The Royals are finalizing a five-year contract extension with infielder Maikel Garcia that includes a club option for a sixth season, according to multiple reports. The deal guarantees Garcia $57.5 million and could approach $85 million with the option and incentives.

Garcia, who turns 26 in March, had been under team control through 2029 but is now guaranteed through 2030, with Kansas City gaining control of two potential free-agent seasons. He was arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason after a breakout 2025 season.

After providing most of his value through speed and defense in 2023 and 2024, Garcia emerged as a complete player in 2025. He hit .286 with a .351 on-base percentage and .449 slugging percentage, setting career highs in home runs (16) and doubles (39) while adding 23 stolen bases and improved plate discipline.

Garcia remained an elite, versatile defender, primarily at third base, where he posted strong advanced metrics and earned a Gold Glove Award. He also saw time at second base, shortstop and center field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758721269087.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) high fives teammates after scoring a run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) high fives teammates after scoring a run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Royals are finalizing a five-year contract extension with infielder Maikel Garcia that includes a club option for a sixth season, according to multiple reports. The deal guarantees Garcia $57.5 million and could approach $85 million with the option and incentives.Garcia, who turns 26 in March, had been under team control through 2029 but is now guaranteed through 2030, with Kansas City gaining control of two potential free-agent seasons. He was arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason after a breakout 2025 season.After providing most of his value through speed and defense in 2023 and 2024, Garcia emerged as a complete player in 2025. He hit .286 with a .351 on-base percentage and .449 slugging percentage, setting career highs in home runs (16) and doubles (39) while adding 23 stolen bases and improved plate discipline.Garcia remained an elite, versatile defender, primarily at third base, where he posted strong advanced metrics and earned a Gold Glove Award. He also saw time at second base, shortstop and center field.

⚾ Royals sign Garcia to five-year extension, per sources

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765566771967.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><div>TOPEKA, Kan. - Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Awards will be presented during the 2026 season in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at www.kshsaa.org. &nbsp; The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees include: &nbsp; Richard Bechard, Lenexa - Administrator In 2021, Richard Bechard became the first Kansan in history to earn the Certified Master Athletic Administrator designation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). The NIAAA later inducted Bechard into its hall of fame in 2023. Bechard&rsquo;s athletic director career began at Stockton High School in 1986 before taking the same role at Holton HS in 1990. Richard oversaw the athletic programs for the Wildcats for 16 years. During that time he was named the District 2 Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association (KIAAA) Athletic Director of the Year twice and the KIAAA Athletic Director of the Year in 2003. Bechard served on the KIAAA Board of Directors from 1994-2013. In 2004, he was given the NIAAA State Award of Merit. Bechard&rsquo;s next stop came in Overland Park where he held the Blue Valley District Athletic Director position from 2006-2014. The NIAAA continued to recognize Bechard's commitment to leadership in 2015 by awarding him the NIAAA Award of Merit - the organization&rsquo;s highest honor.&nbsp; &nbsp; Mike Bradley, Wetmore - Student Mike Bradley was a three-sport standout at Wetmore High School. Just looking at his senior year in 1979, Bradley was an All-State Football selection, Kansas Player of the Year (now Gatorade Player of the Year) in basketball and set the 100, 200 and 400 meter records at the 1A State Track Meet. Bradley led Class 1A in scoring his junior and senior year, averaging 25 points per game and 12 rebounds. Track was his most prolific sport with 14 conference championships and won his first state title in 1978 in the 440-yard dash. In the summer of 1979 at the National Junior Olympics, he ran personal best in the 400 meters of 47.56 seconds, the fastest ever ran by a Kansas high schooler at the time. His athleticism transpired to the college ranks where he competed in three sports at Coffeyville Community College. After transferring to Kansas State, Bradley became a two-time Big 8 Champion and a three-time NCAA All-American in track. Later he became a member of the 1993 Pan American Games team in Caracas, Venezuela where he helped win gold in the 4x400m relay. &nbsp; Elizabeth &ldquo;Betsy&rdquo; Dutton, Sterling - Faculty Betsy Dutton lead speech, debate and theatre programs at Sterling High School for 41 years before her retirement in 2023. Dutton led her speech teams to 27 KSHSAA State Championships and added seven more debate championships. In 2017, Dutton was inducted into the Kansas Speech Communication Association Hall of Fame. The student impact was immeasurable but if you tried: 106 students medaled in state debate and 345 in competitive forensics including 86 state champions. Dutton started her coaching career while she was still a student at Sterling College where she is now a member of the institution&rsquo;s Arts Hall of Fame. Dutton&rsquo;s efforts were honored by the KSHSAA when Sterling High School was named the Performing Arts School of Excellence in 2021. The award recognizes accomplishments in speech, debate, music and theater. The theater at Sterling High School is named the &ldquo;Betsy Dutton Theatre.&rdquo; &nbsp; Bill Johnson, Norton - Faculty Bill Johnson taught, coached and was an administrator for over 30 years. During his time leading the Norton wrestling program, he was a six-time Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) 3-2-1A Coach of the Year. In 2013 he was named the Kansas Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Johnson was honored twice by the National Wrestling Coaches Association with coach of the year honors in 2017 and 2020. He coached 49 individual state champions and 156 state medalists, while compiling a remarkable career dual record of 256-79. From 2000 until his retirement from coaching in 2021, his teams finished in the top five at the state tournament 19 times including 11 team state titles. Johnson wrestled for Fort Hays State University becoming a three-time All-American and won the 118-pound national championship his senior year. In 2022, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honored Johnson with the Lifetime of Service to Wrestling award. After his coaching career Johnson became the athletic director at Norton High School until May of 2025. &nbsp; Barry Sanders, Wichita - Student From Wichita-North High School to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Barry Sanders is a Kansas legend. Taking over as the starting running back in game three of his senior season, Sanders finished with 1,417 yards rushing on 139 carries. In 1986 he was named to the All-City Team, Honorable Mention All-American and later the MVP of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Sanders was a three year participant in football and basketball at Wichita North HS. Football accolades for Sanders after his departure from Wichita are second to none. While at Oklahoma State, Sanders laid claim to the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and a Unanimous All-American honor. Sanders was the 3rd overall pick in the NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions in 1989. He was named the NFL&rsquo;s Offensive Player of the Year in 1994 and 1997 and the league&rsquo;s Co-Most Valuable Player in 1997. During the 1997 season, Sanders set an NFL record by gaining over 100 yards in 14 consecutive games - totaling 2,053 yards for the season. In 2004, Sanders became the fifth native Kansan to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. &nbsp; ********** &nbsp; The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours (directions at www.kshsaa.org).&nbsp; The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA &ldquo;Gallery of Champions&rdquo; at http://www.kshsaachamps.org/. &nbsp; The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee.&nbsp; To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).&nbsp; Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service). &nbsp; Each year schools and communities throughout Kansas submit many nominations of individuals who have made tremendous contributions in the field of interschool activities. Hall of Fame information is available on the KSHSAA website at www.kshsaa.org. Nomination forms are available by contacting the KSHSAA.&nbsp; Any nominations to be considered for induction in 2027 must be received by or postmarked to the KSHSAA no later than the first business day of November.</div>

