HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs jumped on the undefeated Derby Twins in the first two innings Friday night by putting up four runs In each inning before Derby responded with a five run third.

Then Derby opened the top of eighth with five runs to close the gap before the Monarchs left fielder Jaden Gustafson knocked in two runs to help lead the Monarchs to a 15-11 victory and their third win in a row after starting the season last week 0-2.

Hutch pounded out 16 hits while only committing one error in the contest.&nbsp;

Hutch was led by Sam Wiese's four RBI's followed by Gustafson's three RBI night.

Brayden Luikart led the Twins with a three hit night and three RBI's.

Same two teams will match up again tonight in Derby. Next Monarch home game is Sunday verses the Great Bend Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park with first pitch at 6pm.

Catch all the Monarchs home games on video stream at Hutchpost.com and on the monarchs live.tv channel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717850494623.png" alt="Monarchs vs Twins FINAL&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monarchs vs Twins FINAL&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs jumped on the undefeated Derby Twins in the first two innings Friday night by putting up four runs In each inning before Derby responded with a five run third.Then Derby opened the top of eighth with five runs to close the gap before the Monarchs left fielder Jaden Gustafson knocked in two runs to help lead the Monarchs to a 15-11 victory and their third win in a row after starting the season last week 0-2.Hutch pounded out 16 hits while only committing one error in the contest.&nbsp;Hutch was led by Sam Wiese's four RBI's followed by Gustafson's three RBI night.Brayden Luikart led the Twins with a three hit night and three RBI's.Same two teams will match up again tonight in Derby. Next Monarch home game is Sunday verses the Great Bend Bat Cats at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park with first pitch at 6pm.Catch all the Monarchs home games on video stream at Hutchpost.com and on the monarchs live.tv channel.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs use strong hitting to defeat Twins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. tied it with a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1799275757442941300">triple</a>&nbsp;in the ninth inning and scored on Nelson&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mlb/status/1799276504599175486?s=61&amp;t=9pp7XIs0RmuX6Pu3uceB6g">Velázquez’s fielder’s choice</a>&nbsp;to give the Kansas City Royals a 10-9 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night after they trailed 8-0 in the fourth.

After Maikel Garcia’s RBI grounder cut it to 9-8, Witt tripled into the corner in left.

“He’s a tremendous player.” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “He hit a pitch that probably was not even a strike. He does those things. He’s a really talented guy and he got us tonight.”

The Mariners intentionally walked the bases full and Velázquez followed with a grounder for the Royals’ third walk-off victory of the season.

“Just put the ball in play and something good can happen,” Velázquez said. “We stand together the whole game, no matter what. We still play hard for 27 outs.”

Kansas City had its largest comeback victory of the year and Seattle its largest blown lead.

“We’re never out of a game,” Witt said. “With this team we have, you’ve just got to do your part and the next guy’s going to do his part. That’s how resilient we are.”

Witt had three hits, extending his hitting streak to eight games.

Nick Anderson (3-1) struck out two in the ninth for the victory. Ryne Stanek (3-1) allowed two hits and walked three — two intentionally – in his second blown save.

Mitch Haniger’s bases-clearing double highlighted a seven-run first inning – the Mariners’ largest of the year — and Ryan Bliss hit his first career home run.

“It’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget,” Bliss said. “But baseball happened and we didn’t come out with the win.”

“Right out of the chute our offense did a lot of good things,” Servais said. “That’s about as good an inning we’ve had all year. You know that game is far from over, certainly against the Royals.”

Ty France had an RBI double in the fourth to make it 8-0.

Kansas City rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs. MJ Melendez snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a three-run homer, his sixth. The Royals have an extra-base hit in all 64 games this year.

“I feel like we’re never really out of any game,” Melendez said. “Even though we got down early, we gave ourselves time to come back.”

Mitch Garver had a two-out RBI double in the sixth to push Seattle’s lead to 9-4. The Royals cut it to 9-7 in the bottom of the inning. Melendez had his fourth RBI of the night on a grounder, and Hunter Renfroe added a two-run single.

Seattle starter Bryce Miller left after allowing a leadoff hit and a pair of walks to load the bases in the sixth. He allowed seven runs – his most since June 4 last year – on six hits and three walks.

“That should have never been a game,” Miller said. “I can’t go out and load the bases with no outs. After we scored seven, I’ve got to do my part and I didn’t.”

Royals starter Daniel Lynch IV completed four innings, allowing eight runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts.

Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (5-6, 2.99 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Alec Marsh (4-3, 3.76) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717856400921.png" alt="

Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>

Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. tied it with a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1799275757442941300">triple</a>&nbsp;in the ninth inning and scored on Nelson&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mlb/status/1799276504599175486?s=61&amp;t=9pp7XIs0RmuX6Pu3uceB6g">Velázquez’s fielder’s choice</a>&nbsp;to give the Kansas City Royals a 10-9 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night after they trailed 8-0 in the fourth.After Maikel Garcia’s RBI grounder cut it to 9-8, Witt tripled into the corner in left.“He’s a tremendous player.” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “He hit a pitch that probably was not even a strike. He does those things. He’s a really talented guy and he got us tonight.”The Mariners intentionally walked the bases full and Velázquez followed with a grounder for the Royals’ third walk-off victory of the season.“Just put the ball in play and something good can happen,” Velázquez said. “We stand together the whole game, no matter what. We still play hard for 27 outs.”Kansas City had its largest comeback victory of the year and Seattle its largest blown lead.“We’re never out of a game,” Witt said. “With this team we have, you’ve just got to do your part and the next guy’s going to do his part. That’s how resilient we are.”Witt had three hits, extending his hitting streak to eight games.Nick Anderson (3-1) struck out two in the ninth for the victory. Ryne Stanek (3-1) allowed two hits and walked three — two intentionally – in his second blown save.Mitch Haniger’s bases-clearing double highlighted a seven-run first inning – the Mariners’ largest of the year — and Ryan Bliss hit his first career home run.“It’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget,” Bliss said. “But baseball happened and we didn’t come out with the win.”“Right out of the chute our offense did a lot of good things,” Servais said. “That’s about as good an inning we’ve had all year. You know that game is far from over, certainly against the Royals.”Ty France had an RBI double in the fourth to make it 8-0.Kansas City rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs. MJ Melendez snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a three-run homer, his sixth. The Royals have an extra-base hit in all 64 games this year.“I feel like we’re never really out of any game,” Melendez said. “Even though we got down early, we gave ourselves time to come back.”Mitch Garver had a two-out RBI double in the sixth to push Seattle’s lead to 9-4. The Royals cut it to 9-7 in the bottom of the inning. Melendez had his fourth RBI of the night on a grounder, and Hunter Renfroe added a two-run single.Seattle starter Bryce Miller left after allowing a leadoff hit and a pair of walks to load the bases in the sixth. He allowed seven runs – his most since June 4 last year – on six hits and three walks.“That should have never been a game,” Miller said. “I can’t go out and load the bases with no outs. After we scored seven, I’ve got to do my part and I didn’t.”Royals starter Daniel Lynch IV completed four innings, allowing eight runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts.UP NEXTMariners RHP Luis Castillo (5-6, 2.99 ERA) was set to face Royals RHP Alec Marsh (4-3, 3.76) on Saturday.

⚾ Royals overcome 8-run deficit to beat Mariners

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women's basketball program announced Friday that Ava Jones will medically retire from basketball.

Jones was injured in a car/pedestrian accident in Louisville, Kentucky on July 5, 2022. Jones was a Nickerson High School student in town for an AAU basketball tournament at the time.

She will remain on scholarship and continue to attend the University of Iowa.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668040995679.jpeg" alt="Ava Jones- photo by Judd Weil" />
 <figcaption>Ava Jones- photo by Judd Weil</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women's basketball program announced Friday that Ava Jones will medically retire from basketball.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ava Jones’ Iowa women&#39;s basketball career is over. The Hawkeyes unfortunately announced Friday that she will medically retire from college basketball.<a href="https://t.co/RSvIEroAuy">https://t.co/RSvIEroAuy</a>&mdash; Hawk Central (@hawkcentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/hawkcentral/status/1799101578911080765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Jones was injured in a car/pedestrian accident in Louisville, Kentucky on July 5, 2022. Jones was a Nickerson High School student in town for an AAU basketball tournament at the time.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIowaWBB%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0MxLG4VxwniHoL5nkj1gWywVfQNGGqpf8tALrzxt9cLnwerUjexWsQ58H3oZ1tbNTl&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="616" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>She will remain on scholarship and continue to attend the University of Iowa.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Ava Jones basketball career is over

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Patty Gasso’s Oklahoma Sooners have done it again.

Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 on Thursday night for a two-game sweep of the Women’s College World Series championship.

The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most World Series championships behind UCLA’s 12.

Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Rylie Boone and pitcher Nicole May were significant contributors to each of the Sooners’ past four championship teams.

“They’ve cemented this program in history,” Gasso said. “They’ve cemented themselves in history. History can change, but these guys will never, ever be forgotten.”

The Sooners felt the pressure along the way.

“‘Heavy is a head that wears the crown’ is the one thing that really stuck out,” Gasso said. “I heard someone say that. That really has felt true. It’s been exhausting. These players are exhausted, but they keep going.”

Kelly Maxwell, an Oklahoma State transfer, was named Most Outstanding Player. The graduate student went 3-0 with a save at the World Series, allowing seven earned runs in 27 innings.

She was criticized for transferring to Oklahoma State’s biggest rival, but she feels it was worth it.

“I received a lot of hate, a lot of doubt,” Maxwell said. “But I’m just thankful for these girls and this team and this staff, just to pick me up and have my back.”

Second-seeded Oklahoma (59-7) scored eight runs in each of the two games against top-seeded Texas and pounded 21 hits total against a Longhorns team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.

“Congratulations to the University of Oklahoma on their fourth championship in a row,” Texas coach Mike White said. “It’s an incredible feat. We know how tough it is just to get here, let alone win four. It’s an amazing achievement.”

Kasidi Pickering hit a two-run homer in the second inning for the Sooners, and Ella Parker had a two-run single in the sixth that padded Oklahoma’s lead. Gasso used five pitchers, with Maxwell getting the last four outs for the save a day after her complete-game victory in Game 1.

Karlie Keeney got the start for Oklahoma, followed by Paytn Monticelli, Kierston Deal, May and Maxwell. Deal worked the fourth and was credited with the win.

Mac Morgan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-texas-world-series-score-51b3706c04c4e5834c54fcd3dfaacc5a">who threw a one-hitter against Florida earlier in the World Series</a>, started Game 2 against Oklahoma and gave up two runs on five hits in two innings. Estelle Czech took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in two innings.

Texas (55-10) still hasn’t won a national title. The Longhorns lost to the Sooners in the 2022 championship series. This year, Texas won the Big 12 regular-season title, but Oklahoma beat the Longhorns in the Big 12 tournament.

Both programs are leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next season.

“Texas always makes us better,” Gasso said. “I think that we could both agree that we do that for each other. That’s how we get here. That’s why we’re looking at each other on the national championship stage.”

Freshman Kayden Henry had two hits for Texas and drove in the Longhorns’ first run.

A baserunning mistake by Texas’ Mia Scott ended the Longhorns’ chance of tying the game or taking the lead in the sixth inning. Scott’s two-out, RBI infield single got Texas within 5-4 and advanced Ashton Maloney to third base, but Scott went too far rounding first. Oklahoma second baseman Avery Hodge flipped the ball to first baseman Sanders, who tagged Scott out before she could get back.

“It was huge,” Maxwell said. “I mean, they definitely had the momentum in that moment. ... I saw Mia Scott kind of come off the bag. I was just telling Avery, ‘Turn around, turn around, let’s get her, c’mon.’ She finally heard me. We got it done.”

Two innings earlier, Hodge’s fielding error allowed Texas to take a 3-2 lead.

Texas could learn from the experience. White has a young team that he expects to return to the World Series.

“As I told the team, I want to be on the other side of the podium here one of the these days making that last speech more enjoyable than it is right now,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717767481367.png" alt="Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso, hand raised, with white sleeve, celebrates with the team after a win over Texas in the NCAA Women's College World Series softball championship series Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)" />
 <figcaption>Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso, hand raised, with white sleeve, celebrates with the team after a win over Texas in the NCAA Women's College World Series softball championship series Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Patty Gasso’s Oklahoma Sooners have done it again.Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 on Thursday night for a two-game sweep of the Women’s College World Series championship.The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most World Series championships behind UCLA’s 12.Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Rylie Boone and pitcher Nicole May were significant contributors to each of the Sooners’ past four championship teams.“They’ve cemented this program in history,” Gasso said. “They’ve cemented themselves in history. History can change, but these guys will never, ever be forgotten.”The Sooners felt the pressure along the way.“‘Heavy is a head that wears the crown’ is the one thing that really stuck out,” Gasso said. “I heard someone say that. That really has felt true. It’s been exhausting. These players are exhausted, but they keep going.”Kelly Maxwell, an Oklahoma State transfer, was named Most Outstanding Player. The graduate student went 3-0 with a save at the World Series, allowing seven earned runs in 27 innings.She was criticized for transferring to Oklahoma State’s biggest rival, but she feels it was worth it.“I received a lot of hate, a lot of doubt,” Maxwell said. “But I’m just thankful for these girls and this team and this staff, just to pick me up and have my back.”Second-seeded Oklahoma (59-7) scored eight runs in each of the two games against top-seeded Texas and pounded 21 hits total against a Longhorns team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.“Congratulations to the University of Oklahoma on their fourth championship in a row,” Texas coach Mike White said. “It’s an incredible feat. We know how tough it is just to get here, let alone win four. It’s an amazing achievement.”Kasidi Pickering hit a two-run homer in the second inning for the Sooners, and Ella Parker had a two-run single in the sixth that padded Oklahoma’s lead. Gasso used five pitchers, with Maxwell getting the last four outs for the save a day after her complete-game victory in Game 1.Karlie Keeney got the start for Oklahoma, followed by Paytn Monticelli, Kierston Deal, May and Maxwell. Deal worked the fourth and was credited with the win.Mac Morgan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-texas-world-series-score-51b3706c04c4e5834c54fcd3dfaacc5a">who threw a one-hitter against Florida earlier in the World Series</a>, started Game 2 against Oklahoma and gave up two runs on five hits in two innings. Estelle Czech took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in two innings.Texas (55-10) still hasn’t won a national title. The Longhorns lost to the Sooners in the 2022 championship series. This year, Texas won the Big 12 regular-season title, but Oklahoma beat the Longhorns in the Big 12 tournament.Both programs are leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next season.“Texas always makes us better,” Gasso said. “I think that we could both agree that we do that for each other. That’s how we get here. That’s why we’re looking at each other on the national championship stage.”Freshman Kayden Henry had two hits for Texas and drove in the Longhorns’ first run.A baserunning mistake by Texas’ Mia Scott ended the Longhorns’ chance of tying the game or taking the lead in the sixth inning. Scott’s two-out, RBI infield single got Texas within 5-4 and advanced Ashton Maloney to third base, but Scott went too far rounding first. Oklahoma second baseman Avery Hodge flipped the ball to first baseman Sanders, who tagged Scott out before she could get back.“It was huge,” Maxwell said. “I mean, they definitely had the momentum in that moment. ... I saw Mia Scott kind of come off the bag. I was just telling Avery, ‘Turn around, turn around, let’s get her, c’mon.’ She finally heard me. We got it done.”Two innings earlier, Hodge’s fielding error allowed Texas to take a 3-2 lead.Texas could learn from the experience. White has a young team that he expects to return to the World Series.“As I told the team, I want to be on the other side of the podium here one of the these days making that last speech more enjoyable than it is right now,” he said.

🥎 Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA title, beating Texas for 2-game sweep

BOSTON (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis didn’t want to make predictions about how his body would respond heading into the NBA Finals after he spent more than a month on the sideline with a calf injury.

