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May drawn to Sikeston by the challenge, community, and past (7/26/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — At one time, Sikeston was a dynasty, rattling off 51 straight victories and boasting five undefeated seasons. But the Bulldogs of today are a far cry from those legendary teams. Now, a new dawn breaks, as Jim May, a coach with a proven track record who has seen the highs and lows of high school football, answers the call to reestablish the once-proud program. ...
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Green Wave basketball concludes summer workouts (7/26/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Malden High School boys basketball finished their summer training in preparation for the 2024 through 2025 season. Head basketball coach Mike Kilgore said his main focus was on development this summer. While losing some key seniors, he just wants to make sure the younger players on his roster are ready to step up when the season starts...
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Catfish are rolling of late following inconsistent summer (7/25/24)Tom DavisThis summer has been a rollercoaster for the Cape Catfish, which is a tad unusual for its fan base to follow after watching the franchise methodically achieve success year after year after year since its inception.
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Williams has been a "hit" with the Catfish this summer (7/25/24)Tom DavisAs the Cape Catfish summer has turned decidedly in the right direction over the past few weeks, there have been several factors that the Catfish coaching staff can point to as to why that has occurred.
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MSHSAA shakes up state baseball playoffs: Series play coming to Class 5 and 6 (7/23/24)9Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratThe Missouri high school baseball landscape is set for a significant shake-up in 2025, as the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced a major format change for its Class 5 and 6 state playoffs. Beginning next season, the quarterfinal round will transition from a single-elimination game to a best-of-three series...
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Risco senior putting in the time to elevate already (very) strong game (7/22/24)Tom DavisDELTA – Being physically active might be a problem in the world of some teenagers throughout America, but that doesn’t include Risco High School senior athlete Sammy Smith.
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Former Jackson athlete finds his groove at the plate (eventually) for Tropics (7/22/24)Tom DavisThe summer baseball season reached a frustrating point for the Southeast Tropics recently when they dropped a pair of games (3-2 and 7-4) to their rivals, the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels, in the Senior Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament.
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Don't look now, the Catfish are in hot pursuit of a playoff berth (7/22/24)Tom DavisAt the beginning of this month, the Cape Catfish signed several new players and gave a couple of existing regulars a few days off during the July 4th holiday. First-year manager Phil Butler felt when he had his full complement of players returning, his squad had a chance to compete among the best teams in the Prospect League.
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Oran's Rylan Mills commits to SEMO after stellar championship season (7/19/24)2Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — Fresh off leading Oran to a state championship and earning MBCA Class 1 Player of the Year honors, Rylan Mills, a standout rising senior, has committed to continuing his academic and baseball career at Southeast Missouri State University...
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Semoball Scholar-Athlete Asher Britt takes talents to Quincy (7/19/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON, Mo. – The path to college basketball is rarely a straight line, but for Asher Britt, every challenge has been met with the same quiet intensity: a refusal to fail. From a season-ending injury to balancing a demanding academic workload, the newly minted Semoball Scholar-Athlete has consistently found ways to overcome obstacles and excel both on and off the court. ...
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Henne, Rosario continue strong summer in leading 'Fish to DH split (7/19/24)Tom DavisThe up-and-down Cape Catfish season was epitomized on Thursday in a doubleheader with its rival Thrillville at Capaha Field. The series has been dubbed the “Battle for the Border,” with the Catfish holding the trophy from last summer.
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Squirrels store another trophy, beat Tropics for second straight state title (7/18/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. – The Charleston Fighting Squirrels are back on top in the Show-Me State, claiming their second straight Babe Ruth State Championship with a 7-4 victory over the reigning World Series Champions, the Southeast Tropics. The Squirrels’ win at Hillhouse Park on Tuesday sets the stage for a potential rematch with the Tropics at the 2024 World Series in Cape Girardeau, where Charleston hopes to avenge last year’s underwhelming performance...
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Southard, West depart Notre Dame tennis as Semoball Awards co-winners (7/18/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianFor Charlie West, it’s a three-peat. For Thomas Southard, it’s the perfect way to end a long, productive career at Notre Dame Regional High School. The top doubles pairing in Southeast Missouri got their seasons put out for all to see on July 12 as the pairing of Southard-West was tabbed as the top boys tennis performance at the 2024 Semoball Awards...
