MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will travel to St. John's on Saturday, Dec. 7 as part of the sixth edition of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday morning (April 25).

The game will be broadcast on one of FOX's properties and will take place at either Madison Square Garden or St. John's on-campus arena – the 5,602-seat Carnesecca Arena.

This will be just the third meeting between the programs and the first in more than 60 years since St. John's knocked off K-State, 72-65, on Dec. 10, 1965, in the Sunflower Doubleheader at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. The Wildcats won the first meeting, 63-50, at Ahearn Fieldhouse on Dec. 16, 1961.

The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and running through Sunday, Dec. 8. The BIG EAST will host six games in 2024-25 after the Big 12 played host to six games in 2023-24. Only 11 of the 16 Big 12 teams will compete in the final event with the exceptions of Arizona, Arizona State, UCF, Colorado and Utah.

K-State is 1-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, snapping a 3-game losing streak with a 72-71 overtime victory over Villanova this past season. The Wildcats have also played Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022.

Overall, K-State is 26-27 all-time against BIG EAST opponents, including wins against Providence and Villanova in 2023-24. However, the Wildcats are just 4-16 on the road against BIG EAST foes, including seven straight losses, with the last win coming at Creighton on Dec. 5, 1987.

In the first season under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino, St. John's posted a 20-13 overall record, including a fifth place finish in the BIG EAST with an 11-9 mark, and were one of the last teams left out of the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24. The Red Storm won six in a row before losing to eventual national champion UConn in the semifinals of the BIG EAST Tournament.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach Jerome Tang's tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will travel to St. John's on Saturday, Dec. 7 as part of the sixth edition of the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday morning (April 25).The game will be broadcast on one of FOX's properties and will take place at either Madison Square Garden or St. John's on-campus arena – the 5,602-seat Carnesecca Arena.This will be just the third meeting between the programs and the first in more than 60 years since St. John's knocked off K-State, 72-65, on Dec. 10, 1965, in the Sunflower Doubleheader at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. The Wildcats won the first meeting, 63-50, at Ahearn Fieldhouse on Dec. 16, 1961.The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and running through Sunday, Dec. 8. The BIG EAST will host six games in 2024-25 after the Big 12 played host to six games in 2023-24. Only 11 of the 16 Big 12 teams will compete in the final event with the exceptions of Arizona, Arizona State, UCF, Colorado and Utah.K-State is 1-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle, snapping a 3-game losing streak with a 72-71 overtime victory over Villanova this past season. The Wildcats have also played Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022.Overall, K-State is 26-27 all-time against BIG EAST opponents, including wins against Providence and Villanova in 2023-24. However, the Wildcats are just 4-16 on the road against BIG EAST foes, including seven straight losses, with the last win coming at Creighton on Dec. 5, 1987.In the first season under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino, St. John's posted a 20-13 overall record, including a fifth place finish in the BIG EAST with an 11-9 mark, and were one of the last teams left out of the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24. The Red Storm won six in a row before losing to eventual national champion UConn in the semifinals of the BIG EAST Tournament.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach Jerome Tang's tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

K-State to Play at St. John’s in Final BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Thursday's softball games at the Great Bend Sports Complex were moved by more than two hours to beat potential storms. Yet the Lady Panthers created a storm of their own with a 16-run third inning in game one to end things early 17-1. Great Bend completed the sweep with a 12-0 win in the late game.

Senior Paige Thexton got the rare start in the circle for game one, throwing all three innings and allowing one earned run on four hits. She struck out three before the offense ended the game early.

High winds made defensive play difficult and statistics may vary. Camdyn Post, Alyssa McCauley, Denver Ringo, and Katherine Mazouch each had two hits in game one. Thexton doubled for her lone hit, finishing with two RBIs and two runs scored. DeShawnna Bryant also doubled for her lone hit and walked, driving in two and scoring three times. McCauley, Ringo, and Post each drove in two runs.

Game two was more of the same as Great Bend scored in each of the first four innings, including a 5-run second and four runs in the fourth to set up the run-rule win.

Sophomore Braelyn Turner got the start in game two, allowing just one hit and walking one with a strikeout. Freshman Chayla Prendergast pitched the final three innings, striking out six with a walk and just one hit against.

Even against a stiff wind, Behr knocked a double off the centerfield fence in the second inning. She finished with two hits and a walk, driving in one and scoring twice. Post, Camdyn Koelsch, and Rylee Prilling each added two hits. Turner doubled for her lone hit, and Thexton added another double.

Great Bend improves to 17-5 on the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084507696.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther senior Paige Thexton hits a sac fly in game two of Thursday's sweep of Garden City. Thexton also pitched all three innings in a game-one win." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther senior Paige Thexton hits a sac fly in game two of Thursday's sweep of Garden City. Thexton also pitched all three innings in a game-one win.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThursday's softball games at the Great Bend Sports Complex were moved by more than two hours to beat potential storms. Yet the Lady Panthers created a storm of their own with a 16-run third inning in game one to end things early 17-1. Great Bend completed the sweep with a 12-0 win in the late game.Senior Paige Thexton got the rare start in the circle for game one, throwing all three innings and allowing one earned run on four hits. She struck out three before the offense ended the game early.High winds made defensive play difficult and statistics may vary. Camdyn Post, Alyssa McCauley, Denver Ringo, and Katherine Mazouch each had two hits in game one. Thexton doubled for her lone hit, finishing with two RBIs and two runs scored. DeShawnna Bryant also doubled for her lone hit and walked, driving in two and scoring three times. McCauley, Ringo, and Post each drove in two runs.Game two was more of the same as Great Bend scored in each of the first four innings, including a 5-run second and four runs in the fourth to set up the run-rule win.Sophomore Braelyn Turner got the start in game two, allowing just one hit and walking one with a strikeout. Freshman Chayla Prendergast pitched the final three innings, striking out six with a walk and just one hit against.Even against a stiff wind, Behr knocked a double off the centerfield fence in the second inning. She finished with two hits and a walk, driving in one and scoring twice. Post, Camdyn Koelsch, and Rylee Prilling each added two hits. Turner doubled for her lone hit, and Thexton added another double.Great Bend improves to 17-5 on the season.

Lady Panther takes two more from Garden City

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball will play at Creighton on Dec. 4 in the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle, the two conferences announced Thursday. The Big 12-BIG EAST Battle is a men’s basketball non-conference scheduling alliance, which is in its sixth year.

Each conference has added member schools since the start of the original agreement. The Battle will include 11 matchups for the second straight season. The BIG EAST will host six games in 2024-25 while the Big 12 will host five. The 2024 matchups will feature seven teams ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll of the 2023-24 season, including defending national champion Connecticut. Five of the 11 participant teams made it to the Sweet 16 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Kansas leads the overall series with Creighton, 11-6, and the Jayhawks have won the past six meetings. The two teams last met March 19, 2022 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, a KU 79-72 win en route to the 2022 NCAA National title.

The Battle matchups are jointly determined by the two conferences, with the home team choosing the venue of its game. Broadcast arrangements for the contests will be determined by the national television rights holder of the home team, which is FOX Sports for the BIG EAST and ESPN for the Big 12.

