By Steve Carpenter -Blue Dragon Sports Information Director

When practice opened for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team, head coach John Ontjes saw a lot of new faces on the court.

Only two players saw playing time last year with the Blue Dragons. Three other transfers had minutes at previous schools and there are seven true freshmen who make up the roster.

When: Friday, January 22, 2021 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Game Time: 5:30 p.m. Live Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 5:15 p.m.</a> Video Stream:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=222212">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:20 p.m.</a> Fans: Not allowed for this game Twitter: @bluedragonsport

Now heading into Friday's season opener against the Bethany College Junior Varsity, the learning curve for the 2021 Blue Dragons is steep.

"There are a lot of new faces in the program and it's been an adjustment for a lot of them," said Ontjes, who is 370-75 heading into his 14th season with the Blue Dragons. "Right now, we are going to do the best we can. Now we are getting ready for a game, so we will see how the kids adjust and try to improve throughout the year."

Last season the Blue Dragons went 28-4 and won the 2020 Jayhawk West title, the eighth league title of the Ontjes era. The Blue Dragons were upset by Barton in the semifinals of the Region VI Tournament, but earned an at-large bid and No. 12 overall seed for the NJCAA Tournament in Lubbock, which was eventually canceled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Blue Dragons open the season as the preseason pick to win the 2021 Jayhawk West title and are ranked 13th in the NJCAA preseason rankings.

One huge key to the success of the 2020 Blue Dragons was defense. Hutchinson was No. 4 nationally last season in scoring defense at 51.5 points per game and No. 3 in the NJCAA in field-goal defense, allowing opponents to shoot a scant 31.1 percent.

Defense is main focus of what Ontjes wants to drive home with the 2021 Blue Dragons.

"Areas that we need to improve on are defending the basketball and we have to get better at keeping the basketball in front of us," Ontjes said. "Our transition defense and our communication have been problems. It got better throughout the Labette scrimmage. The concern for us is to defense and rebound."

Of Ontjes' returnees, one is sophomore point guard,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>. She averaged 11.6 points per game and 40.5 percent from the floor, 40.1 percent from 3-point range. Alford also averaged 3.5 assists last season. Also at the point will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/newsom_cherrelle_oeig">Cherrelle Newsom</a>, who missed last season in high school because of injury.

"Tor'e is the only player returning with significant minutes," Ontjes said. "She is going to have to battle for us."

A pair true freshmen will be at the two-guard position, but Ontjes has high hopes for both players slated to see the bulk of playing time at that position, who are&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;and K.K. Adams.

"Both of those kids continue to improve and understand our concepts. I love Yana's toughness and what she gives to our team when she is on the floor. She has a great understanding of the game. K.K. is somebody who will need to score for us. She's athletic. She is getting more comfortable with our system."

True freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;are slated for the three-guard position. Both are athletic and Ontjes said both are capable of producing instant offense.

A pair of transfers will be at the forward position. Trinity Valley transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;and Highland transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>&nbsp;are slated there. Gore averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 29 games at TVCC last season. Ogle, the sister of Blue Dragon 2020 All-American Abby Ogle, averaged 7.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 15 games with the Scotties. She transferred to Hutchinson at the semester break last season.

"I feel like&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;is going to have to be good for us," Ontjes said. "She is long and athletic and has the tools, so she is going to have to be productive for us."

The post position will have 6-foot-5 returning sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/haidara_nafatoumata_7n3l">Nafatoumata Haidara</a>&nbsp;and 6-5 freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/morris_lani_s4ml">Lani Morris</a>. Haidara, who missed the final nine games of the season with an injury. Haidara averaged 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9 percent.

Ontjes sees the 2021 Blue Dragons as a balanced team, but the scoring may come in ways fans are accustomed to seeing.

"We might take more perimeter shots this year," Ontjes said of his team's offense. "Our kids are still learning who to score out of offense and we've settle for deep shots instead of being aggressive to the rim to get to the foul line."

But the bottom line for Ontjes is defense and rebounding.

"We have to get better defensively and be a better rebounding team," he said. "We have to learn how to defend with a purpose. We will worry about offense when we get better at defense."

The Blue Dragons will open conference play on Wednesday against Coffeyville.

By Steve Carpenter -Blue Dragon Sports Information DirectorWhen practice opened for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team, head coach John Ontjes saw a lot of new faces on the court.Only two players saw playing time last year with the Blue Dragons. Three other transfers had minutes at previous schools and there are seven true freshmen who make up the roster.When: Friday, January 22, 2021 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Game Time: 5:30 p.m. Live Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 5:15 p.m.</a> Video Stream:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=222212">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:20 p.m.</a> Fans: Not allowed for this game Twitter: @bluedragonsport

Now heading into Friday's season opener against the Bethany College Junior Varsity, the learning curve for the 2021 Blue Dragons is steep."There are a lot of new faces in the program and it's been an adjustment for a lot of them," said Ontjes, who is 370-75 heading into his 14th season with the Blue Dragons. "Right now, we are going to do the best we can. Now we are getting ready for a game, so we will see how the kids adjust and try to improve throughout the year."Last season the Blue Dragons went 28-4 and won the 2020 Jayhawk West title, the eighth league title of the Ontjes era. The Blue Dragons were upset by Barton in the semifinals of the Region VI Tournament, but earned an at-large bid and No. 12 overall seed for the NJCAA Tournament in Lubbock, which was eventually canceled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.The Blue Dragons open the season as the preseason pick to win the 2021 Jayhawk West title and are ranked 13th in the NJCAA preseason rankings.One huge key to the success of the 2020 Blue Dragons was defense. Hutchinson was No. 4 nationally last season in scoring defense at 51.5 points per game and No. 3 in the NJCAA in field-goal defense, allowing opponents to shoot a scant 31.1 percent.Defense is main focus of what Ontjes wants to drive home with the 2021 Blue Dragons."Areas that we need to improve on are defending the basketball and we have to get better at keeping the basketball in front of us," Ontjes said. "Our transition defense and our communication have been problems. It got better throughout the Labette scrimmage. The concern for us is to defense and rebound."Of Ontjes' returnees, one is sophomore point guard,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>. She averaged 11.6 points per game and 40.5 percent from the floor, 40.1 percent from 3-point range. Alford also averaged 3.5 assists last season. Also at the point will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/newsom_cherrelle_oeig">Cherrelle Newsom</a>, who missed last season in high school because of injury."Tor'e is the only player returning with significant minutes," Ontjes said. "She is going to have to battle for us."A pair true freshmen will be at the two-guard position, but Ontjes has high hopes for both players slated to see the bulk of playing time at that position, who are&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;and K.K. Adams."Both of those kids continue to improve and understand our concepts. I love Yana's toughness and what she gives to our team when she is on the floor. She has a great understanding of the game. K.K. is somebody who will need to score for us. She's athletic. She is getting more comfortable with our system."True freshmen&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;are slated for the three-guard position. Both are athletic and Ontjes said both are capable of producing instant offense.A pair of transfers will be at the forward position. Trinity Valley transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;and Highland transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>&nbsp;are slated there. Gore averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 29 games at TVCC last season. Ogle, the sister of Blue Dragon 2020 All-American Abby Ogle, averaged 7.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 15 games with the Scotties. She transferred to Hutchinson at the semester break last season."I feel like&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;is going to have to be good for us," Ontjes said. "She is long and athletic and has the tools, so she is going to have to be productive for us."The post position will have 6-foot-5 returning sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/haidara_nafatoumata_7n3l">Nafatoumata Haidara</a>&nbsp;and 6-5 freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/morris_lani_s4ml">Lani Morris</a>. Haidara, who missed the final nine games of the season with an injury. Haidara averaged 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9 percent.Ontjes sees the 2021 Blue Dragons as a balanced team, but the scoring may come in ways fans are accustomed to seeing."We might take more perimeter shots this year," Ontjes said of his team's offense. "Our kids are still learning who to score out of offense and we've settle for deep shots instead of being aggressive to the rim to get to the foul line."But the bottom line for Ontjes is defense and rebounding."We have to get better defensively and be a better rebounding team," he said. "We have to learn how to defend with a purpose. We will worry about offense when we get better at defense."The Blue Dragons will open conference play on Wednesday against Coffeyville.

🏀 ‘New’ is the key word for 2021 HutchCC Women’s Basketball Team

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Stefon Diggs joins the NFL's elite receiving company after a breakthrough first season in Buffalo. Diggs thrived in the Bills' No. 1 role in leading the league in catches and yards receiving after spending his first five seasons in Minnesota. Now he's part of a group of high-profile receivers competing in conference championship games this weekend. Buffalo faces the likes of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in their game at Kansas City. Green Bay's Davante Adams will be joined on the field by Tampa Bay's tandem of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes took the majority of first-team reps in practice Thursday, even though he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, raising expectations that he will start in the AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes was initially listed as a full participant when he returned to practice Wednesday, but the Chiefs quickly corrected his status to limited because he remains in the protocol. He must be cleared by team physicians and an independent neural consult before the reigning Super Bowl MVP can be a full participant in practice or play in a game.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 23 points despite second-half foul trouble and Indiana's defense shut down No. 4 Iowa in an 81-69 comeback victory. It was a season low in points for the Hawkeyes, who came in second in the nation in scoring at 92.2 points per game. Iowa had its five-game winning streak snapped and fell out of a tie for first place in the conference. Rob Phinisee added 18 points for the Hoosiers, and Aljami Durham scored 14. Indiana trailed 53-44 with 12 minutes to play, then went on a 23-3 run. The Hawkeyes did not have a field goal for an 11-minute stretch until Joe Toussaint's layup with 59.6 seconds remaining.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ten years after firing Sean McDermott as his defensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid will stare across the field inside Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday and see his protégé trying to spoil his hopes of a Super Bowl repeat. That's because McDermott has Buffalo playing in its first AFC title game since beating Kansas City on Jan. 23, 1994, when the Bills advanced to their fourth consecutive Super Bowl. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears to be poised to play after sustaining a concussion last week, setting up a tantalizing matchup with Bills counterpart Josh Allen.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City T-Bones of the independent American Association are being renamed the Kansas City Monarchs after the team that played in the Negro Leagues. The original Monarchs were founded in 1924 and won the first Negro League World Series in 1920. The team played in the Negro National League and Negro American League and later as an independent. A museum exhibit is to travel with the team. The Monarchs also plan to establish a youth academy for baseball and softball.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Steve Wilks is returning to coaching as the defensive coordinator at Missouri. Wilks, who was hired by Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz on Thursday, took last year off after spending the previous 14 seasons in the NFL. The stint was highlighted by a year as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and time on the staffs of the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers when those teams made the Super Bowl.

UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten matches No. 15 Ohio State at No. 10 Wisconsin on Saturday. The Badgers are 12-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten for its best conference start since 2017. The Buckeyes had their three-game win streak end at Purdue on Tuesday. They've been without injured point guard CJ Walker four games. On the women's side, No. 11 Michigan is 10-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten. Co-preseason player of the year Naz Hillmon is averaging nearly 24 points and 12 rebounds and the Wolverines are outscoring opponents by 24 points.

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Johni Broome had 14 points and 10 rebounds to lift Morehead State to a 76-65 win over Southeast Missouri. DQ Nicholas led the Redhawks with 17 points.

UNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have made a successful start to their seven-game road trip by winning for the 12th time in 16 games.

LeBron James pumped in a season-high 34 points and the Lakers bounced back from Monday's meltdown against Golden State by downing the Bucks, 113-106 in Milwaukee.

The Lakers shot 19 of 37 from 3-point range, with James going 6 of 10 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope making 7 of 10. Caldwell-Pope finished with 23 points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) had 25 points and 12 rebounds for Milwaukee, but he also committed nine turnovers. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points and Khris Middleton finished with 20 for the Bucks, who have dropped two straight since a 9-4 start.

— The Jazz made it seven straight wins as Donovan Mitchell poured in a season-best 36 points in their 129-118 downing of the Pelicans. Mike Conley scored 20 points and Jordan Clarkson had 19 for Utah, which has the league's longest active win streak. Joe Ingles made a fast break layup on a feed from Mitchell that capped a 21-2 run to give Utah a 96-80 lead with 4:27 to play in the third quarter.

— RJ Barrett had a career-high 28 points and the Knicks matched their longest winning streak of the season at three games by beating the Warriors, 119-104. Julius Randle added 16 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists to help New York continue its much-needed momentum following a five-game losing streak. Golden State guard Stephen Curry scored 30 points with five 3-pointers but shot just 9 of 19.

UNDATED (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies are the latest NBA team that will have a coronavirus-related extended break from games. 

The league announced Thursday that Memphis' next three contests will be postponed because of a lack of available players. That decision came one day after the Grizzlies' game at Portland was also called off.

— Hornets starting center Cody Zeller is expected to return to action Friday night against the Chicago Bulls after missing four weeks with a broken bone in his left hand. Zeller went through a scrimmage on Wednesday and coach James Borrego has listed him as probable for the game. 

— The Cavaliers are finalizing a trade to send troubled forward Kevin Porter Jr. to the Houston Rockets for a protected second-round pick. That's according a person familiar with the deal. Porter's days with the Cavs came to an end late last week when he had an outburst in the team's locker room after learning his space had been given to newly acquired forward Taurean (TOHR'-ee-ehn) Prince.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') is giving strong indication that he'll be the Kansas City Chiefs' starting quarterback for the AFC championship game Sunday against Buffalo.

The 2018 NFL MVP took the majority of first-team reps in practice Thursday, even though he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Mahomes was initially listed as a full participant when he returned to practice Wednesday, but the Chiefs quickly corrected his status to limited because he remains in the protocol. 

He must be cleared by team physicians and an independent neural consult before the reigning Super Bowl MVP can be a full participant in practice or play in a game.

AP Sources: Eagles plan to hire Colts OC Nick Sirianni

UNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles appear to have found their next head coach.

Two people familiar with the decision say the Eagles will hire Nick Sirianni, who has served as the Colts' offensive coordinator since 2018. He worked under Indianapolis coach Frank Reich (ryk), who was offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when the Eagles won the Super Bowl three years ago. 

The 39-year-old Sirianni previously served as an assistant coach with the Chiefs and Chargers. 

The Eagles fired Doug Pederson following a 4-11-1 season, less than three years after he led the team to the franchise's only Super Bowl title.

—The Rams have hired Raheem Morris to be their new defensive coordinator. He replaces Brandon Staley, who became the Chargers' head coach last weekend. Morris finished last season as the Atlanta Falcons' interim head coach, going 4-7 as Dan Quinn's temporary replacement. 

— The Steelers have signed former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins to a futures contract, giving the 23-year-old a second chance after he flamed out in the nation's capital in less than two seasons. 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft was ineffective on the field and a disruption off it, getting fined $40,000 and losing his captaincy for breaking COVID-19 rules by partying with several people without a mask. The signing comes as the Steelers await word on whether Ben Roethlisberger (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gur) will return for an 18th season with the team. 

— The Jaguars have hired Trent Baalke as general manager, removing the interim tag from his title and pairing him with new coach Urban Meyer. Baalke served as Jacksonville's director of pro personnel in 2020, returning to a front-office role for the first time since San Francisco fired him and coach Chip Kelly following the 2016 season. 

— The Packers have brought back veteran defensive back Tramon Williams and added him to their practice squad. The 37-year-old Williams played for the Packers from 2007-14 and from 2018-19. 

— The Vikings say offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has retired after a 36-year career as an NFL player, coach and adviser. The Vikings ranked fourth in the league in total yards and tied for sixth in offensive touchdowns in their only season with Kubiak in charge of the offense. The decision was expected and will force head coach Mike Zimmer to hire a sixth offensive coordinator in six seasons. 

— Former Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson has died at 68 less than two years after being diagnosed with an autonomic nerve disorder. Thompson's 13-year run as Green Bay Packers general manager included their 2010 Super Bowl championship season. He drafted many notable players on the current roster, including two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

UNDATED (AP) — A huge run allowed unranked Indiana to post its most impressive win of the season.

The Hoosiers trailed 53-44 before reeling off a 22-3 spurt in an 81-69 victory at fourth-ranked Iowa. The Hawkeyes didn't have a field goal for an 11-minute stretch until Joe Toussaint's layup with 59.6 seconds remaining. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 23 points despite second-half foul trouble. Rob Phinisee added 18 points for the Hoosiers, who ended the Hawkeyes' five-game winning streak.

Luka Garza led Iowa with 28 points and 12 rebounds, his seventh double-double of the season. 

— Cody Riley scored 13 points and No. 24 UCLA closed on a 7-2 run to pull out a 61-57 victory over California. Riley hit a go-ahead, basket and Jules Bernard followed with a 3-pointer that gave the Bruins a 59-55 lead. Bernard finished with 11 points to help the 12-2 Bruins overcome 14 turnovers.

