The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team will take on its fourth nationally ranked opponent of the season on Wednesday as the Blue Dragons play at the Hutchinson Sports Arena for the first time in 2026.

The Blue Dragons (9-6, 4-5 KJCCC) will square off against the 18th-ranked Coffeyville Red Ravens at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

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 Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 7:15 p.m.

So far in 2025-26, the Blue Dragons are 2-1 against ranked opponents. Hutchinson defeated No. 15 Barton 58-57 on December 3 in Great Bend on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/rudolph_lolo_kra8">Lolo Rudolph</a>&nbsp;buzzer-beating 3-pointer. The Dragons then rolled at No. 21 Dodge City on December 10, defeating the Conquistadors 75-62. The only loss against a ranked foe is 65-53 vs. No. 21 Cowley on December 6.

The Blue Dragons must rebound from an unexpected Saturday setback as Colby became the first opponent this season to shoot 50 percent or better against Hutchinson. The Trojans shot 53.6 percent and hit 10 of 19 3-pointers in an 89-79 win over the Blue Dragons.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;broke the 30-point mark for the second time this season with a game-high 32-points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/thomas_daleron_yjqw">Daleron Thomas</a>&nbsp;had 20 points in his first Blue Dragon start.

The Dragons are 4-1 in games following a loss this season.

Coffeyville had a KJCCC bye week on Saturday and went out of conference to earn an 84-73 victory over State Fair in Coffeyville. Ke'Bari Lewis had 24 points off the bench to lead Coffeyville against the Roadrunners. Rashid Kuta had 15 points.

Despite the rough defensive outing against Colby on Saturday, the Blue Dragons are still No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense allowing 70.1 points per game. The Dragons have allowed opponents less than 70 points in seven times.

Coffeyville brings the league's sixth-best scoring offense (82.4 points per game) and fifth-best scoring defense (73.4 ppg) into Wednesday's game. Five different players average in double figures for the Red Ravens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795952734.jpeg" alt="Chudier Dorar and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays host to No. 18 Coffeyville at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Chudier Dorar and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays host to No. 18 Coffeyville at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team will take on its fourth nationally ranked opponent of the season on Wednesday as the Blue Dragons play at the Hutchinson Sports Arena for the first time in 2026.The Blue Dragons (9-6, 4-5 KJCCC) will square off against the 18th-ranked Coffeyville Red Ravens at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.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 Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 7:15 p.m.<div>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (9-6, 4-5) vs. No. 18 Coffeyville (11-3, 5-3) When: Wednesday, January 7, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena 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); Dan Naccarato (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=3404463">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 7:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: 1st National Bank of Hutchinson <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/files/Game_16_men_-_Coffeyville.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>So far in 2025-26, the Blue Dragons are 2-1 against ranked opponents. Hutchinson defeated No. 15 Barton 58-57 on December 3 in Great Bend on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/rudolph_lolo_kra8">Lolo Rudolph</a>&nbsp;buzzer-beating 3-pointer. The Dragons then rolled at No. 21 Dodge City on December 10, defeating the Conquistadors 75-62. The only loss against a ranked foe is 65-53 vs. No. 21 Cowley on December 6.The Blue Dragons must rebound from an unexpected Saturday setback as Colby became the first opponent this season to shoot 50 percent or better against Hutchinson. The Trojans shot 53.6 percent and hit 10 of 19 3-pointers in an 89-79 win over the Blue Dragons.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;broke the 30-point mark for the second time this season with a game-high 32-points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/thomas_daleron_yjqw">Daleron Thomas</a>&nbsp;had 20 points in his first Blue Dragon start.The Dragons are 4-1 in games following a loss this season.Coffeyville had a KJCCC bye week on Saturday and went out of conference to earn an 84-73 victory over State Fair in Coffeyville. Ke'Bari Lewis had 24 points off the bench to lead Coffeyville against the Roadrunners. Rashid Kuta had 15 points.Despite the rough defensive outing against Colby on Saturday, the Blue Dragons are still No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense allowing 70.1 points per game. The Dragons have allowed opponents less than 70 points in seven times.Coffeyville brings the league's sixth-best scoring offense (82.4 points per game) and fifth-best scoring defense (73.4 ppg) into Wednesday's game. Five different players average in double figures for the Red Ravens.

🏀 Dragon men look for bounce-back against No. 18 Coffeyville

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team plays its first game at the Sports Arena since December 13 on Wednesday night in a key Jayhawk Conference showdown of upper-division teams.

The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons (12-3, 7-2 KJCCC) meet the Coffeyville Red Ravens (11-3, 5-3) at 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

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 Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 5:15 p.m.

After opening the second half of the 2025-26 season with a 64-55 road win at Colby on Saturday, the Blue Dragon moved up two spots in the NJCAA Rankings to No. 17. The Blue Dragons have been ranked now for 37 consecutive polls.

Hutchinson currently is in third place in the KJCCC with a 7-2 league mark and is 1.5 games off the front-running pace of No. 1 Dodge City.

Wednesday's game will be the first action since December 13 for Coffeyville. The Red Ravens are sixth in the KJCCC at 5-3. The Ravens were ranked No. 25 in the national rankings until back-to-back losses to No. 1 Dodge City and Cloud County knocked them out. Coffeyville defeated Colby 72-55 on December 13 in its last action.

Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes is 16-9 all-time against Coffeyville, but the Red Ravens have won the last two games against Hutchinson, including a 45-42 victory against the Blue Dragons in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament semifinals at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.

The Blue Dragons had to shake off some holiday-break rusty on Saturday when Hutchinson and Colby were tied at 50-50 after three quarters. The Dragon defense took control in the fourth quarter, allowing a season-low five points on 1-of-8 Colby shooting with eight turnovers as the Dragons pulled out a 64-55 victory.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;tied a career high with 23 points, hitting three 3-point goals. Barber is now the eighth-leading scorer in the KJCCC at 14.0 points per game.

Coffeyville enters the game ranked No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense at 49.7 points per game. The Red Ravens are the top rebounding team in the Jayhawk at 44.4 rebounds per game, offensive rebounds at 16.4 offensive boards per game. They are a plus-8.2 in rebounding margin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795889557.jpeg" alt="The No. 17 Blue Dragon women's basketball team takes on Coffeyville at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>The No. 17 Blue Dragon women's basketball team takes on Coffeyville at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team plays its first game at the Sports Arena since December 13 on Wednesday night in a key Jayhawk Conference showdown of upper-division teams.The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons (12-3, 7-2 KJCCC) meet the Coffeyville Red Ravens (11-3, 5-3) at 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.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 Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 5:15 p.m.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 17 Hutchinson (12-3, 7-2) vs. Coffeyville (11-3, 5-3) When: Wednesday, January 7, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena 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); Dan Naccarato (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=3404462">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: 1st National Bank of Hutchinson <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/files/Game_16_Women_-_Coffeyville.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>After opening the second half of the 2025-26 season with a 64-55 road win at Colby on Saturday, the Blue Dragon moved up two spots in the NJCAA Rankings to No. 17. The Blue Dragons have been ranked now for 37 consecutive polls.Hutchinson currently is in third place in the KJCCC with a 7-2 league mark and is 1.5 games off the front-running pace of No. 1 Dodge City.Wednesday's game will be the first action since December 13 for Coffeyville. The Red Ravens are sixth in the KJCCC at 5-3. The Ravens were ranked No. 25 in the national rankings until back-to-back losses to No. 1 Dodge City and Cloud County knocked them out. Coffeyville defeated Colby 72-55 on December 13 in its last action.Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes is 16-9 all-time against Coffeyville, but the Red Ravens have won the last two games against Hutchinson, including a 45-42 victory against the Blue Dragons in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament semifinals at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.The Blue Dragons had to shake off some holiday-break rusty on Saturday when Hutchinson and Colby were tied at 50-50 after three quarters. The Dragon defense took control in the fourth quarter, allowing a season-low five points on 1-of-8 Colby shooting with eight turnovers as the Dragons pulled out a 64-55 victory.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;tied a career high with 23 points, hitting three 3-point goals. Barber is now the eighth-leading scorer in the KJCCC at 14.0 points per game.Coffeyville enters the game ranked No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense at 49.7 points per game. The Red Ravens are the top rebounding team in the Jayhawk at 44.4 rebounds per game, offensive rebounds at 16.4 offensive boards per game. They are a plus-8.2 in rebounding margin.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 No. 17 HutchCC women hosts Coffeyville Wednesday

