The Hutchinson Community College softball team was picked to finish third this season in the annual Jayhawk Conference preseason coaches’ poll released on Monday.

The Blue Dragons come off a 29-17 season and a third-place finish in the Region VI Tournament. The 2021 Blue Dragons advanced to the winner’s bracket final before dropping games to Butler and Barton in the loser’s bracket final.

Starting her 18th season, head coach Jaime Rose returns six position players and one pitcher for the 2022 season, which opens on Saturday at Fun Valley against the Ottawa University Junior Varsity.

The Blue Dragons return their top three hitters from last season in Madison Grimes, Natalie Bevan and Haley Miller.

Grimes was the 2021 Jayhawk East Player and Freshman of the Year in 2021. Grimes shattered the Blue Dragon single-season batting average record of by 98 points after hitting .562 (82 for 156) with 11 home runs, 78 RBIs and 71 runs scored. The sophomore from Andale moved from third base to shortstop about one-third of the way through the 2021 season.

Bevan, a super-sophomore from Augusta, hit .426 (58 for 136) with nine homers and 58 RBIs. Miller, a sophomore outfielder from Buhler, hit .401 (59 for 147) with 42 runs scored and 28 stolen bases.

The Blue Dragons also return left-handed pitcher Sadie Loney. The super-sophomore from Oak Grove, Missouri, was 5-1 through an injury-plagued 2021 season with a 3.37 ERA. She had 45 strikeouts in 43 2-3 innings. She also had three saves last season, making 19 total appearances.

Butler, Barton and Hutchinson are the Top 3 picks in the KJCCC this season. Colby, Garden City and Seward County are picked 4 through 7. Dodge City, Pratt and Northwest Tech round up the remainder of the poll.

The NJCAA Division Preseason rankings were also released on Monday. The Blue Dragons are not mentioned in that poll, but on their schedule are the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in the rankings – No. 2 Grayson and No. 3 Butler.

2022 KJCCC PRESEASON SOFTBALL COACHES’ POLL

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team was picked to finish third this season in the annual Jayhawk Conference preseason coaches’ poll released on Monday.The Blue Dragons come off a 29-17 season and a third-place finish in the Region VI Tournament. The 2021 Blue Dragons advanced to the winner’s bracket final before dropping games to Butler and Barton in the loser’s bracket final.Starting her 18th season, head coach Jaime Rose returns six position players and one pitcher for the 2022 season, which opens on Saturday at Fun Valley against the Ottawa University Junior Varsity.The Blue Dragons return their top three hitters from last season in Madison Grimes, Natalie Bevan and Haley Miller.Grimes was the 2021 Jayhawk East Player and Freshman of the Year in 2021. Grimes shattered the Blue Dragon single-season batting average record of by 98 points after hitting .562 (82 for 156) with 11 home runs, 78 RBIs and 71 runs scored. The sophomore from Andale moved from third base to shortstop about one-third of the way through the 2021 season.Bevan, a super-sophomore from Augusta, hit .426 (58 for 136) with nine homers and 58 RBIs. Miller, a sophomore outfielder from Buhler, hit .401 (59 for 147) with 42 runs scored and 28 stolen bases.The Blue Dragons also return left-handed pitcher Sadie Loney. The super-sophomore from Oak Grove, Missouri, was 5-1 through an injury-plagued 2021 season with a 3.37 ERA. She had 45 strikeouts in 43 2-3 innings. She also had three saves last season, making 19 total appearances.Butler, Barton and Hutchinson are the Top 3 picks in the KJCCC this season. Colby, Garden City and Seward County are picked 4 through 7. Dodge City, Pratt and Northwest Tech round up the remainder of the poll.The NJCAA Division Preseason rankings were also released on Monday. The Blue Dragons are not mentioned in that poll, but on their schedule are the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in the rankings – No. 2 Grayson and No. 3 Butler.2022 KJCCC PRESEASON SOFTBALL COACHES’ POLL1. Butler2. Barton3. Hutchinson4. Colby5. Garden City6. Seward County7. Dodge City8. Pratt9. Northwest Tech

Dragons picked 3rd in KJCCC preseason softball coaches' poll

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas is all about agriculture and the subject is taught at the college level all throughout the state. At the high school level
that has not been the case in most areas. Hutchinson USD 308 hopes to change
that with new courses at the Career and Technical Education Academy. 

The USD 308 School Board will take action Monday on a new series of
courses at the HCTEA centered&nbsp; around agriculture and ag science. Courses include Intro to Agriculture,
Food Science, Animal Science, and Bio-Technology in Agriculture among others.
The board will also take action on computer purchases and go over several
personnel matters. Tonight’s USD 308 School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. at
the USD 308 offices at 1520 N. Plum.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598350401105.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas is all about agriculture and the subject is taught at the college level all throughout the state. At the high school level
that has not been the case in most areas. Hutchinson USD 308 hopes to change
that with new courses at the Career and Technical Education Academy. The USD 308 School Board will take action Monday on a new series of
courses at the HCTEA centered&nbsp; around agriculture and ag science. Courses include Intro to Agriculture,
Food Science, Animal Science, and Bio-Technology in Agriculture among others.
The board will also take action on computer purchases and go over several
personnel matters. Tonight’s USD 308 School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. at
the USD 308 offices at 1520 N. Plum.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

USD 308 Board to take action on new ag related courses

TOPEKA – The Hutchinson Community College men’s track and field team earned three national qualifications on Saturday at the season-opening All-Kansas Invitational at Washburn University.

The Blue Dragons had one event win, 14 Top 10 finishes and scored 51 points in the 19-team field filled with Jayhawk Conference schools, NAIA programs as well as teams from Wichita State, Washburn and Fort Hays State.

Sophomore sprinter Clyedterrious Thompson won the 60 Meters on Saturday with a national-qualifying time of 6.84 seconds. Thompson ran the ninth-fastest 60-meter time in Blue Dragon history. He qualifying second for the finals, running 6.84 seconds in the preliminaries.

Thompson finished seventh in the 200 meters in 22.17 seconds. He finished eighth in the long jump at 21 feet, 2.75 inches.

Sophomore Antonio Cooper qualified for nationals for the first time as a collegian, placing third in the shot put. He had a top mark of 51-9.75, which is the seventh-best indoor mark in Blue Dragon history.

Freshman distance runner Collin Oswalt was the third Blue Dragon to qualify for the NJCAA Indoor national championships in March. Oswalt qualified in the 3,000 meters in a 13th-place time of 8:46.26. That time is the fourth-fastest time in Blue Dragon history.

Freshman Sharim Hamilton placed second in the 400 Meters, running a time of 49.85 seconds, which is the third-fastest in Blue Dragon indoor history.

Freshman Caleb Manning was fifth in the high school after clearing 6-2.75. Manning also placed fourth in the triple jump at 46-5.5 and was fifth in the long jump at 21-9.

Sophomore Davion Gardenhire had two personal-best performances in Saturday. Gardenhire ran PRs of 7.11 seconds in the 60 meters and 22.40 seconds in the 200 meters.

Dre’Shun Bridges had a PR of 7.12 seconds in the 60 meters. Andrew Holt had a PR in the Mile run in 4:40.81.

The Blue Dragons will next compete at the Jayhawk Invitational on Saturday in Pittsburg.

TOPEKA – The Hutchinson Community College men’s track and field team earned three national qualifications on Saturday at the season-opening All-Kansas Invitational at Washburn University.The Blue Dragons had one event win, 14 Top 10 finishes and scored 51 points in the 19-team field filled with Jayhawk Conference schools, NAIA programs as well as teams from Wichita State, Washburn and Fort Hays State.Sophomore sprinter Clyedterrious Thompson won the 60 Meters on Saturday with a national-qualifying time of 6.84 seconds. Thompson ran the ninth-fastest 60-meter time in Blue Dragon history. He qualifying second for the finals, running 6.84 seconds in the preliminaries.Thompson finished seventh in the 200 meters in 22.17 seconds. He finished eighth in the long jump at 21 feet, 2.75 inches.Sophomore Antonio Cooper qualified for nationals for the first time as a collegian, placing third in the shot put. He had a top mark of 51-9.75, which is the seventh-best indoor mark in Blue Dragon history.Freshman distance runner Collin Oswalt was the third Blue Dragon to qualify for the NJCAA Indoor national championships in March. Oswalt qualified in the 3,000 meters in a 13th-place time of 8:46.26. That time is the fourth-fastest time in Blue Dragon history.Freshman Sharim Hamilton placed second in the 400 Meters, running a time of 49.85 seconds, which is the third-fastest in Blue Dragon indoor history.Freshman Caleb Manning was fifth in the high school after clearing 6-2.75. Manning also placed fourth in the triple jump at 46-5.5 and was fifth in the long jump at 21-9.Sophomore Davion Gardenhire had two personal-best performances in Saturday. Gardenhire ran PRs of 7.11 seconds in the 60 meters and 22.40 seconds in the 200 meters.Dre’Shun Bridges had a PR of 7.12 seconds in the 60 meters. Andrew Holt had a PR in the Mile run in 4:40.81.The Blue Dragons will next compete at the Jayhawk Invitational on Saturday in Pittsburg.

Blue Dragons track qualifies 3 for NJCAA indoor nationals

TOPEKA – Hutchinson Community College sophomore Louise Cocking had a strong opening to the 2022 indoor track and field season with a national qualifying mark in one event and a new school record in other on Saturday at the All-Kansas Invitational hosted by Washburn University.

Cocking and sophomore All-American Kiana Brown both qualified for the NJCAA Indoor Championships in March. The Blue Dragon women collected five Top 10 placings and 13 points to finish eighth in the 19-team field filled with NCAA Division I and Division II programs as well as several NAIA and Jayhawk Conference teams.

Cocking, a first-team NJCAA Cross Country All-American, qualified for the NJCAA indoor championships in the 3,000 meters on Saturday. She finished fourth in the event with a time of 10:36.98, which is the second-fastest time in Blue Dragon history.

Cocking just missed qualifying in the Mile run, but set a Blue Dragon school record with a fourth-place time of 5:21.77. Cocking just missed qualifying in the Mile in .08 seconds.

Brown set a Blue Dragon indoor PR in the pole vault after clearing 10 feet, 4 inches. Her ninth-place effort was the fifth-best indoor vault in Blue Dragon history. Brown was a second-team outdoor All-American last season, but didn’t qualify for the indoor national championships.

Freshman Keneah Romney posted two Blue Dragon Top-10 efforts in her Blue Dragon debut. Romney placed ninth in the 200 meters in 26.58 seconds, which is the fifth-fastest indoor 200 time in school history. Her 10th-place 400-meter time of 1:01.51 is the seventh-fastest time in team history.

Three other Blue Dragons set for personal records on Saturday.

+ Lushous Davis had PRs in the shot put (34-0.75) and weight throw (40-9).

+ Hannah Schrock had a PR in the weight throw (40-9).

+ Noel Buckhaults had a PR in the 3,000 meters (11:28.96).

The Blue Dragons will compete in the Jayhawk Conference Invitational next Saturday at the Plaster Center in Pittsburg.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationTOPEKA – Hutchinson Community College sophomore Louise Cocking had a strong opening to the 2022 indoor track and field season with a national qualifying mark in one event and a new school record in other on Saturday at the All-Kansas Invitational hosted by Washburn University.Cocking and sophomore All-American Kiana Brown both qualified for the NJCAA Indoor Championships in March. The Blue Dragon women collected five Top 10 placings and 13 points to finish eighth in the 19-team field filled with NCAA Division I and Division II programs as well as several NAIA and Jayhawk Conference teams.Cocking, a first-team NJCAA Cross Country All-American, qualified for the NJCAA indoor championships in the 3,000 meters on Saturday. She finished fourth in the event with a time of 10:36.98, which is the second-fastest time in Blue Dragon history.Cocking just missed qualifying in the Mile run, but set a Blue Dragon school record with a fourth-place time of 5:21.77. Cocking just missed qualifying in the Mile in .08 seconds.Brown set a Blue Dragon indoor PR in the pole vault after clearing 10 feet, 4 inches. Her ninth-place effort was the fifth-best indoor vault in Blue Dragon history. Brown was a second-team outdoor All-American last season, but didn’t qualify for the indoor national championships.Freshman Keneah Romney posted two Blue Dragon Top-10 efforts in her Blue Dragon debut. Romney placed ninth in the 200 meters in 26.58 seconds, which is the fifth-fastest indoor 200 time in school history. Her 10th-place 400-meter time of 1:01.51 is the seventh-fastest time in team history.Three other Blue Dragons set for personal records on Saturday.+ Lushous Davis had PRs in the shot put (34-0.75) and weight throw (40-9).+ Hannah Schrock had a PR in the weight throw (40-9).+ Noel Buckhaults had a PR in the 3,000 meters (11:28.96).The Blue Dragons will compete in the Jayhawk Conference Invitational next Saturday at the Plaster Center in Pittsburg.

