SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The banged-up San Francisco 49ers got some key pieces back on the practice field before their Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and safety Jimmie Ward all returned to practice and could play Sunday against the Chiefs. Williams missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, and Bosa sat out last week with an injured groin. Ward has played only one defensive snap all season after being sidelined by a hamstring injury and then breaking his hand in his return two weeks ago.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps no other team in the NFL sees a greater variety of defenses, and vast departures from an opponent’s norm, than the Kansas City Chiefs. And while part of it has to do with Patrick Mahomes running the plays, and part of it Andy Reid calling them from the sideline, the biggest factor may be the fact that they’ve been working so seamlessly for so long. So defenses have learned they have no choice but to do things out of their own comfort zone, in effect throwing Reid and the Chiefs a curveball in their game prep. And that leads to interesting in-game chess matches.

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener. The Astros are in their sixth consecutive ALCS, looking to reach the World Series for the fourth time in that span, against a New York team in the LCS for the first time since being eliminated by Houston in 2019. The game was tied 1-all in the sixth when Gurriel connected off reliever Clarke Schmidt for a solo shot that put Houston on top. Two batters later, McCormick sent a sinker from Schmidt into right field to make it 3-1.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run rally in the fifth inning and the San Diego Padres stunned Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 to tie their all-wild card NL Championship Series at one game apiece. The outburst started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 at Petco Park to life. Three innings earlier, the Phillies took a 4-0 lead with a rally that included bloop hits, a sun-aided double on a gorgeous, 92-degree afternoon and some shoddy Padres defense.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball views expanded playoffs as the more the merrier. Not for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. The National League’s four winningest teams failed to reach the League Championship Series, six months of accomplishment undone in just a few days. Philadelphia is vying to become the first third-place team to reach the World Series. Years of expansion have turned the Fall Classic into a monthlong tournament and the season into a prologue. Some players have complained about the expanded postseason format, saying it doesn't benefit the top teams.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men’s basketball season will feel like a reunion. Mark Adams is entering his second season at Texas Tech after Chris Beard left for Texas. And now longtime Baylor assistant Jerome Tang is leading Kansas State. When it comes to players, more than a handful left one Big 12 school for another this past offseason. That movement came after the league lifted restrictions on transferring within the Big 12. Among those that moved were Kevin McCullar from Texas Tech to Kansas and Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker to TCU.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State returns basically its entire lineup that won 28 games, finished a game behind Baylor in the league race and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. That includes Ashley Joens, the school’s career scoring leader. She would have been one of the top picks in the WNBA draft but chose to use her COVID-19 waiver for a fifth college season. The expectations in Ames are soaring, and longtime Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly seems similarities to two decades ago, when he led them to a share of the conference regular-season championship.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The banged-up San Francisco 49ers got some key pieces back on the practice field before their Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and safety Jimmie Ward all returned to practice and could play Sunday against the Chiefs. Williams missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, and Bosa sat out last week with an injured groin. Ward has played only one defensive snap all season after being sidelined by a hamstring injury and then breaking his hand in his return two weeks ago.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Perhaps no other team in the NFL sees a greater variety of defenses, and vast departures from an opponent’s norm, than the Kansas City Chiefs. And while part of it has to do with Patrick Mahomes running the plays, and part of it Andy Reid calling them from the sideline, the biggest factor may be the fact that they’ve been working so seamlessly for so long. So defenses have learned they have no choice but to do things out of their own comfort zone, in effect throwing Reid and the Chiefs a curveball in their game prep. And that leads to interesting in-game chess matches.HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener. The Astros are in their sixth consecutive ALCS, looking to reach the World Series for the fourth time in that span, against a New York team in the LCS for the first time since being eliminated by Houston in 2019. The game was tied 1-all in the sixth when Gurriel connected off reliever Clarke Schmidt for a solo shot that put Houston on top. Two batters later, McCormick sent a sinker from Schmidt into right field to make it 3-1.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run rally in the fifth inning and the San Diego Padres stunned Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 to tie their all-wild card NL Championship Series at one game apiece. The outburst started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 at Petco Park to life. Three innings earlier, the Phillies took a 4-0 lead with a rally that included bloop hits, a sun-aided double on a gorgeous, 92-degree afternoon and some shoddy Padres defense.NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball views expanded playoffs as the more the merrier. Not for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. The National League’s four winningest teams failed to reach the League Championship Series, six months of accomplishment undone in just a few days. Philadelphia is vying to become the first third-place team to reach the World Series. Years of expansion have turned the Fall Classic into a monthlong tournament and the season into a prologue. Some players have complained about the expanded postseason format, saying it doesn't benefit the top teams.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men’s basketball season will feel like a reunion. Mark Adams is entering his second season at Texas Tech after Chris Beard left for Texas. And now longtime Baylor assistant Jerome Tang is leading Kansas State. When it comes to players, more than a handful left one Big 12 school for another this past offseason. That movement came after the league lifted restrictions on transferring within the Big 12. Among those that moved were Kevin McCullar from Texas Tech to Kansas and Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker to TCU.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iowa State returns basically its entire lineup that won 28 games, finished a game behind Baylor in the league race and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. That includes Ashley Joens, the school’s career scoring leader. She would have been one of the top picks in the WNBA draft but chose to use her COVID-19 waiver for a fifth college season. The expectations in Ames are soaring, and longtime Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly seems similarities to two decades ago, when he led them to a share of the conference regular-season championship.WEDNESDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Houston 4 N.Y. Yankees 2NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal San Diego 8 Philadelphia 5NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Detroit 113 Orlando 109Final Washington 114 Indiana 107Final Atlanta 117 Houston 107Final New Orleans 130 Brooklyn 108Final Toronto 108 Cleveland 105Final Chicago 116 Miami 108Final OT Memphis 115 New York 112Final Charlotte 129 San Antonio 102Final Minnesota 115 Oklahoma City 108Final Utah 123 Denver 102Final Portland 115 Sacramento 108Final Phoenix 107 Dallas 105NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Florida 4 Philadelphia 3Final OT Winnipeg 4 Colorado 3Final OT St. Louis 4 Seattle 3

Sports Headlines for Thursday

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees. Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston. It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night. Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros to a 4-2 victory in the ALCS opener. Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep for Houston.

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees again.

Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston.

It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night.

Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros past the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.

Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep as the AL West champions improved to 4-0 in the playoffs after going 106-56 during the regular season.

It was a familiar result in the power struggle between the teams over the past few years.

Houston knocked New York out of the playoffs in 2015, 2017 and 2019 before going 5-2 against the Yankees during the 2022 regular season.

This is the sixth straight ALCS appearance for the Astros, their third meeting with the Yankees during that span.

Houston is trying to reach the World Series for the second consecutive season and fourth time in six years. New York hasn't made it since beating the Phillies in 2009 for the most recent of its 27 championships.

Verlander set a major league record with his eighth double-digit strikeout game in the postseason. He passed Clayton Kershaw (213) to become the career leader in postseason strikeouts with 219.

New York whiffed 17 times in all to only two for the Astros — the largest difference ever in a postseason game.

"They're obviously really dynamic," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Outstanding starting pitching, but can shorten the game with the best of 'em. So we've got to find a way to break through against them."

Valdez went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA during the regular season. He led the American League with 201 1/3 innings pitched and three complete games. In Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle, he allowed four hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Severino was 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts this season. He yielded eight hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS versus Cleveland.

Here's what else to know about the MLB playoffs Thursday:

ALCS Game 2: New York Yankees at Houston, 7:37 p.m., TBS

In danger of heading to Philadelphia down 0-2 in the NLCS, the Padres produced another huge rally in front of their rowdy fans to put some punch into the all-wild card matchup.

Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning and San Diego stunned Aaron Nola and the Phillies 8-5 on Wednesday to tie the NLCS at one game apiece.

The fifth-inning surge started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 to life after San Diego trailed 4-0 early.

Drury and Josh Bell hit back-to-back homers. Manny Machado went deep late.

The rally was similar to the one the Padres pulled off Saturday night, when they scored five runs in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory that eliminated the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers.

Joe Musgrove is scheduled to start Game 3 for his hometown Padres against Ranger Suarez.

Astros star Jose Altuve, a three-time batting champion, went 0 for 3 with a walk in Game 1 against the Yankees and is 0 for 19 this postseason.

The 2017 AL MVP hit .300 with 28 homers during the regular season.

"Jose, he's due to break out and have some remarkable games," Houston manager Dusty Baker said. "This guy has been good for so long, and sometimes the rest of your lineup's got to carry a guy like that until he gets going."

José Ramírez didn't let a torn thumb ligament stop him from leading the Guardians during a surprising season.

Cleveland's All-Star third baseman played the second half — as well as the team's playoff run that ended Tuesday in the AL Division Series — with a torn right thumb ligament that will require surgery.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners will head into the offseason with four key players needing downtime or surgery to heal injuries, including AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodríguez. The star center fielder broke his left pinkie during the Game 3 loss to Houston that ended their AL Division Series.

The Guardians said Ramírez injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb during a June game in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old could have opted for surgery, which would have sidelined him for two months, but decided to keep playing.

He'll have an operation in the next few weeks. Renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham will perform the surgery in Dayton, Ohio.

The Guardians said the rehab will not significantly impact Ramírez's offseason training or availability for next season.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said an exit exam this week revealed the injury to the 21-year-old Rodríguez, but he's not expected to need surgery. He got hurt sliding headfirst into second base on a double in the eighth inning of what became an 18-inning marathon defeat.

Also needing downtime to recover from injuries are Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh (left thumb) and standout reliever Andrés Muñoz (foot), while outfielder Jesse Winker has already undergone one of two operations needed to repair injuries to his left knee and neck that he dealt with during the season.

By The Associated PressJustin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees. Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston. It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night. Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros to a 4-2 victory in the ALCS opener. Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep for Houston.Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros got the jump on the New York Yankees again.Now they'll try to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series when All-Star lefty Framber Valdez pitches against Yankees right-hander Luis Severino on Thursday night in Houston.It's a day off in the NLCS, with the Padres and Phillies tied 1-all as their best-of-seven series shifts from San Diego to Philadelphia for three games beginning Friday night.Verlander recovered from a rocky start and struck out 11 over six strong innings to lead the Astros past the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.Yuli Gurriel launched a tiebreaking homer in the sixth. Chas McCormick and rookie Jeremy Peña also went deep as the AL West champions improved to 4-0 in the playoffs after going 106-56 during the regular season.It was a familiar result in the power struggle between the teams over the past few years.Houston knocked New York out of the playoffs in 2015, 2017 and 2019 before going 5-2 against the Yankees during the 2022 regular season.This is the sixth straight ALCS appearance for the Astros, their third meeting with the Yankees during that span.Houston is trying to reach the World Series for the second consecutive season and fourth time in six years. New York hasn't made it since beating the Phillies in 2009 for the most recent of its 27 championships.Verlander set a major league record with his eighth double-digit strikeout game in the postseason. He passed Clayton Kershaw (213) to become the career leader in postseason strikeouts with 219.New York whiffed 17 times in all to only two for the Astros — the largest difference ever in a postseason game."They're obviously really dynamic," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Outstanding starting pitching, but can shorten the game with the best of 'em. So we've got to find a way to break through against them."Valdez went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA during the regular season. He led the American League with 201 1/3 innings pitched and three complete games. In Game 2 of the Division Series against Seattle, he allowed four hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings.Severino was 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts this season. He yielded eight hits and three runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS versus Cleveland.Here's what else to know about the MLB playoffs Thursday:THURSDAY'S SCHEDULE (All times ET)ALCS Game 2: New York Yankees at Houston, 7:37 p.m., TBSOH, BROTHER!In danger of heading to Philadelphia down 0-2 in the NLCS, the Padres produced another huge rally in front of their rowdy fans to put some punch into the all-wild card matchup.Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning and San Diego stunned Aaron Nola and the Phillies 8-5 on Wednesday to tie the NLCS at one game apiece.The fifth-inning surge started with Padres catcher Austin Nola hitting an RBI single off his younger brother that brought the sellout, towel-twirling crowd of 44,607 to life after San Diego trailed 4-0 early.Drury and Josh Bell hit back-to-back homers. Manny Machado went deep late.The rally was similar to the one the Padres pulled off Saturday night, when they scored five runs in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory that eliminated the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers.Joe Musgrove is scheduled to start Game 3 for his hometown Padres against Ranger Suarez.STILL SLUMPINGAstros star Jose Altuve, a three-time batting champion, went 0 for 3 with a walk in Game 1 against the Yankees and is 0 for 19 this postseason.The 2017 AL MVP hit .300 with 28 homers during the regular season."Jose, he's due to break out and have some remarkable games," Houston manager Dusty Baker said. "This guy has been good for so long, and sometimes the rest of your lineup's got to carry a guy like that until he gets going."OFFSEASON INJURY UPDATESJosé Ramírez didn't let a torn thumb ligament stop him from leading the Guardians during a surprising season.Cleveland's All-Star third baseman played the second half — as well as the team's playoff run that ended Tuesday in the AL Division Series — with a torn right thumb ligament that will require surgery.Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners will head into the offseason with four key players needing downtime or surgery to heal injuries, including AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodríguez. The star center fielder broke his left pinkie during the Game 3 loss to Houston that ended their AL Division Series.The Guardians said Ramírez injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb during a June game in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old could have opted for surgery, which would have sidelined him for two months, but decided to keep playing.He'll have an operation in the next few weeks. Renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham will perform the surgery in Dayton, Ohio.The Guardians said the rehab will not significantly impact Ramírez's offseason training or availability for next season.Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said an exit exam this week revealed the injury to the 21-year-old Rodríguez, but he's not expected to need surgery. He got hurt sliding headfirst into second base on a double in the eighth inning of what became an 18-inning marathon defeat.Also needing downtime to recover from injuries are Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh (left thumb) and standout reliever Andrés Muñoz (foot), while outfielder Jesse Winker has already undergone one of two operations needed to repair injuries to his left knee and neck that he dealt with during the season.___

⚾️ MLB Playoffs: Astros seek 2-0 lead vs Yanks; NLCS tied

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men's basketball season will feel like a reunion.

