Dan Israel, the longtime executive producer of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network passed away on Thursday morning after a battle with cancer.

Israel, 60, had worked every Chiefs game the team has played since 1990. He was diagnosed with colon cancer ten years ago and according to reports, the cancer had recently spread to his lungs.

Israel is credited with building up the Chiefs Radio Network into the largest radio network in the National Football League with affiliates in 12 states.

96.5 The Fan, the flagship station for the Chiefs in Kansas City broke the news on Thursday afternoon

Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus, also released a statement following the passing of his friend and coworker.

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The Chiefs released the following statements:

"My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Dan Israel. Dan was an integral part of our organization for 35 seasons, and his work as executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network helped bring the game to life for millions of listeners across Chiefs Kingdom. Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day. Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers."

I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude. Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten.

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network. He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742516517502.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Dan Israel, the longtime executive producer of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network passed away on Thursday morning after a battle with cancer.Israel, 60, had worked every Chiefs game the team has played since 1990. He was diagnosed with colon cancer ten years ago and according to reports, the cancer had recently spread to his lungs.Israel is credited with building up the Chiefs Radio Network into the largest radio network in the National Football League with affiliates in 12 states.96.5 The Fan, the flagship station for the Chiefs in Kansas City broke the news on Thursday afternoon<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re heartbroken over the passing of Dan Israel—an NFL broadcasting legend &amp; Hall of Fame producer. More importantly, a friend and a colleague. His impact on the Chiefs Radio Network is synonymous with the Chiefs Kingdom. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. <a href="https://t.co/30GPZt3MLT">pic.twitter.com/30GPZt3MLT</a>&mdash; 96.5 The Fan (@TheFan965) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFan965/status/1902811528224559577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus, also released a statement following the passing of his friend and coworker.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re heartbroken over the passing of Dan Israel—an NFL broadcasting legend &amp; Hall of Fame producer. More importantly, a friend and a colleague. His impact on the Chiefs Radio Network is synonymous with the Chiefs Kingdom. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. <a href="https://t.co/30GPZt3MLT">pic.twitter.com/30GPZt3MLT</a>&mdash; 96.5 The Fan (@TheFan965) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFan965/status/1902811528224559577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>-----------------------------------------------------------------------The Chiefs released the following statements:"My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Dan Israel. Dan was an integral part of our organization for 35 seasons, and his work as executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network helped bring the game to life for millions of listeners across Chiefs Kingdom. Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day. Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers."Chiefs Chairman &amp; CEO Clark Hunt--I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude. Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten.Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid--"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network. He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family."Chiefs President Mark Donovan

🏈 Chiefs broadcaster Dan Israel dies after battle with cancer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742485281528.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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<h2><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/teams/KANSAS/kansas-jayhawks/" target="_blank">Watch</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/feed/source/oas-2566?audioPlayer=ukansas:allaccess-Live-89" target="_blank">Listen</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&amp;gid=kan" target="_blank">Live Stats</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/3/18/34_KUMBB_NCAA_Round_1-Arkansas-final.pdf" target="_blank">Game Notes</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/3/16/2025_ncaam_bracket_filled.pdf" target="_blank">Bracket (PDF)</a></h2>
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &mdash;&nbsp;No. 7 seed Kansas (21-12) will face No. 10 seed Arkansas (20-13) in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20, at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Tipoff is set for 6:10 p.m. Central, with the game airing on CBS. Kansas is making its 51st NCAA Tournament appearance, boasting a 112-49 record in the event. The Jayhawks are 47-5 all-time in first-round games and have advanced to 31 Sweet 16s, 15 Final Fours, and have won four of their six national championships in the tournament format (1952, 1988, 2008, 2022).&nbsp;Note: This includes the vacated wins from 2018. Kansas holds an 8-6 all-time record against Arkansas, including a 1-1 mark in NCAA Tournament matchups. The Razorbacks won the last meeting, 72-71, in the 2023 second round in Des Moines, Iowa. Since the NCAA began seeding teams in 1979, Kansas has been a No. 7 seed once before, in 1981, finishing with a 2-1 record. The Jayhawks have faced 11 teams in the 2025 NCAA Tournament field, compiling a 5-9 record against those opponents. Kansas is No. 20 in the NET report by the NCAA through games of March 16. To show the strength of the Big 12, the No. 20 rank is fifth in the Big 12 behind No. 3 Houston, No. 7 Texas Tech, No. 9 Iowa State and No. 12 Arizona. Kansas' strength of schedule is No. 12 nationally, which is fourth in the league. &nbsp; Kansas leads the Big 12 in assists per game (17.7, fifth nationally) and blocked shots per game (4.8, 24th nationally). KU is second in the league in FG Pct. Defense (39.9%, 15th nationally) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.51, 25th nationally). KU ranks in the top three in five Big 12 team stats. The Jayhawks, who are receiving votes in both polls, average 76.2 points per game with a +6.9 scoring margin. KU pulls down 38.5 rebounds per contest with a +3.8 rebound margin. Kansas is making 47.1% from the field, including 35.2% from three-point range. Kansas leads the Big 12 in assists per game (17.7, fifth nationally) and blocked shots per game (4.8, 24th nationally). KU is second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.51, 25th nationally) and third in rebounds per game (38.6, 31st nationally) and three point field goal percentage defense (30.9%, 44th nationally). KU also averages 6.2 steals per game. &nbsp; Graduate C&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hunter-dickinson/15488" rel="smarttag" rev="15488">Hunter Dickinson</a></dfn>&nbsp;has four straight and seven double-doubles in his last eight games after his 19 points and 12 rebounds against Arizona (3/13). A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection in 2024 and 2025, Dickinson leads Kansas in scoring at 17.6 ppg which is fourth in the Big 12. Dickinson also leads KU in rebounding at 10.0 rpg, which is second in the Big 12 and 11th nationally. A three-time Big 12 Player of the Week, Dickinson is second in the Big 12 in double-doubles (16), which is 10th nationally. Dickinson is second on the team with 44 blocked shots and is also second on the team with 33 steals. &nbsp; Senior G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zeke-mayo/15498" rel="smarttag" rev="15498">Zeke Mayo</a></dfn>&nbsp;is next in scoring at 14.5 points per contest, which includes three-straight 20 points games in his last three outings. An All-Big 12 Third Team and Big 12 All-Newcomer Team honoree, Mayo leads Kansas with 85 threes made and has made 15 in his last three games. He is making 41.3 percent from beyond the arc. A two-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Mayo is second on the team with 98 assists and pulls down 4.8 rebounds per contest. &nbsp; Senior F&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kj-adams/15494" rel="smarttag" rev="15494">KJ Adams</a></dfn>&nbsp;is averaging 14.2 points in his last six games and 8.0 rebounds in his last five outings. He posted his third career double-double, first of the season, with 21 points and a career-high 13 rebounds versus Texas Tech (3/1). Adams is a starter who is scoring 9.2 points per game and pulls down 5.0 rebounds per game. Adams has 75 assists, 24 blocked shots and 27 steals this season. &nbsp; Graduate G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dajuan-harris-jr-/15490" rel="smarttag" rev="15490">Dajuan Harris Jr.</a></dfn>&nbsp;has 83 assists in his last 14 games. A three-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection (2023, 2024, 2025), Harris is averaging 9.2 points per game. At Baylor (2/1), Harris moved into second on the Big 12 career assists list, currently at 858, which second on the KU career list. Harris is second the Big 12 in assists per game at 5.7 and third in assist-to-turnover ratio at 3.14, which is ninth nationally. &nbsp; Junior G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rylan-griffen/15499" rel="smarttag" rev="15499">Rylan Griffen</a></dfn>&nbsp;is third on the team with 40 threes made. He has started 19 games this season and is averaging 6.4 points per contest. Freshman F&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/15502" rel="smarttag" rev="15502">Flory Bidunga</a></dfn>&nbsp;leads KU with 52 blocked shots, which ranks fourth on the KU Freshman Blocked Shots list. Bidunga is second on the team with a 5.4 rebound average and he scores 5.9 points per game. He has a team-high 45 dunks this season. Junior G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/aj-storr/15496" rel="smarttag" rev="15496">AJ Storr</a></dfn>&nbsp;scored a season-high 19 points against UCF (3/12) in the Big 12 Championship. Storr has started four games and he is scoring 5.8 points per contest. Senior G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-coit/15715" rel="smarttag" rev="15715">David Coit</a></dfn>&nbsp;has made 22 threes in his last 10 games, including a 4-for-6 effort at Houston (3/3). Coit has three starts and is second on the team with 46 threes made. Coit averages 5.2 points per game. Graduate G&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/shakeel-moore/15495" rel="smarttag" rev="15495">Shakeel Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;has started nine games and is averaging 3.8 points per contest. UP NEXT Should Kansas win its opening round game against Arkansas, KU would play the winner of the No. 2 St. John's versus No. 15 Omaha contest on Saturday, March 22 at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. &nbsp; Kansas is 24-14 all-time in second round games in the NCAA Championship. &nbsp; Kansas is 9-5 all-time against St. John's and KU has won the last three series meetings. KU defeated SJU, 80-63 in the 1952 NCAA title game in Seattle. KU is 3-0 all-time versus Omaha.</div>

🏀 KU faces Arkansas in NCAA Tournament opener this evening

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742480420313.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena</figcaption>
 </figure>All Times CDT<h2>MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL</h2>NCAA Tournament - First RoundAt Wichita, Kan.SIU-Edwardsville vs. Houston, 1 p.m.Georgia vs. Gonzaga, 3:35 p.m.Drake vs. Missouri, 6:35 p.m.UNC-Wilmington vs. Texas Tech, 9:10 p.m.At Lexington, Ky.Creighton vs. Louisville, 11:15 a.m.Alabama St. vs. Auburn, 1:50 p.m.Wofford vs. Tennessee, 5:50 p.m.Utah St. vs. UCLA, 8:25 p.m.At Providence, R.I.High Point vs. Purdue, 11:40 a.m.McNeese St. vs. Clemson, 2:15 p.m.Arkansas vs. Kansas, 6:10 p.m.Omaha vs. St. John’s, 8:45 p.m.At DenverMontana vs. Wisconsin, 12:30 p.m.VCU vs. BYU, 3:05 p.m.Yale vs. Texas A&amp;M, 6:25 p.m.UC San Diego vs. Michigan, 9 p.m.

