RMN’s photo editor shares some frames from the week of Nov.
1. Grilled
Missouri guard Caleb Grill (31) dunks in the first half of a game against Eastern Washington on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
The Mizzou men kicked off the week by playing a great game against Eastern Washington U on Monday, and Caleb Grill led the team with 33 points. At one point in the first half, the team went dunk-crazy, with Caleb Grill, Mark Mitchell, and others dunking in quick succession.
2. Is this a foul?
Mississippi Valley State guard Arthur Tate (0) fouls Missouri forward Mark Mitchell (25) in the second half of a game against Mississippi Valley State on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
Missouri’s second game of the week was against Mississippi Valley State, who should have seen their loss coming when their jerseys read “MISS” on the top. The 72-point margin of victory tied a MU program record. MVSU attempted to stop the rout at one point by holding back Mark Mitchell, but it didn’t work out.
3. Wave to the Slaughter
Missouri guard Grace Slaughter (0) shoots a three in the first half of a game against Tulane on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
The women’s team faced off Tuesday against Tulane, and despite having the best mascot and some of the best colors, could not best Missouri. Grace Slaughter, seen here hitting a big three, led the team with 22 points and was 3-for-4 from three-point range.
4. Mine!!!
Missouri guard Averi Kroenke (21) falls on a loose ball in the second half of a game against Tulane on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
It was a hard-fought battle on Tuesday; as Missouri won by only eight, and both teams had the same amount (34) of rebounds. Here, Averi Kroenke celebrates grabbing a loose ball in the second half. She also led the team with six assists!
5. Bring the Noise
Missouri fans pack in for a game against Florida on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Hearnes Center. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
What a night it was at the Hearnes— per the team, 6,379 attended the match at the Hearnes, which is the fourth-highest all-time, and the third-highest since November 2013— and that incredible 2013 squad finished the regular season undefeated and won the SEC championship. Interestingly, Missouri can win the title this year, but may end up sharing it with one or two other schools.
6. Slow Ride
Missouri players go up for a ball in a slow-exposure photograph taken during a game against Florida on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Hearnes Center. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
One of the tricks to volleyball photography, at least at the Hearnes— Go up in the stands and get a higher angle. It always works, and this time I put a slow-shutter spin on it as well. But it’s anyone’s guess who any of these players are.
7. Outmatched
Florida’s Jaela Auguste (4) hits over Missouri’s Marina Crownover (22) in a game against Florida on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Mizzou Arena. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)
Missouri and Florida went to the wire Friday night, with the match going all the way to five sets in a wildly entertaining night. In the end, the Gators prevailed; like in this picture, Florida’s Jaela Auguste hit one right above Marina Crownover’s reach.
8. Eye of the Tiger
Missouri’s Amari Celestine competes in an open intrasquad on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Mizzou gymnastics practice facility. (Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation)
Amari Celestine, one of Mizzou’s best gymnasts last year, is back for her senior year and competing as well as always. Here she is against this big neon Tiger oval head. (Can we get some of those in the Hearnes? They look so cool.)
9. EXCELLENCE
Freshman Kaia Tanskanen competes in an open intrasquad on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Mizzou gymnastics practice facility. (Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation)
When I saw these big posters on the walls of Mizzou Gym’s practice facility, how could I pass the opportunity up to frame some pictures? Here’s freshman Kaia Tanskanen competing with the big board as a backdrop.
10. Hu’s Back
Senior Helen Hu competes on balance beam in her first meet back since April 2023 an open intrasquad on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Mizzou gymnastics practice facility. (Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation)
Per an excellent feature by my editor, Karen Steger, gymnast Helen Hu has returned to Missouri gymnastics this season after previously retiring and hanging up her leo in April 2023 and traveling the world. On Saturday morning we got to see Hu again, scoring a 9.95 and competing as if it was two seasons ago.