<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750950262257.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<div class="x_elementToProof">MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; Kansas State will play Mississippi State in the second game of the Hall of Fame Classic at 8:30 p.m., CT on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, as the NABC announced the complete bracket for the 25th&nbsp;annual event on Thursday (June 26).</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Nebraska and New Mexico will open the tournament at 6 p.m., CT on Thursday. The winners of the two semifinal matchups will play in the championship game at 8:30 p.m., CT on Friday, Nov. 21 with the consolation bracket set for 6 p.m., CT.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">All games will be streamed on&nbsp;<a id="OWAc785db00-be47-9be5-90c6-72ee6b4992f0" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.peacocktv.com/" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Peacock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a id="OWAc4cdfdc6-1992-a162-8212-bb7d0844f2ff" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.nbcsports.com/now" href="https://www.nbcsports.com/now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">NBC Sports NOW</a>.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale via the T-Mobile Center box office and t-mobilecenter.com on Sept. 3.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The Bulldogs are coming off their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024-25 with a third straight 20-win season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Jans. They finished in a four-way tie for ninth in the rugged SEC with Arkansas, Georgia and Vanderbilt with an 8-10 mark.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">This will be the fifth all-time meeting between the schools and the first since a 67-61 MSU win at the Never Forget Tribute Classic in Newark, N.J., on Dec. 14, 2019. K-State won the previous three meetings in the series in 1984, 1985 and 1994.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Nebraska won the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament championship in 2025, finishing with a 21-14 record and a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play. New Mexico (27-8) captured the Mountain West regular-season championship with a 17-3 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">K-State leads the all-time series with both Nebraska (128-94) and New Mexico (4-2), having last met the Lobos in 2006 and Cornhuskers in 2023.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">K-State will be making its fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic and the first since 2021. The Wildcats finished as the tournament runner-up in their first two visits, defeating No. 18 Gonzaga before losing to top-ranked Duke in 2010 and defeating Missouri before losing to No. 9 North Carolina in 2015. The team lost to No. 13 Arkansas and No. 14 Illinois in their most recent appearance in 2021.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The Hall of Fame Classic was created by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Classic (NABC) in 2001 as the Guardians Classic and was later known as the CBE Classic and CBE Hall of Fame Classic before being rebranded as the Hall of Fame Classic in 2017.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Peacock&rsquo;s expansive sports programming features live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Big Ten Football and Basketball, Notre Dame Football, BIG EAST basketball, Premier League, NASCAR, golf, the NBA beginning in 2025-26, the WNBA beginning in 2026, La Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">NBC Sports NOW is a free 24/7 streaming channel offering daily sports talk shows, live sports and highlights, is available via Peacock, the NBC Sports App on mobile and tablet devices, and all major FAST Channel distributors, including Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus.</div></div>

🏀 K-State men to play Mississippi State at Hall of Fame Classic

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bravin Powell-Brown, a standout student-athlete from Gardner-Edgerton High School and Hutchinson Community College football signee, has been named to the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction, the organization announced Wednesday.

Selected from a national pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes, Powell-Brown was one of 82 honorees recognized for their academic excellence, athletic achievements and leadership in the community. He was chosen as the top scholar-athlete from his NFF chapter region.

A two-time football state champion and Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year, Powell-Brown earned first team all-state honors at quarterback while serving as a two-year team captain for the Blazers. He also excelled in track and field, winning the 6A state title in the 110-meter high hurdles this spring.

Off the field, Powell-Brown compiled a 4.18 GPA, earned membership in the National Honor Society and exemplified the scholar-athlete ideal that lies at the heart of the NFF’s mission.

“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer, young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “These 82 honorees exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal.”

The NFF Team of Distinction program highlights the top graduating high school football players nationwide. Criteria include academic performance, athletic success and community service. Chapters are limited to one honoree each year, spotlighting the most well-rounded individuals in their respective regions.

Powell-Brown will join the Hutchinson Community College football program this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750907819801.png" alt="Photo Courtesy National Football Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy National Football Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bravin Powell-Brown, a standout student-athlete from Gardner-Edgerton High School and Hutchinson Community College football signee, has been named to the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction, the organization announced Wednesday.Selected from a national pool of 3,500 scholar-athletes, Powell-Brown was one of 82 honorees recognized for their academic excellence, athletic achievements and leadership in the community. He was chosen as the top scholar-athlete from his NFF chapter region.A two-time football state champion and Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year, Powell-Brown earned first team all-state honors at quarterback while serving as a two-year team captain for the Blazers. He also excelled in track and field, winning the 6A state title in the 110-meter high hurdles this spring.Off the field, Powell-Brown compiled a 4.18 GPA, earned membership in the National Honor Society and exemplified the scholar-athlete ideal that lies at the heart of the NFF’s mission.“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer, young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “These 82 honorees exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal.”The NFF Team of Distinction program highlights the top graduating high school football players nationwide. Criteria include academic performance, athletic success and community service. Chapters are limited to one honoree each year, spotlighting the most well-rounded individuals in their respective regions.Powell-Brown will join the Hutchinson Community College football program this fall.

🏈 HutchCC signee Bravin Powell-Brown named to NFF Team of Distinction

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
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🎧⚾ Royals drop second straight; ⚾ Monarchs beat Rebels; ⚾ Wind Surge rout Cardinals

NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs held off a furious Newton Rebels comeback before erupting for five runs in the ninth inning to claim a 13-8 victory Wednesday night at Klein-Scott Field.

After jumping out to a 6-0 lead by the third inning, the Monarchs saw their advantage evaporate when the Rebels plated five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-7 lead. Hutchinson tied it in the sixth and then delivered the knockout blow in the ninth.

Brayden McClure was dominant in relief for the Monarchs, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. Aiden Sowers closed it out in the ninth, walking two but fanning two to seal the win.

Blake Bradford sparked the offense, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a first-inning two-run single and an RBI single in the ninth. Keegan Demmer added a two-run homer in the third inning to cap an early offensive burst that staked Hutchinson to a commanding lead.

In the ninth, the Monarchs capitalized on wildness from the Rebels’ bullpen and defensive miscues. After a throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score, Hutchinson drew three consecutive bases-loaded walks to push the lead to 11-8. Bradford followed with an RBI single before Demmer added a sacrifice fly to complete the six-run rally.

The Rebels took advantage of several Monarch defensive lapses in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring five unearned runs during their rally. Spencer Goldston led the Rebels with two RBIs and two hits, while Tanner Peoples added a run-scoring double.

With the win, Hutchinson improves its summer record to 13-3 and will match up with the Rebels again tonight in Newton.

It was announced Wednesday that the game suspended by rain and lightning last Monday versus the Wichita Wildcats will be played on Monday, July 7th at Hobart-Detter field. Hutchinson leads in that game 3-1 in the bottom of the 1st inning with 1 out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750927912530.png" alt="Final - Hutchinson continues to win on the road defeating Newton 13-8 on Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Final - Hutchinson continues to win on the road defeating Newton 13-8 on Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs held off a furious Newton Rebels comeback before erupting for five runs in the ninth inning to claim a 13-8 victory Wednesday night at Klein-Scott Field.After jumping out to a 6-0 lead by the third inning, the Monarchs saw their advantage evaporate when the Rebels plated five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-7 lead. Hutchinson tied it in the sixth and then delivered the knockout blow in the ninth.Brayden McClure was dominant in relief for the Monarchs, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. Aiden Sowers closed it out in the ninth, walking two but fanning two to seal the win.Blake Bradford sparked the offense, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a first-inning two-run single and an RBI single in the ninth. Keegan Demmer added a two-run homer in the third inning to cap an early offensive burst that staked Hutchinson to a commanding lead.In the ninth, the Monarchs capitalized on wildness from the Rebels’ bullpen and defensive miscues. After a throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score, Hutchinson drew three consecutive bases-loaded walks to push the lead to 11-8. Bradford followed with an RBI single before Demmer added a sacrifice fly to complete the six-run rally.The Rebels took advantage of several Monarch defensive lapses in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring five unearned runs during their rally. Spencer Goldston led the Rebels with two RBIs and two hits, while Tanner Peoples added a run-scoring double.With the win, Hutchinson improves its summer record to 13-3 and will match up with the Rebels again tonight in Newton.It was announced Wednesday that the game suspended by rain and lightning last Monday versus the Wichita Wildcats will be played on Monday, July 7th at Hobart-Detter field. Hutchinson leads in that game 3-1 in the bottom of the 1st inning with 1 out.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs pull away late to defeat Rebels

