Local stars shine bright in SWMO All-Star Saturday

Basketball season wrapped up about three weeks ago but several of the top stars we have come to know received some more of the top honors in the state. Miller’s Claudia Hadlock headlines the honors as she was selected to her third All-State team in Class 2.

SWMO All-star game
Aurora Houn' Dawg Sage Welch and Hadlock’s Lady Cardinal teammate Payten Richardson joined Hadlock as selections to the second annual SWMO All-Star Saturday which was held March 26 at BBC in Springfield. Hadlock was selected by a captain for the senior girl’s game that featured three McDonald's All-American nominees, headlined by Kickapoo star and future Baylor Lady Bear Bella Fontleroy, and future MSU Lady Bear Khloe Moad.
Hadlock chose her teammate Richardson with the first overall pick as the two Miller icons led their team to the win over Fontleroy, Moad, and some of the best from around the area.
Welch was also victorious as his team was led by Greenwood’s Tommy Pinegar, and a pair of Missouri Player of the Year winners, Norwood’s Garrett Davault and Thayer’s Jordan Andrews.
“It was really cool getting to play on with all of those guys on my future home court,” Aurora senior and BBC commit Welch said. “It was one of the most competitive games I have been a part of and coming out with the win makes it even better.”
These three athletes make seven Lawrence County participants to play in this annual event after Mt. Vernon’s Mason Ballay, Lacy Stokes, Ellie Johnston, and Miller’s Joel Kleeman played in last year’s event.
Miller’s Kaylee Helton, Aurora’s Jaesik Friggle, and Mt. Vernon’s Cheyenne Bieber, Raegan Boswell, and Cameryn Cassity were also invited to participate but were unable to attend.