VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks earned their first victories of the 2026 calendar year Tuesday night, sweeping Valley Center on the road.

The Hutchinson girls pulled away in the second half for a 49-32 win over the Hornets, while the Salthawk boys held off a late Valley Center push to escape with a 59-56 victory.

In the girls’ game, Hutchinson found itself in a tight contest at halftime, carrying a 25-20 lead into the locker room. The Salthawks quickly took control after the break, opening the third quarter with a strong defensive effort that limited Valley Center’s scoring chances and fueled a decisive run.

Hutchinson outscored the Hornets by double figures in the third period to create separation and never looked back on the way to the 17-point win. Ava Kron led the way for the Salthawks with a 15-point double-double, providing steady scoring and presence on the glass.

The boys’ contest came down to the final minute, but this time Hutchinson avoided a late-game collapse. The Salthawks overcame turnovers and knocked down free throws in the closing moments to seal the three-point road victory.

Larry Jeramiah Jr. delivered a consistent performance to pace Hutchinson with 15 points, while Lamar Govain came up with several key baskets down the stretch to help preserve the lead as Valley Center threatened in the final seconds.

The sweep marked the first wins of 2026 for both Salthawk squads.

Hutchinson returns to action Friday night when the Salthawks travel to Great Bend for another road doubleheader non-league game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768378530828.jpeg" alt="Salthawks. sweep Valley Center" />
 <figcaption>Salthawks. sweep Valley Center</figcaption>
 </figure>VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks earned their first victories of the 2026 calendar year Tuesday night, sweeping Valley Center on the road.The Hutchinson girls pulled away in the second half for a 49-32 win over the Hornets, while the Salthawk boys held off a late Valley Center push to escape with a 59-56 victory.In the girls’ game, Hutchinson found itself in a tight contest at halftime, carrying a 25-20 lead into the locker room. The Salthawks quickly took control after the break, opening the third quarter with a strong defensive effort that limited Valley Center’s scoring chances and fueled a decisive run.Hutchinson outscored the Hornets by double figures in the third period to create separation and never looked back on the way to the 17-point win. Ava Kron led the way for the Salthawks with a 15-point double-double, providing steady scoring and presence on the glass.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768379316391.jpeg" alt="Girls VC Final" />
 <figcaption>Girls VC Final</figcaption>
 </figure>The boys’ contest came down to the final minute, but this time Hutchinson avoided a late-game collapse. The Salthawks overcame turnovers and knocked down free throws in the closing moments to seal the three-point road victory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768379359539.jpeg" alt="Boys VC Final." />
 <figcaption>Boys VC Final.</figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Jeramiah Jr. delivered a consistent performance to pace Hutchinson with 15 points, while Lamar Govain came up with several key baskets down the stretch to help preserve the lead as Valley Center threatened in the final seconds.The sweep marked the first wins of 2026 for both Salthawk squads.Hutchinson returns to action Friday night when the Salthawks travel to Great Bend for another road doubleheader non-league game.

🏀Salthawks Sweep Valley Center for first wins of 2026

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas finally showed what it could do with a healthy Darryn Peterson and a regular rotation Tuesday night.

The timing couldn't have been worse for second-ranked Iowa State.

After falling from the AP Top 25 following a second loss in their first three Big 12 games, the Jayhawks roared away from the stunned Cyclones the moment the ball was thrown up. Tre White hit four early 3-pointers and went on to score 19 points, Peterson contributed 16 before more cramping issues, and Kansas coasted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-96bf5daca216794e231c8435598e5dc0">an 84-63 victory</a>&nbsp;over previously unbeaten Iowa State.

“This is more what I envisioned,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “We've got an elite player — we got an elite scorer — and even tonight, when (Peterson) went to get his own, he can do some things other guys can't do. But the thing is the other guys are good players. We don't need to defer to him. I don't know that we've found that balance yet. But tonight was the closest thing to it.”

Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points and Flory Bidunga had 10 for the Jayhawks (12-5, 2-2 Big 12), who led by 26 in the first half, had that advantage trimmed to 11 midway through the second, then answered with a 10-0 run to put the game away.

It was the kind of performance that college basketball fans have become accustomed to seeing from the Jayhawks over the years.

Much more familiar than recent losses to unranked UCF and West Virginia.

“They were extremely well-prepared, well-coached, like we knew they would be,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “Extremely urgent (for Kansas) to come out and play with a tremendous spirit, which they did, so credit to them.

“That was an absolute beat-down,” Otzelberger added, “in their favor, unfortunately.”

There are a multitude of reasons for a stumbling start to the season, which had the Jayhawks in danger of their first 1-3 start to league play since the 1987-88 season. But the biggest may have been the cramping problems that had kept Peterson off the court for long stretches and kept the Jayhawks from getting into a rhythm even when he was available.

He was still massaging his calf on the bench Tuesday night, and at one point, Peterson grabbed it after going high for a dunk. But Self said the issue wasn't as serious as earlier in the year: “It was more of, ‘I’m not quite whole right now.'”

“Feeling better. It's coming back slowly to me,” Peterson said. “I was out for a while but every game is getting better. This was a great win, especially coming off the loss to West Virginia. We knew we had to come out and get a win.”

The Jayhawks clearly felt a sense of urgency. They even had a players-only meeting — Self insisted he knew nothing about it — during which they talked about their goals for the season and what it would take to get back on track.

“Just kind of reiterating the key things that we want to identify ourselves as this year,” White said, “and just internal conversations that made us more focused on what we want to do. It definitely made us more connected.”

It was evident from the opening minutes, when Kansas opened with an 11-3 run to get the crowd into the game.

By the 7-minute mark, the lead had grown to 31-14, and Otzelberger had wasted two timeouts trying to get things under control.

Kansas pushed the lead to 26 points before Iowa State mounted its only real comeback, stringing together some stops and getting some buckets to go on each side of halftime. But eventually, the Jayhawks found their stride again, and they quickly pushed the lead back over 20 points before emptying the bench in the final minutes.

What made the performance particularly impressive was the opposition: Iowa State was off to a 16-0 start, including a 23-point road win over then-No. 1 Purdue, and the Cyclones were one of two teams receiving No. 1 votes in the AP Top 25 this week.

“We looked a little spooked and panicked, and the moment got to us,” Otzelberger said. “We know how well prepared they were going to be. We know how competitive they're going to be. We know how much confidence they have, especially in this building. You can tell they've been on the practice court working, and getting ready, and they did a tremendous job.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768388197811.png" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas finally showed what it could do with a healthy Darryn Peterson and a regular rotation Tuesday night.The timing couldn't have been worse for second-ranked Iowa State.After falling from the AP Top 25 following a second loss in their first three Big 12 games, the Jayhawks roared away from the stunned Cyclones the moment the ball was thrown up. Tre White hit four early 3-pointers and went on to score 19 points, Peterson contributed 16 before more cramping issues, and Kansas coasted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-state-cyclones-kansas-jayhawks-96bf5daca216794e231c8435598e5dc0">an 84-63 victory</a>&nbsp;over previously unbeaten Iowa State.“This is more what I envisioned,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “We've got an elite player — we got an elite scorer — and even tonight, when (Peterson) went to get his own, he can do some things other guys can't do. But the thing is the other guys are good players. We don't need to defer to him. I don't know that we've found that balance yet. But tonight was the closest thing to it.”Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points and Flory Bidunga had 10 for the Jayhawks (12-5, 2-2 Big 12), who led by 26 in the first half, had that advantage trimmed to 11 midway through the second, then answered with a 10-0 run to put the game away.It was the kind of performance that college basketball fans have become accustomed to seeing from the Jayhawks over the years.Much more familiar than recent losses to unranked UCF and West Virginia.“They were extremely well-prepared, well-coached, like we knew they would be,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “Extremely urgent (for Kansas) to come out and play with a tremendous spirit, which they did, so credit to them.“That was an absolute beat-down,” Otzelberger added, “in their favor, unfortunately.”There are a multitude of reasons for a stumbling start to the season, which had the Jayhawks in danger of their first 1-3 start to league play since the 1987-88 season. But the biggest may have been the cramping problems that had kept Peterson off the court for long stretches and kept the Jayhawks from getting into a rhythm even when he was available.He was still massaging his calf on the bench Tuesday night, and at one point, Peterson grabbed it after going high for a dunk. But Self said the issue wasn't as serious as earlier in the year: “It was more of, ‘I’m not quite whole right now.'”“Feeling better. It's coming back slowly to me,” Peterson said. “I was out for a while but every game is getting better. This was a great win, especially coming off the loss to West Virginia. We knew we had to come out and get a win.”The Jayhawks clearly felt a sense of urgency. They even had a players-only meeting — Self insisted he knew nothing about it — during which they talked about their goals for the season and what it would take to get back on track.“Just kind of reiterating the key things that we want to identify ourselves as this year,” White said, “and just internal conversations that made us more focused on what we want to do. It definitely made us more connected.”It was evident from the opening minutes, when Kansas opened with an 11-3 run to get the crowd into the game.By the 7-minute mark, the lead had grown to 31-14, and Otzelberger had wasted two timeouts trying to get things under control.Kansas pushed the lead to 26 points before Iowa State mounted its only real comeback, stringing together some stops and getting some buckets to go on each side of halftime. But eventually, the Jayhawks found their stride again, and they quickly pushed the lead back over 20 points before emptying the bench in the final minutes.What made the performance particularly impressive was the opposition: Iowa State was off to a 16-0 start, including a 23-point road win over then-No. 1 Purdue, and the Cyclones were one of two teams receiving No. 1 votes in the AP Top 25 this week.“We looked a little spooked and panicked, and the moment got to us,” Otzelberger said. “We know how well prepared they were going to be. We know how competitive they're going to be. We know how much confidence they have, especially in this building. You can tell they've been on the practice court working, and getting ready, and they did a tremendous job.”___

🏀 Peterson and KU crush previously unbeaten Iowa State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>January 13, 2026 Rankings</h2>Class 6A<ul>
 <li>Shawnee Mission South</li><li>Olathe North</li><li>Mill Valley</li><li>Wichita Heights</li><li>Blue Valley Northwest</li><li>Blue Valley High</li><li>Maize</li><li>Manhattan</li><li>Shawnee Mission North</li><li>Blue Valley North</li>
 </ul>Class 5A<ul>
 <li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel</li><li>Topeka West</li><li>Topeka Seaman</li><li>Emporia</li><li>Bonner Springs</li><li>St. James Academy</li><li>Kansas City Piper</li><li>Hays</li><li>Maize South</li><li>Andover</li>
 </ul>Class 4A<ul>
 <li>Rock Creek</li><li>Atchison</li><li>Bishop Miege</li><li>Pratt</li><li>Andale</li><li>Concordia</li><li>Baldwin</li><li>Hugoton</li><li>Chanute</li><li>Augusta</li>
 </ul>Class 3A<ul>
 <li>Wichita Collegiate</li><li>Hesston</li><li>Holcomb</li><li>Burlington</li><li>Wichita Trinity</li><li>Beloit</li><li>Silver Lake</li><li>Hiawatha</li><li>Colby</li><li>Anthony-Harper-Chaparral</li>
 </ul>Class 2A<ul>
 <li>Sterling</li><li>Ell-Saline</li><li>Salina Sacred Heart</li><li>Classical of Wichita</li><li>Moundridge</li><li>St. Mary’s</li><li>Berean Academy</li><li>St. Mary’s Colgan</li><li>Rossville</li><li>Cair Paravel Latin School</li>
 </ul>Class 1A Division I<ul>
 <li>Olpe</li><li>South Central</li><li>Little River</li><li>Bishop Seabury Academy</li><li>Wabaunsee</li><li>Central Plains</li><li>St. John’s-Tipton Catholic</li><li>Tribune-Greeley County</li><li>Burden-Central</li><li>Canton-Galva</li>
 </ul>Class 1A Division II<ul>
 <li>Hanover</li><li>Axtell</li><li>Thunder Ridge</li><li>Victoria</li><li>Hartford</li><li>Wallace County</li><li>Tescott</li><li>Ingalls</li><li>Deerfield</li><li>Linn</li>
 </ul>

🏀 KBCA releases latest boys rankings

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>January 13, 2026 Rankings</h2>Class 6A<ul>
 <li>Shawnee Mission South</li><li>Wichita Heights</li><li>Derby</li><li>Blue Valley North</li><li>Wichita East</li><li>Olathe North</li><li>Olathe South</li><li>Manhattan</li><li>Washburn Rural</li><li>Blue Valley High</li>
 </ul>Class 5A<ul>
 <li>St. Thomas Aquinas</li><li>Andover</li><li>Hays</li><li>Maize South</li><li>Kansas City Piper</li><li>St. James Academy</li><li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel</li><li>Salina South</li><li>Bishop Carroll</li><li>Topeka Seaman</li>
 </ul>Class 4A<ul>
 <li>Wellington</li><li>Ottawa</li><li>Wamego</li><li>Bishop Miege</li><li>Independence</li><li>Fort Scott</li><li>Topeka Hayden</li><li>Eudora</li><li>Rock Creek</li><li>Mulvane</li>
 </ul>Class 3A<ul>
 <li>Silver Lake</li><li>Halstead</li><li>Osage City</li><li>Holcomb</li><li>Burlington</li><li>Cheney</li><li>Girard</li><li>Riley County</li><li>Beloit</li><li>Haven</li>
 </ul>Class 2A<ul>
 <li>Ellinwood</li><li>St. Mary’s Colgan</li><li>Moundridge</li><li>Eureka</li><li>Remington</li><li>Hoxie</li><li>Hillsboro</li><li>Inman</li><li>Sacred Heart</li><li>Valley Heights</li>
 </ul>Class 1A Division I<ul>
 <li>Little River</li><li>Wabaunsee</li><li>Centralia</li><li>Hodgeman County</li><li>Rock Hills</li><li>Spearville</li><li>South Gray</li><li>Olpe</li><li>Quinter</li><li>Clifton-Clyde</li>
 </ul>Class 1A Division II<ul>
 <li>Hanover</li><li>Bucklin</li><li>Linn</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley</li><li>Central Christian</li><li>Dighton</li><li>Lebo</li><li>Ashland</li><li>Cheylin</li><li>Wheatland-Grinnell</li>
 </ul>

🏀 KBCA releases latest girls rankings

The Hutchinson Community College look to keep the good vibes going from a victory over No. 18 Coffeyville one week ago heading into a Wednesday KJCCC road trip.

The Blue Dragons (10-6, 5-5 KJCCC) make their shortest road trip of the season on Wednesday as Hutchinson makes the hour trip to the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena to meet the Pratt Beavers (4-12, 1-10 KJCCC). Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.

The Blue Dragons come off their first league bye week on Saturday. Before that, Hutchinson played one of its best games of the season in a 93-77 victory over No. 18 Coffeyville, the Dragons' third win over a ranked opponent this season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;scored 32 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/thomas_daleron_yjqw">Daleron Thomas</a>&nbsp;added 15 each as the Blue Dragons out-shot Coffeyville 50.8-39.4 percent. Leading 48-42 at halftime, the Blue Dragon defense regained its first-semester form holding the Red Ravens to 34.4 percent overall shooting and outscored Coffeyville 45-35 in the final 20 minutes.

Coming off back-to-back 32-point games, Shaw is now second in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring at 20.6 points per game. Shaw is also averaging 20.6 points in KJCCC contests.

The Blue Dragons reclaim the No. 1 spot in the KJCCC in defensive scoring average at 70.6 points per game allowed). The Dragons are No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense (38.6 percent) and fifth in 3-point defense (28.6 percent). Hutchinson has held 12 of 16 opponents to 75 points or less this season.

Pratt come into Wednesday's game 1-10 in the KJCCC, but seven of those losses have been by 10 points or loss. The Beavers fell 87-80 in overtime at home on Saturday to Coffeyville. Hunter Vaughn scored 31 points on 6 of 11 3-point shooting and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line to pace the Beavers.

The Beavers average 76.4 points while allowing 78.6 points. The shoot 42.6 percent overall and 31.1 percent from the 3-point line.

Vaughn is Pratt's leading scorer at 14.6 points per game. The Beavers are balanced in scoring with two players in double figures and nine players averaging at least five points per game.

