KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled all season to get much production from their young group of wide receivers, and that is a big reason why their offense has failed to soar like it usually does. Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two touchdowns. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said part of the problem is simply their youth, but he also points out that Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs get their share of passes, too. Still, at this rate, Rashee Rice would lead Kansas City with a scant 55 receptions by the end of the season.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Justin Fields connected with DJ Moore for 230 yards and three touchdowns to help the embattled Chicago Bears pick up their first win of the season by beating Washington 40-20. Fields matched his career high set last week with four TD passes. Chicago's victory came hours after word emerged of the death of franchise great Dick Butkus. The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to last season. Washington fell behind 27-3 at halftime and lost a third consecutive game.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Washington Commanders part-owner Magic Johnson has chided his NFL team for showing no intensity or fire in a 40-20 loss to the previously winless Chicago Bears. Coach Ron Rivera's Commanders produced another terrible first half and fell into a 24-point hole against Chicago on Thursday night. That led to boos from the home crowd. Eventually, Washington briefly displayed some competence but wound up losing against an opponent club that hadn’t won a game in nearly a year. Washington's defense was supposed to be a strength under Rivera but Washington Commanders could not slow down Justin Fields and DJ Moore. Washington has lost three games in a row and allowed at least 33 points in each of its past four outings.

UNDATED (AP) — Most of the focus in the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win for the Wildcats against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the loser of that Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The Wildcats’ only loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21 Missouri after the Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as time expired. Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are becoming unhappy with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight losses.

UNDATED (AP) — UCF is headed to Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new Big 12 opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win since joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead in a 36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by Texas, which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks ago.

UNDATED (AP) — The Red River rivalry game between third-ranked Texas and 12th-ranked Oklahoma matches the Big 12's only undefeated and only ranked teams. It is their last meeting as part of the Big 12, at least in the regular season. They could play in the Big 12 championship game in December before moving to the Southeastern Conference next year. For now, the focus is on their annual game in the middle of the State Fair of Texas in the league's highlight game this weekend. Both teams are 5-0, marking the first time since 2011 both are undefeated for their game.

UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a concussion and never took the field against Texas last year. Sooners coach Brent Venables first game in the rivalry was a disaster. Both are looking for much different outcomes when No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma collide in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. Gabriel is healthy and slinging the ball around like few quarterbacks in the country this season. Texas hasn't face an opponent's No. 1 quarterback in the last three games. Saturday is the last matchup of these border rivals in the Big 12. Both programs move to the SEC next season.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — TCU begins a stretch of three of four games on the road when it visits Iowa State on Saturday night. The Horned Frogs are coming off a stinging home loss to West Virginia. They are 7-0 in true road games under Sonny Dykes. Iowa State has lost three of four and will go on the road for two straight after facing TCU. The key matchup is Iowa State's offensive line against TCU's defensive front. The Cyclones have allowed three sacks. They gave up 12 through five games a year ago. The Horned Frogs lead the Big 12 with 16 sacks.

UNDATED (AP) — Joey McGuire is returning to Baylor for a game for the first time since he left the Bears staff during the 2021 season to become Texas Tech's head coach. The Bears have won four of the last five meetings in the series. That includes the last two, though McGuire didn't make the trip to Waco for the 2021 regular-season finale the Red Raiders lost in Waco. McGuire had been on Baylor's staff for five seasons when he was hired by Texas Tech. Both teams are 2-3 this season. Baylor is coming off a record comeback win over UCF.

NEW YORK (AP) — Billy Eppler has resigned as New York Mets general manager, and a person familiar with the probe said he is under investigation by Major League Baseball. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. The person did not disclose the nature of the probe, but the New York Post was first to report Thursday that Eppler is being investigated by MLB for improper use of the injured list. His surprising resignation came three days after David Stearns was hired above Eppler as the Mets’ first president of baseball operations. Eppler spent the past two seasons running baseball operations for New York in his role as GM.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald is suing the school for $130 million, saying his alma mater wrongfully fired him in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal that has engulfed the athletic department. The announcement by Chicago-based attorneys Dan K. Webb and Matthew R. Carter on Thursday comes nearly three months after Fitzgerald was suspended and then fired after 17 years. Webb said that Fitzgerald would also be seeking additional money for “infliction of emotional distress,” future lost income and punitive damages. He said the suit in Cook County Circuit Court is against the university and its President Michael Schill.

CHICAGO (AP) — Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80. The team said in a statement that he died Thursday. Citing his family, the team said Butkus died in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California. Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind. Despite a short career in which he retired at 31, Butkus came to define his position. He later acted in movies, TV shows and commercials.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, October 6th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, October 6th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="October 6th, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ja8wn-14c3f62-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled all season to get much production from their young group of wide receivers, and that is a big reason why their offense has failed to soar like it usually does. Through the first four games, the entire Chiefs wide receiver corps has combined to catch 45 passes for 588 yards and just two touchdowns. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said part of the problem is simply their youth, but he also points out that Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco and the rest of the tight ends and running backs get their share of passes, too. Still, at this rate, Rashee Rice would lead Kansas City with a scant 55 receptions by the end of the season.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Justin Fields connected with DJ Moore for 230 yards and three touchdowns to help the embattled Chicago Bears pick up their first win of the season by beating Washington 40-20. Fields matched his career high set last week with four TD passes. Chicago's victory came hours after word emerged of the death of franchise great Dick Butkus. The Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak dating to last season. Washington fell behind 27-3 at halftime and lost a third consecutive game.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Washington Commanders part-owner Magic Johnson has chided his NFL team for showing no intensity or fire in a 40-20 loss to the previously winless Chicago Bears. Coach Ron Rivera's Commanders produced another terrible first half and fell into a 24-point hole against Chicago on Thursday night. That led to boos from the home crowd. Eventually, Washington briefly displayed some competence but wound up losing against an opponent club that hadn’t won a game in nearly a year. Washington's defense was supposed to be a strength under Rivera but Washington Commanders could not slow down Justin Fields and DJ Moore. Washington has lost three games in a row and allowed at least 33 points in each of its past four outings.UNDATED (AP) — Most of the focus in the Big 12 this week is on the Oklahoma-Texas showdown, but Kansas State sits just outside of the AP Top 25. A win for the Wildcats against Oklahoma State would put them ahead of the loser of that Oklahoma-Texas game in the conference standings. The Wildcats’ only loss was a non-conference game at now-No. 21 Missouri after the Tigers kicked a game-winning 61-yard field goal as time expired. Oklahoma State is off to a rough start, and fans are becoming unhappy with veteran coach Mike Gundy after two straight losses.ADVERTISINGUNDATED (AP) — UCF is headed to Kansas on Saturday for its first game against its new Big 12 opponent. The Knights nearly had their first conference win since joining the league last week but blew a 35-7 third-quarter lead in a 36-35 loss to Baylor. Kansas had its perfect start ruined by Texas, which romped to a 40-14 victory. The Jayhawks played that game without quarterback Jalon Daniels, whose back flared up. Backup Jason Bean is available. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could return. He has been out since hurting his knee against Boise State three weeks ago.UNDATED (AP) — The Red River rivalry game between third-ranked Texas and 12th-ranked Oklahoma matches the Big 12's only undefeated and only ranked teams. It is their last meeting as part of the Big 12, at least in the regular season. They could play in the Big 12 championship game in December before moving to the Southeastern Conference next year. For now, the focus is on their annual game in the middle of the State Fair of Texas in the league's highlight game this weekend. Both teams are 5-0, marking the first time since 2011 both are undefeated for their game.UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a concussion and never took the field against Texas last year. Sooners coach Brent Venables first game in the rivalry was a disaster. Both are looking for much different outcomes when No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma collide in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. Gabriel is healthy and slinging the ball around like few quarterbacks in the country this season. Texas hasn't face an opponent's No. 1 quarterback in the last three games. Saturday is the last matchup of these border rivals in the Big 12. Both programs move to the SEC next season.AMES, Iowa (AP) — TCU begins a stretch of three of four games on the road when it visits Iowa State on Saturday night. The Horned Frogs are coming off a stinging home loss to West Virginia. They are 7-0 in true road games under Sonny Dykes. Iowa State has lost three of four and will go on the road for two straight after facing TCU. The key matchup is Iowa State's offensive line against TCU's defensive front. The Cyclones have allowed three sacks. They gave up 12 through five games a year ago. The Horned Frogs lead the Big 12 with 16 sacks.UNDATED (AP) — Joey McGuire is returning to Baylor for a game for the first time since he left the Bears staff during the 2021 season to become Texas Tech's head coach. The Bears have won four of the last five meetings in the series. That includes the last two, though McGuire didn't make the trip to Waco for the 2021 regular-season finale the Red Raiders lost in Waco. McGuire had been on Baylor's staff for five seasons when he was hired by Texas Tech. Both teams are 2-3 this season. Baylor is coming off a record comeback win over UCF.NEW YORK (AP) — Billy Eppler has resigned as New York Mets general manager, and a person familiar with the probe said he is under investigation by Major League Baseball. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. The person did not disclose the nature of the probe, but the New York Post was first to report Thursday that Eppler is being investigated by MLB for improper use of the injured list. His surprising resignation came three days after David Stearns was hired above Eppler as the Mets’ first president of baseball operations. Eppler spent the past two seasons running baseball operations for New York in his role as GM.CHICAGO (AP) — Former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald is suing the school for $130 million, saying his alma mater wrongfully fired him in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal that has engulfed the athletic department. The announcement by Chicago-based attorneys Dan K. Webb and Matthew R. Carter on Thursday comes nearly three months after Fitzgerald was suspended and then fired after 17 years. Webb said that Fitzgerald would also be seeking additional money for “infliction of emotional distress,” future lost income and punitive damages. He said the suit in Cook County Circuit Court is against the university and its President Michael Schill.CHICAGO (AP) — Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80. The team said in a statement that he died Thursday. Citing his family, the team said Butkus died in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California. Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind. Despite a short career in which he retired at 31, Butkus came to define his position. He later acted in movies, TV shows and commercials.THURSDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal Chicago 40 Washington 20AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PRESEASONFinal	Minnesota	111	Dallas	99	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal OT	Los Angeles	4	San Jose	3	Final	Washington	4	Columbus	2	Final OT	Toronto	4	Detroit	3	Final	Philadelphia	5	N-Y Islanders	2	Final	Florida	6	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Boston	3	N-Y Rangers	1	Final	St. Louis	4	Dallas	0	Final	Ottawa	3	Winnipeg	0	Final	Nashville	5	Carolina	1	Final SO	Minnesota	3	Chicago	2	Final	Arizona	4	Anaheim	2	Final	Vegas	4	Colorado	3	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago	40	Washington	20	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESEASON		Nashville	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			New Jersey	at	N-Y Islanders	7 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Buffalo	7 p.m.			Seattle	at	Edmonton	9 p.m.			Calgary	at	Vancouver	10 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

Join Glen Grunwald, Rob Dreher and Sean Boston every Thursday from 6-6:30 p.m. on 1450-AM &amp; 98.5-FM KWBW for the Reno County Coaches Show and More. The crew will visit with various high school coaches and student-athletes.&nbsp;

ON THIS WEEKS SHOW HutchCC women's soccer head coach Sammy Lane Hutch Central Christian School football head coach Matt Barnett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695381782317.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Reno County Coaches Show & More - Oct. 5" 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=f5kms-14c33a5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Join Glen Grunwald, Rob Dreher and Sean Boston every Thursday from 6-6:30 p.m. on 1450-AM &amp; 98.5-FM KWBW for the Reno County Coaches Show and More. The crew will visit with various high school coaches and student-athletes.&nbsp;ON THIS WEEKS SHOW HutchCC women's soccer head coach Sammy Lane Hutch Central Christian School football head coach Matt Barnett

🎧 LISTEN: Reno County Coaches Show & More - Oct. 5

CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 80.

According to a statement released by the team, Butkus' family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.

Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.

He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.

CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 80.According to a statement released by the team, Butkus' family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/BxVt7EfV9Q">pic.twitter.com/BxVt7EfV9Q</a>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1710063953781440885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. <a href="https://t.co/8UEVuuZLwi">pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi</a>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1710063847359287777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.

Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame Chicago Bear, dies at 80

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 </figure><div><iframe title="Evening sports for Thursday, Oct. 5" 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=uegpa-14c305c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><div><div class="scorestream-widget-container" data-ss_widget_type="vertScoreboard" style="height:600px;" data-user-widget-id="57228"></div><script async="async" type="text/javascript" src="https://scorestream.com/apiJsCdn/widgets/embed.js"></script></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <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; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Evening sports for Thursday, Oct. 5

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kansas – K-State women's basketball will enter its 2023-24 season with high expectations, as the Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll has ranked the Wildcats in fourth-place in an announcement by the league office on Thursday.&nbsp; 

This is the second 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>&nbsp;that K-State has been slated in fourth in the preseason coaches poll, joining the 2020-21 preseason poll.

The league's coaches selected defending regular season co-champion Texas as the preseason favorite with 12 first-place votes and 168 total points. Baylor was second with two first-place votes and 148 points. Kansas was third with 138 points while K-State was in fourth with 133 points.

Behind the Wildcats in fifth was defending regular season co-champion Oklahoma with 121 points, defending Big 12 Tournament champions Iowa State in sixth with 107 points and Oklahoma State with 99 points in seventh. In eighth, ninth and tenth were West Virginia (80), TCU (77) and Texas Tech (63), respectively.&nbsp;

The four Big 12 newcomers were slotted in the final four spots with BYU (56) in 11th, Houston (45) in 12th, Cincinnati (22) in 13th and UCF (18) in 14th. 

The Wildcats will be led into the 2023-24 season by 2023-24 Preseason All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;and Preseason All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recipient&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>. K-State will also be bolstered by the return of juniors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>.

The 10 returning letter winners returning for the upcoming season were responsible for 84 percent of K-State's scoring, 82 percent of the team's assists, and 67 percent of the team's rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome redshirt freshman transfers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/imani-lester/11201">Imani Lester</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>, and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexis-hess/11199">Alexis Hess</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>.

K-State women's basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats' home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit www.kstatesports.com/tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679401092494.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kansas – K-State women's basketball will enter its 2023-24 season with high expectations, as the Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll has ranked the Wildcats in fourth-place in an announcement by the league office on Thursday.&nbsp; This is the second 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>&nbsp;that K-State has been slated in fourth in the preseason coaches poll, joining the 2020-21 preseason poll.The league's coaches selected defending regular season co-champion Texas as the preseason favorite with 12 first-place votes and 168 total points. Baylor was second with two first-place votes and 148 points. Kansas was third with 138 points while K-State was in fourth with 133 points.Behind the Wildcats in fifth was defending regular season co-champion Oklahoma with 121 points, defending Big 12 Tournament champions Iowa State in sixth with 107 points and Oklahoma State with 99 points in seventh. In eighth, ninth and tenth were West Virginia (80), TCU (77) and Texas Tech (63), respectively.&nbsp;The four Big 12 newcomers were slotted in the final four spots with BYU (56) in 11th, Houston (45) in 12th, Cincinnati (22) in 13th and UCF (18) in 14th. The Wildcats will be led into the 2023-24 season by 2023-24 Preseason All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;and Preseason All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recipient&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>. K-State will also be bolstered by the return of juniors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>.The 10 returning letter winners returning for the upcoming season were responsible for 84 percent of K-State's scoring, 82 percent of the team's assists, and 67 percent of the team's rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome redshirt freshman transfers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/imani-lester/11201">Imani Lester</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>, and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexis-hess/11199">Alexis Hess</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>.K-State women's basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats' home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit www.kstatesports.com/tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: K-State picked fourth in Big 12 preseason coaches poll

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas women’s basketball team has been tabbed for a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference during the upcoming 2023-24 season. The preseason poll, which is voted on by the league’s head coaches, was announced Thursday by the conference office.

Kansas earns a top-three conference projection for the fourth time in the history of the Big 12, and first since being picked second prior to the 2009-10 season. The Jayhawks were picked to finish fifth last season and ended up placing seventh with a league record of 9-9.

Texas is the preseason favorite to win the league, receiving 12 first-place votes and 168 total points to finish as a runaway pick over Baylor. The Bears got two first-place votes and 148 points. Kansas was in third with 138 points, five ahead of Kansas State. Oklahoma, Iowa State and Oklahoma State rounded out the top half of the poll.

Three Jayhawks were chosen to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, which was announced Wednesday. Taiyanna Jackson was a unanimous selection to the team, while Zakiyah Franklin earned a spot on the team and Holly Kersgieter received honorable mention.

Kansas returns four starters from last season’s team, which finished 25-11 after running off six wins in March and early April to win the 2023 WNIT Championship. Under head coach Brandon Schneider, the Jayhawks have won at least 20 games and advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons.

The Jayhawks open the 2023-24 season on Wednesday, Nov. 8, against Northwestern State, the first of five non-conference home games at Allen Fieldhouse. Season tickets for the upcoming campaign are now on sale. For as low as $90, fans can reserve their seat by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.

#. Team (First Place) – Total Points 1. Texas (12) – 168 2. Baylor (2) – 148 3. Kansas – 138 4. Kansas State – 133 5. Oklahoma – 121 6. Iowa State – 107 7. Oklahoma State – 99 8. West Virginia – 80 9. TCU – 77 10. Texas Tech – 63 11. BYU – 56 12. Houston – 45 13. Cincinnati – 22 14. UCF – 18

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680217434848.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas women’s basketball team has been tabbed for a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference during the upcoming 2023-24 season. The preseason poll, which is voted on by the league’s head coaches, was announced Thursday by the conference office.Kansas earns a top-three conference projection for the fourth time in the history of the Big 12, and first since being picked second prior to the 2009-10 season. The Jayhawks were picked to finish fifth last season and ended up placing seventh with a league record of 9-9.Texas is the preseason favorite to win the league, receiving 12 first-place votes and 168 total points to finish as a runaway pick over Baylor. The Bears got two first-place votes and 148 points. Kansas was in third with 138 points, five ahead of Kansas State. Oklahoma, Iowa State and Oklahoma State rounded out the top half of the poll.Three Jayhawks were chosen to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, which was announced Wednesday. Taiyanna Jackson was a unanimous selection to the team, while Zakiyah Franklin earned a spot on the team and Holly Kersgieter received honorable mention.Kansas returns four starters from last season’s team, which finished 25-11 after running off six wins in March and early April to win the 2023 WNIT Championship. Under head coach Brandon Schneider, the Jayhawks have won at least 20 games and advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons.The Jayhawks open the 2023-24 season on Wednesday, Nov. 8, against Northwestern State, the first of five non-conference home games at Allen Fieldhouse. Season tickets for the upcoming campaign are now on sale. For as low as $90, fans can reserve their seat by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=WBN&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">KUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 800-34-HAWKS.2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Poll#. Team (First Place) – Total Points 1. Texas (12) – 168 2. Baylor (2) – 148 3. Kansas – 138 4. Kansas State – 133 5. Oklahoma – 121 6. Iowa State – 107 7. Oklahoma State – 99 8. West Virginia – 80 9. TCU – 77 10. Texas Tech – 63 11. BYU – 56 12. Houston – 45 13. Cincinnati – 22 14. UCF – 18

🏀 WBB: KU picked third in Big 12 preseason coaches poll

LIBERAL – Dropping the first two sets in a second-straight match, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team wasn't able to rally for a second time on Wednesday night at Seward County.

Held to less than .150 hitting, the Blue Dragons suffered a 3-0 loss (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) to the Saints at the Green House. The teams split the regular-season series.

The Blue Dragons fell to 16-9 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Dragons play host to Cloud County at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena. Seward County is now 12-11 and 4-6.

Outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 14 kills on 52 attacks and .096 hitting. She added eight digs.

Middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;hit .389 with nine kills and three total blocks.

Right-side hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;finished with seven kills on .312 hitting and three block assists.

Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 32 assists and four service aces with eight digs.

Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a team-high nine digs and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had eight digs.

The Blue Dragons were out-hit .258-.146. The Dragons out-blocked Seward County 7-4, but the Saints out-dug Hutchinson 56-49. The Dragons had six service aces.

Jasmyn Kistller had 12 kills and 13 digs and Keala Wilson added 11 kills to lead Seward County.

SET 1: The first set had eight ties and seven lead changes. The Blue Dragons had a 4-0 run after a Dean kill,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;ace and two-Golden kills for a 13-11 lead. The lead grew to three after a Dean kill gave the Dragons a 15-12 lead. The Saints countered with a 5-0 run to take a 17-15 lead after a Hutchinson attack error. The Dragons reclaimed a 19-18 lead after back-to-back Golden kills. Seward County then scored six unanswered. The teams traded errors on the final two rallies and Seward County won the opening set 25-21.

SET 2: A&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;kill gave the Dragons an early 6-1 lead, but the Saints quickly turned the tables and went on a 10-2 run for a 10-7 lead. A Kistller kill upped the Saints' lead to 15-9. Trailing 23-15, the Dragons scored four straight on two Muff kills and two Seward attack errors to pull within 23-19. The Dragons hit .000 (8 kills, 8 attack errors) and Seward County rolled to a 25-19 win and a 2-0 match lead.

SET 3: The Saints hit .353 in the third set to the Dragons .250 attack percentage. The Saints jumped out to a 6-3 lead on a Clara Duarte kill. The Dragons pulled within 12-11 after a Gabby Panzetta kill and tied the set at 15-all after a Seward attack error. Seward took the lead for good on a Lajla Rasljanin kill. A Murphy kill pulled the Dragons within 18-17, but the Saints opened a 21-17 lead after a Hutchinson attack error. The Dragons got within 23-21 and 24-22, but couldn't finish off the comeback.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696511338547.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon Volleyball team falls in straight sets to Seward County on Wednesday night in Liberal. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon Volleyball team falls in straight sets to Seward County on Wednesday night in Liberal. (McKenzie Franklin/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsLIBERAL – Dropping the first two sets in a second-straight match, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team wasn't able to rally for a second time on Wednesday night at Seward County.Held to less than .150 hitting, the Blue Dragons suffered a 3-0 loss (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) to the Saints at the Green House. The teams split the regular-season series.The Blue Dragons fell to 16-9 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Dragons play host to Cloud County at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena. Seward County is now 12-11 and 4-6.Outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/golden_taniya_wjj0">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 14 kills on 52 attacks and .096 hitting. She added eight digs.Middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/dean_anna_0g77">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;hit .389 with nine kills and three total blocks.Right-side hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/muff_callie_ayau">Callie Muff</a>&nbsp;finished with seven kills on .312 hitting and three block assists.Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/ravenhani_giovanna_k9db">Giovanna Ravanhani</a>&nbsp;had 32 assists and four service aces with eight digs.Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/rollandini_isabella_ircy">Isabella Rollandini</a>&nbsp;had a team-high nine digs and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/briseno_alejandra_xati">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;had eight digs.The Blue Dragons were out-hit .258-.146. The Dragons out-blocked Seward County 7-4, but the Saints out-dug Hutchinson 56-49. The Dragons had six service aces.Jasmyn Kistller had 12 kills and 13 digs and Keala Wilson added 11 kills to lead Seward County.SET 1: The first set had eight ties and seven lead changes. The Blue Dragons had a 4-0 run after a Dean kill,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/velez_alondra_c0k9">Alondra Velez</a>&nbsp;ace and two-Golden kills for a 13-11 lead. The lead grew to three after a Dean kill gave the Dragons a 15-12 lead. The Saints countered with a 5-0 run to take a 17-15 lead after a Hutchinson attack error. The Dragons reclaimed a 19-18 lead after back-to-back Golden kills. Seward County then scored six unanswered. The teams traded errors on the final two rallies and Seward County won the opening set 25-21.SET 2: A&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2023-24/bios/murphy_mckenzie_k4jq">McKenzie Murphy</a>&nbsp;kill gave the Dragons an early 6-1 lead, but the Saints quickly turned the tables and went on a 10-2 run for a 10-7 lead. A Kistller kill upped the Saints' lead to 15-9. Trailing 23-15, the Dragons scored four straight on two Muff kills and two Seward attack errors to pull within 23-19. The Dragons hit .000 (8 kills, 8 attack errors) and Seward County rolled to a 25-19 win and a 2-0 match lead.SET 3: The Saints hit .353 in the third set to the Dragons .250 attack percentage. The Saints jumped out to a 6-3 lead on a Clara Duarte kill. The Dragons pulled within 12-11 after a Gabby Panzetta kill and tied the set at 15-all after a Seward attack error. Seward took the lead for good on a Lajla Rasljanin kill. A Murphy kill pulled the Dragons within 18-17, but the Saints opened a 21-17 lead after a Hutchinson attack error. The Dragons got within 23-21 and 24-22, but couldn't finish off the comeback.

