The Los Angeles
Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals to open a three-game series.

Kansas City Royals
(40-30, second in the AL Central) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-28,
first in the NL West)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 98
strikeouts); Dodgers: Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 53
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Dodgers -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2
runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series at home against the
Kansas City Royals on Friday.

Los Angeles has gone
22-14 at home and 42-28 overall. The Dodgers have the third-best team
slugging percentage in MLB play at .437.

Kansas City has a
40-30 record overall and a 15-16 record on the road. The Royals have
gone 23-10 in games when they scored five or more runs.

Friday's game is the
first time these teams square off this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Mookie Betts leads the Dodgers with a .308 batting average, and has
16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 46 walks and 40 RBI. Freddie
Freeman is 12-for-34 with three home runs and eight RBI over the last
10 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino
has 19 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 18-for-43 with three doubles, a triple and
two home runs over the last 10 games.

Dodgers: 5-5,
.257 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored opponents by 20 runs

Royals: 5-5,
.260 batting average, 5.30 ERA, outscored by 13 runs

Dodgers: Ryan
Brasier: 60-Day IL (calf), Connor Brogdon: 60-Day IL (foot), Max
Muncy: 10-Day IL (oblique), Joe Kelly: 15-Day IL (posterior), Kyle
Hurt: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bobby Miller: 15-Day IL (shoulder),
Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Emmet Sheehan: 60-Day IL
(forearm), Clayton Kershaw: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tony Gonsolin: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Dustin May: 60-Day IL (elbow)

By The Associated
PressThe Los Angeles
Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals to open a three-game series.Kansas City Royals
(40-30, second in the AL Central) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-28,
first in the NL West)Los Angeles; Friday,
10:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 98
strikeouts); Dodgers: Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 53
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Dodgers -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2
runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series at home against the
Kansas City Royals on Friday.Los Angeles has gone
22-14 at home and 42-28 overall. The Dodgers have the third-best team
slugging percentage in MLB play at .437.Kansas City has a
40-30 record overall and a 15-16 record on the road. The Royals have
gone 23-10 in games when they scored five or more runs.Friday's game is the
first time these teams square off this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Mookie Betts leads the Dodgers with a .308 batting average, and has
16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 46 walks and 40 RBI. Freddie
Freeman is 12-for-34 with three home runs and eight RBI over the last
10 games.Vinnie Pasquantino
has 19 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 18-for-43 with three doubles, a triple and
two home runs over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Dodgers: 5-5,
.257 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored opponents by 20 runsRoyals: 5-5,
.260 batting average, 5.30 ERA, outscored by 13 runsINJURIES: 
Dodgers: Ryan
Brasier: 60-Day IL (calf), Connor Brogdon: 60-Day IL (foot), Max
Muncy: 10-Day IL (oblique), Joe Kelly: 15-Day IL (posterior), Kyle
Hurt: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Bobby Miller: 15-Day IL (shoulder),
Brusdar Graterol: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Emmet Sheehan: 60-Day IL
(forearm), Clayton Kershaw: 60-Day IL (elbow), Tony Gonsolin: 60-Day
IL (elbow), Dustin May: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Dodgers host the Royals to begin 3-game series

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees
closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after
squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and
avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh
inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the
Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan
Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three
batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2
in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through
against Holmes for the walk-off.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3
innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by
Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked
three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first
major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined
for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save.
Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings.
Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the
third time in their last four games.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and,
for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950,
only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s
biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast
Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the
last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field
hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as
college athletics move into an era where players, already able to
move around freely, can make more money than ever.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one
round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous
control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a
65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in
the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since
last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one
shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and
was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.

EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the
Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup
title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the
final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and
scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of
dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and
silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final
game with fans in the city in 18 years.

DALLAS (AP) — It’s
over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting
18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe
very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has
never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute.
The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On
perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics
— who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday
night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business
as usual as could be expected.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their
glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and
“Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that
celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San
Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38
rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal
an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the
winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole
Hardman.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence
and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million
contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid
quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the
contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55
million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever.
Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a
$37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more
than $50 million a year.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming
pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to
headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change
Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex
Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303.
McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first
indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3
in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was
provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees
closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after
squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 and
avoid a four-game sweep. Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh
inning against the major league-best Yankees, who had outscored the
Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan
Soto’s leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three
batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing. The Yankees pushed ahead 3-2
in the eighth against the Royals' bullpen before Garcia game through
against Holmes for the walk-off.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Paul Goldschmidt and Brendan Donovan homered, and the St. Louis
Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3. Lance Lynn went 4 1/3
innings, snapping a string of four straight quality starts by
Cardinals pitchers. Lynn allowed three runs on four hits, walked
three and struck out five. Chris Roycroft (1-0) earned his first
major league decision as five different Cardinals relievers combined
for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge earned his first save.
Mitch Keller (8-4) allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings.
Keller struck out four and walked none as the Pirates lost for the
third time in their last four games.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and,
for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950,
only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s
biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast
Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the
last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field
hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as
college athletics move into an era where players, already able to
move around freely, can make more money than ever.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead after one
round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. McIlroy had tremendous
control on a course that demands precision. He was bogey-free for a
65 in the afternoon. Cantlay had six birdies in his round of 65 in
the morning. McIlroy hasn't had a bogey-free start to a major since
last winning one 10 years ago at the British Open. They led by one
shot over Ludvig Aberg. Bryson DeChambeau powered his way to a 67 and
was tied for third with Matthieu Pavon on France.EDMONTON, Alberta
(AP) — Aleksander Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky led the way as the
Florida Panthers moved within a victory of their first Stanley Cup
title, holding on to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the
final. Game 4 is Saturday night in Edmonton. Barkov set up a goal and
scored another while Bobrovsky made 32 saves to continue his run of
dominance in the series. The Panthers pounced on turnovers and
silenced a fired up Edmonton crowd witnessing the first Cup final
game with fans in the city in 18 years.DALLAS (AP) — It’s
over. That’s what the numbers say. There will be a record-setting
18th championship for the Boston Celtics to celebrate soon, maybe
very soon. They have a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, a lead that has
never been wasted in any NBA series, ever. The stats are absolute.
The Celtics, to their credit, are taking nothing for granted. On
perhaps the next-to-last day of the NBA’s 78th season, the Celtics
— who could finish off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday
night — were desperately trying to keep things as close to business
as usual as could be expected.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs showed off their
glitzy new Super Bowl rings that sparkled with diamonds, rubies and
“Tom &amp; Jerry.” The championship-winning team gathered inside
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to receive the flashy jewelry that
celebrates the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San
Francisco 49ers in February. The ring features 529 diamonds and 38
rubies and totals 14.8 carats. The top of the ring opens up to reveal
an inscription of “Tom &amp; Jerry,” the nickname given to the
winning play when Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole
Hardman.JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says Trevor Lawrence
and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a five-year, $275 million
contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid
quarterbacks in NFL history. The person spoke to The Associated Press
on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the
contract publicly. The person says Lawrence’s deal averages $55
million and ties him with Cincinnati's Joe Burrow for the most ever.
Lawrence's extension includes $142 million fully guaranteed and a
$37.5 million signing bonus. Lawrence is now the sixth QB making more
than $50 million a year.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
An injury caused Conor McGregor to pull out of the upcoming
pay-per-view event June 29 in Las Vegas that he was scheduled to
headline. Organization President Dana White announced the change
Thursday night on X. White saying light heavyweight champion Alex
Pereira will face top-ranked challenger Jiri Prochazka in UFC 303.
McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. The first
indication that bout was in trouble when his news conference June 3
in Dublin was abruptly canceled. No immediate explanation was
provided.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Detroit	7	Washington	2	Final	Atlanta	6	Baltimore	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	3	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Boston	9	Philadelphia	3	Final	Arizona	11	L.A.
Angels	1	Final	Texas	3	L.A.
Dodgers	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Minnesota	6	Oakland	2	Final	Chicago White
Sox	3	Seattle	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	St.
Louis	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	N.Y.
Mets	3	Miami	2	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.

Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.

“I thought we had a good game plan going in,” Marsh said. “Me and (catcher) Freddy (Fermin) were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there.

"Just watching what they did the last couple of days, I was sick and tired of it.”

Marsh struck out Aaron Judge three times.

“Mixing it up,” he said. “I tried to keep him off-balance. He's such a good hitter. He's looking for things in certain counts. I was trying to throw him things I don't normally throw in those counts.”

After Marsh's exit, New York went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.

With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.

It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.

“I couldn't be more proud of those guys,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. We've talked so much about it, but I never get tired of bragging about it. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys.”

Quatraro missed the rally after being ejected in the sixth inning. After the game, Marsh said Quatraro told him he didn't even know he had a no-hitter going, and Marsh responded, “Don't get tossed next time.”

James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid and is second in the AL Central. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.

“I thought Nestor was good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it was, it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing to give us seven strong there.”

Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.

The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Quatraro was ejected after arguing that Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres blocked Witt's path to the bag.

The Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.

The Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).

The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718357413645.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia, center, celebrates with Salvador Perez, third from left, and other teammates after hitting a game-winning two-run double against the New York Yankees in a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia, center, celebrates with Salvador Perez, third from left, and other teammates after hitting a game-winning two-run double against the New York Yankees in a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a game-ending two run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, and the Kansas City Royals recovered after squandering a brilliant start by Alec Marsh to beat New York 4-3 on Thursday and avoid a four-game sweep.Marsh took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the major league-best Yankees (49-22), who had outscored the Royals 25-8 in the first three games of the series. He allowed Juan Soto's leadoff single in that frame and then retired the next three batters to conclude his 96-pitch outing.“I thought we had a good game plan going in,” Marsh said. “Me and (catcher) Freddy (Fermin) were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there."Just watching what they did the last couple of days, I was sick and tired of it.”Marsh struck out Aaron Judge three times.“Mixing it up,” he said. “I tried to keep him off-balance. He's such a good hitter. He's looking for things in certain counts. I was trying to throw him things I don't normally throw in those counts.”After Marsh's exit, New York went to work in the eighth against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo homered to get the Yankees within 2-1. An error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set up Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder. Angel Zerpa came in and gave up Soto's go-ahead RBI single.With one out in the ninth against Holmes (1-2), Drew Waters hit a grounder that went for an infield hit after Holmes and first baseman Rizzo were confused about who would field the ball. After a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who hit a liner down the left-field line to score MJ Melendez from third and Isbel from first.It was the fourth blown save in 23 chances for Holmes.“I couldn't be more proud of those guys,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. We've talked so much about it, but I never get tired of bragging about it. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys.”Quatraro missed the rally after being ejected in the sixth inning. After the game, Marsh said Quatraro told him he didn't even know he had a no-hitter going, and Marsh responded, “Don't get tossed next time.”James McArthur (3-3) worked a scoreless ninth for Kansas City, which snapped a four-game skid and is second in the AL Central. The Royals finished 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.Nestor Cortes gave up two runs in seven innings for New York to lower his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. The left-hander's ERA at Yankee Stadium is 1.77.“I thought Nestor was good,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it was, it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing to give us seven strong there.”Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games with a fourth-inning single and came in to score on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double off the wall in left-center. That gave the Royals their first lead in the series.The Royals threatened again in the sixth. Witt led off with a single, but was caught stealing on a pickoff throw by Cortes. Quatraro was ejected after arguing that Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres blocked Witt's path to the bag.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha and optioned LHP Daniel Lynch to Omaha.UP NEXTThe Yankees travel to Boston Friday to begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. RHP Luis Gil (8-1, 2.04 ERA) will face RHP Brayan Bello (6-3, 4.78 ERA).The Royals head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers. LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.08 ERA) will get the start for Kansas City against RHP Gavin Stone (7-2, 2.93 ERA).

Garcia's game-ending hit off Holmes gives Royals 4-3 win over Yankees

Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.

Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.

Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.

Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:

Class 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pm

Class 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Class 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pm

Class 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pm

Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00am

Class 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pm

Class 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Wrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.

Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.

Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

Changes to postseason formats and championship sites for basketball, football, wrestling and track and field highlight actions approved at the June 12-13 KSHSAA Executive Board Meeting. The postseason formats are set by the KSHSAA Executive Board each year.Basketball -&nbsp;Beginning in March of 2026, the state basketball tournaments will be moving to four total sites. Four facilities will play host to the seven classifications, 14 championships. By honoring the KSHSAA membership voted in the fall of 2023 to qualify eight boys teams and eight girls teams involved at the final site, modifications to the daily schedule will be developed. The schedule and other event details, including classification designations for each site and venue selection will be determined and announced following the 2024-25 basketball season.Another basketball postseason change effective with the 2024-25 season will come at the 3A, 2A, 1A DI and 1A DII classifications. Each class will be divided into four regions and then seeded into two sub-states within the region: Substate A: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16; Substate B: 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. The winner of each substate will advance to the state basketball tournament. Further format details and dates will be sent to member schools.Football&nbsp;- As announced in January, the state football championships will be moving to three sites with three games being played at each site. The executive board approved the following sites and schedule for 2024:Emporia State University:Class 6A = Friday, November 29 at 2:00pmClass 4A = Saturday, November 30 at 1:00pmClass 5A = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmHutchinson Community College:Class 2A = Friday, November 29 at 6:00pmClass 3A = Saturday, November 30 at 12:00pmClass 1A = Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pmKiowa County High School, Greensburg:Class 8-player DII = Saturday, November 30 at 11:00amClass 6-Player = Saturday, November 30 at 3:00pmClass 8-Player DI = Saturday, November 30 at 7:00pmWrestling&nbsp;– Girl’s wrestling will now include four classes to mirror the boy’s classification designations. The addition of another class for girl’s wrestling necessitates the addition of another championship site. 6A, 5A, 4A and 3-1A will each have their own site to determine a champion. 3-1A state wrestling will be in Hays and 4A will be in Salina. Park City Arena and one other facility to be named later will house either 6A or 5A. State sites and regional dates will be determined at the September KSHSAA Executive Board meeting. The state wrestling tournament will take place February 28 - March 1, 2025.Track and Field&nbsp;– Qualification for the state meet was adjusted to now be the top 3 plus the next four best regional performance in each event.Two committees will be formed to gather input from membership school leaders. One to discuss the details behind the implementation of Esports prior to the possible adoption as a KSHSAA sanctioned activity. The second committee will review the KSHSAA calendar to consider possible alternatives to dates of postseason activities.

KSHSAA Board approves several postseason changes

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency in March.

The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.

The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened on March 11. Woerner agreed on a $12 million, three-year deal later that day and Mooney agreed on a $39 million, three-year deal a day later.

The league didn’t penalize the Philadelphia Eagles for having impermissible contact with running back Saquon Barkley, saying its investigation “did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated."

It’s normal for teams and players to reach agreements quickly and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments at his introductory news conference raised questions that led to the NFL’s investigation.

Cousins, who is returning from a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his 2023 season after eight games, indicated he spoke to the team’s medical staff before they were permitted to have contact.