Hutchinson leads the overall series with Pratt 155-28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768340119138.jpeg" alt="Daleron Thomas and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays at Pratt at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Daleron Thomas and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays at Pratt at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College look to keep the good vibes going from a victory over No. 18 Coffeyville one week ago heading into a Wednesday KJCCC road trip.The Blue Dragons (10-6, 5-5 KJCCC) make their shortest road trip of the season on Wednesday as Hutchinson makes the hour trip to the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena to meet the Pratt Beavers (4-12, 1-10 KJCCC). Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.<div>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (10-6, 5-5) at Pratt (4-12, 1-10) When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Where: Dennis Lesh Sports Arena, Pratt, KS Time: 7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 7:15 p.m. -- Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gobeaversports.com/links/LiveBroadcasts">Beaver Sports Network (PPV), 7:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/files/Game_17_men_-_Pratt.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons come off their first league bye week on Saturday. Before that, Hutchinson played one of its best games of the season in a 93-77 victory over No. 18 Coffeyville, the Dragons' third win over a ranked opponent this season.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;scored 32 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/thomas_daleron_yjqw">Daleron Thomas</a>&nbsp;added 15 each as the Blue Dragons out-shot Coffeyville 50.8-39.4 percent. Leading 48-42 at halftime, the Blue Dragon defense regained its first-semester form holding the Red Ravens to 34.4 percent overall shooting and outscored Coffeyville 45-35 in the final 20 minutes.Coming off back-to-back 32-point games, Shaw is now second in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring at 20.6 points per game. Shaw is also averaging 20.6 points in KJCCC contests.The Blue Dragons reclaim the No. 1 spot in the KJCCC in defensive scoring average at 70.6 points per game allowed). The Dragons are No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense (38.6 percent) and fifth in 3-point defense (28.6 percent). Hutchinson has held 12 of 16 opponents to 75 points or less this season.Pratt come into Wednesday's game 1-10 in the KJCCC, but seven of those losses have been by 10 points or loss. The Beavers fell 87-80 in overtime at home on Saturday to Coffeyville. Hunter Vaughn scored 31 points on 6 of 11 3-point shooting and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line to pace the Beavers.The Beavers average 76.4 points while allowing 78.6 points. The shoot 42.6 percent overall and 31.1 percent from the 3-point line.Vaughn is Pratt's leading scorer at 14.6 points per game. The Beavers are balanced in scoring with two players in double figures and nine players averaging at least five points per game.Hutchinson leads the overall series with Pratt 155-28.

🏀 Blue Dragons face road test Wednesday at Pratt

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team has had a week to think about a performance the team would like to forget.

The No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons (12-4, 7-3 KJCCC) will return to the court Wednesday after a bye week on Saturday to play the Pratt Beavers (6-10, 2-9) KJCCC at 5:30 p.m. at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena in Pratt.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.

The Blue Dragons had their worst offensive performance in four seasons last Wednesday in a 68-39 loss to Coffeyville at the Sports Arena.

The Red Ravens jumped out to a 21-14 lead after one quarter and never looked back holding the Dragons to season lows in points, field-goal percentage (26.0) and rebounds (26).

Despite the setback against Coffeyville, the Blue Dragons are only two games behind league front runners Butler and Dodge City as the league's season halfway point nears.

In Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes' tenure, his teams are 67-6 following a loss, including 3-0 this season.

Through 16 games, the Blue Dragons are averaging 68.8 points per game, which ranks sixth in the KJCCC. They are shooting 42.1 percent overall and 31.0 percent from 3-point range. Defensively, the Dragon rank sixth in the league allowing 57.8 points per game. Opponents are shooting 35.9 percent overall and 34.5 percent from distance.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/duncan_katie_ltx7">Katie Duncan</a>&nbsp;continue to lead the Blue Dragons individually in scoring at 13.4 and 13.3 points per game, respectively. Barber is the Dragons' top rebounder at 6.8 boards per game and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/brown_whitney_uv6o">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;averages 4.6 assists per game.

Pratt enters the game on a seven-game losing streak and are 1-9 in its last 10 games. Since returning from the break, the Beavers have lost to Cloud County (81-67), Colby (74-30) and Coffeyville (74-35).

With a victory on Wednesday, the Blue Dragons would tie a series record with 22-straight wins over the Beavers. Hutchinson previously had a 22-game win streak over Pratt from 1993 to 2003.

Hutchinson leads the all-time series with Pratt, 90-11.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768340038146.jpeg" alt="Noelle Anthon and the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragon women's basketball team travel to Pratt Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. KJCCC matchup in Pratt. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Noelle Anthon and the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragon women's basketball team travel to Pratt Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. KJCCC matchup in Pratt. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team has had a week to think about a performance the team would like to forget.The No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons (12-4, 7-3 KJCCC) will return to the court Wednesday after a bye week on Saturday to play the Pratt Beavers (6-10, 2-9) KJCCC at 5:30 p.m. at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena in Pratt.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 20 Hutchinson (12-4, 7-3) at Pratt (6-10, 2-9) When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Where: Dennis Lesh Sports Arena, Pratt, KS Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m. -- Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gobeaversports.com/links/LiveBroadcasts">Beaver Sports Network (PPV), 5:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/files/Game_17_Women_-_Pratt.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons had their worst offensive performance in four seasons last Wednesday in a 68-39 loss to Coffeyville at the Sports Arena.The Red Ravens jumped out to a 21-14 lead after one quarter and never looked back holding the Dragons to season lows in points, field-goal percentage (26.0) and rebounds (26).Despite the setback against Coffeyville, the Blue Dragons are only two games behind league front runners Butler and Dodge City as the league's season halfway point nears.In Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes' tenure, his teams are 67-6 following a loss, including 3-0 this season.Through 16 games, the Blue Dragons are averaging 68.8 points per game, which ranks sixth in the KJCCC. They are shooting 42.1 percent overall and 31.0 percent from 3-point range. Defensively, the Dragon rank sixth in the league allowing 57.8 points per game. Opponents are shooting 35.9 percent overall and 34.5 percent from distance.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/duncan_katie_ltx7">Katie Duncan</a>&nbsp;continue to lead the Blue Dragons individually in scoring at 13.4 and 13.3 points per game, respectively. Barber is the Dragons' top rebounder at 6.8 boards per game and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/brown_whitney_uv6o">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;averages 4.6 assists per game.Pratt enters the game on a seven-game losing streak and are 1-9 in its last 10 games. Since returning from the break, the Beavers have lost to Cloud County (81-67), Colby (74-30) and Coffeyville (74-35).With a victory on Wednesday, the Blue Dragons would tie a series record with 22-straight wins over the Beavers. Hutchinson previously had a 22-game win streak over Pratt from 1993 to 2003.Hutchinson leads the all-time series with Pratt, 90-11.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 20 HutchCC women head to Pratt on Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today Kauffman Stadium’s outfield wall is being moved in for the 2026 season.

This change will likely create more home runs (and robbed home runs), more extra-base hits, and more exciting action on the field – while bringing fans closer to seeing it. The decision was made by Baseball Operations for competitive reasons, including to bring The K more in line with other Major League ballparks.

Work on the project has begun, and will be complete ahead of the Royals home opener vs the Twins on Monday, March 30.

“We’ve discussed this possibility for years, and after much work by our Research &amp; Development department, believe this will be a positive change for our baseball team,” Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager J.J. Picollo said. “We wanted more consistency throughout the season, while making sure the specifics put us in the best position to succeed.”

The wall will come in 8 to 10 feet starting near each foul pole – the gaps will go from 387 feet to 379 – and taper back toward centerfield, which will remain 410 feet. The height of the wall will also change, from 10 feet tall in most places to 8 ½ feet. About 150 seats will be added in left field and about 80 new drinkrail seats in right.

The club’s research estimates the changes will take the run value of fly balls at The K from the bottom third of MLB ballparks to the middle, primarily through more extra-base hits.

Over the last three seasons, these specific changes would have benefitted the Royals overall, even accounting for more extra-base hits by opponents.

“Making this a fairer ballpark will help with roster construction, but more importantly will allow our players to keep the same approach regardless of where we play,” Royals Vice President – Research &amp; Development/Assistant GM Dr. Daniel Mack said. “Our approach was carefully considered to account for as many factors as possible. We believe this will ultimately reduce the constraints within Kauffman Stadium.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768320255230.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today Kauffman Stadium’s outfield wall is being moved in for the 2026 season.This change will likely create more home runs (and robbed home runs), more extra-base hits, and more exciting action on the field – while bringing fans closer to seeing it. The decision was made by Baseball Operations for competitive reasons, including to bring The K more in line with other Major League ballparks.Work on the project has begun, and will be complete ahead of the Royals home opener vs the Twins on Monday, March 30.“We’ve discussed this possibility for years, and after much work by our Research &amp; Development department, believe this will be a positive change for our baseball team,” Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager J.J. Picollo said. “We wanted more consistency throughout the season, while making sure the specifics put us in the best position to succeed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768320463164.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>The wall will come in 8 to 10 feet starting near each foul pole – the gaps will go from 387 feet to 379 – and taper back toward centerfield, which will remain 410 feet. The height of the wall will also change, from 10 feet tall in most places to 8 ½ feet. About 150 seats will be added in left field and about 80 new drinkrail seats in right.The club’s research estimates the changes will take the run value of fly balls at The K from the bottom third of MLB ballparks to the middle, primarily through more extra-base hits.Over the last three seasons, these specific changes would have benefitted the Royals overall, even accounting for more extra-base hits by opponents.“Making this a fairer ballpark will help with roster construction, but more importantly will allow our players to keep the same approach regardless of where we play,” Royals Vice President – Research &amp; Development/Assistant GM Dr. Daniel Mack said. “Our approach was carefully considered to account for as many factors as possible. We believe this will ultimately reduce the constraints within Kauffman Stadium.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Royals announce changes to dimensions at Kauffman Stadium

HAVEN, Kan. — Haven High School standout Avery Brawner reached a career milestone Monday night, scoring her 1,000th point in an 82-21 victory over Nickerson.

