By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Hutchinson Community College freshman third baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2020-21/bios/grimes_madison_qa73">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;has been nearly unstoppable through the first eight games of her collegiate career.

The Andale High School product was doubly rewarded on Wednesday for her hot start as she earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors and later in the day was named the NJCAA Division I Softball National Player of the Week.

Over six games last week, Grimes was 14 of 18 for a .778 batting average and a .783 on-base percentage. Including her 14 hits, Grimes walked four times. Grimes was also perfect on 21 defensive chances last week.

Grimes had multi-hit games in each game and has now hit safely in all 10 Hutch game this season.

Entering play on Monday, Grimes is 20 for 26 (.769) with 19 RBIs, 15 runs and two home runs.

Grimes is Blue Dragon Softball's first National Player of the Week since Maryssa Rollin in 2019. The last Blue Dragon to earn national weekly honors was last season when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2020-21/bios/galliher_jordan_2rxp">Jordan Galliher</a>&nbsp;was named National Pitcher of the Week after her perfect game against Allen Community College.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College freshman third baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2020-21/bios/grimes_madison_qa73">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;has been nearly unstoppable through the first eight games of her collegiate career.The Andale High School product was doubly rewarded on Wednesday for her hot start as she earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors and later in the day was named the NJCAA Division I Softball National Player of the Week.Over six games last week, Grimes was 14 of 18 for a .778 batting average and a .783 on-base percentage. Including her 14 hits, Grimes walked four times. Grimes was also perfect on 21 defensive chances last week.She scored 10 runs and drove in 14 RBIs.Grimes had multi-hit games in each game and has now hit safely in all 10 Hutch game this season.Entering play on Monday, Grimes is 20 for 26 (.769) with 19 RBIs, 15 runs and two home runs.Grimes is Blue Dragon Softball's first National Player of the Week since Maryssa Rollin in 2019. The last Blue Dragon to earn national weekly honors was last season when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2020-21/bios/galliher_jordan_2rxp">Jordan Galliher</a>&nbsp;was named National Pitcher of the Week after her perfect game against Allen Community College.

Sizzling Grimes named KJCCC, NJCAA Player of the Week

COFFEYVILLE –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/callahan_austin_vm9d">Austin Callahan</a>&nbsp;drove in five runs in Game 1 and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/totosian_jack_hwf9">Jack Torosian</a>&nbsp;had four RBIs in Game 2 as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team earned a doubleheader sweep of the Coffeyville Red Ravens on Thursday.

Callahan reached base in all five plate appearances as Hutchinson rolled to a 12-3 victory in the four-game series opener at Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park. Torosian had three hits that produced a combined four runs as the Blue Dragons held on to defeat the Red Ravens 10-8 in Game 2.

The Blue Dragons improved to 4-3 overall, while the Red Ravens drop to 2-3. Games 3 and 4 will be played on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field starting at 1 p.m.

GAME 1 RECAP Callahan had career highs for hits (4), doubles (3) and RBIs (5) to lead the Blue Dragons in the opener. He was 4 for 4 with three doubles, a home run and a walk to pace Hutchinson's season-high 16-hit attack.

Callahan had a two-run single in a four-run first inning for the Dragons. He drove in his third run of the game with a two-out double in the second. He hit a two-run homer to right field in the fourth to make it 8-1 Hutchinson. He doubled in the fifth and walked in the seventh to complete a perfect day at the plate.

Callahan's three doubles ties seven others for a single-game record for doubles. The last Blue Dragon to have three doubles in a single game was Luke Sartori last season against Redlands.

The Blue Dragons had nine extra-base hits in Game 1 – seven doubles and two home runs.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/loucks_p.j._xmtu">P.J. Loucks</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_will_n5g4">Will Reetz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/baker_cade_l2n2">Cade Baker</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_drew_rh0u">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;all had two hits. Loucks, Reetz, Reetz and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/sutcliffe_sterling_pmrv">Sterling Sutcliffe</a>&nbsp;all had doubles.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/mclaughlin_ben_izxd">Ben McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;also homered in the game.

Hutchinson scored in 6 of 7 at-bats in Game 1.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/firmature_zach_yjoi">Zach Firmature</a>&nbsp;worked five innings to earn the pitching victory. He struck out four and walked one while allowing five hits and two runs, one was earned.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/delong_tyler_zy4q">Tyler Delong</a>&nbsp;pitched the final two innings. He gave up an unearned run with a hit and four walks while striking out five.

GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons produced runs in their first five at-bats and scored the go-ahead runs in the eighth.

Tied at 8, the Blue Dragons loaded the bases with two outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/delong_tyler_zy4q">Tyler Delong</a>&nbsp;put all ball in play and Raven catcher Carlos Negron made a bad throw that allowed Callahan and McLaughlin to both score and give the Dragons a 10-8 lead.

The Blue Dragon pitching staff – Hutch used starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/covey_zane_ajo3">Zane Covey</a>&nbsp;and eight relievers in the second – lived on the edge throughout the second game.

After and Blue Dragons took the lead in the top of the eighth, Loucks hit a pair of Coffeyville hitters with one out to put the tying run on base. McLaughlin took over on the mound and got an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play to get out of the jam. Then in the ninth, the Ravens loaded the bases with one out. McLaughlin slammed the door on the Ravens with back-to-back strikeout to end the game and earn his first career save.

Torosian went 3 for 4 with a triple and four RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons' 12-hit attack. Torosian had a two-run triple in the second to build a 3-0 lead. His RBI single in the fourth helped the Dragons to a 6-3 lead. Torosian then came up big in the fifth with a two-out, two-run single that gave the Dragons and 8-5 lead.

Loucks went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Callahan,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_drew_rh0u">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/cosman_cole_cmae">Cole Cosman</a>&nbsp;had doubles and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/lowe_mason_k4ea">Mason Lowe</a>&nbsp;had a triple.

Coffeyville tied the game in the seventh with three two-out runs produced by three walks, three hit batsmen and no hit allowed.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationCOFFEYVILLE –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/callahan_austin_vm9d">Austin Callahan</a>&nbsp;drove in five runs in Game 1 and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/totosian_jack_hwf9">Jack Torosian</a>&nbsp;had four RBIs in Game 2 as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team earned a doubleheader sweep of the Coffeyville Red Ravens on Thursday.Callahan reached base in all five plate appearances as Hutchinson rolled to a 12-3 victory in the four-game series opener at Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park. Torosian had three hits that produced a combined four runs as the Blue Dragons held on to defeat the Red Ravens 10-8 in Game 2.The Blue Dragons improved to 4-3 overall, while the Red Ravens drop to 2-3. Games 3 and 4 will be played on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field starting at 1 p.m.GAME 1 RECAP Callahan had career highs for hits (4), doubles (3) and RBIs (5) to lead the Blue Dragons in the opener. He was 4 for 4 with three doubles, a home run and a walk to pace Hutchinson's season-high 16-hit attack.Callahan had a two-run single in a four-run first inning for the Dragons. He drove in his third run of the game with a two-out double in the second. He hit a two-run homer to right field in the fourth to make it 8-1 Hutchinson. He doubled in the fifth and walked in the seventh to complete a perfect day at the plate.Callahan's three doubles ties seven others for a single-game record for doubles. The last Blue Dragon to have three doubles in a single game was Luke Sartori last season against Redlands.The Blue Dragons had nine extra-base hits in Game 1 – seven doubles and two home runs.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/loucks_p.j._xmtu">P.J. Loucks</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_will_n5g4">Will Reetz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/baker_cade_l2n2">Cade Baker</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_drew_rh0u">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;all had two hits. Loucks, Reetz, Reetz and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/sutcliffe_sterling_pmrv">Sterling Sutcliffe</a>&nbsp;all had doubles.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/mclaughlin_ben_izxd">Ben McLaughlin</a>&nbsp;also homered in the game.Hutchinson scored in 6 of 7 at-bats in Game 1.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/firmature_zach_yjoi">Zach Firmature</a>&nbsp;worked five innings to earn the pitching victory. He struck out four and walked one while allowing five hits and two runs, one was earned.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/delong_tyler_zy4q">Tyler Delong</a>&nbsp;pitched the final two innings. He gave up an unearned run with a hit and four walks while striking out five.GAME 2 RECAP The Blue Dragons produced runs in their first five at-bats and scored the go-ahead runs in the eighth.Tied at 8, the Blue Dragons loaded the bases with two outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/delong_tyler_zy4q">Tyler Delong</a>&nbsp;put all ball in play and Raven catcher Carlos Negron made a bad throw that allowed Callahan and McLaughlin to both score and give the Dragons a 10-8 lead.The Blue Dragon pitching staff – Hutch used starter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/covey_zane_ajo3">Zane Covey</a>&nbsp;and eight relievers in the second – lived on the edge throughout the second game.After and Blue Dragons took the lead in the top of the eighth, Loucks hit a pair of Coffeyville hitters with one out to put the tying run on base. McLaughlin took over on the mound and got an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play to get out of the jam. Then in the ninth, the Ravens loaded the bases with one out. McLaughlin slammed the door on the Ravens with back-to-back strikeout to end the game and earn his first career save.Loucks earned the pitching win.Torosian went 3 for 4 with a triple and four RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons' 12-hit attack. Torosian had a two-run triple in the second to build a 3-0 lead. His RBI single in the fourth helped the Dragons to a 6-3 lead. Torosian then came up big in the fifth with a two-out, two-run single that gave the Dragons and 8-5 lead.Loucks went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Callahan,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/reetz_drew_rh0u">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/cosman_cole_cmae">Cole Cosman</a>&nbsp;had doubles and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2020-21/bios/lowe_mason_k4ea">Mason Lowe</a>&nbsp;had a triple.Coffeyville tied the game in the seventh with three two-out runs produced by three walks, three hit batsmen and no hit allowed.

Callahan, Torosian pace Blue Dragons' sweep of Ravens

GREAT BEND – Despite gaudy offensive numbers from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and a huge team block total, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team couldn't finish the Barton Cougars in a five-set Jayhawk West loss Thursday night at the Barton Gym.

Down two sets to one and 20-15 in the fourth, the Barton Cougars fought off two match points against and completed a regular-season sweep of the Blue Dragons in a 3-2 Jayhawk West victory over Hutchinson.

