Basketball
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 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Jonathan Dunbar creates space near the hoop during a contest against Springfield Catholic last season.
Young Wildcats jam in June
The Cassville boys basketball team will be on the younger side this winter, all the more reason to make as much progress as possible in the summer. Caleb Reynolds, Cassville boys hoops coach, said the Wildcats had a busy June, participating in a varsity shootout in Berryville, Ark., a JV shootout in Nixa and a twoday camp at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Shore hoops camps return to Cassville
Former Cassville basketball coach Chris Shore recently hosted a pair of basketball camps for girls an boys in grades 1-8 at the Family Life Center in Cassville.
Purdy makes pair of hoops hires
The Purdy school district announced the hiring of two professionals on May 21, both of which have 32 years of experience in education. A lifelong athlete, Stephanie Heman made her name at Joplin High School, graduating in 1987 and going on to play basketball and volleyball for Pittsburg State University, whereshegraduatedin1991with her Bachelor’s in Education.
Exeter hoopster awarded in Aurora
Kylee Cole, of Exeter, raked in a bushel of postseason awards for her basketball play at Aurora this year. Cole averaged 20.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game and 1.8 steals per game. She made 112 three-pointers shooting at a 37.5% clip, setting a new school record making her 9th all-time in single season three-pointers made. Cole’s 626 points also puts her 42nd all-time in Missouri single-season scoring. Cole helped the Lady Houn’ Dawgs to a 25-5 season, a school record for wins, and a second consecutive district championship, the first Aurora repeat in history. For her efforts, Cole was named First Team All-Big 8 East, MBCA Class 4 District 12 All-District Team and Player of the Year, MBCA Class 4 All-State, 4SBCA First Team All-Area, Springfield News-Leader Dominant Dozen Team and All-O-Zone Honorable Mention. Cole is the daughter of Jason and Tracie Cole and the granddaughter of Linda and the Lat eJohn Cole, and Howard and Jackie Burns, of Exeter.
‘A great way to end it’
Cassville senior Madison Halterman wrapped up her prep basketball career at SWMO All-Star Saturday game at Mission University in Springfield on March 23. Unaware she was entered into the 3-point shooting contest, Halterman had been sitting in the stands when her name was called to shoot.
Young Lady Trojans grow in tough season
By the end of the season, the Southwest girls basketball team did not have a senior on the floor. The Lady Trojans (2-24), whose only senior suffered an injury, had one junior, one sophomore and four freshmen handling the minutes, and Coach Destiny Jalbert said they were undaunted by the task.
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.
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.
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.