🏀 NCAA Men's Tournament: Day 1 schedule

Capsules of American League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:

2024: 92-69, first place, lost to Yankees in AL Championship Series.

He’s Here: 1B Carlos Santana, RHP Luis Ortiz, RHP Paul Sewald, RHP Jakob Junis, LHP John Means

He’s Outta Here: 1B Josh Naylor, 2B Andrés Giménez, CF Myles Straw, RHP Nick Sandlin, LHP Matthew Boyd, RHP Alex Cobb

Top Hitters: 3B José Ramírez (.279, 39 HRs, 118 RBIs, 41 SBs, .872 OPS), LF Steven Kwan (.292, 14, 44, .793 OPS), 1B Carlos Santana (.238, 23, 71, .749 OPS with Minnesota).

Projected Rotation: RH Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA), RH Ben Lively (13-10, 3.81), RH Luis Ortiz (7-6, 3.92 with Pittsburgh), RH Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86), RH Triston McKenzie (3-5, 5.11)

Key Relievers: RH Emmanuel Clase (4-2, 0.61 ERA, 47/50 saves, 8.0 Ks/9 IP), RH Cade Smith (6-1, 1.91, 1 save), RH Hunter Gaddis (6-3, 1.57), RH Paul Sewald (1-2, 4.31, 16/20 saves with Arizona), LH Jakob Junis (4-0, 2.69, 1 save with Milwaukee and Cincinnati).

Outlook: With Ramírez leading the way on offense and one of baseball’s top bullpens, the Guardians should contend for their sixth AL Central title since 2016. However, there remain concerns about the rotation and the middle of the batting order. Bibee will be the staff’s ace until Shane Bieber returns later this season after having Tommy John surgery last year. The final two rotation spots are questionable after Williams and McKenzie struggled last season. While Ramírez and Kwan provide plenty of offense at the top of the order, the rest of the lineup needs to keep pace. This could be a pivotal year for catcher Bo Naylor, who had 13 home runs but batted only .201 last season.

2024: 86-76, second place AL Central, lost ALDS to Guardians.

Opening Day: March 27 at Los Angeles Dodgers.

He’s Here: 2B Gleyber Torres, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP John Brebbia, RHP José Urquidy, RHP Tommy Kahnle, RHP Alex Cobb.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Joey Wentz, RHP Alex Faedo, OF Mark Canha, 3B Gio Urshela.

Top Hitters: LF Riley Greene (.262, 24 HRs, 74 RBIs), RF Kerry Carpenter (.285, 18, 57), 1B Colt Keith (.260, 13, 61), OF/IF Matt Vierling (.257, 16, 57), Torres (.257, 15, 63), SS Javier Báez (.184, 6, 37).

Projected Rotation: LH Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA, 228 Ks in 192 IP), RH Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17 in 28 starts), RH Reese Olson (4-8, 3.53 in 22 starts), RH Jackson Jobe (0-0, 2 Ks in 4 IP), RH Casey Mize (2-6, 4.49).

Key Relievers: RH Jason Foley (3-6, 3.15 ERA, 28 saves), RH Will Vest (3-4, 2.82, 69 games), RH Tommy Kahnle (0-2, 2.11 in 50 games with New York Yankees, LH Tyler Holton (7-2, 2.19 in 66 games), RH John Brebbia (0-6, 5.86 in 59 games with Atlanta and Chicago White Sox).

Outlook: The Tigers are expected to contend for a spot in the playoffs, a year after a late-season surge ended a decade-long postseason drought. They kept their top players and made some key additions, signing a two-time All-Star (Torres) and bringing back Flaherty as a free agent to rejoin a rotation led by the AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner (Skubal). Injuries may be a concern in the outfield with Vierling, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez and Akil Baddoo already banged up and oft-injured Cobb ailing again. If DH Spencer Torkelson can get in a groove at the plate, it would be a big boost for the lineup.

2024: 86-76, tied for second place, lost to Yankees in Division Series.

He’s Here: 2B Jonathan India, RHP Carlos Estevez, INF Cavan Biggio.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Brady Singer, INF Adam Frazier, OF Garrett Hampson, 1B/OF Tommy Pham.

Top Hitters: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (MLB-best .332, 32 HRs, 109 RBIs, 31 SBs), 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (.262, 19, 97), C/1B Salvador Perez (.271, 27, 104), 2B Jonathan India (.248, 15, 58), INF/OF Michael Massey (.259, 14, 45), INF/OF Maikel Garcia (.231, 7, 58, 37 SBs).

Projected Rotation: LH Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA), RH Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00 in MLB-best 33 starts), RH Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35), RH Michael Lorenzen (2-0, 1.57), LH Kris Bubic (1-1, 2.67).

Key Relievers: RH Lucas Erceg (2-6, 3.36 ERA, 14 saves with Royals and Athletics), RH Carlos Estevez (4-5, 2.45, 26 saves with Angels and Phillies), RH Hunter Harvey (0-0, 6.35), RH John Schreiber (4-3, 3.66), RH Alec Marsh (9-9, 4.53), LH Angel Zerpa (2-0, 3.86).

Outlook: The Royals went from 106-loss laughingstock in manager Matt Quatraro’s first season to 86 wins, a second-place finish in the AL Central and a wild-card series win over Baltimore last year. The biggest reason for the abrupt turnaround was an almost entirely rebuilt starting rotation, which produced All-Stars in Ragans and Lugo and dependability in Singer and Wacha. Singer was traded to the Reds in the deal that landed on-base machine India to play 2B, but the rotation otherwise returns intact with Bubic, Lorenzen and Kyle Wright in the mix for the open job. The Royals failed to land an offensive upgrade in the corner outfield spots, so they will hope incumbents produce more than last season. They can hardly expect more from Witt, who finished second to the Yankees’ Aaron Judge in AL MVP voting while also winning Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards during his All-Star season. The Royals play in a relatively weak division, so they expect to be in the mix for their first title since 2015, when they went on to beat the Mets for the World Series title.

Manager: Rocco Baldelli (seventh season).

He’s Here: 1B Ty France, OF Harrison Bader, LHP Danny Coulombe.

He’s Outta Here: 1B Carlos Santana, RF Max Kepler, OF Manny Margot, INF Kyle Farmer, OF Alex Kirilloff, LHP Caleb Thielbar, LHP Steven Okert, RHP Josh Staumont.

Top Hitters: SS Carlos Correa (.310, 14 HRs, 54 RBIs, .905 OPS in 86 games), CF Byron Buxton (.279, 18, 56, .859 OPS in 102 games), 3B Royce Lewis (.233, 16, 47 in 82 games), RF Matt Wallner (.259, 13, 37, .894 OPS in 75 games), C Ryan Jeffers (.226, 21, 64).

Projected Rotation: RH Pablo López (15-10, 4.08 ERA, 198 Ks in 185 1/3 innings), RH Bailey Ober (12-9, 3.98, 191 Ks in 178 2/3 innings), RH Joe Ryan (7-7, 3.60, 0.985 WHIP in 23 starts), RH Chris Paddack (5-3, 4.99 in 17 starts), RH Simeon Woods Richardson (5-5, 4.17).

Key Relievers: RH Jhoan Durán (6-9, 3.64 ERA, 23/25 saves, 66 Ks in 54 1/3 innings), RH Griffin Jax (5-5, 2.03, 10/16 saves, 0.873 WHIP, 95 Ks in 71 innings), RH Cole Sands (9-1, 3.28, 85 Ks in 71 1/3 innings), LH Danny Coulombe (1-0, 2.12 in 29 2/3 innings with Orioles).

Outlook: After losing 27 of their last 39 games to tumble out of a spot in the playoffs, the Twins will try to reset on the field while the franchise remains for sale and fan angst is stronger than it’s been in years. Keeping their best players healthy will be the first place to start, after Correa and Lewis missed long stretches with injuries. Buxton was more available than he’d been in seven seasons, but their freefall in mid-August coincided with him hitting the injured list with hip inflammation. Getting a healthy Ryan back for the rotation would also be a big boost, too, after he missed the last six weeks with shoulder trouble. The Twins were 10th in the major leagues in runs in each of the last two seasons despite the series of injuries to several of their key hitters, and their flame-throwing pitching staff that ranked second in baseball in strikeouts in 2024 and first in 2023 features a reliable group of starters and a potentially dominant late-inning trio with Sands and Jax setting up Durán. There’s plenty of potential in a wide-open division for the Twins to bounce right back in 2025.

Opening Day: March 27 vs. Los Angeles Angels.

He’s Here: OF/INF Joey Gallo, INF Brandon Drury, LHP Martín Pérez, C Omar Narváez, INF Bobby Dalbec, LHP Tyler Gilbert, LHP Cam Booser, RHP Bryse Wilson, OF Mike Tauchman, OF Austin Slater.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Garrett Crochet, 3B Yoán Moncada.

Top Hitters: CF Luis Robert Jr. (.224, 14 HRs, 35 RBIs), LF Andrew Benintendi (.229, 20, 64), 1B Andrew Vaughn (.246, 19, 70).

Projected Rotation: RH Jonathan Cannon (5-10, 4.49 ERA), LH Martín Pérez (5-6, 4.53 with Pittsburgh and San Diego), RH Davis Martin (0-5, 4.32), RH Bryse Wilson (5-4, 4.04 in 34 appearances and nine starts for Milwaukee), RH Sean Burke (2-0, 1.42).

Key Relievers: RH Justin Anderson (1-2, 4.39, one save), RH Gus Varland (1-0, 3.42 with Los Angeles Dodgers and White Sox), LH Cam Booser (2-3, 3.38, one save with Boston).

Outlook: The White Sox have nowhere to go but up, right? After all, they set a modern major league record for losses last year in GM Chris Getz’s first full season running baseball operations. The team has new leadership in the dugout with Venable taking over for Pedro Grifol, who was fired last August. Venable was an associate manager under Bruce Bochy in Texas for the past two years. Chicago dealt Crochet to Boston at the winter meetings. But the White Sox hung onto Robert at least for now coming off an injury-riddled season. Benintendi was expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a spring training game in late February, and right-hander Prelander Berroa is out for the season. The White Sox announced last week he would have Tommy John surgery, leaving them without a key reliever. The 24-year-old Berroa had a 3.32 ERA in 17 appearances last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728356322742.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) connects for a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) connects for a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressCapsules of American League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:___<h2>Cleveland Guardians</h2>2024: 92-69, first place, lost to Yankees in AL Championship Series.Manager: Stephen Vogt (second season).Opening Day: March 27 at Kansas City.He’s Here: 1B Carlos Santana, RHP Luis Ortiz, RHP Paul Sewald, RHP Jakob Junis, LHP John MeansHe’s Outta Here: 1B Josh Naylor, 2B Andrés Giménez, CF Myles Straw, RHP Nick Sandlin, LHP Matthew Boyd, RHP Alex CobbTop Hitters: 3B José Ramírez (.279, 39 HRs, 118 RBIs, 41 SBs, .872 OPS), LF Steven Kwan (.292, 14, 44, .793 OPS), 1B Carlos Santana (.238, 23, 71, .749 OPS with Minnesota).Projected Rotation: RH Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA), RH Ben Lively (13-10, 3.81), RH Luis Ortiz (7-6, 3.92 with Pittsburgh), RH Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86), RH Triston McKenzie (3-5, 5.11)Key Relievers: RH Emmanuel Clase (4-2, 0.61 ERA, 47/50 saves, 8.0 Ks/9 IP), RH Cade Smith (6-1, 1.91, 1 save), RH Hunter Gaddis (6-3, 1.57), RH Paul Sewald (1-2, 4.31, 16/20 saves with Arizona), LH Jakob Junis (4-0, 2.69, 1 save with Milwaukee and Cincinnati).Outlook: With Ramírez leading the way on offense and one of baseball’s top bullpens, the Guardians should contend for their sixth AL Central title since 2016. However, there remain concerns about the rotation and the middle of the batting order. Bibee will be the staff’s ace until Shane Bieber returns later this season after having Tommy John surgery last year. The final two rotation spots are questionable after Williams and McKenzie struggled last season. While Ramírez and Kwan provide plenty of offense at the top of the order, the rest of the lineup needs to keep pace. This could be a pivotal year for catcher Bo Naylor, who had 13 home runs but batted only .201 last season.___<h2>Detroit Tigers</h2>2024: 86-76, second place AL Central, lost ALDS to Guardians.Manager: A.J. Hinch (fifth season)Opening Day: March 27 at Los Angeles Dodgers.He’s Here: 2B Gleyber Torres, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP John Brebbia, RHP José Urquidy, RHP Tommy Kahnle, RHP Alex Cobb.He’s Outta Here: RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Joey Wentz, RHP Alex Faedo, OF Mark Canha, 3B Gio Urshela.Top Hitters: LF Riley Greene (.262, 24 HRs, 74 RBIs), RF Kerry Carpenter (.285, 18, 57), 1B Colt Keith (.260, 13, 61), OF/IF Matt Vierling (.257, 16, 57), Torres (.257, 15, 63), SS Javier Báez (.184, 6, 37).Projected Rotation: LH Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA, 228 Ks in 192 IP), RH Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17 in 28 starts), RH Reese Olson (4-8, 3.53 in 22 starts), RH Jackson Jobe (0-0, 2 Ks in 4 IP), RH Casey Mize (2-6, 4.49).Key Relievers: RH Jason Foley (3-6, 3.15 ERA, 28 saves), RH Will Vest (3-4, 2.82, 69 games), RH Tommy Kahnle (0-2, 2.11 in 50 games with New York Yankees, LH Tyler Holton (7-2, 2.19 in 66 games), RH John Brebbia (0-6, 5.86 in 59 games with Atlanta and Chicago White Sox).Outlook: The Tigers are expected to contend for a spot in the playoffs, a year after a late-season surge ended a decade-long postseason drought. They kept their top players and made some key additions, signing a two-time All-Star (Torres) and bringing back Flaherty as a free agent to rejoin a rotation led by the AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner (Skubal). Injuries may be a concern in the outfield with Vierling, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Perez and Akil Baddoo already banged up and oft-injured Cobb ailing again. If DH Spencer Torkelson can get in a groove at the plate, it would be a big boost for the lineup.___<h2>Kansas City Royals</h2>2024: 86-76, tied for second place, lost to Yankees in Division Series.Manager: Matt Quatraro (third season).Opening Day: March 27 against Cleveland.He’s Here: 2B Jonathan India, RHP Carlos Estevez, INF Cavan Biggio.He’s Outta Here: RHP Brady Singer, INF Adam Frazier, OF Garrett Hampson, 1B/OF Tommy Pham.Top Hitters: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (MLB-best .332, 32 HRs, 109 RBIs, 31 SBs), 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (.262, 19, 97), C/1B Salvador Perez (.271, 27, 104), 2B Jonathan India (.248, 15, 58), INF/OF Michael Massey (.259, 14, 45), INF/OF Maikel Garcia (.231, 7, 58, 37 SBs).Projected Rotation: LH Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA), RH Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00 in MLB-best 33 starts), RH Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35), RH Michael Lorenzen (2-0, 1.57), LH Kris Bubic (1-1, 2.67).Key Relievers: RH Lucas Erceg (2-6, 3.36 ERA, 14 saves with Royals and Athletics), RH Carlos Estevez (4-5, 2.45, 26 saves with Angels and Phillies), RH Hunter Harvey (0-0, 6.35), RH John Schreiber (4-3, 3.66), RH Alec Marsh (9-9, 4.53), LH Angel Zerpa (2-0, 3.86).Outlook: The Royals went from 106-loss laughingstock in manager Matt Quatraro’s first season to 86 wins, a second-place finish in the AL Central and a wild-card series win over Baltimore last year. The biggest reason for the abrupt turnaround was an almost entirely rebuilt starting rotation, which produced All-Stars in Ragans and Lugo and dependability in Singer and Wacha. Singer was traded to the Reds in the deal that landed on-base machine India to play 2B, but the rotation otherwise returns intact with Bubic, Lorenzen and Kyle Wright in the mix for the open job. The Royals failed to land an offensive upgrade in the corner outfield spots, so they will hope incumbents produce more than last season. They can hardly expect more from Witt, who finished second to the Yankees’ Aaron Judge in AL MVP voting while also winning Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards during his All-Star season. The Royals play in a relatively weak division, so they expect to be in the mix for their first title since 2015, when they went on to beat the Mets for the World Series title.___<h2>Minnesota Twins</h2>2024: 82-80, fourth place.Manager: Rocco Baldelli (seventh season).Opening Day: March 27 at St. Louis.He’s Here: 1B Ty France, OF Harrison Bader, LHP Danny Coulombe.He’s Outta Here: 1B Carlos Santana, RF Max Kepler, OF Manny Margot, INF Kyle Farmer, OF Alex Kirilloff, LHP Caleb Thielbar, LHP Steven Okert, RHP Josh Staumont.Top Hitters: SS Carlos Correa (.310, 14 HRs, 54 RBIs, .905 OPS in 86 games), CF Byron Buxton (.279, 18, 56, .859 OPS in 102 games), 3B Royce Lewis (.233, 16, 47 in 82 games), RF Matt Wallner (.259, 13, 37, .894 OPS in 75 games), C Ryan Jeffers (.226, 21, 64).Projected Rotation: RH Pablo López (15-10, 4.08 ERA, 198 Ks in 185 1/3 innings), RH Bailey Ober (12-9, 3.98, 191 Ks in 178 2/3 innings), RH Joe Ryan (7-7, 3.60, 0.985 WHIP in 23 starts), RH Chris Paddack (5-3, 4.99 in 17 starts), RH Simeon Woods Richardson (5-5, 4.17).Key Relievers: RH Jhoan Durán (6-9, 3.64 ERA, 23/25 saves, 66 Ks in 54 1/3 innings), RH Griffin Jax (5-5, 2.03, 10/16 saves, 0.873 WHIP, 95 Ks in 71 innings), RH Cole Sands (9-1, 3.28, 85 Ks in 71 1/3 innings), LH Danny Coulombe (1-0, 2.12 in 29 2/3 innings with Orioles).Outlook: After losing 27 of their last 39 games to tumble out of a spot in the playoffs, the Twins will try to reset on the field while the franchise remains for sale and fan angst is stronger than it’s been in years. Keeping their best players healthy will be the first place to start, after Correa and Lewis missed long stretches with injuries. Buxton was more available than he’d been in seven seasons, but their freefall in mid-August coincided with him hitting the injured list with hip inflammation. Getting a healthy Ryan back for the rotation would also be a big boost, too, after he missed the last six weeks with shoulder trouble. The Twins were 10th in the major leagues in runs in each of the last two seasons despite the series of injuries to several of their key hitters, and their flame-throwing pitching staff that ranked second in baseball in strikeouts in 2024 and first in 2023 features a reliable group of starters and a potentially dominant late-inning trio with Sands and Jax setting up Durán. There’s plenty of potential in a wide-open division for the Twins to bounce right back in 2025.___<h2>Chicago White Sox</h2>2024: 41-121, fifth place.Manager: Will Venable (first season).Opening Day: March 27 vs. Los Angeles Angels.He’s Here: OF/INF Joey Gallo, INF Brandon Drury, LHP Martín Pérez, C Omar Narváez, INF Bobby Dalbec, LHP Tyler Gilbert, LHP Cam Booser, RHP Bryse Wilson, OF Mike Tauchman, OF Austin Slater.He’s Outta Here: LHP Garrett Crochet, 3B Yoán Moncada.Top Hitters: CF Luis Robert Jr. (.224, 14 HRs, 35 RBIs), LF Andrew Benintendi (.229, 20, 64), 1B Andrew Vaughn (.246, 19, 70).Projected Rotation: RH Jonathan Cannon (5-10, 4.49 ERA), LH Martín Pérez (5-6, 4.53 with Pittsburgh and San Diego), RH Davis Martin (0-5, 4.32), RH Bryse Wilson (5-4, 4.04 in 34 appearances and nine starts for Milwaukee), RH Sean Burke (2-0, 1.42).Key Relievers: RH Justin Anderson (1-2, 4.39, one save), RH Gus Varland (1-0, 3.42 with Los Angeles Dodgers and White Sox), LH Cam Booser (2-3, 3.38, one save with Boston).Outlook: The White Sox have nowhere to go but up, right? After all, they set a modern major league record for losses last year in GM Chris Getz’s first full season running baseball operations. The team has new leadership in the dugout with Venable taking over for Pedro Grifol, who was fired last August. Venable was an associate manager under Bruce Bochy in Texas for the past two years. Chicago dealt Crochet to Boston at the winter meetings. But the White Sox hung onto Robert at least for now coming off an injury-riddled season. Benintendi was expected to miss four to six weeks after breaking his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a spring training game in late February, and right-hander Prelander Berroa is out for the season. The White Sox announced last week he would have Tommy John surgery, leaving them without a key reliever. The 24-year-old Berroa had a 3.32 ERA in 17 appearances last season.