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Hoffman takes second Volleyball award at Semoball Awards (7/18/24)By MIKE BUHLER, Dexter StatesmanSaying recent Advance High School graduate Lexi Hoffman had a memorable career on the volleyball court might be just a bit of an understatement. “I really didn't expect to get it two years in a row,” Hoffman said after winning the award. “It's crazy. There was a lot of good competition this year.”...
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Notre Dame’s Sides grabs Boys Soccer Award at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/17/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianOne of the greatest goal-scoring talents in Southeast Missouri, the spectacular Bryce Sides capped off his prep career in style with a Boys Soccer Player of the Year win in last week’s 2024 Semoball Awards. Part of a Notre Dame squad that has far and wide established a reputation of being one of the top teams in Southeast Missouri, Sides became the de facto leader in goals for a tough Bulldog squad...
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Lauren Eftink goes out with a bang with Semoball Award (7/16/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianFor the second year in a row, Notre Dame cross-country and track and field athlete Lauren Eftink took home the Semoball Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year award, adding to three total including her Semoball Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year award in 2023...
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Father-son Layton duo headline Woodland’s splashing Semoball Awards performance (7/16/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianPart of the Woodland Cardinals’ efforts to claim the Semoball Cup this year, the Marble Hill program made a big statement in this year’s Semoball Awards. This push came largely behind the efforts of Reed Layton, who took home the crown as the Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year for his pair of state titles this fall...
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'Old Squirrel magic' has returned heading back into State title game (7/16/24)Tom DavisCHARLESTON – It’s been a laborious summer for veteran Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels manager Michael Minner.
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Tropics' Payne is perfect in W to set up title tilt with rival Squirrels (7/16/24)Tom DavisCHARLESTON – With an opportunity to defend his team’s 2023 Senior Babe Ruth World Series championship next month hanging in the balance, veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz left nothing to chance on Monday.
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Kennett and Holcomb athletes represent bootheel at Semoball awards (7/16/24)Kaelin Triggs ~ Delta Dunklin DemocratCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Semoball Awards were presented with glamor, nerves and excitement. The best student athletes in all of Southeast Missouri showed up hoping to do what they do best, win. Three student athletes from Kennett and Holcomb athletes were honored and recognized as the best players in their sport and the best athletes in the SEMO region for 2024...
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Squirrels rally late, knock off Tropics in State Tourney (7/15/24)Tom DavisCHARLESTON – For much of this summer baseball season, veteran Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels manager Michael Minner hasn’t been thrilled with how his team has performed, beginning with a 10-0 season-opening loss to their rivals, the Southeast Tropics at Hillhouse Park in Charleston.
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New Cape catcher has adjusted to Midwest, pitching very easily (7/15/24)Tom DavisWhen Moises Rosario ventured to Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois two years ago, the native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic had to make a shocking climate adjustment.
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Catfish finding their offense during recent surge (7/15/24)Tom DavisThe Cape Catfish season – of late – has been difficult to follow. The team recently endured a six-game losing streak in which its pitching staff gave up 60 runs, but Cape has bounced back by winning three of its last four games.
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SEMO Football travels to Kennett for social event (7/15/24)Kaelin TriggsKENNETT, Mo. - Grecian Steak House was the meeting center for a Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) football event on Wednesday, July 10. SEMO’s head football coach Tom Matukewicz wanted an event where he can promote the upcoming season and inform residents in ‘the bootheel’ about Redhawk football. Bud Hilburn, who graduated from Kennett High School and played football at SEMO, agreed to organize the event for his alma mater and former coach. ...
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Tropics get 'wake-up call' in dramatic State W (7/14/24)Tom DavisEarlier in this summer baseball season, veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz could find a sense of admiration for his team’s ability to always find a way to success, even if it were in the final pitches of a game. “Our guys don’t quit,” Schwartz said at the time. “We can kind of wait a little late sometimes to get going. “They are never out of a game.”
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Brian Jordan shares life lessons at Semoball Awards (7/13/24)By Justin Trovillion ~ Southeast MissourianBrian Jordan, a two-sport athlete who played in the NFL and MLB, shared lessons he’s learned throughout his life at the 11th Annual Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, on Friday night at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau. Jordan shared three goals he has lived his life by from when he was a kid to even now as an adult...
