Sports

ORRICK – Coach Kirk Thacker brings parts of Hardin-Central’s track and field program to Orrick’s varsity program. Now finishing his first year of teaching and coaching at Orrick, Thacker was a longtime teacher and coach at Hardin-Central, where duties included coaching junior high and varsity track.

HARDIN – Given its size, Hardin-Central has “good numbers” for track and field, varsity coach Brent Behler said. As of March 7, the Bulldogs had roughly 20 boys and eight participating, Behler estimated.

BLUE SPRINGS – For the second straight season, a Kansas City-based private school ended Richmond’s postseason run in boys basketball in the Class 4 state quarterfinals. The Spartans’ latest run ended with a 52-32 loss to Pembroke Hill March 12 at Blue Springs High School – 365 days after their 70-67 state quarterfinal loss to The Barstow School at Avila University.

RICHMOND – Coach Kevin Jermain and his Spartans got their district threepeat in boys basketball. They got their second straight sectional championship, too.

PRESENTING ... the academic all-state Richmond varsity softball team. Pictured are, front row, from left, Kenzie Siggars, Katie Pierson, Jaedyn Lopez, Jodi Robinson, Lexi Bokarae and Mackenzey Peach; second row, Caitlin Claypole, Gabby Camp, Hailee Green, Josie Scott, Haylee Weber, Aniya Webb, Sydney Appleberry, Aireanna Hoeppner and Kendra Green; back row, Kaylee Pugh, Kelsey Wilton, Aleana McFee, Evie Happy, Taylor Hoeppner, Kynlee Lopez, Trinidy Fisk and Harley Huffman. The Spartans are led by head coach Staci Maddux. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

OAK GROVE – The Spartans showed their “district mentality” during their 72-37 thumping of Excelsior Springs on Tuesday at Oak Grove High School in the Class 4 District 15 Tournament, Richmond varsity boys basketball coach Kevin Jermain said.

OAK GROVE – The Spartans should be proud of what they accomplished this varsity girls basketball season, Richmond coach Chad Snyder said after Monday night’s 41-27, season-ending loss to Odessa in the Class 4 District 15 Tournament semifinals at Oak Grove High School.