Cocking breaks record, qualifies for indoor nationals

Saturday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Central Plains 56, Wichita Sunrise 32Columbus 47, McAuley Catholic, Mo. 33Golden Plains 87, Bethune, Colo. 20Oakley 50, Ellis 38Basehor-Linwood Tournament=Championship=Olathe North 48, Blue Valley 44Seventh Place=KC Piper 54, Northeast-Arma 24Third Place=Benton, Mo. 49, Olathe West 40Burlington Invitational=Championship=Rock Creek 60, Silver Lake 55Seventh Place=Ottawa 50, Burlington 44Centre Cougar Classic=Championship=Elyria Christian 41, SVHE 25Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Championship=Wichita Life Prep 57, Goodland 48Fifth Place=Lamar, Mo. 47, Beloit 43Seventh Place=Chanute 55, Ulysses 30Third Place=Hays 45, Colby 30Flint Hills Shoot Out=Championship=Northern Heights 45, Council Grove 34Fifth Place=Central Heights 43, Chase County 29Seventh Place=West Franklin 36, Lyndon 32Third Place=Mission Valley 24, Osage City 23Hoisington Winter Jam=Championship=Hoisington 53, Pratt 31Fifth Place=Victoria 37, La Crosse 30Seventh Place=Ellinwood 57, Otis-Bison 35Mid-Continent League Tournament=Championship=Hays-TMP-Marian 52, Phillipsburg 46Third Place=Smith Center 51, Russell 34Salina Invitational Tournament=Championship=Salina Central 56, Andover 36Seventh Place=Buhler 36, Wichita West 28Third Place=Liberal 65, Concordia 8South Central Border League Tournament=Championship=South Haven 38, Flinthills 25Fifth Place=Oxford 42, Argonia 32Seventh Place=Burden Central 51, Caldwell 19Third Place=West Elk 42, Sedan 34Trojan Classic=Championship=Eureka 53, Clay Center 28Fifth Place=Holcomb 41, Hillsboro 24Seventh Place=Riley County 50, Republic County 17Third Place=Hesston 44, Remington 37Twin Valley League Tournament=Consolation=Linn 55, Onaga 37Wetmore 43, Blue Valley 30Saturday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Atchison County 64, Oskaloosa 56Bishop Miege 77, Carthage, Mo. 57Golden Plains 72, Bethune, Colo. 40Larned 52, Central Plains 45Baldwin Invitational=Championship=KC Harmon 42, Baldwin 38Fifth Place=Augusta 51, Bishop Seabury Academy 38Third Place=KC Bishop Ward 50, Wellsville 46Basehor-Linwood Tournament=Championship=Basehor-Linwood 70, Junction City 50Fifth Place=Olathe West 57, KC Piper 54Seventh Place=Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 48, Louisburg 44Burlington Invitational=Championship=Labette County 37, Paola 31Fifth Place=Rock Creek 48, Ottawa 44Seventh Place=Independence 50, Silver Lake 44Third Place=Sabetha 58, Burlington 54Burrton Invitational=Championship=Inman 40, Berean Academy 31Fifth Place=Goessel 61, Pretty Prairie 34Third Place=Little River 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 23Centre Cougar Classic=Championship=Solomon 74, Elyria Christian 59Chaparral Roadrunner Classic=Championship=Circle 62, Chaparral 50Fifth Place=Wellington 76, Mulvane 51Third Place=Clearwater 44, Arkansas City 31Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Championship=Hays 63, Olathe North 42Third Place=Colby 49, Beloit 46Dodge City Tournament of Champions=Championship=Wichita Heights 55, Wichita Campus 48Fifth Place=Olathe East 48, Goddard-Eisenhower 35Seventh Place=Manhattan 71, Wichita East 51Third Place=Dodge City 59, Maize 52Flint Hills Shoot Out=Championship=Lyndon 62, Council Grove 56Fifth Place=West Franklin 55, Central Heights 54Seventh Place=Chase County 56, Northern Heights 31Third Place=Osage City 50, Mission Valley 47Hoisington Winter Jam=Championship=Pratt 53, Ellinwood 45McPherson Invitational=Championship=Lawrence Free State 64, St. James Academy 59Fifth Place=Blue Valley 60, Derby 54Seventh Place=Wichita Bishop Carroll 52, Wichita North 44Third Place=McPherson 72, Topeka Seaman 68Mid-Continent League Tournament=Championship=Hays-TMP-Marian 47, Trego 34Fifth Place=Hill City 75, Plainville 46Third Place=Phillipsburg 52, Norton 47, OTNorthwest Kansas League Tournament=Championship=Ness City 80, Greeley County 60Royal Valley Panther Classic=Wabaunsee 71, Santa Fe Trail 52Championship=Royal Valley 69, Chapman 33Salina Invitational Tournament=Championship=Andover 56, Wichita South 41Seventh Place=Concordia 57, Liberal 56Third Place=Buhler 56, Salina Central 41Skyline 54 Classic=Championship=Norwich 59, Pratt Skyline 43South Central Border League Tournament=Championship=Caldwell 38, Cedar Vale/Dexter Co-op 34Fifth Place=West Elk 67, Flinthills 43Seventh Place=Oxford 73, Burden Central 62Third Place=Sedan 63, South Haven 36Southeast Lancer Classic=Championship=Columbus 38, College Heights Christian, Mo. 32St. John Mid-Winter Classic=Championship=Macksville 41, St. John 36Fifth Place=Nickerson 54, Reno County 40Tonganoxie Invitational=Championship=DeSoto 70, Bonner Springs 56Topeka Invitational Tournament=Championship=Topeka West 64, Wichita Northwest 56Fifth Place=Lawrence 63, SM North 46Trojan Classic=Championship=Hillsboro 39, Hesston 29Fifth Place=Riley County 48, Clay Center 45Seventh Place=Eureka 60, Republic County 27Third Place=Holcomb 57, Remington 45Twin Valley Tournament=Centralia 57, Hanover 50Frankfort 51, Troy 35Linn 57, Washington County 55Wetmore 46, Blue Valley 43Valley Center January Jam=Championship=Maize South 51, SM East 46Fifth Place=Wichita Southeast 65, Valley Center 56Seventh Place=Newton 62, Coffeyville 42Third Place=BV West 79, Garden City 61

High School Basketball scores from Saturday

Ken was born in Hutchinson. He was second son of Homer and Nadine Gere. Lived in home where everyone had a job. He still had fun growing up. His best friend Billy Parks helped him catch snakes and put them in his pocket. That got his mom running after him with a wooden spoon! &nbsp;As teen his dad and brother Mel loved working on cars and motorcycles with him. He was always good with motors. He owned a race track and drove cars in his early twenties. &nbsp;At 16 he met a beautiful girl named Dottie who was from Arkansas visiting her sister. They feel in love that lasted his whole life. The fun story is he drove to Arkansas with Billy. He picked her up and drove back to Kansas. They pushed the car a lot on way home. If that didn't change Dottie's feelings , nothing would!! &nbsp;They got married both 17. Their mothers had to sign for them. They would be so pleased how good their marriage has been, 65 years!! &nbsp;A year later they had Dana and two years later had Brian. A family had been formed. &nbsp;Ken started in the manufactory at Cessna Aircraft. His gift had been found. Sales! He completed associate in accounting to progress his career and his personal finances. He worked for several manufacturing companies over the years. It caused some moving his family. From Kansas to Illinois to Minnesota to Arkansas to Texas then back to Minnesota. Ken and Dottie loved moving. With every change so did level of work. He got more knowledge and understanding of business. &nbsp;Last move to Minnesota he decided no more moving. Dana and Brian were teens then. He wanted a change. He studied commercial real estate. Worked for a company till he knew he could do better on his own. He purchased senior housing and family housing. Started Planned Investments. He put together partnerships for properties. He was the first to start this and became well known for it. He made a lot of money for others. He also founded a non profit company to help others. He was always looking for ways to help others and donated his time and money for good causes. He was involved in commercial real estate the rest of his life. &nbsp;Ken and Dottie did a lot of traveling and saw most of the world. They were very active in their church Grace for 50 years. They taught Sunday school, went on mission trips and mentored newly engaged couples. He was also very active with running. He even ran Boston Marathon. So proud. He attended anything his kids or grandkids were involved with. I think Edina West thought he was a coach for football and wrestling! He was always there in the middle of it with Brian. He did same for Dan with baseball and Sarah with basketball. He loved watching great granddaughters in dance. &nbsp;Ken and Dottie got their first grandchild January 1981. Ken was never the same. He was euphoric over all of his grandkids and has great granddaughters! He was very active in their lives. He gave a lot of love. Daniel King 1981, Sarah Seals 1983, David King 1987 and Joshua Gere 1998. Great grand daughters Karissa 2008, Kailee 2012 and Amorae 2003. He did vacations with them, had tea parties, played Legos, went to Disney World, shared his love of books with them, watched NASCAR and many times had them over just to spend night. Biggest thing he shared was Jesus! To Ken education was very important. When his grandson said why go to college because you did well with out it. He decided in late 50's he was going to get his bachelor degree. He knew so much he could of taught the classes himself. Graduated with honors from Northwestern in Roseville. Another proud moment. &nbsp;For the last twenty years he and Dottie spent winter in Naples Florida. They had the routine of taking 2 mile walk every morning, went to lunch then loved sitting on lanai. It was a good life. &nbsp;Ken loved Jesus. He had a personal relationship with Him. He knew he &nbsp;would be in heaven with Him. He tried to live his life by doing what God would want. He shared his faith with many. &nbsp;Ken Gere was a noble, loving, very intelligent man. He loved and was loved as a son, husband, father, grandparent, friend and co worker. &nbsp;Enjoy you time in Heaven Ken Gere. Well done!

Funeral service will be February 12, 2022 at Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN.&nbsp; Burial will be at Stafford Cemetery, Stafford.&nbsp; Burial date will be announced closer to the date of the funeral service.

Ken was born in Hutchinson. He was second son of Homer and Nadine Gere. Lived in home where everyone had a job. He still had fun growing up. His best friend Billy Parks helped him catch snakes and put them in his pocket. That got his mom running after him with a wooden spoon! &nbsp;As teen his dad and brother Mel loved working on cars and motorcycles with him. He was always good with motors. He owned a race track and drove cars in his early twenties. &nbsp;At 16 he met a beautiful girl named Dottie who was from Arkansas visiting her sister. They feel in love that lasted his whole life. The fun story is he drove to Arkansas with Billy. He picked her up and drove back to Kansas. They pushed the car a lot on way home. If that didn't change Dottie's feelings , nothing would!! &nbsp;They got married both 17. Their mothers had to sign for them. They would be so pleased how good their marriage has been, 65 years!! &nbsp;A year later they had Dana and two years later had Brian. A family had been formed. &nbsp;Ken started in the manufactory at Cessna Aircraft. His gift had been found. Sales! He completed associate in accounting to progress his career and his personal finances. He worked for several manufacturing companies over the years. It caused some moving his family. From Kansas to Illinois to Minnesota to Arkansas to Texas then back to Minnesota. Ken and Dottie loved moving. With every change so did level of work. He got more knowledge and understanding of business. &nbsp;Last move to Minnesota he decided no more moving. Dana and Brian were teens then. He wanted a change. He studied commercial real estate. Worked for a company till he knew he could do better on his own. He purchased senior housing and family housing. Started Planned Investments. He put together partnerships for properties. He was the first to start this and became well known for it. He made a lot of money for others. He also founded a non profit company to help others. He was always looking for ways to help others and donated his time and money for good causes. He was involved in commercial real estate the rest of his life. &nbsp;Ken and Dottie did a lot of traveling and saw most of the world. They were very active in their church Grace for 50 years. They taught Sunday school, went on mission trips and mentored newly engaged couples. He was also very active with running. He even ran Boston Marathon. So proud. He attended anything his kids or grandkids were involved with. I think Edina West thought he was a coach for football and wrestling! He was always there in the middle of it with Brian. He did same for Dan with baseball and Sarah with basketball. He loved watching great granddaughters in dance. &nbsp;Ken and Dottie got their first grandchild January 1981. Ken was never the same. He was euphoric over all of his grandkids and has great granddaughters! He was very active in their lives. He gave a lot of love. Daniel King 1981, Sarah Seals 1983, David King 1987 and Joshua Gere 1998. Great grand daughters Karissa 2008, Kailee 2012 and Amorae 2003. He did vacations with them, had tea parties, played Legos, went to Disney World, shared his love of books with them, watched NASCAR and many times had them over just to spend night. Biggest thing he shared was Jesus! To Ken education was very important. When his grandson said why go to college because you did well with out it. He decided in late 50's he was going to get his bachelor degree. He knew so much he could of taught the classes himself. Graduated with honors from Northwestern in Roseville. Another proud moment. &nbsp;For the last twenty years he and Dottie spent winter in Naples Florida. They had the routine of taking 2 mile walk every morning, went to lunch then loved sitting on lanai. It was a good life. &nbsp;Ken loved Jesus. He had a personal relationship with Him. He knew he &nbsp;would be in heaven with Him. He tried to live his life by doing what God would want. He shared his faith with many. &nbsp;Ken Gere was a noble, loving, very intelligent man. He loved and was loved as a son, husband, father, grandparent, friend and co worker. &nbsp;Enjoy you time in Heaven Ken Gere. Well done!Funeral service will be February 12, 2022 at Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN.&nbsp; Burial will be at Stafford Cemetery, Stafford.&nbsp; Burial date will be announced closer to the date of the funeral service.

