The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region VI men's and women's basketball tournaments continue today with quarterfinal games.&nbsp;

Hutchinson and Coffeyville are the lone teams to have a doubleheader at their home venue, as both Blue Dragon and Red Raven women and men received a first round bye.

Below you will see the schedule for quarterfinal games. The quarterfinal winners will advance to the semifinals, which will be held at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State University on Friday. The Region VI championship games will be played on Saturday in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741279495945.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region VI men's and women's basketball tournaments continue today with quarterfinal games.&nbsp;Hutchinson and Coffeyville are the lone teams to have a doubleheader at their home venue, as both Blue Dragon and Red Raven women and men received a first round bye.Below you will see the schedule for quarterfinal games. The quarterfinal winners will advance to the semifinals, which will be held at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the campus of Fort Hays State University on Friday. The Region VI championship games will be played on Saturday in Hays.<div><h1>Region VI Tournament women's quarterfinals</h1>
Games played at higher seeds
5:30 p.m. - No. 2 Hutchinson vs. No. 10 Colby
5:30 p.m. - No. 3 Coffeyville vs. No. 6 Seward County
5:30 p.m. - No. 4 Butler vs. No. 5 Cowley
7 p.m. - No. 1 Dodge City vs. No. 8 Barton
&nbsp;
<h1>Region VI Tournament men's quarterfinals</h1>
Games played at higher seeds
7 p.m. - No. 1 Cowley vs. No. 9 Dodge City
7 p.m. - No. 3 Barton vs. No. 11 Cloud County
7:30 p.m. - No. 4 Hutchinson vs. No. 5 Butler
7:30 p.m. - No. 2 Coffeyville vs. No. 7 Garden City</div>

🏀 NJCAA Region VI Tournament continues with quarterfinal action

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 HutchCC opens Region VI Tournament this evening; 🏀 K-State opens Big 12 Tournament play

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract with offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and a one-year, $3.5 million contract with his former 49ers teammate Elijah Mitchell, two people familiar with the deals told The Associated Press.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because neither contract has become official.

The Chiefs spent the entire season searching for an upgrade at left tackle after rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year pro Wanya Morris struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes. They ultimately slid All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to tackle for the stretch run and the playoffs, but they were still unable to protect Mahomes in a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia.

Last week, the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft, creating another hole along their offensive line. It is possible that Suamataia transitions from tackle to guard and gets the first chance at that spot.

The trade nevertheless left Kansas City with one fewer option to play offensive tackle. And when the Ravens signed Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million contract to keep the best potential option off the free-agent market, the Chiefs began to look elsewhere, and they ultimately settled on a tackle in Moore who appeared in 55 games the past four years in San Francisco.

The 27-year-old Moore was picked by the 49ers in the fifth round out of the 2021 draft of Western Michigan. And while he only started 12 games for San Francisco, five of them came late last season, and he fared well in the expanded role.

The Chiefs could still draft an offensive tackle to provide competition or serve as an understudy, but Moore at least solidifies one of their biggest holes. They already have signed center Creed Humphrey to a long-term deal and are working on an extension for right guard Trey Smith, whom they used the franchise tag on earlier in the offseason.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs signed the 26-year-old Mitchell in the hopes he can revitalized an injury-prone career in Kansas City.

Mitchell wowed scouts at the NFL combine in 2021, when he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, and he ran for nearly 1,000 yards in just 11 games as a rookie. But Mitchell only appeared in five games the following year because of knee injuries, and 11 games two seasons ago, before landing on the reserve/injured list during last year’s roster cuts because of a hamstring injury.

The only other running backs on the Kansas City roster had been Isiah Pacheco, who is entering a contract year after missing a portion of last season because of an injury, along with journeyman Keontay Ingram and hybrid-fullback Carson Steele.

Their third-down back, Samaje Perine, is a free agent along with Kareem Hunt, who played well for the Chiefs after Pacheco got hurt. Hunt went unsigned last offseason because of an injury but is expected to get plenty of offers this offseason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741230834058.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract with offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and a one-year, $3.5 million contract with his former 49ers teammate Elijah Mitchell, two people familiar with the deals told The Associated Press.The people spoke on condition of anonymity because neither contract has become official.The Chiefs spent the entire season searching for an upgrade at left tackle after rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year pro Wanya Morris struggled to protect Patrick Mahomes. They ultimately slid All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to tackle for the stretch run and the playoffs, but they were still unable to protect Mahomes in a lopsided Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia.Last week, the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft, creating another hole along their offensive line. It is possible that Suamataia transitions from tackle to guard and gets the first chance at that spot.The trade nevertheless left Kansas City with one fewer option to play offensive tackle. And when the Ravens signed Ronnie Stanley to a three-year, $60 million contract to keep the best potential option off the free-agent market, the Chiefs began to look elsewhere, and they ultimately settled on a tackle in Moore who appeared in 55 games the past four years in San Francisco.The 27-year-old Moore was picked by the 49ers in the fifth round out of the 2021 draft of Western Michigan. And while he only started 12 games for San Francisco, five of them came late last season, and he fared well in the expanded role.The Chiefs could still draft an offensive tackle to provide competition or serve as an understudy, but Moore at least solidifies one of their biggest holes. They already have signed center Creed Humphrey to a long-term deal and are working on an extension for right guard Trey Smith, whom they used the franchise tag on earlier in the offseason.Meanwhile, the Chiefs signed the 26-year-old Mitchell in the hopes he can revitalized an injury-prone career in Kansas City.Mitchell wowed scouts at the NFL combine in 2021, when he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, and he ran for nearly 1,000 yards in just 11 games as a rookie. But Mitchell only appeared in five games the following year because of knee injuries, and 11 games two seasons ago, before landing on the reserve/injured list during last year’s roster cuts because of a hamstring injury.The only other running backs on the Kansas City roster had been Isiah Pacheco, who is entering a contract year after missing a portion of last season because of an injury, along with journeyman Keontay Ingram and hybrid-fullback Carson Steele.Their third-down back, Samaje Perine, is a free agent along with Kareem Hunt, who played well for the Chiefs after Pacheco got hurt. Hunt went unsigned last offseason because of an injury but is expected to get plenty of offers this offseason.

🏈 Chiefs bringing in offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and running back Elijah Mitchell, AP sources say

The Hutchinson Community College baseball team moved up one spot to No. 20 in the latest NJCAA DI Baseball Rankings released on Monday afternoon.

The Blue Dragons are 16-3 overall, 3-1 in the Jayhawk Conference West. HutchCC will host Cowley on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field for a single game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741353702312.jpeg" alt="Eli Duncan smacked two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs in No. 21 Hutchinson's 23-11 rule-run win over Dodge City in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Thursday, March 7 in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Eli Duncan smacked two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs in No. 21 Hutchinson's 23-11 rule-run win over Dodge City in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Thursday, March 7 in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Community College baseball team moved up one spot to No. 20 in the latest NJCAA DI Baseball Rankings released on Monday afternoon.The Blue Dragons are 16-3 overall, 3-1 in the Jayhawk Conference West. HutchCC will host Cowley on Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field for a single game.<div><h2>2025 NJCAA DI Baseball Poll - Week 3 - 03-10-25</h2>
&nbsp;
<div class="awards">
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Place</td>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Region</td>
<td>Record</td>
<td>Points</td>
<td>1st Place</td>
<td>Prev.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Weatherford College</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>18-3</td>
<td>198</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>College of Southern Nevada</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>27-4</td>
<td>194</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Northwest Florida State College</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>19-5</td>
<td>184</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Louisiana State University Eunice</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>22-1</td>
<td>173</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Shelton State Community College</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>16-3</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Florida Southwestern State College</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>20-6</td>
<td>160</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Blinn College</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>16-6</td>
<td>153</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Johnson County Community College</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>17-5</td>
<td>136</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Cowley County Community College</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>12-3</td>
<td>131</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Indian River State College</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>17-7</td>
<td>128</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Midland College</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>18-4</td>
<td>113</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Gulf Coast State College</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>16-5</td>
<td>105</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>McLennan Community College</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>12-5</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Walters State Community College</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>18-4-1</td>
<td>101</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Georgia Highlands College</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>21-4</td>
<td>88</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>John A. Logan College</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>19-5</td>
<td>88</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>College of Central Florida</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>19-6</td>
<td>85</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Florence-Darlington Technical College</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>20-7</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Salt Lake Community College</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>10-6</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Hutchinson Community College</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>16-3</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>El Paso Community College</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>22-2</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Arizona Western College</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>20-6</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Southwest Tennessee Community College</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>17-5</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Bossier Parish Community College</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>17-5</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td>Chipola College</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>21-10</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
&nbsp;
Receiving Votes: Alvin, San Jacinto, Crowder, Cochise, Polk State</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons move up to No. 20 in latest rankings

