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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The team that would eventually take the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years was under construction long before general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid finally laid the cornerstone. That came in the form of Patrick Mahomes, their record-setting quarterback. Once they drafted him a couple of years ago, it was a matter of adding a couple of pieces around him on offense and then overhauling an inept defense that kept holding Kansas City back.

UNDATED (AP) — It has been a while since a Super Bowl has appeared to be such a toss-up. This one between the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the AFC champ Kansas City Chiefs is a difficult game to judge. The 49ers have gone from the No. 2 pick in the draft last April to the verge of another championship. The Chiefs were in the AFC title contest last year and fell in overtime. In 2019, both teams were dynamic and won a bunch of big games. Now they meet in the biggest one.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Trading breakaways and playing at a frenetic pace was what 3-on-3 overtime was about when it debuted in the NHL in 2015. The idea was to open up the ice for skilled players so fewer games needed to be decided by a shootout. This format is now in its fifth season. It has become a much more methodical game full of strategy predicated on holding on to the puck and only taking the highest of quality shots. The evolution of 3-on-3 with so many teams opting to circle back over and over has prompted talk about adding a shot clock, forcing teams to stay in the offensive zone and potentially adding time beyond the current five-minute period.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Shooting pucks from the stands and some of the best women's hockey players in the world going back and forth in a 3-on-3 game stole the show at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition.&nbsp;The two new events spiced up the skills competition by showcasing the kind of offensive skill that has become the norm in the sport. Eight NHL All-Stars and women's players Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin from a platform behind one of the nets took aim at targets on the ice in a mix of hockey and Top Golf. Canada beat the U.S. 2-1 in a thrilling 3-on-3 game earlier in the night.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brady Tkachuk, a 20-year-old forward for the Ottawa Senators, was planning to watch his older brother, Matthew, represent the Calgary Flames in the NHL All-Star Game. But Toronto's Auston Matthews couldn't play in the game due to injury, and Brady was chosen as his replacement. The NHL's All-Star Weekend has become a family reunion for the Tkachuk brothers, who are playing in their first All-Star Game. The brothers grew up in St. Louis, where their father, Keith, played roughly half of his 18-year career.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Pérez took the oath of U.S. citizenship during the team's annual FanFest on Friday. Pérez is a six-time All Star and a five-time Gold Glove winner who missed last season after Tommy John surgery,&nbsp;His return will be key for the Royals following back-to-back 100-loss seasons. New manager Mike Matheny is excited to have Pérez back behind the plate. Matheny is also glad that left fielder Alex Gordon decided to return for one more season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alex Gordon has agreed to consent to a trade by the Kansas City Royals starting June 16, an unusual provision in the outfielder's new $4 million, one-year contract. Gordon has spent his entire career with the Royals and has the right to block trades under baseball's labor contract because his has at least 10 years of major league service, including five or more with his current team. If he is traded, he would receive a $500,000 assignment bonus each time he is dealt. In addition, if he is traded he would be eligible for $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.

UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference didn't do much to help its basketball reputation the first two months of the season when it struggled through nonconference play. A chance to redeem itself comes this weekend. The SEC has plenty of possibilities for attention-getting victories Saturday during the Big 12-SEC Challenge. The most notable opportunities involve Florida hosting No. 1 Baylor and Tennessee visiting No. 3 Kansas. The Big 12 has three schools rated among the top seven teams in the NET rankings. The SEC has only one team higher than 24th.&nbsp;

Here are the latest scores from today's sports events:

Metropolitan All-Stars	at	Atlantic All-Stars	8:15 p.m.

Pacific All-Stars	at	Central All-Stars	9:15 p.m.

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The team that would eventually take the Kansas City Chiefs back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years was under construction long before general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid finally laid the cornerstone. That came in the form of Patrick Mahomes, their record-setting quarterback. Once they drafted him a couple of years ago, it was a matter of adding a couple of pieces around him on offense and then overhauling an inept defense that kept holding Kansas City back.UNDATED (AP) — It has been a while since a Super Bowl has appeared to be such a toss-up. This one between the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the AFC champ Kansas City Chiefs is a difficult game to judge. The 49ers have gone from the No. 2 pick in the draft last April to the verge of another championship. The Chiefs were in the AFC title contest last year and fell in overtime. In 2019, both teams were dynamic and won a bunch of big games. Now they meet in the biggest one.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Trading breakaways and playing at a frenetic pace was what 3-on-3 overtime was about when it debuted in the NHL in 2015. The idea was to open up the ice for skilled players so fewer games needed to be decided by a shootout. This format is now in its fifth season. It has become a much more methodical game full of strategy predicated on holding on to the puck and only taking the highest of quality shots. The evolution of 3-on-3 with so many teams opting to circle back over and over has prompted talk about adding a shot clock, forcing teams to stay in the offensive zone and potentially adding time beyond the current five-minute period.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Shooting pucks from the stands and some of the best women's hockey players in the world going back and forth in a 3-on-3 game stole the show at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition.&nbsp;The two new events spiced up the skills competition by showcasing the kind of offensive skill that has become the norm in the sport. Eight NHL All-Stars and women's players Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin from a platform behind one of the nets took aim at targets on the ice in a mix of hockey and Top Golf. Canada beat the U.S. 2-1 in a thrilling 3-on-3 game earlier in the night.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Brady Tkachuk, a 20-year-old forward for the Ottawa Senators, was planning to watch his older brother, Matthew, represent the Calgary Flames in the NHL All-Star Game. But Toronto's Auston Matthews couldn't play in the game due to injury, and Brady was chosen as his replacement. The NHL's All-Star Weekend has become a family reunion for the Tkachuk brothers, who are playing in their first All-Star Game. The brothers grew up in St. Louis, where their father, Keith, played roughly half of his 18-year career.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Pérez took the oath of U.S. citizenship during the team's annual FanFest on Friday. Pérez is a six-time All Star and a five-time Gold Glove winner who missed last season after Tommy John surgery,&nbsp;His return will be key for the Royals following back-to-back 100-loss seasons. New manager Mike Matheny is excited to have Pérez back behind the plate. Matheny is also glad that left fielder Alex Gordon decided to return for one more season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alex Gordon has agreed to consent to a trade by the Kansas City Royals starting June 16, an unusual provision in the outfielder's new $4 million, one-year contract. Gordon has spent his entire career with the Royals and has the right to block trades under baseball's labor contract because his has at least 10 years of major league service, including five or more with his current team. If he is traded, he would receive a $500,000 assignment bonus each time he is dealt. In addition, if he is traded he would be eligible for $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference didn't do much to help its basketball reputation the first two months of the season when it struggled through nonconference play. A chance to redeem itself comes this weekend. The SEC has plenty of possibilities for attention-getting victories Saturday during the Big 12-SEC Challenge. The most notable opportunities involve Florida hosting No. 1 Baylor and Tennessee visiting No. 3 Kansas. The Big 12 has three schools rated among the top seven teams in the NET rankings. The SEC has only one team higher than 24th.&nbsp;AP-ScorecardHere are the latest scores from today's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Dallas	at	Utah	5 p.m.Brooklyn	at	Detroit	7 p.m.Chicago	at	Cleveland	8 p.m.Oklahoma City	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.L.A. Lakers	at	Philadelphia	8:30 p.m.___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Metropolitan All-Stars	at	Atlantic All-Stars	8:15 p.m.Pacific All-Stars	at	Central All-Stars	9:15 p.m.TBD	at	TBD	10:15 p.m.___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (1)Baylor	at	Florida	8 p.m.Pacific	at	(2)Gonzaga	10 p.m.Tennessee	at	(3)Kansas	4 p.m.Notre Dame	at	(5)Florida St.	8 p.m.Clemson	at	(6)Louisville	2 p.m.(7)Dayton	at	Richmond	6 p.m.(9)Villanova	at	Providence	1 p.m.Missouri	at	(14)West Virginia	12 p.m.(15)Kentucky	at	(18)Texas Tech	6 p.m.Iowa St.	at	(16)Auburn	12 p.m.SMU	at	(20)Memphis	4 p.m.(21)Illinois	at	Michigan	12 p.m.(22)Arizona	at	Arizona St.	9:30 p.m.Washington	at	(23)Colorado	9 p.m.Nebraska	at	(24)Rutgers	2 p.m.___

Saturday Sports Headlines

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

WICHITA, Kan. &nbsp;– Unable to run in the indoor season as a freshman, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/kibet_andrew_btgu">Andrew Kibet</a>&nbsp;made a grand indoor debut on Friday at the Shocker Prelude, the Blue Dragons' 2020 season-opening meet.

Kibet broke the Hutchinson indoor 600-meter men's record, winning the event in a time of 1 minute, 19.35 seconds. That time also broke the Shocker Prelude and Heskett Center records and qualified the multi-time track and cross country All-American for the NJCAA Indoor Championships in March.

Kibet, who missed the 2019 indoor season because of injury, broke the old record of Elijah Smith, whose time of 12:20.55 was set at the 2019 Region VI Indoor Championships in Pittsburg. Kibet now owns three Blue Dragon track or cross country records, also holding the cross country 8,000-meter mark and outdoor 800-meter record.

Kibet was one of three Blue Dragons who turned in national qualifying marks on Friday.

<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/files/Indoor_1_-_Shocker_Prelude.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL SHOCKER PRELUDE RESULTS</a>

Sophomore Sylvester ran a PR and improved his second-fastest Hutchinson indoor 3,000-meter time with a runner-up performance of 8:41.52.

Sophomore sprinter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/scott_jared_6j7i">Jared Scott</a>&nbsp;qualified for nationals in the 60-meter preliminaries with a time of 6.86 seconds. He improved his time and finished third in the 60 finals at 6.79 seconds. That mark was just 0.01 seconds off Scott's PR.

Scott then earned Hutchinson's second event win, taking the 200-meters in 22.43 seconds.

The Blue Dragons had 3 of the top 5 finishers in the 200. Alex Bengtssen was third in 23.32.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/hawkins_jordan_68ay">Jordan Hawkins</a>&nbsp;was fifth in 23.78 seconds and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/craig_nicomus_n4i2">Nicomus Craig</a>&nbsp;was ninth in 24.30.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/flanagan_teagan_1rvv">Teagan Flanagan</a>&nbsp;had a strong Blue Dragon debut. The distance runner played fifth in the mile run (4:34.34) and was fifth in the 3,000 meters (9:07.91).

Hutchinson jumpers had good starts to their season on Friday.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/fielder_joshua_g2nb">Joshua Fielder</a>&nbsp;placed third in the triple jump with a leap of 43 feet, 8 inches. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/fisher_elijah_imki">Elijah Fisher</a>&nbsp;was fourth in the long jump at 22 feet, 0.25 inch.

Hutchinson will compete at the Jayhawk Invitational next Friday at Anschutz Pavilion in Lawrence.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA, Kan. &nbsp;– Unable to run in the indoor season as a freshman, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/kibet_andrew_btgu">Andrew Kibet</a>&nbsp;made a grand indoor debut on Friday at the Shocker Prelude, the Blue Dragons' 2020 season-opening meet.Kibet broke the Hutchinson indoor 600-meter men's record, winning the event in a time of 1 minute, 19.35 seconds. That time also broke the Shocker Prelude and Heskett Center records and qualified the multi-time track and cross country All-American for the NJCAA Indoor Championships in March.Kibet, who missed the 2019 indoor season because of injury, broke the old record of Elijah Smith, whose time of 12:20.55 was set at the 2019 Region VI Indoor Championships in Pittsburg. Kibet now owns three Blue Dragon track or cross country records, also holding the cross country 8,000-meter mark and outdoor 800-meter record.Kibet was one of three Blue Dragons who turned in national qualifying marks on Friday.<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/files/Indoor_1_-_Shocker_Prelude.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL SHOCKER PRELUDE RESULTS</a>Sophomore Sylvester ran a PR and improved his second-fastest Hutchinson indoor 3,000-meter time with a runner-up performance of 8:41.52.Sophomore sprinter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/scott_jared_6j7i">Jared Scott</a>&nbsp;qualified for nationals in the 60-meter preliminaries with a time of 6.86 seconds. He improved his time and finished third in the 60 finals at 6.79 seconds. That mark was just 0.01 seconds off Scott's PR.Scott then earned Hutchinson's second event win, taking the 200-meters in 22.43 seconds.The Blue Dragons had 3 of the top 5 finishers in the 200. Alex Bengtssen was third in 23.32.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/hawkins_jordan_68ay">Jordan Hawkins</a>&nbsp;was fifth in 23.78 seconds and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/craig_nicomus_n4i2">Nicomus Craig</a>&nbsp;was ninth in 24.30.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/flanagan_teagan_1rvv">Teagan Flanagan</a>&nbsp;had a strong Blue Dragon debut. The distance runner played fifth in the mile run (4:34.34) and was fifth in the 3,000 meters (9:07.91).Hutchinson jumpers had good starts to their season on Friday.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/fielder_joshua_g2nb">Joshua Fielder</a>&nbsp;placed third in the triple jump with a leap of 43 feet, 8 inches. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/fisher_elijah_imki">Elijah Fisher</a>&nbsp;was fourth in the long jump at 22 feet, 0.25 inch.Hutchinson will compete at the Jayhawk Invitational next Friday at Anschutz Pavilion in Lawrence.

Kibet starts indoor season with school record in 600

Colby's Orange and Black Classic Results

KANSAS CITY -- Just how nervous was Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/521692" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;taking the test Friday to become a U.S. citizen?

“I would rather be hitting with two outs and the bases loaded and 3-2 in the World Series than do that again,” Perez said. “I was drinking water every two seconds. My eyes were super big.

“But it’s been fun. Had a great time.”

Perez took the exam Friday with an immigration official, passed it, and then took the oath at the ceremony on stage at the club's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/fans/fanfest" target="_blank">FanFest</a>.

Perez said that he studied hard over the past months.

“I studied for it,” Perez said, smiling. “There were about 100 questions I studied. It was hard. I know a couple [things] that you guys know. I was [studying] in my car while I was in Miami. I would just listen to the questions and answers. I did that for about two months.”

2,230<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1220866920867684354">6:32 PM - Jan 24, 2020</a><a href="https://support.twitter.com/articles/20175256">Twitter Ads info and privacy</a>291 people are talking about this

It turns out the exam wasn’t quite as difficult as Perez feared.

“I don’t know if it’s because I’m Salvador Perez and I play for the Kansas City Royals,” Perez said. “But I took the test here and they took care of me. I never felt like I was having a test. I felt like I was having a conversation with the guy. He was talking to me about my family -- he asked me a couple of questions in the middle -- but it only took about 10 minutes. He just told me, ‘Congratulations, you passed the test.’ I was actually kind of waiting for [the real] test.

“I’m pretty excited. It’s a nice thing for the organization to do this for me [at FanFest.]

628<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1220872180872945664">6:53 PM - Jan 24, 2020</a><a href="https://support.twitter.com/articles/20175256">Twitter Ads info and privacy</a>75 people are talking about this

Perez, 29, said he had his green card for five years before applying for citizenship.

“For a Latin guy, this is one of the best things you can do,” Perez said. “It’s important for our family.’

Perez had some other good news on Friday as well. He was able to throw from the catcher’s position to second base at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy for the first time since undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/salvador-perez-to-miss-2019-with-tommy-john-surgery" target="_blank">Tommy John surgery last March</a>.

“I didn’t feel [any pain] in the elbow,” Perez said. “I wish I could play for 10 more years.”

Perez wouldn’t wish the rehab process on anyone.

“It’s hard,” he said. “Pitchers get used to having Tommy John. But it’s hard for a position player because you have to play every day. Pitchers take more time to recover.

“But yes, sir, if all goes well, I’ll be ready on Opening Day in Chicago.”

Perez also reports he has lost 22 pounds this offseason -- mostly the weight he put on early in the rehab process.

“I’ll be honest, because I was eating a lot then,” Perez said. “[Trainer Nick Kenney] told me [weight gain] was part of the process because you can’t do certain things. And I like to eat. But I have lost the weight now and feel good.”

KANSAS CITY -- Just how nervous was Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/521692" target="_blank">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;taking the test Friday to become a U.S. citizen?“I would rather be hitting with two outs and the bases loaded and 3-2 in the World Series than do that again,” Perez said. “I was drinking water every two seconds. My eyes were super big.“But it’s been fun. Had a great time.”Perez took the exam Friday with an immigration official, passed it, and then took the oath at the ceremony on stage at the club's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/fans/fanfest" target="_blank">FanFest</a>.Perez said that he studied hard over the past months.“I studied for it,” Perez said, smiling. “There were about 100 questions I studied. It was hard. I know a couple [things] that you guys know. I was [studying] in my car while I was in Miami. I would just listen to the questions and answers. I did that for about two months.”<figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPFkrutWoAApeVY?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2,230<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1220866920867684354">6:32 PM - Jan 24, 2020</a><a href="https://support.twitter.com/articles/20175256">Twitter Ads info and privacy</a>291 people are talking about thisIt turns out the exam wasn’t quite as difficult as Perez feared.“I don’t know if it’s because I’m Salvador Perez and I play for the Kansas City Royals,” Perez said. “But I took the test here and they took care of me. I never felt like I was having a test. I felt like I was having a conversation with the guy. He was talking to me about my family -- he asked me a couple of questions in the middle -- but it only took about 10 minutes. He just told me, ‘Congratulations, you passed the test.’ I was actually kind of waiting for [the real] test.“I’m pretty excited. It’s a nice thing for the organization to do this for me [at FanFest.]<figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPFoxdcWsAAddAR?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPFoxddWoAIB3Ev?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPFoxdcX4AI77Hk?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EPFoxdeW4AEdnNc?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>628<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1220872180872945664">6:53 PM - Jan 24, 2020</a><a href="https://support.twitter.com/articles/20175256">Twitter Ads info and privacy</a>75 people are talking about thisPerez, 29, said he had his green card for five years before applying for citizenship.“For a Latin guy, this is one of the best things you can do,” Perez said. “It’s important for our family.’Perez had some other good news on Friday as well. He was able to throw from the catcher’s position to second base at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy for the first time since undergoing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/salvador-perez-to-miss-2019-with-tommy-john-surgery" target="_blank">Tommy John surgery last March</a>.“I didn’t feel [any pain] in the elbow,” Perez said. “I wish I could play for 10 more years.”Perez wouldn’t wish the rehab process on anyone.“It’s hard,” he said. “Pitchers get used to having Tommy John. But it’s hard for a position player because you have to play every day. Pitchers take more time to recover.“But yes, sir, if all goes well, I’ll be ready on Opening Day in Chicago.”Perez also reports he has lost 22 pounds this offseason -- mostly the weight he put on early in the rehab process.“I’ll be honest, because I was eating a lot then,” Perez said. “[Trainer Nick Kenney] told me [weight gain] was part of the process because you can’t do certain things. And I like to eat. But I have lost the weight now and feel good.”

Salvy celebrates FanFest as U.S. citizen

COLBY, Kan. - The Hutchinson Salthawks trailed at the half 30-25, but DSST-Green Valley Ranch had other thoughts of letting the Salthawks earn their first win of the season. &nbsp;The Raptors blitzed the Salthawks in the 3rd period and won going away 82-69.

Hutch made a run late in the contest to cut it to a 10 point difference, but couldn't hold serve as the hot shooting Raptors answered every run.

Weston Kraus let the Salthawks with a career high 18 points, plus Kinser Newquist put up 12 along with Treyton Peterson's 10 points. &nbsp;Freshman Garrett Robertson and Jake Huhs added 9 pts each.

DSST-Green Valley Ranch was led by Sophomore Luke Williams as he had a game high 33 points. Tim Huston also added 12 to the Raptos total as the run their record to 10-2 on the season and match up with Scott City for 4th place tomorrow afternoon at Colby High School/

The Salthawks will play out the tournament for 7th place versus the Goodland Cowboys at 11:30 am Saturday at the Colby Community Building.

COLBY, Kan. - The Hutchinson Salthawks trailed at the half 30-25, but DSST-Green Valley Ranch had other thoughts of letting the Salthawks earn their first win of the season. &nbsp;The Raptors blitzed the Salthawks in the 3rd period and won going away 82-69.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cd1_pMjrrpg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Hutch made a run late in the contest to cut it to a 10 point difference, but couldn't hold serve as the hot shooting Raptors answered every run.Weston Kraus let the Salthawks with a career high 18 points, plus Kinser Newquist put up 12 along with Treyton Peterson's 10 points. &nbsp;Freshman Garrett Robertson and Jake Huhs added 9 pts each.DSST-Green Valley Ranch was led by Sophomore Luke Williams as he had a game high 33 points. Tim Huston also added 12 to the Raptos total as the run their record to 10-2 on the season and match up with Scott City for 4th place tomorrow afternoon at Colby High School/The Salthawks will play out the tournament for 7th place versus the Goodland Cowboys at 11:30 am Saturday at the Colby Community Building.

🎥🏀Salthawks get blitzed; Drop consolation bracket semi-final to DSST-Green Valley Ranch in Colby

East (Kansas City, Mo. 55, Leavenworth 54

Green Country Homeschool, Okla. 80, Chetopa 40

SM South 61, Soldan International, Mo. 36

DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 82, Hutchinson 69

DSST-Green Valley Ranch 82, Hutchinson 69

Friday's ScoresBy The Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Bishop Miege 58, Manhattan 45Central Plains 48, KC Christian 18Deerfield 69, Rolla 14East (Kansas City, Mo. 55, Leavenworth 54Green Country Homeschool, Okla. 80, Chetopa 40Humboldt 57, Algona, Iowa 48Lansing 63, SM West 54Larned 75, Ness City 42Logan 80, Palco 15Southeast Saline 63, Smoky Valley 60, OTWeskan 50, Golden Plains 39Baldwin Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Wellsville 63, KC Bishop Ward 45Semifinal=Augusta 60, Bishop Seabury Academy 47Burlington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Caney Valley 52, Paola 49Semifinal=Rock Creek 41, Independence 40Canton-Galva Tournament=Seventh Place=Bennington 63, Ell-Saline 32Third Place=Sedgwick 54, Moundridge 39Centre Tournament=Semifinal=Elyria Christian 62, Peabody-Burns 48Chanute Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Wichita Defenders 49, Goddard 34Semifinal=Andover Central 52, Emporia 50SM South 61, Soldan International, Mo. 36Chaparral Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Mulvane 71, Wellington 53Semifinal=Belle Plaine 77, Arkansas City 66Colby Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 82, Hutchinson 69Scott City 56, Goodland 49DSST-Green Valley Ranch 82, Hutchinson 69Semifinal=Hays 51, Beloit 42Pine Creek, Colo. 42, Colby 39El Dorado Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=El Dorado 55, Circle 45Manhattan CHIEF 69, Wichita Trinity 61Semifinal=Great Bend 60, Kapaun Mount Carmel 52Wichita Collegiate 76, Newton 67FHL Tournament=Semifinal=Lyndon 47, Council Grove 46Mission Valley 42, Northern Heights 41Fredonia Tournament=Championship=Cherryvale 68, Iola 52Third Place=Girard 69, Bluestem 26Halstead Tournament=Semifinal=Cheney 62, Andale 55Haven 51, Garden Plain 45Hillsboro Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Eureka 57, Remington 31Semifinal=Hesston 63, Riley County 46Holcomb 45, Hillsboro 40Hoisington Tournament=Semifinal=La Crosse 46, Ellinwood 40HPL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Elkhart 66, Stanton County 58Southwestern Hts. 49, Sublette 35Semifinal=Lakin 68, Syracuse 50Meade 70, Cimarron 61MCL Tournament=Semifinal=Hays-TMP-Marian 49, Hill City 45Phillipsburg 45, Ellis 41McPherson Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Junction City 67, Topeka Seaman 62McPherson 67, Wichita North 48Semifinal=Lawrence 67, Derby 51NPL Tournament=Consolation=Rock Hills 58, Tescott 31Seventh Place=Natoma 52, Thunder Ridge 50Third Place=St. John's Beloit-Tipton 47, Lakeside 33NWKL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Rawlins County 39, Oberlin-Decatur 19Semifinal=Greeley County 44, Quinter 33Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 53, Santa Fe Trail 46Salina Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Buhler 65, Concordia 20Salina Central 74, Liberal 61Semifinal=Andover 63, Abilene 50Salina South 57, Wichita South 52SCBL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Oxford 68, Flinthills 43Udall 62, South Haven 41Semifinal=Caldwell 51, West Elk 35Shawnee Mission West Tournament=Championship=BV North 67, Grandview, Mo. 43Third Place=Blue Springs South, Mo. 67, SM Northwest 63Southeast Lancer Classic=Erie 49, Jayhawk Linn 36St. Paul 59, Southeast 52Spring Hill Tournament=Championship=Goddard-Eisenhower 56, Olathe South 46St Thomas Aquinas Tournament=Consolation=Lee's Summit West, Mo. 75, Olathe East 64Semifinal=Liberty North, Mo. 58, St. Thomas Aquinas 55Parsons 79, Lee's Summit Community Christian, Mo. 48St. John Tournament=Semifinal=Nickerson 58, St. John 46Sterling Tournament=Championship=Sterling 84, Hutchinson Trinity 77, 3OTSeventh Place=Kingman 66, Russell 46Third Place=Lyons 73, Hugoton 56Tonganoxie Tournament=Semifinal=Metro Academy 59, Olathe West 45Topeka Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Topeka 70, St. Mary's 50Semifinal=Lawrence 74, Highland Park 56Topeka West 56, Wichita Northwest 50Tournament of Champions=Consolation Semifinal=Wichita East 46, Dodge City 39Semifinal=Wichita Campus 71, Shawnee Heights 45Valley Center Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Maize South 86, Coffeyville 46Valley Center 79, Ulysses 46Semifinal=Wichita Southeast 68, BV West 66<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Bennington 61, Veritas Christian 11Blue Springs, Mo. 65, Frontenac 33Cheylin 51, Western Plains 31Lansing 49, Gardner-Edgerton 48Logan 46, Palco 33Maize South 67, Wichita Campus 46Manhattan 45, Topeka West 15Moundridge 46, Goessel 30Nemaha Central 62, Marysville 33Rolla 35, Deerfield 2Sedgwick 34, Ell-Saline 29Topeka 76, Topeka Seaman 67Washburn Rural 59, Junction City 34Burlington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Independence 52, Prairie View 28Colby Tournament=Semifinal=Colby 52, Beloit 37Scott City 51, Goodland 37Consolation Semifinal=Hays 50, Highland Park 42FHL Tournament=Semifinal=Chase County 45, Mission Valley 42Fredonia Tournament=Championship=Girard 56, Cherryvale 47Third Place=Iola 30, Fredonia 23Hillsboro Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Clay Center 54, Remington 27Eureka 38, Republic County 35Semifinal=Riley County 33, Hesston 31Hoisington Tournament=Semifinal=Otis-Bison 41, Victoria 26MCL Tournament=Semifinal=Phillipsburg 51, Hoxie 45Trego 47, Smith Center 18McLouth Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Riverside 55, McLouth 50NPL Tournament=Championship=Thunder Ridge 71, Osborne 44Consolation=Lakeside 31, Wilson 29Seventh Place=Southern Cloud 35, Lincoln 23Third Place=St. John's Beloit-Tipton 48, Pike Valley 22Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 54, Santa Fe Trail 37Wabaunsee 62, Royal Valley 29Salina Invitational Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Andover 53, Abilene 33Semifinal=Liberal 51, Salina South 26Salina Central 36, Buhler 33SPIAA Tournament=Ashland 35, Pawnee Heights 12Sterling Invitational Tournament=Championship=Hugoton 48, Lyons 34Fifth Place=Southeast Saline 42, Smoky Valley 36Third Place=Sterling 84, Hutchinson Trinity 29TVL Tournament=Semifinal=Valley Heights 48, Washington County 35___Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

🏀High School Prep Scores from Friday night

COLBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk Boys will try to bounce back in the consolation bracket of the 35th annual Orange and Black Classic at Colby High School tonight at 8:15 versus another Colorado team in Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) Green Valley Ranch Raptors.

Glen Grunwald will be joined by Rick Kraus for tonight's broadcast on KWBW Radio 1450 am/98.5 fm and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSYNwckPi1ogVP-_kcOInw">youtube.com on the Salthawk Sports Channel</a>.

In case of poor broadband width, the game will be uploaded later this evening.

COLBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk Boys will try to bounce back in the consolation bracket of the 35th annual Orange and Black Classic at Colby High School tonight at 8:15 versus another Colorado team in Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) Green Valley Ranch Raptors.Glen Grunwald will be joined by Rick Kraus for tonight's broadcast on KWBW Radio 1450 am/98.5 fm and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbSYNwckPi1ogVP-_kcOInw">youtube.com on the Salthawk Sports Channel</a>.In case of poor broadband width, the game will be uploaded later this evening.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7yVtN0HkOoE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥🏀 Salthawk Boys vs DSST-Green Valley Ranch

