Resident News Network

Sr Lady Tigers Bid Farewell To VB Season

Sports

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8:47 am

Sr Lady Tigers Bid Farewell To VB Season

The Mansfield Sr High Lady Tigers have closed shop on their 2019 volleyball season. The Lady Tigers faced many top-notch opponents and gave the competition a run for their money. They finished the season with a 17-14 total play record, 7-7 in conference play, and made it to the first found of State where they ended falling to Harding Academy with a close score of 3-2. Mansfield battled in 97 intense volleyball sets and ended with team totals of 819 kills, 217 aces, 198 blocks, 1205 digs, and 714 assists.

The Lady Tigers will be graduating six seniors, two of whom are starters. Vanessa Noblitt, Maggie Strunk, Janna Coplin, Madison Nelson, Abby Morgan, and Kara Sweeten will be moving on to bigger and better things. Noblitt ends her season with 28 kills, 40 aces, 18 blocks, 145 digs, and 632 assists. Strunk finishes with 7 kills, 24 aces, 2 blocks, 105 digs, and 39 assists. And Morgan walks away with 3 assists.

With five starters staying behind to carry their team into greatness next season, the Lady Tigers will return sophomores Haylee Helms, Sadie Roberts, and Kiara Thomas and juniors Danielle Lillie and Brooke Wright. Along with a stacked roster of ninth graders that will be moving up next year, Mansfield could very easily be a force to be reckoned with.

Helms wrapped up with 1 kill, 27 aces, 399 digs, and 3 assists. Roberts shuts down with 169 kills, 4 aces, 85 blocks, and 31 digs. Thomas says goodbye with 49 kills, 32 aces, 5 blocks, 196 digs, and 3 assists. Lillie ends the show with 124 kills, 31 aces, 8 blocks, 222 digs, and 3 assists. And Wright says adios with 371 kills, 54 aces, 87 blocks, 42 digs, and 2 assists.

Back in Black … and White

Resident News Network

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7:29 pm

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When my last writing job in Greenwood came to an end, I was devastated to say the least.

I mean you work somewhere off and on since high school and it goes away overnight, you have a tendency to blame yourself. I remember vividly (a few months ago) taking my camera, putting it in my bison skin bag along with my voice recorder and notepads and placing it all in the bottom of my closet. I knew that my journalism days were at an end.

I mourned for a long time, I really did. The way you mourn for a lost pet or when a friend moves away. I know that many in the community did too. I would go to the grocery store and people would approach me with that sad empathic look on their faces. “Are you going to be ok?” they would say. I forced a smile and reassured them that I was fine, but really a piece of my heart was missing.

After losing my last job, I still attended events around town like the car show and see a photographer and miss the feeling of having a camera around my neck. Sometimes, I would drive by City Hall on the first Monday of the month around 9 pm and see that the City Council was still in session and laugh at the poor souls enduring a three hour meeting.

Then a few weeks ago, I met with Jason Baggett, the owner of this paper, at The Dari about the possibility of starting a new venture here. I met his family and we connected immediately. I was drawn in by his personality and enthusiasm for what he wants to accomplish here and from what I have seen he is working hard to make this paper something the town can be proud of.

In the time that I have known him, Jason has seen what I know about Greenwood and that is that this is a growing and dynamic community that deserves a news source dedicated solely to it.

I am so happy that this opportunity has come about and I look forward to once again telling the story of Greenwood, my home, my passion.

Rattler Basketball Is Refocused And Ready To Strike

Sports

Megan Hecox

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3:59 pm

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Rattler Basketball Is Refocused And Ready To Strike

“After winning only five games last season, we are looking to make a run for the conference championship this year,” explains head snake charmer, Buck Chappell. “We are a young team with only three seniors but where we lack in numbers we make up for with a great work ethic and a willingness to put in the extra time needed.”

Magazine sits in a heavy and talented 2A-4 conference division with teams from Danville, Hackett, Hector, Lavaca, Mountainburg, and JC Westside. The Rattlers might have struggled last year but this season they are ready for basketball redemption. “With only four boys in the off-season, the majority of the team is still competing in football so it will take us a few weeks to get out basketball legs back under us. The good news is that should be just about the right time for conference games to start.”