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741658068571.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>&nbsp;was selected as the Golden Spikes Award Player of the Week by USA Baseball on Monday, as the shortstop becomes the first player in school history to garner the weekly award. In addition to the national honor, Martin was voted the Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week, announced by the league offices. He is the third Wildcat to pick up Big 12 weekly honors in consecutive weeks, joining outfielder Drew Mount (2018) and right-handed pitcher Nate Griep (2015). Rising to the second-best slugging percentage (1.143) and third-best batting average (.524) in Division I, Martin is coming off a monstrous offensive weekend at Tointon Family Stadium. A product of Edgewater Park, N.J, Martin turned in an incredible 2.714 OPS, after launching five home runs and tallying 12 runs batted in in the Wildcats three-game series sweep of William &amp; Mary. He now leads the Big 12 with a season 1.735 OPS. He became the first player since 2018 to drive in eight RBI in a single game, while achieving the first multi-homer game this season for K-State with his first-inning grand slam and three-run homer in the second on Saturday. In the series finale, Martin homered in his fourth consecutive game with another two-homer game, which marked the third straight game with a home run in the first inning. He finished 5-for-5 on the day, falling short of a triple of completing the cycle and became the first K-State player and fourth from the Big 12 to turn in a five-hit day. K-State (9-5) will hit the road for a couple of midweek matchups, facing Creighton (7-4) and Omaha (4-10) on March 11-12. Following the games in Nebraska, the Cats will open Big 12 play at Tointon Family Stadium on Friday, March 14 with a three-game series against Utah (11-3). Season and single-game tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, fans can visit&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State's Martin picks up Golden Spikes Award Player of the Week honors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741657924303.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League) unveiled the schedule and locations for its inaugural regular season, which launches with Opening Day on Saturday, June 7 in Wichita and Chicago. Due to overwhelming demand from cities eager to host professional softball and as the popularity of women's professional sports continues to surge, AUSL has expanded its original plans to now include 10 cities, with more to be announced at a later date. &nbsp; Four teams &ndash; the&nbsp;<a href="https://theausl.com/bandits">Bandits</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://theausl.com/blaze">Blaze</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://theausl.com/talons">Talons</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://theausl.com/volts">Volts</a>&nbsp;&ndash; will play 24 games each between June 7 and July 23. The season will start with the Bandits and Talons playing a three game series in Chicago, while the Blaze and Volts play a four game series in Wichita. Each team will travel to 4-6 markets throughout the summer, culminating with the top two teams competing in the&nbsp;AUSL Championship, a best-of-three series to be held July 26-28 at the University of Alabama's Rhoads Stadium. &nbsp; Following the AUSL Championship, 60 players will compete for an individual championship in the&nbsp;AUSL All-Star Cup, a 24-game competition in August featuring the original Athletes Unlimited scoring system. &nbsp; 2025 AUSL venues (and series per market) include: &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rosemont, Illinois (just outside Chicago):&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/chicago">The Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex</a>&nbsp;(11 games across four series) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita, Kansas:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/wichita">Wilkins Stadium at Wichita State University</a>&nbsp;(11 total games across four series) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuscaloosa, Alabama:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/alabama">Rhoads Stadium at the University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;(two game series, plus the AUSL Championship) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Round Rock, Texas&nbsp;(just outside of Austin, Texas):&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/austin">Dell Diamond in Round Rock</a>, home of the MiLB AAA Round Rock Express (4-game series) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salt Lake City, UT:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/salt-lake-city">Dumke Family Softball Stadium at the University of Utah&nbsp;</a>(4-game series) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sulphur, Louisiana:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/louisiana">McMurry Park at Lake Charles</a>&nbsp;(3-game series). Held during the Jennie Finch World Series, a youth softball tournament produced by Olympian, USA Softball legend and AUSL Advisor,&nbsp;Jennie Finch. &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chattanooga, Tennessee:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/tennessee">Jim Frost Stadium at Warner Park</a>&nbsp;(3-game series) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha, Nebraska:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/omaha">Connie Claussen Field at University of Nebraska-Omaha</a>&nbsp;(3-game series)
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Following the AUSL Championship, 60 players will compete for an individual championship in the&nbsp;AUSL All-Star Cup, a 24-game competition in August featuring the innovative Athletes Unlimited scoring system. The venues for these games include:
<div> ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Rosemont, Illinois (just outside Chicago): The Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex&nbsp;(18 games)</div>
</div>
&nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raleigh, North Carolina:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/raleigh">Ting Stadium at Holly Springs</a>&nbsp;(4&nbsp;games) &nbsp; ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Greenville, North Carolina:&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/greenville">Max R. Joyner Family Stadium at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://theausl.com/greenville">East&nbsp;</a><a href="http://theausl.com/greenville">Carolina University</a>&nbsp;(2&nbsp;games: the AUSL Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods) &nbsp; The full schedule can be found&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/schedule">here</a>&nbsp;and below. Series ticket packages are available&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/tickets">here</a>. More information, including team rosters and the schedule broken down by team can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/">theAUSL.com</a>. &nbsp; "We were truly overwhelmed by the number of cities with world-class venues and a history of supporting softball interested in being part of the historic first season of the AUSL," said&nbsp;Kim Ng,&nbsp;a seasoned sports executive charged with leading the design and launch of the AUSL. "We are looking forward to launching a new era for the sport, and everyone involved with the AUSL &ndash; including players, coaches and staff &ndash; is excited to do so in front of so many passionate softball fans across the country." &nbsp; While the AUSL will be a touring property in its first year, the teams will each be assigned to a single city when the league becomes city-based in 2026. ESPN has signed on as a founding broadcast partner of the AUSL, and will carry 33 total games exclusively across platforms in 2025, with 30 of them to air on linear television. Additional broadcast partners and other details will be announced at a later date. &nbsp;
<div>Each team drafted their first 12 players at the AUSL Inaugural Draft on January 29. All four teams have since signed one additional player, and will fill out the remainder of their 16-player rosters with the incoming class of top NCAA talent who will finish their eligibility in May. The AUSL College Draft will take place in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>In addition to the opportunity to compete in the new league, all players will receive benefits unprecedented in the history of the sport, including year-round health insurance, mental health services, paid leave for pregnancy or adoption and in-season childcare.</div>
&nbsp; About Athletes Unlimited Softball League: Launching in 2025, the AUSL will feature four teams playing a 24-game season (48 total games) in a traditional format. It will also be complemented and followed by the AUSL All-Star Cup (formerly known as the AU Pro Softball Championship Season), creating a new opportunity for the world's best players to compete. In addition to the Player Executive Committee (Aubrey Leach, Megan Faraimo, Sierra Romero, Morgan Zerkle and Sharlize Palacois), softball legends Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman and Natasha Watley are advisors to the AUSL, consulting with AU leadership and current athletes on the strategic direction of the new league. Kim Ng, a trailblazing executive who most recently became the first woman to serve as General Manager of a major American men's professional sports team, joined the organization in 2024 as a Senior Advisor, overseeing the development of the AUSL. The AUSL will become a city-based league beginning in 2026, while the inaugural season in 2025 will be a touring property featuring games in six to eight different cities. For more information follow&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/theauslofficial">@theauslofficial</a>&nbsp;and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://theausl.com/">theausl.com</a>. &nbsp; About Athletes Unlimited: Named one of&nbsp;Fast Company's&nbsp;Most Innovative Companies, Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women's softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience, and stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues, with athlete representation on the company's board of directors, each league led by a Player Executive Committee, and players sharing in long-term profits of the company, all while being proactive in shaping policies supporting the women that play in the league. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://auprosports.com/">AUProSports.com</a>. &nbsp; AUSL SCHEDULE (as of March 10; subject to change) &nbsp;
<table border="0" width="624" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Day</td>
<td>Date</td>
<td>Location</td>
<td>Home Team</td>
<td>Away Team</td>
<td>Time (local)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 7</td>
<td>Rosemont</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>2:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 7</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>5:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>June 8</td>
<td>Rosemont</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>1:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>June 8</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>4:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monday</td>
<td>June 9</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tuesday</td>
<td>June 10</td>
<td>Rosemont</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>7:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thursday</td>
<td>June 12</td>
<td>Sulfur, LA</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Friday</td>
<td>June 13</td>
<td>Chattanooga</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>6:30 pm ET</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Friday</td>
<td>June 13</td>
<td>Sulfur, LA</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>8:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 14</td>
<td>Chattanooga</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>12:00 pm ET</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 14</td>
<td>Sulfur, LA</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>8:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>June 15</td>
<td>Chattanooga</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>2:00 pm ET</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tuesday</td>
<td>June 17</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tuesday</td>
<td>June 17</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>8:30 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wednesday</td>
<td>June 18</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wednesday</td>
<td>June 18</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>8:30 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Friday</td>
<td>June 20</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Friday</td>
<td>June 20</td>
<td>TBA</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>TBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 21</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>6:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday</td>
<td>June 21</td>
<td>TBA</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>TBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>June 22</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>4:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday</td>
<td>June 22</td>
<td>TBA</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>TBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monday</td>
<td>June 23</td>
<td>Wichita</td>
<td>Blaze</td>
<td>Bandits</td>
<td>4:00 pm CT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monday</td>
<td>June 23</td>
<td>TBA</td>
<td>Volts</td>
<td>Talons</td>
<td>TBA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

🥎 Athletes Unlimited Softball League returns to Wichita in June

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936474572.jpeg" alt="Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Big 12 Conference
 
 
Texas Tech&rsquo;s JT Toppin was named Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year to highlight the 2024-25 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 men&rsquo;s basketball awards, voted on by the league&rsquo;s head coaches. Houston&rsquo;s Joseph Tugler (defensive player), LJ Cryer (Scholar-Athlete) and Kelvin Sampson (coach) earned league superlatives after a 19-1 regular season. Baylor&rsquo;s VJ Edgecombe (freshman), BYU&rsquo;s Richie Saunders (most improved) and Iowa State&rsquo;s Curtis Jones (sixth man) completed the Conference&rsquo;s superlatives. &nbsp; The Conference&rsquo;s first team was comprised of Cryer, Jones, Saunders, Toppin, plus Caleb Love (Arizona), Norchad Omier (Baylor), J&rsquo;Wan Roberts (Houston), Hunter Dickinson (Kansas), Darrion Williams (Texas Tech) and Javon Small (West Virginia). &nbsp; Toppin becomes the second Texas Tech player to win Player of the Year, joining Jarrett Culver (2019). The sophomore is the only player who ranks in the Big 12&rsquo;s top three in both scoring (18.1) and rebounding (9.3). The Dallas native, who is the second Red Raider to earn Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, joining Mac McClung (2021), has 14 double-doubles on the season. Toppin is the first Big 12 player to win Player and Newcomer of the Year in the same season. &nbsp; Tugler is the second consecutive Houston player to win Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12, joining Jamal Shead. The Monroe, Louisiana product has anchored a Cougar defense that holds opponents to a nation-leading 58.1 points per game, while contributing 2.0 blocks per game. &nbsp; Cryer is the first Scholar-Athlete of the Year from Houston in the Coogs&rsquo; two-year tenure in the Big 12. On the court, Cryer won his fourth Big 12 championship in five seasons across two schools, while scoring 15.3 points per game for the Cougars. In the classroom, Cryer has a 3.73 GPA while doing post-baccalaureate work in health. &nbsp; Edgecombe led Conference freshmen with 15.0 points per game, en route to becoming the third consecutive Baylor rookie to be named the league&apos;s best. The Bahamian national team guard averaged 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, both of which ranked third among Big 12 freshmen. &nbsp; Jones becomes the third Iowa State player to win the Big 12&rsquo;s Sixth Man Award, and the first since Lindell Wigginton in 2019. The nation&rsquo;s leading bench scorer, Jones averages 17.0 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. &nbsp; Saunders is the second BYU player to win a superlative in the school&rsquo;s two seasons in the Big 12, joining Jaxson Robinson who won the Sixth Man Award last season. The Riverton, Utah native increased his scoring average from 9.6 to 16.0, while improving his percentage from 36.4% to 43.7%. &nbsp; Sampson won his 10th&nbsp;conference coach of the year award across five conferences and his second consecutive in the Big 12. Sampson led the Cougars to their second Big 12 regular season title in two years, becoming the first program in over 100 years to join a major conference and win back-to-back regular season titles. Houston won a Big 12-record 19 games and joins Duke as the first major conference teams to win 19 league games in a single season. &nbsp; Big 12 teams will begin postseason play in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship March 11-15 in Kansas City&rsquo;s T-Mobile Center. Visit Big12Sports.com for Championship information. &nbsp; 2024-25 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 Awards Player of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech Defensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, Houston Scholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, Houston Freshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Newcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech Sixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa State Most Improved: Richie Saunders, BYU Coach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, Houston &nbsp; All-Big 12 First Team Caleb Love, Arizona Norchad Omier, Baylor Richie Saunders, BYU LJ Cryer, Houston J&rsquo;Wan Roberts, Houston Curtis Jones, Iowa State Hunter Dickinson, Kansas JT Toppin, Texas Tech* Darrion Williams, Texas Tech Javon Small, West Virginia &nbsp; All-Big 12 Second Team VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Keyshawn Hall, UCF Milos Uzan, Houston Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Chance McMillian, Texas Tech &nbsp; All-Big 12 Third Team Joseph Tugler, Houston Zeke Mayo, Kansas Coleman Hawkins, Kansas State Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State &nbsp; Honorable Mention:&nbsp;Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Henri Veesaar; Baylor: Robert Wright; BYU: Egor Demin; UCF: Darius Johnson; Cincinnati: Jizzle James; Colorado: Julian Hammond III; Houston: Emanuel Sharp; Kansas: Dajuan Harris Jr.; Kansas State: David N&rsquo;Guessan; Oklahoma State: Bryce Thompson; TCU: Noah Reynolds, Ernest Udeh Jr.; Utah: Gabe Madsen &nbsp; All-Defensive Team Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State J&rsquo;Wan Roberts, Houston Joseph Tugler, Houston Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Sencire Harris, West Virginia &nbsp; All-Freshman Team Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Robert Wright, Baylor Egor Demin, BYU Christian Anderson, Texas Tech &nbsp; All-Newcomer Team Norchad Omier, Baylor Keyshawn Hall, UCF Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Zeke Mayo, Kansas JT Toppin, Texas Tech</div>

🏀 KU has 3 selections, K-State 2 on Big 12 men's postseason teams

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605631240662.png" alt=" A game at Intrust Bank Arena during the 2018 NCAA tournament in Wichita. Jonathan Huber / KMUW/ File photo" />
 <figcaption> A game at Intrust Bank Arena during the 2018 NCAA tournament in Wichita. Jonathan Huber / KMUW/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div>INTRUST Bank Arena
 