Jaylen Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798888660781199409" target="_blank">scored 22 points</a>, Porzingis made an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798891017434976315" target="_blank">immediate impact off the bench</a>&nbsp;and added 20 and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1.

Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title.

Porzingis, a 7-footer who had been sidelined since April 29, added six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes.

“Tonight was affirmation to myself that I’m pretty good,” Porzingis said. “I’m not perfect but I can play like this and I can add to this team.”

The last Celtics player to enter the court for pregame warmups, he said he received a jolt of energy from a home crowd, which erupted when he emerged from the tunnel.

“The adrenaline was pumping through my veins,” Porzingis said.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla wasn’t concerned about the layoff affecting Porzingis’ aggressiveness.

All-Star Jayson Tatum finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Six players scored in double figures for the Celtics, who host Game 2 on Sunday.

“Getting back to this point and being here is really a big deal,” Tatum said. “But two years ago we won the first game and we know the outcome of that series. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798899839985414606" target="_blank">cut the deficit to eight points</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter, but Boston answered with a 14-0 run to quickly pull away again.

“That’s when the game started,” Brown said.

Luka Doncic led Dallas with 30 points. P.J. Washington added 14 points and eight rebounds. But Dallas couldn’t find offensive consistency beyond that, totaling just nine assists on its 35 field goals for the game. The Mavericks didn’t score 25 points in any quarter.

Doncic said the lopsided loss wouldn’t diminish the spirit of a team that lost the opening game in three of four series this postseason.

“Either you lose or you win,” Doncic said. “First to four, we’ve got to focus on the next game.”

Former Celtic Kyrie Irving struggled throughout, finishing with 12 points. He received a loud and extended chorus of boos Thursday when he was introduced before the game. It continued throughout the game whenever he touched the ball.

The treatment came after Irving sparred with Boston fans and was fined for using an obscene gesture during a 2022 playoff visit to TD Garden.

“I thought it was going to be a little louder in here. I’m expecting the same thing (in Game 2). The crowd’s trying to get me out of my element,” Irving said. “It’s not the first time I’ve lost in Boston. I don’t want to make it a habit.”

The Celtics, seeking their first championship since 2008, showed little rust from their 10-day layoff after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.

They flowed with energy throughout, sharing the ball in the halfcourt and getting the ball to shooters for open 3s. They also attacked the interior of the Dallas defense and got to the rim for several dunks.

Meanwhile, apart from Doncic, who shot 12 of 26 from the field, Dallas struggled early to get into its sets and couldn’t find a consistent groove offensively.

The Mavericks led by one midway through the first quarter. The Celtics responded by outscoring them 44-16 to make it 58-29 in the second.

Things changed over the next 12 minutes of game action when Dallas used a 35-14 run, including 15 points by Doncic, to cut Boston’s lead to 72-64. But the Celtics were back up 86-66 entering the fourth.

Dallas had just five assists through the first three quarters, the fewest any NBA team has had through 36 minutes in any game in the last three seasons.

“We’ve got to move the ball,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “The ball got stuck too much.”

Porzingis ended his 10-game hiatus when he came off the bench with 7:17 left in the first quarter in place of starter Al Horford. With the exception of a white compression sleeve on his right leg, it was hard to tell Porzingis was coming off an injury.

He got into the mix quickly, knocking down a pair of free throws after being fouled by Doncic. A possession later, the Latvian connected in his first field goal when he dropped on a short jumper over Doncic.

Minutes later he got loose in the paint for a two-handed dunk over Derrick Lively. On Dallas’ next possession, Porzingis was there to swat away Jaden Hardy’s layup attempt. The Celtics pushed the ball up the court and got the ball back to their big man, who calmly buried a 16-footer.

It was part of a 17-5 surge by Boston over the final 5:24 of the quarter that saw Porzingis go 4 for 5 from the field, score 11 points, block two shots and grab three rebounds. Boston carried a 37-20 lead into the second quarter.

Porzingis finished the half with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717767276568.png" alt="Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis dunks next to Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, foreground, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis dunks next to Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, foreground, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis didn’t want to make predictions about how his body would respond heading into the NBA Finals after he spent more than a month on the sideline with a calf injury.Just fine, it turned out.Jaylen Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798888660781199409" target="_blank">scored 22 points</a>, Porzingis made an&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798891017434976315" target="_blank">immediate impact off the bench</a>&nbsp;and added 20 and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1.Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title.Porzingis, a 7-footer who had been sidelined since April 29, added six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes.“Tonight was affirmation to myself that I’m pretty good,” Porzingis said. “I’m not perfect but I can play like this and I can add to this team.”The last Celtics player to enter the court for pregame warmups, he said he received a jolt of energy from a home crowd, which erupted when he emerged from the tunnel.“The adrenaline was pumping through my veins,” Porzingis said.Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla wasn’t concerned about the layoff affecting Porzingis’ aggressiveness.All-Star Jayson Tatum finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Six players scored in double figures for the Celtics, who host Game 2 on Sunday.“Getting back to this point and being here is really a big deal,” Tatum said. “But two years ago we won the first game and we know the outcome of that series. We still have a lot of work to do.”Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1798899839985414606" target="_blank">cut the deficit to eight points</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter, but Boston answered with a 14-0 run to quickly pull away again.“That’s when the game started,” Brown said.Luka Doncic led Dallas with 30 points. P.J. Washington added 14 points and eight rebounds. But Dallas couldn’t find offensive consistency beyond that, totaling just nine assists on its 35 field goals for the game. The Mavericks didn’t score 25 points in any quarter.Doncic said the lopsided loss wouldn’t diminish the spirit of a team that lost the opening game in three of four series this postseason.“Either you lose or you win,” Doncic said. “First to four, we’ve got to focus on the next game.”Former Celtic Kyrie Irving struggled throughout, finishing with 12 points. He received a loud and extended chorus of boos Thursday when he was introduced before the game. It continued throughout the game whenever he touched the ball.The treatment came after Irving sparred with Boston fans and was fined for using an obscene gesture during a 2022 playoff visit to TD Garden.“I thought it was going to be a little louder in here. I’m expecting the same thing (in Game 2). The crowd’s trying to get me out of my element,” Irving said. “It’s not the first time I’ve lost in Boston. I don’t want to make it a habit.”The Celtics, seeking their first championship since 2008, showed little rust from their 10-day layoff after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.They flowed with energy throughout, sharing the ball in the halfcourt and getting the ball to shooters for open 3s. They also attacked the interior of the Dallas defense and got to the rim for several dunks.Meanwhile, apart from Doncic, who shot 12 of 26 from the field, Dallas struggled early to get into its sets and couldn’t find a consistent groove offensively.The Mavericks led by one midway through the first quarter. The Celtics responded by outscoring them 44-16 to make it 58-29 in the second.Things changed over the next 12 minutes of game action when Dallas used a 35-14 run, including 15 points by Doncic, to cut Boston’s lead to 72-64. But the Celtics were back up 86-66 entering the fourth.Dallas had just five assists through the first three quarters, the fewest any NBA team has had through 36 minutes in any game in the last three seasons.“We’ve got to move the ball,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “The ball got stuck too much.”Porzingis ended his 10-game hiatus when he came off the bench with 7:17 left in the first quarter in place of starter Al Horford. With the exception of a white compression sleeve on his right leg, it was hard to tell Porzingis was coming off an injury.He got into the mix quickly, knocking down a pair of free throws after being fouled by Doncic. A possession later, the Latvian connected in his first field goal when he dropped on a short jumper over Doncic.He wasn’t done.Minutes later he got loose in the paint for a two-handed dunk over Derrick Lively. On Dallas’ next possession, Porzingis was there to swat away Jaden Hardy’s layup attempt. The Celtics pushed the ball up the court and got the ball back to their big man, who calmly buried a 16-footer.It was part of a 17-5 surge by Boston over the final 5:24 of the quarter that saw Porzingis go 4 for 5 from the field, score 11 points, block two shots and grab three rebounds. Boston carried a 37-20 lead into the second quarter.Porzingis finished the half with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

🏀 Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning Porzingis

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, June 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, June 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 7th, 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=v5gbn-1635b69-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 edge Cleveland; ⚾ Wind Surge sweep double-header in Arkansas; ⚾ K-State vs Virginia in Super Regional

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The man who caught the game winner in the Super Bowl in February is headed back to Kansas City. 

<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-re-signing-wr-mecole-hardman-to-one-year-deal">NFL.com reports </a>that Mecole Hardman is re-signing with the Chiefs on a one-year contract, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday, per a source informed of the deal.

A second-round pick by the Chiefs in 2019, Hardman spent his first four years in K.C. before signing in New York last offseason. His stint with the Jets lasted just five games and one catch before being shipped back to Kansas City.

In six regular-season games with the Chiefs last season, Hardman earned 14 catches for 118 yards. He had five catches for 62 yards in four postseason games, including three grabs for 57 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl victory over San Francisco.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639510659833.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The man who caught the game winner in the Super Bowl in February is headed back to Kansas City. <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-re-signing-wr-mecole-hardman-to-one-year-deal">NFL.com reports </a>that Mecole Hardman is re-signing with the Chiefs on a one-year contract, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday, per a source informed of the deal.A second-round pick by the Chiefs in 2019, Hardman spent his first four years in K.C. before signing in New York last offseason. His stint with the Jets lasted just five games and one catch before being shipped back to Kansas City.In six regular-season games with the Chiefs last season, Hardman earned 14 catches for 118 yards. He had five catches for 62 yards in four postseason games, including three grabs for 57 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl victory over San Francisco.

🏈 Hardman a Chief again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (2-2) will host the Derby Twins (3-0) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Monarchs are back for their 16th season of play in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play duties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717757832268.png" alt="Monarchs vs Derby Twins tonight at Hobart-Detter." />
 <figcaption>Monarchs vs Derby Twins tonight at Hobart-Detter.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs (2-2) will host the Derby Twins (3-0) at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.The Monarchs are back for their 16th season of play in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play duties.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1098105?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ Hutch Monarchs at home tonight vs Derby Twins

Can tennis, pickleball and padel co-exist? The folks in charge of the French Open think so

PARIS (AP) — Let other folks fret about whether tennis might lose athletes and audiences to pickleball or padel. The people in charge of tennis in France are embracing those other racket-adjacent sports, figuring, essentially: The more, the merrier. The French tennis federation (FFT) officially brought pickleball under its umbrella and is seeking government approval to hold a sanctioned national championship. French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, and FFT president Gilles Moretton took part in a pickleball demonstration on one of the Grand Slam tournament's courts on Thursday as part of an effort to promote the sport.

Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning Porzingis

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his first game in more than a month and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics finished in double figures.

Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower

PARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics organizers have unveiled a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower as the French capital marks 50 days until the start of the Summer Games. The structure of rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old landmark in central Paris, overlooking the Seine River. The hugely popular tower in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the leadup to the Games in the French capital.

Lakers conduct a public coaching search, considering Hurley and Redick, in hopes of pleasing LeBron

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers' reported plan to offer a massive contract to UConn coach Dan Hurley is the latest twist in the monthlong race to replace Darvin Ham. Former NBA player J.J. Redick and ex-Charlotte coach James Borrego are also reported candidates. The 17-time NBA champion franchise was knocked out of the first round of the current playoffs, but the Lakers have nicely filled the void of hoops drama during the week before the NBA Finals with steady leaks about the progress of their quest for a coach who can entice LeBron James to finish his career in purple and gold.

Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA softball title, beating Texas 8-4 for 2-game sweep

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 for a two-game sweep of the Women's College World Series championship. The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Patty Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most national championships behind UCLA's 12. Second-seeded Oklahoma scored eight runs in each of the two games and pounded 21 hits total against a top-seeded Texas team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.

Yankees slugger Juan Soto exits game with left forearm discomfort, will undergo imaging Friday

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Juan Soto was removed from a game against the Minnesota Twins with left forearm discomfort. Soto will undergo imaging Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone said it's too early to tell if the right fielder will need to miss time. Soto was lifted to start the top of the sixth inning when play resumed following a 56-minute rain delay. Soto, who throws and bats left-handed, was 0 for 1 with two walks. He has started all 64 games in his first season with New York after being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade last December. The three-time All-Star is batting .318 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, a big reason the Yankees have the best record in baseball.

Iga Swiatek defeats Coco Gauff at the French Open and will face Jasmine Paolini in the final

PARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has eliminated Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open semifinals and will face Jasmine Paolini for the championship. The top-ranked Swiatek stretched her winning streak at Roland Garros to 20 matches with Thursday's victory as she tries to become the first woman with three consecutive titles in Paris since Justine Henin from 2005 to 2007. Paolini reached her first Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-1 victory against unseeded 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Swiatek improved to 11-1 against Gauff overall and has defeated her at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament three years in a row. That includes in the 2022 final and last year's quarterfinals. in Saturday's title match. Swiatek is 4-0 in major finals so far.

Connor McDavid, hockey's best player, finally gets a chance to win a Stanley Cup championship

For the first time in his nine-year NHL career, Connor McDavid is playing for the biggest prize in hockey with the chance to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time. He and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the Florida Panthers in the final starting Saturday. It's a chance for hockey's biggest star to finally win a championship. The spotlight is on the face of the sport to get the job done as an underdog against an opponent at this stage for a second consecutive season and is seeking the first title in franchise history.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says finalizing the new media rights deals is 'complex' process

BOSTON (AP) — Getting the NBA's next round of media rights deals completed is an extremely complex proposition, Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday, especially because nobody can say with any certainty what the viewing landscape will look like in the future. Silver, speaking in his annual pre-NBA Finals news conference, did not offer any hints on when the next series of deals will be completed, other than saying "in the relative near term." The current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the NBA has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next.

Dallas guard Irving has rough NBA Finals opener in response to boos (and worse) from Boston crowd

BOSTON (AP) — If Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was hoping to quiet the Boston fans with a big game in the opener of the NBA Finals, it didn't quite go that way. Irving scored 12 points on 6 for 19 shooting and missed all five 3-point attempts. He turned the ball over three times as Boston beat Dallas 107-89 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Irving had two assists, and Dallas had just nine in all. Boston fans booed Irving at every opportunity. They haven't forgiven him for opting out of his Celtics contract after the 2019 season.

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 Friday, June 7th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, June 7th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Report for June 7th, 2024:<div><iframe title="AP Sports Report for June 7th, 2024" 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=x2hfy-1635a56-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>Can tennis, pickleball and padel co-exist? The folks in charge of the French Open think soPARIS (AP) — Let other folks fret about whether tennis might lose athletes and audiences to pickleball or padel. The people in charge of tennis in France are embracing those other racket-adjacent sports, figuring, essentially: The more, the merrier. The French tennis federation (FFT) officially brought pickleball under its umbrella and is seeking government approval to hold a sanctioned national championship. French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, a former No. 1-ranked tennis player, and FFT president Gilles Moretton took part in a pickleball demonstration on one of the Grand Slam tournament's courts on Thursday as part of an effort to promote the sport.Celtics rout Mavericks 107-89 in Game 1 of NBA Finals behind Brown, returning PorzingisBOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 20 in his first game in more than a month and the Boston Celtics powered past the Dallas Mavericks 107-89 on Thursday night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Derrick White finished with 15 points for Boston, which led by 29 points in the first half and connected on 16 3-pointers in a powerful start to its quest for an 18th NBA title. Porzingis, who had been sidelined since April 29 with a strained right calf, came off the bench and provided an immediate spark, adding six rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes. Six Celtics finished in double figures.Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel TowerPARIS (AP) — The Paris Olympics organizers have unveiled a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower as the French capital marks 50 days until the start of the Summer Games. The structure of rings, made of recycled French steel, will be displayed on the south side of the 135-year-old landmark in central Paris, overlooking the Seine River. The hugely popular tower in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the leadup to the Games in the French capital.Lakers conduct a public coaching search, considering Hurley and Redick, in hopes of pleasing LeBronLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers' reported plan to offer a massive contract to UConn coach Dan Hurley is the latest twist in the monthlong race to replace Darvin Ham. Former NBA player J.J. Redick and ex-Charlotte coach James Borrego are also reported candidates. The 17-time NBA champion franchise was knocked out of the first round of the current playoffs, but the Lakers have nicely filled the void of hoops drama during the week before the NBA Finals with steady leaks about the progress of their quest for a coach who can entice LeBron James to finish his career in purple and gold.Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA softball title, beating Texas 8-4 for 2-game sweepOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 for a two-game sweep of the Women's College World Series championship. The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Patty Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most national championships behind UCLA's 12. Second-seeded Oklahoma scored eight runs in each of the two games and pounded 21 hits total against a top-seeded Texas team that came in having thrown three consecutive one-hit shutouts in the World Series.Yankees slugger Juan Soto exits game with left forearm discomfort, will undergo imaging FridayNEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Juan Soto was removed from a game against the Minnesota Twins with left forearm discomfort. Soto will undergo imaging Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone said it's too early to tell if the right fielder will need to miss time. Soto was lifted to start the top of the sixth inning when play resumed following a 56-minute rain delay. Soto, who throws and bats left-handed, was 0 for 1 with two walks. He has started all 64 games in his first season with New York after being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster trade last December. The three-time All-Star is batting .318 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, a big reason the Yankees have the best record in baseball.Iga Swiatek defeats Coco Gauff at the French Open and will face Jasmine Paolini in the finalPARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek has eliminated Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open semifinals and will face Jasmine Paolini for the championship. The top-ranked Swiatek stretched her winning streak at Roland Garros to 20 matches with Thursday's victory as she tries to become the first woman with three consecutive titles in Paris since Justine Henin from 2005 to 2007. Paolini reached her first Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-1 victory against unseeded 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Swiatek improved to 11-1 against Gauff overall and has defeated her at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament three years in a row. That includes in the 2022 final and last year's quarterfinals. in Saturday's title match. Swiatek is 4-0 in major finals so far.Connor McDavid, hockey's best player, finally gets a chance to win a Stanley Cup championshipFor the first time in his nine-year NHL career, Connor McDavid is playing for the biggest prize in hockey with the chance to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time. He and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the Florida Panthers in the final starting Saturday. It's a chance for hockey's biggest star to finally win a championship. The spotlight is on the face of the sport to get the job done as an underdog against an opponent at this stage for a second consecutive season and is seeking the first title in franchise history.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says finalizing the new media rights deals is 'complex' processBOSTON (AP) — Getting the NBA's next round of media rights deals completed is an extremely complex proposition, Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday, especially because nobody can say with any certainty what the viewing landscape will look like in the future. Silver, speaking in his annual pre-NBA Finals news conference, did not offer any hints on when the next series of deals will be completed, other than saying "in the relative near term." The current deals with ABC-ESPN and Turner Sports expire after next season and the NBA has been talking with NBC, ESPN and Amazon, among other networks and platforms, about what comes next.Dallas guard Irving has rough NBA Finals opener in response to boos (and worse) from Boston crowdBOSTON (AP) — If Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was hoping to quiet the Boston fans with a big game in the opener of the NBA Finals, it didn't quite go that way. Irving scored 12 points on 6 for 19 shooting and missed all five 3-point attempts. He turned the ball over three times as Boston beat Dallas 107-89 in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. Irving had two assists, and Dallas had just nine in all. Boston fans booed Irving at every opportunity. They haven't forgiven him for opting out of his Celtics contract after the 2019 season.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Toronto	6	Baltimore	5	Final	Kansas City	4	Cleveland	3	Final	Seattle	3	Oakland	0	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Minnesota	5	Final	Boston	14	Chicago White Sox	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	5	Washington	2	Final	Cincinnati	8	Chicago Cubs	4	Final	L.A. Dodgers	11	Pittsburgh	7	Final	Colorado	3	St. Louis	2	Final	Arizona	4	San Diego	3	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Boston	107	Dallas	89	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Chicago	79	Washington	71	Final	New York	78	Atlanta	61	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Milwaukee	at	Detroit	6:40 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.			L-A Dodgers	at	N-Y Yankees	7:05 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Miami	7:10 p.m.			San Francisco	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Baltimore	at	Tampa Bay	6:50 p.m.			Boston	at	Chi White Sox	8:10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			Houston	at	L-A Angels	9:38 p.m.			Toronto	at	Oakland	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Atlanta	at	Washington	6:45 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Cincinnati	7:10 p.m.			Colorado	at	St. Louis	8:15 p.m.			Arizona	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Indiana	at	Washington	7:30 p.m.			Dallas	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Phoenix	10 p.m.			Seattle	at	Las Vegas	10 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Friday

SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge swept a road doubleheader by final scores of 4-2 and 7-5 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The sweep is the first time Wichita has accomplished this feat since May 6, 2022, at Riverfront Stadium against the Tulsa Drillers.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;laced his second RBI double in as many games to put the Wind Surge ahead in the top of the second in Game 1. Naturals second baseman Peyton Wilson tied the game in the bottom half of the frame on a sacrifice fly to center field.

Solo home runs left the yard to left field in the fourth and fifth innings off the respective bats of&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega. Northwest Arkansas rallied a second run home on a groundout in the home half of the sixth.

After the Naturals put the tying and winning runs at first and second,&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;struck out a pinch-hitting Josh Lester swinging in the bottom of the seventh to secure a 4-2 Game 1 win for Wichita.

The Wind Surge scored first again in game two after an opposite field RBI double to right by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the top of the second. McCusker came in after the next batter, Rucker, singled him home.

Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the third and put four more runs across on a pair of Naturals errors, a&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;sacrifice fly, and a Rucker walk. McCusker doubled again to the left-center alley in the top of the fifth to put the Wind Surge ahead 7-0.

Northwest Arkansas would attempt to rally back by scoring five runs across the sixth and seventh innings before&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out Josh Lester for the Wichita doubleheader sweep, marking the first time the Wind Surge have done so since May 6, 2022, at home against the Tulsa Drillers.

Rozek and Stankiewicz recorded the respective win and save in Game 1. Rozek, now 2-3 in 2024, gave up an earned run on three hits in five innings with five strikeouts, while Stankiewicz surrendered an earned run on a hit with a walk and a strikeout in the final two frames for his first save. Engler is 4-0 after two one-hit innings of relief before Floyd retired the final batter for his second save in Game 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717756898878.jpeg" alt="Wichita sweeps double-header with Naturals" />
 <figcaption>Wichita sweeps double-header with Naturals</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGDALE, Ark.—The Wichita Wind Surge swept a road doubleheader by final scores of 4-2 and 7-5 against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The sweep is the first time Wichita has accomplished this feat since May 6, 2022, at Riverfront Stadium against the Tulsa Drillers.Jake Rucker&nbsp;laced his second RBI double in as many games to put the Wind Surge ahead in the top of the second in Game 1. Naturals second baseman Peyton Wilson tied the game in the bottom half of the frame on a sacrifice fly to center field.Solo home runs left the yard to left field in the fourth and fifth innings off the respective bats of&nbsp;Aaron Sabato&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega. Northwest Arkansas rallied a second run home on a groundout in the home half of the sixth.After the Naturals put the tying and winning runs at first and second,&nbsp;John Stankiewicz&nbsp;struck out a pinch-hitting Josh Lester swinging in the bottom of the seventh to secure a 4-2 Game 1 win for Wichita.The Wind Surge scored first again in game two after an opposite field RBI double to right by&nbsp;Carson McCusker&nbsp;in the top of the second. McCusker came in after the next batter, Rucker, singled him home.Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the third and put four more runs across on a pair of Naturals errors, a&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;sacrifice fly, and a Rucker walk. McCusker doubled again to the left-center alley in the top of the fifth to put the Wind Surge ahead 7-0.Northwest Arkansas would attempt to rally back by scoring five runs across the sixth and seventh innings before&nbsp;Taylor Floyd&nbsp;struck out Josh Lester for the Wichita doubleheader sweep, marking the first time the Wind Surge have done so since May 6, 2022, at home against the Tulsa Drillers.Rozek and Stankiewicz recorded the respective win and save in Game 1. Rozek, now 2-3 in 2024, gave up an earned run on three hits in five innings with five strikeouts, while Stankiewicz surrendered an earned run on a hit with a walk and a strikeout in the final two frames for his first save. Engler is 4-0 after two one-hit innings of relief before Floyd retired the final batter for his second save in Game 2.

