Morgan Davis Emfinger Named To Hall of Fame

Doniphan resident Morgan (Davis) Emfinger is about to be included in the DHS Sports Hall of Fame, along side such past inductees as Anita Carrens, Jennifer (Joplin) Mandry and the 1932-33 Donettes basketball team.

“I was very excited and honored to find out I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Emfinger. “It will be one of the most special memories of my life!”

Born to Phil and Carol Davis of Doniphan, the 2007 graduate had a busy time in high school with memberships in Choir, Journalism, Pep, Beta and French clubs. She was also in FCCLA, a member of the student council and was a Homecoming Queen.

Her DHS sports accolades, as compiled by the Hall of Fame committee, include being on the single games performance leaders list five times, peaking at No. 2 with 42 points. Emfinger’s scoring prowess made her the seasonal scoring leader in 2004-05 (474), 2005-06 (678) and 2006-07 (594). She also won seasonal field goal leader status in 2004-05 (163), 2005-06 (220) and 2006-07 (179).

Her free throw scoring earned her top rank in free throws per game in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Emfinger was also the seasonal free throw leader in 2006 (141)and 2007 (162), and seasonal three-point basket leader in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Her three-point baskets per game performance puts her in the record book at second place and tied for third with Kassi (Pearson) Nipper and Ruby Samuel.

Her total varsity score of 1,931 points earned her second place in that category.

Emfinger achieved All-District and All-Conference honors in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07, and SEMO Conference status in 2005-06. She was an All-State Player 2005-06 and 2006-07.

One of her favorite moments in high school was going to the state finals in Columbia her junior year.

“My teammates and I had dreamed of making it to state since about 5th grade,” Emfinger said.

“The whole community rallied around us and I’ll never forget the parade and special events surrounding that time!”

After graduating, Emfinger attended Three Rivers College where she played basketball for two more years.

“I then transferred to Southwest Baptist University where I finished my bachelor’s in psychology and doctorate in physical therapy, ”Emfinger said.

She came home to Doniphan with her degrees and works as a physical therapist at Westwood Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Poplar Bluff, as well as Comfort Care HomeHealth out of Doniphan.

She married Nixa native Justin Emfinger in 2015. They have three boys: Colt (7), Slade (3), and Ace (1).

When reflecting on her DHS scholastic sports career, Emfinger says, “I think my sports career taught me work ethic, determination, and the importance of teamwork in all aspects of life.”

Emfinger’s induction will take place during the Dons basketball game against Twin Rivers at Bill L. Wright Gymnasium on Jan. 10. She will go into the Hall of Fame with Matt Rogers and Ed Rickus.