🏐 Blue Dragons swept at Seward County

The No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team rallied for two second-half goals to earn a big 2-1 Jayhawk Conference victory over Dodge City on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

Hutchinson improved to 10-1-3 overall and 7-1-3 (24 points) in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons travel to play No. 18 Butler at 7 p.m. on Saturday in El Dorado. Dodge City, which came off a victory over No. 10 Kansas City on Sunday, fell to 3-6-3 overall and 3-6-2 in the KJCCC.

The Blue Dragons swept the season series with Dodge City and extended their win streak to 28 consecutive games, a streak that dates back to 2005.

After a scoreless first half, the Conquistadors struck first when Mariam Tartouri scored from an extreme angle on the right side off a tapped-in corner kick for a 1-0 lead with 40:19 to play in the second half.

Just 57 seconds later the Blue Dragons answered back. After Dodge City was called for a hand ball in the penalty area, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;converted a penalty kick in the upper left corner of the goal to knot the score at 1-1 with 39:22 remaining in the second half.

The penalty kick was Wyatt's second of the season.

The defensive grind continued keep into the contest.

After a Dragon free kick, Dodge City had trouble getting a clean clear out of their defensive end. Wyatt,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;put constant pressure on the Conquistadors. Finally, Hoy slid a pass to a trying Edwards, who immediately passed right to a cutting&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>. Her first shot attempt was blocked, but Marx immediately fired the rebound past Dodge City's keeper for a go-ahead goal and a 2-1 lead with 12:12 to play in the game. Edwards and Hoy were credited with assists.

Hutchinson's defense had a strong effort. Dodge City had one corner kick in its comeback effort.

The Blue Dragons outshot Dodge City 17-6 and generated four corner kicks.

Hutchinson freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(10-1-3) had just one save.

Wyatt's goal was her fifth of the season. Marx's goal was her 11th of the season and her three game-winning goal. Marx has scored goals in three-straight games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696511238271.jpeg" alt="Jayda Wyatt connects on a penalty kick to tie the game in a 2-1 Blue Dragon victory over Dodge City on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (McKenzie Franklin/ Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Jayda Wyatt connects on a penalty kick to tie the game in a 2-1 Blue Dragon victory over Dodge City on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (McKenzie Franklin/ Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsThe No. 10-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team rallied for two second-half goals to earn a big 2-1 Jayhawk Conference victory over Dodge City on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.Hutchinson improved to 10-1-3 overall and 7-1-3 (24 points) in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons travel to play No. 18 Butler at 7 p.m. on Saturday in El Dorado. Dodge City, which came off a victory over No. 10 Kansas City on Sunday, fell to 3-6-3 overall and 3-6-2 in the KJCCC.The Blue Dragons swept the season series with Dodge City and extended their win streak to 28 consecutive games, a streak that dates back to 2005.After a scoreless first half, the Conquistadors struck first when Mariam Tartouri scored from an extreme angle on the right side off a tapped-in corner kick for a 1-0 lead with 40:19 to play in the second half.Just 57 seconds later the Blue Dragons answered back. After Dodge City was called for a hand ball in the penalty area, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/wyatt_jayda_vgup">Jayda Wyatt</a>&nbsp;converted a penalty kick in the upper left corner of the goal to knot the score at 1-1 with 39:22 remaining in the second half.The penalty kick was Wyatt's second of the season.The defensive grind continued keep into the contest.After a Dragon free kick, Dodge City had trouble getting a clean clear out of their defensive end. Wyatt,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/edwards_kaitlyn_56gt">Kaitlyn Edwards</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/hoy_destiny_838y">Destiny Hoy</a>&nbsp;put constant pressure on the Conquistadors. Finally, Hoy slid a pass to a trying Edwards, who immediately passed right to a cutting&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/marx_katharina_hedq">Katharina Marx</a>. Her first shot attempt was blocked, but Marx immediately fired the rebound past Dodge City's keeper for a go-ahead goal and a 2-1 lead with 12:12 to play in the game. Edwards and Hoy were credited with assists.Hutchinson's defense had a strong effort. Dodge City had one corner kick in its comeback effort.The Blue Dragons outshot Dodge City 17-6 and generated four corner kicks.Hutchinson freshman goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2023-24/bios/slothower_karsyn_3puo">Karsyn Slothower</a>&nbsp;(10-1-3) had just one save.Wyatt's goal was her fifth of the season. Marx's goal was her 11th of the season and her three game-winning goal. Marx has scored goals in three-straight games.

⚽ WSOC: No. 10 HutchCC earns key KJCCC win over Dodge City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, October 5th, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, October 5th, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="October 5th 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qzjaj-14c26cd-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: Morning Sports for Thursday, Oct. 5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday. The two-time and reigning league MVP says he must play better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title. Mahomes threw for just 203 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions last Sunday night in New York, though he made a couple of big plays with his legs to preserve a win over the Jets. Even with Mahomes playing poorly by his standards, the Chiefs have won three straight after their season-opening loss to Detroit and lead the AFC West. They play at Minnesota on Sunday.

Travis Kelce agrees with the idea that NFL TV coverage is “overdoing it” with the amount of times Taylor Swift has been shown while attending his Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weekends. Swift was in a suite Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs’ victory over the New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce told his brother during their “New Heights” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the suite 17 times during the game. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in an interview with The Associated Press that “there’s always chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending different games, but this took a life of its own."

UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference, both present and future, takes center stage Saturday. At the state fair in Dallas, No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma play the final Red River Rivalry game as members of the Big 12 before joining the SEC next year. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey will be in attendance. Red River is the first part of a Lone Star State doubleheader for Sankey. He will head over to College Station to catch the midafternoon game between No. 11 Alabama and Texas A&amp;M. In the SEC East, No. 20 Kentucky visits No. 1 Georgia.

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA Division I Council approved a smaller window during which football and basketball players can enter their names into the transfer portal and retain immediate eligibility for the following season The transfer windows will decrease from 60 to 45 days. The council also voted to eliminate the caps on how many players Division I football teams can sign in a year. Overall scholarship limits will remain in place. The council recommended changes to penalties related to gambling violations and the NCAA announced it would advocate for states to provide more protections for college athletes in their gambling laws.

UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma-Texas is the main attraction in Week 6 of the college football season and one of three games matching Top 25 teams. The No. 12 Sooners and No. 3 Longhorns will meet for the 95th consecutive year in Dallas but the last as members of the Big 12. Both move to the Southeastern Conference next year. No. 23 LSU visits No. 21 Missouri in only the second meeting of the teams since Mizzou entered the SEC in 2012. No. 10 Notre Dame visits No. 25 Louisville in what will be the Cardinals’ first major test following a 5-0 start.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series. The Phillies advanced to an NL Division Series rematch against Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and the Braves. Game 1 in the best-of-five set is Saturday in Atlanta. J.T. Realmuto also homered for the Phillies.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Zac Gallen settled down after a shaky start and Arizona’s bullpen stepped up at the very end, helping the Diamondbacks sweep their NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 5-2 victory in Game 2. Just two years after suffering through a 110-loss season, Arizona moved into the franchise’s first NL Division Series since 2017. The Diamondbacks will take on the NL West champion Dodgers in the opener of their best-of-five series on Saturday in Los Angeles. The NL Central champion Brewers have dropped nine of their last 10 playoff games, a stretch that started with their Game 7 home loss to the Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their AL Wild Card Series with a 2-0 win in Game 2. Sonny Gray pitched five effective innings and Carlos Correa contributed an RBI single and a quick-twitch tag off a pickoff throw from Gray that ended the fifth. The Twins advanced for the first time in 21 years. They will play the defending World Series champion Astros. Game 1 of the best-of-five AL Division Series is in Houston on Saturday. Twins relievers logged 7 1/3 scoreless innings in the series. The Blue Jays left nine runners on base each game.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Adolis García and Evan Carter homered to back Nathan Eovaldi, and the Texas Rangers beat the punchless Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 to finish a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep. Garcia and Carter, a 20-year-old rookie who became the second-youngest postseason player in franchise history, homered off 16-game winner Zach Eflin, who was unable to save Tampa Bay’s season. Texas advanced to a Division Series at AL East champion Baltimore starting Saturday. The Rays’ scoreless streak reached 33 innings, one shy of the postseason record held by the 1966-74 Los Angeles Dodgers, before Curtis Mead’s RBI single in the seventh.

ATLANTA (AP) — Fans who are returning to baseball for the postseason will find Ronald Acuña Jr. and other speedsters playing a different game. Players are running much more than a year ago thanks to new rules, which also promise to have an impact on the playoffs. There were 3,503 stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more than 1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total of thefts since 1987. Expect the rampant running to continue in the playoffs. Acuña is the charter member of the 40-70 club. The Atlanta Braves star led the majors with 73 stolen bases and is the face of the game's renewed emphasis on speed.