UNDATED (AP) — Southern California postponed Thursday's men's basketball game against Stanford due to a suspected COVID-19-related issue within the Trojans program.

The announcement came within an hour of the scheduled tip in Santa Cruz, California.

The Pac-12 will work with both schools to try to reschedule.

The game was originally scheduled for Dec. 13, but was called off because of a case of COVID-19 within the USC program.

UNDATED (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning have continued their perfect start to the season.

Brayden Point scored 1:56 into overtime to complete the Lightning's 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets.

Tampa Bay took a 2-1 lead on goals by Blake Coleman and Mathieu Joseph 1:23 apart late in the second period. Columbus picked up a point courtesy of Nick Foligno's (foh-LEE'-nohz) power-play goal 47 seconds into the third.

Andre Vasilevskiy (va-sih-LEHV'-skee) stopped 23 shots for the Lightning, who have outscored their opponents 13-5 win winning their first three games.

Joonas Korpisalo (YOO'-nuhs kohr-pih-SAH'-loh) handled 34 shots for the Jackets.

— The Bruins scored four times in the third period before Jake DeBrusk delivered the lone shootout goal to give Boston a 5-4 triumph over the Flyers. The B's didn't take their first lead of the night until Nick Ritchie and Brandon Carlo scored in a 1:56 span late in regulation. James van Riemsdyk (REEMZ'-dyk) provided two goals for Philadelphia, including the tying tally.

— Jordan Eberle scored twice and Semyon Varlamov (SEHM'-yahn vahr-LAH'-mahv) stopped 30 shots as the Islanders won for the third time in four games, 4-1 over the Devils. Varlamov hadn't allowed a goal in seven periods this season until Nathan Bastian beat him 2:10 in the second. Mathew Barzal had a goal and two assists for New York, and Brock Nelson capped the scoring with a power-play goal.

— Adrian Kempe's goal with 3:50 remaining was the winner as the Kings rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Avalanche, 4-2. Drew Doughty and Gabriel Vilardi also scored against Hunter Miska, who was making his first NHL start. Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon each had a goal and an assist for Colorado.

— The Canadiens rolled to a 7-3 win at Vancouver to become the first team in 46 years to collect at least one point in its first five road games. Joel Armia (ahr-MEE'-uh) had two goals and two assists to back Jake Allen, who needed to stop 14 shots in his 150th career victory. Tyler Toffoli (tah-FOH'-lee) had two more goals and an assist just a day after recording a hat trick against the Canucks.

— The Jets are 3-1 after Nikolaj Ehlers (NIH'-koh-ly EE'-lurz) and Mark Scheifele (SHY'-flee) each had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 verdict over the Senators. Connor Hellebuyck (HEH'-leh-buhk) stopped 28 shots and blanked Ottawa before Chris Tierney tallied with 2:57 remaining. Adam Lowry and Blake Wheeler also scored for Winnipeg.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals will be without three-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin and three other prominent players for at least the next four games because of COVID-19 protocols. That announcement comes from coach Peter Laviolette and leaves the Caps without the quartet for two games each against the Sabres and Islanders.

Ovechkin was placed on the league's unavailable list Wednesday along with center Evgeny Kuznetsov, goaltender Ilya Samsonov (sam-SOH'-nahv) and defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Laviolette indicated there was a positive virus test and the league did contact tracing.

Washington was fined $100,000 for breaking pandemic protocol for the players being in a hotel room together unmasked. 

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa says she has tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine in Australia, where she was preparing for Australian Open.

The 23-year-old reached the fourth round at last year's French Open. Badosa was among the 72 tennis players who have been placed under a stricter lockdown and are not allowed to leave their hotel rooms at all for two weeks after being on a flight with someone who tested positive upon arrival in Melbourne.

AP source: Astros agree to $7M, 2-year deal with Castro

UNDATED (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that catcher Jason Castro has agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract with the Houston Astros, pending completion of a successful physical. 

This will be Castro's second stint with the team. He was selected in the first round of the 2008 amateur draft by the Astros and spent his first six MLB seasons with the team. 

— Utilityman Daniel Robertson has agreed to a one-year, $900,000 package with the Brewers, a deal that allows him to earn an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses. Robertson batted .333 with no homers and two RBIs in 17 games with the Giants last season while making appearances at shortstop, second base, third base and the outfield. 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NOTRE DAME-NCAA VIOLATIONS

Irish on probation, faces recruiting limits for violations

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame's football program is on NCAA probation until next January. 

The school admitted to recruiting violations in 2019 in which a now-former assistant had an impermissible in-person meeting with one prospect and sent impermissible text messages to another. 

Official recruiting visits will be reduced from 56 to 55 to this year and there will be cuts in number of days prospects can make unofficial campus visits. 

LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Brandon Hagy is the first-round leader of The American Express.

Hagy racked up 10 birdies in an 8-under 64 that puts him one stroke ahead of Byeong Hun An. He had three streaks of three straight birdies, just three days after replacing Jon Rahm in the field.

An made seven birdies without a bogey in his 65. Max Homa, Martin Laird and Si Woo Kim shot 66.

Montana advances bill targeting Transgender kids

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A GOP-backed bill in Montana that would ban Transgender kids from playing on school sports teams for the gender with which they identify has advanced.

It's one of more than a dozen states where lawmakers are proposing restrictions on athletics or gender-confirming health care for trans minors this year. 

