BRANSON — When asked what the turning point to her senior season was, Emma Vincent responded without hesitation that it was essentially hitting rock bottom at Glendale three weeks ago.

Cannon Cox could have been forgiven for smiling for the camera as he ran for his fourth touchdown Friday and directly toward a photographer positioned behind Ozark’s south end zone.

Cannon Cox kept his dream alive to be a quarterback in high school for Ozark, despite finding himself in a backup role in junior high. Likewise, he’s keeping his dream alive to be a quarterback in college in spite of the curve ball the COVID-19 pandemic threw his way.

Ozark’s Elizabeth Freeman, Georgia Fraser and Maddie Greenlee enjoyed their company during the Ozark Invitational at Fremont Hills on Thursday. The Lady Tigers were particularly happy to reunite with Springfield Catholic players they call long-time friends.

Zack Owens waited until his mid-30s to gain his dream job this year at his alma mater as Ozark’s head boys soccer coach. He gained even further appreciation for his job while being away from it the past two weeks.

Avery Voysey enjoyed Ozark’s bus ride home from Joplin after the Tigers’ 51-43 victory last Friday as much as anyone.

Trevor Carlton didn't play in last year's Ozark-Nixa contest, so the Tigers sophomore goalkeeper could be forgiven for not immediately being able to recall who won.

Being a sophomore, Jordyn Foley hadn’t talked to any of her Ozark upperclassmen teammates during school Tuesday. Thus, she wasn’t privy to the news senior pitcher Hattie Depee had been in an auto accident the night before.

Ozark's Georgia Fraser carded an 85 to place third at the Bolivar Silo Ridge Invitational on Monday.