Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;had another huge day against Seward County and the No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball moved two wins closer to ending a 31-year title drought on Thursday at Fun Valley.

Goetz went a combined 6 for 7 with three home runs and 13 RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons to a pair of five-inning run-rule victories over the Saints. The Blue Dragons defeated Seward County 8-0 and 17-3 to complete a four-game season-series sweep of the Saints.

The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 10 games and improved to 39-6 overall. The Dragons maintained their one-game lead in the Jayhawk Conference over second-place Butler at 27-3. Hutchinson will try to clinch its first league championship since 1992 on Saturday when the Blue Dragons play host to the Pratt Beavers at 1 and 3 p.m. at Fun Valley. The Blue Dragons will have Sophomore Recognition Day and it will be Cancer Awareness Day.

Hutchinson's 39 wins tie the 1992 and 2011 Blue Dragon teams for the fourth-most wins in program history.

Goetz made her own history on Thursday by breaking three career or single-season Blue Dragon records.

Her combined three home runs gave her 16 for the season and 23 for her career. Goetz broke the single-season home run record shared by Jaime Tanno (2011) and Raven Bass (2018). Goetz's grand slam in the third inning of Game 2 broke the Blue Dragon career record, previously held by Tanno (2011-12).

Her combined 11 RBIs against Seward County gave her 83 for the season, breaking teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>' old record of 78 set in 2021. Now with 122 career RBIs, Goetz is second in that category, trailing only Grimes.

Goetz went 4 for 4 with two home runs, a double and nine RBIs in the second game on Thursday. The nine RBIs are second most in single-game Blue Dragon history. Goetz owns the top two single-game RBI performances in Blue Dragon history. She drove in a career-best 10 RBIs at Seward County on March 22.

The Blue Dragon sophomore first baseman is 14 for 17 (.824 batting average) with four doubles, six home runs, 12 runs scored and 26 RBIs against the Saints in four games this season.

The Blue Dragons set two new team records on Thursday, breaking records for runs scored in a season (448) and most doubles in a season (113).

GAME 1 RECAP A five-run first inning – highlighted by Goetz's three-run home run to left field – set the tone for the day as the Blue Dragons needed just 1 hour, 5 minutes to earn a run-rule win in the opener.

Hutchinson scored eight runs in its first two trips to the plate.

The Dragons had eight hits in Game 1, led by Goetz, who went 2 for 3 with a double, home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with a double and run scored.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/darnell_jaeleigh_lirb">Jaeleigh Darnell</a>&nbsp;all had doubles. Sandoval, Darnell and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;all drove in runs. Sandoval now has 19 doubles for the season, which ties her with Natalie Bevan for third in the single-season doubles list.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;and Wertz combined for Hutchinson's 15th shutout of the season. Munson (7-0) earned her 17th career victory with three scoreless innings. Munson allowed three hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Wertz had five strikeouts in two perfect innings.

GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons hammered out 19 hits, six for extra bases in the second game.

Goetz had a three-run home run in a five-run first inning, a grand slam in a six-run third and a two-run double in a four-run fourth inning.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 4 in Game 2. She moved into second place on the Jayhawk Conference career hits list with 206. Grimes scored three runs and had an RBI.

Darnell went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs. She hit a two-run homer to right field in the third inning.

Mastin and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;had two hits each. Sandoval went 2 for 3 and extended her season-long hitting streak to nine games.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;(14-2) earned her team-high 14th victory in the pitching circle. She allowed two hits and three runs over three innings. Wertz closed the game with two perfect innings with two strikeouts.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682681795876.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon first baseman Aspen Goetz receives a high-five from head coach Jaime Rose after a grand slam in Game 2 on Thursday against Seward County at Fun Valley. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon first baseman Aspen Goetz receives a high-five from head coach Jaime Rose after a grand slam in Game 2 on Thursday against Seward County at Fun Valley. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;had another huge day against Seward County and the No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball moved two wins closer to ending a 31-year title drought on Thursday at Fun Valley.Goetz went a combined 6 for 7 with three home runs and 13 RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons to a pair of five-inning run-rule victories over the Saints. The Blue Dragons defeated Seward County 8-0 and 17-3 to complete a four-game season-series sweep of the Saints.The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 10 games and improved to 39-6 overall. The Dragons maintained their one-game lead in the Jayhawk Conference over second-place Butler at 27-3. Hutchinson will try to clinch its first league championship since 1992 on Saturday when the Blue Dragons play host to the Pratt Beavers at 1 and 3 p.m. at Fun Valley. The Blue Dragons will have Sophomore Recognition Day and it will be Cancer Awareness Day.Hutchinson's 39 wins tie the 1992 and 2011 Blue Dragon teams for the fourth-most wins in program history.Goetz made her own history on Thursday by breaking three career or single-season Blue Dragon records.Her combined three home runs gave her 16 for the season and 23 for her career. Goetz broke the single-season home run record shared by Jaime Tanno (2011) and Raven Bass (2018). Goetz's grand slam in the third inning of Game 2 broke the Blue Dragon career record, previously held by Tanno (2011-12).Her combined 11 RBIs against Seward County gave her 83 for the season, breaking teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>' old record of 78 set in 2021. Now with 122 career RBIs, Goetz is second in that category, trailing only Grimes.Goetz went 4 for 4 with two home runs, a double and nine RBIs in the second game on Thursday. The nine RBIs are second most in single-game Blue Dragon history. Goetz owns the top two single-game RBI performances in Blue Dragon history. She drove in a career-best 10 RBIs at Seward County on March 22.The Blue Dragon sophomore first baseman is 14 for 17 (.824 batting average) with four doubles, six home runs, 12 runs scored and 26 RBIs against the Saints in four games this season.The Blue Dragons set two new team records on Thursday, breaking records for runs scored in a season (448) and most doubles in a season (113).GAME 1 RECAP A five-run first inning – highlighted by Goetz's three-run home run to left field – set the tone for the day as the Blue Dragons needed just 1 hour, 5 minutes to earn a run-rule win in the opener.Hutchinson scored eight runs in its first two trips to the plate.The Dragons had eight hits in Game 1, led by Goetz, who went 2 for 3 with a double, home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with a double and run scored.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/darnell_jaeleigh_lirb">Jaeleigh Darnell</a>&nbsp;all had doubles. Sandoval, Darnell and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;all drove in runs. Sandoval now has 19 doubles for the season, which ties her with Natalie Bevan for third in the single-season doubles list.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/munson_emily_vjqm">Emily Munson</a>&nbsp;and Wertz combined for Hutchinson's 15th shutout of the season. Munson (7-0) earned her 17th career victory with three scoreless innings. Munson allowed three hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Wertz had five strikeouts in two perfect innings.GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons hammered out 19 hits, six for extra bases in the second game.Goetz had a three-run home run in a five-run first inning, a grand slam in a six-run third and a two-run double in a four-run fourth inning.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;went 3 for 4 in Game 2. She moved into second place on the Jayhawk Conference career hits list with 206. Grimes scored three runs and had an RBI.Darnell went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs. She hit a two-run homer to right field in the third inning.Mastin and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/stipsits_allie_zmyh">Allie Stipsits</a>&nbsp;had two hits each. Sandoval went 2 for 3 and extended her season-long hitting streak to nine games.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;(14-2) earned her team-high 14th victory in the pitching circle. She allowed two hits and three runs over three innings. Wertz closed the game with two perfect innings with two strikeouts.<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;&nbsp;

🥎  Goetz goes off again; Blue Dragons move closer to history

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/gunderson_cody_4bzo">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;had a career-high four hits while the bullpen duo of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wickersham_kaden_64wc">Kaden Wickersham</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/scott_reed_03bo">Reed Scott</a>&nbsp;slammed the door on a hard charging Barton offense as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team snapped a 14-game losing streak against nationally ranked competition on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.

The No. 8-ranked Barton Cougars run-ruled the Blue Dragons in Game 1, 12-1 in five innings. Hutchinson then exploded for seven runs in the third inning to build an eight-run lead and had to hold on for a 9-7 victory in Game 2.

Games 3 and 4 of the Jayhawk West series with the first-place Cougars resumes on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Lawson-Biggs Field in Great Bend. The Blue Dragons are now 27-23 overall and 15-11 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson is now tied with Dodge City for fifth place in the Jayhawk West with six games to go in the season. Barton is now 41-8 and 20-6 in the league.

The Blue Dragons have defeated a nationally ranked opponent since 2018 when Hutchinson edged No. 13 Barton 4-3 at Hobart-Detter Field.

GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons came out swinging against eight-game winner Owen Reynolds.

Hutchinson scored an unearned run in the second when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/davis_jon_ucpo">Jon Davis</a>' two-out double drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wesslund_cooper_zdq0">Cooper Wesslund</a>.

The Dragons then erupted for seven runs in the third inning. Gunderson started the inning with a two-run home run. Back-to-back RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/bradford_blake_qa9v">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/henderson_ryan_sab3">Ryan Henderson</a>&nbsp;gave Hutchinson a 4-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/powell_christian_dv61">Christian Powell</a>&nbsp;singled in two runs and Collin Cymbalista's RBI ground out made it 8-0 Blue Dragons after three innings.

The Cougars then outscored the Blue Dragons 7-1 over the middle three innings.

Wickersham entered the game with one out in the sixth inning. He allowed a single that pulled Barton within 9-7, but got two strikeouts in the inning.

Wickersham pitched 2 2-3 innings of relief with six strikeouts and Scott came on to earn his second save of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/smith_justin_u248">Justin Smith</a>&nbsp;(1-1) earned the victory with five innings of work in his start. Smith retired the first nine batters of the game. He allowed five hits and four runs with three walks and seven strikeouts.

Gunderson led the Blue Dragons' 11-hit attack going 4 or 5 with a double and home run. He drove in two runs scored two runs. Henderson had a pair of RBI singles to go 2 for 4. A.J. Mustow had a double and scored a run.

GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons looked to have Barton starter David Stuart on the ropes after three batters. Collin Cymbalista flew out the centerfield wall, Edmunson doubles off the rightfield wall and Gunderson ripped a single to left to drive in Edmunson.

After that, Stuart allowed just one hit over the next 4 2-3 innings and quickly cooled off the Dragons.

Barton led 4-1 after three innings and put the game out of reach with a seven-run fourth inning.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/ojeda_sam_8hjt">Sam Ojeda</a>&nbsp;(3-2) started and took the loss for the Dragons, working three innings. Derrick Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/neill_bradley_p7ny">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/toureau_cole_xtxg">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;worked out of the bullpen.