⚾ Wind Surge earns doubleheader sweep in Arkansas 

CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;Kyle Isbel delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning&nbsp;to score Adam Frazier, two innings after driving in the tying run, and the Kansas City Royals beat the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Thursday.

Frazier doubled off Hunter Gaddis (3-2) with two outs in the eighth and Isbel followed with a liner to right, giving Kansas City a split of the two-game series. The clubs were rained out on Wednesday.

“I had a lot of opportunities today, late in the game with a chance to take the lead,” Isbel said. “I put a good swing on a ball and got a good pitch to hit.”

The Royals pulled within four games of Cleveland in the division, winning for the third time in 10 games since May 25. Sam Long (1-1) pitched the seventh and James McArthur picked up his 12th save as Kansas City’s bullpen pitched 5 1/3 hitless innings.

“We don’t win if they don’t put up the zeroes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The Guardians have gone through a lot of these games, too, and that’s why these teams are winning.”

José Ramírez hit a solo homer and drove in two runs for the Guardians, who have the third-best record in baseball at 40-21, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. Cleveland entered the day an MLB-best 21-7 at home.

Isbel was in the lineup for the first time since Sunday, when he sustained a head injury in a collision with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. against San Diego. He also is recovering from small facial fractures after fouling a ball off his face at Tampa Bay on May 25.

“Some freak accidents,” Isbel said. “I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I’m feeling good.”

Kansas City scored twice in the sixth to tie it at 3. Hunter Renfroe doubled in Freddy Fermin, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1798798489595359732">MJ Melendez jumped over the attempted tag</a>&nbsp;of Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and touched home on Isbel’s grounder. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy called Melendez out, but it was overturned on a replay challenge by the Royals.

“It was a tough play, just an unfortunate turn that didn’t go our way,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “I haven’t seen the replay, but I’m sure they got it right.”

Ramírez, who leads the majors with 60 RBIs, gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead in the third with a 422-foot blast into the right-field stands. He also singled home Steven Kwan in the fourth to make it 3-1, chasing Royals starter Brady Singer.

“I think I’ve tried everything against (Ramírez) and he’s still gotten me,” Singer said. “He’s a real, real good hitter.”

Ramírez homered for the eighth time in 20 games and has 50 RBIs in his last 46 contests. He also moved past Manny Ramirez into eighth place in franchise history with 806 career RBIs.

Guardians starter Tanner Bibee struck out seven in five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Singer went 3 2/3 innings and gave up two earned runs after missing his previous turn in the rotation with an illness.

Royals: 2B Michael Massey (low back ligament strain), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 26, will be re-assessed Friday in Kansas City.

Guardians: RHP Eli Morgan (right elbow inflammation) had a “small shutdown, but is going to start his throwing progression again,” according to Vogt.

Royals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (0-0, 1.50 ERA) faces Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.18) as Kansas City begins a seven-game homestand Friday.

Guardians: LHP Logan Allen (6-3, 5.83 ERA) takes on Marlins LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.41 ERA) in the opener of a three-game road series Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717732189462.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez scores over Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor on an RBI from Kyle Isbel in the sixth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez scores over Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor on an RBI from Kyle Isbel in the sixth inning of Thursday's 4-3 win. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)</figcaption>
 </figure>BRIAN DULIK Associated PressCLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;Kyle Isbel delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning&nbsp;to score Adam Frazier, two innings after driving in the tying run, and the Kansas City Royals beat the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Thursday.Frazier doubled off Hunter Gaddis (3-2) with two outs in the eighth and Isbel followed with a liner to right, giving Kansas City a split of the two-game series. The clubs were rained out on Wednesday.“I had a lot of opportunities today, late in the game with a chance to take the lead,” Isbel said. “I put a good swing on a ball and got a good pitch to hit.”The Royals pulled within four games of Cleveland in the division, winning for the third time in 10 games since May 25. Sam Long (1-1) pitched the seventh and James McArthur picked up his 12th save as Kansas City’s bullpen pitched 5 1/3 hitless innings.“We don’t win if they don’t put up the zeroes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The Guardians have gone through a lot of these games, too, and that’s why these teams are winning.”José Ramírez hit a solo homer and drove in two runs for the Guardians, who have the third-best record in baseball at 40-21, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. Cleveland entered the day an MLB-best 21-7 at home.Isbel was in the lineup for the first time since Sunday, when he sustained a head injury in a collision with teammate Bobby Witt Jr. against San Diego. He also is recovering from small facial fractures after fouling a ball off his face at Tampa Bay on May 25.“Some freak accidents,” Isbel said. “I don’t wish that upon anybody, but I’m feeling good.”Kansas City scored twice in the sixth to tie it at 3. Hunter Renfroe doubled in Freddy Fermin, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1798798489595359732">MJ Melendez jumped over the attempted tag</a>&nbsp;of Guardians catcher Bo Naylor and touched home on Isbel’s grounder. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy called Melendez out, but it was overturned on a replay challenge by the Royals.“It was a tough play, just an unfortunate turn that didn’t go our way,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “I haven’t seen the replay, but I’m sure they got it right.”Ramírez, who leads the majors with 60 RBIs, gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead in the third with a 422-foot blast into the right-field stands. He also singled home Steven Kwan in the fourth to make it 3-1, chasing Royals starter Brady Singer.“I think I’ve tried everything against (Ramírez) and he’s still gotten me,” Singer said. “He’s a real, real good hitter.”Ramírez homered for the eighth time in 20 games and has 50 RBIs in his last 46 contests. He also moved past Manny Ramirez into eighth place in franchise history with 806 career RBIs.Guardians starter Tanner Bibee struck out seven in five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Singer went 3 2/3 innings and gave up two earned runs after missing his previous turn in the rotation with an illness.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 2B Michael Massey (low back ligament strain), who was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 26, will be re-assessed Friday in Kansas City.Guardians: RHP Eli Morgan (right elbow inflammation) had a “small shutdown, but is going to start his throwing progression again,” according to Vogt.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel Lynch IV (0-0, 1.50 ERA) faces Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (5-5, 3.18) as Kansas City begins a seven-game homestand Friday.Guardians: LHP Logan Allen (6-3, 5.83 ERA) takes on Marlins LHP Ryan Weathers (3-5, 3.41 ERA) in the opener of a three-game road series Friday.

⚾ Royals win Thursday in Cleveland

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fresh off its three-game sweep of the Fayetteville Regional, K-State is set to compete in the program's second NCAA Super Regional and face No. 12 national seed Virginia in a best-of-three series, starting Friday at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville Virginia.&nbsp;

The Fayetteville Regional Champions (35-24) are two wins away from Omaha, as the winner between the Cats and Cavaliers (44-15) will advance to the 2024 College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, beginning on June 14.

The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 5.07 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener and will go head-to-head with the Cavaliers' left-hander Evan Blanco (7-3, 3.57). With 105 strikeouts this year, Boerema holds the single-season senior-class strikeouts record.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>, who is nine strikeouts away from breaking current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks' single-season strikeouts record, will start Saturday. &nbsp;

Friday's Super Regional opener marks the first meeting between K-State and Virginia in school history.

In the regional championship, K-State scored seven runs in a two-inning span over the second and third innings and received eight scoreless innings from its bullpen to defeat No. 4 seed SEMO, 7-2, and advance to the Super Regional.

Five Wildcats were named to the Fayetteville Regional all-tournament team with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, who went 7-for-12 (.583) with two home runs and seven RBI, was named the Fayetteville Regional's most valuable player. Culpepper was joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(third base),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;(outfield),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;(starting pitcher), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(relief pitcher) on the regional's all-tournament team.