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Jadis Jones, Handley McAtee win Athlete of the Year at 2024 Semoball Awards (7/13/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianThe 11th Annual Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, was the night when the last high school athletic year ended and the upcoming year began. Many finalists and winners had already said goodbye to their high school past and moved on to the next phase of their life journey. For them, Friday night at La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau was a reunion with friends and rivals alike...
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Southeast Tropics 'send message' in State Tourney opener (7/13/24)Tom DavisCHARLESTON – The Southeast Tropics took their initial official steps towards defending their 2023 Senior Babe Ruth World Series Championship on Thursday, as they exploded on the SEMO Legends 15-0 in three innings in their opening game of the State Tournament at Hillhouse Park.
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Squirrels dominate Revelers in state tournament opener (7/12/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — The Charleston Fighting Squirrels bats erupted like a Fourth of July firework show in the opening round of the Babe Ruth State Tournament, hammering the Southern Missouri Revelers into submission with a 15-0 victory on Thursday, July 11 at Hillhouse Park...
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Kelly clinches 7-on-7 title; Sikeston shows promising strides (7/11/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — Two weeks removed from the Dexter 7-on-7, Sikeston showcased noticeable improvements on both sides of the ball at Thursday's home 7-on-7 tournament, leaving first-year coach Jim May encouraged by the team's progress, albeit acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead...
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Semoball Awards speaker's message one of tough choices and a dream (7/11/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian“If you believe, you can achieve anything in life.” “And it all starts with a dream.” That is the theme of the speech former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Brian Jordan is set to deliver as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Semoball Awards on July 12 at LaCroix Church...
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Kaetlyn Danley of Holcomb earns All-Region softball honors (7/11/24)Kaelin TriggsHOLCOMB, Mo. - Kaetlyn Danley, a graduated senior from Holcomb High School, was selected for the 2024 NFCA High School Spring All-Region team. The NFCA, National Fastpitch Coaches Association, recognized 191 athletes from 108 schools as All-Region. The award honors softball athletes from eight regions in the United States. ...
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Hard work is paying dividends with Caruthersville athletics (7/11/24)Tom DavisHigh school athletes returned to the fields, diamonds, gyms, and weight rooms this week following a mandated week break by the MSHSAA last week, and no school is seeking to continue its positive mojo more so than those athletes and coaches at Caruthersville High School.
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Kettering makes nice return, but Catfish pitching labors to another L (7/11/24)Tom DavisThere hasn’t been much to cheer for throughout the recent five-game losing streak by the Cape Catfish, but if you’re looking for something to hang your hopes on, the return of Brooks Kettering to the squad after a week off is something.
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Malden grad continues family legacy in helping Tropics find success (7/11/24)Tom DavisThere has been no shortage of stars that have shined throughout the strong summer season put forth by the Southeast Tropics, who have won 17 of their 22 games so far.
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Following the Flock: David joins Blue Jay teammates at MBU (7/9/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, M0. — Charleston may boast a trophy case overflowing with basketball gold, but a gridiron pipeline is quietly flowing to the Missouri Baptist University. This summer, Charles David becomes the latest Blue Jay standout to make the jump to college football, joining former teammates Lane Morrow and Rommie Turner on the St. Louis campus...
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South Pem hoops trying to move on from yesterday with summer tests (7/9/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – The South Pemiscot High School boy’s basketball squad showed last winter that it could handle high-pressure situations, as it surprised many by advancing to the MSHSAA Class 2 State Finals and finishing fourth. However, with six of its top seven players returning for the 2024-25 season, the question remains how will that group handle significantly higher expectations?
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Newest Catfish IF bursts onto the scene and adds to deep talent pool (7/9/24)Tom DavisOwen Henne has been with the Cape Catfish for just a brief period, but the Pennsylvania native has wasted no time in making a positive impact with his new club this summer.
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Farmer pursues college hoop dreams (7/8/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Quamareous Farmer approached his senior basketball season filled with nerves. After battling an ankle injury his junior year, he was unsure how he would be able to come back and perform. He was unsure if he would be able to play at all...
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Catfish arms tiring as skid reaches four games (7/7/24)Tom DavisThroughout the recent four-game losing skid by the Cape Catfish, there have been some overriding themes.
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Tropics have flair for dramatic in continued rallying Ws (7/4/24)Tom DavisBENTON - Just a note to fans of the Southeast Tropics, don’t leave their games early, because more than likely you’ll miss out on a rallying win by the highly successful team.