On the coaching front, there already was Mark Adams entering his second year at Texas Tech, where he replaced Chris Beard, who headed off to Texas, his alma mater. And there's Jerome Tang, who spent most of the past two decades alongside Scott Drew at Baylor and now is wearing purple and white for Kansas State.

Then there's the familiarity among certain players.

The Big 12 followed the lead of other conferences last year when it scrapped rules making it almost impossible to transfer to another conference school. And now, more than a handful of players that called one Big 12 school home seven months ago will be doing their best to beat that school when this season tips off.

"The transfer within the league, it's not ideal," TCU coach Jamie Dixon acknowledged Wednesday, "but there was no way they were going to make a rule that guys can transfer and play right away everywhere but your conference.

"Kids pick the conference they want to play in as much as the school they want to go to," he added. "It's a little strange but it's not the end of the world. We'll survive."

Easy to say when you're the beneficiary. Dixon landed Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker, who appeared in 59 games for the Cowboys the past two seasons, and who gives the No. 14 Horned Frogs some much-needed backcourt help.

West Virginia lost Jalen Bridges, who played in 61 games during two seasons in Morgantown, to fifth-ranked Baylor, only to land Texas transfer Tre Mitchell, who started 17 of 24 games for the Longhorns last season.

The No. 12 Longhorns also added where they subtracted, landing perhaps the top Division I transfer available in Tyrese Hunter, who averaged 11 points and nearly five assists while starting every game as a freshman at Iowa State.

Then there is Texas Tech, which lost third-leading scorer Kevin McCullar to defending national champion Kansas, only to land Jaylon Tyson, who appeared in eight games as a freshman at Texas. And for good measure, the Red Raiders also landed De'Vion Harmon, who played two seasons at Oklahoma before spending last season at Oregon.

"It was just time for me, you know? Time for me to grow," explained McCullar, who played 44 of a possible 50 minutes in a double-overtime loss to the Jayhawks last season, along with 33 of 40 minutes in a loss in the Big 12 Tournament.

"Coach Self, he has a good reputation, as you know, for getting guys to the next level," he said. "And you know, his plan for me, and for playing in the biggest stage and the biggest games you can, that's going to be great for me."

The transfer portal has spawned a new era in college basketball, where teams are not built over time so much as pieced together each year. But the movement within a conference is a relatively new phenomenon, and the fact that so many big names moved to traditional rivals in one offseason within the Big 12 is nearly unprecedented.

Along with some potentially awkward reunions, the transfers create a whole new layer of complexity when it comes to scouting and preparation; those players will no doubt have an intimate understanding of their old systems.

"Transferring in conference, that's just a reality. It's happening," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "I don't have many thoughts against it or for it. If a young man doesn't want to be at a program, he doesn't want to be at a program, whether it's interconference or not. It's just a reality we have to accept."

Besides, coaches clearly have no problem moving within the conference.

Fifteen years ago, Bob Huggins bounced after one season at Kansas State for West Virginia, his alma mater. Beard also headed home when, coming off a five-year run at Texas Tech that included an appearance in the national title game, the Longhorns came calling. Now Tang will have to face his old employer when the Wildcats visit Baylor.

"He's been more than ready for a long time. He just didn't feel the calling to go," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "He's great with the community. Great for the school. He's a great teammate — he cheers so hard and loud for other sports. He's done a remarkable job everywhere he's been, and Baylor wouldn't have had the success it had without him.

Then, in what will no doubt be a common feeling among players and coaches across the Big 12 this season, Drew added: "I know know one is going to cheer louder for him than I will, except when we play."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just about every game in the Big 12 this men's basketball season will feel like a reunion.On the coaching front, there already was Mark Adams entering his second year at Texas Tech, where he replaced Chris Beard, who headed off to Texas, his alma mater. And there's Jerome Tang, who spent most of the past two decades alongside Scott Drew at Baylor and now is wearing purple and white for Kansas State.Then there's the familiarity among certain players.The Big 12 followed the lead of other conferences last year when it scrapped rules making it almost impossible to transfer to another conference school. And now, more than a handful of players that called one Big 12 school home seven months ago will be doing their best to beat that school when this season tips off."The transfer within the league, it's not ideal," TCU coach Jamie Dixon acknowledged Wednesday, "but there was no way they were going to make a rule that guys can transfer and play right away everywhere but your conference."Kids pick the conference they want to play in as much as the school they want to go to," he added. "It's a little strange but it's not the end of the world. We'll survive."Easy to say when you're the beneficiary. Dixon landed Oklahoma State guard Rondel Walker, who appeared in 59 games for the Cowboys the past two seasons, and who gives the No. 14 Horned Frogs some much-needed backcourt help.West Virginia lost Jalen Bridges, who played in 61 games during two seasons in Morgantown, to fifth-ranked Baylor, only to land Texas transfer Tre Mitchell, who started 17 of 24 games for the Longhorns last season.The No. 12 Longhorns also added where they subtracted, landing perhaps the top Division I transfer available in Tyrese Hunter, who averaged 11 points and nearly five assists while starting every game as a freshman at Iowa State.Then there is Texas Tech, which lost third-leading scorer Kevin McCullar to defending national champion Kansas, only to land Jaylon Tyson, who appeared in eight games as a freshman at Texas. And for good measure, the Red Raiders also landed De'Vion Harmon, who played two seasons at Oklahoma before spending last season at Oregon."It was just time for me, you know? Time for me to grow," explained McCullar, who played 44 of a possible 50 minutes in a double-overtime loss to the Jayhawks last season, along with 33 of 40 minutes in a loss in the Big 12 Tournament."Coach Self, he has a good reputation, as you know, for getting guys to the next level," he said. "And you know, his plan for me, and for playing in the biggest stage and the biggest games you can, that's going to be great for me."The transfer portal has spawned a new era in college basketball, where teams are not built over time so much as pieced together each year. But the movement within a conference is a relatively new phenomenon, and the fact that so many big names moved to traditional rivals in one offseason within the Big 12 is nearly unprecedented.Along with some potentially awkward reunions, the transfers create a whole new layer of complexity when it comes to scouting and preparation; those players will no doubt have an intimate understanding of their old systems."Transferring in conference, that's just a reality. It's happening," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "I don't have many thoughts against it or for it. If a young man doesn't want to be at a program, he doesn't want to be at a program, whether it's interconference or not. It's just a reality we have to accept."Besides, coaches clearly have no problem moving within the conference.Fifteen years ago, Bob Huggins bounced after one season at Kansas State for West Virginia, his alma mater. Beard also headed home when, coming off a five-year run at Texas Tech that included an appearance in the national title game, the Longhorns came calling. Now Tang will have to face his old employer when the Wildcats visit Baylor."He's been more than ready for a long time. He just didn't feel the calling to go," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "He's great with the community. Great for the school. He's a great teammate — he cheers so hard and loud for other sports. He's done a remarkable job everywhere he's been, and Baylor wouldn't have had the success it had without him.Then, in what will no doubt be a common feeling among players and coaches across the Big 12 this season, Drew added: "I know know one is going to cheer louder for him than I will, except when we play."

🏀 Big 12 coaches, players have unique familiarity this season

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas Basketball coach Bill Self commented on the status of the Big 12 nationally and what having three-straight teams making the national title game does for the conference...

"I think it's hard to say that you're the best if you don't actually produce it when it counts the most. And so we've been, like, the RPI or the net, I think we've been the top league in the country six of the last seven, something like that. And five of those years we didn't have anything to show for it at the end of the day. I do think that it means a lot. I know with us personally we've had a large number of very good teams that basically was in the game and had a possibility of winning a national championship and didn't get it done. So for us, I think we owed it not only to our school but also to our league to actually deliver on those opportunities. And we were able to do so this year and of course Baylor was able to do so last year. I think, and Tech came a jump shot away from doing it in the prior tournament. I think those type of finishes are what elevates a league to being thought of to be really, really good regular season, but that can be thought of to be the best overall."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666255138103.jpeg" alt="Media days.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Media days.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas Basketball coach Bill Self commented on the status of the Big 12 nationally and what having three-straight teams making the national title game does for the conference...<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2h_a8BW_5Wc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"I think it's hard to say that you're the best if you don't actually produce it when it counts the most. And so we've been, like, the RPI or the net, I think we've been the top league in the country six of the last seven, something like that. And five of those years we didn't have anything to show for it at the end of the day. I do think that it means a lot. I know with us personally we've had a large number of very good teams that basically was in the game and had a possibility of winning a national championship and didn't get it done. So for us, I think we owed it not only to our school but also to our league to actually deliver on those opportunities. And we were able to do so this year and of course Baylor was able to do so last year. I think, and Tech came a jump shot away from doing it in the prior tournament. I think those type of finishes are what elevates a league to being thought of to be really, really good regular season, but that can be thought of to be the best overall."

🏀 🎥  KU: Self feels like Big 12 is the strongest conference

NORMAN, Okla.&nbsp;– After dropping four consecutive five-set matches, Kansa State was able to turn the tables and overcome Oklahoma 20-25, 15-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-13, at McCasland Field House on Wednesday night. K-State (12-8, 3-4) tallied 53 kills (.227) in Norman, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;who boasted 16 kills in her highest output since Sept. 24. The junior outside hitter swung at a .297 hitting percentage while completing two aces and seven digs for 19 points. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8076">Mackenzie Morris</a>&nbsp;led both squads with 29 digs, a career-best for the junior libero. Senior setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle</a>&nbsp;was just shy of another double-double with 43 assists and nine digs. Hinkle tallied her 99th&nbsp;career ace against the Sooners. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9684">Shaylee Myers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;add 13 and 11 kills to the Cats' total as Bolding paced both teams at a .381 clip. Bolding also adds four block assists along with fellow senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8092">Haley Warner</a>. Oklahoma (11-8, 1-6) posted 58 kills in five sets and led K-State with ten team blocks. Megan Wilson and Adria Oliver tallied five block assists each. The Sooners were led offensively by Savannah Davison who notched a career-high 17 kills at a .289 pace. Wilson followed with 15 smacks (.156) and eight digs. Payton Chamberlain collected her second double-double of the season on 44 assists and 19 digs while Callie Kemohah sent a career-high seven aces. The sophomore libero added nine digs. FROM THE HEAD COACH Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a> On overall thoughts from the match… "We are thrilled with the end results and the grit and tenacity that we showed in the latter part of the match. I thought we came out of the break far more aggressively and we controlled the ball on our side well. It was hard because we came out slow that we had to put ourselves in that position, but in the end, we responded well." On who stood out in the match… "<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;did with hitting well and creating problems at the net for them. She is really doing some special things as a middle. And our lefts, Shay and Aliyah, both hitting high .200s is a really good night. In the end, our left side was better than theirs and that dictated the match." On completing the comeback win… "We have been in a lot of close matches and battled in many five-set matches. To be in a position where you are down two sets and it goes five where you can figure out a way to win and play well is special. This was very meaningful to us and we needed that kind of a breakthrough." HOW IT HAPPENED Set One – OU 25, K-State 20 Following a 1-1 tie, Oklahoma found a four-point run before K-State fought back to even the score at 10 on consecutive Sooner errors. OU rebounded with a 6-1 stunt, propelled by two Alexis Shelton kills, to gain a six-point lead at 21-15. Savannah Davison concluded the set on her fouth kill, swinging at a .250 pace. Adria Oliver also collected four kills for the Sooners while Payton Chamberlain tallied nine assists and six digs. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;led all hitters with five kills (.143) and notched an ace. The Wildcats had eight team kills at a .108 pace. Oklahoma grabbed 15 kills on 46 total attacks and added 24 digs. Set Two – OU 25, K-State 15 The home side started set two on a hot 6-1 run, which was fueled by four consecutive Callie Kemohah aces. Kayde Fernholz's second kill of the match and the Cats' first kill of the set ended the streak at 7-2. K-State was able to climb back within four at 13-9 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9684">Shaylee Myers'</a>&nbsp;first putdown of the game. The freshman tallied two kills at a .250 clip for the set. Cats fight back three points on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle's</a>&nbsp;first ace of the match, but a three-point stretch leads OU to the final 25-15 score. The Sooners held the Wildcats to seven kills at a .095 hitting percentage. Carter, Myers, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;had two kills apiece, with Bolding going two for two. K-State did not have any blocks in set two. OU tallied 11 kills at a .474 clip, its best pace of the match. Davison led with four kills (.600) and Kemohah secured five aces for Oklahoma. Set Three – K-State 25, OU 22 The Wildcats started strong in set three. After taking the first point, K-State found the lead again at 7-6 on Hinkle's third ace of the game. Kills by Bolding, Myers and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8092">Haley Warner</a>&nbsp;pushed a five-point run for the visitors to take the 12-7 lead. Megan Wilson had two kills in Oklahoma's 6-2 stretch to bring the score to 17-15. The two teams traded points until the Cats walked away with the 25-22 victory. Bolding collected five kills at a .833 pace and added two blocks while Morris tabbed ten digs from the back line. Hinkle saw 14 assists and two blocks in the set. Wilson and Davison drew five kills each and Chamberlain had 13 assists and seven digs. The Wildcats' .375 hitting percentage in the third was the best of the match while the Sooners swung at a .229 pace. Set Four – K-State 25, OU 15 The Cats continued the push in set four as they led the entirety of the set sans two tie scores. Myers brought two kills and an ace in the team's first six points. Back-to-back kills by Carter gave K-State a four-point lead at 11-7 Oklahoma caught back within two on Wildcat errors and a kill by Wilson. K-State held off the Sooners with an 8-2 run in which Morris banked the last point on her first service ace since Oct. 5. Bolding concluded the set with her second kill. The Cats continued to swing high at a .360 pace while keeping the Sooners at a match low .100 hitting percentage. Carter and Myers combined for six kills as Wilson led OU with four. Set Five – K-State 15, OU 13 The fifth set was comprised of six ties and three lead changes. The Sooners had made three consecutive errors to give K-State an early lead. They responded with a 6-1 spurt. Wilson pushed the run on two kills and a block to give the home side an 8-4 lead. The Wildcats came back with a 5-1 run of their own to take the tie at 9-9. Carter notched two kills in the train. Carter added another kill along with Baka's ace to give K-State the two-point lead that would take them to the set and match win. Myers and Carter again combined for eight kills with Carter hitting at a .667 pace. As a team, the Cats swung at a .148 clip and stopped the Sooners at a .120 hitting percentage. INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

UP NEXT K-State returns to Manhattan, Kansas, for the first of a two-match home stretch. The Wildcats take on #14 Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 22, to conclude the first half of Big 12 play. The conference contest is set for 1 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum. The match will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ while Emma Wiley will be on the call online at K-StateSports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app.

