HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.

Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.

Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.

Michael Batton intercepted Avery Johnson on the next drive.

After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars' 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.

The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.

Donovan Smith rushed for a 1-yard touchdown midway to begin the second quarter to give Houston a 7-3 lead.

Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for Kansas State. He found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.

DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.

The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.

Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.

Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.

Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.

HOUSTON (AP) — Zeon Chriss threw for 103 yards and a touchdown without an incompletion as Houston rallied in fourth quarter to beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19 on Saturday.Trailing 19-10 to start the fourth quarter, Chriss threw a 1-yard touchdown to Maliq Carr with 11 minutes left. After forcing a punt, Chriss rushed for a 41-yard touchdown with 2:31 to go.Chriss, who finished 11 of 11, also rushed for 75 yards and caught a pass for eight yards.Michael Batton intercepted Avery Johnson on the next drive.After Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) was forced to punt with 40 seconds left, the Wildcats drove to the Cougars' 39 with 4 seconds left, but Johnson’s heave was knocked out of the end zone.The win was Houston’s first win over a ranked team since beating No. 19 SMU 44-37 on Oct. 30, 2021.Donovan Smith rushed for a 1-yard touchdown midway to begin the second quarter to give Houston a 7-3 lead.Johnson finished 23 of 39 for 238 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for Kansas State. He found Keagan Johnson for a 7-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left in the first half to give the Wildcats (7-2, 4-2) a 16-10 halftime lead. Johnson finished with 76 yards receiving.DJ Giddens rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown as Kansas State outgained the Cougars 327-232.The game was delayed 55 minutes to start because of lightning.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The loss hurts the chances of the Wildcats making the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff.Houston: The Cougars finished 3 for 3 in the red zone after struggling last week against Utah.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Kansas State could potentially drop out of the rankings after the loss.<h2>Up next</h2>

Houston scores twice in fourth quarter, Cougars beat No. 17 Kansas State 24-19

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Hoisington senior Gabby Reif nearly came up with a championship-saving dive in Saturday's Class 3A State Volleyball semifinal against Nemaha Central at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Her diving pass to sophomore Sofia Simic at the net resulted in a point and tied the third set at 19. A Simic kill on the next point gave Hoisington a 20-19 edge. 

But the margin of error was razor thin in the semifinal battle. An ill-timed lift, a player in the net, and two missed swings in the final half of the set allowed Nemaha to advance to the finals 25-23 after the teams split the first two sets 25-21, 25-22. The Lady Cardinals bounced back to beat Neodesha 25-19, 25-13 to secure the third-place trophy.

"That semifinal game, the girls were fighting hard and they wanted it so bad," said Hoisington coach Mykela Riedl. "To just miss it by two points, it was super hard to see. The girls looked defeated, but obviously we had to come back together. We wanted to still finish our season on a high note and get the place we could."

The third semifinal set was well contested throughout. The Thunder took a 12-9 lead before the Cards answered with a kill from Simic, a block from junior Kelsi Maier, and an ace from Reif to even the score. The score was still tied at 13 when Hoisington was called for a lift. A Lady Cardinal in the net gave Nemaha a 17-15 advantage.

And still the Lady Cardinals refused to go away. Simic, who reached 1,000 career kills during Friday's pool play, had three big hits late to give Hoisington a 21-20 lead. The Thunder took the lead back on a ball that was ruled tip, but Simic again leveled the score at 22 with a kill. A block from sophomore Kinley Wilkins gave Hoisington its final lead of the set at 23-22.

Things went well for Hoisington early on as a tip from senior Ellie Crawford gave the Cards a 6-3 lead in the first set. Simic put down kills for the first five Hoisington points and traded blows with a trio of Nemaha hitters. Tied at six, the Thunder six of the next seven points and hung on to a 25-21 first set.

Hoisington trailed 9-7 in the second set when Wilkens put down a kill and junior Miya Nachtigal followed with an ace to tie things up. Simic had a stretch that included five kills and Maier added two more as the Lady Cards opened up a 19-16 lead. A Simic kill set up match point and the state-record holder for aces in a season finished off the second set at 25-22 with another of her big serves.

Hoisington handled Neodesha in two sets in Friday's pool play. The Lady Cards repeated the feat in Saturday's consolation match. After falling behind 6-2, a pair of Simic aces helped Hoisington turn things around to an 11-8 lead. Still leading 19-16, Simic had four late kills and Crawford added a big block to secure the first set 25-19.

All the Lady Cardinal hitters were out early in the final set of the season. Shots from Maier and Crawford were followed by two kills from Simic. Sophomore Brynn Tarlton's serves kept the Blue Streak offense off balance in the strethc. Leading 12-5, Maier and Simic each followed with two more kills and the rout was on. Maier had three kills late in the set and Simic added one more ace to her season total as Hoisington rolled 25-13.

Hoisington ends its season at 41-5 overall, with two losses coming to Halstead, which beat Nemaha Central in straight sets to claim the Class 3A championship. The Lady Cards say goodybe to just three seniors in Reif, Crawford, and Presley Brungardt.

"Talking to the seniors, I told them they definitely left this program better than when they came into this program," Riedl said. "We thank them and we love them and we are really going to miss them, but they left these underclassmen with the confidence, leadership, and everything they need to continue to be successful over the next several years."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730589151951.jpeg" alt="Hoisington senior Gabby Reif and the Lady Cardinals celebrate a third-place finish at the Class 3A State Volleyball Championships Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena." />
 <figcaption>Hoisington senior Gabby Reif and the Lady Cardinals celebrate a third-place finish at the Class 3A State Volleyball Championships Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostHoisington senior Gabby Reif nearly came up with a championship-saving dive in Saturday's Class 3A State Volleyball semifinal against Nemaha Central at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Her diving pass to sophomore Sofia Simic at the net resulted in a point and tied the third set at 19. A Simic kill on the next point gave Hoisington a 20-19 edge. But the margin of error was razor thin in the semifinal battle. An ill-timed lift, a player in the net, and two missed swings in the final half of the set allowed Nemaha to advance to the finals 25-23 after the teams split the first two sets 25-21, 25-22. The Lady Cardinals bounced back to beat Neodesha 25-19, 25-13 to secure the third-place trophy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730589223935.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"That semifinal game, the girls were fighting hard and they wanted it so bad," said Hoisington coach Mykela Riedl. "To just miss it by two points, it was super hard to see. The girls looked defeated, but obviously we had to come back together. We wanted to still finish our season on a high note and get the place we could."The third semifinal set was well contested throughout. The Thunder took a 12-9 lead before the Cards answered with a kill from Simic, a block from junior Kelsi Maier, and an ace from Reif to even the score. The score was still tied at 13 when Hoisington was called for a lift. A Lady Cardinal in the net gave Nemaha a 17-15 advantage.And still the Lady Cardinals refused to go away. Simic, who reached 1,000 career kills during Friday's pool play, had three big hits late to give Hoisington a 21-20 lead. The Thunder took the lead back on a ball that was ruled tip, but Simic again leveled the score at 22 with a kill. A block from sophomore Kinley Wilkins gave Hoisington its final lead of the set at 23-22.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730589415767.jpeg" alt="Points were dramatic in the third set of the state semifinals against Nemaha Central." />
 <figcaption>Points were dramatic in the third set of the state semifinals against Nemaha Central.</figcaption>
 </figure>Things went well for Hoisington early on as a tip from senior Ellie Crawford gave the Cards a 6-3 lead in the first set. Simic put down kills for the first five Hoisington points and traded blows with a trio of Nemaha hitters. Tied at six, the Thunder six of the next seven points and hung on to a 25-21 first set.Hoisington trailed 9-7 in the second set when Wilkens put down a kill and junior Miya Nachtigal followed with an ace to tie things up. Simic had a stretch that included five kills and Maier added two more as the Lady Cards opened up a 19-16 lead. A Simic kill set up match point and the state-record holder for aces in a season finished off the second set at 25-22 with another of her big serves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730589616070.jpeg" alt="Lady Cardinal sophomore Kinley Wilkens (13) and junior Kelsi Maier (25) force a hit high during Saturday's consolation match against Neodesha." />
 <figcaption>Lady Cardinal sophomore Kinley Wilkens (13) and junior Kelsi Maier (25) force a hit high during Saturday's consolation match against Neodesha.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington handled Neodesha in two sets in Friday's pool play. The Lady Cards repeated the feat in Saturday's consolation match. After falling behind 6-2, a pair of Simic aces helped Hoisington turn things around to an 11-8 lead. Still leading 19-16, Simic had four late kills and Crawford added a big block to secure the first set 25-19.All the Lady Cardinal hitters were out early in the final set of the season. Shots from Maier and Crawford were followed by two kills from Simic. Sophomore Brynn Tarlton's serves kept the Blue Streak offense off balance in the strethc. Leading 12-5, Maier and Simic each followed with two more kills and the rout was on. Maier had three kills late in the set and Simic added one more ace to her season total as Hoisington rolled 25-13.Hoisington ends its season at 41-5 overall, with two losses coming to Halstead, which beat Nemaha Central in straight sets to claim the Class 3A championship. The Lady Cards say goodybe to just three seniors in Reif, Crawford, and Presley Brungardt."Talking to the seniors, I told them they definitely left this program better than when they came into this program," Riedl said. "We thank them and we love them and we are really going to miss them, but they left these underclassmen with the confidence, leadership, and everything they need to continue to be successful over the next several years."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730589724744.jpeg" alt="Reif and Maier celebrate." />
 <figcaption>Reif and Maier celebrate.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hoisington bounces back from tough semifinal loss to finish third in 3A