The proposals run counter to an executive order signed by Democratic President Joe Biden during his first day in office prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Stefon Diggs joins the NFL's elite receiving company after a breakthrough first season in Buffalo. Diggs thrived in the Bills' No. 1 role in leading the league in catches and yards receiving after spending his first five seasons in Minnesota. Now he's part of a group of high-profile receivers competing in conference championship games this weekend. Buffalo faces the likes of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in their game at Kansas City. Green Bay's Davante Adams will be joined on the field by Tampa Bay's tandem of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes took the majority of first-team reps in practice Thursday, even though he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, raising expectations that he will start in the AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes was initially listed as a full participant when he returned to practice Wednesday, but the Chiefs quickly corrected his status to limited because he remains in the protocol. He must be cleared by team physicians and an independent neural consult before the reigning Super Bowl MVP can be a full participant in practice or play in a game.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 23 points despite second-half foul trouble and Indiana's defense shut down No. 4 Iowa in an 81-69 comeback victory. It was a season low in points for the Hawkeyes, who came in second in the nation in scoring at 92.2 points per game. Iowa had its five-game winning streak snapped and fell out of a tie for first place in the conference. Rob Phinisee added 18 points for the Hoosiers, and Aljami Durham scored 14. Indiana trailed 53-44 with 12 minutes to play, then went on a 23-3 run. The Hawkeyes did not have a field goal for an 11-minute stretch until Joe Toussaint's layup with 59.6 seconds remaining.&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ten years after firing Sean McDermott as his defensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid will stare across the field inside Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday and see his protégé trying to spoil his hopes of a Super Bowl repeat. That's because McDermott has Buffalo playing in its first AFC title game since beating Kansas City on Jan. 23, 1994, when the Bills advanced to their fourth consecutive Super Bowl. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears to be poised to play after sustaining a concussion last week, setting up a tantalizing matchup with Bills counterpart Josh Allen.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City T-Bones of the independent American Association are being renamed the Kansas City Monarchs after the team that played in the Negro Leagues. The original Monarchs were founded in 1924 and won the first Negro League World Series in 1920. The team played in the Negro National League and Negro American League and later as an independent. A museum exhibit is to travel with the team. The Monarchs also plan to establish a youth academy for baseball and softball.COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Steve Wilks is returning to coaching as the defensive coordinator at Missouri. Wilks, who was hired by Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz on Thursday, took last year off after spending the previous 14 seasons in the NFL. The stint was highlighted by a year as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and time on the staffs of the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers when those teams made the Super Bowl.UNDATED (AP) — The game of the week in the Big Ten matches No. 15 Ohio State at No. 10 Wisconsin on Saturday. The Badgers are 12-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten for its best conference start since 2017. The Buckeyes had their three-game win streak end at Purdue on Tuesday. They've been without injured point guard CJ Walker four games. On the women's side, No. 11 Michigan is 10-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten. Co-preseason player of the year Naz Hillmon is averaging nearly 24 points and 12 rebounds and the Wolverines are outscoring opponents by 24 points.MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Johni Broome had 14 points and 10 rebounds to lift Morehead State to a 76-65 win over Southeast Missouri. DQ Nicholas led the Redhawks with 17 points.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA-SCHEDULELakers handle Bucks to move to 12-4UNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have made a successful start to their seven-game road trip by winning for the 12th time in 16 games.LeBron James pumped in a season-high 34 points and the Lakers bounced back from Monday's meltdown against Golden State by downing the Bucks, 113-106 in Milwaukee.The Lakers shot 19 of 37 from 3-point range, with James going 6 of 10 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope making 7 of 10. Caldwell-Pope finished with 23 points.Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) had 25 points and 12 rebounds for Milwaukee, but he also committed nine turnovers. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points and Khris Middleton finished with 20 for the Bucks, who have dropped two straight since a 9-4 start.In Thursday's other NBA action:— The Jazz made it seven straight wins as Donovan Mitchell poured in a season-best 36 points in their 129-118 downing of the Pelicans. Mike Conley scored 20 points and Jordan Clarkson had 19 for Utah, which has the league's longest active win streak. Joe Ingles made a fast break layup on a feed from Mitchell that capped a 21-2 run to give Utah a 96-80 lead with 4:27 to play in the third quarter.— RJ Barrett had a career-high 28 points and the Knicks matched their longest winning streak of the season at three games by beating the Warriors, 119-104. Julius Randle added 16 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists to help New York continue its much-needed momentum following a five-game losing streak. Golden State guard Stephen Curry scored 30 points with five 3-pointers but shot just 9 of 19.NBA-NEWSGrizzlies games postponed by COVIDUNDATED (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies are the latest NBA team that will have a coronavirus-related extended break from games. The league announced Thursday that Memphis' next three contests will be postponed because of a lack of available players. That decision came one day after the Grizzlies' game at Portland was also called off.Also around the NBA:— Hornets starting center Cody Zeller is expected to return to action Friday night against the Chicago Bulls after missing four weeks with a broken bone in his left hand. Zeller went through a scrimmage on Wednesday and coach James Borrego has listed him as probable for the game. — The Cavaliers are finalizing a trade to send troubled forward Kevin Porter Jr. to the Houston Rockets for a protected second-round pick. That's according a person familiar with the deal. Porter's days with the Cavs came to an end late last week when he had an outburst in the team's locker room after learning his space had been given to newly acquired forward Taurean (TOHR'-ee-ehn) Prince.NFL-CHIEFS-MAHOMESMahomes takes most repsKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ') is giving strong indication that he'll be the Kansas City Chiefs' starting quarterback for the AFC championship game Sunday against Buffalo.The 2018 NFL MVP took the majority of first-team reps in practice Thursday, even though he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. Mahomes was initially listed as a full participant when he returned to practice Wednesday, but the Chiefs quickly corrected his status to limited because he remains in the protocol. He must be cleared by team physicians and an independent neural consult before the reigning Super Bowl MVP can be a full participant in practice or play in a game.NFL-NEWSAP Sources: Eagles plan to hire Colts OC Nick SirianniUNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles appear to have found their next head coach.Two people familiar with the decision say the Eagles will hire Nick Sirianni, who has served as the Colts' offensive coordinator since 2018. He worked under Indianapolis coach Frank Reich (ryk), who was offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when the Eagles won the Super Bowl three years ago. The 39-year-old Sirianni previously served as an assistant coach with the Chiefs and Chargers. The Eagles fired Doug Pederson following a 4-11-1 season, less than three years after he led the team to the franchise's only Super Bowl title.In other NFL moves:—The Rams have hired Raheem Morris to be their new defensive coordinator. He replaces Brandon Staley, who became the Chargers' head coach last weekend. Morris finished last season as the Atlanta Falcons' interim head coach, going 4-7 as Dan Quinn's temporary replacement. — The Steelers have signed former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins to a futures contract, giving the 23-year-old a second chance after he flamed out in the nation's capital in less than two seasons. 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft was ineffective on the field and a disruption off it, getting fined $40,000 and losing his captaincy for breaking COVID-19 rules by partying with several people without a mask. The signing comes as the Steelers await word on whether Ben Roethlisberger (RAWTH'-lihs-bur-gur) will return for an 18th season with the team. — The Jaguars have hired Trent Baalke as general manager, removing the interim tag from his title and pairing him with new coach Urban Meyer. Baalke served as Jacksonville's director of pro personnel in 2020, returning to a front-office role for the first time since San Francisco fired him and coach Chip Kelly following the 2016 season. — The Packers have brought back veteran defensive back Tramon Williams and added him to their practice squad. The 37-year-old Williams played for the Packers from 2007-14 and from 2018-19. — The Vikings say offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has retired after a 36-year career as an NFL player, coach and adviser. The Vikings ranked fourth in the league in total yards and tied for sixth in offensive touchdowns in their only season with Kubiak in charge of the offense. The decision was expected and will force head coach Mike Zimmer to hire a sixth offensive coordinator in six seasons. — Former Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson has died at 68 less than two years after being diagnosed with an autonomic nerve disorder. Thompson's 13-year run as Green Bay Packers general manager included their 2010 Super Bowl championship season. He drafted many notable players on the current roster, including two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. T25 MEN'S BASKETBALL-SCHEDULEHoosiers rally past HawkeyesUNDATED (AP) — A huge run allowed unranked Indiana to post its most impressive win of the season.The Hoosiers trailed 53-44 before reeling off a 22-3 spurt in an 81-69 victory at fourth-ranked Iowa. The Hawkeyes didn't have a field goal for an 11-minute stretch until Joe Toussaint's layup with 59.6 seconds remaining. Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 23 points despite second-half foul trouble. Rob Phinisee added 18 points for the Hoosiers, who ended the Hawkeyes' five-game winning streak.Luka Garza led Iowa with 28 points and 12 rebounds, his seventh double-double of the season. In Thursday's other top-25 game:— Cody Riley scored 13 points and No. 24 UCLA closed on a 7-2 run to pull out a 61-57 victory over California. Riley hit a go-ahead, basket and Jules Bernard followed with a 3-pointer that gave the Bruins a 59-55 lead. Bernard finished with 11 points to help the 12-2 Bruins overcome 14 turnovers.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALLUNDATED (AP) — Southern California postponed Thursday's men's basketball game against Stanford due to a suspected COVID-19-related issue within the Trojans program.The announcement came within an hour of the scheduled tip in Santa Cruz, California.The Pac-12 will work with both schools to try to reschedule.The game was originally scheduled for Dec. 13, but was called off because of a case of COVID-19 within the USC program.NHL-SCHEDULELightning win in OT, move to 3-0UNDATED (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning have continued their perfect start to the season.Brayden Point scored 1:56 into overtime to complete the Lightning's 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets.Tampa Bay took a 2-1 lead on goals by Blake Coleman and Mathieu Joseph 1:23 apart late in the second period. Columbus picked up a point courtesy of Nick Foligno's (foh-LEE'-nohz) power-play goal 47 seconds into the third.Andre Vasilevskiy (va-sih-LEHV'-skee) stopped 23 shots for the Lightning, who have outscored their opponents 13-5 win winning their first three games.Joonas Korpisalo (YOO'-nuhs kohr-pih-SAH'-loh) handled 34 shots for the Jackets.Elsewhere on NHL ice:— The Bruins scored four times in the third period before Jake DeBrusk delivered the lone shootout goal to give Boston a 5-4 triumph over the Flyers. The B's didn't take their first lead of the night until Nick Ritchie and Brandon Carlo scored in a 1:56 span late in regulation. James van Riemsdyk (REEMZ'-dyk) provided two goals for Philadelphia, including the tying tally.— Jordan Eberle scored twice and Semyon Varlamov (SEHM'-yahn vahr-LAH'-mahv) stopped 30 shots as the Islanders won for the third time in four games, 4-1 over the Devils. Varlamov hadn't allowed a goal in seven periods this season until Nathan Bastian beat him 2:10 in the second. Mathew Barzal had a goal and two assists for New York, and Brock Nelson capped the scoring with a power-play goal.— Adrian Kempe's goal with 3:50 remaining was the winner as the Kings rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Avalanche, 4-2. Drew Doughty and Gabriel Vilardi also scored against Hunter Miska, who was making his first NHL start. Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon each had a goal and an assist for Colorado.— The Canadiens rolled to a 7-3 win at Vancouver to become the first team in 46 years to collect at least one point in its first five road games. Joel Armia (ahr-MEE'-uh) had two goals and two assists to back Jake Allen, who needed to stop 14 shots in his 150th career victory. Tyler Toffoli (tah-FOH'-lee) had two more goals and an assist just a day after recording a hat trick against the Canucks.— The Jets are 3-1 after Nikolaj Ehlers (NIH'-koh-ly EE'-lurz) and Mark Scheifele (SHY'-flee) each had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 verdict over the Senators. Connor Hellebuyck (HEH'-leh-buhk) stopped 28 shots and blanked Ottawa before Chris Tierney tallied with 2:57 remaining. Adam Lowry and Blake Wheeler also scored for Winnipeg.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NHL-CAPITALSCapitals lose Ovechkin, othersWASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Capitals will be without three-time NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin and three other prominent players for at least the next four games because of COVID-19 protocols. That announcement comes from coach Peter Laviolette and leaves the Caps without the quartet for two games each against the Sabres and Islanders.Ovechkin was placed on the league's unavailable list Wednesday along with center Evgeny Kuznetsov, goaltender Ilya Samsonov (sam-SOH'-nahv) and defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Laviolette indicated there was a positive virus test and the league did contact tracing.Washington was fined $100,000 for breaking pandemic protocol for the players being in a hotel room together unmasked. TENNIS-AUSTRALIAN OPENQuarantined player tests positiveMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa says she has tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine in Australia, where she was preparing for Australian Open.The 23-year-old reached the fourth round at last year's French Open. Badosa was among the 72 tennis players who have been placed under a stricter lockdown and are not allowed to leave their hotel rooms at all for two weeks after being on a flight with someone who tested positive upon arrival in Melbourne.MLB-NEWSAP source: Astros agree to $7M, 2-year deal with CastroUNDATED (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that catcher Jason Castro has agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract with the Houston Astros, pending completion of a successful physical. This will be Castro's second stint with the team. He was selected in the first round of the 2008 amateur draft by the Astros and spent his first six MLB seasons with the team. Elsewhere in the majors:— Utilityman Daniel Robertson has agreed to a one-year, $900,000 package with the Brewers, a deal that allows him to earn an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses. Robertson batted .333 with no homers and two RBIs in 17 games with the Giants last season while making appearances at shortstop, second base, third base and the outfield. COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NOTRE DAME-NCAA VIOLATIONSIrish on probation, faces recruiting limits for violationsSOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame's football program is on NCAA probation until next January. The school admitted to recruiting violations in 2019 in which a now-former assistant had an impermissible in-person meeting with one prospect and sent impermissible text messages to another. Official recruiting visits will be reduced from 56 to 55 to this year and there will be cuts in number of days prospects can make unofficial campus visits. PGA-AMERICAN EXPRESSLate fill-in leads AmExLA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Brandon Hagy is the first-round leader of The American Express.Hagy racked up 10 birdies in an 8-under 64 that puts him one stroke ahead of Byeong Hun An. He had three streaks of three straight birdies, just three days after replacing Jon Rahm in the field.An made seven birdies without a bogey in his 65. Max Homa, Martin Laird and Si Woo Kim shot 66.SCHOOL SPORTS-TRANSGENDER KIDS-MONTANAMontana advances bill targeting Transgender kidsHELENA, Mont. (AP) — A GOP-backed bill in Montana that would ban Transgender kids from playing on school sports teams for the gender with which they identify has advanced.It's one of more than a dozen states where lawmakers are proposing restrictions on athletics or gender-confirming health care for trans minors this year. The proposals run counter to an executive order signed by Democratic President Joe Biden during his first day in office prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere.

Sports Headlines for Friday

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		Washington	at	Milwaukee	8 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Memphis	at	Portland	10 p.m.	(Postponed)

		Oklahoma City	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.	

AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	L.A. Lakers	113	Milwaukee	106	Final	New York	119	Golden State	104	Final	Utah	129	New Orleans	118	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Florida	at	Carolina	7 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	N-Y Islanders	4	New Jersey	1	Final	Winnipeg	4	Ottawa	1	Final OT	Tampa Bay	3	Columbus	2	Final SO	Boston	5	Philadelphia	4	Final	Montreal	7	Vancouver	3	Final	Los Angeles	4	Colorado	2	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	Indiana	81	(4)Iowa	69	Final	(24)UCLA	61	California	57	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Chicago	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.			Houston	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Orlando	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Boston	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.			Brooklyn	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Miami	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Washington	at	Milwaukee	8 p.m.	(Postponed)		Dallas	at	San Antonio	8:30 p.m.			Denver	at	Phoenix	10 p.m.			Memphis	at	Portland	10 p.m.	(Postponed)		New York	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			Oklahoma City	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Buffalo	at	Washington	7 p.m.			Edmonton	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			N-Y Rangers	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			San Jose	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Nashville	at	Dallas	8:30 p.m.			Vegas	at	Arizona	9 p.m.			Colorado	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(7)Michigan	at	Purdue	7 p.m.	___

Sports Scores from Thursday

Hutchinson Central Christian 52, Goessel 41

Bishop Carroll 64, Goddard Eisenhower 45

Thursday's ScoresBy The Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Anderson County 55, Crest 26Bishop Miege 70, Van Horn, Mo. 59Galena 52, Pittsburg Colgan 48Humboldt 55, St. Paul 29Jayhawk Linn 58, Oswego 23Kapaun Mount Carmel 66, Great Bend 36Lawrence Free State 47, BV West 46Manhattan CHIEF 59, El Dorado 55Nevada, Mo. 66, Frontenac 48Olpe 41, Lebo 28Osawatomie 78, Heritage Christian 68Sedan 41, Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 33Shawnee Heights 60, McPherson 54South Haven 83, Oxford 38Uniontown 59, Altoona-Midway 42West Elk 58, Udall 39Wichita Collegiate 65, Wichita West 64Burlington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Burlington 57, Sabetha 41Semifinal=Paola 55, Independence 40Burrton Invitational Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Hutchinson Central Christian 52, Goessel 41Semifinal=Little River 56, Inman 41Canton-Galva Tournament=Semifinal=Moundridge 59, Sedgwick 58, OTWichita Classical 65, Canton-Galva 56Chanute Tournament=Quarterfinal=Chanute 46, Wichita Life Prep 35Chaparral Tournament=Pool A=Circle 76, Goddard 44Colby Tournament=Colby 55, Osborne 50Quarterfinal=Garden City 49, Goodland 33Hays 76, Ulysses 35<h2>Dodge City TOC=</h2>Semifinal=Bishop Carroll 64, Goddard Eisenhower 45Junction City 52, Dodge City 48Halstead Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Andale 55, Winfield 40Hoisington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Pratt 56, Victoria 40Semifinal=Ellinwood 72, La Crosse 33MCL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Norton 62, Hill City 39Phillipsburg 1, Oakley 0Eleventh Place=Plainville 49, Smith Center 48Ninth Place=Stockton 60, Russell 51Nemaha Central Tournament=St. Mary's 63, Atchison 43Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 49, Wabaunsee 23Salina Invitational Tournament=Salina South 69, Liberal 31Quarterfinal=Andover 70, Salina Central 46Buhler 65, Wichita South 56St. John Tournament=Semifinal=Nickerson 48, Larned 44Sterling Invitational Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Scott City 44, Smoky Valley 29Semifinal=Hugoton 69, Sterling 48Hutchinson Trinity 43, Lyons 38Tonganoxie Tournament=Semifinal=Holton 48, Metro Academy 37Topeka Invitational Tournament=Quarterfinal=Lansing 65, Topeka 52SM North 60, Topeka West 59Wichita East 43, Topeka Hayden 25Wichita Southeast 55, Highland Park 54Valley Center Tournament=Maize 76, Wichita Northwest 63Valley Center 84, Wichita North 36Wichita Heights 61, Topeka Seaman 48POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Maize South vs. Manhattan, ccd.Royal Valley vs. Santa Fe Trail, ppd.<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Anderson County 56, Crest 18Baldwin 46, Wellsville 35Bennington 35, Wichita Home School 29Olpe 49, Lebo 25Uniontown 59, Altoona-Midway 27Basehor-Linwood Tournament=Semifinal=Olathe North 40, Blue Valley 35Burlington Tournament=Semifinal=Sabetha 54, Independence 26Colby Tournament=Quarterfinal=Colby 47, Beloit 26Garden City 46, Wichita Life Prep 35Goodland 54, Hays 41Ulysses 55, Osborne 50FHL Tournament=Semifinal=Northern Heights 47, Mission Valley 45Hi-Plains League Tournament=Consolation Bracket=Wichita County 55, Sublette 35Semifinal=Elkhart 45, Syracuse 29Lakin 43, Stanton County 37Hoisington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Pratt 62, La Crosse 27MCL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Hays-TMP-Marian 47, Trego 40Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 34, Wabaunsee 32Royal Valley 54, Santa Fe Trail 45Salina Invitational Tournament=Quarterfinal=Andover 45, Concordia 22Liberal 62, Abilene 31Salina Central 64, Wichita West 18Salina South 38, Buhler 20St John Tournament=Central Plains 69, Larned 25Sterling Invitational Tournament=Hugoton 63, Smoky Valley 49Scott City 37, Hutchinson Trinity 33Sterling 64, Southeast Saline 49TVL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Clifton-Clyde 40, Washington County 39Wetmore 44, Centralia 40Twin Valley League Tournament=Consolation=BV Randolph 41, Axtell 31POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=KC Piper vs. Olathe West, ppd.Northeast-Arma vs. Benton, Mo., ppd.___Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

🏀 Prep Scores from Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Salthawk Athletic office has released new additions and changes to this weekend and next weeks basketball schedules.

The Hutch High Boys Varsity will travel to Kaupan Mt. Carmel in Wichita on Saturday, January 23rd for a 3pm game.&nbsp; That game will be broadcast on KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm as well as on you smart phone devices including Alexa and on the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">hutchpost.com and KWBW Apps.</a>

7:30 pm - V Boys vs Trinity Academy - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network

5:00 pm - V Girls vs Wichita NW at Wichita South - KWBW Radio

4:15 pm - FR Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - NFHS Network

5:45 pm - JV Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - NFHS Network

7:30 pm - V Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network

7:00 pm - V Girls at Emporia - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClBtEFl7C3upqBM5z-6xGFQ">Emporia High School YouTube Channel</a> Saturday, January 30th

1:00 pm - V Girls vs Wichita Heights at Goddard Eisenhower - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Salthawk Athletic office has released new additions and changes to this weekend and next weeks basketball schedules.The Hutch High Boys Varsity will travel to Kaupan Mt. Carmel in Wichita on Saturday, January 23rd for a 3pm game.&nbsp; That game will be broadcast on KWBW Radio 1450am/98.5fm as well as on you smart phone devices including Alexa and on the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">hutchpost.com and KWBW Apps.</a>Tuesday, January 26th4:15 pm - FR Boys vs Trinity Academy5:45 pm - JV Boys vs Trinity Academy7:30 pm - V Boys vs Trinity Academy - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network Thursday, January 28th5:00 pm - V Girls vs Wichita NW at Wichita South - KWBW Radio Friday, January 29th4:15 pm - FR Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - NFHS Network5:45 pm - JV Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - NFHS Network7:30 pm - V Boys at Goddard Eisenhower - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network 7:00 pm - V Girls at Emporia - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClBtEFl7C3upqBM5z-6xGFQ">Emporia High School YouTube Channel</a> Saturday, January 30th1:00 pm - V Girls vs Wichita Heights at Goddard Eisenhower - KWBW Radio and NFHS Network

🏀 Salthawk Boys & Girls Basketball Game Schedule changes and additions

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports
Information

The
long-awaited start to Blue Dragon Athletics is Friday night when the Hutchinson
Community College women’s and men’s basketball teams tip off.

Unfortunately,
the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic will keep fans out of the Sports Arena and all
Jayhawk Conference venues for at least the first two weeks of the season.

The
conference voted in December to start the season with no fans in all sports at
all venues league wide.

“We are
excited to have the opportunities for contests for all our student athletics,”
Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “They have worked extremely hard
to get to this point. 

“Our
coaches, athletic trainers and staff have followed stringent protocols to get
to this point.”

The
current no fans policy will run through February 5. The KJCCC will meet before
that to either extend the ban or allow fans. 

“We
will update fan availability as soon as we know anything further,” Gooch said.

The
Blue Dragon women’s basketball team is set to open the season at 5:30 p.m. on
Friday against the Bethany College Junior Varsity at the Sports Arena and the
Blue Dragon men will play host to Seminole State at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Blue
Dragon volleyball opens the season on the road at Garden City and will open at
home against Pratt on Thursday, January 28.

The Eagle Radio Sports Team comprised of Steve Carpenter, voice of the Lady Dragons and Glen Grunwald, voice of the Dragons along with their color commentator Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato will provide all the action on the Flagship station KHUT, Country 102.9fm as well as streamed on the Hutchpost.com app.&nbsp;

The
Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream all Blue Dragon home events. All other
KJCCC schools will have streaming platforms when Blue Dragon teams are on the
road.

Fans
can find that schedule at: <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Athletics_Tab/BDSN_Schedule">https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Athletics_Tab/BDSN_Schedule</a>

“Although
no in-person fans are allowed at this time, we hope that Blue Dragon Nation
will follow all the games on BlueDragonSports.com and our social media
platforms,” Gooch said. 

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports
InformationThe
long-awaited start to Blue Dragon Athletics is Friday night when the Hutchinson
Community College women’s and men’s basketball teams tip off.Unfortunately,
the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic will keep fans out of the Sports Arena and all
Jayhawk Conference venues for at least the first two weeks of the season.The
conference voted in December to start the season with no fans in all sports at
all venues league wide.“We are
excited to have the opportunities for contests for all our student athletics,”
Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “They have worked extremely hard
to get to this point. “Our
coaches, athletic trainers and staff have followed stringent protocols to get
to this point.”The
current no fans policy will run through February 5. The KJCCC will meet before
that to either extend the ban or allow fans. “We
will update fan availability as soon as we know anything further,” Gooch said.The
Blue Dragon women’s basketball team is set to open the season at 5:30 p.m. on
Friday against the Bethany College Junior Varsity at the Sports Arena and the
Blue Dragon men will play host to Seminole State at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.Blue
Dragon volleyball opens the season on the road at Garden City and will open at
home against Pratt on Thursday, January 28.The Eagle Radio Sports Team comprised of Steve Carpenter, voice of the Lady Dragons and Glen Grunwald, voice of the Dragons along with their color commentator Dan "Coach Nac" Naccarato will provide all the action on the Flagship station KHUT, Country 102.9fm as well as streamed on the Hutchpost.com app.&nbsp;The
Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream all Blue Dragon home events. All other
KJCCC schools will have streaming platforms when Blue Dragon teams are on the
road.Fans
can find that schedule at: <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Athletics_Tab/BDSN_Schedule">https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Athletics_Tab/BDSN_Schedule</a>“Although
no in-person fans are allowed at this time, we hope that Blue Dragon Nation
will follow all the games on BlueDragonSports.com and our social media
platforms,” Gooch said.

Reminder: Fans not allowed to start new Blue Dragon Season

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

The Hutchinson High School Boys game scheduled for tonight in Newton has been cancelled. That game was to be part of the Dodge City Tournament of Champions consolation bracket games.

The TOC continues in Dodge City with Bishop Carroll vs Goddard Eisenhower @ 5pm and tourney host Dodge City vs Junction City at 7pm.

Hutchinson will now add a game with Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.

KWBW's broadcast crew will broadcast that game with pregame beginning at 2:45pm on 1450 am/98.5 fm.

The Hutchinson High School Boys game scheduled for tonight in Newton has been cancelled. That game was to be part of the Dodge City Tournament of Champions consolation bracket games.The TOC continues in Dodge City with Bishop Carroll vs Goddard Eisenhower @ 5pm and tourney host Dodge City vs Junction City at 7pm.Hutchinson will now add a game with Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.KWBW's broadcast crew will broadcast that game with pregame beginning at 2:45pm on 1450 am/98.5 fm.

Salthawk Boys Basketball game cancelled for Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained in the NFL’s concussion protocol Wednesday, but practiced in a limited capacity, raising hopes that the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday’s AFC title game against Buffalo.

The Chiefs typically breeze through their midweek practice with little contact before ramping things up with their longest workout Thursday, and coach Andy Reid said afterward that fit perfectly with what Mahomes was able to do.

“He looked good,” Reid said. “He’s in the protocol so there’s only certain things he can do, but he took all the snaps and he feels good. So, I mean, we’re just going to follow this protocol as close as we possibly can.”

There are five steps in the league’s return-to-play protocol: rest until signs and symptoms return to baseline clearance to begin cardio; stretching and balance training with medical oversight; an increase in exercises that includes monitored strength training; the resumption of non-contact football activities; and finally, the player is cleared by team physicians and passes an independent neurological exam, at which point he is cleared to practice and play.

Reid didn’t specify which step Mahomes was in Wednesday, but the work he described coincides with the fourth step. If all goes well, that could mean the Chiefs’ quarterback is cleared to participate more fully in practice Thursday or Friday.

“He’s done well up to this point and they just progress you through the day,” Reid said, “so today was limited work and no contact, I think was the schedule for today. And that’s kind of what we’re doing on Wednesday, so it fit perfectly with that.”

Mahomes was hurt in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 22-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns when he was tackled around the neck while keeping the ball on a quarterback option. His head did not appear to strike the ground hard — if at all — and that led to reports that he had tweaked a nerve that runs up the neck.

Chad Henne finished the game and would be the starter if Mahomes was unable to play against the Bills.

“It’s definitely not the easiest if you don’t get the reps during the week,” Henne said, “but mentally you have to stay in it. When Patrick was in last week, during every practice, Matt (Moore) and I are in the back doing our drops, our progressions. That doesn’t change. After practice we get the throws we need that Patrick took and we go about our business.”

The return of Mahomes was only the start of the positive injury news for Kansas City.

Defensive back Bashaud Breeland, who also left the Browns game with a concussion, got in some limited work as the Chiefs moved practice from outdoors inside because of gusty winds.

The availability of their No. 1 cornerback is important with Bills quarterback Josh Allen riding a hot streak and All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs coming to town.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and wide receiver Sammy Watkins also practiced Wednesday, which means the Chiefs could have a full complement of playmakers regardless of their quarterback for the first time in weeks.

Edwards-Helaire, who was fourth among rookies with 1,100 yards from scrimmage this season, sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 15 against New Orleans and missed the final two games of the regular season. He returned to practice last Wednesday but was held out the next two days, and he was inactive for the Chiefs’ playoff game against Cleveland.

The injury-prone Watkins hurt his calf muscle in Week 15 against Atlanta. He sat out the regular-season finale and did not practice last week, joining Edwards-Helaire on the inactive list for the Browns.

“It’ll be good to have both of those guys back,” Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman said. “Hopefully they can play with us and take the necessary steps to be fully healthy or healthy enough to get some production from them.”

NOTES: The only player who did not practice in some capacity Wednesday was linebacker Willie Gay Jr. He’s been out with a sprained ankle. ... Diggs isn’t the only All-Pro wide receiver on the field Sunday, and Chiefs counterpart Tyreek Hill was sure to make everyone remember it. He continually referenced a dig by Jalen Ramsey from a couple of years ago, when the Jaguars cornerback made it a point to say Hill had been voted an All-Pro as a return specialist as a rookie. “(Diggs) is one of the top receivers in the game and I really respect him,” Hill said, “so we just got to see who has the better game, him or (Travis) Kelce, but I’m still just a return specialist.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained in the NFL’s concussion protocol Wednesday, but practiced in a limited capacity, raising hopes that the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday’s AFC title game against Buffalo.The Chiefs typically breeze through their midweek practice with little contact before ramping things up with their longest workout Thursday, and coach Andy Reid said afterward that fit perfectly with what Mahomes was able to do.“He looked good,” Reid said. “He’s in the protocol so there’s only certain things he can do, but he took all the snaps and he feels good. So, I mean, we’re just going to follow this protocol as close as we possibly can.”There are five steps in the league’s return-to-play protocol: rest until signs and symptoms return to baseline clearance to begin cardio; stretching and balance training with medical oversight; an increase in exercises that includes monitored strength training; the resumption of non-contact football activities; and finally, the player is cleared by team physicians and passes an independent neurological exam, at which point he is cleared to practice and play.Reid didn’t specify which step Mahomes was in Wednesday, but the work he described coincides with the fourth step. If all goes well, that could mean the Chiefs’ quarterback is cleared to participate more fully in practice Thursday or Friday.“He’s done well up to this point and they just progress you through the day,” Reid said, “so today was limited work and no contact, I think was the schedule for today. And that’s kind of what we’re doing on Wednesday, so it fit perfectly with that.”Mahomes was hurt in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 22-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns when he was tackled around the neck while keeping the ball on a quarterback option. His head did not appear to strike the ground hard — if at all — and that led to reports that he had tweaked a nerve that runs up the neck.Chad Henne finished the game and would be the starter if Mahomes was unable to play against the Bills.“It’s definitely not the easiest if you don’t get the reps during the week,” Henne said, “but mentally you have to stay in it. When Patrick was in last week, during every practice, Matt (Moore) and I are in the back doing our drops, our progressions. That doesn’t change. After practice we get the throws we need that Patrick took and we go about our business.”The return of Mahomes was only the start of the positive injury news for Kansas City.Defensive back Bashaud Breeland, who also left the Browns game with a concussion, got in some limited work as the Chiefs moved practice from outdoors inside because of gusty winds.The availability of their No. 1 cornerback is important with Bills quarterback Josh Allen riding a hot streak and All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs coming to town.Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and wide receiver Sammy Watkins also practiced Wednesday, which means the Chiefs could have a full complement of playmakers regardless of their quarterback for the first time in weeks.Edwards-Helaire, who was fourth among rookies with 1,100 yards from scrimmage this season, sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 15 against New Orleans and missed the final two games of the regular season. He returned to practice last Wednesday but was held out the next two days, and he was inactive for the Chiefs’ playoff game against Cleveland.The injury-prone Watkins hurt his calf muscle in Week 15 against Atlanta. He sat out the regular-season finale and did not practice last week, joining Edwards-Helaire on the inactive list for the Browns.“It’ll be good to have both of those guys back,” Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman said. “Hopefully they can play with us and take the necessary steps to be fully healthy or healthy enough to get some production from them.”NOTES: The only player who did not practice in some capacity Wednesday was linebacker Willie Gay Jr. He’s been out with a sprained ankle. ... Diggs isn’t the only All-Pro wide receiver on the field Sunday, and Chiefs counterpart Tyreek Hill was sure to make everyone remember it. He continually referenced a dig by Jalen Ramsey from a couple of years ago, when the Jaguars cornerback made it a point to say Hill had been voted an All-Pro as a return specialist as a rookie. “(Diggs) is one of the top receivers in the game and I really respect him,” Hill said, “so we just got to see who has the better game, him or (Travis) Kelce, but I’m still just a return specialist.”

Chiefs’ Mahomes practices, remains in concussion protocol

Garden City 86, Sunrise Christian Academy 78

Coffeyville 86, Missouri State University-West Plains 46

North Central Missouri College 118, Kansas City CC 115 - 2 OT's

Johnson County vs Baker University JV - Postponed due to Covid-19

<h2>2020-21 KJCCC Men's Basketball</h2>Barton 135, Ottawa University JV 78Garden City 86, Sunrise Christian Academy 78Cloud County 120, Taber College JV 60Hesston College 66, Nationwide Prep 57Coffeyville 86, Missouri State University-West Plains 46North Central Missouri College 118, Kansas City CC 115 - 2 OT'sLabette 70, Allen County 67Johnson County vs Baker University JV - Postponed due to Covid-19

Scores from Wednesday KJCCC Games

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, but practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, raising hopes the reigning Super Bowl MVP can play in Sunday's AFC title game against Buffalo. The Chiefs typically breeze through practice on Wednesday with little contact before ramping things up on Thursday, and coach Andy Reid said that fit perfectly with what Mahomes was able to do. Reid didn't say what phase of the five-step process Mahomes is in to be cleared to play, but the work he described his quarterback doing coincides with the fourth step.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tomas Hertl scored the only goal in a four-round shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Marcus Sorensen scored the tying goal late in the second period and Martin Jones made 22 saves for the Sharks, who snapped a six-game losing streak to St. Louis that started in the 2019 playoffs. Jones denied all four Blues shooters in the tiebreaker. Brayden Schenn scored in his second consecutive game and Jordan Binnington made 37 saves for the Blues. San Jose appeared to get the game-winner with 11 seconds left in overtime, but the officials quickly waved it off for goaltender interference on Ryan Donato. After a replay review, the call was upheld.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nate Watson scored a career-high 29 points and Providence turned back Creighton each time it pulled close to beat the 11th-ranked Bluejays 74-70. Providence won for the first time in four games and avenged a crushing loss to the Bluejays three weeks ago. Creighton lost its second straight after one of its worst offensive games of the season. The Friars built an early 17-point lead behind the strong inside play of the 6-foot-10, 260-pound Watson. Creighton battled back to 39-34 at halftime, fell behind by double digits in the second half and then made late runs that fell short.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12's best team this season faces off with arguably its best player on Saturday when second-ranked Baylor heads to Oklahoma State, where the Bears will try to shut down the Cowboys' &nbsp;Cade Cunningham. The likely NBA lottery pick is averaging 17.8 points while shooting better than 45% from the field. Elsewhere, ninth-ranked Kansas tries to get on track against Oklahoma, while No. 14 West Virginia visits Kansas State.