<div style="text-align: justify;color: rgb(34, 34, 34);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;font-family: Helvetica;border: 0px;">Wichita, Kansas &ndash;&nbsp;On Wednesday, March 19, basketball fans are invited to watch the open practices for all eight teams competing in the first round of the&nbsp;2025 NCAA&reg; Division I Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship at INTRUST Bank Arena. Practice sessions will take place at INTRUST Bank Arena and run throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. with each team having 40 minutes to practice. Open Practice Day is free and open to the public and fans are permitted and encouraged to come and go throughout the day. Seating is general admission and merchandise and concession stands will be open. Fans can also receive a free refillable NCAA&reg; Souvenir Cup with the purchase of an adult combo meal. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and there is no ticket required to attend the open practice sessions. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re excited to welcome eight great teams to Wichita and Open Practice Day is the perfect opportunity for the public to see these eight teams up close, and for free,&rdquo; said A.J. Boleski, regional general manager for INTRUST Bank Arena. &ldquo;We look forward to providing an exhilarating experience not only for Open Practice Day, but for the entire duration of March Madness in Wichita. We&rsquo;re honored and excited to welcome the tournament back to INTRUST Bank Arena this year.&rdquo; Practice Times (Seeds &amp; Teams will be announced after Selection Sunday on March 16):</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;color: rgb(34, 34, 34);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;font-family: Helvetica;">
 <li style="text-align: justify;">11:00 am &ndash; Game 1 Lower Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">11:45 am &ndash; Game 1 Higher Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">12:30 pm &ndash; Game 2 Lower Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">1:15 pm &ndash; Game 2 Higher Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">2:00 pm &ndash; Game 3 Lower Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">2:45 pm &ndash; Game 3 Higher Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">3:30 pm &ndash; Game 4 Lower Seed</li>
 <li style="text-align: justify;">4:15 pm &ndash; Game 4 Higher Seed</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;color: rgb(34, 34, 34);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;font-family: Helvetica;border: 0px;">During the tournament, navigate with the ease and expertise of a local by utilizing resources such as printable or <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=45f029b597&e=3bc53ff00e" title="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=45f029b597&e=3bc53ff00e" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137) !important;font-size: inherit;font-family: inherit;border: 0px;">interactive parking maps</a>. For detailed information on parking and shuttles, fans can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=c9e6fe78dd&e=3bc53ff00e" title="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=c9e6fe78dd&e=3bc53ff00e" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137) !important;font-size: inherit;font-family: inherit;border: 0px;">learn more here</a>. Fans are also encouraged to follow&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=3c6cede59b&e=3bc53ff00e" title="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=3c6cede59b&e=3bc53ff00e" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137) !important;font-size: inherit;font-family: inherit;border: 0px;">@INTRUSTarena</a> on X for real-time parking updates. Experience March Madness&reg; in Wichita March 20 &amp; 22, 2025 at INTRUST Bank Arena when Wichita State University hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA &reg; Division I Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased online at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=a7e4c3673c&e=3bc53ff00e" title="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=a7e4c3673c&e=3bc53ff00e" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137) !important;font-size: inherit;font-family: inherit;border: 0px;">selectaseat.com</a>. For ticket and hospitality packages, please visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=f996b5ae0f&e=3bc53ff00e" title="https://intrustbankarena.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e5ce254a703b5917e393aac0&id=f996b5ae0f&e=3bc53ff00e" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137) !important;font-size: inherit;font-family: inherit;border: 0px;">NCAA.com/VIP</a>.</div></div>

🏀 Open practice announced details for NCAA Tournament in Wichita

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Class_3A_State_Tournament/Lede_Page">3A STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a>

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College campus will once again be busy this week with the return of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments.

The four-day event runs Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. There will be four games per day, with girls playing quarterfinals Wednesday and boys on Thursday. Friday features semifinal action and then on Saturday the 3rd place games and state title games.

This year marks the 71st KSHSAA state tournament that the Hutchinson Sports Arena has hosted. The arena opened in 1952, and has hosted a tournament every year with the exception of 1973 and 1974. Overall, this will be the 82nd state tournament held in the Salt City, as 10 tournaments were hosted at Memorial Hall prior to the completion of the Sports Arena.

"It brings families, it brings students to our community," HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. "They're eating in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our shops, it's larger than just our community college, although that's where the games are held at either at the Sports Arena or at Gowans Stadium. Our Visit Hutch, our collaboration with Visit Hutch, the chamber, they're a close partner with us as we navigate securing those events. We take a lot of pride in our relationship with KSHSAA."

Bill Faflick, the executive director of the KSHSAA is happy to continue the partnership with Hutchinson for the numerous sports.

"The KSHSAA is fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct championship activities in Hutchinson," Faflick said. "We make the decision to continue to host events in Hutchinson because of the people who are conducting those events. More specifically, we believe the staff at Hutchinson Community College, under the leadership of AD Josh Gooch, understand the importance of creating a championship atmosphere for students and the school communities participating in championship tournaments. Addressing an almost unending list of details, Josh and his team realize each of those items make a difference for those coming to events they host."

Whether it's state football, state basketball, or state volleyball, each event takes a village to make possible.

"With the events we host it does take everybody," Gooch said. "The facilities staff is second to none, the reason why we can turn the events and host multiple games in days is because our facilities staff is prepped and prepared or the field and the places where the patrons are, the ins and outs of the buildings and stadiums are as nice as they get anywhere you go. We've got an army of people that make these events possible. We started working on this year's state basketball tournament on January 14 when I looked back at my notes."

A repreresentative from the KSHSAA comes to Hutchinson and meets with the staff to make sure they're prepared to host.

"They go over any of the new items that might be taking place that year," Gooch said. "They also tell us some things we can improve on and things that they want to highlight that we do well. Each of my staff has different roles and the volunteers each have their own roles, as well."

One of those staff members is HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter. Of the many tasks Carpenter has, one is the media contact for all media attending the 3A tournament.&nbsp;

"I have checked on this with KSHSAA and we are by and large the most heavily covered tournament from a media standpoint," Carpenter said. "Early on, I take care of getting all of the credentials administered to and making sure we've got them all locked in for when the tournament starts."

Once the games tipoff on Wednesday, Carpenter can be found on his laptop at the table on the south side of the Sports Arena.

"You'll see me at the scorers table, myself and my stat crew, constantly running stats," Carpenter said. "This year I thought about wearing a pedometer to track my steps, because we run stats at every timeout. The stats to me are very important, because they have to be accurate, this is the one chance we get to do it. Especially if there are state records or anything, we want to make sure we are specifically accurate with that and there's no having to go back and question it. I take a lot of pride in the stats. I also help out with all of the on-table help if any troubleshooting is needed."

One thing that Faflick enjoys about the staff at HutchCC, is their willingness to run the event like a true championship culture.

"While many host sites 'turn the venue over' to state association and school staff, Josh and his team have stepped up and fill every position needed for multi-day championship tournaments in volleyball and basketball, as well as for a championship game in football," Faflick said. "The Hutchinson Community College team provides a great first impression for all stakeholders, including students, coaches, parents, administrators, media, and general spectators. Josh and his team consider the overall goal of fair play and a great experience for student athletes competing for the coveted championship, all while considering the minute details which make a huge difference for stakeholders."

There are around 100 individuals that put in countless hours to make the week happen.

"You have my staff of five," Gooch said. "Then you have 16 team hosts, people throughout the community that are the point of contact for that specific team about anything they may need from restaurants to go to or things to do, that's a tradition we've always had and that the teams coming in look forward to. Our workforce continues with the facilities crew and it doesn't end when people leave the venue, they're still working. We also have ball help to make sure the proper balls are out for the girls and the boys. Then we have concessions help, a lot of our Blue Dragon student-athletes that are on work-study help with that. Ticket takers and ticket sellers, we have to have people getting patrons in and out of the facility. We have a pass gate where all the members that are participating are going in. Merchandise booth, hospitality room, the scorers table, the officials, the awards presenters, there are a lot of people that make this tournament possible."

One thing that will be new at this year's tournament is the Hutch Madness Trivia game, which is a special engagement with Visit Hutch. There is a QR code that will be put on the video board and you scan it where each game there will be trivia and then it'll keep track of your points and you'll have an opportunity to win prizes from area businesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741095160913.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Class_3A_State_Tournament/Lede_Page">3A STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College campus will once again be busy this week with the return of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments.The four-day event runs Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. There will be four games per day, with girls playing quarterfinals Wednesday and boys on Thursday. Friday features semifinal action and then on Saturday the 3rd place games and state title games.This year marks the 71st KSHSAA state tournament that the Hutchinson Sports Arena has hosted. The arena opened in 1952, and has hosted a tournament every year with the exception of 1973 and 1974. Overall, this will be the 82nd state tournament held in the Salt City, as 10 tournaments were hosted at Memorial Hall prior to the completion of the Sports Arena."It brings families, it brings students to our community," HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. "They're eating in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our shops, it's larger than just our community college, although that's where the games are held at either at the Sports Arena or at Gowans Stadium. Our Visit Hutch, our collaboration with Visit Hutch, the chamber, they're a close partner with us as we navigate securing those events. We take a lot of pride in our relationship with KSHSAA."Bill Faflick, the executive director of the KSHSAA is happy to continue the partnership with Hutchinson for the numerous sports."The KSHSAA is fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct championship activities in Hutchinson," Faflick said. "We make the decision to continue to host events in Hutchinson because of the people who are conducting those events. More specifically, we believe the staff at Hutchinson Community College, under the leadership of AD Josh Gooch, understand the importance of creating a championship atmosphere for students and the school communities participating in championship tournaments. Addressing an almost unending list of details, Josh and his team realize each of those items make a difference for those coming to events they host."Whether it's state football, state basketball, or state volleyball, each event takes a village to make possible."With the events we host it does take everybody," Gooch said. "The facilities staff is second to none, the reason why we can turn the events and host multiple games in days is because our facilities staff is prepped and prepared or the field and the places where the patrons are, the ins and outs of the buildings and stadiums are as nice as they get anywhere you go. We've got an army of people that make these events possible. We started working on this year's state basketball tournament on January 14 when I looked back at my notes."A repreresentative from the KSHSAA comes to Hutchinson and meets with the staff to make sure they're prepared to host."They go over any of the new items that might be taking place that year," Gooch said. "They also tell us some things we can improve on and things that they want to highlight that we do well. Each of my staff has different roles and the volunteers each have their own roles, as well."One of those staff members is HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter. Of the many tasks Carpenter has, one is the media contact for all media attending the 3A tournament.&nbsp;"I have checked on this with KSHSAA and we are by and large the most heavily covered tournament from a media standpoint," Carpenter said. "Early on, I take care of getting all of the credentials administered to and making sure we've got them all locked in for when the tournament starts."Once the games tipoff on Wednesday, Carpenter can be found on his laptop at the table on the south side of the Sports Arena."You'll see me at the scorers table, myself and my stat crew, constantly running stats," Carpenter said. "This year I thought about wearing a pedometer to track my steps, because we run stats at every timeout. The stats to me are very important, because they have to be accurate, this is the one chance we get to do it. Especially if there are state records or anything, we want to make sure we are specifically accurate with that and there's no having to go back and question it. I take a lot of pride in the stats. I also help out with all of the on-table help if any troubleshooting is needed."One thing that Faflick enjoys about the staff at HutchCC, is their willingness to run the event like a true championship culture."While many host sites 'turn the venue over' to state association and school staff, Josh and his team have stepped up and fill every position needed for multi-day championship tournaments in volleyball and basketball, as well as for a championship game in football," Faflick said. "The Hutchinson Community College team provides a great first impression for all stakeholders, including students, coaches, parents, administrators, media, and general spectators. Josh and his team consider the overall goal of fair play and a great experience for student athletes competing for the coveted championship, all while considering the minute details which make a huge difference for stakeholders."There are around 100 individuals that put in countless hours to make the week happen."You have my staff of five," Gooch said. "Then you have 16 team hosts, people throughout the community that are the point of contact for that specific team about anything they may need from restaurants to go to or things to do, that's a tradition we've always had and that the teams coming in look forward to. Our workforce continues with the facilities crew and it doesn't end when people leave the venue, they're still working. We also have ball help to make sure the proper balls are out for the girls and the boys. Then we have concessions help, a lot of our Blue Dragon student-athletes that are on work-study help with that. Ticket takers and ticket sellers, we have to have people getting patrons in and out of the facility. We have a pass gate where all the members that are participating are going in. Merchandise booth, hospitality room, the scorers table, the officials, the awards presenters, there are a lot of people that make this tournament possible."One thing that will be new at this year's tournament is the Hutch Madness Trivia game, which is a special engagement with Visit Hutch. There is a QR code that will be put on the video board and you scan it where each game there will be trivia and then it'll keep track of your points and you'll have an opportunity to win prizes from area businesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><h1>2025 State Basketball Schedule</h1>
<h2>Wednesday, March 12</h2>
Girls Quarterfinals
2 p.m.: [2] Halstead (22-1) vs. [7] Neodesha (18-3)
4 p.m.: [3] Osage City (22-1) vs. [6] Colby (21-2)
6 p.m.: [1] Hesston (23-0) vs. [8] Holcomb (18-5)
8 p.m.: [4] Silver Lake (21-2) vs. [5] Girard (21-2)
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday, March 13</h2>
Boys Quarterfinals
2 p.m.: [1] Galena (22-0) vs. [8] Kansas City Bishop Ward (16-7)
4 p.m.:&nbsp;[4]&nbsp;Hesston (21-2) vs.&nbsp;[5] Burlington (20-3)
6 p.m.: [2] Lakin (22-1) vs. [7] Silver Lake (18-5)
8 p.m.: [3] Cheney (22-1) vs. [6] Goodland (20-3)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday, March 14</h2>
Semifinals
2 p.m. (G):&nbsp;Halstead/Neodesha winner vs. Osage City/Colby winner
4 p.m. (B):&nbsp;Galena/KC Ward winner vs. Hesston/Burlington winner
6 p.m. (G):&nbsp;Hesston/Holcomb winner vs. Silver Lake/Girard winner
8 p.m. (B):&nbsp;Lakin/Silver Lake winner vs. Cheney/Goodland winner
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday, March 15</h2>
3rd Place Games &amp; Championships
12 p.m. (G 3rd Place): Semifinals losers
2 p.m. (B 3rd Place): Semifinal losers
4 p.m. (G Championship): Semifinal winners
6:15 p.m. (B Championship): Semifinal winners</div>