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships. The American team of Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Leanne Wong combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge Brazil and France. The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying. The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men and made Biles the most decorated female gymnast in history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683366121627.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, October 5th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, October 5th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="October 5th 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qzjaj-14c26cd-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday. The two-time and reigning league MVP says he must play better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title. Mahomes threw for just 203 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions last Sunday night in New York, though he made a couple of big plays with his legs to preserve a win over the Jets. Even with Mahomes playing poorly by his standards, the Chiefs have won three straight after their season-opening loss to Detroit and lead the AFC West. They play at Minnesota on Sunday.Travis Kelce agrees with the idea that NFL TV coverage is “overdoing it” with the amount of times Taylor Swift has been shown while attending his Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weekends. Swift was in a suite Sunday night at MetLife Stadium for the Chiefs’ victory over the New York Jets in prime time. Jason Kelce told his brother during their “New Heights” podcast that cameras showed live shots of the suite 17 times during the game. Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social, influencer and content marketing, said in an interview with The Associated Press that “there’s always chatter around different celebrities and so on that are attending different games, but this took a life of its own."UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference, both present and future, takes center stage Saturday. At the state fair in Dallas, No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma play the final Red River Rivalry game as members of the Big 12 before joining the SEC next year. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey will be in attendance. Red River is the first part of a Lone Star State doubleheader for Sankey. He will head over to College Station to catch the midafternoon game between No. 11 Alabama and Texas A&amp;M. In the SEC East, No. 20 Kentucky visits No. 1 Georgia.UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA Division I Council approved a smaller window during which football and basketball players can enter their names into the transfer portal and retain immediate eligibility for the following season The transfer windows will decrease from 60 to 45 days. The council also voted to eliminate the caps on how many players Division I football teams can sign in a year. Overall scholarship limits will remain in place. The council recommended changes to penalties related to gambling violations and the NCAA announced it would advocate for states to provide more protections for college athletes in their gambling laws.ADVERTISINGUNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma-Texas is the main attraction in Week 6 of the college football season and one of three games matching Top 25 teams. The No. 12 Sooners and No. 3 Longhorns will meet for the 95th consecutive year in Dallas but the last as members of the Big 12. Both move to the Southeastern Conference next year. No. 23 LSU visits No. 21 Missouri in only the second meeting of the teams since Mizzou entered the SEC in 2012. No. 10 Notre Dame visits No. 25 Louisville in what will be the Cardinals’ first major test following a 5-0 start.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series. The Phillies advanced to an NL Division Series rematch against Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and the Braves. Game 1 in the best-of-five set is Saturday in Atlanta. J.T. Realmuto also homered for the Phillies.MILWAUKEE (AP) — Zac Gallen settled down after a shaky start and Arizona’s bullpen stepped up at the very end, helping the Diamondbacks sweep their NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 5-2 victory in Game 2. Just two years after suffering through a 110-loss season, Arizona moved into the franchise’s first NL Division Series since 2017. The Diamondbacks will take on the NL West champion Dodgers in the opener of their best-of-five series on Saturday in Los Angeles. The NL Central champion Brewers have dropped nine of their last 10 playoff games, a stretch that started with their Game 7 home loss to the Dodgers in the 2018 NL Championship Series.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their AL Wild Card Series with a 2-0 win in Game 2. Sonny Gray pitched five effective innings and Carlos Correa contributed an RBI single and a quick-twitch tag off a pickoff throw from Gray that ended the fifth. The Twins advanced for the first time in 21 years. They will play the defending World Series champion Astros. Game 1 of the best-of-five AL Division Series is in Houston on Saturday. Twins relievers logged 7 1/3 scoreless innings in the series. The Blue Jays left nine runners on base each game.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Adolis García and Evan Carter homered to back Nathan Eovaldi, and the Texas Rangers beat the punchless Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 to finish a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep. Garcia and Carter, a 20-year-old rookie who became the second-youngest postseason player in franchise history, homered off 16-game winner Zach Eflin, who was unable to save Tampa Bay’s season. Texas advanced to a Division Series at AL East champion Baltimore starting Saturday. The Rays’ scoreless streak reached 33 innings, one shy of the postseason record held by the 1966-74 Los Angeles Dodgers, before Curtis Mead’s RBI single in the seventh.ATLANTA (AP) — Fans who are returning to baseball for the postseason will find Ronald Acuña Jr. and other speedsters playing a different game. Players are running much more than a year ago thanks to new rules, which also promise to have an impact on the playoffs. There were 3,503 stolen bases in the regular season, a dramatic jump of more than 1,000 from a year ago. It’s the highest total of thefts since 1987. Expect the rampant running to continue in the playoffs. Acuña is the charter member of the 40-70 club. The Atlanta Braves star led the majors with 73 stolen bases and is the face of the game's renewed emphasis on speed.ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships. The American team of Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Leanne Wong combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge Brazil and France. The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying. The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men and made Biles the most decorated female gymnast in history.WEDNESDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Texas 7 Tampa Bay 1Final Minnesota 2 Toronto 0NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

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🎧 LISTEN: Evening sports for Wednesday, Oct. 4

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;In advance of the upcoming 2023-24 women's basketball season, a trio of K-State players received preseason recognition from the league's coaches on Wednesday. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;was a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;was named to the team for the third time in her career. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;was an honorable mention recipient to the preseason squad.&nbsp;

This is the first time since the 2003-04 season in which K-State placed two players on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, when Kendra Wecker and Nicole Ohlde earned the distinction together.

Gregory, the league's top returning scorer from the 2022-23 season, established career season-highs in every statistical category including: scoring (648; 18.5 ppg), field goals made and attempted (201-of-489), three-point field goals made and attempted (84-of-257), free throws made and attempted (162-of-193), rebounding (187; 5.3 rpg), assists (71; 2.0 apg) and steals (24; 0.7 spg).The product of Tulsa, Oklahoma, ranked second in the Big 12 in scoring (18.5 ppg), third in free throw percentage (.839), sixth in field goal percentage (.411) and 3-point field goals made per game (2.4) and eighth for minutes played per game (34.21) She was second in the Big 12 with 19 games of 20 or more points.

Gregory was one of five players in the nation last season to average 18 or more points, five or more rebounds and two or more 3-point field goals made per game. She was the first player in K-State history and one of four in the nation with 625 or more points, 160 or more made free throws and 80 or more connections from beyond the arc.

She ranked second in school history for free throws made in a season (162) and set the school record for free throws made by a senior in a season.

Prior to missing the 2022-23 season due to the rehabilitation from a knee injury, Lee was a First Team All-American by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated, a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and USBWA, a Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention recipient, a finalist for the 2022 Lisa Leslie Award, a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection by the league's coaches and garnered her first selection to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in the 2021-22 season.

Lee completed the 2021-22 season with career-highs in a number of statistical categories including points (727), points per game (22.0), field goals made and attempted (296-526), free throws made and attempted (135-175), rebounds (339), blocks (95), steals (39), assists (23) and double-doubles (20).&nbsp;

In her career, Lee ranks ninth in school history for points scored with 1,661, sixth for rebounds with 887, third for blocks with 235, sixth for field goals made with 665 and sixth for free throws made with 331. She is also second for double-doubles with 49.

Sundell expanded upon her debut season in 2021-22 with an exemplary 2022-23 campaign, as she carded career season-highs in a number of categories including: scoring (501; 13.9 ppg), field goals made (157), field goal percentage (.489), free throws made and attempted (165-of-206), rebounding (174; 4.8 rpg), blocks (26; 0.7 bpg) and steals (67; 1.9 spg). Sundell's 184 assists last season set the school record for assists in a sophomore season and ranked sixth-most for a season in program history.

Sundell set the school records for free throws made and attempted in a season with 165-of-206.The native of Maryville, Missouri, ranked 11th in scoring in the Big 12, fourth in assists (5.11 apg), fifth in steals (1.86 spg), ninth in assist/turnover percentage (1.48), ), 10th in minutes played per game (33.42), 10th in free throw percentage (.801) and 11th in blocks per game (0.71 bpg).With her two-season total of 852 points and 360 assists, Sundell is the first Wildcat in program history to register 850 or more points and 350 or more assists by the conclusion of their sophomore season. With 148 points, Sundell would become the 45th player in program history with 1,000 or more career points.

Sundell's career assist total of 360 ranks 12th on the K-State career assists list. She has led K-State in assists in 56 of her 69 career games.

Joining Gregory and Lee on the 2023-24 Preseason All-Big 12 Team were: Sarah Andrews and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs of Baylor, Emily Ryan of Iowa State, Zakiyah Franklin and Taiyanna Jackson of Kansas, Skylar Vann of Oklahoma, DeYona Gaston and Rori Harmon of Texas and JJ Quinerly of West Virginia.

Among the honorable mention recipients with Sundell were: Lauren Gustin of BYU, Holly Kersgieter of Kansas, Lior Garzon of Oklahoma State, Sedona Prince of TCU, Shaylee Gonzales and Aaliyah Moore of Texas and Bailey Maupin of Texas Tech.

Harmon of Texas was named the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Jada Walker of Baylor was named the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while Madison Booker of Texas was chosen the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year.

The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners, including four starters from last season's 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>, and the junior trio of&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/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>.

The 10 returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State's scoring, 82 percent of the team's assists, and 67 percent of the team's rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome transfers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/imani-lester/11201">Imani Lester</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>, and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexis-hess/11199">Alexis Hess</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696449522704.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;In advance of the upcoming 2023-24 women's basketball season, a trio of K-State players received preseason recognition from the league's coaches on Wednesday. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;was a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;was named to the team for the third time in her career. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>&nbsp;was an honorable mention recipient to the preseason squad.&nbsp; This is the first time since the 2003-04 season in which K-State placed two players on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, when Kendra Wecker and Nicole Ohlde earned the distinction together.Gregory, the league's top returning scorer from the 2022-23 season, established career season-highs in every statistical category including: scoring (648; 18.5 ppg), field goals made and attempted (201-of-489), three-point field goals made and attempted (84-of-257), free throws made and attempted (162-of-193), rebounding (187; 5.3 rpg), assists (71; 2.0 apg) and steals (24; 0.7 spg).The product of Tulsa, Oklahoma, ranked second in the Big 12 in scoring (18.5 ppg), third in free throw percentage (.839), sixth in field goal percentage (.411) and 3-point field goals made per game (2.4) and eighth for minutes played per game (34.21) She was second in the Big 12 with 19 games of 20 or more points.Gregory was one of five players in the nation last season to average 18 or more points, five or more rebounds and two or more 3-point field goals made per game. She was the first player in K-State history and one of four in the nation with 625 or more points, 160 or more made free throws and 80 or more connections from beyond the arc.She ranked second in school history for free throws made in a season (162) and set the school record for free throws made by a senior in a season.Prior to missing the 2022-23 season due to the rehabilitation from a knee injury, Lee was a First Team All-American by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated, a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and USBWA, a Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention recipient, a finalist for the 2022 Lisa Leslie Award, a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection by the league's coaches and garnered her first selection to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team in the 2021-22 season.Lee completed the 2021-22 season with career-highs in a number of statistical categories including points (727), points per game (22.0), field goals made and attempted (296-526), free throws made and attempted (135-175), rebounds (339), blocks (95), steals (39), assists (23) and double-doubles (20).&nbsp;In her career, Lee ranks ninth in school history for points scored with 1,661, sixth for rebounds with 887, third for blocks with 235, sixth for field goals made with 665 and sixth for free throws made with 331. She is also second for double-doubles with 49.Sundell expanded upon her debut season in 2021-22 with an exemplary 2022-23 campaign, as she carded career season-highs in a number of categories including: scoring (501; 13.9 ppg), field goals made (157), field goal percentage (.489), free throws made and attempted (165-of-206), rebounding (174; 4.8 rpg), blocks (26; 0.7 bpg) and steals (67; 1.9 spg). Sundell's 184 assists last season set the school record for assists in a sophomore season and ranked sixth-most for a season in program history.Sundell set the school records for free throws made and attempted in a season with 165-of-206.The native of Maryville, Missouri, ranked 11th in scoring in the Big 12, fourth in assists (5.11 apg), fifth in steals (1.86 spg), ninth in assist/turnover percentage (1.48), ), 10th in minutes played per game (33.42), 10th in free throw percentage (.801) and 11th in blocks per game (0.71 bpg).With her two-season total of 852 points and 360 assists, Sundell is the first Wildcat in program history to register 850 or more points and 350 or more assists by the conclusion of their sophomore season. With 148 points, Sundell would become the 45th player in program history with 1,000 or more career points.Sundell's career assist total of 360 ranks 12th on the K-State career assists list. She has led K-State in assists in 56 of her 69 career games.Joining Gregory and Lee on the 2023-24 Preseason All-Big 12 Team were: Sarah Andrews and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs of Baylor, Emily Ryan of Iowa State, Zakiyah Franklin and Taiyanna Jackson of Kansas, Skylar Vann of Oklahoma, DeYona Gaston and Rori Harmon of Texas and JJ Quinerly of West Virginia.Among the honorable mention recipients with Sundell were: Lauren Gustin of BYU, Holly Kersgieter of Kansas, Lior Garzon of Oklahoma State, Sedona Prince of TCU, Shaylee Gonzales and Aaliyah Moore of Texas and Bailey Maupin of Texas Tech.Harmon of Texas was named the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Jada Walker of Baylor was named the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while Madison Booker of Texas was chosen the 2023-24 Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year.The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners, including four starters from last season's 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>, and the junior trio of&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/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>.The 10 returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State's scoring, 82 percent of the team's assists, and 67 percent of the team's rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome transfers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/imani-lester/11201">Imani Lester</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>, and freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alexis-hess/11199">Alexis Hess</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>.K-State women's basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats' home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit www.kstatesports.com/tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: K-State lands three on Preseason All-Big 12 honors

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday, saying that the two-time and reigning league MVP must play better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title.