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Tropics' experience, arm depth shows in W over rivals (7/4/24)Tom DavisBENTON – Veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz has known all summer season that his team had the experience and pitching depth to win a lot of games, and both were on display in a doubleheader sweep of the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels 4-3 and 5-4 at Kelly High School.
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Tropics complete doubleheader comeback against Squirrels (7/3/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard DemocratBENTON, MO. — The Southeast Tropics rallied to win both games of a doubleheader against the Charleston Fighting Squirrels on Tuesday, July 2 at Kelly High School. Refusing to go down without a fight, the Tropics (17-4-1) overcome deficits in both games to secure a 4-3 and 5-4 victory...
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Former MLB pitcher hired to lead Cape Central baseball (7/2/24)1Southeast MissourianCape Central High School’s search for a new baseball coach ended as soon as July began. Former Major League pitcher Matt Palmer has been hired to be the Tigers' new head coach, as announced on Tuesday, July 2. Palmer, a Caruthersville native, previously served as the head coach of the American Leadership Academy in Gilbert, Arizona. ...
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Squirrels sweep Perfectos, extend winning streak to four (7/2/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — The Charleston Squirrels have seemingly cracked the code when it comes to the Cardinal Legacy Perfectos, sweeping Monday's doubleheader to extend their winning streak to four games, a streak that highlights the team’s recent surge in performance...
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Malden launches new cross country program (7/2/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Malden High School announced the start up of a new fall sport for student athletes to participate in. On Sunday, June 23, Malden held its first ever cross country sign-up meeting. Head cross country coach Dalton Freshour said the meeting was a way for him to kick things off for the team. He offered the meeting as a chance for students and parents to ask questions about the newly included sport...
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Holcomb softball seniors left massive legacy for 2025 group to pursue (7/2/24)Tom DavisThe Holcomb High School softball program has won at least 20 games in each of the past five springs, so it is statistically likely – particularly with veteran Hornet coach Matt Casper guiding the group – that Holcomb will reach that level of success again. However, an obstacle to overcome is the fact that the Hornets graduated a legendary senior class of five players who have achieved an incredible amount of success over the past four years.
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Living legend: Advance's Erin Hoffman honored with 2024 Semoball's Lifetime Achievement Award (7/1/24)1By MIKE BUHLER, Dexter StatesmanADVANCE, Mo. — Believe it or not, Advance High School volleyball coach Erin Hoffman was surprised to find out she was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Semoball Awards. “This wasn't even on my radar. I wasn't even expecting it,” Hoffman said. “I think when the guy called me to tell me that I'd got it, I asked him if he was sure he had the right number.”...
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'Coach G' finds a home with, takes the reins of Caruthersville athletics (7/1/24)Tom DavisDom Guglielmo has traversed this country throughout his life being a “military kid and a football coach.” Two-plus years ago, he moved to Caruthersville to serve as a physical education teacher and varsity football coach, and he has seemingly found a home.
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Another season, another challenge for Cooter High grad (7/1/24)Tom DavisHayden Nazerenus has done nothing but challenge himself over the past 12 months since graduating from a stellar athletic career at Cooter High School. He left the tiny school (enrollment 128) a year ago and immediately spent a couple of weeks testing his skills with the Cape Catfish but signed on for the entire season this summer.
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Henley, 'Fish mates get aggressive early at the plate in home W (6/30/24)Tom DavisThe Cape Catfish have not struggled through this Prospect League season to score runs – at times. In four of their past six games, Cape has scored a combined 38 runs, with shutout losses coming in the other two outings, which leads to some maddening consistency in production.
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From Struggling to Slugging: CMU-Bound Campbell powers Oran's championship run (6/29/24)5Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratORAN, Mo. — Central Methodist University's commitment to Brenden Campbell was a sign of faith in the Oran second baseman’s potential, but even they couldn't have predicted the meteoric rise that followed. After a slow start to his senior campaign, Campbell became an offensive force in the latter half of the year, capping off his high school career with a 10-game hitting streak that included every postseason contest. ...
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Catfish K'd by Rhythm, which is an ongoing issue (6/29/24)Tom DavisThere is no shortage of statistical areas in which the Cape Catfish have thrived during the 2024 Prospect League season.