UNDATED (AP) — Chad Henne came off the bench cold in the heat of a tense playoff game and delivered the game-sealing plays for Kansas City in his most consequential performance in a win since 2013. Henne became just the latest understudy quarterback to deliver a memorable performance in the postseason when he relieved an injured Patrick Mahomes and closed out a 22-17 win over Cleveland that sent the defending champion Chiefs into the AFC championship game. If Mahomes remains in concussion protocol and can't start this week, Henne will try to follow in the footsteps of other playoff fill-ins at quarterback like Nick Foles and Jeff Hostetler.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills defense isn't the same pushover it was to start the season or the one that gave up the so-called Hail Murray in a Week 10 loss at Arizona. Buffalo has won eight straight since Kyler Murray's last-second 43-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins in the Cardinals' 32-30 victory. The Bills have used the loss as motivation in preparing to make their first AFC championship game appearance in 27 years. They play at Kansas City on Sunday. The Bills aren't the only defense to have overcome obstacles among the four remaining playoff teams, rounded out in the NFC by Green Bay and Tampa Bay.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Reliever Wade Davis is returning to the Kansas City Royals, the team he helped pitch to the 2015 World Series title. Davis and the Royals agreed to a minor league contract, and the 35-year-old right-hander will go to spring training trying to earn a spot on the major league roster. Davis is a three-time All-Star who had 47 saves for the Royals from 2013-16. He pitched the final out of the 2015 World Series against the New York Mets, throwing a called third strike past Wilmer Flores. Davis had two saves for Colorado during last year's pandemic-shortened season, when his ERA shot up to 20.77. The Rockies released him in September.

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL salary cap has remained flat this season at $81.5 million for each team. That has made for quite the challenge. Several teams were forced to get creative to manage the cap at the expense of valuable players being injured. That includes the past three Stanley Cup champions — the Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals — as well as 2018 finalist Vegas Golden Knights. Tampa Bay is less than $500 from the cap and can't afford for injured star Nikita Kucherov to return before the playoffs.

Irving returns, but new-look Nets beaten by Cavs in 2 OTs

UNDATED (AP) — Kyrie Irving returned from his personal "pause" to score 37 points in his first game with Kevin Durant and James Harden but the new-look, star-studded Brooklyn Nets struggled and lost 147-135 in double overtime to the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Collin Sexton scored 15 of his 42 points in the second OT — most of them over Irving — for the Cavs, who outplayed the Nets all night. 

Sexton dropped two 3-pointers and fed Taurean Prince for another in a span of 55 seconds as Cleveland put Brooklyn away. Durant led Brooklyn with 38 points and Harden added 21 for the Nets.

— Stephen Curry had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, and the Golden State Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-99 while honoring new Vice President Kamala Harris and her Oakland roots. Rookie James Wiseman added 20 points, six rebounds and four assists and Draymond Green dished out six of the Warriors' 31 assists. Golden State made it consecutive impressive wins after erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter of a 115-113 road victory against the Lakers on Monday. Dejounte Murray scored 22 points to lead the Spurs, who had won the past three meetings with the Warriors and five of six.

— Deandre Ayton had season highs with 26 points and 17 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 109-103 on Wednesday night to end a two-game skid. The Suns won for the first time since Jan. 9. Between the two losses, they had three games postponed because of health and safety protocols after playing at Washington. Devin Booker added 24 points for Phoenix. Victor Oladipo and Eric Gordon had 22 points apiece for the Rockets. They have lost three of four since James Harden was traded to Brooklyn. 

— Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points, Paul George added 19 and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings 115-96 for their season-high fifth consecutive victory. The Clippers handed the Kings a 38-point loss at their place last Friday. A new week didn't change anything. Sacramento dropped its fourth in a row and sixth of seven. The Kings were led by De'Aaron Fox with 25 points. The Clippers broke the game open with 34 points in the third quarter, when they had scoring runs of 9-0 and 13-0.

— Cole Anthony hit a hurried 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Orlando Magic stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-96 to stop a six-game losing streak. Nikola Vucevic (NEE'-koh-lah VOOCH'-uh-vihch) had 28 points and eight rebounds for Orlando. Evan Fournier (FOHR'-nee-ay) added 24 points in his return to the lineup after missing nine games with lower back spasms. Minnesota led by 20 before the Magic slowly chipped away in the second half. Jarred Vanderbilt missed a pair of free throws with a chance to ice the game for the Timberwolves. 

— Joel Embiid had 42 points and 10 rebounds and Tobias Harris scored 22 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 117-109 win over the Boston Celtics. Embiid is off to the best start of his career and topped 40 points for the second time in three games. He made 12 of 19 from the floor and was 17 of 21 from the free-throw line. He did it in 34 minutes and scored 20 points in a half for the fifth time this season. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points and Marcus Smart had 25. 

— Kendrick Nunn scored 28 points and the injury-plagued Miami Heat pulled away in the second half for a 111-102 win over the Toronto Raptors. Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Miami and Kelly Olynyk added 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Nunn had scored just 33 points all season before his 18-point game on Monday night. He came off the bench in this one and shot 9 of 12 and had eight rebounds in 35 minutes. Fred VanVleet had 24 points and nine assists for the Raptors whose three-game winning streak ended.

— Trae Young scored 38 points, John Collins had 31 and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat Jerami Grant and the Detroit Pistons 123-115 in overtime. Grant had a career-high 32 points, including all of Detroit's nine points in overtime, to continue his hot start to the season. Clint Capela had 27 points and a career-high 26 rebounds for Atlanta. Young scored 21 points in the third period, when Atlanta charged back after trailing by 14 points. The Pistons have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

— Kristaps Porzingis posted season-high totals of 27 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 124-112 victory at Indiana. Dallas was in control most of the game as it snapped a three-game losing streak against the short-handed Pacers. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 26 points and Domantis Sabonis had 25 points in Indiana's first game with fans in the stands. Dallas took the lead for good on the final basket of the third quarter and pulled away with an 11-4 run in the fourth. 

Grizzlies-Blazers called off; Wizards worry about readiness

UNDATED (AP) — Washington got back on the practice court Wednesday for the first time in more than a week, and Bradley Beal wondered if the Wizards need more time there before returning to game mode. 

The NBA apparently agreed. Not long after the league's leading scorer said he believes the short-handed Wizards may be following "a recipe for injury" if they played Milwaukee as scheduled Friday night, the NBA said that game would be postponed in a move that simply gives Washington more time to get game-ready again.

 Also, the Memphis-Portland game was postponed Wednesday and the league revealed that 11 more players in the past week have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Draisaitl breaks 3rd-period tie, Oilers beat Maple Leafs 3-1

TORONTO (AP) — Leon Draisaitl (DRY'-sy-tul) broke a tie on a power play midway through the third period in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Kailer Yamamoto was credited with the opening goal for Edmonton after the Maple Leafs fumbled the puck into their own net in the first. 

Mikko Koskinen (KAHS'-kihn-ihn) made 25 saves, Josh Archibald scored into an empty net with 1:06 left, and Connor McDavid added two assists. 

Auston Matthews scored for Toronto, and Frederik Andersen made 19 saves.

— Tomas Hertl scored the only goal in a four-round shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Marcus Sorensen scored the tying goal late in the second period and Martin Jones made 22 saves for the Sharks, who snapped a six-game losing streak to St. Louis that started in the 2019 playoffs. Jones denied all four Blues shooters in the tiebreaker. Brayden Schenn scored in his second consecutive game and Jordan Binnington made 37 saves for the Blues. San Jose appeared to get the game-winner with 11 seconds left in overtime, but the officials quickly waved it off for goaltender interference on Ryan Donato. After a replay review, the call was upheld.

— Bo Horvat scored the shootout winner and the Vancouver Canucks overcame Tyler Toffoli's hat trick and beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-5. Horvat put a shot between the legs of Montreal goalie Carey Price to make the Canucks winners in their home opener. Horvat and Brock Boeser each finished with two goals and an assist for Vancouver in regulation. Tyler Motte also scored and J.T. Miller had three assists. In addition to Toffoli's scoring, Jesper Kotkaniemi had a goal and an assist and Brendan Gallagher scored his first of the season in the loss. 