“There’s great people here,” Cousins said. “And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. Meeting — calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of PR. I’m thinking, we got good people here. And that’s exciting to be a part of.”

Teams are allowed to talk directly with agents — but not the players — during that two-day negotiation period unless the player represents himself.

“While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited,” the league said in a statement. “This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players.”

Barkley bolted the New York Giants for division rival Philadelphia, agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, a couple hours into the legal tampering period. Comments by Penn State coach James Franklin sparked the league’s investigation.

Franklin, who coached Barkley for three seasons, indicated that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Barkley had a phone conversation.

“For him now to come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia, (Barkley) said that was one of the first things Howie (Roseman) said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him,” Franklin said. “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases as well.”

The league says it reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni, along with Barkley and Franklin.

“As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation,” the NFL's statement said.

The league has cracked down on tampering in the past with the Miami Dolphins receiving the most severe penalty in 2022.

The Dolphins forfeited a first-round pick and a third-round selection for tampering with Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also received a suspension and was fined $1.5 million and executive Bruce Beal was fined $500,000.

In 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs forfeited third and sixth-round picks for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The team was also fined $250,000 while coach Andy Reid was fined $75,000, and then-general manager John Dorsey was fined $25,000.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterThe Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency in March.The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened on March 11. Woerner agreed on a $12 million, three-year deal later that day and Mooney agreed on a $39 million, three-year deal a day later.The league didn’t penalize the Philadelphia Eagles for having impermissible contact with running back Saquon Barkley, saying its investigation “did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated."It’s normal for teams and players to reach agreements quickly and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments at his introductory news conference raised questions that led to the NFL’s investigation.Cousins, who is returning from a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his 2023 season after eight games, indicated he spoke to the team’s medical staff before they were permitted to have contact.“There’s great people here,” Cousins said. “And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. Meeting — calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of PR. I’m thinking, we got good people here. And that’s exciting to be a part of.”Teams are allowed to talk directly with agents — but not the players — during that two-day negotiation period unless the player represents himself.“While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited,” the league said in a statement. “This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players.”Barkley bolted the New York Giants for division rival Philadelphia, agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, a couple hours into the legal tampering period. Comments by Penn State coach James Franklin sparked the league’s investigation.Franklin, who coached Barkley for three seasons, indicated that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Barkley had a phone conversation.“For him now to come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia, (Barkley) said that was one of the first things Howie (Roseman) said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him,” Franklin said. “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases as well.”The league says it reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni, along with Barkley and Franklin.“As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation,” the NFL's statement said.The league has cracked down on tampering in the past with the Miami Dolphins receiving the most severe penalty in 2022.The Dolphins forfeited a first-round pick and a third-round selection for tampering with Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also received a suspension and was fined $1.5 million and executive Bruce Beal was fined $500,000.In 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs forfeited third and sixth-round picks for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The team was also fined $250,000 while coach Andy Reid was fined $75,000, and then-general manager John Dorsey was fined $25,000.

Atlanta Falcons forfeit fifth-round pick, fined for tampering with Kirk Cousins

By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post

Mason Rohr stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds, but he’s a Paul Bunyan figure for those who struggle with a lack of self-confidence.

“My entire life, I have been someone that’s struggled with the mental aspects of sports and confidence,” the incoming Russell High senior quarterback said. “This past year I turned a leaf.”

It all started before the 2023 season-opening football game against Ellis.&nbsp;

“My head coach, Christien Ozores, put me in contact with a former teammate of his on being a better leader and mental player,” Rohr said. “Talking to him helped me so much and that’s when I finally broke away from those struggles and had one of the best games of my life.”

“Once he started running the show on his own, I knew he was going to be special,” Ozores said. “He always took coaching and has a great arm and has some running ability as well. He is a great high school athlete/quarterback.”

He scored six touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 47-28 win over Ellis. He threw for 255 passing yards with five TDs and added 70 rushing yards and a TD.

“It felt great, because it was my first real game as a varsity quarterback,” Rohr said.“After that game, I knew I not only could compete but also have success at that level.”

Confidence was now gushing like oil used to spew from the tops of nearby oil derricks.

“After that first game I saw what confidence would do for me,” Rohr said. “After going through struggles during the year I was starting to lapse again, but I corrected myself with help from my coaches and teammates, got back on track and started winning reps again and knew I had to have that confidence to succeed.”

Succeed to the tune of a breakout junior season in which he passed for 1,400 yards with 15 TD passes to go with 275 rushing yards and five rushing TDs.

“I was timid, I am a perfectionist that never wants to make mistakes in any aspects of my life,” he said. “But knowing I can go out there and trust my brothers and my work, I don’t worry and just go play my game with no regrets.”

“He put a lot of time and effort into the weight room the past few years which gave him a lot of confidence and improved his leadership,” Ozores said. “He understands the importance of his role as a QB is to lead and take care of the ball and dish it out to his playmakers.”

Braylon Bittel, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound offensive guard/defensive end at Plainville, faced Rohr last year.

“He’s very aware of the defensive line,” said Bittel, who’s throwing javelin at Cloud County next year. “Nearly every play we got through the line and he was quick and agile to escape the pocket.”

Before his power of positive thinking series, Rohr was an Average Joe on the athletic field.&nbsp;

“I knew success would come but none of it was ever good enough. I was never content so when I looked at all the negative aspects that’s all I thought about going into games,” said Rohr, who’s had baseball talks with Washburn and Pittsburg State among other Kansas colleges.

“I just seemed to always have self doubt, but this year in football I decided it was time to just go do myself and dominate,” Rohr continued. “That’s what I did and I have tried to carry that to everything else.”

“Mason Rohr is the teammate that you want to play with. He brings you up if you mess up or if you don’t know what you’re doing,” teammate Dax Ervin said. “He will help you till you get it right. Mason is the one to go out of his way to help get the team fired up and ready to play. I couldn’t ask for a better quarterback to lead our football team.”

Rohr has carried his winning confidence to his primary sport of baseball where he stars as a catcher.

“I struggled a little bit more this year pitching wise, but my hitting was really good batting .580,” said Rohr, who’s playing summer baseball in Dodge City. “I had a few good games pitching but nothing crazy.”

Rohr threw out five runners this spring on very limited opportunities and has thrown out four already this summer.

“It feels great, I hang my hat on defense so stuff like that gets me way more amped up than hitting,” Rohr said.

“He’s really athletic and even smarter when it comes to IQ about the game,” Hoisington’s Tony Moore said.

“I knew he was going to be special as soon as he was a freshman in high school,” Ozores said. “It is his love and passion for baseball. He was a top-three baseball player for us as a freshman. He has a high level IQ and an insane work ethic. We would stay after practice and hit.”

“I can finally see the work I have put in coming out, while there is a lot more available to obtain next year,” Rohr said. “My coaches and teammates deserve tons of credit for how great they have been to get me in the best position to make plays and be my best self.”

One person who would be astounded at his Bronco turnaround is a younger version of himself.&nbsp;

“He would be shocked, he would wonder what has changed and why it did,” he said. “Me now and then are night and day difference in mentality.”

“I am so proud of my early self, even though he never saw the success I’m seeing now, I needed his work to get here,” Rohr noted. “I take the approach of you can never work too hard, and that work has allowed me to go out and play with no fear because of how much I have put into myself.”

“He was a wall behind the plate that did a good job not letting people run on the base path,” Ozores lamented. “He ended up getting All-State votes as a sophomore. His work ethic and love for the game only increased as his high school career continued.”

“When he’s up to bat I know he will get a hit, when he’s on the mound I know that he will get us outs,” Sam Thielen said. “But especially when he is behind the plate I can trust that he will take over and lead our team.”