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Tropics' Benthal not intimidated in victory over 'The Mafia' (6/29/24)Tom DavisOne would think that the Southeast Tropics baseball squad would be slightly fearful of playing a team called ‘The Mafia,’ but fear doesn’t sit well with Tropics’ veteran player Trey Benthal.
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Experience pays off in Tropics' opening game rally in Alabama tournament (6/28/24)Tom DavisVeteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz felt great about his summer baseball squad entering this season not only because of its talent level after winning the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series last August but because of its experience, as well.
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Dobbins is player of the year finalist as dual sport athlete (6/27/24)Kaelin TriggsMALDEN, Mo. - Angela Dobbins was in Junior High School when she was introduced to track and field. Her older sister, Shamya Dobbins, qualified for the MSHSAA Class 2 State Track and Field Championships in 2019. Shamya, along with her Green Wave teammates, competed in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays. Angela said she instantly fell in love with the sport while watching her sister perform on the state level. She decided she would also try out for the track team...
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Tiger ball player is primed for success as he inks with Crowley's Ridge (6/27/24)Tom DavisAs third-year Caruthersville High School baseball coach Joey Middleton was organizing the ceremony on Wednesday to honor recent Tiger graduate Tristen Hill for signing to play baseball at Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould, Ark., he ran into an issue.
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Semoball Cup finalists announced, breaking down top 10 programs (6/26/24)By Cole Lee ~ Southeast MissourianThe 11th annual Semoball Cup chase has been narrowed down to the final 10 teams, and it’s a field packed with talent from schools both big and small. Six of the first 10 Semoball Cups belong to teams that enter the top-10 phase of this year’s cycle, including the reigning champions in the Jackson Indians...
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Oran's Rylan Mills swinging way into MLB Draft conversations (6/25/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratORAN, MO. — Sometimes, the greatest talents are found in the most unexpected places. Case in point: Rylan Mills, the home-schooled phenom who swung for the fences and knocked it out of the park in his debut season at Oran. “There were a lot of people that questioned if I was good or not,” Mills said. “This spring helped solidify myself as the player I knew I was going to be.”...
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Hendrix steps into leadership role for Hornet's volleyball (6/24/24)Kaelin TriggsHOLCOMB, Mo. - Holcomb volleyball player Chloe Hendrix recalls the Missouri Class 1 District 1 tournament as her favorite moment in her career. As the number one seed at the District tournament, the Hornets received a bye in the first round. The team went on to beat South Pemiscot and faced Southland in the championship game. Holcomb did not drop a single set against both South Pemiscot and Southland, completing an all around sweep, to become the 2023 Class 1 District 1 Champions...
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Catfish allow 'Kings to rally for home win (6/24/24)Tom DavisEarlier in this summer baseball season, the Cape Catfish struggled mightily in closing out games in which they held early leads.
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Margin for error is slim in latest Catfish L (6/24/24)Tom DavisThe margin for error within the Prospect League is smaller than it ever has been, as the league has continued to develop into one of the premiere summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country.
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Barrow bounces back at plate in Catfish W (6/23/24)Tom DavisFirst-year Cape Catfish catcher Ben Barrow spent his freshman season competing with one of the best junior college baseball programs in the country, so when he came to Cape Girardeau and struggled offensively, it was a tad surprising to the Catfish coaching staff.
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Tropics' Warren continues 'excellent' summer season in latest rout of Squirrels (6/21/24)Tom DavisThe Southeast Tropics manhandled the Aycorp Charleston Fighting Squirrels 11-2 on Friday at Hillhouse Park on the opening day of the Big Nuts Classic, and they did so with great pitching and strong offense, both of which Beau-Hunter Warren contributed to.
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Catfish reserve enduring offensive struggles following great JUCO spring (6/21/24)Tom DavisWith the temperatures rising throughout the Midwest of late, there is no more important position on the baseball field to have depth than the one behind the plate.
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Kelly, Charleston, Portageville and East Prairie turn up the heat at Dexter 7-on-7 (6/20/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratDEXTER, MO. — Kelly, Charleston, East Prairie and Portageville were among the teams putting months of offseason training to the test at the Dexter 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge on Wednesday, June 19. The event provided valuable experience for these smaller programs, highlighting areas of strength and improvement as they prepare for the fall season...
