All-America selections are made by the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee

🏀 MBB: HutchCC's Kam Thomas named third-team All-American

All-America selections are made by the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee

🏀 WBB: HutchCC's Kiki Smith named first-team All-American

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team will be recognized in the Sports Arena tonight for its first-ever national championship in program history.

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the Sports Arena with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will feature introductions, speeches, autographs, pictures and many more fun festivities.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Blue Dragons defeated Northwest Florida State on Monday, April 1 to win the first title in the 50-year history of Blue Dragon women's basketball. Hutchinson won the game in overtime, 88-80.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712257527421.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team will be recognized in the Sports Arena tonight for its first-ever national championship in program history.The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the Sports Arena with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will feature introductions, speeches, autographs, pictures and many more fun festivities.The event is free and open to the public.The Blue Dragons defeated Northwest Florida State on Monday, April 1 to win the first title in the 50-year history of Blue Dragon women's basketball. Hutchinson won the game in overtime, 88-80.

🏀 WBB: National championship celebration tonight at the Sports Arena

The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches (KABC) released its latest rankings on Monday evening.

CLASS 6A 1. Olathe East 2. Olathe West 3. Blue Valley West 4. Lawrence Free State 5. Gardner-Edgerton 6. Mill Valley 7. Maize 8. Wichita Heights 9. Blue Valley North 10. Manhattan

CLASS 5A 1. Blue Valley Southwest 2. Andover Central 3. De Soto 4. Bishop Carroll 5. St. Thomas Aquinas 6. Topeka Seaman 7. Great Bend 8. Hays 9. Maize South 10. Kapaun Mt. Carmel

CLASS 4A 1. Clay Center 2. St. George-Rock Creek 3. Paola 4. Abilene 5. Rose Hill 6. Louisburg 7. McPherson 8. Labette County 9. Mulvane 10. Buhler

CLASS 3A 1. Bishop Ward 2. Riverton 3. Santa Fe Trail 4. Douglass 5. Humboldt 6. Galena 7. Haven 8. Burlington 9. Beloit 10. Perry-Lecompton

CLASS 2A-1A 1. Valley Falls 2. Salina-Sacred Heart 3. Mission Valley 4. Frankfort/Centralia 5. Oskaloosa 6. Bucklin/South Central 7. Central Heights 8. Pleasant Ridge 9. Sedan 10. Hays-Thomas More Prep

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712613050526.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of the KABC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of the KABC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches (KABC) released its latest rankings on Monday evening.CLASS 6A 1. Olathe East 2. Olathe West 3. Blue Valley West 4. Lawrence Free State 5. Gardner-Edgerton 6. Mill Valley 7. Maize 8. Wichita Heights 9. Blue Valley North 10. ManhattanCLASS 5A 1. Blue Valley Southwest 2. Andover Central 3. De Soto 4. Bishop Carroll 5. St. Thomas Aquinas 6. Topeka Seaman 7. Great Bend 8. Hays 9. Maize South 10. Kapaun Mt. CarmelCLASS 4A 1. Clay Center 2. St. George-Rock Creek 3. Paola 4. Abilene 5. Rose Hill 6. Louisburg 7. McPherson 8. Labette County 9. Mulvane 10. BuhlerCLASS 3A 1. Bishop Ward 2. Riverton 3. Santa Fe Trail 4. Douglass 5. Humboldt 6. Galena 7. Haven 8. Burlington 9. Beloit 10. Perry-LecomptonCLASS 2A-1A 1. Valley Falls 2. Salina-Sacred Heart 3. Mission Valley 4. Frankfort/Centralia 5. Oskaloosa 6. Bucklin/South Central 7. Central Heights 8. Pleasant Ridge 9. Sedan 10. Hays-Thomas More Prep

⚾ Buhler, Haven and McPherson highlight area schools in latest KABC rankings

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, April 9th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="April 9th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ec3zd-15d7d13-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Uconn Huskies win 2nd Championship 🏀 WBB: HutchCC celebration tonight ⚾ KC vs Houston tonight ⚾ Hutch High hosts Maize South

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will host the Maize South Mavericks today at 4 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

Catch all the action on hutchpost.com and the NFHS Network. Sean Boston with the call and&nbsp; Hutch High junior Matt Peterson will provide the NFHS Network and Hutchpost.com video stream for all the home games. 

Catch all the road games here on hutchpost.com with audio only.

The broadcast is available and archived on the Hutch High&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a>. The stream&nbsp;is free but you must register to watch if you don't have a NFHS Network account.&nbsp;

Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up your NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a>

First pitch will be at 4 p.m. today on hutchpost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712606341635.png" alt="GameDay vs Maize South - April 9th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>GameDay vs Maize South - April 9th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks will host the Maize South Mavericks today at 4 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.Catch all the action on hutchpost.com and the NFHS Network. Sean Boston with the call and&nbsp; Hutch High junior Matt Peterson will provide the NFHS Network and Hutchpost.com video stream for all the home games. Catch all the road games here on hutchpost.com with audio only.The broadcast is available and archived on the Hutch High&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">NFHS Video Stream</a>. The stream&nbsp;is free but you must register to watch if you don't have a NFHS Network account.&nbsp;

Here is a "How to Video" to assist you in setting up your NFHS Network account. &nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yzsjAoVP5Ts">CLICK HERE</a>First pitch will be at 4 p.m. today on hutchpost.com.<div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam2f73ed88b9" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>

</div>

🎧🎥⚾ Hutch High hosts Maize South today at Hobart-Detter

UConn concludes a dominant run to its 2nd straight NCAA title, beating Zach Edey and Purdue 75-60

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn delivered the latest of its suffocating basketball beatdowns, smothering Purdue for a 75-60 victory to become the first team since 2007 to capture back-to-back national championships. Tristen Newton scored 20 points for the Huskies, who won their 12th straight March Madness game — not a single one of them decided by fewer than 13 points. UConn was efficient on offense but won this with defense. The Huskies limited the country's second-best 3-point shooting team to a mere seven shots behind the arc, and Purdue only made one. Meanwhile, UConn allowed Zach Edey to go for 37 points on 25 shot attempts.

Purdue's Zach Edey laid it all out in the NCAA title game. It wasn't enough to top UConn

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Purdue's Zach Edey finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds in a huge individual effort in Monday night's loss to UConn in the national title game. But Edey's big night wasn't enough to stop UConn's run to becoming the first repeat men's champion in 17 years. The 7-foot-4 Edey is the two-time Associated Press national player of the year. And he had powered Purdue to its first trip to the NCAA title game since a 1969 loss to UCLA. But Edey was largely single-handed in this one, with only Braden Smith hitting double figures with 12 points.

18.7 million: Early figures from NCAA women's title game make it most-watched hoops game in 5 years

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — South Carolina's victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Sunday's women's NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN. The only sporting events in the United States to draw a bigger TV audience since 2019 have been football, the World Cup and the Olympics. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers on Tuesday. Nielsen says the audience peaked at 24 million. It's the most-watched basketball game since 2019, when the men's NCAA title game between Virginia and Texas Tech averaged 19.6 million on CBS.

Augusta National in bloom and the conditions dry for Masters. So far

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Forget the azaleas and dogwoods at Augusta National. Players are marveling over firm and fast conditions for the Masters. How long it lasts depends on one day of rain expected later in the week. Xander Schauffele says shots into par 5s are bouncing across the turf. Tony Finau played a chip on the 11th hole he couldn't keep on the green. Tiger Woods was out early with Will Zalatoris for nine holes. Among those who used Monday as a day of rest was Akshay Bhatia. And for good reason. He just got into the Masters by winning the Texas Open.

The NCAA women's tourney had everything: stars, upsets, an undefeated champion. It's just the start

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NCAA women's basketball tournament is having a moment. Attendance and TV ratings during this year's version of March Madness spiked thanks in part to Iowa star Caitlin Clark. Clark says she expects the growth of interest in women's college hoops to continue even after she moves on to the WNBA. The NCAA is optimistic the women's tournament can start to cash in on some of its newfound popularity. NCAA president Charlie Baker says the organization is exploring providing a financial benefit to the 68 teams that make the field.

NAIA all but bans transgender athletes from women's sports. NCAA vows to ensure 'fair competition'

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced a policy that all but bans transgender athletes from women's sports. The NAIA is the governing body for mostly small colleges, covering about 83,000 athletes across the country. The NAIA's Council of Presidents approved the policy in a 20-0 vote. The NAIA is believed to be the first college sports organization to take such a step. The NCAA responded by saying it remains committed to "fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships."

Tiger talks: Zalatoris leans on advice from Woods in return from back surgery to play the Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — If anybody knows what Will Zalatoris has gone through as he tries to return from back surgery to play competitive golf again, it just might be his playing partner during Monday's practice round for the Masters. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods has undergone the same procedure several times to alleviate pain caused by a herniated disc. Zalatoris says most of Woods' advice has been about the rehabilitation process and how to be patient in the recovery. But it was somehow fitting that the two were first off the tee together one year to the day that Zalatoris was on the operating table.

50 years after Hank Aaron's 715th homer, Hall of Fame announces statue, Postal Service unveils stamp

ATLANTA (AP) — Baseball's Hall of Fame will unveil a bronze statue of Hank Aaron on May 23 on the first floor of its museum in Cooperstown, New York. And the U.S. Postal Service will release a commemorative stamp picturing Aaron in his batting stance wearing his Atlanta Braves uniform. Both announcements came on the 50th anniversary of Aaron's 715th home run, which topped the record 714 hit by Babe Ruth. Aaron hit 755 home runs from 1954-76, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds hit 762 from 1986-2007, a feat assisted by performance-enhancing drugs. Aaron was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. A 25-time All-Star, he set a record with 2,297 RBIs.