Rohr has a noteworthy message for all younger fans of his.

“When all you worry about is not failing, that’s all you will do,” Rohr said. “I encourage all kids to play sports because it gives the best representation of life you will get. It will have ups and downs though, failing and success can’t be your worry. You need to be able to enjoy the time you have and that will lead you to the confidence you need to have success.”

Another local oil derrick could be seen on I-70 oozing and erupting into the Kansas sky with Rohr’s confidence. Thanks to some key people in his life.

“I do want to emphasize how grateful I am for my teammates, coaches, family and friends for the support to get me to where I am,” he said. “Especially Christien Ozores, who is now the head football coach at Salina South, he was with me through the ups and downs always making me better. At my peak he was always pushing me making me better and he gave me every resource and tool I need to be successful.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718300073448.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend PostMason Rohr stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds, but he’s a Paul Bunyan figure for those who struggle with a lack of self-confidence.“My entire life, I have been someone that’s struggled with the mental aspects of sports and confidence,” the incoming Russell High senior quarterback said. “This past year I turned a leaf.”It all started before the 2023 season-opening football game against Ellis.&nbsp;“My head coach, Christien Ozores, put me in contact with a former teammate of his on being a better leader and mental player,” Rohr said. “Talking to him helped me so much and that’s when I finally broke away from those struggles and had one of the best games of my life.”“Once he started running the show on his own, I knew he was going to be special,” Ozores said. “He always took coaching and has a great arm and has some running ability as well. He is a great high school athlete/quarterback.”He scored six touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 47-28 win over Ellis. He threw for 255 passing yards with five TDs and added 70 rushing yards and a TD.“It felt great, because it was my first real game as a varsity quarterback,” Rohr said.“After that game, I knew I not only could compete but also have success at that level.”Confidence was now gushing like oil used to spew from the tops of nearby oil derricks.“After that first game I saw what confidence would do for me,” Rohr said. “After going through struggles during the year I was starting to lapse again, but I corrected myself with help from my coaches and teammates, got back on track and started winning reps again and knew I had to have that confidence to succeed.”Succeed to the tune of a breakout junior season in which he passed for 1,400 yards with 15 TD passes to go with 275 rushing yards and five rushing TDs.“I was timid, I am a perfectionist that never wants to make mistakes in any aspects of my life,” he said. “But knowing I can go out there and trust my brothers and my work, I don’t worry and just go play my game with no regrets.”“He put a lot of time and effort into the weight room the past few years which gave him a lot of confidence and improved his leadership,” Ozores said. “He understands the importance of his role as a QB is to lead and take care of the ball and dish it out to his playmakers.”Braylon Bittel, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound offensive guard/defensive end at Plainville, faced Rohr last year.“He’s very aware of the defensive line,” said Bittel, who’s throwing javelin at Cloud County next year. “Nearly every play we got through the line and he was quick and agile to escape the pocket.”Before his power of positive thinking series, Rohr was an Average Joe on the athletic field.&nbsp;“I knew success would come but none of it was ever good enough. I was never content so when I looked at all the negative aspects that’s all I thought about going into games,” said Rohr, who’s had baseball talks with Washburn and Pittsburg State among other Kansas colleges.“I just seemed to always have self doubt, but this year in football I decided it was time to just go do myself and dominate,” Rohr continued. “That’s what I did and I have tried to carry that to everything else.”“Mason Rohr is the teammate that you want to play with. He brings you up if you mess up or if you don’t know what you’re doing,” teammate Dax Ervin said. “He will help you till you get it right. Mason is the one to go out of his way to help get the team fired up and ready to play. I couldn’t ask for a better quarterback to lead our football team.”Rohr has carried his winning confidence to his primary sport of baseball where he stars as a catcher.“I struggled a little bit more this year pitching wise, but my hitting was really good batting .580,” said Rohr, who’s playing summer baseball in Dodge City. “I had a few good games pitching but nothing crazy.”Rohr threw out five runners this spring on very limited opportunities and has thrown out four already this summer.“It feels great, I hang my hat on defense so stuff like that gets me way more amped up than hitting,” Rohr said.“He’s really athletic and even smarter when it comes to IQ about the game,” Hoisington’s Tony Moore said.“I knew he was going to be special as soon as he was a freshman in high school,” Ozores said. “It is his love and passion for baseball. He was a top-three baseball player for us as a freshman. He has a high level IQ and an insane work ethic. We would stay after practice and hit.”“I can finally see the work I have put in coming out, while there is a lot more available to obtain next year,” Rohr said. “My coaches and teammates deserve tons of credit for how great they have been to get me in the best position to make plays and be my best self.”One person who would be astounded at his Bronco turnaround is a younger version of himself.&nbsp;“He would be shocked, he would wonder what has changed and why it did,” he said. “Me now and then are night and day difference in mentality.”Rohr added.“I am so proud of my early self, even though he never saw the success I’m seeing now, I needed his work to get here,” Rohr noted. “I take the approach of you can never work too hard, and that work has allowed me to go out and play with no fear because of how much I have put into myself.”“He was a wall behind the plate that did a good job not letting people run on the base path,” Ozores lamented. “He ended up getting All-State votes as a sophomore. His work ethic and love for the game only increased as his high school career continued.”“When he’s up to bat I know he will get a hit, when he’s on the mound I know that he will get us outs,” Sam Thielen said. “But especially when he is behind the plate I can trust that he will take over and lead our team.”Rohr has a noteworthy message for all younger fans of his.“When all you worry about is not failing, that’s all you will do,” Rohr said. “I encourage all kids to play sports because it gives the best representation of life you will get. It will have ups and downs though, failing and success can’t be your worry. You need to be able to enjoy the time you have and that will lead you to the confidence you need to have success.”Another local oil derrick could be seen on I-70 oozing and erupting into the Kansas sky with Rohr’s confidence. Thanks to some key people in his life.“I do want to emphasize how grateful I am for my teammates, coaches, family and friends for the support to get me to where I am,” he said. “Especially Christien Ozores, who is now the head football coach at Salina South, he was with me through the ups and downs always making me better. At my peak he was always pushing me making me better and he gave me every resource and tool I need to be successful.”

Russell's Mason Rohr gaining confidence going into senior year

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After organizers for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest said Joey Chestnut wouldn’t compete this year because of a deal with a rival brand, Netflix swiftly announced a new hot dog-eating competition that will feature Chestnut and his “fiercest rival.”

Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, the streamer announced Wednesday.

The contest, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” will feature the two chowing down on all-beef hot dogs, likely in a nod to reports that Chestnut’s rival brand deal is with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs.

Major League Eating, the organization that oversees the Nathan’s contest, announced Tuesday that Chestnut’s deal was an “exclusivity” issue, saying that it was his decision to step back from the competition he has participated in since 2005. “We love him. The fans love him,” said George Shea, a Major League Eating event organizer, adding: “He made the choice.”

Chestnut disputed that he made the choice, saying on the social platform X that Nathan’s and Major League Eating made the decision, adding that it would “deprive fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”

He also wrote that fans could “rest assured” that they would see him east again soon, adding: “STAY HUNGRY!”

Impossible Foods has not confirmed a formal relationship with Chestnut, but he said in a statement on Tuesday they support his choice to compete in any competition, adding “Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”

Following Netflix’s announcement, Shea said the streamer was “trying to recreate the Nathan’s contest to some extent and you just can’t do that.”

“Imitation is the best form of flattery,” he added.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the conversation via X on Wednesday, urging Nathan's and Major League Eating to “stop being such weenies.” “It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year's Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” he wrote. “Let's find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!”

In a Netflix news release announcing the competition, Chestnut said he was eager bring the competition to the streaming service.

“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said via the release. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better. I know that fans have waited a long time for another chapter of our rivalry and I can’t wait for our massive showdown live on Netflix! It’s time to give the people what they want!”

Kobayashi, who has been rumored to be retired, said in the Netflix release that he is looking forward to facing off with Chestnut once more. The two have not competed since 2009.

“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said. “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718296682903.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Joey Chestnut, defending champion of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, left, works to outpace former champion Takeru Kobayashi, right, July 4, 2009, in New York. Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, 2024, the streamer announced Wednesday, June 12. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Joey Chestnut, defending champion of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, left, works to outpace former champion Takeru Kobayashi, right, July 4, 2009, in New York. Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, 2024, the streamer announced Wednesday, June 12. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — After organizers for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest said Joey Chestnut wouldn’t compete this year because of a deal with a rival brand, Netflix swiftly announced a new hot dog-eating competition that will feature Chestnut and his “fiercest rival.”Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, the streamer announced Wednesday.The contest, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” will feature the two chowing down on all-beef hot dogs, likely in a nod to reports that Chestnut’s rival brand deal is with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs.Major League Eating, the organization that oversees the Nathan’s contest, announced Tuesday that Chestnut’s deal was an “exclusivity” issue, saying that it was his decision to step back from the competition he has participated in since 2005. “We love him. The fans love him,” said George Shea, a Major League Eating event organizer, adding: “He made the choice.”Chestnut disputed that he made the choice, saying on the social platform X that Nathan’s and Major League Eating made the decision, adding that it would “deprive fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”He also wrote that fans could “rest assured” that they would see him east again soon, adding: “STAY HUNGRY!”Impossible Foods has not confirmed a formal relationship with Chestnut, but he said in a statement on Tuesday they support his choice to compete in any competition, adding “Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”Following Netflix’s announcement, Shea said the streamer was “trying to recreate the Nathan’s contest to some extent and you just can’t do that.”“Imitation is the best form of flattery,” he added.New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the conversation via X on Wednesday, urging Nathan's and Major League Eating to “stop being such weenies.” “It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year's Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” he wrote. “Let's find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!”In a Netflix news release announcing the competition, Chestnut said he was eager bring the competition to the streaming service.“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said via the release. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better. I know that fans have waited a long time for another chapter of our rivalry and I can’t wait for our massive showdown live on Netflix! It’s time to give the people what they want!”Kobayashi, who has been rumored to be retired, said in the Netflix release that he is looking forward to facing off with Chestnut once more. The two have not competed since 2009.“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said. “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.”

Hot dog-eating champs Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi will go head-to head

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Renfroe's left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas City Royals said Wednesday, two days after the team initially announced it was broken by a foul ball.

Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss two to three weeks, down from six to eight weeks.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hunter Renfroe's left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas City Royals said Wednesday, two days after the team initially announced it was broken by a foul ball.Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss two to three weeks, down from six to eight weeks.

Royals say Hunter Renfroe's left big toe not broken

Haysville – The
Haysville Aviators rallied from an early 3-0 deficit Wednesday to
defeat the Great Bend Bat Cats 8-7 in a Jayhawk Collegiate League
contest in Haysville.

In a battle between
the two top teams in the Jayhawk Standings, Great Bend took a 3-0
lead into the bottom of the fourth before the Aviators would score
3-runs in the 4th, 3 in the 5th, and 2 more in
the 6th for an 8-4 lead.

The Bat Cats would
score twice in the seventh and one in the ninth but came up just
short in game one of a two games series.

The two teams wrap
up the series Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. in Haysville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654864243069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Post SportsHaysville – The
Haysville Aviators rallied from an early 3-0 deficit Wednesday to
defeat the Great Bend Bat Cats 8-7 in a Jayhawk Collegiate League
contest in Haysville.In a battle between
the two top teams in the Jayhawk Standings, Great Bend took a 3-0
lead into the bottom of the fourth before the Aviators would score
3-runs in the 4th, 3 in the 5th, and 2 more in
the 6th for an 8-4 lead.The Bat Cats would
score twice in the seventh and one in the ninth but came up just
short in game one of a two games series.The two teams wrap
up the series Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. in Haysville.

Haysville rallies for 8-7 win over Bat Cats

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The awards and accolades continued to pour in for outfielder Robby Bolin of the Barton Community College baseball team on Tuesday afternoon, as the sophomore has been selected to represent the NJCAA and the United States for the upcoming Honkball Haarlem Week.

Bolin, one of 24-players selected by the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association will travel to Haarlem, Netherlands to compete in the tournament held July 12-19, at Pim Mulier Stadion.

Fresh off his second team All-America honor on Monday, the KJCCC West Most Valuable Player will be one of four from the KJCCC/Region VI to represent the USA NJCAA All-Star squad.

The team features student-athletes who competed for 16 NJCAA Programs in the 2024 season. Nine were named 2024 NJCAA Division I and II Baseball All-America Selections this past week. The team will be led by head coach Marty Smith from Central Florida, with assistant coaches Mike Davenport from Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, and Rob Valli from Rowan College of Glassboro, New Jersey.

The NJCAA All-Star Team last participated in Baseball Week Haarlem in 2010 and finished fourth, competing against strong teams from China, Taipei, Japan, Cuba and the Netherlands.

First held in 1961, Baseball Week Haarlem is a biennial event, and 2024 marks its 31st edition. Over the years, Team USA has consistently performed well, winning championships in 2000, 2002, 2008 and 2014.

Full list of the 2024 USA NJCAA Baseball All-Star Team

Bolin's .464 batting average throughout the season was the fourth best in the NJCAA and sixth best single-season average in Barton baseball history. Batting out of the leadoff spot, the Topeka, Kansas native scattered the program's single season most and country's fourth best 104 hits while holding the NJCAA's fifth highest on-base percentage of .566.

The centerfielder accumulated 20 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 49 RBIs. Bolin sat atop the NJCAA with the program's second most 95 runs, walking 36 times, drawing 18 hit-by-pitches, with a team best 43 stolen bases in 47 attempts this season.

Bolin held a team high 24 game hitting streak and pieced together another 16 and eight game streak this season. The sophomore had 35 multi-hit games, including one five-hit and 10 three-hit games.

Earning the center field Region VI Gold Glove honor, Bolin fielded at a perfect 1.000% with 125 putouts and four outfield assists. Over his two-year Barton career, he held a .987 defensive percentage committing just three errors with 221 putouts and five defensive assists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718271911379.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe awards and accolades continued to pour in for outfielder Robby Bolin of the Barton Community College baseball team on Tuesday afternoon, as the sophomore has been selected to represent the NJCAA and the United States for the upcoming Honkball Haarlem Week.Bolin, one of 24-players selected by the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association will travel to Haarlem, Netherlands to compete in the tournament held July 12-19, at Pim Mulier Stadion.Fresh off his second team All-America honor on Monday, the KJCCC West Most Valuable Player will be one of four from the KJCCC/Region VI to represent the USA NJCAA All-Star squad.The team features student-athletes who competed for 16 NJCAA Programs in the 2024 season. Nine were named 2024 NJCAA Division I and II Baseball All-America Selections this past week. The team will be led by head coach Marty Smith from Central Florida, with assistant coaches Mike Davenport from Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, and Rob Valli from Rowan College of Glassboro, New Jersey.The NJCAA All-Star Team last participated in Baseball Week Haarlem in 2010 and finished fourth, competing against strong teams from China, Taipei, Japan, Cuba and the Netherlands.First held in 1961, Baseball Week Haarlem is a biennial event, and 2024 marks its 31st edition. Over the years, Team USA has consistently performed well, winning championships in 2000, 2002, 2008 and 2014.Full list of the 2024 USA NJCAA Baseball All-Star TeamBolin's .464 batting average throughout the season was the fourth best in the NJCAA and sixth best single-season average in Barton baseball history. Batting out of the leadoff spot, the Topeka, Kansas native scattered the program's single season most and country's fourth best 104 hits while holding the NJCAA's fifth highest on-base percentage of .566.The centerfielder accumulated 20 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 49 RBIs. Bolin sat atop the NJCAA with the program's second most 95 runs, walking 36 times, drawing 18 hit-by-pitches, with a team best 43 stolen bases in 47 attempts this season.Bolin held a team high 24 game hitting streak and pieced together another 16 and eight game streak this season. The sophomore had 35 multi-hit games, including one five-hit and 10 three-hit games.Earning the center field Region VI Gold Glove honor, Bolin fielded at a perfect 1.000% with 125 putouts and four outfield assists. Over his two-year Barton career, he held a .987 defensive percentage committing just three errors with 221 putouts and five defensive assists.

Bolin named to USA NJCAA All-Star team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 Wednesday night for their third straight win in the four-game series.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a 449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run over three fences beyond center field.

Stanton has five home runs at Kauffman, two to left field and two to center.

“We got to get right field now, so I got one more game to do it,” Stanton said.

The major league-best Yankees (49-21) have won 12 of their last 15 games and have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series.

New York has scored 10 runs in the first inning of the three games and leads the major leagues with 57 first-inning runs. The Yankees are 25-3 when scoring in first with a .296 batting average, 20 homers and a .971 OPS.

“A lot of good things, obviously, happened in that first inning,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Everyone putting together really good at-bats and capped off by a no-doubter by Trevvy. ... That’s a good offense, and they're playing well, getting some contributions from everyone.”

New York has won 17 of its first 22 series, moved a season-best 28 games over .500 and improved to 17-1 against the AL Central, winning 15 in a row.

Alex Verdugo put the Yankees ahead with a two-run single and Anthony Rizzo had a sacrifice fly in the first for his first RBI since May 25. In a 1-for-36 slide this month, Rizzo singled in the seventh for his first hit since June 5.

Stanton’s home run was his 17th, and Trevino and Torres have six each.

"Big innings are tough to come back from regardless," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "We’ve done it, and we worked hard to try to get back in it tonight as well. We just couldn’t come through with a big hit a couple of times.”

Juan Soto was in right field for the second straight night after missing three games with left forearm inflammation and went 1 for 2 with a pair of walks, raising his batting average to .317.

Backed by an 8-0 lead, Cody Poteet (3-0) allowed two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“It’s just exciting, fun to watch,” Poteet said. “When you see that, you just want to go out there and pound the strike zone because (when) they’re scoring like that early on, you just want to have a shut-down inning.”

AL batting leader Bobby Witt. Jr. doubled in Kansas City’s first run in the sixth, had three hits and lifted his average .326. The Royals have lost four in a row for the first time this season and 11 of 16 following an eight-game winning streak. Kansas City has allowed 19 runs in the first inning over its last six games.

Royals opener Dan Altavilla (0-1) gave up five runs, three hits and one walk while getting one out, raising his ERA to 33.75.

Royals: Kansas City said OF Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured as originally thought. Renfroe fouled two balls off his foot three pitches apart Monday. He is projected to miss two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks.

LHP Nestor Cortes (3-5, 3.68 ERA) starts Thursday’s series finale for the Yankees and RHP Alec Marsh (5-3, 4.05 ERA) for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718271789518.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;New York Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 Wednesday night for their third straight win in the four-game series.Giancarlo Stanton hit a 449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run over three fences beyond center field.Stanton has five home runs at Kauffman, two to left field and two to center.“We got to get right field now, so I got one more game to do it,” Stanton said.The major league-best Yankees (49-21) have won 12 of their last 15 games and have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series.New York has scored 10 runs in the first inning of the three games and leads the major leagues with 57 first-inning runs. The Yankees are 25-3 when scoring in first with a .296 batting average, 20 homers and a .971 OPS.“A lot of good things, obviously, happened in that first inning,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Everyone putting together really good at-bats and capped off by a no-doubter by Trevvy. ... That’s a good offense, and they're playing well, getting some contributions from everyone.”New York has won 17 of its first 22 series, moved a season-best 28 games over .500 and improved to 17-1 against the AL Central, winning 15 in a row.Alex Verdugo put the Yankees ahead with a two-run single and Anthony Rizzo had a sacrifice fly in the first for his first RBI since May 25. In a 1-for-36 slide this month, Rizzo singled in the seventh for his first hit since June 5.Stanton’s home run was his 17th, and Trevino and Torres have six each."Big innings are tough to come back from regardless," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "We’ve done it, and we worked hard to try to get back in it tonight as well. We just couldn’t come through with a big hit a couple of times.”Juan Soto was in right field for the second straight night after missing three games with left forearm inflammation and went 1 for 2 with a pair of walks, raising his batting average to .317.Backed by an 8-0 lead, Cody Poteet (3-0) allowed two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings.“It’s just exciting, fun to watch,” Poteet said. “When you see that, you just want to go out there and pound the strike zone because (when) they’re scoring like that early on, you just want to have a shut-down inning.”AL batting leader Bobby Witt. Jr. doubled in Kansas City’s first run in the sixth, had three hits and lifted his average .326. The Royals have lost four in a row for the first time this season and 11 of 16 following an eight-game winning streak. Kansas City has allowed 19 runs in the first inning over its last six games.Royals opener Dan Altavilla (0-1) gave up five runs, three hits and one walk while getting one out, raising his ERA to 33.75.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Kansas City said OF Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured as originally thought. Renfroe fouled two balls off his foot three pitches apart Monday. He is projected to miss two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks.UP NEXTLHP Nestor Cortes (3-5, 3.68 ERA) starts Thursday’s series finale for the Yankees and RHP Alec Marsh (5-3, 4.05 ERA) for the Royals.

Yankees beat Royals 11-5 for 12th win in 15 games

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run
homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the
New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 for their
third straight win in the four-game series. Giancarlo Stanton hit a
449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond
left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run. The major
league-best Yankees are 49-21, have won 12 of their last 15 games and
have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series. New York is 17-1
against the AL Central.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas
City Royals said two days after the team initially announced it was
broken by a foul ball. Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss
two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks. Renfroe was hurt
Monday when he fouled off a pair of pitches off left-hander Carlos
Rodón in the third inning. The outfielder got off to a slow start
this season but had raised his batting average to .200 with six
homers and 26 RBIs.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Nolan Arenado and Iván Herrera each had three hits, Sonny Gray
pitched seven strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the
Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2. Arenado scored a run and drove in one while
Herrera also scored a run. Brendan Donovan added two hits and an RBI.
Gray (8-4) gave up one run and four hits while striking out nine and
walking just one. Ryan Helsley gave up aa leadoff single in the ninth
before finishing up for his major league-leading 22nd save. Bailey
Falter (3-4) gave up three runs and eight hits in four innings to
lose his second straight start.

UNDATED (AP) — The
College World Series begins its annual run in Omaha, Nebraska, this
week. It opens Friday with an all-ACC matchup between North Carolina
and Virginia in the afternoon and Tennessee of the SEC playing
Florida State of the ACC at night. Saturday’s games match Kentucky
of the SEC against Georgia or North Carolina State in the afternoon
and Texas A&amp;M against Florida in an all-SEC meeting at night.
Bracket winners will play in the best-of-three championship series
starting June 22.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
The NCAA’s recent agreement with the major conferences that sets a
path towards schools directly paying athletes could have major
consequences for softball. At a time of significant growth and
visibility in the sport, some coaches are concerned money could be
steered away, threatening softball's stability once the rules fully
take shape. Among the concerns are programs getting shut down because
money is going to other sports and money being distributed so a
limited number of athletes at the top. Much lies in the hands of
decision makers to ensure the future of the sport.

DALLAS (AP) —
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics held off a
furious Dallas rally to reach the brink of a record 18th championship
with a 106-99 victory over the Mavericks for a 3-0 lead in the NBA
Finals. No team has rallied from 3-0 down in an NBA playoff series.
Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the
Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive
playoff victory. The Mavs almost pulled off a crazy comeback to avoid
the big hole. Boston led 91-70 at the end of a 20-5 run early in the
fourth quarter before Dallas answered with a 22-2 spurt to get within
a point.

UNDATED (AP) —
Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three
times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose
silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, has died.
The Los Angeles Clippers say West died Wednesday morning with his
wife, Karen, by his side. He was 86. West was nicknamed “Mr.
Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, and he won both NBA
and Olympic titles. He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons
and won the 1972 championship with the Lakers. West was later the
general manger of eight Lakers championship teams.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) —
Florida captain Aleksander Barkov practiced again after being knocked
out of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final in the third period after
Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl launched toward him and hit him in
the head. Head coach Paul Maurice said the team will make a final
decision about Barkov’s Game 3 status on Thursday, but the star
“felt better” Wednesday. Barkov has two assists but hasn’t
scored yet in the series. Neither has Matthew Tkachuk. That hasn’t
been a problem for the Panthers, who control the series thanks to the
scoring of other contributors like Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ absence is no big deal as far as Robert
Saleh and the New York Jets are concerned. The quarterback not being
present for the team’s two-day minicamp made headlines when Saleh
announced Tuesday neither Rodgers nor edge rusher Haason Reddick
would attend and both were unexcused absences that were subject to
fines. Saleh said Rodgers was away for a previous commitment that “is
very important to him” and something he told the team about ahead
of time. Saleh said there's no issue with Rodgers and more is being
made of the situation outside the facility.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Pinehurst No. 2 is the site of this year's U.S. Open that starts
Thursday. Much was made about replacing rough with the original sandy
areas dotted with clumps of wiregrass for the previous U.S. Open at
Pinehurst. But it's all about the domed, Donald Ross greens. That
much hasn't changed. They've been called turtlebacks and upside-down
cereal bowls. But they are a problem. And that's probably why a total
of four players have broken par for the U.S. Open the previous three
times at Pinehurst. Viktor Hovland is among those who say Pinehurst
will be a supreme test.

PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Colin Prater feels a little like Kevin Costner’s character in
“Tin Cup” this week — a relative unknown who suddenly finds
himself on one of golf’s biggest stages at the U.S. Open. So you
can't blame him for being a little nervous. After all, his full-time
job is a biology teacher and golf coach at Cheyenne Mountain High
School in Colorado Springs. He punched his ticket to the U.S. Open by
finishing second at a 36-hole qualifier in Bend, Oregon. He's had a
chance to practice this week with former U.S. Open champions Wyndham
Clark and Jordan Spieth, as well as Will Zalatoris and Sahith
Theegala. And he's even gotten advice from Rory McIlroy. Now his goal
is the make the cut.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991701059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Jose Trevino capped a six-run first inning with a three-run
homer, Gleyber Torres added a three-run drive in the seventh and the
New York Yankees romped over the Kansas City Royals 11-5 for their
third straight win in the four-game series. Giancarlo Stanton hit a
449-foot, two-run homer into shrubbery next to a waterfall beyond
left-center, a night after hitting a 446-foot home run. The major
league-best Yankees are 49-21, have won 12 of their last 15 games and
have outscored the Royals 25-8 in the series. New York is 17-1
against the AL Central.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Hunter Renfroe’s left big toe is not fractured, the Kansas
City Royals said two days after the team initially announced it was
broken by a foul ball. Kansas City said Renfroe is expected to miss
two-to-three weeks, down from six-to-eight weeks. Renfroe was hurt
Monday when he fouled off a pair of pitches off left-hander Carlos
Rodón in the third inning. The outfielder got off to a slow start
this season but had raised his batting average to .200 with six
homers and 26 RBIs.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Nolan Arenado and Iván Herrera each had three hits, Sonny Gray
pitched seven strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the
Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2. Arenado scored a run and drove in one while
Herrera also scored a run. Brendan Donovan added two hits and an RBI.
Gray (8-4) gave up one run and four hits while striking out nine and
walking just one. Ryan Helsley gave up aa leadoff single in the ninth
before finishing up for his major league-leading 22nd save. Bailey
Falter (3-4) gave up three runs and eight hits in four innings to
lose his second straight start.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) —
The College World Series opens Friday at Charles Schwab Field and,
for the first time since the event expanded to eight teams in 1950,
only two conferences will be represented on the college game’s
biggest stage. The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast
Conference have combined to send the most teams to the CWS over the
last decade, including this year. Their exclusivity in the 2024 field
hints at an even greater concentration of power in the sport as
college athletics move into an era where players, already able to
move around freely, can make more money than ever.UNDATED (AP) — The
College World Series begins its annual run in Omaha, Nebraska, this
week. It opens Friday with an all-ACC matchup between North Carolina
and Virginia in the afternoon and Tennessee of the SEC playing
Florida State of the ACC at night. Saturday’s games match Kentucky
of the SEC against Georgia or North Carolina State in the afternoon
and Texas A&amp;M against Florida in an all-SEC meeting at night.
Bracket winners will play in the best-of-three championship series
starting June 22.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —
The NCAA’s recent agreement with the major conferences that sets a
path towards schools directly paying athletes could have major
consequences for softball. At a time of significant growth and
visibility in the sport, some coaches are concerned money could be
steered away, threatening softball's stability once the rules fully
take shape. Among the concerns are programs getting shut down because
money is going to other sports and money being distributed so a
limited number of athletes at the top. Much lies in the hands of
decision makers to ensure the future of the sport.DALLAS (AP) —
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and the Boston Celtics held off a
furious Dallas rally to reach the brink of a record 18th championship
with a 106-99 victory over the Mavericks for a 3-0 lead in the NBA
Finals. No team has rallied from 3-0 down in an NBA playoff series.
Jaylen Brown had 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the
Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive
playoff victory. The Mavs almost pulled off a crazy comeback to avoid
the big hole. Boston led 91-70 at the end of a 20-5 run early in the
fourth quarter before Dallas answered with a 22-2 spurt to get within
a point.UNDATED (AP) —
Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three
times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose
silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, has died.
The Los Angeles Clippers say West died Wednesday morning with his
wife, Karen, by his side. He was 86. West was nicknamed “Mr.
Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, and he won both NBA
and Olympic titles. He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons
and won the 1972 championship with the Lakers. West was later the
general manger of eight Lakers championship teams.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) —
Florida captain Aleksander Barkov practiced again after being knocked
out of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final in the third period after
Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl launched toward him and hit him in
the head. Head coach Paul Maurice said the team will make a final
decision about Barkov’s Game 3 status on Thursday, but the star
“felt better” Wednesday. Barkov has two assists but hasn’t
scored yet in the series. Neither has Matthew Tkachuk. That hasn’t
been a problem for the Panthers, who control the series thanks to the
scoring of other contributors like Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola.FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ absence is no big deal as far as Robert
Saleh and the New York Jets are concerned. The quarterback not being
present for the team’s two-day minicamp made headlines when Saleh
announced Tuesday neither Rodgers nor edge rusher Haason Reddick
would attend and both were unexcused absences that were subject to
fines. Saleh said Rodgers was away for a previous commitment that “is
very important to him” and something he told the team about ahead
of time. Saleh said there's no issue with Rodgers and more is being
made of the situation outside the facility.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Pinehurst No. 2 is the site of this year's U.S. Open that starts
Thursday. Much was made about replacing rough with the original sandy
areas dotted with clumps of wiregrass for the previous U.S. Open at
Pinehurst. But it's all about the domed, Donald Ross greens. That
much hasn't changed. They've been called turtlebacks and upside-down
cereal bowls. But they are a problem. And that's probably why a total
of four players have broken par for the U.S. Open the previous three
times at Pinehurst. Viktor Hovland is among those who say Pinehurst
will be a supreme test.PINEHURST, N.C. (AP)
— Colin Prater feels a little like Kevin Costner’s character in
“Tin Cup” this week — a relative unknown who suddenly finds
himself on one of golf’s biggest stages at the U.S. Open. So you
can't blame him for being a little nervous. After all, his full-time
job is a biology teacher and golf coach at Cheyenne Mountain High
School in Colorado Springs. He punched his ticket to the U.S. Open by
finishing second at a 36-hole qualifier in Bend, Oregon. He's had a
chance to practice this week with former U.S. Open champions Wyndham
Clark and Jordan Spieth, as well as Will Zalatoris and Sahith
Theegala. And he's even gotten advice from Rory McIlroy. Now his goal
is the make the cut.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	17	Colorado	9	Final	Milwaukee	5	Toronto	4	Final	San
Francisco	5	Houston	3	Final	San
Diego	5	Oakland	4	Final	Baltimore	4	Atlanta	2	Final	Washington	7	Detroit	5	Final	Chicago
Cubs	4	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Cincinnati	4	Cleveland	2	Final	Boston	8	Philadelphia	6	Final	L.A.
Angels	8	Arizona	3	Final	Texas	3	L.A.
Dodgers	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Yankees	11	Kansas City	5	Final	Seattle	2	Chicago
White Sox	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Mets	10	Miami	4	Final	St.
Louis	4	Pittsburgh	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Barton Community College Athletics was well represented Thursday evening in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the 2024 NJCAA Foundation Awards event.

