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Prep roundup: Dillinger’s gem powers Eagles past Clearwater (3/29/24)NAYLOR — The Naylor Eagles defeated the visiting Clearwater Tigers 7-4 on Thursday on the strength of a six-inning, 12-strikeout performance from starting pitcher Chase Dillinger. Dillinger gave up three runs on four hits with only one walk against the dozen strikeouts...
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DAR Prep Roundup: Baseball/Softball (3/19/24)The baseball and softball season is in full swing, and a lot of action occurred throughout the area on Monday. With only a few games under each team’s belt, some aimed to get their first victory of the season, while the others saw an opportunity to add more to the win column...
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Mules roll past Neelyville in debut (3/16/24)The spring baseball season is here, and the weather held off long enough for a bright and sunny opening day. The Neelyville Tigers clashed against the Poplar Bluff Mules on Friday at Poplar Bluff High School in an area rematch from last year’s season opener, where the Mules walked away victorious. Though the Tigers were looking forward to welcoming the Mules to their turf for their home opener, weather conditions handed them a little adversity to open the season...
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Baseball: Poplar Bluff vs. Neelyville (3/15/24)
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Tigers looking to be one percent better every day on diamond (3/15/24)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Tigers aim to improve one percent each day as they gear up for a vigorous baseball season. With last season’s defeat in the Class 2 District 1 championship game lingering over their heads, the Tigers are eager to step back onto the ball field and return to the big game. Head coach David Crockett said the Tigers had some good practices leading up to opening day and has noticed a big boost of confidence from his team...
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Portageville defies all odds, erases 20-point second-half deficit in a sectional stunner (2/27/24)NEELYVILLE, Mo. – Sometimes, the script flips in an instant. For Portageville, its MSHSAA Class 2 Sectional showdown against Neelyville seemed all too familiar. Yet, when all hope appeared lost, a spark of defiance ignited, and the impossible became reality...
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Portageville storms back to beat Lady Tigers (2/27/24)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Lady Tigers basketball season comes to an end in this year’s Class 2 state tournament after an intense battle. While proving they were the best team in their respective districts, the Neelyville Lady Tigers clashed with the Portageville Lady Bulldogs on Monday in the first round of the Class 2 state tournament...
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Girls Basketball: Neelyville vs Portageville (Sectionals) (2/27/24)
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Class 2 Sectional Round GBK: Portagevlle at Neelyville (2/27/24)Photos from Portageville's 50-49 win at Neelyville in the sectional round of the MSHSAA Class 2 State Tournament on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.
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District roundup: Neelyville, Twin Rivers win titles (2/24/24)VAN BUREN — The third was a charm for the Neelyville Lady Tigers against the East Carter Lady Redbirds. After losing to East Carter by four and eight points, respectively, in the regular season, Neelyville used a hot start Friday night to fuel a 75-63 win over the Lady Redbirds in the MSHSAA Class 2 District 2 championship game at Van Buren High School...
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C2D1: Hayti ends Tigers’ season in district semis (2/23/24)HOLCOMB — The Neelyville Tigers season ended Thursday night in a heartbreaking 71-60 loss to the Hayti Indians in their second-round Class 2 District 1 game at Holcomb High School. The Tigers received a first-round bye as the top-seeded team, while Hayti, the fifth seed, beat fourth-seeded Bernie 50-39 on Tuesday night...
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C2D1 BKB: Neelyville to get defensive with Hayti (2/22/24)For anyone curious as to why the Neelyville High School boy’s basketball squad is having its best season in several years, they can simply look at how the Tigers defend on each possession.
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C2D2 GBK: Lady Tigers advance at the buzzer (2/22/24)VAN BUREN — The top four seeds in the Class 2 District 2 Tournament returned to Van Buren High School to compete for a spot in the championship game. The Neelyville Tigers faced off against the No. 3 team in Class 2, the Thayer Lady Bobcats, while the No.8 team, the Alton Lady Comets, went head-to-head with the No. 4 team, the East Carter Lady Redbirds. With three Class 2 ranked teams in the mixup, one could expect some highly competitive basketball...