🎧🏀 Hutch High drops a pair; 🏀 HutchCC hosts Coffeyville; 🏀 No. 22 KU storms back to beat TCU

Kapaun Mount Carmel 66, Wichita Northwest 37 

Medicine Lodge 34, Hutchinson Central Christian 28

Fairfield 45, Nickerson 28

Hutchinson Central Christian 53, Medicine Lodge 21

Kapaun Mount Carmel 73, Wichita Northwest 21 

St. James Academy 64, Heritage Christian 27

Sterling 54, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic 38

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Associated Press<h2>BOYS</h2>Atchison 87, KC Wyandotte 32 BV North 63, Metro Academy 57 BV Northwest 50, Benton, Mo. 47 Baldwin 73, Tonganoxie 37 Berean Academy 70, Sedgwick 19 Blue Valley 60, Pembroke Hill, Mo. 57 Cherryvale 63, Galena 59 Cheylin 55, Wauneta-Palisade, Neb. 48 Conway Springs 47, Belle Plaine 37 Cozad, Neb. 66, Norton 36 Derby 75, Valley Center 51Ell-Saline 47, Inman 37Emporia 59, Topeka Hayden 56 Frontenac 64, Fort Scott 36 Goessel 37, Peabody-Burns 29 Harrisonville, Mo. 48, Louisburg 40 Hesston 59, Cheney 43 Highland Park 60, KC Schlagle 32 Holdrege, Neb. 92, Phillipsburg 74 Holton 57, Riley County 53 KC Piper 62, Lansing 52 KC Washington 60, St. Thomas Aquinas 48 Kapaun Mount Carmel 66, Wichita Northwest 37 Labette County 49, Chanute 47 Lakeside 54, Logan 46 Lyons 53, Minneapolis 51 Madison 49, Olpe 46 Manhattan 62, Hays 59, OTMaize South 54, Hutchinson 43McPherson 60, Augusta 55Medicine Lodge 34, Hutchinson Central Christian 28Mill Valley 69, Olathe South 51 Mulvane 46, Winfield 38Nickerson 53, Fairfield 41Olathe East 57, SM West 49 Osage City 71, West Franklin 26 Pratt 79, Kingman 29 Rock Creek 71, Concordia 64 Rose Hill 77, Wellington 61 SM East 73, Olathe Northwest 50 SM North 56, BV Southwest 45 Scott City 59, Cimarron 50 South Gray 54, Sublette 47 Stanton County 57, South Baca, Colo. 18Towanda-Circle 60, Buhler 53Udall 69, Pretty Prairie 56Western Plains-Healy 47, Natoma 40 Wichita East 70, Wichita South 57 Wichita Heights 71, Wichita West 14 Woodward, Okla. 77, Liberal 49 <h2>GIRLS</h2>Andale 64, El Dorado 40 Ashland 65, Satanta 5 Axtell 55, Frankfort 11 BV Southwest 56, SM North 45 Basehor-Linwood 74, KC Turner 9 Berean Academy 55, Sedgwick 32Buhler 44, Towanda-Circle 40Centralia 58, Onaga 26 Chanute 50, Labette County 34 Conway Springs 54, Belle Plaine 40 Derby 63, Valley Center 34 Dighton 64, Ness City 16 Fairfield 45, Nickerson 28 Garden Plain 61, Dodge City 42 Goddard-Eisenhower 43, Maize 15 Goessel 52, Peabody-Burns 20 Goodland 50, Holcomb 33 Hays 58, Manhattan 45 Hays-TMP-Marian 44, Sylvan-Lucas 38 Hesston 54, Cheney 19 Holdrege, Neb. 49, Phillipsburg 23 Hutchinson Central Christian 53, Medicine Lodge 21Inman 71, Ell-Saline 10KC Piper 73, Lansing 14 Kapaun Mount Carmel 73, Wichita Northwest 21 Linn 61, Washington County 17 Logan 43, Lakeside 39 Maize South 58, Hutchinson 35 McPherson 50, Augusta 33 Norton 49, Cozad, Neb. 29 Olpe 46, Madison 30 Ottawa 59, Spring Hill 47 Pittsburg 66, Parsons 46 Pratt 45, Kingman 19Pretty Prairie 57, Udall 15Quinter 49, Hill City 27 Scott City 56, Cimarron 28 South Gray 76, Sublette 17 Southwestern Hts. 77, Deerfield 8 Spearville 47, Meade 33 St. James Academy 64, Heritage Christian 27Sterling 54, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic 38Topeka 65, Lawrence 47 Uniontown 44, Central Heights 30 Wamego 64, Clay Center 37 Wauneta-Palisade, Neb. 60, Cheylin 50 Wellington 55, Rose Hill 26 Wheatland-Grinnell 47, Wallace County 30 Wichita East 61, Wichita South 30 Woodward, Okla. 58, Liberal 41

🏀 Tuesday’s area high school basketball scores

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 32 points, including three crucial free throws in regulation to the tie the game, and No. 22 Kansas erased a double-digit deficit to outlast TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Kansas (11-4, 1-1 Big 12) trailed by 16 points midway through the second half, but cut the TCU lead to three with 34 seconds left in regulation.

The Jayhawks' next trip down the court was fruitless, leading to a foul and two free throws by TCU’s Liutauras Lelevicius. Kansas' Flory Bidunga cut the lead back to three on a tip in with just over six seconds remaining.

After a turnover on the ensuing TCU inbounds play, the Jayhawks got the ball to Peterson, who drew a foul beyond the arc and knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation.

Kansas held the lead throughout overtime and ultimately secured the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11. TCU (11-4, 1-1) went 2 for 4 in the same frame. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. scored nine of his 18 points during overtime.

Lelevicius led the Horned Frogs with a career-high 23 points. He shot 7 for 9 and hit five 3-pointers, another career high. He entered the game averaging just 8.5 points per game and shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.

Lelevicius outscored sophomore David Punch, who recorded his 10th consecutive double-digit performance with 20 points. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.

Tre White and Bidunga also finished in double figures for the Jayhawks, recording 22 and 16, respectively.

Kansas: Plays at West Virginia on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767783302388.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 32 points, including three crucial free throws in regulation to the tie the game, and No. 22 Kansas erased a double-digit deficit to outlast TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night.Kansas (11-4, 1-1 Big 12) trailed by 16 points midway through the second half, but cut the TCU lead to three with 34 seconds left in regulation.The Jayhawks' next trip down the court was fruitless, leading to a foul and two free throws by TCU’s Liutauras Lelevicius. Kansas' Flory Bidunga cut the lead back to three on a tip in with just over six seconds remaining.After a turnover on the ensuing TCU inbounds play, the Jayhawks got the ball to Peterson, who drew a foul beyond the arc and knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation.Kansas held the lead throughout overtime and ultimately secured the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11. TCU (11-4, 1-1) went 2 for 4 in the same frame. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. scored nine of his 18 points during overtime.Lelevicius led the Horned Frogs with a career-high 23 points. He shot 7 for 9 and hit five 3-pointers, another career high. He entered the game averaging just 8.5 points per game and shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.Lelevicius outscored sophomore David Punch, who recorded his 10th consecutive double-digit performance with 20 points. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.Tre White and Bidunga also finished in double figures for the Jayhawks, recording 22 and 16, respectively.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Plays at West Virginia on Saturday.TCU: Hosts Arizona on Saturday.

🏀 Kansas erases 16-point deficit, beats TCU in overtime

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks endured a tough night at the Salthawk Activity Center on Tuesday as both the girls and boys teams were swept by the Maize South Mavericks in AVCTL action.

The Hutch High girls struggled to slow Maize South’s interior presence in a 58-35 loss. The Mavericks controlled the paint from the opening tip, using their size and rebounding advantage to build separation and limit second-chance opportunities for the Salthawks. Hutchinson battled defensively but had difficulty finding consistent offense against Maize South’s pressure and physical play inside.

In the nightcap, the Hutch High boys showed early promise, taking a slim 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, turnovers and cold shooting proved costly as the game wore on. Maize South capitalized on Hutchinson miscues to seize momentum in the second half and pulled away for a 54-43 victory.

The Salthawks were unable to regain their early rhythm after halftime, as missed shots and transition points by the Mavericks widened the gap down the stretch.

Hutchinson will have a short turnaround as both teams look to bounce back on Friday night when Salina South comes to town for “Pack the SAC Night,” benefiting the Reno County Food Bank. All school-age students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to receive free admission, a T-shirt and a chance for their class to win a pizza party for donating the most pounds of food.