🏀 KSHSAA state tournament returns to Sports Arena for 71st year, 82nd year in Hutchinson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741095160913.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><div>GIRLS TOURNAMENTS CLASS 6A At Koch Arena, Wichita Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Derby (19-3) vs. 8. Wichita East (16-6), 2 p.m. 4. Olathe South (18-4) vs. 5. Olathe North (17-5), 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Wichita Heights (19-3) vs. 7. Olathe West (16-6), 6 p.m.&nbsp; 3. Blue Valley North (18-4) vs. 6. Washburn Rural (16-6), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 5A At White Auditorium, Emporia Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Hays (22-0) vs. 8. St. Thomas Aquinas (15-7), 2 p.m.&nbsp; 4. Spring Hill (19-3) vs. 5. Maize South (19-3), 4 p.m. 2. Seaman (22-0) vs. 7. KC Piper (18-4), 6 p.m. 3. Andover (21-1) vs. 6. St. James Academy (18-4), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 2 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 6 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 4A At Tony&rsquo;s Pizza Events Center, Salina Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Wellington (21-1) vs. 8. Andale (15-7), 2 p.m. 4. Labette County (18-4) vs. 5. Buhler (18-4), 4 p.m. 2. Hayden (20-2) vs. 7. Clay Center (17-5), 6 p.m. 3. Eudora (20-2) vs. 6. Bishop Miege (17-4), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 3A At Hutchinson Sports Arena Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Hesston (23-0) vs. 8. Holcomb (18-5), 6 p.m. 4. Silver Lake (21-2) vs. 5. Girard (21-2), 8 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. Halstead (22-1) vs. 7. Neodesha (18-3), 2 p.m. 3. Osage City (22-1) vs. 6. Colby (21-2), 4 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 6 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 2 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 2A Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Moundridge (21-2) vs. 8. TMP-Marian (15-9), 2 p.m. 4. Phillipsburg (20-3) vs. 5. Inman (19-3), 4 p.m. 2. St. Mary's Colgan (21-2) vs. 7. Valley Heights (16-8), 6 p.m. 3. Chase County (20-3) vs. 6. Doniphan West (17-5), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 1A DI At United Wireless Arena, Dodge City Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Little River (21-0) vs. 8. Crest (14-7) , 6 p.m. 4. South Gray (21-2) vs. 5. Quinter (20-3), 8 p.m. 2. Centralia (23-0) vs. 7. St. John (18-5), 2 p.m. 3. Troy (21-1) vs. 6. Central Plains (19-3), 4 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 6 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 2 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 1A DII At Colby Event Center Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. South Haven (21-1) vs. 8. Linn (16-6), 2 p.m. 4. Bucklin (20-3) vs. 5. Attica (20-3), 4 p.m. 2. Lebo (20-2) vs. 7. Hodgeman County (18-5), 6 p.m. 3. Hanover (20-2) vs. 6. Wallace County (18-4), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 2 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 6 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon
&nbsp;
<hr />
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BOYS TOURNAMENTS CLASS 6A At Koch Arena, Wichita Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Shawnee Mission South (21-1) vs. 8. Maize (16-6), 2 p.m.&nbsp; 4. Shawnee Mission Northwest (19-3) vs. 5. Mill Valley (18-4), 4 p.m.&nbsp; 2. Derby (21-1) vs. 7. Olathe North (16-6), 6 p.m. 3. Wichita Heights (20-2) vs. 6. Washburn Rural (18-4), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 2 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 6 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 5A At White Auditorium, Emporia Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Highland Park (22-0) vs. 8. Andover Central (14-8), 2 p.m. 4. Shawnee Heights (19-3) vs. 5. KC Piper (19-3), 4 p.m. 2. Kapaun Mt. Carmel (19-3) vs. 7. Topeka West (14-8), 6 p.m. 3. Andover (19-3) vs. 6. Bonner Springs (18-4), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 4A At Tony&rsquo;s Pizza Events Center, Salina Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Ottawa (22-0) vs. 8. Atchison (15-7) , 2 p.m. 4. McPherson (18-4) vs. 5. Baldwin (18-4) , 4 p.m. 2. Rock Creek (20-2) vs. 7. Abilene (16-6) , 6 p.m. 3. Andale (19-3) vs. 6. Pratt (17-5) , 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 2 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 6 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 3A At Hutchinson Sports Arena Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Galena (22-0) vs. 8. Bishop Ward (16-7), 2 p.m. 4. Hesston (21-2) vs. 5. Burlington (20-3), 4 p.m. 2. Lakin (22-1) vs. 7. Silver Lake (18-5), 6 p.m. 3. Cheney (22-1) vs. 6. Goodland (20-3), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 2A Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan Wednesday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Moundridge (23-0) vs. 8. St. Mary's Colgan (13-10), 2 p.m.&nbsp; 4. Valley Falls (19-4) vs. 5. Syracuse (19-4), 4 p.m. 2. Sterling (20-3) vs. 7. Chase County (14-9), 6 p.m. 3. Ell-Saline (20-3) vs. 6. Rossville (16-7), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 2 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 6 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 4 p.m. Third place, noon CLASS 1A DI At United Wireless Arena, Dodge City Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Olpe (21-2) vs. 8. Little River (15-7), 2 p.m. 4. Central Plains (18-4) vs. 5. Frankfort (18-6), 4 p.m. 2. South Central (21-2) vs. 7. Clifton Clyde (17-6), 6 p.m. 3. South Gray (19-4) vs. 6. Quinter (17-6), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m. CLASS 1A DII At Colby Event Center Thursday&rsquo;s quarterfinals 1. Cunningham (23-0) vs. 8. Bucklin (13-11), 2 p.m. 4. Elyria Christian (19-4) vs. 5. Hanover (16-6), 4 p.m. 2. Axtell (22-1) vs. 7. Hutchinson Central Christian (13-10), 6 p.m. 3. Dighton (20-3) vs. 6. Lebo (13-9), 8 p.m. Friday&rsquo;s semifinals 1-8 winner vs. 4-5 winner, 4 p.m. 2-7 winner vs. 3-6 winner, 8 p.m. Saturday's finals Championship, 6:15 p.m. Third place, 2 p.m.</div>

🏀 KSHSAA state tournament schedules for all seven classifications

Kamryn Thomas and Valentino Simon, each members of the 2023-24 HutchCC Blue Dragon men's basketball team are headed to the NCAA Tournament after the University of Omaha Mavericks won the Summit League tournament title on Sunday.

The Mavericks defeated St. Thomas, 85-75, to claim their first-ever Summit League tournament title and earn their berth to March Madness for the first time in program history. Omaha is 22-12 on the season, the 22 wins are also the most in program history.

Thomas was scoreless in the championship game on Sunday, but played 15 minutes and secured a rebound, two assists and one steal. 

He has played and started 22 games for the Mavericks, averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per contest.

Thomas played one season at HutchCC, appearing in 33 games, making 31 starts, averaging a team-high 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes per contest.

Simon has yet to see any playing time this season for the Mavericks.

He averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds for the Blue Dragons last winter in 36 games played and started.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741613048731.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy University of Omaha Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy University of Omaha Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostKamryn Thomas and Valentino Simon, each members of the 2023-24 HutchCC Blue Dragon men's basketball team are headed to the NCAA Tournament after the University of Omaha Mavericks won the Summit League tournament title on Sunday.The Mavericks defeated St. Thomas, 85-75, to claim their first-ever Summit League tournament title and earn their berth to March Madness for the first time in program history. Omaha is 22-12 on the season, the 22 wins are also the most in program history.Thomas was scoreless in the championship game on Sunday, but played 15 minutes and secured a rebound, two assists and one steal. He has played and started 22 games for the Mavericks, averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per contest.Thomas played one season at HutchCC, appearing in 33 games, making 31 starts, averaging a team-high 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes per contest.Simon has yet to see any playing time this season for the Mavericks.He averaged 13.4 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds for the Blue Dragons last winter in 36 games played and started.&nbsp;

🏀 Former Blue Dragons going to NCAA Tournament with Omaha

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for March 10th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for March 10th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Monday, March 10" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=p2t6v-1834665-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Area schools qualify for state; 🏀 Region 6 results

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a><div><h2>Monday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;10</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Tuesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;11</h2>
K-State MBB vs. Arizona State (Big 12 first round) - 5 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)
HutchCC WBB vs. Colby (Region VI quarterfinal) - 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)
HutchCC MBB vs. Butler (Region VI quarterfinal) - 7:15 p.m. pregame, 7:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Wednesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;12</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday, March&nbsp;13</h2>
Reno County Coaches Show - 6 p.m. (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday, March&nbsp;14</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday, March&nbsp;15</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Sunday, March&nbsp;16</h2></div>

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (March 10-March 16)

Bills reward Allen with new contract after NFL MVP season. Deal is worth $330M, AP source says

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — NFL MVP Josh Allen was rewarded with a contract extension worth $330 million, with an NFL record $250 million of it guaranteed, which makes him among the league's highest-paid players. The Buffalo Bills announced the agreement, while two people with knowledge of the deal revealed the contract's value to The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the Bills did not release that figure, which was first reported by ESPN.com. The new contract adds two years to Allen's contract and locks the 28-year-old in through the 2030 season. The extension comes following Allen's seventh NFL season in which he became the Bills third player to earn NFL MVP.

Myles Garrett becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $40 million per year

Myles Garrett is staying in Cleveland after the Browns gave him a record four-year contract extension that makes the four-time All-Pro edge rusher the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. A person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press that Garrett's deal includes $122.8 million guaranteed, an average annual salary of $40 million with a total value of $204.8 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms weren't announced. Garrett, the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year, had asked for a trade last month but the Browns were adamant about keeping the 29-year-old star in Cleveland.