The Chiefs are 3-1 and atop the AFC West heading into Sunday's game in Minnesota, but their most recent win over the Jets came largely in spite of the NFL's biggest star.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-jets-mahomes-kelce-swift-rodgers-6e217106cf593473d811cbe21e331857">Mahomes was just 21 of 29 for 203 yards</a>&nbsp;with a touchdown pass and two badly thrown interceptions, though he did make a couple of crucial plays with his feet late in the game to secure the win.

It was the third time in four games Mahomes has failed to throw for more than 300 yards, and the only time he did was a 305-yard effort against Jacksonville, when the Chiefs offense managed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-jaguars-e8e4223c2f69b6fb077f029e758780f8">just two touchdowns in slogging to a 17-9 win</a>.

“I just haven't played very good to start the season,” said Mahomes, who threw for a franchise-record 5,250 yards with a league-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. “I think if I start playing better everybody is going to start playing better.”

Mahomes ranks 10th in yards passing, hamstrung in part by a young group of wide receivers that have struggled to get open. His completion rate of 64.3 percent trails rookie Bryce Young and journeyman Baker Mayfield, among others, and his 21-for-39 effort in the opener against Detroit was the fourth-worst percentage of his career.

The two interceptions he threw against the Jets, both of which were underthrown back-foot tosses, marked only the 10th time in 84 games Mahomes has thrown more than one in a game. His four picks are more than all but five other quarterbacks.

To be clear: Mahomes still has been good. He only played about three quarters against Chicago because the game was a blowout, and that coupled with penalties along the offensive line and a litany of dropped passes have dragged down his numbers.

But the expectation for him is greatness.

“You have to go out there and keep shooting it. That's how I've always been wired,” Mahomes said. “Just have to keep going out there and working. I've had spots like this throughout my career where I haven't had the best few weeks in a row. Just go back to the fundamentals and try the best I can for the team and rely on other guys to make plays.”

Just last season, Mahomes went four straight games early on without throwing for 300 yards, and a two-interception game against Buffalo left the Chiefs just 4-2 on the season. But the reigning Super Bowl MVP bounced back with consecutive 400-yard passing performances, and the Chiefs only lost once the rest of the way to the title.

One thing Mahomes has working in his favor is a flourishing ground game.

The Chiefs were still trying to sort out their backfield when he struggled early last season, but seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco eventually solidified the starting spot. He returned this season as the unquestioned leader of the running back room, and last week against the Jets, Pacheco ripped off 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown.

His past three weeks — 47 carries for 247 yards and two scores — are a big reason why Kansas City won each game.

Perhaps bigger than the guy taking the snaps.

“Even when I'm not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah that can dominate the run game,” Mahomes said. “It's not all on my shoulders to win a football game. We have other guys that we can rely on. That's what makes this team great.”

NOTES: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday. DE Matt Dickerson (swollen knee) was the only player that did not participate. ... The Chiefs shortened practice Wednesday as they prepared for their trip to Minnesota in part because of their late arrival home after their Sunday night win over the Jets. They also want to manage loads with a Thursday night game following their game against the Vikings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696218723280.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tripped up by New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) as he throws during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tripped up by New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) as he throws during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes criticized his own performance four games into the season Wednesday, saying that the two-time and reigning league MVP must play better if Kansas City wants to defend its Super Bowl title.The Chiefs are 3-1 and atop the AFC West heading into Sunday's game in Minnesota, but their most recent win over the Jets came largely in spite of the NFL's biggest star.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-jets-mahomes-kelce-swift-rodgers-6e217106cf593473d811cbe21e331857">Mahomes was just 21 of 29 for 203 yards</a>&nbsp;with a touchdown pass and two badly thrown interceptions, though he did make a couple of crucial plays with his feet late in the game to secure the win.It was the third time in four games Mahomes has failed to throw for more than 300 yards, and the only time he did was a 305-yard effort against Jacksonville, when the Chiefs offense managed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-jaguars-e8e4223c2f69b6fb077f029e758780f8">just two touchdowns in slogging to a 17-9 win</a>.“I just haven't played very good to start the season,” said Mahomes, who threw for a franchise-record 5,250 yards with a league-leading 41 touchdown passes last season. “I think if I start playing better everybody is going to start playing better.”Mahomes ranks 10th in yards passing, hamstrung in part by a young group of wide receivers that have struggled to get open. His completion rate of 64.3 percent trails rookie Bryce Young and journeyman Baker Mayfield, among others, and his 21-for-39 effort in the opener against Detroit was the fourth-worst percentage of his career.The two interceptions he threw against the Jets, both of which were underthrown back-foot tosses, marked only the 10th time in 84 games Mahomes has thrown more than one in a game. His four picks are more than all but five other quarterbacks.To be clear: Mahomes still has been good. He only played about three quarters against Chicago because the game was a blowout, and that coupled with penalties along the offensive line and a litany of dropped passes have dragged down his numbers.But the expectation for him is greatness.“You have to go out there and keep shooting it. That's how I've always been wired,” Mahomes said. “Just have to keep going out there and working. I've had spots like this throughout my career where I haven't had the best few weeks in a row. Just go back to the fundamentals and try the best I can for the team and rely on other guys to make plays.”Just last season, Mahomes went four straight games early on without throwing for 300 yards, and a two-interception game against Buffalo left the Chiefs just 4-2 on the season. But the reigning Super Bowl MVP bounced back with consecutive 400-yard passing performances, and the Chiefs only lost once the rest of the way to the title.One thing Mahomes has working in his favor is a flourishing ground game.The Chiefs were still trying to sort out their backfield when he struggled early last season, but seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco eventually solidified the starting spot. He returned this season as the unquestioned leader of the running back room, and last week against the Jets, Pacheco ripped off 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown.His past three weeks — 47 carries for 247 yards and two scores — are a big reason why Kansas City won each game.Perhaps bigger than the guy taking the snaps.“Even when I'm not playing my best, we have guys like Isiah that can dominate the run game,” Mahomes said. “It's not all on my shoulders to win a football game. We have other guys that we can rely on. That's what makes this team great.”NOTES: LB Nick Bolton (ankle) and CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday. DE Matt Dickerson (swollen knee) was the only player that did not participate. ... The Chiefs shortened practice Wednesday as they prepared for their trip to Minnesota in part because of their late arrival home after their Sunday night win over the Jets. They also want to manage loads with a Thursday night game following their game against the Vikings.

🏈 Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes: 'I just haven't played very good'

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second straight season, Kansas Women’s Basketball has had a trio of players receive Preseason All-Big 12 recognition as super-seniors Taiyanna Jackson, Zakiyah Franklin and Holly Kersgieter earned honors from the league on Wednesday.

Jackson is a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, while Franklin also earned a spot on the team and Kersgieter received honorable mention. The team was voted on by conference coaches, who were not allowed to vote for players from their own squad. The top five vote getters received first team recognition, while anyone who received a vote was listed as honorable mention.

Jackson returns for her third season as a Jayhawk after a record-setting campaign in 2022-23. She was a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team selection after becoming the first Kansas player since 1981-82 to average a double-double, totaling 15.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Jackson became the first Jayhawk since 2014 to be receive All-America Honorable Mention recognition from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and was named the MVP of the WNIT after leading the Jayhawks to the tournament championship.

From East Chicago, Indiana, Jackson finished the season with 23 double-doubles, the third-most in KU history, and ranked second in school history with 66.1 percent field goal percentage, which ranked fourth nationally.&nbsp; She scored in double figures 30 times in 36 games, with six games of 20-plus points, and ranked third in NCAA Division I in rebounds per game. Jackson continued to establish herself as a premier post presence defensively, setting KU’s single-season school record with 109 blocked shots, surpassing her previous record of 95 from the 2021-22 season. She was a two-time Big 12 Player of the Week last season and led the league in rebounds, blocked shots, field goal percentage and double-doubles.

Franklin earns preseason recognition from the Big 12 for the third time in her career, having previously received honorable mention nods prior to the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Last season, she was an All-Big 12 First Team selection after leading the Jayhawks in scoring, averaging 15.7 points per game. She scored in double figures 31 times, including 10 games with 20-plus points and twice scoring more than 30 points. Franklin, who was named to the WNIT All-Tournament Team, set new single-season school records for both free throw percentage (87.8%) and three-point field goal percentage (49.5%) in 2022-23.

From Lakeland, Florida, Franklin has started 115 games in her four years at Kansas. She enters her final season ranked No. 12 on KU’s all-time scoring list with 1,536 career points and fifth in career assists with 431. Franklin was named the Big 12 Player of the Week for the first time in her career last December.

Kersgieter is on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team for the fourth-consecutive season. Last year, she earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors after ranking third on the team with 13.8 points per game. Kersgieter started 32 games and hit 64 three-pointers, which ranks sixth on KU’s single-season list, and totaled three double-doubles. In addition to her on-court success, Kersgieter was honored with the Marlene Mawson Exemplary Woman Student-Athlete Award, which recognizes a Kansas student-athlete for exemplary performance on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

From Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Kersgieter has played in 116 games in a Kansas uniform. She heads into her super-senior season at No. 11 on KU’s career scoring list with 1,559 points and third in school history with 208 made three-pointers.

Kansas returns four starters from its 2023 WNIT Championship team, which finished 25-11 after running off six wins in March and early April to claim the tournament championship. Under head coach Brandon Schneider, the Jayhawks have won at least 20 games and advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696449439452.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;For the second straight season, Kansas Women’s Basketball has had a trio of players receive Preseason All-Big 12 recognition as super-seniors Taiyanna Jackson, Zakiyah Franklin and Holly Kersgieter earned honors from the league on Wednesday.Jackson is a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, while Franklin also earned a spot on the team and Kersgieter received honorable mention. The team was voted on by conference coaches, who were not allowed to vote for players from their own squad. The top five vote getters received first team recognition, while anyone who received a vote was listed as honorable mention.Jackson returns for her third season as a Jayhawk after a record-setting campaign in 2022-23. She was a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team selection after becoming the first Kansas player since 1981-82 to average a double-double, totaling 15.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Jackson became the first Jayhawk since 2014 to be receive All-America Honorable Mention recognition from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and was named the MVP of the WNIT after leading the Jayhawks to the tournament championship.From East Chicago, Indiana, Jackson finished the season with 23 double-doubles, the third-most in KU history, and ranked second in school history with 66.1 percent field goal percentage, which ranked fourth nationally.&nbsp; She scored in double figures 30 times in 36 games, with six games of 20-plus points, and ranked third in NCAA Division I in rebounds per game. Jackson continued to establish herself as a premier post presence defensively, setting KU’s single-season school record with 109 blocked shots, surpassing her previous record of 95 from the 2021-22 season. She was a two-time Big 12 Player of the Week last season and led the league in rebounds, blocked shots, field goal percentage and double-doubles.Franklin earns preseason recognition from the Big 12 for the third time in her career, having previously received honorable mention nods prior to the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Last season, she was an All-Big 12 First Team selection after leading the Jayhawks in scoring, averaging 15.7 points per game. She scored in double figures 31 times, including 10 games with 20-plus points and twice scoring more than 30 points. Franklin, who was named to the WNIT All-Tournament Team, set new single-season school records for both free throw percentage (87.8%) and three-point field goal percentage (49.5%) in 2022-23.From Lakeland, Florida, Franklin has started 115 games in her four years at Kansas. She enters her final season ranked No. 12 on KU’s all-time scoring list with 1,536 career points and fifth in career assists with 431. Franklin was named the Big 12 Player of the Week for the first time in her career last December.Kersgieter is on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team for the fourth-consecutive season. Last year, she earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors after ranking third on the team with 13.8 points per game. Kersgieter started 32 games and hit 64 three-pointers, which ranks sixth on KU’s single-season list, and totaled three double-doubles. In addition to her on-court success, Kersgieter was honored with the Marlene Mawson Exemplary Woman Student-Athlete Award, which recognizes a Kansas student-athlete for exemplary performance on the court, in the classroom and in the community.From Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Kersgieter has played in 116 games in a Kansas uniform. She heads into her super-senior season at No. 11 on KU’s career scoring list with 1,559 points and third in school history with 208 made three-pointers.Kansas returns four starters from its 2023 WNIT Championship team, which finished 25-11 after running off six wins in March and early April to claim the tournament championship. Under head coach Brandon Schneider, the Jayhawks have won at least 20 games and advanced to the postseason in each of the past two seasons.