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C2D2: Lady Tigers advance to semifinals with win over Greenville (2/20/24)VAN BUREN — Everything has come down to this moment where many teams will compete against the best in their district, hoping to be crowned a district champion to land a spot in the state tournament. With the No. 1 seed Thayer High School holding a first-round bye in the Class 2 District 2 Tournament, the other remaining teams went head-to-head on Monday at Van Buren High School for a chance to play in the semifinals...
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C2D2 GBK: Neeyville vs Greenville (2/19/24)
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Risco ends regular season on good note with tough OT W at Neelyville (2/18/24)NEELYVILLE – Both varsity boy’s basketball squads at Risco and Neelyville high schools have enjoyed their best seasons in several years, so when they recently met, yes, everyone knew the Tigers would prevail, but which team?
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Risco bkb at Neelyville (2/18/24)NEELYVILLE - Risco topped Neelyville 51-48 in overtime on Thursday in varsity boy's basketball action at Neelyville High School.
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Bears down Tigers to repeat as champs (2/10/24)The top two boys seeds in the Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament faced off Friday in the main event — the championship game. The defending OFC champions and the No. 1 seed Greenville Bears looked to repeat as they took on the No. 2 Neelyville Tigers at Three Rivers College’s Libla Family Sports Complex...
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OFC Championship Boys: Greenville vs Neelyville (2/10/24)
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OFC Tournament: Lady Tigers roll past Twin Rivers for third place (2/9/24)DONIPHAN — The Neelyville Lady Tigers claimed third place in the Ozark Foothills Conference TournamentThursday night with a dominating 63-20 win over the Twin Rivers Lady Royals at Wright Gymnasium. “We played great team defense and rebounded the ball well,” said Lady Tigers head coach Becky Hale...
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OFC Tournament: Neelyville pulls away in second half to get past Twin Rivers (2/7/24)By MARK J. SANDERS Contributing Writer DONIPHAN — The second-seeded Neelyville Tigers won a hard-fought Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament semifinal over cross-county rival Twin Rivers 44-26 Tuesday night at Wright Gymnasium. Both teams started with frenetic intensity at both ends, but whether it was tenacious defense or tight shooting to blame, the opening 2-2 score held for more than four minutes...
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Donettes, East Carter to face off in OFC title game (2/6/24)DONIPHAN — With a chance to win their fourth consecutive Ozark Foothills Conference championship, the Doniphan Donettes took the first step with a dominant performance in the semifinals. The OFC No. 1 seed, Doniphan Donettes, took on the No. 4 seeded Twin Rivers Lady Royals on Monday at Doniphan High School for a spot in the championship game...
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OFC: Tigers advances with win over Naylor (2/5/24)DONIPHAN — The Neelyville Tigers opened OFC Tournament play with a 58 to 44 victory over the Naylor Eagles on Saturday at Wright Gymnasium in Doniphan. The second-seeded Tigers (15-7) fell into an early hole when the seventh-seeded Eagles (4-18) came out firing three-pointers on offense and frustrating their opponent on defense to jump out to an 11-3 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter...
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OFC: Twin Rivers and Neelyville thrives in first round (2/4/24)DONIPHAN — The Neelyville High School Lady Tigers turned forced turnovers into a first-round win. The No.3 Lady Tigers went head-to-head with the No. 5 seed Naylor Lady Eagles in the annual Ozark Foothills Conference basketball tournament on Saturday at Doniphan High School...
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OFC Basketball: Twin Rivers vs Greenville - Girls (2/4/24)
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ENCORE PERFORMANCE? Top seeds aim to repeat as OFC tourney champs (2/2/24)The stage is set for one of the top basketball tournaments in the area, and lovers of the game can prepare for a week of total nonstop action on the court. Basketball coaches from the Ozark Foothills Conference met on Wednesday to seed the annual OFC Tournament that kicks off on Saturday at Doniphan High School...
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Jackson dominates to earn big victory over Lady Mules (2/2/24)The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules attempted to keep their recent hot streak rolling, but they had a tough task ahead as they hosted the Jackson Lady Indians on Thursday. After snagging their third consecutive win in their last contest, the Lady Mules struggled to get much going offensively and fell to Jackson 69-35 as their winning streak came to an end...
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Neelyville earns double-digit road win over Dons (1/31/24)DONIPHAN — The Doniphan Dons lost a tough game Tuesday to the visiting Neelyville Tigers 65-51 at Wright Gymnasium. The game for Doniphan presented stark contrasts in performance, with the first quarter ending in a 9-9 tie and the Dons outscoring the Tigers 22-11 in the fourth quarter...
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Girls Basketball: Neelyville vs Twin Rivers (1/30/24)
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Lady Tigers roar in win over Twin Rivers (1/30/24)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Lady Tigers pushed their opponents to their limits with high-pressure defense. As both teams prepare to participate in the annual Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament which tips off this upcoming weekend, snatching a win in this matchup was the No. 1 priority...
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Donettes lock up OFC, go to 16-0 (1/27/24)NEELYVILLE — The Doniphan Donettes claimed the regular-season championship in the Ozark Foothills Conference Friday night with a 63-36 road victory over the Neelyville Lady Tigers. Doniphan extended its undefeated season record to 16-0 and claimed the OFC championship for their fourth consecutive year...
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PREP ROUNDUP: Tigers rally past East Carter (1/24/24)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Tigers came back in the second half to defeat the East Carter Redbirds 50- 41 Tuesday night. Neelyville improved to 11-6, while the Redbirds saw their record drop to 6-9. “East Carter is a tough, well-coached team,” said Neelyville coach Brad Burdin. ...
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Kennett tops Neelyville for third at LRCC (12/24/23)BROSELEY — Neelyville sophomore Parker Ernst put the Tigers on her back in the fourth quarter Saturday night. Ernst scored 10 of her team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter of the Tigers’ matchup against Kennett in the third-place game of the 2023 Lady Royals Christmas Classic at Twin Rivers High School...
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Tigers continue to find their stride (12/22/23)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Tigers high school boys basketball team looks to finish strong before the holidays. After suffering a loss in their last matchup against Puxico on Wednesday, the Tigers returned to the gym early the next day to get better. Head coach Brad Burdin said the team is not where they need to be, but they are heading in the right direction...
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Donettes pass the test: Doniphan shakes off cold start to make LRCC finals (12/22/23)BROSELEY — The Doniphan Donettes are one step closer to being crowned the Lady Royals Christmas Classic champions. The Neelyville Lady Tigers needed to limit all mistakes in the fourth quarter while taking on an undefeated Doniphan squad. Despite the fight, the Donettes keep their perfect record rolling with a 43-37 win to earn a spot in the finals...
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Basketball: Neelyville vs. Puxico (12/20/23)
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Lady Royals Christmas Classic: Neeyville vs Hayti (12/16/23)
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Breaking down the Lady Royals Christmas Classic (12/15/23)By TYLER DIXON Sports Editor Saturday starts a week of hoops at Twin Rivers High School for the annual Lady Royals Christmas Classic. The action starts on Saturday with eight games on the schedule. Admission is $5 each day. The second round is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday with games at 6 p.m. ...
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Neelyville hoops makes trips to Hoosier country for doubleheader (12/14/23)The Neelyville Tigers and Lady Tigers made a trip to Hoosier country on Saturday as the two played a district matchup against Alton at the famed Hoosier Fieldhouse in Knightstown, Indiana. “The experience of going to Indiana and getting the opportunity to play in the Hoosier Gym was amazing from the ride up to the ride home,” Tigers head coach Brad Burdin said. “This is something our players were looking forward to for the majority of this year, so it was great to finally make it happen.”...
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Neelyville cruises by Campbell in home rout (12/13/23)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Lady Tigers made short work of the Campbell Lady Camels on Tuesday as they cruised to the 79-11 victory. Lady Tiger head coach Becky Hale said it’s important in a lopsided game to not develop any bad habits. “We just have to have goals that we’re trying to get to,” she said...
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Girls Basketball: Neelyville vs Campbell (12/13/23)The Neelyville Lady Tigers cruised to the 79-11 victory over Campbell on Tuesday as multiple Lady Tigers finished in double figures.
