MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jizzle James scored 24 points, Baba Miller had a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and Cincinnati rolled past Kansas State 91-62 on Wednesday night.

Miller also recorded six assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GoBearcatsMBB/status/2021790579873460443">four blocked shots</a>. He has 11 double-doubles this season and is one of three players nationally with the stat line of at least 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.

James buried 6 of 8 3-pointers and Jalen Celestine, who scored 18 points, made 4 of 6 3s. The Bearcats hit on 16 of 28 3-pointers.

Sencire Harris scored 12 points, and Day Day Thomas added 10 for Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 Big 12).

Needing 31 points to reach 2,000 for his career, K-State’s P.J. Haggerty scored 24. With seven more points, he will join Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack as the only active Division I players with 2,000 points.

Celestine, Miller and James all hit two 3-pointers as Cincinnati opened the game with 6 of 8 3s, building a 30-11 lead in the first eight minutes. The Bearcats led 53-31 at halftime after shooting 57% from the floor and making 9 of 14 3-pointers.

A 10-0 run helped Cincinnati stretch the lead to 28 points early in the second half, and the margin peaked at 32 when Jordi Rodriguez hit a 3 with about 3 minutes remaining.

The Bearcats won on the road for the first time this season after being 0-6 in true road games.

The Wildcats (10-14, 1-10) have lost five straight.

Kansas State: The Wildcats hit the road to play No. 3 Houston on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770894686819.png" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) drives to the basket against Cincinnati's Halvine Dzellat (65) Thursday, February 11, 2026 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) drives to the basket against Cincinnati's Halvine Dzellat (65) Thursday, February 11, 2026 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jizzle James scored 24 points, Baba Miller had a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and Cincinnati rolled past Kansas State 91-62 on Wednesday night.Miller also recorded six assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GoBearcatsMBB/status/2021790579873460443">four blocked shots</a>. He has 11 double-doubles this season and is one of three players nationally with the stat line of at least 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.James buried 6 of 8 3-pointers and Jalen Celestine, who scored 18 points, made 4 of 6 3s. The Bearcats hit on 16 of 28 3-pointers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770867020069.png" alt="Photo University of Cincinnati Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Cincinnati Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Sencire Harris scored 12 points, and Day Day Thomas added 10 for Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 Big 12).Needing 31 points to reach 2,000 for his career, K-State’s P.J. Haggerty scored 24. With seven more points, he will join Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack as the only active Division I players with 2,000 points.Celestine, Miller and James all hit two 3-pointers as Cincinnati opened the game with 6 of 8 3s, building a 30-11 lead in the first eight minutes. The Bearcats led 53-31 at halftime after shooting 57% from the floor and making 9 of 14 3-pointers.A 10-0 run helped Cincinnati stretch the lead to 28 points early in the second half, and the margin peaked at 32 when Jordi Rodriguez hit a 3 with about 3 minutes remaining.The Bearcats won on the road for the first time this season after being 0-6 in true road games.The Wildcats (10-14, 1-10) have lost five straight.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats hit the road to play No. 3 Houston on Saturday.

🏀 James and Miller lead the way as Cincinnati dumps Kansas State 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Daleron Thomas scored 19 points and Chudier Dorar posted his second career double-double as Hutchinson snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 67-61 win over No. 24 Dodge City on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons earned their first win since Jan. 7, improved to 11-14 overall and 6-13 in the KJCCC, and completed a season sweep of the Conquistadors after winning 82-66 on Dec. 10.

Hutchinson controlled the game early, building a double-digit lead before halftime behind efficient shooting and a strong start from Thomas. The Blue Dragons shot 43.9% (25 of 57) for the game and took their largest lead at 14.

Dodge City never led by more than four and spent most of the night trying to chip away at Hutchinson’s cushion. The Conquistadors cut a 14-point deficit to three several times in the second half, including a late surge fueled by Andrew Mabry’s 3-pointers.

Mabry hit back-to-back 3s in the final 1:47 to pull Dodge City within 64-61, but Hutchinson answered on the other end. Anthony Alston knocked down a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to seal it.

Dorar finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks for Hutchinson. Bobby Cannon added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Alston scored eight points off the bench and hit two 3s.

Rickey Loftin II led Dodge City with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rivers added 11 points, though he shot 2 of 13 from the field and 0 of 6 from 3-point range. Brad Johnson scored 10 points, and Mabry had 14 off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.

Dodge City shot 34.8% (23 of 66) and went 4 of 21 from 3-point range. Hutchinson was 7 of 19 from deep and finished 10 of 13 at the free-throw line.

The Blue Dragons travel to Concordia on Saturday to face Cloud County, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. in Arley Bryant Gymnasium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770871737783.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Daleron Thomas scored 19 points and Chudier Dorar posted his second career double-double as Hutchinson snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 67-61 win over No. 24 Dodge City on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons earned their first win since Jan. 7, improved to 11-14 overall and 6-13 in the KJCCC, and completed a season sweep of the Conquistadors after winning 82-66 on Dec. 10.Hutchinson controlled the game early, building a double-digit lead before halftime behind efficient shooting and a strong start from Thomas. The Blue Dragons shot 43.9% (25 of 57) for the game and took their largest lead at 14.Dodge City never led by more than four and spent most of the night trying to chip away at Hutchinson’s cushion. The Conquistadors cut a 14-point deficit to three several times in the second half, including a late surge fueled by Andrew Mabry’s 3-pointers.Mabry hit back-to-back 3s in the final 1:47 to pull Dodge City within 64-61, but Hutchinson answered on the other end. Anthony Alston knocked down a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to seal it.Dorar finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks for Hutchinson. Bobby Cannon added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Alston scored eight points off the bench and hit two 3s.Rickey Loftin II led Dodge City with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rivers added 11 points, though he shot 2 of 13 from the field and 0 of 6 from 3-point range. Brad Johnson scored 10 points, and Mabry had 14 off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.Dodge City shot 34.8% (23 of 66) and went 4 of 21 from 3-point range. Hutchinson was 7 of 19 from deep and finished 10 of 13 at the free-throw line.The Blue Dragons travel to Concordia on Saturday to face Cloud County, with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. in Arley Bryant Gymnasium.

🏀 Blue Dragon men snap eight-game skid, beats No. 24 Dodge City

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Noelle Anthon powered No. 19 Hutchinson to its first win over a ranked opponent this season, posting 17 points and 12 rebounds for her second career double-double as the Blue Dragons knocked off No. 6 Dodge City 60-51 on Wednesday night at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Hutchinson won its fifth straight to reach 20-5 overall and 15-4 in the KJCCC, notching the 34th 20-win season in program history. The Blue Dragons, who entered 0-3 against ranked teams, snapped that skid and pulled within a half-game of Dodge City for second place in the league standings.

The win also completed a season-series split and delivered some payback. Dodge City won the first meeting 79-57 in Dodge City.

In a physical, low-scoring game, Hutchinson’s defense set the tone by holding the Conquistadors to a season-low 51 points and 34% shooting (18 of 53). Dodge City went 8 of 27 from 3-point range, but had trouble finishing possessions as Hutchinson dominated the glass 49-27 and scored 16 second-chance points.

Neither team led by more than five in the first half. Dodge City briefly controlled the second quarter, pushing in front 18-13, but Hutchinson answered with a closing run that flipped the game. The Blue Dragons finished the half on a 15-8 surge to take a 28-26 lead into intermission, getting a late 3-pointer from Jamya McPherson and steady production inside from Anthon.

Hutchinson created separation in the third quarter. The Blue Dragons outscored Dodge City 16-10 in the period, turning stops into points at the other end and leaning on extra possessions to build a 44-36 lead entering the fourth.

Dodge City made a final push and cut the margin to one at 50-49 after a Manuela Piljevic 3-pointer with 3:47 left, but Hutchinson answered with the next three points and then closed it out at the line. Barber hit four free throws in the final 28 seconds as the Blue Dragons finished the game on a 10-2 stretch.

Katie Duncan added 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals for Hutchinson. KaMyra Barber scored 11 points with eight rebounds and five assists, and Whitney Brown chipped in eight points.

Piljevic led Dodge City with 16 points and eight rebounds, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Jolie Mantz scored 10 points and Savi Mi added nine for the Conquistadors.

The Blue Dragons travel to Concordia on Saturday to face Cloud County. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Arley Bryant Gymnasium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770871347744.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Noelle Anthon powered No. 19 Hutchinson to its first win over a ranked opponent this season, posting 17 points and 12 rebounds for her second career double-double as the Blue Dragons knocked off No. 6 Dodge City 60-51 on Wednesday night at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.Hutchinson won its fifth straight to reach 20-5 overall and 15-4 in the KJCCC, notching the 34th 20-win season in program history. The Blue Dragons, who entered 0-3 against ranked teams, snapped that skid and pulled within a half-game of Dodge City for second place in the league standings.The win also completed a season-series split and delivered some payback. Dodge City won the first meeting 79-57 in Dodge City.In a physical, low-scoring game, Hutchinson’s defense set the tone by holding the Conquistadors to a season-low 51 points and 34% shooting (18 of 53). Dodge City went 8 of 27 from 3-point range, but had trouble finishing possessions as Hutchinson dominated the glass 49-27 and scored 16 second-chance points.Neither team led by more than five in the first half. Dodge City briefly controlled the second quarter, pushing in front 18-13, but Hutchinson answered with a closing run that flipped the game. The Blue Dragons finished the half on a 15-8 surge to take a 28-26 lead into intermission, getting a late 3-pointer from Jamya McPherson and steady production inside from Anthon.Hutchinson created separation in the third quarter. The Blue Dragons outscored Dodge City 16-10 in the period, turning stops into points at the other end and leaning on extra possessions to build a 44-36 lead entering the fourth.Dodge City made a final push and cut the margin to one at 50-49 after a Manuela Piljevic 3-pointer with 3:47 left, but Hutchinson answered with the next three points and then closed it out at the line. Barber hit four free throws in the final 28 seconds as the Blue Dragons finished the game on a 10-2 stretch.Katie Duncan added 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals for Hutchinson. KaMyra Barber scored 11 points with eight rebounds and five assists, and Whitney Brown chipped in eight points.Piljevic led Dodge City with 16 points and eight rebounds, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Jolie Mantz scored 10 points and Savi Mi added nine for the Conquistadors.The Blue Dragons travel to Concordia on Saturday to face Cloud County. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Arley Bryant Gymnasium.

🏀 Hutchinson clamps down, knocks off No. 6 Dodge City

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wes Enis’ 16 points and 11 rebounds helped South Florida defeat Wichita State 66-58 on Wednesday night.

Izaiyah Nelson added 15 points, nine rebounds and seven steals for the Bulls (17-8, 9-3 American Athletic Conference).

Kenyon Giles led the Shockers (15-10, 7-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and five steals. Michael Gray Jr. added 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Wichita State. Will Berg finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Enis scored seven points in the first half and South Florida went into the break trailing 33-26. South Florida went on an 11-1 second-half run for a 54-49 lead with 6:25 left in the half. Nelson scored 10 second-half points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770872047390.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wes Enis’ 16 points and 11 rebounds helped South Florida defeat Wichita State 66-58 on Wednesday night.Izaiyah Nelson added 15 points, nine rebounds and seven steals for the Bulls (17-8, 9-3 American Athletic Conference).Kenyon Giles led the Shockers (15-10, 7-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and five steals. Michael Gray Jr. added 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Wichita State. Will Berg finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.Enis scored seven points in the first half and South Florida went into the break trailing 33-26. South Florida went on an 11-1 second-half run for a 54-49 lead with 6:25 left in the half. Nelson scored 10 second-half points.

🏀 South Florida beats Wichita State

No. 19 HutchCC women vs. No. 6 Dodge City

Location: Hutchinson Sports Arena; Hutchinson 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: Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato

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

Location: Hutchinson Sports Arena; Hutchinson 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;&nbsp;Analyst: Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762665656970.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>No. 19 HutchCC women vs. No. 6 Dodge City</h2>Location: Hutchinson Sports Arena; Hutchinson 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: Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a><h2>HutchCC men vs. No. 24 Dodge City</h2>Location: Hutchinson Sports Arena; Hutchinson 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;&nbsp;Analyst: Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>

🎧🏀 LISTEN LIVE: HutchCC vs. Dodge City

The Big 12 Conference is bringing a new look and new technology to Kansas City this March.

The conference and ASB GlassFloor announced the introduction of a full LED video sports floor that will debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments at T-Mobile Center. The tournaments will mark the first time ASB GlassFloor’s LED court technology is used for official competition in the United States.

The next-generation floor functions like a traditional hardwood court but features integrated LED panels beneath the surface. The technology allows for dynamic digital graphics, real-time branding, interactive elements and data-driven visuals designed to enhance both the in-arena and broadcast experience.

The surface has already been tested at high-profile events, including NBA All-Star 2024, EuroLeague games and FIBA-sanctioned competitions.

“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries. Last year, the introduction of the XII pattern on our tournament court did exactly that, and this year we’re taking the next step with ASB GlassFloor. This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”

ASB officials say the court meets performance and safety standards expected of traditional playing surfaces while opening new opportunities for fan engagement and revenue generation.

“This partnership with the Big 12 is a major milestone for ASB GlassFloor and for basketball in the United States,” said Chris Thornton, CEO of ASB GlassFloor America. “ASB GlassFloor is engineered to enhance athlete safety while delivering the elite performance standards players demand. Through ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) we’re helping teams and conferences unlock new revenue generation and fan engagement. The Big 12 is setting the standard for innovation, making them the perfect partner to bring this platform to elite competition and shape the future of college sports.”

Coaches who have already tested the surface say the court feels natural while adding a modern element to the game.

“We are thrilled that the Big 12 is partnering with ASB GlassFloor for the Conference Tournament,” Baylor women’s head coach Nicki Collen said. “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience for our players. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed. To be a part of this kind of future driven momentum in collegiate athletics is special, and I am thankful to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Conference for pushing our league forward and embracing bold ideas to elevate the game. All eyes will be on Kansas City, and the visibility it brings to our league is something to look forward to.”

Kansas men’s coach Bill Self echoed that sentiment.

“Since Commissioner Yormark has been in charge of our league, there have been many new initiatives and developments to promote and elevate the Big 12, and I believe playing on the glass floor is something that will receive great interest,” Self said. “I'm excited about it. I'm an old school guy, but this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I've seen and heard, this is the wave of the future. I think it'll be great.”

The LED court will debut at the women’s tournament beginning Wednesday, March 4, and will also be used for the men’s tournament starting Tuesday, March 10.

Features throughout the tournaments may include dynamic court designs, live shot charts, interactive fan games during timeouts and animations following key plays.

The women’s tournament runs March 4 through March 8 or 9, with the men’s tournament set for March 10 through March 14. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.

Additional enhancements for the tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and information are available at big12sports.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770828770673.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>The Big 12 Conference is bringing a new look and new technology to Kansas City this March.The conference and ASB GlassFloor announced the introduction of a full LED video sports floor that will debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments at T-Mobile Center. The tournaments will mark the first time ASB GlassFloor’s LED court technology is used for official competition in the United States.The next-generation floor functions like a traditional hardwood court but features integrated LED panels beneath the surface. The technology allows for dynamic digital graphics, real-time branding, interactive elements and data-driven visuals designed to enhance both the in-arena and broadcast experience.The surface has already been tested at high-profile events, including NBA All-Star 2024, EuroLeague games and FIBA-sanctioned competitions.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uOpLjvjqhhw?si=ori6X_h8BrD0dpht" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries. Last year, the introduction of the XII pattern on our tournament court did exactly that, and this year we’re taking the next step with ASB GlassFloor. This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”ASB officials say the court meets performance and safety standards expected of traditional playing surfaces while opening new opportunities for fan engagement and revenue generation.“This partnership with the Big 12 is a major milestone for ASB GlassFloor and for basketball in the United States,” said Chris Thornton, CEO of ASB GlassFloor America. “ASB GlassFloor is engineered to enhance athlete safety while delivering the elite performance standards players demand. Through ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) we’re helping teams and conferences unlock new revenue generation and fan engagement. The Big 12 is setting the standard for innovation, making them the perfect partner to bring this platform to elite competition and shape the future of college sports.”Coaches who have already tested the surface say the court feels natural while adding a modern element to the game.“We are thrilled that the Big 12 is partnering with ASB GlassFloor for the Conference Tournament,” Baylor women’s head coach Nicki Collen said. “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience for our players. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed. To be a part of this kind of future driven momentum in collegiate athletics is special, and I am thankful to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Conference for pushing our league forward and embracing bold ideas to elevate the game. All eyes will be on Kansas City, and the visibility it brings to our league is something to look forward to.”Kansas men’s coach Bill Self echoed that sentiment.“Since Commissioner Yormark has been in charge of our league, there have been many new initiatives and developments to promote and elevate the Big 12, and I believe playing on the glass floor is something that will receive great interest,” Self said. “I'm excited about it. I'm an old school guy, but this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I've seen and heard, this is the wave of the future. I think it'll be great.”The LED court will debut at the women’s tournament beginning Wednesday, March 4, and will also be used for the men’s tournament starting Tuesday, March 10.Features throughout the tournaments may include dynamic court designs, live shot charts, interactive fan games during timeouts and animations following key plays.The women’s tournament runs March 4 through March 8 or 9, with the men’s tournament set for March 10 through March 14. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.Additional enhancements for the tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and information are available at big12sports.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770828792428.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Big 12 to debut LED GlassFloor court at 2026 basketball tournaments in KC

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide high school basketball rankings Tuesday, with several Hutch Post area teams featured across both the boys and girls polls. Sterling and Little River lead the boys side at No. 1 in their respective classes, while Hutchinson Central Christian and Little River sit atop the girls rankings. Hesston, Halstead, Moundridge, Pratt and Pretty Prairie also earned top-10 spots in this week’s update.

Rankings are voted on weekly by KBCA member coaches and reflect games played through the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide high school basketball rankings Tuesday, with several Hutch Post area teams featured across both the boys and girls polls. Sterling and Little River lead the boys side at No. 1 in their respective classes, while Hutchinson Central Christian and Little River sit atop the girls rankings. Hesston, Halstead, Moundridge, Pratt and Pretty Prairie also earned top-10 spots in this week’s update.Rankings are voted on weekly by KBCA member coaches and reflect games played through the weekend.<h2>Boys rankings</h2><h2>Class 6A</h2><ul>
 <li>Shawnee Mission South
</li><li>Olathe North
</li><li>Wichita Heights
</li><li>Mill Valley
</li><li>Blue Valley Northwest
</li><li>Blue Valley High
</li><li>Maize
</li><li>Derby
</li><li>Olathe East
</li><li>Blue Valley North
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 5A</h2><ul>
 <li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel
</li><li>Maize South
</li><li>Bonner Springs
</li><li>Topeka West
</li><li>KC Piper
</li><li>Topeka Seaman
</li><li>Hays
</li><li>Emporia
</li><li>Bishop Carroll
</li><li>Shawnee Heights
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 4A</h2><ul>
 <li>Rock Creek
</li><li>Atchison
</li><li>Pratt
</li><li>Concordia
</li><li>Bishop Miege
</li><li>Andale
</li><li>Hugoton
</li><li>Baldwin
</li><li>Santa Fe Trail
</li><li>Ottawa
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 3A</h2><ul>
 <li>Wichita Collegiate
</li><li>Hesston
</li><li>Holcomb
</li><li>Burlington
</li><li>Beloit
</li><li>Silver Lake
</li><li>Chaparral
</li><li>Hiawatha
</li><li>Riverton
</li><li>Wichita Trinity
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 2A</h2><ul>
 <li>Sterling
</li><li>Berean Academy
</li><li>Moundridge
</li><li>Salina Sacred Heart
</li><li>Classical School of Wichita
</li><li>Ell Saline
</li><li>Topeka Cair Paravel Latin School
</li><li>Thomas More Prep Marian
</li><li>Rossville
</li><li>St. Mary’s
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 1A Division I</h2><ul>
 <li>Little River
</li><li>Olpe
</li><li>South Central
</li><li>Central Plains
</li><li>Burden Central
</li><li>Pleasanton
</li><li>Bishop Seabury Academy
</li><li>Meade
</li><li>St. John’s Tipton Catholic
</li><li>Spearville
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 1A Division II</h2><ul>
 <li>Axtell
</li><li>Hanover
</li><li>Hartford
</li><li>Lebo
</li><li>Thunder Ridge
</li><li>Wheatland Grinnell
</li><li>Wallace County
</li><li>Victoria
</li><li>Deerfield
</li><li>Weskan
</li>
 </ul><h2>Girls rankings</h2><h2>Class 6A</h2><ul>
 <li>Wichita Heights
</li><li>Olathe South
</li><li>Shawnee Mission South
</li><li>Derby
</li><li>Blue Valley North
</li><li>Manhattan
</li><li>Wichita East
</li><li>Olathe North
</li><li>Liberal
</li><li>Washburn Rural
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 5A</h2><ul>
 <li>Andover
</li><li>St. Thomas Aquinas
</li><li>St. James Academy
</li><li>Maize South
</li><li>Hays
</li><li>Kapaun Mt. Carmel
</li><li>Shawnee Heights
</li><li>KC Piper
</li><li>Bishop Carroll
</li><li>Eisenhower
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 4A</h2><ul>
 <li>Wellington
</li><li>Eudora
</li><li>Wamego
</li><li>Independence
</li><li>Bishop Miege
</li><li>Rock Creek
</li><li>Ottawa
</li><li>Topeka Hayden
</li><li>Santa Fe Trail
</li><li>Clearwater
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 3A</h2><ul>
 <li>Silver Lake
</li><li>Halstead
</li><li>Holcomb
</li><li>Osage City
</li><li>Hiawatha
</li><li>Goodland
</li><li>Burlington
</li><li>Southeast of Saline
</li><li>Frontenac
</li><li>Riverton
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 2A</h2><ul>
 <li>Eureka
</li><li>Ellinwood
</li><li>Hoxie
</li><li>Moundridge
</li><li>Salina Sacred Heart
</li><li>St. Mary’s Colgan
</li><li>Remington
</li><li>Oakley
</li><li>Hillsboro
</li><li>Conway Springs
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 1A Division I</h2><ul>
 <li>Little River
</li><li>Centralia
</li><li>Wabaunsee
</li><li>Olpe
</li><li>South Gray
</li><li>Quinter
</li><li>Pretty Prairie
</li><li>St. John’s Tipton
</li><li>Decatur Community
</li><li>Hodgeman County
</li>
 </ul><h2>Class 1A Division II</h2><ul>
 <li>Hutchinson Central Christian
</li><li>Bucklin
</li><li>Hanover
</li><li>Linn
</li><li>Ashland
</li><li>Dighton
</li><li>Marais des Cygnes Valley
</li><li>Wheatland Grinnell
</li><li>Axtell
</li><li>Lebo
</li>
 </ul>

🏀 KBCA releases Feb. 10 boys and girls basketball rankings

🎧🏀 Hutch High splits with Valley Center; 🏀 HutchCC hosts Dodge City

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After more than a month away from the Salthawk Activity Center, Hutchinson High School’s girls and boys basketball teams returned home Tuesday night, splitting a doubleheader with Valley Center.

The Lady Salthawks rallied in the second half to defeat the Hornets 50-41, while the Hutchinson boys struggled down the stretch in a 65-46 loss.

Trailing 20-19 at halftime, Hutchinson’s girls turned up the defensive pressure and found their rhythm offensively in the second half to pull away for a 50-41 victory.

Freshman Danai Morgan led the charge with 22 points as Hutchinson improved to 9-8 on the season and completed a season sweep of the Hornets.

Much like the first meeting in Valley Center over a month ago, the contest was tight through the first two quarters before Hutchinson created separation after halftime. The Salthawks limited Valley Center’s second-half opportunities while capitalizing in transition and at the free-throw line to steadily build their lead.

With the win, Hutchinson continues its push for a potential first-round home game in substate play.

The Lady Salthawks will next host Derby on Friday night as part of Winter Homecoming festivities at the SAC.

In the nightcap, Hutchinson stayed within striking distance early but could not overcome a decisive fourth quarter by Valley Center in a 65-46 defeat.

The Salthawks trailed by five at halftime but allowed the Hornets to pull away late, surrendering 24 points in the fourth quarter.

Junior Larry Jeremiah Jr. scored a season-high 21 points to lead Hutchinson, but Valley Center’s tight man-to-man defense and half-court traps limited the rest of the Salthawk offense. Only three Hutchinson players scored in the contest, and 28 turnovers proved costly.

Valley Center was led by Evan Chavez with 17 points and Nash Jamolod with 15.

The loss drops Hutchinson to 6-11 on the season, while Valley Center improved to 7-10.

Hutchinson will look to bounce back Friday at home against Derby before heading back on the road for two games next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball earns split with visiting Valley Center. Hutch High Girls 50, Valley Center 40. Valley Center Boys 65, Hutch High 46." />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball earns split with visiting Valley Center. Hutch High Girls 50, Valley Center 40. Valley Center Boys 65, Hutch High 46.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After more than a month away from the Salthawk Activity Center, Hutchinson High School’s girls and boys basketball teams returned home Tuesday night, splitting a doubleheader with Valley Center.The Lady Salthawks rallied in the second half to defeat the Hornets 50-41, while the Hutchinson boys struggled down the stretch in a 65-46 loss.<h2>Girls rally again behind Morgan</h2>Trailing 20-19 at halftime, Hutchinson’s girls turned up the defensive pressure and found their rhythm offensively in the second half to pull away for a 50-41 victory.Freshman Danai Morgan led the charge with 22 points as Hutchinson improved to 9-8 on the season and completed a season sweep of the Hornets.Much like the first meeting in Valley Center over a month ago, the contest was tight through the first two quarters before Hutchinson created separation after halftime. The Salthawks limited Valley Center’s second-half opportunities while capitalizing in transition and at the free-throw line to steadily build their lead.With the win, Hutchinson continues its push for a potential first-round home game in substate play.The Lady Salthawks will next host Derby on Friday night as part of Winter Homecoming festivities at the SAC.<h2>Boys undone by fourth-quarter surge</h2>In the nightcap, Hutchinson stayed within striking distance early but could not overcome a decisive fourth quarter by Valley Center in a 65-46 defeat.The Salthawks trailed by five at halftime but allowed the Hornets to pull away late, surrendering 24 points in the fourth quarter.Junior Larry Jeremiah Jr. scored a season-high 21 points to lead Hutchinson, but Valley Center’s tight man-to-man defense and half-court traps limited the rest of the Salthawk offense. Only three Hutchinson players scored in the contest, and 28 turnovers proved costly.Valley Center was led by Evan Chavez with 17 points and Nash Jamolod with 15.The loss drops Hutchinson to 6-11 on the season, while Valley Center improved to 7-10.Hutchinson will look to bounce back Friday at home against Derby before heading back on the road for two games next week.

🏀 Hutch High splits home return with Valley Center

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770777487142.jpeg" alt="Diesel Purnell has an eighth-inning go-ahead single against Grayson College in a 6-5 extra-inning victory on Tuesday at the UCO Spring Showcase in Edmond, OK. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Diesel Purnell has an eighth-inning go-ahead single against Grayson College in a 6-5 extra-inning victory on Tuesday at the UCO Spring Showcase in Edmond, OK. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
EDMOND, Oklahoma &ndash; The No 24-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team earned a pair of victories over teams from Oklahoma and Texas on Tuesday at the University of Central Oklahoma Spring Showcase.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/mazza_anthony_a5es">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;hit his second home run of the season and the Blue Dragons stole six bases in a 9-7 win over Seminole State in Game 1 on Tuesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/purnell_diesel_d86y">Diesel Purnell</a>&nbsp;delivered an extra-inning go-ahead RBI single in the to of the eighth and the Blue Dragons held on to defeat Grayson College 6-5.
The Blue Dragons improved to 4-1 overall with four-straight wins. Hutchinson will play host to Redlands in a four-game series beginning Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.
SEMINOLE STATE RECAP The Blue Dragons out-hit Seminole State 7-5 and they took advantage of four Trojan errors to earn a victory.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/hochstein_finn_8jka">Finn Hochstein</a>&nbsp;went 2 for 2 with two RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/flowers_max_csuf">Max Flowers</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 2 with a run scored and an RBI.
Mazza was 1 for 3 with a solo home run in the first inning and two RBIs. He also had a sacrifice fly in a key fourth inning.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/heskett_kolby_xgep">Kolby Heskett</a>&nbsp;(1-0) earned the pitching win, allowing only one hit over 3 1-3 innings. He struck out five and walked two. Jorden Clark earned his first career save with 2 2-3 innings, allowing one hit and one unearned run. He struck out two and walked three.
The Blue Dragons built a 6-0 lead after three innings, but Seminole State scored five runs in the fourth inning to pull within 6-5.
Hutchinson responded with two runs in the fifth. Purnell and Flowers converted a double steal and Purnell scored on an SCC throwing error. Mazza's sac fly then scored Flowers for an 8-5 lead.
The Dragons got a big insurance run when Aidan Maren tripled to right-center and scored on a Seminole throwing error for a 9-6 lead.
Seminole State made things interesting in the top of the seven with one unearned run and loading the bases before Clarke got a strikeout to end the game.
GRAYSON RECAP The Blue Dragons led 5-1 after 4 1/2 innings, but Grayson scored two runs each in the fifth and seven innings to force extra innings with the Blue Dragons.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/kuhnau_jordan_zhpn">Jordan Kuhnau</a>&nbsp;led off the Top of the eighth with a single and moved up to second when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/schannuel_jackson_tf4y">Jackson Schanuel</a>&nbsp;walked. Purnell then singled to drive in Kuhnau with the go-ahead run for a 6-5 Dragon lead.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/vondra_gage_rb6g">Gage Vondra</a>&nbsp;entered the game on the mound in the bottom of the eighth in his season debut and allowed only one hit and earned his first save to secure a 2-0 record at the UCO Showcase.
The Blue Dragons out-hit Grayson 8-7 and the Blue Dragons stole six more bases.
Purnell was the only Blue Dragon with a multi-hit game, going 2 for 4 with a run, RBI and stolen base.
Flowers had a double in four plate appearances.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/marien_aidan_iije">Aidan Marien</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/huenfeld_cru_rbny">Cru Huenfeld</a>, Kuhnau,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/crawford_austin_x8m3">Austin Crawford</a>&nbsp;and Hochstein had the other Blue Dragon hits.
Relief pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/neill_jeffrey_ax5c">Jeffrey Neill</a>&nbsp;was the winning pitcher.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/muller_lincoln_l5b3">Lincoln Muller</a>&nbsp;was the starter and went 2.0 innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/usselman_reece_140u">Reece Usselman</a>&nbsp;worked 3 1-3 innings out of the bullpen.</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons win pair at UCO Spring Showcase

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced their radio and television broadcast schedules for the 2026 Spring Training season.

Kansas City’s flagship radio station will broadcast 22 Spring Training games, including 16 on 96.5 The Fan and 6 on its sister station The Bet 1660.

Of Kansas City’s 32 exhibition games, 29 of them will be available for audio streaming on royals.com, including the games on 96.5 The Fan and The Bet 1660. Seven games will air via livestream exclusively on royals.com.

Three Spring Training games will be televised for free on Royals.TV featuring the Royals broadcast crew, including March 5 vs. the Texas Rangers (7:05 p.m. CT), March 13 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks (8:05 p.m. CT) and March 17 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers (8:05 p.m. CT).

The entire Spring Training broadcast schedule is attached.

Beginning today, fans who live inside the Royals home television territory can purchase a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://royals.tv/">Royals.TV in-market streaming package</a>&nbsp;through MLB.com or the MLB App for the discounted rate of $99.99 per year (subject to national exclusivities).

Out-of-market fans can watch Royals games with an MLB.TV subscription for $149.99 per year.

A Royals.TV FAQ page can also be accessed via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://royals.com/watch">royals.com/watch</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770754538796.jpeg" alt="Graphic Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Graphic Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsSURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced their radio and television broadcast schedules for the 2026 Spring Training season.Kansas City’s flagship radio station will broadcast 22 Spring Training games, including 16 on 96.5 The Fan and 6 on its sister station The Bet 1660.Of Kansas City’s 32 exhibition games, 29 of them will be available for audio streaming on royals.com, including the games on 96.5 The Fan and The Bet 1660. Seven games will air via livestream exclusively on royals.com.Three Spring Training games will be televised for free on Royals.TV featuring the Royals broadcast crew, including March 5 vs. the Texas Rangers (7:05 p.m. CT), March 13 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks (8:05 p.m. CT) and March 17 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers (8:05 p.m. CT).The entire Spring Training broadcast schedule is attached.Beginning today, fans who live inside the Royals home television territory can purchase a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://royals.tv/">Royals.TV in-market streaming package</a>&nbsp;through MLB.com or the MLB App for the discounted rate of $99.99 per year (subject to national exclusivities).Out-of-market fans can watch Royals games with an MLB.TV subscription for $149.99 per year.A Royals.TV FAQ page can also be accessed via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://royals.com/watch">royals.com/watch</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Royals announce 2026 Spring Training broadcast schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770741520694.jpeg" alt="Jordan Kuhnau celebrates after hitting a home run during the season-opening series against Des Moines Area Community College Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sydney Holtzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Kuhnau celebrates after hitting a home run during the season-opening series against Des Moines Area Community College Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sydney Holtzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
The No. 24 Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons rebounded from a series-opening loss to win the final two games of a three-game series against Des Moines Area Community College over the weekend at Hobart-Detter Field.
After dropping Saturday's opener 10-9, Hutchinson responded with a 5-2 win in Game 2 before edging DMACC 13-12 in Sunday's series finale to claim the series and improve to 2-1 on the season.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/boxscores/20260207_0c92.xml">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a>
<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/boxscores/20260207_lq6p.xml">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/boxscores/20260208_dmz8.xml">GAME 3 BOX SCORE</a>
Hutchinson jumped out to a fast start in Game 1, scoring five runs over the first two innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/mazza_anthony_a5es">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;doubled home a run in the opening frame before&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/kuhnau_jordan_zhpn">Jordan Kuhnau</a>&nbsp;crushed a two-run home run to center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/vassart_tyson_fs7g">Tyson Vassart</a>&nbsp;followed with a two-run homer in the second inning to give the Blue Dragons a 5-0 lead.
Des Moines Area countered with a five-run fourth inning, scoring twice on wild pitches and adding RBI hits from Maverick DeVeau and Brayden Foster to flip the game's momentum. The Bears added runs in the seventh and eighth innings and held off a late Hutchinson rally to secure the one-run victory.
The Blue Dragons evened the series Saturday afternoon with a 5-2 win in Game 2 behind strong pitching and timely offense. Hutchinson scored in the first, second and fifth innings and held DMACC to two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/ainsworth_seth_03np">Seth Ainsworth</a>&nbsp;earned the win on the mound, throwing 3.2 innings and allowing just two hits and recording six strikeouts. Starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/yeager_merek_aqb7">Merek Yeager</a>&nbsp;went a strong 3.1 innings, giving up three hits, two runs, and struck out eight batters.
Mazza and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/schannuel_jackson_tf4y">Jackson Schanuel</a>&nbsp;each went 2-for-3 at the plate.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/huenfeld_cru_rbny">Cru Huenfeld</a>&nbsp;had two RBIs.
Hutchinson secured the series on Sunday with a 13-12 victory in a back-and-forth finale that featured multiple lead changes.
The Blue Dragons scored in six different innings and held on late to avoid a sweep. Des Moines Area scored five in the third and four in the seventh.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/marien_aidan_iije">Aidan Marien</a>&nbsp;led Hutchinson's offense in the finale, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. Mazza and Huenfeld also drove in runs as Hutchinson totaled 13 hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/henry_brayden_x8uq">Brayden Henry</a>&nbsp;earned the win in relief.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/bios/hochstein_finn_8jka">Finn Hochstein</a>&nbsp;pinch-hit and was 2-for-2 and scored two runs.&nbsp;
Hutchinson opens the season at 2-1, while Des Moines Area finished the weekend 1-2. The Blue Dragons ended the series with 32 total hits and scored 27 runs.</div>

⚾ Dragons take opening-weekend series over DMACC

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770741337723.jpeg" alt="Freshman Riley Dreher gets a hit in Sunday's, Feb. 8, 2026 doubleheader against Neosho County at the Fun Valley Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Riley Dreher gets a hit in Sunday's, Feb. 8, 2026 doubleheader against Neosho County at the Fun Valley Sports Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
The Blue Dragon softball team is off to a 4-0 start after a pair of sweeps over Southeast CC Saturday and Neosho County Sunday at the Fun Valley Sports Complex.
Hutchinson defeated Southeast 6-4 in game one and 10-1 in five innings in game two. Hutchinson then topped Neosho County 6-2 and 7-4.
Freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/benson-hladik_emery_vzv4">Emery Benson-Hladik</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/dreher_riley_mt89">Riley Dreher</a>&nbsp;hit their first career home runs over the weekend. Sophomore catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/golly_tailor_5clg">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;hit her first home run of the season and 12th&nbsp;of her Blue Dragon career.
The Blue Dragons take on Northeast CC now on Thursday, Feb. 12 with game one of the doubleheader at 3 p.m. at the Fun Valley Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons and Hawks will play another doubleheader Friday, Feb. 13 starting at 2 p.m. right back at Fun Valley.
Game 1 vs. Southeast
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/boxscores/20260207_yhqr.xml">Box Score</a>
The Blue Dragons got the scoring going for the first time this season in the bottom of the second with a SAC fly to left field by sophomore outfielder/pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/thomas_aubree_9ok0">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;to score Dreher. After freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/o-connor_leyla_2f21">Leyla O'Connor</a>&nbsp;reached base on a fielder's choice, sophomore outfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/kruger_kaibryn_43ko">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;advanced to third on a throwing error by Southeast, giving the green light for freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/martinez_lia_6ihy">Lia Martinez</a>&nbsp;and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/goetz_reese_geup">Reese Goetz</a>&nbsp;to score, giving the Blue Dragons a 3-0 lead.
After a stolen base by O'Connor, Golly hit a line drive to left field for an RBI single to bring in Kruger to make a 4-0 lead.
In the top of the third, Southeast scored four runs to tie the game.
With one out, Dreher scored freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/segura_desiray_bsh4">Desiray Segura</a>&nbsp;on a two-run ground-rule double. Then, Thomas hit into 6-3-5 double play, but sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/stauffer_gabby_odh3">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;scored on the play at first to give Hutchinson a 6-4 lead.
Dreher went 2-for-3 at the plate with two hits, an RBI and a run scored.
Returning sophomore pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/schmidt_jessica_plsu">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;enter the seventh inning for winning pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/young_kaci_j4yo">Kaci Young</a>, who came in to relieve starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/williams_mia_3e4t">Mia Williams</a>. After Southeast got on base with a throwing error, the Blue Dragons turned an unassisted double play on a line drive to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/goetz_reese_geup">Reese Goetz</a>&nbsp;at first base, and then a groundout closed out the save for Schmidt and the 6-4 win.
Game 2 vs. Southeast
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/boxscores/20260207_ctt9.xml">Box Score</a>
The bats came to life for the Blue Dragons, highlighted by Benson-Hladik and Dreher hitting home runs &ndash;a solo shot from Dreher to lead off the bottom of the second and a three-run home from Benson-Hladik in the bottom of the third inning.
Following Dreher's home run in the second, Young wore a pitch and preceded to steal second base. After a groundout and advancing to third, Young scored on a groundout by Martinez to make it a 2-0 lead after two innings.
Dreher's home run made it a 5-0 ball game after five innings.
The Blue Dragons had 11 hits in game two. Golly, Stauffer and Benson-Hladik all went 2-for-3 at the plate. Benson-Hladik tallied four RBIs. Stauffer scored two runs.
A five spot in the fourth inning put the game away for the Blue Dragons. O'Connor walked in a run with the bases loaded. Then, Golly RBI singled on a hit to left field.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/stauffer_gabby_odh3">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;reached base on a fielder's choice, scoring another run. Benson-Hladik singled on a liner to left field for another RBI single. Dreher added a SAC fly to bring in another run to complete a five-run, four-hit inning.
Southeast's lone run of the game came in the top of the fourth on an RBI single by Brett Young.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/thomas_aubree_9ok0">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;pitched the entire game, throwing a complete game, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out six batters on 18 batters faced.
Game 1 vs. Neosho County
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/boxscores/20260208_8wlf.xml">Box Score</a>
The Blue Dragons wasted no time scoring in game one. After a Kruger walk and stolen base and an O'Connor walk, Golly lined a hit to right field for an RBI single. Then, Benson-Hladik flew out to right field to score O'Connor.
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/lutz_addison_pivq">Addi Lutz</a>&nbsp;and Goetz RBI singled to put Hutchinson out to a 4-0 after one.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, freshman infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/martinez_lia_6ihy">Lia Martinez</a>&nbsp;scored on a wild pitch, and then Stauffer singled into left for an RBI.
Freshman pitcher earned her first start and win of the season, throwing 4.2 innings, giving up just four hits and striking out three batters off 66 pitches.
Game 2 vs. Neosho County
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/boxscores/20260208_pm6c.xml">Box Score</a>
Golly hit her first home run of 2026 and her 12th&nbsp;in her Blue Dragon career in the fourth inning on a solo home run to give the Blue Dragons a 6-0 lead.
Goetz batted a two-run double in the second inning to score Lutz and Benson-Hladik.
In the third inning. Stauffer doubled and scored Golly before Beson-Hladik hit a triple to score Stauffer. Then, Dreher also hit a triple on a hit to left field for an RBI. Lutz added on with an RBI single which scored Dreher.
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/rogers_alyssa_v57x">Alyssa Rogers</a>&nbsp;earned her first Blue Dragon win in the circle, throwing 4.1 innings on 69 pitches, giving up seven hits, four runs and had one strikeout.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/young_kaci_j4yo">Kaci Young</a>&nbsp;came in for relief and pitched 2.2 innings and had three strikeouts on seven batters faced.
The Blue Dragons moved their schedule Saturday, Feb. 13th&nbsp;doubleheader against Northeast CC to Thursday, Feb. 11. First game of the doubleheader is at 3 p.m. at the Fun Valley Sports Complex.</div>

🥎 Benson-Hladik, Dreher, Golly homer as Dragons start 4-0

Fans of Major League Baseball’s streaming package of out-of-market games learned Tuesday what ESPN’s takeover means for them.

ESPN announced that MLB.TV will come at a slight discount for those who already have ESPN’s Unlimited plan, while those who don’t will pay the same price as previous seasons.

The MLB.TV price for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers will be $134.99 for this season, before renewing each season at the then-current price.

Those without an ESPN Unlimited plan can purchase MLB.TV for $149.99 — the same price as last season — with a free month of ESPN Unlimited included.

There also is a $29.99 per month option for MLB.TV, with new subscribers also eligible for a free month of ESPN Unlimited.

At the start of the season, MLB.TV subscribers in the U.S. will still be able to watch out-of-market games, MLB Big Inning and MLB Network on both ESPN and MLB digital platforms.

Those who subscribe to Spectrum, DirecTV, Fubo TV, Hulu Live TV and Verizon Fios have access to ESPN Unlimited subscription as a part of their TV plan. The rest, including cord-cutters, pay $29.25 per month for all of the ESPN networks.

The local in-market streaming products for the 14 teams whose games are produced by MLB will be available on the MLB site and through the teams.

So far those teams are the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.

The Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants also offer in-market streaming through MLB even though their games are through NBC Sports Network.

While multiview, integrated stats, key plays and the home/away feed selections will still be available, the home and away radio feeds will not be on ESPN this season.

ESPN became the rights holder to MLB.TV as part of its new three-year agreement with MLB. The agreement includes 30 exclusive games, primarily on weeknights and in the summer months.

Baseball is the second league that has its out-of-market digital package available in the U.S. on ESPN’s platform. The NHL moved its package to ESPN in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770740971895.png" alt="A microphone belonging to a field reporter for the San Diego Padres sits on top of audio cables during a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Padres, May 31, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)" />
 <figcaption>A microphone belonging to a field reporter for the San Diego Padres sits on top of audio cables during a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Padres, May 31, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Fans of Major League Baseball’s streaming package of out-of-market games learned Tuesday what ESPN’s takeover means for them.ESPN announced that MLB.TV will come at a slight discount for those who already have ESPN’s Unlimited plan, while those who don’t will pay the same price as previous seasons.The MLB.TV price for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers will be $134.99 for this season, before renewing each season at the then-current price.Those without an ESPN Unlimited plan can purchase MLB.TV for $149.99 — the same price as last season — with a free month of ESPN Unlimited included.There also is a $29.99 per month option for MLB.TV, with new subscribers also eligible for a free month of ESPN Unlimited.At the start of the season, MLB.TV subscribers in the U.S. will still be able to watch out-of-market games, MLB Big Inning and MLB Network on both ESPN and MLB digital platforms.Those who subscribe to Spectrum, DirecTV, Fubo TV, Hulu Live TV and Verizon Fios have access to ESPN Unlimited subscription as a part of their TV plan. The rest, including cord-cutters, pay $29.25 per month for all of the ESPN networks.The local in-market streaming products for the 14 teams whose games are produced by MLB will be available on the MLB site and through the teams.So far those teams are the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.The Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants also offer in-market streaming through MLB even though their games are through NBC Sports Network.While multiview, integrated stats, key plays and the home/away feed selections will still be available, the home and away radio feeds will not be on ESPN this season.ESPN became the rights holder to MLB.TV as part of its new three-year agreement with MLB. The agreement includes 30 exclusive games, primarily on weeknights and in the summer months.Baseball is the second league that has its out-of-market digital package available in the U.S. on ESPN’s platform. The NHL moved its package to ESPN in 2021.

⚾ MLB.TV on ESPN: What fans need to know about the new deal

🎧🏈 Berblinger named Hutch High head coach; 🏀 No. 9 KU beats No. 1 Arizona

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had a double-double and No. 9 Kansas defeated top-ranked and previously unbeaten Arizona 82-78 on Monday night.

Arizona (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) entered Allen Fieldhouse with the second-longest winning streak in Division I men’s basketball. The loss ended a 23-game run for the Wildcats, second to Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.

Kansas (19-5, 9-2) played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkansas-darryn-peterson-out-5966d6858bfe475b09471c82a6d58759&amp;data=05%7C02%7Csportsdesk%40ap.org%7C8b6e0747c4cc41a69f6b08de685bd103%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639062940723389660%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kPMhkI4JnYgnGY6SmAjT2F3C3gAORicDYmpc3CZ4Rkw%3D&amp;reserved=0">who was a late scratch</a>&nbsp;with flu-like symptoms. Peterson has missed 11 games with a combination of hamstring, calf and ankle issues.

Arizona held a three-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 11 before Kansas took its first lead of the game at the 9:32 mark in the second half.

Bidunga put the Jayhawks ahead with a layup, which capped a personal seven-point run. He finished with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds.

Arizona closed within one point with 34 seconds left in the game, but senior guard Melvin Council Jr. shot 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute and 10 of 11 in the game to help seal the victory for Kansas. He finished with 23 points. Tre White also added a pair of late free throws.

Four Kansas players scored double digits. Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and Jamari McDowell added 10.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770724529380.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) is hugged by Kansas head coach Bill Self, right, as they celebrate after their team's upset over Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) is hugged by Kansas head coach Bill Self, right, as they celebrate after their team's upset over Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had a double-double and No. 9 Kansas defeated top-ranked and previously unbeaten Arizona 82-78 on Monday night.Arizona (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) entered Allen Fieldhouse with the second-longest winning streak in Division I men’s basketball. The loss ended a 23-game run for the Wildcats, second to Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770724586756.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) reacts after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) reacts after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas (19-5, 9-2) played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkansas-darryn-peterson-out-5966d6858bfe475b09471c82a6d58759&amp;data=05%7C02%7Csportsdesk%40ap.org%7C8b6e0747c4cc41a69f6b08de685bd103%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639062940723389660%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kPMhkI4JnYgnGY6SmAjT2F3C3gAORicDYmpc3CZ4Rkw%3D&amp;reserved=0">who was a late scratch</a>&nbsp;with flu-like symptoms. Peterson has missed 11 games with a combination of hamstring, calf and ankle issues.Arizona held a three-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 11 before Kansas took its first lead of the game at the 9:32 mark in the second half.Bidunga put the Jayhawks ahead with a layup, which capped a personal seven-point run. He finished with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Goodnight 🤧 <a href="https://t.co/JqEcn92QzS">pic.twitter.com/JqEcn92QzS</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/2021102449600118911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Ubk9RJoRCv">pic.twitter.com/Ubk9RJoRCv</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/2021089411702612300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Arizona closed within one point with 34 seconds left in the game, but senior guard Melvin Council Jr. shot 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute and 10 of 11 in the game to help seal the victory for Kansas. He finished with 23 points. Tre White also added a pair of late free throws.Four Kansas players scored double digits. Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and Jamari McDowell added 10.Freshman guard Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Iowa State on Saturday.Arizona: Hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.

🏀 No Peterson, no problem; KU knocks off No. 1 Arizona

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Luke Berblinger, a Buhler High School graduate and former college assistant coach, has been named the 28th head football coach in the 125-year history of Salthawk football, the Board of Education approved Monday.

For Berblinger, the opportunity is both a professional milestone and a homecoming.

“We’re really excited about it,” Berblinger said. “I’ve spent the last seven years as an assistant at the FCS level and learned a lot from great mentors, but I’ve always wanted to be a head coach. Hutchinson High School is an awesome opportunity. To run your own program, set the culture and set the standards, that’s something I’m really excited about.”

Berblinger grew up in Reno County and starred at Buhler, where he helped guide the Crusaders to the Class 4A state championship in 2013 during a 13-1 season. He graduated in 2014.

His former coach, longtime Buhler leader Steve Warner, said Berblinger’s path into coaching felt inevitable.

“I was very excited for Luke. I know this is a great opportunity for him,” Warner said. “Last spring my staff and I met with him and SEMO. He told us then that he was ready to try and coach at the high school level.”

Warner said Berblinger’s leadership qualities stood out even as a player.

“In Luke’s senior year we won the state championship. Luke was a very strong leader on the team,” Warner said. “Luke would do anything we ever asked of him. He was a very hard worker.”

Berblinger said returning to Reno County was a major factor in taking the Hutchinson job.

“That’s the reason we wanted to take this job,” he said. “My wife and I both have family here. We started our family away from everybody, but being back in the community is something we’re really, really excited about. We had great experiences growing up here and we want the same thing for our family.”

After high school, Berblinger played four seasons as a slotback at Emporia State from 2014 through 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance in 2018 and immediately transitioned into coaching, first as a student assistant and later as a graduate assistant working with slotbacks and strength and conditioning.

Those early responsibilities ranged from breaking down film to handling practice logistics, experiences he said helped shape his work ethic.

His career continued at Southeast Missouri State, where he spent the past seven seasons on staff in a variety of roles. Berblinger served as offensive quality control, video coordinator for three years, recruiting coordinator, running backs coach for three seasons and most recently tight ends coach.

“I’ve kind of done everything,” Berblinger said. “Head coaches need to know how to do everything. Doing the jobs nobody wants to do really teaches you a lot and prepares you for this.”

Warner said Berblinger’s coaching instincts were apparent long before college.

“I knew Luke wanted to coach when he was in high school,” Warner said. “He had a love of the game. He studied a lot of film in high school. I knew he would be successful for that reason but also because he was a great leader for the team. Leadership and love of the game can carry a coach a long way.”

He also believes Berblinger’s ability to connect with players will translate well at the high school level.

“I felt like Luke was able to relate to all of the players on the team,” Warner said. “I feel this will help him be a successful high school coach.”

Berblinger now takes over a Hutchinson program with a proud history and high expectations. The Salthawks compete in Class 5A and have long been considered one of the state’s premier jobs.

He replaces Mike Vernon, who went 46-33 over eight seasons from 2018 through 2025.

“I’ve seen what it’s like when Hutch High is rolling,” Berblinger said. “The excitement it brings to Hutchinson and all of Reno County is special. I’ve got a lot of pride in this community, and hopefully you see a team that plays hard and is physical.”

Offensively, Berblinger plans to feature a run-first spread attack rather than the flexbone system Hutchinson used for years.

“I want to run the football,” he said. “Most of my experience has been in a run-first spread offense. We’re going to try to establish the run and get the ball to our playmakers. Every team is different, so we’ll fit what we do to our personnel.”

Defensively, he emphasized stopping the run and playing with toughness up front.

Beyond schemes, Berblinger said relationships will drive the program’s success. He hopes to stay visible in the community and work closely with youth football programs to build long-term continuity.

“I want kids to love football and have a great experience from a young age,” he said. “If they’re excited about the program early, that carries over when they get to junior high and high school.”

Berblinger and his wife (formerly Baylee Heitschmidt), a Hutchinson High graduate, will move back to the area with their daughter, Lucy. He said the chance to lead a hometown program with such tradition made the decision clear.

“I didn’t want just any job,” he said. “I wanted this job.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770394731414.jpeg" alt="Luke Berblinger poses with his wife, Baylee, and daughter, Lucy. Berblinger and his family are returning to Reno County after he was named Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Luke Berblinger poses with his wife, Baylee, and daughter, Lucy. Berblinger and his family are returning to Reno County after he was named Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Luke Berblinger, a Buhler High School graduate and former college assistant coach, has been named the 28th head football coach in the 125-year history of Salthawk football, the Board of Education approved Monday.For Berblinger, the opportunity is both a professional milestone and a homecoming.“We’re really excited about it,” Berblinger said. “I’ve spent the last seven years as an assistant at the FCS level and learned a lot from great mentors, but I’ve always wanted to be a head coach. Hutchinson High School is an awesome opportunity. To run your own program, set the culture and set the standards, that’s something I’m really excited about.”Berblinger grew up in Reno County and starred at Buhler, where he helped guide the Crusaders to the Class 4A state championship in 2013 during a 13-1 season. He graduated in 2014.His former coach, longtime Buhler leader Steve Warner, said Berblinger’s path into coaching felt inevitable.“I was very excited for Luke. I know this is a great opportunity for him,” Warner said. “Last spring my staff and I met with him and SEMO. He told us then that he was ready to try and coach at the high school level.”Warner said Berblinger’s leadership qualities stood out even as a player.“In Luke’s senior year we won the state championship. Luke was a very strong leader on the team,” Warner said. “Luke would do anything we ever asked of him. He was a very hard worker.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770394782415.jpeg" alt="Luke Berblinger blows his whistle during pregame warmups before a Southeast Missouri State football game. Berblinger recently completed seven seasons on the Redhawks’ coaching staff before being hired as Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo/Southeast Missouri State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Luke Berblinger blows his whistle during pregame warmups before a Southeast Missouri State football game. Berblinger recently completed seven seasons on the Redhawks’ coaching staff before being hired as Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo/Southeast Missouri State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Berblinger said returning to Reno County was a major factor in taking the Hutchinson job.“That’s the reason we wanted to take this job,” he said. “My wife and I both have family here. We started our family away from everybody, but being back in the community is something we’re really, really excited about. We had great experiences growing up here and we want the same thing for our family.”After high school, Berblinger played four seasons as a slotback at Emporia State from 2014 through 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance in 2018 and immediately transitioned into coaching, first as a student assistant and later as a graduate assistant working with slotbacks and strength and conditioning.Those early responsibilities ranged from breaking down film to handling practice logistics, experiences he said helped shape his work ethic.His career continued at Southeast Missouri State, where he spent the past seven seasons on staff in a variety of roles. Berblinger served as offensive quality control, video coordinator for three years, recruiting coordinator, running backs coach for three seasons and most recently tight ends coach.“I’ve kind of done everything,” Berblinger said. “Head coaches need to know how to do everything. Doing the jobs nobody wants to do really teaches you a lot and prepares you for this.”Warner said Berblinger’s coaching instincts were apparent long before college.“I knew Luke wanted to coach when he was in high school,” Warner said. “He had a love of the game. He studied a lot of film in high school. I knew he would be successful for that reason but also because he was a great leader for the team. Leadership and love of the game can carry a coach a long way.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770394853658.jpeg" alt="Southeast Missouri State assistant coach Luke Berblinger watches the field during a Redhawks game in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Berblinger served in multiple roles at SEMO, including recruiting coordinator and position coach, before returning to Reno County to become Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo/Southeast Missouri State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Southeast Missouri State assistant coach Luke Berblinger watches the field during a Redhawks game in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Berblinger served in multiple roles at SEMO, including recruiting coordinator and position coach, before returning to Reno County to become Hutchinson High School’s head football coach. (Courtesy photo/Southeast Missouri State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>He also believes Berblinger’s ability to connect with players will translate well at the high school level.“I felt like Luke was able to relate to all of the players on the team,” Warner said. “I feel this will help him be a successful high school coach.”Berblinger now takes over a Hutchinson program with a proud history and high expectations. The Salthawks compete in Class 5A and have long been considered one of the state’s premier jobs.He replaces Mike Vernon, who went 46-33 over eight seasons from 2018 through 2025.“I’ve seen what it’s like when Hutch High is rolling,” Berblinger said. “The excitement it brings to Hutchinson and all of Reno County is special. I’ve got a lot of pride in this community, and hopefully you see a team that plays hard and is physical.”Offensively, Berblinger plans to feature a run-first spread attack rather than the flexbone system Hutchinson used for years.“I want to run the football,” he said. “Most of my experience has been in a run-first spread offense. We’re going to try to establish the run and get the ball to our playmakers. Every team is different, so we’ll fit what we do to our personnel.”Defensively, he emphasized stopping the run and playing with toughness up front.Beyond schemes, Berblinger said relationships will drive the program’s success. He hopes to stay visible in the community and work closely with youth football programs to build long-term continuity.“I want kids to love football and have a great experience from a young age,” he said. “If they’re excited about the program early, that carries over when they get to junior high and high school.”Berblinger and his wife (formerly Baylee Heitschmidt), a Hutchinson High graduate, will move back to the area with their daughter, Lucy. He said the chance to lead a hometown program with such tradition made the decision clear.“I didn’t want just any job,” he said. “I wanted this job.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe title="One-on-One with Luke Berblinger, Hutchinson High School head football coach" 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=9sibk-1a3b982-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>

🏈 Hutchinson High School hires Luke Berblinger to lead Salthawk football program

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

Women's head coach John Ontjes Freshman forward Kaia Smith

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762827753353.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle FisherShow 9 GuestsWomen's head coach John Ontjes Freshman forward Kaia SmithMen's head coach Kyle Fisher<div><iframe title="Dragon Talk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Feb. 9, 2026)" 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=ugguw-1a3fe5e-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>

RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.

Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. 

On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest.

"We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."

Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770655588483.png" alt="Vital photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Vital photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest."We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

K-State statement on arrest of basketball staffer

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Valley Center, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Dodge City, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)



Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Derby, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Cloud County, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Houston, 2 p.m. pregame, 3 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754488936409.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)<h2>Monday, Feb. 9</h2>Dragon Talk, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW)<h2>Tuesday, Feb. 10</h2>Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Valley Center, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) <h2>Wednesday, Feb. 11</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Dodge City, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB vs. Cincinnati, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Thursday, Feb. 12</h2>Jerome Tang Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)<h2>Friday, Feb. 13</h2>

Hutch High GBB/BBB vs. Derby, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)<h2>Saturday, Feb. 14</h2>HutchCC WBB/MBB at Cloud County, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Houston, 2 p.m. pregame, 3 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)<h2>Sunday, Feb. 15</h2>No broadcast scheduled

Eagle Media sports broadcast schedule for Feb. 9-Feb. 15

🎧🏈 Seahawks win Super Bowl LX; 🏀 KU hosts No. 1 Arizona tonight

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The “Dark Side” defense carried Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks to a Lombardi Trophy.

Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

“We never waver, man. We believe in each other. We love each other, and now we’re world champions," Macdonald said.

Darnold&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020686171668709673">threw a touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.

“To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.”

Walker became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Hall of Famer Terrell Davis did it with Denver 28 years ago.

Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020693977473908778">snagging Maye’s pass in the air</a>&nbsp;after Witherspoon hit his arm and running it back 45 yards for a pick-6.

"We went through a lot, but we believed," Witherspoon said. "All of you all doubters out there who said all that other stuff, you all don’t know what’s going on in this building. We’re one of one over here.”

Seattle won its first Super Bowl a dozen years ago behind its “Legion of Boom” defense, then was denied a repeat when New England's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7rPIg7ZNQ8">Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson</a>&nbsp;at the goal line. The Seahawks hadn't been back to the Super Bowl since.

Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 NFL draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.

Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.

After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.

“I know we won the Super Bowl, but we could have been a little bit better on offense, but I don’t care about that right now,” Darnold said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, man. I’m just so happy for the guys in the locker room and the coaches that put in so much effort throughout the whole season.”

The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020684418369912865">Hall’s strip-sack</a>&nbsp;late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.

<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020691306520187315">Julian Love’s interception</a>&nbsp;set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.

The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.

“Just reminding them that we’re 307 days into what hopefully is a long, successful relationship and program, and it's OK to be disappointed,” New England coach Mike Vrabel said.

Down 19-0, Maye and the Patriots' offense finally got going. He hit Mack Hollins over the middle in traffic for 24 yards and then lofted a perfect 35-yard TD pass to Hollins down the left side to cut the deficit to 19-7.

Tom Brady once led Bill Belichick’s Patriots to the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit against Atlanta for a 34-28 overtime victory.

But Maye, who was runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mvp-awards-1f6a4d94a8ffcdd5844855c5d4ba510a">AP NFL MVP award</a>&nbsp;in the closest race in two decades, didn’t come close. He had a chance to narrow the gap, but his ill-advised pass into triple coverage was picked by Love and the Patriots trailed by 15 when they got the ball back with 5:35 left. Maye said after the game that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-drake-maye-patriots-seahawks-62ba2fa92f77cdff8f9660945355d909">had a pain-relieving injection in his right shoulder</a>, which he injured in the AFC championship win at Denver, but said it didn't affect his play.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770608029498.png" alt="Photo Seattle Seahawks" />
 <figcaption>Photo Seattle Seahawks</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The “Dark Side” defense carried Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks to a Lombardi Trophy.Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.“We never waver, man. We believe in each other. We love each other, and now we’re world champions," Macdonald said.Darnold&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020686171668709673">threw a touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.“To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.”Walker became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Hall of Famer Terrell Davis did it with Denver 28 years ago.Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020693977473908778">snagging Maye’s pass in the air</a>&nbsp;after Witherspoon hit his arm and running it back 45 yards for a pick-6."We went through a lot, but we believed," Witherspoon said. "All of you all doubters out there who said all that other stuff, you all don’t know what’s going on in this building. We’re one of one over here.”Seattle won its first Super Bowl a dozen years ago behind its “Legion of Boom” defense, then was denied a repeat when New England's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7rPIg7ZNQ8">Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson</a>&nbsp;at the goal line. The Seahawks hadn't been back to the Super Bowl since.Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 NFL draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.“I know we won the Super Bowl, but we could have been a little bit better on offense, but I don’t care about that right now,” Darnold said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, man. I’m just so happy for the guys in the locker room and the coaches that put in so much effort throughout the whole season.”The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020684418369912865">Hall’s strip-sack</a>&nbsp;late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020691306520187315">Julian Love’s interception</a>&nbsp;set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.“Just reminding them that we’re 307 days into what hopefully is a long, successful relationship and program, and it's OK to be disappointed,” New England coach Mike Vrabel said.Down 19-0, Maye and the Patriots' offense finally got going. He hit Mack Hollins over the middle in traffic for 24 yards and then lofted a perfect 35-yard TD pass to Hollins down the left side to cut the deficit to 19-7.Tom Brady once led Bill Belichick’s Patriots to the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit against Atlanta for a 34-28 overtime victory.But Maye, who was runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mvp-awards-1f6a4d94a8ffcdd5844855c5d4ba510a">AP NFL MVP award</a>&nbsp;in the closest race in two decades, didn’t come close. He had a chance to narrow the gap, but his ill-advised pass into triple coverage was picked by Love and the Patriots trailed by 15 when they got the ball back with 5:35 left. Maye said after the game that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-drake-maye-patriots-seahawks-62ba2fa92f77cdff8f9660945355d909">had a pain-relieving injection in his right shoulder</a>, which he injured in the AFC championship win at Denver, but said it didn't affect his play.Then came Nwosu’s touchdown, a fitting way to cap an overwhelming effort by the NFL’s stingiest defense.“Definitely hurts. They played better than us tonight,” Maye said.Maye’s 7-yard TD pass to Rhamondre Stevenson late in the game only made the margin smaller.The Seahawks took a 3-0 lead on Myers’ 33-yard field goal on the game’s opening drive. Myers connected from 39 and 41 yards to extend the lead to 9-0 at halftime. He was good from 41 on Seattle’s first drive of the third quarter to make it 12-0.<h2>Patriots player of the game</h2>Cornerback Christian Gonzalez made two outstanding plays to prevent potential touchdowns in the second quarter. He raced back and leaped in the air to slap away a deep pass to Rashid Shaheed that could have been a 76-yard TD.On Seattle’s last drive in the first half, Gonzalez knocked down a pass to All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that would have been a 23-yard TD.<h2>Mills gets a two-for-one sack</h2>Rylie Mills&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2020657001202884987">pushed left guard Jared Wilson into Maye</a>&nbsp;and took both of them down on one of Seattle’s sacks.<h2>Bad Bunny shines at halftime</h2>Bad Bunny headlined a visually stunning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-super-bowl-2026-halftime-show-review-fbcd3dff50a4c6b0548bfa4712677eb0">halftime performance</a>&nbsp;that also featured appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist entirely in Spanish.<h2>Patriots denied a record 7th title</h2>The Patriots failed to win the franchise’s seventh Super Bowl, which would have set an NFL record. They’re tied with the Steelers with six championships.Vrabel, the AP NFL Coach of the Year, was aiming to become the fifth person to win a Super Bowl as a player and head coach and the first to do both with the same team.