Guardians' Shane Bieber emotional in discussing elbow injury, uncertain future with surgery looming

CLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber held it together as long as he could. Cleveland's ace became emotional when discussing the upcoming Tommy John elbow surgery that will end his season. Bieber's voice cracked before the Guardians' home opener as he talked about the decision to have the operation. The 2020 Cy Young winner was dominant in two starts before he succumbed to pain. The 28-year-old is in his final season under contract with Cleveland, which has offered him a long-term deal in the past. Bieber understands there are no certainties about his future, but he is more focused on recovering and getting back on the mound.

UConn uses strategy of shutting down Purdue's perimeter shooters to get decisive victory

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn left Donovan Clingan on the loneliest island, stuck deep in the paint to wrestle Purdue center Zach Edey. Even when Edey bulled his way to shots at the rim, the Huskies refused to give their big man help, knowing the two-time national player of the year would get his points. UConn had a much bigger concern than the 7-foot-4 man in the middle: Purdue's perimeter shooters. And, boy, did the Huskies shut them down. UConn held one of the nation's best 3-point shooting team to one made 3 and became the first team in 17 years to repeat as national champions with a 75-60 win.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, April 9th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="April 9th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ec3zd-15d7d13-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for April 9th, 2024.UConn concludes a dominant run to its 2nd straight NCAA title, beating Zach Edey and Purdue 75-60GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn delivered the latest of its suffocating basketball beatdowns, smothering Purdue for a 75-60 victory to become the first team since 2007 to capture back-to-back national championships. Tristen Newton scored 20 points for the Huskies, who won their 12th straight March Madness game — not a single one of them decided by fewer than 13 points. UConn was efficient on offense but won this with defense. The Huskies limited the country's second-best 3-point shooting team to a mere seven shots behind the arc, and Purdue only made one. Meanwhile, UConn allowed Zach Edey to go for 37 points on 25 shot attempts.Purdue's Zach Edey laid it all out in the NCAA title game. It wasn't enough to top UConnGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Purdue's Zach Edey finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds in a huge individual effort in Monday night's loss to UConn in the national title game. But Edey's big night wasn't enough to stop UConn's run to becoming the first repeat men's champion in 17 years. The 7-foot-4 Edey is the two-time Associated Press national player of the year. And he had powered Purdue to its first trip to the NCAA title game since a 1969 loss to UCLA. But Edey was largely single-handed in this one, with only Braden Smith hitting double figures with 12 points.18.7 million: Early figures from NCAA women's title game make it most-watched hoops game in 5 yearsBRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — South Carolina's victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Sunday's women's NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN. The only sporting events in the United States to draw a bigger TV audience since 2019 have been football, the World Cup and the Olympics. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers on Tuesday. Nielsen says the audience peaked at 24 million. It's the most-watched basketball game since 2019, when the men's NCAA title game between Virginia and Texas Tech averaged 19.6 million on CBS.Augusta National in bloom and the conditions dry for Masters. So farAUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Forget the azaleas and dogwoods at Augusta National. Players are marveling over firm and fast conditions for the Masters. How long it lasts depends on one day of rain expected later in the week. Xander Schauffele says shots into par 5s are bouncing across the turf. Tony Finau played a chip on the 11th hole he couldn't keep on the green. Tiger Woods was out early with Will Zalatoris for nine holes. Among those who used Monday as a day of rest was Akshay Bhatia. And for good reason. He just got into the Masters by winning the Texas Open.The NCAA women's tourney had everything: stars, upsets, an undefeated champion. It's just the startCLEVELAND (AP) — The NCAA women's basketball tournament is having a moment. Attendance and TV ratings during this year's version of March Madness spiked thanks in part to Iowa star Caitlin Clark. Clark says she expects the growth of interest in women's college hoops to continue even after she moves on to the WNBA. The NCAA is optimistic the women's tournament can start to cash in on some of its newfound popularity. NCAA president Charlie Baker says the organization is exploring providing a financial benefit to the 68 teams that make the field.NAIA all but bans transgender athletes from women's sports. NCAA vows to ensure 'fair competition'The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced a policy that all but bans transgender athletes from women's sports. The NAIA is the governing body for mostly small colleges, covering about 83,000 athletes across the country. The NAIA's Council of Presidents approved the policy in a 20-0 vote. The NAIA is believed to be the first college sports organization to take such a step. The NCAA responded by saying it remains committed to "fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships."Tiger talks: Zalatoris leans on advice from Woods in return from back surgery to play the MastersAUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — If anybody knows what Will Zalatoris has gone through as he tries to return from back surgery to play competitive golf again, it just might be his playing partner during Monday's practice round for the Masters. Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods has undergone the same procedure several times to alleviate pain caused by a herniated disc. Zalatoris says most of Woods' advice has been about the rehabilitation process and how to be patient in the recovery. But it was somehow fitting that the two were first off the tee together one year to the day that Zalatoris was on the operating table.50 years after Hank Aaron's 715th homer, Hall of Fame announces statue, Postal Service unveils stampATLANTA (AP) — Baseball's Hall of Fame will unveil a bronze statue of Hank Aaron on May 23 on the first floor of its museum in Cooperstown, New York. And the U.S. Postal Service will release a commemorative stamp picturing Aaron in his batting stance wearing his Atlanta Braves uniform. Both announcements came on the 50th anniversary of Aaron's 715th home run, which topped the record 714 hit by Babe Ruth. Aaron hit 755 home runs from 1954-76, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds hit 762 from 1986-2007, a feat assisted by performance-enhancing drugs. Aaron was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. A 25-time All-Star, he set a record with 2,297 RBIs.Guardians' Shane Bieber emotional in discussing elbow injury, uncertain future with surgery loomingCLEVELAND (AP) — Shane Bieber held it together as long as he could. Cleveland's ace became emotional when discussing the upcoming Tommy John elbow surgery that will end his season. Bieber's voice cracked before the Guardians' home opener as he talked about the decision to have the operation. The 2020 Cy Young winner was dominant in two starts before he succumbed to pain. The 28-year-old is in his final season under contract with Cleveland, which has offered him a long-term deal in the past. Bieber understands there are no certainties about his future, but he is more focused on recovering and getting back on the mound.UConn uses strategy of shutting down Purdue's perimeter shooters to get decisive victoryGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn left Donovan Clingan on the loneliest island, stuck deep in the paint to wrestle Purdue center Zach Edey. Even when Edey bulled his way to shots at the rim, the Huskies refused to give their big man help, knowing the two-time national player of the year would get his points. UConn had a much bigger concern than the 7-foot-4 man in the middle: Purdue's perimeter shooters. And, boy, did the Huskies shut them down. UConn held one of the nation's best 3-point shooting team to one made 3 and became the first team in 17 years to repeat as national champions with a 75-60 win.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Yankees	7	Miami	0	Final	Pittsburgh	7	Detroit	4	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Minnesota	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	4	Chicago White Sox	0	Final	Toronto	5	Seattle	2	Final	Houston	10	Texas	5	Final	L.A. Angels	7	Tampa Bay	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	10	Milwaukee	8	Final	Philadelphia	5	St. Louis	3	Final	N.Y. Mets	8	Atlanta	7	Final	Colorado	7	Arizona	5	Final	Washington	8	San Francisco	1	Final	San Diego	9	Chicago Cubs	8	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal OT	Toronto	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Vancouver	4	Vegas	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(1)UConn	75	(3)Purdue	60	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Detroit	at	Pittsburgh	12:35 p.m.			Miami	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	Minnesota	7:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Baltimore	at	Boston	2:10 p.m.			Chi White Sox	at	Cleveland	6:10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Houston	at	Kansas City	7:40 p.m.			Oakland	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Milwaukee	at	Cincinnati	6:40 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	St. Louis	7:45 p.m.			Arizona	at	Colorado	8:40 p.m.			Washington	at	San Francisco	9:45 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	San Diego	10:05 p.m.	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.			Indiana	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Boston	at	Milwaukee	7:30 p.m.			Miami	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.			New York	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Orlando	at	Houston	8 p.m.			Sacramento	at	Oklahoma City	8 p.m.			San Antonio	at	Memphis	8 p.m.			Washington	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Denver	at	Utah	9 p.m.			Golden State	at	L.A. Lakers	10 p.m.			L.A. Clippers	at	Phoenix	10 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Portland	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Carolina	at	Boston	7 p.m.			Columbus	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			N-Y Rangers	at	N-Y Islanders	7 p.m.			Ottawa	at	Florida	7 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Montreal	7 p.m.			Toronto	at	New Jersey	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Dallas	8 p.m.			Winnipeg	at	Nashville	8 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Colorado	9:30 p.m.			Arizona	at	Seattle	10 p.m.			Los Angeles	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.			Calgary	at	San Jose	10:30 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A basketball beatdown. A coaching clinic. A double-digit domination.

Take one guess who finished off a romp through college basketball again. You bet, it’s UConn — a team built to win now, and often, and by a lot every time it takes the court.

Coach Dan Hurley's Huskies delivered the latest of their suffocating hoops performances Monday night, smothering Purdue for a 75-60 victory to become the first team since 2007 to capture back-to-back national championships.

Tristen Newton&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1777529515146727550">scored 20 points</a>&nbsp;for the Huskies, who won their 12th straight March Madness game — not a single one of them decided by fewer than 13 points.

UConn was efficient on offense but won this with defense. The Huskies (37-3) limited the country’s second-best 3-point shooting team to a mere seven shots behind the arc and only a single make, while happily allowing 7-foot-4 AP Player of the Year Zach Edey to go for 37 points on 25 shot attempts.

<a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1777541833658187900">UConn won its sixth overall title</a>&nbsp;and joined the 2006-07 Florida Gators and the 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils as just the third team to repeat since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty of the 1960s and ’70s.

“I just think it’s the best two-year run in a very, very long time, just because of everything we lost from last year’s team,” said Hurley, whose top two scorers from last year now play in the NBA. “To lose that much and do it again, it’s got to be as impressive a two-year run since at least prior to Duke.”