The Great Bend girls entered Saturday morning's Class 5A State Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence on the outside looking in at a state trophy as the fourth-ranked team. Some of the usual 5A powers reared their heads, pushing the Lady Panthers to an eighth-place finish.&nbsp;

St. James Academy scored 77 points to win another title, followed by Kapaun Mt. Carmel with 93 points, and Blue Valley Southwest with 97 points. Bishop Carroll and St. Thomas completed the private school near sweep in fourth and fifth place. Great Bend scored 193 points for eighth.

There was plenty of intrigue in the individual race. Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller set the state record for a 5K earlier this year but Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe entered as the two-time defending champion, and her sophomore teammate Kaylie Shultz also ran ahead of Miller at state last year.

The University of North Carolina-bound Rupe continued her streak, blazing a 17:09.77 to beat Miller by 17 seconds. Shultz finished third in 18:13.67.

Sophomore Bella Long led Great Bend in 25th place with a time of 19:54.62 to miss all-state honors by just nine seconds. Junior Sienna Smith ran 31st in 20:08.53, followed by senior Marissa Boone in 41st in 20:22.88. Sophomore Teah King finished 59th in 21:21.38, and senior Kate Welcher scored the final team points in 73rd with a time of 21:49.54. Freshman Samantha Negaard finished 81st in 22:02.06.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962928566.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Great Bend girls entered Saturday morning's Class 5A State Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence on the outside looking in at a state trophy as the fourth-ranked team. Some of the usual 5A powers reared their heads, pushing the Lady Panthers to an eighth-place finish.&nbsp;St. James Academy scored 77 points to win another title, followed by Kapaun Mt. Carmel with 93 points, and Blue Valley Southwest with 97 points. Bishop Carroll and St. Thomas completed the private school near sweep in fourth and fifth place. Great Bend scored 193 points for eighth.There was plenty of intrigue in the individual race. Topeka Seaman junior Ryin Miller set the state record for a 5K earlier this year but Salina Central senior Katelyn Rupe entered as the two-time defending champion, and her sophomore teammate Kaylie Shultz also ran ahead of Miller at state last year.The University of North Carolina-bound Rupe continued her streak, blazing a 17:09.77 to beat Miller by 17 seconds. Shultz finished third in 18:13.67.Sophomore Bella Long led Great Bend in 25th place with a time of 19:54.62 to miss all-state honors by just nine seconds. Junior Sienna Smith ran 31st in 20:08.53, followed by senior Marissa Boone in 41st in 20:22.88. Sophomore Teah King finished 59th in 21:21.38, and senior Kate Welcher scored the final team points in 73rd with a time of 21:49.54. Freshman Samantha Negaard finished 81st in 22:02.06.

Rupe wins 5A XC title; Lady Panthers finish eighth overall

One of the first state cross country championships to finish Saturday morning was the 2A girls' race at the Wamego Country Club. A pair of Lady Eagles - Eleanor Joiner and Jenna Borror - earned all-state honors as top-20 finishers.&nbsp;

Remington and Berean Academy deadlocked for the title with 108 team points but Remington won the tiebreak for the championship. Hoxie ran third with 132 points to beat Oskaloosa by eight spots. Ellinwood finished seventh with 150 points in a tight field.

Smith Center sophomore Madison Howland cruised to the individual title by 33 seconds in 18:50.76. The freshman Joiner paced Ellinwood in 15th in 21:36.86, 19 seconds from a top-10 finish. Borror, another Lady Eagle freshman, finished 18th in 21:45.18.

Kyla McCormick placed 45th in 23:06.26, Ali Gonzalez ran 57th in 23:48.76, and Madison Dombroski won the final team points in 77th with a time of 25:01.85. Heidi Brauer finished 81st in 25:19.75, and Kynlee Wesner placed 101st in 34:43.97.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727702331972.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsOne of the first state cross country championships to finish Saturday morning was the 2A girls' race at the Wamego Country Club. A pair of Lady Eagles - Eleanor Joiner and Jenna Borror - earned all-state honors as top-20 finishers.&nbsp;Remington and Berean Academy deadlocked for the title with 108 team points but Remington won the tiebreak for the championship. Hoxie ran third with 132 points to beat Oskaloosa by eight spots. Ellinwood finished seventh with 150 points in a tight field.Smith Center sophomore Madison Howland cruised to the individual title by 33 seconds in 18:50.76. The freshman Joiner paced Ellinwood in 15th in 21:36.86, 19 seconds from a top-10 finish. Borror, another Lady Eagle freshman, finished 18th in 21:45.18.Kyla McCormick placed 45th in 23:06.26, Ali Gonzalez ran 57th in 23:48.76, and Madison Dombroski won the final team points in 77th with a time of 25:01.85. Heidi Brauer finished 81st in 25:19.75, and Kynlee Wesner placed 101st in 34:43.97.

Joiner, Borror earn all-state honors at 2A XC; Ellinwood seventh

The Class 2A State Volleyball Championship bracket was headed exactly where the polls thought it would after Friday's pool action. Top-ranked Inman rolled its three opponents in one pool, and second-ranked Ellinwood did the same in its pool.

Saturday morning was a different story in Dodge City as both of the top-ranked teams fell in straight sets. Valley Heights downed Inman 26-24, 25-21. Maranatha Academy defeated Ellinwood 25-22, 25-17. Maranatha and Valley Heights will play in the state championship game later this morning, and Ellinwood and Inman will battle it out for the third-place trophy.

Great Bend Post SportsThe Class 2A State Volleyball Championship bracket was headed exactly where the polls thought it would after Friday's pool action. Top-ranked Inman rolled its three opponents in one pool, and second-ranked Ellinwood did the same in its pool.Saturday morning was a different story in Dodge City as both of the top-ranked teams fell in straight sets. Valley Heights downed Inman 26-24, 25-21. Maranatha Academy defeated Ellinwood 25-22, 25-17. Maranatha and Valley Heights will play in the state championship game later this morning, and Ellinwood and Inman will battle it out for the third-place trophy.

2A state volleyball: top two seeds fall in Saturday semifinals

Several area volleyball teams opened state action in pool play on Friday. The top two teams in each pool advanced to Saturday's state semifinal matches.

Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena 1 p.m. Hoisington will play in a semifinal after winning its first two matches. Final results and Saturday's schedule were not available at 10:55 p.m. Friday.

Class 2A at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City 9 a.m. No. 1 Inman (42-2) vs No. 6 Valley Heights (31-10) No. 2 Ellinwood (42-3) vs No. 4 Maranatha Academy (39-7)

Class 1A, Div. I at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City 1 p.m. No. 3 Little River (38-6) vs No. 1 Flinthills (39-3) No. 4 Centralia&nbsp; (37-7)&nbsp; &nbsp;vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde (26-16)

Great Bend Post SportsSeveral area volleyball teams opened state action in pool play on Friday. The top two teams in each pool advanced to Saturday's state semifinal matches.Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena 1 p.m. Hoisington will play in a semifinal after winning its first two matches. Final results and Saturday's schedule were not available at 10:55 p.m. Friday.Class 2A at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City 9 a.m. No. 1 Inman (42-2) vs No. 6 Valley Heights (31-10) No. 2 Ellinwood (42-3) vs No. 4 Maranatha Academy (39-7)Class 1A, Div. I at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City 1 p.m. No. 3 Little River (38-6) vs No. 1 Flinthills (39-3) No. 4 Centralia&nbsp; (37-7)&nbsp; &nbsp;vs No. 7 Clifton-Clyde (26-16)