The following players will be showcasing the Sr High Rattler roster this season. Cameron Raggio stands at 6’6″ and will be a force at the post this season. “Cameron can finish in the paint and handle the ball well considering his size. Cameron has a work ethic like none other. He has no problem putting in the extra time day in and day out to work on his shooting and footwork.”

Kaedon Trejo is 5’6″ and is unhesitating at guard. “With great ball-handling abilities, he has mastered the long-distance shot. Kaedon is a fierce defender that will cause turnovers at any given moment.” Josh Brackett comes in at 5’7″ and is a strong guard. “Another skillful ball-handler, Brackett also is backed by great speed. Josh can shoot the 3-point shot and penetrates to the basket well.”

Senior Jack Kirbo stands at 5’10″ and can maneuver the ball well and is able to easily spot open teammates. “Jack is a leader on the floor and I will look for him to do incredible things this season.” Tatum Scott is a 6’0″ junior who excels in every sport he approaches. “Tatum can get it done on the outside and plays the small post position when he’s asked to. Tatum is an unstoppable player who guides his teammates and plays excellent defense.”

Ashton Droemer is a 5’8″ sophomore who led the junior high team in many categories last season. “As a point-guard, Droemer had the most rebounds. He is a great athlete and works unbelievably hard on the court.” Brady Watson is a junior post with a height of 6’4″. “Brady has worked hard in the off-season and will see more time on the floor as a result of that. Brady’s shot has improved tremendously and his size has given him the rebound advantage.”

Jacob Hall stands at 6’2″ and is a senior. “Jacob can play as a guard or post but will spend most of his time around the rim. He has a nice mid-range shot and can successfully finish around the basket.” Nate Bryan is a junior and stands at 5’4″. “Nate might be the shortest player on the team but his height doesn’t weaken his play. “Nate will penetrate when he can and his jump shots have been falling more consistently as of late. Nate is a sound defender and makes it tough on any opponent he comes across.”

William King is a 6’1″ junior. “King is a wider bodied player which helps when it comes to finishing around the basket. William has a good shooting percentage with the ball finding its way in the hole almost every time he releases.” Ethan Staton is a 6’0″ junior. “Ethan has worked very hard in the off-season and has developed a good shot throughout. He is an asset to this team that I know I can rely on.”

Sophomore Reese Nietert stands at 5’10″. “Reese has very good court skills and has worked on his penetrating jump shot during the off-season. Reese can handle the ball well and shoots the mid-range shot with high accuracy.” And Hayden Littleton is a 5’10″ sophomore. “This is only Hayden’s second year to play but he worked his way into a starting role last season with the junior high team. Hayden is raw in experience but he is always working on his shot to make himself a better player.”

Coach Chappell finishes by saying, “This team has a high basketball I.Q. with an eagerness to keep learning. I am looking forward to this season and to watch this team magnify as we work our way forward into the District Tournament.”

Sr Tiger Basketball Ready To Settle The Score

Sports

Megan Hecox

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1:38 pm

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Sr Tiger Basketball Ready To Settle The Score

After graduating only two seniors from last year’s basketball season, the Mansfield Tigers will have four starters from the previous season returning, along with four other varsity players. Returning seniors include Ethan Stovall, Layton Howard, Tyler Holmes, Jaicy Griffin, and Isaac Cothran along with returning juniors Codi Chick, Jojo Bailey, and Bri Sanderson.

Mansfield will be playing in the 3A-1 division with the likes of other insanely talented teams including Cedarville, Charleston, Elkins, Greenland, Lincoln, Waldron, and West Fork. The Tigers are being shaped by returning Head Coach, Keith Dake. Last season, Mansfield accumulated almost 1,200 total points while averaging 49 points a game.

Starting senior Forward, Ethan Stovall, led the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists last season and will be looking to pick up where he left off for this season. “This young man is a matchup nightmare,” states Dake. “He has the body of a power forward with the speed, agility, handles, and vision of a guard.”

Starting senior Guard, Layton Howard, has ranked in the top three in scoring and rebounds the previous two seasons and will return to continue that streak. “The definition of a true athlete; Howard’s vertical speed and vertical leap ability make getting to the basket look effortless.”

Starting senior Forward, Tyler Holmes, “is the heartbeat of our defense. Willing to do whatever is necessary to shut down opposing offenses and the ability to guard anything from point guards to centers.”