Kenneth Gere  |2022| 

College Heights Christian, Mo. 44, Baxter Springs 39

Uniontown Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament=

Heartland, Mo. 42, Christ Preparatory Academy 33

Topeka Heritage Christian 80, Shawnee Mission Christian 52

Berean Academy 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 29

Wichita Heights 61, Goddard-Eisenhower 22

Lawrence Free State 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34

Thursday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>BV Northwest 40, Willard, Mo. 27Baldwin 77, Wellsville 9Bluestem 32, Bennington 31Central Plains 59, Macksville 29Erie 48, McAuley Catholic, Mo. 45Hill City 33, Stockton 25Hoxie 60, Ellis 54, 2OTLebo 45, Burlingame 33Norton 64, Plainville 33Oakley 35, Trego 30, OTOxford 46, Caldwell 26South Haven 44, Sedan 35Topeka 59, Topeka Hayden 33Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Colby 35, Ulysses 10Goodland 53, Beloit 15Hays 48, Chanute 32Wichita Life Prep 59, Lamar, Mo. 28Hi-Plains League Tournament=Consolation=Southwestern Hts. 58, Sublette 43Semifinal=Lakin 63, Wichita County 33Hoisington Winter Jam=Victoria 55, Ellinwood 47Pleasanton Invitational=Northeast-Arma 46, Heritage Christian 30Royal Valley Panther Classic=Royal Valley 48, Santa Fe Trail 44Wabaunsee 39, Chapman 30Salina Invitational Tournament=Andover 50, Buhler 18Concordia 41, Wichita West 39Liberal 46, Salina South 22Salina Central 67, Abilene 34Southeast Lancer Classic=Parsons 46, Columbus 27Consolation=College Heights Christian, Mo. 44, Baxter Springs 39Sterling Invitational=Consolation=Kingman 41, Lyons 34Semifinal=Southeast Saline 61, Hugoton 58, OTSterling 63, Scott City 49Uniontown Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament=Prairie View 31, KC Christian 10Uniontown 73, Altoona-Midway 25Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=Iola 20, Crest 18<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Hays 63, Liberty, Colo. 34Heartland, Mo. 42, Christ Preparatory Academy 33Hill City 55, Hoxie 27Lebo 40, Burlingame 38Nickerson 45, Larned 32Olathe Northwest 49, Leavenworth 42Russell 73, Smith Center 36SM Northwest 63, BV North 56Topeka Heritage Christian 80, Shawnee Mission Christian 52Vashon, Mo. 75, Wichita West 36Burrton Invitational=Berean Academy 40, Hutchinson Central Christian 29Inman 46, Little River 38Chanute Ralph Miller Classic=Bishop Miege 83, Emporia 41Carthage, Mo. 62, Andover Central 54Chaparral Roadrunner Classic=Circle 53, Wellington 38Clearwater 62, Belle Plaine 40Colby Orange and Black Tournament=Beloit 42, Goodland 23Colby 63, Ulysses 48Olathe North 50, Pine Creek, Colo. 37Dodge City Tournament of Champions=Dodge City 76, Wichita East 47Maize 62, Manhattan 40Wichita Campus 41, Olathe East 40Wichita Heights 61, Goddard-Eisenhower 22El Dorado Bluestem Classic=Great Bend 63, El Dorado 52Halstead Adolph Rupp Invitational=Consolation=Minneapolis 42, Halstead 27Winfield 70, Garden Plain 44Hoisington Winter Jam=Consolation Semifinal=Cimarron 61, La Crosse 37Victoria 42, Otis-Bison 38McPherson Invitational=Lawrence Free State 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34McPherson 51, Derby 48St. James Academy 68, Wichita North 31Topeka Seaman 63, Blue Valley 55Nemaha Central Thunder Classic=Atchison 58, St. Mary's Academy 41Nemaha Central 49, Hiawatha 45Royal Valley Panther Classic=Royal Valley 73, Santa Fe Trail 47Wabaunsee 73, Chapman 31Salina Invitational Tournament=Andover 74, Liberal 45Buhler 60, Salina South 38Wichita South 59, Concordia 43Salina South Invitational=Wichita South 59, Concordia 43SM West Viking Classic=Consolation=Grandview, Mo. 57, SM West 47Semifinal=Shawnee Heights 73, Lansing 54Spring Hill Invitational Tournament=Semi-final=Hutchinson 50, Olathe South 35Blue Valley SW 67, Glendale 34St. John Mid-Winter Classic=Consolation=Reno County 59, Central Plains 45Sterling Invitational=Consolation=Smoky Valley 49, Hutchinson Trinity 38Semifinal=Hugoton 64, Southeast Saline 53Sterling 57, Kingman 53Tonganoxie Invitational=Consolation=Tonganoxie 53, Wamego 52, OTSemifinal=Bonner Springs 50, Holton 38DeSoto 52, Eudora 33Tony Dubray (Mo.) Classic=Semifinal=Pittsburg Colgan 57, Thomas Jefferson, Mo. 36Topeka Invitational Tournament=Highland Park 65, SM North 57St. Mary's 52, Topeka 51Topeka West 59, Lawrence 57Wichita Northwest 63, Topeka Hayden 46Twin Valley Tournament=Axtell 60, Blue Valley 31Centralia 52, Frankfort 43Clifton-Clyde 68, Wetmore 51Hanover 48, Troy 40Uniontown Tournament=KC Christian 66, Prairie View 54Uniontown 46, Altoona-Midway 31Valley Center January Jam=Garden City 73, Coffeyville 53Maize South 64, Wichita Southeast 57Wilson County Classic=Fredonia 50, Eureka 34Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=Semifinal=Humboldt 43, Anderson County 35

🏀 Prep Scores from Thursday

Mildred Evelyn Boswell was born March 22, 1931 to Joseph Flickner and Selma (Albrecht) Flickner. She was their first daughter and forth child of eight. She was born in Spivey, and raised in the Kingman area where she lived most of her life.&nbsp; 

After high school, she attended Grace Bible School in Nebraska while there she had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Cuba as a missionary. God guided her return to Kansas where she worked as an aide at the State Hospital in Winfield. Her return to Kingman came a few years later when she accepted a job as a dispatcher for the city. While working for the city she attended Salt City Business College which gave her the opportunity to become the city treasure. Mildred finished her career with the city as the City Clerk. She retired from the City in 1993 to become a full-time grandma to not only her own grandchildren but also to many others in Kingman. In 2005 she became known as Jeri’s Kitchen’s Pie Lady. &nbsp;She lived her life serving the Lord up until God called her home on January 17th, 2022. She was surrounded by her family.

Mildred was blessed with two daughters from her first union with K.V. Wood. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Wayne J. Boswell in Kingman. With this union, she was gifted one daughter and four sons. Mildred was blessed with 19 grandkids, 40 great-grandkids, and 4 great-great-grandkids.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, two sisters, two brothers, one son, one grandson, one granddaughter, and other close family and friends. 

She is survived by three daughters, Darlene Bradshaw Arkansas, Jerry (Dave) Andersen Kingman, Bonita Harper Hutchinson, and three sons LeRoy (Rosemary) Boswell Kingman, Lynn (Joan) Boswell Kingman, Joe (Sheri) Boswell Spivey, and one daughter in-law Margaret Boswell Wichita.

Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday, January 22nd. Friends may call Friday from 1pm-7pm with family present from 5pm- 7pm at Livingston Funeral Home. Burial will be at Walnut Cemetery.

Mildred Evelyn Boswell was born March 22, 1931 to Joseph Flickner and Selma (Albrecht) Flickner. She was their first daughter and forth child of eight. She was born in Spivey, and raised in the Kingman area where she lived most of her life.&nbsp; After high school, she attended Grace Bible School in Nebraska while there she had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Cuba as a missionary. God guided her return to Kansas where she worked as an aide at the State Hospital in Winfield. Her return to Kingman came a few years later when she accepted a job as a dispatcher for the city. While working for the city she attended Salt City Business College which gave her the opportunity to become the city treasure. Mildred finished her career with the city as the City Clerk. She retired from the City in 1993 to become a full-time grandma to not only her own grandchildren but also to many others in Kingman. In 2005 she became known as Jeri’s Kitchen’s Pie Lady. &nbsp;She lived her life serving the Lord up until God called her home on January 17th, 2022. She was surrounded by her family.Mildred was blessed with two daughters from her first union with K.V. Wood. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Wayne J. Boswell in Kingman. With this union, she was gifted one daughter and four sons. Mildred was blessed with 19 grandkids, 40 great-grandkids, and 4 great-great-grandkids.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, two sisters, two brothers, one son, one grandson, one granddaughter, and other close family and friends. She is survived by three daughters, Darlene Bradshaw Arkansas, Jerry (Dave) Andersen Kingman, Bonita Harper Hutchinson, and three sons LeRoy (Rosemary) Boswell Kingman, Lynn (Joan) Boswell Kingman, Joe (Sheri) Boswell Spivey, and one daughter in-law Margaret Boswell Wichita.Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday, January 22nd. Friends may call Friday from 1pm-7pm with family present from 5pm- 7pm at Livingston Funeral Home. Burial will be at Walnut Cemetery.

Mildred Evelyn Boswell  |1931-2022|

Lois Duncan Long, 96, of Alden went to be forever with the Lord on January 17, 2022, at Sterling Village. 

Her dear husband Fred had preceded her in death by a mere 63 hours. Lois was a truly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a treasured teacher and friend. 

Lois was born in Alden on May 4, 1925, to J. Paul Duncan and Leonore (Proffitt) Duncan. She attended Alden schools and earned her teaching credentials from Sterling College. Lois taught elementary grades in local schools, as well as teaching kindergarten at Florence, for six years. 

In all, Lois taught school for 34 years. Lois was the oldest of three children. Since her dad wanted to have a family orchestra, he had Lois learn to play the clarinet, her younger sister Ruth the violin, and her younger brother Jack the trumpet. Lois also became an accomplished pianist and organist and spent many years as a church organist. 

She started dating Paul Fred Long during their senior year at Alden High School. When Fred was drafted in 1944, they were married in the bay window of her family home. She and Fred later bought this family home in 1947 and lived there until December of 2021. In all, Lois lived in that home for 88 of her 96 years. They went to Texas together for Fred's basic training. Lois worked a hot, difficult job in the base laundry until Fred was sent to the east coast before shipping out for the war in Europe. Lois returned to Sterling College and soon completed another semester. She took her first teaching job in the Raymond, grade school. When Fred returned from overseas, he completed his college education and began teaching and eventually coaching. Lois continued teaching as well until their son Duncan was born in 1949, followed soon by daughter Jan in 1952. Eventually the Longs moved back to their home in Alden and soon started working for the Alden/Sterling Schools. Lois finally retired in 1984. During retirement Lois conducted a Bible study in her home for many years. She enjoyed reading and keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren. She was loved by all. In her later years, Lois ended every conversation and visit with this beautiful blessing and we bless her with it now and for all eternity: May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace through His shed blood. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; two beloved children--her writer/illustrator son Duncan, and her lawyer/judge/legislator daughter Jan. We can only imagine the joyous reunion in heaven! 

Lois is survived by her granddaughter Kristen Geri (Chad) of Olathe and their children Jonathan, Breely, Mia and Daniel; her grandson Nicholas Long (Samantha) of Manhattan; her son-in-law Ron Pauls of Hutchinson; and her daughter-in-law Maggie Long of Manhattan. 

The funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling, with Pastor Andy Addis officiating. Burial will follow at the Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling.&nbsp;

Lois Duncan Long, 96, of Alden went to be forever with the Lord on January 17, 2022, at Sterling Village. Her dear husband Fred had preceded her in death by a mere 63 hours. Lois was a truly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a treasured teacher and friend. Lois was born in Alden on May 4, 1925, to J. Paul Duncan and Leonore (Proffitt) Duncan. She attended Alden schools and earned her teaching credentials from Sterling College. Lois taught elementary grades in local schools, as well as teaching kindergarten at Florence, for six years. In all, Lois taught school for 34 years. Lois was the oldest of three children. Since her dad wanted to have a family orchestra, he had Lois learn to play the clarinet, her younger sister Ruth the violin, and her younger brother Jack the trumpet. Lois also became an accomplished pianist and organist and spent many years as a church organist. She started dating Paul Fred Long during their senior year at Alden High School. When Fred was drafted in 1944, they were married in the bay window of her family home. She and Fred later bought this family home in 1947 and lived there until December of 2021. In all, Lois lived in that home for 88 of her 96 years. They went to Texas together for Fred's basic training. Lois worked a hot, difficult job in the base laundry until Fred was sent to the east coast before shipping out for the war in Europe. Lois returned to Sterling College and soon completed another semester. She took her first teaching job in the Raymond, grade school. When Fred returned from overseas, he completed his college education and began teaching and eventually coaching. Lois continued teaching as well until their son Duncan was born in 1949, followed soon by daughter Jan in 1952. Eventually the Longs moved back to their home in Alden and soon started working for the Alden/Sterling Schools. Lois finally retired in 1984. During retirement Lois conducted a Bible study in her home for many years. She enjoyed reading and keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren. She was loved by all. In her later years, Lois ended every conversation and visit with this beautiful blessing and we bless her with it now and for all eternity: May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace through His shed blood. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; two beloved children--her writer/illustrator son Duncan, and her lawyer/judge/legislator daughter Jan. We can only imagine the joyous reunion in heaven! Lois is survived by her granddaughter Kristen Geri (Chad) of Olathe and their children Jonathan, Breely, Mia and Daniel; her grandson Nicholas Long (Samantha) of Manhattan; her son-in-law Ron Pauls of Hutchinson; and her daughter-in-law Maggie Long of Manhattan. The funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling, with Pastor Andy Addis officiating. Burial will follow at the Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling.&nbsp;

Lois Duncan Long  |1925-2022|

Paul F. Long, 98, of Alden, entered into glory on January 14, 2022, at Sterling Village. Paul was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and teacher.

Paul was born to Henry and Pearl Long in southeastern Colorado in a tarpaper shack on the prairie in 1923. He and his five siblings took turns riding bareback to their one-room schoolhouse. When Paul was 8 in 1931, he and his family moved to a farm home south of the Arkansas River, barely escaping the fury of the Dust Bowl. Paul and all his siblings graduated from Alden High School, where Paul had also dated Lois Duncan during their senior year.

When Paul was drafted in 1944, he and Lois were married in the bay window of her family home, which they then bought in 1947 and lived in until December 2021.

Paul was inducted into the army in May 1944, ultimately ending up in the 10th Mountain Division. They soon shipped out for Italy, where they were in combat with German soldiers until the war ended in Europe in 1945. Paul was finally discharged from the army in the spring of 1946 in possession of numerous medals, including the Purple Heart.

Paul then enrolled at Sterling College and by attending both regular and summer sessions, plus receiving credit for various army activities, was able to graduate in two and a half years. He then went to work teaching 7th and 8th grades at Kensington Grade School. During that time Paul and Lois' son Duncan was born in 1949.

Paul decided he wanted to coach high school basketball and took jobs at Beverly and Satanta, which is where their daughter Jan was born in 1952. Paul then did a stint selling life insurance for Kansas City Life Insurance Co. but the coaching bug was still biting. So, Paul spent the next eight years teaching biology and coaching high school basketball, one year at Norton as an assistant coach and seven years as basketball coach at Florence, KS, where he took a team to State in 1958. During the summers of those eight years, Paul earned his master’s degree at KU.

During all those years of teaching, Paul and Lois had maintained their house in Alden and they decided it was time to look for jobs closer to home. Paul found a job teaching at Ellinwood Grade School and soon thereafter a job opened up in the Alden/Sterling Schools teaching biology. He remained in that position for 17 years, retiring in 1986. During Paul's years of retirement, he indulged his passion for reading, researching, and writing, submitting many articles for publication in the Kansas Territorial and other regional publications. He was also a prolific writer of poetry, producing two collections--"A Host of Christmases" and "Songs from the Sandhills".

Paul also wrote a weekly column for the Sterling Bulletin entitled "Nature's Week" and was referred to fondly by some as Mr. Nature.

Paul was preceded in death by his two beloved children--his writer/illustrator son Duncan, and his lawyer/judge/legislator daughter Jan. We can only imagine the joyous reunion in heaven!

Paul is survived by his wife of 77 years, Lois Duncan Long; his granddaughter Kristen Geri (Chad) of Olathe and their children Jonathan, Breely, Mia and Daniel; his grandson Nicholas Long (Samantha) of Manhattan; his son-in-law Ron Pauls of Hutchinson; and his daughter-in-law Maggie Long of Manhattan.

The funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling, with Pastor Andy Addis officiating. Burial will follow at the Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling.

Paul F. Long, 98, of Alden, entered into glory on January 14, 2022, at Sterling Village. Paul was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and teacher.Paul was born to Henry and Pearl Long in southeastern Colorado in a tarpaper shack on the prairie in 1923. He and his five siblings took turns riding bareback to their one-room schoolhouse. When Paul was 8 in 1931, he and his family moved to a farm home south of the Arkansas River, barely escaping the fury of the Dust Bowl. Paul and all his siblings graduated from Alden High School, where Paul had also dated Lois Duncan during their senior year.When Paul was drafted in 1944, he and Lois were married in the bay window of her family home, which they then bought in 1947 and lived in until December 2021.Paul was inducted into the army in May 1944, ultimately ending up in the 10th Mountain Division. They soon shipped out for Italy, where they were in combat with German soldiers until the war ended in Europe in 1945. Paul was finally discharged from the army in the spring of 1946 in possession of numerous medals, including the Purple Heart.Paul then enrolled at Sterling College and by attending both regular and summer sessions, plus receiving credit for various army activities, was able to graduate in two and a half years. He then went to work teaching 7th and 8th grades at Kensington Grade School. During that time Paul and Lois' son Duncan was born in 1949.Paul decided he wanted to coach high school basketball and took jobs at Beverly and Satanta, which is where their daughter Jan was born in 1952. Paul then did a stint selling life insurance for Kansas City Life Insurance Co. but the coaching bug was still biting. So, Paul spent the next eight years teaching biology and coaching high school basketball, one year at Norton as an assistant coach and seven years as basketball coach at Florence, KS, where he took a team to State in 1958. During the summers of those eight years, Paul earned his master’s degree at KU.During all those years of teaching, Paul and Lois had maintained their house in Alden and they decided it was time to look for jobs closer to home. Paul found a job teaching at Ellinwood Grade School and soon thereafter a job opened up in the Alden/Sterling Schools teaching biology. He remained in that position for 17 years, retiring in 1986. During Paul's years of retirement, he indulged his passion for reading, researching, and writing, submitting many articles for publication in the Kansas Territorial and other regional publications. He was also a prolific writer of poetry, producing two collections--"A Host of Christmases" and "Songs from the Sandhills".Paul also wrote a weekly column for the Sterling Bulletin entitled "Nature's Week" and was referred to fondly by some as Mr. Nature.Paul was preceded in death by his two beloved children--his writer/illustrator son Duncan, and his lawyer/judge/legislator daughter Jan. We can only imagine the joyous reunion in heaven!Paul is survived by his wife of 77 years, Lois Duncan Long; his granddaughter Kristen Geri (Chad) of Olathe and their children Jonathan, Breely, Mia and Daniel; his grandson Nicholas Long (Samantha) of Manhattan; his son-in-law Ron Pauls of Hutchinson; and his daughter-in-law Maggie Long of Manhattan.The funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling, with Pastor Andy Addis officiating. Burial will follow at the Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling.

Paul F. Long  |1923-2022|

The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team concludes a rare three-game conference homestand on Wednesday as the Cloud County Thunderbirds comes to the Sports Arena for a 7:30 p.m. matchup.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/files/Game_20_Women_-_Cloud_County.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

Hutchinson and Cloud County flipped home dates from the originally schedule because of the NJCAA Volleyball Tournament and conflicts with the KJCCC Football Championship in November. Tickets for that November date will work at the Sports Arena on Wednesday.

Statistically, the Blue Dragons have been a bit perplexing in the first two games of the homestand.

The Blue Dragons have scored a combined 245 points in games against Garden City and Independence, the third-highest two-game scoring output in team history (the two higher totals - 271 in 1991-92 and 248 also in the 91-92 season). The Dragons have scored that massive amount of points shooting only 39.9 percent overall. The Dragons have hit 26 combined 3-pointers in the two games and have forced 46 opponent turnovers.

In Hutchinson's 118-103 win over Independence on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/stuart_angelo_pblm">Angelo Stuart</a>&nbsp;led six Blue Dragons in double figures with 25 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lee_cecil_bxuh">Cecil Lee</a>&nbsp;had his first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Hutchinson surpassed the 100-point mark for the seventh time this season.

Cloud County earned a 65-50 victory over Northwest Tech on Monday, which snapped a five-game losing streak, all games upper-division teams in the KJCCC standings.

The Blue Dragons defeated Cloud County 81-81 in the first meeting this season on November 20 in Concordia. Stuart had 23 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/yow_jacquez_caia">Jacquez Yow</a>&nbsp;had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lennox_kaimen_9jyb">Kaimen Lennox</a>&nbsp;had 15 points and five rebounds. Corey Sawyer had 17 points and Malang Athian had 16 to lead the T-Birds, which outshot the Blue Dragons, but Hutchinson owned a plus-13 rebounding margin.

Wednesday will be the 75th meeting all-time between the Dragons and Thunderbirds. Hutchinson leads the series 55-19.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team concludes a rare three-game conference homestand on Wednesday as the Cloud County Thunderbirds comes to the Sports Arena for a 7:30 p.m. matchup.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642600054960.png" alt="Game Day Info" />
 <figcaption>Game Day Info</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/files/Game_20_Women_-_Cloud_County.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>Hutchinson and Cloud County flipped home dates from the originally schedule because of the NJCAA Volleyball Tournament and conflicts with the KJCCC Football Championship in November. Tickets for that November date will work at the Sports Arena on Wednesday.Statistically, the Blue Dragons have been a bit perplexing in the first two games of the homestand.The Blue Dragons have scored a combined 245 points in games against Garden City and Independence, the third-highest two-game scoring output in team history (the two higher totals - 271 in 1991-92 and 248 also in the 91-92 season). The Dragons have scored that massive amount of points shooting only 39.9 percent overall. The Dragons have hit 26 combined 3-pointers in the two games and have forced 46 opponent turnovers.In Hutchinson's 118-103 win over Independence on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/stuart_angelo_pblm">Angelo Stuart</a>&nbsp;led six Blue Dragons in double figures with 25 points.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lee_cecil_bxuh">Cecil Lee</a>&nbsp;had his first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Hutchinson surpassed the 100-point mark for the seventh time this season.Cloud County earned a 65-50 victory over Northwest Tech on Monday, which snapped a five-game losing streak, all games upper-division teams in the KJCCC standings.The Blue Dragons defeated Cloud County 81-81 in the first meeting this season on November 20 in Concordia. Stuart had 23 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/yow_jacquez_caia">Jacquez Yow</a>&nbsp;had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lennox_kaimen_9jyb">Kaimen Lennox</a>&nbsp;had 15 points and five rebounds. Corey Sawyer had 17 points and Malang Athian had 16 to lead the T-Birds, which outshot the Blue Dragons, but Hutchinson owned a plus-13 rebounding margin.Wednesday will be the 75th meeting all-time between the Dragons and Thunderbirds. Hutchinson leads the series 55-19.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Blue Dragons play host to Cloud County Wednesday at the arena

The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team dropped three spots to No. 8 in the latest NJCAA Division I national rankings released on Tuesday.

The Blue Dragons, now 17-2 overall after Monday's 118-103 victory over Independence, lost its only game in the last rankings period. Monday's win is part of the current rankings period.

Hutchinson lost a wild 132-127 shootout to Garden City in its only game last week. The game was the highest combined single scoring game in Blue Dragon history.

The Blue Dragons fell from No. 5 to No. 8, one of four Top 10 teams to ground in the latest rankings. Kilgore, Collin County and Chipola were the other Top 10 teams to slip in the rankings.

Now 20-0, Salt Lake remains No. 1 in the rankings. John a Logan is second, followed by Northwest Florida State, Kilgore and Indian River State.

Dodge City jumped up four spots to No. 6 to be the highest-ranked Jayhawk Conference team. Dodge City and Hutchinson are 2 of 4 KJCCC teams in the Top 25. Colby dropped one spot to No. 23 and Butler fell seven slots to No. 25. Garden City is receiving votes.