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750041521086.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 25, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kala-i-rosario-693850">Kala&rsquo;i Rosario</a>&nbsp;hit for the cycle in a 10-1 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Springfield Cardinals at Equity Bank Park.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-klein-804619">John Klein</a>&nbsp;struck out a season-high nine hitters over five innings with two hits, an earned run, and a walk finishing out his line. He improved to 5-4 on the year with the win, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricky-castro-690462">Ricky Castro</a>&nbsp;earned his second save after throwing for the final three innings with just two walks given up besides three strikeouts.
Rosario smoked a ground ball double the other way to right center to bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/gabriel-gonzalez-694224">Gabby Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;for a 1-0 Wind Surge lead in the bottom of the first.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jorel-ortega-687567">Jorel Ortega</a>&nbsp;gave Wichita another run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the home half of the second.
JJ Wetherholt grounded an RBI single to right center in the top of the third to make the score 2-1 Wichita, then Rosario roped a solo shot off the scoreboard, his eighth of the season, to return a two-run lead for the Wind Surge in the bottom of the inning.
Wichita scored four more times in the bottom of the fourth on just a hit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kaelen-culpepper-701785">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;drew a bases-loaded walk, and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;came home on a groundout. Rosario singled to right center for the latter two runs to score and provide a 7-1 Wichita lead.
Culpepper homered for the second straight game to left field in the home half of the sixth.
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Rosario proceeded to complete the cycle with a two-RBI triple to right center in the bottom of the eighth to give the Wind Surge a 10-1 lead that became the eventual final score. He&rsquo;s the second-ever Wichita batter to accomplish the feat.
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POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Kala&rsquo;i Rosario is the second Wind Surge hitter in franchise history to hit for the cycle (Christian Encarnacion-Strand, July 17, 2022, vs. Arkansas). He&rsquo;s also the first Wichita hitter this year with five or more RBIs in a game (6).</li>
<li>Kaelen Culpepper hits his second home run with the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>John Klein tallies a new season-high in strikeouts (9).</li>
<li>Ricky Castro is up to two saves out of the bullpen in long relief action in 2025.</li>
<li>Every Wichita hitter in the lineup reached base.</li>
</ul>
Wichita continues the series with the Springfield Cardinals on June 26 at 7:05 PM on Thirsty Thursday, presented by LDF, Standard Beverages, and House of Schwan. Come on down to Equity Bank Park for a variety of discounted drinks! You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge rout Cardinals Wednesday

NEW YORK (AP) — Cooper Flagg is the new Maine man in Dallas.

The Mavericks took the Duke forward with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, hoping they have found their next franchise superstar less than five months after trading one away.

Mavericks fans were furious when Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-anthony-davis-lakers-mavericks-trade-7c8064be5c8e941489f14500fa43f5e7">traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 1, some immediately threatening to end their support of the team.

But the ones who stuck around may quickly love Flagg, the college player of the year who averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Duke to the Final Four. The Mavericks quickly announced that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, where fellow Duke products Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are on the roster.

“I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

His selection — considered likely ever since Flagg showed off his considerable game last summer after being invited to the U.S. Olympic team’s training camp — was a daylong celebration in his home state for the 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine.

“It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home,” Flagg said. “It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids. I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me, it means a lot.”

He joined Elton Brand,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-irving-contract-dfd30497433e4423a799b5bf07e9bbab">Irving</a>, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero as Duke players drafted No. 1 since 1999, and he returned the draft to its longtime start with a one-and-done college player.

That’s the way the draft began every year from 2010 until Banchero’s selection in 2022, but the last two No. 1 picks, Victor Wembanyama and Zaccherie Risacher, are both from France.

Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper was taken by the Spurs with the No. 2 pick and will try to follow Wembanyama and Stephon Castle and give San Antonio a third straight NBA Rookie of the Year.

“It’s definitely a goal of mine to make it three in a row,” Harper said. “I think the coaching staff and the players are going to make it easy for me to go out there and showcase my talent, so definitely.”

The 76ers then took Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, getting the first sustained burst of loud cheers of the draft from what seemed to be a number of Philadelphia fans who made the trip to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first two picks had long been expected, but the No. 3 spot was the first one where there was intrigue.

Kon Knueppel made it two Duke players in the first four picks when the Charlotte Hornets took him at No. 4. When big man Khaman Maluach went at No. 10 — a pick made by the Houston Rockets but headed to Phoenix as part of the trade for Kevin Durant that can’t become official until next month — it gave the Blue Devils three top-10 picks and 50 in the first round since 1989, moving past Kentucky (48) for most by any school.

“It was so emotional getting to see my teammates, my fellow freshmen getting drafted,” Maluach said. “I was so happy for them because they deserve everything they have. They worked hard for it, for that moment, too.”

Ace Bailey, Harper’s teammate with the Scarlet Knights who could have been in the mix to go third but declined to work out for the 76ers, ended up going at No. 5 to Utah to end a draft process in which he was criticized for how his camp handled it.

“I’m glad it’s over,” Bailey said. “I’m ready to play some basketball now.”

Then it was Tre Johnson of Texas to the Washington Wizards at No. 6 and Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears to New Orleans at No. 7, before the host Nets took BYU’s Egor Demin at No. 8, Brooklyn’s first of potentially five selections in the first round. Toronto took South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9.

The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder took Georgetown center Thomas Sorber at No. 15, their first of two picks in the first round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750907091607.png" alt="Cooper Flagg, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks In the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Cooper Flagg, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks In the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Cooper Flagg is the new Maine man in Dallas.The Mavericks took the Duke forward with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, hoping they have found their next franchise superstar less than five months after trading one away.Mavericks fans were furious when Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luka-doncic-anthony-davis-lakers-mavericks-trade-7c8064be5c8e941489f14500fa43f5e7">traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 1, some immediately threatening to end their support of the team.But the ones who stuck around may quickly love Flagg, the college player of the year who averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Duke to the Final Four. The Mavericks quickly announced that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, where fellow Duke products Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are on the roster.“I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”His selection — considered likely ever since Flagg showed off his considerable game last summer after being invited to the U.S. Olympic team’s training camp — was a daylong celebration in his home state for the 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine.“It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home,” Flagg said. “It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids. I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me, it means a lot.”He joined Elton Brand,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-irving-contract-dfd30497433e4423a799b5bf07e9bbab">Irving</a>, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero as Duke players drafted No. 1 since 1999, and he returned the draft to its longtime start with a one-and-done college player.That’s the way the draft began every year from 2010 until Banchero’s selection in 2022, but the last two No. 1 picks, Victor Wembanyama and Zaccherie Risacher, are both from France.Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper was taken by the Spurs with the No. 2 pick and will try to follow Wembanyama and Stephon Castle and give San Antonio a third straight NBA Rookie of the Year.“It’s definitely a goal of mine to make it three in a row,” Harper said. “I think the coaching staff and the players are going to make it easy for me to go out there and showcase my talent, so definitely.”The 76ers then took Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, getting the first sustained burst of loud cheers of the draft from what seemed to be a number of Philadelphia fans who made the trip to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first two picks had long been expected, but the No. 3 spot was the first one where there was intrigue.Kon Knueppel made it two Duke players in the first four picks when the Charlotte Hornets took him at No. 4. When big man Khaman Maluach went at No. 10 — a pick made by the Houston Rockets but headed to Phoenix as part of the trade for Kevin Durant that can’t become official until next month — it gave the Blue Devils three top-10 picks and 50 in the first round since 1989, moving past Kentucky (48) for most by any school.“It was so emotional getting to see my teammates, my fellow freshmen getting drafted,” Maluach said. “I was so happy for them because they deserve everything they have. They worked hard for it, for that moment, too.”Ace Bailey, Harper’s teammate with the Scarlet Knights who could have been in the mix to go third but declined to work out for the 76ers, ended up going at No. 5 to Utah to end a draft process in which he was criticized for how his camp handled it.“I’m glad it’s over,” Bailey said. “I’m ready to play some basketball now.”Then it was Tre Johnson of Texas to the Washington Wizards at No. 6 and Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears to New Orleans at No. 7, before the host Nets took BYU’s Egor Demin at No. 8, Brooklyn’s first of potentially five selections in the first round. Toronto took South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9.The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder took Georgetown center Thomas Sorber at No. 15, their first of two picks in the first round.

