Opening Day for the Royals is today, with Cole Ragans set to throw the first pitch of the 2025 season at 3:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium. He’ll face the reigning American League Central champion Guardians—the team the Royals are looking to unseat this year.

Our pregame coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).

The Royals' rotation was the second-best in baseball last year with a 3.55 ERA. They had two starters finish in the top five in American League Cy Young voting—Seth Lugo (second) and Ragans (fourth). Those two combined for 65 starts, and Michael Wacha added 29. All three are back this year. Can they stay healthy?

Jonathan India, a key offseason acquisition, joins Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to make the Royals' lineup top-heavy. Can they carry this team all the way to October?

KWBW is your home for Royals baseball again in 2025. We've carried the Royals since their first season in 1969.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743014601169.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</figcaption>
 </figure>ROB DREHER Hutch PostOpening Day for the Royals is today, with Cole Ragans set to throw the first pitch of the 2025 season at 3:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium. He’ll face the reigning American League Central champion Guardians—the team the Royals are looking to unseat this year.Our pregame coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).The Royals' rotation was the second-best in baseball last year with a 3.55 ERA. They had two starters finish in the top five in American League Cy Young voting—Seth Lugo (second) and Ragans (fourth). Those two combined for 65 starts, and Michael Wacha added 29. All three are back this year. Can they stay healthy?Jonathan India, a key offseason acquisition, joins Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to make the Royals' lineup top-heavy. Can they carry this team all the way to October?KWBW is your home for Royals baseball again in 2025. We've carried the Royals since their first season in 1969.

⚾ Royals open season today against Guardians

<a href="https://njcaastats.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/boxscores/20250326_oh7z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team picked up a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech in the first round of the NJCAA Tournament on Wednesday at the Ford Wyoming Center.

The 11-seeded Blue Dragons will face 6-seed Three Rivers (Mo.) on Friday at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) in the second round. Three Rivers received the first round bye.

The Blue Dragons trailed 29-24 at halftime and trailed by as many as eight points in the first half before making second half adjustments that would be pivotal.

Hutchinson (29-4) outscored South Georgia Tech (25-7) 37-29 in the second half, thanks to a huge half for Hailey Jackson. The Jayhawk Conference's Player of the Year was held scoreless in the first half and didn't get her first point until the 5:00 mark in the third quarter. She finished with a team-high 17 points, while also bringing down 12 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season and 16th of her career. Jackson knocked down 6-of-8 from the foul stripe, the same free throw line that she knocked down three free throws with under a second to play in the national championship game win last April.

HutchCC held a 61-53 lead with 53 seconds remaining, before South Georgia Tech scored the final five points of the game to pull within a single possession.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons, which struggled to shoot the basketball in their last two games, going a combined 9-of-55 in the Region VI Tournament, knocked down 6-of-15 attempts on Wednesday evening.

Jada Pleasant was the only other HutchCC player in double-figure scoring, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Kahlen Norris had nine, Landon Forbes and Katie Duncan each had eight, while Brynne Katcher had seven to round out a balanced scoring attack.

South Georgia Tech was led by Jamiah Gregory, the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference's Player of the Year, with 16 points. The Jets knocked down eight 3-pointers in the loss.

Hutchinson held South Georgia Tech, a team that was plus-10 on the glass in games this season to 22 total rebounds. The Blue Dragons finished plus-14, including 13 offensive boards, and holding a really good Jets offensive rebounding team to just four total.

The Blue Dragons are now 25-12 all-time in the national tournament and are 7-2 in opening round games. John Ontjes is now 22-10 in the national tournament as the HutchCC head coach, and the Blue Dragons have now won five straight games in the Cowboy State.

Friday's second round game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a>, the official postseason radio home for the Blue Dragons in the national tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743044650934.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://njcaastats.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/boxscores/20250326_oh7z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>Head coach John Ontjes postgame<div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC head coach John Ontjes Postgame vs. South Georgia Tech" 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=zmcnr-1862d75-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>CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team picked up a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech in the first round of the NJCAA Tournament on Wednesday at the Ford Wyoming Center.The 11-seeded Blue Dragons will face 6-seed Three Rivers (Mo.) on Friday at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) in the second round. Three Rivers received the first round bye.<div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC vs. South Georgia Tech" 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=qtzek-1862d5e-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>The Blue Dragons trailed 29-24 at halftime and trailed by as many as eight points in the first half before making second half adjustments that would be pivotal.Hutchinson (29-4) outscored South Georgia Tech (25-7) 37-29 in the second half, thanks to a huge half for Hailey Jackson. The Jayhawk Conference's Player of the Year was held scoreless in the first half and didn't get her first point until the 5:00 mark in the third quarter. She finished with a team-high 17 points, while also bringing down 12 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season and 16th of her career. Jackson knocked down 6-of-8 from the foul stripe, the same free throw line that she knocked down three free throws with under a second to play in the national championship game win last April.HutchCC held a 61-53 lead with 53 seconds remaining, before South Georgia Tech scored the final five points of the game to pull within a single possession.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons, which struggled to shoot the basketball in their last two games, going a combined 9-of-55 in the Region VI Tournament, knocked down 6-of-15 attempts on Wednesday evening.Jada Pleasant was the only other HutchCC player in double-figure scoring, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Kahlen Norris had nine, Landon Forbes and Katie Duncan each had eight, while Brynne Katcher had seven to round out a balanced scoring attack.South Georgia Tech was led by Jamiah Gregory, the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference's Player of the Year, with 16 points. The Jets knocked down eight 3-pointers in the loss.Hutchinson held South Georgia Tech, a team that was plus-10 on the glass in games this season to 22 total rebounds. The Blue Dragons finished plus-14, including 13 offensive boards, and holding a really good Jets offensive rebounding team to just four total.The Blue Dragons are now 25-12 all-time in the national tournament and are 7-2 in opening round games. John Ontjes is now 22-10 in the national tournament as the HutchCC head coach, and the Blue Dragons have now won five straight games in the Cowboy State.Friday's second round game can be heard on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a>, the official postseason radio home for the Blue Dragons in the national tournament.

🏀 Blue Dragon women survive first round game in national tournament

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>

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Game 17: Connors State (Okla.) 66, Daytona State College (Fla.) 65

Game 18: Trinity Valley (Tex.) 61, Cowley College (Kan.) 60

Game 19: South Plains College (Tex.) 79,&nbsp;Angelina College (Tex.) 70

Game 20: Panola College (Tex.) 75, Vincennes (Ind.) 67

The glass slipper is strapped on tight for the Connors State men.

The No. 17-seed Cowboys rallied from 12 points down with 5:05 left to defeat No. 8 Daytona State Wednesday 66-65 in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Connors advances to the semifinals for the second straight year and plays the winner of No. 12 South Plains and No. 4 Angelina at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The difference in the first half was minimal as Connors trailed 30-25 at intermission. The Cowboys converted 11 of 30 (38.7%) shots to the Falcons’ 10-of-32 (31.3%) shooting. However, Daytona made three 3s to CSC’s two and converted seven free throws of Connors’ four.

The second half started in the Cowboys favor and they scored the first five points of the half to tie the score at 30-30 with 18:17 left in the half. But the Falcons went on a run of their own, scoring seven straight to retake the lead 37-30.

Connors came right back and with 14:54 to go had completed a 7-0 spurt to tie the score at 37-37.

The see-saw then tilted in favor of the Falcons as they found their range from beyond the arc, hitting three 3s while dropping in two two-point buckets to get out to a 50-42 lead with 11:08 remaining in regulation.

Daytona State kept up the hot shooting and with 5:05 left they led 61-49.

But the Cowboys put on a rally. After a flagrant foul was called against a Daytona player, Jeremiah Johnson made two free throws and Monday’s hero DJ Dormu nailed a 3 from just outside the arc, and with 2:55 left, the Cowboys trailed 65-59.

At the 1:23 mark, Edwin Daniel hit a 3 and the deficit was cut to 65-62. And with 38.3 to go, Dormu nailed a 3 from the left win to tie the score at 65-65.

With 7.2 seconds left, Daniel was fouled and made one of two free throws. The second attempt bounced off the rim and Daniel grabbed the rebound and was fouled again with 5.9 left.

This time he missed both and Daytona, with no time outs, dribbled the length of the floor but missed the final shot as the Cowboys move on.

Daniel led the Cowboys with 17 points, while Dormu had 15 points and Aric Walls finished with 13 points. As a team, Connors shot 41.8% (23 of 55) from the field while Daytona State made 38.1% of its shots (24 of 63).

The Trinity Valley Cardinals won a thriller over Cowley College on Wednesday, 61-60, to advance to the semifinals of the NJCAA tournament.

The Cardinals blocked the final shot of the game to seal the win.

Trinity Valley scored the first seven points of the game, but Cowley held a 28-25 lead at halftime. In the second half, Cowley led by as many as 10 points before the Cardinals battled back. TVCC took their first lead of the half with 10:10 left at 43-42. TVCC was up by as many as eight points before Cowley brought it back to within a point with 90 seconds left in the game. MJ Wardlow go the bucket and the foul to put TVCC up by three with 36 seconds remaining.

Tyler Smith and Cameron Williams led the way for the Cardinals. Smith was 5-of-13 from the floor to finish with 14 points, one rebound and one assist. Williams was 7-of-9 from the floor to finish with 14 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Garrett Nuckolls (Bullard) had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.

The Angelina College Roadrunners’ season comes to an end on Wednesday night with a 79-70 loss to South Plains College in the quarterfinal round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament.

South Plains outscored Angelina in the paint, 38-18.

The Roadrunners went back and forth with the Texans in the first half and held a 36-33 lead at the halftime break. In the second half, Angelina led by seven points with 11 minutes to go in the game. Both teams continued trading buckets and trading the lead. With 7:10 remaining, South Plains went on an 11-0 scoring run to take a nine point lead and the Texans never surrendered the lead again.

Leading the way for Angelina was Jordan Mathews with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kanaan Holder (Hudson) had 14 points and an assist.

Waqo Tessema and the Panola College men’s basketball team picked a great night for a career-high scoring night and a season-high in 3-pointers made.

Tessema scored a career-high 24 points, including seven 3-pointers; Travis Torain scored 16 points with four 3-pointers; and Khoi Thurmon had a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists as No. 6 seeded Panola hit a season-high 14 3-pointers in defeating No. 14 seeded Vincennes 75-67 in a NJCAA Division I quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Tessema connected on 7-of-14 from behind the 3-point line, and Torain hit 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.

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Panola (29-6), who on Tuesday defeated No. 11 Frank Phillips 60-53, started off strong building their lead to as many as nine points early in the game.

Vincennes (28-5) battled back to give Panola their first deficit in the tournament by taking a five-point lead late in the first half behind the hot shooting of Travelle Bryson.

But Panola didn’t let the deficit deter them as the Ponies tied the Trail Blazers 40-40 going to the half.

Behind four quick Worsham points, Panola took a 44-40 lead and the Ponies staved off the Trail Blazers the rest of the game.

Vincennes, who defeated No. 3 seeded Indian Wells 85-71 on Monday, had trouble scoring from the outside in the second half as Panola completely shut down Bryson in the second half.

Bryson —&nbsp;who scored 17 points in the first half, including five 3-pointers —&nbsp;ended up going scoreless in the second half.

Panola stayed even keel from beyond the arc as the Ponies hit seven 3s in the first half and seven 3s in the second half.

The Ponies built their lead to as many as 11 in the second half before the Trail Blazers cut the deficit down to as little as four points.

LeBron Thomas and Bryson each scored 17 points for Vincennes as Thomas added six rebounds and seven assists.

Bryan Akanmu scored 10 points with six rebounds and five assists for the Trail Blazers.

After Panola’s lead was cut to four at 67-63, Torain hit back-to-back 3s that stretched the Ponies’ lead back to double digits with 2:28 left in the game.

Enel St. Bernard scored four points and added seven rebounds and three block, and Benicio Leons added six rebounds and a pair of steals for the Ponies.

Panola will face a very familiar opponent in the semifinals: None other than Trinity Valley. The No. 7-seeded Cardinals defeated No. 2 seed Cowley 61-60 in another quarterfinal matchup.

This will be the fourth time these two Region XIV Conference rivals will have squared off this season.

Panola has taken two out of the three matchups against Trinity Valley, including a 67-59 victory in the Region XIV Tournament championship back on March 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule?channel=ESPN_PLUS">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>Game 17: Connors State (Okla.) 66, Daytona State College (Fla.) 65Game 18: Trinity Valley (Tex.) 61, Cowley College (Kan.) 60Game 19: South Plains College (Tex.) 79,&nbsp;Angelina College (Tex.) 70Game 20: Panola College (Tex.) 75, Vincennes (Ind.) 67Game 17 recap:The glass slipper is strapped on tight for the Connors State men.The No. 17-seed Cowboys rallied from 12 points down with 5:05 left to defeat No. 8 Daytona State Wednesday 66-65 in the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.Connors advances to the semifinals for the second straight year and plays the winner of No. 12 South Plains and No. 4 Angelina at 5:30 p.m. Friday.The difference in the first half was minimal as Connors trailed 30-25 at intermission. The Cowboys converted 11 of 30 (38.7%) shots to the Falcons’ 10-of-32 (31.3%) shooting. However, Daytona made three 3s to CSC’s two and converted seven free throws of Connors’ four.The second half started in the Cowboys favor and they scored the first five points of the half to tie the score at 30-30 with 18:17 left in the half. But the Falcons went on a run of their own, scoring seven straight to retake the lead 37-30.Connors came right back and with 14:54 to go had completed a 7-0 spurt to tie the score at 37-37.The see-saw then tilted in favor of the Falcons as they found their range from beyond the arc, hitting three 3s while dropping in two two-point buckets to get out to a 50-42 lead with 11:08 remaining in regulation.Daytona State kept up the hot shooting and with 5:05 left they led 61-49.But the Cowboys put on a rally. After a flagrant foul was called against a Daytona player, Jeremiah Johnson made two free throws and Monday’s hero DJ Dormu nailed a 3 from just outside the arc, and with 2:55 left, the Cowboys trailed 65-59.At the 1:23 mark, Edwin Daniel hit a 3 and the deficit was cut to 65-62. And with 38.3 to go, Dormu nailed a 3 from the left win to tie the score at 65-65.With 7.2 seconds left, Daniel was fouled and made one of two free throws. The second attempt bounced off the rim and Daniel grabbed the rebound and was fouled again with 5.9 left.This time he missed both and Daytona, with no time outs, dribbled the length of the floor but missed the final shot as the Cowboys move on.Daniel led the Cowboys with 17 points, while Dormu had 15 points and Aric Walls finished with 13 points. As a team, Connors shot 41.8% (23 of 55) from the field while Daytona State made 38.1% of its shots (24 of 63).Game 18 recap:The Trinity Valley Cardinals won a thriller over Cowley College on Wednesday, 61-60, to advance to the semifinals of the NJCAA tournament.The Cardinals blocked the final shot of the game to seal the win.Trinity Valley scored the first seven points of the game, but Cowley held a 28-25 lead at halftime. In the second half, Cowley led by as many as 10 points before the Cardinals battled back. TVCC took their first lead of the half with 10:10 left at 43-42. TVCC was up by as many as eight points before Cowley brought it back to within a point with 90 seconds left in the game. MJ Wardlow go the bucket and the foul to put TVCC up by three with 36 seconds remaining.Tyler Smith and Cameron Williams led the way for the Cardinals. Smith was 5-of-13 from the floor to finish with 14 points, one rebound and one assist. Williams was 7-of-9 from the floor to finish with 14 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Garrett Nuckolls (Bullard) had nine points, four rebounds and three assists.Game 19 recap:The Angelina College Roadrunners’ season comes to an end on Wednesday night with a 79-70 loss to South Plains College in the quarterfinal round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament.South Plains outscored Angelina in the paint, 38-18.The Roadrunners went back and forth with the Texans in the first half and held a 36-33 lead at the halftime break. In the second half, Angelina led by seven points with 11 minutes to go in the game. Both teams continued trading buckets and trading the lead. With 7:10 remaining, South Plains went on an 11-0 scoring run to take a nine point lead and the Texans never surrendered the lead again.Leading the way for Angelina was Jordan Mathews with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kanaan Holder (Hudson) had 14 points and an assist.Game 20 recap:Waqo Tessema and the Panola College men’s basketball team picked a great night for a career-high scoring night and a season-high in 3-pointers made.Tessema scored a career-high 24 points, including seven 3-pointers; Travis Torain scored 16 points with four 3-pointers; and Khoi Thurmon had a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists as No. 6 seeded Panola hit a season-high 14 3-pointers in defeating No. 14 seeded Vincennes 75-67 in a NJCAA Division I quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday in Hutchinson, Kansas.Tessema connected on 7-of-14 from behind the 3-point line, and Torain hit 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.Sports headlines delivered to your inboxGet our free newsletterSubmitPanola (29-6), who on Tuesday defeated No. 11 Frank Phillips 60-53, started off strong building their lead to as many as nine points early in the game.Vincennes (28-5) battled back to give Panola their first deficit in the tournament by taking a five-point lead late in the first half behind the hot shooting of Travelle Bryson.But Panola didn’t let the deficit deter them as the Ponies tied the Trail Blazers 40-40 going to the half.Behind four quick Worsham points, Panola took a 44-40 lead and the Ponies staved off the Trail Blazers the rest of the game.Vincennes, who defeated No. 3 seeded Indian Wells 85-71 on Monday, had trouble scoring from the outside in the second half as Panola completely shut down Bryson in the second half.Bryson —&nbsp;who scored 17 points in the first half, including five 3-pointers —&nbsp;ended up going scoreless in the second half.Panola stayed even keel from beyond the arc as the Ponies hit seven 3s in the first half and seven 3s in the second half.The Ponies built their lead to as many as 11 in the second half before the Trail Blazers cut the deficit down to as little as four points.LeBron Thomas and Bryson each scored 17 points for Vincennes as Thomas added six rebounds and seven assists.Bryan Akanmu scored 10 points with six rebounds and five assists for the Trail Blazers.After Panola’s lead was cut to four at 67-63, Torain hit back-to-back 3s that stretched the Ponies’ lead back to double digits with 2:28 left in the game.Enel St. Bernard scored four points and added seven rebounds and three block, and Benicio Leons added six rebounds and a pair of steals for the Ponies.Panola will face a very familiar opponent in the semifinals: None other than Trinity Valley. The No. 7-seeded Cardinals defeated No. 2 seed Cowley 61-60 in another quarterfinal matchup.This will be the fourth time these two Region XIV Conference rivals will have squared off this season.Panola has taken two out of the three matchups against Trinity Valley, including a 67-59 victory in the Region XIV Tournament championship back on March 15.