🏀 WBB: KU has three earn Preseason All-Big 12 honors

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State softball is bound for Mexico this February to compete in one of the premier tournaments, the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, Feb. 14-17.

The Shockers will play four games, three of those against 2023 NCAA Regional teams,&nbsp;at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wichita State opens play against Clemson - a 2023 NCAA Super Regional team - on Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. CT.

Wichita State will then face South Carolina (Feb. 15), Auburn (Feb. 16) and UC Davis (Feb. 17). All games will be streamed on&nbsp;FloSoftball.

"We are excited to make our first trip to Puerto Vallarta," said Wichita State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1162">Kristi Bredbenner</a>.

"The Puerto Vallarta Challenge provides our student-athletes a first-class experience and for some of our players and coaches an opportunity to travel outside of the country for the first time. The competition will be high level. We look forward to seeing how the Shockers compete with some great teams early in the season."

Wichita State returns six starters and its entire pitching staff from a season ago, but must replace three-time All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;and All-Conference standouts&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>.

The Puerto Vallarta College Challenge began in 2015 and has evolved into one of the premier tournaments designed to launch the softball season. It was the first-ever D-I softball event held outside the United States and has included programs from well-known Power 5 conferences as well as the deep pool of strong mid-major schools — the Mexican Olympic team also played in the tournament in 2020.

Puerto Vallarta remains a safe and easy-to-navigate destination and is excited to welcome back tourists. The area is full of other diversions and entertainment options for fans attending the PV College Challenge. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttp-253A-252F-252Fwww.pvcollegechallenge.com-252F-26data-3D05-257C01-257Cjacarmany-2540liberty.edu-257C0676fb2a4ca44a4b1cf108da7fa2749d-257Cbaf8218eb3024465a9934a39c97251b2-257C0-257C0-257C637962634076961669-257CUnknown-257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0-253D-257C1000-257C-257C-257C-26sdata-3D8ZqvPgSZfJVo4iA34zTIiTnc8qANBeaN4mHu2Bt94Zk-253D-26reserved-3D0%26d%3DDwMFAg%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3DOfx5gPIT_xT--vm_d0eCJVJrnG8GSaWZkeJcv24CdgU%26m%3DP8xgjsvD74rpevPb8PmlCnQTVKLEcr6jiKBMliCv1r8%26s%3DVQA9iYb6R7PCWpZSlSBhLaNAZQO_i5CgIGqlUNadnFg%26e%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cwpletcher%40goshockers.com%7C1f0e418857824985be4f08dbc3841a95%7Ce05b6b3f19804b248637580771f44dee%7C1%7C0%7C638318744423342450%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zLhnxTNldfaBdlT%2BOB80bDcozTd0%2BlzSLHmR2MxcJEM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.pvcollegechallenge.com</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;

Feb. 14 Noon – Clemson vs. Wichita State

Feb. 15 10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Clemson 12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Auburn 3 p.m. – Utah vs. Auburn 6 p.m. – Wichita State vs. South Carolina 8:30 p.m. – Utah vs. South Carolina

Feb. 16 10 a.m. – Mississippi State vs. UC Davis 12:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. UC Davis 3 p.m. – UC San Diego vs. Mississippi State 6 p.m. – Clemson vs. Utah 8:30 p.m. – Auburn vs. Wichita State

Feb. 17 10 a.m. – South Carolina vs. UC San Diego 12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Wichita State 3 p.m. – Clemson vs. Auburn 6 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Utah 8:30 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Clemson

Feb. 18 10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Utah

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696441451075.png" alt="(Courtesy Wichita State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Wichita State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State softball is bound for Mexico this February to compete in one of the premier tournaments, the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, Feb. 14-17.The Shockers will play four games, three of those against 2023 NCAA Regional teams,&nbsp;at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wichita State opens play against Clemson - a 2023 NCAA Super Regional team - on Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. CT.Wichita State will then face South Carolina (Feb. 15), Auburn (Feb. 16) and UC Davis (Feb. 17). All games will be streamed on&nbsp;FloSoftball."We are excited to make our first trip to Puerto Vallarta," said Wichita State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1162">Kristi Bredbenner</a>. "The Puerto Vallarta Challenge provides our student-athletes a first-class experience and for some of our players and coaches an opportunity to travel outside of the country for the first time. The competition will be high level. We look forward to seeing how the Shockers compete with some great teams early in the season."Wichita State returns six starters and its entire pitching staff from a season ago, but must replace three-time All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;and All-Conference standouts&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>.The Puerto Vallarta College Challenge began in 2015 and has evolved into one of the premier tournaments designed to launch the softball season. It was the first-ever D-I softball event held outside the United States and has included programs from well-known Power 5 conferences as well as the deep pool of strong mid-major schools — the Mexican Olympic team also played in the tournament in 2020.Puerto Vallarta remains a safe and easy-to-navigate destination and is excited to welcome back tourists. The area is full of other diversions and entertainment options for fans attending the PV College Challenge. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttp-253A-252F-252Fwww.pvcollegechallenge.com-252F-26data-3D05-257C01-257Cjacarmany-2540liberty.edu-257C0676fb2a4ca44a4b1cf108da7fa2749d-257Cbaf8218eb3024465a9934a39c97251b2-257C0-257C0-257C637962634076961669-257CUnknown-257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0-253D-257C1000-257C-257C-257C-26sdata-3D8ZqvPgSZfJVo4iA34zTIiTnc8qANBeaN4mHu2Bt94Zk-253D-26reserved-3D0%26d%3DDwMFAg%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3DOfx5gPIT_xT--vm_d0eCJVJrnG8GSaWZkeJcv24CdgU%26m%3DP8xgjsvD74rpevPb8PmlCnQTVKLEcr6jiKBMliCv1r8%26s%3DVQA9iYb6R7PCWpZSlSBhLaNAZQO_i5CgIGqlUNadnFg%26e%3D&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cwpletcher%40goshockers.com%7C1f0e418857824985be4f08dbc3841a95%7Ce05b6b3f19804b248637580771f44dee%7C1%7C0%7C638318744423342450%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=zLhnxTNldfaBdlT%2BOB80bDcozTd0%2BlzSLHmR2MxcJEM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.pvcollegechallenge.com</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp; Feb. 14 Noon – Clemson vs. Wichita StateFeb. 15 10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Clemson 12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Auburn 3 p.m. – Utah vs. Auburn 6 p.m. – Wichita State vs. South Carolina 8:30 p.m. – Utah vs. South CarolinaFeb. 16 10 a.m. – Mississippi State vs. UC Davis 12:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. UC Davis 3 p.m. – UC San Diego vs. Mississippi State 6 p.m. – Clemson vs. Utah 8:30 p.m. – Auburn vs. Wichita StateFeb. 17 10 a.m. – South Carolina vs. UC San Diego 12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Wichita State 3 p.m. – Clemson vs. Auburn 6 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Utah 8:30 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. ClemsonFeb. 18 10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Utah* All Times Central&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers to participate in 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics has announced that the KU women’s and men’s basketball scrimmages at Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee will be streamed on ESPN+, KUATHLETICS.COM and Facebook Watch through the KU Athletics Facebook page.&nbsp;Fans can visit the Late Night in the Phog landing page via KUAtheltics.com&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/">here</a>.

The 39th&nbsp;edition of Late Night in the Phog is set for Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT, inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. Student gates will open at 5:15 p.m., while the general public gates will open at 5:30 p.m. For broadcast purposes, the women’s scrimmage will begin at approximately 7:20 p.m., while the men will start at 8:20 p.m. Unfortunately, due to copyright music and artist contracts, only the scrimmages will be broadcast. Though Late Night is free admission, the event is sold out and all tickets have been allocated.

Four-time Grammy Nominee and 42-time Platinum selling artist, Flo Rida will headline this year’s Late Night in the Phog. In addition to HyVee, the production of Late Night in the Phog is supported by Jayhawk Sports Properties corporate partners – Wendy’s, Crown Automotive, LMH Health, Raising Cane’s and adidas.

With the ongoing construction in Allen Fieldhouse, there will be signage directing fans on Friday. One of the many enhancements of Allen Fieldhouse is the lighting in the interior bowl of the facility, which was replaced this past summer.

ADA seating will be on the east side of the court for Late Night and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited mobility patrons will be able to sit in sections 9 and 14 and hearing-impaired patrons in sections F and G, both on a first-come, first-served basis. Those needing ADA, limited mobility or hearing-impaired seating should all enter through Gate 11. Seating in sections D1-K1 on the east side will only be accessible from the second level due to the wheelchair seating on the east side of the building.

As instituted in 2022, Late Night in the Phog will feature a re-imagined run of show designed to enhance the fan experience. Among the features fans can expect include:

Kansas Athletics will also host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse before Late Night, with activities starting at 2:30 p.m. It will have activities for all fans to enjoy leading up to Late Night, including the Hawk Zone with inflatable games, music and much more. Phog Fest will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and more.

Fans are once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Food of Douglas County who also supports the Campus Cupboard benefitting KU students. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day at Phog Fest and at all entrances to Allen Fieldhouse. Just Foods serves on average 250-450 households per week.

Free parking will be available in Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, beginning at 2 p.m. Fans may also park in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates until 4 p.m., at which time garage parking will be $5 per car. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.

In accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://policy.ku.edu/chancellor/public-health-safety-requirements">University of Kansas</a>, KU’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/2017/5/3/clear-bag-policy.aspx">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.

Continuing a fan-favorite Late Night in the Phog tradition, two individuals will have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men’s basketball coach Bill Self by making a half-court shot at Late Night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696434516964.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics has announced that the KU women’s and men’s basketball scrimmages at Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee will be streamed on ESPN+, KUATHLETICS.COM and Facebook Watch through the KU Athletics Facebook page.&nbsp;Fans can visit the Late Night in the Phog landing page via KUAtheltics.com&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/">here</a>.The 39th&nbsp;edition of Late Night in the Phog is set for Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT, inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. Student gates will open at 5:15 p.m., while the general public gates will open at 5:30 p.m. For broadcast purposes, the women’s scrimmage will begin at approximately 7:20 p.m., while the men will start at 8:20 p.m. Unfortunately, due to copyright music and artist contracts, only the scrimmages will be broadcast. Though Late Night is free admission, the event is sold out and all tickets have been allocated.Four-time Grammy Nominee and 42-time Platinum selling artist, Flo Rida will headline this year’s Late Night in the Phog. In addition to HyVee, the production of Late Night in the Phog is supported by Jayhawk Sports Properties corporate partners – Wendy’s, Crown Automotive, LMH Health, Raising Cane’s and adidas.With the ongoing construction in Allen Fieldhouse, there will be signage directing fans on Friday. One of the many enhancements of Allen Fieldhouse is the lighting in the interior bowl of the facility, which was replaced this past summer.ADA seating will be on the east side of the court for Late Night and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited mobility patrons will be able to sit in sections 9 and 14 and hearing-impaired patrons in sections F and G, both on a first-come, first-served basis. Those needing ADA, limited mobility or hearing-impaired seating should all enter through Gate 11. Seating in sections D1-K1 on the east side will only be accessible from the second level due to the wheelchair seating on the east side of the building.As instituted in 2022, Late Night in the Phog will feature a re-imagined run of show designed to enhance the fan experience. Among the features fans can expect include:<ul>
 <li>A new staging look</li><li>Music by the KU Pep Band and DJ Heat, an official DJ of the Washington Wizards and Mystics</li><li>One on-mic host to engage the crowd and student-athletes; Scott Freshour from the Sacramento Kings</li><li>Routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams</li><li>Videos from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department</li><li>Enhanced coach and player introductions, interactions, and scrimmages</li><li>Flo Rida, who has recorded 12 chart-topping songs and numerous other hits as a featured artist. He has more than 80 million sold combined albums and singles and is one of the most popular musicians on social media with more than 15 million followers on Facebook, 4.7 million on Twitter (X) and has received more than two billion views on YouTube.</li>
 </ul>Kansas Athletics will also host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse before Late Night, with activities starting at 2:30 p.m. It will have activities for all fans to enjoy leading up to Late Night, including the Hawk Zone with inflatable games, music and much more. Phog Fest will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and more.Fans are once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Food of Douglas County who also supports the Campus Cupboard benefitting KU students. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day at Phog Fest and at all entrances to Allen Fieldhouse. Just Foods serves on average 250-450 households per week.Free parking will be available in Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, beginning at 2 p.m. Fans may also park in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates until 4 p.m., at which time garage parking will be $5 per car. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.In accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://policy.ku.edu/chancellor/public-health-safety-requirements">University of Kansas</a>, KU’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/2017/5/3/clear-bag-policy.aspx">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.Continuing a fan-favorite Late Night in the Phog tradition, two individuals will have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men’s basketball coach Bill Self by making a half-court shot at Late Night.

🏀 KU's Late Night in the Phog will be streamed on Friday

Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities Association

TOPEKA, Kan. - The following are the district football assignments for the 2024 and 2025 football seasons. For additional information concerning scheduling, brackets, district chairpersons, etc., see pages 17-18 of the 2023 KSHSAA Football Manual. Each district is to select a district chairperson and that person’s name should be forwarded to the KSHSAA as soon as the district chairperson has been selected.&nbsp; 

CLASS 6A East:&nbsp;Gardner Edgerton, Kansas City-Wyandotte, Lawrence, Lawrence-Free State, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Olathe West, Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest, Overland Park-Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission West West:&nbsp;Derby, Dodge City, Garden City, Haysville-Campus, Junction City, Maize, Manhattan, Topeka, Topeka-Washburn Rural, Wichita-East,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wichita-Heights, Wichita-North, Wichita-Northwest, Wichita-South, Wichita-Southeast, Wichita-West&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 5A East:&nbsp;Basehor-Linwood, De Soto, Kansas City-JC Harmon, Kansas City-Turner, Kansas City-Washington, Leavenworth, Lenexa-St. James Academy, Overland Park-Blue Valley, Overland Park-Blue Valley North, Overland Park-Blue Valley Southwest, Overland Park-St. Thomas Aquinas, Pittsburg, Shawnee-Mill Valley, Spring Hill, Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights, Topeka-Highland Park West:&nbsp;Andover, Emporia, Goddard, Goddard-Eisenhower, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Maize South, Newton, Salina-Central,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Salina-South, Topeka-Seaman, Topeka West, Valley Center, Wichita-Bishop Carroll&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 4A East:&nbsp;Altamont-Labette County, Atchison, Bonner Springs, Chanute, Coffeyville-Field Kindley, Eudora, Fort Scott, Kansas City-FL Schlagle, Kansas City-Piper, Kansas City-Sumner Academy, Lansing, Louisburg, Ottawa, Paola, Shawnee Mission-Bishop Miege, Tonganoxie West:&nbsp;Abilene, Andover-Central, Arkansas City, Augusta, Buhler, El Dorado, Independence, McPherson, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Towanda-Circle, Ulysses, Wamego, Wellington, Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Winfield&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 3A District 1: Baxter Springs, Columbus, Frontenac, Neodesha, Parsons District 2: Burlington, Garnett-Anderson County, Girard, Iola, LaCygne-Prairie View District 3: Baldwin, Kansas City-Bishop Ward, Osawatomie, Santa Fe Trail, Wellsville District 4: Hiawatha, Holton, Meriden-Jefferson West, Perry Lecompton/Bishop Seabury, Topeka-Hayden District 5: Chapman, Clay Center Community, Concordia, Marysville, St. George-Rock Creek District 6: Andale, Hesston, Lindsborg-Smoky Valley, Nickerson, Wichita-Trinity Academy District 7: Anthony-Harper/Chaparral, Cheney, Clearwater, Pratt, Wichita-Collegiate District 8: Colby, Goodland, Holcomb, Hugoton, Scott Community&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 2A District 1: Caney Valley, Cherryvale, Fredonia/Elk Valley, Galena, Riverton District 2: Eureka, Humboldt, Leon-Bluestem, Pomona-West Franklin, Richmond-Central Heights District 3: Council Grove, Osage City, Riley County, Silver Lake, St. Marys District 4: Effingham-Atchison County, Hoyt-Royal Valley, Oskaloosa, Sabetha, Seneca-Nemaha Central District 5: Belle Plaine, Douglass, Garden Plain, Haven, Kingman District 6: Ellsworth, Gypsum-SE of Saline, Halstead, Hillsboro, Lyons District 7: Beloit, Minneapolis, Norton Community, Phillipsburg, Russell District 8: Cimarron, Hoisington, Kismet-Southwestern Heights, Larned, Lakin&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLASS 1A District 1: Cherokee-Southeast, Erie, Mound City-Jayhawk Linn, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan, Pleasanton, Uniontown District 2: Eskridge-Mission Valley, Olpe, Rossville, Shawnee-Marantha Christian Academy, Topeka-Cair Paravel Latin School, Wabaunsee District 3: Easton-Pleasant Ridge, Jackson Heights, McLouth, Onaga, Valley Falls, Winchester-Jefferson County North District 4: Atchison-Maur Hill Mount Academy, Centralia, Highland-Doniphan West, Horton, Troy, Wathena-Riverside District 5: Belleville-Republic County, Bennington, Blue Rapids-Valley Heights, Herington, Salina-Sacred Heart District 6: Inman, Marion, Moundridge, Sedgwick, Whitewater-Remington District 7: Conway Springs, Ellinwood, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic, Medicine Lodge, South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven), Sterling District 8: Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian, Johnson-Stanton County, Oakley, Plainville/Natoma, Smith Center, Syracuse&nbsp;&nbsp;

8-PLAYER – DIVISION I District 1: Arma-Northeast, Burden-Central, Cedar Vale/Dexter, Howard-West Elk, Oswego, Sedan District 2: Allen-Northern Heights, Cottonwood Falls-Chase County, Lyndon, Madison/Hamilton, Rosalia-Flint hills, Yates Center District 3: Brookville-Ell Saline, Canton-Galva, Claflin-Central Plains, Goessel, Little River, Solomon District 4: Clifton-Clyde, Downs-Lakeside, Lincoln, Mankato-Rock Hills, Sylvan-Lucas Unified, Washington County District 5: Coldwater-South Central, Greensburg-Kiowa County, Oxford, Pratt-Skyline, Udall, Wichita-The Independent District 6: Elkhart, Kinsley, Meade, Montezuma-South Gray, Spearville, Sublette District 7: Ellis, La Crosse, Leoti-Wichita County, Ness City, Quinter, WaKeeney-Trego Community District 8: Atwood-Rawlins County, Hill City, Hoxie, Oberlin-Decatur Community, St. Francis, Stockton&nbsp;&nbsp;

8-PLAYER – DIVISION II District 1: Colony-Crest, Moran-Marmaton Valley, St. Paul, Waverly District 2: Burlingame, Hartford, Lebo, Lost Springs-Centre, Rural Vista (Hope/White City) District 3: Axtell, Frankford, Hanover, Randolph-Blue Valley, Wakefield District 4: Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton Catholic, Kensington-Thunder Ridge, Linn, Osborne, Scandia-Pike Valley District 5: Attica/Argonia, Hutchinson-Central Christian, Langdon-Fairfield, Norwich, Pretty Prairie District 6: Jetmore-Hodgeman County, Macksville, Stafford, St. John-Hudson, Victoria District 7: Ashland, Bucklin, Deerfield, Minneola, Satanta District 8: Dighton, Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell, Logan/Palco, Sharon Springs-Wallace County, Tribune-Greeley County&nbsp;&nbsp;

