<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704718182098.png" alt="KWBW Evening Sports with Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>KWBW Evening Sports with Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Evening sports for Thursday, Jan. 4" 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=z2i7h-153f9d4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN:  🏀 HutchCC sweeps Butler;  🏈 Chiefs Coach Reid preview Chargers game

🎧 LISTEN: HutchCC 🏀 earns road sweep; Chiefs get 5 Pro Bowl nods

Courtesy of the Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have hired&nbsp;Johnny DiPuglia&nbsp;as Special Assistant of International Scouting and&nbsp;Fred Guerrero&nbsp;as Coordinator of Player Evaluation.

“We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our International Scouting staff, Fred Guerrero and Johnny DiPuglia,” said&nbsp;Rene Francisco, Sr. VP of Major League &amp; International Operations/Assistant GM. “Their wealth of experience and stellar reputations as scouts make them valuable assets to our team. In their roles, they will actively contribute to all facets of international scouting operations. We look forward to the enhanced expertise and success they bring to our organization.”

DiPuglia joins the Royals from the Washington Nationals organization, where he spent the last 15 seasons overseeing the club’s international operations. Most recently, he was the Vice President &amp; Assistant General Manager of International Operations.

DiPuglia was named the Professional Scouts International Scout of the Year in 2019. Following the 2020 season, he was inducted into the South Florida Baseball Hall of Fame for his more than 30 years of service to the South Florida baseball community.

Prior to joining the Nationals, DiPuglia spent 11 seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 1999-2009, during which he was part of two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007. He also spent two seasons with the San Francisco Giants from 1998-99 and nine seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1990-98.

During his scouting career, DiPuglia has been involved in the signings of&nbsp;Juan Soto,&nbsp;José Iglesias,&nbsp;Xander Bogaerts,&nbsp;Hanley Ramírez,&nbsp;Aníbal Sánchez,&nbsp;Placido Polanco,&nbsp;Jorge De La Rosa,&nbsp;Rick Ankiel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Eli Marrero,&nbsp;among many others.

Guerrero joins the Royals from the Minnesota Twins organization, where he has served as the Director of Latin American Scouting &amp; US Integration since 2014. He was hired by the Twins in 2004 as Dominican Scout Supervisor. During his 20 years with the organization, Guerrero has been involved in the signings of players such as&nbsp;Luis Arraez,&nbsp;Yennier Cano,&nbsp;Danny Santana,&nbsp;Jorge Polanco&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miguel Sanó.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315090950.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have hired&nbsp;Johnny DiPuglia&nbsp;as Special Assistant of International Scouting and&nbsp;Fred Guerrero&nbsp;as Coordinator of Player Evaluation.“We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our International Scouting staff, Fred Guerrero and Johnny DiPuglia,” said&nbsp;Rene Francisco, Sr. VP of Major League &amp; International Operations/Assistant GM. “Their wealth of experience and stellar reputations as scouts make them valuable assets to our team. In their roles, they will actively contribute to all facets of international scouting operations. We look forward to the enhanced expertise and success they bring to our organization.”DiPuglia joins the Royals from the Washington Nationals organization, where he spent the last 15 seasons overseeing the club’s international operations. Most recently, he was the Vice President &amp; Assistant General Manager of International Operations.DiPuglia was named the Professional Scouts International Scout of the Year in 2019. Following the 2020 season, he was inducted into the South Florida Baseball Hall of Fame for his more than 30 years of service to the South Florida baseball community.Prior to joining the Nationals, DiPuglia spent 11 seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 1999-2009, during which he was part of two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007. He also spent two seasons with the San Francisco Giants from 1998-99 and nine seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1990-98.During his scouting career, DiPuglia has been involved in the signings of&nbsp;Juan Soto,&nbsp;José Iglesias,&nbsp;Xander Bogaerts,&nbsp;Hanley Ramírez,&nbsp;Aníbal Sánchez,&nbsp;Placido Polanco,&nbsp;Jorge De La Rosa,&nbsp;Rick Ankiel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Eli Marrero,&nbsp;among many others.Guerrero joins the Royals from the Minnesota Twins organization, where he has served as the Director of Latin American Scouting &amp; US Integration since 2014. He was hired by the Twins in 2004 as Dominican Scout Supervisor. During his 20 years with the organization, Guerrero has been involved in the signings of players such as&nbsp;Luis Arraez,&nbsp;Yennier Cano,&nbsp;Danny Santana,&nbsp;Jorge Polanco&nbsp;and&nbsp;Miguel Sanó.

⚾ Royals announce two additions to front office

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Conor Riley, a five-year member of the Kansas State football staff who directed the Wildcat offense during its recent bowl victory, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, while&nbsp;Matt Wells, a great offensive mind and developer of quarterback talent, has been hired as co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday.

“As I have said before, Conor has been with me for more than a decade, and he is deserving of this opportunity,” Klieman said. “He did a phenomenal job of leading the offensive room during our bowl preparation, and our coaches and players have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead.

“I have known Matt for a very long time, and he is someone who will bring a lot to the table as a member of our staff – from head coaching experience to developing some of the top quarterbacks in the game. He will be a great addition to our offensive room and system, providing tremendous x’s and o’s experience as well as a recruiting prowess that mirrors our philosophy of identifying and developing talent.”

Riley, one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, will continue to tutor the Wildcat offensive front as he has done the last five seasons where he has produced 15 All-Big 12 honorees, including the 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in Cooper Beebe. Riley was elevated to interim offensive coordinator for K-State’s bowl game, a 28-19 win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively. The Wildcats’ 257 rushing yards were the fourth most in their bowl history, while their 21 first-half points also tied for fourth.

“I’m very appreciative for this opportunity provided by Gene Taylor and Coach Klieman, two men I’ve been fortunate to be around for quite some time,” Riley said. “This is something I have worked for my entire career, and to be able to have this opportunity at such a great institution such as K-State – one with great tradition – is humbling. I look forward to the addition of Coach Wells, a person I greatly respect as a peer in coaching, but more important is the amount of respect I have for him as a man of character and integrity. I’m looking forward to continuing to build and move this offense forward with the entire staff.”

Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons at Oklahoma as advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. Prior to that, he served as the head coach at his alma mater, Utah State, from 2013 through 2018 and at Texas Tech from 2019 to 2021. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, he has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.

“My family and I are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Coach Klieman has presented to us to be a part of the Wildcat staff and team,” Wells said. “This has been a model of a winning program with consistency and stability throughout his tenure at Kansas State. I look forward to us chasing championships together!”

Riley has been an integral part of the offensive coaching staff since his arrival, and just this past year helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories. Among those was a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and No. 3 showings in total yards (5,788), completions (258) and pass attempts (426).

Through bowl season, K-State ranks in the top 30 nationally in 10 offensive categories, including scoring (37.1 points per game), rushing (11th&nbsp;– 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th&nbsp;– 47.9%), first downs (12th&nbsp;– 310) and fewest turnovers lost (14th&nbsp;– 12).

One of the most respected offensive line coaches in the country, Riley tutored Beebe to Consensus All-America honors in 2023, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to earn the distinction. Beebe was also a three-time First Team All-Big 12 performer and was joined on this year’s All-Big 12 team by Hayden Gillum, KT Leveston and Carver Willis, which marked the fourth time in his five seasons on staff that Riley has coached at least three linemen to all-conference honors.

Under Riley’s guidance, the K-State offensive line has helped the Wildcats eclipse at least 200 rushing yards per game in consecutive seasons for the first time since doing so three-straight seasons from 2001 through 2003. Additionally, the Wildcats have surrendered fewer than 2.0 sacks per game in each of Riley’s five years on staff, the Wildcats’ longest streak since sacks became an official NCAA statistic in 1985.

Riley came to Manhattan from North Dakota State where he coached the 2013 through 2018 seasons – including the final five campaigns tutoring the offensive line under Klieman – helping NDSU win five national championships during his tenure. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Omaha, as a student assistant/graduate assistant from 2003 to 2005, and he returned as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator from 2007 to 2010 after serving the 2006 season at Concordia (Minn.). Prior to his time at NDSU, Riley spent two seasons coaching the offensive line at Sacramento State.

A 2003 graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, Riley was named the North Central Conference’s outstanding lineman twice in his three-year career. Following his senior year, he earned 2002 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Daktronics First Team All-America honors. Riley was a Second Team Division II All-American as a junior in 2001.

One of Wells’ success stories tutoring quarterbacks was Jordan Love at Utah State, who accounted for 9,003 yards of total offense in his career – including a 2018 campaign in which he threw for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns – before declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season of 2019. In addition to snapping five single-season school records in 2018, Love also ranked second in school history with 8,600 career passing yards and tied for second with 60 touchdown passes. He went on to be selected 26th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft, becoming the first Aggie to hear his name called in the first round since 1970.

With the duo of Wells and Love, Utah State went 11-2 in 2018 to match the school record for victories as the Aggies finished with a No. 21 ranking in the Amway Coaches’ poll and a No. 22 mark in the Associated Press Top 25. It marked only the fourth time in school history the Aggies – who climbed as high as No. 13 during the regular season – ended a year ranked in the final AP poll. The No. 13 ranking was Utah State’s highest at any point in a season since the 1961 campaign. Additionally, the school’s only two rankings in the College Football Playoff Top 25 came under Wells in 2018.

Utah State boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the country in 2018, ranking second by averaging 47.5 points per game. The Aggies, who also ranked among the national leaders for fewest sacks allowed (fourth), total offense (11th), passing efficiency (14th) and passing offense (17th), lit up scoreboards to the tune of 618 points, snapping the Mountain West and Utah State single-season records in the process.

Wells, who was hired as the head coach following two seasons as an assistant, guided Utah State to its best stretch in history as the Aggies won 44 games and played in five bowl games under his guidance. He left the school being the only coach to lead the Aggies to at least three bowl games as well as multiple bowl victories.

Wells closed his tenure in Logan as the second-winningest coach in program history with 44 victories thanks in part to a 10-4 record in only his second season of 2014 and then an 11-2 mark in 2018. Utah State was also 9-5 during Wells’ debut season in 2013, which marked the most wins for a first-year head coach in program history.&nbsp;

Wells was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2018, making him just the fifth Mountain West coach to receive the honor twice in a career to join the likes of Sonny Lubick (Colorado State), Rocky Long (New Mexico), Urban Meyer (Utah) and Gary Patterson (TCU).

A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Wells began his career coaching the quarterbacks, fullbacks and wide receivers at Navy from 1997 through 2001 in addition to serving as the head coach for the Midshipmen junior varsity team. He then spent five seasons back in his home state as he was the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.

Wells spent the 2007, 2008 and 2010 seasons at New Mexico as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. During the 2009 season, he was the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Louisville.

Wells’ tenure at Utah State began as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator in 2011 before being promoted to offensive coordinator a year later. As offensive coordinator, Wells helped Utah State claim the 2012 WAC title, its first outright conference championship since 1936 and just its third in school history. That season, Wells directed an Aggie offense that set single-season school records for total points (454), total offense (6,108), completions (285) and total yards per game (469.8), while ranking second in points per game (34.9) and total passing yards (3,445).

Wells was instrumental in the development of quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who earned First Team All-WAC honors in 2012 after setting single-season school records for touchdown passes (27), passing yards (3,373), completion percentage (67.6%), completions (275) and total offense (3,992).

Wells, a quarterback for the Aggies from 1994 to 1996, was a member of two conference championship teams, which came as a redshirt freshman in 1993 and as a senior in 1996 when Utah State was a member of the Big West Conference.&nbsp;He earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Utah State in 1996, graduating cum laude.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704402584739.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Conor Riley, a five-year member of the Kansas State football staff who directed the Wildcat offense during its recent bowl victory, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, while&nbsp;Matt Wells, a great offensive mind and developer of quarterback talent, has been hired as co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach/associate head coach, head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;announced Thursday.“As I have said before, Conor has been with me for more than a decade, and he is deserving of this opportunity,” Klieman said. “He did a phenomenal job of leading the offensive room during our bowl preparation, and our coaches and players have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead.“I have known Matt for a very long time, and he is someone who will bring a lot to the table as a member of our staff – from head coaching experience to developing some of the top quarterbacks in the game. He will be a great addition to our offensive room and system, providing tremendous x’s and o’s experience as well as a recruiting prowess that mirrors our philosophy of identifying and developing talent.”Riley, one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, will continue to tutor the Wildcat offensive front as he has done the last five seasons where he has produced 15 All-Big 12 honorees, including the 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in Cooper Beebe. Riley was elevated to interim offensive coordinator for K-State’s bowl game, a 28-19 win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively. The Wildcats’ 257 rushing yards were the fourth most in their bowl history, while their 21 first-half points also tied for fourth.“I’m very appreciative for this opportunity provided by Gene Taylor and Coach Klieman, two men I’ve been fortunate to be around for quite some time,” Riley said. “This is something I have worked for my entire career, and to be able to have this opportunity at such a great institution such as K-State – one with great tradition – is humbling. I look forward to the addition of Coach Wells, a person I greatly respect as a peer in coaching, but more important is the amount of respect I have for him as a man of character and integrity. I’m looking forward to continuing to build and move this offense forward with the entire staff.”Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, comes to Manhattan after spending the last two seasons at Oklahoma as advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. Prior to that, he served as the head coach at his alma mater, Utah State, from 2013 through 2018 and at Texas Tech from 2019 to 2021. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, he has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.“My family and I are so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that Coach Klieman has presented to us to be a part of the Wildcat staff and team,” Wells said. “This has been a model of a winning program with consistency and stability throughout his tenure at Kansas State. I look forward to us chasing championships together!”Riley has been an integral part of the offensive coaching staff since his arrival, and just this past year helped the Wildcats rank in the top 10 in school history in 32 game or season categories. Among those was a school-record 30 passing touchdowns, No. 2 rankings in offensive yards per game (445.2) and first downs (310), and No. 3 showings in total yards (5,788), completions (258) and pass attempts (426).Through bowl season, K-State ranks in the top 30 nationally in 10 offensive categories, including scoring (37.1 points per game), rushing (11th&nbsp;– 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th&nbsp;– 47.9%), first downs (12th&nbsp;– 310) and fewest turnovers lost (14th&nbsp;– 12).One of the most respected offensive line coaches in the country, Riley tutored Beebe to Consensus All-America honors in 2023, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to earn the distinction. Beebe was also a three-time First Team All-Big 12 performer and was joined on this year’s All-Big 12 team by Hayden Gillum, KT Leveston and Carver Willis, which marked the fourth time in his five seasons on staff that Riley has coached at least three linemen to all-conference honors.Under Riley’s guidance, the K-State offensive line has helped the Wildcats eclipse at least 200 rushing yards per game in consecutive seasons for the first time since doing so three-straight seasons from 2001 through 2003. Additionally, the Wildcats have surrendered fewer than 2.0 sacks per game in each of Riley’s five years on staff, the Wildcats’ longest streak since sacks became an official NCAA statistic in 1985.Riley came to Manhattan from North Dakota State where he coached the 2013 through 2018 seasons – including the final five campaigns tutoring the offensive line under Klieman – helping NDSU win five national championships during his tenure. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Omaha, as a student assistant/graduate assistant from 2003 to 2005, and he returned as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator from 2007 to 2010 after serving the 2006 season at Concordia (Minn.). Prior to his time at NDSU, Riley spent two seasons coaching the offensive line at Sacramento State.A 2003 graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, Riley was named the North Central Conference’s outstanding lineman twice in his three-year career. Following his senior year, he earned 2002 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Daktronics First Team All-America honors. Riley was a Second Team Division II All-American as a junior in 2001.One of Wells’ success stories tutoring quarterbacks was Jordan Love at Utah State, who accounted for 9,003 yards of total offense in his career – including a 2018 campaign in which he threw for 3,567 yards and 32 touchdowns – before declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season of 2019. In addition to snapping five single-season school records in 2018, Love also ranked second in school history with 8,600 career passing yards and tied for second with 60 touchdown passes. He went on to be selected 26th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft, becoming the first Aggie to hear his name called in the first round since 1970.With the duo of Wells and Love, Utah State went 11-2 in 2018 to match the school record for victories as the Aggies finished with a No. 21 ranking in the Amway Coaches’ poll and a No. 22 mark in the Associated Press Top 25. It marked only the fourth time in school history the Aggies – who climbed as high as No. 13 during the regular season – ended a year ranked in the final AP poll. The No. 13 ranking was Utah State’s highest at any point in a season since the 1961 campaign. Additionally, the school’s only two rankings in the College Football Playoff Top 25 came under Wells in 2018.Utah State boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the country in 2018, ranking second by averaging 47.5 points per game. The Aggies, who also ranked among the national leaders for fewest sacks allowed (fourth), total offense (11th), passing efficiency (14th) and passing offense (17th), lit up scoreboards to the tune of 618 points, snapping the Mountain West and Utah State single-season records in the process.Wells, who was hired as the head coach following two seasons as an assistant, guided Utah State to its best stretch in history as the Aggies won 44 games and played in five bowl games under his guidance. He left the school being the only coach to lead the Aggies to at least three bowl games as well as multiple bowl victories.Wells closed his tenure in Logan as the second-winningest coach in program history with 44 victories thanks in part to a 10-4 record in only his second season of 2014 and then an 11-2 mark in 2018. Utah State was also 9-5 during Wells’ debut season in 2013, which marked the most wins for a first-year head coach in program history.&nbsp;Wells was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2018, making him just the fifth Mountain West coach to receive the honor twice in a career to join the likes of Sonny Lubick (Colorado State), Rocky Long (New Mexico), Urban Meyer (Utah) and Gary Patterson (TCU).A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Wells began his career coaching the quarterbacks, fullbacks and wide receivers at Navy from 1997 through 2001 in addition to serving as the head coach for the Midshipmen junior varsity team. He then spent five seasons back in his home state as he was the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.Wells spent the 2007, 2008 and 2010 seasons at New Mexico as the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. During the 2009 season, he was the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Louisville.Wells’ tenure at Utah State began as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator in 2011 before being promoted to offensive coordinator a year later. As offensive coordinator, Wells helped Utah State claim the 2012 WAC title, its first outright conference championship since 1936 and just its third in school history. That season, Wells directed an Aggie offense that set single-season school records for total points (454), total offense (6,108), completions (285) and total yards per game (469.8), while ranking second in points per game (34.9) and total passing yards (3,445).Wells was instrumental in the development of quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who earned First Team All-WAC honors in 2012 after setting single-season school records for touchdown passes (27), passing yards (3,373), completion percentage (67.6%), completions (275) and total offense (3,992).Wells, a quarterback for the Aggies from 1994 to 1996, was a member of two conference championship teams, which came as a redshirt freshman in 1993 and as a senior in 1996 when Utah State was a member of the Big West Conference.&nbsp;He earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Utah State in 1996, graduating cum laude.

🏈 K-State promotes Riley, hires Wells to staff

The Kansas City Chiefs have their collective sights on another Super Bowl run as the postseason kicks off next week, but in the meantime, five members of the defending world champions earned nominations to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games on Wednesday.

Here's a look at each of the Chiefs' five initial selections for this year's event.

Defensive Lineman Chris Jones (Starter)

This marks the second-straight Pro Bowl nod for Humphrey, whose 726 pass-blocking snaps lead all centers. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Humphrey has been the league's best pass-blocking center this year. Jones, meanwhile, earned his fifth-straight nomination courtesy of a campaign in which he ranks second among all interior linemen in pressures (67) with one game to go.

Kelce, whose 327,263 total fan votes ranked fifth among all players, was named a Pro Bowler for the ninth-straight season. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns on the year.