Game times and television networks will be announced when available.

Kansas is 4-1 in the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle. Last season, Kansas defeated UConn, 69-65, on Dec. 1, 2023, in Allen Fieldhouse. The previous season, the Jayhawks defeated Seton Hall, 91-65, on Dec. 1, 2022, in Allen Fieldhouse. KU won at St. John’s, 95-75, in 2021 and defeated Creighton, 73-72, in 2020 in Lawrence. Kansas’ sole loss in the battle was at Villanova, 56-55, in 2019.

2024 Big 12-BIG EAST Battle Schedule

Dec. 3 – Cincinnati at Villanova; BYU at Providence

Dec. 4 – KANSAS AT CREIGHTON; Baylor at Connecticut; DePaul at Texas Tech; Marquette at Iowa State

Dec. 6 – Georgetown at West Virginia; Xavier at TCU

Dec. 7 – Kansas State at St. John’s; Butler at Houston

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball will play at Creighton on Dec. 4 in the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle, the two conferences announced Thursday. The Big 12-BIG EAST Battle is a men’s basketball non-conference scheduling alliance, which is in its sixth year.Each conference has added member schools since the start of the original agreement. The Battle will include 11 matchups for the second straight season. The BIG EAST will host six games in 2024-25 while the Big 12 will host five. The 2024 matchups will feature seven teams ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll of the 2023-24 season, including defending national champion Connecticut. Five of the 11 participant teams made it to the Sweet 16 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.Kansas leads the overall series with Creighton, 11-6, and the Jayhawks have won the past six meetings. The two teams last met March 19, 2022 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, a KU 79-72 win en route to the 2022 NCAA National title.The Battle matchups are jointly determined by the two conferences, with the home team choosing the venue of its game. Broadcast arrangements for the contests will be determined by the national television rights holder of the home team, which is FOX Sports for the BIG EAST and ESPN for the Big 12.Game times and television networks will be announced when available.Kansas is 4-1 in the Big 12-BIG EAST Battle. Last season, Kansas defeated UConn, 69-65, on Dec. 1, 2023, in Allen Fieldhouse. The previous season, the Jayhawks defeated Seton Hall, 91-65, on Dec. 1, 2022, in Allen Fieldhouse. KU won at St. John’s, 95-75, in 2021 and defeated Creighton, 73-72, in 2020 in Lawrence. Kansas’ sole loss in the battle was at Villanova, 56-55, in 2019.2024 Big 12-BIG EAST Battle ScheduleDec. 3 – Cincinnati at Villanova; BYU at ProvidenceDec. 4 – KANSAS AT CREIGHTON; Baylor at Connecticut; DePaul at Texas Tech; Marquette at Iowa StateDec. 6 – Georgetown at West Virginia; Xavier at TCUDec. 7 – Kansas State at St. John’s; Butler at HoustonDec. 8 – Oklahoma State at Seton Hall

Kansas to Play at Creighton in 2024 Big 12-BIG EAST Battle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed right-hander Alec Marsh on the injured list Thursday after he took a 91 mph liner off his pitching elbow the previous night against the Blue Jays, putting what had been a breakout season for him on hold.

Marsh had not allowed a run when Toronto's Addison Barger drilled a fastball at him with one out in the fifth inning Wednesday night. The ball ricocheted off Marsh's elbow, closer to the forearm, so hard that it left an indentation of the laces.

X-rays taken after the game showed no fractures, but the ball hit near the flexor tendon and the Royals opted for caution.

“He's got a good horseshoe there from the seams," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before the conclusion of their four-game series against the Blue Jays. “He can maybe go out there (for his next start), maybe not, but we just can't take that chance with somebody that is that important to us going forward.”

The 25-year-old Marsh went into spring training fighting for a spot on the roster, but he somewhat surprisingly nailed down the final job in the rotation. He has rewarded the Royals' faith in him by going 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA through his first five starts, and he has not allowed a run since the third inning of his start against the New York Mets on April 13.

“All is good,” Marsh said Wednesday night. “Just take it day by day.”

The Royals recalled reliever Will Klein from Triple-A Omaha to fill Marsh's spot on the roster, and Quatraro said the club was still discussing its options for who will make his next scheduled start Monday in Toronto.

Kansas City entered Thursday's game having allowed the fewest runs of any team in the majors.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals placed right-hander Alec Marsh on the injured list Thursday after he took a 91 mph liner off his pitching elbow the previous night against the Blue Jays, putting what had been a breakout season for him on hold.Marsh had not allowed a run when Toronto's Addison Barger drilled a fastball at him with one out in the fifth inning Wednesday night. The ball ricocheted off Marsh's elbow, closer to the forearm, so hard that it left an indentation of the laces.X-rays taken after the game showed no fractures, but the ball hit near the flexor tendon and the Royals opted for caution.“He's got a good horseshoe there from the seams," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before the conclusion of their four-game series against the Blue Jays. “He can maybe go out there (for his next start), maybe not, but we just can't take that chance with somebody that is that important to us going forward.”The 25-year-old Marsh went into spring training fighting for a spot on the roster, but he somewhat surprisingly nailed down the final job in the rotation. He has rewarded the Royals' faith in him by going 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA through his first five starts, and he has not allowed a run since the third inning of his start against the New York Mets on April 13.“All is good,” Marsh said Wednesday night. “Just take it day by day.”The Royals recalled reliever Will Klein from Triple-A Omaha to fill Marsh's spot on the roster, and Quatraro said the club was still discussing its options for who will make his next scheduled start Monday in Toronto.Kansas City entered Thursday's game having allowed the fewest runs of any team in the majors.

Royals put Alec Marsh on IL after taking a liner off his pitching elbow

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Continuing her rewriting of record books, Cedricka Williams of the 3rd ranked Barton Community College women's track and field team has been named the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Women's Athlete of the Week.

Breaking the national discus record two weeks prior, Williams was back in the ring this past Friday in Waco, Texas, slinging the disc eight further inches to reset the program and NJCAA All-Time mark to 57.80m (189-07).

The freshman's distance won the Michael Johnson Invitational at Baylor University by nearly ten feet over a University of Nebraska junior while climbing to within two inches of her personal best of setting the Jamaican U20 record (57.84m, 189-9) at last year's ISSA High School Championships.

The award is the second straight and third USTFCCC honor having earned the distinguishment initially on April 2 in setting the program record two rounds after fellow freshman teammate Ivanilda Semedo had broken the top throw. Not winning the NJCAA award that week, the latest makes it consecutive honors awarded by the NJCAA National Office.