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Day 5 schedule & results

WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;A run-filled day did not fall the Shockers' way as they fell short in an offensive shootout on Wednesday evening to No. 2/2 Oklahoma, 19-16, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 1,245 at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State's 16 runs are the most an Oklahoma team has allowed since June 3, 2019 in the Women's College World Series when UCLA put 16 on the Sooners in the championship series. The Shockers' five home runs were also the most Oklahoma has given up this season

.In the top of the first, the Sooners set the tone with an overpowering eight runs on six hits, taking a commanding 8-0 lead.

In the bottom half,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322">Ellee Eck</a>&nbsp;added to her power numbers with a lead-off solo homer to center field, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;added on with a solo shot of her own, making it an 8-2 game through the first inning.

The Sooners got the two runs back in the top of the second with a two-run home run off the scoreboard netting, taking a 10-2 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;added a run for the Shockers in the bottom half with an RBI single that brought&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;home from third.

In the third, the Sooners had more success at the plate, scoring four more runs to take a 14-3 lead.

The Shockers responded immediately in their half as Sedlacek started the scoring with her second RBI of the day with a base hit up the middle, making it a 14-4 game. Later in the inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311">Camryn Compton</a>&nbsp;continued her recent power streak with a two-run home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 14-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;kept things going for the Shockers with a line drive homer over the wall in left, capping a six-run third inning for Wichita State and making a 14-9 ballgame.

After a scoreless inning from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/9310">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;in relief, the Shockers added more runs to their total when&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323">Jodie Epperson</a>&nbsp;lifted a two-run single into right-center with the bases loaded, making it 14-11.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;added a third run in the inning with an RBI groundout, cutting the Shocker deficit to just two runs at 14-12.

OU broke through against Barber in the fifth, scoring three runs off the reliever, bringing&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327">Ava Sliger</a>&nbsp;to the circle, who the Sooners scored two more runs off of, taking a 19-12 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Sedlacek continued her phenomenal day with another home run, this one a three-run shot deep into the Wichita night, cutting the Shocker deficit to 19-15.

After the Shocker defense posted another scoreless inning, the Shockers scored again as Epperson scampered home on an error, and the Shockers brought the tying run to the plate later in the inning, but were unable to score more, heading to the seventh down, 19-16.

Despite a season-high run total, the Shockers never led in the game, and Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/9309">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;suffered the loss. The 16 runs scored by WSU is the most for the Shockers since March 2, 2024, at Nebraska when they scored 17.

Eight Shockers recorded a hit in the game and all nine starters got on base at least once, with Epperson going 4-for-4 with two RBI.&nbsp;

Next Up The Shockers begin a conference series with South Florida on Friday at 6:00 PM at Wilkins Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743046392658.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. –&nbsp;A run-filled day did not fall the Shockers' way as they fell short in an offensive shootout on Wednesday evening to No. 2/2 Oklahoma, 19-16, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 1,245 at Wilkins Stadium.Wichita State's 16 runs are the most an Oklahoma team has allowed since June 3, 2019 in the Women's College World Series when UCLA put 16 on the Sooners in the championship series. The Shockers' five home runs were also the most Oklahoma has given up this season.In the top of the first, the Sooners set the tone with an overpowering eight runs on six hits, taking a commanding 8-0 lead.In the bottom half,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322">Ellee Eck</a>&nbsp;added to her power numbers with a lead-off solo homer to center field, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;added on with a solo shot of her own, making it an 8-2 game through the first inning.The Sooners got the two runs back in the top of the second with a two-run home run off the scoreboard netting, taking a 10-2 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;added a run for the Shockers in the bottom half with an RBI single that brought&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;home from third.In the third, the Sooners had more success at the plate, scoring four more runs to take a 14-3 lead.The Shockers responded immediately in their half as Sedlacek started the scoring with her second RBI of the day with a base hit up the middle, making it a 14-4 game. Later in the inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311">Camryn Compton</a>&nbsp;continued her recent power streak with a two-run home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 14-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;kept things going for the Shockers with a line drive homer over the wall in left, capping a six-run third inning for Wichita State and making a 14-9 ballgame.After a scoreless inning from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/9310">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;in relief, the Shockers added more runs to their total when&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323">Jodie Epperson</a>&nbsp;lifted a two-run single into right-center with the bases loaded, making it 14-11.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324">Gabby Scott</a>&nbsp;added a third run in the inning with an RBI groundout, cutting the Shocker deficit to just two runs at 14-12.OU broke through against Barber in the fifth, scoring three runs off the reliever, bringing&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327">Ava Sliger</a>&nbsp;to the circle, who the Sooners scored two more runs off of, taking a 19-12 lead.In the bottom of the fifth, Sedlacek continued her phenomenal day with another home run, this one a three-run shot deep into the Wichita night, cutting the Shocker deficit to 19-15.After the Shocker defense posted another scoreless inning, the Shockers scored again as Epperson scampered home on an error, and the Shockers brought the tying run to the plate later in the inning, but were unable to score more, heading to the seventh down, 19-16.Despite a season-high run total, the Shockers never led in the game, and Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/9309">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;suffered the loss. The 16 runs scored by WSU is the most for the Shockers since March 2, 2024, at Nebraska when they scored 17.Eight Shockers recorded a hit in the game and all nine starters got on base at least once, with Epperson going 4-for-4 with two RBI.&nbsp;Next Up The Shockers begin a conference series with South Florida on Friday at 6:00 PM at Wilkins Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers drop slugfest to No. 2 Sooners

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743046752220.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball secured a midweek sweep of St. Thomas with a 16-5 run-rule victory on Wednesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;tied his career high with seven RBIs, which included a three-run homer in the fifth inning. &nbsp; After trailing 3-2 in the third inning, Kansas scored 14 runs over the final four innings, which included one in the third, six in the fourth, three in the fifth and four in the sixth.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;started the game on the mound for Kansas and pitched one scoreless inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/malakai-vetock/16142" rel="smarttag" rev="16142">Malakai Vetock</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dalton-smith/16144" rel="smarttag" rev="16144">Dalton Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;each had a scoreless inning of relief in the win. Kansas is now 20-6 overall this season. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Kansas got off to an early lead with two runs in the first inning. The first four Jayhawks reached base with three consecutive singles to start the game, including an RBI single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>. Later in the first, Brooks drew a bases-loaded walk to take a 2-0 lead. &bull; St. Thomas (11-10) was able to take the lead in the third inning with three runs. With two outs, Joe Roder hit a two-run single and Matthew Maulik had an RBI single to grab a 3-2 advantage. &bull; The Jayhawks were able to even up the game in the bottom of the third with a two-out RBI single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-cerda/16140" rel="smarttag" rev="16140">Derek Cerda</a></dfn>&nbsp;to make it a 3-3 game. &bull; KU opened up the game in the bottom of the fourth with a six-run frame.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;each hit back-to-back RBI doubles in the inning. Then, later in the inning&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a two-run single and Cerda smacked a two-run double. That stretched the game to a 9-3 Kansas advantage. &bull; The Tommies would continue to battle as they scored two runs in the fifth inning on an RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly. That brought the score to 9-5 but was as close as the game would get. &bull; Brooks hit a three-run homer to left-center field in the fifth inning to bring the score to 12-5. &bull; In the sixth inning with two outs,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;drew a bases-loaded walk to score a run and Brooks followed him with a three-run single to make it a 16-5 game. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-cubbler/16153" rel="smarttag" rev="16153">Jake Cubbler</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-0) Final line: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 0 SO Loss: Evan Jackson (0-1) Final line: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 1 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=1905019339486454255&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F26%2Fbaseball-kansas-completes-midweek-sweep-of-st-thomas.aspx&amp;sessionId=2e0bfc623ac8b7ef41c93d738737e0463d2f48c4&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1905019339486454255"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "That St. Thomas team is really tough offensively and proof of that is we win by 11 runs today and we only punched them out four times and they drew six walks. We didn't take care of business early when we had opportunities to score and kind of put ourselves in a goofy situation there giving up a three-spot in the third. I loved the bounce back in the bottom of the third when we tied it and then obviously the fourth when we broke it open. Then, just took the game over from there. These double midweeks are tricky and you schedule them a couple years out in advance. You have to do it and it's smart. You have to get your 56 games in. When you get there, it's daunting to get through that many innings in between conference weekends, but we took care of business and those guys that pitched today needed that time. We needed to get Cooper back out there and Parker, Cubbler, Vetock and Smith all needed work, so it worked out perfect."&nbsp;&ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "It felt really good to be able to help the team get the win and put some runs on the board. Getting a midweek sweep here helps build momentum going into the weekend. We just have to keep playing our game and see what happens." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas has scored at least 10 runs in nine games this season. &bull; Kansas has hit 52 home runs this season through the first 26 games. The program record for home runs is 75 in 2006 and 2023. &bull; Kansas drew 11 walks in the game. The Jayhawks have double-digit walks in four games this season. &bull; Brooks tied his career-high with seven RBIs. He finished 2-for-3 with a home run, seven RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. The home run was his third of the season. Brooks has reached base safely in 15 consecutive games. &bull; Cerda went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;finished with three hits, two RBIs and a run scored. &bull; Cubbler earned his first win as a Jayhawk. &bull; Hauge has a 12-game on-base streak. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will play its third conference series of the season against Oklahoma State at Hoglund Ballpark this weekend. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and fans can fans can purchase tickets by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=BSB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_source=navbar&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=navbar_website">here</a>.</div>

⚾ KU completes midweek sweep of St. Thomas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743046880063.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;With spring football practice underway, fans will have an opportunity to get their first look at the 2025 Jayhawks under head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/lance-leipold/116" rel="smarttag" rev="116">Lance Leipold</a></dfn>&nbsp;as Kansas football hosts a fan appreciation day on Saturday, April 5 that will include an autograph session and a family fun zone. &nbsp; Fans will have an opportunity to see the Jayhawks in action beginning at 10 a.m. at the Murfin Family Practice Field, adjacent from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Gates will open at 9:45 a.m. with practice beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until approximately noon. The practice is open to the general public as the Jayhawks continue preparations for the 2025 season at the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. &nbsp; Parking will be available in the lots surrounding David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, as well as paid parking available in the Mississippi Street Parking Garage. Fans are required to enter through the north entrance of the Murfin Family Practice Field. A standing room area will be available on the east side of the practice field as well as a family fun zone with an autograph signing with student-athletes following practice. The autograph session is scheduled to last approximately 30-45 minutes. &nbsp; The first 750 fans will receive the 2025 spring football poster. The Kansas Football Preview Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for visitors to meet with a member of the Kansas Athletics Sales and Service team. Visitors to the Preview Center can inquire about season ticket options for the 2025 football season, learn more about the Gateway District project, and explore upcoming transformations in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Kansas Football Preview Center is located at 1100 Mississippi Street on the corner of 11th&nbsp;and Mississippi. The Sales and Service staff will also be present for the open practice to answer questions about 2025 season tickets. &nbsp; Kansas' roster features a new-look, talented squad, led by an accomplished set of returning starters in&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362" rel="smarttag" rev="1362">Jalon Daniels</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/15525" rel="smarttag" rev="15525">Bryce Foster</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-baynes/1448" rel="smarttag" rev="1448">Kobe Baynes</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/dean-miller/1429" rel="smarttag" rev="1429">Dean Miller</a></dfn>, Tommy Dunn and DJ Withers, among others, as well as a nationally recognized transfer class and a group of emerging playmakers poised to make a difference in 2025. &nbsp; Fans looking to experience the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium can purchase a full seven-game season ticket package beginning at $350, with&nbsp;<a href="https://admin.kuathletics.com/feature/2025-Season-Tickets">more information available here</a>. As part of the per-seat donation model beginning in 2025-26, fans will see an all-in price that includes the cost of the ticket, the annual donation associated with the seating location, plus applicable taxes and fees. You can submit&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.fanthreesixty.com/2025_football_ticket_interest_form?mnemonic=ku">an interest form</a>&nbsp;to be contacted by a member of the sales team if you'd like to talk through all ticketing options and information.&nbsp; Parking pricing and information will be released at a later date prior to select-a-seat.
&nbsp;</div>

🏈 KU to host Fan Appreciation Day on April 5

CASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team opens its 2024 national championship defense Wednesday in Casper, Wyoming.

The No. 9-NJCAA ranked and No. 11 overall seed Blue Dragons (28-4) open play in the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament at the Ford Wyoming Center on Wednesday, March 26 against No. 22 seed South Georgia Tech (25-6) at 5:45 p.m. CDT in the last of eight first-round matches.

The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action at 5:15 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view service.

The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will play No. 6 seed Three Rivers at 5:45 p.m. on Friday.

The Blue Dragons will return to the very court where they captured their first NJCAA National Championship last season when they defeated Northwest Florida State 88-80 in overtime in the championship game to completed a 37-0 season.

Hutchinson then defeated Colby 59-49 in the Region 6 Tournament quarterfinals before being eliminated in the semifinal round by Coffeyville 45-42 on Friday in Hays.

South Georgia Tech enters the tournament on a 13-game winning streak after cruising through the Region 17 Tournament semifinals and championship game. Tech defeated Andrew College 96-50 in the semifinals and earned a spot in national tournament with an 84-61 win over East Georgia State.

Hutchinson is 24-12 in its first 12 all-time NJCAA National Tournament appearances. The Blue Dragons are 5-2 in opening-round matchups.

This will be the second all-time tournament meeting between Hutchinson and South Georgia Tech. The Dragons and Jets met in the 2015 national tournament in Salina. The Blue Dragons won that second-round matchup 80-61 at the Bicentennial Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743006599436.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationCASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team opens its 2024 national championship defense Wednesday in Casper, Wyoming.The No. 9-NJCAA ranked and No. 11 overall seed Blue Dragons (28-4) open play in the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament at the Ford Wyoming Center on Wednesday, March 26 against No. 22 seed South Georgia Tech (25-6) at 5:45 p.m. CDT in the last of eight first-round matches.The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action at 5:15 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view service.The Hutchinson-South Georgia Tech winner will play No. 6 seed Three Rivers at 5:45 p.m. on Friday.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 11 Seed Hutchinson (28-4) vs. No. 22 Seed South Georgia Tech (26-5) NJCAA Division I Women's National Tournament - Opening Round When: Wednesday, March 26 2025 Where: Ford Casper Center, Casper, Wyoming Tipoff: 5:45 p.m. CDT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHMY-FM (93.1), 5:30 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/catalog/ba3133a8-4506-3d7d-9af1-a0a188a6af88/njcaa-women-s-basketball#bucketId=7373" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN+</a> X: @bluedraognsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_33_-_South_Georgia_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons will return to the very court where they captured their first NJCAA National Championship last season when they defeated Northwest Florida State 88-80 in overtime in the championship game to completed a 37-0 season.Hutchinson then defeated Colby 59-49 in the Region 6 Tournament quarterfinals before being eliminated in the semifinal round by Coffeyville 45-42 on Friday in Hays.South Georgia Tech enters the tournament on a 13-game winning streak after cruising through the Region 17 Tournament semifinals and championship game. Tech defeated Andrew College 96-50 in the semifinals and earned a spot in national tournament with an 84-61 win over East Georgia State.Hutchinson is 24-12 in its first 12 all-time NJCAA National Tournament appearances. The Blue Dragons are 5-2 in opening-round matchups.This will be the second all-time tournament meeting between Hutchinson and South Georgia Tech. The Dragons and Jets met in the 2015 national tournament in Salina. The Blue Dragons won that second-round matchup 80-61 at the Bicentennial Center.

🏀 HutchCC women face South Georgia Tech in NJCAA Tournament first round

<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/f89f58e7-89b8-4c25-be02-e4dfba380d72">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/b/l/92g7veyhkh9xh2/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_v6.pdf">TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a>

CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team begins play at the NJCAA Division I national tournament at the Ford Wyoming Center at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) against South Georgia Tech.

The Blue Dragons are the 11-seed, while the Jets are the 22-seed. This will be the final game of first round action at this year's tournament, with day one tipping off on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The last time Hutchinson played in the Ford Wyoming Center was last April, when the Blue Dragons claimed their first national title in program history, an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State.

Hutchinson enters today's game with a 28-4 record, while South Georgia Tech is 25-6. The Blue Dragons lost in the Region VI semifinal to Coffeyville, while the Jets won their district championship with a win over East Georgia State.&nbsp;

This will be the second-ever meeting between these two programs, the first coming in the 2015 national tournament, a 80-61 Blue Dragon victory.

Hutchinson is led by Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year, Hailey Jackson. The 5-foot-11 sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. averaged 18.3 points and 8.4 rebounds during the first 32 games of the season. Jackson was named to the All-Tournament team in Casper last year, averaging 18.3 points and 5.8 rebounds during the four-game national title run.

South Georgia Tech is led by Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Jamiah Gregory. The 5-foot-10 freshman from Marietta, Ga. is averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.

The game will be aired on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> with Sean Boston on the call from Casper. Pregame coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. MDT (5:30 p.m. CDT). You can also watch the game on <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/f89f58e7-89b8-4c25-be02-e4dfba380d72">ESPN+</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711729176906.jpeg" alt="Ford Wyoming Center/Photo Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Ford Wyoming Center/Photo Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/f89f58e7-89b8-4c25-be02-e4dfba380d72">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/b/l/92g7veyhkh9xh2/2025_DI_WBB_Championship_Bracket_-_v6.pdf">TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a>CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team begins play at the NJCAA Division I national tournament at the Ford Wyoming Center at 4:45 p.m. MDT (5:45 p.m. CDT) against South Georgia Tech.The Blue Dragons are the 11-seed, while the Jets are the 22-seed. This will be the final game of first round action at this year's tournament, with day one tipping off on Tuesday.&nbsp;The last time Hutchinson played in the Ford Wyoming Center was last April, when the Blue Dragons claimed their first national title in program history, an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State.Hutchinson enters today's game with a 28-4 record, while South Georgia Tech is 25-6. The Blue Dragons lost in the Region VI semifinal to Coffeyville, while the Jets won their district championship with a win over East Georgia State.&nbsp;This will be the second-ever meeting between these two programs, the first coming in the 2015 national tournament, a 80-61 Blue Dragon victory.Hutchinson is led by Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year, Hailey Jackson. The 5-foot-11 sophomore from Tulsa, Okla. averaged 18.3 points and 8.4 rebounds during the first 32 games of the season. Jackson was named to the All-Tournament team in Casper last year, averaging 18.3 points and 5.8 rebounds during the four-game national title run.South Georgia Tech is led by Georgia Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Jamiah Gregory. The 5-foot-10 freshman from Marietta, Ga. is averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds.The game will be aired on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> with Sean Boston on the call from Casper. Pregame coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. MDT (5:30 p.m. CDT). You can also watch the game on <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/f89f58e7-89b8-4c25-be02-e4dfba380d72">ESPN+</a>.&nbsp;

🏀 Blue Dragons open NJCAA Tournament play this evening

The Kansas City Royals on Tuesday announced that they have placed three pitchers on the 15-day injury list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alec March, Kyle Wright and James McArthur were placed on the DL on Monday evening.&nbsp; 

Marsh is dealing with right shoulder impingement; Wright is dealing with a shoulder surgery and McArthur has an injury to his right elbow.&nbsp;

Mash has two years of big-league experience and in 2024 pitched 129 innings with a 4.53 ERA and finished with a 9-9 record.&nbsp; He spent a portion of the season as the Royals' fifth starter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wright, who the Royals recieved from the Braves in 2023, missed the entire 2024 season as he dealt with an injury that required surgery.&nbsp; He won 21 games for the Braves in 2022, which is the only season of his career where he pitched more than 38 innings.&nbsp;

McArthur came out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2024. He was 5-7 on the season with a 4.92 ERA with 18 saves.&nbsp;

The Royals open the season at home on Thursday against the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315090950.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals on Tuesday announced that they have placed three pitchers on the 15-day injury list.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alec March, Kyle Wright and James McArthur were placed on the DL on Monday evening.&nbsp; Marsh is dealing with right shoulder impingement; Wright is dealing with a shoulder surgery and McArthur has an injury to his right elbow.&nbsp;Mash has two years of big-league experience and in 2024 pitched 129 innings with a 4.53 ERA and finished with a 9-9 record.&nbsp; He spent a portion of the season as the Royals' fifth starter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wright, who the Royals recieved from the Braves in 2023, missed the entire 2024 season as he dealt with an injury that required surgery.&nbsp; He won 21 games for the Braves in 2022, which is the only season of his career where he pitched more than 38 innings.&nbsp;McArthur came out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2024. He was 5-7 on the season with a 4.92 ERA with 18 saves.&nbsp;The Royals open the season at home on Thursday against the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.&nbsp;

⚾ Royals add three pitchers to IL

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State's Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee added to their career trophy cases, as the tandem were named Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America top-50 finalists on Tuesday.

This is the fourth time Lee has collected WBCA All-Region 3 honors, while Sundell earned her first WBCA All-Region 3 citation.

Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, leads the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (256) and paces the nation and leads the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.31 apg) and third in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.46). She owns a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.

The product of Maryville, Missouri, is second on the team in scoring average with 13.9 points per game and leads the Wildcats with 486 points, which is the second-highest total of her career on a .503 field goal percentage. Her 186 made field goals this season is a new career-high.

She has registered a career-high 30 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and has pulled in 153 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which is the second-highest rebound total in her career.

Sundell is the only player in the nation to register 400 or more points, 200 or more assists, 150 or more rebounds and 30 or more blocks. She has registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024.

With her point (486) and assist (256) totals this season, Sundell is the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists.

In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (138) and games played (138). She is holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 805 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,749 points. She ranks eighth in school history for career blocks (103). 

She is the only player in school history with 1,500 or more career points, 800 or more career assists and 100 or more career blocked shots.