⚾ AL Central capsules as MLB season begins next Thursday

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 NCAA Tournament begins; 🏀 KJCCC postseason awards

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742437359335.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &mdash;&nbsp;Kansas graduate center&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hunter-dickinson/15488" rel="smarttag" rev="15488" data-airgap-id="71">Hunter Dickinson</a></dfn>&nbsp;has been named 2025 men's basketball All-America third team by both the Associated Press (AP) and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). &nbsp; This marks the third time Dickinson has earned All-America honors from both organizations, having received second-team recognition in 2024 at Kansas and in 2021 at Michigan. &nbsp; Heading into the NCAA Championship, Dickinson has recorded four consecutive double-doubles and seven in his last eight games, including a 19-point, 12-rebound performance against Arizona (3/13). A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection (2024, 2025), he leads Kansas in scoring at 17.6 points per game, ranking fourth in the Big 12. The Alexandria, Virginia, native also leads KU in rebounding at 10.0 boards per game, which ranks second in the Big 12 and 11th nationally. A three-time Big 12 Player of the Week in 2024-25, Dickinson has 16 double-doubles this season, ranking second in the Big 12 and 10th nationally. Additionally, he is second on the team in both blocked shots (44) and steals (33). &nbsp; Earlier this season, Dickinson scored his 2,700th career point, becoming the 28th player in NCAA Division I history to record 2,700-plus points. Currently at 2,789, Dickinson ranks tied for 22nd on the NCAA's all-time scoring list. His 1,479 rebounds are 26th. He is only the third player in NCAA history to have 2,700-plus points and 1,400-plus rebounds. &nbsp; In just two seasons, Dickinson became the 69th player in Kansas history&mdash;and the 24th under head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727" rel="smarttag" rev="727" data-airgap-id="72">Bill Self</a></dfn>&mdash;to reach 1,000 career points at KU, currently sitting at 1,172. He achieved this milestone in just 58 games, making him the fastest Jayhawk to reach 1,000 points in the&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727" rel="smarttag" rev="727" data-airgap-id="73">Bill Self</a></dfn>&nbsp;era and the sixth fastest in program history. No. 7 seed Kansas (21-12) will take on No. 10 seed Arkansas (20-13) in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20, at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Tipoff is set for 6:10 p.m. Central, with the game airing on CBS.</div>

🏀 Dickinson earns a pair of All-American honors

SAN MARCOS, Texas –&nbsp;Wichita State was held scoreless in its Texas road trip opener at Texas State, 5-0, on Wednesday evening at Bobcat Softball Stadium.

Texas State struck first, piecing together two hits and a walk in the second inning to score two runs, taking a 2-0 lead.

Neither side scored again until the fifth, when the Bobcats boomed a two-run home run to right field, doubling their lead to 4-0. Texas State scored again later in the inning with a solo homer, taking a 5-0 lead through five innings.

Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327">Ava Sliger</a>&nbsp;suffered the loss, throwing 5.0 innings, and allowing five runs on seven hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325">Ryley Nihart</a>&nbsp;dealt a scoreless inning in relief, recording a strikeout.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322">Ellee Eck</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a>&nbsp;were the lone Shockers to record a hit in the contest.

Next Up The Shockers make the short trip to San Antonio, Texas, to open their conference series with the UTSA Roadrunners on Friday at 6:00 PM CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742437205551.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN MARCOS, Texas –&nbsp;Wichita State was held scoreless in its Texas road trip opener at Texas State, 5-0, on Wednesday evening at Bobcat Softball Stadium.Texas State struck first, piecing together two hits and a walk in the second inning to score two runs, taking a 2-0 lead.Neither side scored again until the fifth, when the Bobcats boomed a two-run home run to right field, doubling their lead to 4-0. Texas State scored again later in the inning with a solo homer, taking a 5-0 lead through five innings.Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327">Ava Sliger</a>&nbsp;suffered the loss, throwing 5.0 innings, and allowing five runs on seven hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325">Ryley Nihart</a>&nbsp;dealt a scoreless inning in relief, recording a strikeout.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322">Ellee Eck</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a>&nbsp;were the lone Shockers to record a hit in the contest.Next Up The Shockers make the short trip to San Antonio, Texas, to open their conference series with the UTSA Roadrunners on Friday at 6:00 PM CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers blanked by Bobcats

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_MBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Men's Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>

COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Men’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include four individuals bringing home major accolades.

Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley), Freshman of the Year Eternity Eguagie (Colby), Defensive Player of the Year Emeka Opurum (Butler), and Coach of the Year Donnie Jackson (Cowley).

Most Valuable Player/Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley) Doubling up on postseason awards, Whitlock Jr. was an integral piece to Cowley’s KJCCC regular season and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament title as the Tigers will play in the NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament for a second-straight season. Averaging 16.0 points per game, Whitlock Jr. shot over 47 percent from the field and over 42 percent from beyond the arc while grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game and recording a 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Whitlock Jr. added 28 total blocks and had 56 steals (fifth-best in KJCCC) while upping his numbers to 17.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game during conference play. Nationally, Whitlock Jr. ranked 13th in made three-point field goals and 27th in total minutes played (985).

Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Eternity Eguagie (Colby) Eguagie put together a high-level freshman campaign by ranking fourth in the KJCCC in points per game (18.3) while shooting over 50 percent from the floor while helping Colby to a sixth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season standings after the Trojans finished 12th the previous season. Averaging 32.1 minutes played per game, Eguagie also grabbed 6.5 rebounds per game and had 29 games with at least 10 points this season which included a career-best 32 in a double-overtime win at Pratt on February 15th.

Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Emeka Opurum (Butler) Opurum led the KJCCC this season in blocks (87) while ranking fourth in rebounds per game (8.1) in addition to helping Butler rank fourth in the KJCCC in points per game allowed this season (73.4). With Opurum in the lineup, opponents shot only 39.7 percent against the Grizzlies and turned the ball over 14.4 times per contest as Butler finished fifth in the KJCCC regular season and advanced to the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Nationally, Opurum ranked 14th in the NJCAA with 2.6 blocks per game and sixth in total blocks.

Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Donnie Jackson (Cowley) Jackson led Cowley to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship since 2021 as the Tigers went 26-4 in the regular season and 21-3 in the KJCCC before adding three more wins in the postseason to earn the NJCAA Plains District automatic berth to the 2025 NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament in Hutchinson. Cowley earned the number two overall seed in the National Tournament and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of the NJCAA Division 1 men’s basketball top 25 poll this season while ranking in the top three in the conference in field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, and points per game allowed. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742410204359.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCC<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_MBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Men's Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Men’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include four individuals bringing home major accolades.Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley), Freshman of the Year Eternity Eguagie (Colby), Defensive Player of the Year Emeka Opurum (Butler), and Coach of the Year Donnie Jackson (Cowley).Most Valuable Player/Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Marcus Whitlock Jr. (Cowley) Doubling up on postseason awards, Whitlock Jr. was an integral piece to Cowley’s KJCCC regular season and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament title as the Tigers will play in the NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament for a second-straight season. Averaging 16.0 points per game, Whitlock Jr. shot over 47 percent from the field and over 42 percent from beyond the arc while grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game and recording a 1.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Whitlock Jr. added 28 total blocks and had 56 steals (fifth-best in KJCCC) while upping his numbers to 17.0 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game during conference play. Nationally, Whitlock Jr. ranked 13th in made three-point field goals and 27th in total minutes played (985).Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Eternity Eguagie (Colby) Eguagie put together a high-level freshman campaign by ranking fourth in the KJCCC in points per game (18.3) while shooting over 50 percent from the floor while helping Colby to a sixth-place finish in the KJCCC regular season standings after the Trojans finished 12th the previous season. Averaging 32.1 minutes played per game, Eguagie also grabbed 6.5 rebounds per game and had 29 games with at least 10 points this season which included a career-best 32 in a double-overtime win at Pratt on February 15th.Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Emeka Opurum (Butler) Opurum led the KJCCC this season in blocks (87) while ranking fourth in rebounds per game (8.1) in addition to helping Butler rank fourth in the KJCCC in points per game allowed this season (73.4). With Opurum in the lineup, opponents shot only 39.7 percent against the Grizzlies and turned the ball over 14.4 times per contest as Butler finished fifth in the KJCCC regular season and advanced to the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Nationally, Opurum ranked 14th in the NJCAA with 2.6 blocks per game and sixth in total blocks.Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Donnie Jackson (Cowley) Jackson led Cowley to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title and NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship since 2021 as the Tigers went 26-4 in the regular season and 21-3 in the KJCCC before adding three more wins in the postseason to earn the NJCAA Plains District automatic berth to the 2025 NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball National Tournament in Hutchinson. Cowley earned the number two overall seed in the National Tournament and has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of the NJCAA Division 1 men’s basketball top 25 poll this season while ranking in the top three in the conference in field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, assists per game, steals per game, blocks per game, and points per game allowed. &nbsp;

🏀 HutchCC's Aldridge, Dudley, Cannon all named to KJCCC postseason teams

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_WBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>

COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include six individuals bringing home major accolades.

Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson), Freshman of the Year Ashley Singhateh (Butler), Newcomer of the Year Elysa Martinez (Cowley), Co-Defensive Players of the Year Ari Gordon (Seward County) and Shorna Preston (Dodge City), and Coach of the Year Landon Steele (Dodge City).

Most Valuable Player:&nbsp;Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson) A career 1,000-point scorer for the Blue Dragons and four-time Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, Jackson led the KJCCC this season in scoring by averaging 18.3 points per contest to go along with 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per contest. Helping Hutchinson to a co-KJCCC regular season championship and a 21-3 mark in the KJCCC regular season, Jackson had 30 games in double figures this season which included four 30-point outings and a season-high 33 in a 58-50 win at Seward County on March 1. &nbsp;

Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Ashley Singhateh (Butler) Singhateh made a major impact in her freshman campaign by starting 29 of Butler’s 31 games and averaging nearly 28 minutes per contest to go along with 13.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for a Grizzly squad that finished in the top four of the KJCCC regular season standings and qualified for the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Shooting over 45 percent from the field, Singhateh finished in double-figures in scoring 10 times this season with seven games scoring 20 or more points this season.&nbsp;

Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Elysa Martinez (Cowley) Martinez finished the season with the third-highest scoring average in the KJCCC (17.3) while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and a conference-best 85.8 percent free throw shooting by going 109-127 from the charity stripe. The Ackerly, Texas native also dished out 4.0 assists per game and averaged 4.3 rebounds per contest to go along with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio and a league-leading 120 steals. Scoring in double-figures in 28 of 30 games this season, Martinez had 10 or more points in each of the last 17 games of the year which included a career-best 31 in the Region 6 Tournament opener for the Tigers against Independence.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Ari Gordon (Seward County) Gordon ranked in the top 10 in the KJCCC this season in both steals (third, 88) and blocks (seventh, 24) while averaging 4.7 rebounds per game and helping the Saints hold opponents to 53.1 points per game (19th-best in NJCAA) and an opponent field goal percentage of 35.5 percent.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Shorna Preston (Dodge City) Preston ranked second in the KJCCC in rebounding per game (9.8 rebounds per game) while recording 103 steals and 67 blocks, both of which also rank in the top two in the KJCCC this season. Nationally, Preston ranks sixth in the NJCAA in total blocks and eighth in steals while also ranking in the top 30 in rebounds per game. As a team, Dodge City held opponents to 53.4 points per game with Preston in the lineup and the fifth-best opponent field goal percentage (31.2 percent) in the NJCAA with 24 games holding their opponent under 60 points.

Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Landon Steele (Dodge City) Steele led the Conquistadors to their fifth Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title in program history before leading DC3 to their first NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship in program history as well as a 29-4 overall record heading into their third-straight NJCAA D1 Women’s Basketball National Tournament. This season, Dodge City has outscored opponents by an average of 25 points per game and saw two of their four losses come to National Tournament teams while having five players named to the All-KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball teams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742400537586.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCC<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/Files/2024-25_D1_WBB_All-KJCCC.pdf">2024-25 D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC Teams</a>COLBY, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced the 2024-25 KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball All-KJCCC teams and winners of the major postseason honors. The awards, which were voted on by each of the league head coaches, include six individuals bringing home major accolades.Major award winners from the 2024-25 regular season are Most Valuable Player Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson), Freshman of the Year Ashley Singhateh (Butler), Newcomer of the Year Elysa Martinez (Cowley), Co-Defensive Players of the Year Ari Gordon (Seward County) and Shorna Preston (Dodge City), and Coach of the Year Landon Steele (Dodge City).Most Valuable Player:&nbsp;Hailey Jackson (Hutchinson) A career 1,000-point scorer for the Blue Dragons and four-time Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, Jackson led the KJCCC this season in scoring by averaging 18.3 points per contest to go along with 8.4 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per contest. Helping Hutchinson to a co-KJCCC regular season championship and a 21-3 mark in the KJCCC regular season, Jackson had 30 games in double figures this season which included four 30-point outings and a season-high 33 in a 58-50 win at Seward County on March 1. &nbsp;Freshman of the Year:&nbsp;Ashley Singhateh (Butler) Singhateh made a major impact in her freshman campaign by starting 29 of Butler’s 31 games and averaging nearly 28 minutes per contest to go along with 13.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for a Grizzly squad that finished in the top four of the KJCCC regular season standings and qualified for the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament semifinals. Shooting over 45 percent from the field, Singhateh finished in double-figures in scoring 10 times this season with seven games scoring 20 or more points this season.&nbsp;Newcomer of the Year:&nbsp;Elysa Martinez (Cowley) Martinez finished the season with the third-highest scoring average in the KJCCC (17.3) while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and a conference-best 85.8 percent free throw shooting by going 109-127 from the charity stripe. The Ackerly, Texas native also dished out 4.0 assists per game and averaged 4.3 rebounds per contest to go along with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio and a league-leading 120 steals. Scoring in double-figures in 28 of 30 games this season, Martinez had 10 or more points in each of the last 17 games of the year which included a career-best 31 in the Region 6 Tournament opener for the Tigers against Independence.Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Ari Gordon (Seward County) Gordon ranked in the top 10 in the KJCCC this season in both steals (third, 88) and blocks (seventh, 24) while averaging 4.7 rebounds per game and helping the Saints hold opponents to 53.1 points per game (19th-best in NJCAA) and an opponent field goal percentage of 35.5 percent.Co-Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Shorna Preston (Dodge City) Preston ranked second in the KJCCC in rebounding per game (9.8 rebounds per game) while recording 103 steals and 67 blocks, both of which also rank in the top two in the KJCCC this season. Nationally, Preston ranks sixth in the NJCAA in total blocks and eighth in steals while also ranking in the top 30 in rebounds per game. As a team, Dodge City held opponents to 53.4 points per game with Preston in the lineup and the fifth-best opponent field goal percentage (31.2 percent) in the NJCAA with 24 games holding their opponent under 60 points.Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Landon Steele (Dodge City) Steele led the Conquistadors to their fifth Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference regular season title in program history before leading DC3 to their first NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Championship in program history as well as a 29-4 overall record heading into their third-straight NJCAA D1 Women’s Basketball National Tournament. This season, Dodge City has outscored opponents by an average of 25 points per game and saw two of their four losses come to National Tournament teams while having five players named to the All-KJCCC D1 Women’s Basketball teams.

🏀 HutchCC's Jackson named KJCCC Player of the Year

The Associated Press 2024-25 All-America women’s basketball team with statistics through regular-season and conference tournaments:

JuJu Watkins, USC, Sophomore; Los Angeles, California: 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists (31 first place votes, 155 points(asterisk))

Paige Bueckers, UConn, Senior, Hopkins, Minnesota: 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists (31, 155(asterisk))

Lauren Betts, UCLA, Junior; Centennial, Colorado; 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 63.4 Field Goal% (31, 155(asterisk))

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame, Sophomore; Merchantville, New Jersey: 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists (29, 151)

Madison Booker, Texas, Sophomore; Ridgeland, Mississippi: 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists (14, 121)

Aneesah Morrow, LSU, Senior; Chicago, Illinois: 18.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 49.5 field goal% (14, 119)

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State, Junior; Miami, Florida: 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists (1, 84)

Olivia Miles, Notre Dame, Senior; Phillipsburg, New Jersey: 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists (1, 69)

Sarah Strong, UConn, Freshman; 16.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 57.5 field goal% (1, 63)

Georgia Amoore, Kentucky, Senior; Ballarat, Victoria: 19.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists (0, 47)

Hailey Van Lith, TCU, Senior; Wenatchee, Washington: 17.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists (0, 40)

Kiki Iriafen, USC, Senior; Los Angeles, California: 18.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 49.9 field goal% (1, 38)

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt, Freshman; Somerset, New Jersey: 23.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists (0, 34)

Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU, Junior; Savannah, Georgia: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 46.5 field goal% (0, 25)

Audi Crooks, Iowa State, Sophomore; Algona, Iowa: 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 60.2 field goal% (0, 24)

Sonia Citron, Notre Dame; Katie Dinnebier, Drake; Joyce Edwards, South Carolina; Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga; MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina; Rori Harmon, Texas; Izzy Higginbottom, Arkansas; Aziaha James, N.C. State; Lauren Jensen, Creighton; Taylor Jones, Texas; Chloe Kitts, South Carolina; Ayoka Lee, Kansas State; Cotie McMahon, Ohio State; Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina; Sedona Prince, TCU; JJ Quinerly, West Virginia; Kiki Rice, UCLA; Shyanne Sellers, Maryland; Serena Sundell, Kansas State; Makayla Timpson, Florida State; Harmoni Turner, Harvard; Mikayla Williams, LSU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737467484035.png" alt="Kansas State center Ayoka Lee during a college basketball game in the women's 2024 NCAA Tournament. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State center Ayoka Lee during a college basketball game in the women's 2024 NCAA Tournament. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressThe Associated Press 2024-25 All-America women’s basketball team with statistics through regular-season and conference tournaments:<h2>First Team</h2>JuJu Watkins, USC, Sophomore; Los Angeles, California: 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists (31 first place votes, 155 points(asterisk))Paige Bueckers, UConn, Senior, Hopkins, Minnesota: 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists (31, 155(asterisk))Lauren Betts, UCLA, Junior; Centennial, Colorado; 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 63.4 Field Goal% (31, 155(asterisk))Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame, Sophomore; Merchantville, New Jersey: 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists (29, 151)Madison Booker, Texas, Sophomore; Ridgeland, Mississippi: 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists (14, 121)(asterisk)-unanimous selection<h2>Second Team</h2>Aneesah Morrow, LSU, Senior; Chicago, Illinois: 18.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 49.5 field goal% (14, 119)Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State, Junior; Miami, Florida: 24.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists (1, 84)Olivia Miles, Notre Dame, Senior; Phillipsburg, New Jersey: 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists (1, 69)Sarah Strong, UConn, Freshman; 16.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 57.5 field goal% (1, 63)Georgia Amoore, Kentucky, Senior; Ballarat, Victoria: 19.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists (0, 47)<h2>Third Team</h2>Hailey Van Lith, TCU, Senior; Wenatchee, Washington: 17.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists (0, 40)Kiki Iriafen, USC, Senior; Los Angeles, California: 18.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 49.9 field goal% (1, 38)Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt, Freshman; Somerset, New Jersey: 23.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists (0, 34)Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU, Junior; Savannah, Georgia: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 46.5 field goal% (0, 25)Audi Crooks, Iowa State, Sophomore; Algona, Iowa: 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 60.2 field goal% (0, 24)<h2>___</h2>Honorable Mention (alphabetical order):Sonia Citron, Notre Dame; Katie Dinnebier, Drake; Joyce Edwards, South Carolina; Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga; MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina; Rori Harmon, Texas; Izzy Higginbottom, Arkansas; Aziaha James, N.C. State; Lauren Jensen, Creighton; Taylor Jones, Texas; Chloe Kitts, South Carolina; Ayoka Lee, Kansas State; Cotie McMahon, Ohio State; Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina; Sedona Prince, TCU; JJ Quinerly, West Virginia; Kiki Rice, UCLA; Shyanne Sellers, Maryland; Serena Sundell, Kansas State; Makayla Timpson, Florida State; Harmoni Turner, Harvard; Mikayla Williams, LSU.

🏀 The Associated Press 2024-25 women’s college basketball All-America teams

The Hutchinson Community College softball team had some more last at-bat magic to complete a Jayhawk Conference doubleheader sweep of the Garden City Broncbusters on Tuesday at Fun Valley.

Trailing the Busters by two runs entering the bottom of the seventh in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>' two-run walk-off single to left field completed the comeback for a 10-9 victory to run their current winning streak to eight games.

The Blue Dragons made a five-run first inning stand up in Game 1 backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>'s complete-game performance in a 5-2 win.

Hutchinson is now 17-5 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Fun Valley. Garden City is now 14-12 overall and 6-6 in the KJCCC.

GAME 2 RECAP – Hutchinson 10, Garden City 9 Garden City took a 9-7 lead with a five-run fifth inning and carried that two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;led off with a single and then stole second base. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt moved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;to third, she scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>'s RBI single to right field to cut the Garden lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;then reached on a two-base error to center field, moving Golly to third wit one out.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, on a 2-0 pitch, hit a sinking line drive to left and rolled to the fence to score Golly and Stauffer with the game-tying and game-winning runs for Hutchinson's second walk-off win of the season.

After Garden City took its 9-7 lead, Tomlinson came out of the bullpen to quiet to Buster offense by retiring all six batters she faced to earn her ninth win of the season and second of the day. Tomlinson (9-2) had one strikeout, one groundout and four flyball outs.

Offensively, the Blue Dragons out-hit the Busters 12-6.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 4 for 5 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three runs scored. Addi Lutz went 2 for 4 with a double.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 1 for 4 with a career-high-tying four RBIs, also driving runs with a first-inning error and fourth-inning sacrifice fly before her two-run walk-off.

GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 5, Garden City 2 Garden City's potent offense got off to a good start in Game 1 with a double and RBI single in the first two at-bats to start the game for a 1-0 Buster lead. After that, Tomlinson settled in and didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning.

Overall, Tomlinson worked her sixth complete game of the season, striking out a career-high nine batters. She allowed just four hits, two earned runs and two walks.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Blue Dragons answered with a five-run bottom of the first inning.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;singled to center and Kruger dropped down a bunt for a single. Golly followed with an RBI groundout and Stauffer gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Lutz followed with RBI singles for a 4-1 lead. Then the Dragons executed a double steal with Lutz stealing second and Brawner stealing home for a 5-1 lead.

The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits with two hits each from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>, Kruger, Stauffer and Lutz. All 10 Blue Dragon hits were singles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742389705222.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon softball celebrates after a 10-9 walk-off victory over Garden City to complete a KJCCC sweep of the Busters on Tuesday at Garden City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon softball celebrates after a 10-9 walk-off victory over Garden City to complete a KJCCC sweep of the Busters on Tuesday at Garden City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team had some more last at-bat magic to complete a Jayhawk Conference doubleheader sweep of the Garden City Broncbusters on Tuesday at Fun Valley.Trailing the Busters by two runs entering the bottom of the seventh in Game 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>' two-run walk-off single to left field completed the comeback for a 10-9 victory to run their current winning streak to eight games.The Blue Dragons made a five-run first inning stand up in Game 1 backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>'s complete-game performance in a 5-2 win.Hutchinson is now 17-5 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Dodge City at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Fun Valley. Garden City is now 14-12 overall and 6-6 in the KJCCC.GAME 2 RECAP – Hutchinson 10, Garden City 9 Garden City took a 9-7 lead with a five-run fifth inning and carried that two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;led off with a single and then stole second base. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt moved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;to third, she scored on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>'s RBI single to right field to cut the Garden lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;then reached on a two-base error to center field, moving Golly to third wit one out.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, on a 2-0 pitch, hit a sinking line drive to left and rolled to the fence to score Golly and Stauffer with the game-tying and game-winning runs for Hutchinson's second walk-off win of the season.After Garden City took its 9-7 lead, Tomlinson came out of the bullpen to quiet to Buster offense by retiring all six batters she faced to earn her ninth win of the season and second of the day. Tomlinson (9-2) had one strikeout, one groundout and four flyball outs.Offensively, the Blue Dragons out-hit the Busters 12-6.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 4 for 5 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with two doubles and three runs scored. Addi Lutz went 2 for 4 with a double.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 1 for 4 with a career-high-tying four RBIs, also driving runs with a first-inning error and fourth-inning sacrifice fly before her two-run walk-off.GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 5, Garden City 2 Garden City's potent offense got off to a good start in Game 1 with a double and RBI single in the first two at-bats to start the game for a 1-0 Buster lead. After that, Tomlinson settled in and didn't allow another hit until the sixth inning.Overall, Tomlinson worked her sixth complete game of the season, striking out a career-high nine batters. She allowed just four hits, two earned runs and two walks.After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Blue Dragons answered with a five-run bottom of the first inning.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;singled to center and Kruger dropped down a bunt for a single. Golly followed with an RBI groundout and Stauffer gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;and Lutz followed with RBI singles for a 4-1 lead. Then the Dragons executed a double steal with Lutz stealing second and Brawner stealing home for a 5-1 lead.The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits with two hits each from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>, Kruger, Stauffer and Lutz. All 10 Blue Dragon hits were singles.

🥎 Blue Dragons rally for sweep of Broncbusters

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Bryce Thompson had 23 points in Oklahoma State’s 89-79 victory over Wichita State on Tuesday night in the NIT.

Thompson also contributed five steals for the Cowboys (16-17). Abou Ousmane scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Khalil Brantley shot 5 for 11, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points.

Xavier Bell led the way for the Shockers (19-15) with 24 points. Wichita State also got 21 points and 11 rebounds from Corey Washington. Quincy Ballard finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Andrija Vukovic’s free throw with 12:44 left in the second half gave Oklahoma State the lead for good at 53-52.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742389626136.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Bryce Thompson had 23 points in Oklahoma State’s 89-79 victory over Wichita State on Tuesday night in the NIT.Thompson also contributed five steals for the Cowboys (16-17). Abou Ousmane scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Khalil Brantley shot 5 for 11, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points.Xavier Bell led the way for the Shockers (19-15) with 24 points. Wichita State also got 21 points and 11 rebounds from Corey Washington. Quincy Ballard finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds.Andrija Vukovic’s free throw with 12:44 left in the second half gave Oklahoma State the lead for good at 53-52.

🏀 Shockers fall to Cowboys in first round of NIT

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

Hutchinson High School graduate and current Washburn University men's basketball coach, Brett Ballard, has guided his Ichabods team to the NCAA Division II Tournament Elite Eight following a 93-65 win over Minnesota State University Moorhead on Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;

Ballard is in his eighth season at Washburn and has guided the Ichabods to the MIAA regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the Central Region.&nbsp;

Ballard is a 1998 graduate of Hutchinson High School. He then played one season at Cowley College and one at HutchCC, where he graduated in 2000. Ballard then played his final two seasons at Kansas under Roy Williams.

The Ichabods are now 29-3 on the season as they travel to Evansville, Ind., where they will play in the Elite Eight next week.

This is the fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight for the Ichabods, joining the 1993, 1994 and 2001 teams.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730213997649.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Washburn Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Washburn Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHutchinson High School graduate and current Washburn University men's basketball coach, Brett Ballard, has guided his Ichabods team to the NCAA Division II Tournament Elite Eight following a 93-65 win over Minnesota State University Moorhead on Tuesday evening in Topeka.&nbsp;Ballard is in his eighth season at Washburn and has guided the Ichabods to the MIAA regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the Central Region.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FROM SWEET TO ELITE … ICHABODS ADVANCE TO NCAA ELITE WITH WIN OVER THE DRAGONS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOBODS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOBODS</a> <a href="https://t.co/6F5Y0ms8Br">pic.twitter.com/6F5Y0ms8Br</a>&mdash; Washburn MBB (@IchabodMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IchabodMBB/status/1902186218026082489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ballard is a 1998 graduate of Hutchinson High School. He then played one season at Cowley College and one at HutchCC, where he graduated in 2000. Ballard then played his final two seasons at Kansas under Roy Williams.The Ichabods are now 29-3 on the season as they travel to Evansville, Ind., where they will play in the Elite Eight next week.This is the fourth trip to the NCAA Elite Eight for the Ichabods, joining the 1993, 1994 and 2001 teams.&nbsp;

🏀 Hutch High alum leads Washburn to NCAA DII Elite Eight

<a href="https://www.intrustbankarena.com/ncaa">INTRUST Bank Arena Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch?cid=ncaa_mml_nav_men">NCAA Tournament Information</a>

INTRUST Bank Arena will hold practice rounds on Wednesday for the eight teams that will compete in downtown Wichita as part of first and second round action of the NCAA Tournament.

The eight teams competing in Wichita are Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington.&nbsp;

SIU Edwardsville features former Hutchinson High School graduate, Myles Thompson. Thompson played at Barton Community College in Great Bend after his time as a Salthawk. He then transferred to SIUE and is in his first year as a Cougar.

Practice sessions are open to the public and are free to attend.

SIU Edwardsville, 11 a.m. Houston, 11:45 a.m. Georgia, 12:30 p.m. Gonzaga, 1:15 p.m. Drake, 2 p.m. Missouri, 2:45 p.m. UNC Wilmington, 3:30 p.m. Texas Tech, 4:15 p.m.

Game Schedule (Thursday) Session 1 No. 16 SIU Edwardsville vs. No. 1 Houston, 1 p.m. No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 Gonzaga, 3:35 p.m.

Session 2 No. 11 Drake vs. No. 6 Missouri, 6:35 p.m. No. 14 UNCW vs. No. 3 Texas Tech, 9:10 p.m.

Game Schedule (Saturday) Session 3 TBD

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742329434393.png" alt="Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy INTRUST Bank Arena</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.intrustbankarena.com/ncaa">INTRUST Bank Arena Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch?cid=ncaa_mml_nav_men">NCAA Tournament Information</a>INTRUST Bank Arena will hold practice rounds on Wednesday for the eight teams that will compete in downtown Wichita as part of first and second round action of the NCAA Tournament.The eight teams competing in Wichita are Drake, Georgia, Gonzaga, Houston, Missouri, SIU Edwardsville, Texas Tech and UNC Wilmington.&nbsp;SIU Edwardsville features former Hutchinson High School graduate, Myles Thompson. Thompson played at Barton Community College in Great Bend after his time as a Salthawk. He then transferred to SIUE and is in his first year as a Cougar.Practice sessions are open to the public and are free to attend.SIU Edwardsville, 11 a.m. Houston, 11:45 a.m. Georgia, 12:30 p.m. Gonzaga, 1:15 p.m. Drake, 2 p.m. Missouri, 2:45 p.m. UNC Wilmington, 3:30 p.m. Texas Tech, 4:15 p.m.Game Schedule (Thursday) Session 1 No. 16 SIU Edwardsville vs. No. 1 Houston, 1 p.m. No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 Gonzaga, 3:35 p.m.Session 2 No. 11 Drake vs. No. 6 Missouri, 6:35 p.m. No. 14 UNCW vs. No. 3 Texas Tech, 9:10 p.m.Game Schedule (Saturday) Session 3 TBD

🏀 NCAA Tournament open practices Wednesday in Wichita

The Associated Press 2024-25 All-America men’s basketball team with statistics through regular-season and conference tournaments:

Cooper Flagg, Duke, 6-9, 205, Freshman; Newport, Maine; 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists (61 of 61 first-place votes, 305 points(asterisk))

Johni Broome, Auburn, 6-10, 235, Fifth year; Plant City, Florida; 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists (61, 305(asterisk))

Braden Smith, Purdue, 6-0, 180, Junior; Westfield, Indiana; 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.7 assists (44, 268)

Mark Sears, Alabama, 6-1, 185, Fifth year; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; 18.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists (42, 256)

Walter Clayton Jr., Florida, 6-2, 195, Senior; Lake Wales, Florida; 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists (36, 244)

JT Toppin, Texas Tech, 6-9, 210, Sophomore; Dallas, Texas; 18.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists (14, 185)

Kam Jones, Marquette, 6-4, 185, Senior; Cordova, Tennessee; 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists (8, 160)

John Tonje, Wisconsin, 6-5, 222, Sixth Year; Omaha, Nebraska; 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists (7, 127)

PJ Haggerty, Memphis, 6-3, 192, Sophomore; Crosby, Texas; 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists (7, 118)

RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s, 6-7, 196, Junior; Miami, Florida; 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists (6, 118)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton, 7-0, 235, Fifth Year; St. Louis, Missouri; 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists (3, 117)

Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee, 5-9, 160, Senior; Long Island, New York; 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists (5, 103)

Eric Dixon, Villanova, 6-8, 260, Fifth Year; Willow Grove, Pennsylvania; 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists (3, 86)

LJ Cryer, Houston, 6-1, 185, Fifth Year; Katy, Texas; 15.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists (4, 65)

Hunter Dickinson, Kansas, 7-2, 255, Fifth Year; Alexandria, Virginia; 17.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists (2, 51)

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order, next 10 vote totals and ties )

Nique Clifford, Colorado State; Donovan Dent, New Mexico; Dylan Harper, Rutgers; Chucky Hepburn, Louisville; Tre Johnson, Texas; Curtis Jones, Iowa State; Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue; Chaz Lanier, Tennessee; Derik Queen, Maryland; Maxime Reynaud, Stanford; Javon Small, West Virginia; Bennett Stirtz, Drake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741950879488.jpeg" alt="Kansas' Hunter Dickinson (1) drives past Arizona's Henri Veesaar during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas' Hunter Dickinson (1) drives past Arizona's Henri Veesaar during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated Press 2024-25 All-America men’s basketball team with statistics through regular-season and conference tournaments:<h2>First Team</h2>Cooper Flagg, Duke, 6-9, 205, Freshman; Newport, Maine; 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists (61 of 61 first-place votes, 305 points(asterisk))Johni Broome, Auburn, 6-10, 235, Fifth year; Plant City, Florida; 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists (61, 305(asterisk))Braden Smith, Purdue, 6-0, 180, Junior; Westfield, Indiana; 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.7 assists (44, 268)Mark Sears, Alabama, 6-1, 185, Fifth year; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; 18.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists (42, 256)Walter Clayton Jr., Florida, 6-2, 195, Senior; Lake Wales, Florida; 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists (36, 244)(asterisk)-unanimous selection<h2>Second Team</h2>JT Toppin, Texas Tech, 6-9, 210, Sophomore; Dallas, Texas; 18.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists (14, 185)Kam Jones, Marquette, 6-4, 185, Senior; Cordova, Tennessee; 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists (8, 160)John Tonje, Wisconsin, 6-5, 222, Sixth Year; Omaha, Nebraska; 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists (7, 127)PJ Haggerty, Memphis, 6-3, 192, Sophomore; Crosby, Texas; 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists (7, 118)RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s, 6-7, 196, Junior; Miami, Florida; 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists (6, 118)<h2>Third Team</h2>Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton, 7-0, 235, Fifth Year; St. Louis, Missouri; 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists (3, 117)Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee, 5-9, 160, Senior; Long Island, New York; 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists (5, 103)Eric Dixon, Villanova, 6-8, 260, Fifth Year; Willow Grove, Pennsylvania; 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists (3, 86)LJ Cryer, Houston, 6-1, 185, Fifth Year; Katy, Texas; 15.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists (4, 65)Hunter Dickinson, Kansas, 7-2, 255, Fifth Year; Alexandria, Virginia; 17.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists (2, 51)<h2>___</h2>Honorable Mention (alphabetical order, next 10 vote totals and ties )Nique Clifford, Colorado State; Donovan Dent, New Mexico; Dylan Harper, Rutgers; Chucky Hepburn, Louisville; Tre Johnson, Texas; Curtis Jones, Iowa State; Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue; Chaz Lanier, Tennessee; Derik Queen, Maryland; Maxime Reynaud, Stanford; Javon Small, West Virginia; Bennett Stirtz, Drake.

🏀 The Associated Press 2024-25 men’s college basketball All-America teams

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742316893980.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;

&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash; Senior <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-n-guessan/12168" rel="smarttag" rev="12168">David N'Guessan</a></dfn> was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Central Region Second Team on Tuesday morning (March 18) as the organization announced its All-District honors. The honors are voted on by NABC-member coaches across Division I. It was the first NABC award for N'Guessan, who was named to the coaches' All-Big 12 honorable mention team on March 9. He is the first Wildcat to earn all-district accolades since Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were selected to the first team in 2023. A 6-foot-9, 220-pound wing from De Lier, The Netherlands, N'Guessan was the Wildcats' leading scorer and rebounder for most of the season, as he averaged 13.3 points on a Big 12-best 64.4 percent (179-of-278) shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 29.7 minutes per game. He scored in double figures in a team-best 26 games, including a team-best six 20-point performance. He has also collected a team-best 7 double-doubles, including 5 in Big 12 play. In addition to being the league's leader in field goal percentage, he ranked in the Big 12's top 20 in both scoring and rebounding.</div>

🏀 K-State’s N’Guessan named to NABC All-Central Region 2nd team 

The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday morning that the team will wear all powder blue alternate uniforms for Saturday home games during the 2025 season.&nbsp; The Royals also announced the new <a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/tickets/packs/powder-blue">Powder Blue Six-Pack</a> for the season.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742313049745.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday morning that the team will wear all powder blue alternate uniforms for Saturday home games during the 2025 season.&nbsp; The Royals also announced the new <a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/tickets/packs/powder-blue">Powder Blue Six-Pack</a> for the season.&nbsp;

⚾️ Royals to wear powder blue alternates for select games 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NCAA will abandon a rule that stopped athletes from negotiating potentially lucrative name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific college, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Monday as he announced a settlement in a lawsuit over the policy.