🏀 Cooper Flagg the new Maine man for the Mavericks as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Rasmussen (7-5) struck out five and walked two before turning it over to the Tampa Bay bullpen on a hot, humid night. Three relievers combined to allow one hit and one walk before Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth for his 14th save.

The Rays (45-35) have won five straight on the road, nine of their last 12 overall and are a season-best 10 games over .500.

José Caballero had an RBI bunt single and Danny Jansen laid down a sacrifice bunt against Michael Wacha during the decisive second for Tampa Bay. Christopher Morel, Josh Lowe and Chandler Simpson had singles in the inning.

Other than that, Wacha (4-7) was tough on the Rays. He went six innings and struck out nine while walking just one.

His biggest problem has been the Royals' biggest problem: They aren't scoring. Not only have they managed four runs total amid a four-game losing streak, they have given Wacha two runs of support or fewer in 13 of his 16 starts this season.

Kansas City has lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium since beating Detroit on May 31, its longest home skid since dropping 10 in a row in April and May 2023. The Royals also have lost 10 of their last 14 games overall.

The Royals put runners on the corners in the fourth, but Salvador Perez popped out on his first pitch to end the threat.

Kansas City has not hit a home run in its last 54 innings at Kauffman Stadium.

Rays RHP Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81) starts for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750933236408.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone catches a fly ball for the out on Tampa Bay Rays' Josh Lowe during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Rasmussen tossed five innings of two-hit ball, Tampa Bay scored three times in the second on an array of singles and bunts, and the Rays held on the rest of the way to beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.Rasmussen (7-5) struck out five and walked two before turning it over to the Tampa Bay bullpen on a hot, humid night. Three relievers combined to allow one hit and one walk before Pete Fairbanks handled the ninth for his 14th save.The Rays (45-35) have won five straight on the road, nine of their last 12 overall and are a season-best 10 games over .500.José Caballero had an RBI bunt single and Danny Jansen laid down a sacrifice bunt against Michael Wacha during the decisive second for Tampa Bay. Christopher Morel, Josh Lowe and Chandler Simpson had singles in the inning.Other than that, Wacha (4-7) was tough on the Rays. He went six innings and struck out nine while walking just one.His biggest problem has been the Royals' biggest problem: They aren't scoring. Not only have they managed four runs total amid a four-game losing streak, they have given Wacha two runs of support or fewer in 13 of his 16 starts this season.Kansas City has lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium since beating Detroit on May 31, its longest home skid since dropping 10 in a row in April and May 2023. The Royals also have lost 10 of their last 14 games overall.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals put runners on the corners in the fourth, but Salvador Perez popped out on his first pitch to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City has not hit a home run in its last 54 innings at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>Rays RHP Shane Baz (7-3, 4.79 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.81) starts for the Royals.

⚾ Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen shine in win over Royals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750882146419.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; Center Paul Mbiya has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727" rel="smarttag" rev="727">Bill Self</a></dfn>&nbsp;announced today. Mbiya is from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season. Mbiya is 6-foot-11, 260 pounds, and has a 7-foot-8 wingspan. He played&nbsp;this past season in the ASVEL team system in the top-tier level French Pro A League. Mbiya averaged 15.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game in 2024-25. In 2023-24, Mbiya averaged 15.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game for the ASVEL U21 team. He also appeared in 10 games in 2023-24 for the top ASVEL team. Prior to playing for ASVEL, Mbiya was part of the NBA Academy Africa and was a 2022 Basketball Without Borders All-Star selection. "We've had a good last couple of days recruiting with Kohl (Rosario) signing yesterday and Paul today," Self said. "Paul is big. He's a legit 6-11 with a wingspan of 7-foot, 8 inches. He fits very well with the way we play. He is an immediate impact guy, and he gives us much needed size to go along with Flory (Bidunga) and Bryson (Tiller)." Mbiya becomes the sixth incoming freshman signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, Kohl Rosario, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).</div>

🏀 Paul Mbiya signs with KU, second signee for Jayhawks in as many days

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, June 25, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=twznu-18e8efb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals drop opener to Rays; ⚾ Wind Surge hit 3 home runs in win; 🏀 NBA Draft is tonight

LONDON (AP) — In an offseason huddle at the NFL’s London headquarters, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are drawing up a game plan to win over fans in a crowded UK market.

They’re getting input from the locals, and there’s good news.

“There is something about that younger generation, in the UK specifically, they are really into U.S. sports at the moment,” says Louise Johnson, chief executive of marketing agency Fuse. “There’s a moment in time that you can really capitalize on.”

Chiefs executives visited London after the team added the UK to its list of countries in the NFL’s&nbsp;<a href="https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-game/all-32-teams-officially-part-of-nfl-s-global-markets-program/" target="_blank">global markets program</a>, which puts teams in the driver’s seat to increase fandom overall — as well as land commercial partnerships individually.

A day that began meeting with local agencies in the NFL’s glass-enclosed eighth-floor office overlooking Leicester Square ended along the banks of the Thames, where a “Chiefs cab” was the meeting point to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1929976584485720162" target="_blank">surprise a local fan</a>&nbsp;with a ticket giveaway.

“The UK is another puzzle piece in the larger globalization of the brand,” said Lara Krug, the team’s chief media and marketing officer, echoing a franchise theme of becoming the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-mahomes-germany-global-kelce-c583255170f52f4a7628d116058ac402">world’s team</a>.”

Krug led the team’s delegation that included business, social media and public relations representatives. Besides marketing agencies, they also met with NFL officials. The takeaways were clear for growing the Chiefs’ fanbase.

“One, that 12-to-24 (aged) audience is where there is the biggest opportunity,” she told The Associated Press. ”(They’re) very much into the cultural part of the NFL and the Americana of it all.”

Second, find creative ways to connect to local fans. The Chicago Bears did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-partner-with-acid-fc-mitchell-ness-for-london-merch-collection" target="_blank">soccer-style jerseys</a>&nbsp;last year for their London game.

“The league and the clubs have done a great job on growing the game,” Krug said. “We see the opportunity of reaching more fans and doing it from a cultural lens.”

Expanding your fan base is much easier when your quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is the face of the league, and your star tight end,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-kansas-city-chiefs-76e795fb9e896e69e82d4bc6af1eef60">Travis Kelce</a>, is dating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-oilers-panthers-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-64580f4056005e292ab261900cbd2144">global pop star Taylor Swift</a>. Kelce was the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLUKIRE/status/1882475470484344866" target="_blank">UK’s top-selling NFL jersey</a>&nbsp;in 2024.

The Chiefs have also played in five of the last six Super Bowls and won three of them.

Still, there are eight other NFL teams with the same rights the Chiefs have in Britain — and six of them have been there longer.

Social media content on platforms like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-delay-executive-order-3211a98113615be44cf92b32dca69a8e">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and Instagram are crucial, especially because NFL fans in the UK over-index on daily social media use compared to other fans, the Chiefs said.

“We know mascots do really well in the markets, it becomes an ambassador,” Krug said.

KC Wolf was on hand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-germany-mahomes-12a0ace723d0c6c3aab077ca6614f161">in Frankfurt, Germany in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 21-14.

They’ll soon be looking for “multiple European-based mascots of our KC Wolf,” Krug said.

“That will be something that we launch later this year,” she said, “so having KC Wolf show up in a few of our markets more frequently.”

Meetings aside, being on the ground in London was helpful in other ways: Krug noted the long line at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one">Formula One</a>&nbsp;promotion in the Lego store in Leicester Square.

The Chiefs have experimented before. Last year the team partnered with Hallmark — headquartered in Kansas City — on “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syuN4M-wa9s" target="_blank">Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.</a>&nbsp;”

In the NFL’s global markets program, Kansas City has rights in seven countries — only the Los Angeles Rams have as many. All but one — Mexico — of the Chiefs’ markets are in Europe. The team added the UK, Ireland and Spain this year.

The team’s brass believes the best way to gain fans in foreign markets is to play games there. The Chiefs won their only London game, back in 2015. They are 3-0 overall in regular-season international games.

Dublin, Madrid and Berlin are all new host cities this season.

The Chiefs will play internationally this season — but not in Europe. They open in Brazil on Sept. 5 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo.

That’s the first of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2025-international-games-to-feature-seven-games-in-five-countries" target="_blank">seven international NFL games</a>&nbsp;in 2025 — the most ever in one season — and Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to eventually get to 16 games per year. Goodell has also floated the idea of creating a European division and staging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goodell-nfl-london-international-caa03e8d27aa2a07ab0a848bc015fff7">a Super Bowl outside the United States</a>. One theory is the league will package the international games into&nbsp;<a href="https://frontofficesports.com/sources-nfl-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-international-rights-package/" target="_blank">a billion-dollar rights deal</a>.

Team and league data show that the Chiefs are already popular internationally.

They have the largest overall German-language social media following at nearly 150,000. For consumer products sales, the Chiefs rank No. 1 in the “DACH” region of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and No. 2 in Mexico. In international Game Pass viewing, the Chiefs were the most-watched team in DACH and Mexico last season.

The Chiefs brought several British “influencers” to a game at Arrowhead Stadium last season. They included “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@formzofficial?lang=en" target="_blank">Formz</a>,” a Tottenham fan who raps Premier League weekly recaps and sings about heartbreak; he has 1 million followers on TikTok.

The league saw “significant growth” in UK fandom last year, said Henry Hodgson, the NFL’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.

Confidence is high enough that three teams — the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers — applied for and were awarded UK rights starting this season, joining the six others already in the market.

“For now, we don’t want to cap it,” Hodgson told the AP. “We see the benefit of these teams being involved in the market. It’s something that the NFL will monitor, not just in the UK but in all the markets that the global markets program exists in and make sure that all of the clubs can be successful in all the markets they’re in.”

Eleven teams have rights in Germany. Mexico is next highest with 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750857545978.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Chiefs mascot, KC Wolf, is seen, before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Chiefs mascot, KC Wolf, is seen, before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — In an offseason huddle at the NFL’s London headquarters, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;are drawing up a game plan to win over fans in a crowded UK market.They’re getting input from the locals, and there’s good news.“There is something about that younger generation, in the UK specifically, they are really into U.S. sports at the moment,” says Louise Johnson, chief executive of marketing agency Fuse. “There’s a moment in time that you can really capitalize on.”Chiefs executives visited London after the team added the UK to its list of countries in the NFL’s&nbsp;<a href="https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-game/all-32-teams-officially-part-of-nfl-s-global-markets-program/" target="_blank">global markets program</a>, which puts teams in the driver’s seat to increase fandom overall — as well as land commercial partnerships individually.A day that began meeting with local agencies in the NFL’s glass-enclosed eighth-floor office overlooking Leicester Square ended along the banks of the Thames, where a “Chiefs cab” was the meeting point to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1929976584485720162" target="_blank">surprise a local fan</a>&nbsp;with a ticket giveaway.“The UK is another puzzle piece in the larger globalization of the brand,” said Lara Krug, the team’s chief media and marketing officer, echoing a franchise theme of becoming the “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-mahomes-germany-global-kelce-c583255170f52f4a7628d116058ac402">world’s team</a>.”Krug led the team’s delegation that included business, social media and public relations representatives. Besides marketing agencies, they also met with NFL officials. The takeaways were clear for growing the Chiefs’ fanbase.“One, that 12-to-24 (aged) audience is where there is the biggest opportunity,” she told The Associated Press. ”(They’re) very much into the cultural part of the NFL and the Americana of it all.”Second, find creative ways to connect to local fans. The Chicago Bears did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/news/bears-partner-with-acid-fc-mitchell-ness-for-london-merch-collection" target="_blank">soccer-style jerseys</a>&nbsp;last year for their London game.“The league and the clubs have done a great job on growing the game,” Krug said. “We see the opportunity of reaching more fans and doing it from a cultural lens.”<h2>Mahomes, Kelce and KC Wolf</h2>Expanding your fan base is much easier when your quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is the face of the league, and your star tight end,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-kansas-city-chiefs-76e795fb9e896e69e82d4bc6af1eef60">Travis Kelce</a>, is dating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanley-cup-oilers-panthers-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-64580f4056005e292ab261900cbd2144">global pop star Taylor Swift</a>. Kelce was the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLUKIRE/status/1882475470484344866" target="_blank">UK’s top-selling NFL jersey</a>&nbsp;in 2024.The Chiefs have also played in five of the last six Super Bowls and won three of them.Still, there are eight other NFL teams with the same rights the Chiefs have in Britain — and six of them have been there longer.Social media content on platforms like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-delay-executive-order-3211a98113615be44cf92b32dca69a8e">TikTok</a>&nbsp;and Instagram are crucial, especially because NFL fans in the UK over-index on daily social media use compared to other fans, the Chiefs said.But some old-school methods work too.Hello, KC Wolf.“We know mascots do really well in the markets, it becomes an ambassador,” Krug said.KC Wolf was on hand&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-dolphins-germany-mahomes-12a0ace723d0c6c3aab077ca6614f161">in Frankfurt, Germany in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 21-14.They’ll soon be looking for “multiple European-based mascots of our KC Wolf,” Krug said.“That will be something that we launch later this year,” she said, “so having KC Wolf show up in a few of our markets more frequently.”Meetings aside, being on the ground in London was helpful in other ways: Krug noted the long line at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/formula-one">Formula One</a>&nbsp;promotion in the Lego store in Leicester Square.The Chiefs have experimented before. Last year the team partnered with Hallmark — headquartered in Kansas City — on “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syuN4M-wa9s" target="_blank">Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.</a>&nbsp;”<h2>Going international</h2>In the NFL’s global markets program, Kansas City has rights in seven countries — only the Los Angeles Rams have as many. All but one — Mexico — of the Chiefs’ markets are in Europe. The team added the UK, Ireland and Spain this year.The team’s brass believes the best way to gain fans in foreign markets is to play games there. The Chiefs won their only London game, back in 2015. They are 3-0 overall in regular-season international games.Dublin, Madrid and Berlin are all new host cities this season.The Chiefs will play internationally this season — but not in Europe. They open in Brazil on Sept. 5 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo.That’s the first of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2025-international-games-to-feature-seven-games-in-five-countries" target="_blank">seven international NFL games</a>&nbsp;in 2025 — the most ever in one season — and Commissioner Roger Goodell wants to eventually get to 16 games per year. Goodell has also floated the idea of creating a European division and staging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/goodell-nfl-london-international-caa03e8d27aa2a07ab0a848bc015fff7">a Super Bowl outside the United States</a>. One theory is the league will package the international games into&nbsp;<a href="https://frontofficesports.com/sources-nfl-eyes-multi-billion-dollar-international-rights-package/" target="_blank">a billion-dollar rights deal</a>.Team and league data show that the Chiefs are already popular internationally.They have the largest overall German-language social media following at nearly 150,000. For consumer products sales, the Chiefs rank No. 1 in the “DACH” region of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and No. 2 in Mexico. In international Game Pass viewing, the Chiefs were the most-watched team in DACH and Mexico last season.<h2>NFL says UK still has room to grow</h2>The Chiefs brought several British “influencers” to a game at Arrowhead Stadium last season. They included “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@formzofficial?lang=en" target="_blank">Formz</a>,” a Tottenham fan who raps Premier League weekly recaps and sings about heartbreak; he has 1 million followers on TikTok.The league saw “significant growth” in UK fandom last year, said Henry Hodgson, the NFL’s general manager for the UK and Ireland.Confidence is high enough that three teams — the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers — applied for and were awarded UK rights starting this season, joining the six others already in the market.“For now, we don’t want to cap it,” Hodgson told the AP. “We see the benefit of these teams being involved in the market. It’s something that the NFL will monitor, not just in the UK but in all the markets that the global markets program exists in and make sure that all of the clubs can be successful in all the markets they’re in.”Eleven teams have rights in Germany. Mexico is next highest with 10.

