<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Class_3A_State_Tournament/Lede_Page">3A STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a>

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College campus will once again be busy this week with the return of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments.

The four-day event runs Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. There will be four games per day, with girls playing quarterfinals Wednesday and boys on Thursday. Friday features semifinal action and then on Saturday the 3rd place games and state title games.

This year marks the 71st KSHSAA state tournament that the Hutchinson Sports Arena has hosted. The arena opened in 1952, and has hosted a tournament every year with the exception of 1973 and 1974. Overall, this will be the 82nd state tournament held in the Salt City, as 10 tournaments were hosted at Memorial Hall prior to the completion of the Sports Arena.

"It brings families, it brings students to our community," HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. "They're eating in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our shops, it's larger than just our community college, although that's where the games are held at either at the Sports Arena or at Gowans Stadium. Our Visit Hutch, our collaboration with Visit Hutch, the chamber, they're a close partner with us as we navigate securing those events. We take a lot of pride in our relationship with KSHSAA."

Bill Faflick, the executive director of the KSHSAA is happy to continue the partnership with Hutchinson for the numerous sports.

"The KSHSAA is fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct championship activities in Hutchinson," Faflick said. "We make the decision to continue to host events in Hutchinson because of the people who are conducting those events. More specifically, we believe the staff at Hutchinson Community College, under the leadership of AD Josh Gooch, understand the importance of creating a championship atmosphere for students and the school communities participating in championship tournaments. Addressing an almost unending list of details, Josh and his team realize each of those items make a difference for those coming to events they host."

Whether it's state football, state basketball, or state volleyball, each event takes a village to make possible.

"With the events we host it does take everybody," Gooch said. "The facilities staff is second to none, the reason why we can turn the events and host multiple games in days is because our facilities staff is prepped and prepared or the field and the places where the patrons are, the ins and outs of the buildings and stadiums are as nice as they get anywhere you go. We've got an army of people that make these events possible. We started working on this year's state basketball tournament on January 14 when I looked back at my notes."

A repreresentative from the KSHSAA comes to Hutchinson and meets with the staff to make sure they're prepared to host.

"They go over any of the new items that might be taking place that year," Gooch said. "They also tell us some things we can improve on and things that they want to highlight that we do well. Each of my staff has different roles and the volunteers each have their own roles, as well."

One of those staff members is HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter. Of the many tasks Carpenter has, one is the media contact for all media attending the 3A tournament.&nbsp;

"I have checked on this with KSHSAA and we are by and large the most heavily covered tournament from a media standpoint," Carpenter said. "Early on, I take care of getting all of the credentials administered to and making sure we've got them all locked in for when the tournament starts."

Once the games tipoff on Wednesday, Carpenter can be found on his laptop at the table on the south side of the Sports Arena.

"You'll see me at the scorers table, myself and my stat crew, constantly running stats," Carpenter said. "This year I thought about wearing a pedometer to track my steps, because we run stats at every timeout. The stats to me are very important, because they have to be accurate, this is the one chance we get to do it. Especially if there are state records or anything, we want to make sure we are specifically accurate with that and there's no having to go back and question it. I take a lot of pride in the stats. I also help out with all of the on-table help if any troubleshooting is needed."

One thing that Faflick enjoys about the staff at HutchCC, is their willingness to run the event like a true championship culture.

"While many host sites 'turn the venue over' to state association and school staff, Josh and his team have stepped up and fill every position needed for multi-day championship tournaments in volleyball and basketball, as well as for a championship game in football," Faflick said. "The Hutchinson Community College team provides a great first impression for all stakeholders, including students, coaches, parents, administrators, media, and general spectators. Josh and his team consider the overall goal of fair play and a great experience for student athletes competing for the coveted championship, all while considering the minute details which make a huge difference for stakeholders."

There are around 100 individuals that put in countless hours to make the week happen.

"You have my staff of five," Gooch said. "Then you have 16 team hosts, people throughout the community that are the point of contact for that specific team about anything they may need from restaurants to go to or things to do, that's a tradition we've always had and that the teams coming in look forward to. Our workforce continues with the facilities crew and it doesn't end when people leave the venue, they're still working. We also have ball help to make sure the proper balls are out for the girls and the boys. Then we have concessions help, a lot of our Blue Dragon student-athletes that are on work-study help with that. Ticket takers and ticket sellers, we have to have people getting patrons in and out of the facility. We have a pass gate where all the members that are participating are going in. Merchandise booth, hospitality room, the scorers table, the officials, the awards presenters, there are a lot of people that make this tournament possible."

One thing that will be new at this year's tournament is the Hutch Madness Trivia game, which is a special engagement with Visit Hutch. There is a QR code that will be put on the video board and you scan it where each game there will be trivia and then it'll keep track of your points and you'll have an opportunity to win prizes from area businesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741095160913.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/information/Class_3A_State_Tournament/Lede_Page">3A STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College campus will once again be busy this week with the return of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) class 3A boys and girls state basketball tournaments.The four-day event runs Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. There will be four games per day, with girls playing quarterfinals Wednesday and boys on Thursday. Friday features semifinal action and then on Saturday the 3rd place games and state title games.This year marks the 71st KSHSAA state tournament that the Hutchinson Sports Arena has hosted. The arena opened in 1952, and has hosted a tournament every year with the exception of 1973 and 1974. Overall, this will be the 82nd state tournament held in the Salt City, as 10 tournaments were hosted at Memorial Hall prior to the completion of the Sports Arena."It brings families, it brings students to our community," HutchCC athletic director Josh Gooch said. "They're eating in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our shops, it's larger than just our community college, although that's where the games are held at either at the Sports Arena or at Gowans Stadium. Our Visit Hutch, our collaboration with Visit Hutch, the chamber, they're a close partner with us as we navigate securing those events. We take a lot of pride in our relationship with KSHSAA."Bill Faflick, the executive director of the KSHSAA is happy to continue the partnership with Hutchinson for the numerous sports."The KSHSAA is fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct championship activities in Hutchinson," Faflick said. "We make the decision to continue to host events in Hutchinson because of the people who are conducting those events. More specifically, we believe the staff at Hutchinson Community College, under the leadership of AD Josh Gooch, understand the importance of creating a championship atmosphere for students and the school communities participating in championship tournaments. Addressing an almost unending list of details, Josh and his team realize each of those items make a difference for those coming to events they host."Whether it's state football, state basketball, or state volleyball, each event takes a village to make possible."With the events we host it does take everybody," Gooch said. "The facilities staff is second to none, the reason why we can turn the events and host multiple games in days is because our facilities staff is prepped and prepared or the field and the places where the patrons are, the ins and outs of the buildings and stadiums are as nice as they get anywhere you go. We've got an army of people that make these events possible. We started working on this year's state basketball tournament on January 14 when I looked back at my notes."A repreresentative from the KSHSAA comes to Hutchinson and meets with the staff to make sure they're prepared to host."They go over any of the new items that might be taking place that year," Gooch said. "They also tell us some things we can improve on and things that they want to highlight that we do well. Each of my staff has different roles and the volunteers each have their own roles, as well."One of those staff members is HutchCC sports information director Steve Carpenter. Of the many tasks Carpenter has, one is the media contact for all media attending the 3A tournament.&nbsp;"I have checked on this with KSHSAA and we are by and large the most heavily covered tournament from a media standpoint," Carpenter said. "Early on, I take care of getting all of the credentials administered to and making sure we've got them all locked in for when the tournament starts."Once the games tipoff on Wednesday, Carpenter can be found on his laptop at the table on the south side of the Sports Arena."You'll see me at the scorers table, myself and my stat crew, constantly running stats," Carpenter said. "This year I thought about wearing a pedometer to track my steps, because we run stats at every timeout. The stats to me are very important, because they have to be accurate, this is the one chance we get to do it. Especially if there are state records or anything, we want to make sure we are specifically accurate with that and there's no having to go back and question it. I take a lot of pride in the stats. I also help out with all of the on-table help if any troubleshooting is needed."One thing that Faflick enjoys about the staff at HutchCC, is their willingness to run the event like a true championship culture."While many host sites 'turn the venue over' to state association and school staff, Josh and his team have stepped up and fill every position needed for multi-day championship tournaments in volleyball and basketball, as well as for a championship game in football," Faflick said. "The Hutchinson Community College team provides a great first impression for all stakeholders, including students, coaches, parents, administrators, media, and general spectators. Josh and his team consider the overall goal of fair play and a great experience for student athletes competing for the coveted championship, all while considering the minute details which make a huge difference for stakeholders."There are around 100 individuals that put in countless hours to make the week happen."You have my staff of five," Gooch said. "Then you have 16 team hosts, people throughout the community that are the point of contact for that specific team about anything they may need from restaurants to go to or things to do, that's a tradition we've always had and that the teams coming in look forward to. Our workforce continues with the facilities crew and it doesn't end when people leave the venue, they're still working. We also have ball help to make sure the proper balls are out for the girls and the boys. Then we have concessions help, a lot of our Blue Dragon student-athletes that are on work-study help with that. Ticket takers and ticket sellers, we have to have people getting patrons in and out of the facility. We have a pass gate where all the members that are participating are going in. Merchandise booth, hospitality room, the scorers table, the officials, the awards presenters, there are a lot of people that make this tournament possible."One thing that will be new at this year's tournament is the Hutch Madness Trivia game, which is a special engagement with Visit Hutch. There is a QR code that will be put on the video board and you scan it where each game there will be trivia and then it'll keep track of your points and you'll have an opportunity to win prizes from area businesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><h1>2025 State Basketball Schedule</h1>
<h2>Wednesday, March 12</h2>
Girls Quarterfinals
2 p.m.: [2] Halstead (22-1) vs. [7] Neodesha (18-3)
4 p.m.: [3] Osage City (22-1) vs. [6] Colby (21-2)
6 p.m.: [1] Hesston (23-0) vs. [8] Holcomb (18-5)
8 p.m.: [4] Silver Lake (21-2) vs. [5] Girard (21-2)
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday, March 13</h2>
Boys Quarterfinals
2 p.m.: [1] Galena (22-0) vs. [8] Kansas City Bishop Ward (16-7)
4 p.m.:&nbsp;[4]&nbsp;Hesston (21-2) vs.&nbsp;[5] Burlington (20-3)
6 p.m.: [2] Lakin (22-1) vs. [7] Silver Lake (18-5)
8 p.m.: [3] Cheney (22-1) vs. [6] Goodland (20-3)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday, March 14</h2>
Semifinals
2 p.m. (G):&nbsp;Halstead/Neodesha winner vs. Osage City/Colby winner
4 p.m. (B):&nbsp;Galena/KC Ward winner vs. Hesston/Burlington winner
6 p.m. (G):&nbsp;Hesston/Holcomb winner vs. Silver Lake/Girard winner
8 p.m. (B):&nbsp;Lakin/Silver Lake winner vs. Cheney/Goodland winner
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday, March 15</h2>
3rd Place Games &amp; Championships
12 p.m. (G 3rd Place): Semifinals losers
2 p.m. (B 3rd Place): Semifinal losers
4 p.m. (G Championship): Semifinal winners
6:15 p.m. (B Championship): Semifinal winners</div>

🏀 KSHSAA state tournament returns to Sports Arena for 71st year, 82nd year in Hutchinson

After leading one of the best indoor seasons in program history this season, Hutchinson Community College track and field head coach Robert Spies was named the NJCAA Central Region Coach of the Year on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.

Spies led the Blue Dragon men to the program's first Region 6 and Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history. The fifth-year head coach also led the Blue Dragon women to a third-place Region 6 finish and Jayhawk West third-place finish – both of those placings were the best in indoor women's history.

The Blue Dragon men won the Region 6 team championship with 109 team points, winning by 16 points. The Blue Dragons also captured their first Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history with 158 points winning by 46 points.

The Blue Dragons earned four individual regional event championships and scored in 13 of 20 events.

Over the course of the season, the Blue Dragon men's track team broke seven school records.

The Blue Dragon women scored a program-high 85 points to place third in the region held at Pittsburg State. The Blue Dragons also finished third in the Jayhawk West standings with 112 points.

The Blue Dragon women broke two school records in the 2025 indoor season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741612723341.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon track and field head coach Robert Spies accepts his NJCAA Central District Coach of the Year award on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon track and field head coach Robert Spies accepts his NJCAA Central District Coach of the Year award on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationAfter leading one of the best indoor seasons in program history this season, Hutchinson Community College track and field head coach Robert Spies was named the NJCAA Central Region Coach of the Year on Saturday at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.Spies led the Blue Dragon men to the program's first Region 6 and Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history. The fifth-year head coach also led the Blue Dragon women to a third-place Region 6 finish and Jayhawk West third-place finish – both of those placings were the best in indoor women's history.The Blue Dragon men won the Region 6 team championship with 109 team points, winning by 16 points. The Blue Dragons also captured their first Jayhawk West indoor team championship in program history with 158 points winning by 46 points.The Blue Dragons earned four individual regional event championships and scored in 13 of 20 events.Over the course of the season, the Blue Dragon men's track team broke seven school records.The Blue Dragon women scored a program-high 85 points to place third in the region held at Pittsburg State. The Blue Dragons also finished third in the Jayhawk West standings with 112 points.The Blue Dragon women broke two school records in the 2025 indoor season.

👟 HutchCC's Spies named Central Region Coach of the Year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741612648134.jpeg" alt="Addi Lutz celebrates rounding the bases after hitting a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Blue Dragons rallied for an 8-3 victory and a doubleheader sweep of Labette on Sunday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Addi Lutz celebrates rounding the bases after hitting a go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Blue Dragons rallied for an 8-3 victory and a doubleheader sweep of Labette on Sunday at Fun Valley. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For the second and third time this week, the Hutchinson Community College softball team put together late-inning rallies for wins and earned a doubleheader sweep of the Labette Cardinals on Sunday at Fun Valley.
Trailing Game 1 by two runs in the fifth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;tied the game with an infield single and later scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch as the Blue Dragons came back to win 10-9.
Then trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth, freshman Addi Lutz &ndash; the hero of Hutchinson's 7-6, nine-inning win over No. 14 Butler on Thursday &ndash; launched a go-ahead three-run home run and the Dragons rallied for an 8-3 win in Game 2.
The Blue Dragons have now won 7 of the last 8 games and is 11-5. Hutchinson returns to Jayhawk Conference play with Seward County in a home doubleheader at 2 p.m. at Fun Valley.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 8, Labette 3 The Blue Dragons trailed 3-1 in the second game after 3 1/2 innings and pulled within one run on a Lutz single to center in the fourth that scored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>.
Then in the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;reached on an error and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;walked. Lutz then hit the first pitch she saw off the scoreboard in right-center field for a three-run home run and a 5-3 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>&nbsp;added an RBI double and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;had a two-run double to complete a six-run inning.
Lutz had her second game-winning RBI of the week. Against Butler on Thursday, her two-run single in the bottom of the seventh tied the Grizzlies at 6-all. She then had a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 Blue Dragon victory.
The Blue Dragon bullpen tossed five shutout innings to keep Hutchinson in the game.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came in with runners on the corner and no out in the third inning. Schmidt limited the damage to three runs and then worked two more scoreless innings. Golly threw out a baserunner and Schmidt had a pair of strikeouts in the fourth. Schmidt then started a 1-6-3 inning-ending double play on her last pitch of the game.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;pitched to the minimum six batters in the sixth and seventh inning for the win, striking out five, including the side in the seventh inning to finished off the comeback.
Lutz finished 2 for 3 with a season-high four RBIs and a run scored. The home run in the sixth was her first career homer.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Dice had two hits each. Golly drove in a pair of runs. The Dragons had 11 hits with three doubles and a homer run. The Dragons were also 5 of 5 in stolen bases.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 10, Labette 9 The Blue Dragons had to rally twice in the opening game with the Cardinals.
Labette led 3-1 before the Blue Dragons erupted for five runs in the third, getting consecutive RBI hits from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>, Golly and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>.
The Cardinals then struck for six runs, getting a grand slam from Jaden Jordan, in the fifth inning to take a 9-7 lead. The Blue Dragons immediately answered back with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;RBI single. She scored the game-tying run on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>'s infield RBI single. The Dragons then took a 10-9 lead when Kruger scored on a wild pitch.
Schmidt (2-1) pitched scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh in earn her second victory of the week. She retired the final eight batters she faced with one strikeout.
The Blue Dragons out-hit Labette 15-13.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 5 with a double, triple, three runs scored and one RBI. She also had a stolen base.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;had a season-high three hits, going 3 for 4 with a run scored.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 3 with three runs scored and stole four bases, which tied her own single-game stolen base record she set originally against Fort Hays Tech Northwest.
Golly had two hits and two RBIs. Stauffer had two hits, including a double.</div>

🥎 Dragons rally twice to sweep Labette

LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 6, 2025 — Bethany College has announced the expansion of its partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) through a new 2+2 articulation agreement in Criminal Justice. This agreement provides students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. 

This structured, cost-effective program equips students with the necessary skills and academic foundation for law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and legal studies careers. 

Bethany College Interim President Steve Eckman emphasized the importance of this partnership for students and their families. 

"Bethany College is committed to providing students with clear and accessible pathways to a meaningful career. This agreement with Hutchinson Community College is another example of how we are working to make a high-quality education affordable and achievable for students and their families. Criminal Justice is a field that offers stability, purpose, and opportunity, and we are proud to partner with HutchCC to help students take the next step toward a successful and service-oriented career."

Mel Whiteside the Hutchinson Community College Vice President for Academic Affairs added, "This new transfer partnership is an exciting opportunity for our criminal justice students to seamlessly continue their education and advance their careers. By working together with Bethany College, we are ensuring that our students have a clear and accessible pathway to success. This is another example of our commitment to providing high-quality education and opportunities that empower our students to make a real impact in their communities."

In December, the institutions announced a similar 2+2 pathway in Digital Arts, allowing students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC and earn an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. The growing collaboration between Bethany College and HutchCC reinforces both institutions' commitment to providing students with accessible, affordable, and career-focused education. 

Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a key role in finalizing this agreement, highlighted its impact, "Having this agreement in place provides Professor Rande Repp, Professor Laura Hultquist, and all involved in recruitment with another valuable tool to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. This collaboration ensures that students can transition smoothly between institutions, maximizing their education while minimizing costs." 

Both institutions will provide academic advising, guidance, and student support services to help students navigate their coursework and career aspirations. Bethany College and HutchCC will also promote this agreement to prospective students, parents, and educators. 

With a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, Bethany College continues to position itself as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers. The college's Criminal Justice program focuses on hands-on learning, ethical leadership, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the justice system. 

For more information about Bethany College’s Criminal Justice program, visit <a href="http://bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice">bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741316129528.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bethany CollegeLINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 6, 2025 — Bethany College has announced the expansion of its partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) through a new 2+2 articulation agreement in Criminal Justice. This agreement provides students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This structured, cost-effective program equips students with the necessary skills and academic foundation for law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and legal studies careers. Bethany College Interim President Steve Eckman emphasized the importance of this partnership for students and their families. "Bethany College is committed to providing students with clear and accessible pathways to a meaningful career. This agreement with Hutchinson Community College is another example of how we are working to make a high-quality education affordable and achievable for students and their families. Criminal Justice is a field that offers stability, purpose, and opportunity, and we are proud to partner with HutchCC to help students take the next step toward a successful and service-oriented career."Mel Whiteside the Hutchinson Community College Vice President for Academic Affairs added, "This new transfer partnership is an exciting opportunity for our criminal justice students to seamlessly continue their education and advance their careers. By working together with Bethany College, we are ensuring that our students have a clear and accessible pathway to success. This is another example of our commitment to providing high-quality education and opportunities that empower our students to make a real impact in their communities."In December, the institutions announced a similar 2+2 pathway in Digital Arts, allowing students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC and earn an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. The growing collaboration between Bethany College and HutchCC reinforces both institutions' commitment to providing students with accessible, affordable, and career-focused education. Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a key role in finalizing this agreement, highlighted its impact, "Having this agreement in place provides Professor Rande Repp, Professor Laura Hultquist, and all involved in recruitment with another valuable tool to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. This collaboration ensures that students can transition smoothly between institutions, maximizing their education while minimizing costs." Both institutions will provide academic advising, guidance, and student support services to help students navigate their coursework and career aspirations. Bethany College and HutchCC will also promote this agreement to prospective students, parents, and educators. With a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, Bethany College continues to position itself as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers. The college's Criminal Justice program focuses on hands-on learning, ethical leadership, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the justice system. For more information about Bethany College’s Criminal Justice program, visit <a href="http://bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice">bethanylb.edu/criminal-justice</a>.

HutchCC, Bethany College sign new 2+2 criminal justice agreement

LUBBOCK, Texas – For the second-straight day, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/legrand_leo_gfpl">Leo LeGrand</a>&nbsp;broke a Blue Dragon school record in the 800 meters.

There was an added perk to Saturday's record-breaking run for LeGrand – a national championship.

The sophomore from Mansfield, Texas, became the eighth Blue Dragon in program history to win an NJCAA Indoor national championship, winning the 800-meter run on Saturday at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.

LeGrand won the championship with a Blue Dragon-record time of 1 minute, 50.12 seconds. He qualified for Saturday's finals with a Blue Dragon-record of 1:52.40, which was the third-fastest time in Friday's preliminary round.

LeGrand is the first Blue Dragon to win an NJCAA Indoor national championship since 2020 when Andrew Kibet won both the 1,000 meters and Mile run national titles.

LeGrand earned his second first-team All-America award. As a freshman, LeGrand was the national runner-up in the 1,000 meters in 2024.

The Region 6 champion Blue Dragons placed 16th in the 2025 NJCAA Indoor championships with 17 points. South Plains won the men's title with 119.5 points. New Mexico Junior College was second with 86 points. Barton was the top Region 6 team, finishing seventh with 36 points.

Other Blue Dragon performances on Saturday:

+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/mangelson_farrin_7y5g">Farrin Mangelson</a>&nbsp;placed 11th the Mile run on Saturday with a time of 4:12.01. That time ranks third in Blue Dragon indoor history.

+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/kiprotich_titus_hgfs">Titus Kiprotich</a>&nbsp;placed 16th with a time of 4:15.62.

+ Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/parkinson_malique_53uy">Malique Parkinson</a>&nbsp;was 16th in the triple jump with a top jump of 46 feet, 8 3/4 inches (14.24 meters).

The Blue Dragons will open the 2025 outdoor season on Saturday, March 29 at the Mark A. Phillips Classic in Arkansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741533277033.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLUBBOCK, Texas – For the second-straight day, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/legrand_leo_gfpl">Leo LeGrand</a>&nbsp;broke a Blue Dragon school record in the 800 meters.There was an added perk to Saturday's record-breaking run for LeGrand – a national championship.The sophomore from Mansfield, Texas, became the eighth Blue Dragon in program history to win an NJCAA Indoor national championship, winning the 800-meter run on Saturday at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.LeGrand won the championship with a Blue Dragon-record time of 1 minute, 50.12 seconds. He qualified for Saturday's finals with a Blue Dragon-record of 1:52.40, which was the third-fastest time in Friday's preliminary round.LeGrand is the first Blue Dragon to win an NJCAA Indoor national championship since 2020 when Andrew Kibet won both the 1,000 meters and Mile run national titles.LeGrand earned his second first-team All-America award. As a freshman, LeGrand was the national runner-up in the 1,000 meters in 2024.The Region 6 champion Blue Dragons placed 16th in the 2025 NJCAA Indoor championships with 17 points. South Plains won the men's title with 119.5 points. New Mexico Junior College was second with 86 points. Barton was the top Region 6 team, finishing seventh with 36 points.Other Blue Dragon performances on Saturday:+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/mangelson_farrin_7y5g">Farrin Mangelson</a>&nbsp;placed 11th the Mile run on Saturday with a time of 4:12.01. That time ranks third in Blue Dragon indoor history.+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/kiprotich_titus_hgfs">Titus Kiprotich</a>&nbsp;placed 16th with a time of 4:15.62.+ Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/parkinson_malique_53uy">Malique Parkinson</a>&nbsp;was 16th in the triple jump with a top jump of 46 feet, 8 3/4 inches (14.24 meters).The Blue Dragons will open the 2025 outdoor season on Saturday, March 29 at the Mark A. Phillips Classic in Arkansas City.

👟 LeGrand captures indoor 800-meter national championship

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741533199886.jpeg" alt="Lachlan Rosser tossed a three-hit complete game in the No. 21 Blue Dragons' 11-1 win over Dodge City in the final game of a four-game series with the Conquistadors on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Lachlan Rosser tossed a three-hit complete game in the No. 21 Blue Dragons' 11-1 win over Dodge City in the final game of a four-game series with the Conquistadors on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The No. 21-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team won its seventh-consecutive Jayhawk West series dating back to last season with a doubleheader sweep of the Dodge City Conquistadors.
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/stokes_taber_u8n0">Taber Stokes</a>&nbsp;drove in two runs and scored another as the Blue Dragons defeated Dodge City 5-2 in Game 1 on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. The Blue Dragons completed the series win as freshman pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/rosser_lachlan_s3z7">Lachlan Rosser</a>&nbsp;tossed a three-hit complete game in an 11-1 win in seven innings.
Now 16-3, the Blue Dragons match the best start in program history through 19 games, tying the 2006 Blue Dragons. The Dragons are 3-1 in Jayhawk West play. Hutchinson plays host to the Cowley Tigers at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and will play the Barton Cougars in a four-game Jayhawk West series beginning Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. Dodge City is now 12-6 and 1-3.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 5, Dodge City 2 Stokes, who went 8 for 13 in the four-game series, started the game off with two-run single in the bottom of the first inning. Stokes then led off the third inning with a triple and scored on a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;ground ball for a 3-0 lead.
That gave Blue Dragon pitchers&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/wolcott_jake_0h6q">Jake Wolcott</a>&nbsp;and Collin Flores the run support they needed to get the victory.
Wolcott (2-0) pitched a season-long five innings to earn the victory. He scattered five hits and allowed two runs and two walks with two strikeouts. He pitched with runners on base in every inning, but got out of early jams when catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;threw out two Dodge City base stealers in the second and third innings. The Conquistadors broke through with two runs in the fifth against Wolcott, which cut the Dragon lead to 4-2.
Flores entered the game in the sixth inning and retired all six batters he faced for his first save of the season. Flores had two strikeouts.
Stokes led the Dragons' seven-hit attack going 2 for 3 with a triple, run scored and two RBIs. Mazza went 2 for 3 with a double and triple with a run and RBI. Mazza's fourth-inning triple that scored&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/tygart_baker_ked6">C.J. Reid</a>&nbsp;gave the Dragons a 4-0 lead.
Reid went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/fegen_scotty_n1yk">Scotty Fegen</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single in the sixth to score pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hamrick_cael_iiy0">Cael Hamrick</a>&nbsp;for a 5-2 Dragon lead.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 11, Dodge City 1 (7 innings) Rosser's first start of the season became the first complete game of the season for the Blue Dragons. Rosser allowed just three hits and one earned run, tying a season high for strikeouts with 6.
Rosser (1-1) faced no more than four batters in any one inning. The Dragons got defensive held with an inning-ending double play in the third inning and Mazza throwing out a Conquistador baserunner in the seventh inning.
Offensively the Blue Dragons scored four runs in the first inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mustow_adam_sf8t">A.J. Mustow</a>&nbsp;had a two-run double, while&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;had RBI hits in the inning. The Dragons added three runs in the third inning to take a 7-0 lead.
Mustow had his first career four-hit game going 4 for 4 with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored to lead the Blue Dragons.
Griffin went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs. Glantz had an RBI double and two sacrifice flies for a three-RBI game going 1 for 3.
The Blue Dragons had 12 hits with six doubles.
The Blue Dragons scored three runs in the seventh to get the game to a run-rule walk-off.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;led off the inning with a home run. Stokes added an RBI double and then scored the Dragons' 11th run on Glantz's sacrifice fly.</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons claim series win over Dodge City

LUBBOCK, Texas – Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/green_aiyanna_nkel">Aiyanna Green</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/picolet_jordan_z3sx">Jordyn Picolet</a>&nbsp;both had Hutchinson Community College women's track and field indoor Top-10 performances on Saturday on the final day of the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.

Green, a sophomore thrower from Hutchinson, had the best Blue Dragon finish of Day 2 with a ninth-place performance in the women's weight throw. Green posted a career-best throw of 50 feet, 6 inches (15.39 meters). That throw ranks third in Blue Dragon women's indoor history.

Picolet, a sophomore distance runner from Council Grove, Kansas, posted the fifth-best time in the women's 1,000-meter run, finishing 12th with a time of 5:18.67.

The Blue Dragons finished in a tie for 25th place with five points. Those points came from Deisheline Mayer Scott and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/montaque_janiel_88cd">Janiel Montaque</a>, who placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the shot put on Friday.

+ Mayer Scott placed 18th in the weight throw with a top throw of 44-0 (13.41 meters).

+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/grantham_abigail_40ez">Abigail Grantham</a>&nbsp;was 20th in the 1,000 meters with a time of 5:20.85.

+ Sophomore Laura Avila was 27th in the 1,000 meters in a time of 5:38.88.

Iowa Western won the women's team national championship with 114 points. Barton was the women's national runner-up with 105 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741533113944.jpeg" alt="Deisheline Mayer Scott's sixth-place finish in the shot put on Friday led the Blue Dragon women's track and field team this weekend at the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas." />
 <figcaption>Deisheline Mayer Scott's sixth-place finish in the shot put on Friday led the Blue Dragon women's track and field team this weekend at the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLUBBOCK, Texas – Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/green_aiyanna_nkel">Aiyanna Green</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/picolet_jordan_z3sx">Jordyn Picolet</a>&nbsp;both had Hutchinson Community College women's track and field indoor Top-10 performances on Saturday on the final day of the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.Green, a sophomore thrower from Hutchinson, had the best Blue Dragon finish of Day 2 with a ninth-place performance in the women's weight throw. Green posted a career-best throw of 50 feet, 6 inches (15.39 meters). That throw ranks third in Blue Dragon women's indoor history.Picolet, a sophomore distance runner from Council Grove, Kansas, posted the fifth-best time in the women's 1,000-meter run, finishing 12th with a time of 5:18.67.The Blue Dragons finished in a tie for 25th place with five points. Those points came from Deisheline Mayer Scott and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/montaque_janiel_88cd">Janiel Montaque</a>, who placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the shot put on Friday.Other Blue Dragon performances on Saturday:+ Mayer Scott placed 18th in the weight throw with a top throw of 44-0 (13.41 meters).+ Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/grantham_abigail_40ez">Abigail Grantham</a>&nbsp;was 20th in the 1,000 meters with a time of 5:20.85.+ Sophomore Laura Avila was 27th in the 1,000 meters in a time of 5:38.88.Iowa Western won the women's team national championship with 114 points. Barton was the women's national runner-up with 105 points.The Blue Dragons will open the 2025 outdoor season on Saturday, March 29 at the Mark A. Phillips Classic in Arkansas City.

👟 Dragons post two top-10 times on final day at NJCAA indoor 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Hutchinson High School graduate Myles Thompson has delivered big plays in March throughout his basketball career. Now, he'll have the chance to do it on the biggest stage.

Thompson and his Southern Illinois Edwardsville (SIUE) team secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament with a 69-48 win over Southeast Missouri State in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game Saturday in Evansville, Indiana. The Cougars will enter the big dance with a 22-11 record.

Thompson contributed nine points and a team-high seven rebounds in the victory. This is the first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Cougars.

In his first season at SIUE, he has played in 32 games, making one start while averaging 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.

Before joining SIUE, Thompson helped lead Barton Community College to the NJCAA Division I national championship last March at Hutchinson Sports Arena. He had a breakout tournament, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, including three 20-point performances in four games as Barton captured its first-ever national title.

Thompson earned first-team all-conference honors and was named to the all-tournament teams for both the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.

SIUE, an NCAA Division I program in the Ohio Valley Conference, is located in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Cougars are coached by former Butler Community College coach Brian Barone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741496535304.png" alt="Photo Courtesy SIUE Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy SIUE Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostEVANSVILLE, Ind. — Hutchinson High School graduate Myles Thompson has delivered big plays in March throughout his basketball career. Now, he'll have the chance to do it on the biggest stage.Thompson and his Southern Illinois Edwardsville (SIUE) team secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament with a 69-48 win over Southeast Missouri State in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game Saturday in Evansville, Indiana. The Cougars will enter the big dance with a 22-11 record.Thompson contributed nine points and a team-high seven rebounds in the victory. This is the first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Cougars.In his first season at SIUE, he has played in 32 games, making one start while averaging 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.Before joining SIUE, Thompson helped lead Barton Community College to the NJCAA Division I national championship last March at Hutchinson Sports Arena. He had a breakout tournament, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, including three 20-point performances in four games as Barton captured its first-ever national title.Thompson earned first-team all-conference honors and was named to the all-tournament teams for both the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.SIUE, an NCAA Division I program in the Ohio Valley Conference, is located in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Cougars are coached by former Butler Community College coach Brian Barone.

🏀 Hutch High grad helps SIUE reach NCAA Tournament

HAYS, Kan. - Hays High and Hutchinson girls met in the class 5A sub-state Championship on Friday night to battle for a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament. The Salthawks had a brief lead early at 4-0, but the wheels quickly came off at the start of the second quarter as Hays eliminated the Salthawks 56 to 17 ending a 29 year drought of qualifying for State for the Indians.

Hutchinson scored the first four points of the game. It took the Indians nearly three minutes to put anything on their side of the scoreboard. Katie Linenberger hit a pair of free throws and start the Indians scoring..

Hays held the Salthawks scoreless for the remainder of the quarter for an 8-4 lead after the first eight minutes. The second quarter belonged to the Indians. Linenberger scored the first six points of the frame forcing a Hutchinson timeout.

The Salthawks scored out of the time out for their only points of the second quarter. Molly Buckles scored the final two points of the quarter right before the buzzer to polish off a 13-0 run and a 27-6 halftime lead.

Hutch was led by Kaia Smith's seven points. Grace Posh and Clara Ontjes had three each, Ava Krone and Kohlbie Craft finished out the Salthawks scoring with two points each.

The Indians Molly Martin scored 16, Jenna Schmeidler had 15, Zoe Winter added 11 and Katie Linenberger chipped in 10. The Indians are 22-0 setting a record for their most wins in a season.

Seniors Grace Posh, Lily Rodriquez and Kaia Smith finished off their season at 15 and 8 including one the first times Hutchinson has reached the sub-state championship game in recent seasons.

Posh finishes her career with 971 points scored over her four seasons. Posh has committed to Seward County Community College to begin her college career.

Rodriquez will compete on the Hutch High Golf team this spring before enrolling at Hutchinson Community College in the fall.

Smith is undecided where she will play but has had several offers to continue her athletic career at the next level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741440872076.jpeg" alt="Salthawk Girls drop sub-state championship game to Hays 56-17 on Friday, March 7th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Salthawk Girls drop sub-state championship game to Hays 56-17 on Friday, March 7th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - Hays High and Hutchinson girls met in the class 5A sub-state Championship on Friday night to battle for a spot in the 5A State Basketball Tournament. The Salthawks had a brief lead early at 4-0, but the wheels quickly came off at the start of the second quarter as Hays eliminated the Salthawks 56 to 17 ending a 29 year drought of qualifying for State for the Indians.Hutchinson scored the first four points of the game. It took the Indians nearly three minutes to put anything on their side of the scoreboard. Katie Linenberger hit a pair of free throws and start the Indians scoring..Hays held the Salthawks scoreless for the remainder of the quarter for an 8-4 lead after the first eight minutes. The second quarter belonged to the Indians. Linenberger scored the first six points of the frame forcing a Hutchinson timeout.The Salthawks scored out of the time out for their only points of the second quarter. Molly Buckles scored the final two points of the quarter right before the buzzer to polish off a 13-0 run and a 27-6 halftime lead.Hutch was led by Kaia Smith's seven points. Grace Posh and Clara Ontjes had three each, Ava Krone and Kohlbie Craft finished out the Salthawks scoring with two points each.The Indians Molly Martin scored 16, Jenna Schmeidler had 15, Zoe Winter added 11 and Katie Linenberger chipped in 10. The Indians are 22-0 setting a record for their most wins in a season.Seniors Grace Posh, Lily Rodriquez and Kaia Smith finished off their season at 15 and 8 including one the first times Hutchinson has reached the sub-state championship game in recent seasons.Posh finishes her career with 971 points scored over her four seasons. Posh has committed to Seward County Community College to begin her college career.Rodriquez will compete on the Hutch High Golf team this spring before enrolling at Hutchinson Community College in the fall.Smith is undecided where she will play but has had several offers to continue her athletic career at the next level.

🏀 Hutch High Girls season comes to an end; Hays High advances to state for the first time in 29 seasons

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741019551612.png" alt="EAGLE Media High School Basketball Sub-State Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media High School Basketball Sub-State Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure><div><h1>Saturday, March&nbsp;8</h1>
<h2>4A&nbsp;Girls</h2>
[2] Buhler (17-4)&nbsp;vs. [10] Towanda-Circle (10-11), 5 p.m. [West sub-state championship]
[9]&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;(10-11) at [1] Wellington (20-1),&nbsp;5 p.m. [West sub-state championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>3A Boys</h2>
[4]&nbsp;Haven (19-3)&nbsp;vs. [1] Cheney (20-1),&nbsp;6:30 p.m. [Halstead sub-state #1 championship]
[2] Hesston (19-2) vs. [6] Council Grove (14-7),&nbsp;5 p.m. [Halstead sub-state #2 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>2A Boys</h2>
[1] Sterling (18-3) vs. [5] Stanton County (15-6), 2:30 p.m. [Sublette sub-state #1 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>2A Girls</h2>
[1] Moundridge (20-2)&nbsp;vs. [5]&nbsp;Whitewater-Remington (17-5), 6:30 p.m. [Moundridge sub-state #1 championship]
[3] Inman (18-3)&nbsp;vs. [2] Bennington (19-3),&nbsp;5 p.m. [Moundridge sub-state #2 championship]
&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>1A-I Boys</h2>
[1] Little River (14-6) vs.&nbsp;[2] Oxford (16-3), 6:30 p.m. [Canton-Galva sub-state #2 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>1A-II Boys</h2>
[9] Hutchinson-Central Christian (10-10) vs. [5] Sharon Springs-Wallace County (12-8), 5 p.m. [Dighton sub-state #2 championship]
[1] McPherson-Elyria Christian (16-4)&nbsp;vs. [4] South Haven (12-8), 6:30 p.m. [McPherson-Elyria Christian sub-state #1 championship @ Central Christian College]</div>

🏀 Hutch Post area sub-state schedule for March 8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741019551612.png" alt="EAGLE Media High School Basketball Sub-State Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media High School Basketball Sub-State Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure><div><h1>Friday, March&nbsp;7</h1>
<h2>5A&nbsp;Girls</h2>
[8] Hutchinson (15-6) at [1] Hays High (21-0),&nbsp;6 p.m. [West sub-state championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>4A Boys</h2>
[3]&nbsp;Pratt (16-5) vs. [6] Clay Center (15-6),&nbsp;7 p.m. [West sub-state championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>3A Girls</h2>
[1] Hesston (21-0) vs. [4] Riley County (16-5), 7:30 p.m. [Halstead sub-state #1 championship]
[2] Halstead (20-1) vs. [11] Marysville (11-11), 6 p.m. [Halstead sub-state #2 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>2A Boys</h2>
[1] Moundridge (22-0) vs. [4]&nbsp;Berean Academy (16-6), 7:30 p.m. [Moundridge sub-state #1 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>1A-I&nbsp;Girls</h2>
[1] Little River (18-0) vs. [4] Madison (13-7), 7:30 p.m. [Canton-Galva sub-state #1 championship]
&nbsp;
<h2>1A-II Girls</h2>
[3] Hutchinson-Central Christian (16-4) vs. [2] Lebo (18-1), 7:30 p.m. [McPherson-Elyria Christian sub-state #2 championship @ Central Christian College]</div>

🏀 Hutch Post area sub-state schedule for March 7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741353805467.jpeg" alt="Addi Lutz celebrates with first-base coach Ray Aguirre after hitting a ninth-inning walk-off single to lead the Blue Dragon softball team to a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over No. 14 Butler in Game 1 on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Addi Lutz celebrates with first-base coach Ray Aguirre after hitting a ninth-inning walk-off single to lead the Blue Dragon softball team to a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over No. 14 Butler in Game 1 on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Freshman designated player Addi Lutz came up big not just once, but twice on Thursday, to lead the Hutchinson Community College softball team to a wild come-from behind walk-off victory over No. 14 Butler in a KJCCC doubleheader at Fun Valley.
The Dragons rallied from four runs down entering their final at-bat in Game 1, forced extra innings and Lutz roped a walk-off single into center field to score&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;for a 7-6 victory in nine innings over the Grizzlies. Butler came back to take Game 2 10-2 in six innings.
The Blue Dragons improved to 9-5 overall and are 5-1 in the Jayhawk Conference. Butler suffered its first loss of the season and is now 7-1 overall and 1-1 in the KJCCC. Hutchinson will play host to Labette in a make-up doubleheader at 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday at Fun Valley.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 7, Butler 6 (9 innings) Butler led 3-2 entering the seventh inning in Game 1 and scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take a 6-2 lead. That's when the Blue Dragon fireworks started.
The bottom of the seventh started with a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;double,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>&nbsp;RBI double and a Stauffer RBI double cut the Butler lead to 6-4. After a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>&nbsp;line-out to third base for the first out of the inning, Stauffer and Backhaus moved up 60 feet each on a wild pitch. Lutz then laced a single up the middle that deflected off the second-base bag to score Stauffer and Backhaus to tie the game at 6-6. One batter later, Lutz was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a Butler error to end the seventh.
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;got the Blue Dragons out of their seventh-inning jam and pitched three innings of scoreless relief with two strikeouts and a walk and hit allowed.
Then in the bottom of the ninth, the Dragons cashed in on two Grizzly throwing errors. With Stauffer at third and Brawner at first, Lutz singled up the middle to score Stauffer with the game-winning run and secure a three-game win streak over Butler, which included the two championship game victories in the 2024 Region 6 Tournament championship game.
The Blue Dragons had eight hits off three Butler pitchers.
Lutz was 3 for 5 with a season-high three RBIs. Stauffer was 3 for 5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs. Golly went 2 for 4 with a double and RBI
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Butler 10, Hutchinson 2 (6 innings) The Blue Dragons jumped on Butler starter Ellie Randall for two runs on one hit.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;scored on a bases-loaded walk to Brawner and Golly scored on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead. Butler scored three runs in the top of the second to take a 3-2 lead.
After&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>&nbsp;lined into a double play in the second, Butler seized control. Randall allowed just two hits after the first inning.
The Grizzlies broke the game open against three Hutchinson pitchers with a five-run fifth and two-run sixth inning.
Kruger, Staffer and Lutz had the only hits for the Dragons in Game 2.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;(4-2) suffered the loss for the Dragons, working 4 1-3 innings with five hits and five runs allowed.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>&nbsp;and Schmidt also pitched as Butler out-hit the Dragons 10-3 in the second game.</div>

🥎 Clutch Lutz hits rally Dragons past Grizzlies

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741353702312.jpeg" alt="Eli Duncan smacked two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs in No. 21 Hutchinson's 23-11 rule-run win over Dodge City in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Thursday in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Eli Duncan smacked two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs in No. 21 Hutchinson's 23-11 rule-run win over Dodge City in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Thursday in Dodge City. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
DODGE CITY &ndash; Catcher Eli Duncan had two home runs and six RBIs to ignite a Hutchinson Community College offense that struggled in Thursday's Jayhawk West opener on Thursday at Cavalier Field in Dodge City.
Duncan's performance led the No. 21-ranked Blue Dragons in Game 2 to a 23-11 victory over the Conquistadors. Dodge City won the opener 8-2 earlier Thursday.
The Blue Dragons are now 14-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. Dodge City is 12-4 overall and 1-1 in the league. Games 3 and 4 of this opening KJCCC series will be at 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.
Hutchinson's 23-run explosion in Game 2 tied for the highest single-game output in the Brock Nehls' era and it tied for the eighth-most runs scored in single-game history. The last time the Dragons scored at least 23 runs last May 10, 2024 against Labette in the opening round of the Region 6 tournament at Hobart-Detter Field.
GAME 2 RECAP (Hutchinson 23, Dodge City 11 &ndash; 7 innings) Duncan is the first Blue Dragon this season with a multi-home run game. He hit a three-run home run in the top of the third inning to give the Blue Dragons a 6-1 lead. Then after Dodge City rallied to take a 9-8 lead, Duncan launched his second three-run home run to left field as part of a season-high 10-run inning in the top of the sixth inning.
Duncan finished 2 for 5 with a career-high six RBIs, which is also an individual high for the Blue Dragons this season.
The Nos. 8 and 9 hitters for the Dragons &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>&nbsp;and Duncan &ndash; combined to go 6 for 9 with 10 RBIs, six runs, three doubles and two home runs.
Griffin was a career-best 4 for 4 with three doubles, which tied a Blue Dragon single-game record for doubles with nine others &ndash; the last time by Ben McLaughlin vs. State Fair on March 9, 2021.
Griffin,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;all tied a team single-game record for runs scored with four each. They are the 32nd, 33rd and 34th Blue Dragons to score four runs in a single game.
The Blue Dragons had a season-high four home runs, also getting homers from Mazza and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/stokes_taber_u8n0">Taber Stokes</a>.
Hutchinson jumped out to leads of 3-0, 6-1 and 9-3 before Dodge City rallied to take a 9-8 lead after five innings. The Blue Dragons sent 14 batters to the plate in the sixth inning and racked up six hits to take an 18-9 lead. The Dragons tacked one five more runs in the top of the seventh to take a 23-9 lead.
Mazza, who in Game 1 had his 14-game hitting streak to start the season ended, was 3 for 3 with three RBIs, including his second home run of the season. Stokes was 3 for 5 with three RBIs and two runs. Stokes was a single shy of hitting for the cycle with a two-run home run, RBI triple and a double.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 4 with three runs scored. A.J.Mustow drove in two runs.
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/ainsworth_seth_huwf">Seth Ainsworth</a>&nbsp;(2-0) was the winning pitcher, going the final 3 1-3 innings. He allowed five hits and three runs with four strikeouts and two walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/perry_gabe_wq1l">Gabe Perry</a>&nbsp;went 3 2/3 innings in his start. He allowed seven hits and eight runs.
GAME 1 RECAP (Dodge City 8, Hutchinson 2) Dodge City Game 1 starter Will Davis scattered six his and shut out the Dragons leading to the seventh in the Conquistadors' 8-2 win.
The shutout disappeared when Maher hit two-out, two-run home run in the to of the seventh for Hutchinson's first runs of the game.
Maher was 2 for 4 with a double and home run to lead the Blue Dragons. Stokes was 2 for 2 with a walk.
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/roehler_trenton_pudh">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;(0-1) pitched five innings and allowed 10 hits and six runs. Brand Phillips pitched the sixth inning. Dodge City had 11 hits with two doubles, a triple and home run.</div>

⚾ Dragons erupt for 23 runs in Game 2 at Dodge City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741353592870.jpeg" alt="Elisha Williams (left) and Laura Avila (right) will be competing with the Blue Dragon track and field teams at the NJCAA Indoor Championships beginning Friday in Lubbock, TX" />
 <figcaption>Elisha Williams (left) and Laura Avila (right) will be competing with the Blue Dragon track and field teams at the NJCAA Indoor Championships beginning Friday in Lubbock, TX</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
Coming off their best-ever performances in the Region 6 Indoor championships two weeks ago, the Hutchinson Community College men's and women's track and field teams now take aim at the 2025 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, which begin Friday at Texas Tech University.
The 2025 Region 6 champion Blue Dragon men have 10 athletes competing in 18 individual events beginning on Friday. The Blue Dragon women, who finished third at the Region 6 championship have nine athletes competing in 14 different events.
BLUE DRAGON TRACK AND FIELD NJCAA Indoor National Championships &ndash; Day 1 When: Friday, March 7, 2025 Where: Texas Tech Sports Performance Center, Lubbock, TX Times: Multi-events &ndash; 9 a.m.; Field events &ndash; 1 p.m.; Running Events &ndash; 1:30 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/network/championships/ind-tf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJCAA Network (all day &ndash; PPV)</a> Live Results:&nbsp;T<a href="https://live.pttiming.com/?mid=7609" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TU Sports Information</a> <a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/mtrack/mtrack-ind/2024-25/national_championship/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK FOR MEET SCHEDULE</a>
The Blue Dragon distance runners will see plenty of action over the two-day run of the indoor championships at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/mangelson_farrin_7y5g">Farrin Mangelson</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to compete in three events &ndash; the Mile run, 3,000-meter and 5,000 meters. Mangelson is the Blue Dragon indoor record holder in the 3,000 (8:19.75) and 5,000 (14:35.35) and is 10th in Dragon history in the indoor Mile (4:19.62). Mangelson qualified in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters and received a while-card invitation in the Mile.
The women will be led by sophomore Jordyn Picolet, who will compete in three events &ndash; 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters and Mile run). Like Mangelson, Picolet owns Blue Dragon indoor school records in the 3,000 (10:19.29) and 5,000 (18:06.64).
Here are all the Blue Dragon 2025 Indoor national qualifiers, including national ranking and qualifying marks:
Men <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/kiprotich_titus_hgfs">Titus Kiprotich</a> 18. 5,000 Meters &ndash; 14:37.76 22. 3,000 Meters &ndash; 8:22.46 25. Mile run &ndash; 4:10.64
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/kogo_cornelius_hf87">Cornelius Kogo</a> 34. 3000 Meters &ndash; 8:28.14 Mile Run- No time (white card entry)
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/legrand_leo_gfpl">Leo LeGrand</a> 19. 800 Meters &ndash; 1:53.06 18. 1,000 Meters &ndash; 2:27.85
De'Shawn Lester 18. 600 Meters &ndash; 1:19.73
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/makalo_kebba_vl76">Kebba Makalo</a> 21. 60 Meters &ndash; 6.77 27. 200 Meters &ndash; 21.54
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/mangelson_farrin_7y5g">Farrin Mangelson</a> 18. 3,000 Meters &ndash; 8:19.75 16. 5,000 Meters &ndash; 14:35.35 Mile Run &ndash; No time (white card entry)
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/parkinson_malique_53uy">Malique Parkinson</a> 16. Triple Jump &ndash; 47-7 3/4
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/spencer_jayce_3o70">Jayce Spencer</a> 14. Pole vault &ndash; 14-4 1/2
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/warren_d-antonio_9loc">D'Antonio Warren</a> 52. 200 Meters &ndash; 21.78
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/williams_elisha_7e2c">Elisha Williams</a> 15. 600 Meters &ndash; 1:19.46 3. Long Jump &ndash; 25-0
WOMEN Laura Avila 68. Mile Run &ndash; 5:23.57 40. 5,000 Meters &ndash; 18:35.89
Grace Bender 16. Pole vault &ndash; 10-0
Abigail Grantham 28. 1,000 Meters &ndash; 3:07.09 45. Mile Run &ndash; 5:18028
Aiyanna Green 16. Shot Put &ndash; 41-1 12. Weight Throw &ndash; 49-3
Deisheline Mayer Scott 7. Shot put &ndash; 45-1 16. Weight Throw &ndash; 48-3 1/2
Alycia McCoy 15. Pole vault &ndash; 10-2 3/4
Janiel Monteque 8. Shot put &ndash; 44-2 1/2
Jordyn Picolet 29. 3,000 Meters &ndash; 10:19.29 26. 5,000 Meters &ndash; 18.06.64 Mile run &ndash; no time (white card entry)</div>

👟 Blue Dragons take 32 qualifiers to NJCAA indoor nationals

<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/2025_NJCAA_Region_6_Tournament">Region VI Women's Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/2025_NJCAA_Region_6_Tournament">Region VI Men's Information</a>

The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department announced tickets for the Region VI Tournament second round games will go on sale Monday, March 10.

The Blue Dragon women will play at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Both opponents are to be determined, depending on how Saturday's first round games go.

The HutchCC women will play the winner of Cloud County and Colby, while the men will get either Butler or Pratt.

All season-ticket holders have the right to purchase their seats from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. on Monday.&nbsp;

All fans can purchase general admission or unsold reserved seats at those same times.

All seats not sold by 4 p.m. Tuesday are open to all fans for purchase when the gates open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741281811569.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/wbkb/2024-25/div1/2025_NJCAA_Region_6_Tournament">Region VI Women's Information</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kjccc.org/sports/mbkb/2024-25/div1/2025_NJCAA_Region_6_Tournament">Region VI Men's Information</a>The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department announced tickets for the Region VI Tournament second round games will go on sale Monday, March 10.The Blue Dragon women will play at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m.Both opponents are to be determined, depending on how Saturday's first round games go.The HutchCC women will play the winner of Cloud County and Colby, while the men will get either Butler or Pratt.All season-ticket holders have the right to purchase their seats from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. on Monday.&nbsp;All fans can purchase general admission or unsold reserved seats at those same times.All seats not sold by 4 p.m. Tuesday are open to all fans for purchase when the gates open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741282811842.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741282842049.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Region VI Tournament tickets go on sale Monday

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of East 17th and North Plum.

In 1913, the Charles Summers family moved from Southwest Kansas to Hutchinson to take advantage of the major railroad intersections and start constructing "all concrete" terminal grain elevators.

In 1918, the Security Elevator Company was born and they started executing their plan at Avenue C and Lorraine.

After much success, they found themselves with an abundance of bulk gasoline and built two filling stations about 1932. The first photo shows one of those stations at 1628 N. Plum looking southeast. It was there from 1933 to 1942. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c67b538b-2c8d-4940-bbe7-798486dda02f">Note the old Bresee College building in the background.</a>

The second photo shows the same station looking northeast around Christmastime.

It became the Universal Service Station from 1947 to 1952.

It then became Ernie's Service Station from 1953 to 1958.

It then became Potter's Service Station from 1959 to 1978.

For those who remember Potter's being across the street, that happened in 1979.

The QuikTrip then built a new building in 1982 and the address was changed to 501 E. 17th.

Then it became Kwik Shop in 1984. The third photo shows Kwik Shop in 1987.

After Kwik Shop moved across the street to the northwest corner, the property became Papa Johns Pizza in 2006. The fourth photo shows the 501 E. 17th property today, still Papa Johns Pizza. The building is owned by Pryor Real Estate Development  L.L.C. of Hutchinson.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741193071190.png" alt="Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - (1933-1941). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - (1933-1941). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714573898261.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of East 17th and North Plum.In 1913, the Charles Summers family moved from Southwest Kansas to Hutchinson to take advantage of the major railroad intersections and start constructing "all concrete" terminal grain elevators.In 1918, the Security Elevator Company was born and they started executing their plan at Avenue C and Lorraine.After much success, they found themselves with an abundance of bulk gasoline and built two filling stations about 1932. The first photo shows one of those stations at 1628 N. Plum looking southeast. It was there from 1933 to 1942. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c67b538b-2c8d-4940-bbe7-798486dda02f">Note the old Bresee College building in the background.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741193071190.png" alt="Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - (1933-1941). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - (1933-1941). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The second photo shows the same station looking northeast around Christmastime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741193136629.png" alt="Security Producing Refining Co. Filling Station - 1628 N. Plum (Looking Northeast) - (1933-1941) - photo December 1940. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Security Producing Refining Co. Filling Station - 1628 N. Plum (Looking Northeast) - (1933-1941) - photo December 1940. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>It became the Universal Service Station from 1947 to 1952.It then became Ernie's Service Station from 1953 to 1958.It then became Potter's Service Station from 1959 to 1978.For those who remember Potter's being across the street, that happened in 1979.The QuikTrip then built a new building in 1982 and the address was changed to 501 E. 17th.Then it became Kwik Shop in 1984. The third photo shows Kwik Shop in 1987.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741193209253.png" alt="Security Filling Station - Kwik Shop - 501 E. 17th - October 1987. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Security Filling Station - Kwik Shop - 501 E. 17th - October 1987. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>After Kwik Shop moved across the street to the northwest corner, the property became Papa Johns Pizza in 2006. The fourth photo shows the 501 E. 17th property today, still Papa Johns Pizza. The building is owned by Pryor Real Estate Development L.L.C. of Hutchinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741193247965.png" alt="Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - Feb. 1, 2025. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Security Filling Station - Papa Johns Pizza - 1628 N. Plum &amp; 501 E. 17th - Feb. 1, 2025. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Papa Johns - Vol. 112

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250305_ld3i.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end Wednesday at the Sports Arena, falling to Dodge City 76-66.

The Blue Dragons closed the regular season with a 19-11 overall record and a 15-9 mark in the Jayhawk Conference.

Hutchinson earned the No. 4 seed in the Region VI Tournament and will receive a first-round bye. The Blue Dragons will play in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Arena, facing the winner of No. 5 Butler vs. No. 12 Pratt. Butler and Pratt will meet in El Dorado on Saturday.

Hutchinson trailed 40-27 at halftime but cut the deficit to two with under five minutes remaining. However, the Blue Dragons were unable to complete the comeback.

Dodge City (14-16, 11-13) won its fourth straight game, shooting 43% from the field and making seven 3-pointers.

Hutchinson struggled offensively, shooting 35% overall and hitting just 3 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. Bo Aldridge led the Blue Dragons with a career-high 29 points, while DJ Dudley added 18 points and nine rebounds.

Jayse Boatwright paced Dodge City with 22 points. Mynor Strong contributed 19, and Derrick Rivers added 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741238463436.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250305_ld3i.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end Wednesday at the Sports Arena, falling to Dodge City 76-66.The Blue Dragons closed the regular season with a 19-11 overall record and a 15-9 mark in the Jayhawk Conference.Hutchinson earned the No. 4 seed in the Region VI Tournament and will receive a first-round bye. The Blue Dragons will play in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sports Arena, facing the winner of No. 5 Butler vs. No. 12 Pratt. Butler and Pratt will meet in El Dorado on Saturday.Hutchinson trailed 40-27 at halftime but cut the deficit to two with under five minutes remaining. However, the Blue Dragons were unable to complete the comeback.Dodge City (14-16, 11-13) won its fourth straight game, shooting 43% from the field and making seven 3-pointers.Hutchinson struggled offensively, shooting 35% overall and hitting just 3 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. Bo Aldridge led the Blue Dragons with a career-high 29 points, while DJ Dudley added 18 points and nine rebounds.Jayse Boatwright paced Dodge City with 22 points. Mynor Strong contributed 19, and Derrick Rivers added 14.

🏀 Blue Dragon men drop regular season finale

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250305_880z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat No. 7 Dodge City, 75-67, on Wednesday at the Sports Arena in the regular-season finale.

The victory secured a share of the Jayhawk Conference title for the Blue Dragons, marking the 14th in program history.

Despite the win, Hutchinson (27-3, 21-3) lost the tiebreaker to Dodge City (26-4, 21-3), giving the Conquistadors the No. 1 seed in the Region VI Tournament. The Blue Dragons will enter as the No. 2 seed.

After an 18-18 tie at the end of the first quarter, Dodge City outscored Hutchinson by 10 in the second quarter to take a 38-28 halftime lead. Both teams scored 13 points in the third, giving the Conquistadors a 51-41 advantage heading into the fourth.

The Blue Dragons shot 50% from the field in their 21-point fourth-quarter rally. They trailed by as many as 12 early in the period before mounting their comeback.

Kahlen Norris hit back-to-back shots to tie the game at 60 with 44 seconds left. Dodge City briefly regained the lead with two free throws, but Brynne Katcher muscled in a contested layup with three seconds remaining to tie the game at 62. The Conquistadors had a final shot attempt, but it missed, sending the game to overtime.

Hutchinson controlled the extra period, outscoring Dodge City 13-5 after the Conquistadors scored the first basket. Landon Forbes led the Blue Dragons in overtime with seven points, while Hailey Jackson added six.

The Blue Dragons capitalized on Dodge City's 24 turnovers, converting them into 28 points, while committing just eight turnovers themselves.

Jackson led Hutchinson with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Forbes added 19 points, seven assists, and five steals, while Norris contributed 10 points and five boards.

Dodge City, which led for over 38 minutes of the game, was paced by Shorna Preston’s double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Layla-J Cameron also scored 16 points.

Hutchinson will host the winner of No. 7 Cloud County vs. No. 10 Colby on Tuesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. The Thunderbirds and Trojans face off Saturday at 2 p.m. in Concordia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741237445519.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250305_880z.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 9 Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat No. 7 Dodge City, 75-67, on Wednesday at the Sports Arena in the regular-season finale.The victory secured a share of the Jayhawk Conference title for the Blue Dragons, marking the 14th in program history.Despite the win, Hutchinson (27-3, 21-3) lost the tiebreaker to Dodge City (26-4, 21-3), giving the Conquistadors the No. 1 seed in the Region VI Tournament. The Blue Dragons will enter as the No. 2 seed.After an 18-18 tie at the end of the first quarter, Dodge City outscored Hutchinson by 10 in the second quarter to take a 38-28 halftime lead. Both teams scored 13 points in the third, giving the Conquistadors a 51-41 advantage heading into the fourth.The Blue Dragons shot 50% from the field in their 21-point fourth-quarter rally. They trailed by as many as 12 early in the period before mounting their comeback.Kahlen Norris hit back-to-back shots to tie the game at 60 with 44 seconds left. Dodge City briefly regained the lead with two free throws, but Brynne Katcher muscled in a contested layup with three seconds remaining to tie the game at 62. The Conquistadors had a final shot attempt, but it missed, sending the game to overtime.Hutchinson controlled the extra period, outscoring Dodge City 13-5 after the Conquistadors scored the first basket. Landon Forbes led the Blue Dragons in overtime with seven points, while Hailey Jackson added six.The Blue Dragons capitalized on Dodge City's 24 turnovers, converting them into 28 points, while committing just eight turnovers themselves.Jackson led Hutchinson with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Forbes added 19 points, seven assists, and five steals, while Norris contributed 10 points and five boards.Dodge City, which led for over 38 minutes of the game, was paced by Shorna Preston’s double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. Layla-J Cameron also scored 16 points.Hutchinson will host the winner of No. 7 Cloud County vs. No. 10 Colby on Tuesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. The Thunderbirds and Trojans face off Saturday at 2 p.m. in Concordia.

🏀 HutchCC women win OT thriller, claim share of KJCCC title

Cheryl Lee Wright, 76, passed away on March 1st, 2025, at Pleasant View Home in Inman, Kansas. She was born August 16, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the daughter of William Edward Wright and Frances Bertha Draper. 

Furthermore, she had two siblings, a brother William Jr. and sister Terri. Cheryl lived an adventurous and nomadic life from an early age where she became college educated and worked at several jobs including Hughes Aircraft as a Lead Art Director where she headed a team designing airplanes.

 This hardworking and caring woman was deeply engrained in Christianity who wanted nothing more than to have a large family so she could try and give them the nearly endless amounts of love she had to offer.

She is survived by her 4 sons. In order of birth, Justin Evans, Ethan Evans, Austin Evans and Clayton Evans whom all reside in Hutchinson, while Ethan recently moved to McPherson; a sister, Teri Wright, Oregon; stepmother, Billie Jo Wright, Arizona, at the young age of 95 and her grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held privately with the family.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit: www.inmanfh.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741224025255.jpeg" alt="Cheryl Lee Wright 1948-2025" />
 <figcaption>Cheryl Lee Wright 1948-2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Lee Wright, 76, passed away on March 1st, 2025, at Pleasant View Home in Inman, Kansas. She was born August 16, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the daughter of William Edward Wright and Frances Bertha Draper. Furthermore, she had two siblings, a brother William Jr. and sister Terri. Cheryl lived an adventurous and nomadic life from an early age where she became college educated and worked at several jobs including Hughes Aircraft as a Lead Art Director where she headed a team designing airplanes. This hardworking and caring woman was deeply engrained in Christianity who wanted nothing more than to have a large family so she could try and give them the nearly endless amounts of love she had to offer.She is survived by her 4 sons. In order of birth, Justin Evans, Ethan Evans, Austin Evans and Clayton Evans whom all reside in Hutchinson, while Ethan recently moved to McPherson; a sister, Teri Wright, Oregon; stepmother, Billie Jo Wright, Arizona, at the young age of 95 and her grandchildren.Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held privately with the family.To leave a condolence for the family, visit: www.inmanfh.com.

Cheryl Lee Wright  | 1948-2025 |

PrairieLand Partners and Agrivision Equipment Group

PrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment Group are excited to announce their partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) as a John Deere Dealer Sponsored School. HutchCC will offer an Agriculture Service Technician program as part of the dealer partnership. The first group of students will begin in the fall of 2025.

Students in the Agriculture Service Technician program will have the chance to become a Certified John Deere Technician by taking courses from a certified John Deere technician who serves as a HutchCC faculty member. Courses include Electronic Diagnostics, Hydraulic Diagnostics, Engine Air and Exhaust Systems Diagnostics, Engine Aftertreatment SCR Systems Diagnostics, and more.

“We are very excited for an opportunity to expand our agriculture technology program,” says Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of the College. “We have students that want to go into agriculture technology and have expressed an interest in a program like this. With PrairieLand Partners located merely minutes from our ag diesel south campus location as well as a new opportunity to serve as a Dealer Sponsored School, it seems like everything is falling into place.”

Students will also take core curriculum courses from HutchCC with those classes taking place at the College’s south campus location near Yoder.

“We as an organization continue to face challenges in higher learning with capacity issues and options for students that want to pursue careers in diesel technology. We felt that partnering with an institution with such a strong reputation like Hutchinson Community College was an obvious choice to provide a high-quality diesel technology program” says, Reed Allen, director of aftermarket for PrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment.

PrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment have undertaken a major initiative to increase the number of technicians; they plan to increase technician capacity by 25% over the next couple years. Post-graduation employment opportunities will be available at any of their locations throughout Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students, our local economy, and the communities served by the college and PrairieLand Partners,” says Sheldon Stewart, HutchCC Department Chairperson. “We look forward to seeing the impact our students make when they take on roles with PrairieLand Partners and embed themselves in those communities.”

The collaboration between these two organizations takes a step forward into helping cultivate future agricultural professionals by providing students with hands on experience using innovative technology while attending Hutchinson Community College.

“We look forward to working together on this exciting initiative and know that it will have a lasting impact on our industry for years to come," said Allen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741223163657.jpeg" alt="Hutch CC " />
 <figcaption>Hutch CC </figcaption>
 </figure>PrairieLand Partners and Agrivision Equipment GroupPrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment Group are excited to announce their partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) as a John Deere Dealer Sponsored School. HutchCC will offer an Agriculture Service Technician program as part of the dealer partnership. The first group of students will begin in the fall of 2025.Students in the Agriculture Service Technician program will have the chance to become a Certified John Deere Technician by taking courses from a certified John Deere technician who serves as a HutchCC faculty member. Courses include Electronic Diagnostics, Hydraulic Diagnostics, Engine Air and Exhaust Systems Diagnostics, Engine Aftertreatment SCR Systems Diagnostics, and more.“We are very excited for an opportunity to expand our agriculture technology program,” says Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of the College. “We have students that want to go into agriculture technology and have expressed an interest in a program like this. With PrairieLand Partners located merely minutes from our ag diesel south campus location as well as a new opportunity to serve as a Dealer Sponsored School, it seems like everything is falling into place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741223199378.png" alt="prairieland-logo " />
 <figcaption>prairieland-logo </figcaption>
 </figure>Students will also take core curriculum courses from HutchCC with those classes taking place at the College’s south campus location near Yoder.“We as an organization continue to face challenges in higher learning with capacity issues and options for students that want to pursue careers in diesel technology. We felt that partnering with an institution with such a strong reputation like Hutchinson Community College was an obvious choice to provide a high-quality diesel technology program” says, Reed Allen, director of aftermarket for PrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment.PrairieLand Partners and AgriVision Equipment have undertaken a major initiative to increase the number of technicians; they plan to increase technician capacity by 25% over the next couple years. Post-graduation employment opportunities will be available at any of their locations throughout Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741223230554.png" alt="agrivisionequipment-logo " />
 <figcaption>agrivisionequipment-logo </figcaption>
 </figure>“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students, our local economy, and the communities served by the college and PrairieLand Partners,” says Sheldon Stewart, HutchCC Department Chairperson. “We look forward to seeing the impact our students make when they take on roles with PrairieLand Partners and embed themselves in those communities.”The collaboration between these two organizations takes a step forward into helping cultivate future agricultural professionals by providing students with hands on experience using innovative technology while attending Hutchinson Community College.“We look forward to working together on this exciting initiative and know that it will have a lasting impact on our industry for years to come," said Allen.

PrairieLand Partners, HutchCC announce partnership

The Hutchinson Community College softball team has announced that the Blue Dragons and the Butler Grizzlies will swap home dates.

Originally, the Blue Dragons were to have traveled to El Dorado to take on the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The inclement weather conditions in Kansas over the past few days forced the change to be made.

Now the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies play their first KJCCC doubleheader on Thursday at Fun Valley with games at 2 and 4 p.m.

The Blue Dragons were originally scheduled to play Butler at home on April 5. That doubleheader moves to East Park in El Dorado on Thursday, April 4. The game times will be released at a later date.

Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose also added a home game to be played on Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. against the Friends University JV.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741186392085.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team has announced that the Blue Dragons and the Butler Grizzlies will swap home dates.Originally, the Blue Dragons were to have traveled to El Dorado to take on the Grizzlies on Wednesday. The inclement weather conditions in Kansas over the past few days forced the change to be made.Now the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies play their first KJCCC doubleheader on Thursday at Fun Valley with games at 2 and 4 p.m.The Blue Dragons were originally scheduled to play Butler at home on April 5. That doubleheader moves to East Park in El Dorado on Thursday, April 4. The game times will be released at a later date.Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose also added a home game to be played on Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. against the Friends University JV.

🥎 Wednesday softball at Butler moved to Thursday at Fun Valley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741184386395.jpeg" alt="Landon Forbes and the No. 9-ranked Blue Dragons meet the No. 7 Dodge City Conquistadors at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Landon Forbes and the No. 9-ranked Blue Dragons meet the No. 7 Dodge City Conquistadors at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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The 30th and final regular-season game will decide who wins the 2025 Jayhawk Conference women's basketball championship on Wednesday night.
In a Top 10 national battle, the No. 9-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team (26-3, 20-3 KJCCC) will take on the No. 7 Dodge City Conquistadors (26-3, 21-2 KJCCC) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Sophomore Recognition Night.
BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 9 Hutchinson (26-3, 20-3) vs. No. 7 Dodge City (26-3, 21-2) Sophomore Recognition Night When: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9), 5:15 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2243893">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: Prairie Star Medical Center <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_30_-_Dodge_City_women.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 5:15 p.m.
Dodge City holds a one-game lead over Hutchinson in the Jayhawk Conference standings. A Hutchinson victory means the Blue Dragons and Conquistadors share the conference title with a myriad of tie-breaking possibilities for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Region 6 Tournament. The Conquistadors win the title outright with a win over the Dragons.
The Blue Dragons lost the first matchup with Dodge City 67-41 on January 18 in Dodge City. The Dragons were limited to a season-low 22.6 percent shooting with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;leading the way with 17 points. Shorna Preston had 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead Dodge City.
Jackson comes off a career-high 33-point performance in the Blue Dragons 58-50 win at Seward County on Saturday in Liberal. With her 16th point of the game, Jackson became the seventh Blue Dragon player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
Jackson is seventh on the career scoring list with 1,018 points. She is four points away from joining the Blue Dragon single-season Top 10 list, now with 540 points this season.
Dodge City enters the game on a five-game winning streak by an average winning margin of 37.4 points. The Conquistadors defeated Coffeyville 74-50 on Saturday.
After the game, the seven Blue Dragons sophomores -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/norris_kahlen_2uos">Kahlen Norris</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/denison_madi_4xbl">Madi Denison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/pleasant_jada_y7vs">Jada Pleasant</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/forbes_landon_o30r">Landon Forbes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/katcher_brynne_qgrf">Brynne Katcher</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/singer_zhane_9n8y">Zhane Singer</a>&nbsp;- will be honored in a brief ceremony.</div>

🏀 KJCCC title on the line between Blue Dragons, Conquistadors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741184261739.jpeg" alt="Amari Davis and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play host to Dodge City at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Amari Davis and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play host to Dodge City at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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Riding a three-game winning streak, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team gets set to close out the regular season of the 2024-25 season with a home game and Sophomore Recognition Night.
The Blue Dragons (19-10, 15-8 KJCCC) will play host to the Dodge City Conquistadors (13-16, 10-13 KJCCC) in the regular-season finale at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (19-10, 15-8) vs. Dodge City (13-16, 10-13) Sophomore Recognition Night When: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Time: 7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9), 7:15 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2243894">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: Prairie Star Medical Center <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/files/Game_30_-_Dodge_City_men.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 7:15 p.m.
Hutchinson's 57-54 win on Saturday at Seward County, combined with Cloud County's upset win over Butler, helped the Blue Dragons secure one of the four opening-round byes for the upcoming Region VI Tournament. The Blue Dragons will play on Tuesday, March 11 in the second round of the Region 6 Tournament.
The Blue Dragons have been exceptional defensively in their three-game win streak. The Dragons are allowing only 58.6 points per game and opposing teams are shooting only 37.6 percent.
Over his last two games, freshman Bo Aldridge has averaged 23.0 points and 8.5 rebounds to lead Hutchinson in scoring.
Dodge City, winners of three-straight games and 7 of the last 10, is tied for eighth place in the KJCCC with a shot at being a host team in the first round that begins on Saturday.
The Blue Dragons steamrolled nationally ranked Coffeyville 92-77 on Saturday at Dodge City. The Conquistadors had five players in double figures led by Mynor Strong's 23 points against the Red Ravens.
After the team warm-up and before the National Anthem and introduction of starters, the six Blue Dragon sophomores -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_kobe_85qc">Kobe Smith</a>, D.J. Dudley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/arnold_khalil_9vae">Khalil Arnold</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/abdul-hamid_mikhail_7s9c">Mikhail Abdul-Hamid</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_isaiah_jg1r">Isaiah Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/thornton_jaquez_fh4s">Jaquez Thornton</a>&nbsp;and team manager Gavin Mills - will be honored in a brief ceremony.</div>

🏀 Blue Dragons close out regular season with Dodge City

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741184149780.jpeg" alt="Quinn Maher hits a three-run home run in Game 1 of a doubleheader sweep by the No. 21 Blue Dragons over Hesston College on Tuesday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Quinn Maher hits a three-run home run in Game 1 of a doubleheader sweep by the No. 21 Blue Dragons over Hesston College on Tuesday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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Four Hutchinson Community College pitchers combined to toss a pair of shutouts as the No. 21-ranked Blue Dragons swept a doubleheader from the Hesston Larks on Tuesday at Hobart-Detter Field. The Blue Dragons completed a four-game season sweep of the Larks, winning 11-0 and 10-0, both games went five innings.
Hutchinson is now 13-2 entering the 2025 Jayhawk West opener on Thursday at Dodge City. Hesston fell to 2-12.
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 11, Hesston 0 (5 innings) Freshman pitchers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/jones_brooks_2er1">Brooks Jones</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/doll_a.j._fguu">A.J. Doll</a>&nbsp;combined on a four-hit shutout in doubleheader opener.
Jones (1-0) threw four innings allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. The Blue Dragon defense helped Jones out by turning two double plays.
Doll struck out the side to close out the game in the fifth inning.
Offensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;hit his first home run of the season, hitting a three-run homer to center in the first inning. Maher was also hit by a pitch and scored two runs.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hochstein_finn_ygit">Finn Hochstein</a>&nbsp;drove in a season-high four RBIs, going 2 for 3 with a pair of two-run singles.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>, who was named the Jayhawk West Player of the Week on Tuesday, went 2 for 3 with two doubles, two runs and two RBIs to extend his hitting streak to start the season to 14 games.
The Blue Dragons had eight total hits in the game.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 10, Hesston 0 (5 innings) Freshmen pitchers Aidan Doty and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/lund_beckett_t0mg">Beckett Lund</a>&nbsp;improved on the Game 1 performance with a combined two-hit shutout in Game 2.
Doty struck out a season-high six batters and allowed two hits and one walk in four innings. Lund made his season debut with two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 fifth inning.
The Blue Dragons broke the game open with a nine-run second inning with 13 batters going to the plate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/black_trent_xfjv">Trent Black</a>&nbsp;had a two-run double,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/ruggiero_ryan_c1w1">Ryan Ruggiero</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;had RBI doubles; C.J. Reed added a run-scoring single. Hochstein followed with a two-run triple,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single and Scotty Fagen closed the inning with an RBI double as Hutchinson had seven of its eight total hits in the second inning.
Eight different Blue Dragons had hits with four doubles and a triple.
The Blue Dragons had their fifth and sixth run-rule wins this season.</div>

⚾ No. 21 Blue Dragons toss pair of shutouts at Larks

Hutchinson Community College freshman catcher/designated hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;continued his torrid start to the season and was named the Jayhawk West Division I Baseball Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Mazza, a freshman from Prairie Village, Kansas, recorded hits in all eight games Hutchinson played last week in going 6-2.

For the week, Mazza hit .567 (17 for 30) with five doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, and 13 runs scored. He now has a 13-game hitting streak to start the season.

Mazza had six multi-hit games, including a trio of three-hit games against Highland and Coffeyville (twice).

Mazza hit a walk-off extra-inning home run in the Blue Dragons' 4-3 win over Des Moines Area last Monday and was three-for-three with four RBIs in a 15-5 win over Coffeyville. Mazza is third in the nation in hitting with a .609 batting average.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741184054646.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College freshman catcher/designated hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;continued his torrid start to the season and was named the Jayhawk West Division I Baseball Player of the Week on Tuesday.Mazza, a freshman from Prairie Village, Kansas, recorded hits in all eight games Hutchinson played last week in going 6-2.For the week, Mazza hit .567 (17 for 30) with five doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, and 13 runs scored. He now has a 13-game hitting streak to start the season.Mazza had six multi-hit games, including a trio of three-hit games against Highland and Coffeyville (twice).Mazza hit a walk-off extra-inning home run in the Blue Dragons' 4-3 win over Des Moines Area last Monday and was three-for-three with four RBIs in a 15-5 win over Coffeyville. Mazza is third in the nation in hitting with a .609 batting average.