Countdown to tipoff: Palmyra heads into season with new-look roster, same all-together mentality

Palmyra's Luke Sheppard, right, will use his length, athleticism and jumping ability to be a defensive stalwart this season. | Shane Hulsey photo

Coverage of the Palmyra boys basketball team brought to you by: PALMYRA, Mo. — The game of hand soccer at the end of the Palmyra boys basketball team’s practice on Tuesday was not just a chance to goof off before going home. It served multiple purposes. The object of the game, which involves two teams…

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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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Bock’s 3-point barrage sparks Palmyra’s surge in title game victory over Canton

The Palmyra boys basketball team celebrates its 66-43 victory over Canton in the championship game of the 52nd Highland Tournament on Saturday night in Lewistown, Mo. | Addi Zanger photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Hudson Bock has a shooter’s conscience. In Bock’s world, if that first field goal attempt is off the mark, it’s not a big deal. The Palmyra boys basketball team’s freshman guard knows there’s a good chance the next shot he hoists from long distance will find the bottom of the net. That’s…

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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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