And the last of the returning starters is junior Guard, Codi Chick. “Chicks’ quick first step and relentless attitude allowed him to quickly make his way up the depth chart as a sophomore. Chick ended the season as the team’s leader in steals, pass deflections, second in assists, and third in scoring.”

Coach Dake is looking to capitalize on the minutes left from Guard, Jaicy Griffin, Forward, Isaac Cothran, Forward, Jojo Bailey, and Center, Bri Sanderson. “Griffin and Bailey are both hard-nosed locked down defenders that have the ability to disrupt even the best offenses around the area. They bring a type of energy to the floor that is difficult to match.”

“Cothran and Sanderson are both as strong of kids as you can find. Cothran brings speed and quickness to the 5 spot that is difficult to match up with. Sanderson comes in standing 6’4 and weighing 250 pounds. He is a large body able to take up a lot of space and provide protection around the rim that is hard to get around.”

This group also has a strong core of sophomores coming from a conference runner up finish during their freshman season. They are led by Ethan Pettus, Zayne Dugan, Dalton Pettigrew, and Tyler Escalante. “What they lack in numbers, they make up for in heart and determination. Top to bottom, both Tiger teams have the pieces to be the most complete and competitive team we have seen come through Mansfield in years. Their limitless potential is something for people to keep their eyes on throughout the 2019-2020 season as they compete in one of the states’ toughest conferences.”

Sr Hornets Basketball Prepares For Take-off

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:19 pm

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Sr Hornets Basketball Prepares For Take-off

The Hackett Sr High boys’ basketball team is gearing up for the 2019-2020 season and the sky is the limit for all of the great things that this group can accomplish. The Hornets will be playing in the 2A-4 division and will be sharing conference play with Danville, Hector, Lavaca, Magazine, Mountainburg, and JC Westside.

Hackett will be led this season by first-year Hornet, Head Coach Kent Elmore. “To say I am excited about the 2019-2020 basketball season would be an understatement,” expresses Elmore. “We will be returning three key starters from last year’s team. Coach Broc Adams left this program in a great place for me to be able to come in and start right where he left off.”

“Seniors Zach Gragg, Dylan Katz, and Tyler Satterfield, along with junior Avery Hester, will all be returning this year. They all gave tremendous minutes last year and were huge assets to the team. With those four guys and a deep roster, I look forward to creating a fast-paced game that will test other teams’ endurance. Our offseason has been incredible. We have had 10 guys working their tails off day in and day out.”

“We were also able to witness a volleyball state championship during our offseason. I’m using their success as motivation for our guys who want to succeed and make a run for their own state tournament. We will have 18 guys ready to go for our senior high team. There are multiple sophomores that will see the floor this year with some even having a chance to earn a starting role. This being my first year as a Hornet, the players and I have meshed really well and have earned each other’s trust. I look forward to celebrating many successes with these guys!”

Pirates Fall To Tigers But Look For Redemption Against Booneville

Sports

Resident News Network

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11:36 am

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Pirates Fall To Tigers But Look For Redemption Against Booneville

The Pirates (6-3, 3-3) were upset last Friday night by the Mansfield Tiger’s (6-3, 3-3) bumping them down into sixth place in their conference. Sophomore Darryl Kattich continued his season-long ground attack on opponents with 36 carries for 236 yards and two TD’s on the evening.

It was evident that something was missing from Friday nights game and that was the dual-threat from the Pirates backfield that had been so potent up until this game. Junior Kelin Mitchell was sidelined due to an injury from the previous week. With Mitchell being out, Kattich surpassed Mitchell for the most rushing yards in the 3A conference according to MaxPreps. Kattich is at the top of the 3A rushers with 1,415 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per carry through nine games. And Mitchell is the number two rusher in the 3A with 1,157 yards, averaging 13.6 yards per carry through eight games.

#30 Tommy Metcalf with a long run up the middle of the field.

Stepping up with Mitchell out, was Junior Tommy Metcalf. Metcalf carried the ball 17 times for 106 yards and had one TD on the evening. Metcalf also had one interception to end a Mansfield drive. Sophomore Hayden Partain had one reception on the night for nine yards and a TD.

The Tiger’s would take a 25-14 lead into the half but the Pirates would score two more times to get the score to 31-26 with 8:08 left in the game. Turnovers throughout the game and a barrage of penalties late in the game would plague the Pirates. Two huge penalties late would move the Pirates back and eventually set up the Tigers for their final score with :05 seconds left in the game. The final score was 43-26.

#35 Hayden Partain hauling in a TD pass.

The Pirates travel to Boonville (7-2, 6-0) for their last regular-season conference game to take on the Bearcats this Friday night, November 8, at 7:00 p.m.

Lavaca Berry Festival

Networks

Resident News Network

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11:07 am

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The tents have been taken down and the remaining merchandise has been packed. The trash has been bagged and the front gates are locked. The 2019 LavacaBerry Festival is in the history books.

The Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Lavaca Berry Festival every year and has always done an amazing job. It’s not easy to put on a festival that represents your town. Some people are eager to criticize events but you’ll notice that they had no part in it’s planning or by participation. By every measure, this year’s festival was a success.

Almost fifty vendors attended this year’s festival. Food vendors sold eggrolls, authentic New Orleans gumbo, and bread pudding, BBQ, lemonades, and much more. Craft vendors were abundant! People had wooden signs, bows, wreaths, lap quilts, jellies, and too much to remember or mention. There were horse rides, bounce around, pie walks, games of all kinds. One local group even dragged an old car up with names printed on it and sold opportunities to whack the vehicle!

The weather was perfect! All week before was rainy, windy and cold but Saturday was an almost perfect day.

The Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce brings many activities to town throughout the year but the Berry Festival is their largest fund-raiser. People are already calling to reserve booth spaces for next year’s festival.

Congratulations to the LACC for a great day and event!

LL Tiger Teams Championship Bound

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:17 am

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Pictured is #50 Easton Foley

The Mansfield Little League Tigers started with two teams and one goal. The West Central Football League Championships. The Tigers faced new and tough opponents all season, but both teams were able to overcome their obstacles and combine for a 15-1 regular-season record. When it came time for the playoffs, the Tigers knew they would host a team they have already faced this season in the Lavaca Golden Arrows. It’s never easy to beat the same team twice, but Mansfield pummeled the Golden Arrows on Saturday, November 2nd in the Playoff Semifinals to earn their spot in the Championship games on November 9th.

Mansfield’s 3^rd and 4^th Grade started off the afternoon with a convincing victory over Lavaca 28-6. The Tiger offense exploded right off the bat when Colton Nelson took a handoff and broke Arrow ankles as he darted downfield for a huge 75-yard touchdown. Colton Moore tacked on the two-point conversion to give the Tigers an early 8-0 lead. Everyone grabbed some popcorn as they watch the Hunter Whittaker show take over the game. Whittaker scored back to back touchdowns before the half with one of them being a massive 70-yard run giving the Tigers a 20-0 lead going into halftime.

After the short break, the Tigers were determined to put the game away. With a mix of speed and power, Mansfield punished the Lavaca defenders on every snap. Whittaker again scored off of a smooth 36-yard run and Moore added the extra points to jump the score to 28-0. The Tigers’ defense did their job to near perfection. Using what they’ve been coached, they chopped down Lavaca’s big backs with low tackles and hard hits. The Mansfield D was a complete unit the entire game holding the golden Arrows to a mere 6 points.

The Tigers 5^th and 6^th Grade proved that a week off didn’t make them rusty. It only made them better. Mansfield put the Lavaca team between an offensive rock and a defensive hard place as they shut out the Golden Arrows 38-0. The Tigers defense mauled the Golden Arrows at every turn viciously creating turnovers and tackles for loss. Defenders Ethan Martin, James Bausley, Jr Cash, and Alex Hecox made short work of would-be blockers to get to the Lavaca backs while Cooper Edwards, Dawson Robinson, Dominic Shores, and Cordell Stone cut down anyone who dared to run outside.

5/6 Grade #1 Cooper Edwards and #34 Dawson Robinson

Offensively, Robinson did what he does best. Score off of big runs. Robinson scored on runs of 23 yards, 6 yards, and 80 yards leaving the Golden Arrow defense in his dust. Cooper Edwards zipped a laser pass to Ethan Martin who played a perfect tip ball drill to come up with the touchdown. Caiden Whittaker made his presence known with his own 26-yard touchdown and Blaine Berry added on the extra points. Keaton Oliver had two extra-point conversions in the game and Stone made a few stunning runs to keep Lavaca on their heels.