This season, Lee, a 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree and AP All-America honorable mention recipient, is averaging a team-high 15.6 points on a career-high .641 field goal percentage. She is also averaging team-highs with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

In her career, Lee holds the school record and ranks sixth in Big 12 history for points scored with 2,521 and holds the school record for career scoring average at 18.7. She also owns the school records for career rebounds and ranks fifth in Big 12 history with 1,252 and career rebounding average at 9.3. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742998085201.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State's Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee added to their career trophy cases, as the tandem were named Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America top-50 finalists on Tuesday.This is the fourth time Lee has collected WBCA All-Region 3 honors, while Sundell earned her first WBCA All-Region 3 citation.Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, leads the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (256) and paces the nation and leads the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.31 apg) and third in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.46). She owns a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.The product of Maryville, Missouri, is second on the team in scoring average with 13.9 points per game and leads the Wildcats with 486 points, which is the second-highest total of her career on a .503 field goal percentage. Her 186 made field goals this season is a new career-high.She has registered a career-high 30 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and has pulled in 153 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which is the second-highest rebound total in her career.Sundell is the only player in the nation to register 400 or more points, 200 or more assists, 150 or more rebounds and 30 or more blocks. She has registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024.With her point (486) and assist (256) totals this season, Sundell is the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists.In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (138) and games played (138). She is holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 805 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,749 points. She ranks eighth in school history for career blocks (103). She is the only player in school history with 1,500 or more career points, 800 or more career assists and 100 or more career blocked shots.This season, Lee, a 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree and AP All-America honorable mention recipient, is averaging a team-high 15.6 points on a career-high .641 field goal percentage. She is also averaging team-highs with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.In her career, Lee holds the school record and ranks sixth in Big 12 history for points scored with 2,521 and holds the school record for career scoring average at 18.7. She also owns the school records for career rebounds and ranks fifth in Big 12 history with 1,252 and career rebounding average at 9.3.

🏀 K-State’s Sundell, Lee named to WBCA All-America Top-50 watch list

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The No. 5 Washburn Ichabods moved into the NCAA National Semifinals with a 90-78 win over Lenoir-Rhyne sending the Ichabods to the final four of the national tournament on Thursday night at 8:30 pm CST against No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern.

The Ichabods led from start to finish thanks to a hot start coming out of the gate pulling in front of the No. 10-ranked Bears 13-4 lead after Brayden Shorter scored nine points in the early going.

Washburn pushed its lead to 13 after a traditional 3-point play from Jacob Hanna putting the Ichabods up 27-14 with 11:48 remaining in the first, but the Bears (29-6) chipped away trimming their deficit to five less than 60 seconds later before a pair of Hanna free throws, a 3-pointer from Shorter and a Hanna bucket in the paint pushed the margin back to 10.

The lead stayed in double digits until the Bears used a 9-0 run pulling within three again at 40-37. Back-to-back layups from Dillon Claussen and Michael Keegan stretched the lead back to seven before LRU hit three free throws with 37 seconds left, but Jack Bachelor's jumper sent the Ichabods to the locker room with a 46-40 lead.

In the second half, the Ichabods went up by 20 at 64-45 with 14:42 to play and to as many as 21 before the Bears came back again.

The Bears eventually cut the lead to five with 3:14 to go, but two jumpers in a row from Dillon Claussen put the margin at 11 and the Bears did not get closer than nine the rest of the way.

The Ichabods had six players in double figures led by Shorter's 18 points. Claussen came off the bench to score a season-high-tying 17 points (recorded against Harding in the NCAA Regional Quarterfinals) on 7 of 7 shooting. Both Hanna and Bachelor finished with 12 points as Bachelor dished out nine assists. Hanna also added six boards and five assists. Brady Christiansen finished with 12 points and four boards and Andrew Orr had 10 points and thre boards. Keegan tallied four points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Junior Hodnett led the Bears with 19 points.

Washburn finished 53 percent from the field going 31 of 58 and 10 of 21 from deep also hitting 18 of 21 free throws. The Bears shot 41 percent connecting on 17 of 20 free throws and 9 of 24 from 3-point range.

Washburn held a 36 to 29 advantage on the glass and outscored the Bears 40 to 34 in the paint and 24 to 5 in fast break points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997868635.png" alt="Washburn University " />
 <figcaption>Washburn University </figcaption>
 </figure>Washburn AthleticsEVANSVILLE, Ind. – The No. 5 Washburn Ichabods moved into the NCAA National Semifinals with a 90-78 win over Lenoir-Rhyne sending the Ichabods to the final four of the national tournament on Thursday night at 8:30 pm CST against No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern.The Ichabods led from start to finish thanks to a hot start coming out of the gate pulling in front of the No. 10-ranked Bears 13-4 lead after Brayden Shorter scored nine points in the early going.Washburn pushed its lead to 13 after a traditional 3-point play from Jacob Hanna putting the Ichabods up 27-14 with 11:48 remaining in the first, but the Bears (29-6) chipped away trimming their deficit to five less than 60 seconds later before a pair of Hanna free throws, a 3-pointer from Shorter and a Hanna bucket in the paint pushed the margin back to 10.The lead stayed in double digits until the Bears used a 9-0 run pulling within three again at 40-37. Back-to-back layups from Dillon Claussen and Michael Keegan stretched the lead back to seven before LRU hit three free throws with 37 seconds left, but Jack Bachelor's jumper sent the Ichabods to the locker room with a 46-40 lead.In the second half, the Ichabods went up by 20 at 64-45 with 14:42 to play and to as many as 21 before the Bears came back again.The Bears eventually cut the lead to five with 3:14 to go, but two jumpers in a row from Dillon Claussen put the margin at 11 and the Bears did not get closer than nine the rest of the way.The Ichabods had six players in double figures led by Shorter's 18 points. Claussen came off the bench to score a season-high-tying 17 points (recorded against Harding in the NCAA Regional Quarterfinals) on 7 of 7 shooting. Both Hanna and Bachelor finished with 12 points as Bachelor dished out nine assists. Hanna also added six boards and five assists. Brady Christiansen finished with 12 points and four boards and Andrew Orr had 10 points and thre boards. Keegan tallied four points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.Junior Hodnett led the Bears with 19 points.Washburn finished 53 percent from the field going 31 of 58 and 10 of 21 from deep also hitting 18 of 21 free throws. The Bears shot 41 percent connecting on 17 of 20 free throws and 9 of 24 from 3-point range.Washburn held a 36 to 29 advantage on the glass and outscored the Bears 40 to 34 in the paint and 24 to 5 in fast break points.

🏀 Ichabods beat Lenior-Rhyne to advance to NCAA DII semifinals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports March 26" 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=bpdta-1861808-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 🏀 NJCAA Day 4  ⚾ College Baseball results 

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State erased an early 2-0 deficit and scored in each of their final five innings to rally past Wichita State 9-5 on Tuesday night at O'Brate Stadium.

The Shockers (8-16) scratched across single runs in the third and fourth innings to take the early lead, plating their first run on a Josh Livingston RBI single before Gannon Snyder doubled the advantage with a double play grounder. But the Cowboys (12-10) poured in six runs over the next two innings, highlighted by a three-run triple from Colin Brueggemann and back-to-back home runs from Brayden Smith and Nolan Schubart to take a 6-2 lead.

Wichita State pulled a run back in the top of the sixth when Kaleb Duncan dumped an RBI single with two outs, scoring Kam Durnin who had opened the frame with a single of his own. Oklahoma State answered back with a run of their own in the home half of the inning to restore their four-run lead, getting a leadoff double from Alex Conover to set up a squeeze bunt from Drew Culbertson that made it 7-3.

A Jayson Jones RBI double in the bottom of the seventh pushed the margin to 8-3.

The Shockers made things interesting in the top of the eighth, plating two runs to get the tying run into the on-deck circle. Snyder coaxed a leadoff walk and Jordan Black followed with a booming RBI triple to left-center field. Kaleb Duncan brought Black home with an RBI grounder to first, cutting the Cowboys lead to 8-5. Camden Johnson restarted the rally with a single and later moved to second on a wild pitch, but a pair of pop outs against Oklahoma State closer Sean Youngerman ended the threat.

Oklahoma State manufactured a run in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin. Smith doubled to start the frame, moved to third on a throwing error and came into score when he swiped home as part of a double steal. Youngerman worked a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the win and his fourth save.

Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton fired two hitless, scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Jeremiah Arnett (0-1), who allowed three runs in one-plus inning of work to take the loss. Shocker pitchers combined to walk 10 in the defeat.

Johnson and Durnin led the Shockers offensively with two hits apiece.

Wichita State returns to American Athletic Conference play on Friday night against UAB. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742994879244.png" alt="WSU senior Owen Reynolds delivers in a relief appearance in Stillwater against the Oklahoma State Cowboys - WSU Athletic Communications." />
 <figcaption>WSU senior Owen Reynolds delivers in a relief appearance in Stillwater against the Oklahoma State Cowboys - WSU Athletic Communications.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsSTILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State erased an early 2-0 deficit and scored in each of their final five innings to rally past Wichita State 9-5 on Tuesday night at O'Brate Stadium.The Shockers (8-16) scratched across single runs in the third and fourth innings to take the early lead, plating their first run on a Josh Livingston RBI single before Gannon Snyder doubled the advantage with a double play grounder. But the Cowboys (12-10) poured in six runs over the next two innings, highlighted by a three-run triple from Colin Brueggemann and back-to-back home runs from Brayden Smith and Nolan Schubart to take a 6-2 lead.Wichita State pulled a run back in the top of the sixth when Kaleb Duncan dumped an RBI single with two outs, scoring Kam Durnin who had opened the frame with a single of his own. Oklahoma State answered back with a run of their own in the home half of the inning to restore their four-run lead, getting a leadoff double from Alex Conover to set up a squeeze bunt from Drew Culbertson that made it 7-3.A Jayson Jones RBI double in the bottom of the seventh pushed the margin to 8-3.The Shockers made things interesting in the top of the eighth, plating two runs to get the tying run into the on-deck circle. Snyder coaxed a leadoff walk and Jordan Black followed with a booming RBI triple to left-center field. Kaleb Duncan brought Black home with an RBI grounder to first, cutting the Cowboys lead to 8-5. Camden Johnson restarted the rally with a single and later moved to second on a wild pitch, but a pair of pop outs against Oklahoma State closer Sean Youngerman ended the threat.Oklahoma State manufactured a run in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin. Smith doubled to start the frame, moved to third on a throwing error and came into score when he swiped home as part of a double steal. Youngerman worked a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the win and his fourth save.Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton fired two hitless, scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Jeremiah Arnett (0-1), who allowed three runs in one-plus inning of work to take the loss. Shocker pitchers combined to walk 10 in the defeat.Johnson and Durnin led the Shockers offensively with two hits apiece.Wichita State returns to American Athletic Conference play on Friday night against UAB. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.

⚾ Shockers fall at Oklahoma State 

In a post on social media on Tuesday, agents for Wichita State senior Quincy Ballard has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ballard, who received an additional year of eligibility earlier this month, ended the season averaging 10 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He had program record shooting 75.1-percent from the floor for the Shockers.&nbsp;

He finished his WSU career with 152 blocks, which is second in program history behind Antoine Carr who finished his career with 209.&nbsp;

He was joined in the portal by freshman Yanis Bamba.&nbsp; The portal closes on April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742993841136.png" alt="Quincy Ballard puts one home in a game against Florida Atlantic - WSU Athletic Communications (File)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Quincy Ballard puts one home in a game against Florida Atlantic - WSU Athletic Communications (File)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In a post on social media on Tuesday, agents for Wichita State senior Quincy Ballard has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEWS: Wichita State&#39;s Quincy Ballard will enter the transfer portal, his agents Brandon Grier and Michael Silverman told ESPN. The 6&#39;11 center averaged 10 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 75% from the field. <a href="https://t.co/mJnuNV86ZE">pic.twitter.com/mJnuNV86ZE</a>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1904639470445441263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ballard, who received an additional year of eligibility earlier this month, ended the season averaging 10 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He had program record shooting 75.1-percent from the floor for the Shockers.&nbsp;He finished his WSU career with 152 blocks, which is second in program history behind Antoine Carr who finished his career with 209.&nbsp;He was joined in the portal by freshman Yanis Bamba.&nbsp; The portal closes on April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WSU's Ballard enters transfer portal 

TAYA WILSON Sterling College Sports Information&nbsp;

Sterling, Kan. - Life consists of many milestones, from the first day of kindergarten, to graduating high school, to your first job, life is full of milestones that many people collectively share. But in the world of collegiate basketball, one milestone stands above the rest, the 1,000-point club.

This milestone is sought by many and achieved by only a select few who fight through the grind, persevere through hardship, and put in the work.

This season, Sterling College celebrated three athletes who achieved this milestone all coming from Kansas Junior College’s and all finding their own niche in the Warrior family.

On the men’s side, both Emmanuel “Mooch” Austin and Jayden Garrison were able to achieve this breakthrough while Alissa Heskamp made the same achievement on the women’s side of the court.

Austin, who hails from Orange County, Calif., started his playing career at Cowley College where he scored 262 of his 1,000 points. It was here that Warrior’s head coach Randy Stange and assistant coach Jack Shields noticed his ability to get the job done.

“Coach Jack hit my phone about a week after the season ended saying that he had some opportunities for me to continue playing and then shortly after that Coach Stange hit my phone saying the same thing,” Austin said. “They were really excited about me because the previous point guard had graduated and they thought it was a great opportunity for me to get into their system.”

The system worked out well for both Austin and the Warrior’s basketball program as he racked up 867 points over the past two seasons.

“Our best game is when he (Austin) has five or six assists and others are involved,” Stange said. “His ability to get to the basket is unmatched. I don’t think there’s been anyone that we’ve played where it hasn’t taken more than one guy to stop him.”

Austin scored his landmark 1,000 career point in a 29-point game against Friends University on Feb. 13, 2025 but the milestone was never on his mind.

“When I transferred here, I wasn’t really thinking about scoring 1,000 points I didn’t think I could get it, honestly,” he said. “So, for me to hit 1,000 points, it really means a lot.”

The senior realizes that none of it would have been possible without his “band of brothers” around him.

“We just have a lot of off the court bonding,” Austin said. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s always going to be ups and downs, but what brings us together as far as being a ‘brothership’ is a focus on family and the stuff we do off the court.”

One of his brothers on the court also reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same season. Garrison, a Little River, Kan. native, transferred to Sterling from Hutchinson Community College where he racked up 459 points throughout his career.

“Jayden, he’s more of a shooter,” Stange said. “He’s got to be able to utilize screens and move without the ball. Jayden shorts really deep and he’s one of those guys that when he’s on he’s as good as anybody in our league, and our league is one of the best in the country. So, you have to say he’s as good as anybody in the country.”

While at Sterling, Garrison averaged shooting an incredible 34% from beyond the three-point line and accumulated 746 points as a Warrior. His 1,000 points came earlier in the season on Jan. 8 in the game against Friends University where he scored 12 points.

“Without God all of my athletic achievements throughout the years would not have been possible,” Garrison said. “I was blessed with an ability to play the game I love at a high level for many years. I am very grateful and thankful for this accomplishment.”

Coach Stange realizes the importance both of these players have been to Sterling’s team over the past two years.

“I’ve been proud of their effort all year. It was a difficult stretch for both of those guys at different times. I’m proud of their heart, proud of what they’ve done and proud of how tough they are,” Stange said. “They both have been great and we’re going to miss them. It’s going to be very hard to replace both of them.”

On the women’s side, Heskamp had been the extra “oomph” the Lady Warriors have needed, especially in their post-season push, which led to a KCAC tournament championship. However, collegiate basketball wasn’t in the picture when she finished her time at Barton Community College.

“I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue playing basketball, but Coach (K.C.) Bassett and her coaching staff told me they would help me find joy in playing the game again,” Heskamp said. “I think that was one of the biggest things that made me decide to come to Sterling.”

At Barton Community College, Heskamp amounted 364 points before coming to Sterling. Her grit and determination is what helped her rise above and become a staple in the Lady Warrior’s offense.

“There’s just a toughness to her that I absolutely love and she’s really helped transform this team, especially to make this late push that we’ve been able to have this season,” head coach K.C. Bassett said.

Heskamp scored her 1,000-career point on Jan. 25 against Evangel University where she scored 21 points in the Warrior’s 83-82 victory, and ended her Lady Warrior career with 792 points.

“Reaching 1,000 points in my college basketball career was something I never thought would happen,” Heskamp said. “This means a lot for me, as a once little girl that first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game. It means even more now because I wanted to give up on my dreams multiple times throughout my college career. This has shown me that perseverance and hard work through all my struggles has made me proud for never giving up on my dream.”

She also realizes that none of this would have been possible apart from her Lady Warrior “family.”

“The biggest thing I love about the Sterling College women’s basketball program has been the culture Coach Bassett has created. Last year she told us that F.A.M.I.L.Y stood for ‘Forget About Me, I Love You’ and I think it is something that this program really goes by,” Heskamp said. “The girls are my best friends and they have helped me enjoy the game which was my biggest goal when I chose to keep playing.”

Not only has the the Lady Warrior basketball team had a big impact on her life, but she’s had a big impact on the program.

“She just speaks through actions. Alissa is one of the most hard-nosed players, but it’s also been cool to see her come out of her shell over the past two years,” Coach Bassett said. “Personally, seeing her evolve and grow and love on the girls around her has been awesome.”

Both Coach Bassett and Coach Stange have enjoyed the benefits that Junior College athletes bring when transferring to Sterling College. From the impact they make in the game, to the relationships they create off the court, these students make a big difference in the program.

“I’m just trying to get the best players I can to get the best team I can,” Coach Stange said. “My experience with JUCO guys is that they’re good, but they’re really good the second semester of the second year. They’ve figured out the system, they know what to expect, and they’re athletic ability and basketball IQ has grown tremendously.”

Bassett has seen the same thing on the women’s side.

“It’s hard for a guard to come in their junior year and be part of a different system for the third time, but once they get their feet underneath them, they really thrive,” she said.

There’s something to be said for an experienced junior college athlete’s ability to help develop the younger athletes while also benefitting from the atmosphere of a four-year culture. It’s the mixture that allows Sterling College’s programs to thrive.

Both coaches are looking for the same thing: buy in. They want their athletes to have a passion for the game while also building a “family” that allows them to thrive in the Warrior family. It’s all part of the tradition of excellence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915724744.jpeg" alt="Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAYA WILSON Sterling College Sports Information&nbsp;Sterling, Kan. - Life consists of many milestones, from the first day of kindergarten, to graduating high school, to your first job, life is full of milestones that many people collectively share. But in the world of collegiate basketball, one milestone stands above the rest, the 1,000-point club.This milestone is sought by many and achieved by only a select few who fight through the grind, persevere through hardship, and put in the work.This season, Sterling College celebrated three athletes who achieved this milestone all coming from Kansas Junior College’s and all finding their own niche in the Warrior family.On the men’s side, both Emmanuel “Mooch” Austin and Jayden Garrison were able to achieve this breakthrough while Alissa Heskamp made the same achievement on the women’s side of the court.Austin, who hails from Orange County, Calif., started his playing career at Cowley College where he scored 262 of his 1,000 points. It was here that Warrior’s head coach Randy Stange and assistant coach Jack Shields noticed his ability to get the job done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915858135.jpeg" alt="Emmanuel Austin (photo courtesy Sterling College) " />
 <figcaption>Emmanuel Austin (photo courtesy Sterling College) </figcaption>
 </figure>“Coach Jack hit my phone about a week after the season ended saying that he had some opportunities for me to continue playing and then shortly after that Coach Stange hit my phone saying the same thing,” Austin said. “They were really excited about me because the previous point guard had graduated and they thought it was a great opportunity for me to get into their system.”The system worked out well for both Austin and the Warrior’s basketball program as he racked up 867 points over the past two seasons.“Our best game is when he (Austin) has five or six assists and others are involved,” Stange said. “His ability to get to the basket is unmatched. I don’t think there’s been anyone that we’ve played where it hasn’t taken more than one guy to stop him.”Austin scored his landmark 1,000 career point in a 29-point game against Friends University on Feb. 13, 2025 but the milestone was never on his mind.“When I transferred here, I wasn’t really thinking about scoring 1,000 points I didn’t think I could get it, honestly,” he said. “So, for me to hit 1,000 points, it really means a lot.”The senior realizes that none of it would have been possible without his “band of brothers” around him.“We just have a lot of off the court bonding,” Austin said. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s always going to be ups and downs, but what brings us together as far as being a ‘brothership’ is a focus on family and the stuff we do off the court.”One of his brothers on the court also reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same season. Garrison, a Little River, Kan. native, transferred to Sterling from Hutchinson Community College where he racked up 459 points throughout his career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915419797.jpeg" alt="Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Jayden, he’s more of a shooter,” Stange said. “He’s got to be able to utilize screens and move without the ball. Jayden shorts really deep and he’s one of those guys that when he’s on he’s as good as anybody in our league, and our league is one of the best in the country. So, you have to say he’s as good as anybody in the country.”While at Sterling, Garrison averaged shooting an incredible 34% from beyond the three-point line and accumulated 746 points as a Warrior. His 1,000 points came earlier in the season on Jan. 8 in the game against Friends University where he scored 12 points.“Without God all of my athletic achievements throughout the years would not have been possible,” Garrison said. “I was blessed with an ability to play the game I love at a high level for many years. I am very grateful and thankful for this accomplishment.”Coach Stange realizes the importance both of these players have been to Sterling’s team over the past two years.“I’ve been proud of their effort all year. It was a difficult stretch for both of those guys at different times. I’m proud of their heart, proud of what they’ve done and proud of how tough they are,” Stange said. “They both have been great and we’re going to miss them. It’s going to be very hard to replace both of them.”On the women’s side, Heskamp had been the extra “oomph” the Lady Warriors have needed, especially in their post-season push, which led to a KCAC tournament championship. However, collegiate basketball wasn’t in the picture when she finished her time at Barton Community College.“I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue playing basketball, but Coach (K.C.) Bassett and her coaching staff told me they would help me find joy in playing the game again,” Heskamp said. “I think that was one of the biggest things that made me decide to come to Sterling.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915912262.jpeg" alt="Alissa Heskamp (photo courtesy Sterling College) " />
 <figcaption>Alissa Heskamp (photo courtesy Sterling College) </figcaption>
 </figure>At Barton Community College, Heskamp amounted 364 points before coming to Sterling. Her grit and determination is what helped her rise above and become a staple in the Lady Warrior’s offense.“There’s just a toughness to her that I absolutely love and she’s really helped transform this team, especially to make this late push that we’ve been able to have this season,” head coach K.C. Bassett said.Heskamp scored her 1,000-career point on Jan. 25 against Evangel University where she scored 21 points in the Warrior’s 83-82 victory, and ended her Lady Warrior career with 792 points.“Reaching 1,000 points in my college basketball career was something I never thought would happen,” Heskamp said. “This means a lot for me, as a once little girl that first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game. It means even more now because I wanted to give up on my dreams multiple times throughout my college career. This has shown me that perseverance and hard work through all my struggles has made me proud for never giving up on my dream.”She also realizes that none of this would have been possible apart from her Lady Warrior “family.”“The biggest thing I love about the Sterling College women’s basketball program has been the culture Coach Bassett has created. Last year she told us that F.A.M.I.L.Y stood for ‘Forget About Me, I Love You’ and I think it is something that this program really goes by,” Heskamp said. “The girls are my best friends and they have helped me enjoy the game which was my biggest goal when I chose to keep playing.”Not only has the the Lady Warrior basketball team had a big impact on her life, but she’s had a big impact on the program.“She just speaks through actions. Alissa is one of the most hard-nosed players, but it’s also been cool to see her come out of her shell over the past two years,” Coach Bassett said. “Personally, seeing her evolve and grow and love on the girls around her has been awesome.”Both Coach Bassett and Coach Stange have enjoyed the benefits that Junior College athletes bring when transferring to Sterling College. From the impact they make in the game, to the relationships they create off the court, these students make a big difference in the program.“I’m just trying to get the best players I can to get the best team I can,” Coach Stange said. “My experience with JUCO guys is that they’re good, but they’re really good the second semester of the second year. They’ve figured out the system, they know what to expect, and they’re athletic ability and basketball IQ has grown tremendously.”Bassett has seen the same thing on the women’s side.“It’s hard for a guard to come in their junior year and be part of a different system for the third time, but once they get their feet underneath them, they really thrive,” she said.There’s something to be said for an experienced junior college athlete’s ability to help develop the younger athletes while also benefitting from the atmosphere of a four-year culture. It’s the mixture that allows Sterling College’s programs to thrive.Both coaches are looking for the same thing: buy in. They want their athletes to have a passion for the game while also building a “family” that allows them to thrive in the Warrior family. It’s all part of the tradition of excellence.