The man responsible for getting Kelce the ball, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also earned another Pro Bowl nod, continuing his streak of garnering Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first six seasons as the Chiefs' primary starter. Mahomes, who isn't scheduled to start this upcoming Sunday due to Kansas City's postseason position being locked into place, has a league-most 401 completions for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns on the season.

Mahomes has been sacked the second-fewest times of any qualified quarterback in the NFL this season due in large part to Thuney, who PFF currently ranks as the league's top-rated pass-blocker among guards. This marks Thuney's second-straight Pro Bowl nomination.

In addition to those five nominees, another five members of the Chiefs were named as alternates for this year's Pro Bowl Games:

Of course, each of these players has their eye on a trip to Super Bowl LVIII rather than the Pro Bowl Games, but after another hard-fought season, it's still meaningful for all 10 of these players to be recognized for their efforts this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699211651822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs have their collective sights on another Super Bowl run as the postseason kicks off next week, but in the meantime, five members of the defending world champions earned nominations to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games on Wednesday.Here's a look at each of the Chiefs' five initial selections for this year's event.Center Creed Humphrey (Starter)Defensive Lineman Chris Jones (Starter)Tight End Travis Kelce (Starter)Quarterback Patrick MahomesOffensive Guard Joe ThuneyThis marks the second-straight Pro Bowl nod for Humphrey, whose 726 pass-blocking snaps lead all centers. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Humphrey has been the league's best pass-blocking center this year. Jones, meanwhile, earned his fifth-straight nomination courtesy of a campaign in which he ranks second among all interior linemen in pressures (67) with one game to go.Kelce, whose 327,263 total fan votes ranked fifth among all players, was named a Pro Bowler for the ninth-straight season. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns on the year.The man responsible for getting Kelce the ball, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also earned another Pro Bowl nod, continuing his streak of garnering Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first six seasons as the Chiefs' primary starter. Mahomes, who isn't scheduled to start this upcoming Sunday due to Kansas City's postseason position being locked into place, has a league-most 401 completions for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns on the season.Mahomes has been sacked the second-fewest times of any qualified quarterback in the NFL this season due in large part to Thuney, who PFF currently ranks as the league's top-rated pass-blocker among guards. This marks Thuney's second-straight Pro Bowl nomination.In addition to those five nominees, another five members of the Chiefs were named as alternates for this year's Pro Bowl Games:Cornerback L'Jarius SneedOffensive Guard Trey SmithRunning Back Isiah PachecoLinebacker Willie Gay Jr.Linebacker Nick BoltonOf course, each of these players has their eye on a trip to Super Bowl LVIII rather than the Pro Bowl Games, but after another hard-fought season, it's still meaningful for all 10 of these players to be recognized for their efforts this year.

🏈 Five Chiefs earn NFL Pro Bowl honors

🎧 LISTEN: HutchCC 🏀 sweeps Butler; Former HutchCC 🏈 standout enters transfer portal

Jayhawk Men #9 Cowley&nbsp; 8-0&nbsp; 13-1 #10 Barton&nbsp; 7-1&nbsp; 13-1 #21 Hutchinson 6-1&nbsp; 11-2 #17 Butler&nbsp; 5-2&nbsp; 10-3 Cloud County&nbsp; 5-3&nbsp; 10-3 Garden City 5-3&nbsp; 9-5 Dodge City 4-4&nbsp; 6-8 Coffeyville 3-4&nbsp; 7-6 Pratt 3-4&nbsp; 5-7 Seward County&nbsp; 1-6&nbsp; 3-10&nbsp;&nbsp; Colby 1-6&nbsp; 4-9 NW Tech&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 4-9 Independence&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 1-12

Wednesday, January 3 Barton 76, Coffeyville 69 Garden City 102, Seward County 83 Hutchinson 63, Butler 60 Dodge City 82, NW Tech 78 Cowley 90, Colby 70 Cloud County 87, Independence 48 South Plains, TX 87, Pratt 82

Saturday, January 6 Cloud County @ Pratt Cowley @ Independence NW Tech @ Hutchinson - 4 p.m. Garden City @ Coffeyville Butler @ Colby Dodge City @ Seward County

Wednesday, January 10 Barton @ Garden City Coffeyville @ Dodge City Pratt @ Cowley Seward County @ Hutchinson - 7:30 p.m. Independence @ Butler Colby @ NW Tech

----------------------------- Jayhawk Women #11 Hutchinson 7-0 13-0 #3 Butler 6-1&nbsp; 12-1 #14 Dodge City&nbsp; 6-2&nbsp; 12-2 Barton&nbsp; 6-2&nbsp; 10-3 #23 Coffeyville&nbsp; 5-2&nbsp; 10-3 Garden City 5-3&nbsp; 10-3 Cloud County 4-4&nbsp; 8-6 Seward County 3-4&nbsp; 7-6 Independence 2-5&nbsp; 8-5 Pratt 2-5&nbsp; 7-5 Cowley 2-6&nbsp; 8-6 NW Tech&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 1-10 Colby&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 4-8

Wednesday, January 3 Barton 51, Coffeyville 40 Seward County 71, Garden City 63 Hutchinson 73, Butler 54 Dodge City 98, NW Tech 66 Cowley 62, Colby 47 Cloud County 77, Independence 57

Saturday, January 6 N.D. St. College of Science @ Barton Cloud County @ Pratt Cowley @ Independence NW Tech @ Hutchinson - 2 p.m. Garden City @ Coffeyville Butler @ Colby Dodge City @ Seward County

Wednesday, January 10 Barton @ Garden City Coffeyville @ Dodge City Pratt @ Cowley Seward County @ Hutchinson - 5:30 p.m. Independence @ Butler Colby @ NW Tech&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>Jayhawk Men #9 Cowley&nbsp; 8-0&nbsp; 13-1 #10 Barton&nbsp; 7-1&nbsp; 13-1 #21 Hutchinson 6-1&nbsp; 11-2 #17 Butler&nbsp; 5-2&nbsp; 10-3 Cloud County&nbsp; 5-3&nbsp; 10-3 Garden City 5-3&nbsp; 9-5 Dodge City 4-4&nbsp; 6-8 Coffeyville 3-4&nbsp; 7-6 Pratt 3-4&nbsp; 5-7 Seward County&nbsp; 1-6&nbsp; 3-10&nbsp;&nbsp; Colby 1-6&nbsp; 4-9 NW Tech&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 4-9 Independence&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 1-12Wednesday, January 3 Barton 76, Coffeyville 69 Garden City 102, Seward County 83 Hutchinson 63, Butler 60 Dodge City 82, NW Tech 78 Cowley 90, Colby 70 Cloud County 87, Independence 48 South Plains, TX 87, Pratt 82Saturday, January 6 Cloud County @ Pratt Cowley @ Independence NW Tech @ Hutchinson - 4 p.m. Garden City @ Coffeyville Butler @ Colby Dodge City @ Seward CountyWednesday, January 10 Barton @ Garden City Coffeyville @ Dodge City Pratt @ Cowley Seward County @ Hutchinson - 7:30 p.m. Independence @ Butler Colby @ NW Tech----------------------------- Jayhawk Women #11 Hutchinson 7-0 13-0 #3 Butler 6-1&nbsp; 12-1 #14 Dodge City&nbsp; 6-2&nbsp; 12-2 Barton&nbsp; 6-2&nbsp; 10-3 #23 Coffeyville&nbsp; 5-2&nbsp; 10-3 Garden City 5-3&nbsp; 10-3 Cloud County 4-4&nbsp; 8-6 Seward County 3-4&nbsp; 7-6 Independence 2-5&nbsp; 8-5 Pratt 2-5&nbsp; 7-5 Cowley 2-6&nbsp; 8-6 NW Tech&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 1-10 Colby&nbsp; 0-7&nbsp; 4-8Wednesday, January 3 Barton 51, Coffeyville 40 Seward County 71, Garden City 63 Hutchinson 73, Butler 54 Dodge City 98, NW Tech 66 Cowley 62, Colby 47 Cloud County 77, Independence 57Saturday, January 6 N.D. St. College of Science @ Barton Cloud County @ Pratt Cowley @ Independence NW Tech @ Hutchinson - 2 p.m. Garden City @ Coffeyville Butler @ Colby Dodge City @ Seward CountyWednesday, January 10 Barton @ Garden City Coffeyville @ Dodge City Pratt @ Cowley Seward County @ Hutchinson - 5:30 p.m. Independence @ Butler Colby @ NW Tech&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Jayhawk Conference standings, scores, and upcoming schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had 27 points with 11 rebounds and Kansas State held Houston to 14 second-half points in a 72-38 victory for the No. 11 Wildcats. Kansas State led 29-24 at halftime then used runs of 20-0 in the third quarter and 14-0 in the fourth to blow it open. K-State allowed only 41 points against Cincinnati in its other conference game, and this was the fourth time this season that the Wildcats allowed fewer than 40 points. Lee, who had 11 points in the first half, scored K-State’s first nine points of the third quarter, mostly during the 20-0 run. Her 27 total points came on 11-of-15 shooting and 5 of 8 free throws.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 13 points, Eric Dailey Jr. and Javon Small added 12 points apiece and Oklahoma State beat Chicago State 72-53. Thompson, who entered averaging 16.3 points in his last three games, was 4 of 11 from the floor with a pair of 3-pointers. Dailey and Small were a combined 8-of-18 shooting overall. Dailey grabbed nine and Small had seven of the Cowboys’ 43 rebounds. Brandon Garrison blocked four shots and chipped in six points for Oklahoma State (8-5). Jahsean Corbett had 20 points and seven rebounds to lead Chicago State (7-14), which has lost five in a row.

