MSSU softball team receives Student Club Volunteer Service Award

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern softball team has been awarded the Student Club Volunteer Service Award as was announced today as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on campus.

The Student Club Volunteer Service Award is designed to honor a compassionate MSSU student organization that has contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and demonstrated superior leadership through exceptional service by volunteering on or off campus.

The Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee asked that each student organization provide it with the total number of volunteer hours completed between the dates of 11/01/2019 through 10/31/2020 as well as a brief description of the activities and impact.

With that said, the Southern softball team completed 318 hours of community service during that time period with an average of nearly 17 hours per student-athlete. The softball team volunteered in various locations including the Joplin Humane Society, Columbia Elementary, the Alzheimer's Association and Eugene Field Elementary.

Individually, Abby Atkin was a nominee for the individual service award.

"One of our program's expectations is to do at least one community service event monthly," Blackney said. "In an effort to help our student-athletes develop connections in the community and to potentially add contacts to their personal reference lists, each class is expected to find, and organize, an event for us monthly-seniors choose our September project, juniors choose October's, sophomores choose November's, and freshmen choose January's. Covid has made things interesting, to say the least, but I am proud of how we have overcome and adapted. We appreciate everything the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee does, as well as the recognition for this award."

MSSU women lose 73-62 to Emporia State, despite 20-20 performance by Stokes

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Emporia, Kan. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team's comeback attempt fell short and Madi Stokes had a historic game today but the Lions fell today inside White Auditorium against Emporia State 73-62.

Southern (4-6, 4-6 MIAA) was led offensively by Madi Stokes who finished with a season-high 21 points and career-high 22 rebounds (10 offensive), her third double-double of the season. Carley Turnbull chipped in with 11 points. 

Megan Jackson had seven points and a career-high six rebounds to go along with a team-high three assists.

Stokes' 20-20 performance is the first since Marie Scott did the feat against Missouri Valley (Nov. 24, 1995). Scott finished with 24 points and 22 rebounds in the 81-71 win. The 22 rebounds is tied for the second-most in a single game in MSSU history.

Emporia State (5-2, 5-2 MIAA) was led offensively by Fredricka Sheats with a career-high 19 points shooting 5-of-6 from deep. Ehlaina Hartman had a career-high 17 points off the bench, and Karsen Schultz had 15 points.

Southern got out to a four-point lead (6-2) with 8:03 remaining after a Stokes layup. Emporia State responded with three-straight from deep to reclaim the lead. Hailey Grant's three cut the Hornet lead to two (17-15) with 2:35 left in the quarter following a Zoe Campbell kick-out.

The second quarter belonged to the Hornets as they opened on an 11-0 run before Amaya Johns got on the board with a layup to cut the deficit to fourteen (33-19). Southern ended the quarter on a 6-3 run to trim the Hornet lead to thirteen (40-27).

Southern went on a four-minute 9-0 run, trimming the Hornets' lead to ten (49-39) with 2:46 remaining after Stokes hit a layup from a Jackson assist. Stokes cut the deficit to ten (53-43) with 30 seconds remaining.

Johns got the deficit to six (55-49) with 8:57 remaining in the fourth after an and-one. Emporia State responded with an 11-4 run to stretch the lead to 13 and never gave up that lead.

The Lions won the rebound battle 50-30, 21-9 offensively and had the advantage in second chance points 22-7.

Up next for Southern is Fort Hays State in Joplin on Jan. 21. Tip-off from Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is set for 5:30 pm.

MSSU's Cam Martin to receive special achievement award from Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

 

Springfield, Mo. -- Missouri Southern men's basketball player Cam Martin has been selected to receive a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Special Achievement Award (SAA) at the organization's annual Enshrinement Ceremony.

Martin, a 6-9 forward from Yukon, Okla., was a first-team All-American selection last year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. 

Last season, Martin led the MIAA in scoring, rebounds, defensive rebounds, double-double's free throw attempts, free throws made, total field goals made, total points and total rebounds, while ranking second in blocks, field goal percentage, total blocks and total field goal attempts. 

Martin averaged 24.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this year, while shooting 58 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line. He had a team-high 46 blocks and was third on the team with 61 assists. He was a finalist for the Bevo Francis Small College Basketball Player of the Year Award, as well.