Tickets are available through the Virginia athletic ticket office. All three games of the Charlottesville Super Regional can be seen on ESPNU and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network. A free, live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717704107034.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy of Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fresh off its three-game sweep of the Fayetteville Regional, K-State is set to compete in the program's second NCAA Super Regional and face No. 12 national seed Virginia in a best-of-three series, starting Friday at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville Virginia.&nbsp;The Fayetteville Regional Champions (35-24) are two wins away from Omaha, as the winner between the Cats and Cavaliers (44-15) will advance to the 2024 College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, beginning on June 14.The Cats will send lefty graduate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/11457">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 5.07 ERA) to the mound in Friday's series opener and will go head-to-head with the Cavaliers' left-hander Evan Blanco (7-3, 3.57). With 105 strikeouts this year, Boerema holds the single-season senior-class strikeouts record.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>, who is nine strikeouts away from breaking current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks' single-season strikeouts record, will start Saturday. &nbsp;Friday's Super Regional opener marks the first meeting between K-State and Virginia in school history.In the regional championship, K-State scored seven runs in a two-inning span over the second and third innings and received eight scoreless innings from its bullpen to defeat No. 4 seed SEMO, 7-2, and advance to the Super Regional.Five Wildcats were named to the Fayetteville Regional all-tournament team with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/11460">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, who went 7-for-12 (.583) with two home runs and seven RBI, was named the Fayetteville Regional's most valuable player. Culpepper was joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-parsons/11530">Jaden Parsons</a>&nbsp;(third base),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/11526">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;(outfield),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-wentworth/11477">Jackson Wentworth</a>&nbsp;(starting pitcher), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/11470">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;(relief pitcher) on the regional's all-tournament team.Tickets are available through the Virginia athletic ticket office. All three games of the Charlottesville Super Regional can be seen on ESPNU and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network. A free, live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

⚾ K-State prepped for NCAA Charlottesville Super Regional

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.

The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year's draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game's outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

Chiefs lineman hospitalized after cardiac event during team meeting

The College Football Bowl schedule for the 2024-25 season has officially been released on Thursday. There will be a total of 47 postseason games, including 46 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games including the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format and the National Championship Game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717699936505.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy College Football Bowl Season" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy College Football Bowl Season</figcaption>
 </figure>The College Football Bowl schedule for the 2024-25 season has officially been released on Thursday. There will be a total of 47 postseason games, including 46 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games including the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format and the National Championship Game.

🏈 Bowl schedule for 2024-25 season released

The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year’s draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game’s outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717698357421.png" alt="FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas City Chiefs’ B.J. Thompson (53) walks to the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday, June 6, 2024, after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs backup B.J. Thompson was taken to a hospital in stable condition Thursday after the defensive lineman experienced a cardiac event during a team meeting, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the event, said team trainers and medical staff were able to react quickly and treat Thompson until paramedics arrived.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. That is when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players will speak to reporters.The 27-year-old Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs out of Stephen F. Austin in last year’s draft. The only game Thompson appeared in was their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Kansas City already had clinched its playoff spot and the game’s outcome was meaningless. Thompson had two tackles in that game.

🏈 Chiefs backup lineman taken to hospital after cardiac event during team meeting, AP source says

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717691178448.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash; The University of Kansas announced Thursday that Head Women&rsquo;s Basketball Coach Brandon Schneider has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Lawrence through the 2027-28 season.
 The upcoming 2024-25 campaign will be Schneider&rsquo;s 10th season on the Kansas sideline. He was named the sixth coach in program history on April 20, 2015, and he previously signed a four-year contract in 2022.
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <blockquote style="text-align: center;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 &quot;Coach Schneider continues to demonstrate the ability to elevate Kansas Women&apos;s Basketball to new heights. On-court success has reached new levels, with three-straight postseason appearances and high-water marks for conference wins. He and his staff continue to recruit and develop high-character young women who represent KU exceptionally well in the classroom and in the community as well. Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball is a program that belongs on the national stage - competing for Big 12 Championships - and we are very excited about Brandon&rsquo;s future and our continued success in women&rsquo;s basketball.&quot;
 KANSAS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS TRAVIS GOFF</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 Schneider has guided the Jayhawks to the postseason in each of the past three seasons, including NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and 2024 along with winning the 2023 WNIT Championship. The 2023-24 season featured KU&rsquo;s third-straight 20-win season as the Jayhawks finished 20-13, which included an 11-7 finish in Big 12 play. Kansas currently has its longest streak of 20-win seasons since doing it in three-straight years from 2011-13, and the Jayhawks have the program&rsquo;s third-straight season finishing .500 or better in Big 12 play, the longest such streak since four-straight from 1997-2000.
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <blockquote style="text-align: center;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 &quot;We are grateful for Chancellor Douglas Girod, Director of Athletics Travis Goff and Deputy Athletics Director Nicole Corcoran for their continued confidence in our ability to lead and advance the Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball program.&quot;
 BRANDON SCHNEIDER</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 Last season, Kansas recorded two wins against top 10 opponents and three wins over top 25 foes, both of which marked the first time a KU team had accomplished since the 1999-2000 season. The Jayhawks earned the program&rsquo;s first win over Baylor since 2014, defeating the then-No. 4 Bears 87-66 on Jan. 10, 2024, which was the program&rsquo;s third win over a top 5 opponent in school history and first since 2009. Kansas finished the season 20-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where KU faced top-seeded USC in one of the top five most-watched second round games in tournament history.
 Kansas finished the 2023-24 season 13-1 at Allen Fieldhouse, the best home record for the Jayhawks since 1997-98, and support followed as KU finished with an average attendance of 3,550 fans per game, which is the second-highest total in program history. Following the season, two-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention selection Taiyanna Jackson was selected in the second round of the WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. Jackson became the eighth WNBA Draft pick in program history, and the first since 2015.
 Season tickets for the 2024-25 Kansas Women&rsquo;s Basketball campaign are now on sale. For as low as $95, fans can reserve their seat at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the entire season. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting <a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&linkID=kansas&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">KUAthletics.com</a> or calling 800-34-HAWKS.
</div></div>

🏀 WBB: Schneider inks 2-year contract extension at KU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687535007377.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Sports Commission
 
Wichita, KS&nbsp;&ndash; The Wichita Sports Commission announced today the finalists for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
A selection committee made up of Division I Baseball Coaches, Sports Information Directors and Major League Scouts selected these three outstanding catchers from a list of 16 semifinalists announced on May 22.&nbsp;
These three catchers will be invited to Wichita, KS with the winner being announced June 26th during the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet and Buster Posey Award presentation.
The National Collegiate Catcher of Year Award was established in 2000.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Buster Posey Award Finalists
Jacob Cozart, Jr. North Carolina State - Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First Team
Walker Janek, Jr. Sam Houston State - Conference USA (CUSA) Defensive Player of the Year
Ryan Stafford, Jr. Cal Poly - Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Year
&nbsp;
More information and player stats can be seen at&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitasports.com/buster-posey-award/" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);border: 0px;">https://wichitasports.com/buster-posey-award/</a>
&nbsp;
The Greater Wichita Sports Banquet will be held at Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. Tickets go on sale to the public June 10. For updates on the events and tickets, visit wichitasports.com</div>

⚾ Finalists announced for Buster Posey Award

WICHITA –&nbsp;&nbsp;A 2024 matchup between the Shockers and Sooners is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Charles Koch Arena.

The last time the Sooners came to The Roundhouse, the Shockers claimed an 88-83 victory in 2019.

The Shockers are 7-15 all-time against Oklahoma and are seeking revenge after a loss in Norman a season ago when the Shockers took a first-half lead over then No. 23 Sooners, but Oklahoma's second-half effort gave them the win.

Game time and TV info will be announced at a later date. The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be released in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717688662712.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA –&nbsp;&nbsp;A 2024 matchup between the Shockers and Sooners is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Charles Koch Arena.The last time the Sooners came to The Roundhouse, the Shockers claimed an 88-83 victory in 2019.The Shockers are 7-15 all-time against Oklahoma and are seeking revenge after a loss in Norman a season ago when the Shockers took a first-half lead over then No. 23 Sooners, but Oklahoma's second-half effort gave them the win.Game time and TV info will be announced at a later date. The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be released in the coming weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: WSU to host OU in November

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714490337713.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Sports Arena. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Sports Arena. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KSHSAA
 
TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;- The Kansas State High School Activities Association has selected sites for the 2025 KSHSAA state basketball championships. All seven sites have hosted at least once previously.&nbsp; &nbsp; After hosting the 1A Division I state championships last season, the Colby Event Center has been selected to host the 1A Division II state championships in 2025. The 2A tournaments will return to their traditional home at Bramlage Coliseum after a year&rsquo;s hiatus.&nbsp; &nbsp; The KSHSAA continues to have a strong relationship with Barton Community College who has hosted the 1A Division II Tournaments the last three years. Colby will be the fourth community to host the 1A Division II state championships since the class split into divisions in 2011. In 2019, Class 1A held a single tournament without divisions. &nbsp; &ldquo;The student-athletes, coaches, school communities and officials who participated in the 1A Division I tournament in Colby last year had a great experience,&rdquo; KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick said. &ldquo;Colby was given a chance last year and hosted great championship tournaments. We know they will do the same in 2025. With two new hotels coming online before the 2025 tournaments, the experience for teams, families, fans and officials will be even better.&rdquo; &nbsp; Barton Community College couldn&rsquo;t commit to hosting for a fourth year due to potential events on their campus the week of the state basketball tournaments. &nbsp; &ldquo;Trevor Rolfs and his team of Heather Panning, Todd Moore, Brooke Thompson, Brandon Smith, Kelsey Feist, Megan Besecker and more did a tremendous job hosting for us the past three years and we thank them for the outstanding job they did,&rdquo; KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski said. &ldquo;We appreciate their team and also understand the need for them to pass on a hosting opportunity in 2025.&rdquo; &nbsp; 2025 KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament Hosts: 6A: &nbsp;Wichita State University, Koch Arena 5A: &nbsp;Emporia Parks and Recreation, White Auditorium 4A: &nbsp;Tony&rsquo;s Pizza Event Center, Salina 3A: &nbsp;Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A: &nbsp;Visit Manhattan, Bramlage Coliseum 1A DI: &nbsp;Dodge City High School and Dodge City Sports Commission, United Wireless Arena 1A DII: &nbsp;Colby Event Center, Colby</div>

🏀 KSHSAA announces 2025 state tournament sites

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-c05210020bced129bb12bcf9fc841ffa">Dallas Mavericks</a>&nbsp;and Boston Celtics prepare to tip off the NBA Finals, the four biggest names in the series are looking at this moment through different lenses.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown-celtics-nba-finals-666a4277102481346e7c9b262528fde5">Celtics’ most tenured and scrutinized stars</a>&nbsp;on their roster – see it as a chance at redemption after falling just short two seasons ago and then failing to return last year.

“You think that you’re young, if you’ve been once, you’ll continue to keep going,” Tatum said. “We realized that last year. We kind of took it for granted at certain moments.”

“I’m not thinking about what it would mean for my legacy or anything like that,” he said. “Just excited to play some basketball ... and go out there and try to get the job done.”

Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving see it as their first opportunity to make good on a partnership that began late last season after Irving was traded from Brooklyn following a tumultuous run of two-plus seasons with the Nets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717678595184.png" alt="Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, May 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, May 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports WriterBOSTON (AP) — As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-c05210020bced129bb12bcf9fc841ffa">Dallas Mavericks</a>&nbsp;and Boston Celtics prepare to tip off the NBA Finals, the four biggest names in the series are looking at this moment through different lenses.Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jayson-tatum-jaylen-brown-celtics-nba-finals-666a4277102481346e7c9b262528fde5">Celtics’ most tenured and scrutinized stars</a>&nbsp;on their roster – see it as a chance at redemption after falling just short two seasons ago and then failing to return last year.“You think that you’re young, if you’ve been once, you’ll continue to keep going,” Tatum said. “We realized that last year. We kind of took it for granted at certain moments.”And now?“I’m not thinking about what it would mean for my legacy or anything like that,” he said. “Just excited to play some basketball ... and go out there and try to get the job done.”Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving see it as their first opportunity to make good on a partnership that began late last season after Irving was traded from Brooklyn following a tumultuous run of two-plus seasons with the Nets.But the duo was still learning to play with each other during their truncated time together last season and didn’t make it to the postseason. After a slow start this season, they found cohesion after the All-Star break and emerged from a deep Western Conference field.For Irving, it has been a reminder that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-mavericks-celtics-kyrie-irving-ad6baa150b21fdc3039bc90339e3fd42">success can be fleeting</a>. He won his lone championship with Cleveland in 2016 and has played with three teams over the past eight years. His time in Dallas has reinvigorated him.“These young guys are very hungry. They want a championship. I want a championship,” he said. “So our feelings are very mutual. But I’ve always reminded them that this is a process. Failure is going to be part of this, too. Get it out your mind that this is about to be a clean sweep or everything is about to feel good throughout this journey and all that.“I’m just very real, very honest. That’s what’s helped me grow as a leader.”Doncic credits the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-nba-finals-bd786b3d9611aad6742508b171369a8c">partnership with Irving</a>&nbsp;for uncorking the potential of a team that entered the postseason as a fifth seed.“His leadership is amazing,” Doncic said. “The way he connects us. I think me and Kyrie are the leaders of this team, but he’s the one that’s been in the Finals. He’s the one that won in the Finals. He’s the one that is really leading it.”They’ll matchup with a Boston team playing like a group that has learned from its recent shortcomings. That was exhibited during a 64-win regular season that established it as a favorite to raise the franchise’s 18th championship banner entering the postseason.Through the first three rounds, the Celtics have met the challenge, losing just two games along the way under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-mazzulla-celtics-nba-finals-ec3271c1bc95d73ef24209fe4fa874b5">guidance of second-year coach Joe Mazzulla</a>.They’ve also benefited from an offseason shakeup of its roster that saw longtime emotional leader Marcus Smart and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon traded in favor of 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, who won a championship with Milwaukee in 2021.Brown said a core that features seven players from the 2022 team that lost in the Finals to Golden State, is up to the challenge.“I think this is a special group. I really do,” Brown said. “We’ve been able to go through the experiences of having success but not having success at the same time. I think to solidify the ultimate goal is to get over the hump and win. I think that will add a lot to our legacy. But as of right now, that story is kind of still untold.”<h2>COACHING PERSPECTIVES</h2>This stage is nothing new to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who is in the Finals for the fifth time as a player or coach.He has experienced lows, such as losing back-to-back trips to the Finals in 2002 and 2003 as a player with the New Jersey Nets. He has also seen success, earning his lone title as a player with Dallas in 2011 at age 38 and one as an assistant on the Lakers 2020 championship team.The biggest lesson he has taken away is to approach it like business and be ready to live with the results. That has been his message to his team throughout these playoffs.“This is the best of the best at the highest level,” Kidd said. “It’s fun. That’s what the Finals are all about, is seeing what team is going to step forward and take advantage of mistakes.”Mazzulla was an assistant on Ime Udoka’s staff in 2022. What he learned from that experience is that the details of winning never change, even on this stage.“The toughest team will win,” Mazzulla said. “The team that makes the most plays will win. The team that can execute the details at a high level will win. It’s no different.”<h2>FRIENDS AND COMPETITORS</h2>Irving is ready for what he expects to be an icy greeting from Boston’s home crowd for Game 1 on Thursday.Celtics fans haven’t held a high opinion of him since he ended two disappointing seasons in Boston by leaving for the Nets and joining Kevin Durant in free agency in 2019.He then rankled the Boston faithful even more when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-boston-celtics-nba-sports-b1b101e3944f3a75001bb88bc1cf27c4">flipped his middle finger</a>&nbsp;at fans after making a shot during Brooklyn’s first round playoff series loss to the Celtics in 2022. But he said he is looking forward to matching up with “brothers” and former teammates Tatum and Brown.“They’ve gotten tremendously better. They’ve led their team to this point. So I’m proud of them,” Irving said. “I’m looking forward to the competition because this is what we’ve all strived for since we were kids, basketball at this level playing against the best of the best.”