Sports

CLAY COUNTY — For most of the public school districts in Clay County, school for the 2024-25 school year begins next week. For Smithville and Kearney school districts, the first day of school is Tuesday, Aug.

Thirty-six Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports members, including one from Kearney and one from Liberty, competed at the highest level in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships this summer in Grand Island, Nebraska.

LIBERTY — Liberty softball is one of many teams preparing for a new season and looks to put another great season in the record books. After winning the KC Suburban Silver Conference and claiming its fifth district title in seven seasons in 2023, the Blue Jays look to make another run at state after a third-place finish in Class 5 in 2022.

LIBERTY — A new season is upon Liberty North volleyball as the team looks to adapt to the loss of six seniors from the team a season ago. The Eagles will look a bit different this year after losing Carlie Cisneros, twotime Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year; Ella Morgan in the middle; Emmy Seiler on the right side; setter Lauren Wright; and defensive specialists Sophia Derenzy and Jenna Burroughs to graduation.

LIBERTY — As the school year creeps closer so does the start of another fall sports season. As a new campaign looms, Liberty North girls tennis is looking for another strong year.

LIBERTY — Liberty North’s cross country teams are looking to put together another strong season. Last fall, the boys’ squad won the KC Suburban Gold Conference, finished third in districts and took 10th in Class 5 at the state championships.

LIBERTY — After Ryan Stegall announced his departure in June from Liberty North after 14 years with the baseball program, the Eagles have found their new coach. Jake Bradshaw was selected to take over the helm of Liberty North baseball.

LIBERTY — While all coaches try to guide their teams through wins and losses, some put forth the extra effort to make an impact on athletes’ lives outside of sports. For Liberty Parks and Recreation, one of those coaches is Mike Purcell with the youth baseball league.

KEARNEY — With roughly just a month before school starts, one of Kearney’s Class of 2024 graduates has found his next home after high school. After persevering through multiple moves and navigating an extended recruitment process, Harvey Sayon achieved his dream of playing basketball at the collegiate level with NAIA school Central Methodist University.

PHOTOS BY RUN AND SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY .