Hutchinson Community College sophomore Caleb Manning became the third Blue Dragon athlete to qualify for nationals and the second Dragon to win an event this season on Friday at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Invitational at the Heskett Center.

Manning won the triple jump with a national-qualifying leap of 46 feet, 8.25 inches (14.23m). Manning joins Dimetre Browne (long jump) and Christopher Brown (shot put).

Manning hit his national-qualifying mark on his second attempts in the preliminary round. Manning, who is now a two-time national qualifier, had a top jump in the finals of 46-4.75.

The Blue Dragons had two athletes finish in the Top 5 of the triple jump on Friday. Adrian Dimond placed fifth with a jump of 44-2.75

The Dragons had athletes in just two events on Friday.

Brown placed sixth in the men’s eight throw with a top effort of 48 feet, 10 inches.

Wesley Miller played 23rd at 38-7 and Noah Raigoza was 30th at 35-9.

The Blue Dragons begin Day 2 of the Herm Wilson Invitational at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College sophomore Caleb Manning became the third Blue Dragon athlete to qualify for nationals and the second Dragon to win an event this season on Friday at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Invitational at the Heskett Center.Manning won the triple jump with a national-qualifying leap of 46 feet, 8.25 inches (14.23m). Manning joins Dimetre Browne (long jump) and Christopher Brown (shot put).Manning hit his national-qualifying mark on his second attempts in the preliminary round. Manning, who is now a two-time national qualifier, had a top jump in the finals of 46-4.75.The Blue Dragons had two athletes finish in the Top 5 of the triple jump on Friday. Adrian Dimond placed fifth with a jump of 44-2.75The Dragons had athletes in just two events on Friday.Brown placed sixth in the men’s eight throw with a top effort of 48 feet, 10 inches.Wesley Miller played 23rd at 38-7 and Noah Raigoza was 30th at 35-9.The Blue Dragons begin Day 2 of the Herm Wilson Invitational at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Manning wins Herm Wilson Long Jump

Hutchinson Community College Sophomore Liberty Limon had the best placing of just a handful of Blue Dragon athletics on Friday at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Classic at the Heskett Center.

Day 1 had Blue Dragon athletes in just three events. The bulk of the action will take place on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Limon placed sixth on Friday in the women’s triple jump with a top jump of 34 feet, 4.75 inches. She hit that jump on the first attempts of finals.

Two Blue Dragon triple jumpers earned spots in the finals on Friday. Sophomore Emme Watkins finished with at 32-4.25, which was her first jump in the preliminary round.

Sophomore Lushous Davis led three Blue Dragons in the women’s weigh throw. She placed 14th with a throw of 44 feet even. Chanelle Chandler went 36-7 and places 27th. Hayleigh Burke&nbsp;&nbsp;finished 30th with a top throw of 29 feet, 3 inches.

Freshman Alivia Noll tied for 23rd in the pole vault with a clearances of 8 feet, 9.75 inches.

HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College Sophomore Liberty Limon had the best placing of just a handful of Blue Dragon athletics on Friday at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Classic at the Heskett Center.Day 1 had Blue Dragon athletes in just three events. The bulk of the action will take place on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m.Limon placed sixth on Friday in the women’s triple jump with a top jump of 34 feet, 4.75 inches. She hit that jump on the first attempts of finals.Two Blue Dragon triple jumpers earned spots in the finals on Friday. Sophomore Emme Watkins finished with at 32-4.25, which was her first jump in the preliminary round.Sophomore Lushous Davis led three Blue Dragons in the women’s weigh throw. She placed 14th with a throw of 44 feet even. Chanelle Chandler went 36-7 and places 27th. Hayleigh Burke&nbsp;&nbsp;finished 30th with a top throw of 29 feet, 3 inches.Freshman Alivia Noll tied for 23rd in the pole vault with a clearances of 8 feet, 9.75 inches.

Limon 6th at Herm Wilson Long Jump on Day 1 of meet

Hutchinson Community College men’s golf first-team All-American Dominic Clemons was selected to be a part of college golf’s elite golfers on Friday when he was named to the Ben Hogan Award watch list.

Clemons was one of 37 collegiate golfers from all levels – NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA – named to the initial watch list. The field will be trimmed down to a semifinal group of 10 on April 14. The final three golfers will be named May 4 with the 2023 winner being announced on May 22 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Clemons, a sophomore from Cambridge, England, is the only NJCAA player named to the Ben Hogan Watch list.

The Blue Dragon sophomore earned first-team All-America honors after tying for the 2022 individual championship at Odessa Country Club. Leading the Blue Dragons to their second-straight team national championship, Clemons lost a two-hole playoff for the individual national title.

Clemons is currently the No. 1-ranked golfer in the NJCAA, according to GolfStat.com. The Blue Dragon sophomore has a stroke average of 71.59.

The Ben Hogan Award presented by PNC Bank annually awards the top men’s collegiate golfer based on all collegiate, amateur and professional events over the previous 12 months.

Clemons has committed to Stetson University for next season.

The Blue Dragons open their 2023 spring season on March 13-14 at the Lindenwood University Invitational in St. Charles, Missouri.

2023 Ben Hogan Award Watch List Candidates

Ludvig Aberg, Texas Tech, Senior, Eslov, Sweden

Dominic Clemons, Hutchinson Community College, Sophomore

Charles DeLong, Grand Valley State, Sophomore

Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Illinois, Senior

Mateo Fernandez de Oliveira, Arkansas, Senior, Buenos Aires, Argentina

David Ford, North Carolina, Sophomore, Peachtree Corners, Ga.

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Oklahoma State

Preston Summerhays, Arizona State, Sophomore

Michael Thorbjornsen, Stanford, Sophomore

HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College men’s golf first-team All-American Dominic Clemons was selected to be a part of college golf’s elite golfers on Friday when he was named to the Ben Hogan Award watch list.Clemons was one of 37 collegiate golfers from all levels – NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA – named to the initial watch list. The field will be trimmed down to a semifinal group of 10 on April 14. The final three golfers will be named May 4 with the 2023 winner being announced on May 22 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.Clemons, a sophomore from Cambridge, England, is the only NJCAA player named to the Ben Hogan Watch list.The Blue Dragon sophomore earned first-team All-America honors after tying for the 2022 individual championship at Odessa Country Club. Leading the Blue Dragons to their second-straight team national championship, Clemons lost a two-hole playoff for the individual national title.Clemons is currently the No. 1-ranked golfer in the NJCAA, according to GolfStat.com. The Blue Dragon sophomore has a stroke average of 71.59.The Ben Hogan Award presented by PNC Bank annually awards the top men’s collegiate golfer based on all collegiate, amateur and professional events over the previous 12 months.Clemons has committed to Stetson University for next season.The Blue Dragons open their 2023 spring season on March 13-14 at the Lindenwood University Invitational in St. Charles, Missouri.2023 Ben Hogan Award Watch List CandidatesLudvig Aberg, Texas Tech, Senior, Eslov, SwedenLeon Acikalin, Arizona Christian, SeniorCole Anderson, Florida State, JuniorSam Bennett, Texas A&amp;M, SeniorFred Biondi, Florida, SeniorRyan Burnett, North Carolina, SeniorDominic Clemons, Hutchinson Community College, SophomoreCharles DeLong, Grand Valley State, SophomoreAdrien Dumont de Chassart, Illinois, SeniorMateo Fernandez de Oliveira, Arkansas, Senior, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaDavid Ford, North Carolina, Sophomore, Peachtree Corners, Ga.Nick Gabrelcik, North Florida, JuniorAustin Greaser, North Carolina, SeniorDerek Hitchner, Pepperdine, SeniorBen James, Virginia, FreshmanConnor Jones, Colorado State, SeniorTommy Kuhl, Illinois, SeniorChristo Lamprecht, Georgia Tech, JuniorBryce Lewis, Tennessee, JuniorYuxin Lin, Florida, SeniorChristiaan Maas, Texas, FreshmanDylan Menante, North Carolina, SeniorMaxwell Moldovan, Ohio State, JuniorWilliam Mouw, Pepperdine, SeniorRasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Oklahoma StateGreg Odom, Howard, SeniorAlex Price, Christopher Newport, SeniorGordon Sargent, Vanderbilt, SophomoreCalum Scott, Texas Tech, SophomoreHerman Sekne, Purdue, JuniorCole Sherwood, Vanderbilt, JuniorGarrison Smith, New Mexico State, SeniorRoss Steelman, Georgia Tech, SeniorPreston Summerhays, Arizona State, SophomoreCaleb Surratt, Tennessee, FreshmanMichael Thorbjornsen, Stanford, SophomoreTravis Vick, Texas, Senior

⛳ Clemons named to Ben Hogan Award watch list

WICHITA STATE (10-10, 3-5) at EAST CAROLINA (11-10, 2-6) Sunday, Jan. 29 | 11 a.m. CT (Noon ET) Greenville, N.C. | Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum TV:&nbsp;ESPNU w/ Mike Corey &amp; Sean Harrington Radio:&nbsp;KEYN 103.7 FM (goshockers.com/Listen) w/ Mike Kennedy &amp; Bob Hull Live Stats:&nbsp;shockerstats.com Series:&nbsp;WSU leads 6-1 (2-0 in Greenville); Last: Dec. 31, 2022 in Wichita (ECU, 79-69) OPENING TIPS:

