By Dean Backes
MaxPreps.com
Lawrence Brookins' run at Cape Girardeau Central didn't end as strong as it began. Now, the nine-year football coach has decided it's time to move on.
Brookins, who has been at the school for 20 years, began his head-coaching career in 1999 and laid a solid foundation early on. The Tigers went just 1-9 in that inaugural season, but then he put together a pair of 7-5 campaigns in 2000 and 2001, before producing seasons of 10-2 and 8-3 in 2003 and 2004.
After just five seasons with the Tigers, Brookins had managed a 33-24 record. But from 2004-2007 Brookins' Tigers had an 11-30 mark, including a 2-8 campaign in 2007. The Tigers won five district championships and three sectional titles under the guidance of Brookins.
"We'd like to thank Lawrence for nine years as head coach," Tiger athletic director Mark Ruark told the Southeast Missourian. "He won five district titles. So his record speaks for itself. Anything beyond what was said in the resignation release, I don't think there would be anything else I would want to say. We certainly appreciate coach Brookins' service."
As of Friday there were no candidates to fill Brookins' position. Ruark said he would like to fill the position soon. Brookins will stay on as Central's art teacher and track and field coach.
Wrestling: Mayabb Headed to Staley
Another successful coach from the Kansas City area is leaving his post for Staley High School in North Kansas City. Oak Park wrestling coach Gary Mayabb will take his talents to the new school set to open next fall.
During Mayabb's 21-year stint at Oak Park, the Northmen won five state championships, including the last four Class 4 titles. Oak Park also had 39 individual state champions walking the halls during Mayabb's tenure.
"I love this building, I love these people, (but) you have the opportunity to be at the right place at the right time," Mayabb told the Kansas City Star.
"Going to Staley is an opportunity to take on a new challenge."
Northmen assistant Tim Rupp is set to take over the Oak Park head coaching responsibilities.
Whitfield Plays the Role of David
Whitfield placed eight wrestlers in the top three to win the 141 Rumble at Parkway South and Summit last weekend. The two-day event featured 16 teams and several Class 4 teams in its lineup. Whitfield demonstrated its ability to equal or improve on last season's Class 1 runner-up effort by winning the meet.
Ryan Mango (119), Conor Hovis (125), Mike Kissell (140) and Jason Ott (145) won individual championships to lead the Warriors to victory.
"We had a pretty solid weekend, putting eight in the top three and coming away with four champions," Whitfield coach Charlie Sheretz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "We feel that we can compete with anyone, regardless of class size, and we're fortunate that the bigger schools, with really nothing to gain, are willing to let us compete. Our goal is to find the best available competition, and tournaments like this give our kids great exposure."
Boys Basketball: Former Jayhawk Has Barstow Flying
Former Kansas basketball player Jeff Boschee is coaching high school basketball in what was once considered enemy territory. The Big 12's all-time leader in 3-pointers has taken his game and teaching abilities to the hardwood in Barstow, Mo.
The Knights are off to a fast start this season after finishing 11-12 a season ago. Boschee changed the deliberate offense from a year ago into an up-tempo style and has the Knights flying high at 9-1.
The first-year coach returned three starters from the 2006-07 season.
Girls Basketball: 3-Point Record Breakers
Kristen Jonas and her St. Mary's teammates attacked the Trojan record books by setting a new school record with 12 3-pointers in a game. Still, they fell 75-71 in overtime to Orrick in the third place game of the Lathrop Classic.
Jonas scored on six of the long-range shots for 21 points, and added seven rebounds and five assists. Katie Smith connected on four 3-pointers, while Maggie Thomason made two of them. Orrick countered by outscoring the Trojans 21-9 at the charity stripe.
Blue Springs Scorches Chrisman With 36-0 Run
It appeared, for a while, that Chrisman could play with third-ranked Blue Springs. Then reality sunk in.
The Wildcats turned a 23-17 lead into a 59-17 advantage by going on a 36-0 run starting in the second period. With the 78-28 win, Blue Springs was able to keep its Suburban Big Seven record clean at 6-0 and improved their overall mark to 13-2.
"That's the second game in a row we've played really well," Blue Springs coach Tony Armstrong told the Independence Examiner about Thursday's 50-point win and a 59-39 triumph over Liberty earlier this month. "The last two games we've shot better and our defense has been real good. And our offense is dictated by our defense."
The Wildcats dished out 23 assists on the 31 field goals Blue Springs connected on in the contest. Drew Roberts dished out seven assists herself and scored 10 points in the win. Jamesia Price led all scorers for Blue Springs with 12 points. Megan Best added 10 points, while Jocelyn Price pulled down 10 rebounds.
Brittany McQuain led Chrisman with seven points.