The Blue Dragons have been ranked for nine consecutive weeks.

1 . Salt Lake&nbsp;20-0 &nbsp;375 &nbsp;15
&nbsp;1 
2. John A. Logan&nbsp;16-1 &nbsp;353 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;3 
3. Northwest Florida State&nbsp;20-1 &nbsp;349 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;4 
4. Kilgore&nbsp;17-1 &nbsp;318 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;2 
5. Indian River State&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;301 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;7 
6. Dodge City&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;288 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;10 
7. Harcum&nbsp;18-1 &nbsp;278 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;8 
8. Hutchinson&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;243 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;5 
9. East Mississippi&nbsp;11-2 &nbsp;228 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;13 
10. Collin County&nbsp;15-1 &nbsp;216 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;6 
11. Chipola&nbsp;17-3 &nbsp;200 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;9 
12. College of Southern Idaho&nbsp;16-4 &nbsp;196 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;11 
13. Southeastern&nbsp;17-3 &nbsp;170 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;12 
14. Mineral Area&nbsp;16-4 &nbsp;160 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;19 
15. Florida Southwestern State&nbsp;14-2 &nbsp;155 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;16 
16. Indian Hills&nbsp;16-5 &nbsp;153 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;15 
17. Shelton State&nbsp;13-3 &nbsp;150 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;17 
18. Odessa&nbsp;14-5 &nbsp;107 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;21 
19. Snow&nbsp;14-4 &nbsp;96 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;20 
20. Triton&nbsp;14-3 &nbsp;67 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;23 
21. Northeast Mississippi&nbsp;12-2 &nbsp;64 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;24 
22. Jones&nbsp;11-2 &nbsp;61 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;14 
23. Colby&nbsp;11-4 &nbsp;60 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;22 
24. Cochise&nbsp;19-1 &nbsp;58 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;25 
25. Butler&nbsp;13-4 &nbsp;48 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;18 &nbsp;Receiving Votes: Spartanburg Methodist, Western
Wyoming, North Dakota SCS, Dyersburg State, Garden City, Grayson, Santa Fe,
Caldwell Tech, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Hill, Southwestern Illinois, Lee,
Moberly Area, Georgia Highlands, McLennan, South Georgia State&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team dropped three spots to No. 8 in the latest NJCAA Division I national rankings released on Tuesday.The Blue Dragons, now 17-2 overall after Monday's 118-103 victory over Independence, lost its only game in the last rankings period. Monday's win is part of the current rankings period.Hutchinson lost a wild 132-127 shootout to Garden City in its only game last week. The game was the highest combined single scoring game in Blue Dragon history.The Blue Dragons fell from No. 5 to No. 8, one of four Top 10 teams to ground in the latest rankings. Kilgore, Collin County and Chipola were the other Top 10 teams to slip in the rankings.Now 20-0, Salt Lake remains No. 1 in the rankings. John a Logan is second, followed by Northwest Florida State, Kilgore and Indian River State.Dodge City jumped up four spots to No. 6 to be the highest-ranked Jayhawk Conference team. Dodge City and Hutchinson are 2 of 4 KJCCC teams in the Top 25. Colby dropped one spot to No. 23 and Butler fell seven slots to No. 25. Garden City is receiving votes.The Blue Dragons have been ranked for nine consecutive weeks.1 . Salt Lake&nbsp;20-0 &nbsp;375 &nbsp;15
&nbsp;1 
2. John A. Logan&nbsp;16-1 &nbsp;353 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;3 
3. Northwest Florida State&nbsp;20-1 &nbsp;349 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;4 
4. Kilgore&nbsp;17-1 &nbsp;318 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;2 
5. Indian River State&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;301 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;7 
6. Dodge City&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;288 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;10 
7. Harcum&nbsp;18-1 &nbsp;278 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;8 
8. Hutchinson&nbsp;16-2 &nbsp;243 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;5 
9. East Mississippi&nbsp;11-2 &nbsp;228 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;13 
10. Collin County&nbsp;15-1 &nbsp;216 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;6 
11. Chipola&nbsp;17-3 &nbsp;200 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;9 
12. College of Southern Idaho&nbsp;16-4 &nbsp;196 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;11 
13. Southeastern&nbsp;17-3 &nbsp;170 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;12 
14. Mineral Area&nbsp;16-4 &nbsp;160 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;19 
15. Florida Southwestern State&nbsp;14-2 &nbsp;155 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;16 
16. Indian Hills&nbsp;16-5 &nbsp;153 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;15 
17. Shelton State&nbsp;13-3 &nbsp;150 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;17 
18. Odessa&nbsp;14-5 &nbsp;107 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;21 
19. Snow&nbsp;14-4 &nbsp;96 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;20 
20. Triton&nbsp;14-3 &nbsp;67 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;23 
21. Northeast Mississippi&nbsp;12-2 &nbsp;64 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;24 
22. Jones&nbsp;11-2 &nbsp;61 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;14 
23. Colby&nbsp;11-4 &nbsp;60 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;22 
24. Cochise&nbsp;19-1 &nbsp;58 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;25 
25. Butler&nbsp;13-4 &nbsp;48 &nbsp;0 &nbsp;18 &nbsp;Receiving Votes: Spartanburg Methodist, Western
Wyoming, North Dakota SCS, Dyersburg State, Garden City, Grayson, Santa Fe,
Caldwell Tech, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Hill, Southwestern Illinois, Lee,
Moberly Area, Georgia Highlands, McLennan, South Georgia State&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Blue Dragons slip to no. 8 in NJCAA rankings

Over their last two games, the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team has simply be defensive.

Defensive gems over Garden City and first-place Independence have the Blue Dragons within 1.5 games of first place in the Jayhawk Conference. Now Hutchinson turns its defensive attention to Cloud County and its third-ranked offensive team in the KJCCC.

Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hutchinson and Cloud County flipped home dates from the originally schedule because of the NJCAA Volleyball Tournament and conflicts with the KJCCC Football Championship in November. Tickets for that November date will work at the Sports Arena on Wednesday.&nbsp; 

Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9), KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Steve Carpenter (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=343160">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>,&nbsp;5:15 p.m. Twitter: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/files/Game_20_Women_-_Cloud_County.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

Over the past two games - a 60-48 win over Garden City and a 80-49 win over Independence - the Blue Dragons are allowing 48.5 points per game, holding opponents to 27.5 percent shooting and 21.2 percent from 3-point range. The Blue Dragons held Independence 30 points under its season-scoring average.

Cloud County, which defeated Northwest Tech 66-60 at home on Monday night, is third in the KJCCC in scoring offense at 75.8 points per game. The Thunderbirds (10-8, 6-6 KJCCC) are second in field-goal percentage (42.5 percent) and first in 3-point shooting efficiency (32.8 percent). Guard Paula Puzule is the sixth-leading scorer in the Jayhawk at 13.7 points per game. Four different Thunderbirds average in double figures for veteran coach Brett Erkenbrack, who recently earned his 700th coaching win in his 33rd season with Cloud County.

Hutchinson won the first meeting with Cloud County on November 20 at Concordia, defeating the Thunderbirds 89-74. The Blue Dragons led 51-49 at halftime and outscored the T-Birds 38-25 in the second half, holding Cloud County to 29.7 percent shooting in the final two quarters.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/williams_mya_q2zy">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;had 27 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/kailahi_mele_18oy">Mele Kailahi</a>&nbsp;added 26, tying a HutchCC single-game mark with 16 free throws. Rori Cox had 16 points to lead the Thunderbirds.

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationOver their last two games, the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team has simply be defensive.Defensive gems over Garden City and first-place Independence have the Blue Dragons within 1.5 games of first place in the Jayhawk Conference. Now Hutchinson turns its defensive attention to Cloud County and its third-ranked offensive team in the KJCCC.Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hutchinson and Cloud County flipped home dates from the originally schedule because of the NJCAA Volleyball Tournament and conflicts with the KJCCC Football Championship in November. Tickets for that November date will work at the Sports Arena on Wednesday.&nbsp; Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9), KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:15 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Steve Carpenter (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=343160">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>,&nbsp;5:15 p.m. Twitter: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/files/Game_20_Women_-_Cloud_County.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>Over the past two games - a 60-48 win over Garden City and a 80-49 win over Independence - the Blue Dragons are allowing 48.5 points per game, holding opponents to 27.5 percent shooting and 21.2 percent from 3-point range. The Blue Dragons held Independence 30 points under its season-scoring average.Cloud County, which defeated Northwest Tech 66-60 at home on Monday night, is third in the KJCCC in scoring offense at 75.8 points per game. The Thunderbirds (10-8, 6-6 KJCCC) are second in field-goal percentage (42.5 percent) and first in 3-point shooting efficiency (32.8 percent). Guard Paula Puzule is the sixth-leading scorer in the Jayhawk at 13.7 points per game. Four different Thunderbirds average in double figures for veteran coach Brett Erkenbrack, who recently earned his 700th coaching win in his 33rd season with Cloud County.Hutchinson won the first meeting with Cloud County on November 20 at Concordia, defeating the Thunderbirds 89-74. The Blue Dragons led 51-49 at halftime and outscored the T-Birds 38-25 in the second half, holding Cloud County to 29.7 percent shooting in the final two quarters.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/williams_mya_q2zy">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;had 27 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/kailahi_mele_18oy">Mele Kailahi</a>&nbsp;added 26, tying a HutchCC single-game mark with 16 free throws. Rori Cox had 16 points to lead the Thunderbirds.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: Blue Dragon turn defensive attention to high-scoring T-Birds

