<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/rankings/DI/index">NJCAA DIVISON I WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS</a>

After a dominant opening week, the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team is in the top 5 in the first NJCAA Division I national rankings.

The Blue Dragons came in at No. 5 in the first week of the national poll, which was released Monday. The Blue Dragons are 3-0 to start the season.

The last time the Blue Dragon women were ranked in the top 5 was back in February 2020 when they were No. 5.&nbsp;

Hutchinson went 2-0 in its BSN Sports Tipoff Classic with sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;guiding the Blue Dragons to an 84-48 win over Mineral Area behind her game-high 21 points as well as the team shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. The Blue Dragons closed out the opening weekend with an 84-61 romp over Northeastern Oklahoma where freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/armstead_journey_v4yx">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;posted 14 points and seven assists. Three players scored in double figures – Williams with 21 points and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/howard_kali_o73g">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;with 18.

The Blue Dragons also posted an 88-44 win over Bethany College JV.

Trinity Valley is No. 1 in the rankings with preseason No. 1 Tyler falling to No. 21 and former No. 2 Shelton State dropping to 23. Northwest Florida State is No. 2, Blinn is No. 3, and South Plains is No. 4. Other Jayhawk conference teams ranked are Barton at No. 18, and Dodge City received votes.

This weekend, John Ontjes' group heads to Great Bend for the two-day Cougar Booster Club Classic where the Blue Dragons will play Labette at 1 p.m. Friday and Redlands at 1 p.m. Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667908532921.jpeg" alt="Morgan Browning" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Browning</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/rankings/DI/index">NJCAA DIVISON I WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RANKINGS</a>After a dominant opening week, the Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team is in the top 5 in the first NJCAA Division I national rankings.The Blue Dragons came in at No. 5 in the first week of the national poll, which was released Monday. The Blue Dragons are 3-0 to start the season.The last time the Blue Dragon women were ranked in the top 5 was back in February 2020 when they were No. 5.&nbsp;Hutchinson went 2-0 in its BSN Sports Tipoff Classic with sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;guiding the Blue Dragons to an 84-48 win over Mineral Area behind her game-high 21 points as well as the team shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. The Blue Dragons closed out the opening weekend with an 84-61 romp over Northeastern Oklahoma where freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/armstead_journey_v4yx">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;posted 14 points and seven assists. Three players scored in double figures – Williams with 21 points and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/howard_kali_o73g">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;with 18.The Blue Dragons also posted an 88-44 win over Bethany College JV.Trinity Valley is No. 1 in the rankings with preseason No. 1 Tyler falling to No. 21 and former No. 2 Shelton State dropping to 23. Northwest Florida State is No. 2, Blinn is No. 3, and South Plains is No. 4. Other Jayhawk conference teams ranked are Barton at No. 18, and Dodge City received votes.This weekend, John Ontjes' group heads to Great Bend for the two-day Cougar Booster Club Classic where the Blue Dragons will play Labette at 1 p.m. Friday and Redlands at 1 p.m. Saturday.

 🏀 Blue Dragon Women in top 5 of week 1 NJCAA rankings

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez hit a towering three-run homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6. That also gave 73-year-old manager Dusty Baker his first title in 25 seasons as a manager, the last three in Houston. This was Houston's second championship. The Astros also won in 2017, a title tarnished by their sign-stealing scandal. Alvarez's home run in the sixth inning put Houston ahead 3-1. Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña was the World Series MVP. The 25-year-old star born in the Dominican Republic also was MVP of the AL Championship Series. Houston starter Framer Valdez won his second game in this World Series.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect cornerback Trent McDuffie to return Sunday night against Tennessee. He's been out since the opener against Arizona, when the first-round pick hurt his hamstring. In fact, the Chiefs are so confident in McDuffie and fellow rookies Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson that they traded veteran Rashad Fenton to the Falcons for a conditional draft pick this week. The only other cornerbacks on the roster, L'Jarius Sneed and Chris Lammons, are only in their third years in the league. That makes the Chiefs one of the youngest defensive backfields in the NFL.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Bijan Robinson romped for 209 yards and a touchdown, Quinn Ewers threw for 197 yards and two more scores, and Texas held off No. 13 Kansas State 34-27 on Saturday night for the Longhorns’ sixth straight win over the Wildcats. Xavier Worthy had two touchdown catches and Roschon Johnson added a TD run for the Longhorns, who built a 31-10 halftime lead and then had to make a defensive stand in the closing minutes to preserve the victory. The Wildcats got the ball back with 4:26 left, but Adrian Martinez fumbled it away with 34 seconds left to seal the outcome.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 224 yards and had 110 receiving yards and Kansas beat No. 18 Oklahoma State 37-16. The Jayhawks are bowl eligible for the first time since 2008 when they beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Kansas’ ground game led the way with 351 yards as a team with Neal setting career highs in both rushing and receiving yards. Oklahoma State was without starting quarterback Spencer Sanders. Freshman Garrett passed for 304 yards and a pair of touchdowns but also threw interceptions on the first two drives.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Derius Davis returned the first punt 82 yards for a touchdown, Kendre Miller ran for the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter and No. 7 TCU pulled away in a 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs reached 9-0 for the first time since 2010. The nine-game winning streak is the longest since the Horned Frogs won 16 straight over the 2014-15 seasons. The Red Raiders went ahead 17-13 in the third quarter on Tyler Shough’s 33-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Sparkman, but ended up falling to 2-4 against ranked teams.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Craig Williams ran for a career-high 192 yards and two touchdowns, and Baylor defeated Oklahoma 38-35. Williams, a fifth-year junior, had rushed for 456 yards his entire injury-plagued career before exploding against the Sooners. His top performance this season had been 68 yards rushing against BYU. The Bears ran for 281 yards and five touchdowns to claim their third straight win. Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns and ran nine times for 70 yards and another score. But he threw three costly interceptions in the first half.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Hunter Dekkers threw for two touchdowns and Xavier Hutchinson caught ten passes for 123 yards and a score as Iowa State defeated West Virginia 31-14 on Saturday. The Cyclones (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) snapped a five-game losing streak and kept alive their hopes of playing in a bowl game for the sixth straight season. Dekkers, who finished 24-of-36 passing for 219 yards, engineered an 8-play, 94-yard drive that helped Iowa State seize control early in the fourth quarter. The Cyclones were helped by a roughing-the-punter penalty and boosted by Deon Silas’ 38-yard run before Hutchinson capped the drive with a 24-yard scoring catch.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Jayden Daniels ran for 25-yard touchdown in overtime and then found tight end Mason Taylor for a do-or-die 2-point conversion, and 15th-ranked LSU defeated No. 6 Alabama 32-31. The result gave first-year Tigers coach Brian Kelly his first victory over Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. The riveting game included six second-half lead changes and a tying field goal by Alabama in the final minute. It gave LSU control of the SEC West with two league games remaining. Alabama lost its second conference game and saw its chances of returning to the College Football Playoff take a big hit. Fans stormed the field after LSU's first home victory over Alabama since 2010.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Stetson Bennett threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score and No. 1 Georgia shut down No. 2 Tennessee’s high-powered offense in dominating the Vols 27-13 in an SEC showdown of the nation’s top-ranked teams. The defending national champion Bulldogs led 27-6 before Tennessee scored its first touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Georgia put itself in position to move from No. 3 to the top spot in next week’s second College Football Playoff ranking. Tennessee was the initial No. 1, but Georgia showed it is still Top Dawg.

