PHOENIX (AP) — Selection Sunday also happens to be the biggest complaint day on the sports calendar. Right after the bracket for March Madness is revealed, college basketball fans across the country complain about teams that were left out, received a low seed or have to travel across the country. But the process for determining the field is rooted in methods developed through years of building brackets. The 12-person selection committee spends the season monitoring teams across the country before gathering five days before Selection Sunday to being building the bracket. They are guided by a detailed set of rules that make sure the best 68 teams in the country get the chance to play.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Steve Sarkisian is college football’s latest $10 million man. The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Thursday approved a raise and contract extension for the Longhorns coach to boosts his guaranteed salary to $10.3 million this year and sign him through the 2030 season. The four-year extension makes Sarkisian one of the highest paid coaches in the country. Texas won the Big 12 last season and made the College Football Playoff. Sarkisian's original contract paid him $5.8 million this year. The board's approval was expected. The extension was announced in January. The board published financial details last week.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jake Waters has been promoted to Iowa State running backs coach after working as a senior offensive quality control staff member the past three years. Waters was an ISU graduate assistant in 2017 and coached tight ends, fullbacks and wide receivers at UTEP over three seasons before he returned to Ames in 2021. Waters was national junior college offensive player of the year for Iowa Western Community College in 2012 and a two-year starting quarterback at Kansas State. He returned to Iowa Western as volunteer quarterbacks coach for two years before his first stint at Iowa State.

UNDATED (AP) — Gamers will be blocked from manually adding players to EA Sports’ new college football game who decide not to accept an offer to have their name, image and likeness used in it. EA Sports revealed the safeguard Thursday in its announcement that it has begun reaching out to athletes to pay them to be featured in the game that’s set to launch this summer. EA Sports said players who opt in to the game will receive a minimum of $600 and a copy of EA Sports College Football 25. EA Sports didn’t say how it plans to prevent people from adding the opt-outs.

UNDATED (AP) — The 12-team College Football Playoff is 10 months away from kicking off. The format is finally locked in. University presidents have unanimously approved one last tweak to increase the number of at-large bids from six to seven. The change reserves five spots for conference champions instead of six. The move was prompted by conference realignment and the demise of the Pac-12. The process of expanding the CFP from four to 12 teams began in 2019. The new system finally arrives during the upcoming 2024 season. The next two seasons are expected to be something of a test drive.

MIAMI (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that former AL batting champion Tim Anderson has agreed to a one-year contact with the Miami Marlins. The deal for the shortstop is pending a physical, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet announced. The agreement is worth $5 million, according to ESPN. Anderson is Miami’s first big free agent addition of the offseason. The two-time All-Star became a free agent in November after the Chicago White Sox declined a $14 million option, completing a $25 million, six-year contract.

UNDATED (AP) — One National League All-Star right-hander is getting the largest contract ever for a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. Another All-Star pitcher is expected to miss the start of the season for the New York Mets. A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Mitch Keller and the Pirates have agreed to a new $77 million, five-year contract. Meanwhile, the Mets are shutting down Kodai Senga because of a shoulder strain. Their All-Star right-hander will likely start the season on the injured list. Senga is going into the second year of a $75 million, five-year deal in New York after pitching 11 seasons in Japan.

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — MLB’s new uniform reveal hasn’t gone very well. Now the rampant criticism has moved below the belt. Major League Baseball Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer confirmed on Thursday that the organization is relaying concerns from players to MLB about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through. The complaints — first reported by ESPN — are part of broader scorn for the new uniforms, which are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics. Commissioner Rob Manfred previously said he expects criticism to fade, but that was before the below-the-belt criticisms.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, who was dropped from a lawsuit in December that had been filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State football players in 2021. The signing was announced by Araiza’s agent, Joe Linta, and confirmed a short while later by the Super Bowl champions. The lawsuit filed by the woman came after a party in 2021 in which she claimed Araiza had sex with her in a side yard, then brought her inside a house where a group of men took turns raping her. She agreed to drop Araiza from the lawsuit when prosecutors concluded he was no longer at the party when the alleged raped occurred, and he agreed to drop a defamation countersuit against her.

HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AP) — The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods had a rough welcome in his first attempt at playing a PGA Tour event. Charlie Woods shot an 86 at a pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic. That's one of four pre-qualifiers from which a total of about two dozen players advance to the main Monday qualifier for next week's PGA Tour stop. Woods didn't make a birdie at Lost Lake Golf Club. His round came undone with a 12 on the par-4 seventh hole. The leading score was 65. Woods tied for 110th out of 112 players who turned in a score.

VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) — Erik van Rooyen of South Africa is feeling right at home in Mexico. Van Rooyen began the Mexico Open at Vidanta with a 63 for a one-shot lead over Sami Valimaki of Finland. Van Rooyen is trying to win a PGA Tour title for the second time in four months in Mexico. He won the World Wide Technology Championship last November. Van Rooyen had a pair of eagles at the Vallarta Vidanta course. Among those two behind was Cristobal Del Solar. He shot 57 two weeks ago on the Korn Ferry Tour in Bogota.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Sara Scalia scored 25 points, All-America center Mackenzie Holmes had 24 points and nine rebounds, and No. 14 Indiana frustrated Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark in an 86-69 win over the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes. Playing for the first time since she broke the NCAA women’s career scoring record, Clark finished with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds but struggled from the field. She was 8 of 26 overall and 3 of 16 on 3-pointers while scoring just four points in the second half.

Final (21)Washington St. 77 (4)Arizona 74

Final Oklahoma City 129 L.A. Clippers 107

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Friday, February 23rd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Friday, February 23rd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Selection Sunday also happens to be the biggest complaint day on the sports calendar. Right after the bracket for March Madness is revealed, college basketball fans across the country complain about teams that were left out, received a low seed or have to travel across the country. But the process for determining the field is rooted in methods developed through years of building brackets. The 12-person selection committee spends the season monitoring teams across the country before gathering five days before Selection Sunday to being building the bracket. They are guided by a detailed set of rules that make sure the best 68 teams in the country get the chance to play.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Steve Sarkisian is college football’s latest $10 million man. The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Thursday approved a raise and contract extension for the Longhorns coach to boosts his guaranteed salary to $10.3 million this year and sign him through the 2030 season. The four-year extension makes Sarkisian one of the highest paid coaches in the country. Texas won the Big 12 last season and made the College Football Playoff. Sarkisian's original contract paid him $5.8 million this year. The board's approval was expected. The extension was announced in January. The board published financial details last week.AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jake Waters has been promoted to Iowa State running backs coach after working as a senior offensive quality control staff member the past three years. Waters was an ISU graduate assistant in 2017 and coached tight ends, fullbacks and wide receivers at UTEP over three seasons before he returned to Ames in 2021. Waters was national junior college offensive player of the year for Iowa Western Community College in 2012 and a two-year starting quarterback at Kansas State. He returned to Iowa Western as volunteer quarterbacks coach for two years before his first stint at Iowa State.UNDATED (AP) — Gamers will be blocked from manually adding players to EA Sports’ new college football game who decide not to accept an offer to have their name, image and likeness used in it. EA Sports revealed the safeguard Thursday in its announcement that it has begun reaching out to athletes to pay them to be featured in the game that’s set to launch this summer. EA Sports said players who opt in to the game will receive a minimum of $600 and a copy of EA Sports College Football 25. EA Sports didn’t say how it plans to prevent people from adding the opt-outs.UNDATED (AP) — The 12-team College Football Playoff is 10 months away from kicking off. The format is finally locked in. University presidents have unanimously approved one last tweak to increase the number of at-large bids from six to seven. The change reserves five spots for conference champions instead of six. The move was prompted by conference realignment and the demise of the Pac-12. The process of expanding the CFP from four to 12 teams began in 2019. The new system finally arrives during the upcoming 2024 season. The next two seasons are expected to be something of a test drive.MIAMI (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that former AL batting champion Tim Anderson has agreed to a one-year contact with the Miami Marlins. The deal for the shortstop is pending a physical, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet announced. The agreement is worth $5 million, according to ESPN. Anderson is Miami’s first big free agent addition of the offseason. The two-time All-Star became a free agent in November after the Chicago White Sox declined a $14 million option, completing a $25 million, six-year contract.UNDATED (AP) — One National League All-Star right-hander is getting the largest contract ever for a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher. Another All-Star pitcher is expected to miss the start of the season for the New York Mets. A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Mitch Keller and the Pirates have agreed to a new $77 million, five-year contract. Meanwhile, the Mets are shutting down Kodai Senga because of a shoulder strain. Their All-Star right-hander will likely start the season on the injured list. Senga is going into the second year of a $75 million, five-year deal in New York after pitching 11 seasons in Japan.PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — MLB’s new uniform reveal hasn’t gone very well. Now the rampant criticism has moved below the belt. Major League Baseball Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer confirmed on Thursday that the organization is relaying concerns from players to MLB about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through. The complaints — first reported by ESPN — are part of broader scorn for the new uniforms, which are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics. Commissioner Rob Manfred previously said he expects criticism to fade, but that was before the below-the-belt criticisms.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, who was dropped from a lawsuit in December that had been filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State football players in 2021. The signing was announced by Araiza’s agent, Joe Linta, and confirmed a short while later by the Super Bowl champions. The lawsuit filed by the woman came after a party in 2021 in which she claimed Araiza had sex with her in a side yard, then brought her inside a house where a group of men took turns raping her. She agreed to drop Araiza from the lawsuit when prosecutors concluded he was no longer at the party when the alleged raped occurred, and he agreed to drop a defamation countersuit against her.HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AP) — The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods had a rough welcome in his first attempt at playing a PGA Tour event. Charlie Woods shot an 86 at a pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic. That's one of four pre-qualifiers from which a total of about two dozen players advance to the main Monday qualifier for next week's PGA Tour stop. Woods didn't make a birdie at Lost Lake Golf Club. His round came undone with a 12 on the par-4 seventh hole. The leading score was 65. Woods tied for 110th out of 112 players who turned in a score.VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) — Erik van Rooyen of South Africa is feeling right at home in Mexico. Van Rooyen began the Mexico Open at Vidanta with a 63 for a one-shot lead over Sami Valimaki of Finland. Van Rooyen is trying to win a PGA Tour title for the second time in four months in Mexico. He won the World Wide Technology Championship last November. Van Rooyen had a pair of eagles at the Vallarta Vidanta course. Among those two behind was Cristobal Del Solar. He shot 57 two weeks ago on the Korn Ferry Tour in Bogota.BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Sara Scalia scored 25 points, All-America center Mackenzie Holmes had 24 points and nine rebounds, and No. 14 Indiana frustrated Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark in an 86-69 win over the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes. Playing for the first time since she broke the NCAA women’s career scoring record, Clark finished with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds but struggled from the field. She was 8 of 26 overall and 3 of 16 on 3-pointers while scoring just four points in the second half.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (3)Purdue 96 Rutgers 68Final (21)Washington St. 77 (4)Arizona 74NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Indiana 129 Detroit 115Final New York 110 Philadelphia 96Final Toronto 121 Brooklyn 93Final Orlando 116 Cleveland 109Final Dallas 123 Phoenix 113Final Oklahoma City 129 L.A. Clippers 107Final Boston 129 Chicago 112Final New Orleans 127 Houston 105Final Denver 130 Washington 110Final Charlotte 115 Utah 107Final Sacramento 127 San Antonio 122Final Golden State 128 L.A. Lakers 110NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Ottawa 4 Dallas 1Final Pittsburgh 4 Montreal 1Final Carolina 1 Florida 0Final OT Detroit 2 Colorado 1Final Washington 5 Tampa Bay 3Final N-Y Rangers 5 New Jersey 1Final St. Louis 4 N-Y Islanders 0Final OT Calgary 3 Boston 2Final Toronto 7 Vegas 3

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matt-araiza-rape-lawsuit-dismissed-ba34b821c0e5ff59268c6ae0c7b2842f" target="_blank">dropped from a lawsuit in December</a>&nbsp;that had been filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State football players in 2021.