NCAA Division I Players Averaging: 3.0 Assists, 1.0 Block, 1,0 Steal: <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;(Wichita St.) -- 3.9 APG,&nbsp; 1.4 BPG, 1.8 SPG Jalen Slawson (Furman) -- &nbsp;3.5 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.5 SPG Demarius Jacobs (Ball St.) -- 3.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.6 SPG Oso Ighodaro (Marquette) -- 3.2 APG,&nbsp; 1.1 BPG, 1.8 SPG Ta'Lon Cooper (Minnesota) -- 5.7 APG, 1.3 BPG,&nbsp; 1.0 SPG Enoch Cheeks (Robert Morris) &nbsp;-- 3.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.2 SPG Data Source: College Basketball Reference Play Index // as of 1/27/23

LAST MEETING WITH ECU: Dec. 31, 2022 | Wichita | ECU, 79-69

A SHOCKER WIN WOULD… Make them 11-10 with wins in 4 of their last 6. Get them to the midway point of the AAC schedule with a 4-5 mark on the heels of an 0-3 start. Avenge a New Year's Eve loss to ECU and up their series lead to 7-1 (3-0 at Minges). Make them 4-3 this season in true road games (3-3 in AAC play). Make them 12-10 in road games under third-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/isaac-brown/1064">Isaac Brown</a>. A SHOCKER LOSS WOULD... Drop them under .500 at 10-11. Send them into the halfway point of the conference schedule with a 3-6 record. Give ECU a regular season series sweep and narrow the Shockers' all-time lead to 6-2 (2-1 in Greenville). Be less good than a win. UP NEXT: HOUSTON Thursday, Feb. 2 | 8 p.m.&nbsp; CT | ESPN2 Wichita, Kan. | Charles Koch Arena

WICHITA STATE (10-10, 3-5) at EAST CAROLINA (11-10, 2-6) Sunday, Jan. 29 | 11 a.m. CT (Noon ET) Greenville, N.C. | Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum TV:&nbsp;ESPNU w/ Mike Corey &amp; Sean Harrington Radio:&nbsp;KEYN 103.7 FM (goshockers.com/Listen) w/ Mike Kennedy &amp; Bob Hull Live Stats:&nbsp;shockerstats.com Series:&nbsp;WSU leads 6-1 (2-0 in Greenville); Last: Dec. 31, 2022 in Wichita (ECU, 79-69) OPENING TIPS:<ul>
 <li>Knock on the nearest wooden surface before proceeding to the next line...</li><li>For the first time in four years, the Wichita State Shockers will face American Athletic Conference rival East Carolina on its home floor.</li><li>Sunday's matchup in Greenville, N.C. comes exactly 1,453 days removed from the last -- a 65-49 WSU victory on Feb. 6, 2019. WSU senior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isaiah-poor-bear-chandler/7222">Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler</a>&nbsp;is the only player still around from either roster.</li><li>The Shockers didn't make the 1,000+ mile journey in 2020 due to The American's unbalanced schedule. Subsequent road games in 2021 and 2022 were called off due to health and safety protocol – the latter just hours before tipoff, after the WSU had completed its pregame shoot around inside Minges Coliseum.</li><li>WSU is 6-1 all-time against ECU (2-0 in Greenville) but now looks to avenge its first series loss. The Pirates took the Dec. 31 meeting in Wichita, 79-69, despite career-highs 21 points and 11 rebounds from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7214">Kenny Pohto</a>. ECU used a 17-2 run to go up by 13 points late in the first half. The Shockers led by eight near the 14:00-mark of the second half after a 14-2 push of their own, but the visiting Pirates made 10 of their next 15 shots to draw even and eventually pull away.</li><li>Wild momentum swings have been a staple of WSU's 2023 conference season. The Shockers overcame seconds half deficits of 14, 16 and nine points in January wins over USF, Tulsa and SMU but blew an 18-point lead in Wednesday night's 95-90 overtime loss to Tulane.</li><li>WSU's&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaykwon-walton/7208">Jaykwon Walton</a>&nbsp;scored a career-high 24 points against Tulane and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;grabbed a personal-best 11 rebounds on his way to a double-double.</li><li>One of just two Shocker holdovers from last year's active roster, Porter averages 12.1 points and a team-best 6.1 rebounds. The senior point guard ranks among the nation's top-50 in blocks (1.84) and is also among the AAC leaders in assists (8th, 3.9) and steals (10th, 1.4).</li><li>Walton is the team's leading scorer (13.3 ppg) and one of nine new transfers on the active roster. He's made the AAC honor roll in each of the last two weeks.</li><li>In AAC games,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7214">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;is averaging 10.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals while&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/james-rojas/7210">James Rojas</a>&nbsp;is putting up 9.8 points and 7.3 boards.</li>
 </ul> ON THIS DATE: JAN. 29<ul>
 <li>1965 –&nbsp;Three-time All-American Dave Stallworth scored 45 points in a 93-92 overtime loss at Loyola Chicago. The following night at the Roundhouse, he concluded his Shocker career with 40 points in a win over Louisville.</li><li>1972 –&nbsp;Terry Benton was everywhere at once in a 92-60 win over Tulsa, finishing with 20 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists.</li>
 </ul> QUADRUPLE DOUBLE-DOUBLE DOUBLES:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;finished with a double-double stat line against Tulane, collecting 12 points and 11 rebounds. He was two assists shy of a triple-double.</li><li>It was WSU's 10th double-double of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaykwon-walton/7208">Jaykwon Walton</a>&nbsp;has 3 and the trio of Porter,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7214">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/james-rojas/7210">James Rojas</a>&nbsp;have two-each.</li><li>It's the first time in 28 years that four different Shockers have tallied multiple double-doubles in a season. The 1994-95 group included Jamie Arnold (10), Larry Callis (5), L.D. Swanson (2) and Terrance Flowers (2).</li>
 </ul> STUFFING SHOTS AND THE STAT SHEET:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;enters the weekend as one of just six players who are averaging at least 3.0 assists, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal-per-game.</li>
 </ul>NCAA Division I Players Averaging: 3.0 Assists, 1.0 Block, 1,0 Steal: <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;(Wichita St.) -- 3.9 APG,&nbsp; 1.4 BPG, 1.8 SPG Jalen Slawson (Furman) -- &nbsp;3.5 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.5 SPG Demarius Jacobs (Ball St.) -- 3.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.6 SPG Oso Ighodaro (Marquette) -- 3.2 APG,&nbsp; 1.1 BPG, 1.8 SPG Ta'Lon Cooper (Minnesota) -- 5.7 APG, 1.3 BPG,&nbsp; 1.0 SPG Enoch Cheeks (Robert Morris) &nbsp;-- 3.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.2 SPG Data Source: College Basketball Reference Play Index // as of 1/27/23 DRIVE TO SUCCEED:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/isaac-brown/1064">Isaac Brown</a>&nbsp;wants his players to quit settling for jump shots and get the rim.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaykwon-walton/7208">Jaykwon Walton</a>&nbsp;is one of several Shockers that have taken that advice to heart. In six AAC games, the junior is shooting 71% from inside the arc (22/31) and averaging 5.5 free throw attempts (up from 2.7 in non-conference play).</li><li>Walton made 5-of-9 threes against Tulane to shake out of a month-long shooting slump. Prior to that, he was just 2-of-18 from deep in conference games.</li>
 </ul> TRIPLE TROUBLE:<ul>
 <li>The Shockers finished the non-conference season ranked among the national leaders in three-point field goal percentage defense (6.5 threes on 27.9% accuracy).</li><li>By contrast, Shocker opponents have shot the cover off the ball since the start of conference play, averaging 8.6 threes on 36.1% accuracy (the highest percentage among the league's 11 schools).</li><li>The trend has been even worse at the Roundhouse where WSU is an uncharacteristic 1-3 in AAC home games. The four invading teams have combine to shoot 41.6% from three (42-of-101).</li>
 </ul> ALSO TRENDING:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gus-okafor/7216">Gus Okafor</a>&nbsp;recorded his 500th career rebound&nbsp; during the Tulane game and needs just 34 more points to reach 1,000. The 6-6 graduate transfer played his freshman season at Longwood and two more at Southeastern Louisiana.</li><li>Wednesday night against Tulane marked the first time in eight conference games that WSU has held a halftime lead. The Shockers scored a season-high 48 points and drilled 7-of-15 threes (.467) to go into the break up 13.</li><li>The Shockers ended another streak less than two seconds into the game when they controlled the opening tip. It was the first time since Dec. 17 (Oklahoma State) that they've started a game with possession. Including overtime, WSU is just 4-18 on jump balls.</li><li>ECU is the first opponent that the Shockers have faced twice this year. Houston and Temple are the only teams they've yet to encounter.</li><li>The overtime loss to Tulane snapped a streak of 49-straight wins when scoring at least 90 points. The last setback was a 103-95 double-overtime defeat at Creighton on Feb. 17, 1990.</li><li>The Green Wave's 95 points were the most allowed by a Shocker team since a 95-87 loss at Missouri State on Jan. 7, 2007 and the most scored by a visiting team at the Roundhouse since Feb. 12, 1983 when the Shockers defeated Indiana State, 111-96.</li>
 </ul> SCOUTING THE PIRATES:<ul>
 <li>ECU has a new coach (former Tennessee assistant Michael Schwartz) and an almost entirely new cast.</li><li>The Pirates returned just one starter and five total lettermen from last year's 15-15 squad that finished ninth in the AAC standings at 6-11.</li><li>That's not to say the cupboard was completely bare. A trio of sophomore returners form this year's nucleus and have combined for 55% of the scoring:</li><li>6-2 Javon Small ranks among the AAC leaders in scoring (15.8 ppg, 10th), assists (5.6, 2nd) and minutes (34.7, 3rd) and can beat opponents from the perimeter (2.0 threes-per-game) or at the foul line (82/96, .854).</li><li>6-8 forward Brandon Johnson (12.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg) is the AAC co-leader in double-doubles (8).</li><li>6-3 guard RJ Felton is the team's top returning scorer from a season ago, has nearly doubled his production, averaging 12.0 points.</li><li>ECU isn't a a great shooting team but crashes the boards and gets to the foul line. The Pirates are shooting a league-low 42.0% from the fiueld but rank 32nd nationally in offensive rebound percentage (.343) and lead the conference in free throw rate (.376).</li>
 </ul> THE SERIES:<ul>
 <li>The Shockers are 6-1 (2-0 in Greenville).</li><li>Three of the seven meetings came in 2018-19 when WSU swept the home-and-home and defeated ECU in the first round of the AAC tournament in Memphis.</li><li>The teams met just once in 2017-18 and 2019-20 due the league' unbalanced schedule. Both 2020-21 dates were canceled due to COVID-19. The Shockers traveled to Greenville for the 2021-22 AAC opener, but that contest was called off just hours before tipoff.</li><li>WSU is 2-0 at ECU's Minges Coliseum but hasn't played a game there since Feb. 6, 2019.</li>
 </ul> LAST MEETING WITH ECU: Dec. 31, 2022 | Wichita | ECU, 79-69<ul>
 <li>Despite a breakthrough performance from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7214">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;(career-highs 21 points, 11 rebounds), WSU fell to ECU for the first time in seven AAC era meetings.</li><li>Brandon Johnson supplied 17 points and eight rebounds for ECU, which overcame an eight-point deficit near the 14:00-mark of the second half by scoring on 18 of its final 25 trips down the court.</li><li>The Pirates shot 44.6%, ending WSU's streak of six-straight games holding its opponent under 40%.</li><li>ECU made 10-of-25 threes and converted 19-of-22 free throws, including 10-for-10 in the last two minutes.</li><li>WSU shot 42.9% including 9-of-24 from three.</li><li>Pohto was 9-of-13 from the field and recorded seven offensive boards en route to his first career double-double.</li><li><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/shammah-scott/7224">Shammah Scott</a>&nbsp;--just 2-of-13 from beyond the arc coming into the day -- finished with 19 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting.</li><li>Still limited by injury,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/craig-porter-jr-/7213">Craig Porter Jr.</a>&nbsp;hobbled through 17 minutes and finished with two points.</li><li>ECU used a 17-2 run to grab a double-digit lead midway through the first half.</li><li>The Shockers made 8-of-14 threes in the first half and opened the second with a 14-2 push to go up 49-41 with 14:52 to play.</li><li>The Pirates made six straight and 10 of their next 15 shots to draw even and eventually pull away.</li>
 </ul> A SHOCKER WIN WOULD… Make them 11-10 with wins in 4 of their last 6. Get them to the midway point of the AAC schedule with a 4-5 mark on the heels of an 0-3 start. Avenge a New Year's Eve loss to ECU and up their series lead to 7-1 (3-0 at Minges). Make them 4-3 this season in true road games (3-3 in AAC play). Make them 12-10 in road games under third-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/isaac-brown/1064">Isaac Brown</a>. A SHOCKER LOSS WOULD... Drop them under .500 at 10-11. Send them into the halfway point of the conference schedule with a 3-6 record. Give ECU a regular season series sweep and narrow the Shockers' all-time lead to 6-2 (2-1 in Greenville). Be less good than a win. UP NEXT: HOUSTON Thursday, Feb. 2 | 8 p.m.&nbsp; CT | ESPN2 Wichita, Kan. | Charles Koch Arena<ul>
 <li>WSU faces No. 3 Houston for the first time.</li><li>The Cougars (19-2, 7-1) enter the weekend a game ahead of Temple and Memphis in the loss column and is No. 1 in the NCAA's NET rankings</li><li>The last two WSU-UH games in Wichita have been classics. In 2021, the Shockers upset the sixth-ranked Cougars, 68-63, in a game the ultimately decided the AAC regular season championship. UH won last year's visit on a buzzer-beater in double-overtime.</li><li>WSU last faced an AP top-3 team in the 2013 Final Four (No. 2 Louisville) and last beat one in that Round of 32 that year (No. 1 Gonzaga).</li><li>WSU's last regular season game against an AP top-3 opponent came Jan. 4, 1990 when it played host to No. 2 Kansas.</li><li>WSU is 6-5 against AP top-3 teams inside the Roundhouse (1955-pr.). The last of those wins was Feb. 25, 1967 over No. 2 Louisville (84-78).</li>
 </ul>