The Blue Dragons the tightly contested match 27-25, 18-25, 26-24, 25-27, 10-15.

The loss snaps the Blue Dragons' winning streak at eight matches as Hutchinson falls to 14-6 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk West. Barton solidifies its hold on second place in the West at 6-1 and are 14-3 overall. The Cougars own the head-to-head tie-breaker with the Blue Dragons with the series sweep.

Leading the match 2-1, the Blue Dragons took a 20-15 lead in the fourth set on a Head service ace. From that point, the Blue Dragon serve receive started to falter and Hutch started to have a tough time stopping Barton right-side hitter Maria Santos, who had four kills and a block assist in the final nine rallies of the fourth set and three more kills in the fifth.

Hutch had match points and 24-23 and 25-24 and Barton rallied to force a fifth set, scoring the final three points to win the fourth 27-25. Then in the fifth, Barton scored the first four points of the set and Hutchinson had eight attack errors to aid the Cougar effort.

The Blue Dragons are now 2-2 in five-set matches this season. This was the fourth-straight season the Blue Dragons went to five sets at the Barton Gym.

Thorne led the Blue Dragons with 20 kills, three aces and a pair of blocks. She posted her 13th double-double of the season with 11 digs.

Head finished with 15 kills and seven block assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;had 10 kills.

Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 52 assists to go with six blocks, one ace and one kill. The 52 assists tie for 11th most in Blue Dragon single-match history.

Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;tied Thorne for team-high honors with 11 digs.

Hutchinson out-blocked Barton 15-9.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;added six block assists and Taegen Larson had a season-high five total blocks.

Santos had a match-high 22 kills to lead Barton. Mylena Testoni, Barton's leading hitter, had 13 kills.

The Blue Dragons are off until Monday when they play on back-to-back nights both at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson plays Independence at 6 p.m. on Monday for Sophomore Night. The Dragons play Garden City at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in a make-up of a postponed match on February 25.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationGREAT BEND – Despite gaudy offensive numbers from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and a huge team block total, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team couldn't finish the Barton Cougars in a five-set Jayhawk West loss Thursday night at the Barton Gym.Down two sets to one and 20-15 in the fourth, the Barton Cougars fought off two match points against and completed a regular-season sweep of the Blue Dragons in a 3-2 Jayhawk West victory over Hutchinson.The Blue Dragons the tightly contested match 27-25, 18-25, 26-24, 25-27, 10-15.The loss snaps the Blue Dragons' winning streak at eight matches as Hutchinson falls to 14-6 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk West. Barton solidifies its hold on second place in the West at 6-1 and are 14-3 overall. The Cougars own the head-to-head tie-breaker with the Blue Dragons with the series sweep.Leading the match 2-1, the Blue Dragons took a 20-15 lead in the fourth set on a Head service ace. From that point, the Blue Dragon serve receive started to falter and Hutch started to have a tough time stopping Barton right-side hitter Maria Santos, who had four kills and a block assist in the final nine rallies of the fourth set and three more kills in the fifth.Hutch had match points and 24-23 and 25-24 and Barton rallied to force a fifth set, scoring the final three points to win the fourth 27-25. Then in the fifth, Barton scored the first four points of the set and Hutchinson had eight attack errors to aid the Cougar effort.The Blue Dragons are now 2-2 in five-set matches this season. This was the fourth-straight season the Blue Dragons went to five sets at the Barton Gym.Thorne led the Blue Dragons with 20 kills, three aces and a pair of blocks. She posted her 13th double-double of the season with 11 digs.Head finished with 15 kills and seven block assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;had 10 kills.Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 52 assists to go with six blocks, one ace and one kill. The 52 assists tie for 11th most in Blue Dragon single-match history.Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;tied Thorne for team-high honors with 11 digs.Hutchinson out-blocked Barton 15-9.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;added six block assists and Taegen Larson had a season-high five total blocks.Santos had a match-high 22 kills to lead Barton. Mylena Testoni, Barton's leading hitter, had 13 kills.The Blue Dragons are off until Monday when they play on back-to-back nights both at the Sports Arena. Hutchinson plays Independence at 6 p.m. on Monday for Sophomore Night. The Dragons play Garden City at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in a make-up of a postponed match on February 25.

Blue Dragon Volleyball drops five-setter at Barton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 will offer the ACT test to all juniors who applied for it on Tuesday, March 9, at Hutchinson High School. Because of the resources needed for the test, no other HHS students will be in class on Tuesday. All other schools will be on a regular schedule.

At HHS, 246 juniors signed up for the test. Juniors taking the test should arrive at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. The test will take three hours and three minutes. Test subjects will be English, math, reading and science.

All Kansas high school juniors are eligible to sign up for the ACT test. The ACT test gauges a student's readiness for success in the first year of college. The test provides standardized data on student achievement and readiness.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 will offer the ACT test to all juniors who applied for it on Tuesday, March 9, at Hutchinson High School. Because of the resources needed for the test, no other HHS students will be in class on Tuesday. All other schools will be on a regular schedule.At HHS, 246 juniors signed up for the test. Juniors taking the test should arrive at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. The test will take three hours and three minutes. Test subjects will be English, math, reading and science.All Kansas high school juniors are eligible to sign up for the ACT test. The ACT test gauges a student's readiness for success in the first year of college. The test provides standardized data on student achievement and readiness.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

ACT testing for HHS students is March 9

The Hutchinson Community College sophomore trio of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;combined for 62 points Wednesday night as the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team had to fend off the Pratt Beavers at the Sports Arena.

Mayers had his sixth-consecutive double-double while Kuath just missed a double-double and Baker returned to the Dragon lineup after missing the last nine games to lead the Blue Dragons to a 92-87 victory in an intense, high-possession league contest.

The Blue Dragons won their fourth-straight game and improved to 9-3 overall and 8-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson travels to Garden City for a 4 p.m. tipoff at Conestoga Arena.

Mayers, who earlier in the day was named the Jayhawk Conference Division I Player of the Week for the fourth time and third week in a row, had 27 points and a career-high 17 rebounds for his eighth double-double this season. Mayers was 8 of 18 from the field and 11 of 14 from the free-throw line. He added three blocked shots, two steals and two assists.

Mayers' 17 rebounds tied 2017 National Player of the Year Shakur Juiston for ninth on the Blue Dragon single-game rebound list.

Kuath sparked a big Blue Dragon offensive second half by scoring 14 of his season-high-tying 22 points in the final 20 minutes. Kuath was 10 of 15 from the field and had eight rebounds and three blocked shots.

Baker, who hasn't played since January 27 against Coffeyville, knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points with four steals and three assists.

The Blue Dragons trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half. Shooting only 34.3 percent (12 of 35) with five turnovers, the Blue Dragons managed to cut that deficit to 37-36 at halftime.

The Dragons outscored Pratt 56-50 in the second half, shooting 58.1 percent (18 of 31), getting 20 points from Mayers and 14 from Kuath. Baker knocked down a pair of key 3-pointers in the second half.

The Blue Dragons' largest lead in the second half was 13 at 84-71 after a Kuath dunk with 1:36 remaining. The Beavers then scored 16 of the game's next 22 points and made it a one possession game with 5 seconds to play after a Tommy Thomas putback cut the Dragon lead to 90-87. Mayers made 2 free throws to seal the game.

Hutchinson finished shooting 30 of 66 for the game (45.5 percent), hitting 4 of 9 3-pointers and 28 of 44 from the free-throw line.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;had 11 points with seven assists and four rebounds for the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/gabriel_stephen_ryjf">Stephan Gabriel</a>&nbsp;had six points each.

Cam Morris finished with a team-high 24 points to lead the Beavers. Thomas finished with 22 points and Malcolm Whitlow had 19.

The Beavers finished shooting 35.9 percent (28 of 78), going 10 of 28 from distance and 21 of 26 from the free-throw line. The Beavers had 17 turnovers.

Rebounding was even at 48-48, but Pratt had 21 offensive rebounds.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 148-25 all-time against Pratt. … This was all-time win No. 1,838 for the Blue Dragons. … Pratt is the fifth team to sink 10 or more 3-pointers against the Blue Dragons this season. … Hutchinson won its first game in three tries when trailing at halftime. … The Blue Dragons are 6-1 at the Sports Arena this season. … Kuath had his sixth career 20-point game as a Blue Dragon. … With 22 points, Kuath reached the 600 career point plateau (600 points).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;now has 84 career 3-pointers.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College sophomore trio of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;combined for 62 points Wednesday night as the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team had to fend off the Pratt Beavers at the Sports Arena.Mayers had his sixth-consecutive double-double while Kuath just missed a double-double and Baker returned to the Dragon lineup after missing the last nine games to lead the Blue Dragons to a 92-87 victory in an intense, high-possession league contest.The Blue Dragons won their fourth-straight game and improved to 9-3 overall and 8-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson travels to Garden City for a 4 p.m. tipoff at Conestoga Arena.Mayers, who earlier in the day was named the Jayhawk Conference Division I Player of the Week for the fourth time and third week in a row, had 27 points and a career-high 17 rebounds for his eighth double-double this season. Mayers was 8 of 18 from the field and 11 of 14 from the free-throw line. He added three blocked shots, two steals and two assists.Mayers' 17 rebounds tied 2017 National Player of the Year Shakur Juiston for ninth on the Blue Dragon single-game rebound list.Kuath sparked a big Blue Dragon offensive second half by scoring 14 of his season-high-tying 22 points in the final 20 minutes. Kuath was 10 of 15 from the field and had eight rebounds and three blocked shots.Baker, who hasn't played since January 27 against Coffeyville, knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points with four steals and three assists.The Blue Dragons trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half. Shooting only 34.3 percent (12 of 35) with five turnovers, the Blue Dragons managed to cut that deficit to 37-36 at halftime.The Dragons outscored Pratt 56-50 in the second half, shooting 58.1 percent (18 of 31), getting 20 points from Mayers and 14 from Kuath. Baker knocked down a pair of key 3-pointers in the second half.The Blue Dragons' largest lead in the second half was 13 at 84-71 after a Kuath dunk with 1:36 remaining. The Beavers then scored 16 of the game's next 22 points and made it a one possession game with 5 seconds to play after a Tommy Thomas putback cut the Dragon lead to 90-87. Mayers made 2 free throws to seal the game.Hutchinson finished shooting 30 of 66 for the game (45.5 percent), hitting 4 of 9 3-pointers and 28 of 44 from the free-throw line.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;had 11 points with seven assists and four rebounds for the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/gabriel_stephen_ryjf">Stephan Gabriel</a>&nbsp;had six points each.Cam Morris finished with a team-high 24 points to lead the Beavers. Thomas finished with 22 points and Malcolm Whitlow had 19.The Beavers finished shooting 35.9 percent (28 of 78), going 10 of 28 from distance and 21 of 26 from the free-throw line. The Beavers had 17 turnovers.Rebounding was even at 48-48, but Pratt had 21 offensive rebounds.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 148-25 all-time against Pratt. … This was all-time win No. 1,838 for the Blue Dragons. … Pratt is the fifth team to sink 10 or more 3-pointers against the Blue Dragons this season. … Hutchinson won its first game in three tries when trailing at halftime. … The Blue Dragons are 6-1 at the Sports Arena this season. … Kuath had his sixth career 20-point game as a Blue Dragon. … With 22 points, Kuath reached the 600 career point plateau (600 points).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;now has 84 career 3-pointers.

Blue Dragons hold on to defeat Pratt

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team ran its winning streak to five on Wednesday night, but had grind to get the job done.

The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons survived an off-shooting offensive night and a gritty effort from Pratt to pull away late for a 66-55 Jayhawk West victory at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons improved to 8-2 overall and 7-2 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons travel to Garden City for a 2 p.m. battle with the Broncbusters, who on Wednesday upset No. 25 Seward County in Liberal. Pratt fells to 4-7 overall and 3-7 in the Jayhawk West.

Despite to early foul trouble, the Blue Dragons were in good shape early in the second quarter. LoJong Gore's layup with 7:57 remaining in the second period gave the Blue Dragons a 20-9 lead. But the Blue Dragons went scoreless for the next 4 minutes, 16 second and without a field goal for 5 minutes, 48 seconds,

Pratt capped a 17-5 run with a Cassie Onwugbfor 3-pointer with 1:08 to play in the second quarter for a 26-25 lead. The Blue Dragons scored the final five points of the period, getting a layup from Gore and a 17 footer at the buzzer from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;to lead 30-26 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons again pushed the lead back to nine at 40-31 with 4:31 to play in the third quarter. The Beavers clawed their way back to within 46-45 after two Jaylyn Taylor free throws with 8:36 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Beavers had three possessions to take the lead or tie the game after that and the Blue Dragons got key defensive stops. Leading 54-51,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;grabbed an offensive rebounds and scored with 3:08 left.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>&nbsp;then scored to give the Dragons a 58-51 lead with 2:47 to play. Taylor nailed a 3-pointer with 2:42 to go to pull the Beavers within four, but the Blue Dragons outscored Pratt 8-1 in the final 2 minutes to secure the victory.

Ogle led the Blue Dragons with 17 points, her second-highest output of the season. Ogle was 7 of 13 shooting with four rebounds and a pair of assists in a season-high 35 minutes.

Gore posted her third double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;was next with eight. Alford had seven and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;had six points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

The Blue Dragons shot 38.7 percent for the game (24 of 62), hitting only 1 of 11 from 3-point range and 17 of 23 from the free-throw line. Rebounding was even at 39 apiece and the Dragons committed 14 turnovers.

Jada Moss had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Beavers. Taylor had three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points.

Pratt shot 33.3 percent (18 of 54), hitting 7 of 25 from 3-point distance and 12 of 21 from the foul line. The Beavers had 22 turnovers.

GAME NOTES:&nbsp;The Blue Dragons won their 26th straight game at the Sports Arena and their 12th consecutive over Pratt. … The Dragons have an 81-11 all-time record against Pratt. … The Blue Dragons are now 7-0 in the Sports Arena this season. … The Blue Dragons have shot less than 40 percent in three consecutive games. … Hutch's one 3-pointer was a season low. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>'s seven made field goals are a career high.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team ran its winning streak to five on Wednesday night, but had grind to get the job done.The No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons survived an off-shooting offensive night and a gritty effort from Pratt to pull away late for a 66-55 Jayhawk West victory at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons improved to 8-2 overall and 7-2 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons travel to Garden City for a 2 p.m. battle with the Broncbusters, who on Wednesday upset No. 25 Seward County in Liberal. Pratt fells to 4-7 overall and 3-7 in the Jayhawk West.Despite to early foul trouble, the Blue Dragons were in good shape early in the second quarter. LoJong Gore's layup with 7:57 remaining in the second period gave the Blue Dragons a 20-9 lead. But the Blue Dragons went scoreless for the next 4 minutes, 16 second and without a field goal for 5 minutes, 48 seconds,Pratt capped a 17-5 run with a Cassie Onwugbfor 3-pointer with 1:08 to play in the second quarter for a 26-25 lead. The Blue Dragons scored the final five points of the period, getting a layup from Gore and a 17 footer at the buzzer from&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;to lead 30-26 at halftime.The Blue Dragons again pushed the lead back to nine at 40-31 with 4:31 to play in the third quarter. The Beavers clawed their way back to within 46-45 after two Jaylyn Taylor free throws with 8:36 remaining in the fourth quarter.The Beavers had three possessions to take the lead or tie the game after that and the Blue Dragons got key defensive stops. Leading 54-51,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>&nbsp;grabbed an offensive rebounds and scored with 3:08 left.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>&nbsp;then scored to give the Dragons a 58-51 lead with 2:47 to play. Taylor nailed a 3-pointer with 2:42 to go to pull the Beavers within four, but the Blue Dragons outscored Pratt 8-1 in the final 2 minutes to secure the victory.Ogle led the Blue Dragons with 17 points, her second-highest output of the season. Ogle was 7 of 13 shooting with four rebounds and a pair of assists in a season-high 35 minutes.Gore posted her third double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;was next with eight. Alford had seven and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;had six points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.The Blue Dragons shot 38.7 percent for the game (24 of 62), hitting only 1 of 11 from 3-point range and 17 of 23 from the free-throw line. Rebounding was even at 39 apiece and the Dragons committed 14 turnovers.Jada Moss had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Beavers. Taylor had three 3-pointers and finished with 16 points.Pratt shot 33.3 percent (18 of 54), hitting 7 of 25 from 3-point distance and 12 of 21 from the foul line. The Beavers had 22 turnovers.GAME NOTES:&nbsp;The Blue Dragons won their 26th straight game at the Sports Arena and their 12th consecutive over Pratt. … The Dragons have an 81-11 all-time record against Pratt. … The Blue Dragons are now 7-0 in the Sports Arena this season. … The Blue Dragons have shot less than 40 percent in three consecutive games. … Hutch's one 3-pointer was a season low. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ogle_kate_kntm">Kate Ogle</a>'s seven made field goals are a career high.

No. 17 Dragons down Pratt to run win streak to 5

PRATT – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team hit .439 on Monday night and swept the Pratt Beavers for its eight-consecutive victory.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;all hit .400 or higher as Hutchinson completed a season sweep of Pratt with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-16 victory at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena.

Fresh off a Sunday four-set victory over then-No. 6 Seward County, the Blue Dragons – now receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball rankings – improved to 14-5 overall and 7-2 in the Jayhawk West. Now in third place in the league, Hutchinson travels to second-place Barton on Thursday in Great Bend. Pratt falls to 3-13 overall, 1-8 in the Jayhawk West.

Thorne led the Blue Dragons with 13 kills on 29 attacks for .414 hitting. She also had five digs and two service aces.

Lettries hit a career-high .538 with eight kills on 13 attacks. Lettries chipped in four solo blocks. Head had eight kills and hit .400 on 15 swings. She had an ace, four digs and one block.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;had six kills on .363 hitting and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lane_kenna_obyd">Kenna Lane</a>&nbsp;had four kills, hitting .333.

Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;had 38 assists, eight digs and three kills to pace the Blue Dragons to 43 kills on 82 attacks with only seven errors. The Dragons also had 6.5 team blocks and seven aces.

Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 10 digs.

Trailing 3-2 in the opening set, a Thorne kill and Lettries solo block started an 8-1 run. Hutchinson built a 10-4 lead on a Lettries kill. Leading 13-8, Head had a kill and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/nelson_kersti_b4a9">Kersti Nelson</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back ace serves to give Hutchinson a 16-8 lead. Then leading 19-13, the Blue Dragons reeled off the final six points to claim the opening set. The Dragons had four aces and hit .523 in the first set.

Despite hitting .400 in the second set, the Dragons had a much tougher time with the Beavers in that set. A Thorne kill gave Hutch a 5-2 lead. Pratt then pulled within 10-9, but the Dragons had three-straight kills – two from Head and from Lettries – for a 13-9 lead. Hutch's lead increased to 16-11 after a Lettries block. Pratt went on a 6-2 run and eventually pulled within 21-20. Briggs had a kill for a sideout and service ace for a 24-20 lead. The Dragons finally won the set on a Head/Price double block.

Hutchinson led the third set 9-7 and slowly pulled away from there. Kills from Thorne and Briggs upped the Dragon lead to 14-9. A Thorne/<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/larson_taegan_9xc6">Taegen Larsen</a>&nbsp;double blocks increased the lead to 17-10. Then leading 22-16, Hutch finished off the match with a Thorne kill and back-to-back Head service aces.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationPRATT – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team hit .439 on Monday night and swept the Pratt Beavers for its eight-consecutive victory.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;all hit .400 or higher as Hutchinson completed a season sweep of Pratt with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-16 victory at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena.Fresh off a Sunday four-set victory over then-No. 6 Seward County, the Blue Dragons – now receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball rankings – improved to 14-5 overall and 7-2 in the Jayhawk West. Now in third place in the league, Hutchinson travels to second-place Barton on Thursday in Great Bend. Pratt falls to 3-13 overall, 1-8 in the Jayhawk West.Thorne led the Blue Dragons with 13 kills on 29 attacks for .414 hitting. She also had five digs and two service aces.Lettries hit a career-high .538 with eight kills on 13 attacks. Lettries chipped in four solo blocks. Head had eight kills and hit .400 on 15 swings. She had an ace, four digs and one block.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;had six kills on .363 hitting and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lane_kenna_obyd">Kenna Lane</a>&nbsp;had four kills, hitting .333.Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;had 38 assists, eight digs and three kills to pace the Blue Dragons to 43 kills on 82 attacks with only seven errors. The Dragons also had 6.5 team blocks and seven aces.Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;had a team-high 10 digs.Trailing 3-2 in the opening set, a Thorne kill and Lettries solo block started an 8-1 run. Hutchinson built a 10-4 lead on a Lettries kill. Leading 13-8, Head had a kill and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/nelson_kersti_b4a9">Kersti Nelson</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back ace serves to give Hutchinson a 16-8 lead. Then leading 19-13, the Blue Dragons reeled off the final six points to claim the opening set. The Dragons had four aces and hit .523 in the first set.Despite hitting .400 in the second set, the Dragons had a much tougher time with the Beavers in that set. A Thorne kill gave Hutch a 5-2 lead. Pratt then pulled within 10-9, but the Dragons had three-straight kills – two from Head and from Lettries – for a 13-9 lead. Hutch's lead increased to 16-11 after a Lettries block. Pratt went on a 6-2 run and eventually pulled within 21-20. Briggs had a kill for a sideout and service ace for a 24-20 lead. The Dragons finally won the set on a Head/Price double block.Hutchinson led the third set 9-7 and slowly pulled away from there. Kills from Thorne and Briggs upped the Dragon lead to 14-9. A Thorne/<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/larson_taegan_9xc6">Taegen Larsen</a>&nbsp;double blocks increased the lead to 17-10. Then leading 22-16, Hutch finished off the match with a Thorne kill and back-to-back Head service aces.

Blue Dragon Volley sweeps Pratt for 8th straight victory

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to be ready for offseason workouts following surgery on his toe, and they are optimistic that offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz could be available for the start of training camp. Mahomes had surgery on Feb. 10, shortly after the Chiefs were walloped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, to repair a turf toe injury that had hobbled him throughout the playoffs. Fisher had surgery for the Achilles tendon he tore in the AFC title game while Schwartz recently had back surgery.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Dakota Joshua scored in his NHL debut and Zach Sanford got two goals in the St. Louis Blues' 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Jordan Kyrou and David Perron also scored for the Blues, who won for the second time in five games. Ville Husso made 29 saves for the Blues in the same arena where he earned his first NHL victory on Jan. 31. Isac Lundeström scored three goals for the Ducks, whose winless skid stretched to a season-worst seven games. John Gibson stopped 30 shots.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals made official their $25 million, four-year contract with third baseman Hunter Dozier on Monday, ensuring that another member of their young foundation is under club control for the foreseeable future. He had a breakout season in 2019, when he hit 26 homers and led the American League with 10 triples while driving in 84 runs. And while his numbers regressed slightly last season, when he missed the start with COVID-19 and wound up hitting just .228 with six homers in 44 games, the Royals believe his best seasons are still to come.

ATKINSON, Neb. (AP) — The father of the young cancer patient who captured the hearts of college football fans when he ran for a touchdown in Nebraska's spring game eight years ago has died after a seven-month battle with brain cancer. The Team Jack Foundation announced Andy Hoffman died Monday. He was 42. His son Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. &nbsp;Wearing a miniature Cornhuskers uniform, Jack took a handoff and ran 69 yards into the end zone, with players mobbing him and lifting him on their shoulders. Andy was diagnosed with cancer last summer.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lat Mayen scored 25 points with five 3-pointers and Nebraska cruised past Rutgers 72-51, hours after announcing its leading scorer Teddy Allen had left the program. Mayen capped a 7-0 run to give Nebraska a 23-11 lead and the Cornhuskers led by at least eight points the rest of the way. Derrick Walker had 14 points and six rebounds for Nebraska. Jacob Young led Rutgers with 12 points. Ron Harper Jr. added 10 and Geo Baker, the conference player of the week, was held to four points on 2-of-10 shooting. The Scarlet Knights were 3 of 23 from distance.

UNDATED (AP) — Michigan finally broke the stranglehold of Gonzaga and Baylor atop The Associated Press men's college basketball poll, taking advantage of the Bears' loss at Kansas to leap into the No. 2 spot behind the Bulldogs. Illinois climbed one spot to fourth and Iowa gave the Big Ten three teams in the top five. West Virginia continued its steady climb, up four spots to No. 6 after its third straight win. Ohio State fell three spots to seventh after losing to the Hawkeyes. Alabama, Houston and Villanova rounded out the top 10. Oklahoma State, Purdue and Colorado joined the poll while Southern California, Tennessee and Missouri dropped out.

UNDATED (AP) — It took nearly the entire season for Michigan to finally leap Baylor into No. 2 behind Gonzaga in the Top 25. Now, the trick for the Wolverines is to stay there. They begin a tough finishing stretch by putting their seven-game win streak on the line Tuesday night against fourth-ranked Illinois in a game postponed from mid-February due to COVID-19 protocols. Then, the Wolverines play Michigan State in a home-and-home series — thanks to the pandemic — to wrap up the regular season.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska basketball team's leading scorer has left the team. Teddy Allen and coach Fred Hoiberg released a joint statement announcing the departure. Hoiberg mentioned last week Allen had been bothered by a wrist issue. The Cornhuskers have three regular-season games left. Allen said he's decided to focus on getting fully healthy for the next step in his basketball journey. He plans to stay at Nebraska the rest of the semester. Nebraska was Allen's third Division I program.&nbsp;

Korkmaz, Milton come off bench, spark 76ers rout of Indiana

UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz came off the bench to help the Philadelphia 76ers to a 130-114 rout of the Indiana Pacers. Ben Simmons had 18 points and six rebounds. Milton led the Sixers with 26 points and Korkmaz hit six 3-pointers and scored 19 points. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 20 points.

— Damian Lillard had 23 points and 10 assists and the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Robert Covington had a season-high 21 points and 10 rebounds while Carmelo Anthony added 29 points off the bench for the Blazers, who got off to a sluggish start but led by as many as 19 points in the final quarter. LaMelo Ball had 30 points for the Hornets, who have not won in Portland since March 2008.

— James Harden had 30 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds and the Brooklyn Nets overcame a collapse in the final seconds of regulation to beat the Spurs 124-113 in overtime. The Nets snapped a 17-game losing streak in San Antonio. Kyrie Irving added 27 points and Bruce Brown had 23 for Brooklyn, which bounced back after a loss to Dallas on Saturday ended its eight-game win streak.

— Zion Williamson had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans held off the NBA-leading Utah Jazz, 129-124. Brandon Ingram scored 26, Lonzo Ball added 23 and JJ Redick scored 17, highlighted by two four-point plays. Bojan Bogdanovic hit seven 3s and finished with a game-high 31 points for Utah, which lost for just the eighth time this season, but the second time in three games. 

— Nikola Jokic (NEE'-koh-lah YOH'-kich) dominated with 39 points and 14 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 118-112. The three-time All-Star scored 17 in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets come away with the win after blowing a 15-point lead. Jokic also finished with nine assists, just missing his 50th career triple-double. All-Star Zach LaVine led Chicago with 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Coby White added 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

— Luka Doncic had 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, Kristaps Porzingis played a nearly flawless second half and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Orlando Magic 130-124. Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half as the Mavericks broke open a close game. Dallas has won four of its last five and nine of 12. Nikola Vucevic had 29 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Magic, who dropped their fourth straight. 

— Collin Sexton had 39 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the hapless Houston Rockets their 12th straight loss with a 101-90 victory. The Cavaliers have won four straight after losing their previous 10 games. It's Houston's longest losing streak since dropping 15 in a row in 2001 and the first time the Rockets have lost five straight at home since March 2006. 

Hawks fire Pierce as coach following disappointing start

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce has been fired following a slow start to a season of heightened expectations. Hawks president Travis Schlenk announced the move Monday in a short statement released by the team. 

The Hawks are 14-20 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, following a 109-99 loss at Miami on Sunday night. The teams play again in Miami on Tuesday. Schlenk says the move, which comes less than a week before Atlanta hosts the All-Star Game, is timed to help the team enjoy a second-half resurgence. Pierce, hired in 2018, was 63-120 (.344) with the Hawks. He missed the playoffs in each of his two completed seasons.

— Toronto's game against Detroit that was scheduled for today is being postponed until Wednesday, a move that the NBA hopes gives the Raptors time to get back onto the floor. The Raptors were scheduled to play Chicago on Sunday and that game was postponed indefinitely because of positive tests and contact tracing issues. The league cautioned that Wednesday is a tentative rescheduling date for the game against the Pistons and is "pending additional test results."

NIT moves 2021 event to Texas, interrupting 83-year NY run

DALLAS (AP) — The NIT is moving the entire 2021 event to Texas, taking the semifinals and championship game out of New York's Madison Square Garden for the first time in the 83-year history of college basketball's oldest postseason tournament. 

The pandemic is also reducing the field to 16 teams from the usual 32. All games are set for two venues in the Dallas area. First-round games will be played March 17-20, with the quarterfinals March 25. The semifinals are set for March 27, followed by the championship game the next day. Last year's event was canceled because of COVID-19.

UNDATED (AP) — Sam Hauser scored 18 points and No. 21 Virginia ended a three-game skid by handing Miami its sixth loss in a row, 62-51. Trey Murphy III added 12 points for the 16-6 Cavaliers, who took command with a 14-2 run to end the first half. Miami closed within six points several times after halftime, but each time Virginia kept the Hurricanes from getting closer. 

Washington State-Arizona State game canceled

UNDATED (AP) — The men's basketball game between Washington State and Arizona State scheduled for Monday has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues in the Cougars' program.

Arizona State won 77-74 in overtime when the teams played on Saturday, but a Washington State player tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning.

The game had been rescheduled from earlier in the season due to coronavirus issues at Arizona State.

The Sun Devils close out the regular season against Colorado and Utah this week.

Necas scores in OT, Hurricanes beat Panthers 3-2

UNDATED (AP) — Martin Necas scored 1:59 into overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Monday night. Brett Pesce and Vincent Trochek also scored for the Hurricanes, who won their second straight at Florida. Alex Nedeljkovic had a career-high 44 saves. Frank Vatrano and Eetu Loustarinen scored in the third period to give Florida the lead, and Chris Driedger finished with 24 saves. The Panthers have lost three of four.

— Michael Hutchinson stopped 31 shots or his sixth career shutout, and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Morgan Rielly and William Nylander each had a goal and an assist, and Zach Hyman also scored for Toronto. The Maple Leafs blanked Edmonton for the second straight game, following a 4-0 win Saturday. Mikko Koskinen started in goal for the Oilers and allowed three goals on 10 shots before being replaced by Mike Smith to start the second period. Smith had 13 saves in relief. The teams meet again Wednesday night in Edmonton to finish a three-game series.

— Dakota Joshua scored in his NHL debut and Zach Sanford got two goals in the St. Louis Blues' 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Jordan Kyrou and David Perron also scored for the Blues, who won for the second time in five games. Ville Husso made 29 saves for the Blues in the same arena where he earned his first NHL victory on Jan. 31. Isac Lundeström scored three goals for the Ducks, whose winless skid stretched to a season-worst seven games. John Gibson stopped 30 shots.

— Max Pacioretty scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights erased a third-period, two-goal deficit to earn the victory in a matchup between the West Division's top two teams. After Alex Tuch scored the tying goal with 42 seconds left in regulation, it was Pacioretty punching home the game-winner after Vegas captain Mark Stone fed him with his fifth primary assist of the game.

— Drake Batherson scored twice, giving him six straight games with a goal, and the Ottawa Senators beat the Calgary Flames 5-1. Artem Anisimov and Thomas Chabot also scored for the Senators, and Colin White had an empty-netter. Tim Stutzle contributed two assists to help Ottawa win for the fourth time in five games. The 22-year-old Batherson has seven goals in his last six games. He matched Jason Spezza for the longest goal streak in franchise history. Matt Murray, who was pulled from Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Flames, stopped 27 shots for the win. 

— Thatcher Demko stopped 27 shots for his first career shutout as the Vancouver Canucks scored three goals in the first period and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-0. Nate Schmidt, J.T. Miller and Nils Hoglander scored early to help the Canucks end a four-game losing streak (0-3-1). Elias Pettersson added an empty-netter. Connor Hellebuyck had 15 saves for Winnipeg, which snapped a four-game winning streak, The teams finish their two-game series Tuesday night in Winnipeg.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — J.J. Watt has agreed to a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The team announced the deal with the free-agent edge rusher on Monday. 

Watt was released last month by the Houston Texans, for whom he won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. The 31-year old Watt has been one of the NFL's best players for a decade, but asked out in Houston, which is undergoing a roster upheaval. Watt joins another former Texans star, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, in Arizona. Hopkins was acquired by the Cardinals in a one-sided trade a year ago. 

—The Houston Texans released veteran quarterback Josh McCown on Monday, likely ending his 18-year NFL career. The Texans signed the 41-year-old in November, but he did not appear in a game. McCown joined the Texans after spending the early part of the season on the Eagles practice squad.

— The Kansas City Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to be ready for offseason workouts following surgery on his toe, and they are optimistic that offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz could be available for the start of training camp. Mahomes had surgery on Feb. 10, shortly after the Chiefs were walloped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, to repair a turf toe injury that had hobbled him throughout the playoffs. 

—The Chicago Bears have hired former Texas coach Tom Herman in an analyst role on Matt Nagy's staff, his first NFL job after more than two decades of college coaching. Herman led Texas to a 32-18 record and four bowl victories the past four seasons. But he failed to deliver a Big 12 title or lead the Longhorns into national championship contention and got fired in January, with Steve Sarkisian replacing him. 

In-game video returning to baseball for 2021

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball has cleared the way for the return of in-game video on dugout iPads beginning on opening day, with catcher signals obscured by a computer program. 

For decades, baseball players retreated to a clubhouse video room to check out their at-bats or take a closer look at a reliever coming into the game. But that practice was prohibited in 2020, contributing to a down year for offense during the pandemic-shortened season. Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who opted out of last season because of COVID-19 concerns, calls video "a huge part of the game."

— Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto had to sit out the team's exhibition home opener because he fouled a ball off his right foot a day earlier. Manager Dave Martinez said the 2020 NL batting champion originally was scheduled to play Monday against the Houston Astros. But then the mishap happened during live batting practice Sunday. 

— The New York Mets will honor the late Tom Seaver by wearing a "41" patch on their home and away jerseys this season. The Mets say they'll pay tribute to the Hall of Fame pitcher by putting his number on the right sleeves of their uniforms. Seaver died Aug. 31 at age 75. The right-hander is the Mets career leader in wins, ERA and strikeouts. He earned three Cy Young Awards with the Mets and pitched them to their first World Series championship in 1969. The Mets plan to unveil a Seaver statue at Citi Field this year.

— Vi Ripken, matriarch of the famed Orioles family that includes Hall of Fame son Cal Ripken Jr. and once the victim of a bizarre kidnapping, has died. She was 82. Family spokesman John Maroon said she died Friday, a day before her birthday. Violet and Cal Ripken Sr. married in 1957 and he managed in the late 1980s, when sons Cal Jr. and Billy played for him. 

Father of boy who stole show at '13 Huskers spring game dies

ATKINSON, Neb. (AP) — The father of the young cancer patient who captured the hearts of college football fans when he ran for a touchdown in Nebraska's spring game eight years ago has died after a seven-month battle with brain cancer. 

The Team Jack Foundation announced Andy Hoffman died Monday. He was 42. His son Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. Wearing a miniature Cornhuskers uniform, Jack took a handoff and ran 69 yards into the end zone, with players mobbing him and lifting him on their shoulders. Andy was diagnosed with cancer last summer.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to be ready for offseason workouts following surgery on his toe, and they are optimistic that offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz could be available for the start of training camp. Mahomes had surgery on Feb. 10, shortly after the Chiefs were walloped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, to repair a turf toe injury that had hobbled him throughout the playoffs. Fisher had surgery for the Achilles tendon he tore in the AFC title game while Schwartz recently had back surgery.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Dakota Joshua scored in his NHL debut and Zach Sanford got two goals in the St. Louis Blues' 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Jordan Kyrou and David Perron also scored for the Blues, who won for the second time in five games. Ville Husso made 29 saves for the Blues in the same arena where he earned his first NHL victory on Jan. 31. Isac Lundeström scored three goals for the Ducks, whose winless skid stretched to a season-worst seven games. John Gibson stopped 30 shots.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals made official their $25 million, four-year contract with third baseman Hunter Dozier on Monday, ensuring that another member of their young foundation is under club control for the foreseeable future. He had a breakout season in 2019, when he hit 26 homers and led the American League with 10 triples while driving in 84 runs. And while his numbers regressed slightly last season, when he missed the start with COVID-19 and wound up hitting just .228 with six homers in 44 games, the Royals believe his best seasons are still to come.ATKINSON, Neb. (AP) — The father of the young cancer patient who captured the hearts of college football fans when he ran for a touchdown in Nebraska's spring game eight years ago has died after a seven-month battle with brain cancer. The Team Jack Foundation announced Andy Hoffman died Monday. He was 42. His son Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. &nbsp;Wearing a miniature Cornhuskers uniform, Jack took a handoff and ran 69 yards into the end zone, with players mobbing him and lifting him on their shoulders. Andy was diagnosed with cancer last summer.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lat Mayen scored 25 points with five 3-pointers and Nebraska cruised past Rutgers 72-51, hours after announcing its leading scorer Teddy Allen had left the program. Mayen capped a 7-0 run to give Nebraska a 23-11 lead and the Cornhuskers led by at least eight points the rest of the way. Derrick Walker had 14 points and six rebounds for Nebraska. Jacob Young led Rutgers with 12 points. Ron Harper Jr. added 10 and Geo Baker, the conference player of the week, was held to four points on 2-of-10 shooting. The Scarlet Knights were 3 of 23 from distance.UNDATED (AP) — Michigan finally broke the stranglehold of Gonzaga and Baylor atop The Associated Press men's college basketball poll, taking advantage of the Bears' loss at Kansas to leap into the No. 2 spot behind the Bulldogs. Illinois climbed one spot to fourth and Iowa gave the Big Ten three teams in the top five. West Virginia continued its steady climb, up four spots to No. 6 after its third straight win. Ohio State fell three spots to seventh after losing to the Hawkeyes. Alabama, Houston and Villanova rounded out the top 10. Oklahoma State, Purdue and Colorado joined the poll while Southern California, Tennessee and Missouri dropped out.UNDATED (AP) — It took nearly the entire season for Michigan to finally leap Baylor into No. 2 behind Gonzaga in the Top 25. Now, the trick for the Wolverines is to stay there. They begin a tough finishing stretch by putting their seven-game win streak on the line Tuesday night against fourth-ranked Illinois in a game postponed from mid-February due to COVID-19 protocols. Then, the Wolverines play Michigan State in a home-and-home series — thanks to the pandemic — to wrap up the regular season.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska basketball team's leading scorer has left the team. Teddy Allen and coach Fred Hoiberg released a joint statement announcing the departure. Hoiberg mentioned last week Allen had been bothered by a wrist issue. The Cornhuskers have three regular-season games left. Allen said he's decided to focus on getting fully healthy for the next step in his basketball journey. He plans to stay at Nebraska the rest of the semester. Nebraska was Allen's third Division I program.&nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA-PACERS-76ersKorkmaz, Milton come off bench, spark 76ers rout of IndianaUNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz came off the bench to help the Philadelphia 76ers to a 130-114 rout of the Indiana Pacers. Ben Simmons had 18 points and six rebounds. Milton led the Sixers with 26 points and Korkmaz hit six 3-pointers and scored 19 points. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 20 points.In other NBA Monday action:— Damian Lillard had 23 points and 10 assists and the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 123-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Robert Covington had a season-high 21 points and 10 rebounds while Carmelo Anthony added 29 points off the bench for the Blazers, who got off to a sluggish start but led by as many as 19 points in the final quarter. LaMelo Ball had 30 points for the Hornets, who have not won in Portland since March 2008.— James Harden had 30 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds and the Brooklyn Nets overcame a collapse in the final seconds of regulation to beat the Spurs 124-113 in overtime. The Nets snapped a 17-game losing streak in San Antonio. Kyrie Irving added 27 points and Bruce Brown had 23 for Brooklyn, which bounced back after a loss to Dallas on Saturday ended its eight-game win streak.— Zion Williamson had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans held off the NBA-leading Utah Jazz, 129-124. Brandon Ingram scored 26, Lonzo Ball added 23 and JJ Redick scored 17, highlighted by two four-point plays. Bojan Bogdanovic hit seven 3s and finished with a game-high 31 points for Utah, which lost for just the eighth time this season, but the second time in three games. — Nikola Jokic (NEE'-koh-lah YOH'-kich) dominated with 39 points and 14 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 118-112. The three-time All-Star scored 17 in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets come away with the win after blowing a 15-point lead. Jokic also finished with nine assists, just missing his 50th career triple-double. All-Star Zach LaVine led Chicago with 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Coby White added 20 points and 10 rebounds. — Luka Doncic had 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, Kristaps Porzingis played a nearly flawless second half and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Orlando Magic 130-124. Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half as the Mavericks broke open a close game. Dallas has won four of its last five and nine of 12. Nikola Vucevic had 29 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Magic, who dropped their fourth straight. — Collin Sexton had 39 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the hapless Houston Rockets their 12th straight loss with a 101-90 victory. The Cavaliers have won four straight after losing their previous 10 games. It's Houston's longest losing streak since dropping 15 in a row in 2001 and the first time the Rockets have lost five straight at home since March 2006. NBA-HAWKS-PIERCE FIREDHawks fire Pierce as coach following disappointing startATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce has been fired following a slow start to a season of heightened expectations. Hawks president Travis Schlenk announced the move Monday in a short statement released by the team. The Hawks are 14-20 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, following a 109-99 loss at Miami on Sunday night. The teams play again in Miami on Tuesday. Schlenk says the move, which comes less than a week before Atlanta hosts the All-Star Game, is timed to help the team enjoy a second-half resurgence. Pierce, hired in 2018, was 63-120 (.344) with the Hawks. He missed the playoffs in each of his two completed seasons.In other NBA news:— Toronto's game against Detroit that was scheduled for today is being postponed until Wednesday, a move that the NBA hopes gives the Raptors time to get back onto the floor. The Raptors were scheduled to play Chicago on Sunday and that game was postponed indefinitely because of positive tests and contact tracing issues. The league cautioned that Wednesday is a tentative rescheduling date for the game against the Pistons and is "pending additional test results."COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NIT-MOVING TO TEXASNIT moves 2021 event to Texas, interrupting 83-year NY runDALLAS (AP) — The NIT is moving the entire 2021 event to Texas, taking the semifinals and championship game out of New York's Madison Square Garden for the first time in the 83-year history of college basketball's oldest postseason tournament. The pandemic is also reducing the field to 16 teams from the usual 32. All games are set for two venues in the Dallas area. First-round games will be played March 17-20, with the quarterfinals March 25. The semifinals are set for March 27, followed by the championship game the next day. Last year's event was canceled because of COVID-19.TOP 25-COLLEGE BASKETBALLUNDATED (AP) — Sam Hauser scored 18 points and No. 21 Virginia ended a three-game skid by handing Miami its sixth loss in a row, 62-51. Trey Murphy III added 12 points for the 16-6 Cavaliers, who took command with a 14-2 run to end the first half. Miami closed within six points several times after halftime, but each time Virginia kept the Hurricanes from getting closer. VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE BASKETBALLWashington State-Arizona State game canceledUNDATED (AP) — The men's basketball game between Washington State and Arizona State scheduled for Monday has been canceled due to COVID-19 issues in the Cougars' program.Arizona State won 77-74 in overtime when the teams played on Saturday, but a Washington State player tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning.The game had been rescheduled from earlier in the season due to coronavirus issues at Arizona State.The Sun Devils close out the regular season against Colorado and Utah this week.NHL-HURRICANES-PANTHERSNecas scores in OT, Hurricanes beat Panthers 3-2UNDATED (AP) — Martin Necas scored 1:59 into overtime and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Monday night. Brett Pesce and Vincent Trochek also scored for the Hurricanes, who won their second straight at Florida. Alex Nedeljkovic had a career-high 44 saves. Frank Vatrano and Eetu Loustarinen scored in the third period to give Florida the lead, and Chris Driedger finished with 24 saves. The Panthers have lost three of four.In other action on the ice:— Michael Hutchinson stopped 31 shots or his sixth career shutout, and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Morgan Rielly and William Nylander each had a goal and an assist, and Zach Hyman also scored for Toronto. The Maple Leafs blanked Edmonton for the second straight game, following a 4-0 win Saturday. Mikko Koskinen started in goal for the Oilers and allowed three goals on 10 shots before being replaced by Mike Smith to start the second period. Smith had 13 saves in relief. The teams meet again Wednesday night in Edmonton to finish a three-game series.— Dakota Joshua scored in his NHL debut and Zach Sanford got two goals in the St. Louis Blues' 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Jordan Kyrou and David Perron also scored for the Blues, who won for the second time in five games. Ville Husso made 29 saves for the Blues in the same arena where he earned his first NHL victory on Jan. 31. Isac Lundeström scored three goals for the Ducks, whose winless skid stretched to a season-worst seven games. John Gibson stopped 30 shots.— Max Pacioretty scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-4 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Golden Knights erased a third-period, two-goal deficit to earn the victory in a matchup between the West Division's top two teams. After Alex Tuch scored the tying goal with 42 seconds left in regulation, it was Pacioretty punching home the game-winner after Vegas captain Mark Stone fed him with his fifth primary assist of the game.— Drake Batherson scored twice, giving him six straight games with a goal, and the Ottawa Senators beat the Calgary Flames 5-1. Artem Anisimov and Thomas Chabot also scored for the Senators, and Colin White had an empty-netter. Tim Stutzle contributed two assists to help Ottawa win for the fourth time in five games. The 22-year-old Batherson has seven goals in his last six games. He matched Jason Spezza for the longest goal streak in franchise history. Matt Murray, who was pulled from Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Flames, stopped 27 shots for the win. — Thatcher Demko stopped 27 shots for his first career shutout as the Vancouver Canucks scored three goals in the first period and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-0. Nate Schmidt, J.T. Miller and Nils Hoglander scored early to help the Canucks end a four-game losing streak (0-3-1). Elias Pettersson added an empty-netter. Connor Hellebuyck had 15 saves for Winnipeg, which snapped a four-game winning streak, The teams finish their two-game series Tuesday night in Winnipeg.NFL-CARDINALS-JJ WATTWatt signs with CardinalsTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — J.J. Watt has agreed to a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The team announced the deal with the free-agent edge rusher on Monday. Watt was released last month by the Houston Texans, for whom he won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. The 31-year old Watt has been one of the NFL's best players for a decade, but asked out in Houston, which is undergoing a roster upheaval. Watt joins another former Texans star, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, in Arizona. Hopkins was acquired by the Cardinals in a one-sided trade a year ago. In other NFL news:—The Houston Texans released veteran quarterback Josh McCown on Monday, likely ending his 18-year NFL career. The Texans signed the 41-year-old in November, but he did not appear in a game. McCown joined the Texans after spending the early part of the season on the Eagles practice squad.— The Kansas City Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to be ready for offseason workouts following surgery on his toe, and they are optimistic that offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz could be available for the start of training camp. Mahomes had surgery on Feb. 10, shortly after the Chiefs were walloped by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, to repair a turf toe injury that had hobbled him throughout the playoffs. —The Chicago Bears have hired former Texas coach Tom Herman in an analyst role on Matt Nagy's staff, his first NFL job after more than two decades of college coaching. Herman led Texas to a 32-18 record and four bowl victories the past four seasons. But he failed to deliver a Big 12 title or lead the Longhorns into national championship contention and got fired in January, with Steve Sarkisian replacing him. MLB-IN-GAME VIDEOIn-game video returning to baseball for 2021UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball has cleared the way for the return of in-game video on dugout iPads beginning on opening day, with catcher signals obscured by a computer program. For decades, baseball players retreated to a clubhouse video room to check out their at-bats or take a closer look at a reliever coming into the game. But that practice was prohibited in 2020, contributing to a down year for offense during the pandemic-shortened season. Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who opted out of last season because of COVID-19 concerns, calls video "a huge part of the game."In other MLB news:— Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto had to sit out the team's exhibition home opener because he fouled a ball off his right foot a day earlier. Manager Dave Martinez said the 2020 NL batting champion originally was scheduled to play Monday against the Houston Astros. But then the mishap happened during live batting practice Sunday. — The New York Mets will honor the late Tom Seaver by wearing a "41" patch on their home and away jerseys this season. The Mets say they'll pay tribute to the Hall of Fame pitcher by putting his number on the right sleeves of their uniforms. Seaver died Aug. 31 at age 75. The right-hander is the Mets career leader in wins, ERA and strikeouts. He earned three Cy Young Awards with the Mets and pitched them to their first World Series championship in 1969. The Mets plan to unveil a Seaver statue at Citi Field this year.— Vi Ripken, matriarch of the famed Orioles family that includes Hall of Fame son Cal Ripken Jr. and once the victim of a bizarre kidnapping, has died. She was 82. Family spokesman John Maroon said she died Friday, a day before her birthday. Violet and Cal Ripken Sr. married in 1957 and he managed in the late 1980s, when sons Cal Jr. and Billy played for him. OBIT-ANDY HOFFMANFather of boy who stole show at '13 Huskers spring game diesATKINSON, Neb. (AP) — The father of the young cancer patient who captured the hearts of college football fans when he ran for a touchdown in Nebraska's spring game eight years ago has died after a seven-month battle with brain cancer. The Team Jack Foundation announced Andy Hoffman died Monday. He was 42. His son Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. Wearing a miniature Cornhuskers uniform, Jack took a handoff and ran 69 yards into the end zone, with players mobbing him and lifting him on their shoulders. Andy was diagnosed with cancer last summer.

Sports Headlines for Tuesday

William (Bill) Boesch, 80, passed away February 25, 2021, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; He was born April 13, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, NE, to Joseph Henry and Hazel (Langan) Boesch.

Bill was a graduate of Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp; He served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy Reserve, with his military career exceeding 20 years.&nbsp; Bill was a fire inspector for the City of Hutchinson, retiring with over 20 years of service.&nbsp; He attended Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman.&nbsp; Bill enjoyed doing woodworking, telling stories, and making people laugh.&nbsp; He was involved in many activities, but his most cherished role was that of being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.&nbsp; Bill truly loved his family.

On May 21, 1960, he married Wilma Jean Carver, in Hastings, NE.&nbsp; They shared over 58 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 6, 2019.

Bill is survived by:&nbsp; his children, Linda (Bryan) Riddle of Park City, Laurie (Robert) Yates of Inman, and David (Cindy) Boesch of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Travis Jon (Alisha) Cubbage, Geena Renai (Adam) Mason, Robert Lee (Jennifer) Yates, Michael Wayne Yates, Kyrsten Jean Boesch, and Corey Lee Boesch; 20 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and siblings, Renelda Wendburg and Anna Marie Hellbusch.

He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; wife; and four siblings.

Graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps Honors Team.&nbsp; Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 256 8th Avenue, Inman, with Pastor Robert Yates officiating both services.&nbsp; Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

The memorial service can be viewed by going to bethelinman.org. on the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bethel Mennonite Church Youth Missions, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614647392671.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William (Bill) Boesch, 80, passed away February 25, 2021, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; He was born April 13, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, NE, to Joseph Henry and Hazel (Langan) Boesch.Bill was a graduate of Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp; He served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy Reserve, with his military career exceeding 20 years.&nbsp; Bill was a fire inspector for the City of Hutchinson, retiring with over 20 years of service.&nbsp; He attended Bethel Mennonite Church, Inman.&nbsp; Bill enjoyed doing woodworking, telling stories, and making people laugh.&nbsp; He was involved in many activities, but his most cherished role was that of being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.&nbsp; Bill truly loved his family.On May 21, 1960, he married Wilma Jean Carver, in Hastings, NE.&nbsp; They shared over 58 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 6, 2019.Bill is survived by:&nbsp; his children, Linda (Bryan) Riddle of Park City, Laurie (Robert) Yates of Inman, and David (Cindy) Boesch of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Travis Jon (Alisha) Cubbage, Geena Renai (Adam) Mason, Robert Lee (Jennifer) Yates, Michael Wayne Yates, Kyrsten Jean Boesch, and Corey Lee Boesch; 20 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and siblings, Renelda Wendburg and Anna Marie Hellbusch.He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; wife; and four siblings.Graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps Honors Team.&nbsp; Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2021, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 256 8th Avenue, Inman, with Pastor Robert Yates officiating both services.&nbsp; Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.The memorial service can be viewed by going to bethelinman.org. on the day of the service.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bethel Mennonite Church Youth Missions, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

William 'Bill' Boesch | 1940 - 2021 |

LIBERAL – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team parlayed its best defensive match of the season into an upset of No. 6 Seward County on Sunday at the Green House.

The Blue Dragons racked up a season-high 18 team blocks and totaled 56 digs against the No. 1 offense in the Jayhawk Conference and knocked off the sixth-ranked Saints 25-17, 25-15, 21-25, 25-15 to capture its seventh-consecutive victory.

Hutchinson defeated a team ranked in the NJCAA Top 10 for the second-straight season and for the third time in the last four seasons.

The Blue Dragons improved to 13-5 overall and 6-2 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons are back on the road Monday night to take on the Pratt Beavers at 6:30 p.m. on Pratt. Seward County lost for the first time at home and in conference play this season. The Saints are now 11-4 overall and 6-1 in the Jayhawk West. Seward had a 10-game win streak snapped.

The last Blue Dragon win in the Green House was the 2017 Region VI Championship match when Hutchinson swept No. 3 Seward County.

While Hutchinson had three less kills than Seward County (43-40), the Blue Dragons had a huge 18-5 block advantage. The Blue Dragons has six solo blocks and 24 block assists.

The 18 team blocks tied for the fourth-most blocks in single-season history – matching a 2006 match against Jefferson College and a 2015 national tournament match against Central Florida.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragon block party.

Head had four solo blocks and eight block assists to lead Hutchinson. Head's 12 total blocks tied for second most in single-match Blue Dragon history. Head tied the 12-block efforts of Kim Rausch (vs. Dodge City in 2001), Ludmila Amaral (vs. Southern Idaho in 2007), Petra Silic (vs. Jefferson in 2015) and Tatyana Ndekwe (vs. Jefferson in 2017).

Price has a Blue Dragon setter record for blocks in a single match with a career-high eight total blocks (1 solo, 7 block assists).

Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;led a stellar back-row defensive effort with 18 digs. Briggs had 13 digs and Price had 13 digs to go with 32 assists for her sixth double-double of the season.

The Blue Dragon defense held Seward County to a season-low .090 hitting percentage for the match. The Dragons held Seward County to .041 or lower in 3 of the 4 sets, including a negative-.059 in the second set.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>&nbsp;paced the Blue Dragon offense with 23 kills on .400 hitting. Thorne added five block assists and six blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/larson_taegan_9xc6">Taegen Larsen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;and Head had five kills each.

Gabriella Badilla had 14 kills and Seyun Park had 11 kills to lead the Saints.

The Blue Dragons trailed 8-7 in the opening set. Larsen had a cross-court kill to start a 5-1 run. Head's kill gave Hutch a 12-9 lead. A Briggs' kill started a 4-0 run to give Hutchinson a 16-10 lead. A double block by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;and Price gave the Dragons a 19-11. Leading 21-15, the Dragons scored three straight to get to set point. The Saints fought off the first four set points, but Head terminated on the fifth to give Hutchinson a 1-0 match lead. The Blue Dragons out-hit Seward County .181-.022.

Briggs had four aces during a 9-0 Blue Dragon run to start the second set. Then leading 11-3, the Dragons survived a potential momentum-swinging moment. The Dragons thought it had a Thorne kill for an 11-3 lead, but the officials reversed the call after point saying the Dragons had four hits, making the score 10-4. The Dragons had back-to-back attack error to allow the Saints within 11-6. Seward County eventually pulled within 15-13. The Dragons then scored on a Saint service error, a Head/Price double block and a Thorne kill on the next three rallies to lead 18-13. At 19-15, the Dragons scored on 6 of the final 8 rallies of the set, closing the set with a Head solo block to defeat the Saints 25-17 and lead the match 2-0.

The Blue Dragons led the third set 12-7 when the Saints' vaunted offense came to life. Seward County reeled off seven consecutive points for a 14-12 lead. Seward County hit .318 on 18 kills in the set to offset Thorne's seven kills. Thorne had four-straight kills and a double block with Larsen to knot the match at 18-all. The Saints scored 4 of the next 5 points and despite two more Briggs' kills, the Blue Dragons dropped the third set 25-21.

The Dragons immediately grabbed back any momentum back from the Saints with an 8-1 run to start the fourth set. Head was in on three stuff blocks while Briggs and Thorne had two kills each. From that point, the Blue Dragon defense kept Seward County at arm's length. The Blue Dragons sided out on 8 of 14 changes and allowed the Saints to more than a two-point run in the fourth set. Leading 10-6, Thorne converted on three-straight points for a seven-point lead. Leading 13-8, Price's solo block started an 8-1 run. Price and Head capped that surge with a double block and a 21-9 lead. The match ended on the last of seven Seward service errors.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLIBERAL – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team parlayed its best defensive match of the season into an upset of No. 6 Seward County on Sunday at the Green House.The Blue Dragons racked up a season-high 18 team blocks and totaled 56 digs against the No. 1 offense in the Jayhawk Conference and knocked off the sixth-ranked Saints 25-17, 25-15, 21-25, 25-15 to capture its seventh-consecutive victory.Hutchinson defeated a team ranked in the NJCAA Top 10 for the second-straight season and for the third time in the last four seasons.The Blue Dragons improved to 13-5 overall and 6-2 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons are back on the road Monday night to take on the Pratt Beavers at 6:30 p.m. on Pratt. Seward County lost for the first time at home and in conference play this season. The Saints are now 11-4 overall and 6-1 in the Jayhawk West. Seward had a 10-game win streak snapped.The last Blue Dragon win in the Green House was the 2017 Region VI Championship match when Hutchinson swept No. 3 Seward County.While Hutchinson had three less kills than Seward County (43-40), the Blue Dragons had a huge 18-5 block advantage. The Blue Dragons has six solo blocks and 24 block assists.The 18 team blocks tied for the fourth-most blocks in single-season history – matching a 2006 match against Jefferson College and a 2015 national tournament match against Central Florida.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/head_kristina_5dlc">Kristina Head</a>&nbsp;and sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/price_chloe_rbgs">Chloe Price</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragon block party.Head had four solo blocks and eight block assists to lead Hutchinson. Head's 12 total blocks tied for second most in single-match Blue Dragon history. Head tied the 12-block efforts of Kim Rausch (vs. Dodge City in 2001), Ludmila Amaral (vs. Southern Idaho in 2007), Petra Silic (vs. Jefferson in 2015) and Tatyana Ndekwe (vs. Jefferson in 2017).Price has a Blue Dragon setter record for blocks in a single match with a career-high eight total blocks (1 solo, 7 block assists).Freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/reeder_shelby_zpe9">Shelby Reeder</a>&nbsp;led a stellar back-row defensive effort with 18 digs. Briggs had 13 digs and Price had 13 digs to go with 32 assists for her sixth double-double of the season.The Blue Dragon defense held Seward County to a season-low .090 hitting percentage for the match. The Dragons held Seward County to .041 or lower in 3 of the 4 sets, including a negative-.059 in the second set.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/thorne_jenna_xncq">Jenna Thorne</a>&nbsp;paced the Blue Dragon offense with 23 kills on .400 hitting. Thorne added five block assists and six blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/larson_taegan_9xc6">Taegen Larsen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/briggs_shadee_xm04">Shadee Briggs</a>&nbsp;and Head had five kills each.The Blue Dragons hit .181 in the match.Gabriella Badilla had 14 kills and Seyun Park had 11 kills to lead the Saints.The Blue Dragons trailed 8-7 in the opening set. Larsen had a cross-court kill to start a 5-1 run. Head's kill gave Hutch a 12-9 lead. A Briggs' kill started a 4-0 run to give Hutchinson a 16-10 lead. A double block by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2020-21/bios/lettries_myracle_x6su">Myracle Lettries</a>&nbsp;and Price gave the Dragons a 19-11. Leading 21-15, the Dragons scored three straight to get to set point. The Saints fought off the first four set points, but Head terminated on the fifth to give Hutchinson a 1-0 match lead. The Blue Dragons out-hit Seward County .181-.022.Briggs had four aces during a 9-0 Blue Dragon run to start the second set. Then leading 11-3, the Dragons survived a potential momentum-swinging moment. The Dragons thought it had a Thorne kill for an 11-3 lead, but the officials reversed the call after point saying the Dragons had four hits, making the score 10-4. The Dragons had back-to-back attack error to allow the Saints within 11-6. Seward County eventually pulled within 15-13. The Dragons then scored on a Saint service error, a Head/Price double block and a Thorne kill on the next three rallies to lead 18-13. At 19-15, the Dragons scored on 6 of the final 8 rallies of the set, closing the set with a Head solo block to defeat the Saints 25-17 and lead the match 2-0.The Blue Dragons led the third set 12-7 when the Saints' vaunted offense came to life. Seward County reeled off seven consecutive points for a 14-12 lead. Seward County hit .318 on 18 kills in the set to offset Thorne's seven kills. Thorne had four-straight kills and a double block with Larsen to knot the match at 18-all. The Saints scored 4 of the next 5 points and despite two more Briggs' kills, the Blue Dragons dropped the third set 25-21.The Dragons immediately grabbed back any momentum back from the Saints with an 8-1 run to start the fourth set. Head was in on three stuff blocks while Briggs and Thorne had two kills each. From that point, the Blue Dragon defense kept Seward County at arm's length. The Blue Dragons sided out on 8 of 14 changes and allowed the Saints to more than a two-point run in the fourth set. Leading 10-6, Thorne converted on three-straight points for a seven-point lead. Leading 13-8, Price's solo block started an 8-1 run. Price and Head capped that surge with a double block and a 21-9 lead. The match ended on the last of seven Seward service errors.

🏐 Blue Dragon Volleyball upsets No. 6 Seward in 4 sets

LIBERAL – The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team held Seward County to less than 30 percent shooting and found itself alone in first place Saturday night.

After a slow offensive start of their own, the Blue Dragons placed four players in double figures and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;posted his seventh double-double as Hutchinson defeated Seward County 73-56 on Saturday night at The Green House.

The Blue Dragons won their third-straight game and improved to 8-3 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson's win combined with Dodge City's loss to Garden City on Saturday, puts the Blue Dragons into sole possession of first place in the Jayhawk West.

Hutchinson held an opponent to less than 30-percent shooting for the second-straight game and for the third time this season. The Dragons limited an opponent to less than 70 points for the fifth time this season.

Seward County was held to 28.8 percent shooting (19 of 66) overall and just 4 of 23 from 3-point range, a season low 3-point total for a Blue Dragon opponent this season. The Saints had 15 turnovers.

The Blue Dragons held Seward County to just four points over the first 8 minutes of the game. Hutchinson led 32-23 at halftime, holding the Saints to 23.5 percent from the field.

The Dragons shot 51.7 percent in the second half and outscored Seward County 41-33 in the second half.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to lead the Blue Dragons with 16 points and nine rebounds. Selebangue shot 7 of 10 from the field.

Mayers had his fifth-straight double-double and seventh double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points and six rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/robinson_chris_q1cl">Chris Robinson</a>&nbsp;finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

The Blue Dragons shot 45.5 percent (26 of 55), going 4 of 16 from 3-point range and 19 of 30 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Seward County 42-37. Hutchinson had to overcome 23 turnovers.

Stephen Tayki led Seward County with 13 points off the bench. Erik Pratt finished with 10 points.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;hit a 3-pointer with 13:54 left in the first half and gave the Dragons a 9-2 lead. The Saints scored the next four points to cut the deficit to 9-6. Okon countered with a 3-pointer at the 12:57 mark helped Hutchinson slowly take control of the game from that point.

Hutchinson then held Seward County scoreless for the next four minutes.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/taylor_donovan_m0h7">Donovan Taylor</a>&nbsp;nailed a 3-pointer with 7:14 left gave the Dragons a 23-10 lead. The Blue Dragons maintained a double-figure lead until the 38-second mark of the first half when Sillah Ahamadoe made 1 of 2 free throws to cut the Dragon lead to 32-23 at halftime.

Hutchinson's lead fluctuated from 9 to 12 points over the first 10 minutes of the second half. Robinson scored at the 9:37 mark to give the Blue Dragons a 51-37 lead. Bujdoso hit a 3-pointer with 7:27 left for a 57-41 lead. The closest Seward County got after that was 16 points.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 3-2 in road games this season. … Hutchinson has held all 11 opponents in 2021 to less than 50 percent shooting. … Seward County's four 3-point goals tied a Blue Dragon opponent season low this season. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;is the fifth different Blue Dragon to lead the team in scoring in a game this season.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLIBERAL – The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team held Seward County to less than 30 percent shooting and found itself alone in first place Saturday night.After a slow offensive start of their own, the Blue Dragons placed four players in double figures and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;posted his seventh double-double as Hutchinson defeated Seward County 73-56 on Saturday night at The Green House.The Blue Dragons won their third-straight game and improved to 8-3 overall and 7-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson's win combined with Dodge City's loss to Garden City on Saturday, puts the Blue Dragons into sole possession of first place in the Jayhawk West.Hutchinson held an opponent to less than 30-percent shooting for the second-straight game and for the third time this season. The Dragons limited an opponent to less than 70 points for the fifth time this season.Seward County was held to 28.8 percent shooting (19 of 66) overall and just 4 of 23 from 3-point range, a season low 3-point total for a Blue Dragon opponent this season. The Saints had 15 turnovers.The Blue Dragons held Seward County to just four points over the first 8 minutes of the game. Hutchinson led 32-23 at halftime, holding the Saints to 23.5 percent from the field.The Dragons shot 51.7 percent in the second half and outscored Seward County 41-33 in the second half.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;came off the bench to lead the Blue Dragons with 16 points and nine rebounds. Selebangue shot 7 of 10 from the field.Mayers had his fifth-straight double-double and seventh double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;finished with 13 points and six rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/robinson_chris_q1cl">Chris Robinson</a>&nbsp;finished with 10 points and four rebounds.The Blue Dragons shot 45.5 percent (26 of 55), going 4 of 16 from 3-point range and 19 of 30 from the free-throw line. The Blue Dragons out-rebounded Seward County 42-37. Hutchinson had to overcome 23 turnovers.Stephen Tayki led Seward County with 13 points off the bench. Erik Pratt finished with 10 points.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;hit a 3-pointer with 13:54 left in the first half and gave the Dragons a 9-2 lead. The Saints scored the next four points to cut the deficit to 9-6. Okon countered with a 3-pointer at the 12:57 mark helped Hutchinson slowly take control of the game from that point.Hutchinson then held Seward County scoreless for the next four minutes.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/taylor_donovan_m0h7">Donovan Taylor</a>&nbsp;nailed a 3-pointer with 7:14 left gave the Dragons a 23-10 lead. The Blue Dragons maintained a double-figure lead until the 38-second mark of the first half when Sillah Ahamadoe made 1 of 2 free throws to cut the Dragon lead to 32-23 at halftime.Hutchinson's lead fluctuated from 9 to 12 points over the first 10 minutes of the second half. Robinson scored at the 9:37 mark to give the Blue Dragons a 51-37 lead. Bujdoso hit a 3-pointer with 7:27 left for a 57-41 lead. The closest Seward County got after that was 16 points.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 3-2 in road games this season. … Hutchinson has held all 11 opponents in 2021 to less than 50 percent shooting. … Seward County's four 3-point goals tied a Blue Dragon opponent season low this season. …&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/selebangue_bryant_zo4s">Bryant Selebangue</a>&nbsp;is the fifth different Blue Dragon to lead the team in scoring in a game this season.

Defensive effort for the Blue Dragons powers team into 1st place with win over Seward

The Hutchinson Community College baseball team made another schedule change to take advantage of the good February weather for Saturday.

Hutchinson (2-1) will take on No. 9 Cowley in a doubleheader at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream both contests beginning at 12:50 p.m.

After two weeks of dormancy after their February 2 season opener at NOC-Enid, the Blue Dragons shuffled their schedule this week. Hutchinson added the Tabor College JV on Wednesday and swept the Bluejays 13-3 and 10-0. Both games were five-inning run rules and Game 2 was the first no-hitter by the Blue Dragon pitching staff since 2008, a five-man combined effort.

Cowley, the favorite to win both the Jayhawk East and Region VI titles this season played their first games this past Monday, winning a pair of neutral field games in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Tigers mauled NOC-Enid 31-4 in five innings and blasted NEO 20-9 in seven innings.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College baseball team made another schedule change to take advantage of the good February weather for Saturday.Hutchinson (2-1) will take on No. 9 Cowley in a doubleheader at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream both contests beginning at 12:50 p.m.After two weeks of dormancy after their February 2 season opener at NOC-Enid, the Blue Dragons shuffled their schedule this week. Hutchinson added the Tabor College JV on Wednesday and swept the Bluejays 13-3 and 10-0. Both games were five-inning run rules and Game 2 was the first no-hitter by the Blue Dragon pitching staff since 2008, a five-man combined effort.Cowley, the favorite to win both the Jayhawk East and Region VI titles this season played their first games this past Monday, winning a pair of neutral field games in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Tigers mauled NOC-Enid 31-4 in five innings and blasted NEO 20-9 in seven innings.The last time Hutchinson and Cowley met was the championship game of the 2019 Region VI Tournament at Eck Stadium in Wichita.There is no admission for Saturday's games at Hobart-Detter Field, but because of KJCCC Covid protocols, only the first 125 people through the gate will be admitted and masks will be required at all times.