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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Palmyra girls need overtime to dispatch Highland, will face South Shelby for district championship

Palmyra's Candra King shoots over a Highland defender during Wednesday night's Class 3 District 6 semifinal in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — A 13-point halftime lead evaporated, forcing the second-seeded Palmyra girls basketball team to show some serious resolve in order to keep its season on the rails. The youthful Panthers played with poise when it mattered. Highland’s Ansley Bringer hit a 3-pointer in the waning seconds of regulation to force overtime, but…

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‘There’s no better feeling’: Palmyra’s Arch captures third consecutive state championship

Palmyra’s Collin Arch wrestles Trenton’s Hunter McAtee in the Class 1 138-pound championship match Saturday night in the Missouri state tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The reaction was muted. That’s how Collin Arch wants it. He’s workmanlike in his approach to wrestling, a hard hat and lunch pail kind of guy. So when he capped third consecutive undefeated high school season with his third straight state championship Saturday night at Mizzou Arena, the Palmyra junior grappler was…

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Photo gallery: Palmyra wrestlers compete in Class 1 state championships at Mizzou Arena

Palmyra’s Collin Arch wrestles Mid-Buchanan’s Clayton Rotterman during the quarterfinals at 138 pounds in the Class 1 state championships Friday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Hannibal-based photographer Mathew Kirby is spending his weekend shooting the Missouri state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena. Here are some of his images of Palmyra’s contingent of wrestlers:

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Missouri state wrestling: Seven wrestlers stay in contention after first day at Mizzou Arena

Hannibal senior Trevor Wilson takes down and eventually pins Clayton’s Dempsey Brinkman their 170-pound opening-round match at the Missouri state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — It nearly turned out to be a perfect day for area wrestlers at the Missouri state championships Thursday. Six of the seven wrestlers from Hannibal and Palmyra won their opening-round match, and all seven remain alive heading into the second day of competition at Mizzou Arena. The two reigning state champions —…

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JWCC Show-Me Spotlight: Hannibal and Palmyra wrestlers chasing podium dreams at state tourney

Palmyra wrestler Collin Arch, right, will be chasing his third straight state championship this weekend at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Matt Schuckman photo

The Show-Me Spotlight will appear each week to highlight Missouri area student-athletes. COLUMBIA, Mo. — For Collin Arch and Trevor Wilson, the goal is to repeat. For the rest of the area wrestlers competing this weekend at the Missouri state wrestling tournament, the goal is to join them on the podium. Arch, the Palmyra junior…

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Palmyra girls weather first-half storm, Monroe City boys take control early in CCC victories

Palmyra’s Alex Loman, left, looks to throw a pass around Monroe City’s Josiah Talton during Tuesday night’s game in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City girls basketball team had everyone thinking upset. The Palmyra boys never got that chance. In a Clarence Cannon Conference showcase doubleheader Tuesday, the two teams either state ranked or in that conversation walked away with victories, albeit in decidedly different manners. Outscored 16-4 in the first quarter and…

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QND Invitational: Palmyra’s Arch hits century mark during quest for championship

Palmyra junior Collin Arch, right, has his hand raised after winning the 138-pound championship match Saturday at the QND Invitational at the Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Collin Arch knew a milestone was imminent, but the Palmyra junior wrestler didn’t allow it to alter his mindset or approach. His demeanor didn’t change either. After recording his 100th career victory in the 138-pound semifinals of Saturday’s Quincy Notre Dame Invitational at the Pit with a 15-0 technical fall of Chatham Glenwood’s…

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QND Invitational: Triplett wins with toughness, Belshaw likes challenge and Central could be regional threat

Palmyra's Luke Triplett, right, throws Chatham Glenwood's Jaidyn Lee to his back during the 220-pound championship match Saturday at the QND Invitational. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Triplett questioned the toughness of his Illinois counterparts Saturday. “I didn’t know they were softer on this side of the river,” the Palmyra wrestler said with a smile after his semifinal match in the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational at the Pit. It turns out no one was as tough as him, certainly…

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QHS, Central, Palmyra wrestlers ready to vie for championships at Quincy Invitational

Quincy High School had five wrestlers finish undefeated in Friday night's action in pool format and position themselves to challenge for individual championships Saturday during the Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. Photo courtesy Libby Phelps, Quippi staff

QUINCY — Weather may have altered the brackets and forced some teams to decline making the trip to compete in the Quincy Invitational, but Friday night’s opening rounds of the long-time wrestling tournament showed the cream always rises to the top. Quincy High School had five wrestlers go unbeaten during Friday’s action, while Central had…

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Bozarth’s bucket ignites game-changing run for QND boys in victory over Palmyra

Palmyra's Alex Loman, left, gets trapped by Quincy Notre Dame's Jake Wallingford, center, and Jake Hoyt during Tuesday night's game at the Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Blake Bozarth’s teammates have seen his aggressive side in practice. And they know he’s more than just a spot-up 3-point shooter. “Most games, he doesn’t find the opportunity to attack off the dribble,” Quincy Notre Dame junior point guard Jake Hoyt said. “When he does, he’s pretty good at it.” Bozarth was effective…

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QND girls use experience to fend off Palmyra’s youthful, talented squad

Quincy Notre Dame's Haley Schertel, center, drives the left baseline and scores before either Palmyra's Taytum White, left, or Candra King can cut her off during Tuesday night's game at the Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The edge in experience led to his team’s 60-32 victory Tuesday night at the Pit, but Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne took note of the abundance of young talent Palmyra put on the floor. It’s a reason for trepidation in the years to come. “They’re going to be a load,”…

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Monroe City’s Pennewell named Class 1’s Defensive Player of the Year by MOFBCA

Monroe City linebacker Ceaton Pennewell (24), running back Joshua Talton (11) and quarterback Kyle Hays (9) received all-state honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. Photo courtesy Tom Davis

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Ceaton Pennewell was named the Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year by the Missouri Football Coaches Association and led a collection of area players receiving all-state honors at the small-school level. The Monroe City junior linebacker was a first-team all-state selection and one of five Panthers to receive plaudits. Overall,…

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Jammin’ jamborees help get Missouri squads ready for season openers

Palmyra’s Nolyn Richards spins out of the arms of Hannibal’s Brady Zimmerman during the Hannibal Jamboree on Friday at Porter Stadium. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

It’s beginning to feel a lot like football season, everywhere we go. The Pirates are first and 10, the Panthers are popping again and the coaches are yelling go, go, go. It’s beginning to feel a lot like football season, kids are back in school. And the prettiest sight you’ll see is a running back…

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