Area state semifinal volleyball matchups for Saturday

Class 6A Friday Dodge City 34, Garden City 7 Class 5A&nbsp;Friday Great Bend 49, Newton 7 Hays 31, Andover0 Liberal 17, Bishop Carroll 6 Class 3A&nbsp;Friday Clay Center 47, Pratt 46 Hesston 43, Goodland 34 Rock Creek 51, Smoky Valley 8 Class 2A Friday Hoisington 28, Ellsworth 15 Southeast of Saline 76, Larned 12 Haven 38, Cimarron 7 Halstead 36, Lakin 6 Norton 33, Hillsboro 22 Class 1A Friday Sterling 48, TMP 6 8-Man Division I Thursday Central Plains 40, Sylvan-Lucas 38 Hoxie 52, La Crosse 0 Sublette 1, Pratt-Skyline 0 Little River 42, Lincoln 40 Friday Oxford 46, Kinsley 28 South Gray 56, Kiowa County 28 8-Man Division II Thursday Central Christian 48, Macksville 6 Hodgeman County 44, Norwich 38 Friday Victoria 52, Fairfield 0 Attica-Argonia 70, St. John 20 6-Man Thursday Pawnee Heights 68, Western Plains 18 Friday Chetopa 86, Chase 0 Otis-Bison (5-3) Bye

Class 6A Friday Dodge City 34, Garden City 7 Class 5A&nbsp;Friday Great Bend 49, Newton 7 Hays 31, Andover0 Liberal 17, Bishop Carroll 6 Class 3A&nbsp;Friday Clay Center 47, Pratt 46 Hesston 43, Goodland 34 Rock Creek 51, Smoky Valley 8 Class 2A Friday Hoisington 28, Ellsworth 15 Southeast of Saline 76, Larned 12 Haven 38, Cimarron 7 Halstead 36, Lakin 6 Norton 33, Hillsboro 22 Class 1A Friday Sterling 48, TMP 6 8-Man Division I Thursday Central Plains 40, Sylvan-Lucas 38 Hoxie 52, La Crosse 0 Sublette 1, Pratt-Skyline 0 Little River 42, Lincoln 40 Friday Oxford 46, Kinsley 28 South Gray 56, Kiowa County 28 8-Man Division II Thursday Central Christian 48, Macksville 6 Hodgeman County 44, Norwich 38 Friday Victoria 52, Fairfield 0 Attica-Argonia 70, St. John 20 6-Man Thursday Pawnee Heights 68, Western Plains 18 Friday Chetopa 86, Chase 0 Otis-Bison (5-3) Bye

Area high school football schedule - Week 9 scores

1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington 28 Ellsworth 15<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/1rzno5y4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Hoisington 28 Ellsworth 15

1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast Saline 76 Larned 12<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/sr1uagfl/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

Southeast Saline 76 Larned 12

1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend 49 Newton 7<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/avo4oqte/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Great Bend 49 Newton 7

The semifinals are all but set at the Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina. In Pool 2, No. 7 Kapaun knocked off No. 2 Great Bend in three sets and No. 3 Andover in two sets to avenge a pair of losses to the Trojans earlier this season. With a 25-20, 25-17 loss to No. 6 St. James Academy, Great Bend will play Andover in the final match of the evening with hopes of extending a school-record 35 wins on the season.

With Andover's loss to Kapaun, Great Bend needed to beat St. James to stay alive. The Thunder, with USC-bound Reese Messer and a powerful freshman in Mya Lee were impressive in both of their early matches.&nbsp;

Lee had three early kills in the first set against Great Bend at St. James pulled ahead 10-4. The Panthers got a pair of kills from sophomore Alex Mayers and a Melock from sophomore Kya Behr to stay in the set at 14-10. A kill from senior Cassie Ellegood and another Great Bend point made the score 15-12. The Thunder ultimately pushed the lead back to 20-13 and 22-18 on Great Bend's fourth service out of bounds in the set. Messer added a late block as the Thunder finished off the set 25-20.

Ellegood put down a kill and aced the subsequent serve to give the Panthers a quick 3-2 edge early in the second set. Great Bend remained competitive, getting a tip from Behr and an ace from junior Ava Kaiser to trail 10-9. Lee put down a kill for a 17-14 Thunder lead and the Panthers never got any closer than that in the 25-17 set.

Top-ranked and top-seeded Topeka-Seaman is the only unbeaten team in Pool 1 after two rounds of matches.

Round one of pool play at the Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina was not a kind one to the lower-seeded teams of the Class 5A State Volleyball championships. In Pool 2, No. 3 Andover fell into a 5-0 deficit against No. 6 St. James Academy, never rebounding in a 25-14 first set. The Trojans led 8-5 in the second match before surrendering 10 straight points and dropping the set 25-19. Great Bend, the No. 2 seed, dropped its first set to Kapaun Mt. Carmel 25-8, 23-25, 25-12.

No. 2 Great Bend dropped its first set to No. 7 Kapaun 25-8. The Lady Panthers fell behind 11-3 after a pair of aces from Crusader junior Mason Palace, who added a pair of late kills to bump the Kapaun lead to 20-7.

Great Bend rebounded to take the second set 25-23 in a dramatic second set. The Panthers took their first lead at 7-6 on a tip from sophomore Kya Behr, and another Behr tip extended the lead to 13-7. Palace and the Crusaders stormed back to 13-12 before Behr ended the run with a kill. Late in the set, a Kapaun ace leveled the score at 22. Senior Cassie Ellegood answered with a kill. Leading 24-23, Behr came up with a big save that yielded an Ellegood tip for the 25-23 set.

Kapaun jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third and decisive set. Seniors Ellegood and Kara Feist put down kills to stop the bleeding but the Crusader lead grew to 10-4, then 18-7 after a Palace kill. Kapaun kept the gap at or near double-digits the rest of the way to take the set 25-12.

Great Bend plays matches against St. James Academy and Andover later Friday evening.

In Pool 1, No. 5 seed St. Thomas Aquinas defeated No. 4 seed Blue Valley Southwest in straight sets 25-23, 25-18. Top-ranked and top-seeded Topeka-Seaman defeated De Soto in two sets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730501981286.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther sophomore Kya Behr (17) and senior Kara Feist (15) attempt a block against Kapaun junior Mason Palace during Friday's Class 5A state tournament in Salina." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther sophomore Kya Behr (17) and senior Kara Feist (15) attempt a block against Kapaun junior Mason Palace during Friday's Class 5A state tournament in Salina.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe semifinals are all but set at the Class 5A State Volleyball Championships in Salina. In Pool 2, No. 7 Kapaun knocked off No. 2 Great Bend in three sets and No. 3 Andover in two sets to avenge a pair of losses to the Trojans earlier this season. With a 25-20, 25-17 loss to No. 6 St. James Academy, Great Bend will play Andover in the final match of the evening with hopes of extending a school-record 35 wins on the season.With Andover's loss to Kapaun, Great Bend needed to beat St. James to stay alive. The Thunder, with USC-bound Reese Messer and a powerful freshman in Mya Lee were impressive in both of their early matches.&nbsp;Lee had three early kills in the first set against Great Bend at St. James pulled ahead 10-4. The Panthers got a pair of kills from sophomore Alex Mayers and a Melock from sophomore Kya Behr to stay in the set at 14-10. A kill from senior Cassie Ellegood and another Great Bend point made the score 15-12. The Thunder ultimately pushed the lead back to 20-13 and 22-18 on Great Bend's fourth service out of bounds in the set. Messer added a late block as the Thunder finished off the set 25-20.Ellegood put down a kill and aced the subsequent serve to give the Panthers a quick 3-2 edge early in the second set. Great Bend remained competitive, getting a tip from Behr and an ace from junior Ava Kaiser to trail 10-9. Lee put down a kill for a 17-14 Thunder lead and the Panthers never got any closer than that in the 25-17 set.Top-ranked and top-seeded Topeka-Seaman is the only unbeaten team in Pool 1 after two rounds of matches.Earlier action...Round one of pool play at the Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina was not a kind one to the lower-seeded teams of the Class 5A State Volleyball championships. In Pool 2, No. 3 Andover fell into a 5-0 deficit against No. 6 St. James Academy, never rebounding in a 25-14 first set. The Trojans led 8-5 in the second match before surrendering 10 straight points and dropping the set 25-19. Great Bend, the No. 2 seed, dropped its first set to Kapaun Mt. Carmel 25-8, 23-25, 25-12.No. 2 Great Bend dropped its first set to No. 7 Kapaun 25-8. The Lady Panthers fell behind 11-3 after a pair of aces from Crusader junior Mason Palace, who added a pair of late kills to bump the Kapaun lead to 20-7.Great Bend rebounded to take the second set 25-23 in a dramatic second set. The Panthers took their first lead at 7-6 on a tip from sophomore Kya Behr, and another Behr tip extended the lead to 13-7. Palace and the Crusaders stormed back to 13-12 before Behr ended the run with a kill. Late in the set, a Kapaun ace leveled the score at 22. Senior Cassie Ellegood answered with a kill. Leading 24-23, Behr came up with a big save that yielded an Ellegood tip for the 25-23 set.Kapaun jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third and decisive set. Seniors Ellegood and Kara Feist put down kills to stop the bleeding but the Crusader lead grew to 10-4, then 18-7 after a Palace kill. Kapaun kept the gap at or near double-digits the rest of the way to take the set 25-12.Great Bend plays matches against St. James Academy and Andover later Friday evening.In Pool 1, No. 5 seed St. Thomas Aquinas defeated No. 4 seed Blue Valley Southwest in straight sets 25-23, 25-18. Top-ranked and top-seeded Topeka-Seaman defeated De Soto in two sets.