Tipoff for Friday’s doubleheader is set for the Salthawk Activity Center at 6pm for the girls game and 7:30pm for the boys match up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball swept by Maize South to open 2026 part of season" />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball swept by Maize South to open 2026 part of season</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks endured a tough night at the Salthawk Activity Center on Tuesday as both the girls and boys teams were swept by the Maize South Mavericks in AVCTL action.The Hutch High girls struggled to slow Maize South’s interior presence in a 58-35 loss. The Mavericks controlled the paint from the opening tip, using their size and rebounding advantage to build separation and limit second-chance opportunities for the Salthawks. Hutchinson battled defensively but had difficulty finding consistent offense against Maize South’s pressure and physical play inside.In the nightcap, the Hutch High boys showed early promise, taking a slim 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, turnovers and cold shooting proved costly as the game wore on. Maize South capitalized on Hutchinson miscues to seize momentum in the second half and pulled away for a 54-43 victory.The Salthawks were unable to regain their early rhythm after halftime, as missed shots and transition points by the Mavericks widened the gap down the stretch.Hutchinson will have a short turnaround as both teams look to bounce back on Friday night when Salina South comes to town for “Pack the SAC Night,” benefiting the Reno County Food Bank. All school-age students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to receive free admission, a T-shirt and a chance for their class to win a pizza party for donating the most pounds of food.Tipoff for Friday’s doubleheader is set for the Salthawk Activity Center at 6pm for the girls game and 7:30pm for the boys match up.

🏀 Hutch High drops pair to Maize South to open 2026 part of the season

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

🏀 KBCA releases first boys rankings of 2026

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>January 6, 2026 Rankings</h2><h2>Class 6A</h2><ol>
 <li>Shawnee Mission South
</li><li>Blue Valley North
</li><li>Wichita Heights
</li><li>Wichita East
</li><li>Olathe North
</li><li>Derby
</li><li>Olathe South
</li><li>Manhattan
</li><li>Lawrence
</li><li>Washburn Rural
</li>
 </ol><h2>Class 5A</h2><ol>
 <li>St. Thomas Aquinas
</li><li>Andover
</li><li>Kansas City Piper
</li><li>Maize South
</li><li>Hays
</li><li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel
</li><li>Bishop Carroll
</li><li>Salina South
</li><li>Topeka Seaman
</li><li>St. James Academy
</li>
 </ol><h2>Class 4A</h2><ol>
 <li>Wellington
</li><li>Wamego
</li><li>Bishop Miege
</li><li>Fort Scott
</li><li>Ottawa
</li><li>Independence
</li><li>Topeka Hayden
</li><li>Eudora
</li><li>Chapman
</li><li>Santa Fe Trail
</li>
 </ol><h2>Class 3A</h2><ol>
 <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>
 </ol><h2>Class 2A</h2><ol>
 <li>Moundridge
</li><li>St. Mary’s Colgan
</li><li>Hillsboro
</li><li>Ellinwood
</li><li>Eureka
</li><li>Valley Heights
</li><li>Inman
</li><li>Doniphan West
</li><li>Berean Academy
</li><li>Whitewater-Remington
</li>
 </ol><h2>Class 1A Division I</h2><ol>
 <li>Little River
</li><li>Alma-Wabaunsee
</li><li>Centralia
</li><li>Hodgeman County
</li><li>Rock Hills
</li><li>Decatur Community
</li><li>Spearville
</li><li>Quinter
</li><li>South Gray
</li><li>Olpe
</li>
 </ol><h2>Class 1A Division II</h2><ol>
 <li>Hanover
</li><li>Bucklin
</li><li>Linn
</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley
</li><li>Cheylin
</li><li>Hutchinson Central Christian
</li><li>Lebo
</li><li>Ashland
</li><li>Randolph-Blue Valley
</li><li>Dighton</li>
 </ol>

🏀 KBCA releases first girls rankings of 2026

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Hutchinson High returns to action tonight at the Salthawk Activity Center, hosting Maize South in a key AVCTL basketball doubleheader to open the 2026 portion of the schedule.

The Hutchinson girls (4-2) look to keep their early-season momentum going when they tip off against the Mavericks at 6 p.m. The Salthawk boys (2-4) will follow with a 7:30 p.m. matchup, seeking to start start the new year on a high note.

Both games are expected to play a pivotal role in the league standings as Hutchinson looks to defend home court at the SAC.

Join the Award Winning Eagle Media broadcast crew for pregame at 5:45pm on www.kwbwradio.com or 1450am/98.5fm,&nbsp; plus catch the video stream on the hud.com hutch ghigh channel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball tonight vs Maize South at the SAC" />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball tonight vs Maize South at the SAC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Hutchinson High returns to action tonight at the Salthawk Activity Center, hosting Maize South in a key AVCTL basketball doubleheader to open the 2026 portion of the schedule.The Hutchinson girls (4-2) look to keep their early-season momentum going when they tip off against the Mavericks at 6 p.m. The Salthawk boys (2-4) will follow with a 7:30 p.m. matchup, seeking to start start the new year on a high note.Both games are expected to play a pivotal role in the league standings as Hutchinson looks to defend home court at the SAC.Join the Award Winning Eagle Media broadcast crew for pregame at 5:45pm on www.kwbwradio.com or 1450am/98.5fm,&nbsp; plus catch the video stream on the hud.com hutch ghigh channel.Girls Game:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2880133?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Boys Game:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3201876?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎧🎥🏀Hutch High hosts Maize South tonight at the SAC

🎧🏀 KU drops to No. 22 in latest AP Top 25, Hutch High opens 2026 at home against Maize South

Arizona held the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll after another dominant week, edging Michigan by a single point for the top position.

The Wildcats, unbeaten at 14-0, received 32 first-place votes and 1,494 points following a 97-78 road win at Utah. Michigan, also unbeaten at 13-0, was close behind with 29 first-place votes and 1,493 points after a 96-66 victory over USC.

Iowa State remained third at 14-0, followed by UConn at No. 4 and Purdue at No. 5. Duke, Houston, Gonzaga, BYU and Nebraska rounded out the top 10, with Nebraska climbing three spots to No. 10 after improving to 14-0.

Vanderbilt stayed unbeaten and checked in at No. 11, while Michigan State dropped three spots to No. 12. North Carolina fell five places to No. 17 after a road loss at SMU. Georgia made one of the biggest jumps of the week, rising five spots to No. 18 following a 104-100 win over Auburn.

Kansas slid five spots to No. 22 after a loss at UCF, while SMU and UCF both remained in the poll at Nos. 24 and 25, respectively.

Others receiving votes: Villanova 127, Seton Hall 31, Southern Cal 28, Utah State 27, Miami (Ohio) 22, Clemson 21, Saint Louis 14, LSU 14, Texas 12, Florida 11, Saint Mary’s 10, Kentucky 9, California 8, Miami 5, Indiana 4, Auburn 3, TCU 2, UCLA 2, Virginia Tech 2.

Point values in parentheses indicate first-place votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739821509395.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Arizona held the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll after another dominant week, edging Michigan by a single point for the top position.The Wildcats, unbeaten at 14-0, received 32 first-place votes and 1,494 points following a 97-78 road win at Utah. Michigan, also unbeaten at 13-0, was close behind with 29 first-place votes and 1,493 points after a 96-66 victory over USC.Iowa State remained third at 14-0, followed by UConn at No. 4 and Purdue at No. 5. Duke, Houston, Gonzaga, BYU and Nebraska rounded out the top 10, with Nebraska climbing three spots to No. 10 after improving to 14-0.Vanderbilt stayed unbeaten and checked in at No. 11, while Michigan State dropped three spots to No. 12. North Carolina fell five places to No. 17 after a road loss at SMU. Georgia made one of the biggest jumps of the week, rising five spots to No. 18 following a 104-100 win over Auburn.Kansas slid five spots to No. 22 after a loss at UCF, while SMU and UCF both remained in the poll at Nos. 24 and 25, respectively.<h2>AP Top 25 Men’s Basketball Poll</h2><ol>
 <li>Arizona (32)
</li><li>Michigan (29)
</li><li>Iowa State
</li><li>UConn
</li><li>Purdue
</li><li>Duke
</li><li>Houston
</li><li>Gonzaga
</li><li>BYU
</li><li>Nebraska
</li><li>Vanderbilt
</li><li>Michigan State
</li><li>Alabama
</li><li>Texas Tech
</li><li>Arkansas
</li><li>Illinois
</li><li>North Carolina
</li><li>Georgia
</li><li>Iowa
</li><li>Louisville
</li><li>Tennessee
</li><li>Kansas
</li><li>Virginia
</li><li>SMU
</li><li>UCF
</li>
 </ol>Others receiving votes: Villanova 127, Seton Hall 31, Southern Cal 28, Utah State 27, Miami (Ohio) 22, Clemson 21, Saint Louis 14, LSU 14, Texas 12, Florida 11, Saint Mary’s 10, Kentucky 9, California 8, Miami 5, Indiana 4, Auburn 3, TCU 2, UCLA 2, Virginia Tech 2.Point values in parentheses indicate first-place votes.

🏀 KU drops to No. 22 in AP Top 25 men's poll

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — What happened over the last month of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs figures to be a whole lot less interesting than what will transpire over the next few months, when a perennial juggernaut in desperate need of a reset begins work on the retooling.

Will tight end Travis Kelce retire after a superlative 13-year career, or will he come back for one more season in an attempt to wipe away the bitter taste of a 6-11 record? How will the Chiefs navigate free agency with glaring needs at several spots and precious little salary cap space? And what will they do with their first top-10 draft pick since Patrick Mahomes went 10th in 2017?

“Optimistic for the future going forward here,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “(General manager) Brett (Veach) has the controls from here with the draft, and he and his guys will do a great job in the draft, and as we work through free agency.”

The Chiefs not only had a streak of 10 consecutive playoff appearances end, they also had a nine-year dominance of the AFC West shattered by Denver. Their streak of seven conference title game appearances is over, and given the way the season went, it's almost hard to believe that the Chiefs played in the last three Super Bowls — with two wins.

But very little went right for the Chiefs this season, beginning with a loss to the Chargers in Brazil and ending with six consecutive defeats, leaving them with their worst record since going 2-14 the year before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-andy-reid-550acc74573aa52aeacfe16c91b8441c">Reid arrived in Kansas City</a>.

By mid-December, the Chiefs already had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-score-9a72cf0a6cfc548809fb72d678af054c">eliminated from the playoffs</a>.

Injuries may have been the biggest problem: Patrick Mahomes tore two ligaments in his knee, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew likewise tore his knee ligament and stars such as Rashee Rice and Trent McDuffie followed them to injured reserve.

But there also were glaring deficiencies on both sides of the ball.

“We've got a good nucleus of guys that are veteran players. They'll be back,” Reid said, “and I think you want that foundation, and that's where you start. And then you give Brett an opportunity to have the draft picks that he has and picking where he's picking; you know he's going to do a great job there. And then whatever happens free agent-wise, or guys we signed up — wherever that goes — you still have a long way to go to add people and do what you need. So, there'll be a fresh start coming up.”

The first big decision in Kansas City may lie not with the team but with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-c1f3237de662ca9f5448b541091ece1b">Kelce, who is considering retirement</a>. He said the choice to come back last season was relatively easy after a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. But with myriad interests outside football, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">engagement to pop star Taylor Swift</a>, things have changed in his life over the past 12 months.

“I have so much love for this team, this organization and the people here,” said Kelce, who finished with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. “I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings, get close to the family and figure things out.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-injury-732a63720e1e9f96f0deea890ecfd39f">Mahomes is already well into rehab</a>&nbsp;following surgery to repair his knee injury, and the Chiefs are cautiously optimistic that he will be ready for Week 1 next season. Everyone else who landed on injured reserve also is expected to be ready for next season.

Among veterans due to hit free agency are running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, wide receivers Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, cornerbacks Josh Williams and Jaylen Watson, safeties Bryan Cook and Mike Edwards, linebacker Leo Chenal and defensive linemen Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel and Charles Omenihu. Several could be back on team-friendly deals.

The Chiefs will pick ninth overall in April, their highest since taking offensive tackle Eric Fisher first overall in 2013. They have a slew of needs on both sides of the ball, but look for them to target offensive playmakers — probably a running back — and someone who can rush the passer after finishing among the league's worst in quarterback sacks this season.

The Chiefs haven't been finished this early in a season in a decade, so at least in terms of getting a jump-start on next season, the next few weeks are a novel luxury. They'll spend it preparing for the NFL scouting combine in late February and the start of free agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767653825785.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — What happened over the last month of the season for the Kansas City Chiefs figures to be a whole lot less interesting than what will transpire over the next few months, when a perennial juggernaut in desperate need of a reset begins work on the retooling.Will tight end Travis Kelce retire after a superlative 13-year career, or will he come back for one more season in an attempt to wipe away the bitter taste of a 6-11 record? How will the Chiefs navigate free agency with glaring needs at several spots and precious little salary cap space? And what will they do with their first top-10 draft pick since Patrick Mahomes went 10th in 2017?“Optimistic for the future going forward here,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “(General manager) Brett (Veach) has the controls from here with the draft, and he and his guys will do a great job in the draft, and as we work through free agency.”There is plenty of work to do.The Chiefs not only had a streak of 10 consecutive playoff appearances end, they also had a nine-year dominance of the AFC West shattered by Denver. Their streak of seven conference title game appearances is over, and given the way the season went, it's almost hard to believe that the Chiefs played in the last three Super Bowls — with two wins.But very little went right for the Chiefs this season, beginning with a loss to the Chargers in Brazil and ending with six consecutive defeats, leaving them with their worst record since going 2-14 the year before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-andy-reid-550acc74573aa52aeacfe16c91b8441c">Reid arrived in Kansas City</a>.By mid-December, the Chiefs already had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-score-9a72cf0a6cfc548809fb72d678af054c">eliminated from the playoffs</a>.Injuries may have been the biggest problem: Patrick Mahomes tore two ligaments in his knee, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew likewise tore his knee ligament and stars such as Rashee Rice and Trent McDuffie followed them to injured reserve.But there also were glaring deficiencies on both sides of the ball.“We've got a good nucleus of guys that are veteran players. They'll be back,” Reid said, “and I think you want that foundation, and that's where you start. And then you give Brett an opportunity to have the draft picks that he has and picking where he's picking; you know he's going to do a great job there. And then whatever happens free agent-wise, or guys we signed up — wherever that goes — you still have a long way to go to add people and do what you need. So, there'll be a fresh start coming up.”<h2>Kelce's decision</h2>The first big decision in Kansas City may lie not with the team but with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-c1f3237de662ca9f5448b541091ece1b">Kelce, who is considering retirement</a>. He said the choice to come back last season was relatively easy after a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. But with myriad interests outside football, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-engaged-d585627eb98b69428ce206a2c8a9cb7d">engagement to pop star Taylor Swift</a>, things have changed in his life over the past 12 months.“I have so much love for this team, this organization and the people here,” said Kelce, who finished with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. “I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings, get close to the family and figure things out.”<h2>Health check</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-injury-732a63720e1e9f96f0deea890ecfd39f">Mahomes is already well into rehab</a>&nbsp;following surgery to repair his knee injury, and the Chiefs are cautiously optimistic that he will be ready for Week 1 next season. Everyone else who landed on injured reserve also is expected to be ready for next season.<h2>Free agency</h2>Among veterans due to hit free agency are running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, wide receivers Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, cornerbacks Josh Williams and Jaylen Watson, safeties Bryan Cook and Mike Edwards, linebacker Leo Chenal and defensive linemen Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel and Charles Omenihu. Several could be back on team-friendly deals.<h2>Draft situation</h2>The Chiefs will pick ninth overall in April, their highest since taking offensive tackle Eric Fisher first overall in 2013. They have a slew of needs on both sides of the ball, but look for them to target offensive playmakers — probably a running back — and someone who can rush the passer after finishing among the league's worst in quarterback sacks this season.<h2>Next steps</h2>The Chiefs haven't been finished this early in a season in a decade, so at least in terms of getting a jump-start on next season, the next few weeks are a novel luxury. They'll spend it preparing for the NFL scouting combine in late February and the start of free agency.

🏈 Kansas City Chiefs face a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season

🎧🏈 NFL playoffs are set; 🏀 HutchCC splits at Colby, KU and K-State lose Big 12 openers

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)

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Coffeyville, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) &nbsp;K-State MBB at Arizona, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

K-State MBB at Arizona State, 1 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </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. 5</h2>Chiefs Kingdom Show, 7-8 p.m. (KWBW)<h2>Tuesday, Jan. 6</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Maize South, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Wednesday, Jan. 7</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Coffeyville, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) &nbsp;K-State MBB at Arizona, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Thursday, Jan. 8</h2>No broadcast scheduled<h2>Friday, Jan. 9</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Salina South, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Saturday, Jan. 10</h2>K-State MBB at Arizona State, 1 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Sunday, Dec. Jan. 11</h2>No broadcast scheduled

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Jan. 5-Jan. 11

By MARK ANDERSON&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Daniel Carlson made a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give Las Vegas a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and end the Raiders' 10-game losing streak.

Carlson and Kansas City's Harrison Butker each made four field goals, with Butker hitting a 41-yarder with 1:01 left to give the Chiefs a short-lived 12-11 lead.

This was the first victory for the Raiders (3-14) over the Chiefs (6-11) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs, who had won all five previous meetings in Las Vegas, lost their sixth straight game and eighth in 10.

Las Vegas' Ashton Jeanty rushed for 87 yards, giving him 975 for the season that is second among Raiders rookies to the 1,150 yards Josh Jacobs gained in 2019. Jeanty's 1,321 yards from scrimmage broke the club rookie record set by Jacobs (1,316).

Much of the intrigue about the outcome was eliminated before kickoff when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-giants-score-jaxson-dart-d25b1d9cbb8f9ac00bd6e953924bfa93?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-2026-708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">guaranteeing the Raiders the top pick</a>&nbsp;in this year's NFL draft. A Giants loss would have meant that Las Vegas would get that selection only with a loss to the Chiefs.

Less certain is the future of Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who was hired about a year ago with the hopes that his championship pedigree of a Super Bowl title in Seattle and two college championships at Southern California would translate to Las Vegas. There was no immediate indication whether he would return, but the typical coach's day-after news conference was not on the club's media schedule.

This also could be have the final game for Kansas City's Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old, who became the third tight end to reach 13,000 yards in his career, has not said if he will retire after playing all 13 seasons in Kansas City.

Both teams in large ways treated the finale like a preseason game.

Whether for injuries or other reasons, the Chiefs sat wide receiver Xavier Worthy, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Tyreke Smith among others, and the Raiders had a number of players hurt that included running back Raheem Mostert, guard Dylan Parham and defensive tackle Adam Butler.

Kansas City entered the game without quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, each out with knee injuries. The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes back by early next season in what they hope is the return to becoming more like the team that appeared in five of the previous six Super Bowls, three ending in championships.

Chris Oladokun started for the Chiefs and completed 11 of 17 passes for 58 yards before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half. Buechele was 7 of 14 for 88 yards.

The Raiders were without quarterback Geno Smith, out with an ankle injury that also might have ended his playing days in Las Vegas after just a season. Kenny Pickett started and was replaced by Aidan O'Connell in the second quarter as expected. Pickett was just 1 of 4 for 3 yards with an interception, and O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards.

Tyree Wilson had two sacks for the Raiders, including a fourth-quarter safety for an 11-6 lead. He also forced two fumbles.

Chris Jones recorded two sacks to give him 86 1/2 for third most in Chiefs history.

Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) did not play.

Raiders: QB Geno Smith (ankle), DT Adam Butler (bicep), LT Kolton Miller (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and G Dylan Parham (illness) did not play. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder) went out late in the second quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767611639756.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK ANDERSON&nbsp; AP Sports WriterLAS VEGAS (AP) — Daniel Carlson made a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give Las Vegas a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and end the Raiders' 10-game losing streak.Carlson and Kansas City's Harrison Butker each made four field goals, with Butker hitting a 41-yarder with 1:01 left to give the Chiefs a short-lived 12-11 lead.This was the first victory for the Raiders (3-14) over the Chiefs (6-11) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs, who had won all five previous meetings in Las Vegas, lost their sixth straight game and eighth in 10.Las Vegas' Ashton Jeanty rushed for 87 yards, giving him 975 for the season that is second among Raiders rookies to the 1,150 yards Josh Jacobs gained in 2019. Jeanty's 1,321 yards from scrimmage broke the club rookie record set by Jacobs (1,316).Much of the intrigue about the outcome was eliminated before kickoff when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-giants-score-jaxson-dart-d25b1d9cbb8f9ac00bd6e953924bfa93?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-2026-708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">guaranteeing the Raiders the top pick</a>&nbsp;in this year's NFL draft. A Giants loss would have meant that Las Vegas would get that selection only with a loss to the Chiefs.Less certain is the future of Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who was hired about a year ago with the hopes that his championship pedigree of a Super Bowl title in Seattle and two college championships at Southern California would translate to Las Vegas. There was no immediate indication whether he would return, but the typical coach's day-after news conference was not on the club's media schedule.This also could be have the final game for Kansas City's Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old, who became the third tight end to reach 13,000 yards in his career, has not said if he will retire after playing all 13 seasons in Kansas City.Both teams in large ways treated the finale like a preseason game.Whether for injuries or other reasons, the Chiefs sat wide receiver Xavier Worthy, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Tyreke Smith among others, and the Raiders had a number of players hurt that included running back Raheem Mostert, guard Dylan Parham and defensive tackle Adam Butler.Kansas City entered the game without quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, each out with knee injuries. The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes back by early next season in what they hope is the return to becoming more like the team that appeared in five of the previous six Super Bowls, three ending in championships.Chris Oladokun started for the Chiefs and completed 11 of 17 passes for 58 yards before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half. Buechele was 7 of 14 for 88 yards.The Raiders were without quarterback Geno Smith, out with an ankle injury that also might have ended his playing days in Las Vegas after just a season. Kenny Pickett started and was replaced by Aidan O'Connell in the second quarter as expected. Pickett was just 1 of 4 for 3 yards with an interception, and O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards.Tyree Wilson had two sacks for the Raiders, including a fourth-quarter safety for an 11-6 lead. He also forced two fumbles.Chris Jones recorded two sacks to give him 86 1/2 for third most in Chiefs history.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) did not play.Raiders: QB Geno Smith (ankle), DT Adam Butler (bicep), LT Kolton Miller (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and G Dylan Parham (illness) did not play. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder) went out late in the second quarter.

🏈 Daniel Carlson's 60-yard field goal lifts Raiders over the Chiefs

MANHATTAN, KANSAS – K-State saw a halftime lead disappear in the third quarter, rallied to take a late fourth quarter lead but West Virginia fended off the Wildcats in the final moments on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum with a 60-58 win.

K-State (9-7, 1-2 Big 12) has played eight games this season decided by five points or less and are 4-4 in those contests.

The Wildcats were led by senior guard Tess Heal with 16 points and she added four rebounds and three steals to her final stat line. This is the second straight game Heal paced K-State in scoring.

Joining Heal double figures was junior forward Nastja Claessens with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while freshman guard Jordan Speiser added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting and tied her career-high with four connections from long range.

West Virginia (13-2, 3-0) was led by the double-double of Kierra Wheeler with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Carter McCray chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds.

- K-State forced into 10 turnovers in the first quarter and held the Mountaineers scoreless for the final 4:48 of the opening frame. The Wildcats would win the quarter, 12-11.

- In the second quarter, the Wildcats made four straight field goals to build a 24-17 lead with 6:07 remaining. Speiser knocked down a pair of three-pointers during the stretch.

- The Wildcats would win the second quarter, 19-17, and hold a 31-28 lead at halftime. K-State shot 50.0 percent (6-of-12) from the field in the second stanza and saw Speiser and Taryn Sides tally six points apiece.

- K-State struggled from the field in the third quarter, shooting 27.3 percent (3-of-11). West Virginia would win the frame, 17-10, by shooting 53.8 percent (7-of-13) and hold a 45-41 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Mountaineers used an 11-2 run to close the third to pull in front.

- West Virginia would build a seven-point lead, 51-44, with 6:59 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats made one field goal in the first three minutes of the final quarter.

- K-State used an 8-0 run to retake the lead, 52-51, on a Heal layup with 3:43 left. Heal scored six of the eight points during the run.

- After the Mountaineers squared the game at 52 with 3:19 remaining, Claessens finished a transition layup to push the Wildcats into a 54-52 lead with 2:54 remaining. This would be K-State's final lead of the afternoon.

- West Virginia went in front, 56-54, with four straight points but Heal tied the game at 56 with two free throws with a minute remaining.

- An offensive rebound and putback from Gia Cooke with 19 seconds left gave the Mountaineers a 58-56 lead. K-State was unable to score on its next possession and saw Jordan Harrison of West Virginia make two free throws with seven seconds left. A Claessens layup with three seconds provided the final margin.

- K-State shot 41.7 percent (20-of-48) for the game which included a 63.6 percent (7-of-11) effort in the fourth quarter.

- West Virginia leads the series with K-State, 21-9.  The Wildcats are 4-9 in games played in Manhattan. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 9-24 in his career against West Virginia.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 680-386 (.638), including a mark of 226-151 (.599).

- In its 30th season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 246-249 (.497) in Big 12 action.

- K-State is 417-161 (.721) in its 38th-season inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 147-53 (.735) record under Mittie.

- The Wildcats are 265-196 (.575) in games played in the month of January. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 45-44 (.506) in games during the 1st month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Tess Heal, Taryn Sides and forwards Jenessa Cotton and Nastja Claessens. This was the first time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 82nd career start for Heal and her eighth at K-State. This was the 15th career start for Sides. This was the 14th career start for Garcia. Cotton made her 12th career start. Claessens made her 12th career start.

- The Wildcats held a 31-28 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 180-22 (.891) when leading at halftime, including a 4-1 mark this season.

- This season, K-State owns 24 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the second (50.0) and fourth (63.6) quarters on Sunday.

- Since 2011-12, when three or more players reach double figures in scoring in the same game, K-State is 207-92 (.692) with a 7-5 mark in 2025-26.

- The Wildcats' bench outscored the Mountaineers' bench, 15-3. The Wildcats have had the edge in bench points in 13 games this season (7-6).

- Heal reached double figures for the 80th time in her career, including her sixth time this season. She has led K-State in scoring in three games this season. Heal's collegiate career point total now stands at 1,587 points.

- Speiser scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.

- Speiser tied her career-high with 4 three-pointers on Sunday. This was her second career game with four or more 3-point field goals made. This was her eighth career game with two or more connections from beyond the arc.

- Claessens scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.

- Sides dished out five assists on Sunday. She is the 22nd player in program history with 250 or more career assists (253). Sides ranks 22nd in program history for career assists. This was her 22nd career game with five or more assists and her seventh this season.

- Sides pocketed six steals on Sunday for the second straight game. The six steals tied her career-high. This was her 21st career game with two or more steals and her ninth this season. She has six career games with four or more steals.

- Jenessa Cotton pulled in seven rebounds on Sunday. This was her sixth career game with five or more rebounds this season, all this season.

- Gina Garcia registered six assists. She is the 14th freshman in program history to record 75 or more assists (80 assists this season). This was her 10th career game with five or more assists.

Up next the Wildcats travel to Houston on Wednesday Jan. 7 for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off against the Cougars. The game will be streamed on ESPN+

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767568346124.png" alt="(Photo courtesy K-State Athletic Communications/Abby Kennedy Photography)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy K-State Athletic Communications/Abby Kennedy Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSMANHATTAN, KANSAS – K-State saw a halftime lead disappear in the third quarter, rallied to take a late fourth quarter lead but West Virginia fended off the Wildcats in the final moments on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum with a 60-58 win.K-State (9-7, 1-2 Big 12) has played eight games this season decided by five points or less and are 4-4 in those contests.The Wildcats were led by senior guard Tess Heal with 16 points and she added four rebounds and three steals to her final stat line. This is the second straight game Heal paced K-State in scoring.Joining Heal double figures was junior forward Nastja Claessens with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while freshman guard Jordan Speiser added 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting and tied her career-high with four connections from long range.West Virginia (13-2, 3-0) was led by the double-double of Kierra Wheeler with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Carter McCray chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds.HOW IT HAPPENED- K-State forced into 10 turnovers in the first quarter and held the Mountaineers scoreless for the final 4:48 of the opening frame. The Wildcats would win the quarter, 12-11.- In the second quarter, the Wildcats made four straight field goals to build a 24-17 lead with 6:07 remaining. Speiser knocked down a pair of three-pointers during the stretch.- The Wildcats would win the second quarter, 19-17, and hold a 31-28 lead at halftime. K-State shot 50.0 percent (6-of-12) from the field in the second stanza and saw Speiser and Taryn Sides tally six points apiece.- K-State struggled from the field in the third quarter, shooting 27.3 percent (3-of-11). West Virginia would win the frame, 17-10, by shooting 53.8 percent (7-of-13) and hold a 45-41 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Mountaineers used an 11-2 run to close the third to pull in front.- West Virginia would build a seven-point lead, 51-44, with 6:59 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats made one field goal in the first three minutes of the final quarter.- K-State used an 8-0 run to retake the lead, 52-51, on a Heal layup with 3:43 left. Heal scored six of the eight points during the run.- After the Mountaineers squared the game at 52 with 3:19 remaining, Claessens finished a transition layup to push the Wildcats into a 54-52 lead with 2:54 remaining. This would be K-State's final lead of the afternoon.- West Virginia went in front, 56-54, with four straight points but Heal tied the game at 56 with two free throws with a minute remaining.- An offensive rebound and putback from Gia Cooke with 19 seconds left gave the Mountaineers a 58-56 lead. K-State was unable to score on its next possession and saw Jordan Harrison of West Virginia make two free throws with seven seconds left. A Claessens layup with three seconds provided the final margin.- K-State shot 41.7 percent (20-of-48) for the game which included a 63.6 percent (7-of-11) effort in the fourth quarter.QUICK FACTS- West Virginia leads the series with K-State, 21-9. The Wildcats are 4-9 in games played in Manhattan. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 9-24 in his career against West Virginia.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 680-386 (.638), including a mark of 226-151 (.599).- In its 30th season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 246-249 (.497) in Big 12 action.- K-State is 417-161 (.721) in its 38th-season inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 147-53 (.735) record under Mittie.- The Wildcats are 265-196 (.575) in games played in the month of January. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 45-44 (.506) in games during the 1st month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Tess Heal, Taryn Sides and forwards Jenessa Cotton and Nastja Claessens. This was the first time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 82nd career start for Heal and her eighth at K-State. This was the 15th career start for Sides. This was the 14th career start for Garcia. Cotton made her 12th career start. Claessens made her 12th career start.- The Wildcats held a 31-28 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 180-22 (.891) when leading at halftime, including a 4-1 mark this season.- This season, K-State owns 24 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the second (50.0) and fourth (63.6) quarters on Sunday.- Since 2011-12, when three or more players reach double figures in scoring in the same game, K-State is 207-92 (.692) with a 7-5 mark in 2025-26.- The Wildcats' bench outscored the Mountaineers' bench, 15-3. The Wildcats have had the edge in bench points in 13 games this season (7-6).PLAYER NOTES- Heal reached double figures for the 80th time in her career, including her sixth time this season. She has led K-State in scoring in three games this season. Heal's collegiate career point total now stands at 1,587 points.- Speiser scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.- Speiser tied her career-high with 4 three-pointers on Sunday. This was her second career game with four or more 3-point field goals made. This was her eighth career game with two or more connections from beyond the arc.- Claessens scored in double figures for the eighth time this season.- Sides dished out five assists on Sunday. She is the 22nd player in program history with 250 or more career assists (253). Sides ranks 22nd in program history for career assists. This was her 22nd career game with five or more assists and her seventh this season.- Sides pocketed six steals on Sunday for the second straight game. The six steals tied her career-high. This was her 21st career game with two or more steals and her ninth this season. She has six career games with four or more steals.- Jenessa Cotton pulled in seven rebounds on Sunday. This was her sixth career game with five or more rebounds this season, all this season.- Gina Garcia registered six assists. She is the 14th freshman in program history to record 75 or more assists (80 assists this season). This was her 10th career game with five or more assists.Up next the Wildcats travel to Houston on Wednesday Jan. 7 for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off against the Cougars. The game will be streamed on ESPN+

🏀K-State falls in final seconds to West Virginia

ORLANDO, Fla. –Jaliya Davis and Lilly Meister led the charge as Kansas outscored UCF 51-35 in the second half and picked up an 83-68 victory Sunday afternoon at Addition Financial Arena.

Davis scored 26 points to lead the Jayhawks. She hit 10-of-12 field goal attempts and went 6-of-7 from the free throw line, while adding five rebounds. Meister set a new career-high with 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. She also pulled down a team-leading six rebounds and dished out three assists. S'Mya Nichols added 14 points and matched her season highs with seven assists and three steals.

Kansas shot a season-high 57.4 percent from the field, hitting 31-of-54 field goal attempts. The Jayhawks knocked down five three-pointers, including two from Elle Evans, who entered the game leading the nation in three-point field goal percentage. Nichols and Davis each went 6-of-7 from the free throw line, helping KU shoot 76.2 percent (16-21) from the line for the night. 

Kansas earns its first Big 12 Conference win in the process, improving to 11-4 (1-2 Big 12) on the year. UCF is now 8-6 (0-3 Big 12) this season.

"I thought we really executed well at the offensive end and displayed great patience," Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said after the game. "If we didn't get our first or second option, we were able to play deeper into the clock and get our third option on a lot of stuff. The front line played really good today. We didn't shoot it from the perimeter as well as we would like, but it's good to see Jaliya and Lilly play well and really complement one another."

The game was tied twice in the early going before Davis scored six points as part of a 7-0 run that put Kansas on top 11-4 at the 4:33 mark of the first quarter. UCF scored the next four points and used a 6-1 run to get back within two at 12-10. The Knights got within one point twice, but a Keeley Parks three-pointer put KU on top 18-16 at the end of the first.

Davis and Laia Conesa scored baskets early in the second as KU used a 4-0 run to push its lead to 22-16 with 8:24 to play in the half. UCF's Leah Harmon then warmed up from downtown, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to give the Knights their first lead of the day at 25-24. UCF led by three on two occasions in the first half, but Nichols scored the last four points for Kansas, keeping KU's deficit to one, 33-32, at the break.

Meister scored the first four points of the third, putting the Jayhawks back on top 36-33, and she put up nine points in the quarter as KU took control of the game. Evans and Libby Fandel knocked down three-pointers and Kansas outscored UCF 24-15 in the third quarter to take a 56-48 lead to the fourth. 

Davis scored 12 points in the fourth and Nichols had seven points and five of her assists in the final 10 minutes as KU scored 27 points and added to the final margin. The Jayhawks led by at least six the entire fourth quarter and pushed the lead into double figures for good at the 4:31 mark.

The Jayhawks return home on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to welcome Utah to Allen Fieldhouse for the first time. Tipoff of that game is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and it will be broadcast on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767567774672.png" alt="Lilly Meister (Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics/Damon Young)" />
 <figcaption>Lilly Meister (Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics/Damon Young)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSORLANDO, Fla. –Jaliya Davis and Lilly Meister led the charge as Kansas outscored UCF 51-35 in the second half and picked up an 83-68 victory Sunday afternoon at Addition Financial Arena.Davis scored 26 points to lead the Jayhawks. She hit 10-of-12 field goal attempts and went 6-of-7 from the free throw line, while adding five rebounds. Meister set a new career-high with 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. She also pulled down a team-leading six rebounds and dished out three assists. S'Mya Nichols added 14 points and matched her season highs with seven assists and three steals.Kansas shot a season-high 57.4 percent from the field, hitting 31-of-54 field goal attempts. The Jayhawks knocked down five three-pointers, including two from Elle Evans, who entered the game leading the nation in three-point field goal percentage. Nichols and Davis each went 6-of-7 from the free throw line, helping KU shoot 76.2 percent (16-21) from the line for the night. Kansas earns its first Big 12 Conference win in the process, improving to 11-4 (1-2 Big 12) on the year. UCF is now 8-6 (0-3 Big 12) this season."I thought we really executed well at the offensive end and displayed great patience," Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said after the game. "If we didn't get our first or second option, we were able to play deeper into the clock and get our third option on a lot of stuff. The front line played really good today. We didn't shoot it from the perimeter as well as we would like, but it's good to see Jaliya and Lilly play well and really complement one another."The game was tied twice in the early going before Davis scored six points as part of a 7-0 run that put Kansas on top 11-4 at the 4:33 mark of the first quarter. UCF scored the next four points and used a 6-1 run to get back within two at 12-10. The Knights got within one point twice, but a Keeley Parks three-pointer put KU on top 18-16 at the end of the first.Davis and Laia Conesa scored baskets early in the second as KU used a 4-0 run to push its lead to 22-16 with 8:24 to play in the half. UCF's Leah Harmon then warmed up from downtown, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to give the Knights their first lead of the day at 25-24. UCF led by three on two occasions in the first half, but Nichols scored the last four points for Kansas, keeping KU's deficit to one, 33-32, at the break.Meister scored the first four points of the third, putting the Jayhawks back on top 36-33, and she put up nine points in the quarter as KU took control of the game. Evans and Libby Fandel knocked down three-pointers and Kansas outscored UCF 24-15 in the third quarter to take a 56-48 lead to the fourth. Davis scored 12 points in the fourth and Nichols had seven points and five of her assists in the final 10 minutes as KU scored 27 points and added to the final margin. The Jayhawks led by at least six the entire fourth quarter and pushed the lead into double figures for good at the 4:31 mark.The Jayhawks return home on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to welcome Utah to Allen Fieldhouse for the first time. Tipoff of that game is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and it will be broadcast on ESPN+.

🏀Jayhawks surge past UCF for first conference win

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics administrator and Jayhawks loyalist Dr. Scott "Scooter" Ward, a staple at the University of Kansas for more than 30 years, passed away Saturday afternoon, surrounded by family and friends at University of Kansas Health System. Ward was 59 years old.

Ward was a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Kansas, before joining the Kansas Athletics staff in the summer of 2003. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Director of Peak Performance and Leadership with the KU Athletics' Student-Athlete Development department. In his latest role at KU, Ward worked with KU LEADS and he assisted with mental performance aspects for all KU student-athletes.

Ward was in his 23rd year with Kansas Athletics and he and his wife, Robin, were loyal Jayhawk fans and were frequent supporters at KU home events. Prior to his most recent position, Ward spent 14 years in the KU academic support department, working mainly with men's basketball and volleyball. In the summer of 2009, he was promoted to associate athletics director for academic and career counseling. Ward's office was always open, and he welcomed anyone who came to visit. 

"The KU community lost a major part of its heart and soul today," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Scooter was a deeply beloved member of our Kansas Athletics family and has touched countless lives in profound ways. While we grieve his loss, we are grateful for the many ways he has made us all better people. Our deepest love and prayers are with his wife, Robin, and his family and friends. We will celebrate his amazing life, and work every day to honor his legacy.

"And we know he will smile down upon us in the days ahead."

During Ward's time with men's basketball, Kansas had 35 Academic All-Big 12 selections, which is more than any other conference school. Included were first-team Academic All-Americans Cole Aldrich (2010) and Tyrel Reed (2011), while Aldrich was named the Academic All-American of the Year in 2010. Additionally, KU men's basketball was acknowledged in June 2015 with the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for achieving scores among the top 10 percent of all NCAA Division I men's basketball teams, a streak of nine-consecutive years honored. 

"Today we lost one of Kansas' all-time great Jayhawks in Scott Ward," Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said. "Scooter has been an integral part of this university for more than three decades and he was a major part of our basketball program since 2003. Scooter headed our academic program and ensured that every student-athlete that ever competed here was on the path to earning his degree. But he was much more than just an academic person to our players and to our staff. He was the role model that provided kindness, strength and joy. He provided so many different things to our players to become better men. He loved working with our basketball team, and he also loved working with the volleyball program too. He did a phenomenal job with Ray (Bechard) and his group as well."

"Scooter was such an inspiration to so many," Self continued. "How many people you know got to get up at 5 or 5:30 in the morning to be at work by 8:00? He did this every day and never complained. Scooter battled so many major health issues, not only being paralyzed in a wheelchair since college, but he also suffered two torn aortas and several other issues that were life threatening just in the time that he worked with us. He never complained and always was a pillar of strength to everyone that knew him. This will be a big blow to all of our players, because each and everyone of them loved him, and this will be a big blow to our community, because he touched so many people. I hope that everybody holds his family, primarily Robin, in their thoughts and prayers, because, together, they probably made about as good of a team as any husband and wife ever has. Scooter will be missed, but for the first time in a long time, hopefully he can rest easy."

Ward earned three degrees from KU: a B.S.Ed. in education with an emphasis in exercise science in 1991, an M.S.Ed. in education with an emphasis in athletic administration and sport psychology in 1993, and a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in sport psychology and support in counseling psychology in 1996. 

"Rarely in life do you encounter someone who has made the impact on people's lives like Scooter did," longtime Kansas volleyball coach Ray Bechard said. "His influence impacted generations of Jayhawks, both the student-athletes and coaches. I was honored to call him my friend."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767567457138.png" alt="Dr. Scott Ward (Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Scott Ward (Photo courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONSLAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics administrator and Jayhawks loyalist Dr. Scott "Scooter" Ward, a staple at the University of Kansas for more than 30 years, passed away Saturday afternoon, surrounded by family and friends at University of Kansas Health System. Ward was 59 years old.Ward was a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Kansas, before joining the Kansas Athletics staff in the summer of 2003. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Director of Peak Performance and Leadership with the KU Athletics' Student-Athlete Development department. In his latest role at KU, Ward worked with KU LEADS and he assisted with mental performance aspects for all KU student-athletes.Ward was in his 23rd year with Kansas Athletics and he and his wife, Robin, were loyal Jayhawk fans and were frequent supporters at KU home events. Prior to his most recent position, Ward spent 14 years in the KU academic support department, working mainly with men's basketball and volleyball. In the summer of 2009, he was promoted to associate athletics director for academic and career counseling. Ward's office was always open, and he welcomed anyone who came to visit. "The KU community lost a major part of its heart and soul today," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Scooter was a deeply beloved member of our Kansas Athletics family and has touched countless lives in profound ways. While we grieve his loss, we are grateful for the many ways he has made us all better people. Our deepest love and prayers are with his wife, Robin, and his family and friends. We will celebrate his amazing life, and work every day to honor his legacy."And we know he will smile down upon us in the days ahead."During Ward's time with men's basketball, Kansas had 35 Academic All-Big 12 selections, which is more than any other conference school. Included were first-team Academic All-Americans Cole Aldrich (2010) and Tyrel Reed (2011), while Aldrich was named the Academic All-American of the Year in 2010. Additionally, KU men's basketball was acknowledged in June 2015 with the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for achieving scores among the top 10 percent of all NCAA Division I men's basketball teams, a streak of nine-consecutive years honored. "Today we lost one of Kansas' all-time great Jayhawks in Scott Ward," Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said. "Scooter has been an integral part of this university for more than three decades and he was a major part of our basketball program since 2003. Scooter headed our academic program and ensured that every student-athlete that ever competed here was on the path to earning his degree. But he was much more than just an academic person to our players and to our staff. He was the role model that provided kindness, strength and joy. He provided so many different things to our players to become better men. He loved working with our basketball team, and he also loved working with the volleyball program too. He did a phenomenal job with Ray (Bechard) and his group as well.""Scooter was such an inspiration to so many," Self continued. "How many people you know got to get up at 5 or 5:30 in the morning to be at work by 8:00? He did this every day and never complained. Scooter battled so many major health issues, not only being paralyzed in a wheelchair since college, but he also suffered two torn aortas and several other issues that were life threatening just in the time that he worked with us. He never complained and always was a pillar of strength to everyone that knew him. This will be a big blow to all of our players, because each and everyone of them loved him, and this will be a big blow to our community, because he touched so many people. I hope that everybody holds his family, primarily Robin, in their thoughts and prayers, because, together, they probably made about as good of a team as any husband and wife ever has. Scooter will be missed, but for the first time in a long time, hopefully he can rest easy."Ward earned three degrees from KU: a B.S.Ed. in education with an emphasis in exercise science in 1991, an M.S.Ed. in education with an emphasis in athletic administration and sport psychology in 1993, and a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in sport psychology and support in counseling psychology in 1996. "Rarely in life do you encounter someone who has made the impact on people's lives like Scooter did," longtime Kansas volleyball coach Ray Bechard said. "His influence impacted generations of Jayhawks, both the student-athletes and coaches. I was honored to call him my friend."

Longtime Kansas Athletics Administrator Scott Ward passes

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today they have agreed to a contract extension with Manager Matt Quatraro. The new deal begins in 2027 and is for three years (through 2029), with a club option for the 2030 season.

In three seasons under Quatraro, the Royals have gone 224-262 (.461). His 224 wins are already the 7th most by a Manager in franchise history. Among Royals Managers in their first three full seasons with the organization, Quatraro’s 224 wins rank 5th, behind only Whitey Herzog (284), Dick Howser (253), John Wathan (251) and Ned Yost (229).

After going 56-106 during Quatraro’s first season in 2023, the Royals went 86-76 in 2024—and advanced to the American League Division Series—and finished 82-80 in 2025.

The last two seasons (2024-25) have been Kansas City’s first consecutive winning campaigns since 2013-15. In fact, the Royals under Quatraro are just the eighth team in the Wild Card Era, according to Elias, to have back-to-back winning seasons following a 100-loss season.

In 2024, Quatraro was the runner-up in the American League Manager of the Year voting. The 2024 Royals were the sixth team in the 162-game Era (since 1961), according to Elias, to have a 30-win improvement from one season to the next (excluding shortened seasons). They were the third team ever, according to Elias, to make the postseason after a 100-loss season.

Quatraro was named the 18th full-time Manager in Royals history on Oct. 30, 2022. During his 12 seasons on a Major League staff—including four seasons with Cleveland and five with Tampa Bay—his teams have reached the postseason seven times and have posted a winning record 11 times.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681207726147.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) chats in the dugout during warmups before their baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) chats in the dugout during warmups before their baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY ROYALSKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today they have agreed to a contract extension with Manager Matt Quatraro. The new deal begins in 2027 and is for three years (through 2029), with a club option for the 2030 season.In three seasons under Quatraro, the Royals have gone 224-262 (.461). His 224 wins are already the 7th most by a Manager in franchise history. Among Royals Managers in their first three full seasons with the organization, Quatraro’s 224 wins rank 5th, behind only Whitey Herzog (284), Dick Howser (253), John Wathan (251) and Ned Yost (229).After going 56-106 during Quatraro’s first season in 2023, the Royals went 86-76 in 2024—and advanced to the American League Division Series—and finished 82-80 in 2025.The last two seasons (2024-25) have been Kansas City’s first consecutive winning campaigns since 2013-15. In fact, the Royals under Quatraro are just the eighth team in the Wild Card Era, according to Elias, to have back-to-back winning seasons following a 100-loss season.In 2024, Quatraro was the runner-up in the American League Manager of the Year voting. The 2024 Royals were the sixth team in the 162-game Era (since 1961), according to Elias, to have a 30-win improvement from one season to the next (excluding shortened seasons). They were the third team ever, according to Elias, to make the postseason after a 100-loss season.Quatraro was named the 18th full-time Manager in Royals history on Oct. 30, 2022. During his 12 seasons on a Major League staff—including four seasons with Cleveland and five with Tampa Bay—his teams have reached the postseason seven times and have posted a winning record 11 times.

⚾ Royals announce contract extension for manager Quatraro 

COLBY, Kan. — Hutchinson (9-6, 4-5) used the first five minutes Saturday to build a five-point lead on the Trojans (4-10, 2-6).

The Trojans used a 10-0 run in the first half to secure a 44-35 advantage at the break.

Giannis Asimakopoulos scored 15 of his team-high 21 in the first 20 minutes.

Asimakopoulos came into the game with eight made three-pointers on the season. He was shooting only 20% from distance. He hit 4-of-5 from deep against the Dragons.

Three players came off the bench for Colby and scored in double figures.

Asimakopoulos led the way with 21 while Aliou Diallo added 17 and D.J. Cason chipped in 12.

The Trojan bench outscored Hutchinson's bench 56-10.

The Dragons made things interesting late with full-court pressure.

Colby led by 19 with 4:32 left, but the Dragons battled back within five with 42.6 seconds remaining.

Bobby Canon missed a three-pointer with 33 seconds left and Colby closed out the game at the line by hitting 5-of-6 to close the contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767485318670.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>COLBY, Kan. — Hutchinson (9-6, 4-5) used the first five minutes Saturday to build a five-point lead on the Trojans (4-10, 2-6).From there, it was all Colby.The Trojans used a 10-0 run in the first half to secure a 44-35 advantage at the break.Giannis Asimakopoulos scored 15 of his team-high 21 in the first 20 minutes.Asimakopoulos came into the game with eight made three-pointers on the season. He was shooting only 20% from distance. He hit 4-of-5 from deep against the Dragons.Three players came off the bench for Colby and scored in double figures.Asimakopoulos led the way with 21 while Aliou Diallo added 17 and D.J. Cason chipped in 12.The Trojan bench outscored Hutchinson's bench 56-10.The Dragons made things interesting late with full-court pressure.Colby led by 19 with 4:32 left, but the Dragons battled back within five with 42.6 seconds remaining.Bobby Canon missed a three-pointer with 33 seconds left and Colby closed out the game at the line by hitting 5-of-6 to close the contest.FINAL: Colby 89 Hutchinson 79Kyrell Shaw led the Dragons with 32 points.Daleron Thomas scored 20 in his first start of the season for Hutchinson.The Dragons return to the Sports Arena Wednesday, Jan. 7, to face Coffeyville at 7:30 p.m.