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666254187427.jpeg" alt="K-State VB vs OU.jpg" />
 <figcaption>K-State VB vs OU.jpg</figcaption>
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NORMAN, Okla.&nbsp;– After dropping four consecutive five-set matches, Kansa State was able to turn the tables and overcome Oklahoma 20-25, 15-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-13, at McCasland Field House on Wednesday night. K-State (12-8, 3-4) tallied 53 kills (.227) in Norman, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;who boasted 16 kills in her highest output since Sept. 24. The junior outside hitter swung at a .297 hitting percentage while completing two aces and seven digs for 19 points. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8076">Mackenzie Morris</a>&nbsp;led both squads with 29 digs, a career-best for the junior libero. Senior setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle</a>&nbsp;was just shy of another double-double with 43 assists and nine digs. Hinkle tallied her 99th&nbsp;career ace against the Sooners. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9684">Shaylee Myers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;add 13 and 11 kills to the Cats' total as Bolding paced both teams at a .381 clip. Bolding also adds four block assists along with fellow senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8092">Haley Warner</a>. Oklahoma (11-8, 1-6) posted 58 kills in five sets and led K-State with ten team blocks. Megan Wilson and Adria Oliver tallied five block assists each. The Sooners were led offensively by Savannah Davison who notched a career-high 17 kills at a .289 pace. Wilson followed with 15 smacks (.156) and eight digs. Payton Chamberlain collected her second double-double of the season on 44 assists and 19 digs while Callie Kemohah sent a career-high seven aces. The sophomore libero added nine digs. FROM THE HEAD COACH Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a> On overall thoughts from the match… "We are thrilled with the end results and the grit and tenacity that we showed in the latter part of the match. I thought we came out of the break far more aggressively and we controlled the ball on our side well. It was hard because we came out slow that we had to put ourselves in that position, but in the end, we responded well." On who stood out in the match… "<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;did with hitting well and creating problems at the net for them. She is really doing some special things as a middle. And our lefts, Shay and Aliyah, both hitting high .200s is a really good night. In the end, our left side was better than theirs and that dictated the match." On completing the comeback win… "We have been in a lot of close matches and battled in many five-set matches. To be in a position where you are down two sets and it goes five where you can figure out a way to win and play well is special. This was very meaningful to us and we needed that kind of a breakthrough." HOW IT HAPPENED Set One – OU 25, K-State 20 Following a 1-1 tie, Oklahoma found a four-point run before K-State fought back to even the score at 10 on consecutive Sooner errors. OU rebounded with a 6-1 stunt, propelled by two Alexis Shelton kills, to gain a six-point lead at 21-15. Savannah Davison concluded the set on her fouth kill, swinging at a .250 pace. Adria Oliver also collected four kills for the Sooners while Payton Chamberlain tallied nine assists and six digs. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;led all hitters with five kills (.143) and notched an ace. The Wildcats had eight team kills at a .108 pace. Oklahoma grabbed 15 kills on 46 total attacks and added 24 digs. Set Two – OU 25, K-State 15 The home side started set two on a hot 6-1 run, which was fueled by four consecutive Callie Kemohah aces. Kayde Fernholz's second kill of the match and the Cats' first kill of the set ended the streak at 7-2. K-State was able to climb back within four at 13-9 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9684">Shaylee Myers'</a>&nbsp;first putdown of the game. The freshman tallied two kills at a .250 clip for the set. Cats fight back three points on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle's</a>&nbsp;first ace of the match, but a three-point stretch leads OU to the final 25-15 score. The Sooners held the Wildcats to seven kills at a .095 hitting percentage. Carter, Myers, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;had two kills apiece, with Bolding going two for two. K-State did not have any blocks in set two. OU tallied 11 kills at a .474 clip, its best pace of the match. Davison led with four kills (.600) and Kemohah secured five aces for Oklahoma. Set Three – K-State 25, OU 22 The Wildcats started strong in set three. After taking the first point, K-State found the lead again at 7-6 on Hinkle's third ace of the game. Kills by Bolding, Myers and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8092">Haley Warner</a>&nbsp;pushed a five-point run for the visitors to take the 12-7 lead. Megan Wilson had two kills in Oklahoma's 6-2 stretch to bring the score to 17-15. The two teams traded points until the Cats walked away with the 25-22 victory. Bolding collected five kills at a .833 pace and added two blocks while Morris tabbed ten digs from the back line. Hinkle saw 14 assists and two blocks in the set. Wilson and Davison drew five kills each and Chamberlain had 13 assists and seven digs. The Wildcats' .375 hitting percentage in the third was the best of the match while the Sooners swung at a .229 pace. Set Four – K-State 25, OU 15 The Cats continued the push in set four as they led the entirety of the set sans two tie scores. Myers brought two kills and an ace in the team's first six points. Back-to-back kills by Carter gave K-State a four-point lead at 11-7 Oklahoma caught back within two on Wildcat errors and a kill by Wilson. K-State held off the Sooners with an 8-2 run in which Morris banked the last point on her first service ace since Oct. 5. Bolding concluded the set with her second kill. The Cats continued to swing high at a .360 pace while keeping the Sooners at a match low .100 hitting percentage. Carter and Myers combined for six kills as Wilson led OU with four. Set Five – K-State 15, OU 13 The fifth set was comprised of six ties and three lead changes. The Sooners had made three consecutive errors to give K-State an early lead. They responded with a 6-1 spurt. Wilson pushed the run on two kills and a block to give the home side an 8-4 lead. The Wildcats came back with a 5-1 run of their own to take the tie at 9-9. Carter notched two kills in the train. Carter added another kill along with Baka's ace to give K-State the two-point lead that would take them to the set and match win. Myers and Carter again combined for eight kills with Carter hitting at a .667 pace. As a team, the Cats swung at a .148 clip and stopped the Sooners at a .120 hitting percentage. INSIDE THE BOX SCORE<ul>
 <li>K-State hit .227 as a team, the best of any five-set match this season.</li><li>The Wildcats collected 53 kills.</li><li>The team had 17 kills in set three, more than the first two sets combined.</li><li>This is the Wildcats' third win this season when traling in blocks (3-5).</li><li>Carter led the Cats with 16 kills (.297).</li><li>This is the fifth time that Carter topped the team in kills.</li><li>Bolding paced the team at a .381 hitting percentage.</li><li>Morris collected a career-high 29 digs.</li><li>29 digs is the fourth-highest single-match dig total in the Big 12.</li><li>Hinkle tied her career-best with three aces.</li><li>She posted the 99th&nbsp;ace of her career.</li><li>She added 43 assists and was one dig away from a double-double.</li><li>Baka had one kill in her lowest output of the season.</li><li>Oklahoma tallied 58 kills (.201).</li><li>Davison led both teams with 17 kills at a .289 clip.</li><li>Davison (17 kills, 10 digs) and Chamberlain (44 assists, 19 digs) collected double-doubles for the Sooners.</li><li>All seven of OU's aces were by Callie Kemohah.</li><li>This is the most aces scored by one individual against K-State this season.</li><li>Oliver and Wilson each bagged a match-high five block assists.</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>Oklahoma leads the all-time series 58-38-1 and is 28-16 at home against K-State.</li><li>This is the Wildcats' second road win in Big 12 play.</li><li>Fritz is 25-18 in her career against OU.</li><li>The Cats are 2-4 in five-set matches this season.</li><li>This is the first reverse sweep.</li><li>The Wildcats are 5-0 when they wear grey jerseys. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>UP NEXT K-State returns to Manhattan, Kansas, for the first of a two-match home stretch. The Wildcats take on #14 Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 22, to conclude the first half of Big 12 play. The conference contest is set for 1 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum. The match will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ while Emma Wiley will be on the call online at K-StateSports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 K-State pulls off reverse sweep at Oklahoma

&nbsp;by Hutchinson CC Sports Information HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Wednesday was quite a day for Hutchinson Community College Women's Soccer sophomore Hadlie Lowe. Earlier in the day, Lowe was named the NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Player of the Week. Wednesday evening, Lowe continued her torrid scoring pace with a hat trick to lead the No. 17 Blue Dragons to a 3-1 Jayhawk West victory over the Cowley Tigers on Sophomore Recognition Night at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons improve to 13-2 overall and are 10-2 (30 points) in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons travel to No. 18 Barton at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Great Bend in a battle of the top two teams in the Jayhawk West. Cowley falls to 7-7 overall and 4-7 in the league. The Blue Dragons complete a season sweep of the Tigers and now own a 14-3-1 all-time record vs. Cowley. The 13 season wins for Hutchinson are the most for the Blue Dragons since 2018. Lowe had her second-straight hat trick - she has scored seven goals in her last two games - on Wednesday. Lowe was also credited with her fifth game-winning goal of the season and 13th of her career. Lowe now has 37 career goals and moves past Sheena Nicol into seventh place on the Blue Dragon career goals list. Her 84 career points are now 11th all-time, just one point out of the Top 10. Lowe's third goal gave her a career-high 19 goals, which is 13th in single-season history. She has 45 points this season, which ties Jen Rogers for 16th in single-season history. Lowe gave the Blue Dragons a 1-0 lead just 4:19 into the match when she took a long Lexi Jack pass and finished with a left-footed shot past Cowley keeper Kanon Dehama. Cowley's Esther Attwood tied the game with 8:10 to play in the first half and the Dragons survived a late Tiger surge in the opening stanza to take a 1-1 tie into halftime. Cowley continued to own possession in the opening stages of the second half, but the Blue Dragon defense started to swing momentum as the match entered the final 25 minutes. The Blue Dragons regained the lead in the 67th minute. Sophomore Ella Mae Miller came up to defend a Cowley player, who slipped while trying to make a move around the Blue Dragon defender. Miller instantly jumped on the loose ball and got the ball to Emma Scholl, who in turn, threaded a pass to Lowe, who took her time to hammer her second goal of the game, giving the Dragons a 2-1 lead with 23:04 to play. Lowe scored an insurance goal with 3:03 to play. She took a long Aimee Maher pass and went in one-on-on with Dehama, who made the save on Lowe's initial shot, but didn't control the rebound. Lowe got to the loose ball and scored for a 3-1 lead. Sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles improved to 7-0 with a dazzling second half in an eight-save performance. Quarles made five saves in the second half, including two incredible one-on-on saves when the score was 2-1 Hutchinson. The Blue Dragons were outshot 21-12, including 9-2 in the first half. After the match, the Blue Dragons honored the 10 sophomores - Quarles, Lowe, Maher, Miller, Scholl, Jack, Zara Lawless, Julia De Souza, Dayza Hollimon and Olivia Felix-Cardona - who played their final regular-season home match. The Blue Dragons did clinch a home Region VI Tournament match with the victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666253931912.jpeg" alt="Sammy Lane.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Sammy Lane.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;by Hutchinson CC Sports Information HUTCHINSON, Kan.—Wednesday was quite a day for Hutchinson Community College Women's Soccer sophomore Hadlie Lowe. Earlier in the day, Lowe was named the NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Player of the Week. Wednesday evening, Lowe continued her torrid scoring pace with a hat trick to lead the No. 17 Blue Dragons to a 3-1 Jayhawk West victory over the Cowley Tigers on Sophomore Recognition Night at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons improve to 13-2 overall and are 10-2 (30 points) in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons travel to No. 18 Barton at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Great Bend in a battle of the top two teams in the Jayhawk West. Cowley falls to 7-7 overall and 4-7 in the league. The Blue Dragons complete a season sweep of the Tigers and now own a 14-3-1 all-time record vs. Cowley. The 13 season wins for Hutchinson are the most for the Blue Dragons since 2018. Lowe had her second-straight hat trick - she has scored seven goals in her last two games - on Wednesday. Lowe was also credited with her fifth game-winning goal of the season and 13th of her career. Lowe now has 37 career goals and moves past Sheena Nicol into seventh place on the Blue Dragon career goals list. Her 84 career points are now 11th all-time, just one point out of the Top 10. Lowe's third goal gave her a career-high 19 goals, which is 13th in single-season history. She has 45 points this season, which ties Jen Rogers for 16th in single-season history. Lowe gave the Blue Dragons a 1-0 lead just 4:19 into the match when she took a long Lexi Jack pass and finished with a left-footed shot past Cowley keeper Kanon Dehama. Cowley's Esther Attwood tied the game with 8:10 to play in the first half and the Dragons survived a late Tiger surge in the opening stanza to take a 1-1 tie into halftime. Cowley continued to own possession in the opening stages of the second half, but the Blue Dragon defense started to swing momentum as the match entered the final 25 minutes. The Blue Dragons regained the lead in the 67th minute. Sophomore Ella Mae Miller came up to defend a Cowley player, who slipped while trying to make a move around the Blue Dragon defender. Miller instantly jumped on the loose ball and got the ball to Emma Scholl, who in turn, threaded a pass to Lowe, who took her time to hammer her second goal of the game, giving the Dragons a 2-1 lead with 23:04 to play. Lowe scored an insurance goal with 3:03 to play. She took a long Aimee Maher pass and went in one-on-on with Dehama, who made the save on Lowe's initial shot, but didn't control the rebound. Lowe got to the loose ball and scored for a 3-1 lead. Sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles improved to 7-0 with a dazzling second half in an eight-save performance. Quarles made five saves in the second half, including two incredible one-on-on saves when the score was 2-1 Hutchinson. The Blue Dragons were outshot 21-12, including 9-2 in the first half. After the match, the Blue Dragons honored the 10 sophomores - Quarles, Lowe, Maher, Miller, Scholl, Jack, Zara Lawless, Julia De Souza, Dayza Hollimon and Olivia Felix-Cardona - who played their final regular-season home match. The Blue Dragons did clinch a home Region VI Tournament match with the victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽️ HutchCC: Lowe scores second-straight hat trick, Dragons topple Cowley