With their victories, the Tiger squads have secured their spots in the WCFL Championship games. Mansfields 5th and 6th Grade will look to avenge their only loss on the season as they square off against the #1 seeded Magazine Rattlers in what should be a game for the ages. The Tigers 3rd and 4th Grade will make their second consecutive championship appearance as they take on the #5 seeded Mountainburg Dragons for the championship gold. The WCFL Championship games will be held in Hackett with the 3rd and 4th Grade starting at 5:30 p.m. and the 5th and 6th Grade playing at 4:00 p.m.

Smith’s Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off Winning Recipe

Food

Tammy Teague

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9:10 am

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Smith’s Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off Winning Recipe

Tina Smith took home the first place trophy at Saturday’s Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Mansfield Fire Department. Smith took first place with her prize winning chicken chili. Judging the competition, Sheri Hopkins, Gerald Elmore and Janet Hamilton.

Smith graciously shared the recipe:

Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
1 can black beans, drained
1 can white kidney beans, drained
1 can corn, undrained
1 can rotel, undrained
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 pkg. ranch dressing
1 8 oz. block cream cheese

Directions
Place chicken breasts in a crock pot. Pour in the black and white beans, corn and rotel. Add spices and ranch on top. Put block of cream cheese on top. Turn on low and cook 6-8 hours. Mix in the melted cream cheese prior to serving.

**I probably added more chili seasoning than called for. A large crock pot barely holds a double recipe.

Charleston to Host Lamar on Senior Night

Sports

Resident News Network

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8:06 pm

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Charleston to Host Lamar on Senior Night

The Charleston Tigers return home this Friday for an important conference game against the Lamar Warriors. It will be senior night for Charleston as the Tigers will be playing to wrap up a two seed in the upcoming state playoffs. The Tigers could be a two seed all the way down to a fifth seed depending on the outcome of their game with Lamar. If the Tigers were to lose, the outcomes of the remaining conference games will determine Charleston’s seeding in the state tournament. Worse case scenario, a Tigers loss and other teams winning around the conference, and Charleston would be on the road for its first round playoff game against a number one seeded opponent.

Charleston enters the game 4-2 in conference play, and with a victory would improve to 5-2 and move ahead of Lamar in the standings. Perhaps most importantly, it would give Charleston the two seed in the playoffs and would likely result in a home first round playoff game at Alumni Stadium on November 15.

Lamar enters the game 4-2 in conference after losing last week at Booneville 35-7. Through nine games this season, Lamar averages 320.6 rushing yards per game, and 46.6 pass receiving yards per game. They have scored 44 touchdowns on the year. Defensively, the Warriors average 43.6 tackles per game and have recorded 26 sacks on the year. The defense has produced seven interceptions this season.

Lamar quarterback Jacob Parmenter has attempted 52 passes and has completed 30 for 369 yards. He has passed for an average of 12.3 yards per completion and has a passing completion percentage of 58%. He is their team’s second leading rusher with 514 yards on the year.

The Warriors’ leading rusher is junior running back Brady James. James has rushed for 876 yards on 94 rushes. He averages 9.3 yards per rush and 109.5 yards per game. Coach May commented, “Number 23, and their quarterback, they’re both good. Both are really good. They are similar to Booneville. They pull their guards some. They want to hit you in the mouth (running attack) and that’s kind of like Booneville.”

Defensively, Lamar is led by senior Josh Salinas who has 28 unassisted tackles and 27 assisted. He averages almost 7 tackles per game and 16 have been tackles for lost yardage. Coach May spoke of Salias, “That number 7 is a good linebacker. Against Booneville he made a lot of tackles in the “A” gap (the middle of the line of scrimmage). He got after them real good on defense.”

Charleston coach Ricky May thought the Tigers played well last week at West Fork. “I thought we played well. Offensively, I would like to be able to run the ball a little better than we did. But I think that was the conditions that we had, so, that didn’t help us. Overall, it was what we wanted. We did keep it (offensive game plan) as simple as we could, partly because of the weather.”

Friday night is senior night, and 14 senior football players along with senior managers and student trainers will be honored. The ceremony should begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tiger fans who want to see the seniors honored need to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m.

I hope there will be a big crowd Friday night to honor the Charleston seniors and to watch them play for a two seed against Lamar. This has been a special group of seniors, and what better way to send them off than with a great ceremony and a victory over Lamar.

See you Friday night!

R

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK