Vibing on Taylor Swift music allows Palmyra’s Janes to find rhythm to shoot career-best round

Palmyra's Jonas Janes rolls in a putt during Wednesday's Palmyra Invitational at Jackson Park Golf Course in Palmyra, Mo. Janes finished first individually with a career-best round of 6-under 64. | Photo courtesy Chris Duerr

PALMYRA, Mo. — All was quiet when Jonas Janes arrived at Jackson Park Golf Course about 90 minutes before Wednesday’s Palmyra Invitational was scheduled to start. “I was the only one there,” Janes said. “I put my AirPods in my ears and I was just vibing to Taylor Swift. I was just kind of in…

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Mustangs keep win streak alive by fighting back for nine-inning victory over Panthers

Unity's Cody Shaffer drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday, lifting the Mustangs to a 9-8 victory over Palmyra in Mendon, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MENDON, Ill. — The manner in which the Palmyra baseball team rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning Monday to tie the game could have put Mendon Unity on its heels. Instead, the Mustangs proved they refuse to buckle. Cody Shaffer’s single through the left side of the infield with one…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, Palmyra, Bowling Green participate in baseball jamboree

Hannibal's Ryan Ross delivers a pitch during Saturday's jamboree at the Veterans Field complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew. Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A week before the high school baseball season officially begins, Hannibal hosted a jamboree at the Veterans Field complex with Palmyra and Bowling Green taking part. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent time at the field Saturday and put together this photo gallery:

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Priory’s fourth-quarter defense locks down Palmyra, ends Panthers’ dynamic season

Palmyra's Luke Sheppard, right, looks for room to score while being defended by Priory's Christian Gonzalez during Tuesday night's Class 2 sectional game in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — The St. Louis Priory boys basketball team had not beaten an opponent with a winning record. Until Tuesday night. That’s when Priory stunned heavily favored Palmyra 40-29 in a Class 3 sectional game played before a crowd of about 1,200. Priory, which entered the evening with a rather pedestrian 14-14 record and…

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Tune doesn’t change for Panthers as defense leads to success, this time in district title game

The Palmyra boys basketball team improved to 26-1 by beating South Shelby for the Class 3 District 6 championship Saturday in Palmyra, Mo. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Different day, same approach. And more importantly, the same result. Just ask Jeremiah Edwards. “Defense is always our top priority,” Edwards said. “We know our offense will always pick up.” Edwards, a 6-foot-1 block-of-granite power forward for the Palmyra boys basketball team, was one of several Panthers extolling the virtues of their…

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Lady Birds continue postseason mastery of Panthers by winning another district crown

Palmyra's Bella McBride, right, pressures South Shelby's Callie McWilliams during Friday night's Class 3 District 6 championship game in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — While the regular season matchups belonged to Palmyra, the South Shelby girls basketball team still owns the postseason. The second-seeded Lady Birds outscored the top-seeded Panthers 21-2 during a 6 1/2-minute stretch beginning late in the third quarter Friday night to erase a six-point deficit and pull away for a 63-50 victory…

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Palmyra’s Pillars battles back to take fifth place at state wrestling tournament

Palmyra junior Brayden Pillars, left, finished fifth at 165 pounds in the Class 1 state tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The loss that sent Palmyra junior wrestler Brayden Pillars to the blood round and jeopardized a spot on the podium wasn’t easy to shake. “It was a little stressful at first,” said Pillars, who suffered a quarterfinal loss to Maysville senior Brendan Barton in the 165-pound weight class in the Class 1…

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Panthers’ Lorenson caps season with victory, fifth-place medal at state wrestling tourney

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Elly Lorenson finished on a high note. Back-to-back losses Thursday in the Class 1 girls state wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena sent the Palmyra junior into the fifth-place match at 170 pounds, but Lorenson responded by pinning Lexington’s Karalena Steinhauser to punctuate her spot on the podium. Lorenson dominated Steinhauser, building a…

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Panthers, Lady Birds to collide in district championship game

PALMYRA, Mo. — Sydney Compton and Clare Williams each scored five first-quarter points as the Palmyra girls basketball team built a 10-point advantage and rolled to a 49-38 victory over Macon in Wednesday night’s Class 3 District 6 semifinals. The Tigerettes scored 15 second-quarter points to trim the deficit to six at halftime, but the…

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Palmyra’s Lorenson wins first two matches, sits two victories from state wrestling championship

Palmyra's Elly Lorenson pinned Owensville's Bailee Dare in 5 minutes, 13 seconds in the quarterfinals at 170 pounds in the Missouri Class 1 state tournament in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Elly Lorenson is halfway to a state championship. The Palmyra junior won her first two matches at the Missouri Class 1 girls wrestling state tournament at Mizzou Arena on Wednesday to reach the semifinals at 170 pounds. Two victories Thursday will make her the first girls state champion from this area. Lorenson,…

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Panthers’ Pillars rallies in third period to position himself to chase spot on podium

Palmyra's Brayden Pillars, left, looks to gain control of Cole Camp's Grant Rodriguez during their match in the Class 1 state tournament Wednesday at Mizzou Arena. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Palmyra junior Brayden Pillars is one victory away from the podium. Pillars went 2-1 on Wednesday’s opening day of the Missouri Class 1 boys state wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena and will need to win a blood round match Thursday morning to guarantee himself a top-six finish. Pillars (37-10) will face Tipton’s…

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Show Me Spotlight: Palmyra’s Lorenson ready to chase state wrestling championship

Palmyra's Elly Lorenson, top, heads to the Missouri Class 1 girls wrestling state tournament chasing a title at 170 pounds after finishing second last season at 145 pounds. | Muddy River Sports file photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Elly Lorenson has no quit in her. The field assembled for this week’s Missouri Class 1 girls state wrestling tournament better realize that. The Palmyra junior is making her third consecutive state appearance beginning Wednesday at Mizzou Arena, having won a district championship at 170 pounds. It is her second district title…

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Palmyra boys put cap on CCC championship, turn sights to postseason success

The Palmyra boys basketball team celebrates its perfect run through the Clarence Cannon Conference, which the Panthers capped Saturday with a 54-30 victory over Highland in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Beau Hicks

PALMYRA, Mo. — Now the real fun begins. The Palmyra boys basketball team capped a perfect run through the Clarence Cannon Conference on Saturday afternoon en route to securing its 19th straight victory — a 54-30 vanquishing of Highland. Next on the Panthers’ to-do list is to make a strong run in the Class 3…

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Photo gallery: Palmyra sweeps doubleheader from Hannibal at Korf Gym

Palmyra's Clare Williams goes to block a shot during Tuesday night's game against Hannibal at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams, both ranked in Class 3 in the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association polls, continued to show Tuesday night why they are considered among the state’s elite. The Palmyra girls used a fourth-quarter surge to put away Hannibal 51-36 at Korf Gym. The Panthers, ranked seventh, limited…

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State-ranked Palmyra girls shake off sluggish start to power past Bowling Green

Palmyra's Ashley Bode, left, looks to score during Thursday's game against Bowling Green in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — Enough was enough. About halfway through the first quarter Thursday night, Palmyra girls basketball coach Kelsey Stuart had witnessed her club commit too many turnovers, miss way too many free throws and play a generally ineffective brand of basketball. She called for a timeout. What was actually said during that break in…

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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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Palmyra boys vow to keep focus after knocking off arch-rival Monroe City for 15th straight victory

Palmyra's Bear Bock dribbles to the basket past Monroe City's Trey Smyser during Tuesday night's high school boys basketball game at Monroe City High School. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Palmyra took another huge step toward the Clarence Cannon Conference boys basketball championship Tuesday night. The storyline was a familiar one. “Defense,” Palmyra coach Brian Rea said. “It’s always defense.” There’s absolutely no arguing that point. The 48-25 victory over arch-rival Monroe City — which, like Palmyra, entered the game unbeaten…

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‘Unfinished business’: Palmyra girls gain revenge for earlier loss to Monroe City

Palmyra's Sydney Compton dribbles past Monroe City's Audri Youngblood during Tuesday night's high school girls basketball game at Monroe City High School. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Palmyra girls basketball coach Kelsey Stuart referred to the rather one-sided 50-28 victory over rival Monroe City as “unfinished business.” There might have been a wink in her eye when she said that. At the very least, there was the distinct hint of a wry smile. Palmyra made no secret of…

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C-SE girls race to 17-point halftime lead, force 26 Palmyra turnovers to win 15th consecutive game

Central-Southeastern's Agnes Genenbacher tries to shoot a reverse layup while Palmyra's Candra King tries to block the shot during Saturday afternoon's girls basketball game in the KHQA Superfan Shootout at the Pit. | Photo courtesy of Mike Pritchard

QUINCY – About 20 hours after rallying late to beat South Shelby in a Clarence Cannon Conference game at home, the Palmyra girls basketball team discovered Central-Southeastern doesn’t give up leads so easily. Lauren Miller scored 10 of her game-high 20 points in the first quarter and C-SE grabbed a 17-point halftime lead Saturday afternoon…

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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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Fast finish in fourth fuels furious Palmyra girls’ comeback in victory over South Shelby 

Palmyra's Clare Williams, who scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds goes up for a shot during Friday night's girls basketball game against South Shelby in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — When asked if she had been worried at any point, Palmyra junior point guard Clare Williams responded matter-of-factly, “I knew we’d eventually have a run.” Palmyra did just that Friday night, rattling off 12 straight points in the fourth quarter on the way to a 50-44 Clarence Cannon Conference girls basketball victory…

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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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State-ranked Palmyra girls roll in opening round of Tony Lenzini Tournament

Palmyra guard Alaina Loman handles the ball during Monday night's game against Van-Far in the opening round of the Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The target on their backs isn’t bothering the Palmyra girls basketball players. Ranked fifth in the latest Class 3 state poll and seeded No. 1 for the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament, the Panthers outscored Van-Far 24-1 in the second quarter Monday night and cruised to a 69-37 victory in the opening round…

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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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Turnovers, struggles engaging offensively cost Palmyra girls chance to win Highland tourney title

Palmyra forward Candra King looks for room to attack the basket between two Keokuk defenders during Saturday's championship game of the Highland Tournament in Lewistown, Mo. | Addi Zanger photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The numbers don’t lie. “This was not our best game,” said Palmyra girls basketball coach Kelsey Stuart, shaking her head Saturday evening as she dissected a 48-40 loss to Keokuk in the finals of the 52nd Highland Tournament. The state-ranked Panthers, who saw a four-game win streak come to an end, turned…

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Home is where victories are: QND girls run win streak at The Pit to 24 straight by beating Palmyra

Quincy Notre Dame's Tristan Pieper, right, attempts to block a shot by Palmyra's Candra King during Tuesday night's game at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Above all else, protect The Pit. That’s more or less an unwritten rule when it comes to the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team. The Raiders’ home floor — a.k.a. The Pit — is more than a safe haven for the QND team. It has become a full-fledged basketball sanctuary for one of…

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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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Photo gallery: QND boys and girls sweep cross-river doubleheader from Palmyra

Quincy Notre Dame's Sage Stratton dives for a loose ball during Tuesday night's game against Palmyra at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Pit is a tough place for opposing teams to win. Tuesday night, the Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams saw why. A strong start by the Quincy Notre Dame boys led to a 54-42 victory, while the QND girls pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 45-35 victory — their 24th…

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Nothing but net: Williams’ buzzer-beating 3-pointer lifts Palmyra girls to tourney championship

The Palmyra girls basketball team won the championship of the 99th Monroe City Tournament by beating South Shelby 64-61 Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — By design, Clare Williams’ first option was to pass the ball. Fortunately, that did not work out. Williams wound up unleashing a 22-foot bomb that found nothing but net as time expired Saturday night, sending the Palmyra girls basketball team to a 64-61 victory over South Shelby in the finals of…

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Palmyra boys get engaged offensively to power past Monroe City for tournament championship

The Palmyra boys basketball team won the championship of the 99th Monroe City Tournament with a 43-23 victory over Monroe City on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Not bad for a club that took seven minutes to score its first points of the game. The Palmyra boys basketball team remained unbeaten Saturday night, but the way the it went about it may have been a bit awkward. At least in the first quarter. “We were just running rampant…

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Putting away victory over Canton part of evolution for Palmyra girls basketball team

Palmyra guard Clare Williams puts up a shot during the first half of Friday night's game against Canton in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The question is twofold. Just how good is the Palmyra girls basketball team at this point? Conversely, how accomplished can it eventually become? Junior guard Clare Williams said the evolution of this year’s club will be a process. It’s a long season and success will likely be measured by increments, not exclamation…

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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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Photo gallery: Palmyra basketball teams sweep doubleheader from Canton

Palmyra forward Candra King puts up a shot during Friday night's game against Canton in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams completed a sweep of Canton on Friday night with the boys winning 57-37 and the girls battling for a 48-39 victory. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent his evening in the Palmyra gym and put together this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: Palmyra basketball teams sweep doubleheader from Mark Twain

Palmyra senior guard Taytum White scores during Tuesday's season opener against Mark Twain in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Kelsey Stuart coaching era is off and running. The Brian Rea coaching era continues to breed success. The combination should make for an entertaining winter in the Flower City. The Palmyra girls basketball team stormed past Mark Twain 58-24 on Tuesday night in the Panthers’ season opener and Stuart’s first game…

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Show Me Spotlight: Family support helps Palmyra’s King hit personal marks, goals

Palmyra junior Candra King unleashes a throw during the discus finals at the Class 3 girls state track and field championships at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

PALMYRA, Mo. — Over the past couple of falls, Candra King has hardly missed a University of Central Missouri football game. “There were a couple of weekends this fall where I was on a college visit and that made it tough,” she said. Watching her older brother, Weston, finish his career at the NCAA Division…

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Crim: Youthful Palmyra squad makes strides to build foundation for future success

First-year Palmyra football coach Dalton Hill has helped the Panthers lay the foundation for future success. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMRYA, Mo. — Even as his team was closing out the high school football regular season with a loss to undefeated and state-ranked South Shelby, first-year Palmyra coach Dalton Hill saw things that made him hopeful. “I was proud of our guys in the first quarter, the first quarter and a half, when we held…

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Palmyra doubles team brings home top-eight finish from Class 1 state tournament

Palmyra's Laura Noland, left, and Molly Gottman finished eighth in doubles at the Class 1 state tennis tournament in Springfield, Mo. | Photo courtesy Palmyra High School

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Molly Gottman and Laura Noland made their state tennis tournament stay last until the very end. The Palmyra doubles team qualified for the Class 1 tournament, played at the Cooper Tennis Complex, and finished eighth after winning two of their first three matches.  Gottman and Noland opened the state tourney with a…

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Missouri prep notebook: Cougars extend win streak to 18, three qualify for state tennis tourney, Keller sets Monroe City record

The Highland softball team finished the regular season with a 26-2 record and heads into the playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2. | Submitted photo

EWING, Mo. — The No. 1-ranked softball team in Missouri Class 2 is charging into the postseason with a full head of steam. Highland finished its regular season Monday night with a 15-0 victory over Scotland County, putting a stamp on a 26-2 record. The Cougars have won 18 games in a row, and their…

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Friday Night Lights rewind: First victory shows Palmyra continues to ‘do simple better’

Palmyra's Aaron Ritchey and the Panthers continue showing progress, which resulted in last Friday's 34-20 victory at Macon. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Emotions ran the gamut during Week 4 of the high school football season, from elation over first victories to relief courtesy fourth-quarter survival to grief born of losing a teammate and friend. Add a sense of pride to that list for Palmyra coach Dalton Hill, who is watching the Panthers mature week by…

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Softball is in her Youngblood: Monroe City junior shortstop punctuates victory with home run

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood went 4 for 4 with two triples and a home run in Thursday's 13-0 victory over Palmyra at Flower City Park in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — Audri Youngblood is a multi-sport standout at Monroe City High School. Youngblood plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring. In the fall, her focus is on softball. “Softball’s my favorite,” the junior shortstop said. On Thursday night, it was easy to see why. Youngblood strung together an impressive…

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Photo gallery: Palmyra shows first-half grit in loss to Hallsville in Dalton Hill coaching debut

Palmyra quarterback Aaron Ritchey tries to avoid a Hallsville tackler during the first half of Friday night's game in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra football team showed some moxie after falling behind 14-0 Friday night. It wasn’t enough to keep Hallsville from rolling to a 46-6 victory, but it was a sign that an inexperienced roster is growing. In Dalton Hill’s debut as the Palmyra head coach, the Panthers pulled within 22-6 at halftime…

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Ritchey ready to help Palmyra move forward and turn 2023 into memorable step in right direction

Palmyra quarterback Aaron Ritchey takes a snap during a practice this week in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — Palmyra had a football season to forget in 2022. Aaron Ritchey plans to do just that. “The main thing is to forget that last season ever happened,” the Panthers senior quarterback said. “We have new players, new coaches, a whole new offense and a whole new defense. Everything about our team this…

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Palmyra’s King reigns supreme over discus field at Class 3 girls state track and field championships

Palmyra junior Candra King unleashes a throw during the discus finals at the Class 3 girls state track and field championships at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Candra King could see the 40-meter marker and knew her second attempt in the discus finals at the Class 3 girls state track and field championships was close to hitting that distance. It turns out she was just a whisper away. “I was hoping it was going to be a 40,”…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Tyler Banta

Palmyra sharpshooter Tyler Banta will represent the Missouri squad in the second Muddy River Showcase, being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. PALMYRA, Mo. — Tyler…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Bronson Juette

Palmyra's Bronson Juette will represent Missouri in the second Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. PALMYRA, Mo. — The…

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Palmyra hires SIU all-time hits leader as new softball coach, adds Hannibal product as assistant football coach

Jenny Jansen, who graduated from Southern Illinois as the career leader in hits, at-bats and RBIs, will be Palmyra's new varsity softball coach. | Photo courtesy SIU Athletics

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra coaching staff is getting an injection of youth across the board. During its May meeting, the Palmyra R-I Board of Education approved the hiring of Jenny Jansen, a 2022 graduate of Southern Illinois University, as the new varsity softball coach and two former Culver-Stockton College football players — Dalton Huffman…

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Palmyra School Board votes not to renew contract of Southers as teacher, girls basketball coach

Palmyra girls basketball coach Tim Southers, front, poses for a selfie with his players following a game last winter. Southers will not have his contract renewed by Palmyra. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The state of flux the Palmyra High School athletic department finds itself in continued Tuesday night when the school board voted unanimously to not renew the contract of Tim Southers as both a teacher and the varsity girls basketball coach. Southers was informed at noon Tuesday both of his positions would be…

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Embattled former Palmyra football coach tenders resignation at Salem

Former Palmyra football coach Kevin Miles tendered his resignation at Salem, Mo., on Friday. | Muddy River Sports file photo

SALEM, Mo. — The issues that resulted in former Palmyra football coach Kevin Miles tendering his resignation as a teacher March 30 have forced him to resign from his new job. According to the Salem News, the Salem R-80 Board of Education accepted Miles’ resignation as a teacher, head football coach and assistant athletic director…

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Former Palmyra football coach makes first public comments since resigning as teacher

Former Palmyra football coach Kevin Miles is supposed to be taking as the head football coach and assistant athletic director at Salem, Mo., next season. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Expressing regret over what has transpired within the Palmyra football program and school district within the last six months, former Panthers coach Kevin Miles made his first public comments following his resignation as a teacher last week. Miles spoke with Dave Roberts of the Salem (Mo.) News and said “All I can…

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Former Mark Twain all-state offensive lineman becomes Palmyra’s next football coach

Dalton Hill met with media members Monday after being named the new head football coach at Palmyra. | Photo courtesy Chris Duerr

PALMYRA, Mo. — The when, where, why and how things transpired weren’t going to change Dalton Hill’s outlook on what being a head football coach is all about. The focus has to be on the players, first and foremost. “I’m about the kids. It’s what I do this job for,” said Hill, whose appointment as…

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‘I knew I had to prove myself’: Kenning owns strike zone, Raiders bounce back with complete effort

Quincy Notre Dame junior right-hander Evan Kenning delivers a pitch during Tuesday's 10-2 victory over Palmyra at The Ferd. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Taking the mound one night after four pitchers combined to walk seven batters and uncork five wild pitches in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s first loss of the season, Evan Kenning knew what he was up against. “The pressure was kind of on to throw strikes,” he said. “I knew I had…

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Photo gallery: QND baseball team bounces back with victory over Palmyra at The Ferd

Quincy Notre Dame's Brady Kindhart slides safely into second base with one of the Raiders' eight stolen bases in Tuesday's 10-2 victory over Palmyra at The Ferd. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Humbled by Monday’s loss to Hersey, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team responded with Evan Kenning striking out 10 batters over five innings and Brady Kindhart and Alex Connoyer each hitting a home run in Tuesday’s 10-2 victory over Palmyra at The Ferd. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this photo…

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Cardinals clamp down defensively to knock off top-seeded Panthers in district championship

The South Shelby boys basketball team upset top-seeded Palmyra to win the Class 3 District 6 championship Friday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Ron Kinscherf