Sterling's Elizabeth Dutton selected for KSHSAA HOF Class of 2026

🎧🏈 K-State adds to staff; 🏀 Hutch High hosts Buhler in the SAC; 🏀 HutchCC hosts Cloud County Saturday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765491354989.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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<a name="x__Hlk121049403"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;A former special teams standout and four-year staff member at Kansas State,&nbsp;Stanton Weber&nbsp;has been hired as the Wildcats&rsquo; special teams coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Thursday.
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Weber has spent the last three seasons as the special teams coordinator at Toledo as he was named a finalist for the 2024 Special Teams Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop in addition to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35 Leadership Institute.
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&ldquo;Natalie and I could not be more thrilled to join Coach Klein, Shalin and their family in Manhattan,&rdquo; Weber said. &ldquo;Thank you to Coach Candle and the University of Toledo for three great years. We are so grateful for the opportunity from Coach Klein to return home. I am proud to have grown up in this Family and humbled by the responsibility to serve K-State. It is the honor of a lifetime. Go Cats!&rdquo;
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Prior to his time at Toledo, Weber spent two seasons as a special teams analyst at South Carolina after getting his start in coaching at K-State, first as an offensive graduate assistant in 2017 and 2018 before becoming a special teams quality control coach in 2019 and 2020.
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&ldquo;Stanton is one of the most competitive individuals I have ever met,&rdquo; Klein said. &ldquo;He strives for excellence in everything he does. He builds great relationships and has worked himself into being one of the best special teams coordinators in the country.&rdquo;
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Weber presided over five All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honorees during his tenure at Toledo, including three-straight kickoff return specialists, a punt returner and a kicker. Additionally, the Rockets blocked six punts over his three years.
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In 2025, Weber helped the Rockets earn an 8-4 record and a trip to the Boca Raton Bowl. Toledo finished the regular season ranking fourth in the nation in blocked punts (3), eighth in total blocked kicks, 20th&nbsp;in punt-return defense (4.22) and 31st&nbsp;in punt returns (11.48). Both kickoff returner Trayvon Rudolph (second team) and punt returner Bryson Hammer (third team) earned All-MAC honors. Rudolph ranks 33rd&nbsp;nationally with a 21.6-yard average on kickoff returns, including one he returned 96 yards for a touchdown. Hammer ranks 14th&nbsp;in the country in punt-return average at 12.3, while his 333 total punt-return yards rank sixth.
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Under Weber, kickoff-returner Jacquez Stuart finished off his career with consecutive All-MAC First Team honors in 2023 and 2024. He led the MAC and finished fifth in the country in 2024 after averaging 34.0 yards per return &ndash; which was highlighted by a 98-yard touchdown &ndash; as the Rockets ranked 21st&nbsp;in the nation with a team average of 24.07 yards. The year prior, Stuart ranked third in the country with a 29.1-yard average. He totaled 582 kickoff-return yards on the year, which included a 97-yard score to open the game against Buffalo.
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The 2023 season also saw Weber guide Luke Pawlak to All-MAC Second Team accolades after connecting on 12-of-15 field goals (80.0%), which included a long of 44 yards in the season opener at Illinois as part of a season-high three field goals.
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In 2024, Weber&rsquo;s special teams ranked in the top 30 in blocked punts (20th; 1), kickoff returns (21st; 24.07), punt returns (22nd; 12.95), punt return defense (27th; 4.89) and blocked kicks (27th; 2). His 2023 units ranked highly in blocked punts (3rd; 2) and kickoff-return defense (11th; 16.00).
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Prior to his time at Toledo, Weber spent two seasons as a special teams analyst at South Carolina. In 2022, the Gamecocks were ranked No. 1 in the country in special teams efficiency by ESPN, led the SEC in punt-return average and had the nation&rsquo;s longest kickoff return of the season (100 yards) against Texas A&amp;M. They were also second in the SEC in yards per punt and were 11-of-11 on field goal attempts.
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A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Weber was a three-time First Team Academic All-Big 12 performer as a wide receiver and special teams standout for the Wildcats from 2011-15. A team captain as a senior in 2015, Weber played in 46 career games and finished with 19 tackles. He helped K-State accumulate a 34-18 record, earn a Big 12 championship in 2012 and advance to five straight bowl games.
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Weber comes from an athletic family, all of whom played collegiately at Kansas State. His father, Stan, was a quarterback for the Wildcats from 1980-84 and is currently the lead analyst on the K-State Sports Network; his brother Landry was a wide receiver for the Wildcats from 2017-21; and his sister McKenzi played volleyball at K-State from 2016-19.
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Weber has three degrees from Kansas State, earning his bachelor&rsquo;s (2015) and master&rsquo;s (2016) degrees in accounting prior to obtaining an MBA in 2019. He and his wife, Natalie, were married in July of 2022.
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THE STANTON WEBER FILE
Hometown:&nbsp;Overland Park, Kansas
High School:&nbsp;Bishop Miege
College:&nbsp;Kansas State &ndash; Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in accounting (2015), master&rsquo;s in accounting (2016), master&rsquo;s of business administration (2019)
Family:&nbsp;Wife: Natalie
Playing Career:&nbsp;Kansas State (wide receiver), 2011-15
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STANTON WEBER&rsquo;S COACHING CAREER
2017-18, Kansas State (Offensive Graduate Assistant)
2019-20, Kansas State (Special Teams Quality Control)
2021-22, South Carolina (Special Teams Analyst)
2023-25, Toledo (Special Teams Coordinator)
2026, Kansas State (Special Teams Coordinator)</div>

🏈 K-State hires Stanton Weber as Special Teams Coordinator

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765491226292.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/trey-scott/1838" rel="smarttag" rev="1838">Trey Scott</a></dfn>, who worked 11 years in player personnel with NFL clubs and the last three years as a coaches and executives agent, has been hired as the football program's General Manager, head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/collin-klein/2779">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday. Scott brings a unique, well-rounded prospective to Kansas State in the new era of college athletics as he has traveled throughout Division I football as a scout for two NFL clubs before handling contract negotiations over the last several years. "I have had a long career in football, but this is different &ndash; this is Family, and this is home," Scott said. "I am excited to work with quality people and be aggressive in this era of opportunity. Thank you to Coach Klein for trusting me to help advance our program. I can't wait for my wife and kids to become a part of this special community." In his role in Manhattan, Scott will manage the composition of the football roster and, in consultation with Klein and assistant coaches, determine strategies to retain current student-athletes and attract prospective student-athletes. "Trey is a huge part of where we are going to take K-State in the future," said Klein. "With his NFL experience and roster management background &ndash; along with how he builds relationships &ndash; he is the perfect fit." After concluding his playing days as a K-State quarterback in 2010, Scott began in professional football as a pro personnel assistant with the Washington Redskins in 2011. He received an opportunity to work for the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and moved to Las Vegas when the franchise was relocated in 2020. Starting as a Midwest scout of the Raiders, Scott earned multiple promotions, culminating with the title of assistant director of player personnel where he oversaw all aspects of the personnel department. Scott left the Raiders in 2022 to lead the coaching and executives division of Rep 1 Sports before the company was acquired by Excel Sports Management in 2023. For Excel Sports, Scott represented some of the top college football and NFL coaches in addition to front office members with his primary focus of handling their contract negotiations. He also worked as a consultant for athletic departments around the country, helping schools navigate the new era of college athletics in revenue sharing, NIL and spending of revenue sharing dollars. A native of Shawnee, Kansas, who played at Mill Valley High School, Scott earned dual bachelor's degrees in business management and supply chain management &ndash; in addition to a minor in economics &ndash; from Kansas State in December 2010. His family includes his wife, Lauren, daughter, Allie, and son, Jack. THE TREY SCOTT FILE Hometown:&nbsp;Shawnee, Kansas High School:&nbsp;Mill Valley College:&nbsp;Kansas State &ndash; Bachelor's degrees in business management and supply chain management; Minor in economics (2010) Family:&nbsp;Wife: Lauren; Children: Allie, Jack Playing Career:&nbsp;Kansas State (quarterback), 2007-10 TREY SCOTT'S PROFESSIONAL CAREER 2011, Washington Redskins (Pro Personnel Assistant) 2012-22, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (College Scout/Pro Personnel Executive) 2022, Rep 1 Sports (Agent) 2023-25, Excel Sports Management (Agent) 2026, Kansas State (General Manager)</div>

🏈 K-State hires Trey Scott as General Manager

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765464096097.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon fans can purchase tickets for the NJCAA DI Football Championship happening Wednesday, Dec. 17th in Canyon, Texas." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon fans can purchase tickets for the NJCAA DI Football Championship happening Wednesday, Dec. 17th in Canyon, Texas.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>The Hutchinson Community College football team will face the No. 2 seed Iowa Western Reivers in the 2025 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football National Championship Game presented by Zurich Insurance at 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 17th&nbsp;at West Texas A&amp;M University's Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas.
Below is the ticket link to purchase tickets for the game. The game will also be nationally televised on ESPNU. Hutchinson is the home team, and Blue Dragon fans will be seated on the home side (pressbox side) of the stadium:
<h1><a href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=357068">PURCHASE TICKETS HERE&nbsp;</a></h1>
Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=357068">https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=357068</a>
<h2>TRAVEL IN STYLE</h2>
Blue Dragon fans also could purchase the&nbsp;Blue Dragon Fan Pack. The fan pack costs $50 in advance and includes a seat on the fan bus to the game, a ticket into the game, and a small gift from Blue Dragon Athletics.
The fan bus will depart from the west parking lot of the Hutchinson Sports Arena at 9 a.m., Wednesday December 17th&nbsp;and will arrive in Canyon, Texas for the pregame tailgate.
Deadline to purchase the Blue Dragon Fan Pack is 5 p.m. Monday, December 15th.
To purchase the Blue Dragon Fan Pack, contact Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch at 620-665-3586 or by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:goochj@hutchcc.edu">goochj@hutchcc.edu</a>
<img src="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/photos/0006/G70P3uWWUAE0yi4.jpg?max_height=430&amp;max_width=764" alt="Get your Blue Dragon Fan Pack by contacting Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch." width="764" height="430" /></div>

🏈 Purchase tickets to NJCAA football national championship game

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a2261153-bc42-4b0f-8381-e3614630c207">Final: No. 1 Dodge City women 79, No. 18 Hutchinson 57</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4120b86c-9bbc-44a5-a57a-5cab72df90b7">Final: Hutchinson men 82, No. 21 Dodge City 66</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762665656970.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC WBB & MBB at Dodge City (Dec. 10, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gcy3q-19ea4b9-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a2261153-bc42-4b0f-8381-e3614630c207">Final: No. 1 Dodge City women 79, No. 18 Hutchinson 57</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4120b86c-9bbc-44a5-a57a-5cab72df90b7">Final: Hutchinson men 82, No. 21 Dodge City 66</a>

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC at Dodge City

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Hutchinson (8-5, 3-4) used a dominant second half to defeat No. 21 Dodge City (8-4, 4-2) Wednesday night on the road.

The Dragons held one of the nation's top scorers to just two points in the first half on 1-of-9 shooting.

Derrick Rivers (24 ppg) finished the night with just 12 points on 4-of-19 shooting, including 0-for-6 from three.

Meanwhile, the Dragons hit 10-of-20 triples.

Asher Boney went 3-for-3 from distance and finished the night with 12 points.

Kyrell Shaw just missed a triple-double with his 20 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.

The Dragons built a 35-30 lead headed into the break and opened the second half by building a double-digit lead in the opening 10 minutes.

Shaw hit back-to-back threes after an Anthony Alston triple to put Hutchinson up 75-56 late in the second half.

Five Dragons, led by Shaw's 20, scored in double digits.

Daleron Thomas went 6-for-7 from the field and finished with 15 points.

FINAL: Hutchinson 82 Dodge City 66

Hutchinson takes on Cloud County Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. in the Sports Arena in the final game before Christmas break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765424583440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DODGE CITY, Kan. — Hutchinson (8-5, 3-4) used a dominant second half to defeat No. 21 Dodge City (8-4, 4-2) Wednesday night on the road.The Dragons held one of the nation's top scorers to just two points in the first half on 1-of-9 shooting.Derrick Rivers (24 ppg) finished the night with just 12 points on 4-of-19 shooting, including 0-for-6 from three.Meanwhile, the Dragons hit 10-of-20 triples.Asher Boney went 3-for-3 from distance and finished the night with 12 points.Kyrell Shaw just missed a triple-double with his 20 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.The Dragons built a 35-30 lead headed into the break and opened the second half by building a double-digit lead in the opening 10 minutes.Shaw hit back-to-back threes after an Anthony Alston triple to put Hutchinson up 75-56 late in the second half.Alston finished with 11 points.Five Dragons, led by Shaw's 20, scored in double digits.Daleron Thomas went 6-for-7 from the field and finished with 15 points.FINAL: Hutchinson 82 Dodge City 66Hutchinson takes on Cloud County Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. in the Sports Arena in the final game before Christmas break.

🏀 MBB: Dragons dominate No. 21 Conqs

DODGE CITY, Kan. — No. 1 Dodge City (11-0, 6-0) used seven first-half threes to build a 15-point halftime advantage Wednesday night against No. 18 Hutchinson (10-3, 5-2).

Dodge City built an 11-point advantage after one quarter and never looked back.

The Conquistadors put up 10 more shots and made seven more in the opening half.

Manny Piljevic scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half. She pulled down 13 rebounds to finish with a double-double.

Charlie Melksham also scored 15 for the Conquistadors.

Hutchinson shot just 4-of-17 (23.5%) from deep and 20-for-58 (34.5%) overall.

Kamyra Barber (17) and Noelle Anthon (15) led the way for Hutchinson.

FINAL: Dodge City 79 Dodge City 57

The Dragons return to the Sports Arena Dec. 13 to face Cloud County at 2 p.m. in the final game before Christmas break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765424493669.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DODGE CITY, Kan. — No. 1 Dodge City (11-0, 6-0) used seven first-half threes to build a 15-point halftime advantage Wednesday night against No. 18 Hutchinson (10-3, 5-2).Dodge City built an 11-point advantage after one quarter and never looked back.The Conquistadors put up 10 more shots and made seven more in the opening half.Manny Piljevic scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half. She pulled down 13 rebounds to finish with a double-double.Charlie Melksham also scored 15 for the Conquistadors.Four Conqs scored in double figures.Hutchinson shot just 4-of-17 (23.5%) from deep and 20-for-58 (34.5%) overall.Kamyra Barber (17) and Noelle Anthon (15) led the way for Hutchinson.FINAL: Dodge City 79 Dodge City 57The Dragons return to the Sports Arena Dec. 13 to face Cloud County at 2 p.m. in the final game before Christmas break.

🏀 WBB: No. 1 Conqs too much for No. 18 Dragons

Location: Student Activity Center; Dodge City Pregame: 5:15 p.m. Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Station(s): KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) Play-by-Play: Sean Boston; Analyst: Daren Dunn

<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>

Location: Student Activity Center; Dodge City Pregame: 7:15 p.m. Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. Station(s): KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) Play-by-Play: Sean Boston; Analyst: Daren Dunn

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762665656970.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>No. 18 HutchCC women at No. 1 Dodge City</h2>Location: Student Activity Center; Dodge City Pregame: 5:15 p.m. Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Station(s): KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) Play-by-Play: Sean Boston; Analyst: Daren Dunn<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a><h2>HutchCC men at No. 21 Dodge City</h2>Location: Student Activity Center; Dodge City Pregame: 7:15 p.m. Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. Station(s): KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) Play-by-Play: Sean Boston; Analyst: Daren Dunn<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>

🎧🏀 LISTEN LIVE: HutchCC at Dodge City

The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team opens the final week of the first semester with a road game against its third-consecutive ranked opponent.

The Blue Dragons (7-5, 2-4 KJCCC) travels to meet the 21st-ranked Dodge City Conquistadors (8-3, 4-1 KJCCC at 7:30 p.m. at the Student Centers Center on the campus of Dodge City Community College.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed exclusively on ConqTV, a free stream provided by Dodge City Athletics.

The Blue Dragons are 1-1 on this current stretch of the season against ranked opponents.

Last Wednesday the Blue Dragons started their run of ranked opponents off right when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/rudolph_lolo_kra8">Lolo Rudolph</a>&nbsp;hit a buzzer-beater to defeat No. 15 Barton 58-57 in Great Bend. Hutchinson's didn't have the same outcome on Saturday against No. 21 Cowley. After pulling within one points with 3:58 to play in the second half, the Blue Dragons fell to Cowley 65-53.

Defensively over the last three games, the Blue Dragons have been exceptional allowing only 58.3 points and 34.5 percent shooting - both marks are the best in the Jayhawk in that span.

But the Dragon offense is in a bit of a slump. After averaging 83.1 points per game over the first nine games of the season, the Dragons have mustered only 53.0 points per game despite shooting 43 percent from the floor,

Against Cowley, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;broke out of his slump with 26 points against the Tigers, but no other Hutchinson player reached double figures in the game. The Dragons shot a season-low 37.0 percent against Cowley and battled against 15 turnovers.

Dodge City has won four games in a row, coming off a strong 76-68 win at then-No. 10 Coffeyville on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons will have to deal with the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer in Dodge City's Derrick Rivers, who is averaging 24.0 points per game. Rivers had 32 points against Coffeyville on Saturday and had a career-best 42 points against Southwestern Christian when those teams played at the Sports Arena on November 8. Rivers has broken the 30-point mark four times this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765383605476.jpeg" alt="Kordell Williams and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play their third-consecutive nationally ranked opponent on Wednesday when Hutchinson plays at No. 21 Dodge City." />
 <figcaption>Kordell Williams and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play their third-consecutive nationally ranked opponent on Wednesday when Hutchinson plays at No. 21 Dodge City.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team opens the final week of the first semester with a road game against its third-consecutive ranked opponent.The Blue Dragons (7-5, 2-4 KJCCC) travels to meet the 21st-ranked Dodge City Conquistadors (8-3, 4-1 KJCCC at 7:30 p.m. at the Student Centers Center on the campus of Dodge City Community College.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed exclusively on ConqTV, a free stream provided by Dodge City Athletics.<div>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (7-5, 2-4 at No. 21 Dodge City (8-3, 4-1) When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Where: Student Activities Center, Dodge City Time: 7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 7:15 p.m. -- Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2973066">ConqTV (free stream)</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/files/Game_13_men_-_Dodge_City.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons are 1-1 on this current stretch of the season against ranked opponents.Last Wednesday the Blue Dragons started their run of ranked opponents off right when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/rudolph_lolo_kra8">Lolo Rudolph</a>&nbsp;hit a buzzer-beater to defeat No. 15 Barton 58-57 in Great Bend. Hutchinson's didn't have the same outcome on Saturday against No. 21 Cowley. After pulling within one points with 3:58 to play in the second half, the Blue Dragons fell to Cowley 65-53.Defensively over the last three games, the Blue Dragons have been exceptional allowing only 58.3 points and 34.5 percent shooting - both marks are the best in the Jayhawk in that span.But the Dragon offense is in a bit of a slump. After averaging 83.1 points per game over the first nine games of the season, the Dragons have mustered only 53.0 points per game despite shooting 43 percent from the floor,Against Cowley, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;broke out of his slump with 26 points against the Tigers, but no other Hutchinson player reached double figures in the game. The Dragons shot a season-low 37.0 percent against Cowley and battled against 15 turnovers.Dodge City has won four games in a row, coming off a strong 76-68 win at then-No. 10 Coffeyville on Saturday.The Blue Dragons will have to deal with the Jayhawk Conference's leading scorer in Dodge City's Derrick Rivers, who is averaging 24.0 points per game. Rivers had 32 points against Coffeyville on Saturday and had a career-best 42 points against Southwestern Christian when those teams played at the Sports Arena on November 8. Rivers has broken the 30-point mark four times this season.

🏀 HutchCC men play third-straight ranked opponent Wednesday

There aren't many firsts left to achieve for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team. The Blue Dragons could achieve a first on Wednesday night in Dodge City.

The No. 18-ranked Blue Dragons (10-2, 5-1 KJCCC) play at No.1 Dodge City (10-0, 5-0 KJCCC) at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Student Events Center in Dodge City.

A victory would most importantly move the Blue Dragons into a first-place tie atop the Jayhawk Conference. A victory would also be the first time in program history the Blue Dragons would defeat the No. 1 team in the NJCAA rankings.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed exclusively on ConqTV, a free stream provided by Dodge City Athletics.

The Blue Dragons are 0-6 all-time against the nation's No. 1 team. It's been almost 13 full years that the Dragons have a chance at No.1. The last time Hutchinson played the top-ranked team was against No. 1 Trinity Valley on March 22, 2013 in the NJCAA Championship game.

Dodge City took over the top spot in the NJCAA Rankings on November 17 when preseason No. 1 Northwest Florida State lost its only game of the season. The Conquistadors are 5-0 since moving into the top spot in the poll for the first time in program history.

Dodge City is also riding a 29-game home-court win streak. The last time the Conquistadors lost at the Student Activities Center was Nov. 18, 2023, a 72-70 win by the Blue Dragons.

Hutchinson is on a four-game winning streak entering play on Wednesday night. The Blue Dragons shut down Cowley in a 74-53 victory on Saturday at the Sports Arena.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/duncan_katie_ltx7">Katie Duncan</a>&nbsp;led four Hutchinson players in double figures with 15 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/brown_whitney_uv6o">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;and JaMya McPherson had 13 points each while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;had 12 points.

The Blue Dragons held their seventh-straight opponent to less than 60 points and their ninth-straight opponent to less than 40 percent shooting.

The Dragons will be tested as Dodge City is the No. 1 scoring team in the KJCCC at 80.5 points per game. The Conquistadors are also the No. 1 overall shooting team in the league at 46.3 percent and No. 1 3-point shooting team with 12.9 made 3s per game and 37.9 percent shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765383523657.jpeg" alt="Katie Duncan and the No. 18 Blue Dragon women play at No. 1 Dodge City tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Dodge City." />
 <figcaption>Katie Duncan and the No. 18 Blue Dragon women play at No. 1 Dodge City tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Dodge City.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThere aren't many firsts left to achieve for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team. The Blue Dragons could achieve a first on Wednesday night in Dodge City.The No. 18-ranked Blue Dragons (10-2, 5-1 KJCCC) play at No.1 Dodge City (10-0, 5-0 KJCCC) at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Student Events Center in Dodge City.A victory would most importantly move the Blue Dragons into a first-place tie atop the Jayhawk Conference. A victory would also be the first time in program history the Blue Dragons would defeat the No. 1 team in the NJCAA rankings.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed exclusively on ConqTV, a free stream provided by Dodge City Athletics.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 18 Hutchinson (10-2, 5-1) at No. 1 Dodge City (10-0, 5-0) When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Where: Student Activities Center, Dodge City Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m. -- Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2973065">ConqTV (free stream)</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/files/Game_13_women_-_Dodge_City.pdf">CLICK FOR COMPLETE BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons are 0-6 all-time against the nation's No. 1 team. It's been almost 13 full years that the Dragons have a chance at No.1. The last time Hutchinson played the top-ranked team was against No. 1 Trinity Valley on March 22, 2013 in the NJCAA Championship game.Dodge City took over the top spot in the NJCAA Rankings on November 17 when preseason No. 1 Northwest Florida State lost its only game of the season. The Conquistadors are 5-0 since moving into the top spot in the poll for the first time in program history.Dodge City is also riding a 29-game home-court win streak. The last time the Conquistadors lost at the Student Activities Center was Nov. 18, 2023, a 72-70 win by the Blue Dragons.Hutchinson is on a four-game winning streak entering play on Wednesday night. The Blue Dragons shut down Cowley in a 74-53 victory on Saturday at the Sports Arena.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/duncan_katie_ltx7">Katie Duncan</a>&nbsp;led four Hutchinson players in double figures with 15 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/brown_whitney_uv6o">Whitney Brown</a>&nbsp;and JaMya McPherson had 13 points each while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/bios/barber_kamyra_spfy">KaMyra Barber</a>&nbsp;had 12 points.The Blue Dragons held their seventh-straight opponent to less than 60 points and their ninth-straight opponent to less than 40 percent shooting.The Dragons will be tested as Dodge City is the No. 1 scoring team in the KJCCC at 80.5 points per game. The Conquistadors are also the No. 1 overall shooting team in the league at 46.3 percent and No. 1 3-point shooting team with 12.9 made 3s per game and 37.9 percent shooting.

🏀 No. 18 Blue Dragon women travel to meet No. 1 Conquistadors

MAIZE, Kan. — Hutchinson High School split a Tuesday night doubleheader with Maize, as the Salthawk girls rolled to a 47–28 victory before the Eagle boys controlled the nightcap 63–37.


Hutchinson set the tone early, holding Maize to just three first-quarter points and building a 12-point halftime lead on the way to its first win of the season.

Senior Ava Krone led the Salthawks with 14 points and a strong rebounding performance. Kolbie Craft and Tenley Keaton added nine points each, while Danai Morgan scored eight and managed the tempo effectively in her point-guard role.

Maize was paced by Malasia Ingram’s 14 points, most of which came in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided. Kate Harris finished with seven for the Eagles.


Relentless Maize defense dictated the boys matchup, as the Eagles capitalized on Hutchinson turnovers to create 43 extra possessions and pull away for a 63–37 win. Maize improved to 2–1, while the Salthawks slipped to 0–3.

The Eagles featured balanced scoring with eight players finding the book. Senior guard Brayden Myovela led the way with 14 points, and Carson Miles dominated the boards and added 10.

Hutchinson’s Lamar Govain turned in a strong effort with 21 points, while Larry Jeremiah Jr. scored 11. Jalen Gable finished with three and Draydon Hippen added two for the Salthawks.

Hutchinson returns home Friday to host cross-county rival Buhler at the Salthawk Activity Center. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 7:30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball splits with Maize Eagles. Girls win 47-28,&nbsp; boys drop nightcap 63-37." />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball splits with Maize Eagles. Girls win 47-28,&nbsp; boys drop nightcap 63-37.</figcaption>
 </figure>MAIZE, Kan. — Hutchinson High School split a Tuesday night doubleheader with Maize, as the Salthawk girls rolled to a 47–28 victory before the Eagle boys controlled the nightcap 63–37.Girls Recap:
Hutchinson set the tone early, holding Maize to just three first-quarter points and building a 12-point halftime lead on the way to its first win of the season.Senior Ava Krone led the Salthawks with 14 points and a strong rebounding performance. Kolbie Craft and Tenley Keaton added nine points each, while Danai Morgan scored eight and managed the tempo effectively in her point-guard role.Maize was paced by Malasia Ingram’s 14 points, most of which came in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided. Kate Harris finished with seven for the Eagles.Boys Recap:
Relentless Maize defense dictated the boys matchup, as the Eagles capitalized on Hutchinson turnovers to create 43 extra possessions and pull away for a 63–37 win. Maize improved to 2–1, while the Salthawks slipped to 0–3.The Eagles featured balanced scoring with eight players finding the book. Senior guard Brayden Myovela led the way with 14 points, and Carson Miles dominated the boards and added 10.Hutchinson’s Lamar Govain turned in a strong effort with 21 points, while Larry Jeremiah Jr. scored 11. Jalen Gable finished with three and Draydon Hippen added two for the Salthawks.Hutchinson returns home Friday to host cross-county rival Buhler at the Salthawk Activity Center. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 7:30.

🏀 Hutch High splits with Maize: team defense for Eagles shuts down Salthawk boys

HUTCHINSON – Several Hutch Post–area boys basketball programs earned top-10 placements Tuesday as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide rankings. The next poll will be published Dec. 16.

Hesston led all area teams with the highest placement, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Swathers sit ahead of Silver Lake, Burlington and Holcomb in the early-season poll as they look to build on another strong start. Cheney also appears in the 3A rankings at No. 8, giving south-central Kansas multiple contenders in the classification.

Class 2A also features significant representation from the region. Sterling sits atop the poll at No. 1, while Moundridge follows at No. 2, marking the second time this week the two schools appear as a 1–2 pairing in basketball rankings after both girls teams debuted highly on Tuesday. Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Berean Academy round out the top five, but the Heart of America League presence remains the strongest at the top.

In Class 4A, McPherson enters the poll at No. 7 as one of the most consistent mid-sized programs in Kansas. Baldwin, Rock Creek and Pratt hold the top three positions, though the Bullpups’ strong early-season results keep them firmly in contender status heading toward holiday tournament play.

Little River also gives the region another top-10 program, checking in at No. 6 in Class 1A Division I, where Olpe, South Gray and Lincoln lead the field. Canton-Galva claims the final spot in that division at No. 10, strengthening the central Kansas presence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – Several Hutch Post–area boys basketball programs earned top-10 placements Tuesday as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide rankings. The next poll will be published Dec. 16.Hesston led all area teams with the highest placement, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Swathers sit ahead of Silver Lake, Burlington and Holcomb in the early-season poll as they look to build on another strong start. Cheney also appears in the 3A rankings at No. 8, giving south-central Kansas multiple contenders in the classification.Class 2A also features significant representation from the region. Sterling sits atop the poll at No. 1, while Moundridge follows at No. 2, marking the second time this week the two schools appear as a 1–2 pairing in basketball rankings after both girls teams debuted highly on Tuesday. Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Berean Academy round out the top five, but the Heart of America League presence remains the strongest at the top.In Class 4A, McPherson enters the poll at No. 7 as one of the most consistent mid-sized programs in Kansas. Baldwin, Rock Creek and Pratt hold the top three positions, though the Bullpups’ strong early-season results keep them firmly in contender status heading toward holiday tournament play.Little River also gives the region another top-10 program, checking in at No. 6 in Class 1A Division I, where Olpe, South Gray and Lincoln lead the field. Canton-Galva claims the final spot in that division at No. 10, strengthening the central Kansas presence.

🏀 Hesston, Sterling, Moundridge and Central Christian highlight area teams in KBCA boys rankings

HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest girls basketball rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area programs hold prominent positions across the state’s classifications. The next poll will be released Dec. 16.

Halstead earned the highest placement among area teams, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Dragons sit atop a field that includes Silver Lake, Osage City and Holcomb, while league rival Hesston also reached the rankings, coming in at No. 10 in the same classification.

Central Kansas also showed its strength in Class 2A, where Moundridge and Inman claimed the top two spots. Moundridge begins the week at No. 1 and Inman at No. 2, giving the area a strong early foothold in one of the state’s most competitive small-school divisions.

In Class 1A Division I, Little River added another top ranking for the region by opening at No. 1.&nbsp;

Hutchinson-Central Christian joined the list of area teams represented in the statewide polls by appearing at No. 8 in Class 1A Division II. Hanover, Linn and Bucklin lead the classification, with the Lions securing a spot in the top 10 following a strong opening stretch.

Buhler also entered the rankings this week, earning the No. 7 position in Class 4A.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest girls basketball rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area programs hold prominent positions across the state’s classifications. The next poll will be released Dec. 16.Halstead earned the highest placement among area teams, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Dragons sit atop a field that includes Silver Lake, Osage City and Holcomb, while league rival Hesston also reached the rankings, coming in at No. 10 in the same classification.Central Kansas also showed its strength in Class 2A, where Moundridge and Inman claimed the top two spots. Moundridge begins the week at No. 1 and Inman at No. 2, giving the area a strong early foothold in one of the state’s most competitive small-school divisions.In Class 1A Division I, Little River added another top ranking for the region by opening at No. 1.&nbsp;Hutchinson-Central Christian joined the list of area teams represented in the statewide polls by appearing at No. 8 in Class 1A Division II. Hanover, Linn and Bucklin lead the classification, with the Lions securing a spot in the top 10 following a strong opening stretch.Buhler also entered the rankings this week, earning the No. 7 position in Class 4A.&nbsp;

🏀 Halstead, Moundridge, Inman and Little River highlight area teams in latest KBCA girls rankings

HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season boys wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area programs were represented.

Hutchinson High led all area teams with a top-five ranking in Class 5A along with six individually ranked wrestlers. Buhler and Lyons also placed multiple athletes in the statewide lists, while Haven added one ranked returner in the small-school division.

The Salthawks’ strong preseason expectations were confirmed as Hutchinson debuted at No. 4 in the Class 5A team rankings. Dion Brown earned the area’s highest placement in the lighter weights, checking in at No. 4 at 106 pounds. Teammate Cruz Cannon followed at 132, ranked fifth.

Hutchinson’s upper-weight depth also appeared in the first poll. Cooper Harris is No. 2 at 157 pounds, while Max Harris holds the No. 2 spot at 175. The Salthawks also placed Karson Etienne at No. 6 at 165 and Jackson Anderson at No. 6 at 190.

Buhler’s lineup produced two ranked athletes in Class 4A. Senior Sammy Hershberger, a returning state medalist, comes in at No. 2 at 138 pounds. Sophomore Luke Kerns is No. 5 at 165 after a strong freshman campaign.

Lyons claimed a pair of early-season rankings in the small-school classification. Senior Jace Grizzle opens as the top-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds in 3-2-1A, giving the Lions one of the most notable placements among area competitors. Senior Easton Benavidez also enters the rankings at No. 5 at 113.

Haven Places Loughrie in Upper Half at 132

Haven senior Tanner Loughrie returned to the statewide list in Class 3-2-1A, earning the No. 4 spot at 132 pounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season boys wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area programs were represented.Hutchinson High led all area teams with a top-five ranking in Class 5A along with six individually ranked wrestlers. Buhler and Lyons also placed multiple athletes in the statewide lists, while Haven added one ranked returner in the small-school division.<h2>Hutchinson Opens at No. 4 in Class 5A</h2>The Salthawks’ strong preseason expectations were confirmed as Hutchinson debuted at No. 4 in the Class 5A team rankings. Dion Brown earned the area’s highest placement in the lighter weights, checking in at No. 4 at 106 pounds. Teammate Cruz Cannon followed at 132, ranked fifth.Hutchinson’s upper-weight depth also appeared in the first poll. Cooper Harris is No. 2 at 157 pounds, while Max Harris holds the No. 2 spot at 175. The Salthawks also placed Karson Etienne at No. 6 at 165 and Jackson Anderson at No. 6 at 190.<h2>Buhler Places Two in 4A</h2>Buhler’s lineup produced two ranked athletes in Class 4A. Senior Sammy Hershberger, a returning state medalist, comes in at No. 2 at 138 pounds. Sophomore Luke Kerns is No. 5 at 165 after a strong freshman campaign.<h2>Lyons Lands Two in 3-2-1A</h2>Lyons claimed a pair of early-season rankings in the small-school classification. Senior Jace Grizzle opens as the top-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds in 3-2-1A, giving the Lions one of the most notable placements among area competitors. Senior Easton Benavidez also enters the rankings at No. 5 at 113.<h2>Haven Places Loughrie in Upper Half at 132</h2>Haven senior Tanner Loughrie returned to the statewide list in Class 3-2-1A, earning the No. 4 spot at 132 pounds.

🤼‍♂️ Area wrestlers crack first KWCA boys rankings of season

HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season girls wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area schools were represented across Classes 4A, 5A and 3-2-1A.

While no area program cracked the girls team top 10 in any classification, multiple individuals from Buhler, Lyons and Sterling appeared in the initial statewide lists.

Buhler’s Jackson and Parks Ranked in 4A

Buhler placed two wrestlers in the Class 4A individual rankings.

Junior Madi Jackson opens the season at No. 4 at 145 pounds after qualifying for state last season. At 130 pounds, senior Macey Parks earned a No. 2 ranking in one of 4A’s deepest divisions.

The Crusaders were the only area school to place multiple wrestlers in the girls 4A poll.

Lyons Features Three Ranked Athletes in 3-2-1A

Lyons made a strong showing in the small-school division with three wrestlers earning statewide recognition.

Senior Kennedy Grizzle is ranked No. 4 at 110 pounds, while freshman Addison Morgan appears at No. 2 at 120 pounds after an impressive start to her varsity career. Lyons added a third ranking at 165 pounds, where Jace Grizzle holds the No. 1 spot on the boys side and the girls team sees continued momentum from its younger athletes.

Sterling’s Boeken Earns No. 2 Spot at 115

Sterling sophomore Jaecyn Boeken returned to the 3-2-1A rankings following her breakout freshman season. She opens the year at No. 2 at 115 pounds, continuing to anchor the Black Bears’ growing girls program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular-season girls wrestling rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area schools were represented across Classes 4A, 5A and 3-2-1A.While no area program cracked the girls team top 10 in any classification, multiple individuals from Buhler, Lyons and Sterling appeared in the initial statewide lists.<h2>Buhler’s Jackson and Parks Ranked in 4A</h2>Buhler placed two wrestlers in the Class 4A individual rankings.Junior Madi Jackson opens the season at No. 4 at 145 pounds after qualifying for state last season. At 130 pounds, senior Macey Parks earned a No. 2 ranking in one of 4A’s deepest divisions.The Crusaders were the only area school to place multiple wrestlers in the girls 4A poll.<h2>Lyons Features Three Ranked Athletes in 3-2-1A</h2>Lyons made a strong showing in the small-school division with three wrestlers earning statewide recognition.Senior Kennedy Grizzle is ranked No. 4 at 110 pounds, while freshman Addison Morgan appears at No. 2 at 120 pounds after an impressive start to her varsity career. Lyons added a third ranking at 165 pounds, where Jace Grizzle holds the No. 1 spot on the boys side and the girls team sees continued momentum from its younger athletes.<h2>Sterling’s Boeken Earns No. 2 Spot at 115</h2>Sterling sophomore Jaecyn Boeken returned to the 3-2-1A rankings following her breakout freshman season. She opens the year at No. 2 at 115 pounds, continuing to anchor the Black Bears’ growing girls program.

🤼‍♀️ Area girls wrestlers earn spots in first KWCA rankings of season

After two seasons of being the Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;earned her first national award of her collegiate career on Tuesday.

Pokrandt was named an NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer first-team All-American.

The sophomore defender from Karisruhe, Germany became the 17th Blue Dragon to earn All-America status in women's soccer. She is the fifth Blue Dragon to earn first-team honors, the first since Kaitlyn Edwards in 2024. The other Blue Dragon first-team All-Americans are Melissa Hetherington (2011), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Siobhon Wilson (2024).

When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.

With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranked 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (16).

Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.

Defensively, Pokrandt led the Blue Dragon back line to back-to-back postseason shutouts against Dodge City (1-0 in overtime) and 1-0 in the semifinals against Butler to earn a second-straight berth in the Region 6 championship game.

The 2025 Blue Dragons went 13-3-4 and had a 10-game unbeaten streak (7 wins, 3 ties).

Pokrandt is one of three Jayhawk Conference players to earn All-America honors. She is joined by Cowley's Saki Sanno (1st team) and Sara Cortes (2nd team) on the 2025 All-America team.

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/2025-26/div1/all-americans/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I ALL-AMERICA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765310063039.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter two seasons of being the Jayhawk Conference Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;earned her first national award of her collegiate career on Tuesday.Pokrandt was named an NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer first-team All-American.The sophomore defender from Karisruhe, Germany became the 17th Blue Dragon to earn All-America status in women's soccer. She is the fifth Blue Dragon to earn first-team honors, the first since Kaitlyn Edwards in 2024. The other Blue Dragon first-team All-Americans are Melissa Hetherington (2011), Danielle Sheehy (2012) and Siobhon Wilson (2024).When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranked 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (16).Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.Defensively, Pokrandt led the Blue Dragon back line to back-to-back postseason shutouts against Dodge City (1-0 in overtime) and 1-0 in the semifinals against Butler to earn a second-straight berth in the Region 6 championship game.The 2025 Blue Dragons went 13-3-4 and had a 10-game unbeaten streak (7 wins, 3 ties).Pokrandt is one of three Jayhawk Conference players to earn All-America honors. She is joined by Cowley's Saki Sanno (1st team) and Sara Cortes (2nd team) on the 2025 All-America team.<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wsoc/2025-26/div1/all-americans/index" target="_blank">CLICK FOR COMPLETE NJCAA DIVISION I ALL-AMERICA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS</a>

⚽ Pokrandt named NJCAA first-team All-American

🏈 Sterling's Farney named to KSHSAA Covered Top 11

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-13f40a19b9eeac3202e2546143c57008">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is catching up with more legends.

The baseball superstar ends 2025 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying him with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees.

“Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special,” Ohtani said in Japanese in an exclusive interview with the AP.

Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members after his two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers – delivering perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-greatest-performance-c3d4cf7fe2c7260a6d2aac4e74c9da2d">the greatest single-game individual performance</a>&nbsp;in sports history along the way. He previously won the award in 2024, his first season with the Dodgers, and in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Multisport standout Babe Didrikson Zaharias won six times over the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the most by a man or woman.

The ultra-competitive Ohtani’s latest win broke a tie with Michael Jordan, who along with Woods, he followed while growing up in Japan.

“Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well,” he said.

Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, who won his third consecutive world title and has set the world record 14 times, including four times in 2025, was second with five votes in balloting announced Tuesday. Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked tennis player who won titles at the French and U.S. Opens, was third with four.

The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Wednesday.

Ohtani has shown remarkable consistency since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mvp-ohtani-raleigh-judge-b3075edd1277418edc5f695e0e8b23ea">He won his fourth career Most Valuable Player</a>&nbsp;award (second with the Dodgers) by unanimous vote, the first player in major league history to do so.

This year, he posted a 1.014 OPS and hit 55 home runs. Returning to the mound for the first time since 2023, he had a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings over 14 starts.

Ohtani saved his best for the postseason.

In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hit three home runs to earn MVP honors. He said it was his greatest game in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-top-moments-ec637c168a9ec52c14b18feb3cce8dae">career full of incredible feats</a>.

“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” he said. “It was a crucial game in the postseason, and I personally feel I played quite well in that game.”

“Well, yes, there are times when I feel that way about myself, and of course there are times when I think I’m not good enough,” he said, “so I suppose athletes experience both kinds of feelings.”

Another year, another championship for Ohtani and the Dodgers

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-game-7-c38a0d22f01fd4d57f9dac815c363a55">Ohtani showed he’s human</a>&nbsp;in Game 7 of the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShaYyUplyws" target="_blank">He singled in the first inning</a>&nbsp;and then took the mound on short rest, but he struggled with his command. He gave up a three-run homer to Toronto’s Bo Bichette along with five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

But he and the Dodgers raised a second straight World Series trophy after outlasting the Blue Jays in the most scintillating Series in recent memory.

“Shohei obviously has the weight of the world on his shoulders as far as expectations, being probably the face of baseball, certainly when you’re talking about the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Game 7. “It’s just really special what he’s done. Just a great person and a great competitor.”

Ohtani’s presence has been transformative for MLB’s global reach. Game 7 of this World Series averaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodger-blue-jays-fox-ratings-22e15da843a6ce61eaddf7e87a9e09c8">13.1 million viewers in Japan</a>, the most-watched World Series game on a single network there ever, and 51 million watched worldwide to make it the most-viewed since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.

“I think the higher your goals are, the more you have to do, and the more you want to do,” he said. “If you’re satisfied with where you are now, I don’t think it’s possible to achieve your goals without putting in the effort. So, setting goals high is what I believe is most important.”

The Dodgers carefully managed Ohtani’s return to pitching this year by gradually increasing his workload after rehabbing from elbow surgery in September 2023. His innings were initially capped before he was allowed to make longer starts as he felt better.

“When it comes to feeling nervous, being on the mound definitely makes me more tense,” he said. “It’s a position where you can single-handedly ruin a game, and at the same time, it’s also a position where you can contribute to a win. So, in my mind, I feel that being a pitcher is truly a special role.”

At 31, Ohtani has undergone three major surgeries: two on his right elbow and another on his left shoulder. Regardless of the physical and mental wear and tear, he plans on remaining a two-way player his entire career.

“I think it’s best to keep doing it right up until the moment I retire,” he said.

Ohtani plans to play for Japan in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdeRDZ8UKB8" target="_blank">World Baseball Classic</a>&nbsp;in March.

“I’m still not sure whether I’ll be pitching,” he said. “I’ve been given permission to play in the tournament, but as for how much and in what way, including on the batting side, that’s something we’ll be discussing.”

Winning a third consecutive World Series championship is among Ohtani’s biggest goals in 2026.

“Staying healthy and appearing in every game without injury, that’s the smallest goal I have,” he said.

Ohtani became a father for the first time when his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, gave birth to their daughter in April. He carefully guards against revealing her name and any details about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-dodgers-fdc29f623839ee7e481efb71aae82f1b">his home life</a>. No word on how his beloved dog Decoy reacted to having a new sibling, either.

Ohtani’s American fans enjoy hearing him speak English on the rare occasions he’s done so publicly, including at both World Series celebrations. He understands most of the language, although he uses an interpreter in interviews.

“I think it would be best if I could speak in English, so even if it’s just small steps, I want to keep working at it,” he said. “Whether it’s with fans or in different situations, being able to speak directly in English might help bridge the gap between us.”

In the meantime, he’ll keep letting his bat and arm speak volumes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864119730.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during media day for the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>PASADENA, Calif. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-13f40a19b9eeac3202e2546143c57008">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;is catching up with more legends.The baseball superstar ends 2025 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying him with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees.“Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special,” Ohtani said in Japanese in an exclusive interview with the AP.Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members after his two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers – delivering perhaps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-greatest-performance-c3d4cf7fe2c7260a6d2aac4e74c9da2d">the greatest single-game individual performance</a>&nbsp;in sports history along the way. He previously won the award in 2024, his first season with the Dodgers, and in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Multisport standout Babe Didrikson Zaharias won six times over the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, the most by a man or woman.The ultra-competitive Ohtani’s latest win broke a tie with Michael Jordan, who along with Woods, he followed while growing up in Japan.“Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well,” he said.Swedish-American pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, who won his third consecutive world title and has set the world record 14 times, including four times in 2025, was second with five votes in balloting announced Tuesday. Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked tennis player who won titles at the French and U.S. Opens, was third with four.The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Wednesday.<h2>Ohtani returns to two-way supremacy</h2>Ohtani has shown remarkable consistency since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers on a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mvp-ohtani-raleigh-judge-b3075edd1277418edc5f695e0e8b23ea">He won his fourth career Most Valuable Player</a>&nbsp;award (second with the Dodgers) by unanimous vote, the first player in major league history to do so.This year, he posted a 1.014 OPS and hit 55 home runs. Returning to the mound for the first time since 2023, he had a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings over 14 starts.Ohtani saved his best for the postseason.In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and hit three home runs to earn MVP honors. He said it was his greatest game in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-top-moments-ec637c168a9ec52c14b18feb3cce8dae">career full of incredible feats</a>.“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” he said. “It was a crucial game in the postseason, and I personally feel I played quite well in that game.”Does he surprise himself?“Well, yes, there are times when I feel that way about myself, and of course there are times when I think I’m not good enough,” he said, “so I suppose athletes experience both kinds of feelings.”<h2>Another year, another championship for Ohtani and the Dodgers</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-game-7-c38a0d22f01fd4d57f9dac815c363a55">Ohtani showed he’s human</a>&nbsp;in Game 7 of the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShaYyUplyws" target="_blank">He singled in the first inning</a>&nbsp;and then took the mound on short rest, but he struggled with his command. He gave up a three-run homer to Toronto’s Bo Bichette along with five hits in 2 1/3 innings.But he and the Dodgers raised a second straight World Series trophy after outlasting the Blue Jays in the most scintillating Series in recent memory.“Shohei obviously has the weight of the world on his shoulders as far as expectations, being probably the face of baseball, certainly when you’re talking about the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Game 7. “It’s just really special what he’s done. Just a great person and a great competitor.”Ohtani’s presence has been transformative for MLB’s global reach. Game 7 of this World Series averaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodger-blue-jays-fox-ratings-22e15da843a6ce61eaddf7e87a9e09c8">13.1 million viewers in Japan</a>, the most-watched World Series game on a single network there ever, and 51 million watched worldwide to make it the most-viewed since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.<h2>How does Ohtani keep topping himself?</h2>“I think the higher your goals are, the more you have to do, and the more you want to do,” he said. “If you’re satisfied with where you are now, I don’t think it’s possible to achieve your goals without putting in the effort. So, setting goals high is what I believe is most important.”The Dodgers carefully managed Ohtani’s return to pitching this year by gradually increasing his workload after rehabbing from elbow surgery in September 2023. His innings were initially capped before he was allowed to make longer starts as he felt better.“When it comes to feeling nervous, being on the mound definitely makes me more tense,” he said. “It’s a position where you can single-handedly ruin a game, and at the same time, it’s also a position where you can contribute to a win. So, in my mind, I feel that being a pitcher is truly a special role.”At 31, Ohtani has undergone three major surgeries: two on his right elbow and another on his left shoulder. Regardless of the physical and mental wear and tear, he plans on remaining a two-way player his entire career.“I think it’s best to keep doing it right up until the moment I retire,” he said.Ohtani plans to play for Japan in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdeRDZ8UKB8" target="_blank">World Baseball Classic</a>&nbsp;in March.“I’m still not sure whether I’ll be pitching,” he said. “I’ve been given permission to play in the tournament, but as for how much and in what way, including on the batting side, that’s something we’ll be discussing.”Winning a third consecutive World Series championship is among Ohtani’s biggest goals in 2026.“Staying healthy and appearing in every game without injury, that’s the smallest goal I have,” he said.<h2>An exciting year off the field, too</h2>Ohtani became a father for the first time when his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, gave birth to their daughter in April. He carefully guards against revealing her name and any details about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-world-series-dodgers-fdc29f623839ee7e481efb71aae82f1b">his home life</a>. No word on how his beloved dog Decoy reacted to having a new sibling, either.Ohtani’s American fans enjoy hearing him speak English on the rare occasions he’s done so publicly, including at both World Series celebrations. He understands most of the language, although he uses an interpreter in interviews.“I think it would be best if I could speak in English, so even if it’s just small steps, I want to keep working at it,” he said. “Whether it’s with fans or in different situations, being able to speak directly in English might help bridge the gap between us.”In the meantime, he’ll keep letting his bat and arm speak volumes.

⚾ Shohei Ohtani is the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for record-tying 4th time

🎧🏀 K-State men win big; 🏈 Chiefs without Morris for remainder of season

The Kansas Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Monday, with several area student-athletes earning statewide recognition.

Sterling High School running back Zane Farney, who helped lead the Black Bears to the Class 1A state championship, was selected to both the KFBCA All-State All-Class Team and the Class 1A All-State Team.

The KFBCA’s all-state lists, released online Monday, include seniors only and feature athletes from the association’s 11-man member programs.&nbsp;

Sterling head coach Brent Schneider was named the 1A Coach of the Year, while assistant Jaret Wohler earned 1A Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

Farney was joined on the 1A All-State Seniors Team by three Sterling teammates: offensive lineman Kevin Ploutz and defensive back Wyatt Newberry.

Trinity Catholic placed four players on the Class 1A list: wide receiver Kaid McElgunn, tight end Bentyn Chastain, defensive lineman Isaac Hammersmith and defensive back Drew Dechant.

Two Inman standouts, linebacker Dylan Larson and defensive lineman Cooper Wiens, were also selected to the 1A team.

In Class 4A, Buhler High School had two honorees: running back Ben Clouse and defensive back Jacob Miller.


Hutchinson High School linebacker Jackson Anderson represented the Salthawks on the Class 5A All-State Seniors Team.

Halstead kicker/punter Carlos Martinez earned a spot on the Class 2A All-State Team.&nbsp;

Hesston rounded out the area honorees with two selections: defensive lineman Ethan Coutre and punter/kicker Ethan Schrag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701954911963.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Monday, with several area student-athletes earning statewide recognition.Sterling High School running back Zane Farney, who helped lead the Black Bears to the Class 1A state championship, was selected to both the KFBCA All-State All-Class Team and the Class 1A All-State Team.The KFBCA’s all-state lists, released online Monday, include seniors only and feature athletes from the association’s 11-man member programs.&nbsp;Sterling head coach Brent Schneider was named the 1A Coach of the Year, while assistant Jaret Wohler earned 1A Assistant Coach of the Year honors.Farney was joined on the 1A All-State Seniors Team by three Sterling teammates: offensive lineman Kevin Ploutz and defensive back Wyatt Newberry.Trinity Catholic placed four players on the Class 1A list: wide receiver Kaid McElgunn, tight end Bentyn Chastain, defensive lineman Isaac Hammersmith and defensive back Drew Dechant.Two Inman standouts, linebacker Dylan Larson and defensive lineman Cooper Wiens, were also selected to the 1A team.In Class 4A, Buhler High School had two honorees: running back Ben Clouse and defensive back Jacob Miller.
Hutchinson High School linebacker Jackson Anderson represented the Salthawks on the Class 5A All-State Seniors Team.Halstead kicker/punter Carlos Martinez earned a spot on the Class 2A All-State Team.&nbsp;Hesston rounded out the area honorees with two selections: defensive lineman Ethan Coutre and punter/kicker Ethan Schrag.<figure>
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🏈 Several area standouts earn spots on KFBCA all-state football teams

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.

David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.

Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.

K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.

Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.

Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765279466746.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4)&nbsp; passes to Elias Rapieque (0) during the first half of their game against Mississippi Valley State on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty sank five of Kansas State's 19 3-pointers and scored 28, leading the Wildcats to a 108-49 romp over Mississippi Valley State on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Haggerty made 11 of 14 shots with just one miss from beyond the arc for the Wildcats (6-4), who improved to 5-2 at home.David Castillo came off the bench to hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, scoring 19 for K-State. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored 15 on 5-for-10 shooting from distance as the Wildcats hot 53% from outside the arc. Nate Johnson had two 3s and scored 14, adding six assists and five steals.Haggerty scored seven in a game-opening 25-9 run by K-State. He had 15 points by halftime as the Wildcats opened up a 55-21 lead.K-State shot just under 60% from the floor in the first half. The Wildcats made 6 of 13 from distance and 11 of 14 free throws. Mississippi Valley State missed 25 of 31 shots, including all six of its 3-pointers.Haggerty and Castillo missed one shot each in the second half, combining for 25 of the Wildcats' 53 points after the break.Michael James scored 23 to lead the Delta Devils (1-9), who are 0-7 on the road and have lost eight straight.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Creighton on Saturday.

🏀 Haggerty scores 28 as K-State rolls past Mississippi Valley State

South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&amp;M, noon (ABC)

Troy vs. Jacksonville State, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Old Dominion vs. South Florida, 5 p.m. (ESPN)

Arkansas State vs. Missouri State, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan, 11 a.m. (ESPN)

No. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673708512245.jpeg" alt="The Mercedes-Benz stadium is seen after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game between Georgia and Ohio State, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. Georgia won 42-41. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)" />
 <figcaption>The Mercedes-Benz stadium is seen after the Peach Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game between Georgia and Ohio State, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. Georgia won 42-41. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)</figcaption>
 </figure>All Times Eastern<h2>Dec. 13</h2>Celebration BowlAtlantaSouth Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&amp;M, noon (ABC)LA BowlInglewood, Calif.Boise State vs. Washington, 8 p.m. (ABC)<h2>Dec. 16</h2>Salute to Veterans BowlMontgomery, Ala.Troy vs. Jacksonville State, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 17</h2>Cure BowlOrlando, Fla.Old Dominion vs. South Florida, 5 p.m. (ESPN)68 Ventures BowlMobile, Ala.Louisiana vs. Delaware, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 18</h2>Xbox BowlFrisco, TexasArkansas State vs. Missouri State, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)<h2>Dec. 19</h2>Myrtle Beach BowlConway, S.C.Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan, 11 a.m. (ESPN)Gasparilla BowlTampa, Fla.Memphis vs N.C. State, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)College Football PlayoffFirst RoundNo. 11 Alabama (10-3) at No. 8 Oklahoma (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)<h2>Dec. 20</h2>College Football PlayoffFirst RoundNo. 10 Miami (Fla.) (10-2) at No. 7 Texas A&amp;M (11-1), noon (ESPN/ABC)No. 17 Tulane (11-2) at No. 6 Mississippi (11-1), 3:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)No. 19 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1), 7:30 p.m. (TNT/HBO Max)<h2>Dec. 22</h2>Famous Idaho Potato BowlBoise, IdahoUtah St. vs. Washington St., 2 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 23</h2>Boca Raton BowlBoca Raton, Fla.Louisville vs. Toledo, 2 p.m. (ESPN)New Orleans BowlNew OrleansWestern Kentucky vs. Southern Miss, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)Frisco BowlFrisco, TexasOhio vs. UNLV, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 24</h2>Hawai’i BowlHonoluluCal vs. Hawaii, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 26</h2>GameAbove Sports BowlDetroit, Mich.Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. (ESPN)Rate BowlPhoenixNew Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)First Responder BowlDallas, TexasFIU vs. UTSA, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 27</h2>Military BowlAnnapolis, Md.Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina, 11 a.m. (ESPN)Pinstripe BowlBronx, N.Y.Clemson vs. Penn St., noon (ABC)Fenway BowlBostonUConn vs. Army, 2:15 p.m. (ESPN)Pop-Tarts BowlOrlando, Fla.No. 12 BYU vs. No. 24 Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)Arizona BowlTucson, Ariz.Fresno St. vs. Miami (OH), 4:30 p.m. (CW Network)New Mexico BowlAlbuquerqueNo. 23 North Texas vs. San Diego St., 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)Gator BowlJacksonville, Fla.No. 25 Missouri vs. NO. 20 Virginia, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)Texas BowlHoustonLSU vs. No. 21 Houston, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 29</h2>Birmingham BowlBirmingham, Ala.Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State, 2 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 30</h2>Independence BowlShreveport, La.Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m. (ESPN)Music City BowlNashville, Tenn.Tennessee vs. Illinois, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)Alamo BowlSan Antonio, TexasNo. 16 Southern Cal vs. TCU, 9 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Dec. 31</h2>ReliaQuest BowlTampa, Fla.No. 13 Vanderbilt vs. No. 23 Iowa, noon (ESPN)Sun BowlEl Paso, TexasArizona St. vs. Duke, 2 p.m. (CBS)Citrus BowlOrlando, Fla.No. 14 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan, 3 p.m. (ABC)Las Vegas BowlLas VegasNo. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)College Football PlayoffQuarterfinalsAt Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TexasMiami/Texas A&amp;M winner at No. 3 Ohio St., 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 1</h2>College Football PlayoffQuarterfinalsAt Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, Fla.James Madison/Oregon winner at No. 4 Texas Tech, noon (ESPN)At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.Alabama/Oklahoma winner at No. 1 Indiana, 4 p.m. (ESPN)At Sugar Bowl, New OrleansTulane/Mississippi winner at No. 2 Georgia, 8 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 2</h2>Armed Forces BowlFort Worth, TexasTexas State vs. Rice, 1 p.m. (ESPN)Liberty BowlMemphis, Tenn.No. 22 Navy vs. Cincinnati, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)Duke’s Mayo BowlCharlotte, N.C.Mississippi St. vs. Wake Forest, 8 p.m. (ESPN)Holiday BowlSan Diego, Calif.No. 21 Arizona vs. SMU, 8 p.m. (FOX)<h2>Jan. 8</h2>College Football PlayoffSemifinalsAt Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz.TBD, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 9</h2>College Football PlayoffSemifinalsAt Peach Bowl, AtlantaTBD, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)<h2>Jan. 19</h2>College Football PlayoffNational ChampionshipAt MiamiSemifinal winners, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)