WACO, Texas (AP) — Ja’Kobe Walter scored 23 points, fellow freshman Yves Missi added 16 while making all eight of his shots and 18th-ranked Baylor christened the brand-new Foster Pavilion with a 98-79 victory over Cornell. Missi scored the first points in Baylor's new home when the 7-footer from Cameroon made a short jumper 30 seconds into the game. RayJ Dennis had 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting for the Bears. Baylor won 401 games over 35 years at the Ferrell Center. Nazir Williams had 17 points to lead Cornell. Isaiah Gray and Chris Manon each had 12 points.

UNDATED (AP) — Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy says the sign-stealing scandal has overshadowed the work the team has put in to go unbeaten and reach the College Football Playoff championship game. Michigan plays Washington for the national title in Houston on Monday as the NCAA continues to investigate allegations the Wolverines had a staff member use video equipment to pick off future opponents’ play-call signs from the sideline. McCarthy said it would be unfortunate if wins were vacated because it would take recognition away from players who did things the right way.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Chiefs’ regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles. The Chiefs clinched their eighth straight AFC West title and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs with last week's 25-17 win over the Bengals. Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start for Kansas City and Chris Oladokun will back him up. Chiefs coach Andy Reid declined to say whether other starters, such as tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones, will play against the Chargers.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Ravens coach John Harbaugh says Lamar Jackson will not play in Baltimore’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Harbaugh said Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens. The team has already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Josh Johnson will be Huntley’s backup. The announcement was no surprise now that Baltimore has wrapped up a first-round bye in the postseason. Jackson missed the end of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but has started all 16 games so far this season. Huntley has started eight games in his pro career.

UNDATED (AP) — Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa were selected to their first Pro Bowl as the starting quarterbacks for their respective conferences. It’s the first time the two starting QBs are first-time picks since the 1999 season when Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner were chosen. Purdy was one of nine players picked from the San Francisco 49ers, who clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The 49ers had the most players selected. Baltimore and Dallas each have seven Pro Bowl players.

UNDATED (AP) — The Miami Dolphins went from playing for the AFC’s No. 1 seed to playing for their division to avoid the sixth spot this week. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills stand in their way. The Bills-Dolphins will face off Sunday night in the NFL’s final regular-season game in a showdown for the AFC East title. The Dolphins had a chance at earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but were pounded by Baltimore 56-19. If they beat Buffalo, they’ll secure the No. 2 seed. The Bills would get the two seed with a win. If they lose, they’d drop to sixth, seventh or completely out of the playoffs.

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Rory McIlroy is softening his stance against Saudi-funded LIV Golf. He says on the “Stick to Football” podcast that he has accepted that LIV is part of golf now. McIlroy also says he has been to judgmental about players leaving. McIlroy has been the harshest critic of LIV Golf since it began in June 2022. Jon Rahm is the latest to defect. McIlroy says it was a smart business decision by the Masters champion. He says he suspects Rahm thinks the two sides will get together. McIlroy also suggested he helped instigate the PGA Tour meeting with the Saudis.

KAPALUA, Hawaii. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the PGA Tour player of the year in a close vote over Masters champion Jon Rahm. Scheffler is the first back-to-back winner of the award since Tiger Woods in 2006 and 2007. But this one will raise questions about whether players who voted penalized Rahm for joining LIV Golf. Scheffler had a staggering statistical year. He played so well that he didn't finish out of the top 12 until July. His two wins were The Players Championship and the Phoenix Open. But Rahm won four times, including the Masters. He defected in the middle of the two-week voting period.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and his family are safe after fire rescue crews responded to a large fire at his South Florida home Wednesday afternoon. The house, which is located in Southwest Ranches about 30 miles northwest of Miami, was shown Wednesday afternoon on local station WSVN 7 News with a large amount of black smoke coming out of the roof as firefighters doused it with water. No injuries have been reported. Hill had been at Dolphins practice as Miami prepares for its regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, but he left after being told about the fire.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors have accused Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges. Prosecutors on Wednesday requested that a judge hold Franco on an $86,000 bond, bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic and place him under house arrest. They noted that the money laundering charges stems from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor’s mother. The judge is scheduled to analyze the evidence that was collected during a monthslong investigation and issue a ruling on Friday. Franco remains in jail for now.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, January 4th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, January 4th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Ayoka Lee had 27 points with 11 rebounds and Kansas State held Houston to 14 second-half points in a 72-38 victory for the No. 11 Wildcats. Kansas State led 29-24 at halftime then used runs of 20-0 in the third quarter and 14-0 in the fourth to blow it open. K-State allowed only 41 points against Cincinnati in its other conference game, and this was the fourth time this season that the Wildcats allowed fewer than 40 points. Lee, who had 11 points in the first half, scored K-State’s first nine points of the third quarter, mostly during the 20-0 run. Her 27 total points came on 11-of-15 shooting and 5 of 8 free throws.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 13 points, Eric Dailey Jr. and Javon Small added 12 points apiece and Oklahoma State beat Chicago State 72-53. Thompson, who entered averaging 16.3 points in his last three games, was 4 of 11 from the floor with a pair of 3-pointers. Dailey and Small were a combined 8-of-18 shooting overall. Dailey grabbed nine and Small had seven of the Cowboys’ 43 rebounds. Brandon Garrison blocked four shots and chipped in six points for Oklahoma State (8-5). Jahsean Corbett had 20 points and seven rebounds to lead Chicago State (7-14), which has lost five in a row.WACO, Texas (AP) — Ja’Kobe Walter scored 23 points, fellow freshman Yves Missi added 16 while making all eight of his shots and 18th-ranked Baylor christened the brand-new Foster Pavilion with a 98-79 victory over Cornell. Missi scored the first points in Baylor's new home when the 7-footer from Cameroon made a short jumper 30 seconds into the game. RayJ Dennis had 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting for the Bears. Baylor won 401 games over 35 years at the Ferrell Center. Nazir Williams had 17 points to lead Cornell. Isaiah Gray and Chris Manon each had 12 points.UNDATED (AP) — Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy says the sign-stealing scandal has overshadowed the work the team has put in to go unbeaten and reach the College Football Playoff championship game. Michigan plays Washington for the national title in Houston on Monday as the NCAA continues to investigate allegations the Wolverines had a staff member use video equipment to pick off future opponents’ play-call signs from the sideline. McCarthy said it would be unfortunate if wins were vacated because it would take recognition away from players who did things the right way.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Chiefs’ regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles. The Chiefs clinched their eighth straight AFC West title and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs with last week's 25-17 win over the Bengals. Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start for Kansas City and Chris Oladokun will back him up. Chiefs coach Andy Reid declined to say whether other starters, such as tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones, will play against the Chargers.OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Ravens coach John Harbaugh says Lamar Jackson will not play in Baltimore’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Harbaugh said Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens. The team has already clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Josh Johnson will be Huntley’s backup. The announcement was no surprise now that Baltimore has wrapped up a first-round bye in the postseason. Jackson missed the end of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but has started all 16 games so far this season. Huntley has started eight games in his pro career.UNDATED (AP) — Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa were selected to their first Pro Bowl as the starting quarterbacks for their respective conferences. It’s the first time the two starting QBs are first-time picks since the 1999 season when Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner were chosen. Purdy was one of nine players picked from the San Francisco 49ers, who clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The 49ers had the most players selected. Baltimore and Dallas each have seven Pro Bowl players.UNDATED (AP) — The Miami Dolphins went from playing for the AFC’s No. 1 seed to playing for their division to avoid the sixth spot this week. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills stand in their way. The Bills-Dolphins will face off Sunday night in the NFL’s final regular-season game in a showdown for the AFC East title. The Dolphins had a chance at earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but were pounded by Baltimore 56-19. If they beat Buffalo, they’ll secure the No. 2 seed. The Bills would get the two seed with a win. If they lose, they’d drop to sixth, seventh or completely out of the playoffs.KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Rory McIlroy is softening his stance against Saudi-funded LIV Golf. He says on the “Stick to Football” podcast that he has accepted that LIV is part of golf now. McIlroy also says he has been to judgmental about players leaving. McIlroy has been the harshest critic of LIV Golf since it began in June 2022. Jon Rahm is the latest to defect. McIlroy says it was a smart business decision by the Masters champion. He says he suspects Rahm thinks the two sides will get together. McIlroy also suggested he helped instigate the PGA Tour meeting with the Saudis.KAPALUA, Hawaii. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the PGA Tour player of the year in a close vote over Masters champion Jon Rahm. Scheffler is the first back-to-back winner of the award since Tiger Woods in 2006 and 2007. But this one will raise questions about whether players who voted penalized Rahm for joining LIV Golf. Scheffler had a staggering statistical year. He played so well that he didn't finish out of the top 12 until July. His two wins were The Players Championship and the Phoenix Open. But Rahm won four times, including the Masters. He defected in the middle of the two-week voting period.MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and his family are safe after fire rescue crews responded to a large fire at his South Florida home Wednesday afternoon. The house, which is located in Southwest Ranches about 30 miles northwest of Miami, was shown Wednesday afternoon on local station WSVN 7 News with a large amount of black smoke coming out of the roof as firefighters doused it with water. No injuries have been reported. Hill had been at Dolphins practice as Miami prepares for its regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, but he left after being told about the fire.SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominican prosecutors have accused Wander Franco of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering following allegations that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had a relationship with a minor whose mother also faces the same charges. Prosecutors on Wednesday requested that a judge hold Franco on an $86,000 bond, bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic and place him under house arrest. They noted that the money laundering charges stems from allegations that Franco made payments to the minor’s mother. The judge is scheduled to analyze the evidence that was collected during a monthslong investigation and issue a ruling on Friday. Franco remains in jail for now.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal Miami 95 (16)Clemson 82Final Seton Hall 61 (23)Providence 57NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Cleveland 140 Washington 101Final Indiana 142 Milwaukee 130Final Atlanta 141 Oklahoma City 138Final New Orleans 117 Minnesota 106Final Toronto 116 Memphis 111Final Houston 112 Brooklyn 101Final New York 116 Chicago 100Final Dallas 126 Portland 97Final L.A. Clippers 131 Phoenix 122Final OT Utah 154 Detroit 148Final Miami 110 L.A. Lakers 96Final 2OT Sacramento 138 Orlando 135NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal New Jersey 6 Washington 3

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;(11/12) K-State outscored Houston, 43-14, in the second half of Wednesday night's game at Bramlage Coliseum to secure a 72-38 win over the Cougars. With the win, K-State has won 10 straight home games for the first time in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era. The Wildcats have also improved upon its season-best win streak with its eighth straight win.