Ovechkin scores 886th career goal into an empty net to move 9 back of breaking Gretzky's NHL record

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 886th career goal into an empty net to move nine back of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. Ovechkin backhanded the puck in from center ice to seal the Washington Capitals' 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken that extended their winning streak to four games. The 39-year-old's 33rd goal of the season was also the 1,600th point of his two-decade career. Ovechkin remains on pace to pass Gretzky's mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable before the end of this season.

Cavaliers rely on scoring balance to beat Bucks 112-100 for 14th consecutive victory

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Max Strus had 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack as the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-100 for their 14th consecutive victory. The Cavs became just the second team to win 14 straight while scoring at least 110 points in each of those games. The 1985-86 Boston Celtics also accomplished the feat. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points while moving into 50th place on the NBA's career scoring list.

Russell Henley with a late charge and a big eagle wins Bay Hill for biggest career win

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Russell Henley has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the biggest victory of his career. And he might not have seen this one coming. Henley was three shots behind Collin Morikawa with five holes to play at Bay Hill when everything changed so suddenly. There was a two-shot swing on the 14th hole when Henley made birdie and Morikawa made bogey. And on the par-5 16th, Henley chipped in from some 50 feet away for eagle to take the lead. He closed with two pars for a 70 and a one-shot victory over the hard-luck Morikawa.

DK Metcalf is leaving Seattle for Pittsburgh with a new deal in tow, AP sources say

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have their established big-play wide receiver. The Seattle Seahawks are sending two-time Pro Bowler D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh for at least a second-round pick, two sources with knowledge of the deal tell The Associated Press. The sources spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was not official. Metcalf will receive a new five-year, $150 million contract in Pittsburgh. His exodus from Seattle comes during a tumultuous stretch for the Seahawks, which dealt quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

Buffalo Bills release NFL's active sacks leader Von Miller in a salary cap-saving move

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills made the long-anticipated decision to release Von Miller, parting ways with the aging edge rusher whose contract proved too expensive for his dwindling playing time and production. The move allows the Bills to free up about $8.4 million in salary cap space. The figure comes close to matching how much Buffalo was projected to be over the limit before the NFL's new year begins Wednesday. The Bills posted a picture of Miller with the words "Thank You Von" in making the announcement on their X account.

No. 11 Duke takes over after halftime to beat No. 7 NC State 76-62, win 1st ACC title since 2013

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Oluchi Okananwa had 22 points and 10 rebounds to help No. 11 Duke rally from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 7 N.C. State 76-62 for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title. The win secured the Blue Devils' first ACC title in a dozen years and their first under coach Kara Lawson. Okananwa was voted the tournament's MVP after coming off the bench to match her career high for scoring. Ashlon Jackson also scored 22 points for the third-seeded Blue Devils. Aziaha James scored 18 points for the top-seeded Wolfpack. Duke shot 55.2% after halftime and held N.C. State to just 32.3%.

NC State fires coach Kevin Keatts a year after improbable ACC title and Final Four run

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — N.C. State has fired men's basketball coach Kevin Keatts. That marks an abrupt end to an eight-year tenure and comes less than a year after the Wolfpack's improbable run to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and the Final Four. The school announced the move Sunday, a day after the Wolfpack closed a 12-19 season.

Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton's at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025

Lando Norris will have to defy plenty of history to win the Formula 1 title this year. There's his friend-turned-rival Max Verstappen's bid for a fifth title in a row. Just like the only driver to achieve that feat, Michael Schumacher, Verstappen is a hard racer who isn't afraid to bend the rules. Then there's Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion going for a record eighth title in 2025. It's his first season with Ferrari, which is itching to end a wait for a drivers' title going back to 2007.

Final OT	L.A. Clippers	111	Sacramento	110	

Final	(8)Michigan St.	79	(17)Michigan	62	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Monday, March 10th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Monday, March 10th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for March 10th, 2025:Bills reward Allen with new contract after NFL MVP season. Deal is worth $330M, AP source saysORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — NFL MVP Josh Allen was rewarded with a contract extension worth $330 million, with an NFL record $250 million of it guaranteed, which makes him among the league's highest-paid players. The Buffalo Bills announced the agreement, while two people with knowledge of the deal revealed the contract's value to The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the Bills did not release that figure, which was first reported by ESPN.com. The new contract adds two years to Allen's contract and locks the 28-year-old in through the 2030 season. The extension comes following Allen's seventh NFL season in which he became the Bills third player to earn NFL MVP.Myles Garrett becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $40 million per yearMyles Garrett is staying in Cleveland after the Browns gave him a record four-year contract extension that makes the four-time All-Pro edge rusher the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. A person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press that Garrett's deal includes $122.8 million guaranteed, an average annual salary of $40 million with a total value of $204.8 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms weren't announced. Garrett, the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year, had asked for a trade last month but the Browns were adamant about keeping the 29-year-old star in Cleveland.Ovechkin scores 886th career goal into an empty net to move 9 back of breaking Gretzky's NHL recordWASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 886th career goal into an empty net to move nine back of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. Ovechkin backhanded the puck in from center ice to seal the Washington Capitals' 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken that extended their winning streak to four games. The 39-year-old's 33rd goal of the season was also the 1,600th point of his two-decade career. Ovechkin remains on pace to pass Gretzky's mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable before the end of this season.Cavaliers rely on scoring balance to beat Bucks 112-100 for 14th consecutive victoryMILWAUKEE (AP) — Max Strus had 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack as the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-100 for their 14th consecutive victory. The Cavs became just the second team to win 14 straight while scoring at least 110 points in each of those games. The 1985-86 Boston Celtics also accomplished the feat. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points while moving into 50th place on the NBA's career scoring list.Russell Henley with a late charge and a big eagle wins Bay Hill for biggest career winORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Russell Henley has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the biggest victory of his career. And he might not have seen this one coming. Henley was three shots behind Collin Morikawa with five holes to play at Bay Hill when everything changed so suddenly. There was a two-shot swing on the 14th hole when Henley made birdie and Morikawa made bogey. And on the par-5 16th, Henley chipped in from some 50 feet away for eagle to take the lead. He closed with two pars for a 70 and a one-shot victory over the hard-luck Morikawa.DK Metcalf is leaving Seattle for Pittsburgh with a new deal in tow, AP sources sayPITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have their established big-play wide receiver. The Seattle Seahawks are sending two-time Pro Bowler D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh for at least a second-round pick, two sources with knowledge of the deal tell The Associated Press. The sources spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was not official. Metcalf will receive a new five-year, $150 million contract in Pittsburgh. His exodus from Seattle comes during a tumultuous stretch for the Seahawks, which dealt quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.Buffalo Bills release NFL's active sacks leader Von Miller in a salary cap-saving moveORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills made the long-anticipated decision to release Von Miller, parting ways with the aging edge rusher whose contract proved too expensive for his dwindling playing time and production. The move allows the Bills to free up about $8.4 million in salary cap space. The figure comes close to matching how much Buffalo was projected to be over the limit before the NFL's new year begins Wednesday. The Bills posted a picture of Miller with the words "Thank You Von" in making the announcement on their X account.No. 11 Duke takes over after halftime to beat No. 7 NC State 76-62, win 1st ACC title since 2013GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Oluchi Okananwa had 22 points and 10 rebounds to help No. 11 Duke rally from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 7 N.C. State 76-62 for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title. The win secured the Blue Devils' first ACC title in a dozen years and their first under coach Kara Lawson. Okananwa was voted the tournament's MVP after coming off the bench to match her career high for scoring. Ashlon Jackson also scored 22 points for the third-seeded Blue Devils. Aziaha James scored 18 points for the top-seeded Wolfpack. Duke shot 55.2% after halftime and held N.C. State to just 32.3%.NC State fires coach Kevin Keatts a year after improbable ACC title and Final Four runRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — N.C. State has fired men's basketball coach Kevin Keatts. That marks an abrupt end to an eight-year tenure and comes less than a year after the Wolfpack's improbable run to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and the Final Four. The school announced the move Sunday, a day after the Wolfpack closed a 12-19 season.Verstappen bids for 5th title and Hamilton's at Ferrari as F1 prepares for a close fight in 2025Lando Norris will have to defy plenty of history to win the Formula 1 title this year. There's his friend-turned-rival Max Verstappen's bid for a fifth title in a row. Just like the only driver to achieve that feat, Michael Schumacher, Verstappen is a hard racer who isn't afraid to bend the rules. Then there's Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion going for a record eighth title in 2025. It's his first season with Ferrari, which is itching to end a wait for a drivers' title going back to 2007.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	6	N.Y. Yankees	5	Final	Boston	7	Atlanta	3	Final	Detroit	5	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Philadelphia	12	Baltimore	2	Final	Miami	10	Houston	6	Final	L.A. Angels	4	Cincinnati	1	Final	Kansas City	5	Milwaukee	2	Final	Seattle	8	Colorado	1	Final	Arizona	14	Texas	1	Final	Athletics	7	L.A. Dodgers	5	Final	Arizona	7	Athletics	5	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Toronto	13	Tampa Bay	9	Final	Cleveland	1	Chicago White Sox	0	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	7	Washington	6	Final	San Francisco	8	Chicago Cubs	6	Final	San Francisco	7	San Diego	4	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Oklahoma City	127	Denver	103	Final	Phoenix	125	Dallas	116	Final	Memphis	107	New Orleans	104	Final	Philadelphia	126	Utah	122	Final	Minnesota	141	San Antonio	124	Final	Cleveland	112	Milwaukee	100	Final	Detroit	119	Portland	112	Final OT	L.A. Clippers	111	Sacramento	110	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	New Jersey	3	Philadelphia	1	Final	Washington	4	Seattle	2	Final	Pittsburgh	3	Minnesota	1	Final	Carolina	4	Winnipeg	2	Final	Columbus	7	N-Y Rangers	3	Final	Los Angeles	6	Vegas	5	Final	Dallas	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Anaheim	4	N-Y Islanders	1	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(8)Michigan St.	79	(17)Michigan	62	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Miami	1	Charlotte FC	0	Final	St Louis City	3	LA Galaxy	0	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Monday

After leading one of the best indoor seasons in program history this season, Hutchinson Community College track and field head coach Robert Spies was named the NJCAA Central Region Coach of the Year on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.

Spies led the Blue Dragon men to the program's first Region 6 and Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history. The fifth-year head coach also led the Blue Dragon women to a third-place Region 6 finish and Jayhawk West third-place finish – both of those placings were the best in indoor women's history.

The Blue Dragon men won the Region 6 team championship with 109 team points, winning by 16 points. The Blue Dragons also captured their first Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history with 158 points winning by 46 points.

The Blue Dragons earned four individual regional event championships and scored in 13 of 20 events.

Over the course of the season, the Blue Dragon men's track team broke seven school records.

The Blue Dragon women scored a program-high 85 points to place third in the region held at Pittsburg State. The Blue Dragons also finished third in the Jayhawk West standings with 112 points.

The Blue Dragon women broke two school records in the 2025 indoor season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741612723341.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon track and field head coach Robert Spies accepts his NJCAA Central District Coach of the Year award on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon track and field head coach Robert Spies accepts his NJCAA Central District Coach of the Year award on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter leading one of the best indoor seasons in program history this season, Hutchinson Community College track and field head coach Robert Spies was named the NJCAA Central Region Coach of the Year on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.Spies led the Blue Dragon men to the program's first Region 6 and Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history. The fifth-year head coach also led the Blue Dragon women to a third-place Region 6 finish and Jayhawk West third-place finish – both of those placings were the best in indoor women's history.The Blue Dragon men won the Region 6 team championship with 109 team points, winning by 16 points. The Blue Dragons also captured their first Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history with 158 points winning by 46 points.The Blue Dragons earned four individual regional event championships and scored in 13 of 20 events.Over the course of the season, the Blue Dragon men's track team broke seven school records.The Blue Dragon women scored a program-high 85 points to place third in the region held at Pittsburg State. The Blue Dragons also finished third in the Jayhawk West standings with 112 points.The Blue Dragon women broke two school records in the 2025 indoor season.

👟 HutchCC's Spies named Central Region Coach of the Year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741612648134.jpeg" alt="Addi Lutz celebrates rounding the bases after hitting a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Blue Dragons rallied for an 8-3 victory and a doubleheader sweep of Labette on Sunday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Addi Lutz celebrates rounding the bases after hitting a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Blue Dragons rallied for an 8-3 victory and a doubleheader sweep of Labette on Sunday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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For the second and third time this week, the Hutchinson Community College softball team put together late-inning rallies for wins and earned a doubleheader sweep of the Labette Cardinals on Sunday at Fun Valley.
Trailing Game 1 by two runs in the fifth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;tied the game with an infield single and later scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch as the Blue Dragons came back to win 10-9.
Then trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth, freshman Addi Lutz &ndash; the hero of Hutchinson's 7-6, nine-inning win over No. 14 Butler on Thursday &ndash; launched a go-ahead three-run home run and the Dragons rallied for an 8-3 win in Game 2.
The Blue Dragons have now won 7 of the last 8 games and is 11-5. Hutchinson returns to Jayhawk Conference play with Seward County in a home doubleheader at 2 p.m. at Fun Valley.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 8, Labette 3 The Blue Dragons trailed 3-1 in the second game after 3 1/2 innings and pulled within one run on a Lutz single to center in the fourth that scored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>.
Then in the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;reached on an error and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;walked. Lutz then hit the first pitch she saw off the scoreboard in right-center field for a three-run home run and a 5-3 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>&nbsp;added an RBI double and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;had a two-run double to complete a six-run inning.
Lutz had her second game-winning RBI of the week. Against Butler on Thursday, her two-run single in the bottom of the seventh tied the Grizzlies at 6-all. She then had a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 Blue Dragon victory.
The Blue Dragon bullpen tossed five shutout innings to keep Hutchinson in the game.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came in with runners on the corner and no out in the third inning. Schmidt limited the damage to three runs and then worked two more scoreless innings. Golly threw out a baserunner and Schmidt had a pair of strikeouts in the fourth. Schmidt then started a 1-6-3 inning-ending double play on her last pitch of the game.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;pitched to the minimum six batters in the sixth and seventh inning for the win, striking out five, including the side in the seventh inning to finished off the comeback.
Lutz finished 2 for 3 with a season-high four RBIs and a run scored. The home run in the sixth was her first career homer.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Dice had two hits each. Golly drove in a pair of runs. The Dragons had 11 hits with three doubles and a homer run. The Dragons were also 5 of 5 in stolen bases.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 10, Labette 9 The Blue Dragons had to rally twice in the opening game with the Cardinals.
Labette led 3-1 before the Blue Dragons erupted for five runs in the third, getting consecutive RBI hits from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>, Golly and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>.
The Cardinals then struck for six runs, getting a grand slam from Jaden Jordan, in the fifth inning to take a 9-7 lead. The Blue Dragons immediately answered back with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;RBI single. She scored the game-tying run on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>'s infield RBI single. The Dragons then took a 10-9 lead when Kruger scored on a wild pitch.
Schmidt (2-1) pitched scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh in earn her second victory of the week. She retired the final eight batters she faced with one strikeout.
The Blue Dragons out-hit Labette 15-13.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 5 with a double, triple, three runs scored and one RBI. She also had a stolen base.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three hits, going 3 for 4 with a run scored.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with three runs scored and stole four bases, which tied her own single-game stolen base record she set originally against Fort Hays Tech Northwest.
Golly had two hits and two RBIs. Stauffer had two hits, including a double.</div>

🥎 Dragons rally twice to sweep Labette

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610558370414.png" alt="Photo Courtesy American Athletic Conference" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy American Athletic Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><div>IRVING, Texas &ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;bracket is set for the 2025 American Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship. The first round will be played Wednesday, March 12 at the Super Pit in Denton, Texas, while the remainder of the tournament will be played at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday through Sunday, March 13-16.
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No. 16 Memphis is the No. 1 seed after finishing the regular season with an overall record of 26-5 and 16-2 in league play. It was the Tigers&rsquo; first regular-season title in The American. The Tigers will play the winner of No. 9 seed South Florida and No. 8 seed Wichita State on Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT on ESPN2.
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North Texas (23-7, 14-4 American) claimed the No. 2 seed and will open the tournament against the Tulsa/Temple winner on March 14 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
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Defending American champion UAB (20-11, 13-5) will be the No. 3 seed and will play the winner of UTSA and East Carolina on March 14 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
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Tulane (18-13, 12-6) claimed the No. 4 seed and will play in a quarterfinal on March 14 at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT on ESPN2. The No. 5 seed, Florida Atlantic (17-14, 10-8), will face the winner of Wednesday&rsquo;s first-round game between Rice and Charlotte on March 13 at 2:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
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The latest tournament information can be found at Championship Central at&nbsp;<a title="http://www.theamerican.org/mbb" href="http://www.theamerican.org/mbb" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">www.TheAmerican.org/mbb</a>.
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2025 American Men&rsquo;s Basketball Championship Schedule
First Round | Wednesday, March 12 | Super Pit in Denton, Texas
Game 1: No. 13 Charlotte vs No. 12 Rice | 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT | ESPN+
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Second Round | Thursday, March 13
Game 2: No. 9 South Florida vs No. 8 Wichita State | 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
Game 3: Game 1 Winner vs No. 5 Florida Atlantic | 2:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
Game 4: No. 10 Tulsa vs No. 7 Temple | 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
Game 5: No. 11 UTSA vs No. 6 East Carolina | 9 p.m. ET8 p.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
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Quarterfinals | Friday, March 14
Game 6: Game 2 Winner vs No. 1 Memphis | 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT | ESPN2 and ESPN+
Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs No. 4 Tulane | 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT | ESPN2 and ESPN+
Game 8: Game 4 Winner vs No. 2 North Texas | 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
Game 9: Game 5 Winner vs No. 3 UAB | 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT | ESPNU and ESPN+
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Semifinals | Saturday, March 15
Game 10: Game 6 Winner vs Game 7 Winner | 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT | ESPN2 and ESPN+
Game 11: Game 8 Winner vs Game 9 Winner | 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT | ESPN2 and ESPN+
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Final | Sunday, March 16
Game 12: Game 10 Winner vs Game 11 Winner | 3:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. CT | ESPN and ESPN+</div>

🏀 AAC announces tournament bracket, WSU seeded No. 8

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hutchinson Trinity Catholic High School alum Kaleb Hammeke scored 22 points to lead Fort Hays State University to the MIAA Tournament championship Sunday at Municipal Auditorium.

Hammeke sank two free throws with 27 seconds remaining to give the Tigers a 72-71 lead over Central Oklahoma, sealing the game-winning points and sending FHSU to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Hammeke played all 40 minutes of the championship game, finishing with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. Over three tournament games, the graduate student averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 38.0 minutes per contest.

His younger brother, Lucas Hammeke, also on the FHSU roster, scored six points and recorded a team-high five assists in the title game. He averaged 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the tournament.

Kaleb Hammeke, a 2019 Trinity Catholic graduate, became FHSU’s all-time leading scorer earlier this season. The 6-foot guard has totaled 2,048 points and 575 rebounds in 142 career games, all of which he started.

Lucas Hammeke, a 2021 Trinity Catholic graduate, has appeared in 57 career games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

The Tigers secured their second MIAA Tournament title and their first since 2011. They enter the NCAA Division II Tournament with a 22-9 record, finishing 12-7 in MIAA play.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State will be the No. 7 seed in the Washburn regional and will face No. 2 Minnesota State University Moorehead (23-8) on Saturday at 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741568669960.jpeg" alt="Kaleb Hammeke (#5) hoists up the MIAA Tournament trophy after Fort Hays State University claimed the tournament title over Central Oklahoma, 72-71 on Sunday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. (Photo Courtesy Fort Hays State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Kaleb Hammeke (#5) hoists up the MIAA Tournament trophy after Fort Hays State University claimed the tournament title over Central Oklahoma, 72-71 on Sunday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. (Photo Courtesy Fort Hays State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hutchinson Trinity Catholic High School alum Kaleb Hammeke scored 22 points to lead Fort Hays State University to the MIAA Tournament championship Sunday at Municipal Auditorium.Hammeke sank two free throws with 27 seconds remaining to give the Tigers a 72-71 lead over Central Oklahoma, sealing the game-winning points and sending FHSU to the NCAA Division II Tournament.Named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Hammeke played all 40 minutes of the championship game, finishing with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line. Over three tournament games, the graduate student averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 38.0 minutes per contest.His younger brother, Lucas Hammeke, also on the FHSU roster, scored six points and recorded a team-high five assists in the title game. He averaged 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the tournament.Kaleb Hammeke, a 2019 Trinity Catholic graduate, became FHSU’s all-time leading scorer earlier this season. The 6-foot guard has totaled 2,048 points and 575 rebounds in 142 career games, all of which he started.Lucas Hammeke, a 2021 Trinity Catholic graduate, has appeared in 57 career games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.The Tigers secured their second MIAA Tournament title and their first since 2011. They enter the NCAA Division II Tournament with a 22-9 record, finishing 12-7 in MIAA play.&nbsp;Fort Hays State will be the No. 7 seed in the Washburn regional and will face No. 2 Minnesota State University Moorehead (23-8) on Saturday at 1 p.m.

🏀 Trinity Catholic alums lead Fort Hays State to MIAA Tournament title

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741568342922.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/9186" rel="smarttag" rev="9186" data-airgap-id="61">Mauricio Millan</a></dfn>&nbsp;lined a walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as Wichita State completed a three-game sweep over Missouri State with a wild 9-8 win on Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium. It was a game of momentum swings, as the Shockers (6-9) took a 4-0 lead after one inning, allowed seven unanswered runs, rallied to take the lead again, and allowed a game-tying homer in the ninth before finally walking it off in the home half of the inning. Wichita State pounced early against Missouri State starter Tyler Charlton, hanging four runs on the board in the bottom of the first.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185" data-airgap-id="62">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;roped an RBI double to open the scoring, followed by consecutive sacrifice flies from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177" rel="smarttag" rev="9177" data-airgap-id="63">Kam Durnin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/9191" rel="smarttag" rev="9191" data-airgap-id="64">Jordan Rogers</a></dfn>&nbsp;to build a 3-0 lead. With two outs and the bases empty, sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192" data-airgap-id="65">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;smashed his first career home run to left field, capping off the early scoring barrage. WSU starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jeremiah-arnett/9174" rel="smarttag" rev="9174" data-airgap-id="66">Jeremiah Arnett</a></dfn>&nbsp;hung zeroes on the board in the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third, as Missouri State (5-9) poured in five runs to take a 5-4 lead. Taeg Gollert delivered a two-run triple in the inning and Carter Bergman sliced a two-run homer to left, putting the Bears in front. Missouri State added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings on a pair of sacrifice flies, pushing their edge to 7-4. The Shockers used a two-out rally to pull even in the bottom of the fifth. Rogers smacked an RBI triple off the wall in left that made it 7-5, followed by a pinch-hit RBI single from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178" rel="smarttag" rev="9178" data-airgap-id="67">Jaden Gustafson</a></dfn>&nbsp;that cut the deficit to 7-6.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411" rel="smarttag" rev="9411" data-airgap-id="68">Cole Dillon</a></dfn>&nbsp;knotted the game up with a run-scoring double of his own, one of three hits on the day for the Shocker catcher. Millan inched WSU in front in the sixth with a booming double to left, scoring&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183" rel="smarttag" rev="9183" data-airgap-id="69">Camden Johnson</a></dfn>&nbsp;from first for an 8-7 advantage. The lead stayed there until the ninth thanks to good work from the Shocker bullpen, including a clutch scoreless inning from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-reynolds/9397" rel="smarttag" rev="9397" data-airgap-id="70">Owen Reynolds</a></dfn>&nbsp;in which he stranded two Bears and two more shutout innings from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/karsen-richard/9405" rel="smarttag" rev="9405" data-airgap-id="71">Karsen Richard</a></dfn>. But with one out in the ninth, Missouri State's Max Knight skied a solo home run just over the wall in center to level the ledger at 8-8. Reliever&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/aaron-arnold/9406" rel="smarttag" rev="9406" data-airgap-id="72">Aaron Arnold</a></dfn>&nbsp;(2-0) preserved the tie with help from the defense, as the Shockers cut down the go-ahead run at the plate on an infield grounder and Arnold punched out Caden Bogenpohl to send the game to the bottom of the ninth. The Shockers got their fair share of help from Missouri State in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/lane-haworth/9180" rel="smarttag" rev="9180" data-airgap-id="73">Lane Haworth's</a></dfn>&nbsp;pop up to third base was dropped, allowing him to race to second as the winning run. Pinch-hitter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-washburn/9415" rel="smarttag" rev="9415" data-airgap-id="74">Owen Washburn</a></dfn>&nbsp;worked a walk, then&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183" rel="smarttag" rev="9183" data-airgap-id="75">Camden Johnson</a></dfn>&nbsp;loaded the bases on an error by second baseman Nick Rodriguez, who made a high throw to first on Johnson's ground ball. Millan pulled a 2-1 pitch from&nbsp;Garrett Ferguson (0-2) into left field, setting off the celebration. Wichita State looks&nbsp;to carry their momentum on the road as they travel to Lincoln, Nebraska for a two-game midweek series against Nebraska. First pitch of Tuesday's opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.</div>

⚾ WSU's Millan walks off Missouri State to complete sweep

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Dwon Odom had 20 points in Tulsa’s 73-63 victory over Wichita State on Sunday.

