Scott City grad opens final ASU season against familiar team

Entering his senior season at Arkansas State, Scott City High School graduate Jon Beck will get to face a familiar foe in his final season opener.

Tonight, when the Southeast Missouri State University Indians invade the Convocation Center in Jonesboro, Ark., Beck will be looking to get his team off to a strong start while spoiling his hometown school's season opener.

Beck said it's always fun to play against Southeast, especially since he is familiar with many of the Indians' players from his high school days, or just from coming home over the summers.

"I've been looking forward to it," he said of the game.

Beck, who was a two-time all-state player at Scott City, was recruited by Southeast before eventually choosing Arkansas State. Beck led his team to 105 wins in four years at Scott City, and set the Missouri record for most three-point field goals in a quarter, with seven, and in a game, with 16.

For Beck, the decision to go to Arkansas State was a tough one, but he said the decision has worked out for him.

"In the end I thought it was a better fit here," Beck said.

Beck's career at Arkansas State has not been as fulfilling, seeing limited playing time his first two seasons. He certainly hasn't lost his three-point touch though, posting a .356 career three point percentage, hitting 98 of 275 attempts.

Last season did bring some reason for hope for Beck. With an injury to Arkansas State's starting shooting guard, Beck saw action in 30 games, and posted as many minutes as his two previous seasons combined. The 6-foot guard also saw his field goal attempts, field goals made and scoring average all increase dramatically from the two previous seasons.

"It was bad for him, but kind of good for me," Beck said.

Beck posted career highs across the board, and ended the season with a 7.2 points per game average. Beck posted a career-high 23 points in a game against the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and reached double figures in scoring nine times.

"He's one of my all-time favorite players; a perfect student athlete," Arkansas State coach Dickey Nutt said. "He just packs his lunch every day; he's a joy to coach."

Beck should get plenty of playing time once again this season, as he started the Indians' two exhibition games and is scheduled to start tonight. Beck led the team in scoring in its final exhibition game, posting 19 points during Monday's 106-79 victory over Athletics First, including four three-pointers.

Beck said he has high hopes for his team's chances this season.

"I definitely feel like we have more talent this year," he said.

Along with shooting his patented three-point shot, Beck said he hopes to help bring some leadership to the team.

"I try to lead by example," he said.

Noteworthy

Another former area high school basketball player will also be in uniform during an early-season game against Southeast when the Central Methodist Runnin' Eagles invade the Show Me Center Monday for the Indians' home opener.

Jonathon Ressel, a 6-4 sophomore forward, has seen limited action for Central Methodist, appearing in one of the Division II school's first three games and playing four minutes. The Eagles are undefeated so far.

Cape Girardeau Central graduate Ashlie Voerg, a sophomore at Indiana State, was selected to the all-Missouri Valley Conference second team for women's soccer. Voerg scored four goals this season as the Sycamores went 7-12-1.

J.P. Limbaugh, a Central graduate, finished his redshirt freshman season for Quincy University with eight receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. Limbaugh made two starts on the season.

Jessica Shultz, a senior midfielder for the Miners of Missouri-Rolla and Jackson graduate, finished the season with three goals and six points for the 1-17 Miners. Shultz, who started all 18 games, was named to the second team All-MIAA.

Freshman Amy Wengert, a St. Vincent graduate, posted two goals and one assist in her first season at Upper Iowa University. Wengert started all 18 games for the 5-13 Peacocks.

Lilo Whitener, a Woodland graduate and a junior at Webster University in St. Louis, made the all-St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference second team for volleyball. The middle hitter helped lead Webster to a 17-11 record, including a 12-2, second-place conference showing.