MONROE CITY, Mo. — South Shelby’s Trey Countryman wasn’t giving anyone the game ball. Thirty minutes after the final buzzer, the senior guard was still cradling this piece of history. Countryman and the rest of the Cardinals upset top-seeded Palmyra 39-22 in the Class 3 District 6 championship to capture their first district title in…

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Four for Four: Palmyra’s Arch finishes historic career with fourth state championship

Palmyra senior Collin Arch, right, has his hand raised in victory after pinning Brookfield's Colton Parn in 1 minute, 35 seconds in the Class 1 150-pound state championship match Thursday night at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Typically stoic with his post-match reactions, Palmyra senior wrestler Collin Arch made a subtle, yet poignant gesture after winning his historic fourth straight state championship Thursday night. As the referee raised his right hand, Arch held his left hand near his waist and flashed four fingers — one for each title. “That…

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Top-seeded Palmyra ends Monroe City’s district reign, will face South Shelby for title

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The district reign is over, ended by a champion’s biggest rival. The Monroe City boys basketball team’s run of six consecutive Class 3 district championships came to a halt Wednesday night when top-seeded Palmyra eliminated Monroe City 52-30 in the Class 3 District 6 semifinals. Palmyra (21-7) outscored Monroe City 14-4…

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Palmyra’s Arch, Lorenson wrestle way into semifinals at state tournament

Palmyra senior Collin Arch, top, takes South Callaway's Ayden Munford to his back during the first period of their 150-pound match at the Class 1 state wrestling championships Wednesday in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Halfway home. Palmyra senior wrestler Collin Arch took care of his first two matches at the Class 1 state championships at Mizzou Arena on Wednesday, pinning both of his opponents in less than 95 seconds and closing within two victories of a fourth consecutive state title. Wrestling at 150 pounds, Arch opened…

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JWCC Show-Me Spotlight: Arch’s pursuit of four-peat puts him in rare company

Palmyra's Collin Arch is looking to become the 37th wrestler in Missouri history to win four state championships. | Matt Schuckman photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Four for four. That’s Collin Arch’s challenge. Four victories at the Missouri Class 1 state wrestling championships, beginning Wednesday morning at Mizzou Arena on the University of Missouri campus, will win the Palmyra senior grappler his fourth state championship. Arch, with a 48-1 record, is the prohibitive favorite to win the 150-pound…

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After rallying to win, Palmyra boys search for ways to improve first-half effort

PALMYRA, Mo. — Palmyra boys basketball coach Brian Rea is contemplating a change in the Panthers’ late-season practice regimen. Shortly following Palmyra’s 48-42 come-from-behind victory Tuesday night over Clark County in Clarence Cannon Conference play, Rea was looking for a solution to why his club appeared to sleepwalk through much of the first two quarters.…

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Palmyra girls use lopsided CCC victory to focus on continuing to improve

Palmyra's Sydney Compton scored 16 points in Tuesday's Clarence Cannon Conference victory over Clark County in Palmyra, Mo. | File photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — Sydney Compton insisted the game served a purpose, despite such a lopsided final score. “At times, it was more like a practice out there, but we kept concentrating, kept working on specific things,” the Palmyra sophomore said. Why such a determined attitude in a game that was decided by some point early…

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Don’t call it an upset: Canton defends Lenzini Tournament title, beats top-seeded Palmyra

The Canton girls basketball team captured the Tony Lenzini Tournament championship Saturday night with a 74-61 victory over Palmyra in Palmyra, Mo. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — An upset? “I guess it depends who you talk to,” Canton girls basketball coach Danielle Baker said. Canton successfully defended its Tony Lenzini Tournament championship Saturday night with a surprisingly easy 74-61 victory over top-seeded Palmyra. Canton had been seeded second going into the week-long, eight-school hoopfest. The Tigers (12-6) controlled the…

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Smyser’s record-setting 3-point barrage carries Palmyra to victory in Lenzini Tournament opener

Palmyra sophomore Marty Smyser III | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Marty Smyser III was as succinct as he was accurate. After breaking the Palmyra boys basketball team’s single-game school record with 11 3-pointers in Monday night’s 79-34 victory over Highland in the opening round of the 80th annual Tony Lenzini Tournament, the sophomore guard summed up just how big the basket looked…

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Photo gallery: Championship matches of Quincy wrestling invitational

Quincy High School sophomore Hugh Sharrow, left, works for an advantage under the watchful eyes of QHS coaches Phil Neally and Martin Smith during his 106-pound championship match Saturday during the Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Area wrestlers staked their claim to the individual titles during Saturday’s Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. Eight grapplers — four from Quincy High School and one each from Camp Point Central, Macomb, Palmyra and Quincy Notre Dame — won crowns, while the Blue Devils won the team championship. Muddy River Sports Editor…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, Palmyra square off on wrestling mat

Hannibal’s Tristen Essig battles Palmyra’s Tyler Spicknall during their 126-pound match during Monday night’s dual in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — Coming off highly successful weekends — the Hannibal wrestling team won the Capital City Dual Tournament with seven wrestlers going 5-0, while Palmyra took fourth out of 21 teams at the St. Louis Vianney Tournament with three individual champions — the Northeast Missouri programs went head-to-head Monday night. The Pirates won the…

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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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Palmyra boys control championship game from start to finish, win Monroe City tourney title

The Palmyra boys basketball team poses with the Palmyra girls team after they both won championships in the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Palmyra School District

MONROE CITY, Mo. — As far as Palmyra’s Bear Bock was concerned, the championship trophy for the Monroe City boys basketball tournament is back where it belongs. “It’s been a long time since we won this tournament,” he said. “We’re bringing that trophy back home.” Bock’s 14 points, including 12 in the first half when…

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Palmyra girls make statement by upending South Shelby for tourney championship

The Palmyra girls basketball team poses with the championship plaque after winning the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament with a 56-54 victory over South Shelby on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Palmyra School District

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra girls basketball team was better-equipped for such a challenge. South Shelby is still a work in progress. Palmyra, which emerged with a 56-54 victory in Saturday night’s championship round of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament, was able to maneuver through crunch time with just enough moxie to preserve…

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Compton powers Palmyra girls into title game at Monroe City Tournament

Palmyra's Clare Williams drives to the basket during Thursday's victory over Highland in the semifinals of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra girls basketball team gets its first shot at the champs. The second-seeded Panthers marched their way into the championship game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament by beating third-seeded Highland 71-46 in Thursday night’s semifinals. By doing so, the Panthers (5-0) will face top-seeded and reigning Clarence Cannon…

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Palmyra boys, South Shelby girls earns spots in Monroe City Tournament title games

Palmyra's Bear Bock shoots over a Louisiana defender during Wednesday's semifinal matchup in the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra boys basketball team used a 12-point burst at the start Wednesday night to slingshot its way into the championship game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament. The South Shelby girls used stellar defense to do the same. The second-seeded Panthers rode their strong start to a 57-50 victory…

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Monroe City Tournament opens with trio of lopsided victories

Monroe City's Mari Gares pushes the ball up the court during the 42-8 victory over Mark Twain on Monday night in the opening game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The opening night of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament featured a pair of lopsided victories in the girls bracket and only of the four games played being decided in the fourth quarter. The third-seeded Louisiana boys outlasted sixth-seeded Mark Twain 60-54 behind 15 points from Jack Logan. Josh Brothers led…

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Palmyra football team forfeits six games after self-reporting violation of quarters played rule

PALMYRA, Mo. — A self-reported violation has led to the Palmyra football team officially forfeiting the final six games of its regular season, which included the Panthers’ lone victory against Highland in Week 8. Palmyra athletic director Brian Wosman confirmed the school submitted information to the Missouri State High School Activities Association showing a handful…

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JWCC Show-Me Spotlight: Gottman sisters experience state tourney success side-by-side

Palmyra's Gottman sisters — sophomore Molly, left, and senior Maura — finished third in doubles play at the Class 1 state tournament at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Mo. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Maura Gottman’s return to the Missouri Class 1 state tournament came with a twist. Her sister was along for the ride. The Palmyra girls tennis team’s No. 1 doubles pairing featuring the Gottmans — Maura is a senior and Molly is a sophomore — made program history by finishing third, defeating Mt.…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Palmyra’s Maura and Molly Gottman

Maura and Molly Gottman, center holding the district championship plaque, are headed to the Class 1 state tournament as a doubles team. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — A year ago, Maura Gottman earned a spot and eventually a fifth-place medal at the Class 1 girls state tennis tournament, teaming with Katy Rindom as Palmyra’s No. 1 doubles team. This year, Gottman is headed back to the state tournament, and she’s taking her sister along for the ride. Maura and…

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Monroe City captures another Mayor’s Cup, setting tone with touchdown on first play