 🏀 MBB: Shockers at East Carolina

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — There are still a handful of players left at Florida who remember the exact moment, during a timeout against rival Florida State more than two years ago, that Keyontae Johnson collapsed to the floor and time seemed to stand still.

Johnson was loaded onto a stretcher, taken to the hospital and remained there for more than a week.

It was the last time he stepped on the floor for the Gators, other than a senior-day sendoff when he went out for an opening tip. Considering doctors at Florida and numerous other schools would not clear him to play given the heart condition that led to his collapse, it could have been the last time he stepped on the floor, period.

Kansas State was willing to let him play, though. Its medical staff examined his history, put him through a battery of tests and ultimately decided, with close observation, the senior could resume his basketball career.

He's set to the lead the No. 5 Wildcats against — you guessed it — Florida on Saturday night.

“It's going to be amazing just playing against the team (where) I started college basketball,” Johnson said, “and just seeing my brothers back on the court, and just having to have that feeling of a family around me again.”

The exact nature of Johnson's heart condition has never been disclosed, though he told The Associated Press prior to the season that he was on medication to help control it. But he said he hasn't harbored animosity toward Florida or its medical staff, understanding full well the ramifications if something happened again.

“It was very tough," Johnson acknowledged this week, "but they just had to do what was best for them medically and what they felt was safe for me. There is no ill will or hate for them. I’m still a Gator for life.”

Except on Saturday, when he'll most decidedly be a Wildcat.

Johnson was voted SEC preseason player of the year in 2020, and the 6-foot-7 forward with the NBA-ready inside-outside game was staring at the possibility of becoming a first-round pick.

He never imagined becoming a glorified coach, which is what happened when he was released from the hospital and rejoined the Gators — a role he took on with a passion. Johnson even had a $5 million insurance policy that he could have collected had he never played another minute of college or professional basketball.

Once cleared by K-State, Johnson became perhaps the most important piece in the program's major transformation. First-year coach Jerome Tang, who had helped build Baylor's dynasty over the past two decades, brought together a collection of talented but largely underappreciated Division I and junior college transfers, along with a couple of prep prospects, to join a couple of holdovers from the end of Bruce Weber's tenure.

In all, 14 players from last season were gone and a dozen newcomers arrived.

The Wildcats have been one of the incredible stories of the college basketball season, climbing into the top 5 in the AP poll for the first time in more than a decade. They scored 116 points in beating No. 6 Texas, edged No. 19 Baylor in overtime and produced a court-storming 83-82 overtime win over No. 2 Kansas — thanks to Johnson's alley-oop dunk out of a timeout.

“We all watch (his) games when we're on the road in hotels, and we just cheer him on, ‘cause we know how much he cared about basketball,” Florida's Colin Castleton said. "Everything he's been through just shows you how strong a human he is, and just how much fight he has. He just pushed through it all, came with a great attitude every day.

“He's really superhuman, to be honest, in everybody's eyes,” Castleton added. “It's going to be awesome to see him play. I know everybody in the locker room and everybody who knows him is really happy for him.”

That includes Mike White, his old coach at Florida, who is now in charge of SEC-rival Georgia.

“Wish he was wearing red and black,” White said. “He’s unbelievable. He is so good.”

Johnson is third in the Big 12 in scoring at 18.3 points per game, and third in rebounding at 7.5 per game. He's shooting nearly 40% from the 3-point arc, nearly 75% from the foul line and is in the league's top 10 in field-goal percentage.

Just as importantly, Johnson is providing leadership for a team assembled in a span of months.

“The silver lining, if there is any silver lining, is he had a long time where he just worked on his skill level,” White said. “He got in the gym and shot. He’s gotten even better and better. His confidence level is at an all-time high. Those guys are doing a terrific job with him. We root for him like crazy. My kids love watching them on TV.”

You can bet a lot of people will be watching this weekend.

“This guy’s overcome stuff that none of us can even understand,” Castleton said. "When he had chances to feel sorry for himself or pout or have a bad day, he didn’t let it happen. It wasn’t going to happen. He’s the epitome of character.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — There are still a handful of players left at Florida who remember the exact moment, during a timeout against rival Florida State more than two years ago, that Keyontae Johnson collapsed to the floor and time seemed to stand still.Johnson was loaded onto a stretcher, taken to the hospital and remained there for more than a week.It was the last time he stepped on the floor for the Gators, other than a senior-day sendoff when he went out for an opening tip. Considering doctors at Florida and numerous other schools would not clear him to play given the heart condition that led to his collapse, it could have been the last time he stepped on the floor, period.Kansas State was willing to let him play, though. Its medical staff examined his history, put him through a battery of tests and ultimately decided, with close observation, the senior could resume his basketball career.He's set to the lead the No. 5 Wildcats against — you guessed it — Florida on Saturday night.“It's going to be amazing just playing against the team (where) I started college basketball,” Johnson said, “and just seeing my brothers back on the court, and just having to have that feeling of a family around me again.”The exact nature of Johnson's heart condition has never been disclosed, though he told The Associated Press prior to the season that he was on medication to help control it. But he said he hasn't harbored animosity toward Florida or its medical staff, understanding full well the ramifications if something happened again.“It was very tough," Johnson acknowledged this week, "but they just had to do what was best for them medically and what they felt was safe for me. There is no ill will or hate for them. I’m still a Gator for life.”Except on Saturday, when he'll most decidedly be a Wildcat.Johnson was voted SEC preseason player of the year in 2020, and the 6-foot-7 forward with the NBA-ready inside-outside game was staring at the possibility of becoming a first-round pick.He never imagined becoming a glorified coach, which is what happened when he was released from the hospital and rejoined the Gators — a role he took on with a passion. Johnson even had a $5 million insurance policy that he could have collected had he never played another minute of college or professional basketball.He loved the game too much for that.Once cleared by K-State, Johnson became perhaps the most important piece in the program's major transformation. First-year coach Jerome Tang, who had helped build Baylor's dynasty over the past two decades, brought together a collection of talented but largely underappreciated Division I and junior college transfers, along with a couple of prep prospects, to join a couple of holdovers from the end of Bruce Weber's tenure.In all, 14 players from last season were gone and a dozen newcomers arrived.The Wildcats have been one of the incredible stories of the college basketball season, climbing into the top 5 in the AP poll for the first time in more than a decade. They scored 116 points in beating No. 6 Texas, edged No. 19 Baylor in overtime and produced a court-storming 83-82 overtime win over No. 2 Kansas — thanks to Johnson's alley-oop dunk out of a timeout.“We all watch (his) games when we're on the road in hotels, and we just cheer him on, ‘cause we know how much he cared about basketball,” Florida's Colin Castleton said. "Everything he's been through just shows you how strong a human he is, and just how much fight he has. He just pushed through it all, came with a great attitude every day.“He's really superhuman, to be honest, in everybody's eyes,” Castleton added. “It's going to be awesome to see him play. I know everybody in the locker room and everybody who knows him is really happy for him.”That includes Mike White, his old coach at Florida, who is now in charge of SEC-rival Georgia.“Wish he was wearing red and black,” White said. “He’s unbelievable. He is so good.”Johnson is third in the Big 12 in scoring at 18.3 points per game, and third in rebounding at 7.5 per game. He's shooting nearly 40% from the 3-point arc, nearly 75% from the foul line and is in the league's top 10 in field-goal percentage.Just as importantly, Johnson is providing leadership for a team assembled in a span of months.“The silver lining, if there is any silver lining, is he had a long time where he just worked on his skill level,” White said. “He got in the gym and shot. He’s gotten even better and better. His confidence level is at an all-time high. Those guys are doing a terrific job with him. We root for him like crazy. My kids love watching them on TV.”You can bet a lot of people will be watching this weekend.“This guy’s overcome stuff that none of us can even understand,” Castleton said. "When he had chances to feel sorry for himself or pout or have a bad day, he didn’t let it happen. It wasn’t going to happen. He’s the epitome of character.”

 🏀MBB: K-State vs Florida in Big12 vs SEC Showcase

TECUMSEH, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team will play in the &nbsp;to winner's bracket consolation 3rd place game of the 2023 Thunderbird Classic due to a 38-37 loss to Wichita South on Thursday night..&nbsp;

The Salthawks (9-2) will play Washburn Rural at 11:30 am on Saturday morning.

Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 11:15am with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.

The game will stream Saturday on the Shawnee Heights NFHS Channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/shawnee-heights-high-school-tecumseh-ks?drilldown=upcoming">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674906730783.png" alt="GameDay vs Washburn Rural at 11:30 AM on KWBW" />
 <figcaption>GameDay vs Washburn Rural at 11:30 AM on KWBW</figcaption>
 </figure>TECUMSEH, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team will play in the &nbsp;to winner's bracket consolation 3rd place game of the 2023 Thunderbird Classic due to a 38-37 loss to Wichita South on Thursday night..&nbsp;The Salthawks (9-2) will play Washburn Rural at 11:30 am on Saturday morning.Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 11:15am with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.The game will stream Saturday on the Shawnee Heights NFHS Channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/shawnee-heights-high-school-tecumseh-ks?drilldown=upcoming">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674573365843.png" alt="Thunderbird Classic.png" />
 <figcaption>Thunderbird Classic.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 🏀 Hutch Girls' play Washburn Rural in Winners' Bracket 3rd place game in Thunderbird Classic

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/af043ff9-c252-4878-b1ba-0930351ab306">WATCH&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=426118&amp;vislive=kan">LIVE STATS&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G21_KUMBB_Kentucky.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES&nbsp;</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The top-two winningest programs in college basketball history will meet for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons when No. 9 Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) plays at Kentucky (14-6, 5-3 SEC) as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 28. ESPN will televise the game at 7 p.m. (Central) with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Holly Rowe calling the action. After its morning show at Tennessee, the ESPN College GameDay crew will be at the Kansas at Kentucky contest.

UP NEXT Kansas will host Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. (Central) on Big 12 NOW vis ESPN+. Kansas leads the overall series with Kansas State, 203-95, and the Jayhawks have won seven of the last eight and 15 of the last 17 meetings dating back to Feb. 3, 2016. KU is 52-18 versus Kansas State in Allen Fieldhouse and the Jayhawks have won the last 16 matchups in the venue.

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/af043ff9-c252-4878-b1ba-0930351ab306">WATCH&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=426118&amp;vislive=kan">LIVE STATS&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/G21_KUMBB_Kentucky.pdf">KANSAS GAME NOTES&nbsp;</a>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The top-two winningest programs in college basketball history will meet for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons when No. 9 Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) plays at Kentucky (14-6, 5-3 SEC) as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 28. ESPN will televise the game at 7 p.m. (Central) with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Holly Rowe calling the action. After its morning show at Tennessee, the ESPN College GameDay crew will be at the Kansas at Kentucky contest.TIPOFF<ul>
 <li>Kansas is first in all-time wins at 2,373, while Kentucky is second at 2,367. En route to the 2022 NCAA National Championship, Kansas passed Kentucky on the all-time wins list.</li><li>Kansas is 109-18 following a loss in the Bill Self era, which started in 2003-04. Since 2012-13, KU has been even more efficient with a record of 56-9 after losses.</li><li>It’s Suits and Sneakers Week, a NABC and Coaches vs. Cancer initiative that supports the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. Kansas’ staff will be wearing special adidas sneakers recognizing the event.</li><li>Kansas is 5-4 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, including 2-2 against Kentucky. Since 2007, KU is 9-6 in conference challenges which includes battles against opponents from the SEC, Pac-12 and Big East.</li><li>Kansas is No. 10 in the NET Rankings through games played on Jan. 25. Kansas is No. 1 in NET Strength of Schedule and has six Quadrant 1 wins.</li><li>Redshirt-junior Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 in scoring at 21.3 ppg, which is 12th nationally. He has posted back-to-back 30-point games with a career-high 38 at Kansas State and 30 versus TCU. Wilson also leads the Big 12 with eight double-doubles, which is 26th nationally.</li><li>Redshirt-junior Dajuan Harris Jr. leads the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.07 (ninth nationally). His 6.4 assists per game are second in the league and fifth nationally.</li><li>Named to the 2023 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list, redshirt-senior Kevin McCullar Jr. leads the Big 12 in steals (2.5), which is ninth nationally.</li><li>Freshman Gradey Dick leads the Big 12 and is 15th nationally in three-point field goal percentage at 43.7%.</li><li>Kansas is celebrating 125 years of men’s basketball in 2022-23.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXT Kansas will host Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. (Central) on Big 12 NOW vis ESPN+. Kansas leads the overall series with Kansas State, 203-95, and the Jayhawks have won seven of the last eight and 15 of the last 17 meetings dating back to Feb. 3, 2016. KU is 52-18 versus Kansas State in Allen Fieldhouse and the Jayhawks have won the last 16 matchups in the venue.

🏀 MBB: Jayhawks Head to Kentucky for SEC/Big 12 Challenge Saturday

TECUMSEH, Kan.-The Hutch High Girls came up a little short on Friday night in the Shawnee Heights semi-final game vs Wichita South falling to the Titans 38-37.

Hutch trailed to a very defensively aggressive Wichita South team early on 11-2, but got back into the game and only trailed by 1 point 31 to 30 going into the final quarter.

Grace Posch hit a corner trey to give the Salthawks the lead midway through the fourth quarter 33-32, but Wichita South's Mahogany Butler nailed a 3 point shot of her own to give the Titan's the lead for the rest of the game. South's Zion Butler hit two free throw's to give Wichita South a four point edge with seconds to go before another long Posch basket made the final score 38-37.

Hutch was led in scoring by Aliyah Green's 15 points, Grace Posch 11, Libby Jackson added 6 Mya Thompson 4 and Josie McLean had 1 point.

Wichita South's Zion Butler led the Titans in scoring with 14, Mahogany Butler had 11, RaMya Kennedy added 6 and Danasia Smith scored 7.

Hutchinson (9-2) plays Washburn Rural for 3rd place in the Thunderbird Classic at 11:30am on Saturday morning. &nbsp;The Lady Blues lost to #1 seed Shawnee Mission South 47 ro 37 in the other semi-final game. &nbsp;Shawnee Mission South will play Wichita South for the Championship at 1 pm on Saturday.

TECUMSEH, Kan.-The Hutch High Girls came up a little short on Friday night in the Shawnee Heights semi-final game vs Wichita South falling to the Titans 38-37.Hutch trailed to a very defensively aggressive Wichita South team early on 11-2, but got back into the game and only trailed by 1 point 31 to 30 going into the final quarter.Grace Posch hit a corner trey to give the Salthawks the lead midway through the fourth quarter 33-32, but Wichita South's Mahogany Butler nailed a 3 point shot of her own to give the Titan's the lead for the rest of the game. South's Zion Butler hit two free throw's to give Wichita South a four point edge with seconds to go before another long Posch basket made the final score 38-37.Hutch was led in scoring by Aliyah Green's 15 points, Grace Posch 11, Libby Jackson added 6 Mya Thompson 4 and Josie McLean had 1 point.Wichita South's Zion Butler led the Titans in scoring with 14, Mahogany Butler had 11, RaMya Kennedy added 6 and Danasia Smith scored 7.Hutchinson (9-2) plays Washburn Rural for 3rd place in the Thunderbird Classic at 11:30am on Saturday morning. &nbsp;The Lady Blues lost to #1 seed Shawnee Mission South 47 ro 37 in the other semi-final game. &nbsp;Shawnee Mission South will play Wichita South for the Championship at 1 pm on Saturday.

🏀 Salthawk Girls fall short in Thunderbird Classic vs Wichita South

Flint Hills Christian 55, Kickapoo, Mo. 15

Goddard-Eisenhower 71, Wichita Campus 60

Highland Park 82, East (Kansas City), Mo. 21

Olathe East 60, Lafayette (St. Joseph), Mo. 52

Thunder Ridge 49, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 21

Belle Plaine 43, Wichita Defenders Homeschool 21

Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>BV Randolph 55, Doniphan West 33BV Southwest 58, SM West 57BV West 55, Olathe North 39Baldwin 73, Wellsville 52Bishop Miege 59, BV North 56Bonner Springs 72, Louisburg 45Central Heights 56, Anderson County 29Chapman 55, Holton 50Cherryvale 64, Bluestem 20Cheylin 52, Golden Plains 30Clifton-Clyde 63, Frankfort 41Colby 57, Holcomb 43Columbus 63, Frontenac 61Council Grove 61, Marion 53DeSoto 62, KC Piper 56Elkhart 83, Moscow 35Ellinwood 55, Lyons 47Eudora 46, Ottawa 42Flint Hills Christian 55, Kickapoo, Mo. 15Fort Scott 62, Independence 45Fredonia 59, Eureka 35Girard 53, Pittsburg Colgan 44Goddard-Eisenhower 71, Wichita Campus 60Great Bend 57, Dodge City 53Hays-TMP-Marian 51, Abilene 49Hesston 64, Buhler 43Highland Park 82, East (Kansas City), Mo. 21Hillsboro 61, Minneapolis 28Hodgeman County 44, Minneola 35Hoxie 57, Quinter 54Hugoton 83, Ulysses 38Humboldt 64, Erie 37KC Bishop Ward 65, Heritage Christian 60Kingman 54, Douglass 43La Crosse 42, Victoria 26Labette County 51, Coffeyville 45Lawrence 47, Olathe South 43Lebo 58, Burlingame 39Lincoln def. Natoma, forfeitLogan/Palco 60, Triplains-Brewster 49Marysville 52, Nemaha Central 44Moundridge 83, Goessel 28Ness City 59, Wheatland-Grinnell 42Norton 60, Ellis 37Olathe East 60, Lafayette (St. Joseph), Mo. 52Olpe 51, Madison/Hamilton 32Osage City 64, Santa Fe Trail 61Osborne 68, Lakeside 50Pawnee Heights 41, Kiowa County 38Perry-Lecompton 65, Hiawatha 42Phillipsburg 57, Smith Center 38Pike Valley 62, Chase 36Pleasanton 79, Altoona-Midway 47Riverside 55, Axtell 47Riverton 49, Baxter Springs 45Rock Creek 51, Wamego 48Rock Hills 46, Wilson 38Rockhurst, Mo. 45, SM East 38Russell 68, Goodland 61SM South 66, Belton, Mo. 54Sabetha 71, Silver Lake 53Scott City 65, Cimarron 31Shawnee Heights 58, Topeka Hayden 51Smoky Valley 50, Clay Center 44South Central 45, Bucklin 30South Gray 68, Meade 57Southeast 56, Jayhawk Linn 41Southeast Saline 63, Ellsworth 43Spearville 55, Ingalls 52St. John's Beloit-Tipton 76, Tescott 48Sublette 70, Southwestern Hts. 51Sylvan-Lucas 51, Otis-Bison 32Thunder Ridge 49, Glasco/Miltonvale-Southern Cloud 21Tonganoxie 31, KC Turner 20Topeka 47, Wichita Sunrise 43Topeka Seaman 68, Lansing 41Topeka West 69, Leavenworth 57Troy 82, Washington County 68Uniontown 58, Chetopa 19Wabaunsee 58, Riley County 34Weskan 63, Rolla 29West Elk 59, South Haven 29Wichita Classical 67, Solomon 41Wichita Collegiate 69, Winfield 42Wichita County 54, Lakin 49Yates Center 43, Northeast-Arma 42<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andover Central 34, Olathe Northwest 33Atchison County 68, Rossville 62Augusta 32, Mill Valley 31BV Northwest 47, Junction City 27Belle Plaine 43, Wichita Defenders Homeschool 21Blue Valley 59, Lawrence 38Bonner Springs 52, Louisburg 45Burlington 53, Iola 35Centre 49, Peabody-Burns 23Cheney 43, Andale 31Cherryvale 44, Bluestem 34Cimarron 57, Scott City 43Colby 46, Holcomb 44Cornerstone Family 34, Blue Ridge Christian, Mo. 20Doniphan West 69, BV Randolph 37Ellinwood 43, Lyons 38Emporia 53, Wichita Heights 52Fairfield 54, Central Christian 38Fort Osage, Mo. 64, Christ Preparatory Academy 23Fort Scott 49, Independence 45Frankfort 38, Clifton-Clyde 32Frontenac 55, Columbus 31Garden Plain 36, Haven 26Gardner-Edgerton 54, Goddard 40Goessel 46, Burrton 24Golden Plains 62, Cheylin 8Goodland 58, Russell 14Greeley County 55, Dighton 39Hanover 64, Centralia 28Hays-TMP-Marian 61, Abilene 24Herington 46, Northern Heights 38Heritage Christian 46, KC Bishop Ward 38Hesston 54, Buhler 43Highland Park 75, Wichita East 7Hillsboro 48, Minneapolis 34Holton 31, Chapman 30Hoxie 67, Quinter 39Hugoton 51, Ulysses 15Humboldt 47, Erie 34KC Piper 62, DeSoto 50Kingman 72, Douglass 43Labette County 42, Coffeyville 36Lebo 37, Burlingame 14Lincoln 48, Natoma 24Logan/Palco 53, Triplains-Brewster 15Maize South 68, Wichita East 45Manhattan 56, Valley Center 28Marion 33, Council Grove 25Mission Valley 66, Veritas Christian 27Moundridge 37, Chaparral 28Ness City 38, Wheatland-Grinnell 31Newton 39, Wichita Trinity 38Norton 34, Ellis 33Oberlin-Decatur 44, Wallace County 40Olpe 41, Madison/Hamilton 34Osborne 65, Lakeside 43Ottawa 46, Eudora 42Perry-Lecompton 50, Northeast Christian Homeschool 38Phillipsburg 65, Smith Center 35Pike Valley 52, Chase 45Pleasanton 54, Altoona-Midway 19Reno County 51, Stafford 20Riley County 53, Wabaunsee 33Riverside 58, Axtell 23Riverton 51, Baxter Springs 19SM South 47, Washburn Rural 37Salina Central 69, Goddard-Eisenhower 53Santa Fe Trail 59, Osage City 48Sedgwick 41, Inman 36Shawnee Heights 50, SM North 34Silver Lake 62, Sabetha 39Smoky Valley 44, Clay Center 43Southwestern Hts. 46, Sublette 35St. Francis 44, Rawlins County 41St. James Academy 56, McPherson 48St. John's Beloit-Tipton 54, Tescott 30Sylvan-Lucas 59, Otis-Bison 29Thunder Ridge 38, Miltonvale 11Topeka Seaman 45, Derby 39Topeka West 46, Great Bend 40Trego 67, Plainville 16Uniontown 59, Chetopa 12Wamego 47, Rock Creek 21Washington County 47, Troy 42Wichita Classical 42, Solomon 23Wichita Northwest 52, Lawrence Free State 23Wichita South 38, Hutchinson 37Wichita Southeast 43, Clearwater 34Wichita Southeast 48, Ellsworth 32Wilson 48, Rock Hills 39___

🏀 High School Scores from Friday

TECUMSEH, Kan.—The Hutchinson High School Girls' basketball advanced to the semi-final games at the Shawnee Heights Thunderbird Classic on Thursday night with a 48-23 win over Shawnee Mission North High.

Hutch got off to a slow start trailing 7 to 6 afther the first quarter of play.&nbsp; Hutch then went on a 15-3 run to close out the first half with a 21-10 lead at intermission.

The Salthawks were led in scoring by senior guard Josie McClean with 17. Grace Posch scored 8, Mya Thompson 7, Libby Jackson 5, Azariah Dawes 4, Aliyah Green 3 and Hannah Ames and Aiyanna Green with 2 points each.

The Shawnee Mission North Bison were led by Baylee Doolin with 11 points and Lidia Mojica with 7.

Hutchinson (9-1) will now play Wichita South (8-2) in semi-final action at 5:30 pm on Friday.&nbsp; Wichita South defeated Shawnee Heights 31-28 on Thursday.&nbsp;

TECUMSEH, Kan.—The Hutchinson High School Girls' basketball advanced to the semi-final games at the Shawnee Heights Thunderbird Classic on Thursday night with a 48-23 win over Shawnee Mission North High.Hutch got off to a slow start trailing 7 to 6 afther the first quarter of play.&nbsp; Hutch then went on a 15-3 run to close out the first half with a 21-10 lead at intermission.The Salthawks were led in scoring by senior guard Josie McClean with 17. Grace Posch scored 8, Mya Thompson 7, Libby Jackson 5, Azariah Dawes 4, Aliyah Green 3 and Hannah Ames and Aiyanna Green with 2 points each.The Shawnee Mission North Bison were led by Baylee Doolin with 11 points and Lidia Mojica with 7.Hutchinson (9-1) will now play Wichita South (8-2) in semi-final action at 5:30 pm on Friday.&nbsp; Wichita South defeated Shawnee Heights 31-28 on Thursday.&nbsp;

🏀 Salthawk Girls' win over Shawnee Mission North in Thunderbird Classic

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) — The Bengals and Chiefs have become familiar foes. When the teams face off Sunday in Kansas City to determine the AFC champion, it’ll be their fourth meeting in 393 days and a rematch of last year’s conference title game. The No. 1 seed Chiefs (15-3) dropped all three games, including a 27-24 loss in Cincinnati on Dec. 4. That was the same score for the Bengals’ overtime victory in Kansas City in this game last season. The Bengals (14-4) are riding a 10-game winning streak after eliminating the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. Both teams are here because of their quarterbacks.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan’s success in San Francisco overseeing productive offenses without elite quarterback play is a reason why so many teams each January are seeking the next trendy, play-calling offensive coach to take over their team. All four head coaches in the conference championship games come from an offensive background with Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor also calling plays like Shanahan, while Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni delegated that duty during his first season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have hired Frank Reich as their new head coach following an extensive search. The 61-year-old Reich joins the Panthers after spending the past four-plus seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he went 40-33-1 as head coach before being fired on Nov. 7. The Colts went to the playoffs twice as a wild-card team under Reich. For Reich, the hire represents a return to Carolina, where he spent one season as the team’s quarterback and started the franchise’s inaugural game in 1995. He was chosen over candidates including Steve Wilks, who served as the team’s defensive coordinator before being promoted to interim coach.

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Jets have hired former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The team announced the hiring Thursday of the 43-year-old Hackett, who replaces Mike LaFleur. Hackett went 4-11 in less than one season as head coach of the Broncos. Hackett’s arrival will fuel some speculation about whether the Jets could pursue Aaron Rodgers, whose playing future is uncertain. Hackett served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-21 with Rodgers as the quarterback. The Jets also announced that Keith Carter was hired as the team’s offensive line coach/run game coordinator.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Billy Packer, an Emmy award-winning college basketball broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, has died at 82. Packer's son, Mark, told The Associated Press on Thursday night that his father had been hospitalized for the past three weeks and had several medical issues, and ultimately succumbed to kidney failure. Packer’s broadcasting career coincided with the growth of college basketball. He worked as analyst or color commentator on every Final Four from 1975 to 2008.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Sam Ryder extended his lead to three shots in the Farmers Insurance Open with a 4-under 68 in challenging wind in the second round on Torrey Pines’ South Course. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm had an eagle followed by three straight birdies late in his 5-under 67 on the easier North Course to get under the cut line. Ryder survived both the Santa Ana wind and the tougher South Course with just one bogey to reach 12-under 132 and take a three-stroke lead over Brendan Steele, who shot a 70 on the South Course. Tano Goya was two more shots back after a 67 on the North Course.

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) — The Bengals and Chiefs have become familiar foes. When the teams face off Sunday in Kansas City to determine the AFC champion, it’ll be their fourth meeting in 393 days and a rematch of last year’s conference title game. The No. 1 seed Chiefs (15-3) dropped all three games, including a 27-24 loss in Cincinnati on Dec. 4. That was the same score for the Bengals’ overtime victory in Kansas City in this game last season. The Bengals (14-4) are riding a 10-game winning streak after eliminating the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. Both teams are here because of their quarterbacks.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan’s success in San Francisco overseeing productive offenses without elite quarterback play is a reason why so many teams each January are seeking the next trendy, play-calling offensive coach to take over their team. All four head coaches in the conference championship games come from an offensive background with Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor also calling plays like Shanahan, while Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni delegated that duty during his first season.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have hired Frank Reich as their new head coach following an extensive search. The 61-year-old Reich joins the Panthers after spending the past four-plus seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he went 40-33-1 as head coach before being fired on Nov. 7. The Colts went to the playoffs twice as a wild-card team under Reich. For Reich, the hire represents a return to Carolina, where he spent one season as the team’s quarterback and started the franchise’s inaugural game in 1995. He was chosen over candidates including Steve Wilks, who served as the team’s defensive coordinator before being promoted to interim coach.UNDATED (AP) — The New York Jets have hired former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The team announced the hiring Thursday of the 43-year-old Hackett, who replaces Mike LaFleur. Hackett went 4-11 in less than one season as head coach of the Broncos. Hackett’s arrival will fuel some speculation about whether the Jets could pursue Aaron Rodgers, whose playing future is uncertain. Hackett served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-21 with Rodgers as the quarterback. The Jets also announced that Keith Carter was hired as the team’s offensive line coach/run game coordinator.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Billy Packer, an Emmy award-winning college basketball broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, has died at 82. Packer's son, Mark, told The Associated Press on Thursday night that his father had been hospitalized for the past three weeks and had several medical issues, and ultimately succumbed to kidney failure. Packer’s broadcasting career coincided with the growth of college basketball. He worked as analyst or color commentator on every Final Four from 1975 to 2008.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Sam Ryder extended his lead to three shots in the Farmers Insurance Open with a 4-under 68 in challenging wind in the second round on Torrey Pines’ South Course. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm had an eagle followed by three straight birdies late in his 5-under 67 on the easier North Course to get under the cut line. Ryder survived both the Santa Ana wind and the tougher South Course with just one bogey to reach 12-under 132 and take a three-stroke lead over Brendan Steele, who shot a 70 on the South Course. Tano Goya was two more shots back after a 67 on the North Course.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (1)Purdue 75 Michigan 70Final (6)Arizona 63 Washington St. 58Final Southern Cal 77 (8)UCLA 64Final (21)FAU 85 Middle Tennessee 67NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Charlotte 111 Chicago 96Final Detroit 130 Brooklyn 122Final OT New York 120 Boston 117Final Cleveland 113 Houston 95Final Dallas 99 Phoenix 95Final L.A. Clippers 138 San Antonio 100NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal OT Detroit 4 Montreal 3Final Tampa Bay 3 Boston 2Final SO Washington 3 Pittsburgh 2Final Buffalo 3 Winnipeg 2Final Nashville 6 New Jersey 4Final OT Minnesota 3 Philadelphia 2Final Chicago 5 Calgary 1Final Arizona 5 St. Louis 0Final Anaheim 5 Colorado 3

Sports Headlines for Friday

Tecumseh, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team advanced to the semi-final game of the 2023 Thunderbird Classic with a 48-23 win over Shawnee Mission North on Thursday night..&nbsp;

The Salthawks (9-1) will play Wichita South at 5:30 pm on Friday afternoon.

Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 5:15pm with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.

The Varsity game will stream Thursday on the Shawnee Heights NFHS Channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/shawnee-heights-high-school-tecumseh-ks?drilldown=upcoming">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674820965037.png" alt="GAMEDAY vs Wichita South" />
 <figcaption>GAMEDAY vs Wichita South</figcaption>
 </figure>Tecumseh, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team advanced to the semi-final game of the 2023 Thunderbird Classic with a 48-23 win over Shawnee Mission North on Thursday night..&nbsp;The Salthawks (9-1) will play Wichita South at 5:30 pm on Friday afternoon.Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 5:15pm with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.The Varsity game will stream Thursday on the Shawnee Heights NFHS Channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/shawnee-heights-high-school-tecumseh-ks?drilldown=upcoming">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674573365843.png" alt="Thunderbird Classic.png" />
 <figcaption>Thunderbird Classic.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 🏀 Hutch Girls' play in semi-final in Thunderbird Classic

St. Mary's Academy 55, Wichita Home School 51

St. Thomas Aquinas 55, Fort Osage, Mo. 36

Concordia 58, Lafayette (Wildwood), Mo. 48

Goddard-Eisenhower 53, Lawrence Free State 14

Hutchinson 48, Shawnee Mission North 23

Little River 63, Hutchinson Central Christian 35

Washburn Rural 44, Wichita Life Prep 41

Wichita Bishop Carroll 50, SM Northwest 47

Wichita South 31, Shawnee Heights 28

Thursday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Augusta 56, El Dorado 49, OTBlue Valley 67, Manhattan 59Cheylin 47, Hi-Plains, Colo. 34Clay Center 52, Hillsboro 40Kapaun Mount Carmel 69, Wichita North 40Maize South 63, Goddard 30McPherson 47, Valley Center 27Mulvane 58, Clearwater 37Parsons 50, Chanute 46Smoky Valley 50, Hutchinson Trinity 43St. Mary's Academy 55, Wichita Home School 51St. Thomas Aquinas 55, Fort Osage, Mo. 36Wichita Heights 67, Wichita Northwest 42<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 53, Halstead 34Andover Central 55, Wichita Trinity 15Arkansas City 53, Wellington 52Bucklin 41, South Gray 39Canton-Galva 56, Fairfield 43Chaparral 44, Sedgwick 28Cheney 48, Nickerson 9Clearwater 49, Dodge City 38Concordia 58, Lafayette (Wildwood), Mo. 48Derby 61, SM East 43Emporia 56, Maize 27Garden Plain 50, Circle 41Goddard 43, Kapaun Mount Carmel 31Goddard-Eisenhower 53, Lawrence Free State 14Goessel 80, Stafford 23Haven 52, Rose Hill 23Hiawatha 47, St. Mary's 45, OTHutchinson 48, Shawnee Mission North 23Ingalls 50, Satanta 35Jefferson West 40, Wellsville 30Kiowa County 36, South Central 23Lawrence 41, Topeka West 33Linn 53, Onaga 42Little River 63, Hutchinson Central Christian 35Maize South 52, Mill Valley 20Marais des Cygnes Valley 50, Hartford 42Marysville 44, Jackson Heights 42Minneola 51, Pawnee Heights 46Moundridge 50, Belle Plaine 36Mulvane 36, Conway Springs 31Olathe Northwest 48, Newton 22Parsons 50, Chanute 46Spearville 52, Hodgeman County 49Spring Hill 56, Baldwin 44St. James Academy 64, Manhattan 31Topeka 69, Wichita Northwest 34Topeka Hayden 47, Nemaha Central 40Topeka Seaman 60, SM West 52Washburn Rural 44, Wichita Life Prep 41Wichita Bishop Carroll 50, SM Northwest 47Wichita East 47, Augusta 32Wichita North 48, Wichita Collegiate 37Wichita South 31, Shawnee Heights 28Wichita Southeast 62, Olathe South 57Wichita Sunrise 51, Berean Academy 49Winfield 43, Wichita Campus 28

🏀 High School Scores from Thursday

WICHITA, Kan. — The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the 2023 and 2024 NJCAA Division I Men’s &amp; Women’s Soccer Championships will be held at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, KS.&nbsp; Hosted by Visit Wichita, the joint national tournaments will be played November 12-18, 2023, and November 17-23, 2024.&nbsp;

The championships are expected to bring hundreds of athletes to the region, resulting in approximately $700,000 in estimated local economic impact.

“The NJCAA looks forward to the DI Men’s &amp; Women’s Soccer Championships being held in Wichita, KS, in 2023 and 2024,” stated Liz Homrig, NJCAA Director of Championship Operations.&nbsp; “The Stryker Sports Complex is a premier soccer venue and Visit Wichita has a strong history of providing a first-class experience to the association’s student-athletes.”&nbsp;

Stryker Sports Complex consists of 11 all-sports turf fields, each with outdoor lighting, and a 112,000 square foot indoor facility designed to attract events and all levels of competition to Wichita and the surrounding areas. &nbsp;Most recently, the Stryker Sports Complex served as the location for the NJCAA DII Men's and Women's Soccer Championships during the fall of 2021.&nbsp;

“It was an honor to host the DII men and women’s championships in 2021, giving us an opportunity to showcase Sedgwick County and Wichita’s world-class facilities, amenities and more," said Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development at Visit Wichita. "Our partnership with the NJCAA is an integral piece of creating sports tourism for Wichita and surrounding areas. We look forward to exposing teams, coaches and fans to all the Wichita area has to offer while cheering on the amazing student-athletes that make up the NJCAA.”

For more information about the association, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/landing/index">NJCAA.ORG</a>

WICHITA, Kan. — The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the 2023 and 2024 NJCAA Division I Men’s &amp; Women’s Soccer Championships will be held at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, KS.&nbsp; Hosted by Visit Wichita, the joint national tournaments will be played November 12-18, 2023, and November 17-23, 2024.&nbsp;The championships are expected to bring hundreds of athletes to the region, resulting in approximately $700,000 in estimated local economic impact.“The NJCAA looks forward to the DI Men’s &amp; Women’s Soccer Championships being held in Wichita, KS, in 2023 and 2024,” stated Liz Homrig, NJCAA Director of Championship Operations.&nbsp; “The Stryker Sports Complex is a premier soccer venue and Visit Wichita has a strong history of providing a first-class experience to the association’s student-athletes.”&nbsp;Stryker Sports Complex consists of 11 all-sports turf fields, each with outdoor lighting, and a 112,000 square foot indoor facility designed to attract events and all levels of competition to Wichita and the surrounding areas. &nbsp;Most recently, the Stryker Sports Complex served as the location for the NJCAA DII Men's and Women's Soccer Championships during the fall of 2021.&nbsp;“It was an honor to host the DII men and women’s championships in 2021, giving us an opportunity to showcase Sedgwick County and Wichita’s world-class facilities, amenities and more," said Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development at Visit Wichita. "Our partnership with the NJCAA is an integral piece of creating sports tourism for Wichita and surrounding areas. We look forward to exposing teams, coaches and fans to all the Wichita area has to offer while cheering on the amazing student-athletes that make up the NJCAA.”For more information about the association, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/landing/index">NJCAA.ORG</a>

⚽️ Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita to host NJCAA soccer championships

The Hutchinson Community College softball team has a strong nucleus returning for 2023 and there are high expectations for the Blue Dragons this season.

Earlier this week, the Blue Dragons earned their first NJCAA Preseason ranking since the late 1980s. Those expectations were raised on Thursday with a second-place prediction in the 2023 Jayhawk Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Since returning to Division I before the 2019 season, the Blue Dragons have made a steady climb up the KJCCC standings. Last season, the Dragons put together one of the best seasons in program history after posting a 41-8 record with a second-place finish in the Jayhawk West and third-place showing in the Region VI Tournament. Hutchinson finished 15th in the final NJCAA national rankings.

The Blue Dragons were picked second in 2023 behind only perennial league and national power Butler, which is ranked seventh in the preseason KJCCC poll.

Now beginning her 19th season with the Blue Dragon program, head coach Jaime Rose returns her pitching staff and nearly the entire infield from last season with designs on doing something the Blue Dragons haven’t done in more than 30 years.

The Blue Dragons have their sights set on the first conference title since 1992 and first Region VI title since 1987.

Returning All-American Riley Wertz leads a strong pitching staff into 2023. The nation’s leader in saves last season, Wertz posted a 13-1 record with 1.35 earned-run average last season.

Left-handed starter Emily Munson returns as the Game 1 starter for the Dragons. Munson was 10-1 with a 2.49 ERA. Kierstan Weitze (9-2, 3.31 ERA) and Morgan Pennycuff (2-0, 4.80) also return from a staff that from a staff that posted a .286 team ERA and held opponents to a .226 batting average.

Two-year starting shortstop Madison Grimes is back for a third season. The super-sophomore from Andale hit .370 with five homers, 41 RBIs and 23 stolen base last season after hitting .470 as a freshman.

Also back is second baseman Ella Dougherty (.389, 67 hits, 51 runs, 31 RBIs), catcher Allie Stipsits (.364, 4 home runs, 43 RBIs), Wertz as the designated player (.339, 8 home runs, 39 RBIs) and first baseman Aspen Goetz (.309, 7 home runs, 39 RBIs).

The top 5 of the Jayhawk West preseason poll lists Butler, Hutchinson, Colby, Barton and Garden City. Spots 6 through 9 are filled by Dodge City, Seward County, Pratt and Northwest Tech.

The Blue Dragons open the season on Friday in Ottawa against the Ottawa University JV.

2023 JAYHAWK WEST PRESEASON SOFTBALL POLL

HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team has a strong nucleus returning for 2023 and there are high expectations for the Blue Dragons this season.Earlier this week, the Blue Dragons earned their first NJCAA Preseason ranking since the late 1980s. Those expectations were raised on Thursday with a second-place prediction in the 2023 Jayhawk Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.Since returning to Division I before the 2019 season, the Blue Dragons have made a steady climb up the KJCCC standings. Last season, the Dragons put together one of the best seasons in program history after posting a 41-8 record with a second-place finish in the Jayhawk West and third-place showing in the Region VI Tournament. Hutchinson finished 15th in the final NJCAA national rankings.The Blue Dragons were picked second in 2023 behind only perennial league and national power Butler, which is ranked seventh in the preseason KJCCC poll.Now beginning her 19th season with the Blue Dragon program, head coach Jaime Rose returns her pitching staff and nearly the entire infield from last season with designs on doing something the Blue Dragons haven’t done in more than 30 years.The Blue Dragons have their sights set on the first conference title since 1992 and first Region VI title since 1987.Returning All-American Riley Wertz leads a strong pitching staff into 2023. The nation’s leader in saves last season, Wertz posted a 13-1 record with 1.35 earned-run average last season.Left-handed starter Emily Munson returns as the Game 1 starter for the Dragons. Munson was 10-1 with a 2.49 ERA. Kierstan Weitze (9-2, 3.31 ERA) and Morgan Pennycuff (2-0, 4.80) also return from a staff that from a staff that posted a .286 team ERA and held opponents to a .226 batting average.Two-year starting shortstop Madison Grimes is back for a third season. The super-sophomore from Andale hit .370 with five homers, 41 RBIs and 23 stolen base last season after hitting .470 as a freshman.Also back is second baseman Ella Dougherty (.389, 67 hits, 51 runs, 31 RBIs), catcher Allie Stipsits (.364, 4 home runs, 43 RBIs), Wertz as the designated player (.339, 8 home runs, 39 RBIs) and first baseman Aspen Goetz (.309, 7 home runs, 39 RBIs).The top 5 of the Jayhawk West preseason poll lists Butler, Hutchinson, Colby, Barton and Garden City. Spots 6 through 9 are filled by Dodge City, Seward County, Pratt and Northwest Tech.The Blue Dragons open the season on Friday in Ottawa against the Ottawa University JV.2023 JAYHAWK WEST PRESEASON SOFTBALL POLL1. Butler2. Hutchinson3. Colby4. Barton5. Garden City6. Dodge City7. Seward County8. Pratt9. Northwest Tech

🥎 Dragons picked 2nd in KJCCC softball poll

Coming off a 38-win season in 2022, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team is picked to finish in the middle of the pack in what should be an ultra-competitive Jayhawk West in 2023.

The Jayhawk Conference Preseason Coaches Poll was released on Thursday with the Blue Dragons picked to finish fourth this season, which opens on Thursday, February 7 at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska.

The fourth-place preseason pick is the lowest for the Blue Dragons since 2015. Last season the Dragons were picked third and wound up placing fifth in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons went on the road for the Region VI Tournament and pulled off a 2-0 opening-round sweep of Fort Scott before finishing 2-2 in the Central District Tournament and closing the 2022 season with a 38-23 record.

The Blue Dragons are looking up at preseason favorite Barton, Butler and Cloud County in the preseason poll. Colby, Dodge City, Seward County Pratt and Garden City round out the rest of the 2023 preseason poll.

Head coach Ryan Schmidt begins his 11th season at the helm of the Blue Dragons. He is 354-192 in his first 10 seasons.

The 2023 Blue Dragons return seven pitchers and six position players from last season.

The Blue Dragons look to make a big improvement on the mound after the 2022 Blue Dragons posted a 6.65 earned-run average last season.

Ben Dandelet (2-1, 5.62 ERA) made 11 starts last season and returns as the most experienced starting pitcher. Reed Scott (1-1, 5.87 ERA, 4 saves) and Kaden Wickersham (3-2, 8.19 ERA, 3 saves) both return to lead the bullpen.

Offensively, outfielder Braedyn Sommer is the top returning batter for 2023. Serving as the designated hitter last season, Sommer returns to the outfield after hitting .366 with 48 total hits, seven home runs and 33 RBIS. Kael Babin (.308, 41 hits, 30 RBIs) also returns in an experienced outfield.

Sophomore Ryan Henderson (.311, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs) is the top returning infielder, playing primarily the corner infield positions last season.

HutchCC Sports InformationComing off a 38-win season in 2022, the Hutchinson Community College baseball team is picked to finish in the middle of the pack in what should be an ultra-competitive Jayhawk West in 2023.The Jayhawk Conference Preseason Coaches Poll was released on Thursday with the Blue Dragons picked to finish fourth this season, which opens on Thursday, February 7 at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska.The fourth-place preseason pick is the lowest for the Blue Dragons since 2015. Last season the Dragons were picked third and wound up placing fifth in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons went on the road for the Region VI Tournament and pulled off a 2-0 opening-round sweep of Fort Scott before finishing 2-2 in the Central District Tournament and closing the 2022 season with a 38-23 record.The Blue Dragons are looking up at preseason favorite Barton, Butler and Cloud County in the preseason poll. Colby, Dodge City, Seward County Pratt and Garden City round out the rest of the 2023 preseason poll.Head coach Ryan Schmidt begins his 11th season at the helm of the Blue Dragons. He is 354-192 in his first 10 seasons.The 2023 Blue Dragons return seven pitchers and six position players from last season.The Blue Dragons look to make a big improvement on the mound after the 2022 Blue Dragons posted a 6.65 earned-run average last season.Ben Dandelet (2-1, 5.62 ERA) made 11 starts last season and returns as the most experienced starting pitcher. Reed Scott (1-1, 5.87 ERA, 4 saves) and Kaden Wickersham (3-2, 8.19 ERA, 3 saves) both return to lead the bullpen.Offensively, outfielder Braedyn Sommer is the top returning batter for 2023. Serving as the designated hitter last season, Sommer returns to the outfield after hitting .366 with 48 total hits, seven home runs and 33 RBIS. Kael Babin (.308, 41 hits, 30 RBIs) also returns in an experienced outfield.Sophomore Ryan Henderson (.311, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs) is the top returning infielder, playing primarily the corner infield positions last season.2023 Jayhawk West Preseason Poll1. Barton2. Butler3. Cloud County4. Hutchinson5. Colby6. Dodge City7. Seward County8. Pratt9. Garden City

⚾ Dragons picked 4th in Preseason KJCCC Poll

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/kansas-kevin-mccullar-named-to-naismith-defensive-player-of-the-year-watch-list/">Via KUAthletics</a>

For the second straight season, Kansas redshirt-senior Kevin McCullar Jr. has been named one of 15 to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Thursday.

Last season at Texas Tech, McCullar was one of five finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

In its sixth year, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award originated in 2018. McCullar is looking to become the second Kansas player to win the honor, joining 2020 recipient Marcus Garrett.

McCullar leads the Big 12 and is ninth nationally in steals per game with a 2.5 average, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. McCullar’s 47 steals are tied for the most in the Big 12 and ranks 12th nationally. The San Antonio, Texas, guard has eight games with three or more steals this season.

McCullar is scoring 10.4 points per game and is fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.3 rebound average. His five double-doubles this season are second in the conference.

Also, in 2020, Garrett was the ESPN.com national defensive player of the year. Other Jayhawks to have won national defensive player of the year honors include Jeff Withey, a co-recipient by the NABC in 2013, and Udoka Azubuike in 2020 by the NABC.

No. 9 Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) will play at Kentucky (13-6, 4-3 SEC) in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. (Central). The contest from Rupp Arena will be televised on ESPN.

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/kansas-kevin-mccullar-named-to-naismith-defensive-player-of-the-year-watch-list/">Via KUAthletics</a>For the second straight season, Kansas redshirt-senior Kevin McCullar Jr. has been named one of 15 to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Thursday.Last season at Texas Tech, McCullar was one of five finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.In its sixth year, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award originated in 2018. McCullar is looking to become the second Kansas player to win the honor, joining 2020 recipient Marcus Garrett.McCullar leads the Big 12 and is ninth nationally in steals per game with a 2.5 average, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. McCullar’s 47 steals are tied for the most in the Big 12 and ranks 12th nationally. The San Antonio, Texas, guard has eight games with three or more steals this season.McCullar is scoring 10.4 points per game and is fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.3 rebound average. His five double-doubles this season are second in the conference.Also, in 2020, Garrett was the ESPN.com national defensive player of the year. Other Jayhawks to have won national defensive player of the year honors include Jeff Withey, a co-recipient by the NABC in 2013, and Udoka Azubuike in 2020 by the NABC.No. 9 Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) will play at Kentucky (13-6, 4-3 SEC) in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. (Central). The contest from Rupp Arena will be televised on ESPN.

🏀 Kansas’ Kevin McCullar Jr. Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team travel to Tecumseh, Kansas on Thursday as the #2 seen in the Thunderbird Classic Basketball Tournament. The T-Bird Classic will run through Saurday, January 28th.&nbsp;

The Salthawks (8-1) will play Shawnee Mission North at 7pm on Thursday night.

Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 7:15pm with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674572863319.png" alt="GameDay vs Shawnee Mission-North Thursday @ 7pm" />
 <figcaption>GameDay vs Shawnee Mission-North Thursday @ 7pm</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Salthawk Girls' basketball team travel to Tecumseh, Kansas on Thursday as the #2 seen in the Thunderbird Classic Basketball Tournament. The T-Bird Classic will run through Saurday, January 28th.&nbsp;The Salthawks (8-1) will play Shawnee Mission North at 7pm on Thursday night.Catch all the action with KWBW's award winning sports crew on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBWradio.com</a> (1450am/98.5fm) beginning at 7:15pm with the pregame from Tecumseh. Eagle Media's Sports Director Glen Grunwald will be on the call with the play-by-play with Dan Naccarato along side with color analysis.The Varsity game will stream Thursday on the Shawnee Heights NFHS Channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/shawnee-heights-high-school-tecumseh-ks?drilldown=upcoming">nfhsnetwork.com</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674573365843.png" alt="Thunderbird Classic.png" />
 <figcaption>Thunderbird Classic.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 🏀 Hutch Girls' travel to Thunderbird Classic in Topeka

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer

Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.

Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.

Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.

The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.

“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”

Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.

Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."

He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.

Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.

“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”

The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.

Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.

Here are some other things to know during the postseason:

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, Fox

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBS

The AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.

The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.

Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.

In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.

“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.

This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.Here are some other things to know during the postseason:WHAT’S THE UPCOMING SCHEDULE?SUNDAYSan Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, FoxCincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBSNO NEED FOR NEUTRALThe AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.WHAT'S THE FORMAT FOR THE PLAYOFFS?This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.The four division winners in both conferences automatically get the top four seeds, regardless of record, and then the top three teams with the best record that didn't win their division are the wild-card selections. That's why it's fairly common for a wild-card selection to have a better record — but worse playoff seeding — than a team that finished as a division winner.The No. 1-seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the second round — that's the Chiefs and Eagles — while No. 2 hosts No. 7, No. 3 hosts No. 6 and No. 4 hosts No. 5 during the wild-card weekend.The NFL re-seeds teams after each playoff round. That means no matter how the bracket started, the lowest-seeded team always travels to the highest-seeded team.There are four rounds to the playoffs: The wild-card round was Jan. 14-16, the divisional round was last weekend, the conference championship games are this Sunday and the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals.