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Court Order Bars Senior From Playing Missouri High School Basketball

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•12/23/24•

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Syndication: The News-Leader
Central guard TayShaun Wells cheers during the MSHSAA Class 6 semifinal against Cardinal Ritter at Mizzou Arena on Mar. 15, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (© Abigail Landwehr / USA TODAY NETWORK)

A court order prevented varsity player Tayshaun Wells from participating in organized Missouri high school basketball competitions. Wells hoped Clay County Circuit Court Judge David Chamberlain would reverse the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s decision. Instead, Chamberlain upheld the MSHSAA’s move to deem Wells ineligible.

KMBC 9 News’ Matt Flener wrote that Chamberlain maintained objectivity and saw no flaws with the MSHSAA’s decision. While Chamberlain didn’t necessarily agree with the decision, he found out that the governing body for Missouri high school sports followed the proper procedure.

However, the court followed due process and heard arguments from Wells, Liberty’s basketball coach, and his guardians, Steve and Holly Mortimer. They argue that Wells qualifies for the hardship exception due to the unsafe environment he dealt with in Springfield.

Wells led Springfield Central to a state semifinal appearance last season. Despite that feat, he sought to transfer to Liberty High School due to the bullying he allegedly experienced at Springfield. Wells and his family provided evidence regarding the alleged torment he dealt with in his previous school.

Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad upheld the MSHSAA’s bylaw despite these documents. The policy states that transfer students should sit out for a year before competing again. Wells appealed his case, but the committee voted 7-1 to uphold his ineligibility to play Missouri high school basketball.

Meanwhile, the board of directors voted 5-4 to deny Wells varsity eligibility. The MSHSAA was firm in its decision, so Wells filed a petition with the Clay County Circuit Court. The Mortimers welcomed Wells into their Liberty residence and helped with the legal process. They met Wells through their son when they were on the same summer basketball team.

With Wells’ options exhausted, he will remain at Liberty and provide moral support to the basketball team. In a shared statement, the MSHSAA respected Judge Chamberlain’s decision. Conversely, Wells’ attorney, Ryan McClelland, said the decision made “zero sense.”