Skrmetti and a handful of attorneys general had sued the NCAA over its name, image and likeness recruiting ban, arguing the rule violated antitrust laws.

The proposed settlement must still be approved by a federal judge.

In a statement, Skrmetti said “With a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry rising from the foundation of college sports, the kids who make it all happen should not be the only people denied an opportunity to prosper.”

An NCAA spokesperson said the proposed settlement “underscores our support for student-athletes benefiting from their NIL and our commitment to provide increased benefits to student-athletes at every stage in their collegiate experience, creating a sustainable model for the future of college sports.”

The agreement, if approved by the court, will allow college athletes to negotiate compensation for name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific school, and it will allow third parties to negotiate name, image and likeness deals during recruitment windows.

The NCAA will also have to publicize any proposed name, image and likeness changes for the next five years and meet with states before the proposals can take effect.

Attorneys general in New York, Virginia, Florida and the District of Columbia were part of the coalition that sued over the policy.

The judge handling the case had previously ordered the NCAA to temporarily halt the policy while the case played out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742305399084.jpeg" alt="A Wilson basketball is shown during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Michigan State and Oregon in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>A Wilson basketball is shown during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Michigan State and Oregon in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The NCAA will abandon a rule that stopped athletes from negotiating potentially lucrative name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific college, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said Monday as he announced a settlement in a lawsuit over the policy.Skrmetti and a handful of attorneys general had sued the NCAA over its name, image and likeness recruiting ban, arguing the rule violated antitrust laws.The proposed settlement must still be approved by a federal judge.In a statement, Skrmetti said “With a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry rising from the foundation of college sports, the kids who make it all happen should not be the only people denied an opportunity to prosper.”An NCAA spokesperson said the proposed settlement “underscores our support for student-athletes benefiting from their NIL and our commitment to provide increased benefits to student-athletes at every stage in their collegiate experience, creating a sustainable model for the future of college sports.”The agreement, if approved by the court, will allow college athletes to negotiate compensation for name, image and likeness deals before enrolling in a specific school, and it will allow third parties to negotiate name, image and likeness deals during recruitment windows.The NCAA will also have to publicize any proposed name, image and likeness changes for the next five years and meet with states before the proposals can take effect.Attorneys general in New York, Virginia, Florida and the District of Columbia were part of the coalition that sued over the policy.The judge handling the case had previously ordered the NCAA to temporarily halt the policy while the case played out.

NCAA agrees to lift name, image and likeness recruitment ban

The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team came from behind to win the Central Region title on Monday evening at John Lance Arena over Southwest Minnesota State, 85-82. 

The Gorillas punch their ticket into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight on March 24 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The two leading scorers for the Gorillas each hail from the Hutch Post area. Halstead High School alum Karenna Gerber went off for a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. She was named the eight-team regional's Most Outstanding Player. Gerber helped block and secure the final shot of the game, a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game.&nbsp;

McPherson High School alum Grace Pyle scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and team-high five assists.&nbsp;

Gerber has started all 35 games, averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.&nbsp;Pyle has started all 35 games and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

The Gorillas are 32-3 on the season and finished 18-1 in the MIAA, claiming the regular season and tournament titles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742304949462.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Derek Livingston, Pittsburg State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Derek Livingston, Pittsburg State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostThe Pittsburg State University women's basketball team came from behind to win the Central Region title on Monday evening at John Lance Arena over Southwest Minnesota State, 85-82. The Gorillas punch their ticket into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight on March 24 in Pittsburgh, Pa.The two leading scorers for the Gorillas each hail from the Hutch Post area. Halstead High School alum Karenna Gerber went off for a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. She was named the eight-team regional's Most Outstanding Player. Gerber helped block and secure the final shot of the game, a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game.&nbsp;McPherson High School alum Grace Pyle scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and team-high five assists.&nbsp;Gerber has started all 35 games, averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.&nbsp;Pyle has started all 35 games and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.The Gorillas are 32-3 on the season and finished 18-1 in the MIAA, claiming the regular season and tournament titles.

🏀 Halstead and McPherson alums guide Pitt State to NCAA DII Elite Eight

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742304283490.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
DALLAS &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball received its first ranking since the 2014 season this week with the Jayhawks coming in at No. 22 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) poll that was released on Monday. &nbsp; Kansas is off to its best 20-game start in program history with a 17-3 overall record. The Jayhawks have won each of their first five weekend series for the first time since 2003. &nbsp; The Jayhawks won their opening Big 12 series this past weekend by taking two out of three games against Baylor. The Jayhawks outscored the Bears, who were 13-3 coming into the weekend, by a combined score of 30-17 and hit nine home runs over the weekend. Kansas has won its opening conference series in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014. &nbsp; KU leads the Big 12 and is third in the nation with 46 home runs this season.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="71">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>, who leads the team with 11 home runs this season, which is tied for third in the nation, was named Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday. &nbsp; Kansas (17-3, 2-1 Big 12) will play four games in Arizona this week, beginning on Tuesday at Arizona in a non-conference game at 8 p.m. CT and then a three-game conference series at Arizona State from March 21-23. &nbsp;
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1901769972692787420&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F17%2Fbaseball-kansas-ranked-no-22-in-ncbwa-top-25-poll.aspx&amp;sessionId=b31f340cb27ddcbb1e5d61e12ba66ddcb02fea68&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1901769972692787420"></iframe></div></div>

⚾ KU ranked No. 22, first ranking since 2014 season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242371516.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;For the fourth straight week, K-State baseball picked up a Big 12 Conference weekly award, as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named the Newcomer of the Week on Monday afternoon. &nbsp; The true freshman from Lincoln, Nebraska, becomes the third Wildcat to earn the honor this season, joining left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>. For the week, Evasco recorded a team-high 12 RBI and raised his batting average to .429, the third-best in the league and highest among all freshmen. His slugging percentage climbed to .796, ranking fourth overall in the conference. Evasco drove in a team-leading eight RBI against Utah, helping K-State open Big 12 play with its first series sweep since 2010. &nbsp;Evasco ended the weekend hitting .583 (7-for-12), compiling a 1.488 OPS with a double and home run. In the series finale against Utah, Evasco went 3-for-4 and launched his fourth home run of the year &ndash; a walk-off three-run shot that sealed a run-rule victory and extended the Cats' home winning streak to six. &nbsp;It marked his second walk-off homer of the season, as the freshman belted a three-run homer in K-State's 17-5 run-rule victory over William &amp; Mary (March 8). He blasted his first collegiate grand slam against Creighton, cutting a five-run deficit to one. The Wildcats (12-7, 3-0 Big 12) will head to Stephenville, Texas for a midweek non-conference matchup against Tarleton State (9-12) on Wednesday, March 19. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Tarleton Baseball Complex. Wednesday's game will broadcast on ESPN+, while a free live streaming audio available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app. Season and single-game tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, fans can visit&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State's Evasco garners Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742242476049.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas graduate outfielder&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="69">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday. The Big 12 award is the first of Hauge's career.&nbsp; &nbsp; Hauge hit .421/.593/1.263 (8-for-19), with four doubles, four home runs, 14 RBIs, six runs scored, seven walks and a 1.856 OPS in five games last week. He had two multi-homer games, on Wednesday at Minnesota and on Saturday against Baylor.&nbsp; &nbsp; All eight of Hauge's hits last week were extra-base hits. Hauge hit the fifth of five consecutive home runs at Minnesota to tie an NCAA record for most consecutive home runs. He finished Wednesday's game with a career-high seven RBIs at Minnesota. &nbsp; The Ramsey, Minnesota, native currently has 11 home runs this season, which is tied for third in the nation and leads the Big 12. He also leads the Big 12 with 32 RBI (15th nationally) and total bases with 63 (23rd nationally). &nbsp; Hauge is the 21st player in Kansas history to win Big 12 Player of the Week. He is the second Jayhawk this season to earn a Big 12 weekly honor, following&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="70">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;who earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on March 3. &nbsp; Kansas (17-3, 2-1 Big 12) will play four games in Arizona this week, beginning on Tuesday at Arizona in a non-conference game at 8 p.m. CT and then a three-game conference series at Arizona State from March 21-23.</div>

⚾ KU's Hauge named Big 12 Player of the Week

The Kansas City Royals announced Cole Ragans will get the Opening Day starting pitching nod against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.

This marks the second straight season Ragans has toed the rubber on Opening Day for KC. He finished the 2024 season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans pitched in 32 games, making 32 starts and going 186.1 innings pitched, striking out 223 and walking 67.

So far in Spring Training, Ragans has made five starts with a 2-1 record and has 21 strikeouts and five walks in 14 innings of action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716411828410.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals announced Cole Ragans will get the Opening Day starting pitching nod against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27 at Kauffman Stadium.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rollin&#39; with Ragans. <a href="https://t.co/WRxHtlrxVy">pic.twitter.com/WRxHtlrxVy</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1901415695629627892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This marks the second straight season Ragans has toed the rubber on Opening Day for KC. He finished the 2024 season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans pitched in 32 games, making 32 starts and going 186.1 innings pitched, striking out 223 and walking 67.So far in Spring Training, Ragans has made five starts with a 2-1 record and has 21 strikeouts and five walks in 14 innings of action.The Royals and Guardians will open the season next Thursday with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch.