Van Buren Bulldogs Spotlight + Local Basketball Milestones | Empower Sports Splits

Frankie Castile, Brad Smith, and Jason Moore return after a week off for a new episode of Empower Sports Splits, recapping recent tournament championships across the region (OFC, BS-C, Tri-County, and SEAA) and highlighting major individual achievements, including multiple 1,000- and 1,500-point scorers, Kinzie Barton becoming Bunker’s all-time leading scorer with 2,339 points, and Tyson Boyer Luster’s 67-point game (seventh all-time in Missouri) followed by 53. The show then features Van Buren head coach Jacob Black and players Hayes Townsley, Aiden Sullivan, and Carter Freeze, discussing the Bulldogs’ 22–3 record, top-five Class 2 ranking, team chemistry and “brotherhood,” areas to improve such as rebounding and defense, the impact of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament atmosphere, and staying focused heading into districts. The episode includes reflections on Coach Black’s long connection to the team, assistant coach “Trick” discussing learning on the bench, a Bulldog history trivia segment about Wendell Copeland, and closing thanks to fans and sponsors Empower Financial Group USA, Coppertop Foot and Ankle Clinic, Big Three Athletics, and Advanced Athlete.

00:00 Welcome Back + What’s on Tonight’s Show

00:44 Tournament Championship Recap (OFC/BSCC, Tri-County, SEAA)

01:33 Local Milestones: 1,000 & 1,500-Point Scorers + Coaching Wins

02:58 Wild Stat Lines: 67-Point Game & Other Big Nights

05:29 Introducing Van Buren’s Coach Black (22-3, Top-5 in Class 2)

07:28 Building a Bulldog Culture: Unity, Roles, and Family

08:54 Player Spotlight: Hayes on Brotherhood, Practice, and Postseason Focus

13:51 Rankings, Pace, and the ‘Indiana Layup Drill’ (Offense vs Defense)

18:52 Break + Sponsor Messages

20:59 Player Spotlight: Aiden Sullivan on 1,500 Points & Key Wins

22:28 Big-Game Atmospheres: Bloomfield Tourney & the Yellow Sucker Game

23:47 Teamwork Over Stardom: Aiden’s Shift From Solo Carry to Shared Success

25:30 Coach’s Praise for a Selfless Roster (and the Role Players Who Swing Games)

27:41 Bloomfield Christmas Tournament: Big-Stage Atmosphere & Lessons Learned

29:14 Player Spotlight: Carter Freeze on Chemistry, Shooting, and Fun Debates

31:11 Locked In on the Next Game: Mindset, Snow-Day Workouts, and Staying Hungry

33:18 Assistant Coach Perspective: Learning Under Coach Black & Keeping It Fun

36:42 Postseason Checklist: Rebounding, Defense, Focus—and the Tough Class 2 Gauntlet

39:40 Bulldog Trivia, Legends, and Wrap-Up Thanks to Fans & Sponsors

Empower Sports Blitz Episode 3: OFC Tournament Preview & Interviews with Coaches and Players

In this episode of Empower Sports Blitz, the hosts dive into the upcoming OFC basketball tournament, discussing key players and games to watch. The show features an insightful interview with Coach Michael Snyder and junior player Lily Oliver from the Twin Rivers Lady Royals, discussing their season, team dynamics, and preparation for the tournament. The conversation shifts to the Neelyville Tigers with Coach Brad Burden and senior player Zach Rollins, highlighting their challenging season, team strengths, and the support of their dedicated fan base. The hosts also cover the impact of the recent snowstorm on the season and future matchups to look forward to. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of high school basketball in Southeast Missouri and hear from those directly involved in shaping the local sports scene.

00:00 Introduction to Empower Financial Group

00:39 Welcome to Empower Sports Blitz

01:04 Basketball Highlights and Career Milestones

03:15 Interview with Coach Michael Snyder and Lily Oliver

08:02 Coaching Challenges and Team Aspirations

17:20 Community Support and Future Goals

21:27 Interview with Coach Brad Burden and Zach Rollins

23:26 The Competitive Landscape

23:48 Season Highlights and Challenges

24:10 Senior Reflections with Zach Rollins

25:20 Coach Brad Bird's Practice Philosophy

27:52 The Influence of Becky Hale

29:52 The Rodeo Connection

31:06 Senior Legacy and Future Plans

36:08 Community Support and Final Thoughts

Empower Sports Blitz Episode 2: Southeast Missouri Athlete Spotlight

Episode 1

Welcome to It's The Empower Sports Blitz, the brand-new podcast dedicated to celebrating high school and community sports in Southeast Missouri! Hosted by Frankie Casteel, Brad Smith of Empower Financial Group USA, and Jason Moore of Big 3 Athletics, this show gives the spotlight to the under-the-radar heroes — small-school athletes, coaches, and teams from the Black River League, Ozark Foothills Conference, Stoddard County, and beyond.

We break down the latest games, upsets, and standout stats (like near quadruple-doubles and 45-point explosions), preview big tournaments, share surprise team stories, and feature player/coach interviews, 'legends' segments, and pathways to college recruitment. If you love local hoops, passionate small-town rivalries, and the kids who grind without the big headlines, this is your show.

Proudly presented by Empower Financial Group USA (empowerfinancialgroup.net) and Big 3 Athletics. Catch us live on Facebook and YouTube, subscribe on all major podcast platforms, and join the conversation — because Southeast Missouri has talent worth shouting about!