According to the USTFCCCA, this is the tenth time that a female athlete from Barton has been named M-F Athletic National Athlete of the Week during the outdoor season. Williams' three awards this season joins Kelsie Murrell-Ross (2022), Nia Robinson (once each in 2022 and 2021), Lashanna Graham (2021), Yoveinny Mota (twice in 2019) and Lydia Mato (2015).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714045446987.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoContinuing her rewriting of record books, Cedricka Williams of the 3rd ranked Barton Community College women's track and field team has been named the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Women's Athlete of the Week.Breaking the national discus record two weeks prior, Williams was back in the ring this past Friday in Waco, Texas, slinging the disc eight further inches to reset the program and NJCAA All-Time mark to 57.80m (189-07).The freshman's distance won the Michael Johnson Invitational at Baylor University by nearly ten feet over a University of Nebraska junior while climbing to within two inches of her personal best of setting the Jamaican U20 record (57.84m, 189-9) at last year's ISSA High School Championships.The award is the second straight and third USTFCCC honor having earned the distinguishment initially on April 2 in setting the program record two rounds after fellow freshman teammate Ivanilda Semedo had broken the top throw. Not winning the NJCAA award that week, the latest makes it consecutive honors awarded by the NJCAA National Office.According to the USTFCCCA, this is the tenth time that a female athlete from Barton has been named M-F Athletic National Athlete of the Week during the outdoor season. Williams' three awards this season joins Kelsie Murrell-Ross (2022), Nia Robinson (once each in 2022 and 2021), Lashanna Graham (2021), Yoveinny Mota (twice in 2019) and Lydia Mato (2015).

Barton's Williams takes third National Athlete of the Week award

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College softball team registered a pair of 13-5 five-inning victories Wednesday at Pratt Community College.

Barton scored in all but one of its four frames of the opener before busting open game two with a 2-out 7-run outburst in coasting to the doubleheader sweep.

The conference victories moves the Cougars alone into 3rd place of the standings at 21-9 and 26-16 on the season while Pratt drops to 5-25 in league and 9-39 overall.

Next up is the home and regular season finale on Saturday hosting Hutchinson Community College. First pitch against the Blue Dragons slated for 1:00 p.m. with sophomore recognition taking place between the two games of the doubleheader.

For the third straight twin bill, Barton matched its game one versus game two total hits, the latest in pounding out 12 in each of the contest.

Having surpassed the program record 199 doubles set last year in game one of its previous outing against Otero, the 2024 version of the Cougars added seven more on Wednesday increasing its total to 133 with at least four games left in the season.

Allyson McDougal led Barton's production by going 4-of-5 with an RBI and a double while Aly Lawrence also collected four hits, three coming via the two-bag connection.

Reigning KJCCC Player of the Week Chloe Enslinger also had a solid day of 3-for-5 with a pair of 3-run home runs, both coming in the second inning as the first gave Barton a then 6-2 lead before belting her team leading 10th of the year capping Barton's 7-run second inning of the night cap.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714055310482.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College softball team registered a pair of 13-5 five-inning victories Wednesday at Pratt Community College.Barton scored in all but one of its four frames of the opener before busting open game two with a 2-out 7-run outburst in coasting to the doubleheader sweep.The conference victories moves the Cougars alone into 3rd place of the standings at 21-9 and 26-16 on the season while Pratt drops to 5-25 in league and 9-39 overall.Next up is the home and regular season finale on Saturday hosting Hutchinson Community College. First pitch against the Blue Dragons slated for 1:00 p.m. with sophomore recognition taking place between the two games of the doubleheader.For the third straight twin bill, Barton matched its game one versus game two total hits, the latest in pounding out 12 in each of the contest.Having surpassed the program record 199 doubles set last year in game one of its previous outing against Otero, the 2024 version of the Cougars added seven more on Wednesday increasing its total to 133 with at least four games left in the season.Allyson McDougal led Barton's production by going 4-of-5 with an RBI and a double while Aly Lawrence also collected four hits, three coming via the two-bag connection.Reigning KJCCC Player of the Week Chloe Enslinger also had a solid day of 3-for-5 with a pair of 3-run home runs, both coming in the second inning as the first gave Barton a then 6-2 lead before belting her team leading 10th of the year capping Barton's 7-run second inning of the night cap.

Barton softball hangs pair of eight-run victories at Pratt

Jayhawk Conference DI Standings Team Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 28-2&nbsp; &nbsp; 42-8 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;24-4&nbsp; &nbsp; 37-9 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;21-9&nbsp; &nbsp; 26-16 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-10&nbsp; &nbsp;25-21 Seward County&nbsp; 19-11&nbsp; &nbsp;25-19 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-17&nbsp; &nbsp;10-27 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-23&nbsp; &nbsp; 5-35 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-24&nbsp; &nbsp;8-38 NW Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-27&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-43

Monday, April 22 Barton 14, Otero 6 Barton 16, Otero 8 Colby 14, Seward County 6 Colby 7, Seward County 6 Pratt 17, NW Tech 2 Pratt 25, NW Tech 6 Wednesday, April 24 Barton 13, Pratt 5 Barton 13, Pratt 5 Butler 2, Colby 0 Butler 5, Colby 0 Dodge City 7, Seward County 6 Seward County 6, Dodge City 5 Hutchinson 9, Garden City 2 Hutchinson 13, Garden City 0 Garden City @ Hutchinson Saturday, April 27 Hutchison @ Barton NW Tech @ Pratt Seward County @ Butler Garden City @ Dodge City Colby @ SE Nebraska Sunday, April 28 McCook @ Colby Monday, April 29 Dodge City @ Colby Tuesday, April 30 Pratt @ No. Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Jayhawk Conference DI Standings Team Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 28-2&nbsp; &nbsp; 42-8 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;24-4&nbsp; &nbsp; 37-9 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;21-9&nbsp; &nbsp; 26-16 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-10&nbsp; &nbsp;25-21 Seward County&nbsp; 19-11&nbsp; &nbsp;25-19 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-17&nbsp; &nbsp;10-27 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-23&nbsp; &nbsp; 5-35 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-24&nbsp; &nbsp;8-38 NW Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-27&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-43Monday, April 22 Barton 14, Otero 6 Barton 16, Otero 8 Colby 14, Seward County 6 Colby 7, Seward County 6 Pratt 17, NW Tech 2 Pratt 25, NW Tech 6 Wednesday, April 24 Barton 13, Pratt 5 Barton 13, Pratt 5 Butler 2, Colby 0 Butler 5, Colby 0 Dodge City 7, Seward County 6 Seward County 6, Dodge City 5 Hutchinson 9, Garden City 2 Hutchinson 13, Garden City 0 Garden City @ Hutchinson Saturday, April 27 Hutchison @ Barton NW Tech @ Pratt Seward County @ Butler Garden City @ Dodge City Colby @ SE Nebraska Sunday, April 28 McCook @ Colby Monday, April 29 Dodge City @ Colby Tuesday, April 30 Pratt @ No. Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Jayhawk DI Softball Scores and Schedule

Jayhawk West Standings Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;25-5&nbsp; &nbsp;40-11 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; 18-8&nbsp; &nbsp;34-16 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;16-8&nbsp; &nbsp;27-20 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15-11&nbsp; 33-17 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-10&nbsp; 30-18 Seward County 13-11&nbsp; &nbsp;25-22 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7-17&nbsp; &nbsp;11-36 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6-22&nbsp; 21-30 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-24&nbsp; &nbsp;6-39 &nbsp; Monday, April 24 Pratt 29, McPherson JV 1 Pratt 23, McPherson JV 9 Tuesday, April 23 Colby 17, McCook 7 Wednesday, April 24 Hutchinson 7, Barton 2 Barton 10, Hutchinson 9 (10-inn) Cloud County 10, Garden City 0 Cloud County 13, Garden City 3 Thursday, April 25 Colby @ Seward County Butler @ Dodge City Friday, April 26 Barton @ Hutchinson Cloud County @ Garden City Saturday, April 27 Seward County @ Colby Dodge City @ Butler Tuesday, April 29 No. Oklahoma-Enid @ Butler (1) Colby @ McCook (1)

