ENID, Oklahoma – Playing in high-wind conditions, the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team finds itself right in the thick of the team title chase at the Oakwood Intercollegiate.

With sustained 40 mph winds and several gusts or more than 50 mph, the Blue Dragons shot a season-high round of 312 (28 over par) on Monday at the Oakwood Country Club. Hutchinson finds itself just one stroke out of the team lead, which is shared by Southwestern Christian University and Garden City, both teams shot 327 on Monday.

The scheduled 54-hole tournament was shortened to 36 as the afternoon round on Monday was cancelled. The final round will be a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Blue Dragons are tied for third with the Southwestern Christian “B” Team. The Blue Dragons counted rounds from Alex Lindstrom (77), Dominic Clemons (78), Blake Saffell (78) and Marco Anderson (79) on Monday. Louis Galvin carded an 81 in the opening round.

Lindstrom is the highest-ranked Blue Dragon on the individual leaderboard in a tie for 11th place.

Clemons and Saffell are tied for 15th. Anderson is tied for 21st and Galvin is tied for 47th.

Kallie Svederman is playing as an individual this week. He’s tied for 35th after an 81 on Monday.

Garden City’s Anthony DeSchutter was the only player in the field to shoot par on Monday with a 71. He has a two-stroke lead over Phillip Pakosch of Southwestern Christian.

HutchCC Sports InformationENID, Oklahoma – Playing in high-wind conditions, the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team finds itself right in the thick of the team title chase at the Oakwood Intercollegiate.With sustained 40 mph winds and several gusts or more than 50 mph, the Blue Dragons shot a season-high round of 312 (28 over par) on Monday at the Oakwood Country Club. Hutchinson finds itself just one stroke out of the team lead, which is shared by Southwestern Christian University and Garden City, both teams shot 327 on Monday.The scheduled 54-hole tournament was shortened to 36 as the afternoon round on Monday was cancelled. The final round will be a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.The Blue Dragons are tied for third with the Southwestern Christian “B” Team. The Blue Dragons counted rounds from Alex Lindstrom (77), Dominic Clemons (78), Blake Saffell (78) and Marco Anderson (79) on Monday. Louis Galvin carded an 81 in the opening round.Lindstrom is the highest-ranked Blue Dragon on the individual leaderboard in a tie for 11th place.Clemons and Saffell are tied for 15th. Anderson is tied for 21st and Galvin is tied for 47th.Kallie Svederman is playing as an individual this week. He’s tied for 35th after an 81 on Monday.Garden City’s Anthony DeSchutter was the only player in the field to shoot par on Monday with a 71. He has a two-stroke lead over Phillip Pakosch of Southwestern Christian.

🏌️ Dragons in thick of Oakwood title chase after Day 1

The Hutchinson Community College softball team tied for its highest ranking since returning to Division I in 2019 on Monday as the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 15 in the latest NJCAA Division I rankings released on Monday.

Riding an eight-game winning streak, the 23-4 Blue Dragons jumped two spots in the latest rankings, their third jump up in as many weeks.

Last week, the Blue Dragons swept Northwest Tech 16-1 and 22-0, both were five-inning games. The Blue Dragons then defeated Garden City 4-0 and 12-4 on Friday at Fun Valley.

Hutchinson, which leads the KJCCC with a 9-1 overall record, is the highest ranked Jayhawk Conference team this week. Butler dropped four spots to No. 19.

The No. 15 ranking matches the No. 15 rank the 2022 Blue Dragons finished with after a 41-8 season.

The ranking matches the highest Division I ranking the Dragons have had since the 1988 season when they finished the year at No. 7. The highest Division I ranking in Blue Dragon history is No. 5, which was achieved in 1987.

The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday and to Pratt on Saturday.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Week

1. Northwest Florida State (8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;160&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

2. Florida SouthWestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

3. Grayson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;126&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

4. Walters State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;119&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

5. Wallace State-Hanceville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

6. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;105&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

7. Seminole State (OK)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;98&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7

8. Central Florida&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;91&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9

9. Seminole State (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;84&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10

10. Chattanooga State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;77&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12

11. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8

12. Galveston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;63&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

13. Volunteer State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15

14. Lake Land&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16

15. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

16. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RV

17. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11

18. Indian River State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18

19. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13

20. Weatherford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Receiving Votes: Pensacola State, Temple, San Jacinto, Utah State Eastern, Eastern Arizona

HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College softball team tied for its highest ranking since returning to Division I in 2019 on Monday as the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 15 in the latest NJCAA Division I rankings released on Monday.Riding an eight-game winning streak, the 23-4 Blue Dragons jumped two spots in the latest rankings, their third jump up in as many weeks.Last week, the Blue Dragons swept Northwest Tech 16-1 and 22-0, both were five-inning games. The Blue Dragons then defeated Garden City 4-0 and 12-4 on Friday at Fun Valley.Hutchinson, which leads the KJCCC with a 9-1 overall record, is the highest ranked Jayhawk Conference team this week. Butler dropped four spots to No. 19.The No. 15 ranking matches the No. 15 rank the 2022 Blue Dragons finished with after a 41-8 season.The ranking matches the highest Division I ranking the Dragons have had since the 1988 season when they finished the year at No. 7. The highest Division I ranking in Blue Dragon history is No. 5, which was achieved in 1987.The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday and to Pratt on Saturday.NJCAA DIV. I SOFTBALL RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Week1. Northwest Florida State (8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;160&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. Florida SouthWestern&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33. Grayson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;126&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. Walters State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;119&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;55. Wallace State-Hanceville&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;66. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;105&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47. Seminole State (OK)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14-2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;98&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;78. Central Florida&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;91&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99. Seminole State (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;84&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1010. Chattanooga State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;77&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1211. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;812. Galveston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;63&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1413. Volunteer State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1514. Lake Land&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1615. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1716. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RV17. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1118. Indian River State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1819. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1320. Weatherford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Receiving Votes: Pensacola State, Temple, San Jacinto, Utah State Eastern, Eastern Arizona

🥎 Dragon SB No. 15 this week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The No. 15 seed Vincennes University Trailblazers began their NJCAA record 37th trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament off Monday afternoon with an opening round 70-57 win over No. 18 seed Trinity Valley.

The Trailblazers got off to an impressive start on the defensive end, but struggled on the offensive end of the floor early.

VU held the Cardinals without a made basket for the first eight and a half minutes of the game Monday, with Trinity Valley only able to get some points at the free throw line early.

Vincennes would use this defensive stand to open up an early six-point lead at 14-8 midway through the opening period.

Trinity Valley would finally get going offensively and answered back with a 7-0 scoring run to take the lead.

VU responded back with a 6-0 run to regain the lead and would hold onto this lead for the remainder of the game.

The Blazers closed out the first half strong and went into the locker room holding a 24-19 advantage over the Mid-South District Champions.

Vincennes would come out of the locker room looking to expand on this first half lead and would grow their lead to 11 points at 46-35 early in the second half.

VU would later use a 7-0 scoring run to build a 20-point advantage over Trinity Valley, the largest lead of the game.

Trinity Valley would look to hit some shots late and battle their way back into the game before the Trailblazers closed out the game at the free throw line, hitting 14 of their 16 shots from the line in the second half to come away with the opening round 70-57 win.

"Defensively we were pretty spot on most of the game," VU Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin said. "Of course, they helped by missing some shots. Anytime you are shutting guys down at this level that way, they are helping you some. But when we are getting down, focused in and locked in, we're a pretty good defensive team and I thought we showed that. I thought we also showed that we are a really good rebounding team."

"We outrebounded them by 20 rebounds today," Franklin added. "Anytime you do that, especially a Texas team, at the National Tournament and get 17 offensive rebounds, for one it means that you missed some shots, but you still went and got them. That's a trait for us, that's not an accident. That's who we are. When we make some shots, which we are capable of doing, we are really hard to deal with. We didn't do that most of the night, but we made enough and hopefully tomorrow we will get relaxed and confident. Plus, we just played for the first time in a week and a half. Which is hard to do no matter when you do it."

"You travel out here, your schedule gets a little off from normal," Franklin said. "It's the first game. There are some obvious jitters and you are playing a good team. So, it's not unusual. When we won in 2019, first day Keith Clemons completely whiffed. Then he got his legs under him and he was good from that point on. That's a normal thing coming out here and you hope it doesn't happen but if it does, you hope to find a way through it. We did today. We'll see tomorrow if we can come out with some real bounce and stick the ball in the basket."

"But we did a lot of good things today too," Franklin added. "When you only have nine turnovers at this level and you have a plus-20 rebounding advantage, you hold the team down to 57 points and a lot of those were late, it's a pretty good effort. You can't complain about that. You beat a Texas District Champion. Those are all good things on a Monday."

VU was led offensively by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;(N. Preston, Nova Scotia) who overcame an early slow start to lead the Blazers with 19 points, while also adding six rebounds and a pair of assists.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/cook_tasos_50pf">Tasos Cook</a>&nbsp;(Columbus, Ohio) got the scoring going early, leading the Blazers with seven points at the half and finishing the game with 15. Cook also helped control the boards, ending with seven rebounds and dished out four assists on the day.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;(Washington, D.C.) came off the bench and played some big minutes in the second half to help put the game away, finishing with 15 points, all coming in the second half, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/osei-bonsu_michael_o3nm">Michael Osei-Bonsu</a>&nbsp;(Bolingbrook, Ill.) also had a difficult time scoring in the first half, but was able to get on the board in the second half and finish with eight points and eight rebounds.

"Michael stepped up late after missing some easy shots," Franklin said. "He got some good offensive rebounds but missed some easy shots, then he got into foul trouble. I thought he was a little tight. He was tight early. His body wasn't moving very good because he was tight and he got a couple of fouls. But he got some things done late, which is important for us. He got some buckets late and he hit some free throws, which is great. Hopefully he got through the first half things that go bad and now he'll be ready to go for tomorrow night."

"Ryan did some good things," Franklin added. "I just think Ryan has to get more confident and prepared on his shot because the opportunities were there. I think they are going to be there if we work hard and people try to take away what they perceive as our strengths. Somebody has got to hit those shots and Ryan is a candidate, but he's got to be ready."

"Caleb has got to be ready," Franklin said. "He finally shot one later in the game when he was ready on the catch on an inside-out and in not such a coincidence, he stroked it. It's really that simple. But it's hard. These things are really difficult. That's why it's hard to be a champion. That's why the most any school has ever won at this level is four National Championships. It's incredibly hard. These guys have had a great season, we've done great things and we are going to have to go over that final hump, but I think if we get over that final hump and guys like&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;have got to be key."

"Shilo has got to step up," Franklin added. "Shilo, I thought, did step up in the Region finals and he kind of regressed today. He's got to go look in the mirror tonight and say 'this is who I can be, this is who I am' and we need him tomorrow. Tasos did some good things but we are going to need him to finish that thing off. All of that to get over this last little hump and we've got this week to get it done. But I believe we can and if we do, everything is out there for this team. It's going to be a tremendous effort tomorrow night."

"Southern Idaho has obviously been one of the two best teams all year," Franklin said. "They were No. 1 pretty much the whole year. I thought Logan was playing like it from December on and have now past them to be the No. 1 seed because Southern Idaho finally lost a game late to go 29-1. But we are now well versed in playing the top-two teams in the country after tomorrow night. But I think our team has got every chance tomorrow night. I am hoping that today, as it is on many of these runs, getting through that first day, you've just got to find a way. It wasn't luck. We defended well. We rebounded well. We didn't turn the ball over and as the game went along, we got a little more confidence going offensively. So, there is no luck in that victory. It just wasn't always pretty because we just didn't shoot it or finish it great. But if we can add that component tomorrow to the others, then I think we have a chance to get a big win and be around here until Thursday when it gets down to the quarterfinals."

VU now advances to the Round of 16, where they will face off against No. 2 seed College of Southern Idaho, Tuesday, March 21. This game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. eastern.

"We've been racing that clock all year," Franklin said about his team getting their first experiences at the National Tournament. "We've just been trying to learn on the fly. That's just what this team is. It doesn't have the guys that have gotten it done and have gone to Hutch before and have been through these things. We don't have that. So, we've put together a heck of a year while learning. But the key to us getting across that line is have we learned enough. Then, if we have learned enough, we have to apply it and now's the time where we have to apply it."

"I think we've been through a lot of things as a team," Franklin added. "I think we've seen a very high level of competition. I think our District is tremendously disrespected. You come out here and watch these teams that are here, it's tremendously disrespected. Our team has seen a high level of competition and has been through some things and we've been successful most all of the time and when we've come up short it's because we haven't been through it before against the good teams or in some bad situations."

"We don't have any bad losses this year," Franklin said. "Our five losses are all in games where pretty much everybody else is going to lose too and we've taken No. 1 to the mat. We lost at SWIC but came back and beat them the next two times we faced them. We lost at Wabash Valley on sophomore day and they are really talented. They are comparable talent-wise to the guys that we are seeing out here. So, the times we've fallen short, we've been right there. We've been right there and if we can learn to get over that last hump that's where we are at. Tomorrow we will see if we've accumulated enough that we can then use that and if we've hardened up enough, got grizzled enough that we can punch through. We'll need it tomorrow night, but if we can take that next step, I believe we have a chance to get this thing done."

VINCENNES (70):&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/cook_tasos_50pf">Tasos Cook</a>&nbsp;6-13 1-1 15,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_trenton_5dew">Trenton Johnson</a>&nbsp;1-4 0-0 3,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;7-13 4-5 19,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/osei-bonsu_michael_o3nm">Michael Osei-Bonsu</a>&nbsp;3-7 2-2 8,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/jackson_shilo_8iz8">Shilo Jackson</a>&nbsp;0-2 2-2 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/white_devawn_ups9">Devawn White</a>&nbsp;0-1 0-0 0,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;4-9 7-8 15,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/oliver_ryan_wcqh">Ryan Oliver</a>&nbsp;2-6 0-0 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kent_23kx">Kent King</a>&nbsp;1-6 1-2 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/lado_victor_0mo1">Victor Lado</a>&nbsp;0-0 0-0 0,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/dixon_kayriek_m2pl">Karyiek Dixon</a>&nbsp;0-0 0-0 0, Team 24-61 17-20 70.

Trinity Valley – 19 &nbsp;&nbsp;38 – 57

VU (29-5, 16-5) – 24 &nbsp;&nbsp;46 – 70

Three-point goals: VU 5 (Cook 2, T. Johnson, Ke. King, C. Johnson). Rebounds: VU 46 (Kr. King 8, Osei-Bonsu 8, Jackson 8). Assists: VU 17 (Cook 4, Oliver 4). Steals: VU 6 (Kr. King 2, Jackson 2). Blocked Shots: VU 5 (Cook 2). Turnovers: VU 8. Personal Fouls: VU 21. Fouled out: Cook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679371765356.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The No. 15 seed Vincennes University Trailblazers began their NJCAA record 37th trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament off Monday afternoon with an opening round 70-57 win over No. 18 seed Trinity Valley.The Trailblazers got off to an impressive start on the defensive end, but struggled on the offensive end of the floor early.VU held the Cardinals without a made basket for the first eight and a half minutes of the game Monday, with Trinity Valley only able to get some points at the free throw line early.Vincennes would use this defensive stand to open up an early six-point lead at 14-8 midway through the opening period.Trinity Valley would finally get going offensively and answered back with a 7-0 scoring run to take the lead.VU responded back with a 6-0 run to regain the lead and would hold onto this lead for the remainder of the game.The Blazers closed out the first half strong and went into the locker room holding a 24-19 advantage over the Mid-South District Champions.Vincennes would come out of the locker room looking to expand on this first half lead and would grow their lead to 11 points at 46-35 early in the second half.VU would later use a 7-0 scoring run to build a 20-point advantage over Trinity Valley, the largest lead of the game.Trinity Valley would look to hit some shots late and battle their way back into the game before the Trailblazers closed out the game at the free throw line, hitting 14 of their 16 shots from the line in the second half to come away with the opening round 70-57 win."Defensively we were pretty spot on most of the game," VU Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin said. "Of course, they helped by missing some shots. Anytime you are shutting guys down at this level that way, they are helping you some. But when we are getting down, focused in and locked in, we're a pretty good defensive team and I thought we showed that. I thought we also showed that we are a really good rebounding team.""We outrebounded them by 20 rebounds today," Franklin added. "Anytime you do that, especially a Texas team, at the National Tournament and get 17 offensive rebounds, for one it means that you missed some shots, but you still went and got them. That's a trait for us, that's not an accident. That's who we are. When we make some shots, which we are capable of doing, we are really hard to deal with. We didn't do that most of the night, but we made enough and hopefully tomorrow we will get relaxed and confident. Plus, we just played for the first time in a week and a half. Which is hard to do no matter when you do it.""You travel out here, your schedule gets a little off from normal," Franklin said. "It's the first game. There are some obvious jitters and you are playing a good team. So, it's not unusual. When we won in 2019, first day Keith Clemons completely whiffed. Then he got his legs under him and he was good from that point on. That's a normal thing coming out here and you hope it doesn't happen but if it does, you hope to find a way through it. We did today. We'll see tomorrow if we can come out with some real bounce and stick the ball in the basket.""But we did a lot of good things today too," Franklin added. "When you only have nine turnovers at this level and you have a plus-20 rebounding advantage, you hold the team down to 57 points and a lot of those were late, it's a pretty good effort. You can't complain about that. You beat a Texas District Champion. Those are all good things on a Monday."VU was led offensively by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;(N. Preston, Nova Scotia) who overcame an early slow start to lead the Blazers with 19 points, while also adding six rebounds and a pair of assists.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/cook_tasos_50pf">Tasos Cook</a>&nbsp;(Columbus, Ohio) got the scoring going early, leading the Blazers with seven points at the half and finishing the game with 15. Cook also helped control the boards, ending with seven rebounds and dished out four assists on the day.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;(Washington, D.C.) came off the bench and played some big minutes in the second half to help put the game away, finishing with 15 points, all coming in the second half, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/osei-bonsu_michael_o3nm">Michael Osei-Bonsu</a>&nbsp;(Bolingbrook, Ill.) also had a difficult time scoring in the first half, but was able to get on the board in the second half and finish with eight points and eight rebounds."Michael stepped up late after missing some easy shots," Franklin said. "He got some good offensive rebounds but missed some easy shots, then he got into foul trouble. I thought he was a little tight. He was tight early. His body wasn't moving very good because he was tight and he got a couple of fouls. But he got some things done late, which is important for us. He got some buckets late and he hit some free throws, which is great. Hopefully he got through the first half things that go bad and now he'll be ready to go for tomorrow night.""Ryan did some good things," Franklin added. "I just think Ryan has to get more confident and prepared on his shot because the opportunities were there. I think they are going to be there if we work hard and people try to take away what they perceive as our strengths. Somebody has got to hit those shots and Ryan is a candidate, but he's got to be ready.""Caleb has got to be ready," Franklin said. "He finally shot one later in the game when he was ready on the catch on an inside-out and in not such a coincidence, he stroked it. It's really that simple. But it's hard. These things are really difficult. That's why it's hard to be a champion. That's why the most any school has ever won at this level is four National Championships. It's incredibly hard. These guys have had a great season, we've done great things and we are going to have to go over that final hump, but I think if we get over that final hump and guys like&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;have got to be key.""Shilo has got to step up," Franklin added. "Shilo, I thought, did step up in the Region finals and he kind of regressed today. He's got to go look in the mirror tonight and say 'this is who I can be, this is who I am' and we need him tomorrow. Tasos did some good things but we are going to need him to finish that thing off. All of that to get over this last little hump and we've got this week to get it done. But I believe we can and if we do, everything is out there for this team. It's going to be a tremendous effort tomorrow night.""Southern Idaho has obviously been one of the two best teams all year," Franklin said. "They were No. 1 pretty much the whole year. I thought Logan was playing like it from December on and have now past them to be the No. 1 seed because Southern Idaho finally lost a game late to go 29-1. But we are now well versed in playing the top-two teams in the country after tomorrow night. But I think our team has got every chance tomorrow night. I am hoping that today, as it is on many of these runs, getting through that first day, you've just got to find a way. It wasn't luck. We defended well. We rebounded well. We didn't turn the ball over and as the game went along, we got a little more confidence going offensively. So, there is no luck in that victory. It just wasn't always pretty because we just didn't shoot it or finish it great. But if we can add that component tomorrow to the others, then I think we have a chance to get a big win and be around here until Thursday when it gets down to the quarterfinals."VU now advances to the Round of 16, where they will face off against No. 2 seed College of Southern Idaho, Tuesday, March 21. This game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. eastern."We've been racing that clock all year," Franklin said about his team getting their first experiences at the National Tournament. "We've just been trying to learn on the fly. That's just what this team is. It doesn't have the guys that have gotten it done and have gone to Hutch before and have been through these things. We don't have that. So, we've put together a heck of a year while learning. But the key to us getting across that line is have we learned enough. Then, if we have learned enough, we have to apply it and now's the time where we have to apply it.""I think we've been through a lot of things as a team," Franklin added. "I think we've seen a very high level of competition. I think our District is tremendously disrespected. You come out here and watch these teams that are here, it's tremendously disrespected. Our team has seen a high level of competition and has been through some things and we've been successful most all of the time and when we've come up short it's because we haven't been through it before against the good teams or in some bad situations.""We don't have any bad losses this year," Franklin said. "Our five losses are all in games where pretty much everybody else is going to lose too and we've taken No. 1 to the mat. We lost at SWIC but came back and beat them the next two times we faced them. We lost at Wabash Valley on sophomore day and they are really talented. They are comparable talent-wise to the guys that we are seeing out here. So, the times we've fallen short, we've been right there. We've been right there and if we can learn to get over that last hump that's where we are at. Tomorrow we will see if we've accumulated enough that we can then use that and if we've hardened up enough, got grizzled enough that we can punch through. We'll need it tomorrow night, but if we can take that next step, I believe we have a chance to get this thing done."VINCENNES BOX SCOREVINCENNES (70):&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/cook_tasos_50pf">Tasos Cook</a>&nbsp;6-13 1-1 15,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_trenton_5dew">Trenton Johnson</a>&nbsp;1-4 0-0 3,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_caleb_b8zk">Caleb Johnson</a>&nbsp;7-13 4-5 19,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/osei-bonsu_michael_o3nm">Michael Osei-Bonsu</a>&nbsp;3-7 2-2 8,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/jackson_shilo_8iz8">Shilo Jackson</a>&nbsp;0-2 2-2 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/white_devawn_ups9">Devawn White</a>&nbsp;0-1 0-0 0,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kris_4ckq">Kris King</a>&nbsp;4-9 7-8 15,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/oliver_ryan_wcqh">Ryan Oliver</a>&nbsp;2-6 0-0 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/king_kent_23kx">Kent King</a>&nbsp;1-6 1-2 4,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/lado_victor_0mo1">Victor Lado</a>&nbsp;0-0 0-0 0,&nbsp;<a href="https://vincennes.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/dixon_kayriek_m2pl">Karyiek Dixon</a>&nbsp;0-0 0-0 0, Team 24-61 17-20 70.Trinity Valley – 19 &nbsp;&nbsp;38 – 57VU (29-5, 16-5) – 24 &nbsp;&nbsp;46 – 70Three-point goals: VU 5 (Cook 2, T. Johnson, Ke. King, C. Johnson). Rebounds: VU 46 (Kr. King 8, Osei-Bonsu 8, Jackson 8). Assists: VU 17 (Cook 4, Oliver 4). Steals: VU 6 (Kr. King 2, Jackson 2). Blocked Shots: VU 5 (Cook 2). Turnovers: VU 8. Personal Fouls: VU 21. Fouled out: Cook.

🏀 NJCAA Tourney: Vincennes advances after opening round win over Trinity Valley

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-For the second straight year, the Dodge City men's basketball team stepped on the court in Hutchinson for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament and competed in the first round this year taking down Meridian 83-63 to move into the Sweet Sixteen.&nbsp; The Conquistadors with the win improved to 24-9 on the season and continue their season moving into the Sweet Sixteen where they will play the #4 seed Moberly Area Community College at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 22nd.&nbsp; It was a sluggish start to the contest for the Conqs as they fell behind 7-2 over the first two and half minutes of the contest. Meridian continued to hold the lead until a&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/shawn-warrior/5671">Shawn Warrior</a>&nbsp;dunk with 10:14 left to go in the first half when the Conqs would take a 12-11 lead. The lead would remain in the Conqs' favor most of the first half outside of 25-24 with 1:46 left in the half, but a 6-2 run by the Conqs to cap the first half had them up 30-27 at halftime. To open the second half&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jason-edwards/5670">Jason Edwards</a>&nbsp;and the Conqs went on an 11-0 run to start the half with all 11 points coming from Edwards on a layup and three three-pointers growing the lead to 41-27. The lead would continue to blossom for the Conqs working its way to 20 points in the second half the Conqs would cruise to the 83-63 win after controlling the second half.&nbsp; The Conqs shot 45.2% in the contest while holding Meridian to 35.3% shooting and only 5-25 from three-point range. Conqs dominated the boards outrebounding Meridian 56-30 in the win.&nbsp; Edwards tallied a double-double with 26 points on 11-17 shooting including 4-7 from three-point range while grabbing 10 rebounds. Warrior added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tuscan-onuoha/5681">Tuscan Onuoha</a>&nbsp;was strong off the bench also recording 11 points on 5-7 shooting with four rebounds.&nbsp; Up next the Conqs continue action in the NJCAA DI National Tournament when they take on the #4 seed Moberly in the Sweet Sixteen at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 22nd

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679453624137.jpeg" alt="Dodge City Sports" />
 <figcaption>Dodge City Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.-For the second straight year, the Dodge City men's basketball team stepped on the court in Hutchinson for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament and competed in the first round this year taking down Meridian 83-63 to move into the Sweet Sixteen.&nbsp; The Conquistadors with the win improved to 24-9 on the season and continue their season moving into the Sweet Sixteen where they will play the #4 seed Moberly Area Community College at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 22nd.&nbsp; It was a sluggish start to the contest for the Conqs as they fell behind 7-2 over the first two and half minutes of the contest. Meridian continued to hold the lead until a&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/shawn-warrior/5671">Shawn Warrior</a>&nbsp;dunk with 10:14 left to go in the first half when the Conqs would take a 12-11 lead. The lead would remain in the Conqs' favor most of the first half outside of 25-24 with 1:46 left in the half, but a 6-2 run by the Conqs to cap the first half had them up 30-27 at halftime. To open the second half&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jason-edwards/5670">Jason Edwards</a>&nbsp;and the Conqs went on an 11-0 run to start the half with all 11 points coming from Edwards on a layup and three three-pointers growing the lead to 41-27. The lead would continue to blossom for the Conqs working its way to 20 points in the second half the Conqs would cruise to the 83-63 win after controlling the second half.&nbsp; The Conqs shot 45.2% in the contest while holding Meridian to 35.3% shooting and only 5-25 from three-point range. Conqs dominated the boards outrebounding Meridian 56-30 in the win.&nbsp; Edwards tallied a double-double with 26 points on 11-17 shooting including 4-7 from three-point range while grabbing 10 rebounds. Warrior added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and&nbsp;<a href="https://goconqs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tuscan-onuoha/5681">Tuscan Onuoha</a>&nbsp;was strong off the bench also recording 11 points on 5-7 shooting with four rebounds.&nbsp; Up next the Conqs continue action in the NJCAA DI National Tournament when they take on the #4 seed Moberly in the Sweet Sixteen at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 22nd

MBB: Basketball Uses Strong Second Half to Beat Meridian in First Round of NJCAA DI Tournament

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;– Sophomore guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/davis_cliff_ly59">Cliff Davis</a>&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points to lead the #9 seed Chipola Indians to a 96-66 victory over #24 seed Cape Fear Community College in the opening round of the NJCAA Men's Di Basketball Tournament.

After Cape Fear took the lead with just over two minutes played, Davis answered with his second three-pointer of the game to give the Indians a 7-5 lead. Chipola never trailed again.

Midway through the first half, the Indians used a 9-0 run to take a 27-16 lead. Chipola would lead by as many as 18 in the first twenty minutes and carried a 49-35 lead into the locker room at the break.

Chipola used the first six minutes of the second half to stretch their lead with a 13-2 run. The Indians held the Sea Devils to just 10-of-36 in the second half, including 1-of-13 from three-point range.

The Indians also struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, 2-of-10, but still managed to shoot 53.8% from the floor.

With the ultimate goal of winning five games in six days, Coach Donnie Tyndall was able to clear his bench in the second half and rest his starting five.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/safieddine_jamil_44m9">Jamil Safieddine</a>&nbsp;was the only starter to play more than 20 minutes in the game.

Chipola will take on Midland College at 4:30 on Tuesday in the second round. As the number 8 seed, Midland received a first-round bye.

"We should be fresh and ready to go for tomorrow," said Tyndall. "None of our guys played heavy minutes."

"Midland is well-coached and disciplined," Tyndall said of the Chaparrals. "They are going to make you make tough plays off the dribble and earn every basket."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679371510170.jpeg" alt="Compliments of Chipola CC" />
 <figcaption>Compliments of Chipola CC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;– Sophomore guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/davis_cliff_ly59">Cliff Davis</a>&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points to lead the #9 seed Chipola Indians to a 96-66 victory over #24 seed Cape Fear Community College in the opening round of the NJCAA Men's Di Basketball Tournament.After Cape Fear took the lead with just over two minutes played, Davis answered with his second three-pointer of the game to give the Indians a 7-5 lead. Chipola never trailed again.Midway through the first half, the Indians used a 9-0 run to take a 27-16 lead. Chipola would lead by as many as 18 in the first twenty minutes and carried a 49-35 lead into the locker room at the break.Chipola used the first six minutes of the second half to stretch their lead with a 13-2 run. The Indians held the Sea Devils to just 10-of-36 in the second half, including 1-of-13 from three-point range.The Indians also struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, 2-of-10, but still managed to shoot 53.8% from the floor.With the ultimate goal of winning five games in six days, Coach Donnie Tyndall was able to clear his bench in the second half and rest his starting five.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/safieddine_jamil_44m9">Jamil Safieddine</a>&nbsp;was the only starter to play more than 20 minutes in the game.Chipola will take on Midland College at 4:30 on Tuesday in the second round. As the number 8 seed, Midland received a first-round bye."We should be fresh and ready to go for tomorrow," said Tyndall. "None of our guys played heavy minutes.""Midland is well-coached and disciplined," Tyndall said of the Chaparrals. "They are going to make you make tough plays off the dribble and earn every basket."&nbsp;Game Notes<ul>
 <li>Three other players joined Davis in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/bell_zach_aq5p">Zach Bell</a>&nbsp;scored 15 points, all but two in the second half.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/butler_derrick_b35w">Derrick Butler</a>&nbsp;had 13 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chipolaathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/safieddine_jamil_44m9">Jamil Safieddine</a>&nbsp;chipped in 10.</li><li>Chipola led by as many as 37 points with 1:15 left in the game.</li><li>The 96 points scored by the Indians were the most by a Chipola team in the NJCAA Tournament since the 2008-2009 team scored 102 in a win against Connors State.</li><li>Chipola's starting five was 20-of-28 from the floor including 13-of-15 from inside the three-point arc.</li><li>The Chipola bench outscored Cape Fear's, 46-28.</li>
 </ul>

🏀 NJCAA Tourney: Chipola advances in NJCAA Tournament

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The No. 16-seed Monroe College Mustangs men's basketball team is heading to the Second Round of the 2023 NJCAA Div. I Men's Basketball Championship after the Mustangs took down No. 17-seeded South Georgia State College, 83-62, in the tournament's opening game Monday morning at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The 29-4 overall Mustangs now advance to take on top-seeded John A. Logan College on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tyje-kelton/7134">Tyje Kelton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hamdel-mohammed/7125">Hamdel Mohammed</a>&nbsp;helped the Mustangs get off to a hot start, accounting for all of Monroe's first 10 points, including a pair of threes by Kelton, to take a 10-4 lead over the first five minutes. A dunk by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/melvin-council-jr-/7123">Melvin Council Jr.</a>&nbsp;had Monroe up, 14-8, but South Georgia State managed to close the gap, taking a 19-18 lead over the Mustangs with 7:20 to play in the half. <a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ziare-wells/7131">Ziare Wells</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/keith-warren-jr-/7126">Keith Warren Jr.</a>&nbsp;stepped up off the bench for the Mustangs to help them take control of the game later in the first half. Wells made a pair of free throws to put the Mustangs back up, 20-19, though Keith Lamar made a jumper for the Hawks to put them back on top. Warren then hit his first three of the game, but Carlos Hart quickly tied it up for South Georgia State. After the game was tied, 25-25, Warren hit another three to kick off a 12-0 run for the Mustangs, which including a three by Wells as well, giving Monroe a 37-25 advantage with 43 seconds left in the half. Hart closed out the half with a three-point play for the Hawks, but the Mustangs took a 37-28 advantage into the break. Council hit a three early in the second half to give the Mustangs a 42-29 edge. South Georgia State scored the next eight points to get within five, but another three by Council halted the run.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hamdel-mohammed/7125">Hamdel Mohammed</a>&nbsp;made a pair of free throws after that to make it a 10-point difference once again. After three points by the Hawks, the Mustangs went on an 8-1 run to take a 55-41 lead with 12:04 on the clock. The Hawks responded with an 8-2 stretch to get back within eight of the Mustangs, but Monroe bounced back again with six in a row for another 14-point lead. With just under four five minutes to play, Lamar hit a three for the Hawks to get them within 12 points. The Mustangs then went on a 9-0 run to go up by 21 points with just 1:57 remaining. Hart made a couple free throws for the Hawks with 1:45 to go, but the returning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isac-ahnstrand/7122">Isac Ahnstrand</a>&nbsp;made a three with 37 seconds to play for Monroe's final points. Zae Wiggins hit a jumper for the Hawks with 28 seconds to play, but the Mustangs were able to run out the clock from there to finish off the 20-point victory and advance. Kelton and Mohammed both registered double-doubles in the win. Kelton had arguably his best game of his Mustang career, totaling 22 points and 10 rebounds while making four shots from deep. Mohammed added 11 points and 10 boards while also blocking two shots. Council stepped up in the second half, scoring 17 of his 19 points across the final 20 minutes to help the Mustangs pull away. Wells tallied 12 points off the bench to give the Mustangs a boost. The Mustangs are now set for arguably the toughest challenge they could have this week in Hutch, as they will take on No. 1 John A. Logan College on Tuesday, March 21, in a Second-Round matchup at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. John A. Logan earned a bye to the Second Round as one of the Top 8 seeds in the tournament. Tomorrow's tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET. ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 35 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well the Monroe College marching band and the newly added esports and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 11 teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/">www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com</a>&nbsp;or follow us on social media: Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/monroeathletics">Monroe Mustangs Athletics</a>), Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/Monroe_Mustangs">@Monroe_Mustangs</a>) and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/monroemustangs/">@monroemustangs</a>).<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/news/2023/3/20/mens-basketball-mustangs-advance-no-16-monroe-gets-hot-late-in-first-half-to-defeat-no-17-south-georgia-state-in-first-round-of-njcaa-championship.aspx?print=true">Print Friendly Version</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679371164981.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The No. 16-seed Monroe College Mustangs men's basketball team is heading to the Second Round of the 2023 NJCAA Div. I Men's Basketball Championship after the Mustangs took down No. 17-seeded South Georgia State College, 83-62, in the tournament's opening game Monday morning at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. The 29-4 overall Mustangs now advance to take on top-seeded John A. Logan College on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tyje-kelton/7134">Tyje Kelton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hamdel-mohammed/7125">Hamdel Mohammed</a>&nbsp;helped the Mustangs get off to a hot start, accounting for all of Monroe's first 10 points, including a pair of threes by Kelton, to take a 10-4 lead over the first five minutes. A dunk by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/melvin-council-jr-/7123">Melvin Council Jr.</a>&nbsp;had Monroe up, 14-8, but South Georgia State managed to close the gap, taking a 19-18 lead over the Mustangs with 7:20 to play in the half. <a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ziare-wells/7131">Ziare Wells</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/keith-warren-jr-/7126">Keith Warren Jr.</a>&nbsp;stepped up off the bench for the Mustangs to help them take control of the game later in the first half. Wells made a pair of free throws to put the Mustangs back up, 20-19, though Keith Lamar made a jumper for the Hawks to put them back on top. Warren then hit his first three of the game, but Carlos Hart quickly tied it up for South Georgia State. After the game was tied, 25-25, Warren hit another three to kick off a 12-0 run for the Mustangs, which including a three by Wells as well, giving Monroe a 37-25 advantage with 43 seconds left in the half. Hart closed out the half with a three-point play for the Hawks, but the Mustangs took a 37-28 advantage into the break. Council hit a three early in the second half to give the Mustangs a 42-29 edge. South Georgia State scored the next eight points to get within five, but another three by Council halted the run.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/hamdel-mohammed/7125">Hamdel Mohammed</a>&nbsp;made a pair of free throws after that to make it a 10-point difference once again. After three points by the Hawks, the Mustangs went on an 8-1 run to take a 55-41 lead with 12:04 on the clock. The Hawks responded with an 8-2 stretch to get back within eight of the Mustangs, but Monroe bounced back again with six in a row for another 14-point lead. With just under four five minutes to play, Lamar hit a three for the Hawks to get them within 12 points. The Mustangs then went on a 9-0 run to go up by 21 points with just 1:57 remaining. Hart made a couple free throws for the Hawks with 1:45 to go, but the returning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/isac-ahnstrand/7122">Isac Ahnstrand</a>&nbsp;made a three with 37 seconds to play for Monroe's final points. Zae Wiggins hit a jumper for the Hawks with 28 seconds to play, but the Mustangs were able to run out the clock from there to finish off the 20-point victory and advance. Kelton and Mohammed both registered double-doubles in the win. Kelton had arguably his best game of his Mustang career, totaling 22 points and 10 rebounds while making four shots from deep. Mohammed added 11 points and 10 boards while also blocking two shots. Council stepped up in the second half, scoring 17 of his 19 points across the final 20 minutes to help the Mustangs pull away. Wells tallied 12 points off the bench to give the Mustangs a boost. The Mustangs are now set for arguably the toughest challenge they could have this week in Hutch, as they will take on No. 1 John A. Logan College on Tuesday, March 21, in a Second-Round matchup at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. John A. Logan earned a bye to the Second Round as one of the Top 8 seeds in the tournament. Tomorrow's tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET. ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 35 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well the Monroe College marching band and the newly added esports and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 11 teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/">www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com</a>&nbsp;or follow us on social media: Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/monroeathletics">Monroe Mustangs Athletics</a>), Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/Monroe_Mustangs">@Monroe_Mustangs</a>) and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/monroemustangs/">@monroemustangs</a>).<a href="https://www.monroecollegemustangs.com/news/2023/3/20/mens-basketball-mustangs-advance-no-16-monroe-gets-hot-late-in-first-half-to-defeat-no-17-south-georgia-state-in-first-round-of-njcaa-championship.aspx?print=true">Print Friendly Version</a>

🏀 NJCAA Tourney: Monroe gets hot late in first half to defeat South Georgia State

Six different Blue Dragons combined for seven home runs as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team completed a four-game Jayhawk West sweep of the Pratt Beavers on Sunday at Hobart-Detter Field.

Adam Mustow and Blake Bradford homered and the Blue Dragons rallied in Game 1 from three runs down to defeat Pratt 11-4. The Blue Dragons then hit five home runs and scored at least one run in each offensive inning as the Blue Dragons finished off the four-game sweep with a 13-3 run-rule victory in seven innings.

The Blue Dragons match a season high, going three games over .500 at 14-11 overall and 5-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson plays Seward County next week in a four-game Jayhawk West series with the first two games on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. Pratt fell to 13-15 overall and 2-6 in the Jayhawk West.

Entering the series, the Blue Dragons had a combined seven home runs in their first 21 games. The Blue Dragons hit 11 home run in the four-game series with Pratt.

Ryan Henderson finished the series with eight total hits, including four home runs, and 12 RBIs. Bradford and Cody Gunderson had two home runs each. Mustow, Will Edmunson and Jack Gardner also hit home runs.

The Blue Dragons outscored Pratt 41-28 and had 49 total hits, 20 for extra-bases in the series. The Blue Dragons were able to take advantage of 19 walks and 12 hit batsmen in the series.

The Blue Dragons trailed Pratt 4-1 entering the Dragon sixth when Hutchinson’s offense came to life.

The Dragons sent 15 batters to the plate in the sixth with the first 10 Hutchinson batters all reaching and scoring in a 10-run frame.

The inning started with a bad-hop single by Bradford, an Edmunson single and Gunderson getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. Mustow added an RBI infield single to cut the Pratt lead to 4-2. Henderson then lined a base hit to left field that bounded over the Pratt left fielder and rolled all the way to the wall to score three runs and Hutchinson led 5-4. Gardner added an RBI single, Cooper Wesslund singled in two and Bradford launched a three-run homer to center to cap the 10-run inning, the first double-figure inning for the Blue Dragons since February 23, 2022 at Rose State. The Dragons had nine total hits in the inning.

Jacob Hadden (1-0) pitched the final 1 2-3 innings to earn his first career victory. Hadden allowed two hits and struck out one&nbsp;&nbsp;in relief of starter Cole Toureau, who had a no decision in 5 1-3 innings of work. He allowed six hits, four runs and one walk while striking out four in his second-straight strong start.

The Blue Dragons totaled 14 hits in the first game with six different Blue Dragons collecting two hits each.

Bradford went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Mustow was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Edmunson was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Gardner had his first multi-hit game of the season going 2 for 4 with a run and RBI. Henderson had a triple and three RBIs.

Trailing 3-0, the Blue Dragons got on the board with Mustow’s second home run of the season, a solo blast to center.

The 10-run sixth inning ignited the Dragon offense for the series finale as Hutchinson scored at least one run in all seven offensive innings.

Lost in the offensive onslaught was freshman starting pitcher Ethan Giesbrecht, who tossed the first complete game of the season for the Blue Dragons. Giesbrecht (1-1) went a season-long seven innings with six strikeouts for his first career victory. Giesbrecht scattered nine hits and allows single runs in the second, third and sixth innings.

Edmunson had a career-high four hits, going 4 for 4 and reached base in all five plate appearances. He scored four runs and hit a game-ending solo home run to lead off the seventh and invoke the run-rule.

Gunderson was 2 for 3 and a career-high five RBIs. Gunderson had a two-run double in the first inning and hit a three-run home run in a four-run sixth inning.

Gardner had his second-straight multi-hit game, going 2 for 3 with a career-high three RBIs and his first home run of the season, a three-run home run in the third inning.

Bradford hit a solo home run to right in the fourth. Henderson hit his fourth homer of the series, a solo blast in the sixth. Christian Powell had two RBIs in a single and his third sacrifice fly of the season.

The Blue Dragons had 12 hits in game four and reached double figures in hits in all four games in the series.

HutchCC Sports InformationSix different Blue Dragons combined for seven home runs as the Hutchinson Community College baseball team completed a four-game Jayhawk West sweep of the Pratt Beavers on Sunday at Hobart-Detter Field.Adam Mustow and Blake Bradford homered and the Blue Dragons rallied in Game 1 from three runs down to defeat Pratt 11-4. The Blue Dragons then hit five home runs and scored at least one run in each offensive inning as the Blue Dragons finished off the four-game sweep with a 13-3 run-rule victory in seven innings.The Blue Dragons match a season high, going three games over .500 at 14-11 overall and 5-3 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson plays Seward County next week in a four-game Jayhawk West series with the first two games on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. Pratt fell to 13-15 overall and 2-6 in the Jayhawk West.Entering the series, the Blue Dragons had a combined seven home runs in their first 21 games. The Blue Dragons hit 11 home run in the four-game series with Pratt.Ryan Henderson finished the series with eight total hits, including four home runs, and 12 RBIs. Bradford and Cody Gunderson had two home runs each. Mustow, Will Edmunson and Jack Gardner also hit home runs.The Blue Dragons outscored Pratt 41-28 and had 49 total hits, 20 for extra-bases in the series. The Blue Dragons were able to take advantage of 19 walks and 12 hit batsmen in the series.GAME 1 RECAPThe Blue Dragons trailed Pratt 4-1 entering the Dragon sixth when Hutchinson’s offense came to life.The Dragons sent 15 batters to the plate in the sixth with the first 10 Hutchinson batters all reaching and scoring in a 10-run frame.The inning started with a bad-hop single by Bradford, an Edmunson single and Gunderson getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. Mustow added an RBI infield single to cut the Pratt lead to 4-2. Henderson then lined a base hit to left field that bounded over the Pratt left fielder and rolled all the way to the wall to score three runs and Hutchinson led 5-4. Gardner added an RBI single, Cooper Wesslund singled in two and Bradford launched a three-run homer to center to cap the 10-run inning, the first double-figure inning for the Blue Dragons since February 23, 2022 at Rose State. The Dragons had nine total hits in the inning.Jacob Hadden (1-0) pitched the final 1 2-3 innings to earn his first career victory. Hadden allowed two hits and struck out one&nbsp;&nbsp;in relief of starter Cole Toureau, who had a no decision in 5 1-3 innings of work. He allowed six hits, four runs and one walk while striking out four in his second-straight strong start.The Blue Dragons totaled 14 hits in the first game with six different Blue Dragons collecting two hits each.Bradford went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Mustow was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Edmunson was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Gardner had his first multi-hit game of the season going 2 for 4 with a run and RBI. Henderson had a triple and three RBIs.Trailing 3-0, the Blue Dragons got on the board with Mustow’s second home run of the season, a solo blast to center.GAME 2 RECAPThe 10-run sixth inning ignited the Dragon offense for the series finale as Hutchinson scored at least one run in all seven offensive innings.Lost in the offensive onslaught was freshman starting pitcher Ethan Giesbrecht, who tossed the first complete game of the season for the Blue Dragons. Giesbrecht (1-1) went a season-long seven innings with six strikeouts for his first career victory. Giesbrecht scattered nine hits and allows single runs in the second, third and sixth innings.Edmunson had a career-high four hits, going 4 for 4 and reached base in all five plate appearances. He scored four runs and hit a game-ending solo home run to lead off the seventh and invoke the run-rule.Gunderson was 2 for 3 and a career-high five RBIs. Gunderson had a two-run double in the first inning and hit a three-run home run in a four-run sixth inning.Gardner had his second-straight multi-hit game, going 2 for 3 with a career-high three RBIs and his first home run of the season, a three-run home run in the third inning.Bradford hit a solo home run to right in the fourth. Henderson hit his fourth homer of the series, a solo blast in the sixth. Christian Powell had two RBIs in a single and his third sacrifice fly of the season.The Blue Dragons had 12 hits in game four and reached double figures in hits in all four games in the series.

⚾ HutchCC sweeps Pratt Sunday

Courtesy of UTAMavs.com ARLINGTON –&nbsp;Bringing nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching experience ranging from Texas junior college to currently the University of Kentucky, former UT Arlington men’s basketball student-athlete KT Turner has been named the 10th full-time head coach in program history.

Turner, 44, is an assistant coach with Kentucky – hired by John Calipari to keep the Wildcats’ Texas recruiting flowing – and that has come on the heels of one season each as an associate head coach at Oklahoma (2021-22) and Texas (2020-21).

Prior to his time in Austin, Turner – whose first name is Kenneth – spent seven years on the SMU sidelines from 2013-20, the last four of which were in an associate head coaching role. In 2012-13, Turner was an assistant coach for Wichita State, helping the Shockers post a 30-9 record and reach the Final Four – the first for the program since 1965.

Turner helped guide one of the sport’s blueblood programs in Kentucky to another 20-win campaign this year and a record 60th NCAA Tournament appearance. The No. 6-seeded Wildcats are set to face No. 11-seeded Providence in the First Round on Friday night at 6:10 CT on CBS.

Out of respect for Kentucky’s on-going NCAA Tournament journey, any media inquiries will be addressed following the end of the Wildcats’ season – at which point a formal press conference introducing Turner will take place at the College Park Center.

After playing his freshman and sophomore seasons (1997-99) at Hutchinson Community College, Turner transferred to UTA following the 1999 fall semester and was eligible to compete for the Mavs at the conclusion of the 2000 fall semester. However, in advance of the 2000-01 season, Turner dislocated his ankle which forced him to miss the entire year. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma City University for his senior campaign in 2001-02.

Turner was part of an Oklahoma program last season under the guidance of first-year head coach Porter Moser that won 19 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round.

During his one year with Texas in 2020-21, the Longhorns amassed a 19-8 overall record, won the Big 12 Championship and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Turner was instrumental in the development of Kai Jones, who was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year.

Turner also oversaw the Longhorns’ defense, which led the Big 12 in field-goal percentage defense (40.8), 3-point percentage defense (31.7), rebounds (38.4) and defensive rebounding (27.6). Additionally, he served as the acting head coach for several games during the COVID-impacted campaign.

With SMU from 2013-20, the Mustangs accumulated a 160-71 record, won a pair of American Athletic Conference regular-season titles and two AAC Tournament championships. He also helped guide the Mustangs to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2015, 2017), the NIT Final (2014) and a national ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 in four of seven seasons, climbing as high as #8 in 2015-16. Turner spent three seasons under the tutelage of Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown before working for Tim Jankovich during his final four years.

Three times a Mustang player earned AAC Player of the Year with Turner on staff (Nic Moore in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and Semi Ojeleye in 2016-17). SMU players garnered 15 all-AAC selections, which were the most by any school in the league during that time. Turner also helped coach three NBA Draft selections in Ojeleye, Sterling Brown and Shake Milton – the brother of former UTA Lady Mav Terryn Milton, who helped lead them to the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

During Wichita State’s Final Four in 2013, the No. 9-seeded Shockers defeated Pittsburgh in the First Round and No. 1 seed Gonzaga in the Second Round to reach the Sweet 16. Once there, the Shockers knocked off upstart La Salle and No. 2 seed Ohio State to advance to the semifinals.

Turner got his coaching start at Panola College in Carthage, Texas, where he served as the assistant coach in 2005-06. He also spent time in the JUCO ranks as an assistant coach at Redlands Community College (2006-07), Cowley College (2008-09) and Hutchinson Community College (2009-11), in addition to Division-I stops at Northern Arizona (2007-08) and Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (2011-12).

While at Hutchinson, Turner helped the Blue Dragons post a 53-13 overall record, and they reached the NJCAA Division I Region VI semifinals in both of his years. At Cowley, the Tigers posted a 29-5 record, shared the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division Championship, appeared in the NJCAA Division I Region VI title game and ended the year ranked #17 in the nation.

In Turner’s first D-I coaching role at NAU in 2007-08, the Lumberjacks registered a 21-11 record and finished 2nd in the Big Sky Conference with an 11-5 mark.

In his first two years at Hutchinson, Turner earned all-conference honors while playing under Jankovich. He culminated his career at Oklahoma City, helping the Stars claim the Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles and advance to the NAIA quarterfinals.

Turner earned his degree in criminal justice from Oklahoma City in 2003, and had a brief playing career in Italy before getting into coaching.

A Cincinnati native who grew up in Manhattan, Kan., and graduated from Manhattan High School, Turner and his wife, Cassaundra, have three children: Kelis (17;&nbsp;pronounced: kuh-LEASE), Kenny (13) and Kendra (9).

Turner’s late father, Ken, coached at Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Mississippi, South Alabama and Ohio State, in addition to stops at both the junior college and NAIA levels.

Turner’s first name is Kenneth, but when he was playing in high school the local newspaper continuously referred to him as KT. As much as he tried to get away from it, ‘it stuck with me forever’ as Turner has stated.

When he became a coach in the mid-2000s, he tried to re-birth the Kenneth name by referring to himself as ‘Ken’ Turner – including putting it on his voicemail. However, Tim Duryea – Turner’s assistant coach while playing at Hutchinson, and current Boise State assistant – called and told him to keep the KT name, and the rest is history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679155426879.jpeg" alt="KT Turner.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KT Turner.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of UTAMavs.com ARLINGTON –&nbsp;Bringing nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching experience ranging from Texas junior college to currently the University of Kentucky, former UT Arlington men’s basketball student-athlete KT Turner has been named the 10th full-time head coach in program history.Turner, 44, is an assistant coach with Kentucky – hired by John Calipari to keep the Wildcats’ Texas recruiting flowing – and that has come on the heels of one season each as an associate head coach at Oklahoma (2021-22) and Texas (2020-21).Prior to his time in Austin, Turner – whose first name is Kenneth – spent seven years on the SMU sidelines from 2013-20, the last four of which were in an associate head coaching role. In 2012-13, Turner was an assistant coach for Wichita State, helping the Shockers post a 30-9 record and reach the Final Four – the first for the program since 1965.Turner helped guide one of the sport’s blueblood programs in Kentucky to another 20-win campaign this year and a record 60th NCAA Tournament appearance. The No. 6-seeded Wildcats are set to face No. 11-seeded Providence in the First Round on Friday night at 6:10 CT on CBS.<h2>PRESS CONFERENCE</h2>Out of respect for Kentucky’s on-going NCAA Tournament journey, any media inquiries will be addressed following the end of the Wildcats’ season – at which point a formal press conference introducing Turner will take place at the College Park Center.<h2>TURNER’S TIME AT UTA</h2>After playing his freshman and sophomore seasons (1997-99) at Hutchinson Community College, Turner transferred to UTA following the 1999 fall semester and was eligible to compete for the Mavs at the conclusion of the 2000 fall semester. However, in advance of the 2000-01 season, Turner dislocated his ankle which forced him to miss the entire year. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma City University for his senior campaign in 2001-02.<h2>OKLAHOMA &amp; TEXAS</h2>Turner was part of an Oklahoma program last season under the guidance of first-year head coach Porter Moser that won 19 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round.During his one year with Texas in 2020-21, the Longhorns amassed a 19-8 overall record, won the Big 12 Championship and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Turner was instrumental in the development of Kai Jones, who was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year.Turner also oversaw the Longhorns’ defense, which led the Big 12 in field-goal percentage defense (40.8), 3-point percentage defense (31.7), rebounds (38.4) and defensive rebounding (27.6). Additionally, he served as the acting head coach for several games during the COVID-impacted campaign.<h2>SMU</h2>With SMU from 2013-20, the Mustangs accumulated a 160-71 record, won a pair of American Athletic Conference regular-season titles and two AAC Tournament championships. He also helped guide the Mustangs to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2015, 2017), the NIT Final (2014) and a national ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 in four of seven seasons, climbing as high as #8 in 2015-16. Turner spent three seasons under the tutelage of Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown before working for Tim Jankovich during his final four years.Three times a Mustang player earned AAC Player of the Year with Turner on staff (Nic Moore in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and Semi Ojeleye in 2016-17). SMU players garnered 15 all-AAC selections, which were the most by any school in the league during that time. Turner also helped coach three NBA Draft selections in Ojeleye, Sterling Brown and Shake Milton – the brother of former UTA Lady Mav Terryn Milton, who helped lead them to the 2022 NCAA Tournament.<h2>WICHITA STATE</h2>During Wichita State’s Final Four in 2013, the No. 9-seeded Shockers defeated Pittsburgh in the First Round and No. 1 seed Gonzaga in the Second Round to reach the Sweet 16. Once there, the Shockers knocked off upstart La Salle and No. 2 seed Ohio State to advance to the semifinals. <h2>COACHING BEGINNINGS</h2>Turner got his coaching start at Panola College in Carthage, Texas, where he served as the assistant coach in 2005-06. He also spent time in the JUCO ranks as an assistant coach at Redlands Community College (2006-07), Cowley College (2008-09) and Hutchinson Community College (2009-11), in addition to Division-I stops at Northern Arizona (2007-08) and Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (2011-12).While at Hutchinson, Turner helped the Blue Dragons post a 53-13 overall record, and they reached the NJCAA Division I Region VI semifinals in both of his years. At Cowley, the Tigers posted a 29-5 record, shared the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division Championship, appeared in the NJCAA Division I Region VI title game and ended the year ranked #17 in the nation.In Turner’s first D-I coaching role at NAU in 2007-08, the Lumberjacks registered a 21-11 record and finished 2nd in the Big Sky Conference with an 11-5 mark.<h2>PLAYING CAREER</h2>In his first two years at Hutchinson, Turner earned all-conference honors while playing under Jankovich. He culminated his career at Oklahoma City, helping the Stars claim the Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles and advance to the NAIA quarterfinals.Turner earned his degree in criminal justice from Oklahoma City in 2003, and had a brief playing career in Italy before getting into coaching.<h2>PERSONAL</h2>A Cincinnati native who grew up in Manhattan, Kan., and graduated from Manhattan High School, Turner and his wife, Cassaundra, have three children: Kelis (17;&nbsp;pronounced: kuh-LEASE), Kenny (13) and Kendra (9).Turner’s late father, Ken, coached at Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Cincinnati, Mississippi, South Alabama and Ohio State, in addition to stops at both the junior college and NAIA levels. <h2>WHY THE NAME KT?</h2>Turner’s first name is Kenneth, but when he was playing in high school the local newspaper continuously referred to him as KT. As much as he tried to get away from it, ‘it stuck with me forever’ as Turner has stated.When he became a coach in the mid-2000s, he tried to re-birth the Kenneth name by referring to himself as ‘Ken’ Turner – including putting it on his voicemail. However, Tim Duryea – Turner’s assistant coach while playing at Hutchinson, and current Boise State assistant – called and told him to keep the KT name, and the rest is history. <h2>THE TURNER FILE</h2><h2>As A Coach</h2><ul>
 <li>2005-06:&nbsp;Panola College (Assistant)</li><li>2006-07:&nbsp;Redlands Community College (Assistant)</li><li>2007-08:&nbsp;Northern Arizona (Assistant)</li><li>2008-09:&nbsp;Cowley College (Assistant)</li><li>2009-11:&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College (Assistant)</li><li>2011-12:&nbsp;Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (Assistant)</li><li>2012-13:&nbsp;Wichita State (Assistant)</li><li>2013-16:&nbsp;SMU (Assistant)</li><li>2016-20:&nbsp;SMU (Associate)</li><li>2020-21:&nbsp;Texas (Associate)</li><li>2021-22:&nbsp;Oklahoma (Associate)</li><li>2022-23:&nbsp;Kentucky (Assistant)</li><li>2023-:&nbsp;UT Arlington (Head)</li>
 </ul><h2>As A Player</h2><ul>
 <li>1997-99:&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College</li><li>1999-2001:&nbsp;UT Arlington</li><li>2001-02:&nbsp;Oklahoma City University</li>
 </ul><h2>Personal</h2><ul>
 <li>Born:&nbsp;August 23, 1978 (44)</li><li>Education:&nbsp;Oklahoma City University, 2003 (Criminal Justice)</li><li>Hometown:&nbsp;Cincinnati, Ohio</li><li>Raised:&nbsp;Manhattan, Kan.</li><li>Wife:&nbsp;Cassaundra</li><li>Children:&nbsp;Kelis (17;&nbsp;pronounced: kuh-LEASE), Kenny (13) and Kendra (9)</li>
 </ul>

🏀 MBB: Former Blue Dragon player and coach named head coach at UT-Arlington

Hutchinson Community College All-American relief pitcher Riley Wertz made Jayhawk Conference softball history on Friday at Fun Valley, after becoming the league’s career leader in saves.

Wertz collected her 14th career save in Hutchinson’s 4-0 Game 1 victory over Garden City in a series moved up one day because of frigid weather forecast for Saturday. Wertz hit a three-run home run and pitched the final inning in a non-save situation in Game 2 as the No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons completed the sweep with a 12-3 five-inning run-rule victory over the Broncbusters.

The Blue Dragons extended their current winning streak to eight games and improve to 23-4 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk. Garden City fell to 11-18 overall and 5-7 in the league. The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday.

Wertz tied the KJCCC career record for saves last Saturday with a save against Barton. That tied Cowley’s Randi Hamilton, who had 13 saves in 2017.

Wertz moved into sole possession of the KJCCC record for saves with a two-inning save against Garden City. Wertz entered the game in the sixth with Hutchinson leading 2-0. Wertz struck out the side in the sixth. He finished the game with four strikeouts and a walk.

Friday’s save against the Broncbusters was her fifth of the season. One year ago, Wertz led the NJCAA with nine saves.

Freshman Delaney Blakesley threw five shutout innings against one of the most prolific offensives in the league on Game 1.

Blakesley (2-0) retired 15 of the 18 Garden City batters she faced, including nine straight at one point. She allowed a pair of two-out singles in the second and a two-out single in the fifth.

Throwing 68 pitches over five innings, Blakesley struck out three and walked one to ern his second victory of the season.

The Blue Dragons had 10 hits in Game 1, but needed three two-out run producing hits to score against Garden City starter Lacey Kearsley.

The Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the first when Alexis Mastin singled through the left side of the infield to score Olivia Sandoval and Madison Grimes. Hutchinson took a 3-0 lead with Jaeleigh Darnell’s two-out RBI single scored Mastin in the fourth.

The Dragons closed out the scoring when Aspen Goetz extended her hitting streak to 11 games with a two-out single to score Sandoval to make it 4-0.

Madison Grimes, Goetz and Mastin all had two hits to lead the Dragons in Game 1.

The Blue Dragons hit three home runs and got a combined 10 RBIs from Wertz, Mastin and Allie Stipsits in the second game victory.

After Kearsley homered in the top of the 1st to give Garden City a 1-0 lead, the Blue Dragons immediately reclaimed the lead with a second-run first inning. Mastin hit a two-run homer to left-center and Wertz launched a three-run homer to right-center. Sandoval and Grimes added RBI doubles and Hutchinson led 7-1 after one.

Stipsits’ three-run home run off the left-field foul pole boosted the Dragon lead to 11-2 after two innings.

The Dragons had 14 total hits with three homers and four doubles.

Wertz led the Dragons going 2 for 3 with four RBIs. Mastin was 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs. Stipsits was 2 for 3 with a homer and three RBIs.

Sandoval had a pair of doubles in a 2 for 3 performance with two runs and an RBI. Grimes was 2 for 3 with a double and RBI. Korri Lies also doubled.

Sophomore Morgan Pennycuff earned a victory in her fourth-consecutive start with four innings of work. Pennycuff allowed two home runs and five total hits and three runs. She struck out three and walked nine as she improved her record to 9-1.

Wertz pitched the fifth inning on a non-save situation.

HutchCC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College All-American relief pitcher Riley Wertz made Jayhawk Conference softball history on Friday at Fun Valley, after becoming the league’s career leader in saves.Wertz collected her 14th career save in Hutchinson’s 4-0 Game 1 victory over Garden City in a series moved up one day because of frigid weather forecast for Saturday. Wertz hit a three-run home run and pitched the final inning in a non-save situation in Game 2 as the No. 17-ranked Blue Dragons completed the sweep with a 12-3 five-inning run-rule victory over the Broncbusters.The Blue Dragons extended their current winning streak to eight games and improve to 23-4 overall and 11-1 in the Jayhawk. Garden City fell to 11-18 overall and 5-7 in the league. The Blue Dragons travel to Seward County on Wednesday.Wertz tied the KJCCC career record for saves last Saturday with a save against Barton. That tied Cowley’s Randi Hamilton, who had 13 saves in 2017.Wertz moved into sole possession of the KJCCC record for saves with a two-inning save against Garden City. Wertz entered the game in the sixth with Hutchinson leading 2-0. Wertz struck out the side in the sixth. He finished the game with four strikeouts and a walk.Friday’s save against the Broncbusters was her fifth of the season. One year ago, Wertz led the NJCAA with nine saves.GAME 1 RECAPFreshman Delaney Blakesley threw five shutout innings against one of the most prolific offensives in the league on Game 1.Blakesley (2-0) retired 15 of the 18 Garden City batters she faced, including nine straight at one point. She allowed a pair of two-out singles in the second and a two-out single in the fifth.Throwing 68 pitches over five innings, Blakesley struck out three and walked one to ern his second victory of the season.The Blue Dragons had 10 hits in Game 1, but needed three two-out run producing hits to score against Garden City starter Lacey Kearsley.The Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the first when Alexis Mastin singled through the left side of the infield to score Olivia Sandoval and Madison Grimes. Hutchinson took a 3-0 lead with Jaeleigh Darnell’s two-out RBI single scored Mastin in the fourth.The Dragons closed out the scoring when Aspen Goetz extended her hitting streak to 11 games with a two-out single to score Sandoval to make it 4-0.Madison Grimes, Goetz and Mastin all had two hits to lead the Dragons in Game 1.GAME 2 RECAPThe Blue Dragons hit three home runs and got a combined 10 RBIs from Wertz, Mastin and Allie Stipsits in the second game victory.After Kearsley homered in the top of the 1st to give Garden City a 1-0 lead, the Blue Dragons immediately reclaimed the lead with a second-run first inning. Mastin hit a two-run homer to left-center and Wertz launched a three-run homer to right-center. Sandoval and Grimes added RBI doubles and Hutchinson led 7-1 after one.Stipsits’ three-run home run off the left-field foul pole boosted the Dragon lead to 11-2 after two innings.The Dragons had 14 total hits with three homers and four doubles.Wertz led the Dragons going 2 for 3 with four RBIs. Mastin was 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs. Stipsits was 2 for 3 with a homer and three RBIs.Sandoval had a pair of doubles in a 2 for 3 performance with two runs and an RBI. Grimes was 2 for 3 with a double and RBI. Korri Lies also doubled.Sophomore Morgan Pennycuff earned a victory in her fourth-consecutive start with four innings of work. Pennycuff allowed two home runs and five total hits and three runs. She struck out three and walked nine as she improved her record to 9-1.Wertz pitched the fifth inning on a non-save situation.

🥎 Wertz all time league saves leader

PRATT – Sophomore Ryan Henderson combined for three home runs and eight RBIs on Friday to lead the Hutchinson Community College baseball team to a doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers at Stanion Field.

Henderson homered in Game 1 as Hutchinson jumped out to a seven-run lead and held on for an 11-9 victory in the series opener. The Blue Dragon first baseman then posted his second career two-home run game and the Dragons rallied from five runs down to defeat the Beavers 16-12 in 10 innings.

The Blue Dragons climb back over the .500 mark for the season at 12-11 and moved back to .500 in league play at 3-3. Pratt is now 13-13 and 3-3. The teams were scheduled to complete the four-game KJCCC series on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. Because of forecasted frigid temperatures on Saturday, the series will be completed at 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Hobart-Detter Field.

Entering Friday’s games, Henderson was hitting just .227 with no home runs, Henderson raised his batting average 53 points with a combined 6 for 7 performance with a double, three home runs and eight RBIs.

Henderson was 3 for 3 with four RBIs, three runs scored with a double and homer in Game 1. He had a three-run double in a four-run third inning and a solo homer to lead off the fifth.

The Blue Dragon first baseman then went 3 for 4 with two home runs, three runs scored and four more RBIs. Henderson’s two-run home run in the fourth tied the game at 4-all. He homered again in the ninth for a 12-9 lead. Henderson then had a sacrifice fly in Hutchinson’s four-run 10th inning.

Sophomore Reed Scott (2-1) earned a victory in his first career start, going five-plus innings. The Blue Dragons built a 9-2 lead while Scott was in the game.

The Blue Dragons scored in 6 of 7 innings, getting three insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Will Edmunson had an RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth for a 9-2 lead. Blake Bradford scored on a passed ball and Edmunson singled home Cooper Wesslund in the seventh for an 11-6 lead.

Pratt scored four runs in the second and three more in the seventh to pull within 11-9.

In addition to Henderson’s 3 for 3 game, Edmunson was 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with three runs scored.

The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits. Besides Henderson’s three-run double and solo home run, Christian Powell had the only other extra-base hit, a double in the fourth inning.

Blue Dragon relief pitchers Justin Smith and Brady Beverman struggled, combining for two innings and allowing six hits, five runs and a walk.

The Blue Dragons were aided by five Pratt errors.

The Blue Dragons trailed 9-4 after seven innings, but rallied to take a 10-9 lead with a six-run eighth inning.

The comeback started with a two-run double by Edmunson. The Dragons pulled within 9-8 on a two-run Max Childress single. The Dragons tied the game on Jon Davis’ single to center that scored Henderson. The Dragons then took a 10-9 lead when pinch-runner Jack Gardner scored on Powel’s successful safety squeeze bunt.

The Blue Dragons took a 12-9 lead when Cody Gunderson and Henderson hit back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the ninth. Pratt tied the game at 12 when Tyler Gates hit a three-run home run.

The Dragons scored four runs on just one hit and was aided by for walks and two hit batters. The Dragons scored the first two runs of the inning on bases-loaded walks to Adam Mustow and Gunderson. Henderson’s sacrifice fly scored Edmunson with the third run and a bases-loaded walk to Davis plated the fourth run for a 16-12 lead.

Pratt loaded the games in the bottom of the 10th against Derrick Johnson (1-0), who struck out five in two innings to earn the pitching victory.

The Blue Dragons used eight pitchers in the game.

Hutchinson had 13 total hits and had to overcome five errors in the game.

Edmunson went 2 for 5 with two doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs. Mustow was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Childress and Mustow had two RBIs each.

HutchCC Sports InformationPRATT – Sophomore Ryan Henderson combined for three home runs and eight RBIs on Friday to lead the Hutchinson Community College baseball team to a doubleheader sweep of the Pratt Beavers at Stanion Field.Henderson homered in Game 1 as Hutchinson jumped out to a seven-run lead and held on for an 11-9 victory in the series opener. The Blue Dragon first baseman then posted his second career two-home run game and the Dragons rallied from five runs down to defeat the Beavers 16-12 in 10 innings.The Blue Dragons climb back over the .500 mark for the season at 12-11 and moved back to .500 in league play at 3-3. Pratt is now 13-13 and 3-3. The teams were scheduled to complete the four-game KJCCC series on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. Because of forecasted frigid temperatures on Saturday, the series will be completed at 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Hobart-Detter Field.Entering Friday’s games, Henderson was hitting just .227 with no home runs, Henderson raised his batting average 53 points with a combined 6 for 7 performance with a double, three home runs and eight RBIs.Henderson was 3 for 3 with four RBIs, three runs scored with a double and homer in Game 1. He had a three-run double in a four-run third inning and a solo homer to lead off the fifth.The Blue Dragon first baseman then went 3 for 4 with two home runs, three runs scored and four more RBIs. Henderson’s two-run home run in the fourth tied the game at 4-all. He homered again in the ninth for a 12-9 lead. Henderson then had a sacrifice fly in Hutchinson’s four-run 10th inning.GAME 1 RECAPSophomore Reed Scott (2-1) earned a victory in his first career start, going five-plus innings. The Blue Dragons built a 9-2 lead while Scott was in the game.The Blue Dragons scored in 6 of 7 innings, getting three insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Will Edmunson had an RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth for a 9-2 lead. Blake Bradford scored on a passed ball and Edmunson singled home Cooper Wesslund in the seventh for an 11-6 lead.Pratt scored four runs in the second and three more in the seventh to pull within 11-9.In addition to Henderson’s 3 for 3 game, Edmunson was 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with three runs scored.The Blue Dragons had 10 total hits. Besides Henderson’s three-run double and solo home run, Christian Powell had the only other extra-base hit, a double in the fourth inning.Blue Dragon relief pitchers Justin Smith and Brady Beverman struggled, combining for two innings and allowing six hits, five runs and a walk.The Blue Dragons were aided by five Pratt errors.GAME 2 RECAPThe Blue Dragons trailed 9-4 after seven innings, but rallied to take a 10-9 lead with a six-run eighth inning.The comeback started with a two-run double by Edmunson. The Dragons pulled within 9-8 on a two-run Max Childress single. The Dragons tied the game on Jon Davis’ single to center that scored Henderson. The Dragons then took a 10-9 lead when pinch-runner Jack Gardner scored on Powel’s successful safety squeeze bunt.The Blue Dragons took a 12-9 lead when Cody Gunderson and Henderson hit back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the ninth. Pratt tied the game at 12 when Tyler Gates hit a three-run home run.The Dragons scored four runs on just one hit and was aided by for walks and two hit batters. The Dragons scored the first two runs of the inning on bases-loaded walks to Adam Mustow and Gunderson. Henderson’s sacrifice fly scored Edmunson with the third run and a bases-loaded walk to Davis plated the fourth run for a 16-12 lead.Pratt loaded the games in the bottom of the 10th against Derrick Johnson (1-0), who struck out five in two innings to earn the pitching victory.The Blue Dragons used eight pitchers in the game.Hutchinson had 13 total hits and had to overcome five errors in the game.Edmunson went 2 for 5 with two doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs. Mustow was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Childress and Mustow had two RBIs each.

⚾ HutchCC sweeps Friday in Pratt, will finish up Sunday

Krissy A. Birdwell, 57, of Hutchinson, died March 11, 2023, at her home. She was born October 3, 1965, in Columbus, OH, to Millard McGee and Lois (Ferrell) Cooper.

Krissy graduated from McLeansboro High School, McLeansboro, IL, in 1983, and Hutchinson Community College in 2006. She enjoyed many arts and crafts, including: diamond art, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, and sewing. Krissy also loved to cook. She enjoyed riding on the motorcycle and camping with her husband. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

On September 8, 2010, she married Chris Birdwell in Hutchinson. They shared over 12 years of marriage before her passing.

Krissy is survived by: husband, Chris Birdwell, Hutchinson; sons, Stephen Bair, KY, and Joshua (Sarah) Bair, Clarksville, KY; daughter, Tonja (Josh) Metz, Hutchinson; 12 grandchildren; and brothers, Jason, Germany, and Brian (Terri) McGee, Columbia, MO.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; grandparents; and brother.

Cremation has taken place. There is no service planned at this time.

Krissy A. Birdwell, 57, of Hutchinson, died March 11, 2023, at her home. She was born October 3, 1965, in Columbus, OH, to Millard McGee and Lois (Ferrell) Cooper.Krissy graduated from McLeansboro High School, McLeansboro, IL, in 1983, and Hutchinson Community College in 2006. She enjoyed many arts and crafts, including: diamond art, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, and sewing. Krissy also loved to cook. She enjoyed riding on the motorcycle and camping with her husband. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.On September 8, 2010, she married Chris Birdwell in Hutchinson. They shared over 12 years of marriage before her passing.Krissy is survived by: husband, Chris Birdwell, Hutchinson; sons, Stephen Bair, KY, and Joshua (Sarah) Bair, Clarksville, KY; daughter, Tonja (Josh) Metz, Hutchinson; 12 grandchildren; and brothers, Jason, Germany, and Brian (Terri) McGee, Columbia, MO.She was preceded in death by: her parents; grandparents; and brother.Cremation has taken place. There is no service planned at this time.

Krissy A. Birdwell |1965-2023|

John Kent Miller, 72, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. John was born in Belleville, Kansas on March 5, 1951, the son of John P. and Mary L. (Ferguson) Miller. John attended Washington grade school and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1970. He then attended Brown Mackie Community College, Salina, Kansas. Through the years John worked for Sid Bacon Motor Company for 6 years, Ken Goering Motor Company, and Midway Motors for 38 years until he retired. John enjoyed his business trips with his dad in the summertime and traveling to Colorado Springs with his parents. John loved doing things at Christmas with Sheryl’s side of the family, and John's side of the family other times of the year. He loved all sports, loved attending football and basketball games with Heather, bowling, and loved spending time with his friends and family. John was a member of McPherson FAA. He bowled for over 47 years in McPherson and was a member of McPherson Bowlers Hall of Fame and he bowled on the Brown Mackie bowling team.&nbsp; John loved life growing up with his parents and loved life with Sheryl and Heather. &nbsp; John Miller was united in marriage to Sheryl Plooster on June 24, 1973 in McPherson, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in McPherson. This union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Heather. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Miller, of McPherson, Kansas; his brothers in law, Keith Plooster and his wife Sheila, of McPherson, Kansas, Larry Plooster and his wife Berdeanna, of Pocatello, Idaho; his nephews Barry Childs and his wife Susan, of Belleville, Kansas and Jim Childs, of Colorado; other relatives, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. &nbsp; John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sheryl Miller; his sister, Charlotte Childs; and his in-laws, Gloria and Marvin Plooster. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Chapel, McPherson, Kansas. Memorials are to John Miller Memorial Fund and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins, 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Kansas. 67460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679066845401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Kent Miller, 72, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. John was born in Belleville, Kansas on March 5, 1951, the son of John P. and Mary L. (Ferguson) Miller. John attended Washington grade school and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1970. He then attended Brown Mackie Community College, Salina, Kansas. Through the years John worked for Sid Bacon Motor Company for 6 years, Ken Goering Motor Company, and Midway Motors for 38 years until he retired. John enjoyed his business trips with his dad in the summertime and traveling to Colorado Springs with his parents. John loved doing things at Christmas with Sheryl’s side of the family, and John's side of the family other times of the year. He loved all sports, loved attending football and basketball games with Heather, bowling, and loved spending time with his friends and family. John was a member of McPherson FAA. He bowled for over 47 years in McPherson and was a member of McPherson Bowlers Hall of Fame and he bowled on the Brown Mackie bowling team.&nbsp; John loved life growing up with his parents and loved life with Sheryl and Heather. &nbsp; John Miller was united in marriage to Sheryl Plooster on June 24, 1973 in McPherson, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in McPherson. This union was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Heather. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Miller, of McPherson, Kansas; his brothers in law, Keith Plooster and his wife Sheila, of McPherson, Kansas, Larry Plooster and his wife Berdeanna, of Pocatello, Idaho; his nephews Barry Childs and his wife Susan, of Belleville, Kansas and Jim Childs, of Colorado; other relatives, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. &nbsp; John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sheryl Miller; his sister, Charlotte Childs; and his in-laws, Gloria and Marvin Plooster. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Chapel, McPherson, Kansas. Memorials are to John Miller Memorial Fund and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins, 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Kansas. 67460.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Kent Miller |1951-2023|

Imogene Ann Reece Tilton, 86, died March 14, 2023 at The Arbors, Hutchinson. She was born October 28, 1936, in rural Lerado, to John Fred and Elizabeth “Jane” (Ferguson) Reece.

Imogene grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Langdon High School in 1954, and Sterling College in 1958. She taught K-8 music, instrumental and vocal, at Abbyville/Plevna and Arlington, from 1957-1974. After her children were in school, Imogene returned to college, receiving her Special Education Certificate from McPherson College. She taught high school special education at Sherman Jr. High, Hutchinson High School and Bob Johnson Youth Shelter before her retirement. Imogene belonged to the Hutchinson Music Club and the YWCA. In addition, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women and her beloved Sunday School class at Trinity. Imogene never knew a stranger, and welcomed everyone she met with open arms and her warm smile.

On July 7, 1957, she married Eldon LaVerne “Verne” Tilton, in Lerado. They shared 64 years of marriage before his death on June 10, 2021.

Imogene spent her time, in between teaching, alongside Verne at the farm in rural Lerado, and was his dedicated right hand “man”. She loved the family farm and could work as hard as any man that Verne hired to help. Imogene was chief cook, harvest truck driver, tractor driver, and parts runner. She took the farm and all of the things that went along with it very seriously, especially harvest seasons, and missed it very much after their retirement.

Imogene is survived by: children, Mark Tilton (Beth) of Hutchinson and Sally Thorsell (Jeff) of Douglas, WY; grandchildren, Kara Warren (Shane) and Brent Tilton (Jaime), all of Hutchinson, Halee Johannsen (Dave) of Sterling, Eric Thorsell (Elayna) of Casper, WY and Alyson Cook (Braedon) of Douglas, WY; great-grandchildren, Creighton Warren, Anslee Johannsen, Jace Tilton, Harper Warren, Brodie Tilton, Dax Johannsen and Kaius Cook; sister-in-law, Carol Reece of Wichita; and brother-in-law, Tom Toperzer of Norman, OK.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Bob Reece; and sister, Carol Jane Toperzer.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Lerado Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to The Arbors at Waldron Place, Gentiva Hospice, or Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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 </figure>Imogene Ann Reece Tilton, 86, died March 14, 2023 at The Arbors, Hutchinson. She was born October 28, 1936, in rural Lerado, to John Fred and Elizabeth “Jane” (Ferguson) Reece.Imogene grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Langdon High School in 1954, and Sterling College in 1958. She taught K-8 music, instrumental and vocal, at Abbyville/Plevna and Arlington, from 1957-1974. After her children were in school, Imogene returned to college, receiving her Special Education Certificate from McPherson College. She taught high school special education at Sherman Jr. High, Hutchinson High School and Bob Johnson Youth Shelter before her retirement. Imogene belonged to the Hutchinson Music Club and the YWCA. In addition, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women and her beloved Sunday School class at Trinity. Imogene never knew a stranger, and welcomed everyone she met with open arms and her warm smile.On July 7, 1957, she married Eldon LaVerne “Verne” Tilton, in Lerado. They shared 64 years of marriage before his death on June 10, 2021.Imogene spent her time, in between teaching, alongside Verne at the farm in rural Lerado, and was his dedicated right hand “man”. She loved the family farm and could work as hard as any man that Verne hired to help. Imogene was chief cook, harvest truck driver, tractor driver, and parts runner. She took the farm and all of the things that went along with it very seriously, especially harvest seasons, and missed it very much after their retirement.Imogene is survived by: children, Mark Tilton (Beth) of Hutchinson and Sally Thorsell (Jeff) of Douglas, WY; grandchildren, Kara Warren (Shane) and Brent Tilton (Jaime), all of Hutchinson, Halee Johannsen (Dave) of Sterling, Eric Thorsell (Elayna) of Casper, WY and Alyson Cook (Braedon) of Douglas, WY; great-grandchildren, Creighton Warren, Anslee Johannsen, Jace Tilton, Harper Warren, Brodie Tilton, Dax Johannsen and Kaius Cook; sister-in-law, Carol Reece of Wichita; and brother-in-law, Tom Toperzer of Norman, OK.She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Bob Reece; and sister, Carol Jane Toperzer.Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Lerado Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials are suggested to The Arbors at Waldron Place, Gentiva Hospice, or Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.