HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season girls wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area schools were represented across Classes 4A, 5A and 3-2-1A.

While no area program cracked the girls team top 10 in any classification, multiple individuals from Buhler, Lyons and Sterling appeared in the initial statewide lists.

Buhler’s Jackson and Parks Ranked in 4A

Buhler placed two wrestlers in the Class 4A individual rankings.

Junior Madi Jackson opens the season at No. 4 at 145 pounds after qualifying for state last season. At 130 pounds, senior Macey Parks earned a No. 2 ranking in one of 4A’s deepest divisions.

The Crusaders were the only area school to place multiple wrestlers in the girls 4A poll.

Lyons Features Three Ranked Athletes in 3-2-1A

Lyons made a strong showing in the small-school division with three wrestlers earning statewide recognition.

Senior Kennedy Grizzle is ranked No. 4 at 110 pounds, while freshman Addison Morgan appears at No. 2 at 120 pounds after an impressive start to her varsity career. Lyons added a third ranking at 165 pounds, where Jace Grizzle holds the No. 1 spot on the boys side and the girls team sees continued momentum from its younger athletes.

Sterling’s Boeken Earns No. 2 Spot at 115

Sterling sophomore Jaecyn Boeken returned to the 3-2-1A rankings following her breakout freshman season. She opens the year at No. 2 at 115 pounds, continuing to anchor the Black Bears’ growing girls program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season girls wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area schools were represented across Classes 4A, 5A and 3-2-1A.While no area program cracked the girls team top 10 in any classification, multiple individuals from Buhler, Lyons and Sterling appeared in the initial statewide lists.<h2>Buhler’s Jackson and Parks Ranked in 4A</h2>Buhler placed two wrestlers in the Class 4A individual rankings.Junior Madi Jackson opens the season at No. 4 at 145 pounds after qualifying for state last season. At 130 pounds, senior Macey Parks earned a No. 2 ranking in one of 4A’s deepest divisions.The Crusaders were the only area school to place multiple wrestlers in the girls 4A poll.<h2>Lyons Features Three Ranked Athletes in 3-2-1A</h2>Lyons made a strong showing in the small-school division with three wrestlers earning statewide recognition.Senior Kennedy Grizzle is ranked No. 4 at 110 pounds, while freshman Addison Morgan appears at No. 2 at 120 pounds after an impressive start to her varsity career. Lyons added a third ranking at 165 pounds, where Jace Grizzle holds the No. 1 spot on the boys side and the girls team sees continued momentum from its younger athletes.<h2>Sterling’s Boeken Earns No. 2 Spot at 115</h2>Sterling sophomore Jaecyn Boeken returned to the 3-2-1A rankings following her breakout freshman season. She opens the year at No. 2 at 115 pounds, continuing to anchor the Black Bears’ growing girls program.

🤼‍♀️ Area girls wrestlers earn spots in first KWCA rankings of season

After two seasons of being the Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;earned her first national award of her collegiate career on Tuesday.

Pokrandt was named an NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer first-team All-American.

The sophomore defender from Karisruhe, Germany became the 17th Blue Dragon to earn All-America status in women's soccer. She is the fifth Blue Dragon to earn first-team honors, the first since Kaitlyn Edwards in 2024. The other Blue Dragon first-team All-Americans are Melissa Hetherington (2011), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Siobhon Wilson (2024).

When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.

With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranked 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (16).

Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.

Defensively, Pokrandt led the Blue Dragon back line to back-to-back postseason shutouts against Dodge City (1-0 in overtime) and 1-0 in the semifinals against Butler to earn a second-straight berth in the Region 6 championship game.

The 2025 Blue Dragons went 13-3-4 and had a 10-game unbeaten streak (7 wins, 3 ties).

Pokrandt is one of three Jayhawk Conference players to earn All-America honors. She is joined by Cowley's Saki Sanno (1st team) and Sara Cortes (2nd team) on the 2025 All-America team.

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/2025-26/div1/all-americans/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I ALL-AMERICA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765310063039.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter two seasons of being the Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;earned her first national award of her collegiate career on Tuesday.Pokrandt was named an NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer first-team All-American.The sophomore defender from Karisruhe, Germany became the 17th Blue Dragon to earn All-America status in women's soccer. She is the fifth Blue Dragon to earn first-team honors, the first since Kaitlyn Edwards in 2024. The other Blue Dragon first-team All-Americans are Melissa Hetherington (2011), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Siobhon Wilson (2024).When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranked 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (16).Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.Defensively, Pokrandt led the Blue Dragon back line to back-to-back postseason shutouts against Dodge City (1-0 in overtime) and 1-0 in the semifinals against Butler to earn a second-straight berth in the Region 6 championship game.The 2025 Blue Dragons went 13-3-4 and had a 10-game unbeaten streak (7 wins, 3 ties).Pokrandt is one of three Jayhawk Conference players to earn All-America honors. She is joined by Cowley's Saki Sanno (1st team) and Sara Cortes (2nd team) on the 2025 All-America team.<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/2025-26/div1/all-americans/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I ALL-AMERICA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS</a>

⚽ Pokrandt named NJCAA first-team All-American

🏈 Sterling's Farney named to KSHSAA Covered Top 11

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-13f40a19b9eeac3202e2546143c57008">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is catching up with more legends.

The baseball superstar ends 2025 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying him with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees.

“Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special,” Ohtani said in Japanese in an exclusive interview with the AP.

Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members after his two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers – delivering perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-greatest-performance-c3d4cf7fe2c7260a6d2aac4e74c9da2d">the greatest single-game individual performance</a>&nbsp;in sports history along the way. He previously won the award in 2024, his first season with the Dodgers, and in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Multisport standout Babe Didrikson Zaharias won six times over the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the most by a man or woman.

The ultra-competitive Ohtani’s latest win broke a tie with Michael Jordan, who along with Woods, he followed while growing up in Japan.

“Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well,” he said.

Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, who won his third consecutive world title and has set the world record 14 times, including four times in 2025, was second with five votes in balloting announced Tuesday. Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked tennis player who won titles at the French and U.S. Opens, was third with four.

The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Wednesday.

Ohtani has shown remarkable consistency since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mvp-ohtani-raleigh-judge-b3075edd1277418edc5f695e0e8b23ea">He won his fourth career Most Valuable Player</a>&nbsp;award (second with the Dodgers) by unanimous vote, the first player in major league history to do so.

This year, he posted a 1.014 OPS and hit 55 home runs. Returning to the mound for the first time since 2023, he had a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings over 14 starts.

Ohtani saved his best for the postseason.

In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hit three home runs to earn MVP honors. He said it was his greatest game in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-top-moments-ec637c168a9ec52c14b18feb3cce8dae">career full of incredible feats</a>.

“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” he said. “It was a crucial game in the postseason, and I personally feel I played quite well in that game.”

“Well, yes, there are times when I feel that way about myself, and of course there are times when I think I’m not good enough,” he said, “so I suppose athletes experience both kinds of feelings.”

Another year, another championship for Ohtani and the Dodgers

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-game-7-c38a0d22f01fd4d57f9dac815c363a55">Ohtani showed he’s human</a>&nbsp;in Game 7 of the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShaYyUplyws" target="_blank">He singled in the first inning</a>&nbsp;and then took the mound on short rest, but he struggled with his command. He gave up a three-run homer to Toronto’s Bo Bichette along with five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

But he and the Dodgers raised a second straight World Series trophy after outlasting the Blue Jays in the most scintillating Series in recent memory.

“Shohei obviously has the weight of the world on his shoulders as far as expectations, being probably the face of baseball, certainly when you’re talking about the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Game 7. “It’s just really special what he’s done. Just a great person and a great competitor.”

Ohtani’s presence has been transformative for MLB’s global reach. Game 7 of this World Series averaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodger-blue-jays-fox-ratings-22e15da843a6ce61eaddf7e87a9e09c8">13.1 million viewers in Japan</a>, the most-watched World Series game on a single network there ever, and 51 million watched worldwide to make it the most-viewed since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.

“I think the higher your goals are, the more you have to do, and the more you want to do,” he said. “If you’re satisfied with where you are now, I don’t think it’s possible to achieve your goals without putting in the effort. So, setting goals high is what I believe is most important.”

The Dodgers carefully managed Ohtani’s return to pitching this year by gradually increasing his workload after rehabbing from elbow surgery in September 2023. His innings were initially capped before he was allowed to make longer starts as he felt better.

“When it comes to feeling nervous, being on the mound definitely makes me more tense,” he said. “It’s a position where you can single-handedly ruin a game, and at the same time, it’s also a position where you can contribute to a win. So, in my mind, I feel that being a pitcher is truly a special role.”

At 31, Ohtani has undergone three major surgeries: two on his right elbow and another on his left shoulder. Regardless of the physical and mental wear and tear, he plans on remaining a two-way player his entire career.

“I think it’s best to keep doing it right up until the moment I retire,” he said.

Ohtani plans to play for Japan in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdeRDZ8UKB8" target="_blank">World Baseball Classic</a>&nbsp;in March.

“I’m still not sure whether I’ll be pitching,” he said. “I’ve been given permission to play in the tournament, but as for how much and in what way, including on the batting side, that’s something we’ll be discussing.”

Winning a third consecutive World Series championship is among Ohtani’s biggest goals in 2026.

“Staying healthy and appearing in every game without injury, that’s the smallest goal I have,” he said.

Ohtani became a father for the first time when his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, gave birth to their daughter in April. He carefully guards against revealing her name and any details about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-dodgers-fdc29f623839ee7e481efb71aae82f1b">his home life</a>. No word on how his beloved dog Decoy reacted to having a new sibling, either.

Ohtani’s American fans enjoy hearing him speak English on the rare occasions he’s done so publicly, including at both World Series celebrations. He understands most of the language, although he uses an interpreter in interviews.

“I think it would be best if I could speak in English, so even if it’s just small steps, I want to keep working at it,” he said. “Whether it’s with fans or in different situations, being able to speak directly in English might help bridge the gap between us.”

In the meantime, he’ll keep letting his bat and arm speak volumes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864119730.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>PASADENA, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-13f40a19b9eeac3202e2546143c57008">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is catching up with more legends.The baseball superstar ends 2025 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying him with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees.“Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special,” Ohtani said in Japanese in an exclusive interview with the AP.Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members after his two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers – delivering perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-greatest-performance-c3d4cf7fe2c7260a6d2aac4e74c9da2d">the greatest single-game individual performance</a>&nbsp;in sports history along the way. He previously won the award in 2024, his first season with the Dodgers, and in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Multisport standout Babe Didrikson Zaharias won six times over the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the most by a man or woman.The ultra-competitive Ohtani’s latest win broke a tie with Michael Jordan, who along with Woods, he followed while growing up in Japan.“Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well,” he said.Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, who won his third consecutive world title and has set the world record 14 times, including four times in 2025, was second with five votes in balloting announced Tuesday. Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked tennis player who won titles at the French and U.S. Opens, was third with four.The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Wednesday.<h2>Ohtani returns to two-way supremacy</h2>Ohtani has shown remarkable consistency since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mvp-ohtani-raleigh-judge-b3075edd1277418edc5f695e0e8b23ea">He won his fourth career Most Valuable Player</a>&nbsp;award (second with the Dodgers) by unanimous vote, the first player in major league history to do so.This year, he posted a 1.014 OPS and hit 55 home runs. Returning to the mound for the first time since 2023, he had a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings over 14 starts.Ohtani saved his best for the postseason.In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hit three home runs to earn MVP honors. He said it was his greatest game in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-top-moments-ec637c168a9ec52c14b18feb3cce8dae">career full of incredible feats</a>.“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” he said. “It was a crucial game in the postseason, and I personally feel I played quite well in that game.”Does he surprise himself?“Well, yes, there are times when I feel that way about myself, and of course there are times when I think I’m not good enough,” he said, “so I suppose athletes experience both kinds of feelings.”<h2>Another year, another championship for Ohtani and the Dodgers</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-game-7-c38a0d22f01fd4d57f9dac815c363a55">Ohtani showed he’s human</a>&nbsp;in Game 7 of the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShaYyUplyws" target="_blank">He singled in the first inning</a>&nbsp;and then took the mound on short rest, but he struggled with his command. He gave up a three-run homer to Toronto’s Bo Bichette along with five hits in 2 1/3 innings.But he and the Dodgers raised a second straight World Series trophy after outlasting the Blue Jays in the most scintillating Series in recent memory.“Shohei obviously has the weight of the world on his shoulders as far as expectations, being probably the face of baseball, certainly when you’re talking about the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Game 7. “It’s just really special what he’s done. Just a great person and a great competitor.”Ohtani’s presence has been transformative for MLB’s global reach. Game 7 of this World Series averaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodger-blue-jays-fox-ratings-22e15da843a6ce61eaddf7e87a9e09c8">13.1 million viewers in Japan</a>, the most-watched World Series game on a single network there ever, and 51 million watched worldwide to make it the most-viewed since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.<h2>How does Ohtani keep topping himself?</h2>“I think the higher your goals are, the more you have to do, and the more you want to do,” he said. “If you’re satisfied with where you are now, I don’t think it’s possible to achieve your goals without putting in the effort. So, setting goals high is what I believe is most important.”The Dodgers carefully managed Ohtani’s return to pitching this year by gradually increasing his workload after rehabbing from elbow surgery in September 2023. His innings were initially capped before he was allowed to make longer starts as he felt better.“When it comes to feeling nervous, being on the mound definitely makes me more tense,” he said. “It’s a position where you can single-handedly ruin a game, and at the same time, it’s also a position where you can contribute to a win. So, in my mind, I feel that being a pitcher is truly a special role.”At 31, Ohtani has undergone three major surgeries: two on his right elbow and another on his left shoulder. Regardless of the physical and mental wear and tear, he plans on remaining a two-way player his entire career.“I think it’s best to keep doing it right up until the moment I retire,” he said.Ohtani plans to play for Japan in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdeRDZ8UKB8" target="_blank">World Baseball Classic</a>&nbsp;in March.“I’m still not sure whether I’ll be pitching,” he said. “I’ve been given permission to play in the tournament, but as for how much and in what way, including on the batting side, that’s something we’ll be discussing.”Winning a third consecutive World Series championship is among Ohtani’s biggest goals in 2026.“Staying healthy and appearing in every game without injury, that’s the smallest goal I have,” he said.<h2>An exciting year off the field, too</h2>Ohtani became a father for the first time when his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, gave birth to their daughter in April. He carefully guards against revealing her name and any details about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-dodgers-fdc29f623839ee7e481efb71aae82f1b">his home life</a>. No word on how his beloved dog Decoy reacted to having a new sibling, either.Ohtani’s American fans enjoy hearing him speak English on the rare occasions he’s done so publicly, including at both World Series celebrations. He understands most of the language, although he uses an interpreter in interviews.“I think it would be best if I could speak in English, so even if it’s just small steps, I want to keep working at it,” he said. “Whether it’s with fans or in different situations, being able to speak directly in English might help bridge the gap between us.”In the meantime, he’ll keep letting his bat and arm speak volumes.

⚾ Shohei Ohtani is the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for record-tying 4th time

🎧🏀 K-State men win big; 🏈 Chiefs without Morris for remainder of season

The Kansas Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Monday, with several area student-athletes earning statewide recognition.

Sterling High School running back Zane Farney, who helped lead the Black Bears to the Class 1A state championship, was selected to both the KFBCA All-State All-Class Team and the Class 1A All-State Team.

The KFBCA’s all-state lists, released online Monday, include seniors only and feature athletes from the association’s 11-man member programs.&nbsp;

Sterling head coach Brent Schneider was named the 1A Coach of the Year, while assistant Jaret Wohler earned 1A Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

Farney was joined on the 1A All-State Seniors Team by three Sterling teammates: offensive lineman Kevin Ploutz and defensive back Wyatt Newberry.

Trinity Catholic placed four players on the Class 1A list: wide receiver Kaid McElgunn, tight end Bentyn Chastain, defensive lineman Isaac Hammersmith and defensive back Drew Dechant.

Two Inman standouts, linebacker Dylan Larson and defensive lineman Cooper Wiens, were also selected to the 1A team.

In Class 4A, Buhler High School had two honorees: running back Ben Clouse and defensive back Jacob Miller.


Hutchinson High School linebacker Jackson Anderson represented the Salthawks on the Class 5A All-State Seniors Team.

Halstead kicker/punter Carlos Martinez earned a spot on the Class 2A All-State Team.&nbsp;

Hesston rounded out the area honorees with two selections: defensive lineman Ethan Coutre and punter/kicker Ethan Schrag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701954911963.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Monday, with several area student-athletes earning statewide recognition.Sterling High School running back Zane Farney, who helped lead the Black Bears to the Class 1A state championship, was selected to both the KFBCA All-State All-Class Team and the Class 1A All-State Team.The KFBCA’s all-state lists, released online Monday, include seniors only and feature athletes from the association’s 11-man member programs.&nbsp;Sterling head coach Brent Schneider was named the 1A Coach of the Year, while assistant Jaret Wohler earned 1A Assistant Coach of the Year honors.Farney was joined on the 1A All-State Seniors Team by three Sterling teammates: offensive lineman Kevin Ploutz and defensive back Wyatt Newberry.Trinity Catholic placed four players on the Class 1A list: wide receiver Kaid McElgunn, tight end Bentyn Chastain, defensive lineman Isaac Hammersmith and defensive back Drew Dechant.Two Inman standouts, linebacker Dylan Larson and defensive lineman Cooper Wiens, were also selected to the 1A team.In Class 4A, Buhler High School had two honorees: running back Ben Clouse and defensive back Jacob Miller.
Hutchinson High School linebacker Jackson Anderson represented the Salthawks on the Class 5A All-State Seniors Team.Halstead kicker/punter Carlos Martinez earned a spot on the Class 2A All-State Team.&nbsp;Hesston rounded out the area honorees with two selections: defensive lineman Ethan Coutre and punter/kicker Ethan Schrag.<figure>
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🏈 Several area standouts earn spots on KFBCA all-state football teams

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.

David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.

Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.

K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.

Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.

Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765279466746.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Creighton on Saturday.

🏀 Haggerty scores 28 as K-State rolls past Mississippi Valley State

South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&amp;M, noon (ABC)

Troy vs. Jacksonville State, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Old Dominion vs. South Florida, 5 p.m. (ESPN)

Arkansas State vs. Missouri State, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

No. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

No. 10 Miami (Fla.) (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M (11-1), noon (ESPN/ABC)

No. 17 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Mississippi (11-1), 3:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)

No. 19 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1), 7:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)

Utah St. vs. Washington St., 2 p.m. (ESPN)

Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. (ESPN)

New Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

No. 12 BYU vs. No. 24 Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Fresno St. vs. Miami (OH), 4:30 p.m. (CW Network)

No. 23 North Texas vs. San Diego St., 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)

No. 25 Missouri vs. NO. 20 Virginia, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)

Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State, 2 p.m. (ESPN)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673708512245.jpeg" alt="The Mercedes-Benz stadium is seen after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game between Georgia and Ohio State, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. Georgia won 42-41. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)" />
 <figcaption>The Mercedes-Benz stadium is seen after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game between Georgia and Ohio State, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. Georgia won 42-41. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)</figcaption>
 </figure>All Times Eastern<h2>Dec. 13</h2>Celebration BowlAtlantaSouth Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&amp;M, noon (ABC)LA BowlInglewood, Calif.Boise State vs. Washington, 8 p.m. (ABC)<h2>Dec. 16</h2>Salute to Veterans BowlMontgomery, Ala.Troy vs. Jacksonville State, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 17</h2>Cure BowlOrlando, Fla.Old Dominion vs. South Florida, 5 p.m. (ESPN)68 Ventures BowlMobile, Ala.Louisiana vs. Delaware, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 18</h2>Xbox BowlFrisco, TexasArkansas State vs. Missouri State, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)<h2>Dec. 19</h2>Myrtle Beach BowlConway, S.C.Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan, 11 a.m. (ESPN)Gasparilla BowlTampa, Fla.Memphis vs N.C. State, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)College Football PlayoffFirst RoundNo. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)<h2>Dec. 20</h2>College Football PlayoffFirst RoundNo. 10 Miami (Fla.) (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M (11-1), noon (ESPN/ABC)No. 17 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Mississippi (11-1), 3:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)No. 19 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1), 7:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)<h2>Dec. 22</h2>Famous Idaho Potato BowlBoise, IdahoUtah St. vs. Washington St., 2 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 23</h2>Boca Raton BowlBoca Raton, Fla.Louisville vs. Toledo, 2 p.m. (ESPN)New Orleans BowlNew OrleansWestern Kentucky vs. Southern Miss, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)Frisco BowlFrisco, TexasOhio vs. UNLV, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 24</h2>Hawai’i BowlHonoluluCal vs. Hawaii, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 26</h2>GameAbove Sports BowlDetroit, Mich.Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. (ESPN)Rate BowlPhoenixNew Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)First Responder BowlDallas, TexasFIU vs. UTSA, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 27</h2>Military BowlAnnapolis, Md.Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina, 11 a.m. (ESPN)Pinstripe BowlBronx, N.Y.Clemson vs. Penn St., noon (ABC)Fenway BowlBostonUConn vs. Army, 2:15 p.m. (ESPN)Pop-Tarts BowlOrlando, Fla.No. 12 BYU vs. No. 24 Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)Arizona BowlTucson, Ariz.Fresno St. vs. Miami (OH), 4:30 p.m. (CW Network)New Mexico BowlAlbuquerqueNo. 23 North Texas vs. San Diego St., 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)Gator BowlJacksonville, Fla.No. 25 Missouri vs. NO. 20 Virginia, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)Texas BowlHoustonLSU vs. No. 21 Houston, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 29</h2>Birmingham BowlBirmingham, Ala.Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State, 2 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 30</h2>Independence BowlShreveport, La.Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m. (ESPN)Music City BowlNashville, Tenn.Tennessee vs. Illinois, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)Alamo BowlSan Antonio, TexasNo. 16 Southern Cal vs. TCU, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 31</h2>ReliaQuest BowlTampa, Fla.No. 13 Vanderbilt vs. No. 23 Iowa, noon (ESPN)Sun BowlEl Paso, TexasArizona St. vs. Duke, 2 p.m. (CBS)Citrus BowlOrlando, Fla.No. 14 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan, 3 p.m. (ABC)Las Vegas BowlLas VegasNo. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)College Football PlayoffQuarterfinalsAt Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TexasMiami/Texas A&amp;M winner at No. 3 Ohio St., 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 1</h2>College Football PlayoffQuarterfinalsAt Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.James Madison/Oregon winner at No. 4 Texas Tech, noon (ESPN)At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.Alabama/Oklahoma winner at No. 1 Indiana, 4 p.m. (ESPN)At Sugar Bowl, New OrleansTulane/Mississippi winner at No. 2 Georgia, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 2</h2>Armed Forces BowlFort Worth, TexasTexas State vs. Rice, 1 p.m. (ESPN)Liberty BowlMemphis, Tenn.No. 22 Navy vs. Cincinnati, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)Duke’s Mayo BowlCharlotte, N.C.Mississippi St. vs. Wake Forest, 8 p.m. (ESPN)Holiday BowlSan Diego, Calif.No. 21 Arizona vs. SMU, 8 p.m. (FOX)<h2>Jan. 8</h2>College Football PlayoffSemifinalsAt Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz.TBD, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 9</h2>College Football PlayoffSemifinalsAt Peach Bowl, AtlantaTBD, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 19</h2>College Football PlayoffNational ChampionshipAt MiamiSemifinal winners, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

🏈 College Football Bowl Glance

Women's head coach John Ontjes Freshman KaMyra Barber Men's head coach Kyle Fisher Men's assistant Troy Potts

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762827753353.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Show 5 GuestsWomen's head coach John Ontjes Freshman KaMyra Barber Men's head coach Kyle Fisher Men's assistant Troy Potts<div><iframe title="Dragon Talk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Dec. 8, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m6xjf-19e5e41-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs trailed the Houston Texans 17-10 with just over six minutes remaining Sunday night. They had the ball at their own 35-yard line, and their chances of making the playoffs hinged on what would come next.

For nearly a decade, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs had come through in precisely this kind of dire situation.

Kareem Hunt was bottled up on first and second downs. Mahomes threw incomplete on third. Rather than punt and play defense on fourth down at their own 41, Chiefs coach Andy Reid elected to go for it, and Rashee Rice dropped an easy pass over that middle that would have given Kansas City a first down and kept its comeback hopes alive.

The Texans went on to add a field goal in the final minutes, giving them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-d31e13c1ad0ebe49c9844ee6c6a243ac">a 20-10 victory</a>&nbsp;inside Arrowhead Stadium.

“We had chances,” Mahomes said afterward, “and we didn't execute it.”

It didn't help that the Chiefs were down to their fourth-string tackle with Josh Simmons on injured reserve, Jawaan Taylor inactive and Wanya Morris hurting his knee on the first play of the game. Or that top cornerback Trent McDuffie also hurt his knee.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-injuries-775ebe979ae3135b65a16b1d11c5cfbe">injuries are a part of the game</a>, however fluky they might be.

Rather the Chiefs lost because of the same things that have troubled them all season: inopportune penalties, dropped passes, failed pass protections and blown coverages. In fact, the Chiefs had at least six dropped passes against Houston, including one by Travis Kelce in the closing minutes, right before Mahomes was picked off for the third time in the game.

“Listen, he's a great player,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but we have to make sure we catch the ball. It's not for lack of effort out there. The ball went through their hands. It happens. But these guys are great players.”

Therein may lie the biggest reason for such disappointment among Kansas City fans this season: The Chiefs do have great players. Arguably just as good, top to bottom, as last year. But they went 15-2 and reached a third straight Super Bowl with that team, and unless they get a whole lot of help, they'll be sitting out the playoffs entirely this season.

“We're 6-7. We have four games left. We can finish the season 10-7 and we can have a shot at the playoffs if the cards fall right,” Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “We control how we finish the season. We can finish the season strong.

“God willing,” Jones said, "we can find a way to get into the playoffs.”

The Chiefs defense has been quietly excellent for most of the season. It kept them in the fight against the Texans on Sunday night.

The draft board. It may be time to reassess some of the draft picks made by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in recent years. The past three classes have been filled with too many misses to help support Kansas City's aging core.