Kapaun Mount Carmel 53, Wichita Northwest 33

Wichita Bishop Carroll 52, Wichita North 12

Christ Preparatory Academy 60, Independence Home School 33

Kapaun Mount Carmel 78, Wichita Northwest 46

Tuesday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 60, Augusta 29Arkansas City 48, Rose Hill 31Bennington 70, Wichita Classical 56Chaparral 39, Moundridge 34Circle 38, Wichita Collegiate 21Clearwater 51, El Dorado 9Dodge City 58, Great Bend 22Emporia 58, Highland Park 20Goddard 42, Maize South 37Hodgeman County 61, Satanta 19Hutchinson 47, Goddard-Eisenhower 38Kapaun Mount Carmel 53, Wichita Northwest 33Lakeside 54, Tescott 23Lebo 45, Burlingame 33Madison/Hamilton 47, Olpe 36McPherson 47, Andover Central 37Minneola 51, Pawnee Heights 29Osborne 54, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 44Pike Valley 36, Wilson 28Rock Hills 40, Thunder Ridge 37Sedan 55, Oxford 41Spearville 58, Ingalls 27St. James Academy 55, Olathe East 51Sylvan-Lucas 40, Lincoln 12Topeka 78, Manhattan 53Washburn Rural 66, Topeka West 24Wellington 74, Winfield 39Wichita Bishop Carroll 52, Wichita North 12Wichita Heights 77, Wichita West 33Wichita South 50, Wichita East 26Burlington Invitational=Independence 52, Ottawa 51Labette County 36, Paola 33Rock Creek 61, Burlington 20Silver Lake 52, Sabetha 40Centre Cougar Classic=Herington 47, Wakefield 25Rural Vista 56, Solomon 16SVHE 55, Marion 33Flint Hills Shoot Out=Council Grove 51, Lyndon 38Hoisington Winter Jam=Cimarron 58, La Crosse 36Hoisington 53, Otis-Bison 33Mclouth Invitational=Riverside 45, Pleasant Ridge 31Northwest Kansas League Tournament=Oberlin-Decatur 52, Greeley County 35Quinter 45, Ness City 38Rawlins County 48, Dighton 35Pleasanton Invitational=Heritage Christian 47, Oswego 16Sterling Invitational=Scott City 50, Smoky Valley 34Sterling 61, Hutchinson Trinity 21Tonganoxie Invitational=Bonner Springs 39, Holton 30Wamego 63, Tonganoxie 22Trojan Classic=Clay Center 36, Holcomb 36Hesston 40, Hillsboro 27Remington 49, Republic County 17Twin Valley League Tournament=Centralia 56, Axtell 26Doniphan West 54, Clifton-Clyde 37Hanover 52, Frankfort 26Valley Heights 68, Troy 18Uniontown Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament=KC Christian 27, Altoona-Midway 20Uniontown 35, Prairie View 31Wilson County Classic=Girard 66, Fredonia 14Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=St. Paul 49, Iola 25POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=Bucklin vs. Kiowa County, ppd.Crest vs. Anderson County, ccd.Elyria Christian vs. Centre, ccd.Lawrence, Mass. vs. Andover, ppd.Tuesday's ScoresThe Associated PressBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Caldwell 41, West Elk 33Cedar Vale/Dexter 34, Burden Central 28Christ Preparatory Academy 60, Independence Home School 33Hodgeman County 68, Satanta 59Kapaun Mount Carmel 78, Wichita Northwest 46Lebo 40, Burlingame 38Logan/Palco 54, Western Plains-Healy 31Minneola 59, Pawnee Heights 45Olpe 58, Madison/Hamilton 27Pike Valley 61, Wilson 40Rock Hills 35, Tescott 20Sedan 62, Oxford 54South Gray 60, Ashland 48South Haven 63, Flinthills 56Spearville 52, Ingalls 28Wichita Bishop Carroll 61, Wichita North 39Wichita Heights 71, Wichita West 48Wichita South 59, Wichita East 43Baldwin Invitational=Baldwin 59, Bishop Seabury Academy 51Wellsville 82, Augusta 75Basehor-Linwood Invitational=Basehor-Linwood 87, Louisburg 42Junction City 90, Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 47Raytown South, Mo. 49, Olathe West 43Washburn Rural 55, KC Piper 47Burlington Invitational=Burlington 65, Wichita Independent 47Labette County 43, Silver Lake 40Paola 57, Ottawa 42Sabetha 54, Rock Creek 44Burrton Invitational=Berean Academy 48, Burrton 40Hutchinson Central Christian 55, Goessel 45Centre Cougar Classic=Elyria Christian 64, Marion 43Flint Hills Shoot Out=Osage City 57, Chase County 50Halstead Adolph Rupp Invitational=Andale 78, Minneapolis 29Haven 71, Halstead 12Hi-Plains League Tournament=Quarterfinal=Lakin 83, Wichita County 53Southwestern Hts. 51, Stanton County 43Sublette 57, Syracuse 49Hoisington Winter Jam=Ellinwood 49, Cimarron 35Hoisington 41, La Crosse 27Mclouth Invitational=Cair Paravel 73, McLouth 32Mid-Continent League Tournament=Hays-TMP-Marian 59, Hoxie 51Norton 33, Hill City 22Phillipsburg 45, Ellis 43Trego 60, Plainville 51Nemaha Central Thunder Classic=Nemaha Central 55, Marysville 52Northern Plains League Tournament=Osborne 53, Lakeside 46Northwest Kansas League Tournament=Dighton 49, Quinter 36Greeley County 66, Oberlin-Decatur 26Ness City 78, Sharon Springs 56St. Francis 48, Rawlins County 47NPL Tournament=Semifinal=Sylvan-Lucas 55, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 47Thunder Ridge 45, Lincoln 42Oskaloosa Invitational=Perry-Lecompton 53, Jefferson North 48Pleasanton Invitational=Heritage Christian 107, Oswego 47Osawatomie 50, Jayhawk Linn 44Skyline 54 Classic=Attica 54, Cunningham 51, OTNorwich 70, Kinsley 31Pratt Skyline 39, Medicine Lodge 37Stafford 62, South Barber 46SM West Viking Classic=Lansing 54, SM West 50SM Northwest 62, Grandview, Mo. 44Shawnee Heights 51, KC Wyandotte 45Southeast Lancer Classic=College Heights Christian, Mo. 59, Baxter Springs 44Columbus 62, Riverton 59Parsons 67, Erie 55Southeast 83, McAuley Catholic, Mo. 55Spring Hill Invitational Tournament=BV Southwest 86, KC Sumner 52Glendale, Mo. 58, Gardner-Edgerton 39Hutchinson 79, Mill Valley 66Olathe South 75, Spring Hill 45St. John Mid-Winter Classic=Wichita Independent 52, Nickerson 18Sterling Invitational=Kingman 48, Scott City 47Sterling 64, Lyons 34Trojan Classic=Hesston 60, Riley County 11Hillsboro 99, Eureka 22Holcomb 62, Clay Center 52Remington 36, Republic County 33Twin Valley League Tournament=Centralia 54, Wetmore 49Frankfort 54, Clifton-Clyde 43Hanover 61, Blue Valley 36Troy 55, Axtell 30Uniontown Tournament=KC East Christian 59, Altoona-Midway 22Prairie View 71, Uniontown 44Wilson County Classic=Girard 75, Fredonia 29Yates Center Mid-Season Classic=Anderson County 60, St. Paul 33Humboldt 51, Iola 45POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS=BV North vs. KC Turner, ccd.Crest vs. Humboldt, ccd.SM West vs. BV North, ccd.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 High School Basketball scores from Tuesday

Hutchinson
Community College sophomore Mele Kailahi became the third Blue Dragon women’s
basketball player to earn Jayhawk Conference Division I Player of the week
honors on Tuesday.

In her
only game last week, the 5-foot-9 guard/forward from East Palo Alto,
California, posted her second-consecutive double-double and third in the last
four games with a 20-point, 12 rebound effort against Garden City on Saturday
at the Sports Arena. 

Kailahi
was 8 of 9 from the field, including a couple of first-half 3-pointers. 

For the
season, Kailahi is averaging11.8 points and is sixth in the KJCCC in rebounding
average at 8.8 boards per game.

Kailahi
joins sophomore Kalyn Ervin (Week 2) and Mya Williams (Week 5) as conference
players of the week for the 2021-22 season.

Hutchinson
plays host to Cloud County on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson
Community College sophomore Mele Kailahi became the third Blue Dragon women’s
basketball player to earn Jayhawk Conference Division I Player of the week
honors on Tuesday.In her
only game last week, the 5-foot-9 guard/forward from East Palo Alto,
California, posted her second-consecutive double-double and third in the last
four games with a 20-point, 12 rebound effort against Garden City on Saturday
at the Sports Arena. Kailahi
was 8 of 9 from the field, including a couple of first-half 3-pointers. For the
season, Kailahi is averaging11.8 points and is sixth in the KJCCC in rebounding
average at 8.8 boards per game.Kailahi
joins sophomore Kalyn Ervin (Week 2) and Mya Williams (Week 5) as conference
players of the week for the 2021-22 season.Hutchinson
plays host to Cloud County on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

🏀 WBB: Kailani named KJCCC player of the week

Bobbie Dale (Rittgers) Lonker, 84, of Medicine Lodge, died Friday, January 14, 2022 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 9, 1937, in Hutchinson, to William Dale Arlington Rittgers and Thelma Marie (Ellsworth) Rittgers. After graduation from Hutchinson High School, she attended Hutchinson Junior College then transferred to Kansas State University. It was at K-State where her cousins, Larry and Jerry Jones, introduced her to their Beta brother, James “Jim” Lonker. Bobbie and Jim fast became Beta sweethearts and were married in 1961 at the United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. Bobbie and Jim moved back to the Lonker ranch where Bobbie fell in love with being a rancher’s wife. For 13 years, from 1976 to 1988, the Lonker Family and the Larson Family hosted the Gypsum Hills Trail Rides sharing their love of the local Gyp Hills with others. After Jim’s death in 1988, Bobbie became the Beta Theta Pi house mother at K-State. It is here, Bobbie found her second home and became “Mom Lonker” for the next 31 years. She fiercely loved and personally influenced the lives of close to 1,000 young men, never wavering in support of all her “Beta Boys” and everything K-State. Mom was awarded Beta Theta Pi’s highest honor as National House Mom of the Year two times in her tenure, most recently in 2020. Mom was the 14th member of her extended family to reside within the walls of the Gamma Epsilon chapter house at 500 Sunset. Bobbie loved God and was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Medicine Lodge and Manhattan, the United Methodist Women, PEO, the K-State Alumni Association, Beta Sigma Psi Sorority, KSU House Mom’s Club, Barber County Cowbelles, Bridge Club and was a 4-H project leader. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was an avid KSU fan, who enjoyed tailgating, and all sports. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in their activities, as well as her Beta boys competing in intramurals. Her favorite places included 500 Sunset in Manhattan, the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and her “home in the country on the ranch.” Bobbie’s hobbies include a passion for flowers and gardening, especially her red geraniums and hollyhocks. She loved dancing, birdwatching, hummingbirds, cardinals, anything blue, anything patriotic and just having fun with friends and family. Surviving are three children, James Dale (Jodi) Lonker of Medicine Lodge; Jamie Lee Lonker of Medicine Lodge; and John Andrew (Mary) Lonker of Wamego; Five grandchildren, Dakota James Lonker (Bree Larkin), Ally Marie Lonker (Landon Johnson), Cade Patrick Lonker, Kelly Anna Lonker, and Tyce William Lonker; cousin “sister”, Sharon Rae (Jones) DeVault of Olathe; Brother &amp; Sister-in-law, Don and Barbara Lonker of Medicine Lodge, Cousin William “Bill” Duklow and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her grandparents and aunt and uncle “parents” that helped raise her, Mom and Pop Rittgers and Dorothy “Dot” and Ray T. Jones; her cousins “brothers”, Larry Lee Jones and Jerry Joe Jones, “sister-in-law” Anna (Attwater) Jones, “brother-in -law Robert “Bob” DeVault and Sam and Evelyn Duklow. A public visitation will be held from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Funeral Home on Friday, January 21, 2022. A celebration of life will be at the Medicine Lodge United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022. Christian burial will be at Highland Cemetery with lunch and fellowship immediately following at the Gyp Hills Guest Ranch, 3393 Southwest Woodward Rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bobbie Dale (Rittgers) Lonker, 84, of Medicine Lodge, died Friday, January 14, 2022 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 9, 1937, in Hutchinson, to William Dale Arlington Rittgers and Thelma Marie (Ellsworth) Rittgers. After graduation from Hutchinson High School, she attended Hutchinson Junior College then transferred to Kansas State University. It was at K-State where her cousins, Larry and Jerry Jones, introduced her to their Beta brother, James “Jim” Lonker. Bobbie and Jim fast became Beta sweethearts and were married in 1961 at the United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. Bobbie and Jim moved back to the Lonker ranch where Bobbie fell in love with being a rancher’s wife. For 13 years, from 1976 to 1988, the Lonker Family and the Larson Family hosted the Gypsum Hills Trail Rides sharing their love of the local Gyp Hills with others. After Jim’s death in 1988, Bobbie became the Beta Theta Pi house mother at K-State. It is here, Bobbie found her second home and became “Mom Lonker” for the next 31 years. She fiercely loved and personally influenced the lives of close to 1,000 young men, never wavering in support of all her “Beta Boys” and everything K-State. Mom was awarded Beta Theta Pi’s highest honor as National House Mom of the Year two times in her tenure, most recently in 2020. Mom was the 14th member of her extended family to reside within the walls of the Gamma Epsilon chapter house at 500 Sunset. Bobbie loved God and was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Medicine Lodge and Manhattan, the United Methodist Women, PEO, the K-State Alumni Association, Beta Sigma Psi Sorority, KSU House Mom’s Club, Barber County Cowbelles, Bridge Club and was a 4-H project leader. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was an avid KSU fan, who enjoyed tailgating, and all sports. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in their activities, as well as her Beta boys competing in intramurals. Her favorite places included 500 Sunset in Manhattan, the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and her “home in the country on the ranch.” Bobbie’s hobbies include a passion for flowers and gardening, especially her red geraniums and hollyhocks. She loved dancing, birdwatching, hummingbirds, cardinals, anything blue, anything patriotic and just having fun with friends and family. Surviving are three children, James Dale (Jodi) Lonker of Medicine Lodge; Jamie Lee Lonker of Medicine Lodge; and John Andrew (Mary) Lonker of Wamego; Five grandchildren, Dakota James Lonker (Bree Larkin), Ally Marie Lonker (Landon Johnson), Cade Patrick Lonker, Kelly Anna Lonker, and Tyce William Lonker; cousin “sister”, Sharon Rae (Jones) DeVault of Olathe; Brother &amp; Sister-in-law, Don and Barbara Lonker of Medicine Lodge, Cousin William “Bill” Duklow and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her grandparents and aunt and uncle “parents” that helped raise her, Mom and Pop Rittgers and Dorothy “Dot” and Ray T. Jones; her cousins “brothers”, Larry Lee Jones and Jerry Joe Jones, “sister-in-law” Anna (Attwater) Jones, “brother-in -law Robert “Bob” DeVault and Sam and Evelyn Duklow. A public visitation will be held from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Funeral Home on Friday, January 21, 2022. A celebration of life will be at the Medicine Lodge United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022. Christian burial will be at Highland Cemetery with lunch and fellowship immediately following at the Gyp Hills Guest Ranch, 3393 Southwest Woodward Rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bobbie Dale (Rittgers) Lonker  |1937-2022|

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The No. 5-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team placed six players in double figures and used a key late first-half surge to defeat the Independence Pirates 118-103 on Monday night to open the second half of Jayhawk Conference play.