Wichita Collegiate 64, Wichita Trinity 38

Burrton 65, Hutchinson Central Christian 51

Colby 52, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 45

Pine Creek, Colo. 60, Hutchinson 44

Wichita Bishop Carroll 70, Wichita North 43

Thursday's ScoresBy The Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andover 67, Salina Central 46Bishop Miege 47, Wichita Heights 38Burlingame 48, Waverly 38Iola 78, Bluestem 47Leavenworth 73, Belton, Mo. 52Lebo 42, Olpe 34Meade 70, Elkhart 49Salina South 67, Concordia 40Bluestem Tournament=Great Bend 61, Circle 40Kapaun Mount Carmel 73, El Dorado 48Newton 92, Manhattan CHIEF 81Wichita Collegiate 64, Wichita Trinity 38Burrton Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Burrton 65, Hutchinson Central Christian 51Fairfield 53, Pretty Prairie 47Semifinal=Berean Academy 41, Inman 30Little River 59, Goessel 49Canton-Galva Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Bennington 39, Wichita Classical 21Canton-Galva 69, Ell-Saline 33Semifinal=Wichita Home School 58, Sedgwick 43Wichita Life Prep 68, Moundridge 61Chanute Tournament=Quarterfinal=Chanute 82, Andover Central 69Emporia 63, Olathe North 44SM South 62, Wichita Defenders 28Soldan International, Mo. 65, Goddard 44Chaparral Tournament=Chaparral 61, Wichita Sunrise 48Clearwater 54, Conway Springs 29Colby Tournament=Beloit 41, Goodland 38Colby 52, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 45Hays 64, Scott City 44Pine Creek, Colo. 60, Hutchinson 44FHL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Chase County 65, West Franklin 43Osage City 54, Central Heights 53Fredonia Tournament=Fifth Place=Fredonia 72, Yates Center 39Seventh Place=Douglass 57, Neodesha 32Frontenac Tournament=Frontenac 75, Providence, Ark. 52Nevada, Mo. 60, Wichita Independent 27Pacific, Mo. 45, Riverton 32Webb City, Mo. 74, Fort Scott 51Halstead Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Minneapolis 57, Halstead 42Rose Hill 69, Winfield 54Hoisington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Pratt 57, Victoria 29MCL Tournament=Stockton 48, Smith Center 43Consolation Semifinal=Hoxie 46, Norton 27Plainville 62, Trego 55McPherson Tournament=Blue Valley 64, McPherson 58Derby 77, Topeka Seaman 58Lawrence Free State 53, Junction City 38Wichita Bishop Carroll 70, Wichita North 43NPL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Lincoln 31, Natoma 29Consolation=Tescott 54, Chase 38Wilson 39, Southern Cloud 32NPLTournament=Consolation Semifinal=Pike Valley 60, Thunder Ridge 56Semifinal=Osborne 59, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 58Sylvan-Lucas 40, Lakeside 29Pittsburg Tournament=BV Northwest 57, Wichita West 34Pittsburg 66, Carl Junction, Mo. 56Pleasanton Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Oswego 64, Pleasanton 61, OTSemifinal=Uniontown 49, Humboldt 44Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 53, Wabaunsee 39Royal Valley 69, Santa Fe Trail 38Saint Thomas Aquinas Tournament=Liberty North, Mo. 44, Olathe East 34Parsons 65, Lee's Summit West, Mo. 55St. Thomas Aquinas 61, Lee's Summit Community Christian, Mo. 55Salina Invitational Tournament=Abilene 75, Liberal 55Wichita South 53, Buhler 51Shawnee Mission West Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Lansing 63, KC Wyandotte 51Semifinal=BV North 72, Blue Springs South, Mo. 48Grandview, Mo. 47, SM Northwest 45Southeast Lancer Classic=Baxter Springs 53, St. Paul 45Spring Hill Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=KC Schlagle 74, KC Sumner 6Spring Hill 77, KC East Christian 47Semifinal=Goddard-Eisenhower 61, Gardner-Edgerton 53Olathe South 51, BV Southwest 34St John tournament=Larned 40, Central Plains 31Ness City 58, KC Christian 44St. John 50, Macksville 36Sterling Invitational Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Southeast Saline 70, Kingman 47Sterling invitational Tournament=Semifinal=Hutchinson Trinity 64, Hugoton 61Semifinal=Sterling 50, Lyons 36Tonganoxie Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Bonner Springs 40, Eudora 39Tonganoxie 61, Maranatha Academy 44Topeka Invitational Tournament=Lawrence 62, Topeka Hayden 46Topeka West 75, St. Mary's 71Wichita Northwest 75, Topeka 73Tournament of Champions=Manhattan 62, Maize 34Shawnee Heights 59, Dodge City 36Wichita Campus 73, Wichita East 69TVL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Clifton-Clyde 66, BV Randolph 41Washington County 53, Centralia 41Consolation=Linn 43, Onaga 36Semifinal=Hanover 71, Axtell 54Valley Heights 47, Frankfort 45Valley Center Tournament=Quarterfinal=BV West 82, Valley Center 74Garden City 50, Coffeyville 45SM East 67, Maize South 64Wichita Southeast 73, Ulysses 52<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Berthoud, Colo. 70, Pratt Skyline 20Burlingame 48, Waverly 37Jefferson North 61, Valley Falls 20KC Schlagle 74, KC Harmon 25Miami, Okla. 42, Chetopa 30Nickerson 56, Andale 35Olathe East 35, Nixa, Mo. 34Otis-Bison 35, Ellsworth 18Salina Central 67, Concordia 27Salina South 44, Abilene 40Southeast Saline 46, Russell 30Wellsville 59, Anderson County 43Colby Tournament=Beloit 39, Valley Center 36Colby 95, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 3Goodland 52, Highland Park 40Scott City 56, Hays 35FHL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Council Grove 45, Central Heights 17Semifinal=West Franklin 48, Lyndon 35Fredonia Tournament=Fifth Place=Bluestem 41, Yates Center 37Hoisington Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Hoisington 39, La Crosse 25HPL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Lakin 59, Southwestern Hts. 29Meade 57, Sublette 45Semifinal=Elkhart 54, Stanton County 45Syracuse 49, Cimarron 42MCL Tournament=Stockton 46, Hill City 22Consolation Semifinal=Ellis 63, Hays-TMP-Marian 59Oakley 32, Norton 31McLouth Tournament=Semifinal=Jefferson West 58, Cair Paravel 19NPL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Rock Hills 43, Southern Cloud 40Sylvan-Lucas 37, Lincoln 23Consolation=Tescott 39, Chase 24Wilson 28, Natoma 8Semifinal=Osborne 45, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 41Thunder Ridge 68, Pike Valley 21Pittsburg Tournament=Carl Junction, Mo. 63, BV Northwest 29Carthage, Mo. 51, Pittsburg 33Cassville, Mo. 53, Chanute 45Kickapoo, Mo. 72, Wichita East 34Pleasanton Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Oswego 45, Altoona-Midway 22Pleasanton 34, Heritage Christian 24Semifinal=Osawatomie 52, Uniontown 48Royal Valley Tournament=Chapman 46, Wabaunsee 38Santa Fe Trail 36, Royal Valley 32Salina Invitational Tournament=Buhler 42, Wichita West 33Liberal 54, Andover 21SCBL Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Flinthills 68, Caldwell 56Udall 32, Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 25Ninth Place=Oxford 35, Burden Central 23Semifinal=West Elk 51, Sedan 29Southeast Lancer Classic=St. Paul 26, Baxter Springs 17Sterling Invitational Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=Smoky Valley 36, Kingman 35Semifinal=Hugoton 53, Sterling 44Lyons 60, Hutchinson Trinity 25Tonganoxie Tournament=Consolation Semifinal=KC Bishop Ward 51, Metro Academy 49Wamego 44, Tonganoxie 18___Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

High School Prep Tournament scores from Thursday (Updated

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Terrell Suggs joined the Kansas City Chiefs at the perfect time. The 17-year veteran was waived by the Arizona Cardinals late in the season and claimed by the Chiefs, joining them in time for the final two games of the regular season. He has continued to play well for Kansas City during the playoffs, and now the Chiefs are leaning on his Super Bowl experience as they get ready to play the San Francisco 49ers in the big game. The guy nicknamed “T-Sizzle” certainly has the Chiefs sizzling as they get ready for the pomp and circumstance of Miami.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 takes a break from conference play this weekend when its teams match up with members of the Southeastern Conference for the SEC-Big 12 Challenge. Third-ranked Kansas will be without suspended big men Silvio De Sousa and David McCormick when they face former Texas coach Rick Barnes and Tennessee on Saturday. Top-ranked Baylor heads to Florida and No. 18 Kentucky welcomes No. 15 Kentucky in the other two big showdowns Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals star catcher Salvador Perez is about to become a U.S. citizen. The Royals say Perez passed his citizenship exam earlier this month and will be be joined by Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on the Royals FanFest main stage Friday at the Kansas City Convention Center to take the oath of allegiance. He says he is “grateful to this country for the many opportunities I have been given; including the ability to play professional baseball." Perez was sidelined last season by Tommy John surgery but is preparing to return to the roster this year.

NORMAN, Okla, (AP) — Oklahoma assistant coach Ruffin McNeill said he is leaving the program to help care for his 85-year-old father in North Carolina. The school made the announcement in a news release on Thursday. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley hired McNeill in 2017. He coached defensive tackles that season and at the start of the 2018 season before being named interim co-defensive coordinator for the final eight games of 2018. Riley and McNeill have coached together in some capacity for 15 of the past 17 years. McNeill said he is not retiring and plans to return to coaching someday.

MIAMI (AP) — For the second year, it will be Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis at the NBA All-Star Game, which will be staged Feb. 16 in Chicago. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the captains once again after being top overall vote-getters from their conferences. The other starters are Anthony Davis of the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers, Luka Doncic of the Mavericks, James Harden of the Rockets, Pascal Siakam of the Raptors, Joel Embiid of the 76ers, Kemba Walker of the Celtics and Trae Young of the Hawks.

BOSTON (AP) — The pitchers and catchers will show up Feb. 12, but the Boston Red Sox may not have a manager by then. Boston’s front office says the search continues for a replacement for Alex Cora. He was identified as the ringleader in a sign-stealing scheme when he was the bench coach with the Houston Astros in 2017. It’s still not clear whether Cora engaged in similar tactics after taking over the Red Sox in 2018.

MELBOURNE (AP) — Serena Williams has made an early exit from the Australian Open. Williams suffered a 6-4, 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 loss to China’s Wang Qiang the No. 27 seed. Williams, who was eighth-seeded, suffered the third-round lost in a match that lasted two hours and 41 minutes. Williams trails Margaret Court on the all-time list of women’s major winners.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets made it official, hiring Luis Rojas as their manager to replace Carlos Beltrán. New York made the announcement a week after Beltrán departed without managing a game. Rojas, who had been the Mets quality control coach, was given a multiyear contract. Rojas became New York's fourth manager in the past 2 1/2 years — and third in four months. Beltrán was let go last week as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is expected to miss the start of the regular season and likely needs core muscle surgery. General manager Jerry Dipoto says Haniger suffered an injury during one of his offseason workouts. Dipoto says the latest setback is tied to Haniger's injury issues from last season. Haniger missed the final 3 1/2 months after suffering a ruptured testicle and then experiencing back issues. Haniger could be ready to join the major league club by late April..&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Terrell Suggs joined the Kansas City Chiefs at the perfect time. The 17-year veteran was waived by the Arizona Cardinals late in the season and claimed by the Chiefs, joining them in time for the final two games of the regular season. He has continued to play well for Kansas City during the playoffs, and now the Chiefs are leaning on his Super Bowl experience as they get ready to play the San Francisco 49ers in the big game. The guy nicknamed “T-Sizzle” certainly has the Chiefs sizzling as they get ready for the pomp and circumstance of Miami.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 takes a break from conference play this weekend when its teams match up with members of the Southeastern Conference for the SEC-Big 12 Challenge. Third-ranked Kansas will be without suspended big men Silvio De Sousa and David McCormick when they face former Texas coach Rick Barnes and Tennessee on Saturday. Top-ranked Baylor heads to Florida and No. 18 Kentucky welcomes No. 15 Kentucky in the other two big showdowns Saturday.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals star catcher Salvador Perez is about to become a U.S. citizen. The Royals say Perez passed his citizenship exam earlier this month and will be be joined by Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on the Royals FanFest main stage Friday at the Kansas City Convention Center to take the oath of allegiance. He says he is “grateful to this country for the many opportunities I have been given; including the ability to play professional baseball." Perez was sidelined last season by Tommy John surgery but is preparing to return to the roster this year.NORMAN, Okla, (AP) — Oklahoma assistant coach Ruffin McNeill said he is leaving the program to help care for his 85-year-old father in North Carolina. The school made the announcement in a news release on Thursday. Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley hired McNeill in 2017. He coached defensive tackles that season and at the start of the 2018 season before being named interim co-defensive coordinator for the final eight games of 2018. Riley and McNeill have coached together in some capacity for 15 of the past 17 years. McNeill said he is not retiring and plans to return to coaching someday.National HeadlinesMIAMI (AP) — For the second year, it will be Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis at the NBA All-Star Game, which will be staged Feb. 16 in Chicago. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the captains once again after being top overall vote-getters from their conferences. The other starters are Anthony Davis of the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers, Luka Doncic of the Mavericks, James Harden of the Rockets, Pascal Siakam of the Raptors, Joel Embiid of the 76ers, Kemba Walker of the Celtics and Trae Young of the Hawks.BOSTON (AP) — The pitchers and catchers will show up Feb. 12, but the Boston Red Sox may not have a manager by then. Boston’s front office says the search continues for a replacement for Alex Cora. He was identified as the ringleader in a sign-stealing scheme when he was the bench coach with the Houston Astros in 2017. It’s still not clear whether Cora engaged in similar tactics after taking over the Red Sox in 2018.MELBOURNE (AP) — Serena Williams has made an early exit from the Australian Open. Williams suffered a 6-4, 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 loss to China’s Wang Qiang the No. 27 seed. Williams, who was eighth-seeded, suffered the third-round lost in a match that lasted two hours and 41 minutes. Williams trails Margaret Court on the all-time list of women’s major winners.NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets made it official, hiring Luis Rojas as their manager to replace Carlos Beltrán. New York made the announcement a week after Beltrán departed without managing a game. Rojas, who had been the Mets quality control coach, was given a multiyear contract. Rojas became New York's fourth manager in the past 2 1/2 years — and third in four months. Beltrán was let go last week as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger is expected to miss the start of the regular season and likely needs core muscle surgery. General manager Jerry Dipoto says Haniger suffered an injury during one of his offseason workouts. Dipoto says the latest setback is tied to Haniger's injury issues from last season. Haniger missed the final 3 1/2 months after suffering a ruptured testicle and then experiencing back issues. Haniger could be ready to join the major league club by late April..&nbsp;Thursday ScoresTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal Indiana 67 (11)Michigan St. 63Final 2OT (12)Oregon 79 Southern Cal 70Final (23)Colorado 78 Washington St. 56Final (25)Houston 63 UConn 59NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Washington 124 Cleveland 112Final L.A. Lakers 128 Brooklyn 113Final	Dallas	133	Portland	125

Friday Sports Headlines

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Perhaps Serena Williams, now 38, will win a 24th Grand Slam title someday.

And maybe Coco Gauff, still just 15, never will earn her first major championship.

Sure felt, though, as if a generational shift was being signaled Friday at the Australian Open, with a pair of monumentally significant third-round results hours apart in the same stadium: a surprising first-week loss by Williams, then a historic victory by Gauff.

First, Williams faltered down the stretch for her earliest exit at Melbourne Park in 14 years, a 6-4, 6-7 (2, 7-5 loss to 27th-seeded Wang Qiang of China. It pushed Williams’ gap between Slam trophies to three years.

“I’m way too old to play like this at this stage of my career,” Williams said. “Definitely going to be training tomorrow, that’s first and foremost — to make sure I don’t do this again.”

Gauff also was planning a practice session for Saturday, but hers was to prepare for a fourth-round match.

That’s because the 67th-ranked Gauff took the latest step in her quick progression, becoming the youngest player in the professional era to eliminate the defending women’s champion at the Australian Open, beating former No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4.

Only once the last point had been played did the preternaturally poised Gauff turn into a rather typical teen, joking about wanting to take “a selfie for Instagram” with Rod Laver, the 11-time major champion after whom the tournament’s main stadium is named.

“Honestly, like, what is my life? Like, oh, my gosh!” Gauff told the crowd. “Two years ago, I lost first round in juniors and now I’m here. This is crazy.”

With a booming serve, a top-flight backhand and a winner’s mentality, Gauff reversed the result from the first time she was across the net from Osaka, a former No. 1 who already owns two major titles at the age of 22.

When they played each other at the U.S. Open last September, Osaka won in two quick sets and then consoled Gauff, encouraging her to speak to the spectators who were pulling for her.

One reminder of just how young Gauff is: Most of the entrants in this year’s junior Australian Open are older than she is.

Another: She is taking online classes and said she’s been given permission to turn in homework late, “considering the circumstances.”

Yet another: She doesn’t have an official driver’s license quite yet, stuck practicing behind the wheel with a learner’s permit.

But put a tennis racket in her hands and move out of the way: Gauff is now 8-2 in her nascent Grand Slam career, with three of those wins coming against women who have multiple major titles. Her next match is against No. 14 Sofia Kenin, a 21-year-old American who beat Zhang Shuai of China 7-5, 7-6 (7).

The most intrigue in men’s action came at the very end of the night — at nearly 1 a.m., actually, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1c405ac976f8931cbf11c611f9fb7475">Roger Federer</a>&nbsp;reeled off the last six points to edge 47th-ranked Australian John Millman 4-6, 7-6 (2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8).

It lasted more than four hours in humid conditions, and Federer needed to overcome a hard-to-believe 48 unforced errors from his forehand and an 8-4 deficit in the last tiebreaker, which is first-to-10.

Federer had lost to Millman at the 2018 U.S. Open and it sure seemed this one might be headed that way again.

“Oh, God, it was tough,” Federer said.

Williams vs. Wang was a rematch from Flushing Meadows last season — and the reverse result also happened for them. At the U.S. Open, Williams won 6-0, 6-1 in 44 minutes.

Wang credited that with prompting her to spend more time in the gym so she could add more oomph to her shots.

“I always believed I could do this one day,” Wang said with a laugh. “I didn’t know which day.”

Like Wang, Gauff was much better Friday than in New York. Gauff’s improvement revealed itself in her serving — she put 15 of her initial 16 first serves in play — and her steadiness.

Gauff declared herself more calm for this matchup.

“That,” she decided, “made the difference.”

So did letting Osaka make the mistakes, 30 unforced errors in all, compared to 17 for Gauff.

With that, Gauff became the youngest player to beat a top-five opponent in a women’s tour-level match since Jennifer Capriati did it at 15 in 1991.

“You don’t want to lose to a 15-year-old, you know?” Osaka said.

So, Naomi, could you have done something differently?

“Put the ball in the court,” came the reply.

Williams had similar issues, and even though she went from a massive deficit to even as can be, she could not do what was required in the late going.

Down to what sure felt like her last chance, Williams came through with a cross-court forehand winner to close a 24-stroke point, then raised her arms, held that celebratory pose and looked over toward her guest box.

Finally, on her sixth try, after 1½ hours of action, she had managed to convert a break point against Wang. Soon enough, they were headed to a third set and it appeared that the comeback was on.

Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/AustralianOpen">Australian Open</a>

It turned out that Williams only was delaying a surprising defeat.

So tough at the toughest moments for so many years, Williams was the one who came undone, often displaying what she later called “the signature ‘Serena frustration’ look.”

Since grabbing major championship No. 23 at the 2017 Australian Open, while she was pregnant, Williams hasn’t added to her total.

She appeared in four major finals over the past two seasons, losing each one.

Williams owns seven trophies from the Australian Open and hadn’t lost as early as the third round at either of the hard-court Grand Slam tournaments — in Melbourne or at the U.S. Open — since all the way back in 2006.

This was the first Grand Slam tournament in 11 years with each of the top 10 seeded women reaching the third round. Who would have suspected Williams would be the first to lose, followed soon thereafter by No. 3 Osaka?

Williams was only seeded No. 8, on account of how infrequently she has competed since being away from the tour while having a baby in September 2017.

She started 2020 well enough, winning a hard-court tuneup title in Auckland, New Zealand, this month for her first trophy of any sort in three years — and first as a mom.

But Williams wasn’t able to carry that success to the Grand Slam level, where it matters the most to her.

She began her news conference by crediting Wang but eventually shifted to criticizing herself for not playing well enough to win.

“I didn’t return like Serena. Honestly, if we were just honest with ourselves, I lost that match,” Williams said. “I can’t play like that. I literally can’t do that again. It’s unprofessional. It’s not cool.”

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Perhaps Serena Williams, now 38, will win a 24th Grand Slam title someday.And maybe Coco Gauff, still just 15, never will earn her first major championship.Sure felt, though, as if a generational shift was being signaled Friday at the Australian Open, with a pair of monumentally significant third-round results hours apart in the same stadium: a surprising first-week loss by Williams, then a historic victory by Gauff.First, Williams faltered down the stretch for her earliest exit at Melbourne Park in 14 years, a 6-4, 6-7 (2, 7-5 loss to 27th-seeded Wang Qiang of China. It pushed Williams’ gap between Slam trophies to three years.“I’m way too old to play like this at this stage of my career,” Williams said. “Definitely going to be training tomorrow, that’s first and foremost — to make sure I don’t do this again.”MORE AUSTRALIAN OPEN:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://apnews.com/1c405ac976f8931cbf11c611f9fb7475">–&nbsp;Federer tops Australia's Millman in 5 sets at Melbourne Park</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/322b493d78903cae35884f1792edf3da">–&nbsp;Australian Open Glance: Divergent paths for 3rd-round foes</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/09a17ecc519bb4c57cc52aea12bc378b">–&nbsp;15-year-old Gauff upsets '19 champ Osaka at Australian Open</a></li>
 </ol>Gauff also was planning a practice session for Saturday, but hers was to prepare for a fourth-round match.That’s because the 67th-ranked Gauff took the latest step in her quick progression, becoming the youngest player in the professional era to eliminate the defending women’s champion at the Australian Open, beating former No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-4.Only once the last point had been played did the preternaturally poised Gauff turn into a rather typical teen, joking about wanting to take “a selfie for Instagram” with Rod Laver, the 11-time major champion after whom the tournament’s main stadium is named.“Honestly, like, what is my life? Like, oh, my gosh!” Gauff told the crowd. “Two years ago, I lost first round in juniors and now I’m here. This is crazy.”It certainly is remarkable.With a booming serve, a top-flight backhand and a winner’s mentality, Gauff reversed the result from the first time she was across the net from Osaka, a former No. 1 who already owns two major titles at the age of 22.When they played each other at the U.S. Open last September, Osaka won in two quick sets and then consoled Gauff, encouraging her to speak to the spectators who were pulling for her.One reminder of just how young Gauff is: Most of the entrants in this year’s junior Australian Open are older than she is.Another: She is taking online classes and said she’s been given permission to turn in homework late, “considering the circumstances.”Yet another: She doesn’t have an official driver’s license quite yet, stuck practicing behind the wheel with a learner’s permit.But put a tennis racket in her hands and move out of the way: Gauff is now 8-2 in her nascent Grand Slam career, with three of those wins coming against women who have multiple major titles. Her next match is against No. 14 Sofia Kenin, a 21-year-old American who beat Zhang Shuai of China 7-5, 7-6 (7).The most intrigue in men’s action came at the very end of the night — at nearly 1 a.m., actually, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1c405ac976f8931cbf11c611f9fb7475">Roger Federer</a>&nbsp;reeled off the last six points to edge 47th-ranked Australian John Millman 4-6, 7-6 (2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8).It lasted more than four hours in humid conditions, and Federer needed to overcome a hard-to-believe 48 unforced errors from his forehand and an 8-4 deficit in the last tiebreaker, which is first-to-10.Federer had lost to Millman at the 2018 U.S. Open and it sure seemed this one might be headed that way again.“Oh, God, it was tough,” Federer said.Williams vs. Wang was a rematch from Flushing Meadows last season — and the reverse result also happened for them. At the U.S. Open, Williams won 6-0, 6-1 in 44 minutes.Wang credited that with prompting her to spend more time in the gym so she could add more oomph to her shots.“I always believed I could do this one day,” Wang said with a laugh. “I didn’t know which day.”Like Wang, Gauff was much better Friday than in New York. Gauff’s improvement revealed itself in her serving — she put 15 of her initial 16 first serves in play — and her steadiness.Gauff declared herself more calm for this matchup.“That,” she decided, “made the difference.”So did letting Osaka make the mistakes, 30 unforced errors in all, compared to 17 for Gauff.With that, Gauff became the youngest player to beat a top-five opponent in a women’s tour-level match since Jennifer Capriati did it at 15 in 1991.“You don’t want to lose to a 15-year-old, you know?” Osaka said.So, Naomi, could you have done something differently?“Put the ball in the court,” came the reply.Williams had similar issues, and even though she went from a massive deficit to even as can be, she could not do what was required in the late going.Down to what sure felt like her last chance, Williams came through with a cross-court forehand winner to close a 24-stroke point, then raised her arms, held that celebratory pose and looked over toward her guest box.Finally, on her sixth try, after 1½ hours of action, she had managed to convert a break point against Wang. Soon enough, they were headed to a third set and it appeared that the comeback was on.Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/AustralianOpen">Australian Open</a>It turned out that Williams only was delaying a surprising defeat.So tough at the toughest moments for so many years, Williams was the one who came undone, often displaying what she later called “the signature ‘Serena frustration’ look.”Since grabbing major championship No. 23 at the 2017 Australian Open, while she was pregnant, Williams hasn’t added to her total.She appeared in four major finals over the past two seasons, losing each one.Williams owns seven trophies from the Australian Open and hadn’t lost as early as the third round at either of the hard-court Grand Slam tournaments — in Melbourne or at the U.S. Open — since all the way back in 2006.This was the first Grand Slam tournament in 11 years with each of the top 10 seeded women reaching the third round. Who would have suspected Williams would be the first to lose, followed soon thereafter by No. 3 Osaka?Williams was only seeded No. 8, on account of how infrequently she has competed since being away from the tour while having a baby in September 2017.She started 2020 well enough, winning a hard-court tuneup title in Auckland, New Zealand, this month for her first trophy of any sort in three years — and first as a mom.But Williams wasn’t able to carry that success to the Grand Slam level, where it matters the most to her.She began her news conference by crediting Wang but eventually shifted to criticizing herself for not playing well enough to win.“I didn’t return like Serena. Honestly, if we were just honest with ourselves, I lost that match,” Williams said. “I can’t play like that. I literally can’t do that again. It’s unprofessional. It’s not cool.”

Youth served: Gauff wins, Serena loses at Australian Open

COLBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks Boys lost to the Pine Creek &nbsp;Eagles 60-44 in first round action in the Orange and Black Classic in Colby.

Weston Krause led the Salthawks with 16 points. &nbsp;Micah Montandon followed up with 6 points.

Hutchinson will fall into the consolation bracket and will take on DSST-Green Valley Ranch out of Denver, Colorado. &nbsp;Green Valley Ranch lost to Colby in the late game Thursday night, by the score of 52-45.

Glen Grunwald will bring all the action to you with the pre-game starting at around 8:05 p.m.

COLBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks Boys lost to the Pine Creek &nbsp;Eagles 60-44 in first round action in the Orange and Black Classic in Colby.Weston Krause led the Salthawks with 16 points. &nbsp;Micah Montandon followed up with 6 points.Hutchinson will fall into the consolation bracket and will take on DSST-Green Valley Ranch out of Denver, Colorado. &nbsp;Green Valley Ranch lost to Colby in the late game Thursday night, by the score of 52-45.Glen Grunwald will bring all the action to you with the pre-game starting at around 8:05 p.m.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PT0usaGEimQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Salthawk Boys lose to Pine Creek

🏀 Upcoming Area Mid-Season Tournaments and games for local area High Schools

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Big 12 has suspended four players from Kansas and Kansas State a combined 25 games for their roles in a melee that spilled off the court. The brawl erupted into a section of disabled seating in Allen Fieldhouse near the end of the third-ranked Jayhawks' win over the Wildcats. Kansas forward Silvio De Sousa was suspended indefinitely by Jayhawks coach Bill Self earlier Wednesday. He was given a 12-game suspension by the league office. His teammate, David McCormack, was suspended two games while Kansas State forward James Love received an eight-game suspension and Antonio Gordon a got three-game suspension.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs saw value in a trio of players that were essentially castoffs from what was one of the least-successful franchises in the NFL over the past 10 years in Damien Williams, Matt Moore and Jordan Lucas. Their decision to pick them up when just about nobody else was calling is a big reason why they're playing in the Super Bowl. Williams has turned into their top running back, Moore played crucial games when Patrick Mahomes was hurt, and Lucas has been a valuable player on special teams while providing depth at safety this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season. The move gives the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny. The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment in a corresponding roster move. The 35-year-old Gordon is a three-time All-Star and won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Matt Wieters has finalized a $2 million, one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, a deal that brings back the 33-year-old to again back up Yadier Molina. Wieters was a four-time All-Star with Baltimore before spending two seasons with Washington and then joining the Cardinals. He was a non-roster invitee who wound up starting 54 games and appearing in 67 last season, hitting .214 with 11 homers and 27 RBIs while helping St. Louis win the NL Central.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning will formally announce his retirement on Friday after a 16-year career played entirely with the New York Giants. The 39-year-old quarterback owns virtually every team passing record, but his future had been in doubt since the end of 4-12 season that saw him lose the starting job to rookie Daniel Jones. Team president and CEO John Mara called Manning one of the best players in franchise history and says the organization looks forward to inducting him in the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen says the team is finalizing a multiyear contract that would make Luis Rojas their new manager, replacing Carlos Beltrán. The son of former big league manager Felipe Alou spent last year as the Mets’ quality control coach and has already received raves from first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on social media. Beltrán left the Mets last week before managing a single game as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will test computer plate umpires during spring training but will not use the system for decisions in any exhibition games. MLB experimented with the automated balls and strikes system during the second half of last season in the independent Atlantic League, and the Arizona Fall League used it for a few dozen games at Salt River Fields. The Major League Baseball Umpires Association agreed last month to cooperate and assist if Commissioner Rob Manfred decides to utilize the system at the major league level.

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell will miss the rest of the season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during last night’s 110-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 28-year-old Powell went down with a non-contact injury with 2:57 left in the first quarter. The six-year NBA veteran started 39 of his 40 games this season, averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Big 12 has suspended four players from Kansas and Kansas State a combined 25 games for their roles in a melee that spilled off the court. The brawl erupted into a section of disabled seating in Allen Fieldhouse near the end of the third-ranked Jayhawks' win over the Wildcats. Kansas forward Silvio De Sousa was suspended indefinitely by Jayhawks coach Bill Self earlier Wednesday. He was given a 12-game suspension by the league office. His teammate, David McCormack, was suspended two games while Kansas State forward James Love received an eight-game suspension and Antonio Gordon a got three-game suspension.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs saw value in a trio of players that were essentially castoffs from what was one of the least-successful franchises in the NFL over the past 10 years in Damien Williams, Matt Moore and Jordan Lucas. Their decision to pick them up when just about nobody else was calling is a big reason why they're playing in the Super Bowl. Williams has turned into their top running back, Moore played crucial games when Patrick Mahomes was hurt, and Lucas has been a valuable player on special teams while providing depth at safety this season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season. The move gives the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny. The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment in a corresponding roster move. The 35-year-old Gordon is a three-time All-Star and won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Matt Wieters has finalized a $2 million, one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, a deal that brings back the 33-year-old to again back up Yadier Molina. Wieters was a four-time All-Star with Baltimore before spending two seasons with Washington and then joining the Cardinals. He was a non-roster invitee who wound up starting 54 games and appearing in 67 last season, hitting .214 with 11 homers and 27 RBIs while helping St. Louis win the NL Central.National HeadlinesEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning will formally announce his retirement on Friday after a 16-year career played entirely with the New York Giants. The 39-year-old quarterback owns virtually every team passing record, but his future had been in doubt since the end of 4-12 season that saw him lose the starting job to rookie Daniel Jones. Team president and CEO John Mara called Manning one of the best players in franchise history and says the organization looks forward to inducting him in the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future.NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen says the team is finalizing a multiyear contract that would make Luis Rojas their new manager, replacing Carlos Beltrán. The son of former big league manager Felipe Alou spent last year as the Mets’ quality control coach and has already received raves from first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on social media. Beltrán left the Mets last week before managing a single game as part of the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will test computer plate umpires during spring training but will not use the system for decisions in any exhibition games. MLB experimented with the automated balls and strikes system during the second half of last season in the independent Atlantic League, and the Arizona Fall League used it for a few dozen games at Salt River Fields. The Major League Baseball Umpires Association agreed last month to cooperate and assist if Commissioner Rob Manfred decides to utilize the system at the major league level.DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell will miss the rest of the season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during last night’s 110-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 28-year-old Powell went down with a non-contact injury with 2:57 left in the first quarter. The six-year NBA veteran started 39 of his 40 games this season, averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds.Wednesday ScoresTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal (6)Louisville 68 Georgia Tech 64Final (7)Dayton 86 St. Bonaventure 60Final (10)Seton Hall 73 Providence 64Final (16)Auburn 80 South Carolina 67Final (19)Iowa 85 (24)Rutgers 80Final Tulsa 80 (20)Memphis 40NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Oklahoma City 120 Orlando 114Final Toronto 107 Philadelphia 95Final Detroit 127 Sacramento 106Final Atlanta 102 L.A. Clippers 95Final L.A. Lakers 100 New York 92Final Boston 119 Memphis 95Final OT Miami 134 Washington 129Final Houston 121 Denver 105Final Chicago 117 Minnesota 110Final Indiana 112 Phoenix 87Final San Antonio 121 New Orleans 117Final Utah 129 Golden State 96

Thursday Sports Headlines

Leading by as many as 12 points early, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team was struggling to hold off the Dodge City Conquistadors, who were making a late first-half run and pulled within two points in a Jayhawk West battle Wednesday night.

Needing a spark, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/king_clarence_pkcx">Clarence King</a>&nbsp;came off the bench and provided just what the Blue Dragons needed. King had four points, an assist and a couple of steals in a pivotal 13-0 run as the Blue Dragons earned a key Jayhawk West win over the Conquistadors at the Sports Arena.

King tied career highs with 12 points and five rebounds and he also dished out four assists in 20 minutes to pace the Blue Dragons to a 92-75 win over Dodge City.

The Blue Dragons improve to 16-4 overall and 7-4 in the Jayhawk West as the regular season reached the two-thirds mark. The victory gave Hutchinson its 800th Jayhawk Conference-designated victory. Dodge City dropped to 8-12 overall and 0-11 in the KJCCC West.

Hutchinson scored the game's first seven points and built a 15-3 lead after a&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/kuath_majok_5e4f">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;tip-in with 15:09 remaining in the first half. Dodge City wouldn't go away, eventually pulling within 24-20 with 9:56 to play in the first half on a Myron Washington layup.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/mayers_matt_9wk7">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;pushed the Hutch lead back to 33-25 on his point-blank bucket with 6:02 to go. Back came the Conquistadors, who pulled within 33-31 on a Miles Ray inside hoop with 4:17 to play in the half.

Hutchinson's key 13-0 run started quietly enough with two&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/singleton_saquan_s9fa">Saquan Singleton</a>&nbsp;free throws and gained momentum with a&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/brown_tyler_348p">Tyler Brown</a>&nbsp;three-point play with 3:04 to go. King entered the fray and the pace of play picked up. King had back-to-back transition layups, got an assist on a Singleton transition hoop. He also keyed two other breaks with steals. When Singleton tipped in his own miss with 1:35 to go in the half, the 13-0 run was complete and Hutch led 46-31. The Dragons led 46-33 at halftime.

Kuath hit 8 of 10 field goals and scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Blue Dragons against Dodge City. Kuath added seven rebounds and a blocked shot.

Singleton and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/baker_josh_xj07">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;had 16 points each. Singleton also had nine assists and six rebounds. Baker hit 4 of 6 3-point shots and had six rebounds.

King's 12 points came on 4 of 8 shooting, 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and he had three steals.

The Blue Dragons shot 34 of 69 from the floor (49.3 percent, hitting 4 of 15 from 3-point range and 20 of 28 from the free-throw line. Rebounding was even at 49-49, but the Blue Dragons gave up 20 or more offensive rebounds for the second-straight game, giving up 23 to Dodge City.

The Conquistadors were limited to 31.8 percent overall (27 of 85). Dodge City was just 12 of 42 (28.6 percent) in the first half. The Conquistadors hit 7 of 32 3-pointers and 14 of 18 free throws.

Quindaris Thomas had 16 points to lead Dodge City. Ray and Keldrick Hayes had 12 points each and Kevin McCaskey had 10 points and eight assists for Dodge City.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 120-64 all-time against Dodge City, including 58-26 in games played in Hutchinson. … This was all-time win No. 1,822 in Blue Dragon history. … The Blue Dragons held their 14th opponent to less than 40 percent shooting this season. … Hutch had 56 points in the paint against Dodge City, which ties a season high (Cowley). …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/baker_josh_xj07">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;now had 53 3-pointers this season. He is just nine three pointers shy of joining the Blue Dragon single-season Top 10 for 3-point goals. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/singleton_saquan_s9fa">Saquan Singleton</a>&nbsp;had his fifth career game of eight or more assists. … Baker had his seventh game or four or more 3-pointers. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/kuath_majok_5e4f">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;produced his seventh game this season where he shot 80 percent or better from the floor. … The Blue Dragons are 800-321 in conference-designated games.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLeading by as many as 12 points early, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team was struggling to hold off the Dodge City Conquistadors, who were making a late first-half run and pulled within two points in a Jayhawk West battle Wednesday night.Needing a spark, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/king_clarence_pkcx">Clarence King</a>&nbsp;came off the bench and provided just what the Blue Dragons needed. King had four points, an assist and a couple of steals in a pivotal 13-0 run as the Blue Dragons earned a key Jayhawk West win over the Conquistadors at the Sports Arena.King tied career highs with 12 points and five rebounds and he also dished out four assists in 20 minutes to pace the Blue Dragons to a 92-75 win over Dodge City.The Blue Dragons improve to 16-4 overall and 7-4 in the Jayhawk West as the regular season reached the two-thirds mark. The victory gave Hutchinson its 800th Jayhawk Conference-designated victory. Dodge City dropped to 8-12 overall and 0-11 in the KJCCC West.Hutchinson scored the game's first seven points and built a 15-3 lead after a&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/kuath_majok_5e4f">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;tip-in with 15:09 remaining in the first half. Dodge City wouldn't go away, eventually pulling within 24-20 with 9:56 to play in the first half on a Myron Washington layup.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/mayers_matt_9wk7">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;pushed the Hutch lead back to 33-25 on his point-blank bucket with 6:02 to go. Back came the Conquistadors, who pulled within 33-31 on a Miles Ray inside hoop with 4:17 to play in the half.Hutchinson's key 13-0 run started quietly enough with two&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/singleton_saquan_s9fa">Saquan Singleton</a>&nbsp;free throws and gained momentum with a&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/brown_tyler_348p">Tyler Brown</a>&nbsp;three-point play with 3:04 to go. King entered the fray and the pace of play picked up. King had back-to-back transition layups, got an assist on a Singleton transition hoop. He also keyed two other breaks with steals. When Singleton tipped in his own miss with 1:35 to go in the half, the 13-0 run was complete and Hutch led 46-31. The Dragons led 46-33 at halftime.Kuath hit 8 of 10 field goals and scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Blue Dragons against Dodge City. Kuath added seven rebounds and a blocked shot.Singleton and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/baker_josh_xj07">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;had 16 points each. Singleton also had nine assists and six rebounds. Baker hit 4 of 6 3-point shots and had six rebounds.King's 12 points came on 4 of 8 shooting, 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and he had three steals.The Blue Dragons shot 34 of 69 from the floor (49.3 percent, hitting 4 of 15 from 3-point range and 20 of 28 from the free-throw line. Rebounding was even at 49-49, but the Blue Dragons gave up 20 or more offensive rebounds for the second-straight game, giving up 23 to Dodge City.The Conquistadors were limited to 31.8 percent overall (27 of 85). Dodge City was just 12 of 42 (28.6 percent) in the first half. The Conquistadors hit 7 of 32 3-pointers and 14 of 18 free throws.Quindaris Thomas had 16 points to lead Dodge City. Ray and Keldrick Hayes had 12 points each and Kevin McCaskey had 10 points and eight assists for Dodge City.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 120-64 all-time against Dodge City, including 58-26 in games played in Hutchinson. … This was all-time win No. 1,822 in Blue Dragon history. … The Blue Dragons held their 14th opponent to less than 40 percent shooting this season. … Hutch had 56 points in the paint against Dodge City, which ties a season high (Cowley). …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/baker_josh_xj07">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;now had 53 3-pointers this season. He is just nine three pointers shy of joining the Blue Dragon single-season Top 10 for 3-point goals. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/singleton_saquan_s9fa">Saquan Singleton</a>&nbsp;had his fifth career game of eight or more assists. … Baker had his seventh game or four or more 3-pointers. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/bios/kuath_majok_5e4f">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;produced his seventh game this season where he shot 80 percent or better from the floor. … The Blue Dragons are 800-321 in conference-designated games.

🏀 King provides needed spark for Dragons to down Dodge

A rugged first half turned into a splendid third quarter for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team in its 83-50 Jayhawk West victory over Dodge City on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.

Scoring only 32 points in the first two quarters, the No. 10-ranked Blue Dragons nearly matched that in the third quarter alone with 31 points. That turned a 14-point halftime lead into a 30-point cushion after three periods.

Hutchinson's ninth-straight win over Dodge City improves the Blue Dragons record to 18-2 and the two-thirds mark of the regular season. The Blue Dragons remain one game behind Seward County for first place in the Jayhawk West after the Saints' win over Colby on Wednesday. Hutchinson travels to Colby for a 3 p.m. tip on Sunday in the Colby Community Building. Dodge City lost its fifth in a row and fell to 9-11 and 4-7.

Leading 32-18 at halftime, the Blue Dragons started the third period with an 18-5 run. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>&nbsp;was the catalyst for the huge third quarter after playing only six minutes in the first half with two fouls. Ogle scored 15 of her team-high 17 points in the third quarter. Ogle hit six shots in the third period, including a 3-pointer which gave Hutchinson its first 30-point lead of the game at 60-30.

Hutchinson hit 12 of 16 shots in the third period (75 percent) in amassing its sixth 30-point single quarter this season.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;had six points in the third quarter, followed by&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/mapusua_lauryn_0xtt">Lauryn Mapusua</a>'s 5.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;hit a 3-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/francis_sasha_nod4">Sasha Francis</a>&nbsp;added a 2-pointer as Hutch outscored Dodge City 31-15 in the period.

The Blue Dragons shot 50 percent or better for a game for the fourth time this season shooting 50.9 percent (28 of 55, going 8 of 25 from 3-point range and 19 of 31 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Dodge City 39-35.

In addition to Ogle, Mapusua and Betham both scored in double figures to lead the Blue Dragons.

Mapusua had her fourth game scoring in double figures in her last six with 16 points and five assists.

Betham posted her third double-double this season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Betham's six offensive rebounds tied a season high.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/alford_tor-e_vqep">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;returned to action for the first time in eight games and knocked down 3 of 4 3-pointers to finish with nine points.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/cooper_gelecia_mxl6">Gelecia Cooper</a>&nbsp;also had nine points with five rebounds. Francis finished with eight points and Vannett had seven points with a pair of 3-pointers.

Hutchinson held its fourth-straight opponent under 33 percent shooting. Dodge City shot 32.1 percent (18 of 56, going 6 of 20 from 3-point range and 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. The Conquistadors, who were minus their leading scorer and rebounder because of illness, had 20 turnovers.

Ashia Pool finished with a game-high 19 points to lead the Conquistadors.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This was Hutchinson's all-time 994th victory. … Blue Dragon teams coached by John Ontjes are now 198-26 at the Sports Arena. … With two 3-pointers,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;is now at 159 for her career, just two treys from surpassing Joell Meyer for fourth place on the career list. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>, who had two steals, tied Alysse Barlow for third on the Blue Dragon career steals list with 177. … Hutchinson is now 69-27 against Dodge City, 34-13 in Hutchinson. … The Dragons tied a season high with 19 free throws. … The Dragons are 11-0 at the Sports Arena. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;had her sixth rebounding game with 10 or more boards this season.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationA rugged first half turned into a splendid third quarter for the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team in its 83-50 Jayhawk West victory over Dodge City on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.Scoring only 32 points in the first two quarters, the No. 10-ranked Blue Dragons nearly matched that in the third quarter alone with 31 points. That turned a 14-point halftime lead into a 30-point cushion after three periods.Hutchinson's ninth-straight win over Dodge City improves the Blue Dragons record to 18-2 and the two-thirds mark of the regular season. The Blue Dragons remain one game behind Seward County for first place in the Jayhawk West after the Saints' win over Colby on Wednesday. Hutchinson travels to Colby for a 3 p.m. tip on Sunday in the Colby Community Building. Dodge City lost its fifth in a row and fell to 9-11 and 4-7.Leading 32-18 at halftime, the Blue Dragons started the third period with an 18-5 run. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>&nbsp;was the catalyst for the huge third quarter after playing only six minutes in the first half with two fouls. Ogle scored 15 of her team-high 17 points in the third quarter. Ogle hit six shots in the third period, including a 3-pointer which gave Hutchinson its first 30-point lead of the game at 60-30.Hutchinson hit 12 of 16 shots in the third period (75 percent) in amassing its sixth 30-point single quarter this season.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;had six points in the third quarter, followed by&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/mapusua_lauryn_0xtt">Lauryn Mapusua</a>'s 5.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;hit a 3-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/francis_sasha_nod4">Sasha Francis</a>&nbsp;added a 2-pointer as Hutch outscored Dodge City 31-15 in the period.The Blue Dragons shot 50 percent or better for a game for the fourth time this season shooting 50.9 percent (28 of 55, going 8 of 25 from 3-point range and 19 of 31 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Dodge City 39-35.In addition to Ogle, Mapusua and Betham both scored in double figures to lead the Blue Dragons.Mapusua had her fourth game scoring in double figures in her last six with 16 points and five assists.Betham posted her third double-double this season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Betham's six offensive rebounds tied a season high.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/alford_tor-e_vqep">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;returned to action for the first time in eight games and knocked down 3 of 4 3-pointers to finish with nine points.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/cooper_gelecia_mxl6">Gelecia Cooper</a>&nbsp;also had nine points with five rebounds. Francis finished with eight points and Vannett had seven points with a pair of 3-pointers.Hutchinson held its fourth-straight opponent under 33 percent shooting. Dodge City shot 32.1 percent (18 of 56, going 6 of 20 from 3-point range and 8 of 12 from the free-throw line. The Conquistadors, who were minus their leading scorer and rebounder because of illness, had 20 turnovers.Ashia Pool finished with a game-high 19 points to lead the Conquistadors.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This was Hutchinson's all-time 994th victory. … Blue Dragon teams coached by John Ontjes are now 198-26 at the Sports Arena. … With two 3-pointers,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/vannett_makayla_q30y">Makayla Vannett</a>&nbsp;is now at 159 for her career, just two treys from surpassing Joell Meyer for fourth place on the career list. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/ogle_abby_pu1h">Abby Ogle</a>, who had two steals, tied Alysse Barlow for third on the Blue Dragon career steals list with 177. … Hutchinson is now 69-27 against Dodge City, 34-13 in Hutchinson. … The Dragons tied a season high with 19 free throws. … The Dragons are 11-0 at the Sports Arena. …&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/bios/betham_brooklyn_e4z1">Brooklyn Betham</a>&nbsp;had her sixth rebounding game with 10 or more boards this season.

🏀 Blue Dragon Women roll by Dodge for West Win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season, giving the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny.

The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment Wednesday in a corresponding roster move.

The 35-year-old Gordon, a three-time All-Star, won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history. He committed just one error in 146 games played in the outfield. His seven outfield assists tied him for third among big league left fielders, and his .266 batting average was his best since the 2015 season.

Gordon was even called upon to pitch twice in games that got out of hand.

One of the club’s most popular players, Gordon said late last season that he was leaning toward returning in 2020 but wanted to spend some time discussing his future with his family. The move also had to make financial sense for the Royals, who signed him to a $72 million, four-year contract in January 2016. The deal included a $4 million buyout on a mutual option for this season, and $500,000 of that was paid during the season to lower the amount to $3.5 million.

Gordon, who plans to discuss his deal at the Royals’ annual fan festival Friday, will likely return to right field but also have some designated hitter duties. Whit Merrifield will handle center field and Hunter Dozier will move from third base to right field after the club signed free agent Maikel Franco to fill out his spot on the left side of the infield.

The Royals are keen to give Bubba Starling and Brett Phillips opportunities, since both backup outfielders are out of options. And there is a chance that youngsters such as Khalil Lee could arrive from the minors later this season.

“So excited to have this guy back on the field and in the clubhouse,” Merrifield said.

Gordon was the second overall pick of the Royals in the 2005 amateur draft after a standout career at Nebraska. He got off to a slow start while adjusting to professional baseball, but his move from third base to the outfield turned out to be crucial to his success. He quickly became one of the game’s premier defensive players, and his offense eventually came along.

Gordon already is among the top 10 players in Royals history in several categories, including fourth in homers with 186 and sixth in hits with 1,609. He also is sixth in franchise history with 738 RBIs.

“He is one of the most driven players in the game today,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore told MLB.com. “He represents everything the league wants in a player. He can still play at a high level, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He is the player that everyone strives to be.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed outfielder Alex Gordon to a $4 million contract for next season, giving the rebuilding club a veteran presence in what is expected to be a young lineup under new manager Mike Matheny.The Royals designated right-hander Heath Fillmyer for assignment Wednesday in a corresponding roster move.The 35-year-old Gordon, a three-time All-Star, won his seventh Gold Glove last season to move within one of Frank White for the most in franchise history. He committed just one error in 146 games played in the outfield. His seven outfield assists tied him for third among big league left fielders, and his .266 batting average was his best since the 2015 season.Gordon was even called upon to pitch twice in games that got out of hand.One of the club’s most popular players, Gordon said late last season that he was leaning toward returning in 2020 but wanted to spend some time discussing his future with his family. The move also had to make financial sense for the Royals, who signed him to a $72 million, four-year contract in January 2016. The deal included a $4 million buyout on a mutual option for this season, and $500,000 of that was paid during the season to lower the amount to $3.5 million.Gordon, who plans to discuss his deal at the Royals’ annual fan festival Friday, will likely return to right field but also have some designated hitter duties. Whit Merrifield will handle center field and Hunter Dozier will move from third base to right field after the club signed free agent Maikel Franco to fill out his spot on the left side of the infield.The Royals are keen to give Bubba Starling and Brett Phillips opportunities, since both backup outfielders are out of options. And there is a chance that youngsters such as Khalil Lee could arrive from the minors later this season.“So excited to have this guy back on the field and in the clubhouse,” Merrifield said.Gordon was the second overall pick of the Royals in the 2005 amateur draft after a standout career at Nebraska. He got off to a slow start while adjusting to professional baseball, but his move from third base to the outfield turned out to be crucial to his success. He quickly became one of the game’s premier defensive players, and his offense eventually came along.Gordon already is among the top 10 players in Royals history in several categories, including fourth in homers with 186 and sixth in hits with 1,609. He also is sixth in franchise history with 738 RBIs.“He is one of the most driven players in the game today,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore told MLB.com. “He represents everything the league wants in a player. He can still play at a high level, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He is the player that everyone strives to be.”

Royals sign veteran OF Alex Gordon to $4M contract for 2020

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended forward Silvio De Sousa indefinitely Wednesday in the first punishment handed out by coach Bill Self following a melee near the end of the third-ranked Jayhawks’ game against rival Kansas State.

De Sousa was the main instigator on their side Tuesday night, getting stripped of the ball as he was dribbling out the final seconds of an 80-61 win. De Sousa recovered to block a layup attempt by the Wildcats’ DaJuan Gordon, then stood over the freshman in a taunting manner, triggering both benches to empty&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gates/status/1219801352936837120?s=20" target="_blank">in a scrum</a>&nbsp;that spilled into a disabled seating section.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended forward Silvio De Sousa indefinitely Wednesday in the first punishment handed out by coach Bill Self following a melee near the end of the third-ranked Jayhawks’ game against rival Kansas State.De Sousa was the main instigator on their side Tuesday night, getting stripped of the ball as he was dribbling out the final seconds of an 80-61 win. De Sousa recovered to block a layup attempt by the Wildcats’ DaJuan Gordon, then stood over the freshman in a taunting manner, triggering both benches to empty&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gates/status/1219801352936837120?s=20" target="_blank">in a scrum</a>&nbsp;that spilled into a disabled seating section.At one point, De Sousa was preparing to swing a stool when it was plucked from his hands, and several players from both teams&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1219802770439536640?s=20" target="_blank">threw wild punches</a>&nbsp;while a sellout crowd in Allen Fieldhouse watched in shock.“I have suspended Silvio De Sousa indefinitely pending the final outcome of the review by KU and the Big 12 Conference,” Self said shortly after discussing the incident on the Big 12 teleconference. “As I said last night, we are disappointed in his actions and there is no place in the game for that behavior.”More suspensions are expected for players on both teams. Among those involved in the fracas were Kansas players Marcus Garrett and David McCormack and Kansas State players David Sloan and James Love, who was not suited up for the game but in the middle of the fight.The impact comes with the Jayhawks in particular looking ahead to a potentially deep run in the postseason.“Obviously an unfortunate situation,” said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA vice president for men’s basketball. “It’s a conference game so it will be up to the Big 12 to determine what actions need to be taken. Other than that, it’s too early to say how it might affect them (in the NCAA Tournament).”Self said he spoke with a fan who was caught up in the melee, and that she was banged around “to the point where I’m sure we’ll correspond with her today to see how she’s feeling.”“Obviously it’s embarrassing,” Self said. “It’s not something to be proud of.”Games between Kansas and Kansas State are always testy affairs, and for all but the final seconds their meeting at Allen Fieldhouse was rather subdued. The Jayhawks used a 19-2 run midway through the first half to seize control and the outcome was never in doubt the final 30 minutes.The fight drew comparisons to the brawl between Cincinnati and Xavier in December 2011 that left players bloodied and college basketball fans aghast. Eight players wound up suspended for a total of 30 games.Kansas State coach Bruce Weber told his players to allow the Jayhawks to dribble out the clock, and he was walking toward the scorer’s table to shake hands with Self when the benches emptied. Both coaches eventually joined members of their staff, security officials and even Kansas cheerleaders in trying to separate the players.“Very, very sad by the event that happened last night,” said Weber, adding the school would issue its own punishments soon. “It’s sad and disappointing and you know, it leaves a bad picture for everybody. And I’ve been in this for a long time and you see it happen occasionally and you think you’re not going too be part of it and obviously I was part of it — we were part of it — and its sad for college basketball, the game that I love and I’ve been part of basically all my life.”The fracas continued a particularly difficult 12 months for Self and the Jayhawks, and De Sousa has played a big part in most of it. His name surfaced as part of the FBI probe into college basketball in October 2018, and that in part led to an NCAA investigation that resulted in a notice of allegations last September outlining major violations tied to recruiting in men’s basketball. Those violations are being appealed and a decision is not expected until later this year.De Sousa was initially suspended for two seasons for his role in the case — last season and this season — and the school spent significant resources appealing the punishment. It eventually was reduced, allowing the junior forward to play this season.