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez hit a towering three-run homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6. That also gave 73-year-old manager Dusty Baker his first title in 25 seasons as a manager, the last three in Houston. This was Houston's second championship. The Astros also won in 2017, a title tarnished by their sign-stealing scandal. Alvarez's home run in the sixth inning put Houston ahead 3-1. Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña was the World Series MVP. The 25-year-old star born in the Dominican Republic also was MVP of the AL Championship Series. Houston starter Framer Valdez won his second game in this World Series.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs expect cornerback Trent McDuffie to return Sunday night against Tennessee. He's been out since the opener against Arizona, when the first-round pick hurt his hamstring. In fact, the Chiefs are so confident in McDuffie and fellow rookies Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson that they traded veteran Rashad Fenton to the Falcons for a conditional draft pick this week. The only other cornerbacks on the roster, L'Jarius Sneed and Chris Lammons, are only in their third years in the league. That makes the Chiefs one of the youngest defensive backfields in the NFL.MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Bijan Robinson romped for 209 yards and a touchdown, Quinn Ewers threw for 197 yards and two more scores, and Texas held off No. 13 Kansas State 34-27 on Saturday night for the Longhorns’ sixth straight win over the Wildcats. Xavier Worthy had two touchdown catches and Roschon Johnson added a TD run for the Longhorns, who built a 31-10 halftime lead and then had to make a defensive stand in the closing minutes to preserve the victory. The Wildcats got the ball back with 4:26 left, but Adrian Martinez fumbled it away with 34 seconds left to seal the outcome.LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Devin Neal ran for 224 yards and had 110 receiving yards and Kansas beat No. 18 Oklahoma State 37-16. The Jayhawks are bowl eligible for the first time since 2008 when they beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Kansas’ ground game led the way with 351 yards as a team with Neal setting career highs in both rushing and receiving yards. Oklahoma State was without starting quarterback Spencer Sanders. Freshman Garrett passed for 304 yards and a pair of touchdowns but also threw interceptions on the first two drives.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Derius Davis returned the first punt 82 yards for a touchdown, Kendre Miller ran for the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter and No. 7 TCU pulled away in a 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs reached 9-0 for the first time since 2010. The nine-game winning streak is the longest since the Horned Frogs won 16 straight over the 2014-15 seasons. The Red Raiders went ahead 17-13 in the third quarter on Tyler Shough’s 33-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Sparkman, but ended up falling to 2-4 against ranked teams.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Craig Williams ran for a career-high 192 yards and two touchdowns, and Baylor defeated Oklahoma 38-35. Williams, a fifth-year junior, had rushed for 456 yards his entire injury-plagued career before exploding against the Sooners. His top performance this season had been 68 yards rushing against BYU. The Bears ran for 281 yards and five touchdowns to claim their third straight win. Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns and ran nine times for 70 yards and another score. But he threw three costly interceptions in the first half.AMES, Iowa (AP) — Hunter Dekkers threw for two touchdowns and Xavier Hutchinson caught ten passes for 123 yards and a score as Iowa State defeated West Virginia 31-14 on Saturday. The Cyclones (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) snapped a five-game losing streak and kept alive their hopes of playing in a bowl game for the sixth straight season. Dekkers, who finished 24-of-36 passing for 219 yards, engineered an 8-play, 94-yard drive that helped Iowa State seize control early in the fourth quarter. The Cyclones were helped by a roughing-the-punter penalty and boosted by Deon Silas’ 38-yard run before Hutchinson capped the drive with a 24-yard scoring catch.BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Jayden Daniels ran for 25-yard touchdown in overtime and then found tight end Mason Taylor for a do-or-die 2-point conversion, and 15th-ranked LSU defeated No. 6 Alabama 32-31. The result gave first-year Tigers coach Brian Kelly his first victory over Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. The riveting game included six second-half lead changes and a tying field goal by Alabama in the final minute. It gave LSU control of the SEC West with two league games remaining. Alabama lost its second conference game and saw its chances of returning to the College Football Playoff take a big hit. Fans stormed the field after LSU's first home victory over Alabama since 2010.ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Stetson Bennett threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score and No. 1 Georgia shut down No. 2 Tennessee’s high-powered offense in dominating the Vols 27-13 in an SEC showdown of the nation’s top-ranked teams. The defending national champion Bulldogs led 27-6 before Tennessee scored its first touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Georgia put itself in position to move from No. 3 to the top spot in next week’s second College Football Playoff ranking. Tennessee was the initial No. 1, but Georgia showed it is still Top Dawg.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFSFinal Houston 4 Philadelphia 1TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal (1)Georgia 27 (2)Tennessee 13Final (15)LSU 32 (6)Alabama 31Final (21)NC State 30 (20)Wake Forest 21Final (2)Ohio St. 21 Northwestern 7Final (17)North Carolina 31 Virginia 28Final (19)Tulane 27 Tulsa 13Final (7)TCU 34 Texas Tech 24Final (8)Oregon 49 Colorado 10Final (16)Penn St. 45 Indiana 14Final Pittsburgh 19 (22)Syracuse 9Final Kansas 37 (18)Oklahoma St. 16Final (25)UCF 35 Memphis 28Final Michigan St. 23 (14)Illinois 15Final (23)Liberty 21 Arkansas 19Final Texas 34 (13)Kansas St. 27Final (12)Utah 45 Arizona 20Final (4)Michigan 52 Rutgers 17Final Notre Dame 35 (5)Clemson 14Final (9)Southern Cal 41 California 35Final (10)UCLA 50 Arizona St. 36NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal OT Sacramento 126 Orlando 123Final Boston 133 New York 118Final OT Atlanta 124 New Orleans 121Final Milwaukee 108 Oklahoma City 94Final Minnesota 129 Houston 117Final Denver 126 San Antonio 101Final Phoenix 102 Portland 82Final Brooklyn 98 Charlotte 94NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Detroit 3 N-Y Islanders 0Final Colorado 5 Columbus 1Final Winnipeg 4 Chicago 0Final Dallas 6 Edmonton 2Final Seattle 3 Pittsburgh 2Final Toronto 2 Boston 1Final Arizona 3 Washington 2Final Tampa Bay 5 Buffalo 3Final Vegas 6 Montreal 4Final Philadelphia 2 Ottawa 1Final OT New Jersey 4 Calgary 3Final SO Nashville 4 Vancouver 3Final Los Angeles 5 Florida 4Final SO Anaheim 5 San Jose 4

Sports Headlines for Sunday

LIBERAL – Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/golden_taniya_58dk">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;pounded down 24 kills and the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team nearly pulled off a huge fourth-set comeback on Friday in the Region VI Tournament semifinals at the Greenhouse.

The Blue Dragons fought off two match points against No. 20 Butler, but couldn't have a third as the Grizzlies defeated Hutchinson for the third time this season, 20-25, 25-25, 25-20, 27-25.

Hutchinson's season comes to an end at 26-12.

Golden had 24 kills on 50 attacks and hit .260 to lead a Blue Dragons offense that hut .161 for the match. Golden just missed a double-double with nine kills.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>&nbsp;had six kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/dean_anna_mwqh">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;had five kills.

Despite 11 team blocks, the Dragons had trouble with Butler's balanced attack with four players having nine or more kills. The Grizzlies hit .247 for the match.

Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/serrano_andrea_m5cv">Andrea Serrano</a>&nbsp;had 22 assists and an ace and six digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/ravanhani_giovanna_aek6">Giovanna Ravenhani</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists.

Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/harvey_morgan_2ssb">Morgan Harvey</a>&nbsp;finished with 18 digs and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/connor_sophie_eb64">Sophie Connor</a>&nbsp;had 16 digs.

Set 1: Tied at 5-all, the Blue Dragons went on a 7-2 run that was capped by a Golden kill to give the Dragons a 12-7 lead. The Dragons sided out well in the opening set, never allowing the Grizzlies to score more than two points in any rotation for the remainder of the set. The Dragons built a 23-16 lead and the Grizzlies cut it to 24-20 before Golden's fifth kill of the set closed the set for Hutchinson, winning 25-20.

Set 2: The Blue Dragons hit just .067 in the second set. Still a Golden kill gave the Dragons an 11-8 lead. After four ties in the set, the Grizzlies took the lead for good at 16-15 on a Carrie Roe kill, which started a 6-1 Butler run. Roe had four kills in the set and closed out the set with a kill to knot the match at 1-1.

Set 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>'s kill gave the Blue Dragons a 10-5 lead and forced a Butler timeout. Butler immediately scored six in a row, but an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/briseno_aleandra_n0jz">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;kill stopped that run to tie the set at 11-all. Tied at 15, Golden was balled for an illegal set and Grizzlies followed that with back-to-back kills for an 18-15 lead. A Harvey kill pulled the Dragons within 18-17. Rowe stopped that advance with a kill and Kennedy Kelly had an ace for a 30-17 lead. The Grizzlies finished out the set to take a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4: Butler's Rainey Aven threw down a setter dump for a kill to that the fourth set. The Grizzlies jumped on that momentum and built a 17-11 lead. The Blue Dragons went on a 9-2 run and took a 20-19 lead on a Grizzly attack error. The Dragons took a 20-19 lead on a Golden kill, but Aven had another kill to tie the set at 20. A Golden kill gave the Dragons a set point at 24-23, but Aven did the Dragons in again. Trailing 25-24, Golden had her 24th kill of the match. Butler scored the final two points to put the Dragons away.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667645700442.jpeg" alt="Hutch Volleyball season ends" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Volleyball season ends</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationLIBERAL – Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/golden_taniya_58dk">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;pounded down 24 kills and the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team nearly pulled off a huge fourth-set comeback on Friday in the Region VI Tournament semifinals at the Greenhouse.The Blue Dragons fought off two match points against No. 20 Butler, but couldn't have a third as the Grizzlies defeated Hutchinson for the third time this season, 20-25, 25-25, 25-20, 27-25.Hutchinson's season comes to an end at 26-12.Golden had 24 kills on 50 attacks and hit .260 to lead a Blue Dragons offense that hut .161 for the match. Golden just missed a double-double with nine kills.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>&nbsp;had six kills and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/dean_anna_mwqh">Anna Dean</a>&nbsp;had five kills.Despite 11 team blocks, the Dragons had trouble with Butler's balanced attack with four players having nine or more kills. The Grizzlies hit .247 for the match.Setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/serrano_andrea_m5cv">Andrea Serrano</a>&nbsp;had 22 assists and an ace and six digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/ravanhani_giovanna_aek6">Giovanna Ravenhani</a>&nbsp;had 13 assists.Libero&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/harvey_morgan_2ssb">Morgan Harvey</a>&nbsp;finished with 18 digs and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/connor_sophie_eb64">Sophie Connor</a>&nbsp;had 16 digs.Ivy Fink led Butler with 12 kills.Set 1: Tied at 5-all, the Blue Dragons went on a 7-2 run that was capped by a Golden kill to give the Dragons a 12-7 lead. The Dragons sided out well in the opening set, never allowing the Grizzlies to score more than two points in any rotation for the remainder of the set. The Dragons built a 23-16 lead and the Grizzlies cut it to 24-20 before Golden's fifth kill of the set closed the set for Hutchinson, winning 25-20.Set 2: The Blue Dragons hit just .067 in the second set. Still a Golden kill gave the Dragons an 11-8 lead. After four ties in the set, the Grizzlies took the lead for good at 16-15 on a Carrie Roe kill, which started a 6-1 Butler run. Roe had four kills in the set and closed out the set with a kill to knot the match at 1-1.Set 3:&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>'s kill gave the Blue Dragons a 10-5 lead and forced a Butler timeout. Butler immediately scored six in a row, but an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/briseno_aleandra_n0jz">Alejandra Briseno</a>&nbsp;kill stopped that run to tie the set at 11-all. Tied at 15, Golden was balled for an illegal set and Grizzlies followed that with back-to-back kills for an 18-15 lead. A Harvey kill pulled the Dragons within 18-17. Rowe stopped that advance with a kill and Kennedy Kelly had an ace for a 30-17 lead. The Grizzlies finished out the set to take a 2-1 match lead.Set 4: Butler's Rainey Aven threw down a setter dump for a kill to that the fourth set. The Grizzlies jumped on that momentum and built a 17-11 lead. The Blue Dragons went on a 9-2 run and took a 20-19 lead on a Grizzly attack error. The Dragons took a 20-19 lead on a Golden kill, but Aven had another kill to tie the set at 20. A Golden kill gave the Dragons a set point at 24-23, but Aven did the Dragons in again. Trailing 25-24, Golden had her 24th kill of the match. Butler scored the final two points to put the Dragons away.