MORGANTOWN, W. Va.&nbsp;– The Kansas Jayhawks topped the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on Wednesday evening in four sets (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 26-24) to earn their third-straight win.

The Jayhawks moved to 15-5 (5-3 Big 12) with the win, while West Virginia dropped to 7-13 (0-7 Big 12).

Sophomore Caroline Bien led the Jayhawks offensively, hitting .310 with 17 kills. Super-senior Anezka Szabo added 10 kills, while hitting .227.

“Caroline would probably tell you this was her best match offensively of the year,”&nbsp; head coach Ray Bechard said. “In the big moments, 42 swings and only four errors. She was swinging at a high efficiency.”

On the defensive end, freshman Brynn Kirsch had 18 digs and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley tallied 11 total blocks for Kansas.

“It was a tough place to play,” said Bechard. “When we needed to be competitive in the moment, we were. We’ll look back on this win and it will really benefit us on having the best Big 12 finish we can.”

Kansas will take on the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. CT in Schollmaier Arena. The match will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666253401400.png" alt="KU VB vs WV.png" />
 <figcaption>KU VB vs WV.png</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W. Va.&nbsp;– The Kansas Jayhawks topped the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on Wednesday evening in four sets (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 26-24) to earn their third-straight win.The Jayhawks moved to 15-5 (5-3 Big 12) with the win, while West Virginia dropped to 7-13 (0-7 Big 12).Sophomore Caroline Bien led the Jayhawks offensively, hitting .310 with 17 kills. Super-senior Anezka Szabo added 10 kills, while hitting .227.“Caroline would probably tell you this was her best match offensively of the year,”&nbsp; head coach Ray Bechard said. “In the big moments, 42 swings and only four errors. She was swinging at a high efficiency.”On the defensive end, freshman Brynn Kirsch had 18 digs and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley tallied 11 total blocks for Kansas.“It was a tough place to play,” said Bechard. “When we needed to be competitive in the moment, we were. We’ll look back on this win and it will really benefit us on having the best Big 12 finish we can.”Set One<ul>
 <li>Szabo had the first point of the match with a kill through the West Virginia defense, as Kansas started off the match with a 3-0 run.</li><li>WVU tied up the set at three with a kill.</li><li>Junior Kennedy Farris had the first ace for the Jayhawks.</li><li>The Mountaineers took control of the set, and had their biggest lead of set one at 20-14.</li><li>KU was able to come back within one-point at 23-22.</li><li>Kansas dropped set one 25-23.</li><li>The Jayhawks hit .258 with 13 kills compared to WVU’s .257 and 15 kills.</li><li>There were five tied scores and three lead changes.</li><li>Redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady, Dooley and Szabo led with three kills apiece.</li>
 </ul>Set Two<ul>
 <li>The Mountaineers began set two with a 3-2 lead and eventually led 9-5.</li><li>Kansas came back within one, 10-9, after a net violation by WVU.</li><li>Bien tied up the set 11-11 with her sixth kill of the night, and KU took the lead for the first time 12-11 following a block solo by Szabo.</li><li>The Jayhawks went on an 8-0 run, to grab an 18-11 lead.</li><li>West Virginia attempted a comeback with a 6-0 run, but a service error by the Mountaineers helped Kansas close out set two 25-23.</li><li>The Jayhawks hit .125 with WVU hitting .061.</li><li>KU had 12 kills while West Virginia had 11.</li><li>Bien contributed seven kills to the Jayhawks total in the second set alone.</li><li>Six tied scores and one lead change occurred.</li>
 </ul>Set Three<ul>
 <li>A kill by Bien put Kansas on the board, trailing 2-1.</li><li>Elnady tallied her fifth kill of the evening, advancing Kansas to a 5-4 lead.</li><li>WVU went on a short 3-0 run, before an attack error brought the ball back to Kansas.</li><li>The Mountaineers were able to come within one point, 18-17, but a service error pushed Kansas to 19-17.</li><li>The Jayhawks finished set three 25-21 with a service ace by Kirsch.</li><li>KU hit .195 and held WVU to .139.</li><li>Elnady had four kills and Szabo collected three kills.</li><li>As a team, Kansas tallied 14 kills with West Virginia only earning 11 for the second set in a row.</li>
 </ul>Set Four<ul>
 <li>An attack error by the Mountaineers put Kansas on the board first 1-0.</li><li>West Virginia extended its lead after an attack error by Dooley, but the call was reversed following a Kansas challenge to make it 12-9.</li><li>A kill by super-senior Rachel Langs and Bien allowed KU to be within one, 16-15, and forced a timeout by West Virginia.</li><li>Later in the set, an ace by Kennedy Farris tied up the set at 22. Kansas then shut down the set 26-24 to earn the hard-fought win over West Virginia.</li><li>KU finished set four hitting .375, its best percentage of the match.</li><li>The Jayhawks only hit one attack error during the final set.</li>
 </ul>Up NextKansas will take on the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. CT in Schollmaier Arena. The match will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

🏐 KU: Bien’s Offense Leads Kansas to 4-Set Victory at West Virginia

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark wants the conference to “become a national brand like the&nbsp;<a>SEC</a>&nbsp;and the Big 10.

STAYING PUT: Yormark said that OU and UT "will remain" in the Big 12 through the "remainder of the league’s current grant of rights before departing for the SEC in 2025.” Yormark said, “They’ve committed themselves in advance of me getting here and they’ve reiterated that commitment.” He added that the Big 12 is “proceeding with the expectation that OU and Texas will not attempt to negotiate an early exit”&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark wants the conference to “become a national brand like the&nbsp;<a>SEC</a>&nbsp;and the Big 10.STAYING PUT: Yormark said that OU and UT "will remain" in the Big 12 through the "remainder of the league’s current grant of rights before departing for the SEC in 2025.” Yormark said, “They’ve committed themselves in advance of me getting here and they’ve reiterated that commitment.” He added that the Big 12 is “proceeding with the expectation that OU and Texas will not attempt to negotiate an early exit”&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jcXeeOMZdhI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Big 12's Brett Yormark looking to bring national attention to conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Big 12 Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials Curtis Shaw explains points of emphasis in basketball for this season.

Flop technicals, coaches remaining in the box rules and other infractions affecting the game.

The POEs are the same as 2021 - 2022, which means that we, as officials, probably haven't made enough strides in these areas.

Below are the POEs as they've been communicated to us: You can read the full description of the POEs in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/WBR23.pdf" target="_blank">2021-2022/2022-2023 Rule Book (p6)</a>

d. Contact on and by the ball handler/dribbler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666194586094.jpeg" alt="Curtis Shaw" />
 <figcaption>Curtis Shaw</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Big 12 Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials Curtis Shaw explains points of emphasis in basketball for this season.Flop technicals, coaches remaining in the box rules and other infractions affecting the game.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KO1Ih4z3-ok" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The POEs are the same as 2021 - 2022, which means that we, as officials, probably haven't made enough strides in these areas.Below are the POEs as they've been communicated to us: You can read the full description of the POEs in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/WBR23.pdf" target="_blank">2021-2022/2022-2023 Rule Book (p6)</a>a. Enforcing the rules as written.b. Legal guarding position.c. Travelling.d. Contact on and by the ball handler/dribbler.e. Faking being fouled.f. Rebounding.g. Sporting Behavior.

🏀 🎥  Points of emphasis regarding basketball rules for 2022-23 in the Big 12

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State hits the road to face Oklahoma in a Big 12 match at McCasland Field House in Norman, Okla. The Wednesday night battle is set for 6 p.m. The Wildcats (11-8, 2-4 Big 12) are coming off back-to-back losses at the hands of #1 Texas and TCU. The Cats went to five sets with the Horned Frogs on Saturday at Bramlage Coliseum. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9672">Elena Baka</a>&nbsp;collected 17 kills at a .333 pace to lead K-State. The outside hitter added four block assists for 20 points on the night. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;contributed 14 kills (.192), two aces, and five blocks. As a team, the Cats tallied a season-best 18 blocks in the match.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;tied her season-best output of eight blocks at the net. Senior setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle</a>&nbsp;dished out 42 assists for her eighth consecutive 20+ assists match while junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8076">Mackenzie Morris</a>boasted 17 digs. Oklahoma (11-7, 1-5 Big 12) has dropped its last three matches and is 6-2 when playing at home this season. The Sooners are one spot below K-State in the Big 12 standings. OU leads the all-time series 58-37-1, which began in 1975. The Cats are 15-28 when playing in Norman while head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a>is 24-18 in her career against Oklahoma. Saturday's match will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Fans can also listen to Emma Wiley&nbsp;on News Radio KMAN (93.3FM) with online audio available at K-StateSports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app. MATCH #20 K-STATE (11-8, 2-4 BIG 12) at Oklahoma (8-9, 3-3 BIG 12) Wednesday, Oct. 19 // 6 p.m. // McCasland Field House // Norman, Okla. Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/0458c996-f0f0-4b18-afa3-f3f8b8b487f9">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>&nbsp;// ESPN app Radio: News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM) // Emma Wiley Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=4371&amp;type=Live">K-StateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;// 1350KMAN.com <a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=418624">Live Stats</a> K-STATE AT A GLANCE

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666191052629.jpeg" alt="K-State vs OU.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>K-State vs OU.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State hits the road to face Oklahoma in a Big 12 match at McCasland Field House in Norman, Okla. The Wednesday night battle is set for 6 p.m. The Wildcats (11-8, 2-4 Big 12) are coming off back-to-back losses at the hands of #1 Texas and TCU. The Cats went to five sets with the Horned Frogs on Saturday at Bramlage Coliseum. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9672">Elena Baka</a>&nbsp;collected 17 kills at a .333 pace to lead K-State. The outside hitter added four block assists for 20 points on the night. Junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8071">Aliyah Carter</a>&nbsp;contributed 14 kills (.192), two aces, and five blocks. As a team, the Cats tallied a season-best 18 blocks in the match.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;tied her season-best output of eight blocks at the net. Senior setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle</a>&nbsp;dished out 42 assists for her eighth consecutive 20+ assists match while junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8076">Mackenzie Morris</a>boasted 17 digs. Oklahoma (11-7, 1-5 Big 12) has dropped its last three matches and is 6-2 when playing at home this season. The Sooners are one spot below K-State in the Big 12 standings. OU leads the all-time series 58-37-1, which began in 1975. The Cats are 15-28 when playing in Norman while head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a>is 24-18 in her career against Oklahoma. Saturday's match will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Fans can also listen to Emma Wiley&nbsp;on News Radio KMAN (93.3FM) with online audio available at K-StateSports.com/watch and the K-State Sports app. MATCH #20 K-STATE (11-8, 2-4 BIG 12) at Oklahoma (8-9, 3-3 BIG 12) Wednesday, Oct. 19 // 6 p.m. // McCasland Field House // Norman, Okla. Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/0458c996-f0f0-4b18-afa3-f3f8b8b487f9">Big 12 Now on ESPN+</a>&nbsp;// ESPN app Radio: News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM) // Emma Wiley Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=4371&amp;type=Live">K-StateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;// 1350KMAN.com <a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=418624">Live Stats</a> K-STATE AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>K-State travels to Norman, Oklahoma, to take on the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday night.</li><li>The Wildcats are coming off their second five-set Big 12 defeat, coming at the hands of TCU on Saturday.</li><li>K-State hit .204 as a team with 48 kills while TCU swung at a .263 hitting percentage with 67 kills.</li><li>Baka led the Wildcats with 17 kills (.333).</li><li>This was her seventh match leading the team in kills.</li><li>Hinkle tallied 42 assists, her sixth 40+ performance.</li><li>K-State collected a season-best 18 team blocks (30 assists, 3 solo).</li><li>Bolding matched her season-high of eight blocks.</li><li>Morris has turned in at least 15 digs in six of the last seven matches and holds sole possession of third place in K-State history with 17 20-dig matches in her career (rally-scoring era).</li><li>The Wildcats have not lost in straight sets at home this season.</li><li>K-State sits second in the Big 12 with 192.5 blocks and with a 2.71 per set average.</li><li>The Cats lead the conference with 1.79 average aces.</li><li>The eight three-set wins tie the most by the Wildcats since eight during the 2018 season.</li><li>Against Iowa State, Myers averaged 4.50 kills per set and was tabbed Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on Oct. 04.</li><li>It marked the first honor of Myers' career and the first conference weekly award by any Wildcat this season.</li>
 </ul> SCOUTING OKLAHOMA<ul>
 <li>OU (11-7, 1-5 Big 12) enters Saturday one place behind K-State in the Big 12 standings.</li><li>The Sooners have lost their last three matches, including a 1-3 drop to Iowa State at home.</li><li>Oklahoma is 6-2 at McCasland Field House this season.</li><li>OU's sweep of West Virginia on Oct. 1 was its only Big 12 home win.</li><li>The Sooners are last in the conference with a 1.41 opponent average ace pace.</li><li>Their offense is powered by sophomore Megan Wilson, who sits fifth in the Big 12 with 224 blocks and a 3.67 average.</li><li>The Kingwood, Texas, product tops the conference with 0.61 aces per set (37 total).</li><li>Libero Callie Kemohah is the conference leader with 304 digs (4.75/set).</li><li>Sophomore Payton Chamberlain owns a 9.63 assist average, ranking fourth in the Big 12.</li><li>Freshman Morgan Perkins was named Big 12 Rookie of the Week on Sept. 20.</li><li>The Rosharon, Texas, native has paces the Sooners with a .415 hitting percentage and a 1.31 block average.</li><li>Oklahoma sits fourth in the Big 12 with a team hitting percentage of .262 (824 kills).</li><li>The Sooners raked up a conference third-highest 1.47 aces per set (94 total).</li>
 </ul> INSIDE THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>Oklahoma leads the all-time series K-State leads the all-time series 58-37-1, which began in 1975.</li><li>The Wildcats are 15-28 on the road against the Sooners.</li><li>K-State's last victory at McCasland Field House was last year on a 3-1 victory (10/2/2021).</li><li>The two teams split the series in 2021 where OU took a 3-1 home win (10/1/21).</li><li>The Wildcats and the Sooners are 5-5 in the last ten matches.</li><li>Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a>&nbsp;is 24-18 in her career against the Sooners.</li>
 </ul> IN DA CLUB<ul>
 <li>With her 20 digs against Kansas (Sept. 24), K-State junior libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8076">Mackenzie Morris</a>&nbsp;joined the 1,000-digs club.</li><li>She became the seventh Wildcat to play her entire career in the rally-scoring era to reach career dig No. 1,000.</li><li>Additionally, Morris is the fastest player in program history (rally-scoring era) to reach the milestone, doing so in just 63 matches.</li><li>Earlier this season, Morris set a career-high with 25 digs against UCF and produced three straight 20-dig outings - the longest such stretch of her career.</li><li>Morris has carded at least 17 digs in eight of her last nine matches.</li><li>The junior was held to her lowest output against the Longhorns with six digs.</li><li>Her 22 digs against Iowa State equaled the highest total in a three-set match in the Big 12 this season (Zoe Fleck, Texas).</li><li>The Dallas native now owns 17 career matches with at least 20 digs, as she now has sole possession of third place in program history.</li><li>At 4.11 digs per set, she is currently one of just two players in the rally-scoring era to average over 4.00 digs per set (Angie Lastra, 4.37).</li><li>Morris is one of just four active players in the Big 12 with at least 1,000 career digs (third among active Big 12 athletes).</li>
 </ul> ACE ACE BABY<ul>
 <li>After recording six aces against TCU, K-State has racked up 127 service aces, ranking first in the Big 12 and tied for 37th nationally with a 1.79 average.</li><li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;added three aces against the Horned Frogs, bringing her season total to 31 and landing third in the conference.</li><li>Bolding has eight matches with multiple aces and has equaled her career high of four aces three times this season.</li><li>The senior has at least one ace in the last six matches to help her sit fourth in the Big 12 ranks with a 0.46 average.</li><li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9672">Elena Baka</a>&nbsp;is second on the team and sixth in the league with 25 aces while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8073">Loren Hinkle</a>&nbsp;is ninth at 17 aces.</li><li>Six times the Cats have eclipsed the 10-ace mark, including in back-to-back matches at the UCF Challenge with 11 against Syracuse and a season-high 12 vs. North Florida.</li><li>The 12 aces were the most in a three-set match since the 2007 season and were tied for fourth-most in the rally-scoring era.</li><li>It was the first time K-State produced back-to-back matches with at least 10 aces since 2007.</li><li>Last season, K-State finished with 10 or more aces just twice.</li><li>Additionally, the six matches with 10 or more aces are the most since a rally- scoring-record seven matches in 2007.</li>
 </ul> BAKA BREAKS THROUGH<ul>
 <li>Senior transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9672">Elena Baka</a>&nbsp;has had an immediate impact through 19 matches with the Wildcats.</li><li>Playing six rotations, Baka leads the team in total kills with 199, needing one more to eclipse the 200 mark for the season.</li><li>She pairs this with 25 aces.</li><li>The Saint Mary's transfer set a career-high with 19 kills against UCF on the way to her second straight all-tournament team selection.</li><li>Baka has led K-State in kills seven times this season and finished as the team leader in digs twice.</li><li>She has a team-leading six double-doubles on the season.</li><li>Her 25 aces are fifth-most in the Big 12, as she has served up multiple aces eight times - including in each of K-State's first five contests.</li>
 </ul> BOLD BOLDING<ul>
 <li>Senior middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8186">Sydney Bolding</a>&nbsp;is off to a fast start for K-State in 2022, averaging 1.90 kills per set with 1.33 blocks per set and 31 aces.</li><li>The senior's hitting .309 hitting percentage tops the Wildcats for the season.</li><li>Bolding three times has produced four aces this season, including in K-State's conference match against Iowa State and four coming in the first set alone against St. Thomas.</li><li>The four aces matched a career-high, as she has seven matches with multiple aces this season (two such matches last season).</li><li>Her 31 aces match the most by a Wildcat middle blocker since Zsofia Gyimes' 31 in 2018.</li><li>The record for a K-State middle blocker in the rally-scoring era is 37 aces, done by Lauren Goehring (2001) and Kaitlynn Pelger (2013).</li><li>She was named to the Rambler Challenge All-Tournament Team, her second all-tournament team selection after also being voted to the K-State Invitational All-Tournament Team.</li><li>Bolding, who missed the first three weeks of the 2021 season due to injury, turned in a season-high eight blocks against Kansas City.</li><li>She repeated the feat on Saturday versus TCU, tallying eight block assists.</li><li>The Pickens, South Carolina, product has eclipsed double-figure kills six times this season and has hit .350 or better eight times, including a career-best .588 at Rice.</li>
 </ul> INSIDE THE NUMBERS<ul>
 <li>K-State has won the opening set in 15 of 19 outings to begin the campaign, going 10-5 in those matches.</li><li>The Wildcats are unbeaten (9-0) when hitting at a higher hitting percentage and are 9-1 when producing more kills than their opponents.</li><li>Additionally, the Cats are 8-2 when they have limited their opponents to a hitting efficiency under .200.</li><li>The Wildcats' 3-0 over Kansas City marked the 200th sweep under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1693">Suzie Fritz</a>.</li><li>Fritz collected her 200th career home win against Missouri on Sept. 7 and is 13 away from her 400th career win at the helm of the Wildcats.</li>
 </ul><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Wildcats, Sooners to Battle in Norman Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-- Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1829">Jerome Tang</a>, along with a trio of players in seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9899">Keyontae Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9650">Markquis Nowell</a>&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9662">Nae'Qwan Tomlin</a>, will participate in the Big 12 Basketball Tipoff Presented by Old Trapper on Wednesday morning beginning at 9 a.m. CT at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center. The first-year head coach, along with his three players, will go through a variety of interviews with national and local media outlets throughout the day. They will be joined at the event by the head coaches and players from the rest of the Big 12.

<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/509a1618-fd19-420c-acf3-2b00f83fdac6">WATCH BIG 12 MEDIA DAYS "LIVE"</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666189522782.jpeg" alt="Jerome Tang.png" />
 <figcaption>Jerome Tang.png</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-- Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1829">Jerome Tang</a>, along with a trio of players in seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9899">Keyontae Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9650">Markquis Nowell</a>&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9662">Nae'Qwan Tomlin</a>, will participate in the Big 12 Basketball Tipoff Presented by Old Trapper on Wednesday morning beginning at 9 a.m. CT at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center. The first-year head coach, along with his three players, will go through a variety of interviews with national and local media outlets throughout the day. They will be joined at the event by the head coaches and players from the rest of the Big 12. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yMsdoPKETxk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/509a1618-fd19-420c-acf3-2b00f83fdac6">WATCH BIG 12 MEDIA DAYS "LIVE"</a>

🏀 🎥 Wildcats to Participate in Big 12 Tipoff Wednesday

Buhler 9, El Dorado 0 Maize South 6, Hutchinson 1

Hutchinson swept Maize Hutchinson Central Christian swept Central Christian Academy Elyria Christian swept Hutchinson Central Christian Buhler won over Winfield Augusta won over Buhler

Soccer:Buhler 9, El Dorado 0 Maize South 6, Hutchinson 1Volleyball:Hutchinson swept Maize Hutchinson Central Christian swept Central Christian Academy Elyria Christian swept Hutchinson Central Christian Buhler won over Winfield Augusta won over Buhler

High school scores from October 18, 2022

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Russell Wilson has added hamstring to his list of injuries.

A week after getting treatment for an injury near his throwing shoulder, the Denver quarterback said he tweaked his hamstring during the fourth quarter of Monday night’s&nbsp;19-16 overtime loss&nbsp;to the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I kind of scrambled and moved around on one, had to throw it away. It got me pretty good in the fourth quarter. Just tried to play through it and all that,” Wilson said. “I felt good moving around, running around and throwing it and everything else, especially early on, and then that happened, so that was a little unfortunate. But, you know, trying to find a way to win the game.”

Wilson was 15 of 28 for 188 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos (2-4), who dropped a game in overtime for the second straight week.

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, received an injection for a strained muscle near his throwing shoulder after the Oct. 6 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The platelet-rich plasma injection was used to treat a strained latissimus dorsi on his right side. It is the large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides and behind the arms. Wilson sustained the injury during an Oct. 2 loss at Las Vegas and then played through it on a short week.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Russell Wilson has added hamstring to his list of injuries.A week after getting treatment for an injury near his throwing shoulder, the Denver quarterback said he tweaked his hamstring during the fourth quarter of Monday night’s&nbsp;19-16 overtime loss&nbsp;to the Los Angeles Chargers.“I kind of scrambled and moved around on one, had to throw it away. It got me pretty good in the fourth quarter. Just tried to play through it and all that,” Wilson said. “I felt good moving around, running around and throwing it and everything else, especially early on, and then that happened, so that was a little unfortunate. But, you know, trying to find a way to win the game.”Wilson was 15 of 28 for 188 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos (2-4), who dropped a game in overtime for the second straight week.Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, received an injection for a strained muscle near his throwing shoulder after the Oct. 6 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The platelet-rich plasma injection was used to treat a strained latissimus dorsi on his right side. It is the large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides and behind the arms. Wilson sustained the injury during an Oct. 2 loss at Las Vegas and then played through it on a short week.

🏈 Broncos QB Wilson adds hamstring to list of injuries

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-The Big 12 Men's Basketball Media Day gets under way early Wednesday morning from the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City.

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/4f080ef0-4cf0-4e0f-9c60-b43a982d5cc8/big-12-conference#bucketId=29784&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_Top_Conferences">WATCH LIVE</a> at 8:10am as K-States new head coach Jerome Tang kicks things off. KU head coach Bill Self will be last on the podium at 11:45am.

For the second time in three years, Baylor was chosen by the league’s head coaches to win the Big 12 men’s basketball regular season title. The Bears were also the preseason favorite in 2020-21 and went on to win both the Big 12 and NCAA championships. Baylor received five first-place votes and totaled 77 points to edge out Kansas for the top spot. The Jayhawks had four first-place nods and 73 points to place second. Texas was picked third with the final first-place vote and 64 points. TCU was chosen fourth followed by a tie for fifth between Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. The remainder of the poll included Oklahoma in seventh, Iowa State eighth, West Virginia ninth and Kansas State 10th. The Big 12 has won the last two national championships as Kansas brought home the 2022 trophy following Baylor’s title in 2021. Big 12 teams have played in the last four Final Fours and the last three national championship games. The Big 12 is the first conference to win back-to-back national championships since 2009 and 2010 and is the only conference to have three different teams play in three consecutive championship games. Sixty percent of Big 12 institutions have advanced to the Final Four since 2002, the highest percentage among conferences. Head coaches and student-athletes from each team will appear at the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tipoff, presented by Old Trapper in Kansas City on Wednesday October 19. Interviews from the event will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ from 9:00 a.m. - Noon CT. The regular season will start on Monday, November 7 with conference play beginning on New Year’s Eve.

<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/509a1618-fd19-420c-acf3-2b00f83fdac6">WATCH BIG 12 MEDIA DAYS "LIVE"</a> 2022-23 Big 12 Preseason PollTeam (First-place votes)Points1.Baylor (5)772.Kansas (4)733.Texas (1)644.TCU58T5.Oklahoma State42Texas Tech427.Oklahoma328.Iowa State309.West Virginia2010.Kansas State12Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-The Big 12 Men's Basketball Media Day gets under way early Wednesday morning from the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City.<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/4f080ef0-4cf0-4e0f-9c60-b43a982d5cc8/big-12-conference#bucketId=29784&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_Top_Conferences">WATCH LIVE</a> at 8:10am as K-States new head coach Jerome Tang kicks things off. KU head coach Bill Self will be last on the podium at 11:45am.For the second time in three years, Baylor was chosen by the league’s head coaches to win the Big 12 men’s basketball regular season title. The Bears were also the preseason favorite in 2020-21 and went on to win both the Big 12 and NCAA championships. Baylor received five first-place votes and totaled 77 points to edge out Kansas for the top spot. The Jayhawks had four first-place nods and 73 points to place second. Texas was picked third with the final first-place vote and 64 points. TCU was chosen fourth followed by a tie for fifth between Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. The remainder of the poll included Oklahoma in seventh, Iowa State eighth, West Virginia ninth and Kansas State 10th. The Big 12 has won the last two national championships as Kansas brought home the 2022 trophy following Baylor’s title in 2021. Big 12 teams have played in the last four Final Fours and the last three national championship games. The Big 12 is the first conference to win back-to-back national championships since 2009 and 2010 and is the only conference to have three different teams play in three consecutive championship games. Sixty percent of Big 12 institutions have advanced to the Final Four since 2002, the highest percentage among conferences. Head coaches and student-athletes from each team will appear at the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tipoff, presented by Old Trapper in Kansas City on Wednesday October 19. Interviews from the event will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ from 9:00 a.m. - Noon CT. The regular season will start on Monday, November 7 with conference play beginning on New Year’s Eve.<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/509a1618-fd19-420c-acf3-2b00f83fdac6">WATCH BIG 12 MEDIA DAYS "LIVE"</a> 2022-23 Big 12 Preseason PollTeam (First-place votes)Points1.Baylor (5)772.Kansas (4)733.Texas (1)644.TCU58T5.Oklahoma State42Texas Tech427.Oklahoma328.Iowa State309.West Virginia2010.Kansas State12Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.

🏀 🎥  Baylor Chosen Big 12 Men’s Basketball Preseason Favorite

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 will continue to operate without divisions in football next season. That's when Central Florida, Cincinnati, BYU and Houston join the league to create a 14-team conference. It will end the current round-robin scheduling framework. Every school will play nine conference games, just like they have since it became a 10-team league, and schools will play each other at least once in each two-year period. Traditional rivalries, or at least those left after realignments, will be preserved. The schedule is due out in December.

UNDATED (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this season has come down to the final minutes. Of the 17 so far, 12 have been decided by 10 points or fewer. Nine games have been decided by one possession and three in overtime. Iowa State has lost four times by a combined 14 points. TCU and Kansas State are still unbeaten in Big 12. They have combined to win four one-possession games. The Horned Frogs and Wildcats play each other on Saturday.

UNDATED (AP) — The first half of the college football season has been defined by coaching changes, downtrodden programs finding success and several traditional powers hitting the skids. Over the next seven weeks, there will be more head coaches fired and at least a few hired. Expect more season-altering upsets, too. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says the Heisman Trophy race will be decided on conference championship weekend again. He is also picking Ohio State over Alabama in the national title game.

UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, two Big Ten running backs and Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. highlight The Associated Press midseason All-America team. The team was selected by AP Top 25 voters. Hooker is second in the country in passer efficiency rating at 187.7 and has accounted for 18 touchdowns. Joining Hooker in the backfield is Illinois’ Chase Brown, who leads the nation in yards rushing, and Michigan’s Blake Corum, who has scored 13 touchdowns for the fourth-ranked Wolverines.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Bryce Harper homered again, Kyle Schwarber hit a jaw-dropping, 488-foot drive and Zack Wheeler was brilliant in throwing one-hit ball for seven innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Diego Padres 2-0 in the opening game of the all-wild card NL Championship Series. Wheeler and two relievers combined on a one-hitter for the Phillies, who will try to take a 2-0 lead when they send Aaron Nola to mound to oppose Blake Snell on Wednesday afternoon. Schwarber’s incredible shot on Yu Darvish’s first pitch of the sixth had an exit velocity of 119.7 mph. Harper homered in his third straight playoff game.

NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge staggered Cleveland with early homers, and the New York Yankees rocked past the Guardians 5-1 in the decisive Game 5 of their AL Division Series to set up another rematch with Houston for the pennant. Yankees manager Aaron Boone won his gamble by starting Nestor Cortes on three days’ rest over Jameson Taillon, making the late switch after Monday night’s rainout. Cleveland starter Aaron Civale struggled. With two on and two outs in the ninth and ace Gerrit Cole warming up in case, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres stepped on the bag to end it, then mimicked rocking a baby with the ball -- a jab at Guardians slugger Josh Naylor, who made the motion rounding the bases after a homer off Cole in Game 4.

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball poll. The defending national champions went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last year and have been the top team for 20 straight weeks. Stanford, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee round out the top five. UConn is sixth, the first time since 2006 that the Huskies aren’t in the first five in the preseason poll. Louisville, Iowa State, Notre Dame and N.C. State is the rest of the top 10.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry opened the season with 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors beat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109 after receiving their championship rings in a pregame ceremony.Jordan Poole made a pretty bounce pass assist to a driving Draymond Green for a layup and all seemed perfectly well with the defending champions almost two weeks after Green punched Poole at practice Oct. 5 then took a brief leave of absence from the team to work on his emotions. Poole wound up with 12 points and seven assists.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 will continue to operate without divisions in football next season. That's when Central Florida, Cincinnati, BYU and Houston join the league to create a 14-team conference. It will end the current round-robin scheduling framework. Every school will play nine conference games, just like they have since it became a 10-team league, and schools will play each other at least once in each two-year period. Traditional rivalries, or at least those left after realignments, will be preserved. The schedule is due out in December.UNDATED (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this season has come down to the final minutes. Of the 17 so far, 12 have been decided by 10 points or fewer. Nine games have been decided by one possession and three in overtime. Iowa State has lost four times by a combined 14 points. TCU and Kansas State are still unbeaten in Big 12. They have combined to win four one-possession games. The Horned Frogs and Wildcats play each other on Saturday.UNDATED (AP) — The first half of the college football season has been defined by coaching changes, downtrodden programs finding success and several traditional powers hitting the skids. Over the next seven weeks, there will be more head coaches fired and at least a few hired. Expect more season-altering upsets, too. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says the Heisman Trophy race will be decided on conference championship weekend again. He is also picking Ohio State over Alabama in the national title game.UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, two Big Ten running backs and Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. highlight The Associated Press midseason All-America team. The team was selected by AP Top 25 voters. Hooker is second in the country in passer efficiency rating at 187.7 and has accounted for 18 touchdowns. Joining Hooker in the backfield is Illinois’ Chase Brown, who leads the nation in yards rushing, and Michigan’s Blake Corum, who has scored 13 touchdowns for the fourth-ranked Wolverines.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Bryce Harper homered again, Kyle Schwarber hit a jaw-dropping, 488-foot drive and Zack Wheeler was brilliant in throwing one-hit ball for seven innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Diego Padres 2-0 in the opening game of the all-wild card NL Championship Series. Wheeler and two relievers combined on a one-hitter for the Phillies, who will try to take a 2-0 lead when they send Aaron Nola to mound to oppose Blake Snell on Wednesday afternoon. Schwarber’s incredible shot on Yu Darvish’s first pitch of the sixth had an exit velocity of 119.7 mph. Harper homered in his third straight playoff game.NEW YORK (AP) — Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge staggered Cleveland with early homers, and the New York Yankees rocked past the Guardians 5-1 in the decisive Game 5 of their AL Division Series to set up another rematch with Houston for the pennant. Yankees manager Aaron Boone won his gamble by starting Nestor Cortes on three days’ rest over Jameson Taillon, making the late switch after Monday night’s rainout. Cleveland starter Aaron Civale struggled. With two on and two outs in the ninth and ace Gerrit Cole warming up in case, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres stepped on the bag to end it, then mimicked rocking a baby with the ball -- a jab at Guardians slugger Josh Naylor, who made the motion rounding the bases after a homer off Cole in Game 4.UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball poll. The defending national champions went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last year and have been the top team for 20 straight weeks. Stanford, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee round out the top five. UConn is sixth, the first time since 2006 that the Huskies aren’t in the first five in the preseason poll. Louisville, Iowa State, Notre Dame and N.C. State is the rest of the top 10.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry opened the season with 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors beat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109 after receiving their championship rings in a pregame ceremony.Jordan Poole made a pretty bounce pass assist to a driving Draymond Green for a layup and all seemed perfectly well with the defending champions almost two weeks after Green punched Poole at practice Oct. 5 then took a brief leave of absence from the team to work on his emotions. Poole wound up with 12 points and seven assists.TUESDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal N.Y. Yankees 5 Cleveland 1NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Philadelphia 2 San Diego 0NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Boston 126 Philadelphia 117Final Golden State 123 L.A. Lakers 109

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

Here is the latest Big 12 Conference sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball poll. The defending national champions went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last year and have been the top team for 20 straight weeks. Stanford, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee round out the top five. UConn is sixth, the first time since 2006 that the Huskies aren't in the first five in the preseason poll. Louisville, Iowa State, Notre Dame and N.C. State is the rest of the top 10.

UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, two Big Ten running backs and Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. highlight The Associated Press midseason All-America team. The team was selected by AP Top 25 voters. Hooker is second in the country in passer efficiency rating at 187.7 and has accounted for 18 touchdowns. Joining Hooker in the backfield is Illinois' Chase Brown, who leads the nation in yards rushing, and Michigan's Blake Corum, who has scored 13 touchdowns for the fourth-ranked Wolverines.

UNDATED (AP) — North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky. Kansas and Baylor, the last two national champions, are tied for fifth. Duke, led by new coach Jon Scheyer, is seventh with UCLA, Creighton and Arkansas rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 and SEC lead the way with five teams apiece in the Top 25.

<h2>Here is the latest Big 12 Conference sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 will continue to operate without divisions in football next season. That's when Central Florida, Cincinnati, BYU and Houston join the league to create a 14-team conference. It will end the current round-robin scheduling framework. Every school will play nine conference games, just like they have since it became a 10-team league, and schools will play each other at least once in each two-year period. Traditional rivalries, or at least those left after realignments, will be preserved. The schedule is due out in December.UNDATED (AP) — Just about every game in the Big 12 this season has come down to the final minutes. Of the 17 so far, 12 have been decided by 10 points or fewer. Nine games have been decided by one possession and three in overtime. Iowa State has lost four times by a combined 14 points. TCU and Kansas State are still unbeaten in Big 12. They have combined to win four one-possession games. The Horned Frogs and Wildcats play each other on Saturday.UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball poll. The defending national champions went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last year and have been the top team for 20 straight weeks. Stanford, Texas, Iowa and Tennessee round out the top five. UConn is sixth, the first time since 2006 that the Huskies aren't in the first five in the preseason poll. Louisville, Iowa State, Notre Dame and N.C. State is the rest of the top 10.UNDATED (AP) — The first half of the college football season has been defined by coaching changes, downtrodden programs finding success and several traditional powers hitting the skids. Over the next seven weeks, there will be more head coaches fired and at least a few hired. Expect more season-altering upsets, too. AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo says the Heisman Trophy race will be decided on conference championship weekend again. He is also picking Ohio State over Alabama in the national title game.UNDATED (AP) — Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, two Big Ten running backs and Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. highlight The Associated Press midseason All-America team. The team was selected by AP Top 25 voters. Hooker is second in the country in passer efficiency rating at 187.7 and has accounted for 18 touchdowns. Joining Hooker in the backfield is Illinois' Chase Brown, who leads the nation in yards rushing, and Michigan's Blake Corum, who has scored 13 touchdowns for the fourth-ranked Wolverines.UNDATED (AP) — North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky. Kansas and Baylor, the last two national champions, are tied for fifth. Duke, led by new coach Jon Scheyer, is seventh with UCLA, Creighton and Arkansas rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 and SEC lead the way with five teams apiece in the Top 25.

Big 12 Conference News

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Led by No. 3 Texas, four Big 12 teams received preseason recognition in the AP Top 25 poll, in advance of the start of the women’s basketball season on November 7. The Longhorns check in at No. 3 after a 29-7 campaign in 2021-22 that saw the program capture the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship title and advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State follows at No. 8, giving the Big 12 two teams in the top 10. The Cyclones, who are preseason favorites to win the Big 12, went 28-7 a year ago, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16.

Oklahoma enters the poll at No. 15, building off a 25-9 season that saw the Sooners host the First- and Second Rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center.

Despite losing a pair of top-10 selections in the WNBA Draft, Baylor checks in at No. 18 in the initial poll. The Bears, who rallied from a 0-2 start to capture the Big 12 regular season title, went 28-7 in 2021-22, and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

Two Big 12 schools received votes in the preseason poll, with 2022 NCAA Tournament participants Kansas and Kansas State earning mention.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-Led by No. 3 Texas, four Big 12 teams received preseason recognition in the AP Top 25 poll, in advance of the start of the women’s basketball season on November 7. The Longhorns check in at No. 3 after a 29-7 campaign in 2021-22 that saw the program capture the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship title and advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1MPmukEucA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Iowa State follows at No. 8, giving the Big 12 two teams in the top 10. The Cyclones, who are preseason favorites to win the Big 12, went 28-7 a year ago, advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t6iypobbKZM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666165385084.jpeg" alt="Iowa State's Emily Ryan from Claflin" />
 <figcaption>Iowa State's Emily Ryan from Claflin</figcaption>
 </figure>Oklahoma enters the poll at No. 15, building off a 25-9 season that saw the Sooners host the First- and Second Rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the Lloyd Noble Center.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4yGU9xTkVQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666165273606.jpeg" alt="McPherson native and OU WBB Taylor Robertson and &nbsp;Coach Jennie Baranczyk" />
 <figcaption>McPherson native and OU WBB Taylor Robertson and &nbsp;Coach Jennie Baranczyk</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite losing a pair of top-10 selections in the WNBA Draft, Baylor checks in at No. 18 in the initial poll. The Bears, who rallied from a 0-2 start to capture the Big 12 regular season title, went 28-7 in 2021-22, and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jhjgsXBrpEw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Two Big 12 schools received votes in the preseason poll, with 2022 NCAA Tournament participants Kansas and Kansas State earning mention.KANSAS<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1vmTpoQfsU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>KANSAS STATE<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifJKsLWrf1k" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏀 🎥  Big 12: Four Big 12 Teams Begin Season In Women’s Basketball AP Top 25

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a2fe6b0029&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Match Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3ab131d515&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Live Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a52f2f4dd4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Watch</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 14-5 (3-3&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12) Kansas Jayhawks will play the 7-12(0-6&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12) West Virginia Mountaineers on Wednesday (October 19) at WVU Coliseum with the match beginning at 4 p.m. CT. The match will be televised on ESPNU.

The Jayhawks lead the all-time series 16-6 with the West Virginia Mountaineers. The last time the teams met, the Jayhawks and Mountaineers played two matches in two days. West Virginia swept the series 2-0. Freshman Caroline Bien tallied 19 kills with senior Rachel Langs recording 14 kills. Freshman Camryn Turner tallied 61 assists and 23 digs. Junior Kennedy Farris earned two service aces and 15 digs.

Kansas will take on the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday (October 26) at 6 p.m. CT in Schollmaier Arena. The match will be streamed on&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12&nbsp;Now on ESPN+.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666162612083.png" alt="KU travels to Morgantown, WV" />
 <figcaption>KU travels to Morgantown, WV</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a2fe6b0029&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Match Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=3ab131d515&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Live Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=a52f2f4dd4&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Watch</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The 14-5 (3-3&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12) Kansas Jayhawks will play the 7-12(0-6&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12) West Virginia Mountaineers on Wednesday (October 19) at WVU Coliseum with the match beginning at 4 p.m. CT. The match will be televised on ESPNU.Quick Hits<ul>
 <li>Ray Bechard, who is currently in his 25th season as the head coach of the Jayhawks, has a career record of 16-6 against the Mountaineers. Bechard first defeated WVU 3-1 on September 4, 1999.</li><li>Kansas leads the&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12&nbsp;Conference in blocks, averaging 2.73 blocks per set with Rachel Langs leading KU with 1.25 blocks per set. The Jayhawks also lead the conference in opponent hitting percentage, .167.</li><li>Redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady tallied a school record seven service aces in a five-set match against Texas Tech on October 15. The previous record was five service aces set by Melissa Grieb (10/1/2008 vs. Kansas State) and Jennifer Graft (10/26/2002 at Oklahoma).</li><li>Sophomore Caroline Bien reached her 500th career kill as a Jayhawk against Iowa State on October 7. She enters Saturday's match with 522 kills.</li><li>Junior Kennedy Farris is 20 digs away from earning her 1,000th career dig as a libero for Kansas.</li><li>Kansas is 5-1 on the road this season with wins at Utah, Army, Kansas City, Kansas State and Oklahoma. The Jayhawks were 0-6 on the road last year.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Side-by-Side Comparison<ul>
 <li>Kansas is currently sitting with a 14-5 record while West Virginia is 7-12.</li><li>The Jayhawks are averaging&nbsp;12.83 kills per set while WVU is averaging 11.62.</li><li>KU is sitting with 11.66 assists per set with the Mountaineers having 10.63 assists per set.</li><li>In digs per set, Kansas leads 13.84-13.49.</li><li>The Jayhawk defense is dominating with 2.73 blocks per set compared to West Virginia's 2.34.</li><li>In points per set, KU is ahead of the Mountaineers 16.94-15.36.</li>
 </ul>Series HistoryThe Jayhawks lead the all-time series 16-6 with the West Virginia Mountaineers. The last time the teams met, the Jayhawks and Mountaineers played two matches in two days. West Virginia swept the series 2-0. Freshman Caroline Bien tallied 19 kills with senior Rachel Langs recording 14 kills. Freshman Camryn Turner tallied 61 assists and 23 digs. Junior Kennedy Farris earned two service aces and 15 digs.KU Leaderboard<ul>
 <li>Sophomore Camryn Turner has tallied 10 double-doubles in 19 matches. Turner had double-doubles against LMU (8/27), Army (9/2), UConn (9/3), Kansas City (9/7), Lipscomb (9/15), Omaha (9/17), Kansas State (9/24), Baylor (10/1), Iowa State (10/7) and TCU (10/12).&nbsp;</li><li>Turner is currently sitting at 646 assists and 63 kills.</li><li>Redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady is leading the Jayhawks with 198 kills, while sophomore Caroline Bien is in second with 186. Graduate transfer Lauren Dooley has recorded 115 kills for Kansas.</li><li>Elnady currently has 30 service aces on the season with a school record seven aces in a five-set match against Texas Tech on October 15.</li><li>Super-senior Rachel Langs has 48 blocks on the season.</li>
 </ul>Up NextKansas will take on the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday (October 26) at 6 p.m. CT in Schollmaier Arena. The match will be streamed on&nbsp;Big&nbsp;12&nbsp;Now on ESPN+.

🏐 Kansas Volleyball Travels to Morgantown for West Virginia Match

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said on Tuesday that “my gut” tells him that a TV deal with ESPN and Fox would get done before the exclusive negotiating window in 16 months.

Yormark made the comment during an interview at Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day.

Recently, Yormark started having discussions with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2022/10/13/big-12-has-had-meaningful-conversations-on-new-tv-contract-with-fox-espn-report/">Big 12’s current rightsholders</a>, ESPN and FOX, about a new contract. He said those discussions last week were meaningful, but he expanded on what those conversations last week really meant.

“Initially, it was all about is this something we want to pursue?” he said. “Is there a desire to get to the table and see if we can do an early extension? I think on both sides, the answer to that question was, yes, Everyone’s motivated. The question is, can we get to a deal? And I have some parameters in place that I’m looking for. and we’ll see if we can get there. If we can’t, we’ll wait 16 months, and then ultimately go into that exclusive negotiating period. My gut tells me we get something done before that.”

Yormark didn’t directly address revenue share among the league’s members going forward. But he did address rumors that the league’s distributable revenue would fall back after the departures of Oklahoma and Texas for the SEC. He said he expected that revenue to go up, even with the losses of those two programs.

“Let me say very clearly, we’re not going backwards and we’re not staying flat,” Yormark said. “We’re going up the question is how far up? So we will grow revenue. When you think about our multimedia rights deal. But beyond that, we need to diversify our revenue.”

Yormark made clear that while the discussions have been meaningful, it doesn’t signal that there’s an imminent contract with either entity, or that he’s talking with anyone else.

“So (the conference) is not a free agent,” Yormark told AP last week. “I can’t go out there and talk to an Amazon or an Apple or CBS. But in a world that’s changing, why don’t we explore an early conversation which could, maybe, lead to a negotiation? And I can tell you that we’ve had meaningful conversations for the last three-plus weeks, and we’ll see where they go.”

The Big 12’s exclusive window for negotiation with ESPN and Fox starts in February of 2024, with its current deal set to expire in June of the same year.

Meanwhile, the Pac 12 Conference, which is looking for a new TV contract amid the future departures of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, have had two exclusive negotiating windows with ESPN with no deal reached.

Yormark appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2022/10/08/brett-yormarks-college-gameday-interview-highlights-ratings-are-up-attendance-is-up/">ESPN College Gameday</a>&nbsp;when it paid a visit to Lawrence, Kan., for the Kansas-TCU game a few weeks ago and talked about the success the conference has had so far this season.

“When you just think about the season, the parity, ratings are up, attendance is up,” Yormark said. “Today, three of our four games we have ranked opponents competing. It’s just a great time for this conference and we’re excited about where we are going.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116407744.jpeg" alt="Big-12-Commissioner-Brett-Yormark-Big12 WBB Media Day.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Big-12-Commissioner-Brett-Yormark-Big12 WBB Media Day.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —&nbsp;Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said on Tuesday that “my gut” tells him that a TV deal with ESPN and Fox would get done before the exclusive negotiating window in 16 months.Yormark made the comment during an interview at Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L9qOUBMpY24" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Recently, Yormark started having discussions with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2022/10/13/big-12-has-had-meaningful-conversations-on-new-tv-contract-with-fox-espn-report/">Big 12’s current rightsholders</a>, ESPN and FOX, about a new contract. He said those discussions last week were meaningful, but he expanded on what those conversations last week really meant.“Initially, it was all about is this something we want to pursue?” he said. “Is there a desire to get to the table and see if we can do an early extension? I think on both sides, the answer to that question was, yes, Everyone’s motivated. The question is, can we get to a deal? And I have some parameters in place that I’m looking for. and we’ll see if we can get there. If we can’t, we’ll wait 16 months, and then ultimately go into that exclusive negotiating period. My gut tells me we get something done before that.”Yormark didn’t directly address revenue share among the league’s members going forward. But he did address rumors that the league’s distributable revenue would fall back after the departures of Oklahoma and Texas for the SEC. He said he expected that revenue to go up, even with the losses of those two programs.“Let me say very clearly, we’re not going backwards and we’re not staying flat,” Yormark said. “We’re going up the question is how far up? So we will grow revenue. When you think about our multimedia rights deal. But beyond that, we need to diversify our revenue.”Yormark made clear that while the discussions have been meaningful, it doesn’t signal that there’s an imminent contract with either entity, or that he’s talking with anyone else.“So (the conference) is not a free agent,” Yormark told AP last week. “I can’t go out there and talk to an Amazon or an Apple or CBS. But in a world that’s changing, why don’t we explore an early conversation which could, maybe, lead to a negotiation? And I can tell you that we’ve had meaningful conversations for the last three-plus weeks, and we’ll see where they go.”The Big 12’s exclusive window for negotiation with ESPN and Fox starts in February of 2024, with its current deal set to expire in June of the same year.Meanwhile, the Pac 12 Conference, which is looking for a new TV contract amid the future departures of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, have had two exclusive negotiating windows with ESPN with no deal reached.Yormark appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2022/10/08/brett-yormarks-college-gameday-interview-highlights-ratings-are-up-attendance-is-up/">ESPN College Gameday</a>&nbsp;when it paid a visit to Lawrence, Kan., for the Kansas-TCU game a few weeks ago and talked about the success the conference has had so far this season.“When you just think about the season, the parity, ratings are up, attendance is up,” Yormark said. “Today, three of our four games we have ranked opponents competing. It’s just a great time for this conference and we’re excited about where we are going.”

🏀 🎥 Big 12 WBB Media Day: Brett Yormark opening remarks

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🎙 Eagle Media Sports for Tuesday

CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MANHATTAN (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (5-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA NORTHWEST (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GARDNER-EDGERTON (5-2)

CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HAYS (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP CARROLL (5-2) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DE SOTO (6-1)

CLASS 4A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE (6-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES ACADEMY (4-3) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (5-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WAMEGO (7-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHANUTE (7-0)

CLASS 3A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROCK CREEK (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA HAYDEN (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GIRARD (7-0)

CLASS 2A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTHEAST OF SALINE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA CENTRAL (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KINGMAN (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SABETHA (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ELLSWORTH (7-0)

CLASS 1A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (5-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. MARYS (5-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. MARYS COLGAN (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TROY (6-1)

CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA CO. (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BURLINGAME (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTH SUMNER CO. (7-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (6-1)

CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AXTELL (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER RIDGE (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DIGHTON (7-0)

CLASS 6M RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CUNNINGHAM (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ASHLAND (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHEYLIN (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TESCOTT (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NORTHERN VALLEY (5-2)

CLASS 6A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MANHATTAN (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DERBY (5-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLATHE NORTH (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA NORTHWEST (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GARDNER-EDGERTON (5-2)CLASS 5A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MAIZE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MILL VALLEY (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HAYS (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP CARROLL (5-2) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DE SOTO (6-1)CLASS 4A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BISHOP MIEGE (6-1) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. JAMES ACADEMY (4-3) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (5-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WAMEGO (7-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHANUTE (7-0)CLASS 3A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANDALE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOLTON (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ROCK CREEK (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TOPEKA HAYDEN (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GIRARD (7-0)CLASS 2A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTHEAST OF SALINE (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEMAHA CENTRAL (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KINGMAN (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SABETHA (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ELLSWORTH (7-0)CLASS 1A RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CENTRALIA (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OLPE (5-2) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. MARYS (5-2) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ST. MARYS COLGAN (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TROY (6-1)CLASS 8M-I RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WICHITA CO. (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BURLINGAME (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LITTLE RIVER (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SOUTH SUMNER CO. (7-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; HOXIE (6-1)CLASS 8M-II RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AXTELL (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CANTON-GALVA (7-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VICTORIA (7-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUNDER RIDGE (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DIGHTON (7-0)CLASS 6M RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CUNNINGHAM (7-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ASHLAND (6-1) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHEYLIN (6-1) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TESCOTT (6-1) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NORTHERN VALLEY (5-2)

🏈 Kpreps week 8 rankings

North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky. Kansas and Baylor, the last two national champions, are tied for fifth. Duke, led by new coach Jon Scheyer, is seventh with UCLA, Creighton and Arkansas rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 and SEC lead the way with five teams apiece in the Top 25.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' preseason 2021-22 college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, final 2020-21 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last year's final ranking

Others receiving votes: Texas A&amp;M 112, UConn 101, Miami 66, Purdue 56, Saint Louis 36, Michigan St. 35, Florida St. 32, Xavier 29, Wyoming 25, Ohio St. 23, Iowa 13, Rutgers 4, Southern Cal 3, Florida 3, Toledo 1, UAB 1, Memphis 1, Virginia Tech 1, Notre Dame 1.