🏈 Chiefs’ strategy to expand UK fandom: cultural connections and mascot diplomacy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750857696666.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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WICHITA, Kan. (June 24, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/nate-baez-686960">Nate Baez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kaelen-culpepper-701785">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kyler-fedko-693459">Kyler Fedko</a>&nbsp;all homered in a 3-0 victory for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Springfield Cardinals at Equity Bank Park. The shutout is also the sixth of the season thrown by the Wind Surge pitching staff.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/christian-macleod-681306">Christian MacLeod</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jacob-wosinski-814291">Jacob Wosinski</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/mike-paredes-702474">Mike Paredes</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-andrews-681084">Tanner Andrews</a>&nbsp;combined for the seventh shutout of the season for the Wind Surge. MacLeod gave up just three hits and a walk with a pair of strikeouts in his second start back from injury. Wosinski ended up earning the win to jump to 2-1 on the year with Wichita after two innings of two-hit baseball with two walks.
Baez debuted his new number #13 in loud fashion with a solo home run, his second with Wichita, out to left in the bottom of the second.
Fedko jumped back ahead to the top of the Texas League leaderboard with a solo shot, #13 of the year, off the Wind Surge scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth. Culpepper followed after the stretch in the seventh with a blast of his own for his first as a member of the Wind Surge and a 3-0 lead.
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Paredes and Andrews didn&rsquo;t let Springfield get a hit for the final four innings to end the night, with Andrews getting his first save in a Wind Surge uniform after a scoreless ninth.
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POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Both Kaelen Culpepper and Walker Jenkins made their 2025 home debuts with the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Gabby Gonzalez records his first outfield assist with Wichita in the top of the second, gunning down Ramon Mendoza at the plate. That&rsquo;s the ninth outfield assist of the season for the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Kaelen Culpepper hits his first home run with Wichita.</li>
<li>Tanner Andrews records his first save with the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Wichita throws their sixth shutout in 2025.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continue the series with the Springfield Cardinals on June 25 at 7:05 PM on Wetnose Wednesday. Bring your dogs to Equity Bank Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of baseball under the lights! You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wichita utilizes solo shots in shutout of Springfield

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Jansen hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBIs, Taj Bradley pitched two-hit ball for 6 2/3 scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.

Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda had three hits apiece for the Rays.

José Caballero hit a two-out single in the second inning, and two pitches later Jansen followed with a homer that gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.

Aranda led off the fourth with a single, advanced to third on throwing error when Jake Mangum reached on a fielder's choice, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jansen to make it 3-0.

Díaz and Curtis Mead hit back-to-back singles and Díaz scored when Aranda, with two out in the fifth, reached on a throwing error by starter Kris Bubic (6-5).

Junior Camerino doubled and later scored on a ground ball by Mangum in the seventh.

Kansas City's Maikel Garcia hit a two-out double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino to cap the scoring in the ninth.

Tampa Bay, in second place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees, has won three in a row and eight of 10.

Bradley (5-5) didn’t allow a base runner until John Rave drew a one-out walk in the sixth. After Kyle Isbel flied out, Jonathan India hit a ground rule double to break up the no-hit bid before Bradley got Bobby Witt Jr. to line out and end the threat.

The Royals have lost eight straight and 12 of their last 15 at Kauffman Stadium after starting the season 16-5 at home.

The series continues Wednesday when Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) takes on Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750848445269.jpeg" alt="Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Danny Jansen hit a two-run home run and finished with three RBIs, Taj Bradley pitched two-hit ball for 6 2/3 scoreless innings and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Tuesday night.Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda had three hits apiece for the Rays.José Caballero hit a two-out single in the second inning, and two pitches later Jansen followed with a homer that gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.Aranda led off the fourth with a single, advanced to third on throwing error when Jake Mangum reached on a fielder's choice, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jansen to make it 3-0.Díaz and Curtis Mead hit back-to-back singles and Díaz scored when Aranda, with two out in the fifth, reached on a throwing error by starter Kris Bubic (6-5).Junior Camerino doubled and later scored on a ground ball by Mangum in the seventh.Kansas City's Maikel Garcia hit a two-out double and scored on a single by Vinnie Pasquantino to cap the scoring in the ninth.Tampa Bay, in second place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees, has won three in a row and eight of 10.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bradley (5-5) didn’t allow a base runner until John Rave drew a one-out walk in the sixth. After Kyle Isbel flied out, Jonathan India hit a ground rule double to break up the no-hit bid before Bradley got Bobby Witt Jr. to line out and end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have lost eight straight and 12 of their last 15 at Kauffman Stadium after starting the season 16-5 at home.<h2>Up next</h2>The series continues Wednesday when Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen (6-5, 2.61 ERA) takes on Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.24).

⚾ Jansen has HR and 3 RBIs as the Rays beat Royals 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750782019146.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State&nbsp;Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. &nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The Basketball Tournament (TBT) &ndash; the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX Sports &ndash; will see the return of AfterShocks, a Wichita State University alumni team.&nbsp;The AfterShocks will host the Wichita Regional in&nbsp;Charles Koch Arena from July 18-22. AfterShocks will face No Excuses in the opening round on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m. CT. If they advance, they will play the winner of Challenge ALS and Austin's Own on Sunday, July 20, at 8 p.m. CT on FS1. The Wichita Regional championship game will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at 8 p.m. CT. AfterShocks, the No. 2&nbsp;seed in the Wichita Region, will be hosting a TBT regional for the sixth time. Seven teams join the AfterShocks in the Wichita Region. 2025 Wichita Region #1 Seed: Forever Coogs (Houston Alumni) #2 Seed: AfterShocks (Wichita State Alumni) #3 Seed: Challenge ALS #4 Seed: Fire Family #5 Seed: Run DFW #6 Seed: Austin's Own (Texas Alumni) #7 Seed: No Excuses As the top seed in the Wichita Region, Forever Coogs will not have a first-round game. AfterShocks' current roster includes: ● Trey Wade (2019-21) ● Markis McDuffie (2015-19) ● Conner Frankamp (2015-18) ● Zach Brown (2014-18) ● Rashard Kelly (2014-18) ● Chevez Goodwin (College of Charleston, Wofford, USC) ● Leyton Hammonds (Oklahoma State) Additional player announcements for AfterShocks will be announced via TBT and the team's social media channels.</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750782115025.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 2025 TBT bracket, schedule revealed for AfterShocks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750781898843.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; Shooting guard Kohl Rosario has signed a financial aid agreement to play basketball at Kansas, KU head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727" rel="smarttag" rev="727">Bill Self</a></dfn>&nbsp;announced today. Rosario will be a freshman for the 2025-26 season. Rosario, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds, comes to Kansas after playing at Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta in 2024-25. The Miami native is ranked No. 27 in the class of 2026 by Rivals.com and has reclassified for the upcoming season. "We're very excited to add Kohl this year's team," Self said. "It's not often there's a player of his potential to become available at this point. We feel that what Kohl brings from a perimeter athletic shooting standpoint is something that we've needed to add to this year's roster. He is one of the hardest working youngsters that we've ever recruited and feel the transition to college ball will be more seamless due to this. "He's been very well drilled, and I think his competitiveness will add of piece to our culture." At OTE, Rosario played for YNG Dreamerz, which won the 2025 championship. During the regular season Rosario averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game. In the playoffs he averaged 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in YNG Dreamerz' seven games. Additionally, he was 12-for-29 (41.4%) from three-point range in his team's title run. Prior to OTE, Rosario played two seasons at Moravian Prep in Hudson, North Carolina. In 2023-24, he averaged 25.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and made 60 threes shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc in 24 games. In 2022-23, Rosario averaged 16.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He made 58 threes in 22 contests and shot 38.9 percent from three-point range. Rosario becomes the fifth high school signee for Kansas, joining Darryn Peterson, Samis Calderon, Bryson Tiller, and Corbin Allen. Tiller joined the KU team as a redshirt in January. Kansas' spring transfer portal signees include Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Tre White (Illinois).</div>

🏀 4-star guard Kohl Rosario signs with KU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750781757699.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas women's basketball will renew a longtime rivalry on Saturday, November 15, as the Jayhawks take on Missouri at the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Storagemart Border Showdown matchup will be part of the 28.5 Shootout hosted by Missouri Valley Youth Services. "We are excited to compete in the T-Mobile Center on November 15," Kansas coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/737" rel="smarttag" rev="737">Brandon Schneider</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "As a program, we greatly understand the intensity of the rivalry and look forward to playing in the venue that will host the 2026 Big 12 Championship." Kansas and Missouri will meet for the 84th time in series history, which dates back to 1973. The Jayhawks lead the all-time series 45-38, with the most recent matchup being a blowout 75-47 victory by Kansas in the second round of the 2023 WNIT. Prior to that, Kansas and Missouri had not faced off since the Tigers departed the Big 12 Conference following the 2011-12 season. The Jayhawks will be making their first regular season appearance at the T-Mobile Center, while playing a fourth game all-time at the venue. The Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship was moved to the T-Mobile Center in 2024, and Kansas is 1-2 in the event over the past two seasons. The matchup with Missouri will serve as a homecoming for four players on the Kansas roster who call the greater Kansas City area home.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" rel="smarttag" rev="15529">S'Mya Nichols</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=16490" rev="16490">Jaliya Davis</a></dfn>&nbsp;both hail from Overland Park, Kansas, while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sania-copeland/15536" rel="smarttag" rev="15536">Sania Copeland</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/15538" rel="smarttag" rev="15538">Regan Williams</a></dfn>&nbsp;are both from Kansas City, with Copeland from the Kansas side and Williams from Missouri. This is the first non-conference matchup announced by Kansas for the 2025-26 season, with the remainder expected to be finalized soon. Season tickets for the 2025-26 Kansas women's basketball campaign will go on sale in July and can be purchased by visiting KUAthletics.com or calling 800-34-HAWKS.</div>

🏀 KU women to face Mizzou at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Tuesday, June 24, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m7qny-18e6cdc-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals open homestand with Rays; ⚾ Monarchs suspended Monday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750771091837.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/chris-lamb/1221" rel="smarttag" rev="1221">Chris Lamb</a></dfn>&nbsp;and the Wichita State volleyball program finalized their 2025 schedule on Monday, including a season-opening home tournament and a home date against in-state rival Kansas. Among the 12 non-conference teams the Shockers have on the schedule, seven finished the 2024 season in the top 100 of the RPI and three (BYU, Kansas, South Dakota) qualified for the NCAA tournament. Wichita State will host the Shocker Volleyball Classic to kick off the campaign, marking the first time since the 2007 season that WSU has opened the season at home. The Shockers host Kennesaw State in the season opener on Friday, August 29, then conclude the competition against SEC foe Arkansas on Sunday, August 31. From there Wichita State heads to Provo, Utah for a tournament hosted by perennial national power BYU. The Shockers will take on Incarnate Word and the host Cougars on Friday, September 5 before battling a familiar opponent in Northern Colorado the following day. WSU has played Northern Colorado each of the last three seasons; the Bears are coming off a program record 28-win season in 2024. The Shockers travel to Cookeville, Tennessee for a tournament featuring Radford, host Tennessee Tech and Samford on September 11-12, then return to Charles Koch Arena to square off with Kansas on Tuesday, September 16. The final non-conference tournament takes WSU to Vermillion, South Dakota, where the Shockers take on Drake, South Dakota and Villanova. All three programs finished last season with top-100 RPIs. The 16-match conference slate begins on September 26 at UAB. The Shockers will host Tulsa, Memphis, UAB, Tulane, North Texas, East Carolina, Charlotte and Rice, with road trips to UAB, Memphis, Tulsa, UTSA, Rice, Florida Atlantic, South Florida and Temple. The American Athletic Conference tournament will be hosted by South Florida and begins November 21 in Tampa, Florida. The Shockers return 13 players from a team that finished the 2024 season with an 18-14 record, including outside hitters&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/brooklyn-leggett/8982" rel="smarttag" rev="8982">Brooklyn Leggett</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/emerson-wilford/8987" rel="smarttag" rev="8987">Emerson Wilford</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gracie-morrow/9022" rel="smarttag" rev="9022">Gracie Morrow</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/nadia-wasilewski/9023" rel="smarttag" rev="9023">Nadia Wasilewski</a></dfn>&nbsp;plus middle blockers&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/maddie-wilson/8988" rel="smarttag" rev="8988">Maddie Wilson</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/allie-paulsen/8984" rel="smarttag" rev="8984">Allie Paulsen</a></dfn>.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/katie-galligan/8980" rel="smarttag" rev="8980">Katie Galligan</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/grace-hett/9021" rel="smarttag" rev="9021">Grace Hett</a></dfn>&nbsp;return to the back row, along with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/gabi-maas/8983" rel="smarttag" rev="8983">Gabi Maas</a></dfn>, who missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury. Lamb has added four transfers to the mix, bringing in outside hitter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/sydney-dunning/9446" rel="smarttag" rev="9446">Sydney Dunning</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Cal State Bakersfield), middle blocker&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/elinor-engel/9445" rel="smarttag" rev="9445">Elinor Engel</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Central Missouri), and setters&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/hannah-hawkins/9444" rel="smarttag" rev="9444">Hannah Hawkins</a></dfn>&nbsp;(High Point) and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/jordan-heatherly/9489" rel="smarttag" rev="9489">Jordan Heatherly</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Memphis). The veteran head coach enters his 26th season in 2025, with a career record of 526-250.</div>

🏐 WSU announces 2025 schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Monday night's Jayhawk Collegiate League matchup between the Hutchinson Monarchs and the Wichita Wildcats was postponed in the bottom of the first inning due to inclement weather, with the Monarchs holding a 3-1 lead.

The game was halted with runners on first and third and one out, following a fast start by the Monarchs’ offense after Wichita struck first in the top half of the inning.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead when Josh Donna singled and came around to score on a double to center field by Landon Haines. Monarchs starter Carson Harrell settled down to strike out Reed Haneberg and end the frame.

Hutchinson wasted no time responding in the bottom of the inning. Jeter Worthley drew a leadoff walk, and the Monarchs loaded the bases with a single by Joey Senstock and a walk to Drew Bugner. Jackson Legg followed with a two-run single to give the Monarchs a 2-1 lead. Keegan Demmer added a sacrifice fly to bring in a third run.

With Dylan Bell at the plate and a 2-0 count, the game was stopped and ultimately postponed due to heavy rain and lightning strikes in the area.

No makeup date has been announced. The Monarchs will be on the road Wednesday and Thursday night in Newton and Friday in Derby before returning home on Saturday and Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750734021181.png" alt="The Hutchinson Monarchs game vs the Wichita Wildcats was suspended and postponed to a later date Monday night with the Monarchs leading in the bottom of the 1st inning 3-1." />
 <figcaption>The Hutchinson Monarchs game vs the Wichita Wildcats was suspended and postponed to a later date Monday night with the Monarchs leading in the bottom of the 1st inning 3-1.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Monday night's Jayhawk Collegiate League matchup between the Hutchinson Monarchs and the Wichita Wildcats was postponed in the bottom of the first inning due to inclement weather, with the Monarchs holding a 3-1 lead.The game was halted with runners on first and third and one out, following a fast start by the Monarchs’ offense after Wichita struck first in the top half of the inning.The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead when Josh Donna singled and came around to score on a double to center field by Landon Haines. Monarchs starter Carson Harrell settled down to strike out Reed Haneberg and end the frame.Hutchinson wasted no time responding in the bottom of the inning. Jeter Worthley drew a leadoff walk, and the Monarchs loaded the bases with a single by Joey Senstock and a walk to Drew Bugner. Jackson Legg followed with a two-run single to give the Monarchs a 2-1 lead. Keegan Demmer added a sacrifice fly to bring in a third run.With Dylan Bell at the plate and a 2-0 count, the game was stopped and ultimately postponed due to heavy rain and lightning strikes in the area.No makeup date has been announced. The Monarchs will be on the road Wednesday and Thursday night in Newton and Friday in Derby before returning home on Saturday and Sunday night.

⚾ Weather halts Monarchs-Wildcats matchup with Hutchinson leading early

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarch game between the Monarchs and the Wichita Wildcats had to be suspended due to rain and lightning at 8:55pm Monday night with the Monarchs leading 3-1 in the bottom of the first inning with one out and runners at 1st and 3rd base. No date has been announced as to when this game will resume.

The Monarchs (12-3) will pay host to the Wichita Wildcats tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Glen Grunwald of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750711929557.png" alt="Game Day versus Wichita Wildcat College tonight at Hobart-Detter Field at 7pm" />
 <figcaption>Game Day versus Wichita Wildcat College tonight at Hobart-Detter Field at 7pm</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarch game between the Monarchs and the Wichita Wildcats had to be suspended due to rain and lightning at 8:55pm Monday night with the Monarchs leading 3-1 in the bottom of the first inning with one out and runners at 1st and 3rd base. No date has been announced as to when this game will resume.The Monarchs (12-3) will pay host to the Wichita Wildcats tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Glen Grunwald of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2471295?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: WEATHER POSTPONMENT - Hutch Monarchs vs Wichita Wildcats

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs will return to Missouri Western State University for their 2025 training camp, marking the 15th year the club has held camp in St. Joseph. The team and university have also agreed to a multi-year extension to continue the partnership.

Open practices are scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 22, and run through Wednesday, Aug. 13. All practices will take place on the Mosaic Training Fields and are free to the public unless otherwise noted. Fans must reserve tickets in advance at <a href="http://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp">www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp</a>, and space is limited due to anticipated demand.

Season Ticket Members will have first access to reserve tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 24. The general public can begin reserving tickets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Fans may reserve up to six tickets per day for a maximum of three practices. Paid practice days and exclusive Season Ticket Member dates do not count toward the three-practice limit.

Three practices will require a $6 admission fee: Sunday, July 27; Saturday, Aug. 2 (Family Fun Day); and Sunday, Aug. 3. Two practices—Tuesday, July 22 and Thursday, Aug. 7—are reserved exclusively for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and will not be open to the general public.

Ambassador Day is set for Monday, July 28, and Military Appreciation Day will be held on the final day of camp, Wednesday, Aug. 13. Team autograph sessions are scheduled for July 22, July 27, Aug. 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 7.

Parking is $7 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance during the ticket reservation process. Parking will be free for Season Ticket Members on their two exclusive days. All tickets will be mobile-only and accessible through the Chiefs Mobile app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723574554305.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs will return to Missouri Western State University for their 2025 training camp, marking the 15th year the club has held camp in St. Joseph. The team and university have also agreed to a multi-year extension to continue the partnership.Open practices are scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 22, and run through Wednesday, Aug. 13. All practices will take place on the Mosaic Training Fields and are free to the public unless otherwise noted. Fans must reserve tickets in advance at <a href="http://www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp">www.chiefs.com/trainingcamp</a>, and space is limited due to anticipated demand.Season Ticket Members will have first access to reserve tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 24. The general public can begin reserving tickets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Fans may reserve up to six tickets per day for a maximum of three practices. Paid practice days and exclusive Season Ticket Member dates do not count toward the three-practice limit.Three practices will require a $6 admission fee: Sunday, July 27; Saturday, Aug. 2 (Family Fun Day); and Sunday, Aug. 3. Two practices—Tuesday, July 22 and Thursday, Aug. 7—are reserved exclusively for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and will not be open to the general public.Ambassador Day is set for Monday, July 28, and Military Appreciation Day will be held on the final day of camp, Wednesday, Aug. 13. Team autograph sessions are scheduled for July 22, July 27, Aug. 2, Aug. 3 and Aug. 7.Parking is $7 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance during the ticket reservation process. Parking will be free for Season Ticket Members on their two exclusive days. All tickets will be mobile-only and accessible through the Chiefs Mobile app.

🏈 Chiefs announce 2025 training camp schedule in St. Joseph; ticket reservations begin June 24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Monday, June 23, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dxsp6-18e4e3c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals drop series in San Diego; 🏈 West wins 52nd Shrine Bowl; 🏀 Thunder wins first NBA title

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled.

The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.

The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pacers-tyrese-haliburton-injury-game-7-8ef02bc6a6892d26c98a5dbee531c5cc">who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes</a>&nbsp;— 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

“It doesn’t feel real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.”

Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.

Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.

It’s the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.

In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.

“They behave like champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”

The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away.

“Deflated, but proud of everything we’ve accomplished,” Pacers guard TJ McConnell said.

Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn’t have enough in the end.

Home teams improved to 16-4 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-2025-thunder-pacers-cc44027f3b4e715a5de3ac28fc4bcea3">NBA Finals</a>&nbsp;Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.

Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in the pandemic “bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last year’s title.

And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.

The Thunder are the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12 seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750672587014.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the court for the final time this season, collapsed into the arms of coach Mark Daigneault and finally smiled.It was over.The climb is complete. The rebuild is done. The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions.The best team all season was the best team at the end, bringing the NBA title to Oklahoma City for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pacers-tyrese-haliburton-injury-game-7-8ef02bc6a6892d26c98a5dbee531c5cc">who lost Tyrese Haliburton to a serious leg injury in the opening minutes</a>&nbsp;— 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.“It doesn’t feel real,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, the Finals MVP. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief. It’s crazy to know that we’re all here, but this group worked for it. This group put in the hours and we deserve this.”Jalen Williams scored 20 points and Chet Holmgren had 18 for the Thunder, who finished off a season for the ages. Oklahoma City won 84 games between the regular season and the playoffs, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for third most in any season.Only Golden State (88 in 2016-17) and the Bulls (87 in 2015-16) won more.It’s the second championship for the franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA title in 1979; the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. There’s nothing in the rafters in Oklahoma City to commemorate that title.In October, a championship banner is finally coming. A Thunder banner.“They behave like champions. They compete like champions,” Daigneault said. “They root for each other’s success, which is rare in professional sports. I’ve said it many times and now I’m going to say it one more time. They are an uncommon team and now they’re champions.”The Pacers led 48-47 at the half even after losing Haliburton to what his father said was an Achilles tendon injury about seven minutes into the game. But they were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter as the Thunder built a 13-point lead and began to run away.“Deflated, but proud of everything we’ve accomplished,” Pacers guard TJ McConnell said.Bennedict Mathurin had 24 points and 13 rebounds for Indiana, which still is waiting for its first NBA title. The Pacers — who were 10-15 after 25 games and were bidding to be the first team in NBA history to turn that bad of a start into a championship — had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in the series, but they simply didn’t have enough in the end.Home teams improved to 16-4 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-2025-thunder-pacers-cc44027f3b4e715a5de3ac28fc4bcea3">NBA Finals</a>&nbsp;Game 7s. And the Thunder became the seventh champion in the last seven seasons, a run of parity like none other in NBA history.Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was part of the Toronto team that won in 2019, Thunder guard Alex Caruso was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won in the pandemic “bubble” in 2020, Milwaukee won in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Pacers forward Thomas Bryant and Denver prevailed in 2023, and Boston won last year’s title.And now, the Thunder get their turn. The youngest team to win a title in nearly a half-century has reached the NBA mountaintop.The Thunder are the ninth franchise to win a title in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s 12 seasons. His predecessor, David Stern, saw eight franchises win titles in his 30 seasons as commissioner.

🏀 Thunder beat Pacers in Game 7 for first NBA title

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750679382044.png" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KSHSAA Covered
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
DODGE CITY &ndash; Maize South&rsquo;s Christian McDonald found himself in the perfect spot at the perfect time to deliver the signature moment of Saturday&rsquo;s Kansas Shrine Bowl.&nbsp; Moments after the West offense found a spark with a touchdown drive to take the lead, McDonald added an early dagger in the third quarter, scoring on a 28-yard interception return to put the West on its way to a 26-8 victory in a windy 52nd edition of the Shrine Bowl at Memorial Stadium.&nbsp; The defensive back jumped a route in the right flat and followed his blockers up the sideline to highlight a 19-0 third quarter for the West. &ldquo;I had to make sure I was assignment correct and reading the quarterback,&rdquo; McDonald said. &ldquo;Anything that came to the flats, that was me. I just made sure I was underneath the route and once the play came to me I jumped on it.&nbsp; &ldquo;I took advantage of the opportunity I had.&rdquo; The West followed up McDonald&rsquo;s pick-six with another defensive stop and tacked on a 1-yard TD from Cheney quarterback Josh Burdick late in the third frame for the final points of the game.&nbsp; &ldquo;That (pick-six) was really electrifying for the whole team,&rdquo; McDonald said. &ldquo;It wouldn&rsquo;t have happened if it wasn&rsquo;t for my lead blocker (Derby&rsquo;s James Middlebrook). If he didn&rsquo;t set the block, I probably wouldn&rsquo;t have scored, so it&rsquo;s a team effort.&rdquo; &ldquo;That was a (defensive call) we&rsquo;d been working on. We&rsquo;d been saving it,&rdquo; said West head coach Dominic Dingle of Wichita Heights. &ldquo;It was a Cover 2 look, and (McDonald) did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a big-time, game-changing play.&rdquo; &nbsp;Maize South's&nbsp;Christian McDonald celebrates his pick six.&nbsp; The wind caused havoc at times, starting on the game&rsquo;s first possession. After a three-and-out at the East 5, the punt from Gardner-Edgerton quarterback Bravin Powell-Brown got caught in the wind and sailed backward into the end zone where Wellington&rsquo;s Brody Weir pounced on the ball for a touchdown. Neither team had much success moving the ball into the wind, with all five of the touchdowns coming with the wind at the scoring team&rsquo;s backs.&nbsp; &ldquo;We knew (the wind) was going to be a part of the game tonight,&rdquo; Dingle said. &ldquo;Everything just kind of worked out the way that we want. We only kicked the ball twice, and that was exactly what we wanted to do. It was part of our game plan and it worked out perfectly tonight.&rdquo; The East bounced back from the early punt mishap to take an 8-7 halftime lead. Powell-Brown, who led Gardner-Edgerton to back-to-back 6A championships, scored the East&rsquo;s lone touchdown on a 51-yard run with 9:58 left in the second quarter. Powell-Brown found Aquinas&rsquo; Elzie Slaughter for the two-point conversion.&nbsp; Olathe North&rsquo;s Wyatt Flood helped the East keep the lead heading into the locker room after breaking up a pass that was nearly caught in the end zone by Abilene&rsquo;s Weston Rock with 1.2 seconds left.&nbsp; The West, which rotated Burdick, Norton&rsquo;s Eli Jones and Manhattan&rsquo;s Carter Aslin at quarterback, found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter.&nbsp; Burdick and Jones each made big plays on the go-ahead drive, capped by a 2-yard TD run from Jones.&nbsp; &ldquo;It started up front and the quarterbacks were just making dynamite decisions,&rdquo; Dingle said. Burdick, an Emporia State signee who quarterbacked Cheney to a 3A state championship as a junior, was named MVP for the West &ldquo;Our defense played amazing,&rdquo; Burdick said. &ldquo;Really, I think there could have been a lot more MVPs in this game. A lot of guys played really well. We were one big family on the West and I think that&rsquo;s what helped us pull away.&rdquo; Lansing defensive lineman Ayden Ellington was MVP for the East.&nbsp; The West quickly got back into the win column after last year saw the East pick up its first win in six years.&nbsp; &ldquo;We really couldn&rsquo;t have started any worse, but we just kept going, kept going, and got up one at half,&rdquo; said East head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. &ldquo;All you can ask for as a coach is a chance, and that&rsquo;s what we had.&nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud of everyone. I&rsquo;m not really worried about winning or losing the game. The kids win.&rdquo; &nbsp;The East's Bravin Powell-Brown is wrapped up by a host of West players.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wellington's Brody Weir celebrates after recovering a punt in the end zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gardner-Edgerton's Bravin Powell-Brown weaves through tacklers on his way to the end zone.&nbsp; WEST 26, EAST 8 East &hellip; 0 &hellip; 8 &hellip; 0 &hellip; 0 &hellip; &ndash; &hellip; 8 West ... 7 &hellip; 0 &hellip; 19 &hellip; 0 &hellip; &ndash; &hellip; 26 West &ndash; Weir punt recovery in end zone (Jones kick) East &ndash; Powell-Brown 49 run (Slaughter pass from Brown) West &ndash; Jones 2 run (run failed)&nbsp; West &ndash; McDonald 28 interception return (run failed)&nbsp; West &ndash; Burdick 1 run (Jones kick)</div>

🏈 West team prevails in third quarter of 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746799760928.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 22, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/gabriel-gonzalez-694224">Gabby Gonzalez</a>&nbsp;totaled three hits in a 9-2 defeat for the Wichita Wind Surge against the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park. Following the loss, the Wind Surge split the series with the Travelers and finished the first half of the season with a 37-32 record.
Arkansas put up five first-inning runs on an RBI single by Hunter Fitz-Gerald, a sacrifice fly by Nick Raposo, and a three-run home run to left by Caleb Cali. Four more tallies came in the home half of the fourth on an RBI single from Bill Knight and another three-run long ball that stayed fair down the left field line by Hunter Fitz-Gerald to make the score 9-0 Travelers.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricardo-olivar-691627">Ricardo Olivar</a>&nbsp;broke the shutout after bringing Gonzalez home on a sac fly to center in the top of the sixth.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jake-rucker-696160">Jake Rucker</a>&nbsp;scored on an infielder&rsquo;s choice off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/walker-jenkins-805805?affiliateId=mlbcom-milb">Walker Jenkins</a>&nbsp;an inning later before the stretch.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1936880065326800934&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-drop-series-finale-to-travelers&amp;sessionId=3f3a3ab21abd443786d61f9099da6a3d3bad2569&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1936880065326800934"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jaylen-nowlin-701549">Jaylen Nowlin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/cole-percival-676931">Cole Percival</a>&nbsp;combined to give up just a hit over Wichita&rsquo;s final two and two-thirds innings pitched, but the 9-2 score would remain throughout the rest of the afternoon, and the Wind Surge would split the series with Arkansas.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/darren-bowen-804539">Darren Bowen</a>&nbsp;took the loss and now stands at 2-3 on the season. Over three innings, he gave up five hits and five runs (two earned) with three walks and three strikeouts.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>The first half of the 2025 season is complete for Wichita. They went 37-32.</li>
<li>The Wind Surge turned three double plays in today&rsquo;s game.</li>
<li>Gabby Gonzalez recorded his third consecutive multi-hit performance.</li>
<li>Walker Jenkins tallies an RBI for the second straight game.</li>
<li>Wichita heads back home to begin the second half against the Texas League North First Half Champion Springfield Cardinals on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge return to Equity Bank Park for a series with the Springfield Cardinals on June 24 at 7:05 PM on Two for Tuesday. Bring your Dillons Plus card or app to the box office and get two tickets for the price of one! You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge drops series finale to Travelers

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.

Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.

Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.

Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.

Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.

The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.

Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.

Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.

Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.

It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jose Iglesias tied the game with two-run, two-out, bases-loaded pinch-hit single in the seventh inning and then&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1936916158826864995">drove in the winning run</a>&nbsp;with a grounder in the ninth for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday to take two of three.Iglesias hit a soft bouncer to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who fielded it, spun around and threw home too late to get Luis Arraez.Arraez started the decisive rally with a single off Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and took third on Xander Bogaerts' double. John Schreiber came on and allowed Iglesias' grounder.Robert Suarez (2-3) worked the ninth. He is appealing his three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday night.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals and phenom Jac Caglianone leaped and got his glove over the right-field wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a two-run home run in the eighth.Seth Lugo, who pitched for the Padres in 2023, was brilliant in retiring 18 straight batters after allowing Fernando Tatis’ leadoff single.The Padres finally broke through when Merrill, who returned from the seven-day concussion injured list, doubled into the right-field corner leading off the seventh. Lugo retired Manny Machado and made way for Angel Zerpa, who issued consecutive two-out walks.Iglesias, pinch-hitting for left-hander Jake Cronenworth, hit an opposite-field single to right, and he tripped and fell breaking out of the box.Perez lined a 1-0 pitch from Randy Vásquez 412 feet into the left-field stands to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City's Drew Waters was thrown out trying to score from first on Freddy Fermin’s double to center in the ninth.<h2>Key stat</h2>It was Iglesias' fifth career walk-off and first since July 2, 2019, with Cincinnati.<h2>Up next</h2>