Sports
Silver Linings: Bears Rack Up All-Area, All-State Honors
By Jason Hoekema / [email protected] It’s no secret that the Bears dominated the District and the SCA earning their way through the post season against tough rival in Lamar and a new opponent from the snowy end of the state who came to Silvey Field and challenged the Bears in terrible conditions. Ava came out…
Read MoreFull Depth: Bears benefit from full squad
By Jason Hoekema / [email protected] MANSFIELD – The Ava Bears basketball team had a decisive win over the Norwood Pirates Monday, keeping the opponent’s offense to as little as five points in a quarter. It’s the 83rd Annual Mansfield Lions Invitational with Ava playing in the pool section in an otherwise irking tournament bracket. Their…
Read MoreCommunity Shows Tremendous Support
Jason Hoekema/Herald A special community pep rally was held last week showcasing tremendous support for the Ava High School football team. During the rally, Coach Dan Swofford, above, applauded the Bears for an outstanding season, and achieving state recognition. The public rally was held the evening prior to state finals, as the team departed Ava…
Read MoreHalftime in Mansfield: It’s Houston-Willow Springs vs. Ava-Conway
By Jason Hoekema / [email protected] MANSFIELD – The annual invitational is a unique opportunity to shine light on several teams at one location. It can also provide coaches scouting opportunities. Catching Up Monday featured two games – two games are played each day except Friday and on Saturday when play will begin at 4:30 P.M. –…
Read MoreSinatra Said It Best: The Bears had a very good year
By Jason Hoekema / [email protected] COLUMBIA – Yes. It could have been an even better year if the Bears had put a ring on it. However, that isn’t the reality of the situation. The reality is that the Missouri State High School Activities Association has a flawed playoff system. Schools which can recruit with no…
Read MoreMiddle School Girls Basketball Brief
The Ava Middle School Lady Bears kicked off their Thanksgiving break with two games in each grade, hosting Liberty on November 25 and then traveling to Strafford the 26th. The 7th and 8th grade teams took losses from the Liberty Lady Eagles scoring, 48-14 and 53-26, respectively. On the following day the Lady Bears traveled…
Read MoreMiddle School Bears Face Houston Tigers
The Ava Middle School Bears faced the Houston Tigers Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, and both teams had successful wins. The seventh-grade team won with a final score Ava 34, Houston 15. Leading scorers were Isaac Dalton with 14 points, followed by Hunter Adams, 9 points. Eighth -grade claimed their first victory this season with a…
Read MoreMiddle School Bears Face Houston Tigers
The Middle School Ava Lady Bears have competed in two more games for the season. They will soon conclude their season with the short end of the schedule left to play. The Lady Bears hosted the Willow Springs Lady Bears on December 3rd where the 7th Grade team came out strong and finished with a…
Read MoreNo Excuses: Donley goes clutch, Bears top Gainesville
By Jason Hoekema / [email protected] GAINESVILLE – At the half the Ava High School boys basketball team were walking to the locker room with a bit of disappointment at the six-point lead the Bulldogs had. As football coach Dan Swofford put it earlier this year, the kids have no quit. Instead of taking the loss the…
Read MoreRebounding: Lady Bears transition past Conway
By Jason Hoekema /[email protected] CONWAY – The Ava High School Lady Bears topped Conway on the road Monday, 74-46. The tip-off followed the junior varsity’s 58-24 victory when Hannah Evans got one up in the lane to open the board for Ava. Opening Statement Conways lack of rebounds and some of Ava’s height (in comparison)…
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