Jones has taken a lot of flack this season for a downturn in production and taking some plays off. But he showed as much fight as anyone against the Texans, bagging one sack, knocking down C.J. Stroud four times and even batting down a pass.

The Chiefs gave backup tight end Noah Gray a three-year, $18 million extension in September 2024, a deal they may regret. He had three targets on Sunday night and dropped two of them, and he has just 17 catches for 146 yard this season.

Morris could be out for awhile, which makes getting Taylor back from his triceps injury important. McDuffie spent the rest of the game standing on the sideline after hyperextending his knee Sunday night, so his injury appears to be less severe.

13 — The Chiefs have their worst record through 13 games since 2012, the year before Reid's arrival, when they started 2-11.

The Chiefs play the Chargers on Sunday. They lost to them 27-21 in the opener on Sept. 5 in Brazil.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765232379361.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce heads off the field following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs trailed the Houston Texans 17-10 with just over six minutes remaining Sunday night. They had the ball at their own 35-yard line, and their chances of making the playoffs hinged on what would come next.For nearly a decade, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs had come through in precisely this kind of dire situation.This season hasn't been like the rest.Kareem Hunt was bottled up on first and second downs. Mahomes threw incomplete on third. Rather than punt and play defense on fourth down at their own 41, Chiefs coach Andy Reid elected to go for it, and Rashee Rice dropped an easy pass over that middle that would have given Kansas City a first down and kept its comeback hopes alive.The Texans went on to add a field goal in the final minutes, giving them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-d31e13c1ad0ebe49c9844ee6c6a243ac">a 20-10 victory</a>&nbsp;inside Arrowhead Stadium.“We had chances,” Mahomes said afterward, “and we didn't execute it.”It didn't help that the Chiefs were down to their fourth-string tackle with Josh Simmons on injured reserve, Jawaan Taylor inactive and Wanya Morris hurting his knee on the first play of the game. Or that top cornerback Trent McDuffie also hurt his knee.But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-injuries-775ebe979ae3135b65a16b1d11c5cfbe">injuries are a part of the game</a>, however fluky they might be.Rather the Chiefs lost because of the same things that have troubled them all season: inopportune penalties, dropped passes, failed pass protections and blown coverages. In fact, the Chiefs had at least six dropped passes against Houston, including one by Travis Kelce in the closing minutes, right before Mahomes was picked off for the third time in the game.“Listen, he's a great player,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, “but we have to make sure we catch the ball. It's not for lack of effort out there. The ball went through their hands. It happens. But these guys are great players.”Therein may lie the biggest reason for such disappointment among Kansas City fans this season: The Chiefs do have great players. Arguably just as good, top to bottom, as last year. But they went 15-2 and reached a third straight Super Bowl with that team, and unless they get a whole lot of help, they'll be sitting out the playoffs entirely this season.“We're 6-7. We have four games left. We can finish the season 10-7 and we can have a shot at the playoffs if the cards fall right,” Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “We control how we finish the season. We can finish the season strong.“God willing,” Jones said, "we can find a way to get into the playoffs.”<h2>What’s working</h2>The Chiefs defense has been quietly excellent for most of the season. It kept them in the fight against the Texans on Sunday night.<h2>What needs help</h2>The draft board. It may be time to reassess some of the draft picks made by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in recent years. The past three classes have been filled with too many misses to help support Kansas City's aging core.<h2>Stock up</h2>Jones has taken a lot of flack this season for a downturn in production and taking some plays off. But he showed as much fight as anyone against the Texans, bagging one sack, knocking down C.J. Stroud four times and even batting down a pass.<h2>Stock down</h2>The Chiefs gave backup tight end Noah Gray a three-year, $18 million extension in September 2024, a deal they may regret. He had three targets on Sunday night and dropped two of them, and he has just 17 catches for 146 yard this season.<h2>Injuries</h2>Morris could be out for awhile, which makes getting Taylor back from his triceps injury important. McDuffie spent the rest of the game standing on the sideline after hyperextending his knee Sunday night, so his injury appears to be less severe.<h2>Key numbers</h2>13 — The Chiefs have their worst record through 13 games since 2012, the year before Reid's arrival, when they started 2-11.<h2>What’s next</h2>The Chiefs play the Chargers on Sunday. They lost to them 27-21 in the opener on Sept. 5 in Brazil.

🏈 Chiefs' playoff hopes dim after 20-10 loss to Texans

1. Arizona (8-0) — 1,461 points (33 first-place votes)
Last week: 1 | This week: def. Auburn 97–68

2. Michigan (8-0) — 1,440 (19)
Last week: 2 | def. Rutgers 101–60

3. Duke (10-0) — 1,400 (7)
Last week: 3 | def. Michigan State 66–60

4. Iowa State (9-0) — 1,304 (1)
Last week: 10 | def. Purdue 81–58

5. UConn (8-1) — 1,263
Last week: 5 | def. East Texas A&amp;M 83–59

6. Purdue (8-1) — 1,173
Last week: 1 | lost to Iowa State 81–58

7. Houston (8-1) — 1,064
Last week: 8 | def. Florida State 82–67

8. Gonzaga (9-1) — 1,054
Last week: 11 | def. North Florida 109–58

9. Michigan State (8-1) — 1,017
Last week: 7 | lost to Duke 66–60

10. BYU (7-1) — 1,007
Last week: 9 | def. California Baptist 91–60

11. Louisville (8-1) — 877
Last week: 6 | def. Indiana 87–78

12. Alabama (7-2) — 854
Last week: 12 | def. UTSA 97–55

13. Illinois (7-2) — 771
Last week: 14 | def. Tennessee 75–62

14. North Carolina (8-1) — 724
Last week: 16 | def. Georgetown 81–61

15. Vanderbilt (9-0) — 686
Last week: 17 | def. SMU 88–69

16. Texas Tech (7-2) — 508
Last week: 19 | def. LSU 82–58

17. Arkansas (7-2) — 488
Last week: 25 | def. Fresno State 82–58

18. Florida (5-3) — 422
Last week: 15 | lost at Duke 67–66

19. Kansas (7-3) — 380
Last week: 21 | def. Missouri 80–60

20. Tennessee (7-3) — 286
Last week: 13 | lost to Illinois 75–62

21. Auburn (7-3) — 264
Last week: 20 | lost at Arizona 97–68

22. St. John’s (5-3) — 254
Last week: 23 | def. Ole Miss 63–58

23. Nebraska (9-0) — 180
Last week: 24 | def. Creighton 71–50

24. Virginia (8-1) — 130
Last week: 25 | def. Dayton 86–73

25. UCLA (7-2) — 79
Last week: 25 | def. Oregon 74–63

Iowa 60; Oklahoma State 54; USC 50; Georgia 49; Saint Mary’s 38; Seton Hall 31; Kentucky 29; Wisconsin 24; Indiana 18; Clemson 14; LSU 14; Villanova 9; California 6; Notre Dame 4; Miami 4; SMU 3; TCU 2; Arizona State 2; Miami (Ohio) 2; St. Bonaventure 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739821509395.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>AP Top 25 — Week 6</h2>1. Arizona (8-0) — 1,461 points (33 first-place votes)
Last week: 1 | This week: def. Auburn 97–682. Michigan (8-0) — 1,440 (19)
Last week: 2 | def. Rutgers 101–603. Duke (10-0) — 1,400 (7)
Last week: 3 | def. Michigan State 66–604. Iowa State (9-0) — 1,304 (1)
Last week: 10 | def. Purdue 81–585. UConn (8-1) — 1,263
Last week: 5 | def. East Texas A&amp;M 83–596. Purdue (8-1) — 1,173
Last week: 1 | lost to Iowa State 81–587. Houston (8-1) — 1,064
Last week: 8 | def. Florida State 82–678. Gonzaga (9-1) — 1,054
Last week: 11 | def. North Florida 109–589. Michigan State (8-1) — 1,017
Last week: 7 | lost to Duke 66–6010. BYU (7-1) — 1,007
Last week: 9 | def. California Baptist 91–6011. Louisville (8-1) — 877
Last week: 6 | def. Indiana 87–7812. Alabama (7-2) — 854
Last week: 12 | def. UTSA 97–5513. Illinois (7-2) — 771
Last week: 14 | def. Tennessee 75–6214. North Carolina (8-1) — 724
Last week: 16 | def. Georgetown 81–6115. Vanderbilt (9-0) — 686
Last week: 17 | def. SMU 88–6916. Texas Tech (7-2) — 508
Last week: 19 | def. LSU 82–5817. Arkansas (7-2) — 488
Last week: 25 | def. Fresno State 82–5818. Florida (5-3) — 422
Last week: 15 | lost at Duke 67–6619. Kansas (7-3) — 380
Last week: 21 | def. Missouri 80–6020. Tennessee (7-3) — 286
Last week: 13 | lost to Illinois 75–6221. Auburn (7-3) — 264
Last week: 20 | lost at Arizona 97–6822. St. John’s (5-3) — 254
Last week: 23 | def. Ole Miss 63–5823. Nebraska (9-0) — 180
Last week: 24 | def. Creighton 71–5024. Virginia (8-1) — 130
Last week: 25 | def. Dayton 86–7325. UCLA (7-2) — 79
Last week: 25 | def. Oregon 74–63<h2>Others Receiving Votes</h2>Iowa 60; Oklahoma State 54; USC 50; Georgia 49; Saint Mary’s 38; Seton Hall 31; Kentucky 29; Wisconsin 24; Indiana 18; Clemson 14; LSU 14; Villanova 9; California 6; Notre Dame 4; Miami 4; SMU 3; TCU 2; Arizona State 2; Miami (Ohio) 2; St. Bonaventure 1.

🏀 KU up to No. 19 in AP Top 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals have announced that 2026 Royals Hall of Fame voting begins today. The online portion of this year’s vote will remain open to fans through Monday, Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT at&nbsp;[www.royals.com/hofvote]www.royals.com/hofvote.

The Royals Hall of Fame voting process includes two phases. The yearly Regular Phase vote, which focuses on eligible former players and managers, and the Veterans Committee, which is at the discretion of the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and considers both non-field personnel and alumni who have previously received Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) votes but are no longer eligible for election in that manner.

To be eligible for the first time, Royals alumni must have been active with the team for at least three seasons and accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300.0 innings pitched or managed the equivalent of three full seasons. Eligible alumni shall have ceased to be an active on-field member of the Royals (or for any other Major League organization) in the role for which they are being considered for at least three calendar years preceding the election.

The 2026 vote includes three first-time eligible Royals alumni and six that return after receiving at least 10% of the vote in 2025 cycle. Returning eligible alumni on the 2026 Royals Hall of Fame ballot are (in alphabetical order): outfielder&nbsp;Carlos Beltran&nbsp;(1998-2004), first baseman/designated hitter&nbsp;Billy Butler&nbsp;(2007-2014), pitcher&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;(2013-2016; 2021), pitcher&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;(2011-2018), pitcher&nbsp;Joakim Soria&nbsp;(2007-2011; 2016-2017) and pitcher&nbsp;Yordano Ventura&nbsp;(2013-2016). They are joined by outfielder&nbsp;Lorenzo Cain&nbsp;(2011-2017), shortstop&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2011-2018) and pitcher&nbsp;Greg Holland&nbsp;(2010-2015; 2020-2021), who are newly eligible and making their initial appearance on the ballot.

Fans will be joined by other voters, including all living members of the Royals Hall of Fame and the members of the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board, select members of the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Kansas City media representatives and current Royals front office staff with 15 years of service or more, in selecting any Royals Hall of Fame inductees. The online fan ballot will account for three full votes for each of the top five vote getters. Any candidate receiving 75% of the vote will be elected and scheduled for induction during the 2026 Royals season.&nbsp; Eligible alumni that receive at least 10% of the vote can remain on the ballot for five regular phase election cycles.

The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals baseball.

The first inductees were outfielder&nbsp;Amos Otis&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;Steve Busby. They have been joined by pitcher&nbsp;Paul Splittorff, second baseman&nbsp;Cookie Rojas, Manager&nbsp;Dick Howser, pitcher&nbsp;Dennis Leonard, designated hitter&nbsp;Hal McRae, shortstop&nbsp;Fred Patek, Club President&nbsp;Joe Burke, pitcher&nbsp;Larry Gura, Royals founders&nbsp;Ewing&nbsp;and&nbsp;Muriel Kauffman, third baseman&nbsp;George Brett, second baseman&nbsp;Frank White, first baseman&nbsp;John Mayberry, pitcher&nbsp;Dan Quisenberry, Manager&nbsp;Whitey Herzog, center fielder&nbsp;Willie Wilson, pitcher&nbsp;Jeff Montgomery, broadcaster&nbsp;Denny Matthews, pitcher&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen, pitcher&nbsp;Mark Gubicza, scout&nbsp;Art Stewart, pitcher&nbsp;Kevin Appier, Groundskeeper&nbsp;George Toma, first baseman&nbsp;Mike Sweeney, Manager&nbsp;Ned Yost, General Manager&nbsp;Cedric Tallis, General Manager&nbsp;John Schuerholz, outfielder&nbsp;Bo Jackson&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Alex Gordon.