The signing was announced by Araiza’s agent, Joe Linta, and confirmed a short while later by the team.

“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs,” Araiza said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl champs!”

Araiza earned the nickname the “Punt God” at San Diego State while earning All-America honors during the 2021 season, when his massive kicks helped the Aztecs go a school-best 12-2 his senior season. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he was released two days after the woman filed her lawsuit.

She alleged that she was 17 and attending an off-campus party in October 2021 when Araiza, then 21, had sex with her in a side yard at an off-campus house. The woman then claimed he brought her to a bedroom, where a group of men took turns raping her, but Araiza has said he never entered the home during the party and left before the alleged rape occurred.

The woman reported the alleged assault to San Diego police the following day, and her lawsuit was filed in August 2022.

Araiza and most of the other players named in the lawsuit claimed that their encounters with her were consensual.

After a month-long investigation, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said in December it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-college-football-sports-san-diego-matt-araiza-76d2ff963ac11c28ed741851f9a710fa" target="_blank">would not file criminal charges</a>. An audio recording was released of a meeting between prosecutors and the woman in which deputy District Attorney Trisha Amador said she concluded, based on a witness statement, that Araiza “wasn’t even at the party anymore” when the alleged rape could have occurred and he wasn’t visible in videos that were recovered.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The woman agreed to dismiss Araiza from the lawsuit, and he agreed to dismiss a defamation countersuit against her.

“Matt has been forced to defend himself for the last 16 months against false accusations and a campaign to ruin his career in the NFL. He will never get this time in his life back,” Araiza’s attorneys, Dick Semerdjian and Kristen Bush, said at the time.

Last year, the New York Jets hosted Araiza for a workout at the team’s facility, six days after a San Diego State investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matt-araiza-bills-no-charges-feb9c3c5d67d0230c118746288a552ce" target="_blank">found no wrongdoing by him</a>&nbsp;in connection with the alleged rape. He did not sign with the team.

Araiza now appears to be getting his long-awaited shot in the NFL with a team coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

Tommy Townsend, a first-team All-Pro in 2022, will be a free agent next month. The Chiefs are hard-pressed for salary cap space, and it appears they have decided they can save money by signing Araiza to replace their punter from the past four years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707336003255.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matt-araiza-rape-lawsuit-dismissed-ba34b821c0e5ff59268c6ae0c7b2842f" target="_blank">dropped from a lawsuit in December</a>&nbsp;that had been filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State football players in 2021.The signing was announced by Araiza’s agent, Joe Linta, and confirmed a short while later by the team.“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs,” Araiza said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl champs!”Araiza earned the nickname the “Punt God” at San Diego State while earning All-America honors during the 2021 season, when his massive kicks helped the Aztecs go a school-best 12-2 his senior season. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he was released two days after the woman filed her lawsuit.She alleged that she was 17 and attending an off-campus party in October 2021 when Araiza, then 21, had sex with her in a side yard at an off-campus house. The woman then claimed he brought her to a bedroom, where a group of men took turns raping her, but Araiza has said he never entered the home during the party and left before the alleged rape occurred.The woman reported the alleged assault to San Diego police the following day, and her lawsuit was filed in August 2022.Araiza and most of the other players named in the lawsuit claimed that their encounters with her were consensual.After a month-long investigation, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said in December it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-college-football-sports-san-diego-matt-araiza-76d2ff963ac11c28ed741851f9a710fa" target="_blank">would not file criminal charges</a>. An audio recording was released of a meeting between prosecutors and the woman in which deputy District Attorney Trisha Amador said she concluded, based on a witness statement, that Araiza “wasn’t even at the party anymore” when the alleged rape could have occurred and he wasn’t visible in videos that were recovered.&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman agreed to dismiss Araiza from the lawsuit, and he agreed to dismiss a defamation countersuit against her.“Matt has been forced to defend himself for the last 16 months against false accusations and a campaign to ruin his career in the NFL. He will never get this time in his life back,” Araiza’s attorneys, Dick Semerdjian and Kristen Bush, said at the time.Last year, the New York Jets hosted Araiza for a workout at the team’s facility, six days after a San Diego State investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/matt-araiza-bills-no-charges-feb9c3c5d67d0230c118746288a552ce" target="_blank">found no wrongdoing by him</a>&nbsp;in connection with the alleged rape. He did not sign with the team.Araiza now appears to be getting his long-awaited shot in the NFL with a team coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles.Tommy Townsend, a first-team All-Pro in 2022, will be a free agent next month. The Chiefs are hard-pressed for salary cap space, and it appears they have decided they can save money by signing Araiza to replace their punter from the past four years.

🏈 Chiefs sign punter Matt Araiza

Below are results from area student-athletes after Day 1 of the 2024 KSHSAA boys wrestling championship. Day 2 will take place on Friday, and Day 3 on Saturday. Class 6A and 5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4A and 3-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.

More information can be found on the KSHSAA website <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/State.cfm">here</a>.

BUHLER 126 - Sammy Hershberger, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 144 - Cruz Hershberger, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 165 - Dawsyn Valdois, 0-2, eliminated

HALSTEAD 126 - Clayton Considine, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 285 - Connor Herman, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

HAVEN 120 - Tanner Loughrie,&nbsp;1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 126 - Jacob Moore, Jr.,&nbsp;1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 144 - Dustin Loughrie, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 150 - Ty Lastinger, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

HUTCHINSON 106 - Cruz Cannon, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 120 - Jair Maciel, 0-2, eliminated 144 - Max Harris, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 150 - Jackson Anderson, 0-2, eliminated 157 - Kade Smith,&nbsp;2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 190 - Skyler Ray, 0-2, eliminated 285 - Camden Jensen, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday

KINGMAN 144 - Kade Osborn, Jr., 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 175 - Collin Schreiner, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

LYONS 106 - Easton Benavidez, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 113 - AJ Almanza, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 120 - Jace Grizzle, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 132 - Isaac Fall, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Nate Dold, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 215 - Elijah Martinez, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

McPHERSON 106 - John Robben, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Hayden Farley, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 165 - Landon Thompson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 175 - Jase Fitzmorris, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 190 - Brock Richardson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 285 - Carter Spotted-Elk, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

NICKERSON 150 - Kristopher Monroe, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

PRATT 106 - Alex Chavez, 0-2, eliminated 138 - Brandon Western, 0-2, eliminated 144 - Trace Mehlhorn, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 150 - Blake Winsor, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Wyatt Lovell, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 165 - Taye Wilson, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708223941153.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Below are results from area student-athletes after Day 1 of the 2024 KSHSAA boys wrestling championship. Day 2 will take place on Friday, and Day 3 on Saturday. Class 6A and 5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4A and 3-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.More information can be found on the KSHSAA website <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/State.cfm">here</a>.BUHLER 126 - Sammy Hershberger, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 144 - Cruz Hershberger, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 165 - Dawsyn Valdois, 0-2, eliminatedHALSTEAD 126 - Clayton Considine, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 285 - Connor Herman, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayHAVEN 120 - Tanner Loughrie,&nbsp;1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 126 - Jacob Moore, Jr.,&nbsp;1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 144 - Dustin Loughrie, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 150 - Ty Lastinger, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayHUTCHINSON 106 - Cruz Cannon, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 120 - Jair Maciel, 0-2, eliminated 144 - Max Harris, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 150 - Jackson Anderson, 0-2, eliminated 157 - Kade Smith,&nbsp;2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 190 - Skyler Ray, 0-2, eliminated 285 - Camden Jensen, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on FridayKINGMAN 144 - Kade Osborn, Jr., 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 175 - Collin Schreiner, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayLYONS 106 - Easton Benavidez, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 113 - AJ Almanza, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 120 - Jace Grizzle, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 132 - Isaac Fall, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Nate Dold, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 215 - Elijah Martinez, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayMcPHERSON 106 - John Robben, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Hayden Farley, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 165 - Landon Thompson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 175 - Jase Fitzmorris, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 190 - Brock Richardson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 285 - Carter Spotted-Elk, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayNICKERSON 150 - Kristopher Monroe, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayPRATT 106 - Alex Chavez, 0-2, eliminated 138 - Brandon Western, 0-2, eliminated 144 - Trace Mehlhorn, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 150 - Blake Winsor, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 157 - Wyatt Lovell, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 165 - Taye Wilson, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday

🤼‍♂️ Area boys results from Day 1 of state tournament

Below are results from area student-athletes after Day 1 of the 2024 KSHSAA&nbsp;girls wrestling championship. Day 2 will take place on Friday, and Day 3 on Saturday.&nbsp;Class 6-5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.

More information can be found on the KSHSAA website <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/StateGirls.cfm">here</a>.

BUHLER 105 - Kimber Crabbs, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 145 - Macey Parks, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

HALSTEAD 125 - Kahlyn Davis, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Callyn Divine, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 235 - Zandri Watkins, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

HAVEN 155 - Trista Rogers,&nbsp;2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday

KINGMAN 190 - Taylor McGowne, 0-2, eliminated

LYONS 105 - Krysten Young, 0-2, eliminated 110 - Kennedy Grizzle, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Alexa Guzman, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

McPHERSON 155 - Hunter Wilson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 235 - Ciara Rawson, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday

NICKERSON 235 - Elizabeth Dick, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

PRATT 115 - Taylor Creadick, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 120 - Miranda Webb, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 125 - Gracelyn Hembree, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Wendy Candia, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 135 - Keimarla Thompson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 140 - Brylee Richardson, 0-2, eliminated 145 - Gloria Webb, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 155 - Emmaline Primrose, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707627210911.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Below are results from area student-athletes after Day 1 of the 2024 KSHSAA&nbsp;girls wrestling championship. Day 2 will take place on Friday, and Day 3 on Saturday.&nbsp;Class 6-5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.More information can be found on the KSHSAA website <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/StateGirls.cfm">here</a>.BUHLER 105 - Kimber Crabbs, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 145 - Macey Parks, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayHALSTEAD 125 - Kahlyn Davis, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Callyn Divine, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on Friday 235 - Zandri Watkins, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayHAVEN 155 - Trista Rogers,&nbsp;2-0, winners bracket semifinal on FridayKINGMAN 190 - Taylor McGowne, 0-2, eliminatedLYONS 105 - Krysten Young, 0-2, eliminated 110 - Kennedy Grizzle, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Alexa Guzman, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayMcPHERSON 155 - Hunter Wilson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 235 - Ciara Rawson, 2-0, winners bracket semifinal on FridayNICKERSON 235 - Elizabeth Dick, 1-1, consolation bracket on FridayPRATT 115 - Taylor Creadick, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 120 - Miranda Webb, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 125 - Gracelyn Hembree, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 130 - Wendy Candia, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 135 - Keimarla Thompson, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 140 - Brylee Richardson, 0-2, eliminated 145 - Gloria Webb, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday 155 - Emmaline Primrose, 1-1, consolation bracket on Friday

🤼‍♀️ Area girls results from Day 1 of state tournament

McPHERSON – Led by first baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bowie_mac_309y">Mac Bowie</a>'s two round-trippers, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team hit a season-high five home runs as the Blue Dragons roll to their eighth-straight victory to open the season.

The Blue Dragons pounded out a season-high 18 hits in an 18-3 seven-inning run-rule victory over the Central Christian College JV at Lightcap Federal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon in McPherson.

Now off to the second-best start in program history, the Blue Dragons are 8-0 with five run-rule victories. The best start to a season without a loss is 9-0 in 2006. The Blue Dragons begin a three-game series at No. 5 McLennan on Friday in Waco, Texas.

Bowie had his first career two-home run game and a season-high four RBis to pace the Blue Dragon offense. Bowie was 2 for 3 overall, scoring three runs against the Tigers. He hit a solo home run in the first inning and launched a three-run blast in Hutchinson's seven-run fourth inning.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/gunderson_cody_npi8">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 with a two-run homer, single and double with two RBIs. Gunderson and Bowie went back-to-back in a three-run first inning.

Louis Pimental-Guerrero hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Cymbalista was 2 for 3 coming off the bench with two RBIs

Ten different Blue Dragons had hits for the Blue Dragons on Wednesday.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three hits in five at-bats with two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base. Jarrett Herman went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 5 with a double&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/summers_jackson_drux">Jackson Summers</a>&nbsp;had a pair of RBIs.

The Dragons' four doubles tied a season high. The 36 total bases were a season high for Hutchinson. The Blue Dragons last had five home runs in a single game on April 17, 2023 against the Sterling College JV.

Seven Hutchinson pitchers worked one inning each on Wednesday. Those seven pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. This is the seventh tie in eight games the Blue Dragon pitching staff reached double figures in strikeouts.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wilson_rece_a2uw">Rece Wilson</a>&nbsp;(1-0) was credited with the victory. Wilson and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maholland_max_91b4">Max Maholland</a>&nbsp;had three strikeouts each in their single innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/mckay_gus_ihyq">Gus McKay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perez_nic_j110">Nic Perez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perkins_ashton_8hhl">Ashton Perkins</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/snyder_landen_wpvr">Landen Snyder</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/combs_sean_gpip">Sean Combs</a>&nbsp;also worked on the mound on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708622255564.jpeg" alt="Colin Cymbalista hits one of five home runs on Wednesday that lifted the Blue Dragons to an 18-3 victory over the Central Christian College JV in McPherson" />
 <figcaption>Colin Cymbalista hits one of five home runs on Wednesday that lifted the Blue Dragons to an 18-3 victory over the Central Christian College JV in McPherson</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsMcPHERSON – Led by first baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/bowie_mac_309y">Mac Bowie</a>'s two round-trippers, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team hit a season-high five home runs as the Blue Dragons roll to their eighth-straight victory to open the season.The Blue Dragons pounded out a season-high 18 hits in an 18-3 seven-inning run-rule victory over the Central Christian College JV at Lightcap Federal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon in McPherson.Now off to the second-best start in program history, the Blue Dragons are 8-0 with five run-rule victories. The best start to a season without a loss is 9-0 in 2006. The Blue Dragons begin a three-game series at No. 5 McLennan on Friday in Waco, Texas.Bowie had his first career two-home run game and a season-high four RBis to pace the Blue Dragon offense. Bowie was 2 for 3 overall, scoring three runs against the Tigers. He hit a solo home run in the first inning and launched a three-run blast in Hutchinson's seven-run fourth inning.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/gunderson_cody_npi8">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 3 with a two-run homer, single and double with two RBIs. Gunderson and Bowie went back-to-back in a three-run first inning.Louis Pimental-Guerrero hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Cymbalista was 2 for 3 coming off the bench with two RBIsTen different Blue Dragons had hits for the Blue Dragons on Wednesday.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/tucker_jordan_v8wz">Jordan Tucker</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three hits in five at-bats with two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base. Jarrett Herman went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/griffin_hank_70om">Hank Griffin</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 5 with a double&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/summers_jackson_drux">Jackson Summers</a>&nbsp;had a pair of RBIs.The Dragons' four doubles tied a season high. The 36 total bases were a season high for Hutchinson. The Blue Dragons last had five home runs in a single game on April 17, 2023 against the Sterling College JV.Seven Hutchinson pitchers worked one inning each on Wednesday. Those seven pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. This is the seventh tie in eight games the Blue Dragon pitching staff reached double figures in strikeouts.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wilson_rece_a2uw">Rece Wilson</a>&nbsp;(1-0) was credited with the victory. Wilson and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/maholland_max_91b4">Max Maholland</a>&nbsp;had three strikeouts each in their single innings of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/mckay_gus_ihyq">Gus McKay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perez_nic_j110">Nic Perez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/perkins_ashton_8hhl">Ashton Perkins</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/snyder_landen_wpvr">Landen Snyder</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/combs_sean_gpip">Sean Combs</a>&nbsp;also worked on the mound on Wednesday.

⚾ Blue Dragons roll to 8th straight victory

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, February 22nd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Thursday, February 22nd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="February 22nd, 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=agux2-158d04f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 HutchCC Men get by NWKS Tech 🏀 HutchCC Women win 26th game 🏀 WSU gets win

DALLAS (AP) — There are already discussions about possibly expanding the College Football Playoff again. A day after the yearslong process was finalized for how the 12 teams for the expanded playoff will be selected for the next two seasons, the potential of a 14-team bracket for 2026 and beyond was brought up during a meeting of the CFP management committee in Dallas on Wednesday. Governance of the playoff, the format and the distribution of growing revenue after the next two seasons were all discussed in the meeting that lasted nearly nine hours. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips says it was a productive and collegial meeting.

WACO, Texas (AP) — Dre’una Edwards scored 20 points and No. 24 Baylor defeated Kansas 69-61 reaching 20 wins for the 24th-straight season. The Bears had a 65-50 lead when Edwards scored inside with 4:43 to play before the Jayhawks put together an 11-2 run, pulling within 67-61 on a Zakiyah Franklin 3-pointer. But Jada Walker made two free throws with 32.9 seconds remaining to wrap to it up. Freshman S’Mya Nichols was 10 of 10 from the foul line and matched her career high with 23 points for the Jayhawks, who had their five-game winning streak snapped.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 34 points and No. 10 Kansas State rallied to beat No. 22 West Virginia 73-64 in overtime Wednesday night. Lee scored the opening basket of overtime which was followed by a two-pointer by Serena Sundell for an early four point lead in the extra frame. The Wildcats (23-4, 12-3 Big 12) used a 9-0 run in overtime to win by nine. Kansas State was up 57-53 after Eliza Maupin made the second of two free throws with 10 seconds left. JJ Quinerly then hit a 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining to get the Mountaineers (22-4, 11-4) within one. Lee made the second of two free throws a second later and Jordan Harrison beat the buzzer with a layup to send the game to overtime.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Javon Small scored 19 points and Jamyron Keller scored 15 and Oklahoma State beat Cincinnati 80-76 and put a severe dent in the Bearcats’ NCAA Tournament hopes. Eric Dailey Jr.’s 3 with 3:01 left put Oklahoma State 69-68 and the Cowboys never trailed again. Dan Skillings turned it over for the Bearcats on their following possession, and after Dailey rebound his miss off a short-shot attempt, he threw the ball out to Wright who sank a 3 for a four-point lead with 2:15 to go. Simas Lukosius scored 17 points for Cincinnati.

HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AP) — Charlie Woods is taking the first step toward trying to play on the PGA Tour. The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods is in the pre-qualifier Thursday for the Cognizant Classic. Roughly the leading 25 players advance to the Monday qualifier. Only four players get into the tournament. Charlie Woods is no stranger to the spotlight. He's been playing with his father in the PNC Championship the last four years. That's the 36-hole event in which major champions team up with a family member. Charlie Woods will be on his own this time at Lost Lake Golf Club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, February 22nd, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, February 22nd, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — There are already discussions about possibly expanding the College Football Playoff again. A day after the yearslong process was finalized for how the 12 teams for the expanded playoff will be selected for the next two seasons, the potential of a 14-team bracket for 2026 and beyond was brought up during a meeting of the CFP management committee in Dallas on Wednesday. Governance of the playoff, the format and the distribution of growing revenue after the next two seasons were all discussed in the meeting that lasted nearly nine hours. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips says it was a productive and collegial meeting.WACO, Texas (AP) — Dre’una Edwards scored 20 points and No. 24 Baylor defeated Kansas 69-61 reaching 20 wins for the 24th-straight season. The Bears had a 65-50 lead when Edwards scored inside with 4:43 to play before the Jayhawks put together an 11-2 run, pulling within 67-61 on a Zakiyah Franklin 3-pointer. But Jada Walker made two free throws with 32.9 seconds remaining to wrap to it up. Freshman S’Mya Nichols was 10 of 10 from the foul line and matched her career high with 23 points for the Jayhawks, who had their five-game winning streak snapped.MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee scored 34 points and No. 10 Kansas State rallied to beat No. 22 West Virginia 73-64 in overtime Wednesday night. Lee scored the opening basket of overtime which was followed by a two-pointer by Serena Sundell for an early four point lead in the extra frame. The Wildcats (23-4, 12-3 Big 12) used a 9-0 run in overtime to win by nine. Kansas State was up 57-53 after Eliza Maupin made the second of two free throws with 10 seconds left. JJ Quinerly then hit a 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining to get the Mountaineers (22-4, 11-4) within one. Lee made the second of two free throws a second later and Jordan Harrison beat the buzzer with a layup to send the game to overtime.CINCINNATI (AP) — Javon Small scored 19 points and Jamyron Keller scored 15 and Oklahoma State beat Cincinnati 80-76 and put a severe dent in the Bearcats’ NCAA Tournament hopes. Eric Dailey Jr.’s 3 with 3:01 left put Oklahoma State 69-68 and the Cowboys never trailed again. Dan Skillings turned it over for the Bearcats on their following possession, and after Dailey rebound his miss off a short-shot attempt, he threw the ball out to Wright who sank a 3 for a four-point lead with 2:15 to go. Simas Lukosius scored 17 points for Cincinnati.HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AP) — Charlie Woods is taking the first step toward trying to play on the PGA Tour. The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods is in the pre-qualifier Thursday for the Cognizant Classic. Roughly the leading 25 players advance to the Monday qualifier. Only four players get into the tournament. Charlie Woods is no stranger to the spotlight. He's been playing with his father in the PNC Championship the last four years. That's the 36-hole event in which major champions team up with a family member. Charlie Woods will be on his own this time at Lost Lake Golf Club.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (7)Marquette 105 DePaul 71Final (8)Duke 84 Miami 55Final Penn St. 90 (12)Illinois 89Final (13)Alabama 98 (24)Florida 93Final George Mason 71 (16)Dayton 67Final LSU 75 (17)Kentucky 74Final New Mexico 68 (22)Colorado St. 66NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Buffalo 3 Montreal 2Final Philadelphia 3 Chicago 1Final Columbus 7 Anaheim 4Final Toronto 6 Arizona 3

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

GOODLAND, Kan. — The No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team battled late for an 89-84 win over Northwest Tech on Wednesday in the Max Jones Fieldhouse.

Hutchinson is now 22-4 overall and 17-3 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Blue Dragons are 0.5 games behind Cowley for second place and a full two games back of Barton for the top spot in the conference standings with four games remaining.

The Blue Dragons knocked down 10 free throws during the final 58 seconds to go from down 81-79 to up 89-81 before a desperation 3-pointer was knocked down by the Mavericks in the final seconds. 

JP Ricks finished the game with a career-high 26 points, knocking down 14-of-17 from the free throw line, including seven-of-seven in the final minute.&nbsp;

Hutchinson finished 31-of-38 at the foul stripe for 81.6 percent. The 31 made free throws is a season-high, edging out a 30-made free throw game against NEO in November. The Blue Dragons went to the line 43 times in that meeting with the Norse.

The Blue Dragons and Mavericks saw 12 ties and 16 lead changes throughout the course of the game. Hutchinson had the largest lead of the game at nine, nearly three minutes gone in the second half. Northwest Tech (11-15, 7-13) led by as many as four points, which they did several times throughout the game.

Hutchinson finished the game 27-of-53 (51 percent) from the floor, while Northwest Tech shot 43 percent (32-of-74).

The Mavericks on average go to the free throw line 29 times a game, knocking down 21 of those, both second-best in the NJCAA, were held to 17-of-21 at the stripe on Wednesday.

Besides the career-high 26 points from Ricks, he also brought down eight rebounds and dished off a team-high six assists in the win. Kam Thomas finished with 17 points, while Kernan Bundy added 16, and Tino Simon 10.&nbsp;

The one downside to the win for the Blue Dragons were the turnovers. Hutchinson committed a season-high 29 turnovers, 21 of which came in the first half. The 29 turnovers resulted in 36 Northwest Tech points.

The Mavericks were led by Keyishon Miller with 19 points, while Charles Fofanah added 18, Idris Williams 17, and Taiden Conner finished with 11 to lead Northwest Tech in double figures.

Hutchinson will travel to Liberal on Saturday to face Seward County for a 6 p.m. tip off. Northwest Tech will make their shortest trip of the season to Colby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708593263420.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND, Kan. — The No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team battled late for an 89-84 win over Northwest Tech on Wednesday in the Max Jones Fieldhouse.Hutchinson is now 22-4 overall and 17-3 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Blue Dragons are 0.5 games behind Cowley for second place and a full two games back of Barton for the top spot in the conference standings with four games remaining.The Blue Dragons knocked down 10 free throws during the final 58 seconds to go from down 81-79 to up 89-81 before a desperation 3-pointer was knocked down by the Mavericks in the final seconds. JP Ricks finished the game with a career-high 26 points, knocking down 14-of-17 from the free throw line, including seven-of-seven in the final minute.&nbsp;Hutchinson finished 31-of-38 at the foul stripe for 81.6 percent. The 31 made free throws is a season-high, edging out a 30-made free throw game against NEO in November. The Blue Dragons went to the line 43 times in that meeting with the Norse.The Blue Dragons and Mavericks saw 12 ties and 16 lead changes throughout the course of the game. Hutchinson had the largest lead of the game at nine, nearly three minutes gone in the second half. Northwest Tech (11-15, 7-13) led by as many as four points, which they did several times throughout the game.Hutchinson finished the game 27-of-53 (51 percent) from the floor, while Northwest Tech shot 43 percent (32-of-74).The Mavericks on average go to the free throw line 29 times a game, knocking down 21 of those, both second-best in the NJCAA, were held to 17-of-21 at the stripe on Wednesday.Besides the career-high 26 points from Ricks, he also brought down eight rebounds and dished off a team-high six assists in the win. Kam Thomas finished with 17 points, while Kernan Bundy added 16, and Tino Simon 10.&nbsp;The one downside to the win for the Blue Dragons were the turnovers. Hutchinson committed a season-high 29 turnovers, 21 of which came in the first half. The 29 turnovers resulted in 36 Northwest Tech points.The Mavericks were led by Keyishon Miller with 19 points, while Charles Fofanah added 18, Idris Williams 17, and Taiden Conner finished with 11 to lead Northwest Tech in double figures.Hutchinson will travel to Liberal on Saturday to face Seward County for a 6 p.m. tip off. Northwest Tech will make their shortest trip of the season to Colby.

🏀 MBB: Clutch free throws lift No. 15 HutchCC

GOODLAND, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team passed its first road test of the week with flying colors, dominating Northwest Tech on Wednesday, 91-52.

Hutchinson is now 26-0 overall, 20-0 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Blue Dragons still hold a 3.5 game lead on Dodge City in the conference standings with four games remaining.

The win also matches the third-best start and tie for the fourth-longest win streak in program history. The Blue Dragons tie the 1976-77 team that started the season 26-0.

The Blue Dragons knocked down a season-high 14 made 3-pointers and dished off a season-high 29 assists in the win.

HutchCC led 25-7 after the first quarter before outscoring the Mavericks in the second quarter, 31-7, to build a 56-19 lead at halftime. The Blue Dragons knocked down seven of 10 3-point tries in the second quarter to help grow the lead.

Kiki Smith led the Blue Dragons in scoring with 15 points in a team-high 23 minutes played. Monae Duffy added 13, as did Kahlen Norris, who set a new career-high in doing so. Akaysha Muggeridge added 12 points and six assists. Madi Denison finished with six points and a career-high 15 rebounds.

The Blue Dragons saw all 11 players on the roster contribute with at least two points each.&nbsp;

Northwest Tech (2-22, 1-19) was led in scoring by Tyjhanae Penny with a career-high 20 points. Traysha Newsome also finished in double figures with 10 points.&nbsp;

Hutchinson will travel to Liberal on Saturday to face Seward County. The Blue Dragons and the Saints will tip off at 4 p.m. Northwest Tech will make their shortest trip of the season to Colby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708592882949.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team passed its first road test of the week with flying colors, dominating Northwest Tech on Wednesday, 91-52.Hutchinson is now 26-0 overall, 20-0 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Blue Dragons still hold a 3.5 game lead on Dodge City in the conference standings with four games remaining.The win also matches the third-best start and tie for the fourth-longest win streak in program history. The Blue Dragons tie the 1976-77 team that started the season 26-0.The Blue Dragons knocked down a season-high 14 made 3-pointers and dished off a season-high 29 assists in the win.HutchCC led 25-7 after the first quarter before outscoring the Mavericks in the second quarter, 31-7, to build a 56-19 lead at halftime. The Blue Dragons knocked down seven of 10 3-point tries in the second quarter to help grow the lead.Kiki Smith led the Blue Dragons in scoring with 15 points in a team-high 23 minutes played. Monae Duffy added 13, as did Kahlen Norris, who set a new career-high in doing so. Akaysha Muggeridge added 12 points and six assists. Madi Denison finished with six points and a career-high 15 rebounds.The Blue Dragons saw all 11 players on the roster contribute with at least two points each.&nbsp;Northwest Tech (2-22, 1-19) was led in scoring by Tyjhanae Penny with a career-high 20 points. Traysha Newsome also finished in double figures with 10 points.&nbsp;Hutchinson will travel to Liberal on Saturday to face Seward County. The Blue Dragons and the Saints will tip off at 4 p.m. Northwest Tech will make their shortest trip of the season to Colby.

🏀 WBB: No. 1 Blue Dragons hit 14 3-pointers in blowout win

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women's basketball head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;has been named as one of 15 candidates for the 2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Women's Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List presented by AXIA Time in an announcement on Wednesday.

Mittie is the second K-State women's basketball head coach in the program's 56 seasons of action to earn consideration for Naismith Women's Coach of the Year honors, as Deb Patterson was a three-time finalist for the honor in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

K-State has achieved an overall record of 22-4 this season, which included a 14-game winning streak from December 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024. Among its 22 victories are four against Associated Press (AP) top-25 foes.

The Wildcats have improved upon its 2022-23 overall win total by three victories and its Big 12 record by six wins with four regular season contests remaining.

With its success on the court this season, the Wildcats achieved the program's highest ranking in the Mittie era (2014-present), as the team was ranked second in the nation in both the AP and Coaches polls in the same week for the first time in program history. It was the highest ranking for the program in the AP poll since Nov. 25, 2002, when K-State was ranked second.

According to Stats Perform, K-State was the first women's program since the start of the AP poll in 1976 to go from unranked in the preseason to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the same season.

Since making its poll debut on Nov. 20 this season, K-State has been ranked for 14 consecutive weeks. This is the longest consecutive streak for K-State since being ranked for the entirety of the 2004-05 season.

Aiding the team's performance this season has been one of the top defenses in the nation. K-State enters Wednesday's game as the Big 12 leaders in scoring defense (56.0 ppg). The Wildcats lead the league and are seventh in the nation in field goal percentage defense (.350) and 3-point FG percentage defense (.252). K-State has held 19 opponents to 60 points or less this season (19-0).K-State concludes a two-game home stand tonight, as the Wildcats host (22/22) West Virginia at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call (800) 221-CATS, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at Bramlage.

Wednesday's game can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and can be heard on the K-State Sports Network including the flagship stations Sunny 102.5 FM and 1350 KMAN, online at kstatesports.com, or on the K-State Sports app. The game will also be available on SiriusXM channels 137 or 199 and on the SiriusXM app.

2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Women's Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List Lisa Bluder, Iowa Kenny Brooks, Virginia Tech Cori Close, UCLA Lisa Fortier, Gonzaga Lindsay Gottlieb, USC Felisha Legette-Jack, Syracuse Kevin McGuff, Ohio State <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>, Kansas State Wes Moore, NC State Kim Mulkey, LSU JR Payne, Colorado Scott Rueck, Oregon State Vic Schaefer, Texas Dawn Staley, South Carolina Tara VanDerveer, Stanford

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706636033771.png" alt="FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie talks with Emilee Ebert (24) Rebekah Dallinger (14) and Serena Sundell (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State has its best ranking in 21 years after the Wildcats moved up to fourth in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women's basketball head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;has been named as one of 15 candidates for the 2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Women's Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List presented by AXIA Time in an announcement on Wednesday.Mittie is the second K-State women's basketball head coach in the program's 56 seasons of action to earn consideration for Naismith Women's Coach of the Year honors, as Deb Patterson was a three-time finalist for the honor in 2002, 2003 and 2005.K-State has achieved an overall record of 22-4 this season, which included a 14-game winning streak from December 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024. Among its 22 victories are four against Associated Press (AP) top-25 foes.The Wildcats have improved upon its 2022-23 overall win total by three victories and its Big 12 record by six wins with four regular season contests remaining.With its success on the court this season, the Wildcats achieved the program's highest ranking in the Mittie era (2014-present), as the team was ranked second in the nation in both the AP and Coaches polls in the same week for the first time in program history. It was the highest ranking for the program in the AP poll since Nov. 25, 2002, when K-State was ranked second.According to Stats Perform, K-State was the first women's program since the start of the AP poll in 1976 to go from unranked in the preseason to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the same season.Since making its poll debut on Nov. 20 this season, K-State has been ranked for 14 consecutive weeks. This is the longest consecutive streak for K-State since being ranked for the entirety of the 2004-05 season.Aiding the team's performance this season has been one of the top defenses in the nation. K-State enters Wednesday's game as the Big 12 leaders in scoring defense (56.0 ppg). The Wildcats lead the league and are seventh in the nation in field goal percentage defense (.350) and 3-point FG percentage defense (.252). K-State has held 19 opponents to 60 points or less this season (19-0).K-State concludes a two-game home stand tonight, as the Wildcats host (22/22) West Virginia at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, call (800) 221-CATS, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at Bramlage.Wednesday's game can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and can be heard on the K-State Sports Network including the flagship stations Sunny 102.5 FM and 1350 KMAN, online at kstatesports.com, or on the K-State Sports app. The game will also be available on SiriusXM channels 137 or 199 and on the SiriusXM app.2024 Werner Ladder Naismith Women's Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List Lisa Bluder, Iowa Kenny Brooks, Virginia Tech Cori Close, UCLA Lisa Fortier, Gonzaga Lindsay Gottlieb, USC Felisha Legette-Jack, Syracuse Kevin McGuff, Ohio State <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>, Kansas State Wes Moore, NC State Kim Mulkey, LSU JR Payne, Colorado Scott Rueck, Oregon State Vic Schaefer, Texas Dawn Staley, South Carolina Tara VanDerveer, Stanford

🏀 WBB: Mittie named to Naismith Women’s Coach of the Year late season list

<a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/StateGirls.cfm">State Girls Wrestling Information</a>

The 2024 Kansas State High School Activities Association state girls wrestling championship will run Thursday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 24. Class 6-5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.

BUHLER 105 - Kimber Crabbs, So., 26-1 145 - Macey Parks, So., 31-11

HALSTEAD 125 - Kahlyn Davis, Jr., 32-11 130 - Callyn Divine, Fr., 37-0 235 - Zandri Watkins, Fr., 16-11

HAVEN 155 - Trista Rogers, Jr., 33-6

KINGMAN 190 - Taylor McGowne, Jr., 8-10

LYONS 105 - Krysten Young, Jr., 24-16 110 - Kennedy Grizzle, So., 38-5 130 - Alexa Guzman, Sr., 41-6

McPHERSON 155 - Hunter Wilson, Sr., 34-8 235 - Ciara Rawson, Jr., 23-5

NICKERSON 235 - Elizabeth Dick, So., 17-14

PRATT 115 - Taylor Creadick, Fr., 24-15 120 - Miranda Webb, So., 31-7 125 - Gracelyn Hembree, So., 35-5 130 - Wendy Candia, Jr., 28-7 135 - Keimarla Thompson, Sr., 32-2 140 - Brylee Richardson, Fr., 24-17 145 - Gloria Webb, Sr., 26-14 155 - Emmaline Primrose, Sr., 34-7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708374931705.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State High School Activities Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State High School Activities Association</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/Wrestling/StateGirls.cfm">State Girls Wrestling Information</a>The 2024 Kansas State High School Activities Association state girls wrestling championship will run Thursday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 24. Class 6-5A will be held at Hartman Arena in Park City, while Class 4-1A will be held at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina.BUHLER 105 - Kimber Crabbs, So., 26-1 145 - Macey Parks, So., 31-11HALSTEAD 125 - Kahlyn Davis, Jr., 32-11 130 - Callyn Divine, Fr., 37-0 235 - Zandri Watkins, Fr., 16-11HAVEN 155 - Trista Rogers, Jr., 33-6KINGMAN 190 - Taylor McGowne, Jr., 8-10LYONS 105 - Krysten Young, Jr., 24-16 110 - Kennedy Grizzle, So., 38-5 130 - Alexa Guzman, Sr., 41-6McPHERSON 155 - Hunter Wilson, Sr., 34-8 235 - Ciara Rawson, Jr., 23-5NICKERSON 235 - Elizabeth Dick, So., 17-14PRATT 115 - Taylor Creadick, Fr., 24-15 120 - Miranda Webb, So., 31-7 125 - Gracelyn Hembree, So., 35-5 130 - Wendy Candia, Jr., 28-7 135 - Keimarla Thompson, Sr., 32-2 140 - Brylee Richardson, Fr., 24-17 145 - Gloria Webb, Sr., 26-14 155 - Emmaline Primrose, Sr., 34-7

🤼‍♀️ Area KSHSAA state girls qualifiers

Former Royals All-Star first baseman Eric Hosmer announced his retirement today on his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IVCXXMx4_I">new podcast&nbsp;Diggin’ Deep</a>.&nbsp;Hosmer enjoyed a 13-year career with the Royals, Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, with 1,753 career hits. He was a four-time Gold Glove winner, won All-Star Game MVP in 2016, and won a Silver Slugger in 2017.&nbsp;Hosmer helped lead &nbsp;Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series.

Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games.&nbsp;The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.

“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”

Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.

“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.

Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.

Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.

Hosmer was named the MVP in his lone All-Star Game appearance in 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708540394225.jpeg" alt="Eric Hosmer retires from baseball" />
 <figcaption>Eric Hosmer retires from baseball</figcaption>
 </figure>Former Royals All-Star first baseman Eric Hosmer announced his retirement today on his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IVCXXMx4_I">new podcast&nbsp;Diggin’ Deep</a>.&nbsp;Hosmer enjoyed a 13-year career with the Royals, Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, with 1,753 career hits. He was a four-time Gold Glove winner, won All-Star Game MVP in 2016, and won a Silver Slugger in 2017.&nbsp;Hosmer helped lead &nbsp;Kansas City to victory in the 2015 World Series. Hosmer, 34, was released by the Chicago Cubs on May 25 after hitting .234 with two home runs in 31 games.&nbsp;The first baseman decided not to pursue any other playing opportunities.“You have to be 110% committed and doing what is necessary both physically and mentally to play at the major league level and I reached a point where I wasn’t there anymore,” Hosmer said. “I’m very satisfied with my career. I feel like I accomplished a lot, was around a lot of great people and have a lot of good stories to tell.”Hosmer will begin telling those stories on air after partnering with former minor league teammate Anthony Seratelli to form MoonBall Media, which is launching a podcast called “Diggin’ Deep.” Hosmer will be one of the show’s hosts.“Now that the playing days are over, I feel like I have so many fun stories that I want to give back,” Hosmer said.Kansas City selected Hosmer third overall in the 2008 amateur draft and he made his major league debut three years later. He spent seven seasons with the Royals before signing an eight-year, $144 million contract with San Diego before the 2018 season.Hosmer played five seasons for the Padres before being traded to Boston in 2022, then finishing up with the Cubs last year. He had a .276 career batting average and 198 home runs.Hosmer was named the MVP in his lone All-Star Game appearance in 2016.

⚾ Eric Hosmer retires from baseball following a 13-year career and a World Series title

No. 15 Hutchinson (21-4, 16-3) at Northwest Kansas Tech (11-14, 7-12)&nbsp;

When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Where: Max Jones Fieldhouse, Goodland, KS Time: 8:30 p.m. CT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450.98.5), 6:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp; - Sean Boston (play-by-play) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=847559" target="_blank">NWT Maverick Network (PPV), 8:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_26_-_Northwest_Tech.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

Coming off a tough home loss on Saturday, the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team looks start a new winning streak starting Wednesday night on the road at Northwest Tech.

The Blue Dragons (21-4, 16-3 Jayhawk Conference) tip off against the Mavericks (11-14, 7-12 KJCCC) at 8:30 p.m. CT Wednesday at Goodland High School's Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland, Kansas.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning around 8:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The NWT Maverick Network will provide a pay-per-view video stream beginning around 8:25 p.m.

The Blue Dragons saw their season-long seven-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday after an 85-74 loss to No. 22 Butler at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson produced a season-low offensive output against the Grizzlies.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;led Hutchinson with 21 points.

The Blue Dragons are 3-0 in games following losses this season.

Despite the loss to Butler, last Wednesday's 88-86 road victory at No. 9 Cowley helped the Blue Dragons maintain their No. 15 national ranking this week. The Blue Dragons are 3-3 against nationally ranked opponents in 2023-24.

The loss, combined with Cowley's Sunday road win at Colby, moved the Blue Dragons down to third place in the Jayhawk Conference standings. The Dragons trail first-place and No. 2-ranked Barton by 1.5 games with five games to play. Hutchinson travels to Barton on March 2. The Dragons trail Cowley by 0.5 games for second place. The Blue Dragons need two more wins in the final five games to secure a first-round Region VI Tournament bye and automatic home game in the quarterfinal round.

Hutchinson will play 4 of its final 5 games of the regular season away from the Sports Arena. The Dragons are on the road this week and Northwest Tech on Wednesday and Seward County on Saturday. After the Sophomore Night home game against Coffeyville on February 28, the Dragons close the season at Barton and Garden City.

The Blue Dragons will have to defend one of the hottest scorers in the KJCCC in Northwest Tech's Keyishon Miller, who is fourth in the league in scoring at 19.0 points per game. Over his last 10 games, Miller is averaging 25.2 points per game, including 32 points in an 89-88 victory over Dodge City on Saturday in Goodland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708528162645.jpeg" alt="Kamryn Thomas and the No. 15-ranked Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays at Northwest Tech on Wednesday in Goodland (MacKenzie Frnaklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Kamryn Thomas and the No. 15-ranked Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays at Northwest Tech on Wednesday in Goodland (MacKenzie Frnaklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsNo. 15 Hutchinson (21-4, 16-3) at Northwest Kansas Tech (11-14, 7-12)&nbsp; When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Where: Max Jones Fieldhouse, Goodland, KS Time: 8:30 p.m. CT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450.98.5), 6:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp; - Sean Boston (play-by-play) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=847559" target="_blank">NWT Maverick Network (PPV), 8:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_26_-_Northwest_Tech.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>Coming off a tough home loss on Saturday, the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team looks start a new winning streak starting Wednesday night on the road at Northwest Tech.The Blue Dragons (21-4, 16-3 Jayhawk Conference) tip off against the Mavericks (11-14, 7-12 KJCCC) at 8:30 p.m. CT Wednesday at Goodland High School's Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland, Kansas.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning around 8:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The NWT Maverick Network will provide a pay-per-view video stream beginning around 8:25 p.m.The Blue Dragons saw their season-long seven-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday after an 85-74 loss to No. 22 Butler at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson produced a season-low offensive output against the Grizzlies.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;led Hutchinson with 21 points.The Blue Dragons are 3-0 in games following losses this season.Despite the loss to Butler, last Wednesday's 88-86 road victory at No. 9 Cowley helped the Blue Dragons maintain their No. 15 national ranking this week. The Blue Dragons are 3-3 against nationally ranked opponents in 2023-24.The loss, combined with Cowley's Sunday road win at Colby, moved the Blue Dragons down to third place in the Jayhawk Conference standings. The Dragons trail first-place and No. 2-ranked Barton by 1.5 games with five games to play. Hutchinson travels to Barton on March 2. The Dragons trail Cowley by 0.5 games for second place. The Blue Dragons need two more wins in the final five games to secure a first-round Region VI Tournament bye and automatic home game in the quarterfinal round.Hutchinson will play 4 of its final 5 games of the regular season away from the Sports Arena. The Dragons are on the road this week and Northwest Tech on Wednesday and Seward County on Saturday. After the Sophomore Night home game against Coffeyville on February 28, the Dragons close the season at Barton and Garden City.The Blue Dragons will have to defend one of the hottest scorers in the KJCCC in Northwest Tech's Keyishon Miller, who is fourth in the league in scoring at 19.0 points per game. Over his last 10 games, Miller is averaging 25.2 points per game, including 32 points in an 89-88 victory over Dodge City on Saturday in Goodland.

🏀 MBB: No. 15 HutchCC looks to rebound at NW Tech Wednesday

No. 1 Hutchinson (25-0, 19-0) at Northwest Kansas Tech (2-21, 1-18)&nbsp;

When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Where: Max Jones Fieldhouse, Goodland, KS Time: 6:30 p.m. CT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450.98.5), 6:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp; - Sean Boston (play-by-play) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=847559" target="_blank">NWT Maverick Network (PPV), 6:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/files/Women-s_Notes_26_-_Northwest_Tech.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team begins the home stretch of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday with a matchup against the Northwest Tech Mavericks.

The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (25-0, 19-0 Jayhawk Conference) meet the Mavericks (2-21, 1-18 Jayhawk Conference) at 6:30 p.m. CT at Goodland High School's Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland, Kansas.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The NWT Mavericks Sports Network will provide a pay-per-view videostream at 6:25 p.m.

The final five games of the regular season sees the Blue Dragons on the road for four of those games. After Northwest Tech on Wednesday, the Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Saturday before playing their final home game of the regular season next Wednesday against Coffeyville.

Hutchinson has a 3.5-game lead in the Jayhawk Conference over second-place Dodge City entering play on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are looking to capture their first league title since 2022 and first outright championship since 2020.

The Blue Dragons look to match the third-best start and tie for the fourth-longest winning streak in program history with a victory on Wednesday. The current Blue Dragons are looking to match the 1976-77 Blue Dragons, who started the season 26-0.

Win No. 25 for the Blue Dragons was a come-from-behind 71-65 victory over No. 21 Butler last Saturday at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons trailed by 10 points three different times in the first half and trailed 32-25 at halftime. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 15 of her game-high 29 points in the second half to lead the comeback.

Northwest Tech enters play on Wednesday in 13th place in the Jayhawk Conference. The Mavericks are on a six-game losing streak. Their last win came against Cowley, 79-75, on January 24 in Goodland.

The Mavericks lost to No. 16 Dodge City 92-55 on Saturday in Goodland. Torrai Logan had 17 points to lead Northwest Tech.

Hutchinson won the first meeting with Northwest Tech 92-44 on January 7 at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708527942683.jpeg" alt="The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons travel to Northwest Tech at 6:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday in Goodland. (MacKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons travel to Northwest Tech at 6:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday in Goodland. (MacKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsNo. 1 Hutchinson (25-0, 19-0) at Northwest Kansas Tech (2-21, 1-18)&nbsp; When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Where: Max Jones Fieldhouse, Goodland, KS Time: 6:30 p.m. CT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450.98.5), 6:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp; - Sean Boston (play-by-play) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=847559" target="_blank">NWT Maverick Network (PPV), 6:25 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/files/Women-s_Notes_26_-_Northwest_Tech.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team begins the home stretch of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday with a matchup against the Northwest Tech Mavericks.The NJCAA No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (25-0, 19-0 Jayhawk Conference) meet the Mavericks (2-21, 1-18 Jayhawk Conference) at 6:30 p.m. CT at Goodland High School's Max Jones Fieldhouse in Goodland, Kansas.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The NWT Mavericks Sports Network will provide a pay-per-view videostream at 6:25 p.m.The final five games of the regular season sees the Blue Dragons on the road for four of those games. After Northwest Tech on Wednesday, the Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Saturday before playing their final home game of the regular season next Wednesday against Coffeyville.Hutchinson has a 3.5-game lead in the Jayhawk Conference over second-place Dodge City entering play on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are looking to capture their first league title since 2022 and first outright championship since 2020.The Blue Dragons look to match the third-best start and tie for the fourth-longest winning streak in program history with a victory on Wednesday. The current Blue Dragons are looking to match the 1976-77 Blue Dragons, who started the season 26-0.Win No. 25 for the Blue Dragons was a come-from-behind 71-65 victory over No. 21 Butler last Saturday at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons trailed by 10 points three different times in the first half and trailed 32-25 at halftime. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 15 of her game-high 29 points in the second half to lead the comeback.Northwest Tech enters play on Wednesday in 13th place in the Jayhawk Conference. The Mavericks are on a six-game losing streak. Their last win came against Cowley, 79-75, on January 24 in Goodland.The Mavericks lost to No. 16 Dodge City 92-55 on Saturday in Goodland. Torrai Logan had 17 points to lead Northwest Tech.Hutchinson won the first meeting with Northwest Tech 92-44 on January 7 at the Sports Arena.

🏀 WBB: No. 1 Blue Dragons make long trek to NW Tech on Wednesday

DERBY, Kan. — The Hutch High Salthawks had their chances on Tuesday night in both games, but came up short in both. The Panther teams prevailed with the Lady Panthers rallying back after a great Salthawk start to beat Hutch 62-46. The boys game went two overtimes before Derby put the game away at the foul line to win 65-62 in a thriller.

The Salthawk girls jumped out to a 9-2 lead early and led at halftime 32-26, but a slow and rare third quarter start allowed Derby to get back into the game and take away a possible Salthawk upset for a Panther victory 62-46.&nbsp;

Hutchinson (11-8) now travel to Newton Friday to wrap up the regular season.

Along with the loss went the possibility of hosting a first round sub-state game as Hutchinson is now ranked in the 9th spot in the 5A West rankings. Kapaun Mt. Carmel is 12-7 and will play Wichita Heights on Friday.

Hutchinson was led by Grace Posch with 17, Kaia Smith 14, Azariah Dawes 6, Rachel Tomcat 5 and Kolbie Craft and Ava Krone each scored 2 pts.

Derby's super sophomore Macayla Askew led all scorers with 22, Destiny Smith added 14 while Madison Smith had 9 pts.

Derby (16-3) and seeded #2 in 6A West close out their season at Maize.

The Salthawks boys had their chances, but turnovers and missing free throws late in regulation cost Hutchinson dearly in the 65-60 double-overtime loss.&nbsp;

Hutch let at the end of the first quarter thanks to a half-court heave by Terrell King that banked in for a 13-10 lead, but trailed at the half by five 26-21. The third quarter found the Salthawks cutting the Derby lead to two 36-34 before Hutchinson rallied to tie up the game 49-49 at the end of regulation. Hutch was able to score five points on one possession late in the third quarter with and and one basket plus a Derby technical foul.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game in the first overtime, as Hutchinson got a late Jax Heneha steal but he could not get a shot off in time as the game headed into the second overtime tied at 55-55.

Derby's Jack Ulweling knocked down six straight free throws in the two overtime periods to seal the win for Derby.

Hutch was led in scoring with Terrell King's 17 points before fouling out in the first overtime. Jax Heneha score 12 before also fouling out in the second overtime. Julian Smith scored all of his 11 points in the second half including a huge trey that tied the game up late. Devon Spiller added 5 points as well.

Derby was led in scoring by Kaden Franklin with 20, Ulweling had 11 and Brayden Smith 9 for the bulk of Derby's scoring.

Derby (12-7) is tied with Maize (12-7) and play the Eagles in Maize on Friday to see who will have the opportunity to have a home court advantage throughout the 6A sub-states.

Hutchinson (13-6) will wrap up their regular season with a trip to Newton on Friday. Hutch is currently in the sixth spot in the 5A West behind Great Bend (14-5) and Hays (13-6). Great Bend and Hays play each other on Friday. &nbsp;Even though tied with Hays, Hutchinson is .89 points behind the Indians in the tie breaker formula of point differential used by KSHSAA.

KSHSAA will release the 5A seedings at 10am on Saturday, February 24.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677532844501.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DERBY, Kan. — The Hutch High Salthawks had their chances on Tuesday night in both games, but came up short in both. The Panther teams prevailed with the Lady Panthers rallying back after a great Salthawk start to beat Hutch 62-46. The boys game went two overtimes before Derby put the game away at the foul line to win 65-62 in a thriller.GIRLS UPDATE:The Salthawk girls jumped out to a 9-2 lead early and led at halftime 32-26, but a slow and rare third quarter start allowed Derby to get back into the game and take away a possible Salthawk upset for a Panther victory 62-46.&nbsp;Hutchinson (11-8) now travel to Newton Friday to wrap up the regular season.Along with the loss went the possibility of hosting a first round sub-state game as Hutchinson is now ranked in the 9th spot in the 5A West rankings. Kapaun Mt. Carmel is 12-7 and will play Wichita Heights on Friday.Hutchinson was led by Grace Posch with 17, Kaia Smith 14, Azariah Dawes 6, Rachel Tomcat 5 and Kolbie Craft and Ava Krone each scored 2 pts.Derby's super sophomore Macayla Askew led all scorers with 22, Destiny Smith added 14 while Madison Smith had 9 pts.Derby (16-3) and seeded #2 in 6A West close out their season at Maize.BOYS RECAP:The Salthawks boys had their chances, but turnovers and missing free throws late in regulation cost Hutchinson dearly in the 65-60 double-overtime loss.&nbsp;Hutch let at the end of the first quarter thanks to a half-court heave by Terrell King that banked in for a 13-10 lead, but trailed at the half by five 26-21. The third quarter found the Salthawks cutting the Derby lead to two 36-34 before Hutchinson rallied to tie up the game 49-49 at the end of regulation. Hutch was able to score five points on one possession late in the third quarter with and and one basket plus a Derby technical foul.Both teams had opportunities to win the game in the first overtime, as Hutchinson got a late Jax Heneha steal but he could not get a shot off in time as the game headed into the second overtime tied at 55-55.Derby's Jack Ulweling knocked down six straight free throws in the two overtime periods to seal the win for Derby.Hutch was led in scoring with Terrell King's 17 points before fouling out in the first overtime. Jax Heneha score 12 before also fouling out in the second overtime. Julian Smith scored all of his 11 points in the second half including a huge trey that tied the game up late. Devon Spiller added 5 points as well.Derby was led in scoring by Kaden Franklin with 20, Ulweling had 11 and Brayden Smith 9 for the bulk of Derby's scoring.Derby (12-7) is tied with Maize (12-7) and play the Eagles in Maize on Friday to see who will have the opportunity to have a home court advantage throughout the 6A sub-states.Hutchinson (13-6) will wrap up their regular season with a trip to Newton on Friday. Hutch is currently in the sixth spot in the 5A West behind Great Bend (14-5) and Hays (13-6). Great Bend and Hays play each other on Friday. &nbsp;Even though tied with Hays, Hutchinson is .89 points behind the Indians in the tie breaker formula of point differential used by KSHSAA.KSHSAA will release the 5A seedings at 10am on Saturday, February 24.

🏀 Salthawks swept on road at Derby

Blue Valley Randolph 55, Valley Heights 42

Hutchinson Central Christian 59, Fairfield 28

Medicine Lodge 72, Wichita Independent 68

Southeast of Saline 77, Republic County 25

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Tuesday, February 20th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Tuesday, February 20th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Abilene 72, Chapman 36Andover 76, Salina Central 43Andover Central 62, Goddard 45Atchison 77, KC Washington 49Axtell 45, Centralia 37Baldwin 65, Jefferson West 45Basehor-Linwood 67, Lansing 44Beloit 78, Smith Center 49Bennington 56, Inman 31Berean Academy 38, Marion 27Blue Valley 65, Metro Academy 56Blue Valley Randolph 55, Valley Heights 42Bucklin 82, Minneola 70Central Plains 41, Little River 27Chaparral 52, Douglass 33Cheney 67, Conway Springs 43Cimarron 45, Southwestern Hts. 41Circle 71, Winfield 41Coffeyville 56, Fort Scott 45Colby 73, Phillipsburg 45Concordia 69, Clay Center 58Cunningham 50, Attica 41Derby 65, Hutchinson 60, in 2 OTEl Dorado 64, Andale 42Ell-Saline 58, Hutchinson Trinity 37Ellinwood 45, Minneapolis 28Erie 51, Neodesha 39Fredonia 67, Caney Valley 64Frontenac 58, Columbus 51Galena 58, Southeast 48Garden City 72, Liberal 67Garden Plain 63, Belle Plaine 40Girard 50, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 29Goessel 74, Udall 51Halstead 56, Smoky Valley 49Haven 68, Larned 27Hays 43, Dodge City 25Heritage Christian 72, KC Bishop Ward 56Hesston 76, Nickerson 33Hill City 66, Norton 60Hillsboro 35, Hoisington 34Holcomb 72, Syracuse 44Hoxie 68, Oakley 42Humboldt 62, Crest 17Hutchinson Central Christian 59, Fairfield 28Junction City 67, Topeka 64, OTKC Piper 57, Topeka West 55La Crosse 64, Kinsley 31Lakin 80, Wichita County 49Logan 54, Oberlin-Decatur 45Louisburg 46, Paola 29Lyndon 84, Herington 35Macksville 84, Hodgeman County 70Maize 57, Newton 43Maize South 69, Wichita Campus 33Manhattan 77, Topeka Hayden 70Marysville 53, Wamego 45Maur Hill - Mount Academy 76, McLouth 64McPherson 43, Augusta 32Medicine Lodge 72, Wichita Independent 68Mill Valley 63, Olathe North 60Moundridge 54, Sterling 52Mulvane 49, Buhler 46Norwich def. Burrton, forfeitOlathe East 59, Gardner-Edgerton 47Olathe Northwest 54, SM West 49, OTOlathe South 73, SM South 53Osage City 54, Lebo 52Osborne 55, Rock Hills 30Oskaloosa 58, Jackson Heights 35Ottawa 60, Tonganoxie 37Oxford 71, Sedan 67Perry-Lecompton 49, Holton 39Pike Valley 61, Thunder Ridge 36Pittsburg 73, Labette County 54Pratt 62, Lyons 43Quinter 55, Trego 44Riverton 68, Baxter Springs 62Rose Hill 50, Clearwater 27Rossville 57, Rock Creek 50SM East 62, Olathe West 48SM Northwest 58, Lawrence Free State 41Sabetha 58, Hiawatha 36Santa Fe Trail 65, Anderson County 46Scott City 57, Goodland 53Silver Lake 70, Royal Valley 39South Central 61, Ingalls 38Southeast of Saline 77, Republic County 25Spring Hill 69, Bonner Springs 60St Marys 73, Wabaunsee 61St. Thomas Aquinas 63, Bishop Miege 49Stafford 57, Pretty Prairie 47Stanton County 60, Sublette 55Sylvan-Lucas 59, Lakeside 27Tescott 54, Chase 17Valley Center 72, Salina South 58Wellsville 62, Iola 46West Franklin 63, Northern Heights 40Wichita Bishop Carroll 69, Wichita North 30Wichita Classical 67, Flinthills 25Wichita Collegiate 60, Wellington 41Wichita Heights 49, Wichita West 32Wichita Northwest 51, Kapaun Mount Carmel 49Wichita South 62, Wichita East 43Wichita Trinity 62, Kingman 47Tuesday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 57, El Dorado 24Andover 61, Salina Central 39Argonia 39, Wichita Central Christian 32Arkansas City 31, Goddard-Eisenhower 30Attica 45, Cunningham 31BV Northwest 54, BV Southwest 30Baldwin 48, Jefferson West 43Beloit 58, Smith Center 47Bluestem 55, Cedar Vale-Dexter 28Bucklin 69, Minneola 30Caney Valley 54, Fredonia 47Central Heights 47, Southern Coffey County 22Centralia 52, Axtell 21Chapman 59, Abilene 47Cherryvale 69, Uniontown 31Cimarron 46, Southwestern Hts. 43Clearwater 50, Rose Hill 20Colby 38, Phillipsburg 23Derby 62, Hutchinson 46Ell-Saline 51, Hutchinson Trinity 36Flinthills 45, Wichita Classical 41Fort Scott 60, Coffeyville 54Frontenac 51, Columbus 41Galena 36, Southeast 28Garden Plain 63, Belle Plaine 40Gardner-Edgerton 60, Olathe East 57, OTGoessel 62, Udall 30Goodland 45, Scott City 34Haven 40, Larned 28Hays 45, Dodge City 15Hays-TMP-Marian 71, Plainville 29Heritage Christian 55, KC Bishop Ward 21Hesston 62, Nickerson 46Hiawatha 37, Sabetha 17Hillsboro 57, Hoisington 34Hodgeman County 44, Macksville 38Holton 35, Perry-Lecompton 24Hoxie 74, Oakley 52Humboldt 49, Yates Center 25Hutchinson Central Christian 52, Fairfield 29Ingalls 59, South Central 25Inman 52, Bennington 46Iola 41, Wellsville 37Jefferson North 52, Atchison County 19Kansas City Christian 37, Maranatha 32Kapaun Mount Carmel 42, Wichita Northwest 22Kinsley 33, La Crosse 30Labette County 50, Pittsburg 29Lawrence 61, SM North 22Liberal 57, Garden City 15Little River 55, Central Plains 27Louisburg 39, Paola 35Lyndon 49, Herington 25Maize 39, Newton 27Maize South 82, Wichita Campus 15McPherson 53, Augusta 16Mission Valley 60, KC East Christian, Mo. 23Moundridge 59, Sterling 36Mulvane 41, Buhler 35Neodesha 51, Erie 34Norton 52, Hill City 17Oberlin-Decatur 44, Logan 40Olathe North 57, Mill Valley 50Olathe Northwest 54, SM West 49, OTOlathe West 72, SM East 38Osage City 36, Lebo 35Osborne 64, Rock Hills 46Ottawa 47, Tonganoxie 14Pawnee Heights 38, Kiowa County 18Pratt 62, Lyons 29Pretty Prairie 56, Stafford 24Quinter 49, Trego 41Riverton 61, Baxter Springs 17Rossville 69, Rock Creek 25SM Northwest 68, Lawrence Free State 11Salina South 30, Valley Center 26Santa Fe Trail 57, Anderson County 42Shawnee Heights 57, Topeka Seaman 51Silver Lake 67, Royal Valley 35Smoky Valley 50, Halstead 47South Gray 52, Spearville 33Southeast of Saline 52, Republic County 28Spring Hill 54, Bonner Springs 37St Marys 51, Wabaunsee 40St. Thomas Aquinas 58, Bishop Miege 57Sylvan-Lucas 54, Lakeside 26Syracuse 68, Holcomb 26Thunder Ridge 54, Pike Valley 48Topeka Hayden 61, Manhattan 48Topeka West 62, KC Piper 50Troy 51, Doniphan West 48, OTValley Heights 78, Blue Valley Randolph 32Wallace County 52, Golden Plains 23Wellington 71, Wichita Collegiate 17West Franklin 48, Northern Heights 31Wichita Bishop Carroll 64, Wichita North 36Wichita County 53, Lakin 47Wichita Independent 70, Medicine Lodge 34Wichita South 58, Wichita East 54Wichita Trinity 46, Kingman 37

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Tuesday games

UNDATED (AP) — The field for the 12-team College Football Playoff will comprise five conference champions and seven at-large selections after the university presidents who oversee the CFP voted unanimously to tweak the format. The move to decrease the number of spots reserved for conference champions from six to five was prompted by realignment, including the demise of the Pac-12. The original plan for the 12-team format was to have the six highest-ranked conference champions, with the top four receiving first-round byes, and six at-large selections.