The Blue Dragons completed a season sweep and won their 17th-consecutive game over the Pirates. Hutchinson is now 17-2 overall and 11-2 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Cloud County at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson posted its seventh game with 100 or more points, but trailed 21-11 after the Pirates used a 17-0 run over a stretch of 4 minutes, 15 seconds to erase a seven-point deficit and build a 21-11 lead after a Johan Nziemi dunk gave the Pirates a 21-11 lead with 14:04 to play in the first half.

The Blue Dragons quickly battled back and took a 39-37 lead after an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/stuart_angelo_pblm">Angelo Stuart</a>&nbsp;3-poitner with 5:52 to play. Then leading 45-43, the Blue Dragons stunned the Pirates with a 13-2 run over a 2 minute, 5 seconds stretch. A&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/harris_josiah_h73r">Josiah Harris</a>&nbsp;dunk gave the Dragons a 58-45 lead with 2:10 to play in the half. Hutch led 60-51 at halftime.

Stuart led the Blue Dragons with 25 points, hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range to lead the Blue Dragons.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lee_cecil_bxuh">Cecil Lee</a>&nbsp;posted his first career double-double with career-high-tying marks of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Lee hit a career-high four 3-pointers in six attempts.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lennox_kaimen_9jyb">Kaimen Lennox</a>&nbsp;had 12 points, a career-high-tying seven assists and four rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/yow_jacquez_caia">Jacquez Yow</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/garrison_jaden_lryo">Jayden Garrison</a>&nbsp;posted a season-high point total for the third-straight game, closing with 13 points and five rebounds with a pair of 3-pointers.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/goodlow_nate_a9xm">Nate Goodlow</a>&nbsp;finished with 11 points, three assists and five steals.

The Blue Dragons shot 38.4 percent for the game (38 of 99), hitting 13 of 33 from 3-point range and 29 of 35 from the free-throw line. The Dragons had a 55-49 rebounding advantage and had 20 assists to 12 turnovers with 16 steals.

The Pirates were led by Nziemi's 27 points and 13 rebounds. Nziemi was 10 of 14 from the floor. Jordan Clark went 12 of 12 from the free-throw line to close with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Rodney Munson had 16 points. Precious Okoh had 12 and Ty Butner added 11.

Independence shot better than 50 percent but turned the ball over 24 times. Indy was 34 of 67 shooting overall, going 2 of 8 from 3-point range and 33 of 48 from the free-throw line.

After the Blue Dragons trailed by 10 points in the first half, they immediately answered with a 9-0 run that was capped by a Lennox 3-pointer with 11:55 to go to pull within 21-20. The teams then traded 5-0 runs for the Pirates to maintain its slim lead.

Hutchinson finally regained the lead at 39-37 on Stuart's 3-pointer with 5:52 to play. A Lee 3-pointer with 4:28 to go gave the Dragons a 45-41 lead, but the Pirates answered with an Ian Hardy bucket to cut the Dragon lead back to two with 4:15 remaining.

The Blue Dragons then exploded over a stretch of 2:05 to take control of the game. Goodlow had a layup and 3-pointer. Garrison and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/mcclendon_zavion_6e53">Zavion McClendon</a>&nbsp;added 3-points and when Harris dunked with 2:10 to play in the half, that capped a quick 13-2 run that gave the Dragons a 58-45 lead.

The Pirates scored the next six points, but Stuart's inside bucket with 11 seconds remaining gave the Blue Dragons a 60-51 lead at halftime.

The Dragons scored the first six points of the second half to extend the lead to 15 points at 66-51. From that point, Hutchinson never allowed the game to get back to single digits. The closest Independence got was 11 points at 71-60, but the Dragons answered that challenge with a 10-2 run that was capped by a Yow dunk with 14:11 to go for an 81-62 Hutchinson lead.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This was all-time win No. 1,867 for the Blue Dragons. … Hutchinson is now 53-23 all-time against Independence. … The 17-game win streak is the longest for either team in series history. … This was Hutchinson's 10th games this season with 10 or more 3-pointers. … The 29 made free throws for the Dragons was a season high. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/robins_cameron_ln4x">Cameron Robins</a>&nbsp;had season highs of four points and four free throws. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/morse_tarese_y024">Tarese Morse</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three steals. … Stuart has his 15th game of 20 or more points this season.

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan.—The No. 5-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team placed six players in double figures and used a key late first-half surge to defeat the Independence Pirates 118-103 on Monday night to open the second half of Jayhawk Conference play.The Blue Dragons completed a season sweep and won their 17th-consecutive game over the Pirates. Hutchinson is now 17-2 overall and 11-2 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons play host to Cloud County at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.Hutchinson posted its seventh game with 100 or more points, but trailed 21-11 after the Pirates used a 17-0 run over a stretch of 4 minutes, 15 seconds to erase a seven-point deficit and build a 21-11 lead after a Johan Nziemi dunk gave the Pirates a 21-11 lead with 14:04 to play in the first half.The Blue Dragons quickly battled back and took a 39-37 lead after an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/stuart_angelo_pblm">Angelo Stuart</a>&nbsp;3-poitner with 5:52 to play. Then leading 45-43, the Blue Dragons stunned the Pirates with a 13-2 run over a 2 minute, 5 seconds stretch. A&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/harris_josiah_h73r">Josiah Harris</a>&nbsp;dunk gave the Dragons a 58-45 lead with 2:10 to play in the half. Hutch led 60-51 at halftime.Stuart led the Blue Dragons with 25 points, hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range to lead the Blue Dragons.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lee_cecil_bxuh">Cecil Lee</a>&nbsp;posted his first career double-double with career-high-tying marks of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Lee hit a career-high four 3-pointers in six attempts.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/lennox_kaimen_9jyb">Kaimen Lennox</a>&nbsp;had 12 points, a career-high-tying seven assists and four rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/yow_jacquez_caia">Jacquez Yow</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/garrison_jaden_lryo">Jayden Garrison</a>&nbsp;posted a season-high point total for the third-straight game, closing with 13 points and five rebounds with a pair of 3-pointers.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/goodlow_nate_a9xm">Nate Goodlow</a>&nbsp;finished with 11 points, three assists and five steals.The Blue Dragons shot 38.4 percent for the game (38 of 99), hitting 13 of 33 from 3-point range and 29 of 35 from the free-throw line. The Dragons had a 55-49 rebounding advantage and had 20 assists to 12 turnovers with 16 steals.The Pirates were led by Nziemi's 27 points and 13 rebounds. Nziemi was 10 of 14 from the floor. Jordan Clark went 12 of 12 from the free-throw line to close with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Rodney Munson had 16 points. Precious Okoh had 12 and Ty Butner added 11.Independence shot better than 50 percent but turned the ball over 24 times. Indy was 34 of 67 shooting overall, going 2 of 8 from 3-point range and 33 of 48 from the free-throw line.After the Blue Dragons trailed by 10 points in the first half, they immediately answered with a 9-0 run that was capped by a Lennox 3-pointer with 11:55 to go to pull within 21-20. The teams then traded 5-0 runs for the Pirates to maintain its slim lead.Hutchinson finally regained the lead at 39-37 on Stuart's 3-pointer with 5:52 to play. A Lee 3-pointer with 4:28 to go gave the Dragons a 45-41 lead, but the Pirates answered with an Ian Hardy bucket to cut the Dragon lead back to two with 4:15 remaining.The Blue Dragons then exploded over a stretch of 2:05 to take control of the game. Goodlow had a layup and 3-pointer. Garrison and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/mcclendon_zavion_6e53">Zavion McClendon</a>&nbsp;added 3-points and when Harris dunked with 2:10 to play in the half, that capped a quick 13-2 run that gave the Dragons a 58-45 lead.The Pirates scored the next six points, but Stuart's inside bucket with 11 seconds remaining gave the Blue Dragons a 60-51 lead at halftime.The Dragons scored the first six points of the second half to extend the lead to 15 points at 66-51. From that point, Hutchinson never allowed the game to get back to single digits. The closest Independence got was 11 points at 71-60, but the Dragons answered that challenge with a 10-2 run that was capped by a Yow dunk with 14:11 to go for an 81-62 Hutchinson lead.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– This was all-time win No. 1,867 for the Blue Dragons. … Hutchinson is now 53-23 all-time against Independence. … The 17-game win streak is the longest for either team in series history. … This was Hutchinson's 10th games this season with 10 or more 3-pointers. … The 29 made free throws for the Dragons was a season high. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/robins_cameron_ln4x">Cameron Robins</a>&nbsp;had season highs of four points and four free throws. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2021-22/bios/morse_tarese_y024">Tarese Morse</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three steals. … Stuart has his 15th game of 20 or more points this season.

🏀 MBB: Balanced offense leads Dragons past Pirates

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team avenged a 16-point loss to Independence in November by administering a 31-point win over the Pirates on Monday night at the Sports Arena.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/alford_tor-e_0wzz">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;posted her second career double-double and defensively the Blue Dragons turned in a stellar performance as second-place Hutchinson rolled by league-leader Independence 80-49.

Hutchinson snapped a three-game losing streak to the Pirates and improved to 15-4 overall, pulling within 1.5 games of the Pirates with a 9-4 league record. The Blue Dragons complete their three-game-in-five-day homestand with at 5:30 tipoff on Wednesday against Cloud County at the Sports Arena.

Alford led the Blue Dragons by tying a career-scoring high with 26 points on 8 of 13 shooting with a pair of 3-pointers and going 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Alford had 10 points in the first half in helping the Blue Dragons build a 42-22 lead. Alford scored 11 points in the third quarter to help the Dragons extend that lead to 68-41 after three quarters. Alford added five assists and two steals.

Hutchinson overall held Independence (14-3, 10-2 KJCCC) to a season-low offensive output, 30 points under its 79.4-point season scoring average and 20 percent under its 42.2 percent season field-goal percentage. Independence's Maisa Marcal hit two early 3-pointers. The Dragons didn't allow the Pirates to score a field goal for the next 8:50 and only field goal over the next 14:10. By that time, the Blue Dragons led 27-16.

Three other Blue Dragons scored in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/ervin_kalyn_1aro">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;hit a season-high three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points with four rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/williams_mya_q2zy">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;had 13 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/kailahi_mele_18oy">Mele Kailahi</a>&nbsp;scored 10 points with five rebounds and three assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/howard_kali_th2y">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;scored eight points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/payne_natalie_lk3w">Natalie Payne</a>&nbsp;finished with six points and five rebounds

The Blue Dragons shot 42.6 percent for the game (26 of 61), hitting 9 of 27 from 3-point range and 19 of 22 from the foul line. The Dragons out-rebounded Independence 42-33.

Marcal led the Pirates with 19 points on 5 of 18 shooting with three 3-pointers. Valentina Ojeda had seven points and six rebounds.

The Pirates were 13 of 57 shooting from the field (22.9 percent), hitting 6 of 29 3-pointers and 17 of 22 from the free-throw line. The Pirates had 20 turnovers.

Marcal's second 3-pointer of the first period gave the Pirates a 6-4 lead with 7:59 remaining in the first quarter. The Pirates had six free throws over the remainder of the first period. A Kailahi 3-pointer with 6:16 to go gave the Dragons a 10-6 lead. The Dragons opened a 15-9 lead after two Alford free throws with 2:30 to play. The Dragons led 19-12 after one quarter as Alford hit a jumper with 11 seconds to play in the period.

Hutchinson scored only one field goal over the first 6:47 and led 27-18 after Indy's Jayda Van Dyke hit a 3-pointer with 3:40 to play in the half. Ervin answered that trey with a 3-pointer, which sparked a 12-0 Dragon run. Payne's inside hoop with 1:42 to play upped the Hutchinson lead to 39-18. The Dragons led 44-22 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons outscored Independence 26-19 in the third quarter and capped the high-scoring stanza with an Alford 3-pointer with 3 seconds to play for a 68-41 advantage.

That lead jumped up to 36 after holding the Pirates scoreless for the first 4:46 of the final quarter. A Howard short jumper gave the Dragons a 77:41 lead with 5:34 to play.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are 37-13 overall against Independence all-time, including 14-2 at the Sports Arena. … This was the first time since March 6, 2015 that the Blue Dragons reached the 80-point mark against the Pirates. … The 31-point margin of victory is the third largest in series history for Hutchinson. … Alford became the 20th Blue Dragon in team history to score 800 career points. She now has 810 career points. … With two 3-pointers, Alford tied Heather Robben for eighth on the career 3-point list with 137. … Alford also became the eighth Blue Dragon in team history to reach 250 career assists, now with 252.

