Raiders, Lions Claim Second State Titles; Schuyler Third In Class Two

Members of the North Shelby Scholar Bowl team line up for photographs after the Raiders defeated Mound City 260-220 for the MSHSAA Class One State Championship. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Regional Radio)

For the second time in three years, North Shelby’s scholar bowl team is the best in Class One. At the MSHSAA State Scholar Bowl Championship on Friday afternoon in Columbia, the Raiders took the lead early in the second half against Mound City, then held on for the win over the Panthers, 260-220.

Despite a convincing 320-130 win in the final preliminary round robin match, the slate was wiped clean for the winner-take-all championship bout, pitting last year’s runners-up against Mound City, who had last won a state title in 2012. The Raiders had a narrow 80-50 lead halfway through the first half, before Panthers junior Jadon Griffin collected five straight tossups to take the lead into the half, 150-130. Raiders junior Aden Johnston…

Central MO Info · 23 0505 North Shelby’s Aden Johnston on winning Class One

Johnston would claim two tossups in the second half, with teammates Andrew Meyers and Austin Wilson each adding one. Sophomore Jared Johnston also had two in the second half, including the final tossup to put it away. The Raiders averaged 12 points per bonus set while adding 40 points off bouncebacks.

Columbia Independent team members (from left) Emily Berneking, Elijah Elliot, Asher Lidsky, Graham Turner-Diaz, and Sophie Lietzan pose with their 2023 Class Three State Championship trophy, after CIS defeated Kansas City Lutheran 410-220. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Regional Radio)

Columbia Independent didn’t miss a beat from their move up to Class Three, sweeping their competition en route to a second consecutive title. Last year’s winners in Class Two took care of Skyline, Kansas City Lutheran and Saint Mary’s of Saint Louis before defeating Lutheran a second time, 410-220, in the championship match. Seniors Asher Lidsky and Sophie Lietzan…

Central MO Info · 23 0505 CIS seniors Asher Lidsky and Sophie Lietzan on winning Class Three

Schuyler County Rams head coach Ryan Kaden visits with the team during halftime of the Rams’ first-round match against New Haven. Schuyler County defeated the Shamrocks 250-180, and would need to beat them again 210-160 to win third place at the MSHSAA 2023 Class Two State Tournament. (Photo by Kyle Hill, Regional Radio)

In Class Two, Schuyler County came from behind to defeat Thomas Jefferson Independent of Joplin to wrap up pool play, but their 370-220 loss to Weaubleau resulted in the Rams not having enough points to advance to the title game. Schuyler County instead faced New Haven for third, prevailing in a 210-160 contest.

A pair of area teams will compete Saturday afternoon in two of the state’s largest classes. Mexico makes their first-ever appearance at state in Class Five, taking on Sullivan, Ladue and Savannah. Columbia Rock Bridge are in Class Six where they face Springfield Kickapoo, Saint Joseph Central, and Parkway West. The first of three preliminary round-robin matches begin at noon.