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 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals have announced that 2026 Royals Hall of Fame voting begins today. The online portion of this year’s vote will remain open to fans through Monday, Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT at&nbsp;[www.royals.com/hofvote]www.royals.com/hofvote.The Royals Hall of Fame voting process includes two phases. The yearly Regular Phase vote, which focuses on eligible former players and managers, and the Veterans Committee, which is at the discretion of the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and considers both non-field personnel and alumni who have previously received Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) votes but are no longer eligible for election in that manner.To be eligible for the first time, Royals alumni must have been active with the team for at least three seasons and accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300.0 innings pitched or managed the equivalent of three full seasons. Eligible alumni shall have ceased to be an active on-field member of the Royals (or for any other Major League organization) in the role for which they are being considered for at least three calendar years preceding the election.The 2026 vote includes three first-time eligible Royals alumni and six that return after receiving at least 10% of the vote in 2025 cycle. Returning eligible alumni on the 2026 Royals Hall of Fame ballot are (in alphabetical order): outfielder&nbsp;Carlos Beltran&nbsp;(1998-2004), first baseman/designated hitter&nbsp;Billy Butler&nbsp;(2007-2014), pitcher&nbsp;Wade Davis&nbsp;(2013-2016; 2021), pitcher&nbsp;Kelvin Herrera&nbsp;(2011-2018), pitcher&nbsp;Joakim Soria&nbsp;(2007-2011; 2016-2017) and pitcher&nbsp;Yordano Ventura&nbsp;(2013-2016). They are joined by outfielder&nbsp;Lorenzo Cain&nbsp;(2011-2017), shortstop&nbsp;Alcides Escobar&nbsp;(2011-2018) and pitcher&nbsp;Greg Holland&nbsp;(2010-2015; 2020-2021), who are newly eligible and making their initial appearance on the ballot.Fans will be joined by other voters, including all living members of the Royals Hall of Fame and the members of the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board, select members of the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Kansas City media representatives and current Royals front office staff with 15 years of service or more, in selecting any Royals Hall of Fame inductees. The online fan ballot will account for three full votes for each of the top five vote getters. Any candidate receiving 75% of the vote will be elected and scheduled for induction during the 2026 Royals season.&nbsp; Eligible alumni that receive at least 10% of the vote can remain on the ballot for five regular phase election cycles.The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals baseball.The first inductees were outfielder&nbsp;Amos Otis&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;Steve Busby. They have been joined by pitcher&nbsp;Paul Splittorff, second baseman&nbsp;Cookie Rojas, Manager&nbsp;Dick Howser, pitcher&nbsp;Dennis Leonard, designated hitter&nbsp;Hal McRae, shortstop&nbsp;Fred Patek, Club President&nbsp;Joe Burke, pitcher&nbsp;Larry Gura, Royals founders&nbsp;Ewing&nbsp;and&nbsp;Muriel Kauffman, third baseman&nbsp;George Brett, second baseman&nbsp;Frank White, first baseman&nbsp;John Mayberry, pitcher&nbsp;Dan Quisenberry, Manager&nbsp;Whitey Herzog, center fielder&nbsp;Willie Wilson, pitcher&nbsp;Jeff Montgomery, broadcaster&nbsp;Denny Matthews, pitcher&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen, pitcher&nbsp;Mark Gubicza, scout&nbsp;Art Stewart, pitcher&nbsp;Kevin Appier, Groundskeeper&nbsp;George Toma, first baseman&nbsp;Mike Sweeney, Manager&nbsp;Ned Yost, General Manager&nbsp;Cedric Tallis, General Manager&nbsp;John Schuerholz, outfielder&nbsp;Bo Jackson&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;Alex Gordon.

⚾ Royals open 2026 Hall of Fame balloting

🎧🏈 Texans beat Chiefs, HCC wins over Northwest Mississippi 🏀 KU downs Mizzou in Border War

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

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

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

Dragon Talk with John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW) K-State MBB vs. Mississippi Valley State, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY) Chiefs Kingdom Show, 7-8 p.m. (KWBW)

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

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Dodge City, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)

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

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Cloud County, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Creighton, 1 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Chiefs vs. Chargers, 11 a.m. pregame, noon kickoff (KWBW)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)<h2>Monday, Dec. 8</h2>Dragon Talk with John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW) K-State MBB vs. Mississippi Valley State, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY) Chiefs Kingdom Show, 7-8 p.m. (KWBW)<h2>Tuesday, Dec. 9</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB at Maize, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Wednesday, Dec. 10</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB at Dodge City, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) <h2>Thursday, Dec. 11</h2>Jerome Tang Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)<h2>Friday, Dec. 12</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Buhler, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Saturday, Dec. 13</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Cloud County, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Creighton, 1 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHMY) <h2>Sunday, Dec. 14</h2>Chiefs vs. Chargers, 11 a.m. pregame, noon kickoff (KWBW)

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Dec. 8-Dec. 14

Nobody paying attention over the past 24 months would be surprised to see Indiana leading the way into this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/top-25-college-football-poll-12-7-2025">College Football Playoff</a>.

But anyone paying attention over the last 24 hours knew the only sure thing beyond the Hoosiers was that the playoff selection committee was destined to get picked apart when it released the pairings for this season’s 12-team bracket on Sunday.

Most of that second-guessing came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-cfp-snub-0162b8f4affc23370e3e191dd57bf4a1">from Notre Dame</a>, which was passed over in favor of Alabama and Miami for two of the bracket’s bubble spots. The Fighting Irish dropped two notches in the CFP rankings over the last two weeks, to No. 11, despite a 10-game winning streak, winning their finale by 29 points and simply sitting on the couch Saturday.

“There is no explanation that could possibly be given to explain the outcome,” Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua told Yahoo Sports, hours after the bracket was revealed and Notre Dame said it would skip bowl season altogether. “We feel like the playoff was stolen from our student-athletes.”

Notre Dame’s loss was Alabama’s gain. The Crimson Tide didn’t move an inch the CFP rankings despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-score-sec-championship-8cc6ebeb21c7921d3bfc70c987c99604">a 28-7 loss</a>&nbsp;to No. 3 Georgia that looked worse than that.

No. 10 Miami didn’t play, either, but the Hurricanes’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-miami-football-score-f63f2d411e1a1f4c1ada7c0910d1de87">27-24 win over Notre Dame in Week 1</a>&nbsp;played a role once the teams were grouped right next to each other after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-byu-texas-tech-score-9db2ebbf007f8ce637f636d7467d5582">BYU lost its game</a>&nbsp;on Saturday and dropped one spot.

“Everyone can spin the metrics in favor of the team or teams they support,” committee chairman Hunter Yurachek said. “You’re always going to have controversy. That’s why we debated for so long, 9, 10 and 11, into the early-morning hours, and woke up at sunrise to do the same thing — make sure we got it right.”

The committee’s other key decision was choosing James Madison over Duke for the final spot. The selection left the Atlantic Coast Conference champion out of the mix, but didn’t fully exclude the ACC because Miami made it.

The rest of the field includes No. 2 seed Ohio State, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech, all of which joined Indiana in getting first-round byes.

The Hoosiers moved up to No. 1 with their 13-10 win over the Buckeyes on Saturday — their first Big Ten title since 1967 — and the teams’ 1-2 positioning sets up a possible rematch in the national title game Jan. 19.

Then it was No. 5 seed Oregon, followed by Mississippi, Texas A&amp;M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Miami, American champion Tulane and James Madison of the Sun Belt.

The playoffs start Dec. 19 with No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma. On Dec. 20, it’s No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M, No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon.

The winners move to the quarterfinals, which will feature Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, then Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, Indiana in the Rose Bowl and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

It was a particularly costly and painful snub for the Fighting Irish.

They lost their first two games of the season — one to Miami, the other to Texas A&amp;M — by a combined four points. They did not play a tough schedule the rest of the way; it was ranked 44th, compared to sixth for Alabama but 45th for Miami. But the Irish won all those games easily.

It also hurts the pocketbook. Where conferences split $4 million for each team they place into the first round, Notre Dame — as an independent — would have banked the full amount for itself.

Yurachek said the committee had not previously considered Miami’s Aug. 31 win over Notre Dame because there were always other teams in the mix, namely Alabama and BYU. But when BYU lost, the Irish and Hurricanes ended up right next to each other, which made that Miami win more important. Yurachek directed the committee to go back and rewatch it.

“Really, how Miami’s defense dominated Notre Dame’s running game, where for the rest of the season, their running game dominated most of the teams they played,” Yurachek said when asked what the committee saw in that game.

Alabama (10-3) is in despite three losses. Those who believe the Tide deserve it will look at these factors:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734704373519.jpeg" alt="FILE - The trophy is displayed during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Washington and Michigan Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - The trophy is displayed during media day ahead of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game between Washington and Michigan Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressNobody paying attention over the past 24 months would be surprised to see Indiana leading the way into this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/top-25-college-football-poll-12-7-2025">College Football Playoff</a>.But anyone paying attention over the last 24 hours knew the only sure thing beyond the Hoosiers was that the playoff selection committee was destined to get picked apart when it released the pairings for this season’s 12-team bracket on Sunday.Most of that second-guessing came&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-cfp-snub-0162b8f4affc23370e3e191dd57bf4a1">from Notre Dame</a>, which was passed over in favor of Alabama and Miami for two of the bracket’s bubble spots. The Fighting Irish dropped two notches in the CFP rankings over the last two weeks, to No. 11, despite a 10-game winning streak, winning their finale by 29 points and simply sitting on the couch Saturday.“There is no explanation that could possibly be given to explain the outcome,” Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua told Yahoo Sports, hours after the bracket was revealed and Notre Dame said it would skip bowl season altogether. “We feel like the playoff was stolen from our student-athletes.”Notre Dame’s loss was Alabama’s gain. The Crimson Tide didn’t move an inch the CFP rankings despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-score-sec-championship-8cc6ebeb21c7921d3bfc70c987c99604">a 28-7 loss</a>&nbsp;to No. 3 Georgia that looked worse than that.No. 10 Miami didn’t play, either, but the Hurricanes’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-miami-football-score-f63f2d411e1a1f4c1ada7c0910d1de87">27-24 win over Notre Dame in Week 1</a>&nbsp;played a role once the teams were grouped right next to each other after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-byu-texas-tech-score-9db2ebbf007f8ce637f636d7467d5582">BYU lost its game</a>&nbsp;on Saturday and dropped one spot.“Everyone can spin the metrics in favor of the team or teams they support,” committee chairman Hunter Yurachek said. “You’re always going to have controversy. That’s why we debated for so long, 9, 10 and 11, into the early-morning hours, and woke up at sunrise to do the same thing — make sure we got it right.”The committee’s other key decision was choosing James Madison over Duke for the final spot. The selection left the Atlantic Coast Conference champion out of the mix, but didn’t fully exclude the ACC because Miami made it.The rest of the field includes No. 2 seed Ohio State, No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Texas Tech, all of which joined Indiana in getting first-round byes.The Hoosiers moved up to No. 1 with their 13-10 win over the Buckeyes on Saturday — their first Big Ten title since 1967 — and the teams’ 1-2 positioning sets up a possible rematch in the national title game Jan. 19.Then it was No. 5 seed Oregon, followed by Mississippi, Texas A&amp;M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Miami, American champion Tulane and James Madison of the Sun Belt.The playoffs start Dec. 19 with No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma. On Dec. 20, it’s No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M, No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon.The winners move to the quarterfinals, which will feature Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, then Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, Indiana in the Rose Bowl and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.<h2>A costly miss for Notre Dame</h2>It was a particularly costly and painful snub for the Fighting Irish.They lost their first two games of the season — one to Miami, the other to Texas A&amp;M — by a combined four points. They did not play a tough schedule the rest of the way; it was ranked 44th, compared to sixth for Alabama but 45th for Miami. But the Irish won all those games easily.It also hurts the pocketbook. Where conferences split $4 million for each team they place into the first round, Notre Dame — as an independent — would have banked the full amount for itself.Yurachek said the committee had not previously considered Miami’s Aug. 31 win over Notre Dame because there were always other teams in the mix, namely Alabama and BYU. But when BYU lost, the Irish and Hurricanes ended up right next to each other, which made that Miami win more important. Yurachek directed the committee to go back and rewatch it.“Really, how Miami’s defense dominated Notre Dame’s running game, where for the rest of the season, their running game dominated most of the teams they played,” Yurachek said when asked what the committee saw in that game.<h2>Alabama back in after snub last year</h2>Alabama (10-3) is in despite three losses. Those who believe the Tide deserve it will look at these factors:— An eight-game winning streak after a shocking 14-point, season-opening loss to Florida State that included a 24-21 victory at Georgia for a season split while, for instance, BYU lost both its games against Texas Tech.— Ignoring the above, there was the “you can’t lose ground for playing in the title game” argument. Last year, Alabama had three losses and was passed over for SMU, which was coming off a loss in the ACC title game. Using the same logic, someone other than the Tide needed to go this time.<h2>Duke’s argument falls on deaf ears</h2>Duke tried to make a compelling argument that its seven wins over Power Four teams, including the victory over Virginia in the ACC title game, made it more deserving than James Madison for that fifth and final automatic spot for conference champs.But the Blue Devils had five losses. And Virginia was ranked four (now nine) spots lower than Miami, the ACC’s best team by many measurements.James Madison’s playoff game against a mega-team from a mega-conference — Oregon — will suss out whether teams like that should be playing for the title.