Updates: Class 5A state volleyball in Salina

Win two in Friday's state pool play and you probably advance to Saturday's semifinals. Second-ranked Ellinwood left no doubt with a 3-0 showing in Friday's Class 2A State Volleyball Championships in Dodge City. The Lady Eagles will play Maranatha Academy in Saturday's state semifinal match at United Wireless Arena.

Pool II saw a shakeup early on as Valley Heights defeated No. 3 seed Sedgwick 25-19, 25-17 in the first match of the day. Ellinwood followed with a 25-9, 25-15 win against Doniphan West, then defeated Valley Heights 25-17, 25-20. The Lady Eagles dominated Sedgwick 25-8, 25-10 in the pool finale.

Inman, the No. 1 ranked team all season, also went 3-0 in Pool I to advance to Saturday's other semifinal against Valley Heights.

In Class 1A, Div. II, Otis-Bison posted a late win in pool play but it was too little, too late as Ingalls and Lebo picked up a pair of wins in the pool. The Lady Cougars fell to Lebo 25-11, 25-16, then dropped a 25-16, 25-16 match to Ingalls. Otis-Bison closed out the season with a 24-26, 25-12, 25-23 win against Victoria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729688638922.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWin two in Friday's state pool play and you probably advance to Saturday's semifinals. Second-ranked Ellinwood left no doubt with a 3-0 showing in Friday's Class 2A State Volleyball Championships in Dodge City. The Lady Eagles will play Maranatha Academy in Saturday's state semifinal match at United Wireless Arena.Pool II saw a shakeup early on as Valley Heights defeated No. 3 seed Sedgwick 25-19, 25-17 in the first match of the day. Ellinwood followed with a 25-9, 25-15 win against Doniphan West, then defeated Valley Heights 25-17, 25-20. The Lady Eagles dominated Sedgwick 25-8, 25-10 in the pool finale.Inman, the No. 1 ranked team all season, also went 3-0 in Pool I to advance to Saturday's other semifinal against Valley Heights.In Class 1A, Div. II, Otis-Bison posted a late win in pool play but it was too little, too late as Ingalls and Lebo picked up a pair of wins in the pool. The Lady Cougars fell to Lebo 25-11, 25-16, then dropped a 25-16, 25-16 match to Ingalls. Otis-Bison closed out the season with a 24-26, 25-12, 25-23 win against Victoria.

2A/1A state volleyball: Ellinwood opens state at 3-0; advances to semis

- Barton Men's basketball coach Jeremy Coombs will be in the Mayo Money Management Studio to preview the 24-25 season that begins next Friday against Labette that will be played in Hutchinson at Hutch Tipoff Classic.

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl will bring it strong as he previews State Volleyball and State Cross Country. He'll also talk about Thursday night's Week 9 games and preview the Friday games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YHJGmQtLosg?si=h5mZh3Wiu84DRDKo" 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>- Barton Men's basketball coach Jeremy Coombs will be in the Mayo Money Management Studio to preview the 24-25 season that begins next Friday against Labette that will be played in Hutchinson at Hutch Tipoff Classic.- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl will bring it strong as he previews State Volleyball and State Cross Country. He'll also talk about Thursday night's Week 9 games and preview the Friday games.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Athletics owner John Fisher and his family will invest $1 billion into the construction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/as-athletics-vegas-stadium-oakland-f04dde29666d5f54b57ec14460a63c03">a stadium in Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;and U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs will offer a $300 million loan, club executive Sandy Dean said Thursday.

Dean made his remarks to a special meeting of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority board.

Dean said four letters will be presented at the Dec. 5 authority meeting asserting construction details and financing will be in place. Final approvals are expected to be made at that meeting to allow construction of the $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat domed ballpark with a capacity for up to 33,000 fans.

“We feel like we're on the right path and it will become clearer in the months ahead,” Dean told the board.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring with a targeted opening before the 2028 season. As much as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-oakland-athletics-governor-signing-f190c44133bbcee47a15278135b6088f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">$380 million in public funding</a>&nbsp;will go into building the stadium, which will be on the Las Vegas Strip on the site of where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-strip-tropicana-casino-closes-adabc55cc91d08dda3181edbc6d7984e">recently demolished Tropicana</a>&nbsp;stood.

Dean said Fisher is still pursuing partners in the Las Vegas area who can purchase stakes in the franchise, which in turn goes toward paying for the stadium.

“We've been consistent in saying it would be good coming to Las Vegas to have outside partners from Las Vegas,” Dean said after the meeting. “That process has just begun. The ability to finance the stadium is independent of that.”

As for the financing, the four letters that will be presented at the December meeting will better address that.

The first is the loan commitment from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs. Dean said it probably would be a five-year term “that would be replaced by a permanent loan once construction is done.”

Another letter, Dean said, asserts the Fisher and his family have the ability to meet their financial commitment. Dean said the third letter from U.S. Bank will show that through a review of the owner's finances that it “concludes the Fisher family has more than sufficient resources to fund the equity investment that's required to build the stadium.”

The fourth laid out the commitments to Athletics StadCo LLC, an entity created to handle the private capital investment.

Also, the draft lease agreement and deed were presented to the board.

“We feel like these documents are on track for the schedule that we have been talking about for a number of months,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “We feel like there's a real possibility we'll be able to reach a conclusion on all of them on Dec. 5.”

Dean said an updated construction budget will be presented at that day's meeting, and he acknowledged the final cost likely will rise “by something.”

Hill said documents would be made public several days before the December meeting and he didn't anticipate any issues regarding approval.

“There are a couple of places where we need to get the language right, but we've had enough of a conversation to understand that everybody understands what the outcome is intended to be," Hill said.

He cited ensuring details regarding parking as an example of getting all the proper wording in place.

The A's will play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento, California. The club announced it will play 60 of its 81 home games next season at night, tying the 1968 A's for the most in their history. That includes 25 of 28 games at night in June and July when temperatures are often 100 degrees (37.8 Celsius) or hotter.

Their first game in Sacramento is March 31 against the Chicago Cubs.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Athletics owner John Fisher and his family will invest $1 billion into the construction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/as-athletics-vegas-stadium-oakland-f04dde29666d5f54b57ec14460a63c03">a stadium in Las Vegas</a>&nbsp;and U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs will offer a $300 million loan, club executive Sandy Dean said Thursday.Dean made his remarks to a special meeting of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority board.Dean said four letters will be presented at the Dec. 5 authority meeting asserting construction details and financing will be in place. Final approvals are expected to be made at that meeting to allow construction of the $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat domed ballpark with a capacity for up to 33,000 fans.“We feel like we're on the right path and it will become clearer in the months ahead,” Dean told the board.Construction is expected to begin in the spring with a targeted opening before the 2028 season. As much as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-oakland-athletics-governor-signing-f190c44133bbcee47a15278135b6088f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">$380 million in public funding</a>&nbsp;will go into building the stadium, which will be on the Las Vegas Strip on the site of where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-strip-tropicana-casino-closes-adabc55cc91d08dda3181edbc6d7984e">recently demolished Tropicana</a>&nbsp;stood.Dean said Fisher is still pursuing partners in the Las Vegas area who can purchase stakes in the franchise, which in turn goes toward paying for the stadium.“We've been consistent in saying it would be good coming to Las Vegas to have outside partners from Las Vegas,” Dean said after the meeting. “That process has just begun. The ability to finance the stadium is independent of that.”As for the financing, the four letters that will be presented at the December meeting will better address that.The first is the loan commitment from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs. Dean said it probably would be a five-year term “that would be replaced by a permanent loan once construction is done.”Another letter, Dean said, asserts the Fisher and his family have the ability to meet their financial commitment. Dean said the third letter from U.S. Bank will show that through a review of the owner's finances that it “concludes the Fisher family has more than sufficient resources to fund the equity investment that's required to build the stadium.”The fourth laid out the commitments to Athletics StadCo LLC, an entity created to handle the private capital investment.Also, the draft lease agreement and deed were presented to the board.“We feel like these documents are on track for the schedule that we have been talking about for a number of months,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “We feel like there's a real possibility we'll be able to reach a conclusion on all of them on Dec. 5.”Dean said an updated construction budget will be presented at that day's meeting, and he acknowledged the final cost likely will rise “by something.”Hill said documents would be made public several days before the December meeting and he didn't anticipate any issues regarding approval.“There are a couple of places where we need to get the language right, but we've had enough of a conversation to understand that everybody understands what the outcome is intended to be," Hill said.He cited ensuring details regarding parking as an example of getting all the proper wording in place.The A's will play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento, California. The club announced it will play 60 of its 81 home games next season at night, tying the 1968 A's for the most in their history. That includes 25 of 28 games at night in June and July when temperatures are often 100 degrees (37.8 Celsius) or hotter.Their first game in Sacramento is March 31 against the Chicago Cubs.