The SAA has been designed to recognize individuals and teams from across Missouri who have achieved national recognition (1st Team All-American, National Championship, National Award, etc.).

The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, in Springfield. The formal Enshrinement reception will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, followed by an early evening banquet and ceremony at 5:00 p.m. During the ceremony, special recognition will be given to Cam and a plaque will be presented to him on stage. Additional tickets are available and may be purchased over the phone by calling 417-880-3300. Tickets are $150 each.

MSSU men to battle Emporia State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will conclude its road trip as the Lions will take on Emporia State on Saturday. Tip off from White Auditorium is slated for 3:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (4-5, 4-5 MIAA) at Emporia State (6-4, 6-4 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 16, 2021
Tip-Off: 3:30 pm
Location: Emporia, Kan.
Site: White Auditorium
Series Record: Southern leads 54-31
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (128-66 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). Craig Doty (79-60 overall/30-39 at ESU - 3rd Year).

The Series

Missouri Southern holds a 54-31 advantage in the series with Emporia State. Southern has won 17 of the last 22 and 13 of the last 16. The Lions have a 32-10 record against Emporia in Joplin, and are 21-21 in games played at Emporia. 

The Lions have won the only neutral site game. The Southern-Emporia series has produced eight overtime games, including two double overtime thrillers. 

The Lions have won six of the overtime games. Missouri Southern's biggest margin of victory was 43 points, 125-82, on Jan. 19, 2002. Emporia State's biggest victory spread was in 2007, (Jan. 17, 2007) defeating the Lions 105-67 (32 points).

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

So far this year, the Lions lead the MIAA rebound margin, while ranking second in total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game and ranking third in blocked shots and defensive rebounds.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

Southern ranks 10th nationally in total blocks, while ranking 11th in total rebounds. The Lions rank 20th in both free throw attempts and free throws made, while ranking 21st in rebound margin.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in scoring, total points, total field goals made, total attempts, and free throw attempts. Martin ranks third in total rebounds, free throws made and field goal percentage. Stan Scott ranks second in field goal percentage, while Christian Bundy ranks second in blocks.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Martin leads Division II in free throw attempts, while ranking second in total field goals made and total points. He ranks fifth in total field goal attempts and scoring, while ranking sixth in total rebounds and double-doubles.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action next Thursday when Southern returns home for the first time in over a month. The Lions will take on Fort Hays State on Jan. 21 at 7:30 pm.

MSSU women to play at Emporia State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team is ending the Kansas road trip tomorrow as they take on Emporia State. Tip-off from White Auditorium is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (4-5, 4-5 MIAA) at (RV) Emporia State (4-2, 4-2 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 16, 2021
Tip-Off: 1:30 pm
Location: Emporia, Kan.
Site: White Auditorium

Series Record: Hornets, leads the series 56-25

Coaches

MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 51-73 (5th Season)
ESU: Toby Wyn, 50-18 (3rd season)

Get Your Games Comin' In Hot

The Lions are the end of a three game road stretch after resting for three weeks prior to last Saturday's game against Pittsburg State. Following the game against Washburn the Lions travel to Emporia to take on Emporia State headlined by last season's MIAA Freshman of the Year and Week 7's Athlete of the Week Tre'zure Jobe.

Hornet Returners

Picked to finish win the MIAA, the Hornets return seven from last seasons 24-7, 15-4 MIAA team. Gone are Mollie Mounsey (2nd-team All-MIAA), and Jessica Wayne (Co-DPOY, All-Defensive and Honorable Mention MIAA) but returning is Freshman of the Year Tre'zure Jobe who was a 1st-team All-MIAA selection.

Last Time Out For Emporia State

Playing Pittsburg State the Hornets traded leads with the Gorillas before losing at home for the first time in 17 games. Jobe had a game-high 17 points playing all 40 minutes, Karsen Schultz and Emily Weathers each had 11 as Weathers had a double-double as well.

Washburn defeats Missouri Southern women 56-49

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Topeka, Kan. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team put up a late rally but came just short, falling 56-49 to Washburn on the road inside Lee Arena.

Southern (4-5, 4-5 MIAA) was led offensively by senior Carley Turnbull who finished with 15 points and a season-high eight rebounds. 