North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky. Kansas and Baylor, the last two national champions, are tied for fifth. Duke, led by new coach Jon Scheyer, is seventh with UCLA, Creighton and Arkansas rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 and SEC lead the way with five teams apiece in the Top 25.The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' preseason 2021-22 college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, final 2020-21 records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last year's final rankingRecord Pts Prv1. North Carolina (47) 0-0 1532 -2. Gonzaga (12) 0-0 1479 13. Houston (1) 0-0 1404 154. Kentucky (2) 0-0 1364 75. Kansas 0-0 1200 35. Baylor 0-0 1200 47. Duke 0-0 1168 98. UCLA 0-0 1093 119. Creighton 0-0 1060 -10. Arkansas 0-0 1026 1711. Tennessee 0-0 880 512. Texas 0-0 844 2513. Indiana 0-0 745 -14. TCU 0-0 735 -15. Auburn 0-0 623 816. Villanova 0-0 578 617. Arizona 0-0 543 218. Virginia 0-0 462 -19. San Diego St. 0-0 394 -20. Alabama 0-0 281 -21. Oregon 0-0 260 -22. Michigan 0-0 229 -23. Illinois 0-0 215 1924. Dayton 0-0 170 -25. Texas Tech 0-0 122 12Others receiving votes: Texas A&amp;M 112, UConn 101, Miami 66, Purdue 56, Saint Louis 36, Michigan St. 35, Florida St. 32, Xavier 29, Wyoming 25, Ohio St. 23, Iowa 13, Rutgers 4, Southern Cal 3, Florida 3, Toledo 1, UAB 1, Memphis 1, Virginia Tech 1, Notre Dame 1.

🏀 North Carolina No. 1 in preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have a narrower margin for error this season than they've had in years past. Patrick Mahomes threw an interception in the final minute Sunday, allowing the Buffalo Bills to escape with a narrow victory. It was a shock to Mahomes, who expects to win every time he steps on the field. And the fans at Arrowhead Stadium appeared stunned because Mahomes so rarely comes up short. But Kansas City no longer can count on big plays from speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill or ball-hawking safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Chiefs need to play a clean game on both sides of the ball and special teams.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:38 remaining in overtime, and the Los Angeles Chargers rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos. The Chargers have won three straight to improve to 4-2. They are tied with Kansas City atop the AFC West. The game appeared to be headed toward a tie until Denver’s Montrell Washington muffed JK Scott’s punt at the Broncos 32-yard line. It was recovered by Deane Leonard at the 28.

NEW YORK (AP) — The decisive Game 5 of the AL Division Series between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees has been postponed by rain after a 2 1/2-hour delay and rescheduled for Tuesday at 4:07 p.m. Both teams took batting practice ahead of the scheduled 7:07 p.m. start. Major League Baseball announced a delay at 6:20 p.m., rain started falling at 7:30 p.m. and the postponement was announced at 9:38 p.m. It was the second postponement of the series following Game 2 at Yankee Stadium being pushed back a day until last Friday. Cleveland or New York will start the AL Championship Series at Houston on Wednesday night.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado will be playing in the World Series this year. Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies will face Machado’s San Diego Padres in an all-wild card NL Championship Series starting Tuesday night at Petco Park. It’s not exactly the matchup most fans would have predicted, but neither slugger is about to apologize about their teams making thrilling October runs as the two lowest seeds. Machado thinks these are the two best teams. Says Harper, “People kind of counted us both out, right?” Both sluggers expect it to be a fun series.

UNDATED (AP) — The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics were the final two teams standing last season. And before this season started, both encountered some major issues. The Warriors will get their championship rings Tuesday night when the 77th NBA season opens. It'll be the fourth time in eight years that the Warriors go into a season as defending champs. But they were rocked in the preseason by Draymond Green punching teammate Jordan Poole. They beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals and Boston has since lost coach Ime Udoka to a team-ordered suspension. If all that wasn't enough, there are tons of contenders in both conferences to try to take the Warriors and Celtics down.

UNDATED (AP) — There isn’t expected to be any significant news related to concussions, roughing-the-passer penalties or Washington owner Dan Snyder when NFL owners meet in New York on Tuesday. Snyder’s ownership of the Commanders became a big issue again last week when ESPN reported, citing anonymous sources, that he has hired private investigators and told people he has enough information to expose fellow owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Commanders denied the contents of the report, calling it “categorically untrue” and “clearly part of a well-funded, two-year campaign to coerce the sale of the team, which will continue to be unsuccessful.”

LAS VEGAS (AP) — NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has a mantra of “Peace, Love and Understanding” that he uses to push back against the negativity so often hurled his way. There was nothing peaceful about his skirmish with Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Wallace appeared to deliberately crash the reigning NASCAR champion in a dangerous retaliatory move and then he tried to fight Larson. Now NASCAR gets to decide if Wallace was out of line. He could be looking at a suspension.

Cleveland at N-Y Yankees 4:07 p.m. (Postponed)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have a narrower margin for error this season than they've had in years past. Patrick Mahomes threw an interception in the final minute Sunday, allowing the Buffalo Bills to escape with a narrow victory. It was a shock to Mahomes, who expects to win every time he steps on the field. And the fans at Arrowhead Stadium appeared stunned because Mahomes so rarely comes up short. But Kansas City no longer can count on big plays from speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill or ball-hawking safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Chiefs need to play a clean game on both sides of the ball and special teams.UNDATED (AP) — North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky. Kansas and Baylor, the last two national champions, are tied for fifth. Duke, led by new coach Jon Scheyer, is seventh with UCLA, Creighton and Arkansas rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 and SEC lead the way with five teams apiece in the Top 25.INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:38 remaining in overtime, and the Los Angeles Chargers rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos. The Chargers have won three straight to improve to 4-2. They are tied with Kansas City atop the AFC West. The game appeared to be headed toward a tie until Denver’s Montrell Washington muffed JK Scott’s punt at the Broncos 32-yard line. It was recovered by Deane Leonard at the 28.NEW YORK (AP) — The decisive Game 5 of the AL Division Series between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees has been postponed by rain after a 2 1/2-hour delay and rescheduled for Tuesday at 4:07 p.m. Both teams took batting practice ahead of the scheduled 7:07 p.m. start. Major League Baseball announced a delay at 6:20 p.m., rain started falling at 7:30 p.m. and the postponement was announced at 9:38 p.m. It was the second postponement of the series following Game 2 at Yankee Stadium being pushed back a day until last Friday. Cleveland or New York will start the AL Championship Series at Houston on Wednesday night.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado will be playing in the World Series this year. Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies will face Machado’s San Diego Padres in an all-wild card NL Championship Series starting Tuesday night at Petco Park. It’s not exactly the matchup most fans would have predicted, but neither slugger is about to apologize about their teams making thrilling October runs as the two lowest seeds. Machado thinks these are the two best teams. Says Harper, “People kind of counted us both out, right?” Both sluggers expect it to be a fun series.UNDATED (AP) — The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics were the final two teams standing last season. And before this season started, both encountered some major issues. The Warriors will get their championship rings Tuesday night when the 77th NBA season opens. It'll be the fourth time in eight years that the Warriors go into a season as defending champs. But they were rocked in the preseason by Draymond Green punching teammate Jordan Poole. They beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals and Boston has since lost coach Ime Udoka to a team-ordered suspension. If all that wasn't enough, there are tons of contenders in both conferences to try to take the Warriors and Celtics down.UNDATED (AP) — There isn’t expected to be any significant news related to concussions, roughing-the-passer penalties or Washington owner Dan Snyder when NFL owners meet in New York on Tuesday. Snyder’s ownership of the Commanders became a big issue again last week when ESPN reported, citing anonymous sources, that he has hired private investigators and told people he has enough information to expose fellow owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Commanders denied the contents of the report, calling it “categorically untrue” and “clearly part of a well-funded, two-year campaign to coerce the sale of the team, which will continue to be unsuccessful.”LAS VEGAS (AP) — NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has a mantra of “Peace, Love and Understanding” that he uses to push back against the negativity so often hurled his way. There was nothing peaceful about his skirmish with Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Wallace appeared to deliberately crash the reigning NASCAR champion in a dangerous retaliatory move and then he tried to fight Larson. Now NASCAR gets to decide if Wallace was out of line. He could be looking at a suspension.MONDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFSCleveland at N-Y Yankees 4:07 p.m. (Postponed)NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal N-Y Rangers 6 Anaheim 4Final Arizona 4 Toronto 2Final Boston 5 Florida 3Final Washington 6 Vancouver 4Final OT Montreal 3 Pittsburgh 2Final OT Los Angeles 5 Detroit 4Final Colorado 6 Minnesota 3Final Dallas 4 Winnipeg 1Final Carolina 5 Seattle 1NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal OT L.A. Chargers 19 Denver 16

Sports Headlines for Tuesday

Sophomore setter Andrea Serrano set a balanced offensive attack with five players garnering at least seven kills and the No. 20-ranked Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 Jayhawk West victory over Pratt on Monday night at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons hit .337 and limited the Beavers to .046 hitting in a 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 victory to complete a season sweep of the Beavers and extend their winning streak over Pratt to 26 matches.

Hutchinson improves to 24-9 overall and 11-2 in the Jayhawk West to remain one full game behind Seward County for first place in the league. The Blue Dragons travel to Garden City on Saturday for a 6 p.m. match at Conestoga Arena.

Serrano finished with 36 assists and had her 10th double-double of the season with 10 digs on Monday night. Serrano also had two service aces.

Freshman Taniya Golden had a match-high eight kills on .273 hitting to pace the balanced offensive attack.

Freshman middle Anna Dean hit .750 for the match with seven kills on eight attacks with two blocks.

HutchCC Sports InformationSophomore setter Andrea Serrano set a balanced offensive attack with five players garnering at least seven kills and the No. 20-ranked Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team cruised to a 3-0 Jayhawk West victory over Pratt on Monday night at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons hit .337 and limited the Beavers to .046 hitting in a 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 victory to complete a season sweep of the Beavers and extend their winning streak over Pratt to 26 matches.Hutchinson improves to 24-9 overall and 11-2 in the Jayhawk West to remain one full game behind Seward County for first place in the league. The Blue Dragons travel to Garden City on Saturday for a 6 p.m. match at Conestoga Arena.Serrano finished with 36 assists and had her 10th double-double of the season with 10 digs on Monday night. Serrano also had two service aces.Freshman Taniya Golden had a match-high eight kills on .273 hitting to pace the balanced offensive attack.Freshman middle Anna Dean hit .750 for the match with seven kills on eight attacks with two blocks.Sophomore middle Blondie Penaflor had seven kills on .385 hitting with two aces and two blocks.Sophomore Baylee Miller and freshman Alejandra Briseno both had seven kills. Briseno hit .294 and Miller hit .267.The Blue Dragons out-blocked Pratt 6-2 and had a 33-22 digs advantage. The Dragons also racked up eight service aces with Serrano, Briseno and Penaflor getting two aces each.Sophomore libero Morgan Harvey had nine digs and Golden had six digs.Madison Tolle had six kills on .556 hitting to lead Pratt.SET 1: Two early Briseno kills were part of an individual 8-3 run to open the match for the season. The Dragons, which hit .500 in the set, pushed the lead to 21-10 after a Briseno kill. Back-to-back Dean kills and a Golden kill helped the Dragons to a 24-11 lead. A Pratt attack error on set point No. 2 gave the Dragons a 25-12 victory.SET 2: Pratt held an early 4-2 lead, but the Dragons reeled off a 5-0 run after a Briseno kill and Beaver attack error. Only up 8-6, the Dragons went on a 9-2 run to lead 17-8 after a Golden kill and another Pratt hitting error. Kills by Ashlyn Long and Golden brought the Dragons to the brink with 12 set points in hand. Pratt’s sixth attack error of the set gave the Dragons a 25-13 win and a 2-0 match lead.SET 3: This was the closest of the three sets. Trailing 4-2, Penaflor’s kill started a 5-0 run. Penaflor had two kills and an ace while Miller added the other two kills. The Dragons took a 17-10 lead after a Golden ace. The Beavers got back within 17-13. Sophie Connor’s kill ended that 3-0 Pratt run. A Long kill gave the Dragons a 22-15 lead. Pratt gave the Dragons their final three points on errors to help Hutchinson close the match out in 1 hour, 9 minutes.