Jayhawk West Standings Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;25-5&nbsp; &nbsp;40-11 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; 18-8&nbsp; &nbsp;34-16 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;16-8&nbsp; &nbsp;27-20 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15-11&nbsp; 33-17 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-10&nbsp; 30-18 Seward County 13-11&nbsp; &nbsp;25-22 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7-17&nbsp; &nbsp;11-36 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6-22&nbsp; 21-30 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-24&nbsp; &nbsp;6-39 &nbsp; Monday, April 24 Pratt 29, McPherson JV 1 Pratt 23, McPherson JV 9 Tuesday, April 23 Colby 17, McCook 7 Wednesday, April 24 Hutchinson 7, Barton 2 Barton 10, Hutchinson 9 (10-inn) Cloud County 10, Garden City 0 Cloud County 13, Garden City 3 Thursday, April 25 Colby @ Seward County Butler @ Dodge City Friday, April 26 Barton @ Hutchinson Cloud County @ Garden City Saturday, April 27 Seward County @ Colby Dodge City @ Butler Tuesday, April 29 No. Oklahoma-Enid @ Butler (1) Colby @ McCook (1)

Jayhawk West Baseball Standings-Scores

Chloe Enslinger of the Barton Community College softball team has been named the week twelve KJCCC Player of the Week.

In Barton's lone conference date last week at Northwest Kansas Technical College, Enslinger led the Cougars with an .833 batting average going 5-of-6 and a 1.333 slugging percentage, while drawing two walks for an .889 on-base percentage. Going 2-of-3 in the opener with three RBI, Enslinger followed with a 3-for-4 performance including a pair of doubles in driving in four more runs.

Most recently the freshman from Derby continued her hot streak into the new week going 7-for-7 on Monday with five extra base hits including her team leading 8th home run of the season helping the Cougars to 14-6 and 16-8 victories hosting Otero College.

Enslinger and the Cougars return to conference play on Wednesday with a 2:00 p.m. first pitch at Pratt Community College before concluding its home and regular season schedule on Saturday hosting Hutchinson Community College. First pitch against the Blue Dragons slated for 1:00 p.m. with sophomore recognition taking place between the two games of the doubleheader.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714042022390.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoChloe Enslinger of the Barton Community College softball team has been named the week twelve KJCCC Player of the Week.In Barton's lone conference date last week at Northwest Kansas Technical College, Enslinger led the Cougars with an .833 batting average going 5-of-6 and a 1.333 slugging percentage, while drawing two walks for an .889 on-base percentage. Going 2-of-3 in the opener with three RBI, Enslinger followed with a 3-for-4 performance including a pair of doubles in driving in four more runs.Most recently the freshman from Derby continued her hot streak into the new week going 7-for-7 on Monday with five extra base hits including her team leading 8th home run of the season helping the Cougars to 14-6 and 16-8 victories hosting Otero College.Enslinger and the Cougars return to conference play on Wednesday with a 2:00 p.m. first pitch at Pratt Community College before concluding its home and regular season schedule on Saturday hosting Hutchinson Community College. First pitch against the Blue Dragons slated for 1:00 p.m. with sophomore recognition taking place between the two games of the doubleheader.

Barton's Enslinger named week twelve KJCCC Player of the Week

Standing eight runners in the series opening 7-2 loss, the Barton Community College baseball team would bounce back against 20th ranked Hutchinson Community College rallying from an eight-run deficit to walk it off on Owen Bailey's sacrifice-fly in the 10th inning for a 10-9 victory and doubleheader split on Wednesday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs Field.

Splitting its seventh doubleheader of the season, the Cougars fall to fifth in the KJCCC West standings at 15-11 and 33-17 overall while the Blue Dragons game one victory secures at least a share of the West title in moving to 25-5 in league play and 40-11 on the season with the series shifting to Hobart Detter Field on Friday for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader in Hutchinson, KS.

Luis Pimentel-Guerrero's three-run home run in the third inning was a sign of things to come in the opener as the Cougars fell into a hole, they couldn't dig out of with Cooper Wesslund's bases clearing three-run double capping the Blue Dragons six run frame.

The Cougars stranded five of their eight runners on base in the final two innings, including leaving the bases loaded in the sixth.

Breaking through on the scoreboard in the sixth. Back-to-back Robby Bolin and Owen Clyne singles opened the inning with Bailey's one-out hit-by-pitch loading the bases. Cesar Gomez brought the first Cougar run home drawing an RBI walk with Grant Nottlemann's ensuing single cutting Barton's deficit to 6-2 before leaving the bases loaded.

Starter Reece Hemmerling (6-4) went three innings allowing five hits, six runs, with one walk and a strikeout in the loss. 

Trailing 9-1 and held to three hits entering the bottom of the seventh, Barton began to chip away as the second Blue Dragon error of the game prolonged the inning allowing Jaron Cotton to reach with Bolin's bunt single and Clyne's following single both coming home with two-outs to pull within 9-3.

Following Colton Wahlstrom's three-up and three-down eighth inning worked in relief, the momentum carried into the home eighth for the Cougars. Held 0-13 from slots six through nine in the lineup, Wyatt Yetter's eight-hole single began the first of seven straight sent to the plate with two-away.

Bolin's RBI single following Schieffer's walk brought the first run across with Schieffer scoring from third on Bolin's steal of second. Clyne's double for his third hit of the game added a third run across with a Cotton walk bringing the tying run to the plate.

Working the count to 3-2 and looking breaking ball, Bailey drew things even at 9-9 distributing a three-run blast to left center for his first home run of the season capping the two-out six run rally.

Neither team able to break through in the ninth, with the Blue Dragons rolling into an inning ending double-play and Barton stranding Nottlemann's one-out walk, the Cougars once again faced a two on situation in the top of the 10th.

Following back-to-back Hutchinson walks with one-out, Barton reliever Jackson MacWilliams escaped trouble for the second straight inning inducing his second twin killing double-play keeping the Blue Dragons off the scoreboard.

In the bottom of the 10th, Barton loaded the bases with no-outs with Bolin walking, Clyne singling for his fourth hit of the game putting runners at the corners, and Cotton drawing an intentional walk to load them.

Already supplying the game tying three-run home run in the eighth, Bailey needed just two pitches to play heroic once again bringing home the game winning run with a sacrifice fly to center field for his fourth RBI of the game.

Aiden Sowers got the start on the mound and pitched through 4.1-innings, giving up six runs, five earned, walking three and striking out two in the no-decision effort.

MacWilliams (2-1) earned the victory after entering the game in the ninth with one-out generating a pair of inning ending double-plays and walking two.

Anthony Treto, Jordan Bedell and Wahlstrom also pitched out of the bullpen.

Clyne led Barton's 10-hits in the nightcap finishing 4-6 with a double and RBI. Bailey drove in four of the seven Cougar RBIs with his eighth inning game tying three-run home run and eventual game winning sacrifice fly.

Bolin (2-2) and Cotton (1-4) rounded out Barton's RBI performances each driving in one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714041772265.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoStanding eight runners in the series opening 7-2 loss, the Barton Community College baseball team would bounce back against 20th ranked Hutchinson Community College rallying from an eight-run deficit to walk it off on Owen Bailey's sacrifice-fly in the 10th inning for a 10-9 victory and doubleheader split on Wednesday afternoon at Lawson-Biggs Field.Splitting its seventh doubleheader of the season, the Cougars fall to fifth in the KJCCC West standings at 15-11 and 33-17 overall while the Blue Dragons game one victory secures at least a share of the West title in moving to 25-5 in league play and 40-11 on the season with the series shifting to Hobart Detter Field on Friday for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader in Hutchinson, KS.Game 1 Recap (L 7-2)Luis Pimentel-Guerrero's three-run home run in the third inning was a sign of things to come in the opener as the Cougars fell into a hole, they couldn't dig out of with Cooper Wesslund's bases clearing three-run double capping the Blue Dragons six run frame.The Cougars stranded five of their eight runners on base in the final two innings, including leaving the bases loaded in the sixth.Breaking through on the scoreboard in the sixth. Back-to-back Robby Bolin and Owen Clyne singles opened the inning with Bailey's one-out hit-by-pitch loading the bases. Cesar Gomez brought the first Cougar run home drawing an RBI walk with Grant Nottlemann's ensuing single cutting Barton's deficit to 6-2 before leaving the bases loaded.Starter Reece Hemmerling (6-4) went three innings allowing five hits, six runs, with one walk and a strikeout in the loss. Game 2 Recap (W 10-9 (10))Trailing 9-1 and held to three hits entering the bottom of the seventh, Barton began to chip away as the second Blue Dragon error of the game prolonged the inning allowing Jaron Cotton to reach with Bolin's bunt single and Clyne's following single both coming home with two-outs to pull within 9-3.Following Colton Wahlstrom's three-up and three-down eighth inning worked in relief, the momentum carried into the home eighth for the Cougars. Held 0-13 from slots six through nine in the lineup, Wyatt Yetter's eight-hole single began the first of seven straight sent to the plate with two-away.Bolin's RBI single following Schieffer's walk brought the first run across with Schieffer scoring from third on Bolin's steal of second. Clyne's double for his third hit of the game added a third run across with a Cotton walk bringing the tying run to the plate.Working the count to 3-2 and looking breaking ball, Bailey drew things even at 9-9 distributing a three-run blast to left center for his first home run of the season capping the two-out six run rally.Neither team able to break through in the ninth, with the Blue Dragons rolling into an inning ending double-play and Barton stranding Nottlemann's one-out walk, the Cougars once again faced a two on situation in the top of the 10th.Following back-to-back Hutchinson walks with one-out, Barton reliever Jackson MacWilliams escaped trouble for the second straight inning inducing his second twin killing double-play keeping the Blue Dragons off the scoreboard.In the bottom of the 10th, Barton loaded the bases with no-outs with Bolin walking, Clyne singling for his fourth hit of the game putting runners at the corners, and Cotton drawing an intentional walk to load them.Already supplying the game tying three-run home run in the eighth, Bailey needed just two pitches to play heroic once again bringing home the game winning run with a sacrifice fly to center field for his fourth RBI of the game.Aiden Sowers got the start on the mound and pitched through 4.1-innings, giving up six runs, five earned, walking three and striking out two in the no-decision effort.MacWilliams (2-1) earned the victory after entering the game in the ninth with one-out generating a pair of inning ending double-plays and walking two.Anthony Treto, Jordan Bedell and Wahlstrom also pitched out of the bullpen.Clyne led Barton's 10-hits in the nightcap finishing 4-6 with a double and RBI. Bailey drove in four of the seven Cougar RBIs with his eighth inning game tying three-run home run and eventual game winning sacrifice fly.Bolin (2-2) and Cotton (1-4) rounded out Barton's RBI performances each driving in one.

Cougars salvage split against 20th ranked Hutchinson 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.

“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”

John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.

“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen.

"The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”

Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.

Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.

“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good.

"He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”

The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.

The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.

The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.

“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”

The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.

The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.

Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.

Blue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.

The Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen."The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good."He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.TRANSACTIONSBlue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

Alec Marsh and 4 relievers help the Royals beat the Blue Jays 3-2

Thursday, April 25 12:30PM&nbsp;1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Toronto @ Kansas City 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day One Friday, April 26 11:30AM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit 4:00PM B104 - Panther Baseball - Great Bend @ Dodge City 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day Two Saturday, April 27 11:00AM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day Three 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit Sunday, April 28 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - MLB Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Boston Monday, April 29 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto Tuesday, April 30 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto Wednesday, May 1 1:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto

Thursday, April 25 12:30PM&nbsp;1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Toronto @ Kansas City 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day One Friday, April 26 11:30AM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit 4:00PM B104 - Panther Baseball - Great Bend @ Dodge City 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day Two Saturday, April 27 11:00AM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Draft - Day Three 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit Sunday, April 28 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - MLB Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Boston Monday, April 29 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto Tuesday, April 30 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto Wednesday, May 1 1:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Toronto

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for
a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2
Wednesday night. Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits
and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the
series opener on Monday to win two straight. John Schreiber (2-0)
picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.
Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four
innings. He struck out two and walked two. George Springer homered
for Toronto.


ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lars Nootbaar drove in two runs and Kyle Gibson
pitched six effective innings, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a
5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of three-game
series. Gibson allowed one run and five hits. Gibson struck out six
and walked two. Former Cardinal Jordan Montgomery went seven innings
in his second start for Arizona since signing a one-year, $25 million
deal as this season began. He allowed three runs, two earned, and six
hits and struck out four and walked one. The Cardinals took a 2-1
lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Brendan Donovan singled and
Willson Contreras doubled. Nolan Arenado’s single scored Donovan.
Contreras scored on a wild pitch before Montgomery retired the next
two hitters.


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals right-hander Alec Marsh
was hit on his throwing arm by a line drive, forcing him to leave in
the fifth inning against Toronto on Wednesday night. After Marsh
(3-0) pitched four scoreless innings, Addison Barger hit a 91-mph
fastball back up the middle leading off the fifth. After being
struck, Marsh picked up the ball and threw to first to retire Barger.
The Royals said Marsh had a forearm contusion. Angel Zerpa took over
for Marsh on the mound.


WASHINGTON (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three doubles to improve his
major league-leading batting average to .371, rookie Landon Knack got
his first victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Washington
Nationals 11-2 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers had a season-high 20
hits en route to their third straight victory, with Mookie Betts and
Will Smith each having four hits and Andy Pages homering. Nick Senzel
homered for Washington. The Nationals didn’t have a baserunner
after the second inning. Ohtani went 3 for 6, hitting RBI doubles in
the eighth and ninth innings. He leads the majors in slugging
percentage, OPS, extra-base hits and doubles.


BOSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise
playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory
over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at
one game apiece. Herro had 24 points and 14 assists to lead Miami.
Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and new Celtics nemesis
Caleb Martin also had 21 for the Heat. Miami shot 53.5% from beyond
the arc to bounce back after a Game 1 blowout. Jaylen Brown scored 33
points for top-seeded Boston. Jayson Tatum scored 28. The series
moves to Miami for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday.


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and
the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to
take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff
series. Chet Holmgren had 26 points and seven rebounds and Jalen
Williams added 21 points for the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City
shot 59% from the field and made 14 of 29 3-pointers. Jonas
Valanciunas scored 19 points and Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram added
18 each for the Pelicans. New Orleans continued to struggle on
offense without top scorer Zion Williamson. He remained out with a
strained left hamstring.


LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005
Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California
returned the award. Bush gave up the trophy in 2010 following an NCAA
investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits
during his time with the Trojans. Heisman Trust President Michael
Comerford said the trust considered the enormous changes in college
athletics over the last several years that now make some forms of
athlete compensation permissible. Bush amassed more than 2,000 yards
from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns in 2005. He received the
fifth most first-place votes in Heisman history.


DETROIT (AP) — Jayden Daniels handled the media with the same poise
and command he displays in the pocket. Asked a few times about
speculation that he doesn’t want to play for Washington and whether
he prefers going to another team, Daniels understandably took a
diplomatic approach one day before the NFL draft. The 2023 Heisman
Trophy winner from LSU is expected to be one of the top three players
selected Thursday night. After USC quarterback Caleb Williams goes to
Chicago first overall, Daniels is the odds-on favorite to be the No.
2 pick, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712497619824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for
a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2
Wednesday night. Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits
and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the
series opener on Monday to win two straight. John Schreiber (2-0)
picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.
Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four
innings. He struck out two and walked two. George Springer homered
for Toronto.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lars Nootbaar drove in two runs and Kyle Gibson
pitched six effective innings, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a
5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of three-game
series. Gibson allowed one run and five hits. Gibson struck out six
and walked two. Former Cardinal Jordan Montgomery went seven innings
in his second start for Arizona since signing a one-year, $25 million
deal as this season began. He allowed three runs, two earned, and six
hits and struck out four and walked one. The Cardinals took a 2-1
lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Brendan Donovan singled and
Willson Contreras doubled. Nolan Arenado’s single scored Donovan.
Contreras scored on a wild pitch before Montgomery retired the next
two hitters.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals right-hander Alec Marsh
was hit on his throwing arm by a line drive, forcing him to leave in
the fifth inning against Toronto on Wednesday night. After Marsh
(3-0) pitched four scoreless innings, Addison Barger hit a 91-mph
fastball back up the middle leading off the fifth. After being
struck, Marsh picked up the ball and threw to first to retire Barger.
The Royals said Marsh had a forearm contusion. Angel Zerpa took over
for Marsh on the mound.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three doubles to improve his
major league-leading batting average to .371, rookie Landon Knack got
his first victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Washington
Nationals 11-2 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers had a season-high 20
hits en route to their third straight victory, with Mookie Betts and
Will Smith each having four hits and Andy Pages homering. Nick Senzel
homered for Washington. The Nationals didn’t have a baserunner
after the second inning. Ohtani went 3 for 6, hitting RBI doubles in
the eighth and ninth innings. He leads the majors in slugging
percentage, OPS, extra-base hits and doubles.
BOSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise
playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory
over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at
one game apiece. Herro had 24 points and 14 assists to lead Miami.
Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and new Celtics nemesis
Caleb Martin also had 21 for the Heat. Miami shot 53.5% from beyond
the arc to bounce back after a Game 1 blowout. Jaylen Brown scored 33
points for top-seeded Boston. Jayson Tatum scored 28. The series
moves to Miami for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and
the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to
take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff
series. Chet Holmgren had 26 points and seven rebounds and Jalen
Williams added 21 points for the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City
shot 59% from the field and made 14 of 29 3-pointers. Jonas
Valanciunas scored 19 points and Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram added
18 each for the Pelicans. New Orleans continued to struggle on
offense without top scorer Zion Williamson. He remained out with a
strained left hamstring.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005
Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California
returned the award. Bush gave up the trophy in 2010 following an NCAA
investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits
during his time with the Trojans. Heisman Trust President Michael
Comerford said the trust considered the enormous changes in college
athletics over the last several years that now make some forms of
athlete compensation permissible. Bush amassed more than 2,000 yards
from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns in 2005. He received the
fifth most first-place votes in Heisman history.
DETROIT (AP) — Jayden Daniels handled the media with the same poise
and command he displays in the pocket. Asked a few times about
speculation that he doesn’t want to play for Washington and whether
he prefers going to another team, Daniels understandably took a
diplomatic approach one day before the NFL draft. The 2023 Heisman
Trophy winner from LSU is expected to be one of the top three players
selected Thursday night. After USC quarterback Caleb Williams goes to
Chicago first overall, Daniels is the odds-on favorite to be the No.
2 pick, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Final	Chicago Cubs	4	Houston	3	AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final	Baltimore	6	L.A. Angels	5	
Final	Boston	8	Cleveland	0	
Final	Tampa Bay	7	Detroit	5	
Final	N.Y. Yankees	7	Oakland	3	
Final	Minnesota	6	Chicago White Sox	3	
Final	Kansas City	3	Toronto	2	
Final	Texas	5	Seattle	1	NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final	St. Louis	5	Arizona	1	
Final	N.Y. Mets	8	San Francisco	2	
Final	Milwaukee	3	Pittsburgh	2	
Final	L.A. Dodgers	11	Washington	2	
Final	Cincinnati	7	Philadelphia	4	
Final	Atlanta	4	Miami	3	
Final	San Diego	5	Colorado	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Final	Miami	111	Boston	101	
Final	Oklahoma City	124	New Orleans	92	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Final	Boston	4	Toronto	2	
Final	Vegas	3	Dallas	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

MARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.

Literally. The program didn't exist until he started in 2017.

Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.

Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.

Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job.

"(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."

Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.

Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail.

"(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."

Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.

He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history.

"Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said.

"He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'"

"He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"

Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.

Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.

McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.

That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.

Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."

"I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that."

"'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."

Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.

But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas.

"We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."

&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.

&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.

- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713988365177.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State athletic director Andy Peterson (left) and new Northwest men's basketball coach Matt Keeley at a press conference Wednesday held inside the Harr Athletic Success Center in Maryville. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostMARYVILLE - Matt Keeley started from the ground up when he took over as the head men's basketball coach at Ottawa University in Arizona.Literally. The program didn't exist until he started in 2017.Seven years, 113 wins, three national tournament berths and two conference titles later, Keeley takes over, arguably, the most structurally sound Division II men's program in the country.Keeley was picked as the 21st coach in the history of Northwest men's basketball on April 13, and officially introduced Wednesday at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville campus.Being Ben McCollum's successor, Keeley says it's McCollum's predecessor, Steve Tappmeyer, who offered some words of wisdom in the early days on the job."(Steve) challenged me to just continue to embrace the greatness that this place is," Keeley said, "and to see it as something you're a part of in the story, and not something you're not trying to come and reinvent. And, I certainly took that to heart."Keeley knows Northwest and the MIAA well enough, even before this job was on his radar. He was an assistant at Washburn from 2007-09 and then at MidAmerica Nazarene from 2009-17.Northwest athletic director Andy Peterson was an assistant on McCollum's staff at Northwest from 2011-17. Peterson says it always 'stuck with him' that the Bearcats and Pioneers seemed to go after the same type of players on the recruiting trail."(Matt) knows the value of the type of student-athletes we're after," Peterson said. "I can't tell you how many kids we recruited against each other on. It seemed, when it came down to the wire of where that kid was going to go, it was Northwest, Washburn and MidAmerica Nazarene. Northwest, UCM, MidAmerica Nazarene."Keeley, a father of four, knows moving a family from the Phoenix metro to Maryville is no small thing. His oldest son, Cade, is a multi-sport athlete coming up through high school.He was the toughest sell, but became more bought in the more he learned about the Bearcats' rich history."Like a coaches' kid, he's processing," Keeley said."He goes, 'D2? Yup, D2. Alright. Are we going to have some more scholarships? Yeah, we'll have some more scholarships up there. Okay.'""He's checking it out.&nbsp; Just thinking it through. 'They pretty good? Yeah, man. They're pretty good.'"Indeed, pretty good. Northwest has won four national titles, all since 2017, to go with 11 consecutive MIAA regular championships and eight MIAA tournament titles in the last nine seasons.Taking over the program that's achieved so much over the last 15 years is no small task. Nor is assembling its roster.McCollum is taking starters Bennett Stirtz, Isaiah Jackson and Daniel Abrieu with him to Drake, but Keeley expressed confidence that the nine other players on roster, for now, seem all in on coming back for the upcoming season.That includes Luke Moustakas, Mitch Mascari and Byron Alexander - all with healthy starting and playing experience. Trey Moala, Jack Ratigan and Blake Danitschek also saw healthy minutes as underclassmen this past season.Keeley can't be McCollum the sequel. No one can. However, Keeley promises he will bring his own style and personality to the job, saying the team will play "fast."Both in tempo and in work ethic."I'm not Coach McCollum," he said. "My personality and play style and all of that stuff is absolutely going to come through, and we'll embrace that.""'Fast' is, faithful, assertive, selfless and tough. We feel like when things are going well, those things are in a line. If something is off, we can usually find one of the four that we need to go and fix."Keeley calls Northwest a "no-brainer" job and it's easy to see why. The culture, the trophies, the history, the fan support, the MIAA. It's all there.But, Keeley was sure to emphasize the value he sees in the community of Maryville. Eerily similar in size and geography to he and his wife Jana's hometown of Great Bend, Kansas."We're high school sweethearts from out there. She lived on the west side of town, and I lived on the east side. Ten minutes and three stoplights away. So, the community felt awesome."Other news and notes&nbsp;- Keeley says Northwest assistant Jaran Richman will remain on staff. This comes after assistant coach Xavier Kurth followed McCollum to Drake.&nbsp;- Peterson was sure to thank his "search committee," which included assistant A.D. for media relations Colin McDonough, head strength and conditioning coach Joe Quinlin, Mel Tjeerdsma and Northwest Foundation Board member Seann O'Reily.- Keeley met with each team member individually last Tuesday. He said his biggest challenge in the short term will be to "get the roster to where we want it to be," noting the list of players they're tying to recruit is "not short."Full audio<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Matt-Keeley---full-press-conference-e2iraam" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Photos<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990561097.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713990603795.jpeg" alt="Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right)." />
 <figcaption>Andy Peterson (left), Matt Keeley (center) and Northwest president Dr. Lance Tatum (right).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend native Keeley introduced as NW Missouri coach

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has his Heisman back.

The Heisman Trust reinstated the former Southern California tailback as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner on Wednesday, citing fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics during the 14 years since Bush forfeited the trophy and the honor.

Bush gave up his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. College football players are now allowed to profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to move past the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the sport's history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush also will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

Bush won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history, and the trophy was a crowning achievement for Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.

“I am grateful to once again be recognized as the recipient of the Heisman Trophy,” Bush said in a statement. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey.”

The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

USC typically displays its replicas of the Trojans' Heisman Trophies in the lobby of Heritage Hall, its historic football headquarters, while the retired uniform numbers of its Heisman winners are displayed on huge banners draping the Peristyle at the Coliseum during USC home games. Bush's No. 5 jersey is expected to be back among the honored numbers this fall.

“What a historic day!” said USC coach Lincoln Riley, who coached Caleb Williams to the school's most recent Heisman in 2022. “Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman Family is a special moment for every person that has been associated with USC football. We are thrilled that Reggie’s athletic accomplishments as one of the greatest to ever play the game can officially be recognized.”

The USC football program wrote “back where it belongs " in a social media post.

“This is a momentous day for Reggie Bush and the entire USC community as we celebrate the rightful return of his Heisman Trophy,” USC athletic director Jen Cohen said. “Reggie’s impact at USC and on college football as a whole is truly unmatched. He has displayed the utmost resiliency and heart throughout this process and is so deserving of every accolade and trophy he’s ever received. We are grateful to the Heisman Trophy Trust for making this happen.”

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with massive NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him. The sanctions were the final result of a prolonged, antagonistic dispute between the NCAA and USC under former athletic director Mike Garrett.

USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost a whopping 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 wins by the Trojans during the heart of Bush's career, including the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

USC was even required to “disassociate" from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA's decision. The school immediately ended its disassociation when that period ended in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Public opinion has long favored the return of Bush's trophy. Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M, said on social media last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back.

Manziel thanked the Trust on Wednesday “for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were Williams, the 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft; 2001 winner Eric Crouch of Nebraska; and 2011 winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons. He is now a commentator and studio analyst for Fox Sports.

Last August, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for issuing a statement to media in 2021 that said Bush had a “pay-for-play” arrangement. That statement was in response to media inquiries about whether Bush would have his statistics from his USC career reinstated when NIL payments became permissible. Bush contended the statement cast him in a false light.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has his Heisman back.The Heisman Trust reinstated the former Southern California tailback as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner on Wednesday, citing fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics during the 14 years since Bush forfeited the trophy and the honor.Bush gave up his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. College football players are now allowed to profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to move past the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the sport's history.“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush also will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.Bush won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history, and the trophy was a crowning achievement for Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.“I am grateful to once again be recognized as the recipient of the Heisman Trophy,” Bush said in a statement. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey.”The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.USC typically displays its replicas of the Trojans' Heisman Trophies in the lobby of Heritage Hall, its historic football headquarters, while the retired uniform numbers of its Heisman winners are displayed on huge banners draping the Peristyle at the Coliseum during USC home games. Bush's No. 5 jersey is expected to be back among the honored numbers this fall.“What a historic day!” said USC coach Lincoln Riley, who coached Caleb Williams to the school's most recent Heisman in 2022. “Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman Family is a special moment for every person that has been associated with USC football. We are thrilled that Reggie’s athletic accomplishments as one of the greatest to ever play the game can officially be recognized.”The USC football program wrote “back where it belongs " in a social media post.“This is a momentous day for Reggie Bush and the entire USC community as we celebrate the rightful return of his Heisman Trophy,” USC athletic director Jen Cohen said. “Reggie’s impact at USC and on college football as a whole is truly unmatched. He has displayed the utmost resiliency and heart throughout this process and is so deserving of every accolade and trophy he’s ever received. We are grateful to the Heisman Trophy Trust for making this happen.”Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with massive NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him. The sanctions were the final result of a prolonged, antagonistic dispute between the NCAA and USC under former athletic director Mike Garrett.USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost a whopping 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 wins by the Trojans during the heart of Bush's career, including the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.USC was even required to “disassociate" from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA's decision. The school immediately ended its disassociation when that period ended in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.Public opinion has long favored the return of Bush's trophy. Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M, said on social media last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back.Manziel thanked the Trust on Wednesday “for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”Among others praising the decision were Williams, the 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft; 2001 winner Eric Crouch of Nebraska; and 2011 winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor.Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons. He is now a commentator and studio analyst for Fox Sports.Last August, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for issuing a statement to media in 2021 that said Bush had a “pay-for-play” arrangement. That statement was in response to media inquiries about whether Bush would have his statistics from his USC career reinstated when NIL payments became permissible. Bush contended the statement cast him in a false light.

Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner

- Great Bend Lady Panther softball coach Carrie Minton talks about her teams trip to Garden City Tuesday for a single WAC game and preview's Thursday's home doubleheader against those same Buffaloes.

- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock is back to talk a little FHSU Tiger spring football.

- Comments from Chiefs General Manager Brett Veatch's pre-draft press conference in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KvMZ7EqOjm8?si=27S-NCZvh52I1R49" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Lady Panther softball coach Carrie Minton talks about her teams trip to Garden City Tuesday for a single WAC game and preview's Thursday's home doubleheader against those same Buffaloes.- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock is back to talk a little FHSU Tiger spring football.- Comments from Chiefs General Manager Brett Veatch's pre-draft press conference in Kansas City.- Sounds of the past 24-hours- Wednesday Sports Headlines

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

DETROIT (AP) — The NFL draft has taken the show on the road for a decade, giving cities around the country a chance to be in the spotlight.

The Motor City, which was once one of the nation's largest and most powerful cities, has bounced back from filing for bankruptcy in 2013.

Fans driving and flying into town from the league's other 31 teams will see signs of progress from the symbolic to the significant.

DETROIT is spelled out, each letter standing 10 feet off an embankment alongside a freeway between the airport and downtown, in an art installation that made its debut earlier this month.

A few miles away, the long-abandoned Michigan Central Station has undergone a renovation funded by Ford Motor Co. to transform the 18-story, 113-year-old train depot from an eyesore into a gem.

In the heart of downtown, where the NFL draft will begin Thursday night, a 685-foot-high tower represents the largest construction project in the city in more than a half-century as it rises from the site of the former Hudson’s department store.

With more than 50 million viewers and an expected 400,000 visitors over the three-day event, there will be a chance to change the conversation about the city.

Lions President Rod Wood pitched the city as a draft destination in 2016 and teamed up with the Detroit Sports Commission a year later to submit the formal bid to land the NFL's annual event that gives fans from each team a jolt of hope.

The Lions and the local sports commission also partnered with Visit Detroit, Dan Gilbert’s real-estate company, Bedrock, and the Detroit Police Department to make the most of the opportunity.

"The draft here in Detroit is going to make a big step for us in making that old image go away and people having the new image of the city," Gilbert told The Associated Press. “We’re going to be able to showcase Detroit like never before.”

That's part of the NFL's plan, and it has led to 20-plus cities vying for a future draft. Green Bay will host next year's draft.

DETROIT (AP) — The NFL draft has taken the show on the road for a decade, giving cities around the country a chance to be in the spotlight.Detroit is on the clock.The Motor City, which was once one of the nation's largest and most powerful cities, has bounced back from filing for bankruptcy in 2013.Fans driving and flying into town from the league's other 31 teams will see signs of progress from the symbolic to the significant.DETROIT is spelled out, each letter standing 10 feet off an embankment alongside a freeway between the airport and downtown, in an art installation that made its debut earlier this month.A few miles away, the long-abandoned Michigan Central Station has undergone a renovation funded by Ford Motor Co. to transform the 18-story, 113-year-old train depot from an eyesore into a gem.In the heart of downtown, where the NFL draft will begin Thursday night, a 685-foot-high tower represents the largest construction project in the city in more than a half-century as it rises from the site of the former Hudson’s department store.With more than 50 million viewers and an expected 400,000 visitors over the three-day event, there will be a chance to change the conversation about the city.Lions President Rod Wood pitched the city as a draft destination in 2016 and teamed up with the Detroit Sports Commission a year later to submit the formal bid to land the NFL's annual event that gives fans from each team a jolt of hope.The Lions and the local sports commission also partnered with Visit Detroit, Dan Gilbert’s real-estate company, Bedrock, and the Detroit Police Department to make the most of the opportunity."The draft here in Detroit is going to make a big step for us in making that old image go away and people having the new image of the city," Gilbert told The Associated Press. “We’re going to be able to showcase Detroit like never before.”That's part of the NFL's plan, and it has led to 20-plus cities vying for a future draft. Green Bay will host next year's draft.After the league had its last draft in New York a decade ago, it envisioned giving cities — particularly those in colder climates that may not host a future Super Bowl — a chance to have a signature event that would have a lot of benefits, including an economic impact.Chicago was the first tour stop in 2015 and it generated $81 million for the community. Kansas City had it last year, sparking $164 million in economic impact.“Another opportunity for our franchise and our city and just for the world to kind of migrate to downtown Detroit,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who has turned around a franchise that is coming off its best season since winning the 1957 NFL title. “I expect it to be pretty packed. I’m excited for all the businesses."Detroit's draft is expected to bring in at least $160 million, giving small businesses a boost from fans flocking in and around Campus Martius Park.One longtime business is looking forward to more than just an increase in foot traffic.Lauren Stovall, the business lead at Hot Sam’s, and two others representing the 103-year-old men’s clothing store and tailor shop will be onstage during the draft’s final day Saturday.“There’s a perception of Detroit that comes from people who actually have not been here,” Stovall said. "What’s so great is when people actually come to Detroit, they are blown away, because Detroit is not what they might have thought.”There are new hotels, high-end and trendy restaurants and bars along with a skyscraper nearing completion. Challenges continue to exist in some neighborhoods as the city continues to demolish abandoned houses, including more than 25,000 over the past 10 years. Crime has been trending down and homicides are the lowest since 1966.“We’re not going to lose our balance patting ourselves on the back,” Detroit Police Chief James White said.Hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers from Detroit, county, state and federal agencies will patrol the greater downtown area. White said all the city’s police officers will work shifts during the draft, some downtown, others in neighborhoods.Bomb-sniffing dogs and other K-9 teams will be flown into Detroit by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which also has pledged to have its tactical team on standby. Intelligence agents are monitoring social media for any threats.Mayor Mike Duggan devoted some time during his annual State of the City address Wednesday to talk about the importance of the draft turning a lot of eyes on Detroit. Visitors for the draft are “going to see a very different city,” the mayor promised.