John Fisher pledges $1 billion to construction of A's stadium in Las Vegas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the ownership group of the Kansas City Current, who play in the National Women's Soccer League, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">meeting with WNBA officials a</a>&nbsp;bout bringing an expansion franchise to the city.

Mahomes confirmed the talks Thursday, saying that it was a “no-brainer” to try to bring women's hoops to Kansas City.

“Obviously, we want to get basketball in Kansas City in general,” said Mahomes, who also has ownership stakes in the Royals and MLS club Sporting Kansas City. “You talk about the University of Kansas basketball, the Chiefs, whatever it is, the city is going to come out to the stadium. It's cool we were able to get the women's soccer team here and you see the support they have.”

The Current, who play in a $117 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nwsl-soccer-championship-kansas-city-cfa9d89aaf534a6fab2c1c07670de4a7">purpose-built stadium near</a>&nbsp;downtown Kansas City, have regularly sold out their home matches this season. They begin the NWSL playoffs as the No. 4 seed on Nov. 9 after losing just three times all season.

Mahomes and his wife, Brittany — a former soccer player — frequently attend Current and Sporting KC matches. The Chiefs quarterback was in a suite at Kauffman Stadium a few weeks ago to watch the Royals play the Guardians in the playoffs.

“I think more than anything, I know how much sports has given to me,” said Mahomes, whose unbeaten Chiefs play Tampa Bay on Monday night. “Whenever I'm done with football — whenever that is — and I have to venture into life after football, and chase kids around, I want to still be a part of it. Hopefully, we can get this WNBA team here, for life after football, so I can make an impact in sports, and show my daughter that you can chase your dream, whatever dream that is.”

The WNBA is expanding by three teams over the next two seasons with Golden State, Portland and Toronto pushing the total number of franchises to 15. And while league commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said the WNBA would like to add a 16th team by the 2028 season, Kansas City is expected to have competition from St. Louis, Philadelphia and several other cities.

The league has been buoyed by young stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">drawing its best attendance</a>&nbsp;numbers in 22 years this past season. Game 5 of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">championship peaked at</a>&nbsp;3.3 million TV viewers, the most-watched WNBA game in a quarter of a century, plus 22 telecasts during the 40-game regular season topped at least a million viewers across various networks.

Kansas City has long had the infrastructure for a professional basketball franchise, building the T-Mobile Center in 2007 with the hopes of luring an NBA or NHL club to town. Those teams never materialized, but the building has remained busy hosting concerts and other sports events, including the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments each March.

Mahomes believes a WNBA franchise would be the perfect fit for the downtown arena.

“They want to expand. Just like any other business, you have to pick and choose how,” he said. “Obviously, you've seen the last few years the WNBA has grown. We feel like Kansas City is a great place to continue that growth, but we have to battle other cities to show them that this is the right place.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721168176429.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the ownership group of the Kansas City Current, who play in the National Women's Soccer League, have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">meeting with WNBA officials a</a>&nbsp;bout bringing an expansion franchise to the city.Mahomes confirmed the talks Thursday, saying that it was a “no-brainer” to try to bring women's hoops to Kansas City.“Obviously, we want to get basketball in Kansas City in general,” said Mahomes, who also has ownership stakes in the Royals and MLS club Sporting Kansas City. “You talk about the University of Kansas basketball, the Chiefs, whatever it is, the city is going to come out to the stadium. It's cool we were able to get the women's soccer team here and you see the support they have.”The Current, who play in a $117 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nwsl-soccer-championship-kansas-city-cfa9d89aaf534a6fab2c1c07670de4a7">purpose-built stadium near</a>&nbsp;downtown Kansas City, have regularly sold out their home matches this season. They begin the NWSL playoffs as the No. 4 seed on Nov. 9 after losing just three times all season.Mahomes and his wife, Brittany — a former soccer player — frequently attend Current and Sporting KC matches. The Chiefs quarterback was in a suite at Kauffman Stadium a few weeks ago to watch the Royals play the Guardians in the playoffs.“I think more than anything, I know how much sports has given to me,” said Mahomes, whose unbeaten Chiefs play Tampa Bay on Monday night. “Whenever I'm done with football — whenever that is — and I have to venture into life after football, and chase kids around, I want to still be a part of it. Hopefully, we can get this WNBA team here, for life after football, so I can make an impact in sports, and show my daughter that you can chase your dream, whatever dream that is.”The WNBA is expanding by three teams over the next two seasons with Golden State, Portland and Toronto pushing the total number of franchises to 15. And while league commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said the WNBA would like to add a 16th team by the 2028 season, Kansas City is expected to have competition from St. Louis, Philadelphia and several other cities.The league has been buoyed by young stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">drawing its best attendance</a>&nbsp;numbers in 22 years this past season. Game 5 of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-cba-caitlin-clark-eabe7a584a95de91df017a1123988ae6">championship peaked at</a>&nbsp;3.3 million TV viewers, the most-watched WNBA game in a quarter of a century, plus 22 telecasts during the 40-game regular season topped at least a million viewers across various networks.Kansas City has long had the infrastructure for a professional basketball franchise, building the T-Mobile Center in 2007 with the hopes of luring an NBA or NHL club to town. Those teams never materialized, but the building has remained busy hosting concerts and other sports events, including the Big 12 men's and women's basketball tournaments each March.Mahomes believes a WNBA franchise would be the perfect fit for the downtown arena.“They want to expand. Just like any other business, you have to pick and choose how,” he said. “Obviously, you've seen the last few years the WNBA has grown. We feel like Kansas City is a great place to continue that growth, but we have to battle other cities to show them that this is the right place.”

Mahomes among those trying to land WNBA team for Kansas City in 2028 expansion

NEW YORK (AP) — After 42 seasons, Bob Costas is retiring from baseball play-by-play.

Costas had done games the past couple seasons for MLB Network and TBS Sports. His final games were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-yankees-royals-238cb93d771ddb975e59f58dfee11839">American League Division Series</a>&nbsp;between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.

Costas' contract with TBS expired at the end of the season, but his plans to retire from baseball play-by-play had been in the works for over a year.

The Athletic was the first to report on Costas' baseball play-by-play retirement. Costas plans to address his decision at a future date.

Baseball has always been Costas' favorite sport. He called games on NBC from 1982-89 and again from 1994-2000. He was one of the announcers for the 1995 World Series and then the main play-by-play voice for the Fall Classic in 1997 and '99.

He joined TBS in 2021 to serve as studio host for its coverage of the National League Championship Series and then called games the past three seasons. TBS has had a package of Tuesday night regular-season games to go with its postseason coverage since 2022.

Costas had also done games on MLB Network since its start in 2009. He will continue to do some work for the network on key events, including the Baseball Hall of Fame announcement.

In 2018, he received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Costas is also known for being the prime-time host of NBC's Olympics coverage from 1992 to 2016. He also has made appearances as a commentator on sports issues on CNN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730468990598.jpeg" alt="FILE: Bob Costas broadcasts from the field for Thursday Night Football before an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE: Bob Costas broadcasts from the field for Thursday Night Football before an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — After 42 seasons, Bob Costas is retiring from baseball play-by-play.Costas had done games the past couple seasons for MLB Network and TBS Sports. His final games were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-yankees-royals-238cb93d771ddb975e59f58dfee11839">American League Division Series</a>&nbsp;between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.Costas' contract with TBS expired at the end of the season, but his plans to retire from baseball play-by-play had been in the works for over a year.The Athletic was the first to report on Costas' baseball play-by-play retirement. Costas plans to address his decision at a future date.Baseball has always been Costas' favorite sport. He called games on NBC from 1982-89 and again from 1994-2000. He was one of the announcers for the 1995 World Series and then the main play-by-play voice for the Fall Classic in 1997 and '99.He joined TBS in 2021 to serve as studio host for its coverage of the National League Championship Series and then called games the past three seasons. TBS has had a package of Tuesday night regular-season games to go with its postseason coverage since 2022.Costas had also done games on MLB Network since its start in 2009. He will continue to do some work for the network on key events, including the Baseball Hall of Fame announcement.In 2018, he received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence from the Baseball Hall of Fame.Costas is also known for being the prime-time host of NBC's Olympics coverage from 1992 to 2016. He also has made appearances as a commentator on sports issues on CNN.

Bob Costas retiring from baseball play-by-play after 42 years

The prep cross country season will come to a close Saturday with various state championship races. Below are a list of area runners headed to state:

Class 5A at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence Girls - 10 a.m. Great Bend team: Marissa Boone (sr) Kate Welcher (sr) Sienna Smith (jr) Reese Bullard (jr) Teegan Guerra (so) Teah King (so) Bella Long (so) Samantha Negaard (fr) Alyssa Prendergrast (fr) Sydney James (fr)

Boys - 11:45 a.m. Great Bend junior Tavon Stroup

Class 3A at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence Girls - 12:20 p.m. Ellsworth sophomore Molly Ehrlich Ellsworth freshman Lakyn Beckman Hoisington junior Tianna Lutters

Boys - 10:35 a.m. Hoisington senior Kamden Tarlton Hoisington sophomore Brody Rossman&nbsp; Lyons junior Cain Villasenor&nbsp;

Class 2A at Wamego Country Club Girls - 10 a.m. Ellinwood team: Heidi Brauer (sr) Madison Dombroski (so) Eleanor Joiner (fr)&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Borror (fr) Ali Gonzalez (fr) Kyla McCormick (fr) Kynlee Wesner (fr)

Sterling team: Lanae Welty (sr) Israel Kuhn (jr) Julia Kilgore (jr) Katie Inwood (so) Kyler Larsen (fr)

Class 1A at Wamego Country Club Girls - 11:10 a.m. Ness City team: Sabryn Copeland (sr) Stephany Esparza (jr) Hannah Younger (jr) Brecklyn Bishop (so) Miley Henning (fr) Kori Whited (fr)

Macksville freshman Kennedy Butler Otis-Bison senior Destiny Mitchell

Boys - 10:35 a.m. Ness City team: Nathan Campfield (sr) Dalton Backstrom (jr) Josh Brookshire (jr) Ben Durham (jr) Ethan Flax (jr) Broxton Gall (jr) Wyatt Sutton (jr) Charles Sehl-Anderson (so) Hunter Stenzel (so) Sampson Liggett (fr)

St. John team: Josh Chapman (sr) Quade Smith (sr) Rafael Gonzalez (jr) Sye Crockett (so) Garrett Dunn (so) Kaden Foote (so) Emmett Delp (fr) Liam Knight (fr) Jayce Feril (fr) Aaden Gonzalez (fr)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729962928566.jpeg" alt="The fourth-ranked Lady Panther cross country team runs at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence." />
 <figcaption>The fourth-ranked Lady Panther cross country team runs at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Rim Rock Farm outside Lawrence.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe prep cross country season will come to a close Saturday with various state championship races. Below are a list of area runners headed to state:Class 5A at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence Girls - 10 a.m. Great Bend team: Marissa Boone (sr) Kate Welcher (sr) Sienna Smith (jr) Reese Bullard (jr) Teegan Guerra (so) Teah King (so) Bella Long (so) Samantha Negaard (fr) Alyssa Prendergrast (fr) Sydney James (fr)Boys - 11:45 a.m. Great Bend junior Tavon StroupClass 3A at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence Girls - 12:20 p.m. Ellsworth sophomore Molly Ehrlich Ellsworth freshman Lakyn Beckman Hoisington junior Tianna LuttersBoys - 10:35 a.m. Hoisington senior Kamden Tarlton Hoisington sophomore Brody Rossman&nbsp; Lyons junior Cain Villasenor&nbsp; Class 2A at Wamego Country Club Girls - 10 a.m. Ellinwood team: Heidi Brauer (sr) Madison Dombroski (so) Eleanor Joiner (fr)&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Borror (fr) Ali Gonzalez (fr) Kyla McCormick (fr) Kynlee Wesner (fr)Sterling team: Lanae Welty (sr) Israel Kuhn (jr) Julia Kilgore (jr) Katie Inwood (so) Kyler Larsen (fr)Class 1A at Wamego Country Club Girls - 11:10 a.m. Ness City team: Sabryn Copeland (sr) Stephany Esparza (jr) Hannah Younger (jr) Brecklyn Bishop (so) Miley Henning (fr) Kori Whited (fr)Macksville freshman Kennedy Butler Otis-Bison senior Destiny MitchellBoys - 10:35 a.m. Ness City team: Nathan Campfield (sr) Dalton Backstrom (jr) Josh Brookshire (jr) Ben Durham (jr) Ethan Flax (jr) Broxton Gall (jr) Wyatt Sutton (jr) Charles Sehl-Anderson (so) Hunter Stenzel (so) Sampson Liggett (fr)St. John team: Josh Chapman (sr) Quade Smith (sr) Rafael Gonzalez (jr) Sye Crockett (so) Garrett Dunn (so) Kaden Foote (so) Emmett Delp (fr) Liam Knight (fr) Jayce Feril (fr) Aaden Gonzalez (fr)Stafford sophomore Joel Valadez

Area state cross country qualifiers

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Move over Odell Beckham Jr., Garrett Wilson might have snatched your spot among the NFL’s greatest catches. With one hand, of course. Wilson made a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nyjets/status/1852171953030984133" target="_blank">dazzling 26-yard go-ahead touchdown catch</a>&nbsp;early in the fourth quarter and the New York Jets snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Houston Texans 21-13 on Thursday night. “I just kind of lobbed one up there and he made an unbelievable catch,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “That was a huge play... That’s a game-changing play.” Rodgers had three touchdown passes, including another earlier one-handed score by Wilson and a 37-yard throw to recently acquired Davante Adams, and the Jets (3-6) won for the first time in four games under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nine games into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals’</a>&nbsp;season, Alex Ovechkin is scoring at a rate that would put him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-goals-record-dcb6ef4be18e4020e68a3cf728221b0a">past Wayne Gretzky</a>&nbsp;as soon as this spring. Ovechkin scored his 858th career goal Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens, putting him 37 away from breaking Gretzky’s NHL record before the end of this season. He entered this season 42 away from breaking a mark that long seemed unapproachable. “He’s been awesome,” said linemate Aliaksei Protas, who scored a goal assisted on by Ovechkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canadiens-capitals-score-de5d6c2ae1e8ed9dacc15b0be1eb50ba">in a 6-3 victory</a>. “The way he celebrates, you feel like it’s his first NHL goal — when you know he’s chasing one of the unreal records.” The 39-year-old Ovechkin has already scored five this season and continues piling up goals unlike anyone at this age in hockey history.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">Dodgers’ 7-6 victory over the Yankees</a>&nbsp;in Game 5 for their eighth World Series title and second in five years averaged 18.6 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and streaming, according to Nielsen. That is the most-watched game in the Fall Classic since Game 7 in 2019 when the Washington Nationals’ victory over the Houston Astros averaged 23.22 million. The series averaged 15.81 million, its best performance since 2017 when Houston’s victory over the Dodgers in seven games averaged 18.93 million. Its also quite a turnaround from last year, when the Texas Rangers;' title over the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games averaged a record-low 9.11 million. The audience Wednesday peaked at 21.27 million from 11:15-11:30 p.m. EDT. The game had a 21.1 rating and 55 share in Los Angeles and 14.8 rating and 39 share in New York. The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in. The share refers to a percentage of the audience viewing it at the time.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The points continue to come for James Harden, who became the 20th player in NBA history to reach 26,000 points in his career in the Los Angeles Clippers’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/suns-clippers-score-nba-3a29e1f8f76a6a0a40b13c619195b79f">125-119 loss to the Phoenix Suns</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night. Harden was more worried about the points the Clippers have been giving up, having squandered double-digit leads in both games of a back-to-back. Los Angeles led by as many as 21 on Thursday, following a wasted 10-point advantage in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clippers-trail-blazers-score-f63fbfe7a2d859f8954f2622124e6caf">106-105 defeat to Portland the night before</a>. “It’s definitely frustrating, just ’cause we was up double digits in both games,” Harden said. “Last night, we didn’t (play well) and we still had a double-digit lead. Tonight, we played well, especially in that first half and up 20-something. Like, it’s there. We just got to find ways to not lose it and continue to play our brand of basketball.”

THURSDAY SCORES National Football League NY Jets 21, Houston 13

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Move over Odell Beckham Jr., Garrett Wilson might have snatched your spot among the NFL’s greatest catches. With one hand, of course. Wilson made a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/nyjets/status/1852171953030984133" target="_blank">dazzling 26-yard go-ahead touchdown catch</a>&nbsp;early in the fourth quarter and the New York Jets snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Houston Texans 21-13 on Thursday night. “I just kind of lobbed one up there and he made an unbelievable catch,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “That was a huge play... That’s a game-changing play.” Rodgers had three touchdown passes, including another earlier one-handed score by Wilson and a 37-yard throw to recently acquired Davante Adams, and the Jets (3-6) won for the first time in four games under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.WASHINGTON (AP) — Nine games into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals’</a>&nbsp;season, Alex Ovechkin is scoring at a rate that would put him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-goals-record-dcb6ef4be18e4020e68a3cf728221b0a">past Wayne Gretzky</a>&nbsp;as soon as this spring. Ovechkin scored his 858th career goal Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens, putting him 37 away from breaking Gretzky’s NHL record before the end of this season. He entered this season 42 away from breaking a mark that long seemed unapproachable. “He’s been awesome,” said linemate Aliaksei Protas, who scored a goal assisted on by Ovechkin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/canadiens-capitals-score-de5d6c2ae1e8ed9dacc15b0be1eb50ba">in a 6-3 victory</a>. “The way he celebrates, you feel like it’s his first NHL goal — when you know he’s chasing one of the unreal records.” The 39-year-old Ovechkin has already scored five this season and continues piling up goals unlike anyone at this age in hockey history.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">Dodgers’ 7-6 victory over the Yankees</a>&nbsp;in Game 5 for their eighth World Series title and second in five years averaged 18.6 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and streaming, according to Nielsen. That is the most-watched game in the Fall Classic since Game 7 in 2019 when the Washington Nationals’ victory over the Houston Astros averaged 23.22 million. The series averaged 15.81 million, its best performance since 2017 when Houston’s victory over the Dodgers in seven games averaged 18.93 million. Its also quite a turnaround from last year, when the Texas Rangers;' title over the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games averaged a record-low 9.11 million. The audience Wednesday peaked at 21.27 million from 11:15-11:30 p.m. EDT. The game had a 21.1 rating and 55 share in Los Angeles and 14.8 rating and 39 share in New York. The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in. The share refers to a percentage of the audience viewing it at the time.INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The points continue to come for James Harden, who became the 20th player in NBA history to reach 26,000 points in his career in the Los Angeles Clippers’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/suns-clippers-score-nba-3a29e1f8f76a6a0a40b13c619195b79f">125-119 loss to the Phoenix Suns</a>&nbsp;on Thursday night. Harden was more worried about the points the Clippers have been giving up, having squandered double-digit leads in both games of a back-to-back. Los Angeles led by as many as 21 on Thursday, following a wasted 10-point advantage in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clippers-trail-blazers-score-f63fbfe7a2d859f8954f2622124e6caf">106-105 defeat to Portland the night before</a>. “It’s definitely frustrating, just ’cause we was up double digits in both games,” Harden said. “Last night, we didn’t (play well) and we still had a double-digit lead. Tonight, we played well, especially in that first half and up 20-something. Like, it’s there. We just got to find ways to not lose it and continue to play our brand of basketball.”THURSDAY SCORES National Football League NY Jets 21, Houston 13

Friday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Great Bend Panther football coach Erin Beck talks about his teams week 9 matchup with Newton at Memorial Stadium. He'll be joined by by QB Dax Minton and RB Jace Schartz.

- Mike Courson will preview State Volleyball Friday that includes several area schools including Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, and St. John.

- Barton soccer coach Rafael Simmons previews the post season for both the Cougar Men and Women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4v2rWlQpNos?si=Rn804Q9zB5dZ4FEh" 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 Panther football coach Erin Beck talks about his teams week 9 matchup with Newton at Memorial Stadium. He'll be joined by by QB Dax Minton and RB Jace Schartz.- Mike Courson will preview State Volleyball Friday that includes several area schools including Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, and St. John.- Barton soccer coach Rafael Simmons previews the post season for both the Cougar Men and Women.- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24 hours

Thursday on Sports Day(Watch)

HOUSTON (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman knows how thin the margin of error is in college football.

His Wildcats have been in three one-possession games this season and won all of them, including last week’s 29-27 win over rival Kansas.

No. 17 Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) still has hopes of a league title game berth and perhaps a playoff bid ahead of Saturday’s game at Houston (3-5, 2-3).

“We’ve been down in most games that we have had,” Klieman said. “Our guys haven’t panicked. Our guys stayed the course and stayed in the fight. It’s something that we’ve been preaching, the older guys have been preaching that kind of one play at a time (mentality). You can’t do anything about what has happened, now let’s move forward.”

The Wildcats have won four in a row and look to finish the second phase of their season on a strong note. Klieman said Kansas State broke the season into three parts – a five-game stretch before its first bye week, the current four-game stretch before a second bye and the final three-game stretch.

After finishing the first stretch 4-1, the Wildcats want to finish the second stretch 4-0, including close wins at Colorado and Kansas.

“I know that the ownership that the guys took, especially from the adversity that we faced in Colorado,” Klieman said. “Having the lead, losing the lead and being down in that kind of environment in the fourth quarter and just watching those guys help each other on both sides of the ball. ... The adversity that we have faced and the guys have faced during this four-game stretch - well, three of the four so far, I think has made us really grow as a football team.”

The Cougars have won two of three, including last week’s 17-14 win at home over Utah, one of the preseason favorites for the Big 12 title.

Klieman said balance on offense is one thing the Wildcats have strived for. Quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 373 yards and four scores, while running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 945 yards and four TDs this season.

“To be able to throw the ball effectively on any down and distance,” Klieman said. “That has been improving. The balance is where we are getting better.”

The Cougars have struggled to score this season. Houston is last nationally with 14.1 points per game and a 53.3% red zone success rate. Out of 15 trips into the red zone, the Cougars have scored four touchdowns and four field goals. That was on display against Utah last week when Houston failed to score four times from the 1-yard line twice in the second and third quarters each.

“Scoring touchdowns would have been good,” Houston first-year coach Willie Fritz said. “We stalled on those drives. Not just in the red zone, but on the 1-yard line. A barometer of winning is what we call four-point plays: scoring touchdowns instead of field goals when you get down in there.”

Both Klieman and Fritz pointed to winning the turnover game as a key. The Wildcats are plus-three in turnover margin this season, including plus-eight over their last four games, while Houston is minus-five overall.

“I think they come in bunches some times,” Klieman said. “I think when you’re struggling, you’re pressing so much. Then one happens and you get another one. Make no mistake, our success is we’re in the plus category.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730378774401.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates after a touchdown in the win at Colorado on Oct. 12. The Wildcats head to Houston on Saturday. (photo by Mike Courson/Great Bend Post)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates after a touchdown in the win at Colorado on Oct. 12. The Wildcats head to Houston on Saturday. (photo by Mike Courson/Great Bend Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman knows how thin the margin of error is in college football.His Wildcats have been in three one-possession games this season and won all of them, including last week’s 29-27 win over rival Kansas.No. 17 Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) still has hopes of a league title game berth and perhaps a playoff bid ahead of Saturday’s game at Houston (3-5, 2-3).“We’ve been down in most games that we have had,” Klieman said. “Our guys haven’t panicked. Our guys stayed the course and stayed in the fight. It’s something that we’ve been preaching, the older guys have been preaching that kind of one play at a time (mentality). You can’t do anything about what has happened, now let’s move forward.”The Wildcats have won four in a row and look to finish the second phase of their season on a strong note. Klieman said Kansas State broke the season into three parts – a five-game stretch before its first bye week, the current four-game stretch before a second bye and the final three-game stretch.After finishing the first stretch 4-1, the Wildcats want to finish the second stretch 4-0, including close wins at Colorado and Kansas.“I know that the ownership that the guys took, especially from the adversity that we faced in Colorado,” Klieman said. “Having the lead, losing the lead and being down in that kind of environment in the fourth quarter and just watching those guys help each other on both sides of the ball. ... The adversity that we have faced and the guys have faced during this four-game stretch - well, three of the four so far, I think has made us really grow as a football team.”The Cougars have won two of three, including last week’s 17-14 win at home over Utah, one of the preseason favorites for the Big 12 title.<h2>Balancing act</h2>Klieman said balance on offense is one thing the Wildcats have strived for. Quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 373 yards and four scores, while running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 945 yards and four TDs this season.“To be able to throw the ball effectively on any down and distance,” Klieman said. “That has been improving. The balance is where we are getting better.”<h2>Red zone inefficiencies</h2>The Cougars have struggled to score this season. Houston is last nationally with 14.1 points per game and a 53.3% red zone success rate. Out of 15 trips into the red zone, the Cougars have scored four touchdowns and four field goals. That was on display against Utah last week when Houston failed to score four times from the 1-yard line twice in the second and third quarters each.“Scoring touchdowns would have been good,” Houston first-year coach Willie Fritz said. “We stalled on those drives. Not just in the red zone, but on the 1-yard line. A barometer of winning is what we call four-point plays: scoring touchdowns instead of field goals when you get down in there.”<h2>Turnover game</h2>Both Klieman and Fritz pointed to winning the turnover game as a key. The Wildcats are plus-three in turnover margin this season, including plus-eight over their last four games, while Houston is minus-five overall.“I think they come in bunches some times,” Klieman said. “I think when you’re struggling, you’re pressing so much. Then one happens and you get another one. Make no mistake, our success is we’re in the plus category.”