K-State improved its record to 14-1 for the first time under the direction of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>. This is the best start for K-State since opening the 2008-09 season with a 14-1 mark. In its history, K-State has opened a season 14-1 five times.

Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;improved upon her own school record with the 54th double-double of her career with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds including a season-high eight offensive boards, two blocks and two steals.

Junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;notched 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, three assists, three steals and a blocked shot. The product of Maryville, Missouri, closed to within eight points of 1,000 for her career.

Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to card 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, four rebounds and a career-high four steals.&nbsp;

HOW IT HAPPENED - Leading by five at halftime, 29-24, K-State (14-1, 2-0 Big 12) would string together a 20-0 run to build a 51-29 lead with 1:59 remaining. Lee would score nine of the 20 points during the run. The Wildcats held the Cougars without a field goal for over six and a half minutes during the stretch. - The Wildcats would end the third quarter with a 51-33 lead and holding Houston to 4-of-14 shooting (.286). - Defensively, K-State would be even better in the fourth quarter, as the Wildcats held the Cougars to 1-of-12 (.083) shooting from the field in the frame. Houston would make its only field goal in the fourth quarter with 42 seconds remaining on a layup.- Offensively in the final stanza, K-State opened the period with a 14-0 run and built a 65-33 lead with 3:31 remaining. - K-State outscored Houston in the final frame, 21-5, equaling the fewest points allowed by the Wildcats in a fourth quarter this season (5, at Little Rock, 11/11/23). - For the entire second half, the Wildcats shot 50.0 percent (15-of-30) from the field and recorded 11 assists on the 15 made field goals.&nbsp; - The 14 points allowed by K-State in the second half were the fewest allowed by K-State in a second half this season and the fewest since allowing nine to Clemson on November 24, 2022. - The 38 points allowed were the fewest K-State has surrendered in a Big 12 game since holding Oklahoma State to 38 points on February 20, 2022. - K-State ended the night shooting 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the field and shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.- Houston shot 28.8 percent (15-of-52) from the floor including 20.0 percent (4-of-20) and were forced into 25 turnovers.

QUICK FACTS - K-State leads the series with Houston, 3-0. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;is 12-6 (.667) in his career against Houston. - The Wildcats are 221-237 (.483) in Big 12 games.&nbsp; - Mittie owns a career record of 632-363 (.635) and is 178-128 (.582) during his 10-seasons at K-State.- K-State owns a record of 388-154 (.716) during its 36-seasons in Bramlage Coliseum. Mittie is 118-46 (.720) in home games with the Wildcats. - K-State's 10-game home court winning streak is the longest home court winning streak in the Mittie era, which started with the final two home wins of the 2022-23 season. - K-State owns a record of 236-88 (.728) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 28-5 (.848) all-time when ranked 11th in the nation.

TEAM NOTES - K-State's starting five consisted of guards:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>. This was the 15th time this starting five has been used this season. This was the 102nd career start for Lee, the 93rd collegiate career start and the 47th start at K-State for Gregory, the 84th career start for Sundell, the 80th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and the 74th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>. - The Wildcats held a 29-24 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>, K-State is 142-17 (.893) when leading at halftime, including a 13-0 record this season. - K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in three quarters on Wednesday. For the season, K-State owns 26 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better. - The Wildcats dished out 22 assists on Wednesday. When K-State hands out 20 or more assists over the last 16 seasons, the Wildcats are 89-7 (.927), including an 8-0 record this season. The Wildcats have handed out 20 or more assists in seven of its last eight games. - K-State registered a 41-26 advantage in rebounds on Wednesday. This is the 13th time K-State has outrebounded its opponent this season (12-1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702996208261.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;(11/12) K-State outscored Houston, 43-14, in the second half of Wednesday night's game at Bramlage Coliseum to secure a 72-38 win over the Cougars. With the win, K-State has won 10 straight home games for the first time in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era. The Wildcats have also improved upon its season-best win streak with its eighth straight win.K-State improved its record to 14-1 for the first time under the direction of head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>. This is the best start for K-State since opening the 2008-09 season with a 14-1 mark. In its history, K-State has opened a season 14-1 five times.Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;improved upon her own school record with the 54th double-double of her career with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds including a season-high eight offensive boards, two blocks and two steals.Junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;notched 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, three assists, three steals and a blocked shot. The product of Maryville, Missouri, closed to within eight points of 1,000 for her career.Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to card 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, four rebounds and a career-high four steals.&nbsp;HOW IT HAPPENED - Leading by five at halftime, 29-24, K-State (14-1, 2-0 Big 12) would string together a 20-0 run to build a 51-29 lead with 1:59 remaining. Lee would score nine of the 20 points during the run. The Wildcats held the Cougars without a field goal for over six and a half minutes during the stretch. - The Wildcats would end the third quarter with a 51-33 lead and holding Houston to 4-of-14 shooting (.286). - Defensively, K-State would be even better in the fourth quarter, as the Wildcats held the Cougars to 1-of-12 (.083) shooting from the field in the frame. Houston would make its only field goal in the fourth quarter with 42 seconds remaining on a layup.- Offensively in the final stanza, K-State opened the period with a 14-0 run and built a 65-33 lead with 3:31 remaining. - K-State outscored Houston in the final frame, 21-5, equaling the fewest points allowed by the Wildcats in a fourth quarter this season (5, at Little Rock, 11/11/23). - For the entire second half, the Wildcats shot 50.0 percent (15-of-30) from the field and recorded 11 assists on the 15 made field goals.&nbsp; - The 14 points allowed by K-State in the second half were the fewest allowed by K-State in a second half this season and the fewest since allowing nine to Clemson on November 24, 2022. - The 38 points allowed were the fewest K-State has surrendered in a Big 12 game since holding Oklahoma State to 38 points on February 20, 2022. - K-State ended the night shooting 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the field and shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.- Houston shot 28.8 percent (15-of-52) from the floor including 20.0 percent (4-of-20) and were forced into 25 turnovers.QUICK FACTS - K-State leads the series with Houston, 3-0. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;is 12-6 (.667) in his career against Houston. - The Wildcats are 221-237 (.483) in Big 12 games.&nbsp; - Mittie owns a career record of 632-363 (.635) and is 178-128 (.582) during his 10-seasons at K-State.- K-State owns a record of 388-154 (.716) during its 36-seasons in Bramlage Coliseum. Mittie is 118-46 (.720) in home games with the Wildcats. - K-State's 10-game home court winning streak is the longest home court winning streak in the Mittie era, which started with the final two home wins of the 2022-23 season. - K-State owns a record of 236-88 (.728) as an AP ranked team. K-State is 28-5 (.848) all-time when ranked 11th in the nation.TEAM NOTES - K-State's starting five consisted of guards:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>. This was the 15th time this starting five has been used this season. This was the 102nd career start for Lee, the 93rd collegiate career start and the 47th start at K-State for Gregory, the 84th career start for Sundell, the 80th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and the 74th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>. - The Wildcats held a 29-24 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>, K-State is 142-17 (.893) when leading at halftime, including a 13-0 record this season. - K-State shot 50.0 percent or better in three quarters on Wednesday. For the season, K-State owns 26 quarters with a field goal percentage of 50.0 percent or better. - The Wildcats dished out 22 assists on Wednesday. When K-State hands out 20 or more assists over the last 16 seasons, the Wildcats are 89-7 (.927), including an 8-0 record this season. The Wildcats have handed out 20 or more assists in seven of its last eight games. - K-State registered a 41-26 advantage in rebounds on Wednesday. This is the 13th time K-State has outrebounded its opponent this season (12-1).

🏀 WBB: (11/12) K-State cruises past Houston

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

HOUSTON, Texas –&nbsp;Turnovers troubled Wichita State as the Shockers fell 76-64 to Rice Wednesday evening in the Fertitta Center.

The Shockers (5-9, 1-1 AAC) committed 24 turnovers in their first American Athletic Conference loss of the season, while Rice (7-5, 1-0 AAC) opened their conference slate with a win.

"We try to keep our turnovers under 12 and for some reason, we kept giving the ball away, so we've got to try and get that fixed," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/terry-nooner/1136">Terry Nooner</a>&nbsp;said.

Redshirt-senior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/tre-zure-jobe/7624">Tre'Zure Jobe</a>&nbsp;recorded her first career double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/salese-blow/7620">Salese Blow</a>&nbsp;led the Shockers in scoring, tying for a game-high 16 points in her third career start.

Sophomore forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/daniela-abies/7503">Daniela Abies</a>&nbsp;also finished in double figures for the ninth time this year, tallying 14 points and nine rebounds.

Wichita State won the battle of the boards, 38-37, and senior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sierra-morrow/7623">Sierra Morrow</a>&nbsp;recorded a season-high three blocks.Five Owls finished in double figures, led by Dominique Ennis with a game-high 17 points.

The Shockers were only down three at halftime after going on a 10-2 run to close the gap on an 11-point deficit to finish the second quarter.

Wichita State came out swinging in the second half, scoring the first five points to take a two-point lead, but its third quarter woes returned as the Owls scored 12 points off eight turnovers, outscoring the Shockers 20-13 to go into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead.

Turnovers continued to plague the Shockers in the fourth quarter as Rice's lead didn't drop below nine despite an eight-point effort by Blow in the final period.

Wichita State continues its Texas road trip, looking for its first road win of the season at UTSA (6-7, 0-2 AAC) on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704345019099.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;HOUSTON, Texas –&nbsp;Turnovers troubled Wichita State as the Shockers fell 76-64 to Rice Wednesday evening in the Fertitta Center.The Shockers (5-9, 1-1 AAC) committed 24 turnovers in their first American Athletic Conference loss of the season, while Rice (7-5, 1-0 AAC) opened their conference slate with a win."We try to keep our turnovers under 12 and for some reason, we kept giving the ball away, so we've got to try and get that fixed," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/terry-nooner/1136">Terry Nooner</a>&nbsp;said.Redshirt-senior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/tre-zure-jobe/7624">Tre'Zure Jobe</a>&nbsp;recorded her first career double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/salese-blow/7620">Salese Blow</a>&nbsp;led the Shockers in scoring, tying for a game-high 16 points in her third career start.Sophomore forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/daniela-abies/7503">Daniela Abies</a>&nbsp;also finished in double figures for the ninth time this year, tallying 14 points and nine rebounds.Wichita State won the battle of the boards, 38-37, and senior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sierra-morrow/7623">Sierra Morrow</a>&nbsp;recorded a season-high three blocks.Five Owls finished in double figures, led by Dominique Ennis with a game-high 17 points.The Shockers were only down three at halftime after going on a 10-2 run to close the gap on an 11-point deficit to finish the second quarter.Wichita State came out swinging in the second half, scoring the first five points to take a two-point lead, but its third quarter woes returned as the Owls scored 12 points off eight turnovers, outscoring the Shockers 20-13 to go into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead.Turnovers continued to plague the Shockers in the fourth quarter as Rice's lead didn't drop below nine despite an eight-point effort by Blow in the final period.Wichita State continues its Texas road trip, looking for its first road win of the season at UTSA (6-7, 0-2 AAC) on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: Shockers struggle in road loss at Rice

AMES, Iowa –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks made a valiant effort to overcome a 16-point second half deficit at Iowa State on Wednesday, but came up just short, falling 69-61 to the Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum.&nbsp;

With the loss, Kansas falls to 7-6 on the year and 0-2 in Big 12 play, while ISU improves to 9-4 (2-0 Big 12) this season.&nbsp;

“That’s the nature of the game, momentum,” said Head Coach Brandon Schneider after the game. “Our shooting in the second quarter really hurt us. I thought we were getting good looks, but probably missed a few extra passes. I thought we missed Holly numerous times. The six threes by Iowa State in the third quarter is a killer. We have to make them dribble it and have to rotate quicker so we aren’t giving them those looks.”

The Jayhawks got off to a good start on both ends of the court, holding Iowa State to 4-of-11 field goal shooting in the first quarter while forcing six Cyclone turnovers. At the offensive end, Holly Kersgieter ignited a 13-2 run with a pair of three-pointers as KU led by as many as nine on two occasions, including a 17-8 lead at the end of the quarter. Four different Jayhawks scored in the opening quarter, including six points each for Kersgieter and Taiyanna Jackson.&nbsp;

S’Mya Nichols pushed the lead into double figures with a basket on KU’s opening possession of the second quarter, but the Jayhawks missed their next 12 field goals as Iowa State clawed back to within two at 20-18. Zakiyah Franklin ended the cold spell with a three-pointer, making it 24-18, but ISU scored the final six points of the quarter and knotted the score at 24-24 heading into halftime.

Iowa State retook the lead early in the second half and hit four three-pointers in just over four minutes to lead 38-29 with 5:58 to play in the third. An 8-0 run by ISU pushed the Cyclones lead to 46-31 with 3:05 to play in the quarter, but Kansas responded with six straight points on a three-pointer from Nichols and a fast break layup and free throw converted by Kersgieter to make it 46-37. ISU scored the final basket of the quarter with 1:55 to play and lead 48-37 heading to the fourth.&nbsp;

ISU increased its lead to 16 points on two occasions early in the fourth quarter, including a 59-43 with 6:52 to play. Kansas answered with a 10-0 run started by a Franklin three-pointer that got the Jayhawks within six at 59-53, the closest KU had been since early in the second half.&nbsp;

After Iowa State scored six of the next eight points to push their advantage to 11, 65-54, Kansas again made a run. Franklin and Nichols scored the next seven points for KU as a 7-1 run got the Jayhawks within five at 66-61 with 1:27 to play, but Iowa State scored the final three points of the game at the free throw line to close things out.&nbsp;

For the fifth time this season, Nichols led the way Kansas with 16 points in addition to team-highs of six rebounds, four assists and a career-high four steals. Kersgieter and Franklin also scored in double-figures, as Kersgieter finished with 14 points on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc while Franklin finished the evening with 15 points.&nbsp;

Next Up Kansas plays its second road game of the week with a trip to Lubbock, Texas to face Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 6. Tipoff from United Supermarkets Arena is set for 2:00 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704344907988.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsAMES, Iowa –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks made a valiant effort to overcome a 16-point second half deficit at Iowa State on Wednesday, but came up just short, falling 69-61 to the Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum.&nbsp;With the loss, Kansas falls to 7-6 on the year and 0-2 in Big 12 play, while ISU improves to 9-4 (2-0 Big 12) this season.&nbsp;“That’s the nature of the game, momentum,” said Head Coach Brandon Schneider after the game. “Our shooting in the second quarter really hurt us. I thought we were getting good looks, but probably missed a few extra passes. I thought we missed Holly numerous times. The six threes by Iowa State in the third quarter is a killer. We have to make them dribble it and have to rotate quicker so we aren’t giving them those looks.”The Jayhawks got off to a good start on both ends of the court, holding Iowa State to 4-of-11 field goal shooting in the first quarter while forcing six Cyclone turnovers. At the offensive end, Holly Kersgieter ignited a 13-2 run with a pair of three-pointers as KU led by as many as nine on two occasions, including a 17-8 lead at the end of the quarter. Four different Jayhawks scored in the opening quarter, including six points each for Kersgieter and Taiyanna Jackson.&nbsp;S’Mya Nichols pushed the lead into double figures with a basket on KU’s opening possession of the second quarter, but the Jayhawks missed their next 12 field goals as Iowa State clawed back to within two at 20-18. Zakiyah Franklin ended the cold spell with a three-pointer, making it 24-18, but ISU scored the final six points of the quarter and knotted the score at 24-24 heading into halftime.Iowa State retook the lead early in the second half and hit four three-pointers in just over four minutes to lead 38-29 with 5:58 to play in the third. An 8-0 run by ISU pushed the Cyclones lead to 46-31 with 3:05 to play in the quarter, but Kansas responded with six straight points on a three-pointer from Nichols and a fast break layup and free throw converted by Kersgieter to make it 46-37. ISU scored the final basket of the quarter with 1:55 to play and lead 48-37 heading to the fourth.&nbsp;ISU increased its lead to 16 points on two occasions early in the fourth quarter, including a 59-43 with 6:52 to play. Kansas answered with a 10-0 run started by a Franklin three-pointer that got the Jayhawks within six at 59-53, the closest KU had been since early in the second half.&nbsp;After Iowa State scored six of the next eight points to push their advantage to 11, 65-54, Kansas again made a run. Franklin and Nichols scored the next seven points for KU as a 7-1 run got the Jayhawks within five at 66-61 with 1:27 to play, but Iowa State scored the final three points of the game at the free throw line to close things out.&nbsp;For the fifth time this season, Nichols led the way Kansas with 16 points in addition to team-highs of six rebounds, four assists and a career-high four steals. Kersgieter and Franklin also scored in double-figures, as Kersgieter finished with 14 points on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc while Franklin finished the evening with 15 points.&nbsp;Next Up Kansas plays its second road game of the week with a trip to Lubbock, Texas to face Texas Tech on Saturday, Jan. 6. Tipoff from United Supermarkets Arena is set for 2:00 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.

🏀 WBB: KU suffers second Big 12 setback at Iowa State

EL DORADO, Kan. — Kam Thomas came off the bench for the first time as a Blue Dragon (11 starts in 11 appearances) and led Hutchinson with 21 points in the Power Plant Wednesday night.

No. 21 Hutchinson (11-2, 6-1) got an immediate spark from Thomas after trailing 5-0.

Battling sickness, Hutchinson started Dallas Whitney for the third time this season and Kernan Bundy for the first time.&nbsp;

Thomas scored five straight after a Dre Weathers And-1 and the Dragons went on a 10-4 run against No. 17 Butler (10-3, 5-2).

The Dragons took a 30-25 advantage into the locker room and came out flat in the second half.&nbsp;

Butler built a nine-point advantage as Hutchinson shot just 3-of-17 to open the second frame.

Jamichael Stillwell notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards to lead the Grizzlies.

Hutchinson went 8-of-14 in the final seven minutes to rally back.&nbsp;

Butler failed to extend its one-point advantage with 1:34 to play as Kaleb Washington missed a pair of free throws.&nbsp;

Butler made good on just 13-of-24 attempts from the charity stripe (56.5%), including a measly 5-for-13 in the second half (38.5%).

Hutchinson reclaimed the lead with 1:06 remaining when a Tino Simon 15-footer rattled home.&nbsp;

A Jason Drake layup gave Butler the 60-59 advantage with 47 seconds left.&nbsp;

Thomas immediately answered with his third triple of the contest.

Butler struggled with the ensuing inbound. The first attempt was knocked out-of-bounds and given back to the Grizzlies. A nearly-identical pass was batted away by Hutchinson on the second attempt. Both deflections nearly went off Butler players.&nbsp;

The third time was the charm as Hutchinson stole the entry pass with 37 seconds remaining and drew a Grizzly foul with the shot clock dark.

J.P. Ricks made just one-of-two from the line to put Hutchinson up three.

Stillwell tried to tie the game on a guarded three, but clanked the ball off the backboard and committed his final foul on a Whitney rebound.

Whitney went to the line with 4.2 seconds left and a chance to ice the game.&nbsp;

Out of timeouts, Butler pushed the ball up the floor and got a 35-foot attempt from Amare Haynie.

