I just moved from Olathe, Kansas to Waynesville, Mo. I'm wondering how tough the competition is here in Missouri. My highschool ,Waynesville High, has about 1400 students and we play in the Ozark League. I'm coming from playing in the Sunflower league in Kansas(we were 6A in KS-biggest class) will i be playing against tougher competition here in Missouri? Who are some of the better teams I might see? And if you know anything about my highschool's program that would be great...pretty much any info. thanks.

Brent,
My son (Willy) plays for springfield Mo. Kickapoo.Last spring kickapoo played Olathe at Freestate High ball field in one of the worst wind conditions I have ever seen.Even the folks from Kansas thought it was unbelievable.Kickapoo is a four A highschool as is Waynesville.We play each other at least once each year.The 6A teams we have faced from kansas and elswhere have always had more big seniors and been very tough opponents.As olathe found out the smaller scrapier 4A Kickapoo can sometimes win the day.Waynesville plays against Joplin,Rolla,Lebanon,
West Plains,Kickapoo and Springfield Glendale.It has been awhile since Waynesville dominated but they have been competative.You should also look into the St. Louis Prospects for a more competative opportunity.Also be sure to enjoy the Rivers and hills of the ozarks while you can.Willy was the little freshman who pitched the complete game win against Olathe.I look forward to seeing you on the field.

do you remember which olathe highschool you played? there are 4...if not the name of the school at least what colors they wore? i'm curious and thanks a lot for the info.

big rip,my son played for the nationals 16yr.team this summer.coached by hartley with his own son on the team.according to my son daddy ball went on all summer.a real shame

bdt,
Congradulations on your sons National Championship.Will he play for the Nationals again this year? Which squad? Which squad will Hartley coach? What did you think of the overall exsposure and level of competition.

my son was not real happy with the calipar of most of the teams during the summer.also they rarely played on the college fields mostly on hs fields.it is hard to find a program where in the end it is not about the money.here at nevada baseball is really weak.no legion program and not enough interest for a traveling team.i have a older son that had to travel to kc for summer ball as a highschooler.does kickapoo still have the same legion coach from 5 years ago i met him one time at a tournament there.seemed like a real baseball guy.no he will not play for the nationals this year.

bdt,
Niel Pittman, who coached the Highschool team,retired after the 04 season.Coach Hammers left the Legion program when he did not secure the school job.Jason Howser from Ozark now heads both programs.A real fireball who seems to know what he is doing.The boys have really bought into his work ethic.

Anybody have info. on Joplin HS baseball? They are making a swing through Texas this week to play some teams. I assume they are pretty good if they're spending the money to make the trip. We, at Rockwall, Texas, look forward to seeing them and will accomodate them any way we can. Let us know if anybody has a scouting report. Thanks.

Swami, Im just a player parent but I will share with you what little I do know.
Missouri is a AAAA state in baseball (up to 5A in basketball and football).Joplin has a long history of being one of the top 4A teams in the state. Several polls have them selected as #1 this year. They have at least two strong pitchers. They will be strong defensivly, they will be about half seniors and half juniors.
The games in texas will be their first games of the year and without a doubt there will be Rust.
They head south for the weather and competition.If Chapmen is on the mound they should be fairly tough even by texas standards.