🏐 Blue Dragons have season end in Region VI Semis

WICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team dominated the second half of its Region VI Tournament semifinal match against Butler on Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex.

But the nationally-ranked No. 4 Grizzlies used a goal in the 29th minute by Brooke Sullivan to end the No. 17 Blue Dragons' season with a 1-0 loss.

It was the Blue Dragons' first regional semifinal appearance since 2021.

The Blue Dragons outshot Butler 16-2 in the second half. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/maher_aimee_xuac" target="_blank">Aimee Maher</a>&nbsp;had four shots on goal, including one that skimmed the post and another a minute later hitting the crossbar late in the second half.

With 11 minutes to go in regulation, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/lowe_hadlie_mqp8" target="_blank">Hadlie Lowe</a>&nbsp;took a touch past Butler goalkeeper Kyrah Klumpp and fired a shot that was deflected by a Butler defender outside the goal for a corner kick.

Lowe had two shots on goal Thursday, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/dias_de_souza_julia_2tsk" target="_blank">Julia Dias De Souza</a>&nbsp;had a shot on goal on four shots taken. Sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles had four saves and one goal allowed.

Butler goalkeeper Kyrah Klumpp finished with nine saves.

Hutchinson finishes the 2022 with a 14-4 overall record. The Blue Dragons were runner-up in the Jayhawk West.

The 14 wins are the most since 2017 for the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons are 23-15 all time in the Region VI tournament, 6-8 in the semifinal round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667555522220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationWICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team dominated the second half of its Region VI Tournament semifinal match against Butler on Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex.But the nationally-ranked No. 4 Grizzlies used a goal in the 29th minute by Brooke Sullivan to end the No. 17 Blue Dragons' season with a 1-0 loss.It was the Blue Dragons' first regional semifinal appearance since 2021.The Blue Dragons outshot Butler 16-2 in the second half. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/maher_aimee_xuac" target="_blank">Aimee Maher</a>&nbsp;had four shots on goal, including one that skimmed the post and another a minute later hitting the crossbar late in the second half.With 11 minutes to go in regulation, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/lowe_hadlie_mqp8" target="_blank">Hadlie Lowe</a>&nbsp;took a touch past Butler goalkeeper Kyrah Klumpp and fired a shot that was deflected by a Butler defender outside the goal for a corner kick.Lowe had two shots on goal Thursday, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="about:/sports/wsoc/2022-23/bios/dias_de_souza_julia_2tsk" target="_blank">Julia Dias De Souza</a>&nbsp;had a shot on goal on four shots taken. Sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles had four saves and one goal allowed.Butler goalkeeper Kyrah Klumpp finished with nine saves.Hutchinson finishes the 2022 with a 14-4 overall record. The Blue Dragons were runner-up in the Jayhawk West.The 14 wins are the most since 2017 for the Blue Dragons.The Blue Dragons are 23-15 all time in the Region VI tournament, 6-8 in the semifinal round.

⚽️ Dragons fall in Region VI soccer semifinals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Squires has been selected as the Kansas Department of Transportation District Five&nbsp;Engineer.

Squires graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He started his career with KDOT as a college intern before being hired in 2003 in the Construction Office in Pratt. In 2004, Squires was promoted to Pratt Area Construction Engineer. From there he went on to serve as the District Five Construction and Materials Engineer in 2018.

District Five is responsible for construction and maintenance including snow and ice removal on the 4,949 miles of state highways in the area. It includes 18 counties: Rush, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Comanche, Barton, Stafford, Pratt, Barber, Rice, Reno, Kingman, Harper, Harvey, Sedgwick, Sumner, Butler and Cowley.

“This role has an entirely different set of challenges than what I have previously been accustomed to, and it felt like the right time to step in and tackle them. It will be different, but the good thing is we have a lot of great people in District Five that are fantastic at their job,” Squires said. “I hope I can continue to help them do what they do best.”

Squires has been married to his wife, Shannon,&nbsp;for 19 years, and they have two daughters, Danielle and Erin. He enjoys spending time with his family, working on old cars and doing woodworking.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667507058294.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Squires has been selected as the Kansas Department of Transportation District Five&nbsp;Engineer.Squires graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He started his career with KDOT as a college intern before being hired in 2003 in the Construction Office in Pratt. In 2004, Squires was promoted to Pratt Area Construction Engineer. From there he went on to serve as the District Five Construction and Materials Engineer in 2018.District Five is responsible for construction and maintenance including snow and ice removal on the 4,949 miles of state highways in the area. It includes 18 counties: Rush, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Comanche, Barton, Stafford, Pratt, Barber, Rice, Reno, Kingman, Harper, Harvey, Sedgwick, Sumner, Butler and Cowley.“This role has an entirely different set of challenges than what I have previously been accustomed to, and it felt like the right time to step in and tackle them. It will be different, but the good thing is we have a lot of great people in District Five that are fantastic at their job,” Squires said. “I hope I can continue to help them do what they do best.”Squires has been married to his wife, Shannon,&nbsp;for 19 years, and they have two daughters, Danielle and Erin. He enjoys spending time with his family, working on old cars and doing woodworking.

Squires named KDOT District Five Engineer

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>&nbsp;made her first career start a memorable one by leading the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team to a postseason victory.

Fery had a career-high 12 kills to lead the Blue Dragons to a 25-21, 25-19, 25-12 victory over the Cloud County Thunderbirds in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons (26-11) advance to the Region VI semifinals on Friday in Liberal. Hutchinson will face Jayhawk West co-champion Butler, who fought off two match points against in the fifth set to defeat Colby 17-15 in the final set. Hutchinson and Butler will play one hour after the conclusion of the Seward County/Dodge City match, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenhouse in Liberal.

The Blue Dragons advance to the Region VI semifinals for the second time in three seasons under head coach Delice Downing. The Dragons will bid for their first trip to the Region VI finals since 2018. Friday's semifinal will be the 20th time since 2000 the Dragons have advanced as far as the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

Fery hit a season's best .500 in her first career start with 12 kills on 22 attacks and only one error. She got stronger and the match progressed. Fery had two kills on .500 hitting in the opening set. She had four kills on .333 hitting in the second set and exploded in the third set with six kills on nine swings for a .667 attack percentage.

Fery's performance helped the Blue Dragons hit .364 for the match, the third time in as many meetings against Cloud County that the Blue Dragons hit better than .300 as a team. The Blue Dragons out-blocked Cloud County 11-3 and out-dug the Thunderbirds 40-28.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/golden_taniya_58dk">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;also reached double figures in kills with 10 on .222 hitting. Golden also had three of the Dragons' seven service aces, six digs and five total blocks.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/penaflor_blondie_8wmm">Blondie Penaflor</a>&nbsp;had nine kills on .750 hitting with no errors on 12 attacks. Penaflor added one solo block and seven block assists.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/serrano_andrea_m5cv">Andrea Serrano</a>&nbsp;finished with 27 assists, eight digs and a service ace. Sophomore libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/harvey_morgan_2ssb">Morgan Harvey</a>&nbsp;finished with 12 digs. Freshman Cydney Carder had six digs.

Katelyn Brogan had eight kills to lead the Thunderbirds (12-18).

Set 1: The opening set was back-and-fourth with four lead changes and seven ties. Golden's first ace of the match tied the set at 4-all. A Golden kill on a Cloud overpass gave the Dragons an 11-8 lead. Cloud County then went on a 5-1 run to lead 13-12. The run could have been 6-1 when a Golden attack was originally called out, but was overturned because the officials said there was a touch. Marcela Garcia's kill gave the Thunderbirds a 17-16 lead. Tied at 20, A Golden kill started a set-losing 5-1 run. A Penaflor/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/connor_sophie_eb64">Sophie Connor</a>&nbsp;double block on set point gave the Dragons a 25-21 win.

Set 2: The Blue Dragons jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but a 6-2 Thunderbird run cut the Dragon lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/dean_anna_mwqh">Anna Dean</a>'s kill stopped that run. A Penaflor solo block upped the lead to 12-8 and the Dragons never relinquished the lead from that point. A Fery kill gave the Dragons a 17-12 lead. Golden's kill upped the lead to 20-14 and a Penaflor/Connor double block gave the Dragons a 20-14 lead. The Dragons took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-19 set win, out-hitting the Thunderbirds .214-.091.

Set 3: The Dragons had a powerful start to the third set with back-to-back Penaflor/Golden blocks, three Golden kills and a Serrano ace. Fery then had kills at 11-2, 14-5 and 18-6. The Dragons blitzed Cloud County with .560 hitting in the final set. The match ended on a 3-0 Dragon run with a Fery kill, Golden ace and Fery kill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667467457563.jpeg" alt="Perline Fery swings for one of her career-high 12 kills in the Blue Dragon Volleyball team's 3-0 Region VI Tournament opening-round victory over Cloud County on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Billy Watson/Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Perline Fery swings for one of her career-high 12 kills in the Blue Dragon Volleyball team's 3-0 Region VI Tournament opening-round victory over Cloud County on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. (Billy Watson/Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFreshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/fery_perline_iyqs">Perline Fery</a>&nbsp;made her first career start a memorable one by leading the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team to a postseason victory.Fery had a career-high 12 kills to lead the Blue Dragons to a 25-21, 25-19, 25-12 victory over the Cloud County Thunderbirds in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons (26-11) advance to the Region VI semifinals on Friday in Liberal. Hutchinson will face Jayhawk West co-champion Butler, who fought off two match points against in the fifth set to defeat Colby 17-15 in the final set. Hutchinson and Butler will play one hour after the conclusion of the Seward County/Dodge City match, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenhouse in Liberal.The Blue Dragons advance to the Region VI semifinals for the second time in three seasons under head coach Delice Downing. The Dragons will bid for their first trip to the Region VI finals since 2018. Friday's semifinal will be the 20th time since 2000 the Dragons have advanced as far as the Region VI Tournament semifinals.Fery hit a season's best .500 in her first career start with 12 kills on 22 attacks and only one error. She got stronger and the match progressed. Fery had two kills on .500 hitting in the opening set. She had four kills on .333 hitting in the second set and exploded in the third set with six kills on nine swings for a .667 attack percentage.Fery's performance helped the Blue Dragons hit .364 for the match, the third time in as many meetings against Cloud County that the Blue Dragons hit better than .300 as a team. The Blue Dragons out-blocked Cloud County 11-3 and out-dug the Thunderbirds 40-28.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/golden_taniya_58dk">Taniya Golden</a>&nbsp;also reached double figures in kills with 10 on .222 hitting. Golden also had three of the Dragons' seven service aces, six digs and five total blocks.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/penaflor_blondie_8wmm">Blondie Penaflor</a>&nbsp;had nine kills on .750 hitting with no errors on 12 attacks. Penaflor added one solo block and seven block assists.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/serrano_andrea_m5cv">Andrea Serrano</a>&nbsp;finished with 27 assists, eight digs and a service ace. Sophomore libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/harvey_morgan_2ssb">Morgan Harvey</a>&nbsp;finished with 12 digs. Freshman Cydney Carder had six digs.Katelyn Brogan had eight kills to lead the Thunderbirds (12-18).Set 1: The opening set was back-and-fourth with four lead changes and seven ties. Golden's first ace of the match tied the set at 4-all. A Golden kill on a Cloud overpass gave the Dragons an 11-8 lead. Cloud County then went on a 5-1 run to lead 13-12. The run could have been 6-1 when a Golden attack was originally called out, but was overturned because the officials said there was a touch. Marcela Garcia's kill gave the Thunderbirds a 17-16 lead. Tied at 20, A Golden kill started a set-losing 5-1 run. A Penaflor/<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/connor_sophie_eb64">Sophie Connor</a>&nbsp;double block on set point gave the Dragons a 25-21 win.Set 2: The Blue Dragons jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but a 6-2 Thunderbird run cut the Dragon lead to 9-8.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2022-23/bios/dean_anna_mwqh">Anna Dean</a>'s kill stopped that run. A Penaflor solo block upped the lead to 12-8 and the Dragons never relinquished the lead from that point. A Fery kill gave the Dragons a 17-12 lead. Golden's kill upped the lead to 20-14 and a Penaflor/Connor double block gave the Dragons a 20-14 lead. The Dragons took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-19 set win, out-hitting the Thunderbirds .214-.091.Set 3: The Dragons had a powerful start to the third set with back-to-back Penaflor/Golden blocks, three Golden kills and a Serrano ace. Fery then had kills at 11-2, 14-5 and 18-6. The Dragons blitzed Cloud County with .560 hitting in the final set. The match ended on a 3-0 Dragon run with a Fery kill, Golden ace and Fery kill.

🏐 Blue Dragons advance to Region VI semis with sweep of T-Birds

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario was the final speaker of the 2022 Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College on Tuesday. Addario knows that photographing war is a challenge for anyone and that in some societies in the Middle East, it's even more difficult as a woman, but she also saw that as an advantage.

"As a woman, I could go into people's homes," Addario said. "As a woman, I had access to men and women. The Taliban generally wouldn't go into places that was for women, so that was amazing, because I could photograph in all those places. The Taliban were men."

Addario's latest assignment is the war in Ukraine and she plans to return next week. She believes in both the photo and the journalist part of her title.

"I think a caption is as important as a photograph," Addario said. "It's my responsibility, not only to take a photograph, but to get the reporting information right and to make sure that all of that information that appears with the photograph is accurate. I think a lot of people don't realize that about photography, that you are as much a reporter as you are a photographer."

Addario is a regular contributor to National Geographic and the New York Times and also provides select images to the Getty Images service.

"I don't send all of the stories that I do to Getty for syndication," Addario said. "Some of the ones that are very sensitive, that I can't control, I don't syndicate through them. I just hold them."

Addario is careful about trying to make sure that the story her photos tell wherever they are published is consistent with what she was trying to tell when she took the photo, but with the proliferation of photo usage on social media and across the internet, it can be hard to make that happen.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667385605081.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario was the final speaker of the 2022 Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College on Tuesday. Addario knows that photographing war is a challenge for anyone and that in some societies in the Middle East, it's even more difficult as a woman, but she also saw that as an advantage."As a woman, I could go into people's homes," Addario said. "As a woman, I had access to men and women. The Taliban generally wouldn't go into places that was for women, so that was amazing, because I could photograph in all those places. The Taliban were men."Addario's latest assignment is the war in Ukraine and she plans to return next week. She believes in both the photo and the journalist part of her title."I think a caption is as important as a photograph," Addario said. "It's my responsibility, not only to take a photograph, but to get the reporting information right and to make sure that all of that information that appears with the photograph is accurate. I think a lot of people don't realize that about photography, that you are as much a reporter as you are a photographer."Addario is a regular contributor to National Geographic and the New York Times and also provides select images to the Getty Images service."I don't send all of the stories that I do to Getty for syndication," Addario said. "Some of the ones that are very sensitive, that I can't control, I don't syndicate through them. I just hold them."Addario is careful about trying to make sure that the story her photos tell wherever they are published is consistent with what she was trying to tell when she took the photo, but with the proliferation of photo usage on social media and across the internet, it can be hard to make that happen.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Addario is 'as much a reporter as a photographer' in war zones

HUTCHINSON, Kan — The No. 9 Blue Dragons (1-0) opened the season Tuesday night in the Sports Arena against the Bethany College JV.

Hutchinson led by just nine after one quarter of action.

A 13-0 run to start the second quarter kicked things into gear as Hutchinson rolled to an 88-44 victory.

Mya Williams led the Blue Dragons with 21 points on 8 of 17 shooting. She knocked down three triples.

Hutchinson got another 19 from newcomer Monae Duffy. She also pulled down six rebounds.

Returner Kali Howard finished with a double-double, 11 points and 10 boards.

Hutchinson shot 48% from the floor and held Bethany to 25.8%. Bethany made just 5 of 26 three-point attempts (19.2%).

The Dragons lost the ball just 10 times while forcing the Swedes into 21 turnovers.

The Dragons assisted on 22 of 36 made baskets. Six Dragons notched three assists each (Armstead, Duffy, Williams, Johnson, Horyna and Te Nana-Williams).

Kassi Ballard paced Bethany with 13 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667357567001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNN Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan — The No. 9 Blue Dragons (1-0) opened the season Tuesday night in the Sports Arena against the Bethany College JV.Hutchinson led by just nine after one quarter of action.A 13-0 run to start the second quarter kicked things into gear as Hutchinson rolled to an 88-44 victory.Mya Williams led the Blue Dragons with 21 points on 8 of 17 shooting. She knocked down three triples.Hutchinson got another 19 from newcomer Monae Duffy. She also pulled down six rebounds.Returner Kali Howard finished with a double-double, 11 points and 10 boards.FINAL: Hutchinson 88 Bethany 44Hutchinson shot 48% from the floor and held Bethany to 25.8%. Bethany made just 5 of 26 three-point attempts (19.2%).The Dragons lost the ball just 10 times while forcing the Swedes into 21 turnovers.The Dragons assisted on 22 of 36 made baskets. Six Dragons notched three assists each (Armstead, Duffy, Williams, Johnson, Horyna and Te Nana-Williams).Kassi Ballard paced Bethany with 13 points.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: No. 9 Dragons double-up on Bethany's JV

No. 13 Hutchinson vs. Fort Scott 2022-23 Season Opener

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena Time: 7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 7:20 p.m.</a>; Glen Grunwald (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=450538">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 7:20 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

When Tommy DeSalme was named head coach of the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team before the 2021-22 season, he promised a fast-paced style of play.

DeSalme delivered on that promise and Blue Dragon fans noticed.

So what does the second-year head coach of the Blue Dragons have in mind for 2022-23?

"I'm really excited about our 2022-23 Blue Dragons," said DeSalme, whose team opens the season at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday against Fort Scott at the Sports Arena. "We hope to be the fastest-playing team in the country."

DeSalme returns four players from a 26-9 team that was a Jayhawk Conference and Region VI runner-up and made it to the second round of the NJCAA Tournament. That said, the experience level of the Blue Dragons will be less than last season after the loss of several key sophomores and super-sophomores from last season.

Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/garrison_jayden_ffgr">Jayden Garrison</a>&nbsp;saw the most action last season for the Dragons last season.

Garrison averaged 3.9 points and shot 34.4 percent from 3-point range last season. He will be joined by guard&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/franklin_aaron_5xfv">Aaron Franklin</a>, who played only five games before being lost for the season with an injury. Franklin averaged 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Also back are guards&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/mcclure_trey_gb8i">Trey McClure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/frederick_ra-sean_ozi1">Ra'Sean Frederick</a>, who was lost to a season-ending injury during the preseason last year. McClure played in nine games and 31 minutes last season.

"I have been so impressed with our returners' leadership this preseason," DeSalme said. "I believe&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/franklin_aaron_5xfv">Aaron Franklin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/garrison_jayden_ffgr">Jayden Garrison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/frederick_ra-sean_ozi1">Ra'Sean Frederick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/mcclure_trey_gb8i">Trey McClure</a>&nbsp;will all have a huge impact on our team."

DeSalme adds 11 new faces to the group this season. The group of eight out-of-state and three in-state players have shown the ability to thrive in the Dragons up-tempo attack, but DeSalme said the 2022-23 Blue Dragons are "a work in progress."

"I feel like we have added a great recruiting class," DeSalme said. We are excited to get the season going with three great games this week at the Arena. I believe the Blue Dragon Fans will have a great time watching and getting to know our newcomers."

Last season, the Blue Dragons led the Jayhawk Conference in scoring 94.2 points per game. The Dragons shot 41.5 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from 3-point range with a team single-season record 321 3-pointers.

The Blue Dragons opened last season with Fort Scott and the Blue Dragons won 122-95.

The Dragons are the preseason pick to win the Jayhawk Conference this this season, according to the KJCCC preseason coaches' poll. The Blue Dragons also open the season at No. 13 in the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball national preseason rankings.

Hutchinson has several strong tests on opening week. After Fort Scott on Tuesday, the Blue Dragons play host to No. 7 Triton and NEO on Friday and Saturday for the BSN Tipoff Classic at the Sports Arena. Game times each night are 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on November 16 against Independence at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667334525804.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon men's basketball head coach Tommy DeSalme expects to play even faster in 2022-23. The Dragons open the season Tuesday night against Fort Scott. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information). " />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon men's basketball head coach Tommy DeSalme expects to play even faster in 2022-23. The Dragons open the season Tuesday night against Fort Scott. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information). </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL</h2><h2>No. 13 Hutchinson vs. Fort Scott 2022-23 Season Opener</h2>When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena Time: 7:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 7:20 p.m.</a>; Glen Grunwald (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=450538">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 7:20 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWhen Tommy DeSalme was named head coach of the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team before the 2021-22 season, he promised a fast-paced style of play.DeSalme delivered on that promise and Blue Dragon fans noticed.So what does the second-year head coach of the Blue Dragons have in mind for 2022-23?"I'm really excited about our 2022-23 Blue Dragons," said DeSalme, whose team opens the season at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday against Fort Scott at the Sports Arena. "We hope to be the fastest-playing team in the country."DeSalme returns four players from a 26-9 team that was a Jayhawk Conference and Region VI runner-up and made it to the second round of the NJCAA Tournament. That said, the experience level of the Blue Dragons will be less than last season after the loss of several key sophomores and super-sophomores from last season.Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/garrison_jayden_ffgr">Jayden Garrison</a>&nbsp;saw the most action last season for the Dragons last season.Garrison averaged 3.9 points and shot 34.4 percent from 3-point range last season. He will be joined by guard&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/franklin_aaron_5xfv">Aaron Franklin</a>, who played only five games before being lost for the season with an injury. Franklin averaged 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.Also back are guards&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/mcclure_trey_gb8i">Trey McClure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/frederick_ra-sean_ozi1">Ra'Sean Frederick</a>, who was lost to a season-ending injury during the preseason last year. McClure played in nine games and 31 minutes last season."I have been so impressed with our returners' leadership this preseason," DeSalme said. "I believe&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/franklin_aaron_5xfv">Aaron Franklin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/garrison_jayden_ffgr">Jayden Garrison</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/frederick_ra-sean_ozi1">Ra'Sean Frederick</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/bios/mcclure_trey_gb8i">Trey McClure</a>&nbsp;will all have a huge impact on our team."DeSalme adds 11 new faces to the group this season. The group of eight out-of-state and three in-state players have shown the ability to thrive in the Dragons up-tempo attack, but DeSalme said the 2022-23 Blue Dragons are "a work in progress.""I feel like we have added a great recruiting class," DeSalme said. We are excited to get the season going with three great games this week at the Arena. I believe the Blue Dragon Fans will have a great time watching and getting to know our newcomers."Last season, the Blue Dragons led the Jayhawk Conference in scoring 94.2 points per game. The Dragons shot 41.5 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from 3-point range with a team single-season record 321 3-pointers.The Blue Dragons opened last season with Fort Scott and the Blue Dragons won 122-95.The Dragons are the preseason pick to win the Jayhawk Conference this this season, according to the KJCCC preseason coaches' poll. The Blue Dragons also open the season at No. 13 in the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball national preseason rankings.Hutchinson has several strong tests on opening week. After Fort Scott on Tuesday, the Blue Dragons play host to No. 7 Triton and NEO on Friday and Saturday for the BSN Tipoff Classic at the Sports Arena. Game times each night are 7:30 p.m.The Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on November 16 against Independence at the Sports Arena.

🏀  High-Speed Dragon Men will be faster in 2022-23

No. 9 Hutchinson vs. Bethany College JV 2022-23 Season Opener

When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:20 p.m.</a>; Steve Carpenter (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=450536">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:20 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

When the Hutchinson Community College Women's Basketball Team takes the court for the 2022-23 season opener on Tuesday at the Sports Arena, the expectations for John Ontjes' program will once again be high.

For the head coach of one of the top women's basketball teams in the NJCAA, those expectations are a normal part of daily business.

"Every year exceptions are high," said Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes, who starts his 16th season on the Hutchinson bench Tuesday night in the Hutchinson Sports Arena against the Bethany College Junior Varsity. "Just like most years it will be important that our sophomores will be great leaders to reach those expectations."

How high are the expectations for the 2022-23 Blue Dragons?

Hutchinson opens the season as the preseason favorite to win a fourth-straight Jayhawk Conference championship, according to the annual KJCCC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Blue Dragons also start No. 9 in the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball national rankings.

Last season, Hutchinson tied Independence for the Jayhawk Conference championship and then won the Region VI Tournament. The Blue Dragons finished 29-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2022 NJCAA Tournament.

A major piece of that team returns and will be one of the sophomores Ontjes referenced to lead the Blue Dragons in 2022-23.

First-Team All-American and KJCCC Player and Freshman of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;is back this season.

Williams led the KJCCC in scoring last season, averaging 18.6 points per game. Williams shot 41.9 percent overall this past season, shooting 37.8 percent from 3-point range and 81.7 percent from the free-throw line. Williams' team-high 83 3-point goals were the fourth most by a freshman and ninth most in Blue Dragon history. Her 148 made free throws were second most in freshman history and fifth most in single-season history.

Williams became the Blue Dragons' all-time freshman leader and was No. 2 all-time in Blue Dragon scoring with 651 total points.

"<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;will be important for us," Ontjes said. "She is a tremendous offensive player and we need her to commit to the defensive side of the game."

Overall, the Blue Dragons return two starters and six overall letter winners from last season.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/payne_natalie_xv8c">Natalie Payne</a>&nbsp;is a returning starting forward Payne averaged 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/howard_kali_o73g">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/simms_ziya_ix18">Ziya Simms</a>&nbsp;came off the bench last season for Hutchinson. Howard averaged 4.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Simms averaged 1.8 points and 2.3 rebounds.

The Blue Dragons add sophomore transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/browning_morgan_wxv3">Morgan Browning</a>&nbsp;to the mix this season. Browning is a transfer for Morehead State. She played in 28 games and started 23 last season and averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. She had a career-high 10 points against Tennessee State.

As far as the freshmen, out-of-state guards&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/armstead_journey_v4yx">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/duffy_monae_4kqq">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;have played strong in the preseason scrimmages. Liberal product&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/horyna_bree_7gur">Bree Horyna</a>&nbsp;and Dodge City's&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_camree_rkrn">Camree Johnson</a>&nbsp;are in-state players who are expected to have an impact this season.

"The faster Journey and Monae progress, the better we will become," Ontjes said. "Bree and Camree should also play key roles for us this season."

After opening night on Tuesday, the Blue Dragons will play Mineral Area and NEO in the BSN Tipoff Classic on Friday and Saturday at the Sports Arena. The Dragon open Jayhawk Conference play on November 16 against Independence at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667334285389.jpeg" alt="Mya Williams and the No. 9 Blue Dragons open the 2022-23 season on Tuesday at the Sports Arena against the Bethany JV. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Mya Williams and the No. 9 Blue Dragons open the 2022-23 season on Tuesday at the Sports Arena against the Bethany JV. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL</h2><h2>No. 9 Hutchinson vs. Bethany College JV 2022-23 Season Opener</h2>When: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena Time: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 5:20 p.m.</a>; Steve Carpenter (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=450536">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:20 p.m.</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWhen the Hutchinson Community College Women's Basketball Team takes the court for the 2022-23 season opener on Tuesday at the Sports Arena, the expectations for John Ontjes' program will once again be high.For the head coach of one of the top women's basketball teams in the NJCAA, those expectations are a normal part of daily business."Every year exceptions are high," said Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes, who starts his 16th season on the Hutchinson bench Tuesday night in the Hutchinson Sports Arena against the Bethany College Junior Varsity. "Just like most years it will be important that our sophomores will be great leaders to reach those expectations."How high are the expectations for the 2022-23 Blue Dragons?Hutchinson opens the season as the preseason favorite to win a fourth-straight Jayhawk Conference championship, according to the annual KJCCC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Blue Dragons also start No. 9 in the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball national rankings.Last season, Hutchinson tied Independence for the Jayhawk Conference championship and then won the Region VI Tournament. The Blue Dragons finished 29-6 and advanced to the second round of the 2022 NJCAA Tournament.A major piece of that team returns and will be one of the sophomores Ontjes referenced to lead the Blue Dragons in 2022-23.First-Team All-American and KJCCC Player and Freshman of the Year&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;is back this season.Williams led the KJCCC in scoring last season, averaging 18.6 points per game. Williams shot 41.9 percent overall this past season, shooting 37.8 percent from 3-point range and 81.7 percent from the free-throw line. Williams' team-high 83 3-point goals were the fourth most by a freshman and ninth most in Blue Dragon history. Her 148 made free throws were second most in freshman history and fifth most in single-season history.Williams became the Blue Dragons' all-time freshman leader and was No. 2 all-time in Blue Dragon scoring with 651 total points."<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/williams_mya_wx3b">Mya Williams</a>&nbsp;will be important for us," Ontjes said. "She is a tremendous offensive player and we need her to commit to the defensive side of the game."Overall, the Blue Dragons return two starters and six overall letter winners from last season.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/payne_natalie_xv8c">Natalie Payne</a>&nbsp;is a returning starting forward Payne averaged 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/howard_kali_o73g">Kali Howard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/simms_ziya_ix18">Ziya Simms</a>&nbsp;came off the bench last season for Hutchinson. Howard averaged 4.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Simms averaged 1.8 points and 2.3 rebounds.The Blue Dragons add sophomore transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/browning_morgan_wxv3">Morgan Browning</a>&nbsp;to the mix this season. Browning is a transfer for Morehead State. She played in 28 games and started 23 last season and averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. She had a career-high 10 points against Tennessee State.As far as the freshmen, out-of-state guards&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/armstead_journey_v4yx">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/duffy_monae_4kqq">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;have played strong in the preseason scrimmages. Liberal product&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/horyna_bree_7gur">Bree Horyna</a>&nbsp;and Dodge City's&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/johnson_camree_rkrn">Camree Johnson</a>&nbsp;are in-state players who are expected to have an impact this season."The faster Journey and Monae progress, the better we will become," Ontjes said. "Bree and Camree should also play key roles for us this season."After opening night on Tuesday, the Blue Dragons will play Mineral Area and NEO in the BSN Tipoff Classic on Friday and Saturday at the Sports Arena. The Dragon open Jayhawk Conference play on November 16 against Independence at the Sports Arena.

🏀 Blue Dragon women accustomed to high expectations

Wayne Allan Unruh, 77, peacefully passed away at his home in Hutchinson, on October 28, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Helen and children, Brad and Emily. He was born on July 23, 1945, in Newton, one of four children to Stella (Reimer) and Raymond Unruh.

Wayne positively touched the lives of everyone he met. While his family mourns the passing of their husband and father, his friends, refereeing buddies, business associates, First Team employees and many others also mourn the loss of this one-of-a-kind man. Wayne was loved by all who knew him. His genuine interest in others often led Wayne to&nbsp; become a trusted friend and mentor to many people. His friends spanned all ages. Wayne had a gentle, unique ability to improve any situation he encountered.

Growing up on the Unruh family farm in the Moundridge, KS area, Wayne had an adventurous childhood. &nbsp;He learned an unwavering work ethic at an early age.&nbsp; He worked for a local farmer, assisting with harvest efforts as far-reaching as western Kansas.&nbsp; The Unruh household was loving and joyous.

He attended a local elementary school and then Moundridge High School. At MHS, Wayne was an athlete who competed in football, basketball, and track. After high school, Wayne went to Bethel College where he once again stood out in athletics as a running back and linebacker on the Thresher football team. It was at Bethel College where Wayne met his future wife, Helen Graber.

On December 23, 1966, Wayne married Helen Graber in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Two of the biggest blessings of their lives were the births of son, Brad and daughter, Emily. &nbsp;Helen and Wayne's circle of wonderful friends, close family, and contributions to their community stand as a testament to their lifelong partnership and love for each other. This partnership undoubtedly propelled Wayne's professional career.

Over a span of about 50 years, Wayne had a successful officiating career, having reached the highest levels of Collegiate basketball officiating. From his very early days of refereeing in country grade schools, and with the support of Helen, he advanced to regional high schools and then small colleges.&nbsp; Wayne's evolution into major college officiating commenced in 1969 when he joined the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. He joined the Big 8 Conference in 1978 and the Missouri Valley Conference in 1981. Additionally, Wayne earned his international FIBA license, leading him to officiate many major basketball tournaments throughout the world. He refereed tournaments in thirteen countries from 1978 to 2013.

A few of his notable basketball officiating accomplishments include: five post-season Big 8 tournaments; four post-season Missouri Valley Conference tournaments; four World University Games; and multiple US Olympic Team exhibition games.

Wayne was inducted into the Kansas Collegiate Officials Hall of Fame in 2015. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors of this organization until his recent passing.

Outside of basketball officiating, Wayne got his career start in education teaching at Sedgwick High School, Wellington High School, and Hutchinson High School. He was an assistant football coach at all three schools. In 1974, Wayne left education to become an administrative assistant with the National Junior College Athletic Association.

In 1996, Wayne and his business partner, Jeff Roth, started First Team Inc., in Hutchinson, KS. As with many small businesses, they persevered through humble beginnings, building First Team into a leading residential and institutional basketball equipment manufacturer in the United States. First Team continues to grow as they expand into new market segments outside of traditional basketball.

Civically, one of Wayne's favorite interests was the Rotary Club of Hutchinson. He became a member in 1999.&nbsp; Wayne embraced the Rotary principles, and the bi-weekly meetings were highlights for him. He served as Rotary president in 2014 and 2015. Wayne and Helen were co-chairs of the High Impact Club of the United Way of Reno County in 2018 and 2019, active in the Hutchinson Meals-on-Wheels program, and the First Presbyterian Church youth LOGOS program.

Wayne is survived by: his wife, Helen of Hutchinson; son, Brad and wife Erica of Las Vegas, NV and grandson, Lucas who attends college in Boston; daughter, Emily and husband Karl Hudson and granddaughter, Stella, of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Calvin and wife Marlene of McPherson; sisters, Maggie and husband Gary Davenport of Overland Park, Debbie and husband Terry Schmidt of Lawrence; in-laws, Mary and Mark Collins of Greely, CO.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; parents-in-law; sister-in-law; and niece.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book from 9 am – 5 pm through Wednesday November 9 at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; Visitation with the family present will take place Wednesday November 9 from 5-7 pm in the Elliott Chapel.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be at First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:30 am, with Pastor Christy Kass and Keith Neil officiating.

Wayne Allan Unruh, 77, peacefully passed away at his home in Hutchinson, on October 28, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Helen and children, Brad and Emily. He was born on July 23, 1945, in Newton, one of four children to Stella (Reimer) and Raymond Unruh.Wayne positively touched the lives of everyone he met. While his family mourns the passing of their husband and father, his friends, refereeing buddies, business associates, First Team employees and many others also mourn the loss of this one-of-a-kind man. Wayne was loved by all who knew him. His genuine interest in others often led Wayne to&nbsp; become a trusted friend and mentor to many people. His friends spanned all ages. Wayne had a gentle, unique ability to improve any situation he encountered.Growing up on the Unruh family farm in the Moundridge, KS area, Wayne had an adventurous childhood. &nbsp;He learned an unwavering work ethic at an early age.&nbsp; He worked for a local farmer, assisting with harvest efforts as far-reaching as western Kansas.&nbsp; The Unruh household was loving and joyous.He attended a local elementary school and then Moundridge High School. At MHS, Wayne was an athlete who competed in football, basketball, and track. After high school, Wayne went to Bethel College where he once again stood out in athletics as a running back and linebacker on the Thresher football team. It was at Bethel College where Wayne met his future wife, Helen Graber.On December 23, 1966, Wayne married Helen Graber in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. They celebrated 55 years of marriage. Two of the biggest blessings of their lives were the births of son, Brad and daughter, Emily. &nbsp;Helen and Wayne's circle of wonderful friends, close family, and contributions to their community stand as a testament to their lifelong partnership and love for each other. This partnership undoubtedly propelled Wayne's professional career.Over a span of about 50 years, Wayne had a successful officiating career, having reached the highest levels of Collegiate basketball officiating. From his very early days of refereeing in country grade schools, and with the support of Helen, he advanced to regional high schools and then small colleges.&nbsp; Wayne's evolution into major college officiating commenced in 1969 when he joined the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. He joined the Big 8 Conference in 1978 and the Missouri Valley Conference in 1981. Additionally, Wayne earned his international FIBA license, leading him to officiate many major basketball tournaments throughout the world. He refereed tournaments in thirteen countries from 1978 to 2013.A few of his notable basketball officiating accomplishments include: five post-season Big 8 tournaments; four post-season Missouri Valley Conference tournaments; four World University Games; and multiple US Olympic Team exhibition games.Wayne was inducted into the Kansas Collegiate Officials Hall of Fame in 2015. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors of this organization until his recent passing.Outside of basketball officiating, Wayne got his career start in education teaching at Sedgwick High School, Wellington High School, and Hutchinson High School. He was an assistant football coach at all three schools. In 1974, Wayne left education to become an administrative assistant with the National Junior College Athletic Association.In 1996, Wayne and his business partner, Jeff Roth, started First Team Inc., in Hutchinson, KS. As with many small businesses, they persevered through humble beginnings, building First Team into a leading residential and institutional basketball equipment manufacturer in the United States. First Team continues to grow as they expand into new market segments outside of traditional basketball.Civically, one of Wayne's favorite interests was the Rotary Club of Hutchinson. He became a member in 1999.&nbsp; Wayne embraced the Rotary principles, and the bi-weekly meetings were highlights for him. He served as Rotary president in 2014 and 2015. Wayne and Helen were co-chairs of the High Impact Club of the United Way of Reno County in 2018 and 2019, active in the Hutchinson Meals-on-Wheels program, and the First Presbyterian Church youth LOGOS program.Wayne is survived by: his wife, Helen of Hutchinson; son, Brad and wife Erica of Las Vegas, NV and grandson, Lucas who attends college in Boston; daughter, Emily and husband Karl Hudson and granddaughter, Stella, of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Calvin and wife Marlene of McPherson; sisters, Maggie and husband Gary Davenport of Overland Park, Debbie and husband Terry Schmidt of Lawrence; in-laws, Mary and Mark Collins of Greely, CO.He was preceded in death by: his parents; parents-in-law; sister-in-law; and niece.Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book from 9 am – 5 pm through Wednesday November 9 at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; Visitation with the family present will take place Wednesday November 9 from 5-7 pm in the Elliott Chapel.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be at First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:30 am, with Pastor Christy Kass and Keith Neil officiating.

Wayne Allan Unruh  |1945-2022|  

John Stuart Stephens died October 31, 2022, at the age of 87.&nbsp; He was born in Muskegon, MI, to John Logan Stephens and Viola Anderson Stephens.&nbsp; When John was 13, his father died.&nbsp; His mother moved John and his sister to Coffeyville.&nbsp; In junior high, he accidentally ran his arm through a glass door, severing tendons and nerves in his right arm.&nbsp; The arm was saved, but his hand never returned to normal usage.&nbsp; Despite this handicap, John achieved all-state status in football, basketball, and track.&nbsp; He attended the University of Missouri on a basketball scholarship and went on to receive a MBA from Missouri.

While in graduate school, John met his future wife, Peg Whitney Stephens.&nbsp; They were married August 26, 1962.&nbsp; John and Peg have two daughters, Ann W. Bush of Hutchinson and Catherine L. Stephens of Billings, MT.

After college, John went to work for Sinclair Oil Company, ending his career with them doing contractor sales.&nbsp; In 1974, he and Peg bought City Beverage Company, an Anheuser-Busch distributorship, from Jim and Vivian Peterie in Hutchinson.&nbsp; John had found his niche.&nbsp; He received pleasure in working with his customers, employees, and seeing the company grow from being housed in an air force base Quonset hut to a large climate-controlled warehouse complex.&nbsp; In 2002, John and Peg retired and the business was sold to Ann and Bob Bush.

John loved to travel with family and friends.&nbsp; There were numerous memorable trips to Crested Butte, CO, the Grand Canyon, and Chloride, NM&nbsp; All became the source of much laughter and family folklore.&nbsp; Although John wasn’t known for his patience, he enjoyed fishing, and organized several fishing trips to Canada and Alaska.&nbsp; Upon his return from those trips, John entertained his family, his Fraese Drug coffee group, and his bridge friends with many a humorous fishing tale.

John will be remembered as a man of integrity who loved his family and had little patience for electronics.&nbsp; He never learned to use a computer or a cell phone. John was a member of First Congregational Church, Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; sister, Ruth Stephens Stevens; and son-in-law, Robert C. Bush.

John is survived by:&nbsp; his wife, Peg; daughters, Ann Bush and Catherine Stephens (Jon Bushey); grandson, Jack C. Bush; niece, Elizabeth Ann Hansen (Mark) of Fairview, TX; and nephew, Paul Max Stevens (Cathy) of Mecosta, MI.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be 3 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, in Fairview Cemetery, 2602 Woodland Avenue, Coffeyville.&nbsp; 

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 5, and from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 6, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The funeral service can be viewed online by going to the following website:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/">https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/</a>&nbsp;and selecting the ‘Livestream’ drop down and then the ‘Memorial Service for John Stephens’ link.&nbsp; The casket will remain closed.

John Stuart Stephens died October 31, 2022, at the age of 87.&nbsp; He was born in Muskegon, MI, to John Logan Stephens and Viola Anderson Stephens.&nbsp; When John was 13, his father died.&nbsp; His mother moved John and his sister to Coffeyville.&nbsp; In junior high, he accidentally ran his arm through a glass door, severing tendons and nerves in his right arm.&nbsp; The arm was saved, but his hand never returned to normal usage.&nbsp; Despite this handicap, John achieved all-state status in football, basketball, and track.&nbsp; He attended the University of Missouri on a basketball scholarship and went on to receive a MBA from Missouri.While in graduate school, John met his future wife, Peg Whitney Stephens.&nbsp; They were married August 26, 1962.&nbsp; John and Peg have two daughters, Ann W. Bush of Hutchinson and Catherine L. Stephens of Billings, MT.After college, John went to work for Sinclair Oil Company, ending his career with them doing contractor sales.&nbsp; In 1974, he and Peg bought City Beverage Company, an Anheuser-Busch distributorship, from Jim and Vivian Peterie in Hutchinson.&nbsp; John had found his niche.&nbsp; He received pleasure in working with his customers, employees, and seeing the company grow from being housed in an air force base Quonset hut to a large climate-controlled warehouse complex.&nbsp; In 2002, John and Peg retired and the business was sold to Ann and Bob Bush.John loved to travel with family and friends.&nbsp; There were numerous memorable trips to Crested Butte, CO, the Grand Canyon, and Chloride, NM&nbsp; All became the source of much laughter and family folklore.&nbsp; Although John wasn’t known for his patience, he enjoyed fishing, and organized several fishing trips to Canada and Alaska.&nbsp; Upon his return from those trips, John entertained his family, his Fraese Drug coffee group, and his bridge friends with many a humorous fishing tale.John will be remembered as a man of integrity who loved his family and had little patience for electronics.&nbsp; He never learned to use a computer or a cell phone. John was a member of First Congregational Church, Hutchinson.He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; sister, Ruth Stephens Stevens; and son-in-law, Robert C. Bush.John is survived by:&nbsp; his wife, Peg; daughters, Ann Bush and Catherine Stephens (Jon Bushey); grandson, Jack C. Bush; niece, Elizabeth Ann Hansen (Mark) of Fairview, TX; and nephew, Paul Max Stevens (Cathy) of Mecosta, MI.Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be 3 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, in Fairview Cemetery, 2602 Woodland Avenue, Coffeyville.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 5, and from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 6, with the family present from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The funeral service can be viewed online by going to the following website:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/">https://firstcongregationalhutch.org/</a>&nbsp;and selecting the ‘Livestream’ drop down and then the ‘Memorial Service for John Stephens’ link.&nbsp; The casket will remain closed.

John Stuart Stephens  |1935-2022|  

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Now in his 23rd season as the head coach of the Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team, Chris Young took a struggling Division II program and transformed it into a nationally elite NJCAA Division I powerhouse.

Now the leader of the two-time defending NJCAA men’s golf national champion Hutchinson, Young has reached the pinnacle of his profession.

Young is one of four people to be inducted to the 2022 Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame.

The GCAA made the announcement Tuesday morning. Along with Young, former Colorado State and current Louisville head coach Mark Crabtree, Oklahoma Christian coach David Lynn, and TCU head coach Bill Montigel make up the Class of 2022.

The GCAA Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be on December 5 in Las Vegas.

“I am very honored to even be considered for the Hall Of Fame, not to mention being voted into the Hall by my peers,” Young said. “I truly am humbled and blessed by this honor and look forward to being part of such an exclusive bunch.”

Young took over the Blue Dragon men’s golf program in 2000. Before Young’s arrival, the Blue Dragons qualified for the Division II national tournament only once in the previous 13 years.

Young immediately moved the program to the Division I level in 2000. He had the Blue Dragons at nationals in 2001, a 20th-place finish.

The Blue Dragons haven’t missed out on the national tournament since.

Fast-forward to 2021 at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas – the Blue Dragons were in the thick of a national championship chase for the first time. Hutchinson passed that test with flying colors, defeating Odessa by nine strokes. Ben Partridge defeated teammate Harry Crocket in a four-hole playoff to the win individual national championship. Along with Partridge and Crockett, Cameron Rios-Ceballos earned All-America honors.

One year later, the Blue Dragons went wire-to-wire for the second straight year and never looked back for a 20-stroke victory at the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas. The Blue Dragons posted the largest winning margin in nearly 30 years and shot six strokes better than 2021 with a 72-hole total of 1,130.

A record four Blue Dragons earned All-America honors: Dominic Clemons, who lost a two-hole playoff for the individual national title, and Blake Saffell and Partridge were first-team All-Americans. Crockett was a third-team All-American.

“What great honor for Coach Young,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “Being enshrined into the GCCA is well deserved as coach Young has and continues to be a first-class mentor and coach to all the young men on his teams.&nbsp;

“The success of his coaching career is no surprise to anyone who has spent quality time with him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Coach’s attention to detail from recruiting evaluation, stats analysis, course management along with personal relationships separate him from many others.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am proud to have witnessed all of this first hand and now to see him honored is awesome.”

Even before the last two seasons, Young’s teams have been impressive. Young’s accomplishments include:

+ 21 consecutive NJCAA Tournament appearances;

+ 10 Jayhawk Conference team championships (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022);

+ 9 Region VI team championships (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022);

+ 3 District III team championship (2007, 2009, 2021);

+ 2 NJCAA Individual National Runners-Up;

+ 1 Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year winner;

+ 3 Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year finalist;

+ 2 Phil Mickelson National Outstanding Freshman Award winners;

+ 3 Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year finalists;

+ 9 Jayhawk Conference individual league champions;

+ 10 NJCAA Tournament Top 10 national placings.

Before Young took over the Blue Dragon men’s golf program, he served as an assistant coach for the Blue Dragon women’s basketball team for two seasons. The Lady Dragons were 44-20 in those two seasons.

Before coming to Hutch in 1997, Young was at the University of Nebraska where he was an assistant coach for the Husker women’s basketball program under Angela Beck for three years. Nebraska was 51-33 in his three years in Lincoln.

Young is a native of Kearney, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1993. Young and his wife, Kricket, have three children: Cole, Kennedy and Carter.

HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Now in his 23rd season as the head coach of the Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team, Chris Young took a struggling Division II program and transformed it into a nationally elite NJCAA Division I powerhouse.Now the leader of the two-time defending NJCAA men’s golf national champion Hutchinson, Young has reached the pinnacle of his profession.Young is one of four people to be inducted to the 2022 Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame.The GCAA made the announcement Tuesday morning. Along with Young, former Colorado State and current Louisville head coach Mark Crabtree, Oklahoma Christian coach David Lynn, and TCU head coach Bill Montigel make up the Class of 2022.The GCAA Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be on December 5 in Las Vegas.“I am very honored to even be considered for the Hall Of Fame, not to mention being voted into the Hall by my peers,” Young said. “I truly am humbled and blessed by this honor and look forward to being part of such an exclusive bunch.”Young took over the Blue Dragon men’s golf program in 2000. Before Young’s arrival, the Blue Dragons qualified for the Division II national tournament only once in the previous 13 years.Young immediately moved the program to the Division I level in 2000. He had the Blue Dragons at nationals in 2001, a 20th-place finish.The Blue Dragons haven’t missed out on the national tournament since.Fast-forward to 2021 at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas – the Blue Dragons were in the thick of a national championship chase for the first time. Hutchinson passed that test with flying colors, defeating Odessa by nine strokes. Ben Partridge defeated teammate Harry Crocket in a four-hole playoff to the win individual national championship. Along with Partridge and Crockett, Cameron Rios-Ceballos earned All-America honors.One year later, the Blue Dragons went wire-to-wire for the second straight year and never looked back for a 20-stroke victory at the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas. The Blue Dragons posted the largest winning margin in nearly 30 years and shot six strokes better than 2021 with a 72-hole total of 1,130.A record four Blue Dragons earned All-America honors: Dominic Clemons, who lost a two-hole playoff for the individual national title, and Blake Saffell and Partridge were first-team All-Americans. Crockett was a third-team All-American.“What great honor for Coach Young,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “Being enshrined into the GCCA is well deserved as coach Young has and continues to be a first-class mentor and coach to all the young men on his teams.&nbsp;“The success of his coaching career is no surprise to anyone who has spent quality time with him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Coach’s attention to detail from recruiting evaluation, stats analysis, course management along with personal relationships separate him from many others.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am proud to have witnessed all of this first hand and now to see him honored is awesome.”Even before the last two seasons, Young’s teams have been impressive. Young’s accomplishments include:+ 21 consecutive NJCAA Tournament appearances;+ 10 Jayhawk Conference team championships (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022);+ 9 Region VI team championships (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022);+ 3 District III team championship (2007, 2009, 2021);+ 2 NJCAA National Championships;+ 1 NJCAA Individual National Champion;+ 2 NJCAA Individual National Runners-Up;+ 1 Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year winner;+ 3 Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year finalist;+ 2 Phil Mickelson National Outstanding Freshman Award winners;+ 3 Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year finalists;+ 15 NJCAA All-Americans;+ 13 PING/NJCAA All-Americans;+ 9 Jayhawk Conference individual league champions;+ 8 Region VI individual champions;+ 4 District III individual champion;+ 10 NJCAA Tournament Top 10 national placings.Before Young took over the Blue Dragon men’s golf program, he served as an assistant coach for the Blue Dragon women’s basketball team for two seasons. The Lady Dragons were 44-20 in those two seasons.Before coming to Hutch in 1997, Young was at the University of Nebraska where he was an assistant coach for the Husker women’s basketball program under Angela Beck for three years. Nebraska was 51-33 in his three years in Lincoln.Young is a native of Kearney, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1993. Young and his wife, Kricket, have three children: Cole, Kennedy and Carter.

🏌️‍♂️ Chris Young to be inducted into GCAA Hall of Fame

Gerald "Jerry" Ray Blocher, 91, of Hutchinson, passed away on October 28, 2022, at Buhler Sunshine Home. He was born July 19, 1931, in Humboldt, Nebraska, to James and Leah (Fairley) Blocher.

Jerry was raised in the Humboldt area where he graduated from high school in 1949. He attended Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska for one year, and then served in the Air Force for four years. After his military service, Jerry settled in the Kansas City area where he earned an associate degree in electronics. During his studies, he worked at a toy store in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and this is where he met his wife to be, Marie. The couple was married on July 17, 1965, and Jerry became stepfather to Dian Kenning Pryor, Jerry Kenning, and Mark Kenning.

The couple moved to Joplin, Missouri where Jerry worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep. In 1970, Jerry became involved with the McDonald’s hamburger business, first as a manager, and then as a part owner-operator in Joplin and Miami, Oklahoma. Jerry and Marie purchased the Hutchinson McDonalds stores in 1978. The Blocher's sold their McDonald’s stores in 2005.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a loving caregiver to Marie during her battle with Alzheimer disease. Jerry was an avid golfer, and enjoyed watching sports on television. He participated in football and basketball during his high school and college years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, having lunch at Carl's Bar, and always had a joke ready to tell.

Through McDonald's and in his personal life Jerry was a noted philanthropist. Many local organizations were the recipients of his generosity. One donation was to fund the very first pulse oximeter to be used in the newborn nursery of Hutchinson Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Houses in Wichita, Trinity Catholic High School in Hutchinson, Catholic churches in the Hutchinson area, and Hutchinson's TECH were just a few of the organizations Jerry supported.

Survivors include: sons, Jerry Kenning (Margaret) and Mark Kenning (Connie); son-in-law, Robert Pryor; nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by: his mother, Leah; father, Orval; stepmother, Charlotte; wife, Marie; stepdaughter, Dian Kenning Pryor; and siblings, George, Harold, Melvin, and Naida Woods Knudson.

Parish rosary will be 10 am Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow on at 11:30 am Friday, November 4, 2022, in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Raytown, Missouri. Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary with family present from 6 to 8 pm.

Gerald "Jerry" Ray Blocher, 91, of Hutchinson, passed away on October 28, 2022, at Buhler Sunshine Home. He was born July 19, 1931, in Humboldt, Nebraska, to James and Leah (Fairley) Blocher.Jerry was raised in the Humboldt area where he graduated from high school in 1949. He attended Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska for one year, and then served in the Air Force for four years. After his military service, Jerry settled in the Kansas City area where he earned an associate degree in electronics. During his studies, he worked at a toy store in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and this is where he met his wife to be, Marie. The couple was married on July 17, 1965, and Jerry became stepfather to Dian Kenning Pryor, Jerry Kenning, and Mark Kenning.The couple moved to Joplin, Missouri where Jerry worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep. In 1970, Jerry became involved with the McDonald’s hamburger business, first as a manager, and then as a part owner-operator in Joplin and Miami, Oklahoma. Jerry and Marie purchased the Hutchinson McDonalds stores in 1978. The Blocher's sold their McDonald’s stores in 2005.Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a loving caregiver to Marie during her battle with Alzheimer disease. Jerry was an avid golfer, and enjoyed watching sports on television. He participated in football and basketball during his high school and college years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, having lunch at Carl's Bar, and always had a joke ready to tell.Through McDonald's and in his personal life Jerry was a noted philanthropist. Many local organizations were the recipients of his generosity. One donation was to fund the very first pulse oximeter to be used in the newborn nursery of Hutchinson Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Houses in Wichita, Trinity Catholic High School in Hutchinson, Catholic churches in the Hutchinson area, and Hutchinson's TECH were just a few of the organizations Jerry supported.Survivors include: sons, Jerry Kenning (Margaret) and Mark Kenning (Connie); son-in-law, Robert Pryor; nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.Jerry was preceded in death by: his mother, Leah; father, Orval; stepmother, Charlotte; wife, Marie; stepdaughter, Dian Kenning Pryor; and siblings, George, Harold, Melvin, and Naida Woods Knudson.Parish rosary will be 10 am Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow on at 11:30 am Friday, November 4, 2022, in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Raytown, Missouri. Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary with family present from 6 to 8 pm.