His shot to tie the game rolled off the rim at the buzzer.

Hutchinson is home Saturday at 4 p.m. against Northwest Tech (4-9, 0-7).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704342318085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — Kam Thomas came off the bench for the first time as a Blue Dragon (11 starts in 11 appearances) and led Hutchinson with 21 points in the Power Plant Wednesday night.No. 21 Hutchinson (11-2, 6-1) got an immediate spark from Thomas after trailing 5-0.Battling sickness, Hutchinson started Dallas Whitney for the third time this season and Kernan Bundy for the first time.&nbsp;Thomas scored five straight after a Dre Weathers And-1 and the Dragons went on a 10-4 run against No. 17 Butler (10-3, 5-2).The Dragons took a 30-25 advantage into the locker room and came out flat in the second half.&nbsp;Butler built a nine-point advantage as Hutchinson shot just 3-of-17 to open the second frame.Jamichael Stillwell notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards to lead the Grizzlies.Hutchinson went 8-of-14 in the final seven minutes to rally back.&nbsp;Butler failed to extend its one-point advantage with 1:34 to play as Kaleb Washington missed a pair of free throws.&nbsp;Butler made good on just 13-of-24 attempts from the charity stripe (56.5%), including a measly 5-for-13 in the second half (38.5%).Hutchinson reclaimed the lead with 1:06 remaining when a Tino Simon 15-footer rattled home.&nbsp;A Jason Drake layup gave Butler the 60-59 advantage with 47 seconds left.&nbsp;Thomas immediately answered with his third triple of the contest.Butler struggled with the ensuing inbound. The first attempt was knocked out-of-bounds and given back to the Grizzlies. A nearly-identical pass was batted away by Hutchinson on the second attempt. Both deflections nearly went off Butler players.&nbsp;The third time was the charm as Hutchinson stole the entry pass with 37 seconds remaining and drew a Grizzly foul with the shot clock dark.J.P. Ricks made just one-of-two from the line to put Hutchinson up three.Stillwell tried to tie the game on a guarded three, but clanked the ball off the backboard and committed his final foul on a Whitney rebound.Whitney went to the line with 4.2 seconds left and a chance to ice the game.&nbsp;He missed both free throws.&nbsp;Out of timeouts, Butler pushed the ball up the floor and got a 35-foot attempt from Amare Haynie.His shot to tie the game rolled off the rim at the buzzer.FINAL: Hutchinson 63 Butler 60Hutchinson is home Saturday at 4 p.m. against Northwest Tech (4-9, 0-7).<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Thomas shines in bench role

EL DORADO, Kan. — Peyton Mosley had a career-high 16 points off the bench to power No. 11 Hutchinson (13-0, 7-0) past No. 3 Butler (12-1, 6-1) in the Power Plant Wednesday night.&nbsp;

The Dragons made just 1-of-8 three-point attempts before going on a 5-for-5 streak from distance to close out the first half.&nbsp;

Mosley nailed 3-of-4 from deep to set a career high for made three-pointers in the first half.&nbsp;

The Dragons outscored the Grizzlies 28-7 in the second quarter and used a 35-8 run to take a 39-17 advantage at the break.&nbsp;

Reigning conference freshman of the year Freddie Wallace scored 13 of Butler's 17 in the first frame.

Wallace and Maycee James were the only Grizzlies to make a field goal in the first 20 minutes.

Wallace had six-of-the-seven made field goals as all other Grizzlies went 0-for-15.

Wallace managed just five points in the second half to finish with 18 points and eight rebounds.&nbsp;

Mosley extended her career high with another made three in the second half. She led the Dragons in scoring with 16 on 4-of-5 from deep and 2-for-2 inside the arc.&nbsp;

Mosley notched 16 of Hutchinson's 24 bench points.&nbsp;

Mosley was one-of-four Blue Dragons in double-digit scoring, followed by Kiki Smith (15), Hailey Jackson (12), and Monae Duffy (10).

Duffy finished with 12 rebounds to secure her second double-double of the season and the 11th in her career.

The win marks Hutchinson's first in the Power Plant since Dec. 7, 2019, and the first win over a Top 5 opponent since March 8, 2017 (No. 4 Seward).

Hutchinson faces Northwest Tech (1-10, 0-7) Saturday in the Sports Arena at 2 p.m.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704340289172.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. — Peyton Mosley had a career-high 16 points off the bench to power No. 11 Hutchinson (13-0, 7-0) past No. 3 Butler (12-1, 6-1) in the Power Plant Wednesday night.&nbsp;The Dragons made just 1-of-8 three-point attempts before going on a 5-for-5 streak from distance to close out the first half.&nbsp;Mosley nailed 3-of-4 from deep to set a career high for made three-pointers in the first half.&nbsp;The Dragons outscored the Grizzlies 28-7 in the second quarter and used a 35-8 run to take a 39-17 advantage at the break.&nbsp;Reigning conference freshman of the year Freddie Wallace scored 13 of Butler's 17 in the first frame.Wallace and Maycee James were the only Grizzlies to make a field goal in the first 20 minutes.Wallace had six-of-the-seven made field goals as all other Grizzlies went 0-for-15.Wallace managed just five points in the second half to finish with 18 points and eight rebounds.&nbsp;Mosley extended her career high with another made three in the second half. She led the Dragons in scoring with 16 on 4-of-5 from deep and 2-for-2 inside the arc.&nbsp;Mosley notched 16 of Hutchinson's 24 bench points.&nbsp;Mosley was one-of-four Blue Dragons in double-digit scoring, followed by Kiki Smith (15), Hailey Jackson (12), and Monae Duffy (10).Duffy finished with 12 rebounds to secure her second double-double of the season and the 11th in her career.The win marks Hutchinson's first in the Power Plant since Dec. 7, 2019, and the first win over a Top 5 opponent since March 8, 2017 (No. 4 Seward).FINAL: Hutchinson 73 Butler 54Hutchinson faces Northwest Tech (1-10, 0-7) Saturday in the Sports Arena at 2 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

🏀 WBB: Mosley's career high powers No. 11 Dragons

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Although the Broncos didn't end their playoff drought in Sean Payton's first season in Denver, they do have a chance at snapping two other unseemly skids Sunday in Las Vegas.

A win by the Broncos (8-8) in the season finale would snap a streak of seven straight losses to the Raiders (7-9) which in some ways is more disconcerting to them than the 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-mahomes-wilson-910db1b01358b76f63d8eaf1cd8b9b07">Denver vanquished</a>&nbsp;with a resounding 24-9 win over Kansas City in Week 6.

“I don’t even know that I was aware that we had lost that many games to Las Vegas/Oakland," Payton said. “I think what would be important for us is to get to our ninth win.”

A ninth victory would give the Broncos their first winning season since 2016, the year after they rode Von Miller's prime-of-his-career brilliance and Peyton Manning to a win in Super Bowl 50.

No champion has ever followed up a tickertape parade with such a long wait to return to the postseason party.

“That's a massive deal for people who have been here as long as I have,” said fifth-year tackle Quinn Bailey, who's been in Denver since 2019. “To have a 9-8 record would be huge. I can't remember the last time I had that many wins in a season. I probably haven't, ever.”

Arizona State did go 10-3 in 2014, when Bailey played a handful of snaps as a freshman, but since then the teams he's been on have averaged 6.3 wins per season.

“Nine wins is a good thing,” said eighth-year safety Justin Simmons. “I was asked (recently), ‘Does a winning season mean anything?’ And I kind of brushed it off to the side because I really wanted to go to the playoffs and that meant more.”

But 9-8 would allow Denver to go into the offseason on a high note and return for 2024 without the emotional baggage of a seven-year run of losing records.

The Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend when the Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West crown despite being more vulnerable that at any time in Patrick Mahomes' brilliant career.

Finishing above .500 would be quite an accomplishment for a Broncos team that started out 1-5 before jumping into the crowded AFC playoff race with a five-game winning streak.

“I think it would be important to finish on the right note,” Simmons said, “and then have that momentum carry into next season.”

All season, Payton has preached about the Broncos following in the footsteps of the Detroit Lions, who rallied last season from a 1-6 start to finish 9-8, something they parlayed into a breakout 2023 season with an 11-5 record and their first divisional title since 1993.

A win by Denver, however, could prove harmful to its future at quarterback. The Broncos are currently slated to have the 14th pick in the draft. A loss could move them up to 11th and a win could drop them to 18th.

NOTES: Both OLB Baron Browning and WR Courtland Sutton were limited Wednesday in their return to practice. Both sustained concussions two weeks ago and missed Denver's win over the Chargers last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704368582924.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Will Grier (4) speak midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. The Denver Broncos won 16-9. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Will Grier (4) speak midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. The Denver Broncos won 16-9. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Although the Broncos didn't end their playoff drought in Sean Payton's first season in Denver, they do have a chance at snapping two other unseemly skids Sunday in Las Vegas.A win by the Broncos (8-8) in the season finale would snap a streak of seven straight losses to the Raiders (7-9) which in some ways is more disconcerting to them than the 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-mahomes-wilson-910db1b01358b76f63d8eaf1cd8b9b07">Denver vanquished</a>&nbsp;with a resounding 24-9 win over Kansas City in Week 6.“I don’t even know that I was aware that we had lost that many games to Las Vegas/Oakland," Payton said. “I think what would be important for us is to get to our ninth win.”A ninth victory would give the Broncos their first winning season since 2016, the year after they rode Von Miller's prime-of-his-career brilliance and Peyton Manning to a win in Super Bowl 50.No champion has ever followed up a tickertape parade with such a long wait to return to the postseason party.“That's a massive deal for people who have been here as long as I have,” said fifth-year tackle Quinn Bailey, who's been in Denver since 2019. “To have a 9-8 record would be huge. I can't remember the last time I had that many wins in a season. I probably haven't, ever.”Arizona State did go 10-3 in 2014, when Bailey played a handful of snaps as a freshman, but since then the teams he's been on have averaged 6.3 wins per season.“Nine wins is a good thing,” said eighth-year safety Justin Simmons. “I was asked (recently), ‘Does a winning season mean anything?’ And I kind of brushed it off to the side because I really wanted to go to the playoffs and that meant more.”But 9-8 would allow Denver to go into the offseason on a high note and return for 2024 without the emotional baggage of a seven-year run of losing records.The Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend when the Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West crown despite being more vulnerable that at any time in Patrick Mahomes' brilliant career.Finishing above .500 would be quite an accomplishment for a Broncos team that started out 1-5 before jumping into the crowded AFC playoff race with a five-game winning streak.“I think it would be important to finish on the right note,” Simmons said, “and then have that momentum carry into next season.”All season, Payton has preached about the Broncos following in the footsteps of the Detroit Lions, who rallied last season from a 1-6 start to finish 9-8, something they parlayed into a breakout 2023 season with an 11-5 record and their first divisional title since 1993.A win by Denver, however, could prove harmful to its future at quarterback. The Broncos are currently slated to have the 14th pick in the draft. A loss could move them up to 11th and a win could drop them to 18th.NOTES: Both OLB Baron Browning and WR Courtland Sutton were limited Wednesday in their return to practice. Both sustained concussions two weeks ago and missed Denver's win over the Chargers last week.