Barton out-hit the Blue Dragons 12-3 and hit two home runs in the game. Wesslund broke a Stuart run of 11 consecutive batters retired with a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth inning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682681533302.jpeg" alt="Cody Gunderson (17) is greeted at home after hitting a home run in Hutchinson's Game 2 9-7 win over No. 8 Barton on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Cody Gunderson (17) is greeted at home after hitting a home run in Hutchinson's Game 2 9-7 win over No. 8 Barton on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/gunderson_cody_4bzo">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;had a career-high four hits while the bullpen duo of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wickersham_kaden_64wc">Kaden Wickersham</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/scott_reed_03bo">Reed Scott</a>&nbsp;slammed the door on a hard charging Barton offense as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team snapped a 14-game losing streak against nationally ranked competition on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.The No. 8-ranked Barton Cougars run-ruled the Blue Dragons in Game 1, 12-1 in five innings. Hutchinson then exploded for seven runs in the third inning to build an eight-run lead and had to hold on for a 9-7 victory in Game 2.Games 3 and 4 of the Jayhawk West series with the first-place Cougars resumes on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Lawson-Biggs Field in Great Bend. The Blue Dragons are now 27-23 overall and 15-11 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson is now tied with Dodge City for fifth place in the Jayhawk West with six games to go in the season. Barton is now 41-8 and 20-6 in the league.The Blue Dragons have defeated a nationally ranked opponent since 2018 when Hutchinson edged No. 13 Barton 4-3 at Hobart-Detter Field.GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons came out swinging against eight-game winner Owen Reynolds.Hutchinson scored an unearned run in the second when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/davis_jon_ucpo">Jon Davis</a>' two-out double drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wesslund_cooper_zdq0">Cooper Wesslund</a>.The Dragons then erupted for seven runs in the third inning. Gunderson started the inning with a two-run home run. Back-to-back RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/bradford_blake_qa9v">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/henderson_ryan_sab3">Ryan Henderson</a>&nbsp;gave Hutchinson a 4-0 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/powell_christian_dv61">Christian Powell</a>&nbsp;singled in two runs and Collin Cymbalista's RBI ground out made it 8-0 Blue Dragons after three innings.The Cougars then outscored the Blue Dragons 7-1 over the middle three innings.Wickersham entered the game with one out in the sixth inning. He allowed a single that pulled Barton within 9-7, but got two strikeouts in the inning.Wickersham pitched 2 2-3 innings of relief with six strikeouts and Scott came on to earn his second save of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/smith_justin_u248">Justin Smith</a>&nbsp;(1-1) earned the victory with five innings of work in his start. Smith retired the first nine batters of the game. He allowed five hits and four runs with three walks and seven strikeouts.Gunderson led the Blue Dragons' 11-hit attack going 4 or 5 with a double and home run. He drove in two runs scored two runs. Henderson had a pair of RBI singles to go 2 for 4. A.J. Mustow had a double and scored a run.GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons looked to have Barton starter David Stuart on the ropes after three batters. Collin Cymbalista flew out the centerfield wall, Edmunson doubles off the rightfield wall and Gunderson ripped a single to left to drive in Edmunson.After that, Stuart allowed just one hit over the next 4 2-3 innings and quickly cooled off the Dragons.Barton led 4-1 after three innings and put the game out of reach with a seven-run fourth inning.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/ojeda_sam_8hjt">Sam Ojeda</a>&nbsp;(3-2) started and took the loss for the Dragons, working three innings. Derrick Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/neill_bradley_p7ny">Bradley Neill</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/toureau_cole_xtxg">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;worked out of the bullpen.Barton out-hit the Blue Dragons 12-3 and hit two home runs in the game. Wesslund broke a Stuart run of 11 consecutive batters retired with a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth inning.<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;&nbsp;

⚾ Blue Dragons earn key split with No. 7 Barton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the final pick of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown boy, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick. Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, before playing for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league’s defensive player of the year. Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Quarterbacks dominated the first part of the NFL draft. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were among the top four picks Thursday night, an expected result in a league where teams know finding a franchise QB is the quickest path to success. The Carolina Panthers selected Young, the slender and dynamic Alabama quarterback, with the No. 1 pick, seven weeks after making a blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of potential franchise players. The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner over Ohio State’s Stroud, Florida’s Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several weeks of deliberation.

UNDATED (AP) — For one night at least, running backs got some of the glory in the pass-happy NFL. In an era when what used to be one of the premier positions in football has been de-emphasized, Texas’ Bijan Robinson and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs broke the trend and went off the board quickly in the NFL draft. The Atlanta Falcons took Robinson eighth overall and the Detroit Lions took Gibbs four spots later. The picks were a far cry from the last four drafts when only four running backs went in the first round and none were picked higher than 24th.

Kentucky's Will Levis and Tennessee's Hendon Hooker are two quarterbacks who are tantalizing prospects for teams on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Levis and Hooker slipped into the second round as the run on quarterbacks came to a screeching halt after the Colts selected Florida's Anthony Richardson Jr. with the fourth overall pick. The 2023 NFL draft began with the Panthers making Alabama's Bryce Young the top overall pick and the Texans chose Ohio State's CJ Stroud next. Levis was projected to go as high as that No. 2 pick but instead fell to Day 2.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal on Thursday, making their star quarterback the highest-paid player in NFL history. The Ravens and Jackson agreed on a $260 million, five-year deal with $185 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been signed. The deal keeps the 2019 NFL MVP in Baltimore for the foreseeable future and ends a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team’s offseason. Jackson’s contract tops the $255 million, five-year deal the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts earlier this month. Hurts got $179.3 million in guarantees.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run, which was a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth. Mahle exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness. Reliever Brock Stewart got the win with two scoreless innings. The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alec Burleson and Paul DeJong homered, Miles Mikolas pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants 6-0. Mikolas scattered four hits and two walks, striking out six to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak. Webb allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts, suffering his MLB-leading fifth loss of the year. St. Louis has not been swept in a four-game series since June 3-6, 2021, against Cincinnati.

ATLANTA (AP) — Al Horford hit a huge 3-pointer against his former team and the Boston Celtics broke open a tight game in the closing minutes to beat the Atlanta Hawks 128-120. The Celtics win the opening-round playoff series four games to two and advance to face the Philadelphia 76ers. Game 1 is Monday night in Boston. The Celtics ripped off an 11-0 run that included three straight 3-pointers. Horford’s big shot was sandwiched around treys from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the Celtics with 32 points, while Tatum had 30. Trae Young paced Atlanta with 30 points but made only one field goal in the second half.

MIAMI (AP) — They brawled in 1997. Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s leg in 1998. Allan Houston got a friendly bounce in 1999. Clarence Weatherspoon didn’t get one in 2000. Amare Stoudemire lost a fight with a glass-enclosed fire extinguisher in 2012. Something always happens when it's Knicks vs. Heat. And here we go again. There are more storied rivalries in the NBA — Lakers-Celtics and 76ers-Celtics among them — but there is just something about a Heat vs. Knicks matchup that brings out something extra in Miami and New York. They’re about to meet in the NBA playoffs for the sixth time. Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series is Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday, April 28th" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday, April 28th</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the final pick of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown boy, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick. Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, before playing for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league’s defensive player of the year. Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Quarterbacks dominated the first part of the NFL draft. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were among the top four picks Thursday night, an expected result in a league where teams know finding a franchise QB is the quickest path to success. The Carolina Panthers selected Young, the slender and dynamic Alabama quarterback, with the No. 1 pick, seven weeks after making a blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of potential franchise players. The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner over Ohio State’s Stroud, Florida’s Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several weeks of deliberation.UNDATED (AP) — For one night at least, running backs got some of the glory in the pass-happy NFL. In an era when what used to be one of the premier positions in football has been de-emphasized, Texas’ Bijan Robinson and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs broke the trend and went off the board quickly in the NFL draft. The Atlanta Falcons took Robinson eighth overall and the Detroit Lions took Gibbs four spots later. The picks were a far cry from the last four drafts when only four running backs went in the first round and none were picked higher than 24th.Kentucky's Will Levis and Tennessee's Hendon Hooker are two quarterbacks who are tantalizing prospects for teams on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Levis and Hooker slipped into the second round as the run on quarterbacks came to a screeching halt after the Colts selected Florida's Anthony Richardson Jr. with the fourth overall pick. The 2023 NFL draft began with the Panthers making Alabama's Bryce Young the top overall pick and the Texans chose Ohio State's CJ Stroud next. Levis was projected to go as high as that No. 2 pick but instead fell to Day 2.OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal on Thursday, making their star quarterback the highest-paid player in NFL history. The Ravens and Jackson agreed on a $260 million, five-year deal with $185 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been signed. The deal keeps the 2019 NFL MVP in Baltimore for the foreseeable future and ends a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team’s offseason. Jackson’s contract tops the $255 million, five-year deal the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts earlier this month. Hurts got $179.3 million in guarantees.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run, which was a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth. Mahle exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness. Reliever Brock Stewart got the win with two scoreless innings. The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alec Burleson and Paul DeJong homered, Miles Mikolas pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants 6-0. Mikolas scattered four hits and two walks, striking out six to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak. Webb allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts, suffering his MLB-leading fifth loss of the year. St. Louis has not been swept in a four-game series since June 3-6, 2021, against Cincinnati.ATLANTA (AP) — Al Horford hit a huge 3-pointer against his former team and the Boston Celtics broke open a tight game in the closing minutes to beat the Atlanta Hawks 128-120. The Celtics win the opening-round playoff series four games to two and advance to face the Philadelphia 76ers. Game 1 is Monday night in Boston. The Celtics ripped off an 11-0 run that included three straight 3-pointers. Horford’s big shot was sandwiched around treys from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the Celtics with 32 points, while Tatum had 30. Trae Young paced Atlanta with 30 points but made only one field goal in the second half.MIAMI (AP) — They brawled in 1997. Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s leg in 1998. Allan Houston got a friendly bounce in 1999. Clarence Weatherspoon didn’t get one in 2000. Amare Stoudemire lost a fight with a glass-enclosed fire extinguisher in 2012. Something always happens when it's Knicks vs. Heat. And here we go again. There are more storied rivalries in the NBA — Lakers-Celtics and 76ers-Celtics among them — but there is just something about a Heat vs. Knicks matchup that brings out something extra in Miami and New York. They’re about to meet in the NBA playoffs for the sixth time. Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series is Sunday at Madison Square Garden.THURSDAY SPORTS HEADLINESINTERLEAGUEFinal Philadelphia 1 Seattle 0AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal L.A. Angels 8 Oakland 7Final Tampa Bay 14 Chicago White Sox 5Final Baltimore 7 Detroit 4Final Minnesota 7 Kansas City 1Final N.Y. Yankees 4 Texas 2NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 6 L.A. Dodgers 2Final Miami 5 Atlanta 4Final Chicago Cubs 5 San Diego 2Final St. Louis 6 San Francisco 0Final N.Y. Mets 9 Washington 8NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Boston 128 Atlanta 120NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Tampa Bay 4 Toronto 2Final New Jersey 4 N-Y Rangers 0Final Vegas 4 Winnipeg 1<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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true&nbsp;on Thursday night&nbsp;as he was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs with the 31st overall pick in front of Union Station in Downtown Kansas City.

Anudike-Uzomah, who gets to play in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, is the first Wildcat picked in the first round since quarterback Josh Freeman was selected with the 17th&nbsp;overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 2009 NFL Draft. His selection at No. 31 overall made him the eighth-highest selected player in school history. Additionally, he is the eighth player ever selected by Kansas City, the first since Braden Wilson in 2013 and the first ever selected by the Chiefs in the first round.

Anudike-Uzomah was the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 46 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. He earned multiple All-America accolades, including first-team honors from&nbsp;USA TODAY&nbsp;and second-team honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, American Football Writers Association, American Football Coaches Association and CBS Sports. His 8.5 sacks ranked second in the Big 12 and his two forced fumbles tied for third, while he registered at least a half tackle for loss in nine games and at least a half sack in seven contests.

A product of Lee’s Summit High School, Anudike-Uzomah saw time in 32 games with 27 starts over his three-year career, tying for sixth in school history in career in sacks (20.5) and fourth in career forced fumbles (8). He became just the second player in K-State history to tally at least three sacks in two different games after he totaled 4.0 in 2021 against TCU and 3.0 last season against Texas Tech.

More former K-State football players will hear their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft, which continues&nbsp;on Friday at 6 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;with rounds two and three. The final four rounds of the draft will be held&nbsp;on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. (CT). Coverage is available on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682667127494.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics <a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true&nbsp;on Thursday night&nbsp;as he was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs with the 31st overall pick in front of Union Station in Downtown Kansas City.Anudike-Uzomah, who gets to play in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, is the first Wildcat picked in the first round since quarterback Josh Freeman was selected with the 17th&nbsp;overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 2009 NFL Draft. His selection at No. 31 overall made him the eighth-highest selected player in school history. Additionally, he is the eighth player ever selected by Kansas City, the first since Braden Wilson in 2013 and the first ever selected by the Chiefs in the first round.Anudike-Uzomah was the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 46 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass breakup. He earned multiple All-America accolades, including first-team honors from&nbsp;USA TODAY&nbsp;and second-team honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, American Football Writers Association, American Football Coaches Association and CBS Sports. His 8.5 sacks ranked second in the Big 12 and his two forced fumbles tied for third, while he registered at least a half tackle for loss in nine games and at least a half sack in seven contests.A product of Lee’s Summit High School, Anudike-Uzomah saw time in 32 games with 27 starts over his three-year career, tying for sixth in school history in career in sacks (20.5) and fourth in career forced fumbles (8). He became just the second player in K-State history to tally at least three sacks in two different games after he totaled 4.0 in 2021 against TCU and 3.0 last season against Texas Tech.More former K-State football players will hear their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft, which continues&nbsp;on Friday at 6 p.m. (CT)&nbsp;with rounds two and three. The final four rounds of the draft will be held&nbsp;on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. (CT). Coverage is available on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.

🏈 K-State’s Anudike-Uzomah goes 31st to Chiefs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.

Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton’s opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.

Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.

Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it “just inflammation,” but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start.

"No one's really concerned about it," he said. “So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine.”

Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.

“The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great.”

Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.

The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn’t beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field.

“It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. “The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does.”

Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.

Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high.

“He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. “He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch.”

Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.

Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.

Before Thursday’s game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.

Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.

Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.

Royals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a “bad bruise” but underwent pregame activities.

Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday’s game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He’ll likely land on the injured list.

RHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton’s opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it “just inflammation,” but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start."No one's really concerned about it," he said. “So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine.”Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.“The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great.”Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn’t beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field.“It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. “The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does.”Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high.“He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. “He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch.”Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.ROSTER MOVEBefore Thursday’s game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a “bad bruise” but underwent pregame activities.Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday’s game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He’ll likely land on the injured list.UP NEXTRHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

⚾ Buxton, Correa go long in Twins' rout of Royals; Greinke 0-4

WICHITA –&nbsp;On a wet night at Eck Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks knocked off the 25th-ranked Wichita State Shockers 7-5 in 10 innings. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks delivered a 2-run single on a full count with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th to break a 5-5 tie. Right-hander Kolby Dougan then came on and struck out three in a scoreless bottom half to close out the win.

The extra innings victory helped Kansas sweep the season series against the Shockers for the first time since 2015 and improve to 20-21 on the season..

After Wichita State scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, the Jayhawks wasted no time answering right back. Jake English opened the inning with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Tyler Gerety. After a Mike Koszewski walk, Chase Jans singled to load the bases for Brooks. The third baseman, who is now 17 for his last 27, came through with a line drive hit to plate pinch-runner Sam Hunt and Koszewski. Dougan then came on and struck out the first two batters he saw. Following a walk, he picked up another strikeout to secure the season sweep of the Shockers, who swept No. 7 East Carolina last weekend.

“A ton of guys contributed tonight,” Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “It was just good, team baseball tonight. I thought our focus and preparation was fantastic. We talked a ton before the game about what team looks like and our continued quest to be a really complete unit, so I’m proud of the guys; they really got after it.”

The Shockers (24-16, 8-4 American) scored first on Wednesday night to take an early lead. A one-out triple in the second inning followed by an RBI groundout gave Wichita State a 1-0 advantage.

Kansas had an answer for the Shockers with two runs of its own in the top of the third inning. After a single by Cooper Kelly and Koszewski reaching base on a fielding error on a sacrifice bunt, Jans came up clutch like he has all season with an RBI double to left field. The run-scoring hit tied the game at 1-1, but the Jayhawks were not done in the second. With Koszewski at third base, a wild pitch that got away from the catcher allowed him to score and give KU a 2-1 lead.

The Shockers had a response right away in the bottom of the third. With two-on and two-out, Mauricio Millan hit a 2-run single to put Wichita State back ahead 3-2.

Neither team was able to score in the fourth or fifth innings, which kept the score at 3-2 in favor of Wichita State. Kansas found its way back in the run column in the sixth inning.

After having the first two batters of the inning retired, the next three batters reached base via a single and back-to-back walks. That left the bases loaded and two outs for Kelly at the plate. Kelly took the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a 2-run double. The two runs put Kansas back ahead by a score of 4-3.

In the seventh inning, the Jayhawks added another two-out run. With Brooks on second base after hitting a double, Kodey Shojinaga brought home Brooks on an RBI single to center field. The run-scoring hit gave Kansas a 5-3 lead.

The Shockers got the run back in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly. That made the score 5-4 after seven innings.

The Jayhawks edge held until the bottom of the ninth, when the Shockers tied it up, setting up the dramatic extra-inning win for Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681028063131.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Via KU AthleticsWICHITA –&nbsp;On a wet night at Eck Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks knocked off the 25th-ranked Wichita State Shockers 7-5 in 10 innings. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks delivered a 2-run single on a full count with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th to break a 5-5 tie. Right-hander Kolby Dougan then came on and struck out three in a scoreless bottom half to close out the win.The extra innings victory helped Kansas sweep the season series against the Shockers for the first time since 2015 and improve to 20-21 on the season..After Wichita State scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, the Jayhawks wasted no time answering right back. Jake English opened the inning with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Tyler Gerety. After a Mike Koszewski walk, Chase Jans singled to load the bases for Brooks. The third baseman, who is now 17 for his last 27, came through with a line drive hit to plate pinch-runner Sam Hunt and Koszewski. Dougan then came on and struck out the first two batters he saw. Following a walk, he picked up another strikeout to secure the season sweep of the Shockers, who swept No. 7 East Carolina last weekend.“A ton of guys contributed tonight,” Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “It was just good, team baseball tonight. I thought our focus and preparation was fantastic. We talked a ton before the game about what team looks like and our continued quest to be a really complete unit, so I’m proud of the guys; they really got after it.”The Shockers (24-16, 8-4 American) scored first on Wednesday night to take an early lead. A one-out triple in the second inning followed by an RBI groundout gave Wichita State a 1-0 advantage.Kansas had an answer for the Shockers with two runs of its own in the top of the third inning. After a single by Cooper Kelly and Koszewski reaching base on a fielding error on a sacrifice bunt, Jans came up clutch like he has all season with an RBI double to left field. The run-scoring hit tied the game at 1-1, but the Jayhawks were not done in the second. With Koszewski at third base, a wild pitch that got away from the catcher allowed him to score and give KU a 2-1 lead.The Shockers had a response right away in the bottom of the third. With two-on and two-out, Mauricio Millan hit a 2-run single to put Wichita State back ahead 3-2.Neither team was able to score in the fourth or fifth innings, which kept the score at 3-2 in favor of Wichita State. Kansas found its way back in the run column in the sixth inning.After having the first two batters of the inning retired, the next three batters reached base via a single and back-to-back walks. That left the bases loaded and two outs for Kelly at the plate. Kelly took the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a 2-run double. The two runs put Kansas back ahead by a score of 4-3.In the seventh inning, the Jayhawks added another two-out run. With Brooks on second base after hitting a double, Kodey Shojinaga brought home Brooks on an RBI single to center field. The run-scoring hit gave Kansas a 5-3 lead.The Shockers got the run back in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly. That made the score 5-4 after seven innings.The Jayhawks edge held until the bottom of the ninth, when the Shockers tied it up, setting up the dramatic extra-inning win for Kansas.

⚾️ Kansas takes town No. 25 Wichita State in extra innings

By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs used the final selection of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown player, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick Thursday night.

Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., before heading down Interstate 70 to play for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.

Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who had to release Frank Clark to create some salary cap space.

The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682655730468.jpeg" alt="Kansas State defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah runs a drill during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Manhattan on March 31.&nbsp;(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) " />
 <figcaption>Kansas State defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah runs a drill during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Manhattan on March 31.&nbsp;(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) </figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA&nbsp; AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs used the final selection of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown player, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick Thursday night.Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., before heading down Interstate 70 to play for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who had to release Frank Clark to create some salary cap space.The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.

🏈 Chiefs pick hometown star Felix Anudike-Uzomah of K-State

NFL Draft 2023 Live | Young goes first, all 1st round picks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Follow along for real-time updates on the NFL draft with live updates by Associated Press journalists around the country. The draft in Kansas City has begun and is being broadcast by the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPNDeportes. The Carolina Panthers kicked off Thursday night's proceedings by taking quarterback Bryce Young with the first pick.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The NFL draft has begun! The Carolina Panthers kicked off Thursday night's proceedings by taking quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick. The draft can be viewed on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Follow for live updates from Associated Press reporters across the country (all times EST).

— Panthers make Bryce Young top pick in the NFL draft

— Eagles select Georgia's Jalen Carter, who had role in fatal crash

BRYCE YOUNG IS YOUR NO. 1, WHO'S ON DECK FRIDAY?

The first round of the NFL draft is in the books. And what a thriller it was!

Three quarterbacks in the top four picks, starting with Bryce Young to the Panthers. Two Texans selections in the top three. Two running backs in the top dozen picks.

The Super Bowl champion Chiefs capped the rousing Round 1 by selecting Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah in Kansas City, which is hosting the draft for the first time.

In all there were 15 offensive and 16 defensive players selected in Round 1. The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first round pick for tampering.

The most popular position was edge rusher with six selections.

One player who wasn't selected was Will Levis. The Kentucky quarterback was projected to go as high as No. 2 but sat under the watchful eye of millions of television viewers only not to hear his name called on Thursday.

Among the top players in Round 2 Friday in addition to Levis are Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer and Alabama cornerback Brian Branch.

FIRST TIGHT END, WIDE RECEIVER FINALLY SELECTED

Buffalo's Josh Allen has a red-zone option now in Utah's Dalton Kincaid, the first tight end off the board in the NFL draft.

Five picks before Kincaid heard his name called as the 25th selection, the Seattle Seahawks made Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba the first wide receiver taken on Thursday night.

The Bills jumped ahead of the Dallas Cowboys to get Kincaid, who along with Notre Dame's Michael Mayer are considered the best of a crop of tight ends that's the deepest in the last decade.

Seattle's selection of Smith-Ngiba was the start of a run of four consecutive wideouts being chosen for the first time in the first round. Quentin Johnson went to the Chargers. Zay Flowers was chosen by Baltimore and the Vikings selected Jordan Addison.

NFL teams are wheeling and dealing on the first night of the draft.

After selecting quarterback C,J. Stroud with the second overall pick, the Houston Texans kicked off a flurry of draft-day trades by getting the third overall pick from Arizona and selecting linebacker Will Anderson Jr.

The Cardinals got the 12th pick from the Texans but quickly sent that selection to Detroit for the sixth overall selection so they could draft tackle Paris Johnson.

The Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 after the Eagles and Bears swapped picks so Philly could take Jalen Carter at No. 9. Chicago, which once owned the No. 1 overall pick before sending it to the Panthers, drafted tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10.

Then, the Steelers and Patriots swapped picks. Pittsburgh got tackle Broderick Jones at No. 14 and the Patriots grabbed cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick.

Alabama is the early leader on NFL draft night.

Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young was the top overall pick by the Carolina Panthers and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. went third to the Houston Texans. No major surprises there, but then Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs going 12th overall to the Detroit Lions.

Gibbs is the second running back selected so far. Bijan Robinson of Texas went eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons.

And while Gibbs was considered the next best running back behind Robinson, he was widely expected to get drafted in the middle of Friday's Round 2.

Running back is a position that teams are usually reluctant to spend first-round picks on, much less at the top of Round 1.

Carter is a 313-pound defensive-stopper with power and quickness who collapses pockets as deftly as he splits double-teams. The Eagles selected him ninth overall but he might have gone even higher were it not for questions about his maturity and legal problems. He's on probation after pleading no contest to reckless driving and racing, charges related to an auto accident that killed a Georgia teammate and a football staffer.

"I'm going to be a dynamic player for the franchise. I'm going to work hard and I'm going to be a leader. But it's time to make my own legacy now. No more Cam-Jacksons. It's Anthony Richardson now." – new Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who has called himself Cam Jackson, a combination of Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson, in describing his stature and style.

As a senior, Witherspoon is a rarity by being selected this high in the NFL draft. He's a physical and disruptive defensive back who is aggressive on the field but patient in life. He didn't play football until midway through high school and spent a year at a junior college before going to Illinois, where he took a huge leap as a senior to become one of the nation's best players.

Some things to know about the quarterback the Indianapolis Colts selected out of Florida. Richardson is 6-foot-4 and just shy of 250 pounds. He's the most intriguing quarterback prospect in the class with Cam Newton-tipe size, athleticism and arm strength. But he's still very raw. He had 13 career starts and only 393 pass attempts in three seasons at Florida. He'll need to work on his mechanics and become a more accurate passer in the pros like Josh Allen did in Buffalo.

After the Houston Texans got their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud they made a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move up and took Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. Here is some things to know about the defensive standout:

With so many potential franchise quarterbacks coming out this year, there was no way Anderson was going to be the first overall pick. But he was projected as the top non-QB prospect in the draft and was the the best defensive player selected. He racked up 34 1/2 sacks and 62 tackles for loss in 41 games at Alabama.

The Houston Texans have selected C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick. Here are some things to know about the former Ohio State quarterback:

He has elite accuracy and touch combined with good arm strength and size at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds. He broke a Big Ten record held by Drew Brees by throwing 85 touchdown passes over two seasons. But while he's flashed above-average athleticism, he has at times seemed reluctant to use it and has a tendency to linger in the pocket and lock on receivers, habits he'll have to break in the NFL.

The Carolina Panthers have selected Bryce Young as the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Here are some things to know about quarterback out of Alabama:

For the last quarter century or so any undersized quarterback prospect has been compared to Drew Brees. Maybe one day Young, at 5-foot-10, will be the one drawing such comparisons. He is a poised leader and creative playmaker with an elite combination of instincts and intelligence with a good arm, but, boy, is he small for an NFL quarterback.

The NFL honored the three University of Virginia football players that were slain in November as the honorary first players selected in the draft.

The families of Lavel Davis Jr., D'Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler were presented jerseys with their names and the No. 23 on them before a crowd of more than 100,000 in front of Kansas City's Union Station.

Christopher Darnell Jr., a former walk-on with the Cavaliers' football team, is accused of opening fire on a charter bus as he and other students arrived back on campus after seeing a play and having dinner together in Washington, D.C.

Fans from across the country have converged on downtown Kansas City for the NFL draft.

Las Vegas Raiders fan Isaac Lingelbach said he drove about 2 1/2 hours to celebrate what he calls their "Super Bowl" in the heart of Chiefs country.

It's a reversal from a year ago, when many Chiefs fans headed to Las Vegas for the draft.

"The Chiefs fan are celebrating a Super Bowl season from last year, but they don't realize that the draft is our Super Bowl each year," Lingelbach said. "There's not a game today, so we're just here to have a good time and we have so far. The Chiefs fans have been nice."

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson's stock has been on the rise, especially given the way he performed in the workouts leading up to the draft.

Richardson's mother, LaShawnda Cleare, joined him on the red carpet outside Union Station. His younger brother, Corey, was also on hand in a suit that nearly matched big brother and a thick diamond-filled chain of his own.

LaShawnda said of Richardson: "I've always been proud of him. Everybody else is now getting to see how awesome they both are."

Richardson is expected to join Bryce Young of Alabama, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Kentucky's Will Levis among QBs taken in the first round. There could be a fifth in Tennessee's Hendon Hooker, too.

The pink suit that likely No. 1 pick Bryce Young wore to the NFL draft should resonate in Kansas City: It's the same jacket by Dior that Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce wore when he hosted "Saturday Night Live."

The jacket retails for $3,300 and, according to Dior, "reveals an ultramodern and unique silhouette with innovative details." It is crafted in pink wool twill and "features a removable interior scarf that mimics the style of the sleeves."

The red carpet, and the styles worn by NFL prospects, has become a big part of the festivities in recent years.

Fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud was blinging with a diamond-encrusted chain in the shape of the No. 7, which he wore at Ohio State. Alabama defensive back Brian Branch wore a diamond-filled chain that included a palm tree and his initials.

Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is considered among the best non-quarterback prospects in the NFL draft.

His talent is obvious. The 6-foot-3, 253 pound Anderson has speed, raw power and the ability to dominate a game.

Anderson also takes pride in being well-rounded off the field, too.

"I bring a complete person," Anderson told the AP's Rob Maaddi. "I hold myself to a very high standard and high expectation and never to embarrass myself or my family. I always treat people with respect. Whatever culture I get in, I'm gonna do my best to uphold that culture, hold myself accountable. Also, treat everyone in the facility with respect, with care, with love."

There is usually a buzz of activity around the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility on draft night, when the Super Bowl champs welcome season ticket-holders to a massive party capped by them making their first-round pick.

That party moved about 10 miles west this year to Union Station, where the NFL is hosting the draft for the first time.

Rather than hundreds of cars pouring into the parking lots at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night, there was a lonely FedEx worker delivering some packages and one car that apparently got lost and was turning around.

The Chiefs are scheduled to pick last in the first round.

One quarterback that wasn't on the NFL draft board but was likely to impact some teams' decisions is no longer in play.

Hours before the draft, the Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal, securing their star quarterback for the foreseeable future and ending a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team's offseason.

It's fair to say that in Baltimore at least, this news will overshadow whoever the team might take in the first round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682642752520.jpeg" alt="Alabama quarterback Bryce Young arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Alabama quarterback Bryce Young arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NFL Draft 2023 Live | Young goes first, all 1st round picksBy The Associated Press undefinedKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Follow along for real-time updates on the NFL draft with live updates by Associated Press journalists around the country. The draft in Kansas City has begun and is being broadcast by the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPNDeportes. The Carolina Panthers kicked off Thursday night's proceedings by taking quarterback Bryce Young with the first pick.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The NFL draft has begun! The Carolina Panthers kicked off Thursday night's proceedings by taking quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick. The draft can be viewed on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Follow for live updates from Associated Press reporters across the country (all times EST).What to know:— Panthers make Bryce Young top pick in the NFL draft— Eagles select Georgia's Jalen Carter, who had role in fatal crashBRYCE YOUNG IS YOUR NO. 1, WHO'S ON DECK FRIDAY?The first round of the NFL draft is in the books. And what a thriller it was!Three quarterbacks in the top four picks, starting with Bryce Young to the Panthers. Two Texans selections in the top three. Two running backs in the top dozen picks.The Super Bowl champion Chiefs capped the rousing Round 1 by selecting Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah in Kansas City, which is hosting the draft for the first time.In all there were 15 offensive and 16 defensive players selected in Round 1. The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first round pick for tampering.The most popular position was edge rusher with six selections.One player who wasn't selected was Will Levis. The Kentucky quarterback was projected to go as high as No. 2 but sat under the watchful eye of millions of television viewers only not to hear his name called on Thursday.Among the top players in Round 2 Friday in addition to Levis are Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer and Alabama cornerback Brian Branch.—-FIRST TIGHT END, WIDE RECEIVER FINALLY SELECTEDBuffalo's Josh Allen has a red-zone option now in Utah's Dalton Kincaid, the first tight end off the board in the NFL draft.Five picks before Kincaid heard his name called as the 25th selection, the Seattle Seahawks made Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba the first wide receiver taken on Thursday night.The Bills jumped ahead of the Dallas Cowboys to get Kincaid, who along with Notre Dame's Michael Mayer are considered the best of a crop of tight ends that's the deepest in the last decade.Seattle's selection of Smith-Ngiba was the start of a run of four consecutive wideouts being chosen for the first time in the first round. Quentin Johnson went to the Chargers. Zay Flowers was chosen by Baltimore and the Vikings selected Jordan Addison.—-TRADING PLACES AT NFL DRAFTNFL teams are wheeling and dealing on the first night of the draft.After selecting quarterback C,J. Stroud with the second overall pick, the Houston Texans kicked off a flurry of draft-day trades by getting the third overall pick from Arizona and selecting linebacker Will Anderson Jr.The Cardinals got the 12th pick from the Texans but quickly sent that selection to Detroit for the sixth overall selection so they could draft tackle Paris Johnson.The Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 after the Eagles and Bears swapped picks so Philly could take Jalen Carter at No. 9. Chicago, which once owned the No. 1 overall pick before sending it to the Panthers, drafted tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10.Then, the Steelers and Patriots swapped picks. Pittsburgh got tackle Broderick Jones at No. 14 and the Patriots grabbed cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick.—-ROLL TIDE: ALABAMA PLAYERS GO EARLYAlabama is the early leader on NFL draft night.Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young was the top overall pick by the Carolina Panthers and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. went third to the Houston Texans. No major surprises there, but then Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs going 12th overall to the Detroit Lions.Gibbs is the second running back selected so far. Bijan Robinson of Texas went eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons.And while Gibbs was considered the next best running back behind Robinson, he was widely expected to get drafted in the middle of Friday's Round 2.Running back is a position that teams are usually reluctant to spend first-round picks on, much less at the top of Round 1.—-EAGLES TAKE JALEN CARTER AT NO. 9Carter is a 313-pound defensive-stopper with power and quickness who collapses pockets as deftly as he splits double-teams. The Eagles selected him ninth overall but he might have gone even higher were it not for questions about his maturity and legal problems. He's on probation after pleading no contest to reckless driving and racing, charges related to an auto accident that killed a Georgia teammate and a football staffer.—-ANTHONY RICHARDSON'S DECLARATION"I'm going to be a dynamic player for the franchise. I'm going to work hard and I'm going to be a leader. But it's time to make my own legacy now. No more Cam-Jacksons. It's Anthony Richardson now." – new Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who has called himself Cam Jackson, a combination of Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson, in describing his stature and style.—-SEAHAWKS TAKE DEVON WITHERSPOON AT NO. 5As a senior, Witherspoon is a rarity by being selected this high in the NFL draft. He's a physical and disruptive defensive back who is aggressive on the field but patient in life. He didn't play football until midway through high school and spent a year at a junior college before going to Illinois, where he took a huge leap as a senior to become one of the nation's best players.—-ANTHONY RICHARDSON GOES NO. 4Some things to know about the quarterback the Indianapolis Colts selected out of Florida. Richardson is 6-foot-4 and just shy of 250 pounds. He's the most intriguing quarterback prospect in the class with Cam Newton-tipe size, athleticism and arm strength. But he's still very raw. He had 13 career starts and only 393 pass attempts in three seasons at Florida. He'll need to work on his mechanics and become a more accurate passer in the pros like Josh Allen did in Buffalo.—-TEXANS TRADE UP, TAKE WILL ANDERSON JR.After the Houston Texans got their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud they made a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move up and took Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. Here is some things to know about the defensive standout:With so many potential franchise quarterbacks coming out this year, there was no way Anderson was going to be the first overall pick. But he was projected as the top non-QB prospect in the draft and was the the best defensive player selected. He racked up 34 1/2 sacks and 62 tackles for loss in 41 games at Alabama.—-TEXANS TAKE C.J. STROUD NO. 2The Houston Texans have selected C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick. Here are some things to know about the former Ohio State quarterback:He has elite accuracy and touch combined with good arm strength and size at 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds. He broke a Big Ten record held by Drew Brees by throwing 85 touchdown passes over two seasons. But while he's flashed above-average athleticism, he has at times seemed reluctant to use it and has a tendency to linger in the pocket and lock on receivers, habits he'll have to break in the NFL.—-BRYCE YOUNG GOES NO. 1The Carolina Panthers have selected Bryce Young as the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Here are some things to know about quarterback out of Alabama:For the last quarter century or so any undersized quarterback prospect has been compared to Drew Brees. Maybe one day Young, at 5-foot-10, will be the one drawing such comparisons. He is a poised leader and creative playmaker with an elite combination of instincts and intelligence with a good arm, but, boy, is he small for an NFL quarterback.—-NFL HONORS VIRGINIA PLAYERSThe NFL honored the three University of Virginia football players that were slain in November as the honorary first players selected in the draft.The families of Lavel Davis Jr., D'Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler were presented jerseys with their names and the No. 23 on them before a crowd of more than 100,000 in front of Kansas City's Union Station.Christopher Darnell Jr., a former walk-on with the Cavaliers' football team, is accused of opening fire on a charter bus as he and other students arrived back on campus after seeing a play and having dinner together in Washington, D.C.—-RAIDERS FAN: DRAFT IS OUR SUPER BOWLFans from across the country have converged on downtown Kansas City for the NFL draft.Las Vegas Raiders fan Isaac Lingelbach said he drove about 2 1/2 hours to celebrate what he calls their "Super Bowl" in the heart of Chiefs country.It's a reversal from a year ago, when many Chiefs fans headed to Las Vegas for the draft."The Chiefs fan are celebrating a Super Bowl season from last year, but they don't realize that the draft is our Super Bowl each year," Lingelbach said. "There's not a game today, so we're just here to have a good time and we have so far. The Chiefs fans have been nice."—-RICHARDSON'S MOM, BROTHER BY HIS SIDEFlorida quarterback Anthony Richardson's stock has been on the rise, especially given the way he performed in the workouts leading up to the draft.Richardson's mother, LaShawnda Cleare, joined him on the red carpet outside Union Station. His younger brother, Corey, was also on hand in a suit that nearly matched big brother and a thick diamond-filled chain of his own.LaShawnda said of Richardson: "I've always been proud of him. Everybody else is now getting to see how awesome they both are."Richardson is expected to join Bryce Young of Alabama, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Kentucky's Will Levis among QBs taken in the first round. There could be a fifth in Tennessee's Hendon Hooker, too.—-BRYCE YOUNG'S PINK SUIT LOOKS FAMILIARThe pink suit that likely No. 1 pick Bryce Young wore to the NFL draft should resonate in Kansas City: It's the same jacket by Dior that Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce wore when he hosted "Saturday Night Live."The jacket retails for $3,300 and, according to Dior, "reveals an ultramodern and unique silhouette with innovative details." It is crafted in pink wool twill and "features a removable interior scarf that mimics the style of the sleeves."The red carpet, and the styles worn by NFL prospects, has become a big part of the festivities in recent years.Fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud was blinging with a diamond-encrusted chain in the shape of the No. 7, which he wore at Ohio State. Alabama defensive back Brian Branch wore a diamond-filled chain that included a palm tree and his initials.—-ALABAMA'S ANDERSON 'A COMPLETE PERSON'Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is considered among the best non-quarterback prospects in the NFL draft.His talent is obvious. The 6-foot-3, 253 pound Anderson has speed, raw power and the ability to dominate a game.Anderson also takes pride in being well-rounded off the field, too."I bring a complete person," Anderson told the AP's Rob Maaddi. "I hold myself to a very high standard and high expectation and never to embarrass myself or my family. I always treat people with respect. Whatever culture I get in, I'm gonna do my best to uphold that culture, hold myself accountable. Also, treat everyone in the facility with respect, with care, with love."—-NO PARTY AT CHIEFS FACILITYThere is usually a buzz of activity around the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility on draft night, when the Super Bowl champs welcome season ticket-holders to a massive party capped by them making their first-round pick.That party moved about 10 miles west this year to Union Station, where the NFL is hosting the draft for the first time.Rather than hundreds of cars pouring into the parking lots at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night, there was a lonely FedEx worker delivering some packages and one car that apparently got lost and was turning around.The Chiefs are scheduled to pick last in the first round.—-RAVENS SIGN LAMAR JACKSON BEFORE DRAFTOne quarterback that wasn't on the NFL draft board but was likely to impact some teams' decisions is no longer in play.Hours before the draft, the Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal, securing their star quarterback for the foreseeable future and ending a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team's offseason.It's fair to say that in Baltimore at least, this news will overshadow whoever the team might take in the first round.—-C.J. STROUD NOT CONCERNED ABOUT CRITICISMC.J. Stroud has gone from being considered the likely No. 1 overall pick to potentially dropping out of the top 10 after reports the Ohio State quarterback scored poorly in the S2 Cognition test."First, second, third, 20th, 105th, whatever it looks like, I'm just blessed to be able to have an opportunity," Stroud, seemingly not concerned about any of the negative criticism, told AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi hours before the draft. "Wherever I do go, I'm gonna take full advantage of the opportunity."I'm not mad about it," Stroud said of the reports. "I have nothing to hide or to be ashamed of."—-STICK WITH YOUR PICK?With about 4 hours before the first pick, are you sticking with your guy to be selected No. 1 in tonight's NFL draft?Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the overwhelming favorite according to most oddsmakers and most mock drafts.The Carolina Panthers will kick things off after trading four draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick.The Panthers are choosing between Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson as they try to escape the quarterback quagmire they've been trapped in for half a decade.—-THE JALEN CARTER WATCHThe NFL draft is set to begin in Kansas City in five hours and one of the more intriguing names to watch is that of Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, writes AP's Rob Maaddi.Carter was once projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft before the Chicago Bears made a trade with the quarterback-needy Carolina Panthers.There are questions about how far the Bulldogs' standout defensive lineman may slip because of his involvement in a car crash that killed a Georgia teammate and a team staffer. Carter was given 12 months' probation and a $1,000 fine after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing—-NO DRAFT PICKS FOR YOUR TEAMDraft parties in some cities won't be so raucous tonight because five teams don't have any first-round selections in the NFL draft that begins in six hours.Moving up in the draft for quarterbacks has become a common occurrence, but the Broncos, Rams and Browns bucked that trend by parting with their 2023 first-round picks in trades for veteran quarterbacks. The 49ers don't have a first-rounder because of the Trey Lance trade in 2021 and the Dolphins forfeited their first-rounder for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton while they were with other teams.AP Football Writer Josh Dubow reviews some of the best and worst trade-ups for quarterbacks.—-FASHION STATEMENTS LOOMINGWho will steal the spotlight with a daring fashion statement at the NFL draft tonight?While top prospects in this year's draft like quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson prepare their outfits for the big night, Kristie Rieken looks back at some of the most memorable draft night ensembles since Deion Sanders made a splash with his track suit and gold chains in 1989.—-WILL BIJAN BE FIRST RUNNING BACK DRAFTED?Bijan Robinson is expected to be the first running back selected in the NFL draft. How high he goes is the big question.The Texas star has top-10 talent but NFL teams no longer place a premium on running backs, so he could still be on the board late in the first round. Only four running backs have been selected in the first round since Saquon Barkley was chosen at No. 2 by the New York Giants in 2018. None went higher than No. 24."Everybody has their opinions and understandably so because the running back position came to be one-dimensional," Robinson told AP. "But if you have a guy who is really versatile and can line up as a receiver, in the slot and have as much effect (as a receiver) as at running back, that's when the value really takes off."—-DRAFT TAKES BACKSEAT ONLY TO SUPER BOWLThe NFL draft will be held at Kansas City's Union Station, where the league has built its largest stage complex for its second-biggest event behind the Super Bowl, writes Dave Skretta.Once a fixture at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the draft has grown in popularity since it took to the road eight years ago in 2015. The event has become a major boon for the league, teams and host cities.

🏈 NFL Draft gets underway in Kansas City

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Several former Kansas State players will take the next step in their football careers as they hear their name called this weekend during the 2023 NFL Draft outside Union Station in Downtown Kansas City.

The newly drafted Wildcats will join a list of 149 former K-State players that have been selected by current NFL organizations. 2023 NFL DRAFT

LOCATION Union Station; Kansas City, Mo. WHEN Thursday, April 27 - 7 p.m. CT (Round 1) Friday, April 28 - 6 p.m. CT (Rounds 2-3) Saturday, April 29 - 11 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-7) TELEVISION NFL Network ABC ESPN ESPN Deportes <a href="http://www.nfl.com/network/events/nfl-draft">Watch Live&nbsp;(NFL Network)</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/picks/1/1/2023">Draft Tracker</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFLDraft">NFL Draft Twitter</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB">K-State Football Twitter</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatefb/?hl=en">K-State Football Instagram</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682630239226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Several former Kansas State players will take the next step in their football careers as they hear their name called this weekend during the 2023 NFL Draft outside Union Station in Downtown Kansas City.

The newly drafted Wildcats will join a list of 149 former K-State players that have been selected by current NFL organizations. 2023 NFL DRAFTLOCATION Union Station; Kansas City, Mo. WHEN Thursday, April 27 - 7 p.m. CT (Round 1) Friday, April 28 - 6 p.m. CT (Rounds 2-3) Saturday, April 29 - 11 a.m. CT (Rounds 4-7) TELEVISION NFL Network ABC ESPN ESPN Deportes <a href="http://www.nfl.com/network/events/nfl-draft">Watch Live&nbsp;(NFL Network)</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/picks/1/1/2023">Draft Tracker</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFLDraft">NFL Draft Twitter</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB">K-State Football Twitter</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatefb/?hl=en">K-State Football Instagram</a> K-STATE'S DRAFT NOTES<ul>
 <li>K-State has had a player drafted in 27 of the last 28 years, including a streak of 26-straight years from 1993 to 2019, which was the longest active streak in the Big 12 Conference and tied for the 11th-longest streak in the nation at the time.</li><li>Since the formation of the Big 12 in 1996, 55 different Wildcats have heard their names called on draft day, ranking K-State among the Big 12 leaders in number of players taken in the NFL Draft.</li><li>K-State's largest draft class was in 1974 when seven different players were selected. The Wildcats' largest draft class in the Big 12 era is six, which occurred in 1999, 2001 and 2002.</li><li>The Wildcats' 2023 draft class is hoping to see at least three players selected for the first time since 2013 and at least four selected for the first time since 2003.</li><li>Kansas State has had five first-round picks in its history with the highest-selected player being the late Veryl Switzer, who was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 1954 NFL Draft by Green Bay.</li><li>K-State's last first-round selection was quarterback Josh Freeman, who was taken with the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay.</li><li>The Wildcats have had 13 players selected in the second round, the latest being Dalton Risner by Denver in 2019.</li><li>The organization with the most drafted Wildcats is Philadelphia with 11, followed by Arizona and&nbsp;Chicago with 10 apiece.</li><li>Current NFL teams that have never selected a K-State player include the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders.</li>
 </ul>

🏈 K-State's 2023 NFL Draft Central

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State is prepped for the final stretch of Big 12 action as No. 14 Texas Tech visits Tointon Family Stadium for a three-game series starting Friday at 6 p.m. 

The second game of the series is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. with the finale slated at 1 p.m. Sunday. K-State (26-16, 9-6 Big 12) ranks third in the conference standings. Texas Tech (29-13, 8-7 Big 12) enters the weekend with a one-game losing streak after Tuesday's nightcap was suspended due to weather. Sophomore pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List following the office's announcement on Wednesday. Left-hander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>, who ranks second in the league in strikeouts with 69, will head to the hill Friday night.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;will get his 12th&nbsp;start of the season Saturday while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/collin-rothermel/10962">Collin Rothermel</a>&nbsp;will get the call Sunday. Texas Tech leads the all-time series between the two programs, 50-32-1, while K-State is 19-17 when playing at home. The Cats last series win over the Red Raiders came in 2021 inside Tointon Family Stadium where K-State claimed the rubber match, 10-4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The entire series can be seen on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for the three-game series at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. With construction ongoing on the new Morgan Family Arena, parking for baseball games at Tointon Family Stadium will be impacted during the 2023 season. Fans are advised to park in the west parking lot of Bill Snyder&nbsp;Stadium and do so by entering through Gate 3 via College Avenue across from Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Gate 1 and Gate 2 will be closed for the duration of the 2023 baseball season. When proceeding to the stadium on foot, fans are advised to exit the west parking lot along the pedestrian path between Gate 1 and Gate 2 and then proceed to the stadium via the sidewalk along College Avenue.

⚾ Wildcats to host No. 14 Texas Tech this weekend

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

#19/21&nbsp;Wichita State at Tulsa Friday, April 28 | 5 PM Saturday, April 29 | 2 PM Sunday, April 30 | 1 PM Tulsa, Okla. | Collins Family Softball Complex ESPN+ | StatBroadcast.com QUICK HITS • A series win at Tulsa clinches at least a share of the 2023 AAC regular season title; a sweep clinches it outright. • Wichita State is ranked in all four polls: NFCA (#19), USA Softball (#21), Softball America (#21) and D1 Softball (#20). Wichita State's #19 ranking in NFCA is the highest in school history. • Wichita State's RPI is 21 entering the week. • Wichita State's 40-8 record is the best start through 48 games in school history. • Wichita State has its third 40-win season in school history. • Wichita State is 9-1 in its last 10 games. • Wichita State has three Top 10 wins this season - #9 Arkansas, #2 Oklahoma State and #3 Oklahoma State. • Wichita State's win at #3 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked road win in school history. • Wichita State's win over #2 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked win in school history. • Wichita State has 10 shutouts in 2023. The 2022 Shockers had five all season. • After playing just 11 home games in 2022, Wichita State had 27 games at Wilkins Stadium in 2023. • Wichita State received three first place votes in the AAC Preseason Poll and was picked to finish 2nd, just one point behind UCF. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;is a 3-time AAC Pitcher of the Week (Mar. 20, Apr. 10, Apr. 24). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;has been awarded AAC Player of the Week honors three times in 2023 (Feb. 20, April 3, April 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;was American Player of the Week on March 27. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;has been named the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week twice (Feb. 20, March 6). • McKinney was also named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week on Feb. 21. • McKinney leads the country in hits and ranks 2nd in average. • McKinney led the nation in hits and batting average in 2022. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active leader in hits and at bats. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney is the program's all-time hits, batting average, runs and total bases leader, while also owning single season records for those categories. • McKinney is one of 25 finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;has 68 career home runs, the most all time at Wichita State and in American Athletic Conference history. • Barnard finished the 2022 season leading the nation in home runs per game and RBI per game, and ranked second in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. • Barnard's 33 home runs broke her own single season record. • Barnard became the first known player in NCAA history with 30+ home runs and 25+ stolen bases. • Barnard is the only active DI player with 60+ HR and 50+ SB. • Barnard ranks 2nd among NCAA DI active players in career home runs. SERIES HISTORY VS. TULSA Wichita State and Tulsa first met in March of 1994 and have faced off a total of 61 times. The Shockers hold a 34-27 lead in the all-time series, and have won the last four meetings. Since 1994, Wichita State and Tulsa have played every year with the exception of a two-year gap in 2012 and 2013. LAST MEETING WITH THE GOLDEN HURRICANE Wichita State completed the regular season sweep of Tulsa in 2022 with a 15-7 run-rule in 5.0 innings on April 3, 2022. The Shockers took the series opener, 10-8, and then won games 2-3 in run-rule affairs. In the finale,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/neleigh-herring/6006">Neleigh Herring</a>&nbsp;both homered twice and combined for 10 RBI. 40 WIN SEASON Wichita State recorded its 40th win of the season on Sunday, April 23 vs. East Carolina. It marks only the third 40-win season in school history, joining the 2005 and 2021 teams. The 2005 team holds the current school record with 46 wins. PITCHING PROWESS The pitching staff was a question mark entering the season in 2023, but those questions have since disappeared. Wichita State's trio of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;have accomplished something already that no other team in school history has done. All three have double digit wins in 2023. Howell (16-2), Aguilar (13-2) and Cooper (11-4) have combined for all 40 wins so far this season, making them the first trio of teammates to have 10 or more wins in a single season in the circle. AGUILAR NAMED AAC PITCHER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;picked up her third American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honor on April 24. Aguilar was spectacular in three appearances. She was 3-0 with a sparkling 0.37 ERA in 19.0 innings, including two complete games, allowing only one earned run, while striking out eight.&nbsp;Aguilar opened the week with a standout performance at No. 3 Oklahoma State. She allowed only one run against a top 10 offense in the eight-inning, complete game victory. DON'T LET ADDIE GET HOT One of the nation's premiere home run hitters got off to a slow start in 2023, but seems to be getting into a groove. In her first 17 games of the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;had just two home runs. She has 11 in her last 27 games, including her first multi-home run game of 2023 vs. Northern Colorado. In conference play, Barnard is hitting .413 with 6 doubles, 7 home runs and 17 RBI. RPI - WEEK EIGHT Wichita State checked in at No. 21 in the week eight RPI rankings on April 24. The Shockers have already faced 12 teams in the Top 65, including No. 3 Oklahoma State (twice), No. 4 Stanford, No. 15 Arkansas, No. 31 Nebraska, No. 34 UCF, No. 38 Minnesota, No. 39 Boise State, No. 41 San Diego State, No. 48 Texas State, No. 53 South Dakota State, No. 56 South Florida and No. 61 Kansas. Wichita State still has a game against No. 61 Kansas. TOP 10 WINS Wichita State owns a trio of Top 10 wins in 2023 after taking down No. 3 Oklahoma State on April 18 in Stillwater. The Shockers completed the regular season sweep of Oklahoma State with wins in Stillwater and Wichita. The win over the Cowgirls in Wichita marked the highest ranked win in program history, having never beaten a Top 5 team before the matchup. The road win over OSU marked the highest ranked win on the road in school history. Wichita State's resume now includes wins over No. 2/3 Oklahoma State (twice) and No. 9 Arkansas (March 14), making it the first season in school history with multiple Top 10 victories. Wichita State has four Top 10 wins under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>, all four coming in the last three seasons. TOP 25 FINALIST Wichita State senior&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;was named one of 25 finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year on April 19. A top 10 finalist a season ago, McKinney is once again putting the nation on notice. McKinney was named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List prior to the season before making the cut at 25. Considered the most distinguished individual honor in Division I college softball, the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award recognizes outstanding athletic achievement by Division I female collegiate softball players from across the country. The Top 25 Finalists will be narrowed down to 10 athletes on May 3, followed by the Top 3 Finalists set to be released on May 17. SHOCKER SLUGGERS RETURN Wichita State returns 100 of the 121 home runs hit from the 2022 team. Led by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(33), Wichita State brings back one of the nation's best offenses in 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;(16),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;(15),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7233">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(4),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7242">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;(3) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(1) combined to hit the century mark in homers. PITCHERS BEWARE Wichita State obliterated the single season home run record for the second straight season in 2022. The Shockers crushed 103 in 2021, only to see the 2022 team set a new mark of 121. It only took 42 games for the 2022 team to match that number of 103. Wichita State has finished second nationally in home runs each of the last two seasons, behind only Oklahoma. ALL HAIL THE HIT QUEEN •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;is Wichita State's all-time hits leader with 364 in her career. She passed Britnee Barnett on April 29, 2022 vs. ECU with No. 251. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active career leader in hits (364) and at bats (810). She ranks 2nd in runs scored (239), third in batting average (.449) and total bases (524) and 5th in triples (16). • McKinney's career batting average of .449 17th all-time in NCAA history. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney's 239 career runs scored are the most in school history. • McKinney shattered her own single season record for batting average. She set it at .439 in 2021 and hit a nation-leading .522 in 2022. • With a career OBP of .499, McKinney currently holds the top spot in that category as well at Wichita State. • She ranks second with 16 career triples. • Her 44 career doubles place her in 5th on the school's all-time list. ONE OF THREE Wichita State is one of only three schools in the country, joining Oklahoma and Arkansas, to return multiple NFCA All-Americans from a season ago. The Shockers of course bring back NFCA Second Team All-Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>. THE AMERICAN STANDARD Since Wichita State entered the American Athletic Conference in 2018, the Shockers have been the league's top offensive team in the league. Not counting the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Wichita State has led the American in batting average (2021, 2022), slugging percentage (2018-22), on base percentage (2019-22), runs (2019-22), hits (2022), RBI (2019-22), doubles (2018, 2021-22), home runs (2018-22), total bases (2018-22) and walks (2019, 2021). HOME SWEET HOME Just a season ago Wichita State took on the role of road warrior. The Shockers have 27 home games at Wilkins Stadium compared to only 11 in 2022. During the month of March Wichita State only leaves Wichita once. Seventeen of those 27 home games take place in the month of March, including matchups against 2022 NCAA Regional teams: Stanford, Nebraska, Missouri State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Florida. IN THE AMERICAN RECORD BOOKS Wichita State is well-represented in the American Athletic Conference record books. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;holds the single-season record for batting average, hits, on base percentage and runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;is the single-season record holder for home runs, RBI, slugging percentage and total bases. On the career charts, McKinney already enters her final season holding the top spot in batting average, on base percentage, runs, total bases and hits. Barnard is the all-time home run leader and needs 14 RBI to surpass Wichita State's own Madison Perrigan for the most all-time in American history. UP NEXT Wichita State closes out the regular season at Kansas on Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; #19/21&nbsp;Wichita State at Tulsa Friday, April 28 | 5 PM Saturday, April 29 | 2 PM Sunday, April 30 | 1 PM Tulsa, Okla. | Collins Family Softball Complex ESPN+ | StatBroadcast.com QUICK HITS • A series win at Tulsa clinches at least a share of the 2023 AAC regular season title; a sweep clinches it outright. • Wichita State is ranked in all four polls: NFCA (#19), USA Softball (#21), Softball America (#21) and D1 Softball (#20). Wichita State's #19 ranking in NFCA is the highest in school history. • Wichita State's RPI is 21 entering the week. • Wichita State's 40-8 record is the best start through 48 games in school history. • Wichita State has its third 40-win season in school history. • Wichita State is 9-1 in its last 10 games. • Wichita State has three Top 10 wins this season - #9 Arkansas, #2 Oklahoma State and #3 Oklahoma State. • Wichita State's win at #3 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked road win in school history. • Wichita State's win over #2 Oklahoma State was the highest ranked win in school history. • Wichita State has 10 shutouts in 2023. The 2022 Shockers had five all season. • After playing just 11 home games in 2022, Wichita State had 27 games at Wilkins Stadium in 2023. • Wichita State received three first place votes in the AAC Preseason Poll and was picked to finish 2nd, just one point behind UCF. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;is a 3-time AAC Pitcher of the Week (Mar. 20, Apr. 10, Apr. 24). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;has been awarded AAC Player of the Week honors three times in 2023 (Feb. 20, April 3, April 10). •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;was American Player of the Week on March 27. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;has been named the American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week twice (Feb. 20, March 6). • McKinney was also named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week on Feb. 21. • McKinney leads the country in hits and ranks 2nd in average. • McKinney led the nation in hits and batting average in 2022. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active leader in hits and at bats. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney is the program's all-time hits, batting average, runs and total bases leader, while also owning single season records for those categories. • McKinney is one of 25 finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;has 68 career home runs, the most all time at Wichita State and in American Athletic Conference history. • Barnard finished the 2022 season leading the nation in home runs per game and RBI per game, and ranked second in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage. • Barnard's 33 home runs broke her own single season record. • Barnard became the first known player in NCAA history with 30+ home runs and 25+ stolen bases. • Barnard is the only active DI player with 60+ HR and 50+ SB. • Barnard ranks 2nd among NCAA DI active players in career home runs. SERIES HISTORY VS. TULSA Wichita State and Tulsa first met in March of 1994 and have faced off a total of 61 times. The Shockers hold a 34-27 lead in the all-time series, and have won the last four meetings. Since 1994, Wichita State and Tulsa have played every year with the exception of a two-year gap in 2012 and 2013. LAST MEETING WITH THE GOLDEN HURRICANE Wichita State completed the regular season sweep of Tulsa in 2022 with a 15-7 run-rule in 5.0 innings on April 3, 2022. The Shockers took the series opener, 10-8, and then won games 2-3 in run-rule affairs. In the finale,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/neleigh-herring/6006">Neleigh Herring</a>&nbsp;both homered twice and combined for 10 RBI. 40 WIN SEASON Wichita State recorded its 40th win of the season on Sunday, April 23 vs. East Carolina. It marks only the third 40-win season in school history, joining the 2005 and 2021 teams. The 2005 team holds the current school record with 46 wins. PITCHING PROWESS The pitching staff was a question mark entering the season in 2023, but those questions have since disappeared. Wichita State's trio of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;have accomplished something already that no other team in school history has done. All three have double digit wins in 2023. Howell (16-2), Aguilar (13-2) and Cooper (11-4) have combined for all 40 wins so far this season, making them the first trio of teammates to have 10 or more wins in a single season in the circle. AGUILAR NAMED AAC PITCHER OF THE WEEK FOR THIRD TIME Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;picked up her third American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honor on April 24. Aguilar was spectacular in three appearances. She was 3-0 with a sparkling 0.37 ERA in 19.0 innings, including two complete games, allowing only one earned run, while striking out eight.&nbsp;Aguilar opened the week with a standout performance at No. 3 Oklahoma State. She allowed only one run against a top 10 offense in the eight-inning, complete game victory. DON'T LET ADDIE GET HOT One of the nation's premiere home run hitters got off to a slow start in 2023, but seems to be getting into a groove. In her first 17 games of the season,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;had just two home runs. She has 11 in her last 27 games, including her first multi-home run game of 2023 vs. Northern Colorado. In conference play, Barnard is hitting .413 with 6 doubles, 7 home runs and 17 RBI. RPI - WEEK EIGHT Wichita State checked in at No. 21 in the week eight RPI rankings on April 24. The Shockers have already faced 12 teams in the Top 65, including No. 3 Oklahoma State (twice), No. 4 Stanford, No. 15 Arkansas, No. 31 Nebraska, No. 34 UCF, No. 38 Minnesota, No. 39 Boise State, No. 41 San Diego State, No. 48 Texas State, No. 53 South Dakota State, No. 56 South Florida and No. 61 Kansas. Wichita State still has a game against No. 61 Kansas. TOP 10 WINS Wichita State owns a trio of Top 10 wins in 2023 after taking down No. 3 Oklahoma State on April 18 in Stillwater. The Shockers completed the regular season sweep of Oklahoma State with wins in Stillwater and Wichita. The win over the Cowgirls in Wichita marked the highest ranked win in program history, having never beaten a Top 5 team before the matchup. The road win over OSU marked the highest ranked win on the road in school history. Wichita State's resume now includes wins over No. 2/3 Oklahoma State (twice) and No. 9 Arkansas (March 14), making it the first season in school history with multiple Top 10 victories. Wichita State has four Top 10 wins under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1072">Kristi Bredbenner</a>, all four coming in the last three seasons. TOP 25 FINALIST Wichita State senior&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;was named one of 25 finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year on April 19. A top 10 finalist a season ago, McKinney is once again putting the nation on notice. McKinney was named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List prior to the season before making the cut at 25. Considered the most distinguished individual honor in Division I college softball, the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award recognizes outstanding athletic achievement by Division I female collegiate softball players from across the country. The Top 25 Finalists will be narrowed down to 10 athletes on May 3, followed by the Top 3 Finalists set to be released on May 17. SHOCKER SLUGGERS RETURN Wichita State returns 100 of the 121 home runs hit from the 2022 team. Led by&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;(33), Wichita State brings back one of the nation's best offenses in 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;(16),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;(15),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jessica-garcia/7233">Jessica Garcia</a>&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;(4),&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7242">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;(3) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;(1) combined to hit the century mark in homers. PITCHERS BEWARE Wichita State obliterated the single season home run record for the second straight season in 2022. The Shockers crushed 103 in 2021, only to see the 2022 team set a new mark of 121. It only took 42 games for the 2022 team to match that number of 103. Wichita State has finished second nationally in home runs each of the last two seasons, behind only Oklahoma. ALL HAIL THE HIT QUEEN •&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;is Wichita State's all-time hits leader with 364 in her career. She passed Britnee Barnett on April 29, 2022 vs. ECU with No. 251. • McKinney is the NCAA DI active career leader in hits (364) and at bats (810). She ranks 2nd in runs scored (239), third in batting average (.449) and total bases (524) and 5th in triples (16). • McKinney's career batting average of .449 17th all-time in NCAA history. • McKinney became the first Shocker with 300 career hits on Feb. 19 vs. FDU. • McKinney's 239 career runs scored are the most in school history. • McKinney shattered her own single season record for batting average. She set it at .439 in 2021 and hit a nation-leading .522 in 2022. • With a career OBP of .499, McKinney currently holds the top spot in that category as well at Wichita State. • She ranks second with 16 career triples. • Her 44 career doubles place her in 5th on the school's all-time list. ONE OF THREE Wichita State is one of only three schools in the country, joining Oklahoma and Arkansas, to return multiple NFCA All-Americans from a season ago. The Shockers of course bring back NFCA Second Team All-Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>. THE AMERICAN STANDARD Since Wichita State entered the American Athletic Conference in 2018, the Shockers have been the league's top offensive team in the league. Not counting the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Wichita State has led the American in batting average (2021, 2022), slugging percentage (2018-22), on base percentage (2019-22), runs (2019-22), hits (2022), RBI (2019-22), doubles (2018, 2021-22), home runs (2018-22), total bases (2018-22) and walks (2019, 2021). HOME SWEET HOME Just a season ago Wichita State took on the role of road warrior. The Shockers have 27 home games at Wilkins Stadium compared to only 11 in 2022. During the month of March Wichita State only leaves Wichita once. Seventeen of those 27 home games take place in the month of March, including matchups against 2022 NCAA Regional teams: Stanford, Nebraska, Missouri State, Arkansas, Minnesota and South Florida. IN THE AMERICAN RECORD BOOKS Wichita State is well-represented in the American Athletic Conference record books. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;holds the single-season record for batting average, hits, on base percentage and runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;is the single-season record holder for home runs, RBI, slugging percentage and total bases. On the career charts, McKinney already enters her final season holding the top spot in batting average, on base percentage, runs, total bases and hits. Barnard is the all-time home run leader and needs 14 RBI to surpass Wichita State's own Madison Perrigan for the most all-time in American history. UP NEXT Wichita State closes out the regular season at Kansas on Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers close out AAC play at Tulsa

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State first year head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner officially announced his first staff Wednesday afternoon. Antwain Scales, Brooke Costley and Nick Bradford fill out the coaching staff as Nooner's assistant coaches, while D'Anthony Knight comes aboard as the strength and conditioning coach.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/staff/erica-yancey/100">Erica Yancey</a>&nbsp;will remain on staff as the director of operations. Antwain Scales A familiar face returns to Wichita. The Wichita native recently completed his third season as the head women's basketball coach at Garden City Community College. He compiled a 42-44 record in his three-year stint in Garden City. He spent seven illustrious seasons as the head girls coach at Wichita South High School. There, he turned a program that had won just two games in three seasons prior to his arrival, into a juggernaut. He compiled a record of 152-18 (.894) while leading the Titans to four straight 6A state championships, becoming the first program in history to accomplish that feat. During that stretch, Wichita South won 53 straight games before that streak ended in the 2017 state quarterfinals. Scales left Wichita South following the 2017 campaign to take the reins at Colby Community College. In his first season, Colby finished 8-22. But in year two, the Trojans turned a major corner, winning 19 games while posting a winning record for the first time since 2006. They began the year 11-1, their best start since 2003-2004. Nooner on Scales:&nbsp;"Antwain Scales, or as I like to refer, "Mr. Wichita", is a staple in the Wichita community. A natural leader and former USA Today High School Coach of the Year, Antwain brings a winning attitude to a city he loves so much. An elite recruiter with deep ties in Kansas and the region, I couldn't be more excited to bring Antwain home and make him a vital part of our program moving forward." Brooke Costley Another assistant coach with Kansas ties returns to the Sunflower State. Brooke Costley got her coaching start at Emporia State after completing her playing career for the Hornets. A native of Mexico, Mo., Costley recently completed a stint as an assistant coach for Texas A&amp;M Commerce. Costley was instrumental in the Lions' first season as a Division I program, helping TAMUC advance to the semifinal of the Southland Conference Tournament in 2022-23. In her time at TAMUC, Costley played a large role in the development of DesiRay Kernal who earned Second Team All-Southland Conference honors and landed on the Southland All-Tournament team after leading the Lions in assists and being second in scoring and rebounding. Prior to arriving at Commerce, Costley spent three seasons North Dakota State where she helped the Bison advance to the Semifinal of the Summit League Tournament two times. In just three seasons at NDSU, Costley coached a total of five all-conference honorees as well as three Summit All-Academic Team selections. Costley began her coaching career at her alma mater, Emporia State where she spent a total of six seasons. She spent two seasons as a graduate assistant, two years as a student assistant and two years as a student-athlete. In six seasons, she was part of four MIAA Tournament Championship teams at Emporia State and five teams that played in the NCAA Tournament. The Hornets advanced to the Sweet 16 four times, including a trip to the National Semifinals at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2014-15, falling to eventual national champion, California (Pa.) by five points. Costley received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and health and wellness from Emporia State in 2017. Nooner on Costley:&nbsp;"As a Missouri native, Brooke Costley is uniquely suited to help our basketball program by bringing to our staff excellent Division I coaching experience and direct ties to the region. A former Missouri Phenom AAU Assistant Coach, Brooke played for and began her coaching career at Emporia State, and comes from a coaching family. Her energy, knowledge of the area and ability to connect with young women all over the country will make her a great asset to the Wichita community." Nick Bradford A former teammate of Nooner's at Kansas, Nick Bradford rounds out the coaching staff after spending the last four years as the associate head coach boys coach for Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Ark. Since 2015, Bradford has also doubled as the Missouri Phenom girls head coach, a Nike EYBL AAU program. Prior to making the move to Fayetteville, Bradford spent two years as the head girls coach at Olathe North High School and one year as the head boys coach for Mexico High School in Mexico, Mo. Bradford got his start in coaching at Labette Community College as an assistant men's basketball coach from 2011-13. He then moved to the DII level from 2013-15 as the assistant men's basketball coach for Missouri Southern State. He graduated from Kansas in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in general studies, following a decorated four-year career under hall of fame head coach Roy Williams. &nbsp;A team captain in 1999-00, Bradford was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Big 12 Champion. When he left KU, he ranked in the top five on the career charts in games played and steals. He is married to Brittani, and has two children Quenci and Isaiah. Nooner on Bradford:&nbsp;"As a former teammate of mine and fellow captain at KU, I know the work ethic and commitment Nick Bradford will bring daily to continue building upon the success of Shocker women's basketball. Nick has coached some of the top players in the country as an AAU Coach with the Missouri Phenom, where he developed high-caliber players and has formed great relationships with many players and programs across the Midwest region. His vast connections and deep knowledge of the game will be valuable as we build the Wichita State Women's Basketball program." D'Anthony Knight D'Anthony Knight comes to the Sunflower State after spending the last few months as the associate football strength and conditioning coach at Washington State. Prior to making the move to Pullman, Knight spent the 2022 season at Akron as the assistant football strength and conditioning coach. Prior to Akron, Knight spent the 2021 campaign on the strength and conditioning football staff at Kansas. He began his professional career serving on the strength and conditioning football staff at Wyoming, spending the 2019 season as a strength and conditioning intern before moving into a full-time role the following season. Knight spent five seasons as a defensive back at Truman State, totaling 141 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and three interceptions. In 2016 he was named all-Great Lakes Valley Conference honorable mention honor and concluded his career following the 2018 season by being named the Defensive MVP at the Gateway All-American Bowl. Knight graduated from Truman State in 2019 earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682603682941.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;Wichita State first year head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner officially announced his first staff Wednesday afternoon. Antwain Scales, Brooke Costley and Nick Bradford fill out the coaching staff as Nooner's assistant coaches, while D'Anthony Knight comes aboard as the strength and conditioning coach.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/staff/erica-yancey/100">Erica Yancey</a>&nbsp;will remain on staff as the director of operations. Antwain Scales A familiar face returns to Wichita. The Wichita native recently completed his third season as the head women's basketball coach at Garden City Community College. He compiled a 42-44 record in his three-year stint in Garden City. He spent seven illustrious seasons as the head girls coach at Wichita South High School. There, he turned a program that had won just two games in three seasons prior to his arrival, into a juggernaut. He compiled a record of 152-18 (.894) while leading the Titans to four straight 6A state championships, becoming the first program in history to accomplish that feat. During that stretch, Wichita South won 53 straight games before that streak ended in the 2017 state quarterfinals. Scales left Wichita South following the 2017 campaign to take the reins at Colby Community College. In his first season, Colby finished 8-22. But in year two, the Trojans turned a major corner, winning 19 games while posting a winning record for the first time since 2006. They began the year 11-1, their best start since 2003-2004. Nooner on Scales:&nbsp;"Antwain Scales, or as I like to refer, "Mr. Wichita", is a staple in the Wichita community. A natural leader and former USA Today High School Coach of the Year, Antwain brings a winning attitude to a city he loves so much. An elite recruiter with deep ties in Kansas and the region, I couldn't be more excited to bring Antwain home and make him a vital part of our program moving forward." Brooke Costley Another assistant coach with Kansas ties returns to the Sunflower State. Brooke Costley got her coaching start at Emporia State after completing her playing career for the Hornets. A native of Mexico, Mo., Costley recently completed a stint as an assistant coach for Texas A&amp;M Commerce. Costley was instrumental in the Lions' first season as a Division I program, helping TAMUC advance to the semifinal of the Southland Conference Tournament in 2022-23. In her time at TAMUC, Costley played a large role in the development of DesiRay Kernal who earned Second Team All-Southland Conference honors and landed on the Southland All-Tournament team after leading the Lions in assists and being second in scoring and rebounding. Prior to arriving at Commerce, Costley spent three seasons North Dakota State where she helped the Bison advance to the Semifinal of the Summit League Tournament two times. In just three seasons at NDSU, Costley coached a total of five all-conference honorees as well as three Summit All-Academic Team selections. Costley began her coaching career at her alma mater, Emporia State where she spent a total of six seasons. She spent two seasons as a graduate assistant, two years as a student assistant and two years as a student-athlete. In six seasons, she was part of four MIAA Tournament Championship teams at Emporia State and five teams that played in the NCAA Tournament. The Hornets advanced to the Sweet 16 four times, including a trip to the National Semifinals at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 2014-15, falling to eventual national champion, California (Pa.) by five points. Costley received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and health and wellness from Emporia State in 2017. Nooner on Costley:&nbsp;"As a Missouri native, Brooke Costley is uniquely suited to help our basketball program by bringing to our staff excellent Division I coaching experience and direct ties to the region. A former Missouri Phenom AAU Assistant Coach, Brooke played for and began her coaching career at Emporia State, and comes from a coaching family. Her energy, knowledge of the area and ability to connect with young women all over the country will make her a great asset to the Wichita community." Nick Bradford A former teammate of Nooner's at Kansas, Nick Bradford rounds out the coaching staff after spending the last four years as the associate head coach boys coach for Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Ark. Since 2015, Bradford has also doubled as the Missouri Phenom girls head coach, a Nike EYBL AAU program. Prior to making the move to Fayetteville, Bradford spent two years as the head girls coach at Olathe North High School and one year as the head boys coach for Mexico High School in Mexico, Mo. Bradford got his start in coaching at Labette Community College as an assistant men's basketball coach from 2011-13. He then moved to the DII level from 2013-15 as the assistant men's basketball coach for Missouri Southern State. He graduated from Kansas in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in general studies, following a decorated four-year career under hall of fame head coach Roy Williams. &nbsp;A team captain in 1999-00, Bradford was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Big 12 Champion. When he left KU, he ranked in the top five on the career charts in games played and steals. He is married to Brittani, and has two children Quenci and Isaiah. Nooner on Bradford:&nbsp;"As a former teammate of mine and fellow captain at KU, I know the work ethic and commitment Nick Bradford will bring daily to continue building upon the success of Shocker women's basketball. Nick has coached some of the top players in the country as an AAU Coach with the Missouri Phenom, where he developed high-caliber players and has formed great relationships with many players and programs across the Midwest region. His vast connections and deep knowledge of the game will be valuable as we build the Wichita State Women's Basketball program." D'Anthony Knight D'Anthony Knight comes to the Sunflower State after spending the last few months as the associate football strength and conditioning coach at Washington State. Prior to making the move to Pullman, Knight spent the 2022 season at Akron as the assistant football strength and conditioning coach. Prior to Akron, Knight spent the 2021 campaign on the strength and conditioning football staff at Kansas. He began his professional career serving on the strength and conditioning football staff at Wyoming, spending the 2019 season as a strength and conditioning intern before moving into a full-time role the following season. Knight spent five seasons as a defensive back at Truman State, totaling 141 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and three interceptions. In 2016 he was named all-Great Lakes Valley Conference honorable mention honor and concluded his career following the 2018 season by being named the Defensive MVP at the Gateway All-American Bowl. Knight graduated from Truman State in 2019 earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Nooner finalizes first staff at WSU

PHOENIX (AP) — Zac Gallen struck out 12 over 6 1/3 innings and stretched his scoreless streak to 28 innings, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Kansas City Royals 2-0. The D-backs took two of three games from the Royals and finished 3-4 on their homestand. Gallen (4-1) had another stellar outing, giving up just four hits and walking none. The right-hander — who finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting last season — hasn’t given up a run since April 4th against San Diego.

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas City’s Freddy Fermin knocked the cover off the ball during Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Royals catcher was facing Zac Gallen in the second inning when he swung early on an off-speed pitch. Fermin’s bat just knicked the baseball, sending it bouncing softly into foul ground close to the on-deck circle. As it came to a stop, it was clear that the cover had been partially torn from the ball. The Diamondbacks beat the Royals 2-0 on Wednesday. Fermin wasn’t the only Royals hitter fooled by one of Gallen’s pitches. The Arizona right-hander struck out 12, running his scoreless streak to 28 innings.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mitch Haniger scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the fifth inning following a dropped fly ball by Cardinals center fielder Lars Nootbaar, helping the Giants overcome a big night from slugger Paul Goldschmidt and beat St. Louis 7-3 on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Tanner Bibee struck out eight and allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings in his major league debut and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep. Bibee, a 24-year-old right-hander, was called up from Triple-A Columbus before the game and became the second Cleveland pitcher in four days to win his major league debut. Logan Allen won his debut Sunday against Miami.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates utility player Drew Maggi made his majo -league debut Wednesday night after playing 13 seasons and 1,154 games in the minor leagues. The 33-year-old struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning in the Pirates' 8-1 victory over the the Los Angeles Dodgers. Maggi had been called up from Double-A Altoona on Sunday when star outfielder Bryan Reynolds was placed on the bereavement list.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bryce Young wrapped up in a blanket, fighting off the cold on a crisp morning in downtown Kansas City, where 24 hours later he is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. All around the Alabama quarterback, workers in hard hats and publicists and myriad others hurried about Wednesday, putting the last touches on the league’s second-biggest spectacle behind only the Super Bowl. The city is hosting the draft just two months after the Chiefs celebrated their third Lombardi Trophy with a parade that also ended at Union Station.

UPDATED (AP) — It took the Carolina Panthers until Monday to decide which quarterback they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. They’re not saying but oddsmakers believe it’ll be Alabama’s Bryce Young. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is an overwhelming favorite to go first. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud has dropped from favorite to having the third-best odds behind Kentucky’s Will Levis. Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a longshot. The Panthers traded four picks along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers believes he’s where he needs to be. And the New York Jets’ new quarterback thinks they can do big things together. The four-time NFL MVP was introduced by the team Wednesday to much fanfare in the team’s auditorium. Rodgers said it's a surreal day for him and he's looking forward to the new adventure in New York. The Jets received Rodgers, the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-rounder this year from the Packers. In exchange, Green Bay got the 13th overall selection, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of New York’s plays this season. Rodgers spent his first 18 seasons in Green Bay.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 23 points, RJ Barrett added 21 and the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 in Game 5 to advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Knicks controlled a series that was more one-sided than expected. New York won the opener at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, dominated the Cavs twice at noisy Madison Square Garden and then returned to Cleveland to finish the job. Brunson ir attempt to acquire Donovan Mitchell fell apart and he landed in Cleveland. Mitchell Robinson added 18 rebounds for New York. Donovan Mitchell scored 28 to pace the Cavs, whose postseason inexperience showed throughout the series.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Desmond Bane had 33 points and 10 rebounds, Ja Morant added 31 points and 10 boards, and the Memphis Grizzlies staved off elimination, beating the Lakers 116-99 to force their first-round Western Conference series back to Los Angeles. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies improved to 5-0 in Game 5s played in Memphis. They earned a second straight No. 2 seed by posting the NBA’s best home record at 35-6. Game 6 is Friday night in Los Angeles. LeBron James started 1 of 7 from the field but finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 19 rebounds for the Lakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297613631.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday, April 27th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday, April 27th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Zac Gallen struck out 12 over 6 1/3 innings and stretched his scoreless streak to 28 innings, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Kansas City Royals 2-0. The D-backs took two of three games from the Royals and finished 3-4 on their homestand. Gallen (4-1) had another stellar outing, giving up just four hits and walking none. The right-hander — who finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting last season — hasn’t given up a run since April 4th against San Diego.PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas City’s Freddy Fermin knocked the cover off the ball during Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Royals catcher was facing Zac Gallen in the second inning when he swung early on an off-speed pitch. Fermin’s bat just knicked the baseball, sending it bouncing softly into foul ground close to the on-deck circle. As it came to a stop, it was clear that the cover had been partially torn from the ball. The Diamondbacks beat the Royals 2-0 on Wednesday. Fermin wasn’t the only Royals hitter fooled by one of Gallen’s pitches. The Arizona right-hander struck out 12, running his scoreless streak to 28 innings.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mitch Haniger scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the fifth inning following a dropped fly ball by Cardinals center fielder Lars Nootbaar, helping the Giants overcome a big night from slugger Paul Goldschmidt and beat St. Louis 7-3 on Wednesday.CLEVELAND (AP) — Tanner Bibee struck out eight and allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings in his major league debut and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep. Bibee, a 24-year-old right-hander, was called up from Triple-A Columbus before the game and became the second Cleveland pitcher in four days to win his major league debut. Logan Allen won his debut Sunday against Miami.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates utility player Drew Maggi made his majo -league debut Wednesday night after playing 13 seasons and 1,154 games in the minor leagues. The 33-year-old struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning in the Pirates' 8-1 victory over the the Los Angeles Dodgers. Maggi had been called up from Double-A Altoona on Sunday when star outfielder Bryan Reynolds was placed on the bereavement list.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bryce Young wrapped up in a blanket, fighting off the cold on a crisp morning in downtown Kansas City, where 24 hours later he is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. All around the Alabama quarterback, workers in hard hats and publicists and myriad others hurried about Wednesday, putting the last touches on the league’s second-biggest spectacle behind only the Super Bowl. The city is hosting the draft just two months after the Chiefs celebrated their third Lombardi Trophy with a parade that also ended at Union Station.UPDATED (AP) — It took the Carolina Panthers until Monday to decide which quarterback they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. They’re not saying but oddsmakers believe it’ll be Alabama’s Bryce Young. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is an overwhelming favorite to go first. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud has dropped from favorite to having the third-best odds behind Kentucky’s Will Levis. Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a longshot. The Panthers traded four picks along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers believes he’s where he needs to be. And the New York Jets’ new quarterback thinks they can do big things together. The four-time NFL MVP was introduced by the team Wednesday to much fanfare in the team’s auditorium. Rodgers said it's a surreal day for him and he's looking forward to the new adventure in New York. The Jets received Rodgers, the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth-rounder this year from the Packers. In exchange, Green Bay got the 13th overall selection, a second-rounder, a sixth-rounder and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of New York’s plays this season. Rodgers spent his first 18 seasons in Green Bay.CLEVELAND (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 23 points, RJ Barrett added 21 and the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 in Game 5 to advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Knicks controlled a series that was more one-sided than expected. New York won the opener at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, dominated the Cavs twice at noisy Madison Square Garden and then returned to Cleveland to finish the job. Brunson ir attempt to acquire Donovan Mitchell fell apart and he landed in Cleveland. Mitchell Robinson added 18 rebounds for New York. Donovan Mitchell scored 28 to pace the Cavs, whose postseason inexperience showed throughout the series.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Desmond Bane had 33 points and 10 rebounds, Ja Morant added 31 points and 10 boards, and the Memphis Grizzlies staved off elimination, beating the Lakers 116-99 to force their first-round Western Conference series back to Los Angeles. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies improved to 5-0 in Game 5s played in Memphis. They earned a second straight No. 2 seed by posting the NBA’s best home record at 35-6. Game 6 is Friday night in Los Angeles. LeBron James started 1 of 7 from the field but finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Davis had 31 points and 19 rebounds for the Lakers.BOSTON (AP) — Trae Young's 30-foot 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the Hawks 119-117 Game 5 victory over the Celtics changed everything about the first-round playoff matchup. Boston's series lead is now down to 3-2 and headed back to Atlanta. Though still on the verge of a second straight opening round exit, the Hawks have reason to be confident heading home because they will get back Dejounte Murray, who served a one-game suspension for bumping an official after the end of Game 4. The extension of the series is good news for the awaiting Philadelphia 76ers, who will have even more time to rest before the start of the second round.WEDNESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 5 Texas 3Final Cleveland 4 Colorado 1Final Milwaukee 6 Detroit 2Final Arizona 2 Kansas City 0Final Philadelphia 6 Seattle 5AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Yankees 12 Minnesota 6Final Toronto 8 Chicago White Sox 0Final Baltimore 6 Boston 2Final Houston 1 Tampa Bay 0Final L.A. Angels 11 Oakland 3NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 8 L.A. Dodgers 1Final Atlanta 6 Miami 4Final Washington 4 N.Y. Mets 1Final San Diego 5 Chicago Cubs 3Final San Francisco 7 St. Louis 3NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal New York 106 Cleveland 95Final Memphis 116 L.A. Lakers 99Final OT Miami 128 Milwaukee 126Final Golden State 123 Sacramento 116NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal OT Florida 4 Boston 3Final Seattle 3 Colorado 2<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;