6-PLAYER District 1: Buffalo-Altoona Midway, Chetopa, LeRoy-Southern Coffey County, Melvern-Marais Des Cygnes Valley, Peabody-Burns District 2: Burrton, Chase, Cunningham, Otis-Bison, Southern Cloud (Miltonvale/Glasco), Tescott District 3: Ingalls, Kiowa-South Barber, Moscow, Rolla, Rozel-Pawnee Heights District 4: Almena-Northern Valley, Bird City-Cheylin, Ransom-Western Plains/Healy, Rexford-Golden Plains, Weskan, Winona-Triplains/Brewster&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677708448867.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities AssociationTOPEKA, Kan. - The following are the district football assignments for the 2024 and 2025 football seasons. For additional information concerning scheduling, brackets, district chairpersons, etc., see pages 17-18 of the 2023 KSHSAA Football Manual. Each district is to select a district chairperson and that person’s name should be forwarded to the KSHSAA as soon as the district chairperson has been selected.&nbsp; CLASS 6A East:&nbsp;Gardner Edgerton, Kansas City-Wyandotte, Lawrence, Lawrence-Free State, Olathe East, Olathe North, Olathe Northwest, Olathe South,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Olathe West, Overland Park-Blue Valley Northwest, Overland Park-Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission North, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission South, Shawnee Mission West West:&nbsp;Derby, Dodge City, Garden City, Haysville-Campus, Junction City, Maize, Manhattan, Topeka, Topeka-Washburn Rural, Wichita-East,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wichita-Heights, Wichita-North, Wichita-Northwest, Wichita-South, Wichita-Southeast, Wichita-West&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 5A East:&nbsp;Basehor-Linwood, De Soto, Kansas City-JC Harmon, Kansas City-Turner, Kansas City-Washington, Leavenworth, Lenexa-St. James Academy, Overland Park-Blue Valley, Overland Park-Blue Valley North, Overland Park-Blue Valley Southwest, Overland Park-St. Thomas Aquinas, Pittsburg, Shawnee-Mill Valley, Spring Hill, Tecumseh-Shawnee Heights, Topeka-Highland Park West:&nbsp;Andover, Emporia, Goddard, Goddard-Eisenhower, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Maize South, Newton, Salina-Central,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Salina-South, Topeka-Seaman, Topeka West, Valley Center, Wichita-Bishop Carroll&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 4A East:&nbsp;Altamont-Labette County, Atchison, Bonner Springs, Chanute, Coffeyville-Field Kindley, Eudora, Fort Scott, Kansas City-FL Schlagle, Kansas City-Piper, Kansas City-Sumner Academy, Lansing, Louisburg, Ottawa, Paola, Shawnee Mission-Bishop Miege, Tonganoxie West:&nbsp;Abilene, Andover-Central, Arkansas City, Augusta, Buhler, El Dorado, Independence, McPherson, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Towanda-Circle, Ulysses, Wamego, Wellington, Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Winfield&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 3A District 1: Baxter Springs, Columbus, Frontenac, Neodesha, Parsons District 2: Burlington, Garnett-Anderson County, Girard, Iola, LaCygne-Prairie View District 3: Baldwin, Kansas City-Bishop Ward, Osawatomie, Santa Fe Trail, Wellsville District 4: Hiawatha, Holton, Meriden-Jefferson West, Perry Lecompton/Bishop Seabury, Topeka-Hayden District 5: Chapman, Clay Center Community, Concordia, Marysville, St. George-Rock Creek District 6: Andale, Hesston, Lindsborg-Smoky Valley, Nickerson, Wichita-Trinity Academy District 7: Anthony-Harper/Chaparral, Cheney, Clearwater, Pratt, Wichita-Collegiate District 8: Colby, Goodland, Holcomb, Hugoton, Scott Community&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 2A District 1: Caney Valley, Cherryvale, Fredonia/Elk Valley, Galena, Riverton District 2: Eureka, Humboldt, Leon-Bluestem, Pomona-West Franklin, Richmond-Central Heights District 3: Council Grove, Osage City, Riley County, Silver Lake, St. Marys District 4: Effingham-Atchison County, Hoyt-Royal Valley, Oskaloosa, Sabetha, Seneca-Nemaha Central District 5: Belle Plaine, Douglass, Garden Plain, Haven, Kingman District 6: Ellsworth, Gypsum-SE of Saline, Halstead, Hillsboro, Lyons District 7: Beloit, Minneapolis, Norton Community, Phillipsburg, Russell District 8: Cimarron, Hoisington, Kismet-Southwestern Heights, Larned, Lakin&nbsp;&nbsp;CLASS 1A District 1: Cherokee-Southeast, Erie, Mound City-Jayhawk Linn, Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan, Pleasanton, Uniontown District 2: Eskridge-Mission Valley, Olpe, Rossville, Shawnee-Marantha Christian Academy, Topeka-Cair Paravel Latin School, Wabaunsee District 3: Easton-Pleasant Ridge, Jackson Heights, McLouth, Onaga, Valley Falls, Winchester-Jefferson County North District 4: Atchison-Maur Hill Mount Academy, Centralia, Highland-Doniphan West, Horton, Troy, Wathena-Riverside District 5: Belleville-Republic County, Bennington, Blue Rapids-Valley Heights, Herington, Salina-Sacred Heart District 6: Inman, Marion, Moundridge, Sedgwick, Whitewater-Remington District 7: Conway Springs, Ellinwood, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic, Medicine Lodge, South Sumner (Caldwell/South Haven), Sterling District 8: Hays-Thomas More Prep-Marian, Johnson-Stanton County, Oakley, Plainville/Natoma, Smith Center, Syracuse&nbsp;&nbsp; 8-PLAYER – DIVISION I District 1: Arma-Northeast, Burden-Central, Cedar Vale/Dexter, Howard-West Elk, Oswego, Sedan District 2: Allen-Northern Heights, Cottonwood Falls-Chase County, Lyndon, Madison/Hamilton, Rosalia-Flint hills, Yates Center District 3: Brookville-Ell Saline, Canton-Galva, Claflin-Central Plains, Goessel, Little River, Solomon District 4: Clifton-Clyde, Downs-Lakeside, Lincoln, Mankato-Rock Hills, Sylvan-Lucas Unified, Washington County District 5: Coldwater-South Central, Greensburg-Kiowa County, Oxford, Pratt-Skyline, Udall, Wichita-The Independent District 6: Elkhart, Kinsley, Meade, Montezuma-South Gray, Spearville, Sublette District 7: Ellis, La Crosse, Leoti-Wichita County, Ness City, Quinter, WaKeeney-Trego Community District 8: Atwood-Rawlins County, Hill City, Hoxie, Oberlin-Decatur Community, St. Francis, Stockton&nbsp;&nbsp;8-PLAYER – DIVISION II District 1: Colony-Crest, Moran-Marmaton Valley, St. Paul, Waverly District 2: Burlingame, Hartford, Lebo, Lost Springs-Centre, Rural Vista (Hope/White City) District 3: Axtell, Frankford, Hanover, Randolph-Blue Valley, Wakefield District 4: Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton Catholic, Kensington-Thunder Ridge, Linn, Osborne, Scandia-Pike Valley District 5: Attica/Argonia, Hutchinson-Central Christian, Langdon-Fairfield, Norwich, Pretty Prairie District 6: Jetmore-Hodgeman County, Macksville, Stafford, St. John-Hudson, Victoria District 7: Ashland, Bucklin, Deerfield, Minneola, Satanta District 8: Dighton, Grainfield-Wheatland/Grinnell, Logan/Palco, Sharon Springs-Wallace County, Tribune-Greeley County&nbsp;&nbsp;6-PLAYER District 1: Buffalo-Altoona Midway, Chetopa, LeRoy-Southern Coffey County, Melvern-Marais Des Cygnes Valley, Peabody-Burns District 2: Burrton, Chase, Cunningham, Otis-Bison, Southern Cloud (Miltonvale/Glasco), Tescott District 3: Ingalls, Kiowa-South Barber, Moscow, Rolla, Rozel-Pawnee Heights District 4: Almena-Northern Valley, Bird City-Cheylin, Ransom-Western Plains/Healy, Rexford-Golden Plains, Weskan, Winona-Triplains/Brewster&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 KSHSAA releases 2024-25 district assignments

(AP) After winning their Wild Card Series openers on the first day of Major League Baseball's playoffs, the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies can advance to the next round with victories Wednesday.

As is often the case when postseason play rolls around, pitching was king Tuesday.

None of the four teams that won gave up more than three runs. Minnesota and Philadelphia allowed just one, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montgomery-rangers-rays-al-wild-card-2000263cc9535fe150c15808196ea8dc">Jordan Montgomery and two relievers combined on Texas' shutout at Tampa Bay.</a>

Nathan Eovaldi (12-5) starts Wednesday for the Rangers as they try to wrap up the best-of-three series against Zach Eflin (16-8) and the Rays, who have dropped six straight playoff games dating to 2021.

Zack Wheeler tossed 6 2/3 splendid innings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-marlins-wheeler-harper-castellanos-877eb010bfb362377ffedb98bc889c80">to lead defending NL champion Philadelphia to a 4-1 victory over the upstart Miami Marlins.</a>&nbsp;Aaron Nola (12-9) pitches Game 2 for the Phillies against Braxton Garrett (9-7).

Pablo López and four relievers held George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays in check as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-jays-twins-postseason-streak-ends-a836f2fbd9ee0f9ce80aad19173b2590">Twins snapped a record 18-game postseason losing streak with a 3-1 win.</a>

Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA) goes in Game 2 for Minnesota against José Berríos (11-12, 3.65), who was traded by the Twins to Toronto in July 2021.

Arizona got 6 1/3 scoreless innings from its bullpen and erased an early three-run deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wild-card-arizona-diamondbacks-milwaukee-brewers-ebcc0ee439d65edd8872743a5bdd2730">in a 6-3 victory at Milwaukee.</a>&nbsp;Now the Diamondbacks have ace Zac Gallen (17-9) lined up to face Freddy Peralta (12-10) on Wednesday.

The Braves are the current betting favorites to win the World Series at +270, followed by the Dodgers (+420) and Astros (+450),&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royce-lewis-alds-home-runs-c77b2944cedd5e2f4ac622720391f038">Royce Lewis homered in his first two postseason at-bats</a>&nbsp;for Minnesota. He had been sidelined for two weeks with a strained left hamstring.

“It was the most nervous game, exciting game, I’ve ever played in my life,” he said. “It was so much fun.”

The 24-year-old Lewis became the third player in major league history to go deep in his first two postseason plate appearances, following Evan Longoria for Tampa Bay in 2008 and Gary Gaetti for the Twins in 1987, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Lewis was selected by the Twins with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft, but the start of his major league career has been interrupted by injuries. He tore the ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout in 2021 and again last year just 12 games into his Twins debut. Maintaining his rookie status in 2023, Lewis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royce-lewis-grand-slams-a1b26596c52dbfe2282e7ac63b1a66a3">never missed a beat</a>.

“He’s truly a special talent, the type of talent that can carry you to win a lot of ballgames when the postseason comes,” teammate Carlos Correa said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696427760993.png" alt="2023 MLB Postseason Logo" />
 <figcaption>2023 MLB Postseason Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) After winning their Wild Card Series openers on the first day of Major League Baseball's playoffs, the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies can advance to the next round with victories Wednesday.As is often the case when postseason play rolls around, pitching was king Tuesday.None of the four teams that won gave up more than three runs. Minnesota and Philadelphia allowed just one, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montgomery-rangers-rays-al-wild-card-2000263cc9535fe150c15808196ea8dc">Jordan Montgomery and two relievers combined on Texas' shutout at Tampa Bay.</a>Nathan Eovaldi (12-5) starts Wednesday for the Rangers as they try to wrap up the best-of-three series against Zach Eflin (16-8) and the Rays, who have dropped six straight playoff games dating to 2021.Zack Wheeler tossed 6 2/3 splendid innings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-marlins-wheeler-harper-castellanos-877eb010bfb362377ffedb98bc889c80">to lead defending NL champion Philadelphia to a 4-1 victory over the upstart Miami Marlins.</a>&nbsp;Aaron Nola (12-9) pitches Game 2 for the Phillies against Braxton Garrett (9-7).Pablo López and four relievers held George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays in check as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-jays-twins-postseason-streak-ends-a836f2fbd9ee0f9ce80aad19173b2590">Twins snapped a record 18-game postseason losing streak with a 3-1 win.</a>Sonny Gray (8-8, 2.79 ERA) goes in Game 2 for Minnesota against José Berríos (11-12, 3.65), who was traded by the Twins to Toronto in July 2021.Arizona got 6 1/3 scoreless innings from its bullpen and erased an early three-run deficit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wild-card-arizona-diamondbacks-milwaukee-brewers-ebcc0ee439d65edd8872743a5bdd2730">in a 6-3 victory at Milwaukee.</a>&nbsp;Now the Diamondbacks have ace Zac Gallen (17-9) lined up to face Freddy Peralta (12-10) on Wednesday.BETTING FAVORITESThe Braves are the current betting favorites to win the World Series at +270, followed by the Dodgers (+420) and Astros (+450),&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.BACK WITH A BANG<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royce-lewis-alds-home-runs-c77b2944cedd5e2f4ac622720391f038">Royce Lewis homered in his first two postseason at-bats</a>&nbsp;for Minnesota. He had been sidelined for two weeks with a strained left hamstring.“It was the most nervous game, exciting game, I’ve ever played in my life,” he said. “It was so much fun.”The 24-year-old Lewis became the third player in major league history to go deep in his first two postseason plate appearances, following Evan Longoria for Tampa Bay in 2008 and Gary Gaetti for the Twins in 1987, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Lewis was selected by the Twins with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft, but the start of his major league career has been interrupted by injuries. He tore the ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout in 2021 and again last year just 12 games into his Twins debut. Maintaining his rookie status in 2023, Lewis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royce-lewis-grand-slams-a1b26596c52dbfe2282e7ac63b1a66a3">never missed a beat</a>.“He’s truly a special talent, the type of talent that can carry you to win a lot of ballgames when the postseason comes,” teammate Carlos Correa said.RAY MATTERSThe playoff opener between Texas and Tampa Bay drew an announced crowd of just 19,704 to Tropicana Field,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-rangers-attendance-6ffec4b2da65983c24ecf0e24be5c3b0">the lowest for a postseason game since the 1919 World Series</a>&nbsp;other than during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.The crowd was roughly 5,300 below the listed capacity of Tropicana Field.Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-retro-uniforms-playoffs-e172a8e116755d28f66ca249159b589e">the Rays went retro for Game 1.</a>Sporting throwback Devil Rays jerseys the team wore during a decade of futility, Tampa Bay was limited to six hits and committed four errors in a 4-0 loss.“It was a frustrating game,” manager Kevin Cash said. “I don’t recall us playing a game like that in quite some time.”It was the first time Tampa Bay, which began play as an expansion franchise in 1998, wore Devil Rays jerseys in the postseason.TOE JAMBatting third in Arizona's lineup, Tommy Pham went 0 for 4 with a walk. He struck out twice and scored once.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-diamondbacks-tommy-pham-e86ff2fc10647f1860b903fb18763723">The veteran outfielder has been dealing with turf toe,</a>&nbsp;which has limited him to designated hitter most of the past two weeks.Pham said he would “probably get an injection to help that out” before Game 1 against the Brewers.“This is the first time that I’ve ever had turf toe,” Pham said. “Quite honestly, I didn’t even know what was going on. I thought it was my cleats, so I’ve been switching out cleats. Then it just gradually got worse and worse, so here I am.”HOW TO WATCHThe wild-card rounds will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and ESPN. The later rounds will be split among Fox, FS1 and TBS.POSTSEASON SCHEDULEWild Card Series: Oct. 3-5Division Series: Oct. 7-14League Championship Series: Oct. 15-24World Series: Oct. 27-Nov. 4