Basketball - Nobody Kicks Our Dawg

Sectional Highlights

Click photo to watch video clip of Aurora winning sectionals, courtesy of Ozarks Sports Zone.

Comeback Dawgs

Aurora may have traveled to Joplin, which everyone thought would be a home game for Webb City, but the gym was packed with red and black! Aurora and Webb City traded buckets for the entire first half. At half-time Webb lead Aurora 27-25. The third quarter belonged to the Webb City Cardinals. The Houns went cold in the 3rd and fell down by as much as 11 points. The Dawgs defense played a big factor making a few steals to turn things around and help the Dawgs go on a 22-4 run to the cap off their comeback and win 61-55 over the Cardinals. Aurora was led by Ryan Carmichael with 21 points followed by Chase Howerton's 15 points. Aurora fans turned out in numbers and gave the team a boost and now the Dawgs will playing Helias at Missouri State on Saturday.

Top 5 Ranked Teams

1. St. Francis Borgia 23-2

2.St. Charles West 23-3

3. Aurora 24-1

4. Hickman Mills 19-5

5. Moberly 21-3

Howerton's Take

Story by Shane Mckay
The Houns are having an awesome season this year. Coach Minders has turned the program around and the team has accomplished a lot this season. Taking 1st in two of the three tournaments.( Carthage, and Stockton, 3rd place in Blue&Gold.) The Dawgs also won Big 8 Conference Champs, undefeated.( As well as the Lady Houns), District Champs and now Sectional Champs. Chase Howerton, senior point gaurd said, " It is the biggest accomplishment our school has had in about 30 years!" The Aurora basketball team had never won the Carthage Tournament after playing in the tourney for 62 seasons until this year. When Howerton was asked how well the season was going so far, he stated, " I will NEVER forget it! It has been a like a dream season that you never want to end!"

Howerton has had a tremendous career as a Houn Dawg and he is putting the icing on the cake as a Senior. He may not be the man to put up 20-30 every game, but he has a way of finding the open man and pushing the ball down the court. All season long area sports writers have been tossing Chase Howerton's name in the mix for the best Southwest Missouri Point Guard. Chris Crowley , AKA " Biggest Fan" said that " Chase is a great ball handler and almost as quick as me." This years Dawgs have something special, every player brings something special to the court and is utilized on the court! Every player can make plays and they are something to watch!

After taking the District crown Saturday night over Republic the Dawgs advance into sectional play against Webb City and Chase was asked what he thought of Webb. "They will be tough, but we will be the better team, we have to respect them because they made it this far for a reason." If the Dawgs win Wednesday they will play Saturday at MSU in Springfield and a win their would put them in the final four in Columbia! Howerton said, " I just want to be there, its been a mountain and that would be the peak, the championship." Chase plans to play college ball but hasnt decided where he wants to play just yet. He is just focused on one thing right now and that is helping his Dawgs " State Bound"

Everyone needs to go and support the Houns in the upcoming games and make some noise for them! Weare your red and black and show those colors and wear them proud!

Good Luck Dawgs and Bring it Home

Lady Houns Lose Heartbreaker

The District Title was only two point away losing to Republic 57-59. The Lady Houns played in the District Championship against the Lady Republic Tigers and almost came away with a victory. Missed free throws were the story of the game. Aurora did not have it's best shooting night from the line. The Lady Houns will not advance into the playoffs this year, but they had a great season and did come away with a Big 8 Conference Championship and it was a great first year for Coach Besch. Good Job Lady Houns.

Undefeated Champs

The Lady Houns finished their Undefeated Big 8 campaign with fashion! Blowing out Lamar. The Lady Houns finished the season 20-8 overall. Great Job Lady Houns.

Lady Houns place 3rd

The Lady Houns didnt finish where they wanted to but still placed with a top finish in the annual Lady Houn Tournament. The Lady Houns played Purdy in the 3rd place game and played very well coming off a tough loss to Mt. Vernon winning 67-51