Right on the money: Bock, state-ranked Panthers make right plays in capturing 16th straight victory

Palmyra guard Ryan McKinney looks to make a move toward the basket during Thursday night's game against Bowling Green in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — Bear Bock found himself with what looked to be a breakaway layup in the second half, only to eventually run into some Bowling Green defenders blocking his path to the basket. No problem. Bock fired a behind-the-back pass to trailing teammate Luke Sheppard, who secured the toss and cashed in a layup.…

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‘We just do what we do’: Palmyra boys hold 14th opponent below 40 points, improve to 19-1

Palmyra's Bear Bock uses a screen from Jonathan Edwards and drives to the basket during Friday night's boys basketball game against South Shelby in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — Brian Rea offered a hint late Friday night as to why the Palmyra boys basketball team enjoys playing defense so much. “It’s a mindset, and it’s a testament to our guys who have totally bought into it,” said Rea, the second-year coach whose club is now 19-1 following a 47-25 Clarence Cannon…

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Palmyra boys win Lenzini Tournament championship for first time in quarter century

Palmyra's Bear Bock splits two defenders while scoring against Canton during Saturday night's championship game of the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra. Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The wait is over. Finally. “We all knew it had been a long time,” Palmyra senior point guard Bear Bock said. “It’s an awesome feeling.” When the Bock-led Panthers captured the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament boys basketball championship Saturday night it marked the first time Palmyra had won its own event since…

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Zero to hero: Genenbacher’s torrid 3-point shooting carries QND boys past Palmyra

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Aden Genenbacher scored 20 points Tuesday night to lead the Raiders to a 12-point victory over Palmyra at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — As he walked out of the locker room and sat down following Tuesday’s affair with Palmyra, Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Aden Genenbacher couldn’t help but reflect on what transpired last season against the Raiders’ cross-river rival. “I did not score a single point in that (game) and that kind of pissed me…

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Two Bocks are better than one: Brothers team up to push Palmyra past Canton in early-season showdown

Palmyra freshman guard Hudson Bock gets off a 3-point attempt during the first half of Friday night's game against Canton in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Admittedly, Bear Bock had waited for years to be on the same varsity basketball floor as his little brother. And the reward for that patience was written all over his face Friday night. “It’s just awesome,” the senior said, trying unsuccessfully to hold back a smile when looking at his freshman brother,…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Palmyra’s Bear Bock

Palmyra's Bear Bock shoots over a Louisiana defender during the semifinals of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament last week in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — The consistent presence of Bear Bock doing whatever is necessary — scoring, rebounding and blocking shots — is part of the reason the Palmyra boys basketball team is riding an undefeated wave with the Christmas break approaching. Bock scored eight points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked two shots in Tuesday night’s 55-34…

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