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Former Cardinals outfielder to keynote Semoball Awards this summer (6/20/24)By Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast MissourianFormer St. Louis Cardinals slugger and two-sport athlete Brian Jordan has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Semoball Awards on July 12 at LaCroix Church. The announcement was made Thursday night by Southeast Missourian Assistant Publisher Lucas Presson and Mercy Southeast President Ryan Geib...
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Sikeston shows mixed results at Dexter 7-on-7 (6/20/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard DemocratDEXTER, Mo. — Sikeston didn’t set the world on fire but it did show a glimpse of its potential at Dexter's 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge on Wednesday, June 19, offering a raw, unfiltered look at a program in the early stages of coach Jim May's rebuild...
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Holcomb face Malden Green Wave in summer baseball game (6/20/24)Kaelin TriggsHOLCOMB, Mo. - Two Dunklin County baseball teams went head-to-head on Tuesday. The Holcomb Hornets showed a little bit of their dominance against the Malden Green Wave. Despite Malden's performance, head coach Tim Harmon said these off-season competitions aren’t focused on winning. Rather, he wants his players and coaching staff to focus on what can be fixed to win in the spring where it matters...
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Johnson, Knight garner All-State recognition (6/19/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratEAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — The Missouri Baseball Coaches Association's (MBCA) All-State teams unveiled two East Prairie Eagles among the Class 3 honorees, a fitting reward for a season filled with memorable moments, clutch performances and the program’s second district championships in three years...
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Young Tiger athlete 'is a beast' and working to get even better (6/18/24)Tom DavisThe very-well known University of Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime, made the phrase “We comin’” famous last fall once he took over the Buffaloes, and third-year Caruthersville High School football coach Dom Guglielmo has every right to preach the same mantra, as his program is certainly on the upswing following last fall’s seven-wins, which were the most since 2019. “We’ve got a really good skill group,” Guglielmo said recently of his 2024 squad, “and we have four out of five returning up front (on the offensive line). “We’re very fortunate.”
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South Pem senior was able to close career as anyone would want to, minus the W (6/18/24)Tom DavisEvery athlete’s dream is to close their careers in victorious fashion and South Pemiscot senior baseball player Jadie Morton wasn’t able to do that, as the Bulldogs fell 3-2 to defending champion Bernie last month in the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 Tournament. Having said that, Morton walked off the diamond with his head held high, because his final outing was a very impressive effort on his part.
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Redhawk teammates, now foes, go at it in narrow Catfish W (6/17/24)Tom DavisA pair of Southeast Missouri State baseball players found themselves in familiar territory on Sunday but with a very, very different perspective. Redhawk players Cole Warehime and Chance Resetich came back to Cape Girardeau and Capaha Field, this time as visitors, as they are playing for the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp of the Prospect League, and they tried in vain to knock off the home team at Capaha – for a change.
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Catfish 'pen can't sustain another strong outing by former Jackson star (6/17/24)Tom DavisThe transition to the next level of baseball for former Jackson High School standout pitcher John-Paul Sauer continued on Saturday with another seamless step in the (very) right direction.
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First-year 'Fish hitter maintaining even keel through fast start, recent slump (6/17/24)Tom DavisOn Friday in a game against REX Baseball in Terre Haute, Ind., Cape Catfish hitter Alex Kowalski endured his fourth 0-for game of the past five outings. “Baseball is a game of ups and downs,” Kowalski said recently. “You can’t let the down games get to you. Even the big guys go through slumps. They happen.” Maintaining that even keel has been critical to Kowalski’s approach in his first summer season in Cape Girardeau, because he has been sweltering hot (literally and at the plate), with a rare stretch of coolness offensively.
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Rylan Mills named Class 1 Player of the Year, leads Oran's all-state haul (6/14/24)1Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratORAN, Mo. — With junior catcher Rylan Mills leading the way as the Class 1 Player of the Year, the Oran Eagles claimed seven spots on the Missouri Baseball Coaches Association All-State Teams. This recognition comes on the heels of a recent state championship victory, showcasing the depth and talent of the program...
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Area FB programs partake in day of measuring, motivating (6/14/24)Tom DavisDEXTER – It’s difficult to believe, particularly with the heat index reaching over 100 degrees in the next few days, but high school football season in Missouri begins in less than two months.
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Simmons is a key piece to South Pem's SB potential in 2025 (6/14/24)Tom DavisThere is no shortage of positive reasons why the South Pemiscot High School softball team won’t be difficult to deal with next spring, and the return of junior-to-be Phoenix Simmons is as critical of those reasons as any. “Phoenix knows softball,” third-year Bulldog coach Lance Crawford said this season of Simmons. “She has played a lot growing up.”
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Tropics' Forck 'easing his way back' from shoulder injury this spring (6/14/24)Tom DavisBENTON – The high school baseball fans throughout Southeast Missouri didn’t catch a glimpse of the true potential on the mound from Kelly High School senior pitcher Dalton Forck this spring after he suffered a strained rotator cuff early in March.
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Eftink swings for the fences before tackling college football (6/13/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — While most college football signees devote their summer to pumping iron and X’s and O’s, Reece Eftink is juggling dumbbells with double plays. The recent Kelly grad is set to trade his baseball cleats for football pads this fall at Evangel University, but not before taking one last shot at glory with the Southeast Tropics, the defending Babe Ruth World Series Champions...
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Tropics off to nice start with strong offense, but also really, really good pitching (6/13/24)Tom DavisBENTON – With a 50-7 run differential so far, this young summer baseball season, the offensive production for the Southeast Tropics hasn’t been an issue on most nights. However, the alternative to that statistic is that the team’s pitching has been phenomenal, as well.
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Penrod returns to alma mater, aims to rebuild winning tradition (6/12/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratEAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — The winds of change are blowing in East Prairie, bringing a sense of optimism and excitement as Ian Penrod, fresh off an impressive four-year stint at Portageville, returns to his roots to lead the Eagles’ athletic programs to new heights...
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Sikeston soccer’s resurgence fueled by stellar individual performances (6/12/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratSIKESTON — The Sikeston girls’ soccer team celebrated a resurgent season, finishing 12-12 and achieving a .500 record or better for the first time since 2015. This impressive turnaround was further highlighted by several players earning prestigious postseason honors...
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Young Catfish coach has found Prospect League 'professional, talented' (6/11/24)Tom DavisThis summer season in the Prospect League, though less than two weeks old, has proven to be a learning experience for the Cape Catfish players, but that evolution hasn’t been limited to just the guys that take the field and get at-bats.
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Catfish manager: No reason to panic following string of narrow losses (6/9/24)Tom DavisIf something happens a couple of times, it is unusual. But if it occurs five times, then you can safely call it a trend.
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Former Jackson High star strong - eventually - in Catfish debut (6/8/24)Tom DavisFirst-year Cape Catfish pitcher John-Paul Sauer learned quickly that the Prospect League ain’t high school baseball.
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Squirrels, Tropics trade shutouts in season-opener (6/8/24)Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratCHARLESTON, Mo. — Summer baseball is back, and it arrived with a collision of hardball heavyweights. The Charleston Squirrels and the reigning Babe Ruth World Series champion Southeast Tropics locked horns in a season-opening doubleheader at Hillhouse Park on Thursday night, showcasing the region’s elite talent...
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Semoball Awards spring sports finalists announced (6/6/24)By Clay Herrell ~ Southeast MissourianSemoball Awards finalists for the spring sports categories were announced Thursday morning on a selection show broadcasted live on SEMO ESPN Radio and streamed on the Semoball.com Facebook page. Baseball Levi McKinnie, Chaffee Gabe Dirnberger, Oran Cooper Rhodes, Jackson...
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Hodges headlines deep, talented Aycorp Squirrel pitching rotation (6/6/24)1Tom DavisVeteran manager Michael Minner openly admits that the 2023 summer season for the Aycorp Charleston Fighting Squirrels didn’t end well, as his team lost all four of its games in the Babe Ruth World Series. Having said that, he was positive about his team’s pitching in that critical tournament.
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Against the odds: Owen Knight defies limitations, signs to play baseball at East Central College (6/4/24)2Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratEAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Life threw curveballs at Owen Knight, but he never flinched. Instead, he used them as fuel, turning adversity into advantage and overcoming obstacles that could have sidelined his dreams. Now, he’s ready to write a new chapter in his remarkable story, taking his talents and iron will to East Central College. ...
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New Cape arm has brought 'koof' to a deep, talented pitching staff (6/4/24)Tom DavisThe Cape Catfish and Jackson (Tenn.) Rockabillys have spent more time with each other in the early portion of this summer Prospect League season than most married couples have over the past week.
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Bulldogs lose just one key senior from 2024 squad, but Edwards was a good one (6/3/24)Tom DavisWhen the 2024 spring softball season came to an end for South Pemiscot last month in the championship game of the MSHSAA Class 1 District 1 tournament, there was only one Bulldog senior on the field, as eventual Class 1 third-place finisher Holcomb stunned the Bulldogs with a rallying 10-9 win.
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Catfish bounce back vs. Jackson behind Crowden, pitching (6/3/24)Tom DavisFor the second consecutive day, the Jackson (Tenn.) Rockabillys put together a BIG inning offensively against the Cape Catfish. The difference between Saturday’s Rockabilly win and Sunday’s victory by the Catfish was the timing. Cape (2-3) methodically put together runs while getting nine innings of great pitching to prevail 8-4 in front of 457 fans at Capaha Field.
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Catfish collapse on road late at Jackson (6/3/24)Tom DavisIn a game in which it scored six runs on 10 hits and limited the Jackson Rockabillys bats to just one earned run, most would believe that the Cape Catfish came away with a nice road win on Saturday in Jackson (Tenn.). However, the Catfish committed three defensive miscues and walked nine batters, and thus, fell 7-6 after holding a 6-2 lead in the ninth inning.
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Recognizing the area's best baseball seniors (5/31/24)Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian and Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratWith Chaffee winning third place in Class 2 and Oran winning it all in Class 1, the 2024 high school baseball season has come to an end. While many of the big names have been covered throughout the season, it seems proper to recognize some of the best hitting and pitching seasons throughout the Southeast Missourian area...
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Catfish bats starting slow in consecutive Ls (5/31/24)Tom DavisIt’s early, so there is zero reason to be overly concerned about the Cape Catfish offensive production. However, two games into the 2024 summer season, the Catfish need to find their swings at the plate.
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Caruthersville Athletics creates initial Hall of Fame class to honor in fall (5/31/24)2Tom DavisThe lore of athleticism flowing through the halls of Caruthersville High School over time has been a storied one.
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Done Deal: Oran routs Sacred Heart in Class 1 State Championship, Eagles’ all-business approach leads to 4th title (5/30/24)3Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-DemocratOZARK, Mo. — There is no denying, Oran didn't just win the MSHSAA Class 1 State Title; it rewrote the script for dominating the diamond on the biggest and brightest stage. Leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and making a mockery of the competition, the Eagles (20-5) cemented a legacy as one of the most dominant teams in recent memory with an 11-1 thrashing of the Sacred Heart Gremlins (25-5) in the championship game at Ozark Mountain Sports Complex on Tuesday, May 28...
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Former Jackson player sees live pitching for first time in a while, as Catfish fall (5/30/24)Tom DavisIt’s been a long wait for former Jackson High School baseball standout Steven Schneider to dig into the batter’s box and face live pitching – in a real game. However, he wasted no time in doing so on Wednesday, as he served as the leadoff hitter for the Cape Catfish in the team’s 3-0 loss at Jackson (Tenn.). “I just really want to get as many reps as I can,” Schneider said prior to the season-opening game on Wednesday, “and have fun out there.”
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Olympic swimming champion preaches passion for water safety (5/30/24)Tom DavisIt might be a stretch that a young person learning the first lessons of aquatic safety could develop into a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, but that journey must start somewhere, and no one comprehends that more so than Rowdy Gaines. With public and private aquatic facilities all over the country offering swim lessons, to people of all ages over the summer months, now is a good time to beat the drum on the message of aquatic safety.
DDD Sports
- First practice of SEMO training camp (7/25/24)
- Summer Hoops at Delta HS (7/21/24)DELTA - Several high school varsity boy's basketball teams gathered recently for a scrimmage tournament at Delta High School.
- Senior State Babe Ruth Tournament (7/21/24)CHARLESTON - The Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels got past the Southeast Tropics 7-4 in the recent championship...
- Catfish vs. Thrillbillies doubleheader (7/19/24)
- Babe Ruth 19U Missouri State Championship Tournament (7/18/24)Photos from the Charleston Squirrels' 7-4 win over the Southeast Tropics in the championship game of the Babe Ruth 19U...