No. 17 Kansas State takes high hopes and a four-game winning streak to Houston

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College men's soccer team swept the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week honors with a national award tacked on as well.

The duo helped the Cougars secure the number two seed in the upcoming NJCAA Region 6 Division I Men's Soccer Tournament with a pair of road victories last week, a 3-1 win at Garden City followed by a 2-0 shutout at Seward County Community College.

Both first time recipients, Bergamin grasped the NJCAA National honor for the week following his exceptional week between the pipes making 13 of 14 saves for a .929 save percentage.

The freshman netminder opened his week making five of six save attempts faced helping the Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Broncbusters of Garden City.

In Saturday's regular season finale, Bergamin held strong in net despite the Cougars playing a man down for 48 minutes and falling two men down for the final 5:55 denying all eight attempts faced on frame for his third shutout of the season.

Pacheco's first career recognition came following a three point week while contributing on both sides of Barton's game-winning goals.

The sophomore midfielder started the week posting his first collegiate game-winner with a 12-yard left footed far post strike off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>&nbsp;created cross placed inside the box in the Cougars 3-1 win at Garden City.

Closing the week, Pacheco helped secure Barton's runner-up conference finish creating the textbook pin-point passing chipping the initial game-winner past a pair of Saints defenders for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s rise and shine mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike.

Earning the second seed for the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730379253187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College men's soccer team swept the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week honors with a national award tacked on as well.The duo helped the Cougars secure the number two seed in the upcoming NJCAA Region 6 Division I Men's Soccer Tournament with a pair of road victories last week, a 3-1 win at Garden City followed by a 2-0 shutout at Seward County Community College.Both first time recipients, Bergamin grasped the NJCAA National honor for the week following his exceptional week between the pipes making 13 of 14 saves for a .929 save percentage.The freshman netminder opened his week making five of six save attempts faced helping the Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Broncbusters of Garden City.In Saturday's regular season finale, Bergamin held strong in net despite the Cougars playing a man down for 48 minutes and falling two men down for the final 5:55 denying all eight attempts faced on frame for his third shutout of the season.Pacheco's first career recognition came following a three point week while contributing on both sides of Barton's game-winning goals.The sophomore midfielder started the week posting his first collegiate game-winner with a 12-yard left footed far post strike off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>&nbsp;created cross placed inside the box in the Cougars 3-1 win at Garden City.Closing the week, Pacheco helped secure Barton's runner-up conference finish creating the textbook pin-point passing chipping the initial game-winner past a pair of Saints defenders for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s rise and shine mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike.Earning the second seed for the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.

Barton's Bergamin earns NJCAA honor, Pacheco named KJCCC Player of the Week

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 9th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team stayed the course Wednesday evening on home court to complete the season sweep over Hutchinson Community College (25-12, 25-23, 25-13).

Following the conclusion and receiving news of No. 7 Colby's loss at Garden City, Barton clinched atleast a share of the KJCCC crown for the second straight year while locking up the top seed and host privileges throughout the Region 6/Plains District Tournament.

The 11th conference and 22nd sweep of the season improves Barton to 14-1 in league play and 27-2 overall as Hutchinson falls to 7-8 in the KJCCC and 19-19 on the season.

Barton concludes its regular season slate on Saturday in a 3:00 p.m. first serve at Cloud County before setting sites on the post-season beginning Wednesday, November 6.

Honoring its nine sophomores prior to the match, each added contributions to the night with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading all players with 13 kills in completing her 12th double-double of the year by recording 13 digs.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;led the backline with a perfect 17 service receives and a career high 22 digs with the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;recording 10 digs.

The Cougars were below their season average attack percentage for the evening, finishing at .200 sandwiching a .257 opening and .341 closing set with a .041, 11-error second set.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had 8 kills as did&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 8 kills on a .280 efficiency followed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s 7 kills behind a .312 percentage.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;made her first court appearance in 21 days producing 3 kills on 7 swings for a .429 night.

Coach Besecker maneuvered multiple lineups and substitutions throughout the night including the switch in rotation of the 6-2 setters as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;led the first wave with 27 assists as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s guided the second wave producing 14 assists.

Wierzbicki's career high 5 services aces also led the strong serving game of 11 total from the Cougars, Kaneko adding three with Danenberg, Nixon, and M. Reyes each adding one.

RECAPFollowing Hutchinson putting the first two points on the board, the Cougars grabbed the next eight points sparked by a pair of Wierzbicki service aces. Interrupted by two straight from the Blue Dragons, continued to roll stringing stretches four straight a pair of three in a row building a 20-9 lead in going on to win by thirteen on a 3-0 closeout.

A Barton 5-0 run broke away from the sixth tie of the second set coming at 8-all. As Hutchinson's two consecutive put the deficit to 11-10, another five-pack of points appeared to set the stage for another blowout win. Hutchinson stayed in the fight behind a 4-0 run with a trio of tallies later drawing within 21-20 but a pair of costly attack errors helped Barton go on to win the set as Wierzbicki's middle attack followed by her then 4th ace of the match clinched the set.

Barton all but put any Hutchinson hopes to bed early in the third frame, scoring seven straight for a 9-1 lead while building a 16-4 advantage before the Blue Dragons could string multiple points together.

The Cougars closed out the evening festivities with the final three points in locking up its fourth straight victory of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730379136061.jpeg" alt="Barton freshman Mina Kaneko returns a serve during Wednesday's match against Hutchinson as sophomore Naya Danenberg looks on.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Barton freshman Mina Kaneko returns a serve during Wednesday's match against Hutchinson as sophomore Naya Danenberg looks on.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 9th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team stayed the course Wednesday evening on home court to complete the season sweep over Hutchinson Community College (25-12, 25-23, 25-13).Following the conclusion and receiving news of No. 7 Colby's loss at Garden City, Barton clinched atleast a share of the KJCCC crown for the second straight year while locking up the top seed and host privileges throughout the Region 6/Plains District Tournament.The 11th conference and 22nd sweep of the season improves Barton to 14-1 in league play and 27-2 overall as Hutchinson falls to 7-8 in the KJCCC and 19-19 on the season.Barton concludes its regular season slate on Saturday in a 3:00 p.m. first serve at Cloud County before setting sites on the post-season beginning Wednesday, November 6.Honoring its nine sophomores prior to the match, each added contributions to the night with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading all players with 13 kills in completing her 12th double-double of the year by recording 13 digs.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;led the backline with a perfect 17 service receives and a career high 22 digs with the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;recording 10 digs.The Cougars were below their season average attack percentage for the evening, finishing at .200 sandwiching a .257 opening and .341 closing set with a .041, 11-error second set.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had 8 kills as did&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 8 kills on a .280 efficiency followed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s 7 kills behind a .312 percentage.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;made her first court appearance in 21 days producing 3 kills on 7 swings for a .429 night.Coach Besecker maneuvered multiple lineups and substitutions throughout the night including the switch in rotation of the 6-2 setters as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;led the first wave with 27 assists as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s guided the second wave producing 14 assists.Wierzbicki's career high 5 services aces also led the strong serving game of 11 total from the Cougars, Kaneko adding three with Danenberg, Nixon, and M. Reyes each adding one.RECAPFollowing Hutchinson putting the first two points on the board, the Cougars grabbed the next eight points sparked by a pair of Wierzbicki service aces. Interrupted by two straight from the Blue Dragons, continued to roll stringing stretches four straight a pair of three in a row building a 20-9 lead in going on to win by thirteen on a 3-0 closeout.A Barton 5-0 run broke away from the sixth tie of the second set coming at 8-all. As Hutchinson's two consecutive put the deficit to 11-10, another five-pack of points appeared to set the stage for another blowout win. Hutchinson stayed in the fight behind a 4-0 run with a trio of tallies later drawing within 21-20 but a pair of costly attack errors helped Barton go on to win the set as Wierzbicki's middle attack followed by her then 4th ace of the match clinched the set.Barton all but put any Hutchinson hopes to bed early in the third frame, scoring seven straight for a 9-1 lead while building a 16-4 advantage before the Blue Dragons could string multiple points together.The Cougars closed out the evening festivities with the final three points in locking up its fourth straight victory of the series.