The 2024 Huskies are the sixth team to win all six tournament games by double-digit margins. They won those games by a grand total of 140 points, blowing past the 1996 Kentucky team, which won its six by 129.

In a matchup of two top seeds, they wore down the Boilermakers (34-5), who made it this far a year after becoming just the second No. 1 in the history of March Madness to fall in the first round. But Purdue left the same way it came — still looking for the program’s first NCAA title.

So much for the free-for-all this new age of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness deals was supposed to become. UConn has figured out how to dominate and replenish its roster with players who understand their roles.

Cam Spencer, a transfer from Rutgers, Stephon Castle, a blue-chip freshman, and Alex Karaban, a sophomore from last year’s team, spent the night guarding the 3-point line and making life miserable for Purdue’s guards.

“They just made a decision — we can defend the perimeter, and we can take this away from you, you’re going to get the ball to your best player, he’ll be 1-on-1, and that’s that,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.

This was only the second time this season Purdue didn’t put up 10 3-point attempts, and how ’bout this final score: Edey 37, the rest of the Boilermakers 23.

How serious was Hurley about defending the perimeter? When Braden Smith wiggled loose for a semi-open look to make Purdue’s first 3 of the game with 2:17 left in the first half, the coach bolted onto the floor and called timeout.

“Coaches made a point that we’d be really locked in if we controlled their 3-point attempts,” Spencer said. “Holding them to seven shows we were locked in on making sure their guards didn’t get involved in the game.”

With his Xs-and-Os masterpiece, Hurley joins former Florida coach Billy Donovan in the back-to-back club, and is in company with Bill Self and Rick Pitino as only the third active coach with two championships. News broke over the weekend that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-calipari-arkansas-570669b80b59b362ab2d75d83246f36b">it appears there's a job opening at Kentucky</a>, and the UConn coach's name has come up there.

“I don't think that's a concern,” Hurley said. “My wife, you should have her answer that.”

No way the Huskies would want to lose him.

Hurley earned every penny in this one. In the first half, he begged with, swore at and generally berated the refs about over-the-backs, elbows and hip checks that weren’t called.

Once, when that didn’t work after Edey set a hard (and probably legal) pick against Castle, Hurley started in on Edey himself as the center walked toward the Purdue bench for a timeout.

But the coach’s best work came in whatever hotel room he used to draw up the game plan.

“The whole game plan was no Smith, no Loyer, no Jones, no Gillis,” Hurley said, as he ticked off the last names of the Purdue guards. “We knew if we keep them below 18, 20 points as a group, and they had no chance to win, no matter how well Zach played.”

It's no slight on Edey, who battled gamely, finishing with 10 rebounds to record his 30th double-double of the season. But this game proved the number crunchers and analytics experts right. UConn let Edey back in and back down all night on 7-2 Donovan Clingan, giving up difficult 2s in the post in exchange for any 3s.

“They only doubled late in the second half, but by that point we had dug ourselves too deep of a hole,” Fletcher Loyer said.

The defensive dominance put the finishing touch on a tournament in which UConn's average margin of victory was 23.3 points. Sure, Hurley might have to replace two or three of these players, but the coach said he'll worry about that in a week or two.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A basketball beatdown. A coaching clinic. A double-digit domination.Take one guess who finished off a romp through college basketball again. You bet, it’s UConn — a team built to win now, and often, and by a lot every time it takes the court.Coach Dan Hurley's Huskies delivered the latest of their suffocating hoops performances Monday night, smothering Purdue for a 75-60 victory to become the first team since 2007 to capture back-to-back national championships.Tristen Newton&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1777529515146727550">scored 20 points</a>&nbsp;for the Huskies, who won their 12th straight March Madness game — not a single one of them decided by fewer than 13 points.UConn was efficient on offense but won this with defense. The Huskies (37-3) limited the country’s second-best 3-point shooting team to a mere seven shots behind the arc and only a single make, while happily allowing 7-foot-4 AP Player of the Year Zach Edey to go for 37 points on 25 shot attempts.<a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1777541833658187900">UConn won its sixth overall title</a>&nbsp;and joined the 2006-07 Florida Gators and the 1991-92 Duke Blue Devils as just the third team to repeat since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty of the 1960s and ’70s.“I just think it’s the best two-year run in a very, very long time, just because of everything we lost from last year’s team,” said Hurley, whose top two scorers from last year now play in the NBA. “To lose that much and do it again, it’s got to be as impressive a two-year run since at least prior to Duke.”The 2024 Huskies are the sixth team to win all six tournament games by double-digit margins. They won those games by a grand total of 140 points, blowing past the 1996 Kentucky team, which won its six by 129.In a matchup of two top seeds, they wore down the Boilermakers (34-5), who made it this far a year after becoming just the second No. 1 in the history of March Madness to fall in the first round. But Purdue left the same way it came — still looking for the program’s first NCAA title.So much for the free-for-all this new age of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness deals was supposed to become. UConn has figured out how to dominate and replenish its roster with players who understand their roles.Cam Spencer, a transfer from Rutgers, Stephon Castle, a blue-chip freshman, and Alex Karaban, a sophomore from last year’s team, spent the night guarding the 3-point line and making life miserable for Purdue’s guards.“They just made a decision — we can defend the perimeter, and we can take this away from you, you’re going to get the ball to your best player, he’ll be 1-on-1, and that’s that,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.This was only the second time this season Purdue didn’t put up 10 3-point attempts, and how ’bout this final score: Edey 37, the rest of the Boilermakers 23.How serious was Hurley about defending the perimeter? When Braden Smith wiggled loose for a semi-open look to make Purdue’s first 3 of the game with 2:17 left in the first half, the coach bolted onto the floor and called timeout.And that was that from behind the arc.“Coaches made a point that we’d be really locked in if we controlled their 3-point attempts,” Spencer said. “Holding them to seven shows we were locked in on making sure their guards didn’t get involved in the game.”With his Xs-and-Os masterpiece, Hurley joins former Florida coach Billy Donovan in the back-to-back club, and is in company with Bill Self and Rick Pitino as only the third active coach with two championships. News broke over the weekend that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-calipari-arkansas-570669b80b59b362ab2d75d83246f36b">it appears there's a job opening at Kentucky</a>, and the UConn coach's name has come up there.“I don't think that's a concern,” Hurley said. “My wife, you should have her answer that.”No way the Huskies would want to lose him.Hurley earned every penny in this one. In the first half, he begged with, swore at and generally berated the refs about over-the-backs, elbows and hip checks that weren’t called.Once, when that didn’t work after Edey set a hard (and probably legal) pick against Castle, Hurley started in on Edey himself as the center walked toward the Purdue bench for a timeout.But the coach’s best work came in whatever hotel room he used to draw up the game plan.“The whole game plan was no Smith, no Loyer, no Jones, no Gillis,” Hurley said, as he ticked off the last names of the Purdue guards. “We knew if we keep them below 18, 20 points as a group, and they had no chance to win, no matter how well Zach played.”It's no slight on Edey, who battled gamely, finishing with 10 rebounds to record his 30th double-double of the season. But this game proved the number crunchers and analytics experts right. UConn let Edey back in and back down all night on 7-2 Donovan Clingan, giving up difficult 2s in the post in exchange for any 3s.“They only doubled late in the second half, but by that point we had dug ourselves too deep of a hole,” Fletcher Loyer said.The defensive dominance put the finishing touch on a tournament in which UConn's average margin of victory was 23.3 points. Sure, Hurley might have to replace two or three of these players, but the coach said he'll worry about that in a week or two.

🏀 UConn runs to its 2nd straight NCAA title, beating Zach Edey and Purdue

&nbsp;KJCCC commissioner Mike Saddler had a difficult choice to make.

Saddler had to replace 25-year veteran women’s basketball officials supervisor Monty Applebee. Monty basically invented the position, and had selected and mentored a corps of young referees and veteran officials.

But Applebee retired at the end of the 2023-24 basketball season, and Saddler began his search for a replacement.

He did not have to look for very long, as several worthy candidates stepped forward almost immediately to replace Applebee.

Gary Pauls emerged from the stacked field, and was named the new supervisor of women’s basketball officials for the conference this week.

“Gary’s resume as an official is outstanding,” said Saddler. “He has spent many years working in the KJCCC as an official, and has worked at national tournaments at multiple levels.”

Pauls voiced his feelings about the profession of basketball official.

“What keeps me interested in officiating is my passion for ‘what we do’ and giving back to the profession that has been very good to me,” said Pauls. “This opportunity gives me the platform to be able to continue the strong foundation and reputation of the women's officials in the KJCCC.”

“In addition to our current procedures, I will be implementing new ideas and processes which will continue to improve the product we put on the floor,” said Pauls.

Pauls has officiated at the collegiate level for 15 years. He begins the KJCCC supervisor position immediately. Pauls will coordinate game assignments, and oversee summer development camps. He will continue to referee at the high school level, and that will aid him in identifying new young officials.

“We will recruit and train officials so that our&nbsp;staff is in a position to maintain the highest level of refereeing,” said Pauls. “My role will be to develop our officials, and work with the KJCCC schools, administrators, coaches, and players to create an atmosphere of cooperation and accountability.”&nbsp;

Saddler is confident Pauls is the right man to fill the supervisor’s role.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712607402806.jpeg" alt="Gary Pauls" />
 <figcaption>Gary Pauls</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the KJCCC&nbsp;KJCCC commissioner Mike Saddler had a difficult choice to make.Saddler had to replace 25-year veteran women’s basketball officials supervisor Monty Applebee. Monty basically invented the position, and had selected and mentored a corps of young referees and veteran officials.But Applebee retired at the end of the 2023-24 basketball season, and Saddler began his search for a replacement.He did not have to look for very long, as several worthy candidates stepped forward almost immediately to replace Applebee.Gary Pauls emerged from the stacked field, and was named the new supervisor of women’s basketball officials for the conference this week.“Gary’s resume as an official is outstanding,” said Saddler. “He has spent many years working in the KJCCC as an official, and has worked at national tournaments at multiple levels.”Pauls voiced his feelings about the profession of basketball official.“What keeps me interested in officiating is my passion for ‘what we do’ and giving back to the profession that has been very good to me,” said Pauls. “This opportunity gives me the platform to be able to continue the strong foundation and reputation of the women's officials in the KJCCC.”“In addition to our current procedures, I will be implementing new ideas and processes which will continue to improve the product we put on the floor,” said Pauls.Pauls has officiated at the collegiate level for 15 years. He begins the KJCCC supervisor position immediately. Pauls will coordinate game assignments, and oversee summer development camps. He will continue to referee at the high school level, and that will aid him in identifying new young officials.“We will recruit and train officials so that our&nbsp;staff is in a position to maintain the highest level of refereeing,” said Pauls. “My role will be to develop our officials, and work with the KJCCC schools, administrators, coaches, and players to create an atmosphere of cooperation and accountability.”&nbsp;Saddler is confident Pauls is the right man to fill the supervisor’s role.

🏀 WBB: Gary Pauls named KJCCC Supervisor of Officials

The rosters for the 2024 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star game have been announced. The game will be held at 4:30 p.m. June 1 at Washburn’s Lee Arena in Topeka.

Chosen players nominated by their coaches, who must be KVA members, and then recommended by a selection committee based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability.

Little River’s Alaina Eck is the lone player of the year in her respective division chosen for the game with Eck a two-time player of the year in Class 1A Division I. She will play for the Blue Team, which will be coached by Seaman’s Tatian Dowling (head coach), Mill Valley’s Kylie Corneliusen and Maranatha’s Sam Soliday.

The Red Team will be coached by Heritage Christian’s Tom Slaughter (head), Little River’s Kim Rolfs and Louisburg’s Leanna Willer.

Dowling, Corneliusen, Slaughter and Rolfs all led their teams to state championships in the fall.

KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION ALL-STAR ROSTERS BLUE TEAM Jordyn Bird, Maize; Ales Bittner, Cheney; Jacqueline Corcoran, Circle; Alaina Eck, Little River; Camryn Hutchinson, Smith Center; Carly Koster, Maize South; Cora Miller, Holton; Audrey Peek, Lebo; Alex Romero, McPherson; Talya Sampson, Sedgwick; Brynn Stowell, Olathe West; Tatum Tindall, Manhattan. Coaches – Tatiana Dowling, Seaman (head); Kylie Corneliusen, Mill Valley; Sam Soliday, Maranatha.

RED TEAM Seenane Brewer, Lawrence; Mylie Brown, Beloit; Kaitlyn Burke, Mill Valley; Hope Duncan, Smoky Valley; Mia Fox, Circle; Emery Keebaugh, Ottawa; Emily Langley, Jefferson County North; Nina Mitchell, Wichita Northwest; Riley Ourth, Olathe West; Grace Rowland, Andale; Dominique Schutte, Halstead; Taylin Stallbaumer, Seaman. Coaches – Tom Slaugher, Heritage Christian (head); Kim Rolfs, Little River; Leanna Willer, Louisburg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574015954003.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Volleyball Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Volleyball Association</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of KSHSAA Covered&nbsp;The rosters for the 2024 Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star game have been announced. The game will be held at 4:30 p.m. June 1 at Washburn’s Lee Arena in Topeka.Chosen players nominated by their coaches, who must be KVA members, and then recommended by a selection committee based on achievements, positions, classifications, collegiate plans and availability.Little River’s Alaina Eck is the lone player of the year in her respective division chosen for the game with Eck a two-time player of the year in Class 1A Division I. She will play for the Blue Team, which will be coached by Seaman’s Tatian Dowling (head coach), Mill Valley’s Kylie Corneliusen and Maranatha’s Sam Soliday.The Red Team will be coached by Heritage Christian’s Tom Slaughter (head), Little River’s Kim Rolfs and Louisburg’s Leanna Willer.Dowling, Corneliusen, Slaughter and Rolfs all led their teams to state championships in the fall.KANSAS VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION ALL-STAR ROSTERS BLUE TEAM Jordyn Bird, Maize; Ales Bittner, Cheney; Jacqueline Corcoran, Circle; Alaina Eck, Little River; Camryn Hutchinson, Smith Center; Carly Koster, Maize South; Cora Miller, Holton; Audrey Peek, Lebo; Alex Romero, McPherson; Talya Sampson, Sedgwick; Brynn Stowell, Olathe West; Tatum Tindall, Manhattan. Coaches – Tatiana Dowling, Seaman (head); Kylie Corneliusen, Mill Valley; Sam Soliday, Maranatha. RED TEAM Seenane Brewer, Lawrence; Mylie Brown, Beloit; Kaitlyn Burke, Mill Valley; Hope Duncan, Smoky Valley; Mia Fox, Circle; Emery Keebaugh, Ottawa; Emily Langley, Jefferson County North; Nina Mitchell, Wichita Northwest; Riley Ourth, Olathe West; Grace Rowland, Andale; Dominique Schutte, Halstead; Taylin Stallbaumer, Seaman. Coaches – Tom Slaugher, Heritage Christian (head); Kim Rolfs, Little River; Leanna Willer, Louisburg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Halstead's Schutte named to KVA All-Star Game roster

(AP) - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the governing body for mostly small colleges, announced a policy Monday that all but bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The NAIA’s Council of Presidents approved the policy in a 20-0 vote. The NAIA, which oversees some 83,000 athletes at schools across the country, is believed to be the first college sports organization to take such a step.

According to the transgender participation policy, all athletes may participate in NAIA-sponsored male sports but only athletes whose biological sex assigned at birth is female and have not begun hormone therapy will be allowed participate in women’s sports.

A student who has begun hormone therapy may participate in activities such as workouts, practices and team activities, but not in interscholastic competition.

“With the exception of competitive cheer and competitive dance, the NAIA created separate categories for male and female participants,” the NAIA said. “Each NAIA sport includes some combination of strength, speed and stamina, providing competitive advantages for male student-athletes. As a result, the NAIA policy for transgender student-athletes applies to all sports except for competitive cheer and competitive dance, which are open to all students.”

&nbsp; There is no known number of transgender athletes at the high school and college levels, though it is believed to be small.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-rights-dont-say-gay-licenses-d0bf9d2f314ec6f28f2189795ea2d56c">The topic</a>&nbsp;has nonetheless become a hot-button issue among conservative groups and others who believe transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete on girls’ and women’s sports teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At least 24 states have laws barring transgender women and girls from competing in certain women’s or girls sports competitions. Last month, more than a dozen current and former college athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-lia-thomas-swimming-lawsuit-b7df63108a03100f36b2e4364d585cdc">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the NCAA, accusing the sports governing body for more than 500,000 athletes of violating their rights by allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports.

The Biden administration originally planned to release a new federal Title IX rule —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-title-ix-e02d90d300218ebcbb9dd0344053e05c">the law forbids discrimination based on sex in education</a>&nbsp;— addressing both campus sexual assault and transgender athletes. But earlier this year, the department decided to split them into separate rules, and the athletics rule now remains in limbo even as the sexual assault policy moves forward.

Hours after the NAIA announcement, the NCAA released a statement: “College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America and the NCAA will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-transgender-df3d879ec9ea78b5b155562f78b2c704">NCAA has had a policy</a>&nbsp;for transgender athlete participation in place&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/inclusion/lgbtq/INC_TransgenderStudentAthleteParticipationPolicy.pdf" target="_blank">since 2010,</a>&nbsp;which called for one year of testosterone suppression treatment and documented testosterone levels submitted before championship competitions. In 2022, the NCAA revised its policies on transgender athlete participation in an attempt to align with national sport governing bodies, following the lead of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The three-phase implementation of the policy included a continuation of the 2010 policy, requiring transgender women to be on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year, plus the submission of a hormone-level test before the start of both the regular season and championship events.

The third phase adds national and international sport governing body standards to the NCAA’s policy and is scheduled to be implemented for the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 1.

There are some 15.3 million public high school students in the United States and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6803a3.htm" target="_blank">a 2019 study by the CDC estimated 1.8%</a>&nbsp;of them — about 275,000 — are transgender. The number of athletes within that group is much smaller; a 2017&nbsp;<a href="https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/PlayToWin-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">survey by Human Rights Campaign suggested fewer than 15%</a>&nbsp;of all transgender boys and transgender girls play sports.

The number of NAIA transgender athletes would be far smaller.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584382013482.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NAIA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NAIA</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the governing body for mostly small colleges, announced a policy Monday that all but bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.The NAIA’s Council of Presidents approved the policy in a 20-0 vote. The NAIA, which oversees some 83,000 athletes at schools across the country, is believed to be the first college sports organization to take such a step.According to the transgender participation policy, all athletes may participate in NAIA-sponsored male sports but only athletes whose biological sex assigned at birth is female and have not begun hormone therapy will be allowed participate in women’s sports.A student who has begun hormone therapy may participate in activities such as workouts, practices and team activities, but not in interscholastic competition.“With the exception of competitive cheer and competitive dance, the NAIA created separate categories for male and female participants,” the NAIA said. “Each NAIA sport includes some combination of strength, speed and stamina, providing competitive advantages for male student-athletes. As a result, the NAIA policy for transgender student-athletes applies to all sports except for competitive cheer and competitive dance, which are open to all students.”&nbsp; There is no known number of transgender athletes at the high school and college levels, though it is believed to be small.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-rights-dont-say-gay-licenses-d0bf9d2f314ec6f28f2189795ea2d56c">The topic</a>&nbsp;has nonetheless become a hot-button issue among conservative groups and others who believe transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete on girls’ and women’s sports teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;At least 24 states have laws barring transgender women and girls from competing in certain women’s or girls sports competitions. Last month, more than a dozen current and former college athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-lia-thomas-swimming-lawsuit-b7df63108a03100f36b2e4364d585cdc">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the NCAA, accusing the sports governing body for more than 500,000 athletes of violating their rights by allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports.The Biden administration originally planned to release a new federal Title IX rule —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-title-ix-e02d90d300218ebcbb9dd0344053e05c">the law forbids discrimination based on sex in education</a>&nbsp;— addressing both campus sexual assault and transgender athletes. But earlier this year, the department decided to split them into separate rules, and the athletics rule now remains in limbo even as the sexual assault policy moves forward.Hours after the NAIA announcement, the NCAA released a statement: “College sports are the premier stage for women’s sports in America and the NCAA will continue to promote Title IX, make unprecedented investments in women’s sports and ensure fair competition for all student-athletes in all NCAA championships.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-transgender-df3d879ec9ea78b5b155562f78b2c704">NCAA has had a policy</a>&nbsp;for transgender athlete participation in place&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/inclusion/lgbtq/INC_TransgenderStudentAthleteParticipationPolicy.pdf" target="_blank">since 2010,</a>&nbsp;which called for one year of testosterone suppression treatment and documented testosterone levels submitted before championship competitions. In 2022, the NCAA revised its policies on transgender athlete participation in an attempt to align with national sport governing bodies, following the lead of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.The three-phase implementation of the policy included a continuation of the 2010 policy, requiring transgender women to be on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year, plus the submission of a hormone-level test before the start of both the regular season and championship events.The third phase adds national and international sport governing body standards to the NCAA’s policy and is scheduled to be implemented for the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 1.There are some 15.3 million public high school students in the United States and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6803a3.htm" target="_blank">a 2019 study by the CDC estimated 1.8%</a>&nbsp;of them — about 275,000 — are transgender. The number of athletes within that group is much smaller; a 2017&nbsp;<a href="https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/PlayToWin-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">survey by Human Rights Campaign suggested fewer than 15%</a>&nbsp;of all transgender boys and transgender girls play sports.The number of NAIA transgender athletes would be far smaller.

NAIA all but bans transgender athletes from women’s sports. NCAA vows to ensure ‘fair competition’

MANHATTAN, Kansas — K-State center Ayoka Lee will use her final season of eligibility and return to the Wildcat women's basketball roster for the 2024-25 season.

Lee was a Second Team All-America selection by The Athletic, a Third Team All-America honoree by The Sporting News, a 2024 John R. Wooden Award National Ballot top-15 candidate, an All-Big 12 First Team selection, a Big 12 All-Defensive Team member and Big 12 All-Tournament Team.

In the 2023-24 season, Lee averaged 19.7 points on a .619 field goal percentage, 8.6 rebounds and 2.78 blocked shots. She is the first player in program history with two or more seasons of 500 or more points, 200 or more rebounds and 75 or more blocks. Her 75 blocks were the sixth-most in program history and was her third career season with 75 or more blocked shots.

She ranked sixth in the nation and leads the Big 12 in field goal percentage. Lee is third in the Big 12 in scoring average, second in the league and ninth in the nation for blocks per game and third in the Big 12 for rebounding average.

In her seven games this season against Associated Press top-25 opponents, Lee averaged 20.6 points on a .637 field goal percentage, 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

Lee has recorded 14 games this season with 20 or more points including her second career 20-20 double-double with 24 points, 21 rebounds and five blocked shots against Oral Roberts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661443422896.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kansas — K-State center Ayoka Lee will use her final season of eligibility and return to the Wildcat women's basketball roster for the 2024-25 season.Lee was a Second Team All-America selection by The Athletic, a Third Team All-America honoree by The Sporting News, a 2024 John R. Wooden Award National Ballot top-15 candidate, an All-Big 12 First Team selection, a Big 12 All-Defensive Team member and Big 12 All-Tournament Team.In the 2023-24 season, Lee averaged 19.7 points on a .619 field goal percentage, 8.6 rebounds and 2.78 blocked shots. She is the first player in program history with two or more seasons of 500 or more points, 200 or more rebounds and 75 or more blocks. Her 75 blocks were the sixth-most in program history and was her third career season with 75 or more blocked shots.She ranked sixth in the nation and leads the Big 12 in field goal percentage. Lee is third in the Big 12 in scoring average, second in the league and ninth in the nation for blocks per game and third in the Big 12 for rebounding average.In her seven games this season against Associated Press top-25 opponents, Lee averaged 20.6 points on a .637 field goal percentage, 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.Lee has recorded 14 games this season with 20 or more points including her second career 20-20 double-double with 24 points, 21 rebounds and five blocked shots against Oral Roberts.

🏀 WBB: Lee to return to K-State for 2024-25 season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday, April 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Monday, April 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="April 8th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rvekg-15d61fb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals continue win streak ⚾ Royals pick up new pitcher ⚾ Wichita Wind Surge drops finale

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn and Purdue have dominated this year's NCAA Tournament. Now they're set to meet for the national championship on Monday night. The Huskies are going for the first repeat men's title since Florida in 2006 and 2007. They have beaten five tournament opponents by an average of 25 points per game, with the closest margin coming by 14 points. The Boilermakers are in the title game for the first time since falling to UCLA in 1969 in their lone appearance. Purdue is winning its tournament games by an average margin of 19.6 points.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The NCAA Tournament has reached its finish line, down to one game pairing the two best teams that routinely win in romps and boasting a marquee post matchup that features a two-time national player of the year.

Maybe that will make this version of March Madness something to remember after all.

Reigning champion UConn meets Purdue on Monday night in a matchup of top seeds that have combined to win their first five tournament games by an average margin of 22.3 points. They have been at the center of a tournament lacking in drama, with its second-highest average margin of victory since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985, only one last-second winning shot and few of the highlight-reel thrills that had become a staple of the event.

Don't expect the Huskies or Boilermakers to feel the least bit bothered by their dominance, either.

"People that love basketball and people that really know the game, you watch good basketball," Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer said Sunday. "Obviously the upsets are fun and real cool and they get attention. But real basketball, you like to see the two best teams go at it. And I think that's what we have here."

The tournament's allure remains strong, from casual-at-best basketball fans scribbling out their own bracket projections to TV ratings that keep coming in strong. Yet there's a short list of unexpected moments this year: namely, Jack Gohlke making 10 3-pointers to help Oakland stun blueblood Kentucky in the first round and North Carolina State's wild ride as an 11-seed to the program's first Final Four since the "Cardiac Pack" title run of 1983 under the late Jim Valvano.

As for those last-second shots that live on in tournament lore, the closest this year was KJ Simpson rattling in a baseline jumper with 1.7 seconds left to lift Colorado past Florida 102-100 in Round 1.

Everything else has largely been about UConn's run to greatness, and Purdue's march to redemption from last year's stunning loss to 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson.

"Once you get to this time of year, everything is just you are who your identity is," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "The way you play, it's very automatic. It just comes down to hoping that it's your night."

UConn (36-3) has looked like a runaway train from before the first game in its push to become the first men's team to repeat as national champions since Florida in 2006 and 2007, and become only the third program to become a repeat winner since UCLA's run of seven straight under John Wooden from 1967-73.

"The way they've won, you know, there's been some teams that have hung in there with them, then they've separated from them," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "There's some other teams that have gotten flat-out blitzed."

Last year, UConn became the fifth title winner since the 1985 expansion to win all six games by double-digit margins, the closest coming by 13 points. This year, the No. 1 overall seed has been even more dominant; the Huskies' closest game was Saturday night's 86-72 win against Alabama, and they've won five games by a combined 125 points — an average of 25 per night.

By comparison, North Carolina in 2009 holds the record for highest points differential of that elite group at 121 points through six games, so another double-figure win by the Huskies to complete a 6-for-6 run would shatter that record.

UConn forward Alex Karaban figures that's still compelling stuff, too.

"To witness greatness from both teams and to witness greatness from what we did last year, too, I think it's special," Karaban said. "And it doesn't have to be close, doesn't have to be any of that for it to be March Madness. It can be March Madness ... and making history."

As for the Boilermakers (34-4), they have won five games by an average of 19.6 points, including the 63-50 win against N.C. State in the national semifinals. The only close call was battling from 11 down before halftime to beat Tennessee 72-66 — behind 40 points from 7-foot-4 star Zach Edey —to clinch the program's first Final Four trip since 1980.

Now they're in their first title game since their only other appearance, a 1969 loss to Wooden's Bruins, and Edey will have to tangle with 7-2 defensive force Donovan Clingan.

"It's cool with me winning by enough points where it's not that your palms are sweaty, being nervous like that," Purdue guard Lance Jones said with a broad smile. "So I think having that margin of victory is good."

But that has also been at the forefront of what has been a blowout-filled tournament.

The average margin of victory in this tournament has been 14.4 points, according to Sportradar. Only the 1993 tournament (14.9 points) has had a higher margin since 1985, and the average margin had been 11.8 points for the previous 29 tournaments.

Now Purdue has the final chance to stop UConn's March, and maybe have two teams tussling in a compelling finale.

