GVHS Class of 2025 Graduates Monday evening; Sni Valley Academy Graduates receive diplomas5/19/2025 The 2025 Grain Valley High School senior class will graduate Monday evening at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. The graduation begins at 7:00pm and may be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/live/vYBIIUAPGWA. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Jackson David Adams Braydon Patrick Aggeler Hayden Michael Albin Kimberly Alcantara Perez Raya Iyod Alkhatib Jack Thomas Allen Leah Rose Allen Laken Renee Alley Chase Bryant Anderson Alyssa Neveah Arndorfer Kennady Raine Arndt Mason William Maxwell Arni Logan Lee Arp Olivia Paige Arreguin Makenzie Keikilani Lokahi Arrington Marissa Lynn Bagby Darah Tieisha-Nicole Baker Mya Jade Baker Chris Lee Barham Gavin Chase Barker Avery Elizabeth Barncord Catherine Anne Barnes Landon James Barnes Aaron Landan Barr Johnpaul Sandoval Barraza Ileynia Nicole Ann Beard Naiya Lee Beck Isabella Marie Becker Willow Rhea Bernard Joshua Christos Berry Mason Jax Bertrand Max Jamie Bertrand Husam Tauqeed Bhatti Jackson William Bieri Hollie Rachel Blake Faith Vishakha Bledsoe Hunter Barrett Bly Brooklyn Marie Boley Christopher Scott Bonnel Elexis Denise Bouldin Brady Jackson Bown Viviana Marie Bozich Jackson Tanner Branson Braden Kyle Braun Paige Jacklyn Brill Adilynn Jolea Brooner Nevaeh Marie Brown Taleah Renee Brown Kenny Dong Bui Cash Thomas Bulloc Keyonna Latrice Bullock Charger Aaron Bundridge Noah Warren Campbell Jared Ernesto Caraveo Ethen James Carlton Alyssa Paige Carver John Warren Cassidy Angelo Santana Castilleja Owen Maddox Chambers Riley Daniel Champ Amanda Marie Chaney Annabelle Kate Chevalier Brennen Thomas Chidester Victoria Elizabeth Chitwood Nevaeh Lynn Clausen Mia Elizabeth Cole Caleb Matthew Collins Evan Carter Colson Trace Kenneth Compton Brylie Amani Cook Trystyn Eryn Cooper Jocelynn Andrea Cortez Zachary Daniel Cota Daniel Lawrence Coughtry Kein Whispern Crain Kaden Riley Crandall Mallory Lynn Crane Logan Hue James Crook Jackson Robert Michael Crosley Melynda Jean Cross Ty Lewis Culp Sturgis William Cumberford IV Mason Lane Cygan Josie Lynne Daniels Mattie Lynn Daniels Bradley Steven Darling Aedan Thomas Davila Levi Vilroy Davis MacKenzie Ashlynn Davis Rowdy Alan Davis Adalia Grace Del Real Devon Tyler DeMink Andrew Lewis DeMonbrun Clara Marie DeMoro Daniel Calvin Dent Joseph Anthony Dicarlo George Matthew Dickensheets Matthew Roger Ditzler Bailey Rose Dougan Emma Leann Downs Maddox Dean Dresslaer Gwendolyn Denise Duckett Phoebe Cate Duplantis Jackson Kennedy Lee Easum Mayla Hope Eldridge Dylan Lane Elliott Kaydence Elise Emry Mason Gabriel Enlow Cody Ellis Farnsworth Ava LeeAnn Ferguson Kaden Noah Ferman Adan Ferrer Hudson Hugh Flowers Aidan John Foley Drake Jameson Ford Broden John Frederick Alexander Scott Fuhrman Jordan Michael Fuller Kayla Marie Gallagher Blake Matthew Galvan Kira Delaney Geib Addison Lucile George Ally Jo Gilbert George Coen Gille Jonathan Manuel Gonzalez Alebrick Eugene Goodrich Korbyn Cyrus Goodwin Marli Jean Gorbet Tre Jean Gorham Jordan Mari Gossage Justice Louise Goulden Amyah Marie Graybill Logan Hunter Greco Emma Catherine Greene Landry Jean Groes Emerson Irene Guthrie Mackenzie Rose Haase Madison Jo Haislip Salomé Eve Haley Abigail Virginia Hampton Lillian Elizabeth Haney Carter Wade Harmsen Taylor Marie Harp Damian Joseph Harris Jaliyah Le'Shaye Harris Pyper Lily Hartigan Kelsey Emmaline Harvey Kirsten Bailey Haskins Katie Mae Hattey Italia Paige Haywood Robert Caden Hayworth Bailey Leigh Hendrickson Brithany Gissell Herrera Perdomo Samantha Elizabeth Hight Mason Isaiah Hill Rylee Hannah Belle Hinchey Simon Taylor Horton Chloe Elina Houg Matthew Ryan Howell Tucker Lee Hughes Colton Scott Hursh Toby Christian Inman Maximilian Michael Johnson Adrian Michael Johnston Jordin Faith Johnston Roman Daniel Juba Aidan James Kalthoff Asa Jeremiah Keim Camryn Paige Kelly Reese Elizabeth Kenyon Canvas Joy Kephart Olivia Perrin Kerr Joshua Aidan Kester Milee Grace Keys Ta'Ron Tamar King Reese Ann Knox Tyler Austin Krueger Ava Grace Kusick Owen Ryan Landero Makynzye Nikole Lank Maddalynn Louise Lawson Megan Audrey Legate Dennis Patrick Leonard III Brennan Roman Lipowicz Brooke Madison Lockwood Isabel Grace Lopez Brianna Sophia Lukens Alexander Luna Jack Carl Lundberg MaKenzie Ann Maggio Elizabeth Mae Malicoat Jenna Leigh Manning Cuyler Dean Marler Madison Dawn Martinez Bailey Lyndsey Mason Taelor Marie Mason Hayley Elizabeth Maybell Johnathan Ronald Mayernik Eric Scott McColgin Jr. Cara Grace McHardie Gabriel Antonio Meier Michael Andrew Melching Jennifer Leigh Melton Tyler Benjamin Melton Isaiah Nicholas Tuala Menzsa Christopher Robert Meredith Addison Linn Miller Brody Anderson Miller Jack Winston Miller Eli John Monrian Alexis Marie Moore Jacob Mitchel Moore Makenna Mae Lulivee Moore Matthew Bailey Morgan Oscar Vaughn Morgan Kyleigh Ann Morris Suraya Muhammadi Makenna Marie Mullen Allison Grace Muller Emily Carol Muller Addison Margaret Sue Myers Nevaeh Tnes Myers Myah Lee Myrick Braden James Nati Reese Lee Naudet Steven Eugene Nelson Jr. Carson Michael Newsom Adyson Mae Nichols Raven Nickason Bria Fontanos Omambac Alexander Ryan Osborn Makayla Ann Otto Benjamin Aggeler Page Robert N.T. Palmer Jr Kierstin Makenzie Parker Colston Mario Parks Lexie Carmen Pasley Evan Michael Patrick Micah Lael Pearson Ostin Andre Perkins Chloe Elizabeth Perry Sabrina Marie Perry Douglas Raymond Peters Isaac James Pittman Lauren Cameron Pittsenbarger Matiece De'Anthony Poke Addison Elizabeth Powell Megan Kathleen Prestia Maddison Mikaela Priem Blayden Lee Pruett Jillian Reagan Quick Hillary K.Ellen Rennells Amelia Skye Reynolds Allison Nicole Richardson Marisa Leann Riggle Joseph Cooper Ripley Micah Joseph Roach Kenzley Jaida Jane Roark David Devell Roberson Jr Trenton Andrew Rock Rylie Olivia Rogers Ryan Joseph Rohr Sarah Ezabella Ruiz Isabelle Rae Salsman Kane Alexander Santana Remington Allen Schieber Ryan Exzavier Schmalzbach Nathan Glenn Schmidt Akira Lee Schwinefus Lillian Grace Sharp Robert John Sheldon III Carson Paul Shellito Jaeda Cherice Simpson Theodore Allen Simpson Trenton Lee Sinn Brady James Smith Maxwell Scott Snyder Brooklyn Reese Spencer Kylie Ann Steele Isabelle Marie Steward Vanessa Nichole Stitt Holden Reid Stoerner Sierra Alana Stone Elizabeth Leann Storck Alison Mae Temples Shawn Andrew Thomas Chloe Lynn Thompson Yvette Torres Osuna Nicholas Keith Turney Alayna Irene Power Tuttle Alexander James Tuttle Jeralyn Joy Twiehaus Ayannah Amor Vaughn Ryan Edward Venable Riley Michelle Wade Kylee Nicole Waggerman Caiden Ryan Waite Cyrus Alan Wampler Gavin Ellis Wardrip Emma Christine Ware Brayden Cliff Warren Tavian Randall Watson Isabella Lee Webster Megan Jeanne Weidt Harrison Kenneth Ronsley Wells Alainah May Whitehead Melaina Nicole Wilcox Aidan Christopher Wilson Jason JiaJia Wilson Isaiah Gabriel Winston Hope Marie Wise Emory Paige Wolfe Lukas Steven Wolff Aiden Robert Woodrome Garrett Lee Wright Evie Claire Wyatt Nathan Corey Zades The following students from Sni Valley Academy received their diplomas in a graduation ceremony held at Grain Valley High School last week: 2025 Sni Valley Academy Graduates: Jaylynn Brooke Adams Cadence May Allen Emily Jo Azam Anthony Duane Bergeron La'mya Nicole Boldridge Ema-Lou Nerkeliunas Shaynna Lynn Marie Brooker Gracelyn Jean-Irene Buxton Evermon Frederick Cage Tyrin Avant Ziair Carrillo Hailey Jolene Diggs Christopher Mason Dinwiddie Hunter Raymond Francis Eva Nicole Hall Preston Scott Hobart Zander Zebulon Holmes Zayda Angeline Holmes Gabriel Cole Kraemer Sola Donya Law Mackenzy Ann Mace John Taylor Marlow Brian Michael Martin II Haley Elizabeth Nicholson Allyson Marie Otto Kendall Roxanne Paschal Kyle Joshua Pemberton-Wells Austin Daniel Perkins Joyce Louise Perry Cheyenne Star Iris Reed Brayden William Rold Dennie Randall Salsbury Marlo Elaine Soldi Isabella Faye Strup The 2025 graduates of Sni Valley Academy. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News When it comes to the javelin competition at Grain Valley High School, two super sophomores are making quite a name for themselves. Madison Rust earned her sixth gold medal at Monday's Suburban White Conference meet with a throw of 41.79 meters while Molly Jones finished third with a 35.94 effort. The dynamic duo has either earned either first or second in four meets this season and believe the best is yet to come. The Eagles will wrap up a busy week when they take part in the Class 5 District 7 track and field championship Saturday at Lee's Summit North High School and they are eager to continue their successful season. The conference meet at Belton was supposed to take place last Friday, but rain postponed the meet until Monday. “I don't really care that we only have four days to get ready for district,” said Rust, who also plays softball, basketball and is a wide receiver/quarterback on the flag football team. “We've rearranged our schedule a little bit, and that's fine. All our throwers are ready to go. It was great to have so much success at conference, but now, it's district time and we want to do our best.” Jones, who also plays softball and swims, agrees. "I look forward to competition at our meets because I compete against the No. 1 javelin thrower in the state every day at practice,” Jones said, referring to Rust. “And while our success is great, the friendship we've developed is even better." “We've played softball together the past two seasons, but Madison is a center fielder and I'm a pitcher, so we don't have the connection we do with the javelin. “Now. We're friendly rivals and really good friends. I don't know if we would have had our friendship if it hadn't been for track and field.” Rust agreed, adding, “We talked some in softball, but like she said, we're together every day practicing or competing with the javelin, and we love it!" “I think she makes me a better thrower, and I'd like to think I make her a better thrower because we're competing against each other. “We get serious when it comes time to practice, and all the other times we're having fun, talking to each other and waiting for another big throw.” Senior Alyssa Carver is the No. 1 pole vaulter in the state with a 3.75 meter effort. She holds the Eagles school record in the vault and ranks among the top 100 prep vaulters in the nation. Madison Rust, left, and Molly Jones finished first and third, respectively, in Monday's Suburban White Conference Track and Field Championship. The Eagles' super sophs are hoping to enjoy more success Saturday at district competition at Lee's Summit North High School. Photo courtesy Grain Valley High School track and field team.
by Michael Smith It appeared the Grain Valley girls soccer team’s chances of winning a Suburban White Conference title were slipping away. With a win, Grain Valley would clinch at least a share of the conference title with Platte County, who also had a 12-1 record coming into Thursday. The Eagles were in a battle with Truman, who held a 2-1 lead going into the final 30 minutes of the game. Up until that point, Grain Valley had several opportunities to score but shots were going over or wide of the Truman goal. It desperately needed a goal. Senior Mia Cole stepped up to provide it. A long throw in from junior Radleigh Childers bounced a couple of times and ended up in front of the Truman net. The ball bounced high enough for Cole to knock in a header with 14 minutes and 30 seconds left to tie the game. That jump started a scoring spurt of three goals for the Eagles as they overcame a deficit to win 4-2 at Moody Murray Memorial Field and clinched a share of the conference title. “That was huge because we were in a rut,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said of Cole’s goal. “Everything was going over, at the keeper or wide. We were allergic to the goal today.” Cole credited Childers for the opportunity at the goal. The junior specializes the long throw ins in the attacking third of the field. “Rad had a great throw in,” Cole said. “She has had a ton of those this year. We knew we had to score. It wasn’t only to win conference, but it was also Senior Night. We needed to boost out confidence before districts.” Childers scored the go-ahead goal with 8:24 remaining as a direct free kick from senior Ally Gilbert hit off the chest of Truman goalkeeper Camren Pennington. The ball leaked out to Childers, who had her back to the goal. She turned a fired in a close-range shot to give her team the lead for good at 3-2. Junior Avery Stumpenhaus added an insurance goal about four minutes later when she received a cross from Childers and she made a tap in near the left side of the net for a two-goal lead. “She has mostly played defense this year, but there are times I slide her up and she has made things happen,” Lewis said of Stumpenhaus. Before Grain Valley’s three goals