The Monroe City football team retained the Mayor's Cup with Friday night's 50-0 victory over Palmyra at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Steve Eighinger photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Sure, Monroe City and Palmyra are long-standing football rivals. It’s always a game where emotions run high. Talent and execution, probably in that order, often take emotion out of any such equation. Such was the case Friday night at Lankford Field. Monroe City’s talent and execution, most certainly in that order,…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Palmyra’s Abbey Redd

Palmyra's Abbey Redd hit two home runs, one of which was a grand slam, during last Saturday's Montgomery County Cluster. | Photo courtesy Kindsey Redd

PALMYRA, Mo. — While last Friday’s thunderstorms and rain wiped out most of Saturday’s slate of softball games, Palmyra was able to play a pair of games at the Montgomery County Cluster. Abbey Redd took full advantage of it. Redd jacked a grand slam and scored twice in the Panthers’ 10-0 victory over South Callaway,…

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JWCC Show-Me Spotlight: Goats and guarding made for quick summer for Palmyra’s Williams

Palmyra sophomore Clare Williams, center, shows her goat, Luigi, at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The goats have gone to college. After Clare Williams, her brother Noah, and their cousin, Pierce White, finished showing goats at the Missouri State Fair, the animals were transported to the University of Missouri in Columbia for college students to observe and work with them. They earned a break from the fair…

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Palmyra’s Miles will miss season opener as school district imposes one-game disciplinary sanction

Palmyra football coach Kevin Miles will miss the season opener at Hallsville as he serves a one-game disciplinary suspension levied by the school administration for a locker room incident. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Long before practices began this week, Palmyra football coach Kevin Miles preached trust needed to be the Panthers’ battle cry. Trust the process. Trust each other. Trust the work will lead to the right outcome. Add trust in overcoming adversity to the list of mantras. Before Wednesday morning’s practice, Miles informed his…

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Muddy River Showcase: Palmyra’s Loman uses emotional edge to help establish Panthers’ culture

Palmyra's Alex Loman, left, helped the Panthers exceed expectations last winter and set the right culture of hard work moving forward. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Palmyra girls shine at state track meet after moving up in classification

The Palmyra girls finished 2-3 in the pole vault in Class 3 with Abbey Redd taking second place and Alaina Loman finishing third. | Photo courtesy Cody Thorn

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Palmyra’s first year in Class 3 almost resulted in a trophy for the girls track team on Saturday on the final day of the Missouri state track and field championships. The Panthers tied for sixth with 29 points, four points out of a fourth-place trophy thanks to scoring points in four…

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Taking over reins of Palmyra baseball program allows QHS’s Crisp more quality time with family

Quincy High School baseball coach Brandon Crisp, left, will resign at season's end to take the heading coaching position at Palmyra, where he and his family live. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brandon Crisp hoped to find the best of both worlds. The Palmyra School district is affording him that. The Quincy High School baseball coach informed his staff and players Wednesday he is resigning at season’s end to become the head baseball coach and an elementary school physical education teacher at Palmyra. The Palmyra…

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Southers returns to head coaching position as he is tasked to lead Palmyra girls basketball program

New Palmyra girls basketball coach Timothy Southers Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Timothy Southers’ interest in watching the Palmyra girls basketball team develop was piqued from the start. “Being on the front line of watching of them this year, watching how they competed this year was very intriguing,” Southers said. “I remember the very first time I saw them play after (Palmyra boys basketball…

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South Shelby freshman buries go-ahead 3-pointer, ruins Palmyra’s chance for district upset

South Shelby’s Belle Roush, left, drives on Palmyra’s Sydney Compton during the Class 3 District championship Saturday afternoon in Monroe City, Mo. The Lady Birds won 59-55 after Roush his the go-ahead 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — A freshman who came off the bench made the go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the Class 3 District 6 championship game. It just didn’t happen to be one of the Palmyra girls basketball team’s talented underclassmen. South Shelby’s Belle Roush drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Palmyra wrestler Collin Arch

Palmyra junior wrestler Collin Arch won his third consecutive state championship last Saturday in Columbia, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — When he capped third consecutive undefeated high school season with his third straight state championship Saturday night at Mizzou Arena, Palmyra junior wrestler Collin Arch was the furthest thing from demonstrative. “I kind of keep my emotions to myself,” Arch said. “I’m obviously really excited for a third state title.” He captured…

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