AGAINST YOURSELF: Mary-Jane Fleming (11) swims the 500 freestyle event during the City of Roses Invitational in Cape Girardeau. “The most challenging thing about the 500 is being in the water against yourself. The 500 is a long race and during that it’s you and your mind.” Fleming said, “You’re mentally trying to push yourself at times that you want to go slower or don’t want to keep going. It’s a big mental game that you have to be willing to play.” (Lilly Brown/Liberty)
Judge’s Comments: Wow, what a unique shot with the red lights in the background! Great use of depth of field, fast shutter speed and filling the frame. We see her face and the water droplets by her hand are in perfect focus.
Second Place: Emma Gugliotta, Central High School
Senior shooting guard Christopher Richards, of Bullis High School in Potomac, Md., took third place in the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions Slam Dunk Contest held Jan. 18, 2025, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo. Richards is 6-foot-4 and 170 pounds. Bullis, ranked 8th in the state of Maryland, was one of six out-of-area teams invited to TOC. Area schools included Central High School and Parkview High School. (Emma Gugliotta/CentralHS)
Judge’s Comments: There were a LOT of basketball entries this month, but this one stood out above the others (literally) because of the air this guy got on his dunk and how you framed him perfectly. In great focus, nice lighting and we see both the ball and his face. The extra space at the top could’ve been cropped out a little bit, but doesn’t take away from the quality of this photo.
Third Place: Will Nolan, Liberty (Wentzville) High School
LEAP HIGH SHOUT LOUD: Cheer senior Raegan Morrison performs in the halftime routine during the boy’s basketball game. Morrison hit a toe tap as her hair flew up behind her in the center of the court, while working together as a team to bring the most energy for the fans. “We always have so much energy and excitement, I love it,” Morrison said. “I like how close we are and how much fun we have when we are performing together.” (Will Nolan/Liberty(Wentzville))
Judge’s Comments: This photo caught my attention, not only because of the one poor girl who didn’t get as high in her toe touch as the others, but also because of the nice use of repetition of color, framing by the bleachers and great exposure. I am usually distracted by a background billboard, but this one works since it’s the eagle! Just a tad orange but overall nice shot.
Power Move. Junior Patrick White drives to the basket in the home game versus the Westran Hornets on Friday, January 24. Patrick received a charge call on the play resulting in no basket for the Panthers. The Hornets defeated the Panthers 54-36.