Sophomore Madi Stokes had nine points and 10 rebounds while collecting two blocks. And freshman Kaitlin Hunnicutt and Biance Stocks both finished with seven points and connected on two from deep.

Washburn (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) was led offensively by Abby Oliver as she finished with a career-high 19 points. Hunter Bentley chipped in with 15 points going 9-of-10 from the free throw line, and Nuria Barrientos had a double-double posting 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Southern started the scoring and got off to a hot start as Turnbull connected on a jumper from a senior Megan Jackson assist. Turnbull hit another jumper to tie the score with 6:57 remaining in the quarter.

Following a Ichabod 6-0 run, Stocks trimmed the lead to two (10-8) after knocking down a three off a Zoe Campbell feed with 3:34 remaining. Stocks closed the quarter with a buzzer-beating three to make it 15-12.

A three from Hunnicutt with 3:32 left in the first half set the Lions' in the lead (20-19), Turnbull would stretch the lead to 22-19 with free throws to cap off the 7-0 run with 3:05 left.

Washburn utilized a 6-1 run to close out the third to stretch the lead to four (37-33). Turnbull got the Lions to within two (39-37) with 5:59 remaining in the fourth, the Ichabods responded with an 8-1 run and never relinquished the lead.

The Lions connected on five threes compared to the Ichabods' zero, winning the rebounding battle 37-35 and getting more bench points, 21-3 as well.

Southern will be back in action January 16 as the Lions travel to Emporia to take on the Hornets. Tip-off from White Auditorium is set for 1:30 pm.

MSSU men fall to Washburn 99-58

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Topeka, Kan. - The Missouri Southern men's basketball team ran into a hot-shooting Washburn squad as the 8th-ranked Ichabods defeated the Lions 99-58 tonight inside Lee Arena.

Southern (4-5, 4-5 MIAA) was led in scoring by Cam Martin as he scored 26 on 12-of-17 from the field and 1-of-3 from the free throw line and long-range.

 Martin added seven rebounds and three assists. Lawson Jenkins scored 12 points on 4-of-8 from long-range. RJ Smith scored eight points and added six rebounds and three assists.

Washburn (9-1, 9-1 MIAA) was led in scoring from Tyler Geiman with 28 points on 12-of-16 from the field. The Ichabods tied a school record with 18 three pointers in the game as Washburn shot 51 percent from behind the arc.

The Ichabods opened up an early 7-2 lead, but the Lions came right back. A three from Smith, followed by back-to-back buckets from Stan Scott and a fast-break dunk from Christian Bundy tied the game at nine with 16:42 to go in the first half. Southern tied the game again at 11, but an 8-0 run from the Ichabods pushed the score to 19-11 before a bucket from Martin stopped the run at 13:43.

Washburn led by 12 (25-13) with 12 minutes left in the half, but the Lions answered back again and got within four (31-27) after a free throw from Smith. The Ichabods got hot from behind the arc and made nine three-pointers in the first half, pushing their lead to 47-33 at the break.

The Ichabods started the second half the same way they ended the first as Washburn made nine of their first 11 shots, including 4-of-4 from the three-point line to lead 67-44 before a three from Jenkins with 14:44 left in the half stopped the run.

Southern shot 42 percent from the field in the game but couldn't stop the hot shooting from Washburn as the Ichabods were 59 percent from the field and 51 percent from long-range.

Southern will be back in action on Saturday as the Lions will be at Emporia State. Tip off from White Auditorium is set for 3:30 pm.

MSSU women continue road trip against Washburn

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team continues the Kansas road trip as they take on Washburn tomorrow. Tip-off from Lee Arena is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) at Washburn (3-4, 3-4 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 14, 2021
Tip-Off: 5:30 pm
Location: Topeka, Kan.
Site: Lee Arena

Series Record: Ichabods, Leads the series 51-28

Coaches

MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 51-72 (5th Season)
WU: Ron McHenry, 467-156 (21st season)

MIAA Preseason Poll
The Lions were picked to finish 10th in the MIAA after going 10-18 overall and 7-12 in MIAA play during the 2019-20 campaign. Emporia State was picked to win the MIAA with 4 first-place votes with Nebraska-Kearney picking up 6 first-place votes in second and defending Conference Champions Central Missouri rounding out the top three with 3 first-place votes. Pittsburg State was projected to finish fourth while Fort Hays State picked up the other first-place vote and rounded out the top-five.

Block Party From Down Under

Senior center Zoe Campbell erupted for a school record 62 blocks to lead the MIAA and finish the year 21st in Division II. The Caloundra, Australia native set new single-game, single-season and career block records during the 2019-20 season. Campbell has increased her block total each season at southern, going from 11 as a freshman to 40 as a sophomore and 62 this past season. Currently Campbell is at 117 career blocks and counting.

Stoked To Block You

Sophomore center Madi Stokes had a freshman campaign to remember as a defensive force down low. The Cassville, Missouri native had 33 blocks during the 2019-20 season finishing fifth in the MIAA overall and eighth in Division II for freshman. This season she is already at 22 eight games in, and is second in Division II in the category.

Anchors Down

The Lions are limiting opponents to 37.5 percent from the floor and 30.8 percent from the three-point line this season. Led individually by Madi Stokes 22 blocks and Carley Turnbull having ten steals already the Lions are primmed to shut down teams down low and on the perimeter. While ranking atop the MIAA in team blocks and turnovers forced.

Bench Sparks

Freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicutt and junior guard/forward Amaya Johns are bringing it off the bench this season. Hunnicutt is second on the team in scoring averaging 9.6 points a game, and has connected on a team-high 14 threes this season. Her season-high of 15 was last time out on the road against Pittsburg State. Johns is right behind Hunnicutt in scoring with 9.3 per game in 15 minutes a game. Her season-high of 21 points happened at home against Rogers State shooting 7-of-9 from the field, 1-of2 from the three point line and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

1,000-Point Scorer Joins the Pride

Carley Turnbull comes to Southern having already scored over 1,000 points in her career, at Monmouth College a Division III institution in Illinois. She averaged 14.5 points per game and pulled down 5.9 rebounds per game over her three years for the Fighting Scots, finishing with 1,131 points. Turnbull is already off to a hot start for the Lions finishing the season opener against Central Oklahoma with a team-high 15 points and snatched away two steals. Turnbull turned a dominant performance against Northeastern State in the home opener posting 27 points, while collecting five rebounds, dishing out four assists, blocking a shot and getting two steals.

Get Your Games Comin' In Hot

The Lions are in the middle of a three game road stretch after resting for three weeks prior to Saturdays' game against Pittsburg State. Following the game against Washburn the Lions travel to Emporia to take on #11 Emporia State headlined by last season's MIAA Freshman of the Year and Week 7's Athlete of the Week Tre'zure Jobe.

Ichabod Returners

Picked to finish eighth in the MIAA, the Ichabods return 12 from last seasons 18-12 team. Gone are third-team selection Reagan Phelan and honorable mention Shelbe Piggie but returning is Hunter Bentley who also garnered honorable mention status from the MIAA.

Last Time Out For Washburn

Playing Missouri Western the Ichabods led from the tip to the final buzzer after starting the game off with technical free-throws converted by Hunter Bentley. Bentley finished with a game-high 27 points shooting 8-of-13 from the field 4-of-8 from the three point line and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line while pulling down nine rebounds. Abby Oliver pitched in with 12 points and six rebounds while Nuria Barrientos had nine points and 12 rebounds to go along with five assists.

MSSU men to play No. 8 Washburn

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will head out on the road as the Lions head to Topeka to take on Washburn University Thursday evening. Tip off from Lee Arena is set for 7:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) at #8 Washburn (8-1, 8-1 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 14, 2021
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm
Location: Topeka, Kan.
Site: Lee Arena
Series Record: Washburn leads 48-35
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (128-65 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). Brett Ballard (66-28 overall/at WU - 3rd year)

The Series

Washburn holds a 48-35 lead in the series, but Southern has won 19 out of the last 24 games. The Lions lead 20-19 in games played in Joplin, and Washburn holds a 29-12 vs. MSSU in Topeka. The Lions lead 3-1, on neutral floors. 

The Lions have had few winning streaks in the series. The longest, five games, has happened twice. The Ichabods won 11-straight from February 1984 through February 1989. 

