Dexter, MO - Garrett Henson is the 18 year old son of Dennis and Elizabeth Henson.  He is the grandson of Ray and Mabel Henson of Puxico, MO and Woody and Miriam Chenault of Monticello, IL.

Garrett has participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America and Pep Club. 

Garrett also has played basketball and baseball all four years in high school.  He played baseball for the Missouri Bulls, SEMO Spartans, and the Charleston Fighting Squirrels. 

When asked what Garrett’s most memorable moment was with Dexter baseball, "It was hitting a walk-off against Jackson!"  His most memorable moment in summer baseball was winning back-to-back State titles with the SEMO Spartans.

Garrett’s baseball season was cut short due to COVID-19 and the coronavirus epidemic so he started a lawncare business with fellow classmate and teammate Haden Hillis as a way to earn extra cash.  He is also finishing his three dual credit courses online with SEMO and Three Rivers College.

"Garrett Henson is a laid back kid. He doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster of a baseball game," commented DHS head baseball coach Drew Pixley. "He stays right in the middle, where things should be."

"Garrett probably would have been one of our top two pitchers this spring. He’s very difficult to hit when he stays down in the zone. With him being every bit of 6’5”, and maybe taller, he throws straight over the top. That high of a release point working down to a hitter is an extremely difficult angle to make solid contact. If he would’ve had the opportunity to have a consistent spring, he could have done some really good things."

"For the past two seasons, Garrett has always stayed in the lineup. He’s had some very good moments for us, but one in particular sticks out in my mind. His sophomore season at home versus Jackson. Jackson is a very solid program every year. There always at the top of our conference. But this particular game, we stayed in it and kept it close. We tied the game in the 7th inning. With 2 outs, Garrett is up to bat. He came through with a 2 strike single down the first base line, and we scored the winning run. It wasn’t a pretty hit. But in that high pressure situation as a sophomore, in a conference game, and at home in front of his hometown fans, he found a way to get the job done."

"This season is one I’ll never forget because of what could have been. Garrett was always asking me if I thought we would play the season, which tells me he was ready for competition. I really wish I would have been able to see these seniors compete this spring," stated Pixley.

Garrett’s future plans after high school are to attend the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri - Columbia, where he will be a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Dexter, MO - MTCCCA announced its Academic All-State runners.  Dexter High School had six athletes to earn these honors.  

Athletes must be nominated by their head coach who must be a current member of MTCCCA.  Each athlete must have competed in a State series meet of which a district, section or state meet satisfies that requirement.  Each athlete must meet one of the following criteria: 25 or higher on the ACT, 1150 or higher on the SAT or 3.6 cumulative GPA at the end of the fall semester.

"I am very proud of their hard work on the course and in the classroom," commented DHS head cross country coach Leonard Morse.

Athletes are Margo Nea, Madison Slaton, Andrew Ellinghouse, Alanie Lacy, Sophia Chasteen, and Kalyn Traw.

Dexter, MO - Haden Hillis is the 18 year old son of Tory and Darren Hillis and brother to Rhylan Hillis. He is also the grandson of Ron and Jo Bloemer and Gladys Hillis and Bruce and Lynn Hillis.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sr. Beta and FCLA.  He has also played on the football team three year, baseketball team three year and baseball four year.

Haden was one of the original members of the Spartans Baseball team and won state two years and has been playing some type of summer baseball now going on 11 years.  You could say Haden love the game!

What are Haden's most memorable moments in high school baseball? Throwing a no hitter in the first JV game of his freshman year against Kennett and throwing another no hitter hi freshman year in his first varsity debut against Notre Dame!

When asked how has the COVID-19 affected you this year, Haden said, "It has definitely taken away memories that I as well as every high school seniors across teh country will never get back.  It truly makes you put into perspective that you shouldn't ever take anything fro granted."

"Haden Hillis is the toughest kid I know. He played the entire football season this year with a torn quadriceps muscle, and started every single game," commented Dexter High School baseball coach Drew Pixley.  "Last football season, he broke his collarbone twice, and hated to have to come out of the game. That quality in him will take him a long way in life, being able to battle through tough times."

"Haden was our team leader on the diamond. He’s not a very vocal kid, but he’s tough, always has a great attitude, and competes HARD. Those are qualities, that combined, would make a desirable player on any team," continued Pixley.

"Hillis would be a very pivotal pitcher in our rotation. He has natural cut to his fastball, which isn’t typical. But it was very effective when he stayed low in the strike zone. Even through his leg injury, he was able to lift from the waist up and I thought he had a tremendous winter in the weight room. He’s definitely able to handle the bat better and could have possibly been a heart of the lineup type of player."

"I was really excited coming into this season to see how Haden would bounce back, and I know he was too. To see their season end like this is saddening, but I know these kids will take on their next challenge the right way. I will miss all of these seniors, and their teammates will too," stated Pixley.

Haden wanted to add that he has a great respect for all of his coaches.  Coach Aaron Pixley was his reason for getting back involved in football, a sport Haden also loves.  "He is always a positive on the football field."

"Coach Drew always believed in us and we were set to have a memorable senior year on the baseball field," stated Hillis.  "Coach Cody Boyer was the first text received with encouragement and support when I heard "NO SPRING SPORTS!" 

"Coach Becker has helped coach me since I was in the 2nd grade," continued Hillis.  "He has always believed in me.  I will miss all of these coaches and I appreciate all of them as well.

Haden's future plans after graduation is to attend the University of Missouri - Columbia and major in accounting.

Dexter, MO - Mason Keena is the 18 year old son of Paul and Melanie Keena.

He is the grandson of David and Betty Fleming and Melba Keena.

Mason is a member of Top 10%, National Honor Society, Student Council, Sr. Beta Club and Future Business Leaders of America.  He has also played baseball, football and wrestling for the Bearcats.

When asked about his most memorable moments playing baseball, Mason said, "Playing every summer with my friends and winning State back-to-back years on the SEMO Spartans."

With the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Epidemic) Mason's spring sports baseball season was cancelled.  "COVID-19 has affected my Senior year by requiring me to stay home and get a job.  Take online classes and hang-up my Bearcat baseball uniform for good."

"Mason Keena is a kid that doesn't say much and always has a smile on his face," commented Drew Pixley, head baseball coach at Dexter High School.  "He's a kid that has had to deal with so many injuries and illnesses and never once complained.  I didn't get the pleasure to have him as a part of our baseball team last year (my first head coaching year) because he was battling Mono from wrestling season.  We had a chat about that and both came to the conclusion that sitting out last spring to rest would be the best option for him moving forward.  That was probably very hard for him because he is very competitive."

"Coming into this spring, it was a relief to know I would have a player like Mason that could play a few different positions and help mentor our young catchers.  I feel like he was excited about the role he was going to take on especially the fact that he was going to pitch.  We were looking forward to what this spring could have brought these kids."

"I feel terrible for all of the seniors," continued Pixley.  "But I know that the senior group I would’ve had this spring would have battled their butts off. In reality, our team would’ve had to grind through this season, play smart, and look to multiple kids to carry this team. Mason Keena would have been one of those kids. He’s dependable, works hard, and is very intelligent. I am sure going to miss having him next spring."

Mason's future plans after high school are to attend the University of Missouri - Columbia.

Sikeston, MO - Looking for some summer baseball fun?  The Silver Sox will have try-outs on May 4th.  With the extended shut down from Governor Parson the original date of May 3rd had to be extended.

Please be at VFW Baseball Field on Monday, May 4th.  6 p.m. 13-14 year old (born in 2006-2007)  7 p.m. for 15 - 16 year olds (born in 2004-2005)

On May 5th at 6 p.m. for 17, 18 and 19 year olds born 2001, 2002, and 2003.

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