"You give respect to a team like UConn that can go and handle their business and go and beat a team by 15 to 20 every night," Loyer said. "That's tough to do and respect to them for it. So it's making sure we're ready to go and giving the people a show because it's the two best teams in college basketball. I don't know what more you could ask for."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712578777484.png" alt="2024_MFF_Logo.png" />
 <figcaption>2024_MFF_Logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BEARD AP Basketball WriterGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn and Purdue have dominated this year's NCAA Tournament. Now they're set to meet for the national championship on Monday night. The Huskies are going for the first repeat men's title since Florida in 2006 and 2007. They have beaten five tournament opponents by an average of 25 points per game, with the closest margin coming by 14 points. The Boilermakers are in the title game for the first time since falling to UCLA in 1969 in their lone appearance. Purdue is winning its tournament games by an average margin of 19.6 points.GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The NCAA Tournament has reached its finish line, down to one game pairing the two best teams that routinely win in romps and boasting a marquee post matchup that features a two-time national player of the year.Maybe that will make this version of March Madness something to remember after all.Reigning champion UConn meets Purdue on Monday night in a matchup of top seeds that have combined to win their first five tournament games by an average margin of 22.3 points. They have been at the center of a tournament lacking in drama, with its second-highest average margin of victory since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985, only one last-second winning shot and few of the highlight-reel thrills that had become a staple of the event.Don't expect the Huskies or Boilermakers to feel the least bit bothered by their dominance, either."People that love basketball and people that really know the game, you watch good basketball," Purdue guard Fletcher Loyer said Sunday. "Obviously the upsets are fun and real cool and they get attention. But real basketball, you like to see the two best teams go at it. And I think that's what we have here."The tournament's allure remains strong, from casual-at-best basketball fans scribbling out their own bracket projections to TV ratings that keep coming in strong. Yet there's a short list of unexpected moments this year: namely, Jack Gohlke making 10 3-pointers to help Oakland stun blueblood Kentucky in the first round and North Carolina State's wild ride as an 11-seed to the program's first Final Four since the "Cardiac Pack" title run of 1983 under the late Jim Valvano.As for those last-second shots that live on in tournament lore, the closest this year was KJ Simpson rattling in a baseline jumper with 1.7 seconds left to lift Colorado past Florida 102-100 in Round 1.Everything else has largely been about UConn's run to greatness, and Purdue's march to redemption from last year's stunning loss to 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson."Once you get to this time of year, everything is just you are who your identity is," UConn coach Dan Hurley said. "The way you play, it's very automatic. It just comes down to hoping that it's your night."UConn (36-3) has looked like a runaway train from before the first game in its push to become the first men's team to repeat as national champions since Florida in 2006 and 2007, and become only the third program to become a repeat winner since UCLA's run of seven straight under John Wooden from 1967-73."The way they've won, you know, there's been some teams that have hung in there with them, then they've separated from them," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "There's some other teams that have gotten flat-out blitzed."Last year, UConn became the fifth title winner since the 1985 expansion to win all six games by double-digit margins, the closest coming by 13 points. This year, the No. 1 overall seed has been even more dominant; the Huskies' closest game was Saturday night's 86-72 win against Alabama, and they've won five games by a combined 125 points — an average of 25 per night.By comparison, North Carolina in 2009 holds the record for highest points differential of that elite group at 121 points through six games, so another double-figure win by the Huskies to complete a 6-for-6 run would shatter that record.UConn forward Alex Karaban figures that's still compelling stuff, too."To witness greatness from both teams and to witness greatness from what we did last year, too, I think it's special," Karaban said. "And it doesn't have to be close, doesn't have to be any of that for it to be March Madness. It can be March Madness ... and making history."As for the Boilermakers (34-4), they have won five games by an average of 19.6 points, including the 63-50 win against N.C. State in the national semifinals. The only close call was battling from 11 down before halftime to beat Tennessee 72-66 — behind 40 points from 7-foot-4 star Zach Edey —to clinch the program's first Final Four trip since 1980.Now they're in their first title game since their only other appearance, a 1969 loss to Wooden's Bruins, and Edey will have to tangle with 7-2 defensive force Donovan Clingan."It's cool with me winning by enough points where it's not that your palms are sweaty, being nervous like that," Purdue guard Lance Jones said with a broad smile. "So I think having that margin of victory is good."But that has also been at the forefront of what has been a blowout-filled tournament.The average margin of victory in this tournament has been 14.4 points, according to Sportradar. Only the 1993 tournament (14.9 points) has had a higher margin since 1985, and the average margin had been 11.8 points for the previous 29 tournaments.Now Purdue has the final chance to stop UConn's March, and maybe have two teams tussling in a compelling finale."You give respect to a team like UConn that can go and handle their business and go and beat a team by 15 to 20 every night," Loyer said. "That's tough to do and respect to them for it. So it's making sure we're ready to go and giving the people a show because it's the two best teams in college basketball. I don't know what more you could ask for."

🏀 UConn, Purdue set to collide in NCAA title game

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wind Surge lost 12-8 in the Opening Weekend Finale against the Frisco RoughRiders on Sunday, April 7. The loss puts the team at a 1-2 record in 2024.

Wichita plated six runs in the first inning after an initial three-to-nothing deficit, with five of six coming off home runs by Kala’i Rosario and Noah Cardenas. Rosario’s was a three-run blast for his second such round-tripper in as many days since last night’s win.

After trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth, the Wind Surge had Noah Cardenas and Carson McCusker on second and third for Dalton Shuffield. Although Shuffield lined out, the Frisco first baseman threw the ball out of play across the diamond. Cardenas and McCusker came home to give the hometown team an 8-7 advantage due to the error.

Frisco rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth off Wind Surge reliever Miguel Rodriguez. Wichita got a runner on in the bottom half after Jake Rucker walked, but the replacement first baseman was retired as the force out at second to end the Sunday matinee.

The Wind Surge will start their first road series at Hammons Field with the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, April 9, with the first pitch time set for 6:35 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and windsurge.com or watch online at MiLB.TV and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com/tickets to view the upcoming 2024 MiLB schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712574276029.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge drop weekend finale to Frisco 12-8" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge drop weekend finale to Frisco 12-8</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wind Surge lost 12-8 in the Opening Weekend Finale against the Frisco RoughRiders on Sunday, April 7. The loss puts the team at a 1-2 record in 2024.Wichita plated six runs in the first inning after an initial three-to-nothing deficit, with five of six coming off home runs by Kala’i Rosario and Noah Cardenas. Rosario’s was a three-run blast for his second such round-tripper in as many days since last night’s win.After trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth, the Wind Surge had Noah Cardenas and Carson McCusker on second and third for Dalton Shuffield. Although Shuffield lined out, the Frisco first baseman threw the ball out of play across the diamond. Cardenas and McCusker came home to give the hometown team an 8-7 advantage due to the error.Frisco rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth off Wind Surge reliever Miguel Rodriguez. Wichita got a runner on in the bottom half after Jake Rucker walked, but the replacement first baseman was retired as the force out at second to end the Sunday matinee.The Wind Surge will start their first road series at Hammons Field with the Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday, April 9, with the first pitch time set for 6:35 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 and windsurge.com or watch online at MiLB.TV and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit windsurge.com/tickets to view the upcoming 2024 MiLB schedule.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge drop weekend finale to Frisco 

CLEVELAND (AP) — Dawn Staley and South Carolina have completed the 10th perfect season in NCAA Division I women's basketball history, becoming the first program to accomplish the feat since UConn in 2016. South Carolina had a couple scares throughout the season, but it rallied each time. The Gamecocks were down at the half to Duke, LSU and Tennessee during the regular season. They beat Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the title game on Sunday.

South Carolina has joined an elite group, becoming the 10th NCAA Division I women's basketball team to go through a season undefeated.

UConn was the last program to accomplish the feat, in 2016, and this year's Gamecocks team might be the most surprising member of the club. Coach Dawn Staley lost all five starters from last season's team that went into the Final Four unbeaten before losing to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. This time around, the Gamecocks used their size and depth to beat the Hawkeyes 87-75 on Sunday for the title.

South Carolina had a couple scares throughout the season. The Gamecocks were down at the half to Duke, LSU and Tennessee during the regular season. The biggest threat occurred in the SEC Tournament semifinals when they needed a last-second 3-pointer from Kamilla Cardoso to beat Tennessee and keep the perfect run alive.

The nine historic teams that South Carolina joined:

The Longhorns were the first to go unbeaten, finishing at 34-0. They averaged 83.9 points a game and that was before the 3-point line. Texas cruised through the tournament, winning its first two games by 41 and 26 points. The Longhorns had a scare in the regional final before running through the Final Four with a 35-point win over Western Kentucky and a 16-point victory over Southern California to win the championship.

This was the first of 11 championships for the Huskies. Geno Auriemma's squad was led by AP Player of the Year Rebecca Lobo. She averaged 17.1 points while shooting 50% from the field. UConn won its tournament games by an average of 25.3 points with the closest contest coming against Virginia, which ended up losing by four.

The Huskies beat Pat Summitt and Tennessee in the championship game.

After losing to UConn in 1995, Tennessee won three consecutive titles. The last of them was a 39-0 season when Summitt's squad was led by the "Three Meeks" — Semeka Randall, Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings. Holdsclaw won the first of her two straight AP Player of the Year awards. The Lady Vols capped their historic run with a 93-75 victory over Louisiana Tech in the title game.

This was the beginning of a run of three straight national championships for the Huskies. This team had a star-studded lineup that included five future pros in Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams and Asjha Jones. The quintet each averaged more than 10 points per game. They ran through the NCAA Tournament, when the only game that was within 18 points was the title victory over Oklahoma.

UConn had two straight undefeated seasons that were part of a 90-game winning streak that broke the UCLA men's record for consecutive victories. The Huskies were led by the superstar trio of Maya Moore, Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles, who combined to average over 50 points a game in 2009. The team's closest game in the 2009 tournament was an eight-point, second-round win over Florida. The Huskies steamrolled Louisville by 22 points in the title game. The 2010 perfect run almost ended in the title game when the Huskies trailed Stanford 20-12 at halftime before rallying for a 53-47 victory.

Brittney Griner led Baylor to its first unbeaten season and the school became the first to win 40 games. Griner had 160 blocks over the course of the season and the Bears had nine Top 25 wins in the regular season. Griner and Odyssey Sims were the stars of the team that helped the Bears win the school's second national championship. Griner had four double-doubles in the tournament capped by an 80-61 victory over Notre Dame in the title game.

The Huskies had another generation of stars that helped the team win four consecutive titles. This was the second of the quartet and UConn had a balanced offense led by Breanna Stewart, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Stefanie Dolson.

This was the program's first season in the American Athletic Conference after the breakup of the Big East. The new conference posed little challenge for the Huskies. UConn ran through the NCAAs before facing an undefeated Notre Dame team in the title game. The former Big East rivals had never met in a title game before, and UConn came away with the 79-58 win.

This was the end of an era for UConn as Stewart capped her historic career by leading the Huskies to a fourth consecutive title and 11th overall. She earned Most Outstanding Player honors of the Final Four for an unprecedented fourth straight year. She averaged 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 58% from the field. UConn had only one game during the season decided by less than 10 points and went on to beat Syracuse by 31 points in the title game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712568562909.jpeg" alt="NCAA-Women's-Final-South Carolina defeats Iowa" />
 <figcaption>NCAA-Women's-Final-South Carolina defeats Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball WriterCLEVELAND (AP) — Dawn Staley and South Carolina have completed the 10th perfect season in NCAA Division I women's basketball history, becoming the first program to accomplish the feat since UConn in 2016. South Carolina had a couple scares throughout the season, but it rallied each time. The Gamecocks were down at the half to Duke, LSU and Tennessee during the regular season. They beat Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the title game on Sunday.South Carolina has joined an elite group, becoming the 10th NCAA Division I women's basketball team to go through a season undefeated.UConn was the last program to accomplish the feat, in 2016, and this year's Gamecocks team might be the most surprising member of the club. Coach Dawn Staley lost all five starters from last season's team that went into the Final Four unbeaten before losing to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. This time around, the Gamecocks used their size and depth to beat the Hawkeyes 87-75 on Sunday for the title.South Carolina had a couple scares throughout the season. The Gamecocks were down at the half to Duke, LSU and Tennessee during the regular season. The biggest threat occurred in the SEC Tournament semifinals when they needed a last-second 3-pointer from Kamilla Cardoso to beat Tennessee and keep the perfect run alive.The nine historic teams that South Carolina joined:1985-86 TexasThe Longhorns were the first to go unbeaten, finishing at 34-0. They averaged 83.9 points a game and that was before the 3-point line. Texas cruised through the tournament, winning its first two games by 41 and 26 points. The Longhorns had a scare in the regional final before running through the Final Four with a 35-point win over Western Kentucky and a 16-point victory over Southern California to win the championship.1994-95 UConnThis was the first of 11 championships for the Huskies. Geno Auriemma's squad was led by AP Player of the Year Rebecca Lobo. She averaged 17.1 points while shooting 50% from the field. UConn won its tournament games by an average of 25.3 points with the closest contest coming against Virginia, which ended up losing by four.The Huskies beat Pat Summitt and Tennessee in the championship game.1997-98 TennesseeAfter losing to UConn in 1995, Tennessee won three consecutive titles. The last of them was a 39-0 season when Summitt's squad was led by the "Three Meeks" — Semeka Randall, Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings. Holdsclaw won the first of her two straight AP Player of the Year awards. The Lady Vols capped their historic run with a 93-75 victory over Louisiana Tech in the title game.2001-02 UConnThis was the beginning of a run of three straight national championships for the Huskies. This team had a star-studded lineup that included five future pros in Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams and Asjha Jones. The quintet each averaged more than 10 points per game. They ran through the NCAA Tournament, when the only game that was within 18 points was the title victory over Oklahoma.2008-10 UConnUConn had two straight undefeated seasons that were part of a 90-game winning streak that broke the UCLA men's record for consecutive victories. The Huskies were led by the superstar trio of Maya Moore, Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles, who combined to average over 50 points a game in 2009. The team's closest game in the 2009 tournament was an eight-point, second-round win over Florida. The Huskies steamrolled Louisville by 22 points in the title game. The 2010 perfect run almost ended in the title game when the Huskies trailed Stanford 20-12 at halftime before rallying for a 53-47 victory.2011-12 BaylorBrittney Griner led Baylor to its first unbeaten season and the school became the first to win 40 games. Griner had 160 blocks over the course of the season and the Bears had nine Top 25 wins in the regular season. Griner and Odyssey Sims were the stars of the team that helped the Bears win the school's second national championship. Griner had four double-doubles in the tournament capped by an 80-61 victory over Notre Dame in the title game.2013-14 UConnThe Huskies had another generation of stars that helped the team win four consecutive titles. This was the second of the quartet and UConn had a balanced offense led by Breanna Stewart, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Stefanie Dolson.This was the program's first season in the American Athletic Conference after the breakup of the Big East. The new conference posed little challenge for the Huskies. UConn ran through the NCAAs before facing an undefeated Notre Dame team in the title game. The former Big East rivals had never met in a title game before, and UConn came away with the 79-58 win.2015-16 UConnThis was the end of an era for UConn as Stewart capped her historic career by leading the Huskies to a fourth consecutive title and 11th overall. She earned Most Outstanding Player honors of the Final Four for an unprecedented fourth straight year. She averaged 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 58% from the field. UConn had only one game during the season decided by less than 10 points and went on to beat Syracuse by 31 points in the title game.

🏀 WBB: Staley, South Carolina achieve perfection, becoming 10th unbeaten team in NCAA Division I history

AP Sports Summary for Monday, April 8th, 2024.

Kentucky coach John Calipari talking with Arkansas about open job, according to multiple outlets

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Longtime Kentucky coach John Calipari was in negotiations to potentially leave and take the men's basketball coaching job at Arkansas, multiple outlets reported late Sunday. Arkansas officials have been in discussions with Calipari about the opening, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported, citing anonymous sources. ESPN, also citing anonymous sources, reported that Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal. The 65-year-old Hall of Fame coach has spent the last 15 seasons at Kentucky. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart recently said Calipari would return despite calls for his firing following the Wildcats' third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.

South Carolina finishes perfect season with NCAA championship, beating Clark and Iowa 87-75

CLEVELAND (AP) — Coach Dawn Staley and South Carolina have completed their perfect season, ending Caitlin Clark's historic college career with an 87-75 win over Iowa in the NCAA championship game. The 38-0 Gamecocks became the 10th Division I team to go through a season without a loss. And they accomplished the feat after they lost all five starters from last season's team that lost to Clark's squad in the national semifinals. Clark did all she could to lead the Hawkeyes to their first championship. She scored 30 points, including a championship-record 18 in the first quarter. She will go down as one of the greatest players in NCAA history.

Caitlin Clark set out to turn Iowa into a winner. She redefined women's college hoops along the way

CLEVELAND (AP) — Caitlin Clark will take her final bow at Iowa when the Hawkeyes face South Carolina in the national title game. Clark has become a crossover star during her four seasons at Iowa, opening up the women's game to a new audience in the process. Clark says regardless of what happens in the final, she wants her legacy to be the way she inspired young athletes everywhere to follow in her footsteps.

UConn, Purdue set to collide in NCAA title game after dominating in a romp-filled March Madness

Hank Aaron rose above racist hate mail and threats in pursuit of Ruth's home run record 50 years ago

ATLANTA (AP) — Former teammates, Braves executives and family members remember Hank Aaron's unwavering strength despite receiving racist hate mail and threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record. Teammates including Dusty Baker and Tom House will return Monday as the Braves celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aaron's record-breaking 715th homer. Baker was on deck and House caught the record homer in the Braves bullpen before delivering the ball to Aaron at home plate. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to attend a preview of a new Aaron exhibit at the Atlanta History Center.

Byron leads Hendrick Motorsports to 1-2-3 finish at Martinsville on anniversary weekend

William Byron took the lead with 73 laps to go and held onto it during a two-lap overtime finish to enhance Hendrick Motorsports' celebration of its 40-year anniversary with a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway. Byron was the first of the contenders to pit under a green flag and moved to the front 31 laps later when the all the drivers had finally pitted. He won for the third time this season, and the second time on the 0.526-mile oval. Kyle Larson was second, followed by Chase Elliott, giving the team the first 1-2-3 finish in track history.

Bhatia loses 6-shot lead and wins Texas Open in a playoff. The next stop is the Masters

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Akshay Bhatia is headed to the Masters after winning the Valero Texas Open. He never imagined how it would pan out. Bhatia had a six-shot lead going to the back nine. He had to make a 12-foot birdie putt just to force a playoff with Denny McCarthy. Bhatia won when McCarthy dumped a wedge into the water. It was a tough ending for McCarthy considering how brilliant he played. He made eight birdies on the back nine, including the last seven in a row for a 63. Bhatia held his own with a 67. Rory McIlroy was a distant third.

Korda wins 4th straight LPGA Tour start, beating Maguire in T-Mobile Match Play

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Nelly Korda won the T-Mobile Match Play on Sunday became the first LPGA Tour player in 16 years to win four straight starts, taking four of the first seven holes and going on to beat Leona Maguire 4 and 3 at Shadow Creek. Lorena Ochoa in 2008 was the last player to win four consecutive starts. The top-ranked Korda will try to tie the record of five — set by Nancy Lopez in 1978 and matched by Annika Sorenstam in 2004-05 — in two weeks at the season's first major, The Chevron Championship. Because Korda took seven weeks off after winning in January in Florida, this victory was her third straight in a scheduled event. Korda earned $300,000 for her 12th career victory.

Danielle Collins follows Miami title with championship at Charleston Open

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Danielle Collins powered to her second straight WTA title, following her Miami Open victory last week with the Charleston Open championship on Sunday. Collins defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 for her 13th straight match win. She became the first player since Serena Williams in 2013 to win Miami and Charleston in consecutive weeks. The 30-year-old Collins has announced that this will be her last year on tour. She already has made it a memorable one with her consecutive showings.

Staley, South Carolina achieve perfection, becoming 10th unbeaten team in NCAA Division I history

		Cleveland	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final 2OT	Philadelphia	133	San Antonio	126	

Final tie	Portland	3	Sporting Kansas City	3	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, April 8th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, April 8th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Monday, April 8th, 2024.Kentucky coach John Calipari talking with Arkansas about open job, according to multiple outletsLEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Longtime Kentucky coach John Calipari was in negotiations to potentially leave and take the men's basketball coaching job at Arkansas, multiple outlets reported late Sunday. Arkansas officials have been in discussions with Calipari about the opening, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported, citing anonymous sources. ESPN, also citing anonymous sources, reported that Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal. The 65-year-old Hall of Fame coach has spent the last 15 seasons at Kentucky. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart recently said Calipari would return despite calls for his firing following the Wildcats' third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.South Carolina finishes perfect season with NCAA championship, beating Clark and Iowa 87-75CLEVELAND (AP) — Coach Dawn Staley and South Carolina have completed their perfect season, ending Caitlin Clark's historic college career with an 87-75 win over Iowa in the NCAA championship game. The 38-0 Gamecocks became the 10th Division I team to go through a season without a loss. And they accomplished the feat after they lost all five starters from last season's team that lost to Clark's squad in the national semifinals. Clark did all she could to lead the Hawkeyes to their first championship. She scored 30 points, including a championship-record 18 in the first quarter. She will go down as one of the greatest players in NCAA history.Caitlin Clark set out to turn Iowa into a winner. She redefined women's college hoops along the wayCLEVELAND (AP) — Caitlin Clark will take her final bow at Iowa when the Hawkeyes face South Carolina in the national title game. Clark has become a crossover star during her four seasons at Iowa, opening up the women's game to a new audience in the process. Clark says regardless of what happens in the final, she wants her legacy to be the way she inspired young athletes everywhere to follow in her footsteps.UConn, Purdue set to collide in NCAA title game after dominating in a romp-filled March MadnessGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — UConn and Purdue have dominated this year's NCAA Tournament. Now they're set to meet for the national championship on Monday night. The Huskies are going for the first repeat men's title since Florida in 2006 and 2007. They have beaten five tournament opponents by an average of 25 points per game, with the closest margin coming by 14 points. The Boilermakers are in the title game for the first time since falling to UCLA in 1969 in their lone appearance. Purdue is winning its tournament games by an average margin of 19.6 points.Hank Aaron rose above racist hate mail and threats in pursuit of Ruth's home run record 50 years agoATLANTA (AP) — Former teammates, Braves executives and family members remember Hank Aaron's unwavering strength despite receiving racist hate mail and threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record. Teammates including Dusty Baker and Tom House will return Monday as the Braves celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aaron's record-breaking 715th homer. Baker was on deck and House caught the record homer in the Braves bullpen before delivering the ball to Aaron at home plate. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to attend a preview of a new Aaron exhibit at the Atlanta History Center.Byron leads Hendrick Motorsports to 1-2-3 finish at Martinsville on anniversary weekendWilliam Byron took the lead with 73 laps to go and held onto it during a two-lap overtime finish to enhance Hendrick Motorsports' celebration of its 40-year anniversary with a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway. Byron was the first of the contenders to pit under a green flag and moved to the front 31 laps later when the all the drivers had finally pitted. He won for the third time this season, and the second time on the 0.526-mile oval. Kyle Larson was second, followed by Chase Elliott, giving the team the first 1-2-3 finish in track history.Bhatia loses 6-shot lead and wins Texas Open in a playoff. The next stop is the MastersSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Akshay Bhatia is headed to the Masters after winning the Valero Texas Open. He never imagined how it would pan out. Bhatia had a six-shot lead going to the back nine. He had to make a 12-foot birdie putt just to force a playoff with Denny McCarthy. Bhatia won when McCarthy dumped a wedge into the water. It was a tough ending for McCarthy considering how brilliant he played. He made eight birdies on the back nine, including the last seven in a row for a 63. Bhatia held his own with a 67. Rory McIlroy was a distant third.Korda wins 4th straight LPGA Tour start, beating Maguire in T-Mobile Match PlayNORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — Nelly Korda won the T-Mobile Match Play on Sunday became the first LPGA Tour player in 16 years to win four straight starts, taking four of the first seven holes and going on to beat Leona Maguire 4 and 3 at Shadow Creek. Lorena Ochoa in 2008 was the last player to win four consecutive starts. The top-ranked Korda will try to tie the record of five — set by Nancy Lopez in 1978 and matched by Annika Sorenstam in 2004-05 — in two weeks at the season's first major, The Chevron Championship. Because Korda took seven weeks off after winning in January in Florida, this victory was her third straight in a scheduled event. Korda earned $300,000 for her 12th career victory.Danielle Collins follows Miami title with championship at Charleston OpenCHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Danielle Collins powered to her second straight WTA title, following her Miami Open victory last week with the Charleston Open championship on Sunday. Collins defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 for her 13th straight match win. She became the first player since Serena Williams in 2013 to win Miami and Charleston in consecutive weeks. The 30-year-old Collins has announced that this will be her last year on tour. She already has made it a memorable one with her consecutive showings.Staley, South Carolina achieve perfection, becoming 10th unbeaten team in NCAA Division I historyCLEVELAND (AP) — Dawn Staley and South Carolina have completed the 10th perfect season in NCAA Division I women's basketball history, becoming the first program to accomplish the feat since UConn in 2016. South Carolina had a couple scares throughout the season, but it rallied each time. The Gamecocks were down at the half to Duke, LSU and Tennessee during the regular season. They beat Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the title game on Sunday.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	3	Baltimore	2	Final	Milwaukee	12	Seattle	4	Final	Tampa Bay	3	Colorado	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Cleveland	at	Minnesota	2:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Oakland	7	Detroit	1	Final	Kansas City	5	Chicago White Sox	3	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Toronto	3	Final	Boston	12	L.A. Angels	2	Final	Houston	3	Texas	1	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	5	Arizona	2	Final	Washington	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	N.Y. Mets	3	Cincinnati	1	Final	Miami	10	St. Louis	3	Final	Chicago Cubs	8	L.A. Dodgers	1	Final	San Francisco	3	San Diego	2	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	L.A. Clippers	120	Cleveland	118	Final OT	Dallas	147	Houston	136	Final	Indiana	117	Miami	115	Final	Boston	124	Portland	107	Final	Orlando	113	Chicago	98	Final	Oklahoma City	121	Charlotte	118	Final	New Orleans	113	Phoenix	105	Final	Toronto	130	Washington	122	Final	New York	122	Milwaukee	109	Final	Sacramento	107	Brooklyn	77	Final 2OT	Philadelphia	133	San Antonio	126	Final	Golden State	118	Utah	110	Final	Minnesota	127	L.A. Lakers	117	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	3	Buffalo	1	Final	Minnesota	4	Chicago	0	Final	Carolina	3	Columbus	0	Final	Arizona	5	San Jose	2	Final OT	Ottawa	3	Washington	2	Final	N-Y Rangers	5	Montreal	2	Final SO	Nashville	3	New Jersey	2	Final SO	St. Louis	6	Anaheim	5	Final	Dallas	7	Colorado	4	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal tie	Portland	3	Sporting Kansas City	3	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Miami	at	N-Y Yankees	6:05 p.m.			Detroit	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	Minnesota	7:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Chi White Sox	at	Cleveland	5:10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Houston	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.			Tampa Bay	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Milwaukee	at	Cincinnati	6:40 p.m.			N-Y Mets	at	Atlanta	7:20 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	St. Louis	7:45 p.m.			Arizona	at	Colorado	8:40 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Washington	at	San Francisco	9:45 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Pittsburgh	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Vegas	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(3)Purdue	at	(1)UConn	9:20 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Longtime Kentucky coach John Calipari was in negotiations to potentially leave and take the men's basketball coaching job at Arkansas, multiple outlets reported late Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712571895656.png" alt="Calipari leaving Kentucky for Arkansas" />
 <figcaption>Calipari leaving Kentucky for Arkansas</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Longtime Kentucky coach John Calipari was in negotiations to potentially leave and take the men's basketball coaching job at Arkansas, multiple outlets reported late Sunday.Arkansas officials have been in discussions with Calipari about the opening, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported, citing anonymous sources. ESPN, also citing anonymous sources, reported that Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal.The 65-year-old Hall of Fame coach has spent the last 15 seasons at Kentucky. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart recently said Calipari would return, despite calls for his firing following the&nbsp;Wildcats' third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.Kentucky was seeded third in March Madness, but fell 80-76 to No. 14 seed Oakland in the first round. This latest loss in Pittsburgh came a year after the Wildcats were ousted in the second round, and two years after they were upset as a No. 2 seed by 15th-seeded Saint Peter's in their NCAA opener.Kentucky's quick exit drew immediate calls for Calipari's firing on sports talk shows and social media, with many criticizing his reliance on so-called "one and done" freshmen and Kentucky's defensive weaknesses. Calipari's dismissal would've triggered a $33 million buyout under terms of a lifetime contract signed in 2019; there is no buyout if he leaves for another job.Calipari has a 410-122 record at Kentucky, including the 2012 national championship and three other Final Four appearances (2011, 2014 and 2015 ). His teams have reached the tournament 12 times in all."As we normally do at the end of every season, Coach Calipari and I have had conversations about the direction of our men's basketball program and I can confirm that he will return for his 16th season as our head coach," Barnhart said five days after the loss to Oakland.Calipari and Barnhart met privately after the season ended."That's part of athletics and dealing with that, trying to get better, trying to figure out how do we do this together," Calipari said, according to the Democrat-Gazette. "What do we need to do? I think one of the things that I've said about the meeting was Mitch saying, 'How can I help you? What can we do to help you get where you're trying to get this thing?' And we talked about three or four things, but that's when you're coaching."Overall, Calipari has an 813-260 record in 32 seasons as a college head coach. He led UMass to the 1996 Final Four and also spent more than two seasons as coach of the New Jersey Nets before returning to the college ranks at Memphis.Eric Musselman spent the last five years as Arkansas coach before leaving last week to become Southern California's coach.