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team avenged a 16-point loss to Independence in November by administering a 31-point win over the Pirates on Monday night at the Sports Arena.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/alford_tor-e_0wzz">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;posted her second career double-double and defensively the Blue Dragons turned in a stellar performance as second-place Hutchinson rolled by league-leader Independence 80-49.Hutchinson snapped a three-game losing streak to the Pirates and improved to 15-4 overall, pulling within 1.5 games of the Pirates with a 9-4 league record. The Blue Dragons complete their three-game-in-five-day homestand with at 5:30 tipoff on Wednesday against Cloud County at the Sports Arena.Alford led the Blue Dragons by tying a career-scoring high with 26 points on 8 of 13 shooting with a pair of 3-pointers and going 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Alford had 10 points in the first half in helping the Blue Dragons build a 42-22 lead. Alford scored 11 points in the third quarter to help the Dragons extend that lead to 68-41 after three quarters. Alford added five assists and two steals.Hutchinson overall held Independence (14-3, 10-2 KJCCC) to a season-low offensive output, 30 points under its 79.4-point season scoring average and 20 percent under its 42.2 percent season field-goal percentage. Independence's Maisa Marcal hit two early 3-pointers. The Dragons didn't allow the Pirates to score a field goal for the next 8:50 and only field goal over the next 14:10. By that time, the Blue Dragons led 27-16.Three other Blue Dragons scored in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/ervin_kalyn_1aro">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;hit a season-high three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points with four rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/williams_mya_q2zy">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;had 13 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/kailahi_mele_18oy">Mele Kailahi</a>&nbsp;scored 10 points with five rebounds and three assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/howard_kali_th2y">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;scored eight points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2021-22/bios/payne_natalie_lk3w">Natalie Payne</a>&nbsp;finished with six points and five reboundsThe Blue Dragons shot 42.6 percent for the game (26 of 61), hitting 9 of 27 from 3-point range and 19 of 22 from the foul line. The Dragons out-rebounded Independence 42-33.Marcal led the Pirates with 19 points on 5 of 18 shooting with three 3-pointers. Valentina Ojeda had seven points and six rebounds.The Pirates were 13 of 57 shooting from the field (22.9 percent), hitting 6 of 29 3-pointers and 17 of 22 from the free-throw line. The Pirates had 20 turnovers.Marcal's second 3-pointer of the first period gave the Pirates a 6-4 lead with 7:59 remaining in the first quarter. The Pirates had six free throws over the remainder of the first period. A Kailahi 3-pointer with 6:16 to go gave the Dragons a 10-6 lead. The Dragons opened a 15-9 lead after two Alford free throws with 2:30 to play. The Dragons led 19-12 after one quarter as Alford hit a jumper with 11 seconds to play in the period.Hutchinson scored only one field goal over the first 6:47 and led 27-18 after Indy's Jayda Van Dyke hit a 3-pointer with 3:40 to play in the half. Ervin answered that trey with a 3-pointer, which sparked a 12-0 Dragon run. Payne's inside hoop with 1:42 to play upped the Hutchinson lead to 39-18. The Dragons led 44-22 at halftime.The Blue Dragons outscored Independence 26-19 in the third quarter and capped the high-scoring stanza with an Alford 3-pointer with 3 seconds to play for a 68-41 advantage.That lead jumped up to 36 after holding the Pirates scoreless for the first 4:46 of the final quarter. A Howard short jumper gave the Dragons a 77:41 lead with 5:34 to play.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are 37-13 overall against Independence all-time, including 14-2 at the Sports Arena. … This was the first time since March 6, 2015 that the Blue Dragons reached the 80-point mark against the Pirates. … The 31-point margin of victory is the third largest in series history for Hutchinson. … Alford became the 20th Blue Dragon in team history to score 800 career points. She now has 810 career points. … With two 3-pointers, Alford tied Heather Robben for eighth on the career 3-point list with 137. … Alford also became the eighth Blue Dragon in team history to reach 250 career assists, now with 252.

🏀 WBB: Blue Dragons roll by First-Place Independence

George Duane Chambers, 65, of Hutchinson, died January 13, 2022, at his daughter’s residence in Iola. He was born May 17, 1956, in Leavenworth, the son of Phillip L. and Maurine J. (Guffey) Chambers.

George attended Hutchinson schools and received his CMA and CNA training from Hutchinson Community College and Pratt Community College. He was on over-the-road truck driver for many years, driving for JB Hunt and others. George also was a driver for Hutch Taxi Service. He was a workaholic, but also enjoyed watching TV and playing games on his tablet. George was a member of First United Methodist Church.

On July 8, 2016, he married his longtime sweetheart, Jeanette Kaye Goering, in Hutchinson. She survives of the home.

Also surviving are: daughters, Mary Chambers of Hutchinson, Stacey Anders of Iola, Krista Spady of Florida; son, Joey Spears of Arkansas City; siblings, Mary Popilock of Tucson, AZ, Linda Kozel (Don) of Bonner Springs, Patty Wedel (Rieny) of Moundridge, and Gene Elder of Wichita.

George was preceded in death by: his parents; a brother, Michael Elder; and sister, Sharon Fellman.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2410 Carey Blvd., Hutchinson. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service.

George Duane Chambers, 65, of Hutchinson, died January 13, 2022, at his daughter’s residence in Iola. He was born May 17, 1956, in Leavenworth, the son of Phillip L. and Maurine J. (Guffey) Chambers.George attended Hutchinson schools and received his CMA and CNA training from Hutchinson Community College and Pratt Community College. He was on over-the-road truck driver for many years, driving for JB Hunt and others. George also was a driver for Hutch Taxi Service. He was a workaholic, but also enjoyed watching TV and playing games on his tablet. George was a member of First United Methodist Church.On July 8, 2016, he married his longtime sweetheart, Jeanette Kaye Goering, in Hutchinson. She survives of the home.Also surviving are: daughters, Mary Chambers of Hutchinson, Stacey Anders of Iola, Krista Spady of Florida; son, Joey Spears of Arkansas City; siblings, Mary Popilock of Tucson, AZ, Linda Kozel (Don) of Bonner Springs, Patty Wedel (Rieny) of Moundridge, and Gene Elder of Wichita.George was preceded in death by: his parents; a brother, Michael Elder; and sister, Sharon Fellman.Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2410 Carey Blvd., Hutchinson. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service.

George Duane Chambers  |1956-2022|

The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team looks to answer the bell from the seasons’ second loss on Saturday with a quick turnaround in a Monday matchup with the Independence Pirates.

The Blue Dragons and Pirates meet for the second time this season at 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons play the second of three-straight home games in a five-day stretch.

Hutchinson (16-2) starts the second half of Jayhawk Conference play in second place, one game behind Dodge City.

The Blue Dragons closed the first half of league play with the highest combined scoring game in Hutchinson history, a 132-127 loss to Garden City on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons posted the seventh-highest single-game offensive total in history with six players scoring in double figures, led by Kaimen Lennox’s career-high-tying 24 points. Angelo Stuart had 21 points, while Kobe Campbell (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Jacquez Yow (19 points, 10 rebounds) posted double-doubles.

The Blue Dragons continue to lead the Jayhawk Conference in scoring (96.1 ppg), rebounding (46.8 rpg), assists (18.5 apg) and made 3-pointers per game (9.5). The Dragons have scored 100 or point points in six games this season and have 10 or more 3-pointers nine times.

Independence enters Monday on a four-game losing streak after Saturday’s 76-68 loss at Butler. Johan Nziemi had a team-high 18 points to lead the Pirates, who shot just 39 percent against the Grizzlies.

Independence is top 3-point shooting team in the KJCCC this season at 37.4 percent. The Pirates average 8.1 made 3-pointers per game. Lucas Kroft is shooting 46.4 percent and Rodney Munson is shooting 39.7 percent. Kroft has missed the last three games for Independence.

Independence hit nine 3-pointers against the Blue Dragons in the first meeting this season, a 96-91 Hutchinson victory on Nov. 17 at Independence. Angelo Stuart had 22 points to lead the Blue Dragons in that game, while Yow had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Munson had 14 points to lead the Pirates.

Monday’s game is the 76th all-time meeting. The Dragons lead the series 52-23.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team looks to answer the bell from the seasons’ second loss on Saturday with a quick turnaround in a Monday matchup with the Independence Pirates.The Blue Dragons and Pirates meet for the second time this season at 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons play the second of three-straight home games in a five-day stretch.Hutchinson (16-2) starts the second half of Jayhawk Conference play in second place, one game behind Dodge City.The Blue Dragons closed the first half of league play with the highest combined scoring game in Hutchinson history, a 132-127 loss to Garden City on Saturday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons posted the seventh-highest single-game offensive total in history with six players scoring in double figures, led by Kaimen Lennox’s career-high-tying 24 points. Angelo Stuart had 21 points, while Kobe Campbell (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Jacquez Yow (19 points, 10 rebounds) posted double-doubles.The Blue Dragons continue to lead the Jayhawk Conference in scoring (96.1 ppg), rebounding (46.8 rpg), assists (18.5 apg) and made 3-pointers per game (9.5). The Dragons have scored 100 or point points in six games this season and have 10 or more 3-pointers nine times.Independence enters Monday on a four-game losing streak after Saturday’s 76-68 loss at Butler. Johan Nziemi had a team-high 18 points to lead the Pirates, who shot just 39 percent against the Grizzlies.Independence is top 3-point shooting team in the KJCCC this season at 37.4 percent. The Pirates average 8.1 made 3-pointers per game. Lucas Kroft is shooting 46.4 percent and Rodney Munson is shooting 39.7 percent. Kroft has missed the last three games for Independence.Independence hit nine 3-pointers against the Blue Dragons in the first meeting this season, a 96-91 Hutchinson victory on Nov. 17 at Independence. Angelo Stuart had 22 points to lead the Blue Dragons in that game, while Yow had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Munson had 14 points to lead the Pirates.Monday’s game is the 76th all-time meeting. The Dragons lead the series 52-23.

HutchCC men look to bounce back Monday at home

Fresh off a victory on Saturday that saw the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team move into second place in the Jayhawk Conference, the Blue Dragons get a crack at the league leader on Monday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons (14-4) play host to first-place Independence (14-2) to open the second half of the of the KJCCC season at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Sports Arena. Monday’s game is the second of three-straight home games for the Blue Dragons.

With an 8-4 league record following Saturday’s 60-48 home win over Garden City, the Blue Dragons trail the Pirates by 2.5 games for first place. Independence defeated Butler 59-58 on Saturday in El Dorado to move to 10-1 in league play.

Independence won the first meeting with the Blue Dragons, defeating Hutchinson 85-69 at the ICC Fieldhouse. The Dragons have lost three-straight to Independence dating back to last season.

Tor’e Alford hit 5 of 8 3-pointers to lead the Dragons in the first meeting with Independence to finish with 22 points. Mya Williams had 20 points. The Pirates were led guard Maisa Marcal, who had 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

In three career games against the Blue Dragons, Marcal is averaging 20.1 points per game. She had 22 points in Indy’s win over Butler on Saturday and is averaging 14.8 points per game this season.

Sophomore Mele Kailahi led the Blue Dragon effort on Saturday against Garden City posted her second-straight and fifth-overall double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Over her last four games - three have been double-doubles, Kailahi is averaging 15.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

Alford, Hutchinson’s third-year guard, is climbing three career statistical charts. Alford is currently eighth on the Blue Dragon career 3-point chart with 127 3-pointers. She is also eighth in career assists with 247. Alford ranks 22nd on the Blue Dragon career scoring list with 784 career points.

STEVE CARPENTERHutchCC Sports InformationFresh off a victory on Saturday that saw the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team move into second place in the Jayhawk Conference, the Blue Dragons get a crack at the league leader on Monday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons (14-4) play host to first-place Independence (14-2) to open the second half of the of the KJCCC season at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Sports Arena. Monday’s game is the second of three-straight home games for the Blue Dragons.With an 8-4 league record following Saturday’s 60-48 home win over Garden City, the Blue Dragons trail the Pirates by 2.5 games for first place. Independence defeated Butler 59-58 on Saturday in El Dorado to move to 10-1 in league play.Independence won the first meeting with the Blue Dragons, defeating Hutchinson 85-69 at the ICC Fieldhouse. The Dragons have lost three-straight to Independence dating back to last season.Tor’e Alford hit 5 of 8 3-pointers to lead the Dragons in the first meeting with Independence to finish with 22 points. Mya Williams had 20 points. The Pirates were led guard Maisa Marcal, who had 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.In three career games against the Blue Dragons, Marcal is averaging 20.1 points per game. She had 22 points in Indy’s win over Butler on Saturday and is averaging 14.8 points per game this season.Sophomore Mele Kailahi led the Blue Dragon effort on Saturday against Garden City posted her second-straight and fifth-overall double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Over her last four games - three have been double-doubles, Kailahi is averaging 15.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.Alford, Hutchinson’s third-year guard, is climbing three career statistical charts. Alford is currently eighth on the Blue Dragon career 3-point chart with 127 3-pointers. She is also eighth in career assists with 247. Alford ranks 22nd on the Blue Dragon career scoring list with 784 career points.