To the Editor:
By now, your readers know just about all the numbers involved in the Owensville Dutchgirls’ run to the Show-Me Showdown. But did you overlook my favorite: 89?
According to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSSA) website, the 2023-24 girls high school basketball season started with 89 teams in Class 4, all with a shot at the Show-Me Showdown in Columbia. But only four earned the opportunity to play on Norm Stewart Court in Mizzou Arena.
I had the good fortune to be the volunteer host of one of those teams, your Dutchgirls. From managers to players to coaches to cheerleaders, I found them a very focused and engaged group, united to do their best.
And the fans came out strong as well. I noticed far less fan support in the seats for the Friday contest involving a local Columbia team than the loud ‘n’ proud bunch that made the trip to support their Dutchgirls — two days in a row! (I even heard that some who could not be there chipped in a nice chunk of green so the team could have an enjoyable visit. That is to be commended as well.)
If you weren’t there, you didn’t see the entire bench rise every time the ball moved to the far end of the court. Every time. I saw that from no other team in my three days at the Showdown. That’s impressive. That’s focus.
Congratulations to all of you who are part of the Dutchgirls team. I’ll be watching your advance through the 89 in the 2024-25 season, and looking forward to hosting you again.
Sincerely,
John R. Mier
Jefferson City