Odom went 9 of 15 from the field for the Golden Hurricane (12-19, 6-12 American Athletic Conference). Keaston Willis, Jared Garcia and Tyshawn Archie all added 11points.

The Shockers (18-13, 8-10) were led by Corey Washington, who recorded 14 points and eight rebounds. Harlond Beverly added 11 points for Wichita State. Xavier Bell also had 10 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741568197161.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Dwon Odom had 20 points in Tulsa’s 73-63 victory over Wichita State on Sunday.Odom went 9 of 15 from the field for the Golden Hurricane (12-19, 6-12 American Athletic Conference). Keaston Willis, Jared Garcia and Tyshawn Archie all added 11points.The Shockers (18-13, 8-10) were led by Corey Washington, who recorded 14 points and eight rebounds. Harlond Beverly added 11 points for Wichita State. Xavier Bell also had 10 points.

🏀 Tulsa downs Wichita State in regular season finale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741568094263.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;With two-home run efforts by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>, K-State recorded its highest run total in two years, clinching a dominant 20-6 seven-inning-run-rule victory to complete the series sweep of William &amp; Mary on Sunday afternoon at Tointon Family Stadium. "Awesome weekend," said head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;on his team's fifth consecutive victory. "It's really difficult to sweep in college baseball. We'll never take that for granted, that's for sure. Proud of our guys' approach all weekend long." A day after setting season-highs in runs, home runs, and extra-base hits, K-State (9-5) reestablished those team bests against the Tribe (4-11) by tallying a season-high 20 hits with 11 going for extra bases. The Cats scored in each inning and plated a season-high nine runs in the fifth inning. Eleven different players produced a hit with five hitting multiple, while five drove in multiple RBI. The 20 total runs are the most in a game by the Wildcats since April 16, 2023, vs. Kansas (21), while it is the first time reaching 20 hits since March 2, 2024, against UMass Lowell. Alongside Martin and O'Connor,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/shintaro-inoue/12311" rel="smarttag" rev="12311">Shintaro Inoue</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cayden-phillips/12299" rel="smarttag" rev="12299">Cayden Phillips</a></dfn>&nbsp;each homered, recording back-to-back blasts in the fifth. With Phillips solo shot, 12 different players have sent one out this season. "Phenomenal offensive day. When you can score in every inning that speaks volumes to the capability of your offense &ndash; top to bottom," Hughes said. Martin homered in his fourth consecutive game, and third straight game with a homer in the first inning. The junior from Edgewater Park, N.J., sent out his sixth homer of the season 393-feet to left center in the fourth. He finished 5-for-5 on the day, falling short of a triple of completing the cycle, while he became the first player to record five hits in a single game since&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/11461" rel="smarttag" rev="11461">Brady Day</a></dfn>&nbsp;at Houston on March 24, 2024. "Again, Max Martin set the tone for our offense. He's on a stretch that I have very rarely seen in my career, and I think the rest of the lineup is feeding off it." O'Connor, a native of Andover, Mass., homered in the second and fifth to record his first career multi-home run game. He ended the day 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1) was awarded his third consecutive victory, as the left-hander logged 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Sheffield surrendered five runs (four earned) on eight hits to finish his fourth outing. &nbsp; K-State has registered a home run in six straight games, totaling 20 in the stretch with Martin accounting for six of them followed by O'Connor with four. On the weekend, K-State finished the series hitting .400 with a .492 on-base percentage and slugging .800 with nine doubles and 12 home runs, while outscoring WM 41-13. Eleven players finished with a batting average over .300, led by Martin's .667 average. Martin ended the weekend with 12 RBI, seven runs scored and eight hits, that included one double and five home runs. HOW IT HAPPENED WM tagged a run to the board in the opening frame but was immediately answered, as Martin barreled his sixth homer of the season out to left center. K-State took advantage of a fielding error to take the one-run lead. Ben Parker launched a two-run homer in the second to make it 3-2 in favor of the Tribe. O'Connor evened the score with a leadoff solo blast to start off the Cats' four-run second inning. Inoue and Martin each singled before scoring on two straight base knocks from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>. After surrendering two runs in the second, Sheffield retired seven of the next 10 batters he faced, that included striking out two to end the fourth. Leading 7-3, Martin belted his fifth homer of the series to left center to expand the Cats' lead. WM brought the game within three with a two-run homer from Derek Holmes, 8-5. The Wildcats put the game away in the fifth, exploding for a season-high nine runs on six hits, led by back-to-back home runs from Inoue and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cayden-phillips/12299" rel="smarttag" rev="12299">Cayden Phillips</a></dfn>. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored a season-high 20 runs on a season-high 20 hits with one error committed and six left on base.</li>
<li>WM scored six runs on 10 hits, committed five errors and stranded eight on base.</li>
<li>Four different Wildcats homered &ndash; Martin (2), O'Connor (2), Inoue, Phillips.</li>
<li>K-State scored in each inning, that included a season-high nine in the fifth.</li>
<li>11 players registered a hit with five recording multiple hits and RBI.</li>
<li>Inoue drove in a game-leading four RBI, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate.</li>
<li>Martin went 5-for-5 with two home runs, a double and single. He drove in three RBI and scored four runs.</li>
<li>K-State drove in a season-high 18 RBI.</li>
<li>Sheffield (3-1) earned the win, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits in his 4 1/3 inning start.</li>
<li>Butler and Slack combined for 1 2/3 scoreless innings.</li>
<li>K-State hit .480 (12-for-25) with runners on base and went 8-for-17 with men in scoring position while WM was 4-for-14 (.286) with runners on and 2-for-11 (.182) in scoring position.</li>
<li>K-State hit .500 (8-for-16) with two-outs, driving in seven two-out RBI.</li>
</ul>
NOTES
<ul>
<li>Sunday marks the team's first 6-home run game since 2021 (Last: March 9, 2021, vs. South Dakota State).</li>
<li>Martin homers in his fourth consecutive game, and third straight game with a homer in the first inning.</li>
<li>K-State has registered a home run in six straight games, totaling 20 in the stretch with Martin accounting for six of them followed by O'Connor with four.</li>
<li><dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>&nbsp;launches his fifth homer of the series into left field.</li>
<li>Inoue and Phillips team up for K-State's fifth back-to-back home run performance of the season.</li>
<li>The Cats produced their first six-home run game of the season.</li>
<li>Phillips becomes the 12th player to homer this year.</li>
<li>Cats scored a season-high nine runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a three home runs.</li>
<li>O'Connor became the second player today and this season to produce a multi-home run game.</li>
<li>The 20 total runs by the Wildcats were their most in a game in two years since April 16, 2023, vs. Kansas (21).</li>
<li>Sunday marked the first time reaching 20 hits since March 2, 2024, against UMass Lowell (20).</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT K-State will hit the road for a couple of midweek matchups, facing Creighton (7-4) and Omaha (3-10) on March 11-12. Following the games in Nebraska, the Cats will open Big 12 play on Friday, March 14 with a three-game series against Utah (11-3). Season and single-game tickets are now available. To purchase season tickets, fans can visit KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State completes sweep of William & Mary

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741567831033.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;For the third time in 11 days, Kansas had a walk-off victory at Hoglund Ballpark as the Jayhawks beat Milwaukee 10-9 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon to secure a four-game series sweep in front of a crowd of 1,828 fans that included the KU band for the first time ever. Kansas added another win to its best start in program history, with the Jayhawks now sitting at 14-1 overall on the season. &nbsp; Kansas trailed 6-0 before even coming to bat on Sunday. The Jayhawks fought back and used a six-run sixth inning to help get back in the game. The resilience of Kansas allowed them to win the game in the 10th inning on a walk-off RBI infield single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="73">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tj-williams/16134" rel="smarttag" rev="16134" data-airgap-id="74">TJ Williams</a></dfn>. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; After Milwaukee got the first two outs in the 10th inning,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146" data-airgap-id="75">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled to right field. Williams pinch ran for Osoria and advanced to second base on a balk. Counsell came up next and hit a ball to the left side that the shortstop was able to get to, but the throw pulled the first baseman off the bag. Williams was hustling around third base and scored on the play. Originally, Counsell was ruled out at first base for the final out of the inning, but after a conversation amongst the umpires, he was deemed safe. The umpires went to review and called Counsell safe at first and ruled that Williams would have scored on the play. &bull; Milwaukee (1-14) sprinted out to a big lead in the first inning. The Panthers scored six runs in the inning, three of which were unearned. Milwaukee scored one run on an error, two runs on a double, two runs on RBI groundouts and one on a solo homer by Q Phillips. That made it 6-0 before Kansas came to bat. &bull; Kansas was able to get two of those runs back in the second inning. Osoria scored on a wild pitch and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138" data-airgap-id="76">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;scored on a throwing error. Milwaukee still led 6-2 after two innings. &bull; The Jayhawks added another run in the third inning on a solo home run by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="77">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>. The homer was his third of the season and made it 6-3. &bull; Milwaukee got that run back in the fifth inning as they scored on a wild pitch to bring the score to 7-3. &bull; The Kansas offense broke through for six runs in the sixth inning to take a 9-7 lead. The Jayhawks had six hits in the inning during the offensive flurry. Smith came in to score on a wild pitch for the first run of the inning. After a walk,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-wisdom/16131" rel="smarttag" rev="16131" data-airgap-id="78">Ty Wisdom</a></dfn>&nbsp;roped an RBI double to right field to score another run.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147" data-airgap-id="79">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;came up next and hit a 2-run double off the first baseman's glove down the right field line. That tied the game at 7-7. A pitching change followed and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="80">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;welcomed the new pitcher into the game with a two-run homer to left-center field to give Kansas its first lead of the day. &bull; Milwaukee continued to fight back as they scored one run in the seventh inning on a double play and tied it in the eighth on a solo homer by Teige Lethert. The score was 9-9 after eight innings. &bull; Kansas and Milwaukee both left two runners stranded in their portions of the ninth inning. The Panthers also had a runner on third with one out in the 10th and did not score. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158" data-airgap-id="81">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-0) Final line: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 SO Loss: Aric Ehmke (0-2) Final line: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 SO &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1898820631988498632&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F9%2Fbaseball-kansas-walks-off-milwaukee-in-extras-for-series-sweep.aspx&amp;sessionId=4008838c64f6c58e1d764da4343e8f56f20d4b55&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1898820631988498632"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "The start was obviously not what we were looking to do. I think it's a combination of they hammered some balls early and then we couldn't screw up a couple of those things the way we did again if we tried. That rundown with Sawyer (Smith) and Brooks, they handed us an out. Then, Derek (Cerda) thought he made the catch in center and then banged up against the wall. So, there was a lot going on there, and then Sawyer got chewed up by a ground ball. I guess the thing to point out is it's really kind of the first hiccup that Steitz has had his entire rehab process from (Tommy John surgery) and he was still fine.&nbsp;We just didn't make plays. If we make those plays early, we get out of there pretty quick and obviously it's a different game. I was really proud of how we battled back&hellip;Our dugout was fantastic the whole time. We knew Milwaukee would fight. We had absolutely zero anticipation of them&nbsp;not showing up to play. They're an incredibly well-coached team and a really gritty crew. It's a great challenge for our guys to bounce back and proud of how they did it." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871" data-airgap-id="83">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "We are never out of the fight. We know that we put up a bunch of runs up the first two days and even yesterday against them. Fitz brought us in right away and said, 'Hey, we've been here before, just get some runs going and get into their bullpen'. That was the game plan, and it worked to perfection." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="84">Brady Counsell</a></dfn> &nbsp; "Anytime you get punched in the teeth like that it's more about how you respond. It's important to keep tacking on runs and sticking to what we do. I think we did that really well. We had some shots early to tack on some more runs and we didn't come through, but we didn't give up and we took it pitch-to-pitch." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="85">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas is off to its best start in program history and improved to 14-1 on the season. &bull; Kansas recorded its third series sweep of the season (at Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi and at Tarleton State). &bull; Kansas now has three walk-off wins this season. &bull; Kansas is 2-0 in extra innings this season. &bull; Hauge hit his team-high seventh home run of the season. &bull; Counsell blasted his third home run of the season. &bull; Ballinger has reached base safely in all 15 games this season. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158" data-airgap-id="86">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;earned his first win as a Jayhawk. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas heads on the road to play a two-game midweek series against Minnesota. The midweek series will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. CT and Wednesday's first pitch will be at 1 p.m. CT.</div>

⚾ KU walks off Milwaukee for series sweep

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741567713684.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
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WACO, Texas&nbsp;&ndash; Kansas softball secured its first series win of the season with a dominant 12-2 victory over Baylor on Sunday, March 9, winning the series 2-1. Multiple players contributed to the win, helping Kansas earn its 12th victory of the season. "We really challenged our offense today. We needed to do better than just three hits like yesterday, and we needed some timely hits. Players really stepped up for us. Bruno was a big spark early on, and then&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927" rel="smarttag" rev="6927" data-airgap-id="72">Emma Tatum</a></dfn>&nbsp;came through with a big home run when we needed it," said Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/jennifer-mcfalls/526" rel="smarttag" rev="526" data-airgap-id="73">Jennifer McFalls</a></dfn>. "Overall, it was a great team performance. Sundays are tough, and day three is hard&mdash;it's all about mental toughness. From the start of the game, I felt like we had a different mindset today. It's huge to get that first conference series win, especially against a good Baylor team. This victory gives us confidence as we move forward, and having that first series win behind us is really important." Kansas started at the plate but struggled to generate offense in the early innings. However, the Jayhawks' defense stepped up, keeping Baylor off the scoreboard through the first two frames. In the third inning, Kansas broke through as junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968" rel="smarttag" rev="6968" data-airgap-id="74">Aynslee Linduff</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered a two-run RBI, giving the Jayhawks a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Kansas made a pitching change, bringing in senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906" data-airgap-id="75">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;to replace junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lizzy-ludwig/6881" rel="smarttag" rev="6881" data-airgap-id="76">Lizzy Ludwig</a></dfn>. Brooks came up big, ending the inning with a clutch strikeout to escape a bases-loaded jam. Although Baylor managed to push one run across, Kansas still held a 2-1 advantage after three innings. The Jayhawks responded in the fourth when junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927" rel="smarttag" rev="6927" data-airgap-id="77">Emma Tatum</a></dfn>&nbsp;launched a two-run homer, extending the lead to 4-1. The momentum continued in the fifth as senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949" data-airgap-id="78">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;crushed a two-run home run to left-center, pushing the Kansas lead to 6-1. Kansas tacked on another run via a bases-loaded walk, making it 7-2 heading into the sixth inning. Kansas put the game out of reach in the sixth, erupting for five runs in the frame. The highlight of the inning came from Tatum, who smashed a three-run double to cap off the scoring. The Jayhawks secured the 12-2 run-rule victory, marking a statement win over Baylor. This victory marked Kansas' first win in a conference opener since 2019. Additionally, the Jayhawks' 12-2 win over Baylor marked their largest margin of victory against the Big 12 opponent. Pitchers of Record Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906" data-airgap-id="79">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1) Line: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 SO Loss: Sadie Ross (2-5) Line: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 2 SO Up Next Kansas concluded its 20-game extended road trip and will open its home schedule with a midweek game against Wichita State, set for 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday, at Arrocha Ballpark. The game can be streamed on ESPN+. Notables:
<ul>
<li>The series win against Baylor marked Kansas' first victory in a conference opener since 2019.</li>
<li>&nbsp;It is the first time in program history that Kansas softball has won a series against Baylor in back-to-back seasons.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927" rel="smarttag" rev="6927" data-airgap-id="80">Emma Tatum</a></dfn>&nbsp;continues to surpass her career high in home runs, adding another in the third game of the series. This marks her third of the season.</li>
<li>Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949" data-airgap-id="81">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;added another home run to her career, marking her fourth of the season.</li>
<li>&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/karsen-griggs/15854" rel="smarttag" rev="15854" data-airgap-id="82">Karsen Griggs</a></dfn>&nbsp;earned her first hit, double, and RBI on the season</li>
<li>&nbsp;The Jayhawks scored 12 runs against the Bears in the final game on Sunday, March 9, while holding Baylor to just two. This marked their largest margin of victory against the Big 12 opponent.</li>
<li>Kansas played only six innings against the Bears, securing a run-rule victory&mdash;the first time the Jayhawks have achieved this feat against Baylor.&nbsp;</li>
</ul></div>

🥎 KU dominates Baylor for series win in Waco

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741568457650.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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BOCA RATON, Fla. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State was blanked in the series finale of its conference-opening series&nbsp;by the No. 24 Florida Atlantic Owls, 5-0, on Sunday afternoon at FAU Softball Stadium. &nbsp; The Sunday loss marked the first time the Shockers (10-12) have been swept in a series by a conference opponent since 2015. &nbsp; In game three of the series, the Owls once again were the ones to open the scoring, hitting a two-run homer to right field in the bottom of the first to take the early lead. The first home run of the series for either team. &nbsp; In the fourth, the&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311" data-airgap-id="58">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;nearly tied the game via a two-run home run to left, but the ball was caught just in front of the wall to end the Shocker threat. &nbsp; Looking for insurance in the sixth, the Owls came up with a big hit again, lifting a three-run home run to left to blow the game open, taking a 5-0 lead. &nbsp; The 5-0 score held as the Shockers were unable to score in the seventh. &nbsp; Starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327" rel="smarttag" rev="9327" data-airgap-id="59">Ava Sliger</a></dfn>&nbsp;suffered the loss in her 2.0 innings of work, her first time being saddled with a loss this season. &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323" data-airgap-id="60">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314" data-airgap-id="61">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;were the only two Shockers to record hits in the game. &nbsp; Next Up The Shockers travel to Lawrence, Kan., to face the hometown Jayhawks on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 PM CT.
&nbsp;</div>

🥎 Shockers swept by No. 24 FAU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton have agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract that keeps the quarterback of their defense out of free agency, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced.

The Chiefs selected the 24-year-old Bolton in the second round of the 2021 draft out of Missouri, making the Texas native a homegrown star of sorts. He has started 53 of the 57 regular-season games he has played for Kansas City over the past four seasons, and helped the Chiefs win a pair of Super Bowl rings and make it to the big game again this past season.

Bolton’s best season came in 2022, when he made 180 tackles in 17 games while picking off a pair of passes for a team that ultimately beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl. He was limited to eight games because of injuries two years ago, and this past season appeared in 16 games, making 106 tackles with an interception and a career-high three sacks.

Most importantly, the Chiefs value Bolton’s high IQ in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s complex scheme. He wears the helmet with the radio connection to the coaching staff, and he’s responsible for making sure the rest of the defense is properly aligned.

The Chiefs have been busy as they prepare for the start of free agency this week.

This past Wednesday, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bears-joe-thuney-trade-6d254efcbfad2dd3442864ca6d3bc57f">traded All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney</a>&nbsp;to the Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft. The decision to deal the 32-year-old Thuney was largely a financial one, freeing up $16 million in salary cap space that the Chiefs planned to use to help re-sign some of their stars — such as Bolton — and address other needs.

The Chiefs have used the franchise tag on Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith, which means they are obligated to pay him $23.4 million next season unless the side work out a long-term deal. Some of the money they saved from Thuney’s contract they could use to sign the 25-year-old Smith to a long-term contract extension.

They also used some of the salary cap space Saturday when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-hollywood-brown-1d81799b407bab62a13b64a9556859ee">Chiefs agreed with wide receiver Marquise Brown</a>&nbsp;on an $11 million contract for next season. The deal is similar to the one-year contract Brown signed last season, when he hoped he could parlay a big season with quarterback Patrick Mahomes into a lucrative long-term contract.

Instead, Brown dislocated a shoulder joint on the first snap of the preseason, and surgery kept Brown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-26984fac3c36156943cca2224a8d1125">until Week 15 of the regular season</a>. Brown had nine catches for 91 yards in two games before sitting out the final week of the season. He added five catches for 50 yards in the playoffs, including two for 15 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697752888994.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs' Nick Bolton (32) reacts after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs' Nick Bolton (32) reacts after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Nick Bolton have agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract that keeps the quarterback of their defense out of free agency, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced.The Chiefs selected the 24-year-old Bolton in the second round of the 2021 draft out of Missouri, making the Texas native a homegrown star of sorts. He has started 53 of the 57 regular-season games he has played for Kansas City over the past four seasons, and helped the Chiefs win a pair of Super Bowl rings and make it to the big game again this past season.Bolton’s best season came in 2022, when he made 180 tackles in 17 games while picking off a pair of passes for a team that ultimately beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl. He was limited to eight games because of injuries two years ago, and this past season appeared in 16 games, making 106 tackles with an interception and a career-high three sacks.Most importantly, the Chiefs value Bolton’s high IQ in coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s complex scheme. He wears the helmet with the radio connection to the coaching staff, and he’s responsible for making sure the rest of the defense is properly aligned.The Chiefs have been busy as they prepare for the start of free agency this week.This past Wednesday, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bears-joe-thuney-trade-6d254efcbfad2dd3442864ca6d3bc57f">traded All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney</a>&nbsp;to the Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft. The decision to deal the 32-year-old Thuney was largely a financial one, freeing up $16 million in salary cap space that the Chiefs planned to use to help re-sign some of their stars — such as Bolton — and address other needs.The Chiefs have used the franchise tag on Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith, which means they are obligated to pay him $23.4 million next season unless the side work out a long-term deal. Some of the money they saved from Thuney’s contract they could use to sign the 25-year-old Smith to a long-term contract extension.They also used some of the salary cap space Saturday when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-hollywood-brown-1d81799b407bab62a13b64a9556859ee">Chiefs agreed with wide receiver Marquise Brown</a>&nbsp;on an $11 million contract for next season. The deal is similar to the one-year contract Brown signed last season, when he hoped he could parlay a big season with quarterback Patrick Mahomes into a lucrative long-term contract.Instead, Brown dislocated a shoulder joint on the first snap of the preseason, and surgery kept Brown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-26984fac3c36156943cca2224a8d1125">until Week 15 of the regular season</a>. Brown had nine catches for 91 yards in two games before sitting out the final week of the season. He added five catches for 50 yards in the playoffs, including two for 15 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.