in the final 15 minutes, Truman’s defense made it difficult for Grain Valley to get clean looks inside the 18-yard box. The Patriots packed the middle of the field and focused on stopping Childers, which helped force several missed shots from the Eagles (17-2, 13-1 conference). The Eagles struck first when Childers received a through ball from Cole and slipped a shot past a challenging Pennington and into the net in the 11th minute for a 1-0 lead. However, about three minutes later, Truman freshman Kadyn Roady stole the ball from an Eagles’ ball handler and put in a breakaway attempt to tie it at 1-1. Patriots junior Breia Lowry scored in a similar fashion in the 51st minute when she started a counterattack after stealing the ball and she scored on a breakaway to put Truman ahead 2-1 before Grain Valley started its comeback. “They played really well today,” Stumpenhaus said of Truman. “We didn’t expect it to be this close. We beat them 8-0 last time, so we thought it would be an easy game. They came out and smacked us in the face.” The Eagles will now turn their attention to the Class 4 District 6 tournament as they will be the No. 2 seed and will face Blue Springs (3-15) on May 20 at Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School. The Eagles defeated the Wildcats earlier in the season 2-1 after winning a shootout. “Blue Springs is the best No. 7 seed in the state,” Lewis said. “It was unfortunate how the seeding worked. We didn’t have a Zoom meeting, we filled out a Google form and voted. I think people looked at their record and thought they weren’t very good but didn’t see the actual results. They only lost by one goal in their losses against really good teams. They’re a good team. We have to be ready to fight and battle.” Grain Valley senior Mia Cole scored the tying goal in the 65th minute to help Grain Valley overcome a 2-1 deficit and defeat Truman 4-2 Thursday at home. The win gave Grain Valley a share of the Suburban White Conference title. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News Grain Valley junior John Malicoat had a stiff challenge on his hands. He was the starting pitcher in Monday’s Suburban White Conference game against Belton, and he matched up with Cooper Shrum, an NCAA Division I commit to the University of Tennessee. Last time Shrum faced the Eagles, he tossed a complete-game shutout and allowed just three hits and struck out nine. On Monday, there was a scout in attendance at Grain Valley High School to watch Shrum. Malicoat knew runs would be hard to come by in the matchup, so he brought his A game and allowed just one unearned run on four hits, walked three and struck out six in a complete-game effort, outdueling Shrum in a 2-1 victory. “He did a great job working ahead,” Grain Valley head coach Brian Driskell said of Malicoat. “He would even tell you where some at bats are he wishes he had back. He allowed his defense to help him out.” Malicoat stranded six runners and escaped a tough jam in the top of the third inning when the Pirates had runners at third and first base with two outs. Shrum was at the dish and drilled a pitch to center field but it was right at Carson Lundquist for the third out. He also got some help from catcher Hunter Nally, who threw out two runners at second base trying to steal. Belton’s only run came in the sixth when Connor Gooding lined an RBI single to left, scoring Thomas Abate from second base. The junior used his slider and curve ball to keep the Pirates off balance and was able to throw his breaking pitches for first-pitch strikes. “I was feeling it,” Malicoat said. “The breaking pitches felt good in warmups. I was able to throw first-pitch fastballs to the bottom of their lineup. I expanded the zone and got a lot of Ks.” The Eagles (18-11-1) got both of their runs in the bottom of the third. Freshman Brady Meyer and senior Aaron Barr led off the frame with back-to-back singles and advanced to third and second, respectively, on a sacrifice bunt from junior Carson Lundquist. Senior Kaden Crandall followed with a safety squeeze bunt that allowed Mayer to score from third and Barr to advance. Barr crossed home on a ground out from junior Logan Bennett. That ended up being all the runs Grain Valley needed as Shrum was dominant, allowing two runs on four hits and he struck out 10 in seven innings. “We talked a lot about it that we were going to have to win this game 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2,” Driskell said. “We had to find a way to scratch some runs across. They did a good job executing.” Barr had the most success at the plate as he went 2-for-2 with a run scored. One of his hits was a few feet short of a home run as he doubled to deep left field in the fifth. “Coach Driskell gave me some crap about it,” Barr said of the double. “He said the ball bounced 40 feet from the wall. I thought I hit it pretty well. I got it off the hands.” Grain Valley senior Aaron Barr, left, had two hits and a run scored at the plate and junior John Malicoat tossed a complete game and allowed just one run on four hits in a 2-1 win over Belton Monday at home in Suburban White Conference baseball action. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News It took three days to complete Grain Valley High School's baseball game at Fort Osage - but the wait was worth it for the Eagles. The Tuesday afternoon game was delayed in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Eagles held a 6-4 lead, but the Indians had runners on second and third base with no outs. The Indians' Nico Burt hit an RBI single and Steven Thomas followed with a two-run double to give Fort Osage a 7-6 lead. The Eagles did not score in the top of the sixth inning, and it appeared the Indians would blow the game open as Blake Overbeck opened the bottom of the inning with a walk. That's when Grain Valley coach Brian Driskell called upon reliever Jonah Doering to put out the fire. The thinking man's reliever walked the first two batters, to load the bases with no outs. "I had the bases loaded, and the first thing I did was look to see where my infielder's were playing," Doering said. "I saw they were playing in, so I knew if the ball was hit back to me, I had to throw home." The ball was hit back to the lanky reliever who threw home to force the runner at third. "We got that first out and I knew Brody (Wilp, the Eagles catcher) would get the runner at first," Doering said. "We were down a run and we didn't want them score again, so that double play was big. But in a way, I was expecting the 1-2-3 double play to happen, so there weren't any surprises." Doering then got a strikeout to end the inning. That's when the Eagles bats went to work. Grain Valley scored five runs in the top of the seventh with Brady Meyer, Michael Wilkey, Doering and Wilp driving home runs. The fifth run scored on an Indians error. "It felt great driving in that run and seeing all the excitement in our dugout," Meyer said. "When we tied the game, we knew we were going to win. We had all the momentum and we were all psyched after Jonah pitched out of that bases-loaded jam and didn't allow a run. This is a big win. "Fort Osage took the lead, Jonah came in and got the job done in relief and we scored five runs (in the top of the fifth inning). Wilp turned in another defensive gem in the bottom of the seventh inning when he picked off an Indians base runner at third base. "He called for an outside fastball," Doering said, "and I was about to call him off, when I noticed the runner at third was taking a big lead. I threw the pitch right where Brody wanted it, and he did the rest." Wilp said the pitch from Doering played a key role in the pickoff. "I got the pitch right where I wanted it and I threw the ball to third and we got the out. Everything worked like we wanted it to." Driskell was pleased after his team improved to 17-10 overall and 7-4 in Suburban White Conference play. "Jonah pitched out of that bases-loaded jam in the sixth and that got all the guys excited in the dugout," Driskell said. "It was a big comeback win after they took the lead. But once we got the momentum, we weren't going to lose it." Grain Valley High School baseball coach Brian Driskell congratulates his team after a dramatic 11-7 come-from-behind victory Thursday afternoon at Fort Osage. The game was postponed Tuesday night due to rain and resumed Thursday with Fort Osage hitting in the bottom of the fifth inning. Photo credit: Bill Althaus Grain Valley reliever Jonah Doering got out of a bases-loaded, no-outs jam to pitch two scoreless innings of relief in The Eagles 11-7 victory over Fort Osage Thursday afternoon on the Indians home field. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley girls soccer team needed one of its best defensive performances of the season. That’s because the Eagles matched up with Platte County, a Suburban White Conference rival. Grain Valley trailed the Pirates by one game in the conference standings and could put themselves in a tie with them with a win. Having a strong defense was important for Grain Valley as Platte County came in averaging 4.82 goals per game and had only been shut out once all season. The Eagles defense, led by goalkeeper Alayna Maybell and center backs Taylor Nicholson and Isabel Lopez, helped shutout the Pirates as they did enough to earn a 1-0 victory Tuesday at Moody Murray Memorial Field, putting themselves in a first-place tie with Platte County in the White Conference standings. “I definitely feel like we stepped it up a lot,” Maybell said. “We did have some times we had the ball bounce in front of us but we recovered very well. If our midfielders made a mistake, our defenders were there to cover for everyone.” Grain Valley was tasked with slow down Platte County’s two speedy forwards – seniors Lilly Kytasaari and Rylee Burris. The duo had a pair of golden opportunities in the second half. Kytasaari had a breakaway shot and tried to slip one inside the right post, but Maybell made a diving save. Burris had a breakaway attempt late in the half, but a challenge from Maybell caused the Platte County senior to push the shot just wide left of the goal. “They have two really potent forwards and we were really focusing on being physical and not giving them time and space,” Grain Valley head girls soccer coach Brett Lewis said. “We did a good job of that. We limited their opportunities. The times we got close was self-inflicted mistakes on our end like letting the ball bounce over our head.” Sophomore Josie Larry put in the lone goal for Grain Valley (14-2, 10-1 conference). In the 27th minutes, junior Radleigh Childers through the ball in near the 18-yard box. Senior Mia Cole tapped the ball toward Larry, and she blasted the ball inside the left post. It was a much needed goal for Larry who had been on a scoring drought. “It was really big,” Larry said. “I was really down on myself because I felt like I hadn’t stepped up like I did in the Platte County Tournament and against Truman earlier in the year. This was a confidence boost to help my team get a win.” Added Lewis: “Josie hadn’t scored in a while, but she’s had opportunities. She’s been a little down on herself. We just wanted to let her know she has been making an impact on the game. That was a really good moment for her.” Grain Valley junior goalkeeper Alayna Maybell, left, helped her team notch a shut and sophomore Josie Larry scored the team's lone goal in a 1-0 won over Platte County Tuesday at Moody Murray Memorial Field. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley boys tennis team put a scare into Blue Springs South. The Eagles trailed 2-1 after doubles play and lost two of the next three singles matches that finished as South went ahead 4-2 late in Tuesday’s Class 3 District 7 semifinal matchup with the Jaguars. No. 6 singles player Blake Galvan defeated senior Tommy Nesbitt 6-4, 7-5 to pull his team within a 4-3 deficit. From there, Grain Valley junior Marius Cooper and sophomore Drew Drinkwater were in closes battles in their No. 4 and 5 matches, respectively. However, South senior Alex Hunt put it away after he defeated Cooper 7-6 (8-6 tiebreaker), 6-3 as the Jaguars ended the Eagles season following a 6-3 victory. “I was really proud of our guys,” Grain Valley head tennis coach Randy Draper said. “We played really great today. We played so much better at the end of the year, and we didn’t disappoint. We had a shot.” Drinkwater helped keep the match going as it could have ended much earlier. He dropped the first set against South sophomore Braden Howard and was trailing 5-0 in the second set. However, he made an improbable comeback and took that set 7-5 to force and deciding set. He was not able to finish his match however as the matchup ended following Hunt’s victory. “There was a lot of reasons for that to end and he wouldn’t do it,” Draper said of Drinkwater’s match. “He ended up getting into a match tiebreak and it’s a shame he didn’t get to finish.” Seniors John Cassidy and Trace Compton got Grain Valley’s lone doubles win as they took down Parker Chaney and Zavier Broyles 8-5. Grain Valley’s No. 2 doubles team of junior Riley Spencer and Cooper were edged 8-5 in their match vs, Hunt and Howard. The No. 3 doubles team of senior Aidan Wilson and Drinkwater dropped a match to Nesbitt and Jake LeTourneau 8-3. Spencer earned a dominant win over Broyles 6-3, 6-0 against Broyles in No. 3 doubles. Compton and Cassidy dropped their doubles matches 6-2, 6-0 and 6-3, 7-5, respectively. “He’s hard to beat,” Draper said of Spencer. “He doesn’t beat himself.” Grain Valley senior John Cassidy uses a forehand to hit the ball over the net. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley junior Riley Spencer prepares to strike the ball during a single match against Blue Springs South sophomore Zavier Broyles Tuesday at Blue Springs South High School during the Class 3 District 7 tournament. Grain Valley fell to South 6-3. Photo credit: Michael Smith Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News For just the second time this season, the Grain Valley girls soccer team had a week off between games. The Eagles played Blue Springs South on April 24 and didn’t have another contest until Thursday against Fort Osage. That week of rest allowed the Grain Valley players to recover from minor injuries and get in full practice sessions during the break. It paid dividends against the Indians as the Eagles got two goals from junior Radleigh Childers and one from sophomore Emily Hooper in a 3-1 win at Moody Murray Memorial Field in Suburban White Conference action. “We had a light practice yesterday and had more heavy practices Monday and Tuesday.” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said. “It was awesome to actually get to practice. The high school season is so grueling. Sometimes you are playing three games a week and the one practice you get is lighter and are recovery sessions. “It was good for us to think and talk through some areas. We were a little cleaner tonight. We worked on some combination stuff and having our two wings stay high and putting the back four under pressure and being there for those diagonal balls in the corners.” Childers also noted the benefits of having a week off. “We had two to three games per week for most of the season,” Childers said. “For us to have a week off after having a tough couple of weeks was nice. We focused a lot more playing as a team. We have very secure back line that works well together.” Grain Valley (13-2, 9-1 conference) looked like a fresh team Thursday. Hooper scored her goal off an assist and corner kick from junior defender Taylor Nicholson early in the game to put the Eagles up 1-0. She has been integral in the Eagles’ attack throughout the season as she often helps push the ball past the opposing back line. “She brings a lot of speed out wide,” Childers said. “She works hard every time to get a touch and to get a second pass off.” Lewis tried to convince Hooper to join the team during her freshman year. She declined the offer as she wanted to focus on competing for the girls’ track and field team as a relay runner. Fast forward one year later, Lewis convinced Hooper to play soccer in 2025, while also still competing for the track and field team. Even though she did not play soccer as an eighth grader or as a freshman, she played club soccer in the past, so she has brought some previous playing experience to the Eagles, as well. “I was lucky to be able to convince her to play for the team,” Lewis said. “She’s been a great addition who helps us a lot with our aggressiveness and speed. She’s got some decent foot skills, too. Her technical skills are coming back slowly.” After Hooper’s goal, Childers scored the other two for Grain Valley (13-2, 9-1). She ripped a 25-yarder from the left wing off a rebound inside the far post in the 29th minute to help her team take a 2-0 lead. With 32 minutes and 9 seconds left in the contest, Childers knocked in a header near the right post and off a corner kick from Nicholson to help her team gain a three-goal cushion. Fort Osage scored its lone goal in the 74th minute on a breakaway goal from junior Kenna Simons off a through ball and assist from junior Bailor Perry. With the win, the Eagles sit a ½-game back of Platte County for first place in the Suburban White Conference standings. They play the Pirates on April 6 and will have a chance to move into a tie for first. Grain Valley fell 3-2 to Platte County on April 2. The Pirates scored the winning goal on a penalty kick after the Eagles committed a foul in the 18-yard box in the final minute of regulation. “I think last time it was a little unfortunate with how that game ended,” Childers said. “With the goal in the last couple of seconds. It’s an easy fix. We are just going to work hard to finish the game." Grain Valley sophomore Emily Hooper, left scored a goal, and junior Radleigh Childers added two in the Grain Valley girls soccer team's 3-1 win over Fort Osage Thursday at home. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News What started out as a painful start to a Suburban White Conference doubleheader against visiting Platte County, had a fairy tale ending as the Grain Valley Eagles used a strong start from John Malicoat and a seven-run first inning to wipe aside memories of a 7-3 first-game loss as they crushed the Pirates 13-2 in the second game. The Pirates exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning of the first game. Driskell, who was coaching third base, was hit in his left knee by a wicked line drive off Malicoat's bat. He limped off the field under his own power, but needed an assistant to take his place on the field in the second game. Moments after the game ended, Driskell's daughter Bailey rushed to the dugout to see how her dad was feeling. "I'll tell you what," said Driskell, managing a grin, "Bailey is a lot tougher than I am." He rolled up the left leg of his uniform to display a black-and-blue bruise that was the size of a grapefruit. "I'll be honest with you, it really hurts. But I'm not going anywhere, I'm staying for the second game." He then received a big hug from his daughter. He then told her, "That makes me feel better." So did that 13-2 win in Game 2, as Malicoat allowed just one run and six hits in his five-inning stint. "John got the win and pitched well," Driskell said. "I was impressed with our ability to throw strikes and get outs." He then addressed the importance of those two seven-run innings. "Both teams gave up seven spots in each game," Driskell said, "Which kind of takes you out of the game once that happens. Seeing an opponent score seven runs in an inning puts your team in a tough place." While Driskell had hoped for a sweep, he was thrilled with the Eagles performance in Game 2. "Getting a split against a good team was a good result," he said. "If we can find a way to play 'simple,' we can be a very hard team to play against going into the postseason. "We have been swinging it well as of late and I'm proud of what we've done as a group. "We have not played poorly as a group for several weeks. But, just like any team, we have moments that are not very good. We made a week's worth of errors (in the Pirates' seven-run fourth inning) and no runs turned into seven runs very quickly. "It stinks, but it's going to happen if you are around baseball long enough." The Pirates walked six Eagles in that big first inning. Hunter Nally and Carson Lundquist had RBI singles and Aaron Barr and Kaden Crandall walked with the bases loaded. Logan Bennett led the Eagles offense with with a triple and three RBIs and Bryce Meyer added three hits and scored three runs. Grain Valley led 1-0 with a first-inning run, but Platte County took advantage of three Eagle errors to score seven unearned runs. Nally had three hits and an RBI in the first game. The Eagles are 15-9-1 overall and 6-3 in the conference action. Bailey Driskell, the daughter of Grain Valley baseball coach Brian Driskell, checks on her dad in the dugout after he took a wicked line drive off his left knee in the bottom of the seventh inning of a 7-3 loss to visiting Platte County earlier this week. John Malicoat hit the line drive, but found a great way to apologize to his coach as he allowed just one run in five innings of a 13-2 victory over the Pirates in the second game of the doubleheader. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News
The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, April 24 for its April business meeting. The board began recognitions with honoring the All Missouri Best of Show winner, Genevive Wheeler for her human-interest story at JDay in Columbia. Senior Drew Melching was then recognized for earning his spot in the Missouri Scholars 100 program. Melching was also honored for being selected as a semifinalist for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholarship. The next group recognized was the winter guard varsity team for finishing fifth in the nation at the World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The girls swim and dive team state qualifiers were honored as well as the wrestling state qualifiers. CTC students who medaled at the SkillsUSA state competition were also recognized. Ryan Hay, who is a field technician in the technology department, was then recognized for his selection as 2025 Support Staff Employee of the Year. To cap off the recognitions portion of the meeting, Eric Ball was honored as the winner of the 2025 Grain Valley Schools Teacher of the Year award. Following recognitions, the board moved into reports, beginning with a curriculum committee report and the Superintendent’s report, which included a financial summary. Moving into unfinished business, the board discussed the progress the district has made on its annual priorities. Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle reported that for all of the priorities, the district is falling where it expected to be at the end of the school year. The board then discussed the draft of the budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Welle mentioned that a priority for the budget is on new full-time positions for the 2025-2026 year. The district also wants to expand extra-curricular opportunities for middle school students in the upcoming year. The board took action on insurance rates for the 2025-2026 school year. The board approved the rates, which increases the amount the district contributes on behalf of the employee, while keeping the rates flat for employees. The board also approved the hiring of one non-certified staff for 2025-2026 school year. The University of Missouri will host the 73rd Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Music Festival, May 1-3.
The event will feature 4,555 performances from students representing 358 schools across Missouri. Performances will take place at MU’s Fine Arts Building, Memorial Union, Tate Hall, McKee Gymnasium, Stewart Hall and the Sinquefield Music Center. Students qualified for the state-level festival by earning an Exemplary rating at their district festival. They will perform before nationally recognized adjudicators, who will provide evaluations and ratings. The following students from Grain Valley High School will be competing on Saturday: Tay Bailey- Flute Julia Bledsoe- Horn and piano Mackenzie Davis- Trumpet Dylan Marquis- Trombone Makayla Martin- Flute Nathan Morgester- Flute Aiden Stephens- Clarinet Liam Hanna- Piano Felix Baker- Percussion Brooklyn Boley- Percussion Cash Bulloc- Percussion Kaden Byers- Percussion John Cassidy- Percussion Will Chrisman- Percussion William Cooper- Percussion Dayton Cramer- Percussion Hudson Flowers- Percussion Blake Galvan- Percussion Madison Geiger- Percussion Charles Greene- Percussion Chase Johnson- Percussion Max Johnson- Percussion Makynzye Lank- Percussion Emma Mickelson- Percussion Madeline Sharky- Percussion Alison Temples- Percussion Chloe Thompson- Percussion Wyatt Walker- Percussion Dallas Weir- Percussion Levi Whitaker- Percussion All performances are free and open to the public, running daily from 8:00am - 5:00pm. A daily schedule of participating schools is available in the Music Activities section of www.mshsaa.org. by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News Brothers Tyler and Tristan Hoyt are playing organized high school volleyball for the first time in their careers in the 2024-25 season. Before this season, the duo played sand volleyball in recreational leagues over the summer. Their father and junior classmate Jordan Jackson convinced them to try out for the high school team, and both have been an integral part of the Grain Valley boys volleyball team. They combined for 10 aces and seven kills to help the Eagles cruise to a 25-8, 25-13, 25-9 victory at home. Tristan said staying active has been the key to them being good in their first year playing the sport. They were both on the junior varsity basketball team this past winter. Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said the brothers have exceeded expectations in their first season playing organized volleyball. “It really speaks to their athletic ability and how fast they picked up the game,” said Squiers, whose team improved to 17-7-1. “At the beginning of the season we were unsure where (Tristan) could fill in on our team, with some of the holes we had. He has taken over as a huge middle blocker and an offensive threat for our team.” Tyler has been the go-to server for Squiers and has been one of the team’s setters, while Tristan has been a solid middle hitter. Tyler credited his work in practice for his development into the team’s top server. He had five aces against Raytown on Tuesday. “We quickly saw how good his hands were,” Squiers said. “We have been working with him on setting and how to read the court. To come in and having never played before, he has been phenomenal. He’s our leader in aces.” Tristan showed he was a good server himself as he earned 11 straight service points, including four aces to help his team go on a run to win the second set. “That was pretty good. It was unexpected,” Tristan said. “I am usually not the one to serve that many times. It’s usually my brother.” Both have been a strong presence at the net, too. Tristan had five kills against the Blue Jays and Tyler added. “Playing basketball has helped with our leaping ability,” Tyler said. Senior Maddox Dresslaer, who leads the team in kills, joined the Hoyts in scoring as he had a team-high seven kills. Senior Ryan Rohr also has been strong at the net. On Tuesday, he added five kills. “He brings all the energy,” Tyler said of Rohr. “He’s a good player, who always keeps it in. I can trust him when I am setting.” Added Squiers: “Ryan is one of those guys who are hard to take off the court. He’s a six rotational player for us and brings a lot of energy.” The Eagles cruised to a victory at home against Raytown in three sets. Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley girls soccer team was red hot. It came into Thursday’s matchup with Blue Springs South on an eight-game winning streak and coming in had at least one goal in every game. That changed against a Jaguar squad that is ranked No. 3 in Class 4 according to the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association. South’s defense made it difficult for Grain Valley to get any clean looks inside the 18-yard box. Most of their shot attempts came from 25-plus yards out and the Eagles couldn’t find the back of the net in a 4-0 loss at South. Grain Valley’s best shot attempts came from senior forward Ally Gilbert from just outside of the penalty box. Her first one went just wide of the net in the 35th minute and the other was a slow roller that was easily saved by South goalkeeper Des Stone. A lot of attempts from junior Radleigh Childers, who is the Eagles’ top goal scorer, came from about 25 to 30 yards away from the net. Her final attempt late in the game from the right wing was partially blocked by junior Lailah Smith and collected by Stone. She also had a shot from the left wing that just went wide right of the goal midway through the first half. “Offensively, we were settling for far shots,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said. “I feel like our girls could have combined a little bit better.” Lewis added defensive mistakes led to some of the goals South made. Jaguar senior Lilly Gibler got the scoring going as she received a cross from Alyssa Guadagnano and she floated a shot from the left corner of the penalty box and inside the far post for a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. With 8 minutes and 52 seconds left in the first half, a direct free kick from junior Mary Hoffman was headed toward the Eagles’ goal, and sophomore Kenley Hooks raced toward the net and blasted in a header to push South’s led to 2-0. In the 36th minute, South continued its strong attack when sophomore Lexi Edwards sent a long through ball to Guadagnano, who slipped a shot inside the left post and past the diving Alayna Maybell to put her team up by three scores. Junior Haley Cramer completed the scoring for South received a cross from a teammate and nailed a perfectly placed shot inside the left post in the 49th minute. “We just need to clean up some things,” Lewis said. “I thought a lot of the goals we gave up were off our mistakes. They capitalized. (South) is very athletic and they will just press you. It’s a credit to them.” Despite the loss, there were some bright spots to take away from the game for Lewis. “I was proud of our effort,” Lewis said. “I thought Mia Cole played really well in the middle. She defended Haley (Cramer) really well. She held her own.” Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News
by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Grain Valley had just won two of the three doubles matches against visiting Truman Tuesday afternoon on the Eagles home court. And coach Randy Draper was focused on the singles competition. “This is going to be close,” Draper said. “I'm happy we won those two doubles matches.” A strong finish in singles play helped the Eagles claim a 7-2 victory over their White Conference rivals in a win that brought a smile to the veteran coach's face. “This match was a lot closer than the score indicates,” said Draper, whose team improved to 8-7-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. “Any time you play Scott (Lett's) team you know you're going to be in for a battle. But our guys played great. It's nice to see all their hard work pay off because we've lost a lot of one- and two-point dual matches." “This was a perfect day for tennis, and a great ending. I'm really proud of our guys.” When the match was still razor tight, No. 5 singles player Drew Drinkwater picked up a win that clenched the match. “We were up 4-2 and I knew that if I won, we'd win the match,” said Drinkwater, a sophomore whose older brother Ben, a 2024 graduate, was No. 1 on the Eagles last season. Drinkwater won the match 8-4. “We have a lot of great guys and great leaders on the team this season," Drinkwater added. "Monday was our Senior Night and we have to say goodbye to 10 seniors. That's going to be tough, but I want to keep improving and do my best to be a leader next season.” Grain Valley's John Cassidy won 8-3 at No. 2 singles, Riley Spencer 8-1 at No. 3, Marius Cooper 9-8 (7-4), Drew Drinkwater 8-4 at No. 5 and Blake Galvan 8-2 at No. 6. Spencer and Cooper won 8-1 at No. 2 doubles and Drinkwater and Aidan Wilson 8-3 at No. 3. There was one highlight for the Patriots as senior No. 1 singles player Josh Bush won 8-1 at No. 1 singles to pick up his milestone 50th career win. Bush also teamed with Isaac Ulberg to claim a 9-7 victory over Truman's Compton and John Cassidy. Bush was presented a plaque after the match. Bush, whose grandfather Tom Bush is an American Legion and amateur baseball icon in Eastern Jackson County, was on hand for his grandson's 50th victory. "I'm so proud of Josh," Tom Bush said. "He really picked up tennis as a freshman and has enjoyed a lot of success the past four years." The first time Bush picked up a tennis racket was his freshman year. The younger Bush admitted that he enjoyed great success and felt comfortable the first time he stepped on a court. "I think my real strength in consistency," said Bush, who improved to 11-1 on the season. "When I was a freshman, I really felt comfortable and confident the first time I played. And I've continued to improve as a player thanks to our great coaches. I owe them a lot." Truman head coach Scott Lett said Bush is one of the most talented players he's ever coached. "I've coached kids who grew up with a racquet in their hands, and along comes Josh - who had never really played the game before high school - and he starts out at our No. 6 singles spot and works his way up to No. 2 before the end of his freshman season. "Tonight we wanted to honor him for his 50th career singles win. He just keeps improving season by season and match by match. He's been fun to watch this season." Bush said this season means so much to him because he will no longer play after graduating from Truman. "It's great to have this much success as a senior," said Bush, who helped Truman win it's own tournament earlier this season with a 10-2 victory over Compton. "I really enjoy singles play because I can get frustrated in doubles because I don't want to let my doubles partner down.” Ten senior members of coach Randy Draper's tennis team were honored Monday on Senior Night. This is one of the largest senior classes Draper has coached in his iconic career with the Eagles. Photo credit: Bill Althaus Grain Valley sophomore Drew Drinkwater helped the Eagles claim a 7-2 victory over the Truman Patriots Tuesday afternoon at home. His 8-4 victory at No. 5 singles secured the win as it was the fifth victory of the match. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley boys volleyball team seemed to be going through a roller coaster ride. After a dominant first set in which the Eagles won in Monday’s non-conference matchup with St. Michael The Archangel Catholic, the Eagles had a mistake-filled second and third set, which allowed the Guardians to take a 2-1 set lead. The fourth set went back and forth, but the Eagles went on a late run to force a fifth and deciding set. From there, Eagles senior Maddox Dresslaer rattled off six consecutive service points to help Grain Valley take a 25-11, 18-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-6 victory at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic High School. A few of the Eagles were dinged up throughout the match. Dresslaer jammed one of his thumbs and junior Jordan Jackson had been battling a sore knee from the third set on, but the Eagles were able to battle through it all. “I have had it forever, I had a basic jumper’s knee,” Jackson said. “I felt something pop going up. It felt strained when I was sprinting or jumping. I think it’s something I just have to ice it up and play through it.” In the second and third game, Grain Valley had many self-inflicted errors and some miscommunication among the six players on the court resulted in some easy points for the Guardians. “I think we earned six points in the second set total,” Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said. “We had about 10 errors to start each game back-to-back and got ourselves into a rut. It’s hard to come out of those mentally. “When we started making errors, we started playing timid.” Added Dresslaer: “We let our own issues and errors bother us.” Those two games were proceeded by a first set that made it seem like the Eagles were headed for a dominant win. They jumped out to a 17-7 lead and from there, Jackson and Dresslaer combined for five kills to help their team win the set in convincing fashion. After the Guardians took a 2-1 set lead, the Eagles seemed to come out with more energy as they began with a 5-0 spurt, which was highlighted by two kills from Dresslaer and an ace from sophomore Tyler Hoyt. However, the Guardians chipped away at the Eagles’ advantage and went on a 16-5 run that was powered by a kill and an ace from senior Donzell Reives and a kill and scoring block from junior David Rogge. Grain Valley (14-6-1) wasn’t about to go away quietly, though. They got a pair of key blocks from sophomore Tristan Hoyt to help pull within 16-14 and they continued the momentum from there. The score was tied at 18-18 after an error from Grain Valley. However, a kill from senior Ryan Rohr began a 7-2 run and Jackson chipped in with two of his own, including a dump that fooled the St. Michael defense and dropped to the floor to force a fifth set. St. Michael began the fifth with a 2-0 lead, but after Dresslaer got a two-handed kill to get Grain Valley on the scoreboard, he rattled off six straight service points to put the Eagles up 8-2, capped by an ace. The Guardians wouldn’t get closer than six points from there as Grain Valley cruised the rest of the way. “After the win in the fourth set, they came out ready to run our fast offense,” Squiers said. “We started communicating and playing as a team.” While Dresslaer and Jackson scored some key points in the final two games, Tyler Hoyt was a big part of the comeback as he had three kills during that stretch. “Tyler is just an athlete, and he makes these crazy plays where you are not sure he’s going to get to it sometimes and he’s there,” Squiers said. “he’s looking to play an aggressive game, and he swings hard.” Dresslaer led all players with 15 kills. Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News
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