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Aly Khalifa had 14 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds to lead No. 25 BYU to a 78-71 victory over No. 11 Baylor on Tuesday night. Jaxson Robinson scored 16 points and Trevin Knell added 13 for the Cougars (19-7, 7-6 Big 12), who earned their third home victory over a Top 25 opponent this season. Jalen Bridges finished with 15 points and eight rebounds to lead the Bears. Ja’Kobe Walter and Yves Missi tallied 13 points apiece for Baylor (19-7, 8-5), which lost for just the second time in seven games.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 19 points and put 23rd-ranked Texas Tech ahead to stay with a three-point play with 39 seconds remaining as the Red Raiders rallied late for an 82-81 win over TCU. Texas Tech trailed 69-59 with 6:55 left. Isaacs scored nine of his points after that, including two more free throws with 12 seconds left. Darrion Williams, Joe Toussaint and Kerwin Walton each had 14 points for the 19-7 Red Raiders. Emanuel Miller and Avery Anderson III each had 15 points to lead six players scoring in double figures for 18-8 TCU. Jameer Nelson had 14 points.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 24 points and West Virginia never trailed in a 77-67 win over UCF. Jesse Edwards added 15 points and 10 rebounds while Quinn Slazinski scored 14 for West Virginia. The Mountaineers broke a four-game losing streak and moved out of a last-place tie with idle Oklahoma State. Battle fared much better than the last time he faced UCF, when he was held to five points and was ejected on Jan. 23. UCF has lost four straight. Darius Johnson scored a career-high 29 points and Marchelus Avery added 14 for UCF. Leading scorer Jaylin Sellers was limited to six points on 1 of 11 shooting.

UNDATED (AP) — Texas Tech forward Darrion Williams is The Associated Press national men’s college basketball player of the week after a perfect shooting performance in a rout of then-No. 6 Kansas last week. He was 12 for 12 from the field, hitting all four 3s, and 2 for 2 from the foul line in scoring a career-high 30 points. Williams also had 11 rebounds against the Jayhawks. Blake Hinson of Pittsburgh is the runner-up after scoring 27 points in a win over then-No. 21 Virginia, then hitting nine 3-pointers and scoring 41 points in a win over Louisville.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Steven Ashworth scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half as Creighton built a double-digit lead, and the No. 15 Bluejays knocked off UConn 85-66 for their first win over a No. 1-ranked team. Creighton led by 23 points with 10 minutes left but saw its lead cut to 10 before holding the Huskies scoreless on five straight possessions, rebuilding their cushion and prompting students to leave their seats to prepare for their court storming. UConn had its 14-game win streak end three days after it beat then-No. 4 Marquette by 28 points for one of the most impressive victories of the season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been charged with murder in last week’s shooting after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Court documents released Tuesday say the men were strangers who pulled out guns and began firing within seconds of starting an argument. Missouri prosecutors said at a news conference that Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, Missouri, and Dominic Miller, of Kansas City, Missouri, have been charged with second-degree murder and several weapons counts. The shooting left one person dead and roughly two dozen others injured. Mays and Miller were shot in the melee and have been hospitalized since.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — There are still some premium free agents available in baseball as the calendar nears March. Two-time Cy Young Winner Blake Snell, six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez and former MVP Cody Bellinger are among the players who haven't found a home. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said the game is at its best when the best players are on the field and he hopes they sign soon. But the sport's general managers don't seem particularly concerned with the stalemate.

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics probably won't be in Oakland a whole lot longer. The franchise is set to move to Las Vegas in a stadium that the team hopes is ready for the 2028 season. But the next few years could be rocky. The franchise's uncertain future was enough of a topic that manager Mark Kotsay addressed the issue in a team meeting on Monday. He wants to make sure players know his office is open if there are questions, even though he doesn’t have many answers. It’s unclear whether the franchise will play its 2025 home games in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco or a minor league stadium in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Talk about a tale of two tours. One golf shop had TVs showing LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at the same time. That's what golf looks like at the moment, and it isn't likely to change any time soon. The only place to find the best players in the world on the same stage is at the majors. The majors have always been the most important in golf. It seems now more than ever they're all that matter since players are scattered among two tours. But as time goes on, even the majors will be lacking all the best.

UNDATED (AP) — Rafael Devers is looking for some help — from the front office of the Boston Red Sox. With the Red Sox ramping up at the start of spring training, Devers made it clear that he felt the franchise should have done more to improve the roster over the winter. Devers batted .271 with 33 homers and 100 RBIs in 153 games last year, but Boston finished last in the loaded AL East with a 78-84 record. The 27-year-old third baseman finalized a 10-year contract with the Red Sox in January 2023 that is worth $313.5 million.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge’s big toe is more than a footnote for the New York Yankees. Judge missed 42 games after tearing a ligament in his right big toe when he crashed into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium last June 3, a big reason the Yankees fell from postseason contention. Judge says “it’s going to be I think a constant maintenance I think the rest of my career. Anything with injuries like that, you just got to stay on top of it so it doesn’t flare up again.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, February 21st, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Wednesday, February 21st, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — The field for the 12-team College Football Playoff will comprise five conference champions and seven at-large selections after the university presidents who oversee the CFP voted unanimously to tweak the format. The move to decrease the number of spots reserved for conference champions from six to five was prompted by realignment, including the demise of the Pac-12. The original plan for the 12-team format was to have the six highest-ranked conference champions, with the top four receiving first-round byes, and six at-large selections.PROVO, Utah (AP) — Aly Khalifa had 14 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds to lead No. 25 BYU to a 78-71 victory over No. 11 Baylor on Tuesday night. Jaxson Robinson scored 16 points and Trevin Knell added 13 for the Cougars (19-7, 7-6 Big 12), who earned their third home victory over a Top 25 opponent this season. Jalen Bridges finished with 15 points and eight rebounds to lead the Bears. Ja’Kobe Walter and Yves Missi tallied 13 points apiece for Baylor (19-7, 8-5), which lost for just the second time in seven games.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Pop Isaacs scored 19 points and put 23rd-ranked Texas Tech ahead to stay with a three-point play with 39 seconds remaining as the Red Raiders rallied late for an 82-81 win over TCU. Texas Tech trailed 69-59 with 6:55 left. Isaacs scored nine of his points after that, including two more free throws with 12 seconds left. Darrion Williams, Joe Toussaint and Kerwin Walton each had 14 points for the 19-7 Red Raiders. Emanuel Miller and Avery Anderson III each had 15 points to lead six players scoring in double figures for 18-8 TCU. Jameer Nelson had 14 points.MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 24 points and West Virginia never trailed in a 77-67 win over UCF. Jesse Edwards added 15 points and 10 rebounds while Quinn Slazinski scored 14 for West Virginia. The Mountaineers broke a four-game losing streak and moved out of a last-place tie with idle Oklahoma State. Battle fared much better than the last time he faced UCF, when he was held to five points and was ejected on Jan. 23. UCF has lost four straight. Darius Johnson scored a career-high 29 points and Marchelus Avery added 14 for UCF. Leading scorer Jaylin Sellers was limited to six points on 1 of 11 shooting.UNDATED (AP) — Texas Tech forward Darrion Williams is The Associated Press national men’s college basketball player of the week after a perfect shooting performance in a rout of then-No. 6 Kansas last week. He was 12 for 12 from the field, hitting all four 3s, and 2 for 2 from the foul line in scoring a career-high 30 points. Williams also had 11 rebounds against the Jayhawks. Blake Hinson of Pittsburgh is the runner-up after scoring 27 points in a win over then-No. 21 Virginia, then hitting nine 3-pointers and scoring 41 points in a win over Louisville.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Steven Ashworth scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half as Creighton built a double-digit lead, and the No. 15 Bluejays knocked off UConn 85-66 for their first win over a No. 1-ranked team. Creighton led by 23 points with 10 minutes left but saw its lead cut to 10 before holding the Huskies scoreless on five straight possessions, rebuilding their cushion and prompting students to leave their seats to prepare for their court storming. UConn had its 14-game win streak end three days after it beat then-No. 4 Marquette by 28 points for one of the most impressive victories of the season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been charged with murder in last week’s shooting after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Court documents released Tuesday say the men were strangers who pulled out guns and began firing within seconds of starting an argument. Missouri prosecutors said at a news conference that Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, Missouri, and Dominic Miller, of Kansas City, Missouri, have been charged with second-degree murder and several weapons counts. The shooting left one person dead and roughly two dozen others injured. Mays and Miller were shot in the melee and have been hospitalized since.GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — There are still some premium free agents available in baseball as the calendar nears March. Two-time Cy Young Winner Blake Snell, six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez and former MVP Cody Bellinger are among the players who haven't found a home. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said the game is at its best when the best players are on the field and he hopes they sign soon. But the sport's general managers don't seem particularly concerned with the stalemate.MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics probably won't be in Oakland a whole lot longer. The franchise is set to move to Las Vegas in a stadium that the team hopes is ready for the 2028 season. But the next few years could be rocky. The franchise's uncertain future was enough of a topic that manager Mark Kotsay addressed the issue in a team meeting on Monday. He wants to make sure players know his office is open if there are questions, even though he doesn’t have many answers. It’s unclear whether the franchise will play its 2025 home games in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco or a minor league stadium in Las Vegas.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Talk about a tale of two tours. One golf shop had TVs showing LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at the same time. That's what golf looks like at the moment, and it isn't likely to change any time soon. The only place to find the best players in the world on the same stage is at the majors. The majors have always been the most important in golf. It seems now more than ever they're all that matter since players are scattered among two tours. But as time goes on, even the majors will be lacking all the best.UNDATED (AP) — Rafael Devers is looking for some help — from the front office of the Boston Red Sox. With the Red Sox ramping up at the start of spring training, Devers made it clear that he felt the franchise should have done more to improve the roster over the winter. Devers batted .271 with 33 homers and 100 RBIs in 153 games last year, but Boston finished last in the loaded AL East with a 78-84 record. The 27-year-old third baseman finalized a 10-year contract with the Red Sox in January 2023 that is worth $313.5 million.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge’s big toe is more than a footnote for the New York Yankees. Judge missed 42 games after tearing a ligament in his right big toe when he crashed into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium last June 3, a big reason the Yankees fell from postseason contention. Judge says “it’s going to be I think a constant maintenance I think the rest of my career. Anything with injuries like that, you just got to stay on top of it so it doesn’t flare up again.”UNDATED (AP) — Streaming service FuboTV has filed an antitrust lawsuit against ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu, which are planning to launch a sports-streaming venture in the fall. The lawsuit has been filed in the Southern District of New York. FuboTV is seeking a jury trial. FuboTV not only wants the proposed joint venture shut down, but it is seeking cash damages. If the court does not rule to do either, FuboTV is seeking restrictions on the joint venture so that competition remains in the marketplace. The streaming services declined to comment. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the lawsuit.TUESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (15)Creighton 85 (1)UConn 66Final (5)Tennessee 72 Missouri 67Final (25)BYU 78 (11)Baylor 71Final (18)Saint Mary's (Cal.) 70 San Francisco 66Final Utah St. 68 (19)San Diego St. 63Final (23)Texas Tech 82 TCU 81NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Washington 6 New Jersey 2Final OT Florida 3 Ottawa 2Final N-Y Rangers 3 Dallas 1Final OT N-Y Islanders 5 Pittsburgh 4Final Winnipeg 6 Minnesota 3Final Colorado 3 Vancouver 1Final Nashville 5 Vegas 3