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Lady Tigers, EC take home MCCA State Championships (12/12/23)After back-to-back second-place finishes at the MCCA State Cheerleading Championships, the Neelyville Lady Tigers took down perennial power Putnam County to win the 1A Small Division title. “We still can’t decide if this is a dream or if it’s real,” the squad said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to our amazing parents for supporting us on this journey.”...
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Neelyville Tigers, Lady Tigers to play in historic Hickory (12/9/23)The Neelyville Tigers and Lady Tigers have a rare Friday night off during the hoops season as both teams loaded up and took a drive to Indiana for a once in a life-time opportunity. The Neelyville boys and girls basketball teams will play in Knightstown, Indiana, at the historic Hickory Gymnasium, por-trayed in the movie “Hoosiers.”...
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BOYS BASKTBALL: Twin Rivers vs Neelyville (12/2/23)The Twin Rivers Royals held off a rally in the third quarter from the Neelyville Tigers to claim third place in the Bernie Invitational Tournament on Friday at Bernie High School.
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Girls Basketball Roundup: Kelly demolishes Malden (11/28/23)MALDEN, Mo — The Kelly girls’ basketball team blazes past Malden in a season-opening rout, 69-34, on Monday, Nov. 27. The Lady Hawks (1-0) aggressive defense smothered the Green Waves’ (0-1) attempts to get into a rhythm, forcing turnovers that fueled many fast break chances...
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Bernie Invitational Tournament: Royals, Camels battle to double overtime (11/28/23)BERNIE — Fresh off the Thanksgiving break and straight to the hardwood. Many teams got their first taste of the 2023–24 basketball season as the Bernie Mules hosted their basketball invitational on Monday. The tournament included many teams throughout the southeast, such as Puxico, Bloomfield, Neelyville, Campbell, Twin Rivers High School and many more...
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Neelyville Tigers host basketball jamboree (11/14/23)The Neelyville Tigers returned to the hardwood on Monday to host their annual basketball Jamboree. The Tigers welcomed the Kelly Hawks and the Advance Hornets for a few games of competition to warm up for the 2023–2024 basketball season. With tryouts and the first practice out the way, Neelyville’s head coach Brad Burdin said it felt great to finally get back on the floor and compete against other players...
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Basketball: Neelyville Boys Jamboree (11/13/23)The Neelyville Tigers returned to the hardwood on Monday to host their annual basketball Jamboree.
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Local softball players earn postseason recognition (10/31/23)The All-SEMO Conference Softball Team is a celebration of the best and brightest that the conference has to offer, and the 2023 edition features players who have shown us what it means to persevere in the face of challenge and have demonstrated the true meaning of sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat...
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Chaffee downs Neelyville for crown (10/17/23)BENTON — Neelyville head softball coach Dan Sexton has said at times this year was his reintroduction to coaching and after the dust settled on Monday and the Lady Tigers finished runner-up to the Chaffee Red Devils for the Class 2, District 1 Softball Championship, he was immediately thinking ahead of how they could improve ahead of the spring season...
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C2D1 Softball: Neelyville downs Kelly to advance to district final (10/13/23)The Neelyville Lady Tigers hit the road Friday and took down Kelly 6-1 to advance to the Class 2, District 1 Tournament championship.
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LADY TIGERS DOWN ROYALS IN QUARTERFINALS (10/13/23)NEELYVILLE — A dominant performance at the plate from the Dobbins sisters led the Neelyville Lady Tigers to the next round of the district tournament. The weather was nice and clear for some good softball action on Thursday as the Lady Tigers hosted rival Twin Rivers to kick off the Class 2 District 1 Tournament...
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C2D1: Neelyville hosts Twin Rivers (10/12/23)The Class 2, District 1 Softball Tournament comes to Neelyville on Thursday as the Lady Tigers host Twin Rivers in the first round at 4 p.m. While the baseball teams from the respective high schools were battling this week in the OFCC Tournament at Three Rivers, their softball counterparts will also battle on Thursday but to extend their season and see who advances to take on the winner of Kelly and Jefferson...
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DAR Prep Roundup BB, Golf, SB, VB (10/3/23)BASEBALL Twin Rivers 11, ADVANCE 0 The Twin Rivers Royals cruised by the Advance Hornets on Monday as they started the week with an 11-0 victory. Twin Rivers finished with 11 hits as they oped the game with seven runs in the top of the first. D Soloman (2-4, 3 RBIs, run) and Luke Hester (2-3, 2 RBIs, run) had multuple hits for theRoyals while all nine starts scored in the game and Jake Hester and Bryce Dollins each scored twice...
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Sept. 21 Prep Roundup: BB/SB/VB/GOLF (9/22/23)Roundup BASEBALL Senath-Hornersville 2, Twin Rivers 0 The Twin Rivers Royals took a loss on the road against Senath-Hornersville 2-0. Joshua Lilly opened the game for Twin Rivers Varsity. They surrendered three hits and two runs over two innings, striking out one and walking two. Drew Soloman led Twin Rivers with one hit in three at bats...
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Twin Rivers split games at Neelyville (9/15/23)The Neelyville High School Tigers baseball and softball team hosted a doubleheader in Thursday’s matchup as they took on the Twin Rivers Royals. While one team flourished with home-field advantage, the other would capture a tough loss. The Lady Tigers reigned supreme as they pulled away from the Lady Royals late in the fifth inning with a 13-5 victory. The Tigers, however, suffered a 13-0 shutout at home, while the Royals picked up their third consecutive win...
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Bloomfield shutout Tigers at home (9/12/23)A series of mistakes would cause the Neelyville High School Tigers baseball team to fall behind as they attempted to defend the home field. In Monday’s matchup against the Bloomfield High School Wildcats, the Neelyville Tigers struggled to bring in any runs and would suffer an 11-0 shutout loss...
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PHOTO GALLERY: Neelyville vs. Bloomfield BB (9/12/23)The Neelyville High School Tigers baseball team faced off against the Bloomfield Wildcats in Monday's matchup.
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Aug. 31 Sports Roundup: BB/SB/VB/SWIM (9/1/23)BASEBALL South Iron 9, Neelyville 2 The Neelyville Tigers fell to South Iron 9-2 Thursday. South Iron went up 6-0 after three as the Tigers added runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings but it wasn’t enough for the comeback. Zak Cowley had two hits for Neelyville...
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Bernie's best: Mules start fast to down Neelyville for C2D1 title (5/17/23)SENATH — The third time was the charm for the Bernie Mules against the Neelyville TIgers when it mattered the most. After suffering two losses to Neelyville during the regular season, the Mules got their revenge in the best way in Tuesday’s Class 2 District 1 championship game...
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Baseball Roundup: Neelyville advances to district championship, Twin Rivers and Mules fall short (5/16/23)Multiple teams competed for a chance at a district title, and one team looked to finish the regular season on a high note.
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Dons, Tigers pick up victories on diamond (5/10/23)DONIPHAN — The Doniphan Dons used early offense to take down South Iron 9-6 on Tuesday afternoon. The Panthers got on the board first in the top of the opening frame, but Doniphan responded with four runs in the second and third innings while adding one in the bottom of the sixth to take its 11th victory of the season...
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Donettes rally last for title (4/21/23)It has been said he who laughs last laughs best. The same is true for rallies on the softball diamond. The Doniphan Donettes rallied from a three-run deficit in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday to pull out an 11-10 victory over the Neelyville Lady Tigers in Ozark Foothills Conference championship game at J.D. Rains Field...
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Neelyville, Donettes to face off for OFC title (4/20/23)The Ozark Foothills Conference softball tournament will come down to a battle between No. 1 and No. 2. The top-seeded Doniphan Donettes and No. 2 Neelyville Lady Tigers will face off for the tournament championship Thursday afternoon after both schools won their respective semifinal games Wednesday at J.D. Rains Field. Neelyville turned back third-seeded Twin Rivers 9-6 in the first semifinal, then the Donettes defeated No. 5 Greenville 7-4 in the second semifinal...
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OFC top seeds have good day in first round (4/19/23)The two highest seeds playing in the first round of Tuesday’s Ozark Foothills Conference softball tournament at McLane Park did not have much trouble advancing to the tournament semifinals. Second-seeded Neelyville rolled past No. 7 East Carter 12-5, while No. 3 Twin Rivers shook off a slow start to defeat sixth-seeded Naylor 7-2...
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Portageville wins doubleheader against NMCC and Neelyville (3/31/23)PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — The Portageville baseball team earned a pair of quality wins over Neelyville and New Madrid County Central on Thursday, March 30. The Bulldogs (10-0) opened the day with a 15-0 over the Tigers (4-4) and ended the evening with a 9-3 victory over the Eagles (2-2)...
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All District and State Basketball teams released (3/23/23)Winter sports have come to an end in Southeast Missouri and for many of the schools in the area, successful seasons. New Madrid County Central won the Class 3 State Championship and the Notre Dame girls and Jackson boys each captured fourth in the state in Class 5 and 6, respectively...
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Neelyville coach: Austin Sheppard is our program (3/23/23)It remains to be seen as to whether or not the Neelyville High School baseball squad will get to play its road game at East Carter today (4:30 p.m.) due to the prediction of heavy rain throughout the region. However, it is becoming seemingly obvious that only Mother Nature is capable of slowing the senior season of Tiger standout Austin Sheppard.
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Neelyville senior says 'Goodnight' to Mules for first time in decade (3/21/23)BERNIE – The baseball programs at Bernie High School and Neelyville High School have disparate histories.
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Neelyville BB at Bernie (3/20/23)BERNIE - Neelyville beat Bernie 11-10 in baseball on Monday at Bernie High School.
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Mules ride fast start to opening win over Neelyville (3/18/23)No extra innings were required on Friday as the Poplar Bluff Mules set the tone for the baseball season by dominating Neelyville on opening day. The Mules built a strong lead early to walk away with a 14-4 victory in only 4 1/2 innings. “It feels good to have the kids come out and have a little bit of success to start the season,” Poplar Bluff coach John David Pattillo said. ...
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Postseason hoop honors rolling in for Cooter, others (3/16/23)The boy’s basketball season may have ended for all MSHSAA Class 2 programs, however, the postseason recognition has just begun for Cooter High School senior Luke Barnes.
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POWER 8: New team tops this week’s poll (3/2/23)Editor’s note: This poll was based on results through Wednesday. All rankings are performance-based per level and sport and not a head-to-head potential barometer. A lot of teams have seen their seasons end so that will drastically affect the current Power 8 poll, but fret not — a team that loses can still be in the poll one last time before falling out permanently and can be considered for the end-of-the-year Team of the Year top 10 countdown...
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On to the final eight: Lady Redbirds beat Neelyville, will face New Haven Saturday (3/1/23)SIKESTON — For all intents and purposes both Ozark Foothills Conference rivals — the East Carter Lady Redbirds and the Neelyville Lady Tigers — are overall young teams finding their groove at the right time — playoff basketball time. So, when both met for the third time this season at Sikeston High School in a Class 2 sectional with a chance to advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal in Farmington, they were obviously just happy to be here, right?...
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C2D1: Cooter surges past Neelyville for championship title (2/25/23)HOLCOMB – With a near-constant ear splitting roar in a completely full Holcomb High School gym, the first-seeded Cooter Wildcats “turned it on” in the second half to defeat third-seeded Neelyville in the Class 2 District 1 championship game Friday, Feb. 24, 2023...
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C2D1: Cooter surges past Neelyville for championship title (2/24/23)
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Lady Tigers power past Hayti, into final (2/24/23)BLOOMFIELD — Thursday night’s first girls’ Class 2 District 1 semifinal game was easy and breezy for Neelyville Lady Tigers as they shut down fourth-seeded Hayti early for a coast to the district championship contest. The last time the Lady Tigers faced off against Hayti, they secured the win in dominant fashion, and this matchup was no different with a 72-30 victory...
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Neelyville upsets Bernie, advances to C2D1 championship (2/23/23)HOLCOMB – Third-seeded Neelyville held off a last-minute effort by second-seeded Bernie Wednesday night to win 64-60 and advance to the Class 2 District 1 championship game at Holcomb High School. “I have to commend my guys,” Neelyville head coach Brad Burdin said. “They worked their tails off and they did it. The coaching staff gave them an idea of what to execute but they ultimately came out and did it.”...
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POWER 8: Greenville boys basketball roars into poll’s top spot (2/22/23)Editor’s note: This poll was based on results through Wednesday. All rankings are performance-based per level and sport and not a head-to-head potential barometer. District tournaments are in full swing for Class 1, 2 and 3 basketball teams, while the Poplar Bluffs, Doniphans and Dexters are all about getting ready to roll next week in their own postseason journeys...
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MILESTONE WIN: Risco’s Brandon Blankenship picks up 300th victory with win over Neelyville (2/21/23)RISCO, Mo. — A game of runs ultimately favored Risco on Friday as longtime head boys basketball coach Brandon Blankenship picked up his 300th career victory with an 86-83 win over Neelyville. Risco (15-12) used a balanced attack against Neelyville (13-12), as Layden Kellum (24) and Sammy Smith (21) to combined for 45 points...
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Bulldogs down Cabool, will face Redbirds in district semifinals (2/21/23)VAN BUREN — The fourth-seeded Van Buren Bulldogs defeated fifth-seeded Cabool 44-32 in a thrilling matchup in the first round of the Class 2 District 2 Tournament Monday night. “We were excited to get on the court and grind it out.” said Van Buren’s Benjamin Hawkins. “The team was the reason we won. We kept each other up and we’re at a point in our season where we finally found our chemistry.”...
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Higher seeds roll on C2D1 tournament opening night (2/21/23)(3) Neelyville vs (6) Campbell Number three-seeded Neelyville (13-12) secured a 53-37 win over number six-seeded Campbell (8-18) Monday in the opening round of the Class 2 District 1 tournament at Holcomb High School. With a contentious, albeit relatively slow, start to Monday night’s game, Neelyville and Campbell tied at 9-9 in the waning minutes of the first quarter with a two-point jumper by the Camels’ Sam Bunting...
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District playoff tournaments preview: Why not Van Buren? Bulldogs set sights high (2/18/23)Tipping off Monday, the newest edition of the state high school basketball postseason will begin with the boys taking center stage. A number of area teams will begin their quest in first-round contests while a small group has been awarded byes into the semifinals with only two wins needed to advance to their respective sweet 16s. ...
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Lady Mules pull away late for win at North County (2/18/23)BONNE TERRE, Missouri — The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules got a big game from Madelyn Eads and pulled away in the second half for a 52-35 win over the North County Lady Raiders Friday night. Poplar Bluff (11-13) led just 19-18 at halftime, but extended its lead to 34-28 after three quarters. However, the fourth quarter belonged to the Lady Mules, who outscored host North County 18-7 to come away with the win...
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PREP ROUNDUP: Duo leads Dons to win at Neelyville (2/17/23)NEELYVILLE — The Doniphan Dons got big games from Emmitt Jones and Max Owen to take a 57-44 win against Ozark Foothills Conference rival Neelyville Thursday night. “Doniphan was able to convert offensively,” said Neelyville coach Brad Burdin. “We couldn’t hit shots like we normally do and just couldn’t get it done.”...
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POWER 8: Donettes ride strong OFC Tournament performance into top spot (2/15/23)Editor’s note: This poll was based on results through Wednesday. All rankings are performance-based per level and sport and not a head-to-head potential barometer. Crazy to think that the newest spring season is a month away and basketball and wrestling are now winding down...
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Lady Tigers come up just short in battle with powerful South Iron (2/15/23)NEELYVILLE — What a way to test one’s playoff mettle with a test of iron. South Iron specifically and that’s who came calling to Neelyville Tuesday night as the host Lady Tigers took on one of the better teams in the state a week away from the beginning of the district playoffs...
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PREP ROUNDUP: Lady Redbirds get big win over Kennett (2/14/23)ELLSINORE — The East Carter Lady Redbirds got 29 points from Brooklyn Kearbey and took a resounding 68-46 victory over the Class 4 Kennett Lady Indians Monday night “Kennett is a more physical team than we’re used to and that’s something we need to get better at playing through,” said East Carter coach Angela Rodgers. “It was not one of our smoothest games, but I’m proud that we didn’t roll over.”...
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Donettes ride defense to three-peat as OFC tourney champs (2/11/23)The Doniphan Donettes made sure that the third time was a charm. After two pretty intense encounters with Ozark Foothills Conference rival Neelyville earlier this season, the Donettes had to dance once more with the Lady Tigers Friday night. This time it was for the OFC Tournament title at the Libla Family Sports Complex at Three Rivers College and No. 1 seed Doniphan took all the drama out of the contest with its defense early and cruised to a surprising 59-29 win over the No. 3 Lady Tigers...
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POWER 8: OFC top hoops seeds take 1-2 spots (2/9/23)Editor's note: This poll was based on results through Wednesday. All rankings are performance-based per level and sport and not a head-to-head potential barometer. The regular season for basketball, swimming and wrestling are just about over with hoops still having a week or so remaining before the games that matter most tip off...
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Neelyville alumna enjoying final year on court (2/9/23)It may be soon to pay adieu to a sport she loves, but Three Rivers College women’s basketball player Makenzi Davis has made the most of her time as a Lady Raider. The redshirt freshman has played in 18 of 20 games this season while averaging 3.8 ppg on 52.1 percent shooting from the field while snaring 3.1 rebounds a contest...
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Early run powers Neelyville upset of East Carter (2/7/23)GREENVILLE — The third-seeded Neelyville Lady Tigers dominated early and staved off a big rally to upset No. 2 East Carter 57-43 Monday in the semifinals of the Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament. The crowd was electric for this matchup as both teams came in with a strong winning record and the chance to prove who was the best between the two...
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OFC TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Bears, Donettes lead field (2/1/23)The weather did whatever it could to disrupt things in the region and other parts of the country, but it couldn’t put a dent in the Ozark Foothills Conference’s plans. The newest edition of the conference basketball tournament will go on as planned as of Wednesday as both seven boys and the same number of girls programs will once again vie for bragging rights in Southeast Missouri...
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Lady Redbirds pick up road win at Neelyville (1/27/23)NEELYVILLE — The East Carter Lady Redbirds had four players in double figures and steadily pulled away in the second and third quarters for a 76-63 win at Neelyville Thursday night. East Carter led 15-13 after the opening period, but pushed its lead to 41-32 by halftime and took a 62-47 lead to the fourth quarter...
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Tigers claw way to win over Royals (1/21/23)NEELYVILLE — it may have been a little brisk weather-wise in Southeast Missouri Friday night, but it was a cauldron of rising temperatures inside Neelyville High School. Amidst some hot tempers and hotter momentum swings, it was the host who had the biggest momentum at the most pivotal times to fight off a feisty challenge by visiting Twin Rivers in a 69-56 win...
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PREP ROUNDUP: Boys finals set at BRL Tournament (1/20/23)ELLINGTON — Thursday was a good night for the top two boys seeds at the Black River League Tournament. The top-seeded South Iron Panthers turned back host Ellington 67-48 in the early semifinal Thursday, then No. 2 Bunker defeated East Carter 66-41 in the late game...
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POWER 8: Bears make biggest leap (1/19/23)*Note – this poll was based on action finalized on Wednesday. The Greenville Bears take the biggest leap in the poll following its win over No. 1 and defending Class 1 champions South Iron and a big 26-point win over Neelyville Tuesday night...
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Bears beat Tigers in OFC battle (1/18/23)GREENVILLE — Two Ozark Foothills Conference foes met Tuesday night with their own positive narratives they hoped to continue playing out. The host Greenville Bears, coming off a program defining win over top-ranked South Iron over the weekend, was back home searching to ride that momentum further in search of an eventual first district title next month...
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PREP ROUNDUP: Greenville defeats defending state champ South Iron (1/14/23)GREENVILLE — The Greenville Bears had three players score in double figures as they defeated defending Class 1 state champion South Iron 62-50 Friday night. Easton Evans (14 points) led the Bears (14-1), while Trey Porter (13) and Talan McDaniel (11) joined him in double figures...