head boys hoops coach
The Cassville High School boys basketball team will have a new coach for the 2025-2026 season, as the district has hired Mike Ray to lead the program beginning July 1.
Lady Tigers satisfied with title shot season
In stark contrast to the last few years, the Exeter girls basketball program has a standout 2024-2025 season.
Lady Eagles build in return year
After an absent season due to low numbers, the Purdy girls basketball team was back in action this year and building toward a revamp of the program.
Trojans building for future
Coming off back-to-back district championships, it was a tall order for the Southwest boys basketball team to reach the same heights this season.
Hard season on the hardwood
The Exeter boys basketball team endured a difficult season on the hardwood, and the Tigers are hoping young players who found their roles will grow into them in coming campaigns.
Lady ‘Cats downed in district championship
A 3-point margin at the start of the fourth quarter looked promising for Cassville, but Aurora ultimately hit their stride late and defeated the Lady Wildcats, 40-21, in the Class 4, District 12 girls basketball championship Friday in Monett.