🏈 Broncos' playoff drought now at 8 years, but they have a shot at first winning season since '16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles with their eighth straight AFC West title secured and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs already locked up.

The Chiefs can do no better or worse in their postseason positioning after last week's win over Cincinnati clinched the division, so coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Mahomes would get a week of rest.

Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start and second-year pro Chris Oladokun, who has spent the season on the practice squad, will be the primary backup.

Gabbert was signed in the offseason to replace Chad Henne, who retired after last year's Super Bowl triumph. The Chiefs have long valued having a veteran behind Mahomes, and Gabbert has started 48 games and appeared in 68 over 12 NFL seasons.

“He works so stinking hard in practice. It's great to have that opportunity to go out and play,” Reid said. “He's been a starter in the league. We have confidence he knows what to do, and he'll go in there and do well.”

The Chiefs (10-6) have struggled with offensive consistency this season, whether because of dropped passes, penalties or missed assignments. But while they finally played well in a 25-17 victory over the Bengals — despite drives fizzling and Harrison Butker kicking six field goals — Reid said he didn't consider giving Mahomes any snaps to keep the momentum going.

Mahomes instead will turn most of his attention to the five potential opponents that Kansas City could face the following week, and Gabbert and Oladokun will split practice reps as they prepared to head to Los Angeles.

“Ultimately the reason we play football is to play in the games, right? And it's a great opportunity not only for myself but others to play in different positions than they have been in throughout the year,” Gabbert said. “It's great to get reps under your belt so when your number is called in the playoffs, if it is called, you're ready to go.”

Reid indicated he was aware of some looming milestones, but he declined to say whether they would matter in playing time.

The biggest might belong to Travis Kelce, who needs 16 yards receiving for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season. That would extend his own club record and the NFL record for a tight end, and be the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.

“That's not how Travis plays. He wants team success first and he's always been that way," Gabbert said. “If it's Coach Reid's decision to have him rest, he'll rest. But if he's out there, we'll do our damn best to get him those yards.”

Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe's franchise record for a rookie, while defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus in the revised contract he signed prior to the season.

Asked how the conversations about those milestones might go, Reid said with a smile: “Probably one-sided.”

NOTES: Jones (groin spasm) and Rice (tweaked hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. RB Isiah Pacheco (bruised quad) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (strained calf) also did not practice. ... WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was back after missing two games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704368438492.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 25-17 to clinch the AFC West. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 25-17 to clinch the AFC West. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles with their eighth straight AFC West title secured and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs already locked up.The Chiefs can do no better or worse in their postseason positioning after last week's win over Cincinnati clinched the division, so coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Mahomes would get a week of rest.Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start and second-year pro Chris Oladokun, who has spent the season on the practice squad, will be the primary backup.Gabbert was signed in the offseason to replace Chad Henne, who retired after last year's Super Bowl triumph. The Chiefs have long valued having a veteran behind Mahomes, and Gabbert has started 48 games and appeared in 68 over 12 NFL seasons.“He works so stinking hard in practice. It's great to have that opportunity to go out and play,” Reid said. “He's been a starter in the league. We have confidence he knows what to do, and he'll go in there and do well.”The Chiefs (10-6) have struggled with offensive consistency this season, whether because of dropped passes, penalties or missed assignments. But while they finally played well in a 25-17 victory over the Bengals — despite drives fizzling and Harrison Butker kicking six field goals — Reid said he didn't consider giving Mahomes any snaps to keep the momentum going.Mahomes instead will turn most of his attention to the five potential opponents that Kansas City could face the following week, and Gabbert and Oladokun will split practice reps as they prepared to head to Los Angeles.“Ultimately the reason we play football is to play in the games, right? And it's a great opportunity not only for myself but others to play in different positions than they have been in throughout the year,” Gabbert said. “It's great to get reps under your belt so when your number is called in the playoffs, if it is called, you're ready to go.”Reid indicated he was aware of some looming milestones, but he declined to say whether they would matter in playing time.The biggest might belong to Travis Kelce, who needs 16 yards receiving for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season. That would extend his own club record and the NFL record for a tight end, and be the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.“That's not how Travis plays. He wants team success first and he's always been that way," Gabbert said. “If it's Coach Reid's decision to have him rest, he'll rest. But if he's out there, we'll do our damn best to get him those yards.”Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe's franchise record for a rookie, while defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus in the revised contract he signed prior to the season.Asked how the conversations about those milestones might go, Reid said with a smile: “Probably one-sided.”NOTES: Jones (groin spasm) and Rice (tweaked hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. RB Isiah Pacheco (bruised quad) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (strained calf) also did not practice. ... WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was back after missing two games.

🏈 Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes to sit regular-season finale against Chargers with AFC West secured

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters will sit out the regular season finale on Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday.

Backup Blaine Gabbert will get the start at quarterback in place of Mahomes for the 3:25 p.m. kickoff on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

The Chiefs are taking precautions now that the team has locked up the AFC West title and a spot in the playoffs.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698624576533.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;— Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters will sit out the regular season finale on Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Andy Reid confirmed on Wednesday.Backup Blaine Gabbert will get the start at quarterback in place of Mahomes for the 3:25 p.m. kickoff on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.The Chiefs are taking precautions now that the team has locked up the AFC West title and a spot in the playoffs.&nbsp;

🏈 Mahomes and other starters to sit regular season finale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="January 3rd, 2024 Eagle Media 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=tx8vf-153dc47-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Area High School Scores

Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports Information

After a 25-day hiatus for the holiday break, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team opens the second semester with a Top 25 road test on Wednesday night.

The No. 21-ranked Blue Dragons (10-2 overall, 5-1 Jayhawk Conference) travels to play at No. 17 Butler (10-2, 5-1) at 7:30 p.m. at the Power Plant in El Dorado.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_13_-_Butler.pdf">🏀CLICK FOR COMPLETE BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed free by <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/">Butler Creative TV</a> beginning at 7:15 p.m.

The Blue Dragons are 1-1 against nationally ranked opponents this season, defeating No. 23 NEO 102-84 on November 4 and falling 83-70 to No. 11 Cowley on December 9. Both of those games were played at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704278995022.jpeg" alt="Kamryn Thomas and the No. 21 Blue Dragon men travel to No. 17 Butler at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in El Dorado. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Kamryn Thomas and the No. 21 Blue Dragon men travel to No. 17 Butler at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in El Dorado. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter a 25-day hiatus for the holiday break, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team opens the second semester with a Top 25 road test on Wednesday night.The No. 21-ranked Blue Dragons (10-2 overall, 5-1 Jayhawk Conference) travels to play at No. 17 Butler (10-2, 5-1) at 7:30 p.m. at the Power Plant in El Dorado.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_13_-_Butler.pdf">🏀CLICK FOR COMPLETE BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed free by <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/">Butler Creative TV</a> beginning at 7:15 p.m.The Blue Dragons are 1-1 against nationally ranked opponents this season, defeating No. 23 NEO 102-84 on November 4 and falling 83-70 to No. 11 Cowley on December 9. Both of those games were played at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons look to rebound from that loss to Cowley to end the first semester. Hutchinson was held to season lows for points and field-goal percentage (32.9 percent). Four Blue Dragon players scored in double figures led by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>' 14 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/simon_valentino_8svq">Valentino Simon</a>&nbsp;posted his third-straight double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.Butler, which also hasn't played since December 9, enters play on Wednesday on a two-game winning streak. The Grizzlies closed the first semester with an 80-75 home victory over Dodge City. Despite being out-shot by the Conquistadors, Butler outscored Dodge City 21-9 at the free-throw line. Five Butler players scored in double figures, led by Charles McClenahan Jr.'s 18 points and eight rebounds.The Blue Dragons continue to set the team scoring pace in the Jayhawk Conference at 91.7 points per game. The Grizzlies are eighth in the league in scoring at 75.0 points per game.Thomas, Hutchinson's leading scorer at 15.2 points per game, is third in the Jayhawk Conference in 3-point shooting at 46.4 percent. Dre Weathers is second in the KJCCC in overall shooting at 70.1 percent.Butler's Jamichael Stillwell in the Jayhawk Conference's leading rebounder at 11.8 rebounds per game.Wednesday's matchup is the 198th all-time matchup in a series that has been continuous since the 1928-29 season. The Blue Dragons own a 128-69 all-time series lead, including a 49-42 series lead in games played in El Dorado. Butler swept the season series with Hutchinson last season. The 128 wins over Butler is third most by the Blue Dragons against a single opponents ( 1. Pratt - 152; 2. Garden City - 141; 3. Butler - 128).