Brawner finished with 22 points in the win. The senior is a three-sport athlete, also competing in volleyball and softball. 

Haven is set to host Hillsboro on Tuesday night. The Wildcats are 9-2 and have won eight straight games after a 1-2 start to the season.

Brawner will continue her academic and athletic career at Hutchinson Community College, where she will play softball for the Blue Dragons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768316888827.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kristi Rinehart Roper" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kristi Rinehart Roper</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — Haven High School standout Avery Brawner reached a career milestone Monday night, scoring her 1,000th point in an 82-21 victory over Nickerson.Brawner finished with 22 points in the win. The senior is a three-sport athlete, also competing in volleyball and softball. Haven is set to host Hillsboro on Tuesday night. The Wildcats are 9-2 and have won eight straight games after a 1-2 start to the season.Brawner will continue her academic and athletic career at Hutchinson Community College, where she will play softball for the Blue Dragons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768317018415.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kristi Rinehart Roper" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kristi Rinehart Roper</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Haven’s Avery Brawner reaches 1,000-point mark

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School track and field coach Willie Adkins was recently honored by the Kansas Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association for being named the 2025 Class 4A Boys Track &amp; Field Coach of the Year.

Adkins was recognized at the 2026 KCCTFCA Winter Coaching Clinic held this past weekend in Topeka.&nbsp;

He has served as the Buhler High School track and field team for the last 36 years.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768316073851.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy Buhler Crusader Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy Buhler Crusader Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School track and field coach Willie Adkins was recently honored by the Kansas Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association for being named the 2025 Class 4A Boys Track &amp; Field Coach of the Year.Adkins was recognized at the 2026 KCCTFCA Winter Coaching Clinic held this past weekend in Topeka.&nbsp;He has served as the Buhler High School track and field team for the last 36 years.&nbsp;

👟 Buhler's Adkins named 4A Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year by KCCTFCA

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Former Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball standout Kiki Smith, a key figure in one of the most dominant seasons in NJCAA history, will be inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 30, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Smith, who helped lead Hutchinson Community College to a perfect 37-0 record and the 2023 NJCAA Division I national championship, will be honored as a member of the NAIAHF Class of 2026 during the organization’s banquet weekend at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center.

The Topeka native and daughter to Darold Smith and Harmony Burgess-Smith, developed her love for basketball at an early age and carried that passion to Topeka High School, where she became one of the most decorated players in program history. She was a four-time Class 6A all-state selection, earning three first-team honors, and was named Centennial League player of the year after averaging more than 20 points per game in both her junior and senior seasons.

Despite her accolades, Smith was lightly recruited out of high school and arrived at Hutchinson Community College with something to prove. In one season with the Blue Dragons, she averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 55.9 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc. Her 82 made 3-pointers set a single-season school record.

Smith’s impact was reflected in the postseason honors that followed. She was named the NJCAA Division I Player of the Year, a first-team NJCAA All-American and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Player of the Year, capping one of the most complete individual seasons in Blue Dragon history.

Following her national title run at Hutchinson, Smith transferred to Arkansas, where she averaged 10.2 points per game during her sophomore season and ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in 3-point shooting at 40.6 percent, placing her among the nation’s top shooters.

She is currently playing at <a href="https://purduesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/player/kiki-smith">Purdue</a>, where she quickly emerged as a leading scorer for the Boilermakers and established herself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s top 3-point shooters and distributors. Through 17 games and 13 starts with Purdue, Smith is averaging 10.5 points per game on 36 percent shooting from deep.

A proud member of the Comanche Nation, Smith played for Legendary Elite on the Native Basketball Circuit during her prep career and remains active in the organization, speaking with youth players about pursuing college athletics. She is a Yellowfish descendant and also has Kiowa, Cheyenne, Absentee Shawnee and Caddo heritage.

The NAIAHF induction weekend will include cultural ceremonies, musical performances and formal recognition of inductees. Other members of the Class of 2026 include brothers ZA and G McIntosh and the mother-and-son duo of Trina and Breas Ross.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768315554127.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NAIAHF" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NAIAHF</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostGREEN BAY, Wis. — Former Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball standout Kiki Smith, a key figure in one of the most dominant seasons in NJCAA history, will be inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 30, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Smith, who helped lead Hutchinson Community College to a perfect 37-0 record and the 2023 NJCAA Division I national championship, will be honored as a member of the NAIAHF Class of 2026 during the organization’s banquet weekend at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center.The Topeka native and daughter to Darold Smith and Harmony Burgess-Smith, developed her love for basketball at an early age and carried that passion to Topeka High School, where she became one of the most decorated players in program history. She was a four-time Class 6A all-state selection, earning three first-team honors, and was named Centennial League player of the year after averaging more than 20 points per game in both her junior and senior seasons.Despite her accolades, Smith was lightly recruited out of high school and arrived at Hutchinson Community College with something to prove. In one season with the Blue Dragons, she averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 55.9 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc. Her 82 made 3-pointers set a single-season school record.Smith’s impact was reflected in the postseason honors that followed. She was named the NJCAA Division I Player of the Year, a first-team NJCAA All-American and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Player of the Year, capping one of the most complete individual seasons in Blue Dragon history.Following her national title run at Hutchinson, Smith transferred to Arkansas, where she averaged 10.2 points per game during her sophomore season and ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in 3-point shooting at 40.6 percent, placing her among the nation’s top shooters.She is currently playing at <a href="https://purduesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/player/kiki-smith">Purdue</a>, where she quickly emerged as a leading scorer for the Boilermakers and established herself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s top 3-point shooters and distributors. Through 17 games and 13 starts with Purdue, Smith is averaging 10.5 points per game on 36 percent shooting from deep.A proud member of the Comanche Nation, Smith played for Legendary Elite on the Native Basketball Circuit during her prep career and remains active in the organization, speaking with youth players about pursuing college athletics. She is a Yellowfish descendant and also has Kiowa, Cheyenne, Absentee Shawnee and Caddo heritage.The NAIAHF induction weekend will include cultural ceremonies, musical performances and formal recognition of inductees. Other members of the Class of 2026 include brothers ZA and G McIntosh and the mother-and-son duo of Trina and Breas Ross.

🏀 Former Blue Dragon Kiki Smith earns national Hall of Fame induction

🎧🏈 NFL Divisional Round set; 🏀 Hutch High travels to Valley Center

Women's head coach John Ontjes Sophomore forward Jaden Wilson

Men's head coach Kyle Fisher Sophomore guard Anthony Alston

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762827753353.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Show 6 GuestsWomen's head coach John Ontjes Sophomore forward Jaden WilsonMen's head coach Kyle Fisher Sophomore guard Anthony Alston<div><iframe title="Dragon Talk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Jan. 12, 2026)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ftkin-1a18be4-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A 19-year coaching veteran who has presided over explosive offenses during his eight seasons as a coordinator, Sean Gleeson has been hired as Kansas State's offensive coordinator, head coach Collin Klein announced Monday.

Gleeson comes to Manhattan from Missouri where he spent the last two seasons working with the Tiger quarterbacks.

"My family and I are beyond grateful to join Coach Klein in this new era of K-State football," Gleeson said. "I've always admired this program from afar, and I am especially aware of the toughness and discipline required to wear purple. I cannot wait to foster those same ideals in our players and help continue winning ways in Manhattan."

This will be Gleeson's second tour of duty in the Big 12 as he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State in 2019 before taking the same position at Rutgers.

"Sean is one of the smartest football coaches I have been around," said Klein. "Hard working, competitive, and very high character are all traits he possesses. He will be a tremendous teammate and bring new perspective to our offensive staff room."

Last season, Gleeson helped Missouri produce an 8-5 record while working with two different quarterbacks throughout the season due to injury. Those players, Beau Pribula and true freshman Matt Zollers, combined to throw for 2,444 yards and 15 touchdowns. The year prior, Missouri went 10-3, which included a win over Iowa in the Music City Bowl. The Tigers finished the 2024 season ranked fifth nationally in fewest passes intercepted (5), 10th in red zone offense (92.0%) and 16th in third down conversions (46.4%).

Gleeson went to Missouri after spending one year as a senior offensive analyst at Northwestern. It was his fourth year in the Big Ten as he spent the three previous seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers. A 2020 candidate for the Broyles Award – which is given annually to the top assistant coach in the nation – Gleeson mentored two NFL draft picks in wide receiver Bo Melton (Seattle) and running back Isaiah Pacheco (Kansas City), the latter of which was on Super Bowl winning teams in 2022 and 2023.

Under Gleeson control, Rutgers finished as the fourth-most improved team in the nation by scoring 13.4 more points per game in 2020 than the year prior to his arrival. Despite the fact that the Scarlet Knights played in three fewer games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rutgers scored 81 more points than in 2019, which was the sixth-best improvement in the nation. Additionally, RU was the most improved in the Big Ten in total offensive touchdowns (plus-9) in only 10 games. During his time guiding the offense, four players earned All-Big Ten honors.

Gleeson spent the 2019 campaign at Oklahoma State, helping the Cowboys to an 8-5 record – including a pair of ranked wins – and an appearance in the Texas Bowl. Under his tutelage, the Cowboy offense ranked 17th nationally in rushing offense (229.6 yards per game), 21st in total offense (453.9 yards per game) and 35th in scoring offense (32.5 points per game).

He helped guide running back Chuba Hubbard, a Consensus All-American who led the nation in rushing yards (2,094) and all-purpose yards (179.54 yards per game), while he was third in rushing touchdowns (21) and eighth in scoring (9.8). Hubbard, the 2019 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, eventually went on to be selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Carolina.

Prior to his time at the Power 4 level, Gleeson spent six seasons at Princeton as the running backs coach (2013-15), special teams coordinator (2016) and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2017-18). Engineering one of the most explosive offenses in the FCS, he helped the Tigers to an unblemished 10-0 campaign in 2018. Under Gleeson, Princeton finished that season first in the FCS in scoring offense (47.0 points per game) and second in total offense (536.8 yards per game).

Gleeson's unit wasn't only one of the best in the FCS during his time as offensive coordinator. In fact, over the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Princeton ranked fourth in the country among all FBS and FCS teams by averaging 42.6 points per game, while the Tigers ranked sixth with 509.9 yards per game.

In Gleeson's six years on staff, Princeton won three Ivy League championships and averaged 36.9 points per game, which marked the program's highest output over a six-year stretch in program history.

Gleeson began his coaching career at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, where he coached football, baseball and bowling from 2007 through 2010. His first job at the collegiate ranks came in 2011 and 2012 when he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fairleigh Dickinson.

A native of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Gleeson played quarterback at Williams College, a Division III program in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He was the highest-rated passer in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in 2005 with a rating of 163.6, and a year later he led the Ephs to an 8-0 mark. Gleeson received the Farley Award in 2006, which is presented to the member of the football team who demonstrates superior qualities of dedication, loyalty and sacrifice for the betterment of the team. He also played first base for the baseball team at Williams.

Gleeson obtained his undergraduate degree in English from Williams College in 2007. He and his wife, Lauren, have three children, Eamon, Patrick and William.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768246740722.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – A 19-year coaching veteran who has presided over explosive offenses during his eight seasons as a coordinator, Sean Gleeson has been hired as Kansas State's offensive coordinator, head coach Collin Klein announced Monday.Gleeson comes to Manhattan from Missouri where he spent the last two seasons working with the Tiger quarterbacks."My family and I are beyond grateful to join Coach Klein in this new era of K-State football," Gleeson said. "I've always admired this program from afar, and I am especially aware of the toughness and discipline required to wear purple. I cannot wait to foster those same ideals in our players and help continue winning ways in Manhattan."This will be Gleeson's second tour of duty in the Big 12 as he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma State in 2019 before taking the same position at Rutgers."Sean is one of the smartest football coaches I have been around," said Klein. "Hard working, competitive, and very high character are all traits he possesses. He will be a tremendous teammate and bring new perspective to our offensive staff room."Last season, Gleeson helped Missouri produce an 8-5 record while working with two different quarterbacks throughout the season due to injury. Those players, Beau Pribula and true freshman Matt Zollers, combined to throw for 2,444 yards and 15 touchdowns. The year prior, Missouri went 10-3, which included a win over Iowa in the Music City Bowl. The Tigers finished the 2024 season ranked fifth nationally in fewest passes intercepted (5), 10th in red zone offense (92.0%) and 16th in third down conversions (46.4%).Gleeson went to Missouri after spending one year as a senior offensive analyst at Northwestern. It was his fourth year in the Big Ten as he spent the three previous seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rutgers. A 2020 candidate for the Broyles Award – which is given annually to the top assistant coach in the nation – Gleeson mentored two NFL draft picks in wide receiver Bo Melton (Seattle) and running back Isaiah Pacheco (Kansas City), the latter of which was on Super Bowl winning teams in 2022 and 2023.Under Gleeson control, Rutgers finished as the fourth-most improved team in the nation by scoring 13.4 more points per game in 2020 than the year prior to his arrival. Despite the fact that the Scarlet Knights played in three fewer games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rutgers scored 81 more points than in 2019, which was the sixth-best improvement in the nation. Additionally, RU was the most improved in the Big Ten in total offensive touchdowns (plus-9) in only 10 games. During his time guiding the offense, four players earned All-Big Ten honors.Gleeson spent the 2019 campaign at Oklahoma State, helping the Cowboys to an 8-5 record – including a pair of ranked wins – and an appearance in the Texas Bowl. Under his tutelage, the Cowboy offense ranked 17th nationally in rushing offense (229.6 yards per game), 21st in total offense (453.9 yards per game) and 35th in scoring offense (32.5 points per game).He helped guide running back Chuba Hubbard, a Consensus All-American who led the nation in rushing yards (2,094) and all-purpose yards (179.54 yards per game), while he was third in rushing touchdowns (21) and eighth in scoring (9.8). Hubbard, the 2019 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, eventually went on to be selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Carolina.Prior to his time at the Power 4 level, Gleeson spent six seasons at Princeton as the running backs coach (2013-15), special teams coordinator (2016) and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2017-18). Engineering one of the most explosive offenses in the FCS, he helped the Tigers to an unblemished 10-0 campaign in 2018. Under Gleeson, Princeton finished that season first in the FCS in scoring offense (47.0 points per game) and second in total offense (536.8 yards per game).Gleeson's unit wasn't only one of the best in the FCS during his time as offensive coordinator. In fact, over the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Princeton ranked fourth in the country among all FBS and FCS teams by averaging 42.6 points per game, while the Tigers ranked sixth with 509.9 yards per game.In Gleeson's six years on staff, Princeton won three Ivy League championships and averaged 36.9 points per game, which marked the program's highest output over a six-year stretch in program history.Gleeson began his coaching career at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, where he coached football, baseball and bowling from 2007 through 2010. His first job at the collegiate ranks came in 2011 and 2012 when he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fairleigh Dickinson.A native of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Gleeson played quarterback at Williams College, a Division III program in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He was the highest-rated passer in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in 2005 with a rating of 163.6, and a year later he led the Ephs to an 8-0 mark. Gleeson received the Farley Award in 2006, which is presented to the member of the football team who demonstrates superior qualities of dedication, loyalty and sacrifice for the betterment of the team. He also played first base for the baseball team at Williams.Gleeson obtained his undergraduate degree in English from Williams College in 2007. He and his wife, Lauren, have three children, Eamon, Patrick and William.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<div>THE SEAN GLEESON FILE Hometown:&nbsp;Glen Ridge, N.J. College:&nbsp;Williams College &ndash; Bachelor's degrees in English (2007) Family:&nbsp;Wife: Lauren; Children: Eamon, Patrick, William Playing Career:&nbsp;Williams (quarterback) SEAN GLEESON'S COACHING CAREER 2007-10, Delbarton School (Assistant Coach) 2011-12, Fairleigh Dickinson (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) 2013-15, Princeton (Running Backs) 2016, Princeton (Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator) 2017-18, Princeton (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) 2019, Oklahoma State (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) 2020-22, Rutgers (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) 2023, Northwestern (Senior Offensive Analyst) 2024, Missouri (Offensive Analyst/Quarterbacks) 2025, Missouri (Quarterbacks) 2026, K-State (Offensive Coordinator) </div>

🏈 K-State hires Sean Gleeson as Offensive Coordinator

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Dragon Talk with John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW)

Hutch High GBB/BBB at Valley Center, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Pratt, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. UCF, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Hutch High GBB/BBB at Great Bend, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Fort Hays Tech NW, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Oklahoma State, 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)<h2>Monday, Jan. 12</h2>Dragon Talk with John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW)<h2>Tuesday, Jan. 13</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB at Valley Center, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Wednesday, Jan. 14</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB at Pratt, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. UCF, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Thursday, Jan. 15</h2>No broadcast scheduled<h2>Friday, Jan. 16</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB at Great Bend, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Saturday, Jan. 17</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Fort Hays Tech NW, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Oklahoma State, 8 p.m. pregame, 9 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Sunday, Jan. 18</h2>No broadcast scheduled

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Jan. 12-Jan. 18

🎧🏈 NFL Wild Card Weekend; 🏈 Shrine Bowl rosters released

Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-eagles-nfl-playoffs-score-2a7a5ecd0146dbd86fe2d2ed93f87268">eliminated the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles</a>, the Patriots dominated the Chargers and Josh Allen willed the Bills past the Jaguars.

San Francisco, New England and Buffalo joined the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams in advancing to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with victories in the wild-card round.

The No. 6 seed 49ers (13-5) will face the top-seeded Seahawks (14-3) next Saturday. The No. 6 seed Bills (13-5) will visit the No. 1 seed Broncos (14-3), also on Saturday.

On Sunday, the No. 2 seed Bears (12-6) will host the No. 5 seed Rams (13-5), and the No. 2 seed Patriots (15-3) will be home against the winner of Monday night’s game between the Texans and Steelers.

Purdy tossed a 4-yard TD pass to McCaffrey with 2:54 remaining to lift the 49ers to a 23-19 comeback win at Philadelphia on Sunday. McCaffrey also caught a 29-yard TD pass from wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

The Patriots sacked Justin Herbert six times and held Los Angeles to just 207 yards in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-patriots-score-playoffs-ded11bcd8d7519e34e99da1181c8b257">a 16-3 win</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night.

Allen led Buffalo to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-jaguars-score-19d49b4054f7b4394d677e8e778d7f2a">a 27-24 comeback victory</a>&nbsp;in Jacksonville in Sunday’s first game. Allen scored on a 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter and Cole Bishop intercepted Trevor Lawrence’s pass to secure Buffalo’s first playoff win on the road since the 1992 AFC championship game at Miami.

On Saturday, the playoffs kicked off with two wacky games.

The Bears trailed the Green Bay Packers 21-3 at halftime and 27-16 with just under seven minutes left in the fourth quarter before Caleb Williams threw a pair of touchdown passes. His 25-yard TD toss to D.J. Moore put Chicago ahead 31-27 with 1:43 remaining. Then Jordan Love’s desperation heave into the end zone from the Bears 28 was knocked down as time expired to secure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/packers-bears-score-nfl-playoffs-7729bbfcab314e6eef5bf7b1bba4cdef">Chicago’s first playoff win</a>&nbsp;since the 2010 season.

Williams finished with 361 yards passing, two TDs and two interceptions for the Bears.

In the opener on wild-card weekend, Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson in the final minute and Los Angeles rallied to beat the Carolina Panthers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rams-panthers-score-da0a75fa53f976093d0cd72f0d04426d">34-31</a>&nbsp;in a game that was much closer than expected.

The Rams were double-digit favorites on BetMGM Sportsbook against the Panthers (8-10). The Rams jumped to a 14-0 lead, but couldn’t take advantage of first-half turnovers and allowed Carolina to get within 17-14 at halftime.

Stafford, who earned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-allpro-team-86b72f1cb4283f16c9ae6b6908418d21">All-Pro honors</a>&nbsp;for the first time in his 17-year career on Saturday, threw for 304 yards, three TDs and had one pick. Puka Nacua, who was a unanimous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-all-pro-2025-76fbd57c87e524c320e1194d860b61b3">All-Pro selection</a>, had 10 catches for 111 yards and one TD and also had a 5-yard TD run.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768224575543.jpeg" alt="San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) reacts to a touchdown pass to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)" />
 <figcaption>San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) reacts to a touchdown pass to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)</figcaption>
 </figure>Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-eagles-nfl-playoffs-score-2a7a5ecd0146dbd86fe2d2ed93f87268">eliminated the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles</a>, the Patriots dominated the Chargers and Josh Allen willed the Bills past the Jaguars.San Francisco, New England and Buffalo joined the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams in advancing to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with victories in the wild-card round.The No. 6 seed 49ers (13-5) will face the top-seeded Seahawks (14-3) next Saturday. The No. 6 seed Bills (13-5) will visit the No. 1 seed Broncos (14-3), also on Saturday.On Sunday, the No. 2 seed Bears (12-6) will host the No. 5 seed Rams (13-5), and the No. 2 seed Patriots (15-3) will be home against the winner of Monday night’s game between the Texans and Steelers.Purdy tossed a 4-yard TD pass to McCaffrey with 2:54 remaining to lift the 49ers to a 23-19 comeback win at Philadelphia on Sunday. McCaffrey also caught a 29-yard TD pass from wide receiver Jauan Jennings.The Patriots sacked Justin Herbert six times and held Los Angeles to just 207 yards in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-patriots-score-playoffs-ded11bcd8d7519e34e99da1181c8b257">a 16-3 win</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night.Allen led Buffalo to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-jaguars-score-19d49b4054f7b4394d677e8e778d7f2a">a 27-24 comeback victory</a>&nbsp;in Jacksonville in Sunday’s first game. Allen scored on a 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter and Cole Bishop intercepted Trevor Lawrence’s pass to secure Buffalo’s first playoff win on the road since the 1992 AFC championship game at Miami.On Saturday, the playoffs kicked off with two wacky games.The Bears trailed the Green Bay Packers 21-3 at halftime and 27-16 with just under seven minutes left in the fourth quarter before Caleb Williams threw a pair of touchdown passes. His 25-yard TD toss to D.J. Moore put Chicago ahead 31-27 with 1:43 remaining. Then Jordan Love’s desperation heave into the end zone from the Bears 28 was knocked down as time expired to secure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/packers-bears-score-nfl-playoffs-7729bbfcab314e6eef5bf7b1bba4cdef">Chicago’s first playoff win</a>&nbsp;since the 2010 season.Williams finished with 361 yards passing, two TDs and two interceptions for the Bears.In the opener on wild-card weekend, Matthew Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson in the final minute and Los Angeles rallied to beat the Carolina Panthers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rams-panthers-score-da0a75fa53f976093d0cd72f0d04426d">34-31</a>&nbsp;in a game that was much closer than expected.The Rams were double-digit favorites on BetMGM Sportsbook against the Panthers (8-10). The Rams jumped to a 14-0 lead, but couldn’t take advantage of first-half turnovers and allowed Carolina to get within 17-14 at halftime.Stafford, who earned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-allpro-team-86b72f1cb4283f16c9ae6b6908418d21">All-Pro honors</a>&nbsp;for the first time in his 17-year career on Saturday, threw for 304 yards, three TDs and had one pick. Puka Nacua, who was a unanimous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-all-pro-2025-76fbd57c87e524c320e1194d860b61b3">All-Pro selection</a>, had 10 catches for 111 yards and one TD and also had a 5-yard TD run.

🏈 Patriots, 49ers, Bills, Bears and Rams advance to NFL’s divisional round

EMPORIA, Kan. — Several players and coaches from the Hutch Post coverage area are among those selected to represent the West in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl, set for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced 88 total invitees statewide, split evenly between East and West rosters. The selections were made through a process combining statewide media voting and evaluations by the Shrine Bowl coaching staffs from a pool of nearly 400 nominees.

Local representation on the West roster includes players from Hutchinson, Hesston, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Sterling, Buhler and Pratt.

Hutchinson linebacker Jackson Anderson earned a spot on the West team, while Hesston offensive lineman Ethan Coutre was also selected. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic is represented by Drew Dechant, a defensive back and punter. Sterling running back Zane Farney and Pratt tight end Arley Morrell round out the local player selections, with Buhler linebacker Jacob Miller also earning an invitation.

The Hutch Post area is also represented on the West coaching staff. Daniel Mears of Mulvane will serve as head coach. Sterling head coach Brent Schneider and Pratt head coach Brent Hoelting were also named to the West staff, along with Great Bend’s Erin Beck and Augusta’s Dawson Elliott.

All invited players must formally accept their invitation to be added to the official Shrine Bowl roster. If a player declines or withdraws prior to the game, a replacement will be selected by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff.

“I’d like to congratulate these young men who have earned this opportunity, through their hard work and dedication as student-athletes, to be a part of something much bigger than just a game,” said Brice Kesler, executive director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We can’t wait to welcome these players into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family and showcase their extraordinary talents, while making a life-changing impact for the children who benefit from this annual Kansas tradition.”

In addition to the East vs. West all-star football game, players will take part in game-week events, including the Hospital Experience, where they meet Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s. Organizers say the event highlights the true mission of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official fundraiser for Shriners Children’s in Kansas. Net proceeds support pediatric specialty care, research and medical education provided by Shriners Children’s, with services offered regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

West and East team rosters will continue to be finalized as invitations are accepted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765991076149.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, Kan. — Several players and coaches from the Hutch Post coverage area are among those selected to represent the West in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl, set for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced 88 total invitees statewide, split evenly between East and West rosters. The selections were made through a process combining statewide media voting and evaluations by the Shrine Bowl coaching staffs from a pool of nearly 400 nominees.Local representation on the West roster includes players from Hutchinson, Hesston, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Sterling, Buhler and Pratt.Hutchinson linebacker Jackson Anderson earned a spot on the West team, while Hesston offensive lineman Ethan Coutre was also selected. Hutchinson Trinity Catholic is represented by Drew Dechant, a defensive back and punter. Sterling running back Zane Farney and Pratt tight end Arley Morrell round out the local player selections, with Buhler linebacker Jacob Miller also earning an invitation.The Hutch Post area is also represented on the West coaching staff. Daniel Mears of Mulvane will serve as head coach. Sterling head coach Brent Schneider and Pratt head coach Brent Hoelting were also named to the West staff, along with Great Bend’s Erin Beck and Augusta’s Dawson Elliott.All invited players must formally accept their invitation to be added to the official Shrine Bowl roster. If a player declines or withdraws prior to the game, a replacement will be selected by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff.“I’d like to congratulate these young men who have earned this opportunity, through their hard work and dedication as student-athletes, to be a part of something much bigger than just a game,” said Brice Kesler, executive director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We can’t wait to welcome these players into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family and showcase their extraordinary talents, while making a life-changing impact for the children who benefit from this annual Kansas tradition.”In addition to the East vs. West all-star football game, players will take part in game-week events, including the Hospital Experience, where they meet Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s. Organizers say the event highlights the true mission of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official fundraiser for Shriners Children’s in Kansas. Net proceeds support pediatric specialty care, research and medical education provided by Shriners Children’s, with services offered regardless of a family’s ability to pay.West and East team rosters will continue to be finalized as invitations are accepted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768184021366.jpeg" alt="2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster" />
 <figcaption>2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768184055213.jpeg" alt="2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster" />
 <figcaption>2026 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Rosters revealed for 53rd Shrine Bowl Game

WACO, Texas – The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a 79-64 defeat at No. 16 Baylor Sunday at Foster Pavilion. 

Jaliya Davis led the Jayhawks with 21 points while S'Mya Nichols and Lilly Meister had 11 points apiece. Meister notched her second double-double as a Jayhawks with 10 rebounds. Davis has now scored at least 20 points in four straight games and five times in the seven games she's played in. 

Nichols tied her season high with seven assists while also moving up to No. 17 on KU's all-time scoring list in the game. She now has 1,385 career points, passing Jaclyn Johnson, who scored 1,378 points as a Jayhawk from 1998-2001. 

KU shot 45.3% from the field, but committed 20 turnovers and allowed 16 offensive rebounds, which led to 15 more shot attempts for Baylor. The Jayhawks had 17 assists on 24 made baskets and hit 10-of-13 (76.9 percent) attempts from the free throw line. 

Kansas falls to 11-6 on the year and 1-4 in Big 12 play, while Baylor is now 15-3 (4-1 Big 12). The Jayhawks return to Allen Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to host Oklahoma State. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

"In the first half, some of it was self sabotage. We committed fouls, we committed turnovers. Those are things in areas that we have to do better," head coach Brandon Schneider said. "Then in the second half, they made some big shots whenever we did get the momentum. I thought that we played much better in the second half, we played even with the exception of the basket at the buzzer."

Nichols and Meister scored the first four points of the game, giving KU an early 4-0 lead, but the Jayhawks were held to just five points the rest of the quarter. Baylor used an 11-1 run during the quarter to take the lead and the Bears maintained an advantage of 17-9 after 10 minutes of play.

Kansas used a 4-0 run in the second quarter to get back within six at 27-21, but it was answered by an 8-0 spurt from Baylor as the Bears built their largest lead at 35-21. The Jayhawks continued to fight with a three-pointer from Libby Fandel and four consecutive points from Nichols that got KU within four before Baylor hit three-pointers on each of their last two possessions to go into the locker room up 44-30.

Baylor pushed its lead to 20 points late in the third quarter and it reached 22 at 65-45 on a three-pointer on the opening possession of the fourth quarter. Kansas countered with a trio of three-pointers as Meister, Sania Copeland and Elle Evans hit from downtown as the Jayhawks clawed back to within 13, 65-52 with 6:43 to play. KU closed to within 11 on three separate occasions, but Baylor scored the final four points and won 79-64.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768176953856.png" alt="Photo courtesy Damon Young/Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Damon Young/Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSWACO, Texas – The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a 79-64 defeat at No. 16 Baylor Sunday at Foster Pavilion. Jaliya Davis led the Jayhawks with 21 points while S'Mya Nichols and Lilly Meister had 11 points apiece. Meister notched her second double-double as a Jayhawks with 10 rebounds. Davis has now scored at least 20 points in four straight games and five times in the seven games she's played in. Nichols tied her season high with seven assists while also moving up to No. 17 on KU's all-time scoring list in the game. She now has 1,385 career points, passing Jaclyn Johnson, who scored 1,378 points as a Jayhawk from 1998-2001. KU shot 45.3% from the field, but committed 20 turnovers and allowed 16 offensive rebounds, which led to 15 more shot attempts for Baylor. The Jayhawks had 17 assists on 24 made baskets and hit 10-of-13 (76.9 percent) attempts from the free throw line. Kansas falls to 11-6 on the year and 1-4 in Big 12 play, while Baylor is now 15-3 (4-1 Big 12). The Jayhawks return to Allen Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to host Oklahoma State. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+."In the first half, some of it was self sabotage. We committed fouls, we committed turnovers. Those are things in areas that we have to do better," head coach Brandon Schneider said. "Then in the second half, they made some big shots whenever we did get the momentum. I thought that we played much better in the second half, we played even with the exception of the basket at the buzzer."Nichols and Meister scored the first four points of the game, giving KU an early 4-0 lead, but the Jayhawks were held to just five points the rest of the quarter. Baylor used an 11-1 run during the quarter to take the lead and the Bears maintained an advantage of 17-9 after 10 minutes of play.Kansas used a 4-0 run in the second quarter to get back within six at 27-21, but it was answered by an 8-0 spurt from Baylor as the Bears built their largest lead at 35-21. The Jayhawks continued to fight with a three-pointer from Libby Fandel and four consecutive points from Nichols that got KU within four before Baylor hit three-pointers on each of their last two possessions to go into the locker room up 44-30.Baylor pushed its lead to 20 points late in the third quarter and it reached 22 at 65-45 on a three-pointer on the opening possession of the fourth quarter. Kansas countered with a trio of three-pointers as Meister, Sania Copeland and Elle Evans hit from downtown as the Jayhawks clawed back to within 13, 65-52 with 6:43 to play. KU closed to within 11 on three separate occasions, but Baylor scored the final four points and won 79-64.

🏀 Kansas comes up short at No. 16 Baylor

WICHITA, Kan. - Kenyon Giles erupted with a career-high 33 points, powering a shorthanded Wichita State team to a 78-67 win over North Texas Sunday afternoon in Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State (10-7, 2-2) was without starting wing TJ Williams who missed the game with a concussion. 

Giles scored his 33 points on an ultra-efficient 13-of-17 shooting, adding four three-pointers and a perfect 3-of-3 effort at the free throw line. He has now set a new career high in three of the last four games. His 33 points were the most by a Shocker since Markis McDuffie scored 34 on March 15, 2019.

Karon Boyd added nine points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Dillon Battie chipped in 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds to go with relentless energy on both ends. Battie stepped into Williams starting spot and produced his best game as a Shocker.

Wichita State shot 51.0 percent from the floor and converted 21-of-29 (72.4 percent) at the free throw line. Wichita State was able to overcome a season-high 18 turnovers - 13 of those resulting in live ball steals for North Texas.

North Texas briefly struck first, but Wichita State quickly seized control with activity on the glass and in transition. Emmanuel Okorafor opened the scoring for the Shockers with an emphatic two-hand slam over two defenders, and Battie's string of offensive rebounds helped Wichita State establish an early presence inside.

Giles began asserting himself midway through the half, scoring from all three levels as the Shockers rattled off a 12-0 run to turn a tight game into a double-digit cushion. His fast-break layup off a steal at the 2:04 mark capped the surge and gave Wichita State its largest first-half lead at 12.

The Mean Green answered with late buckets, but Wichita State closed the half strong, getting a driving layup from Dre Kindell at the buzzer to carry a 37-27 advantage into intermission.

The Shockers wasted little time stretching the lead. Giles scored seven straight points early in the half, including a pull-up three in transition, as Wichita State pushed the margin to 14. Defensive pressure fueled the run, forcing turnovers that led directly to points at the other end.

North Texas cut the deficit to 12 on multiple occasions behind David Terrell Jr. and Je'Shawn Stevenson, but each push was met with timely answers. Giles' step-back three at the 13:50 mark extended the lead to 17 — the largest of the afternoon — and swung momentum firmly back to the home side.

The Mean Green continued to battle, trimming the score to single digits late, but Wichita State remained composed at the free throw line down the stretch. Boyd and Michael Gray Jr. combined to go 5-of-6 at the stripe in the final minute to seal the win.

Wichita State begins a two-game Florida road trip on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Florida Atlantic. Tip is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768176228873.png" alt="(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMINICATIONSWICHITA, Kan. - Kenyon Giles erupted with a career-high 33 points, powering a shorthanded Wichita State team to a 78-67 win over North Texas Sunday afternoon in Charles Koch Arena.Wichita State (10-7, 2-2) was without starting wing TJ Williams who missed the game with a concussion. Giles scored his 33 points on an ultra-efficient 13-of-17 shooting, adding four three-pointers and a perfect 3-of-3 effort at the free throw line. He has now set a new career high in three of the last four games. His 33 points were the most by a Shocker since Markis McDuffie scored 34 on March 15, 2019.Karon Boyd added nine points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Dillon Battie chipped in 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds to go with relentless energy on both ends. Battie stepped into Williams starting spot and produced his best game as a Shocker.Wichita State shot 51.0 percent from the floor and converted 21-of-29 (72.4 percent) at the free throw line. Wichita State was able to overcome a season-high 18 turnovers - 13 of those resulting in live ball steals for North Texas.North Texas briefly struck first, but Wichita State quickly seized control with activity on the glass and in transition. Emmanuel Okorafor opened the scoring for the Shockers with an emphatic two-hand slam over two defenders, and Battie's string of offensive rebounds helped Wichita State establish an early presence inside.Giles began asserting himself midway through the half, scoring from all three levels as the Shockers rattled off a 12-0 run to turn a tight game into a double-digit cushion. His fast-break layup off a steal at the 2:04 mark capped the surge and gave Wichita State its largest first-half lead at 12.The Mean Green answered with late buckets, but Wichita State closed the half strong, getting a driving layup from Dre Kindell at the buzzer to carry a 37-27 advantage into intermission.The Shockers wasted little time stretching the lead. Giles scored seven straight points early in the half, including a pull-up three in transition, as Wichita State pushed the margin to 14. Defensive pressure fueled the run, forcing turnovers that led directly to points at the other end.North Texas cut the deficit to 12 on multiple occasions behind David Terrell Jr. and Je'Shawn Stevenson, but each push was met with timely answers. Giles' step-back three at the 13:50 mark extended the lead to 17 — the largest of the afternoon — and swung momentum firmly back to the home side.The Mean Green continued to battle, trimming the score to single digits late, but Wichita State remained composed at the free throw line down the stretch. Boyd and Michael Gray Jr. combined to go 5-of-6 at the stripe in the final minute to seal the win.Up NextWichita State begins a two-game Florida road trip on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Florida Atlantic. Tip is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

🏀 Giles' career-high 33 propels Wichita State to win over UNT

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State fell to East Carolina, 83-56, on Saturday afternoon at Charles Koch Arena as the Pirates used early momentum and a strong defensive effort to pull away.

East Carolina (11-6, 3-1 American) opened the game on a 15-0 run and never relinquished the lead, forcing 27 Wichita State turnovers that led to 34 points.

"We gave them too many points off turnovers, so we've got to figure out how to handle the ball better," head coach Terry Nooner.

Wichita State (3-14, 0-4 American) was led by Treasure Thompson, who finished with a near double-double, scoring a team-high 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds off the bench. Jaila Harding added nine points and two steals, and Diamond Richardson chipped in eight points. The Shockers received a spark from their bench, which accounted for 28 points on the afternoon.

After sitting out the first 16 games due to an injury sustained in the exhibition game, Karys Washington made her Shocker debut, tallying seven points, four rebounds and three assists.

After trailing, 26-13 at the end of the first quarter, Wichita State had its best offensive quarter in the second, scoring 18 points, but ECU still extended its lead to 50-31 at halftime. Harding hit the Shockers' lone three of the game in the second quarter, extending her streak to 17 games with a three pointer this season and moving up to tie for fifth all-time in Wichita State history for single-season threes (51).

East Carolina kept its foot on the gas after the break, holding Wichita State to 25 points in the second half while extending its advantage behind efficient shooting and points off turnovers. The Pirates finished the game shooting 44.8 percent from the field

East Carolina closed out its dominant performance with a 17-15 fourth quarter to win 83-56 in a wire-to-wire win and improve to 3-1 in conference play.

The Shockers finished the game shooting 33.3 percent from three-point range and scored 32 points in the paint. Wichita State also totaled 28 bench points and 13 fast-break points.

The Shockers head to the Sunshine State to face Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. CT and South Florida on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768109099233.png" alt="(Courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSWICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State fell to East Carolina, 83-56, on Saturday afternoon at Charles Koch Arena as the Pirates used early momentum and a strong defensive effort to pull away.East Carolina (11-6, 3-1 American) opened the game on a 15-0 run and never relinquished the lead, forcing 27 Wichita State turnovers that led to 34 points."We gave them too many points off turnovers, so we've got to figure out how to handle the ball better," head coach Terry Nooner.Wichita State (3-14, 0-4 American) was led by Treasure Thompson, who finished with a near double-double, scoring a team-high 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds off the bench. Jaila Harding added nine points and two steals, and Diamond Richardson chipped in eight points. The Shockers received a spark from their bench, which accounted for 28 points on the afternoon.After sitting out the first 16 games due to an injury sustained in the exhibition game, Karys Washington made her Shocker debut, tallying seven points, four rebounds and three assists.After trailing, 26-13 at the end of the first quarter, Wichita State had its best offensive quarter in the second, scoring 18 points, but ECU still extended its lead to 50-31 at halftime. Harding hit the Shockers' lone three of the game in the second quarter, extending her streak to 17 games with a three pointer this season and moving up to tie for fifth all-time in Wichita State history for single-season threes (51).East Carolina kept its foot on the gas after the break, holding Wichita State to 25 points in the second half while extending its advantage behind efficient shooting and points off turnovers. The Pirates finished the game shooting 44.8 percent from the fieldEast Carolina closed out its dominant performance with a 17-15 fourth quarter to win 83-56 in a wire-to-wire win and improve to 3-1 in conference play.The Shockers finished the game shooting 33.3 percent from three-point range and scored 32 points in the paint. Wichita State also totaled 28 bench points and 13 fast-break points.The Shockers head to the Sunshine State to face Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. CT and South Florida on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. CT.

🏀Wichita State drops home contest to East Carolina

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Massamba Diop scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, Moe Odum also scored 21 and Arizona State held off Kansas State 87-84 on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak and pick up its first Big 12 win this season.

Diop, a 7-foot-1 freshman, was 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked five shots. Anthony Johnson added 18 points, Santiago Trouet had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Allen Mukeba also scored 10 points for ASU (10-6, 1-2).

P.J. Haggerty, coming in seventh in the nation in scoring at 22.7 ppg, finished with 25 points, and Abdi Bashir Jr. made 6 of 12 3-point tries in finishing with 22 points for the Wildcats (9-7, 0-3), who lost their third straight.

Kansas State had a 64-58 lead midway through the second half but then went over five minutes without a field goal when ASU scored 10 straight points to begin a 18-3 run capped by Diop's dunk to lead 76-67 with less than five minutes left.

Khamari McGriff's follow with 16.6 seconds remaining got Kansas State within three. After a Johnson free throw, Haggerty banked in a long 3-pointer with five seconds remaining and the Wildcats were within a point. They quickly fouled Odum, who made both free throws. But coming out of a timeout, Haggerty was short on a half-court attempt.

ASU made only 3 of 22 3-point attempts while Kansas State hit 13 of 31. But ASU outscored the Wildcats 50-28 in the paint and made nine more free throws.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768093586352.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Massamba Diop scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half, Moe Odum also scored 21 and Arizona State held off Kansas State 87-84 on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak and pick up its first Big 12 win this season.Diop, a 7-foot-1 freshman, was 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked five shots. Anthony Johnson added 18 points, Santiago Trouet had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Allen Mukeba also scored 10 points for ASU (10-6, 1-2).P.J. Haggerty, coming in seventh in the nation in scoring at 22.7 ppg, finished with 25 points, and Abdi Bashir Jr. made 6 of 12 3-point tries in finishing with 22 points for the Wildcats (9-7, 0-3), who lost their third straight.Kansas State had a 64-58 lead midway through the second half but then went over five minutes without a field goal when ASU scored 10 straight points to begin a 18-3 run capped by Diop's dunk to lead 76-67 with less than five minutes left.Khamari McGriff's follow with 16.6 seconds remaining got Kansas State within three. After a Johnson free throw, Haggerty banked in a long 3-pointer with five seconds remaining and the Wildcats were within a point. They quickly fouled Odum, who made both free throws. But coming out of a timeout, Haggerty was short on a half-court attempt.ASU made only 3 of 22 3-point attempts while Kansas State hit 13 of 31. But ASU outscored the Wildcats 50-28 in the paint and made nine more free throws.The Wildcats led 38-36 at halftime.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State is home against No. 25 UCF on Wednesday.Arizona State is at top-ranked Arizona on Wednesday.