Missouri Southern's most convincing victory was 37 points, 110-73, in 2013-14. Washburn's largest victory margin was 38 points, 94-56, and came in the 88-89 season. The Lions have won all three of the meetings in the NCAA Tournament. Three of the games in the series have went OT.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

So far this year, the Lions lead the MIAA rebound margin, while ranking second in total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game and ranking third in blocked shots and defensive rebounds.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

Southern ranks 10th nationally in total blocks, while ranking 11th in total rebounds. The Lions rank 20th in both free throw attempts and free throws made, while ranking 21st in rebound margin.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in scoring, total points, total field goals made, total attempts, and free throw attempts. Martin ranks third in total rebounds, free throws made and field goal percentage. Stan Scott ranks second in field goal percentage, while Christian Bundy ranks second in blocks.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Martin leads Division II in free throw attempts, while ranking second in total field goals made and total points. He ranks fifth in total field goal attempts and scoring, while ranking sixth in total rebounds and double-doubles.

New Career Highs

Against Newman, both Kyle Young (23 points) and Stan Scott (19 points) set their individual career-highs for single-game scoring. Lawson Jenkins set his individual single-game record for points with 14 against Rogers State.

Records Watch

Cam Martin sits in four different MSSU career categories for the Lions. Martin currently has the top career scoring average at 23.5, while ranking fifth in career field goal percentage (.586), fourth in career rebounds (665) and sixth in career scoring (1,672).

Cam You Score A lot

Cam Martin put himself amongst the Missouri Southern single-season scoring leaders when he became only the second Lion to ever score 700 or more points, joining Taevaunn Prince in that category last season. He finished with 720 which is the second most scored in a single-season at MSSU. Martin eclipsed his total from that season with 746 last year and is the only player in Southern history to do that twice in a career.

Active NCAA Career Leaders

Cam Martin is in rare company among the active career leaders in NCAA Division II. Martin currently is the active career leader in field goals made, free throws made, freee throws attempted, scoring average and double-doubles. Martin ranks second in active career points, while also leading Division II among the group of individuals with 1,500 points and 600 rebounds.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action this Saturday when Southern travels to Emporia State. Tip off from White Auditorium is set for 3:30 pm.

So you want to be a Joplin High School Football offensive coordinator

The Joplin R-8 School District is looking for a replacement for former JHS Football Offensive Coordinator Brandon Taute, who was recently hired as head coach at Neosho High School.

An advertisement for the position was posted today on the district website.

Position: JHS Assistant Football Coach-Offensive Coordinator

Term: Supplemental Position for 2021-2022 School Year

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Head Coach, Athletic Director

Joplin Schools is looking for an energetic individual that enjoys working with high school age students and has the ability to teach those students the skills needed to succeed in football. In addition, previous football coaching experience is preferred.

General Expectations:

Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
Supports the value of education.
Complies with the privacy rights of students.
Safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
Communicates effectively with all the members of the school district and community.
Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
Reacts to change productively.
Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes.
Ensures that all activities conform to district and state guidelines.

Responsibilities

Duties include but not limited to:
Develop practice plans to teach football fundamentals and make the game of footballl fun.
Take direction from high school head football coaches and athletic directors.
Manage equipment

Supervisory Duties

Supervise students at all times

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

MSSU recruits top junior college golfer

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern head golf coach Mike Wheeler has announced the addition of Tradgon McCrae for the 2021-22 school year.

McCrae comes to the Lions from Hutchinson Community College where he has been competing on the No. 1 ranked team in the junior college rankings. 

The Blue Dragons won the NJCAA National Preview and McCrae has been ranked as high as No. 4 in the junior college rankings. McCrae currently is carrying an average of 72.

McCrae prepped at Hays High School where he was a four-year letter winner for coach Mark Watts. He was a first-team All-Conference selection and was the Conference Player of the Year as a junior. A two-time first-team All-State selection, McCrae finished fifth as a freshman, fourth as a junior and third as a senior at the Kansas State Championships.

McCrae also lettered three times in basketball and four times in soccer, while also picking up a varsity letter in baseball. His best round has been a score of 67.

The son of Melea and Terrance McCrae, Tradgon plans to major in physical education at Southern.

"Tradgon McCrae is a great young man from western Kansas," Wheeler said. "He is currently on Coach Chris Young's No. 1 ranked Hutchison Community College Blue Dragons and is the No. 4 player in the Division 1 junior college ranks with a scoring average of 72.48. He is powerful and gives himself a lot of looks for birdie. Tradgon is a perfect fit for our fall 2021 roster."

Missouri Southern women fall to PSU 70-67

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Pittsburg, Kan. - The Missouri Southern women's basketball team held a ten-point halftime lead, but Pittsubrg State utilized a 12-0 run over the end of the third quarter into the fourth and held off the Lions 70-67 today inside John Lance Arena.

Southern (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) was led offensively from Carley Turnbull as the senior scored 18 points and added seven rebounds. 

Kaitlin Hunnicutt scored a career-high 15 points going 5-of-10 from the field, while Madi Stokes and Zoe Campbell had eight rebounds each. Campbell finished with a season-high eight points, while Biance Stocks dished out a game and career-high seven assists.

Pitt (6-3, 6-3 MIAA) was led in scoring by Kaylee DaMitz with 25 points.

A three-pointer from Hunnicutt with 4:41 left in the first quarter gave the Lions a 12-6 lead early on while a layup from Biance Stocks with two minutes to go in the quarter pushed the lead to eight (20-18). The Lions led 22-17 after one.

A bucket from Turnbull with 8:18 left in the 2nd pushed the lead to eight (27-19), but a bucket from Pitt's DaMitz with six minutes to go got the Gorillas within one (27-26). A three from Turnbull the next trip down and a jumper from Stocks with 4:15 to go pushed the lead back to six (32-26) for the Lions. A three from Hunnicutt with three on the clock pushed the lead to seven (35-28), while a layup from Hailey Grant and a free throw from Anna Hall gave the Lions a ten-point lead (38-28) at halftime.

A jumper from Turnbull two minutes into the third quarter pushed the Southern lead to 12 (40-28), but the Gorillas would claw back and get within one (40-39) after a bucket from DaMitz with 2:51 left in the third quarter. Southern responded, however, as the Lions went on a 12-4 run to lead 52-43 with 1:22 to go in the quarter. Pitt answered back with a 7-0 run of their own to end the third quarter with the Lions leading 52-50.

Pitt utilized a 12-0 run in the fourth to stretch the lead out to six in the fourth quarter before Turnbull got the Lions on the board in the quarter with two made free throws. A Stocks and-one cut the deficit to three (62-59) with 4:51 remaining.

A Hunnicutt layup with 1:07 left to go cut the deficit to four (68-64), while Turnbull connected on a three with 24 seconds remaining to get the Lions within one (68-67). Southern trailed by three with seven seconds left but couldn't complete the comeback.

The Lions shot 40 percent from the field and had a 44-35 advantage on the boards. Southern had a 20-10 advantage in second-chance points while the Lions scored 39 points off the bench, including the first points of the year for Hailey Grant.

Southern will be back in action on January 14 as the Lions travel to Washburn. Tip off from Lee Arena is set for 5:30 pm.

MSSU falls to Pitt State 83-67 despite Cam Martin's 33-point performance

 

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Pittsburg, Kan. - Cam Martin scored 30 or more points for the third-straight game and moved into sixth-place on the Missouri Southern all-time scoring list, but the Lions couldn't overcome a hot-shooting Pittsburg State squad, falling 83-67 today inside John Lance Arena.

Southern (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) got 33 points and 11 rebounds from Martin who passed both Skyler Bowlin and Marquis Addison to move into sixth-place all-time on the MSSU scoring list. He now has 1,672 points and 665 rebounds, which put him into the top-five of that career category.

Keryn Collins scored a career-high 14 points in his first start of the season.

Pitt (5-4, 5-4 MIAA) was led in scoring by 26 points from Martin Vogts and 22 points from Bobby Arthur-Williams Jr.

A three-pointer from Martin with 11:54 left in the first half gave the Lions a 17-13 lead, but the Gorillas tied the game up at 17 after a jumper from Zach Burch with 9:45 on the clock. Pitt finished off a 7-0 run to lead 20-19 with 9:17 on the clock, but a pair of free throws from Martin got the Lions within two (26-24) with 6:15 left on the clock. Pitt would take a 40-32 lead into the locker room at the break.

The Gorillas led 51-36 with 14:12 remaining on the clock, but a jumper from Kyle Younge stopped a run and got the Lions within 13 (51-38). Lawson Jenkins made both ends of a free throw attempt to cap a 6-0 run for the Lions and get Southern within eight 65-57 with 7:38 to go. That was as close as the Lions got.

Southern shot 41 percent from the field in the game and had a 20-14 advantage in points in the paint.

Southern will be back in action on January 14 as the Lions travel to Washburn. Tip off from Lee Arena is set for 7:30 pm.

MSSU men to play at Pittsburg State University

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will be back in action tomorrow as the Lions will head west to tangle with Pittsburg State. Tip off between the Lions and Gorillas from John Lance Arena is set for 3:30 pm.

Game Information

Teams: Missouri Southern (4-3, 4-3 MIAA) at Pittsburg State (4-4, 4-4 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 9, 2021
Tip-Off: 3:30 pm
Location: Pittsburg, Kan.
Site: John Lance Arena
Series Record: Southern leads 59-47
Coaches: Jeff Boschee (128-64 overall/at MSSU - 7th year). Kim Anderson (351-210 overall/50-48 at PSU)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Mike McClure - Play by play - Fox Sports Joplin - 101.3, 107.9 FM, AM 1560 & 1340; KXMS 88.7 FM
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

The Series

This will be the 107th meeting all-time between the two schools. The Lions lead 59-47 in the all-time series with 29 wins in their last 45 tries, including nine of the last ten vs. the Gorillas.The Lions are 38-13 at home all-time vs. the Gorillas with wins in 15 of the last 18 home meetings. Southern is 19-31 at Pittsburg. Twenty of the last 37 games between the two border rivals have been decided by seven points or less.The 106 games played between the two schools is the most played between any two schools in MSSU history.

MIAA Team Stat Leaders

So far this year, the Lions lead the MIAA in blocked shots per game, total blocks, and total assists, while ranking second in defensive rebounds per game, rebound margin and total rebounds.

NCAA Team Stat Leaders

Southern ranks in the top-ten nationally in five different NCAA categories. The Lions lead Division II in total rebounds, while ranking third in total blocks, fifth in total assists, ninth in three point field goal attempts, and tenth in total three pointers made. Southern ranks 13th in both free throw attempts and free throws made, while ranking 14th in rebound margin, 18th in total steals and 20th in both total rebounds and defensive rebounds per game.

MIAA Individual Stat Leaders

Cam Martin leads the MIAA in scoring, total blocks, total field goal attempts, total field goals made, and total points, while ranking second in total minutes, and third in defensive rebounds per game, free throws made and total rebounds. Stan Scott ranks second in total field goals made, third in total points, field goal percentage and total steals, while RJ Smith ranks third in offensive rebounds per game.

NCAA Individual Stat Leaders

Martin leads Division II in total field goal attempts, total field goals made, and total points, while ranking third in free throws made, fourth in total minutes, fifth in free throw attempts and total rebounds, seventh in double-doubles and ninth in total assists. Scott ranks seventh in total field goals made, eighth in total steals, ninth in total points and 13th in total minutes. RJ Smith ranks seventh in total rebounds, while Christian Bundy is fourth in total blocks.

New Career Highs

Against Newman, both Kyle Young (23 points) and Stan Scott (19 points) set their individual career-highs for single-game scoring. Lawson Jenkins set his individual single-game record for points with 14 against Rogers State.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action on January 14 as Southern travels to Washburn to take on the Ichabods. Tip off from Lee Arena is slated for 7:30 pm.

MSSU women return to action at Pittsburg State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's basketball team hits the road to take on rival Pittsburg State tomorrow for the first action of the new year. Tip-off from John Lance Arena on Whetzel Court is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern (4-3, 4-3 MIAA) at Pittsburg State (5-3, 5-3 MIAA)
Date: Jan. 9, 2021
Tip-Off: 1:30 pm
Location: Pittsburg, Kan.
Site: John Lance Arena

Series Record: Gorillas, Leads the series 53-42

Coaches

MSSU: Ronnie Ressel, 51-71 (5th Season)
PSU: Amanda Davied, 43-23 (3rd Season)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Mike McClure - Play by play - Fox Sports Joplin - 101.3, 107.9 FM, AM 1560 & 1340; KXMS 88.7 FM
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @MssuWbb

Anchors Down

The Lions are limiting opponents to 36.8 percent from the floor and 30.6 percent from the three-point line this season. Led individually by Madi Stokes 21 blocks and Carley Turnbull having nine steals already the Lions are primmed to shut down teams down low and on the perimeter. While ranking atop the MIAA in team blocks and turnovers forced.

Bench Sparks

Freshman guard Kaitlin Hunnicutt and junior guard/forward Amaya Johns are bringing it off the bench this season. Johns is second on the team in scoring averaging 9.7 per game in 15.7 minuets per game, while Hunnicutt is tied for a team-high with 11 made threes in the early going and has a scoring average of 8.9 per game in 21.3 minuets per game. 

Johns scored 21 points against Rogers State going 7-of-9 from the field, 1-of-2 from behind the three point line and 6-of-6 from the charity stripe. Hunnicutt announced herself to the Pride in the season opener against Central Oklahoma as she connected on four three pointers and finished the game with 14 points.

Athlete of the Week

Senior guard/forward Carley Turnbull became the latest Lion to be named MIAA Athlete of the Week (Week 3) after averaging 25 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal per game leading the Lions to wins over Northeastern State and Rogers State on home court in week three of the season. Turnbull was efficient from the field shooting 51.3 percent and was 82 percent from the charity stripe. The last Lion to win this award was Chelsey Henry in Jan. 2018.

Well Rested Lions

To kick-off the 2021 portion of the season the Lions have been resting since their game against Missouri Western on December 19th. With the hiatus set to end when the Lions take on rivals Pittsburg State in the 96th edition of the series.

Gorilla Returners

Picked to finish fourth in the MIAA, the starting guard spots will be headlined by first-team selection Kaylee DaMitz who led the conference in assists (5.5) and third-team selection Tristan Gegg who led the conference in scoring (17.9) last season. 

Maya Williams is back for another trip as the Carthage high school product finished the season with averages of 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. Sydnee Crain, Erin Davis, Ashton McCorry, and Julia Johnson are back as well for the Gorillas.

1-2-3 Punch

Kaylee DaMitz, Tristan Gegg, and Maya Williams are all adept at scoring in the paint, mid-range, or from behind the three point line. The three pronged attack that has been together for year three now, and have steadily been forces to recon with the best in the MIAA. 

Gegg led the conference in scoring last season and was a third-team selection. DaMitz was Freshman of the Year two seasons ago and was a first-team selection this past season after leading the conference in assists for the second consecutive season. Williams has been a steady scoring presence for the gorillas since her sophomore season and is having her best season shooting from behind the three point line.

Last Time Out For Pittsburg State

Playing Northwest Missouri the Gorillas never trailed and rolled onto a 80-50 win at home. Tristan Gegg had a game-high 15 points while dishing out six assists. Kaylee DaMitz had 12 points and seven assists. Julia Johnson had 13 points going 5-for-5 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free throw line. Maya Williams hit her season average as she posted 11 points. Sydnee Crain had a game-high four steals off the bench.

Bruggeman stepping down as MSSU athletic director

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern State University Director of Athletics Jared Bruggeman announced he will step down effective March 16, 2021, coinciding with the conclusion of the winter sports season. Bruggeman has served as Director of Athletics at Missouri Southern since 2009.

During his tenure, Bruggeman provided leadership in several key areas to advance Southern athletics. 

He worked to ensure not only the success of student athletes in championships and academics, but also the creation of major additions to campus facilities through fundraising efforts. 

Projects such as the Warren Turner Field, North Endzone Fieldhouse, and indoor golf practice facility have been built along with video board and artificial turf installment at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, and the complete overhaul of the strength and conditioning center at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Multiple MIAA and individual NCAA championships, individual awards and accolades for teams, student athletes and coaching staff occurred during Bruggeman's years at Missouri Southern. In 2020, student-athletes at MSSU posted a cumulative grade point average (GPA) above a 3.00 for the sixth-straight semester, proving their commitment to excel in both athletics and in the classroom.

Bruggeman will continue to serve Missouri Southern through May, collaborating on the potential development of a sports management program and on select athletic fundraising projects.

Current Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Management Cori Reid will lead Lion athletics as interim director of athletics beginning in mid-march.

Reid returned to Missouri Southern Athletics in 2019 after previously serving in the same position at MSSU from 2012-14. During her time away from Southern, Reid served as the athletics director for Neosho High School.

Reid graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in sports and fitness management and a master's in sports administration.