A pioneer in women's track and field, Veronica Campbell Brown ('01-03) was inducted into the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame amongst five others while recent Barton graduate Myles Thompson received the 2024 Champion Award exemplifying his resilience, excellence, and passion as inspiration to overcome challenges.

<a href="https://njcaafoundation.com/general/2023-24/photos/0001/index" target="_blank">2024 NJCAA Foundation Event Photos</a>

Veronica Campbell Brown Campbell Brown left her mark on Barton and the NJCAA as a 4-time national champion holding multiple national and meet records including to this day the 60m indoor and 200m outdoor all-time best.

Setting the 200m record at the NCAA level at the University of Arkansas, Campbell Brown turned professional and continued representing her native country Jamaica with a decorated and trailblazing career.

The first woman to win both the 100m and 200m at World Juniors, Campbell Brown also became the first Jamaican woman to win a sprint event gold medal at the Olympics in her debut year of 2004.

Inducted into the Barton Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, the 5-time Olympian compiled 21 World and/or Olympic medalist finishes before retiring from competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718028793142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College Athletics was well represented Thursday evening in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the 2024 NJCAA Foundation Awards event.A pioneer in women's track and field, Veronica Campbell Brown ('01-03) was inducted into the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame amongst five others while recent Barton graduate Myles Thompson received the 2024 Champion Award exemplifying his resilience, excellence, and passion as inspiration to overcome challenges.<a href="https://njcaafoundation.com/general/2023-24/photos/0001/index" target="_blank">2024 NJCAA Foundation Event Photos</a><figure>
 <img src="https://cosmicimg-prod.services.web.outlook.com/proxy/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bartonsports.com%2Fgeneral%2F2023-24%2Fphotos%2F2024_Foundation_Awards_21sm.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D250%26max_width%3D175&amp;t=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCIsImtpZCI6ImltY3pFMHV1RHFpdnhOYW1LWTJCcGZ0S2FLcz0iLCJ4NXQiOiJpbWN6RTB1dURxaXZ4TmFtS1kyQnBmdEthS3M9IiwiaXNzbG9jIjoiRE02UFIyMk1CMTc4NSIsInNyc24iOjYzODUzNDI3MTQyNjMxMjI3M30.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.S0ukyRCn7PEcTnWRkXtD1uNMqAig0BOY79TAOwLLHIyLib17nSpFdnuhMdAYIBoe3SxtTCyJgdbNx7QDh2EYGg-LyfFsKeYSgNTGTuBGIfgseIHI7_jbgZpr7-PNRSElEQygZY189xOHEwFwF5wifH2EOrr7zolVUpKLlNbQ02jrmi8kT7wkDRjXLt02-RFRo3KsVPCiEmAGSn85-7hB6ZrSNrRBZGC4DX3NAs9X6mmuvfweVEvYl_M1qg3XiQz0ibowFwC6FcHH4XuwwwHaRSZtnAzHq_p72XWiIh7BP-3_X7otEvdGXjfvnYlG6H1mkciAQXwCkplokf7iQ5BaUg&amp;r=p&amp;s=b" alt="" />
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 </figure>Veronica Campbell Brown Campbell Brown left her mark on Barton and the NJCAA as a 4-time national champion holding multiple national and meet records including to this day the 60m indoor and 200m outdoor all-time best.Setting the 200m record at the NCAA level at the University of Arkansas, Campbell Brown turned professional and continued representing her native country Jamaica with a decorated and trailblazing career.The first woman to win both the 100m and 200m at World Juniors, Campbell Brown also became the first Jamaican woman to win a sprint event gold medal at the Olympics in her debut year of 2004.Inducted into the Barton Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, the 5-time Olympian compiled 21 World and/or Olympic medalist finishes before retiring from competition.Away from the track, Campbell Brown has always been an ambassador to the sport and continues to give back in many ways including public speaking engagements and fitness instruction. A UNESCO Sport Ambassador, Campbell Brown also heads, along with fellow '03 Barton alum and husband Omar, the VCB Foundation created to offer mentorship and financial assistance to young women in Jamaica.Veronica and Omar, an accomplished junior, collegiate, and professional track sprinter in his own right including helping Barton to its then 6th consecutive indoor and outdoor national titles, reside in Florida along with their two children.Joining Campbell Brown into the 2024 Induction Class were former Hutchinson Community College coach Gene Keady, along with Artis Gilmore, Lin Laursen, Shawn Marion, and Gene Bess.More regarding the inductees can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://njcaafoundation.com/general/2023-24/releases/20240312gsyclu" target="_blank">https://njcaafoundation.com/general/2023-24/releases/20240312gsyclu</a>Myles Thompson For Thompson, helping the Barton men's basketball team to the 2024 NJCAA Division I title this past March was a welcomed dream ending to what was an unknown and tough road back to the court.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://cosmicimg-prod.services.web.outlook.com/proxy/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bartonsports.com%2Fgeneral%2F2023-24%2Fphotos%2F2024_Foundation_Awards_14.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D283%26max_width%3D400&amp;t=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCIsImtpZCI6ImltY3pFMHV1RHFpdnhOYW1LWTJCcGZ0S2FLcz0iLCJ4NXQiOiJpbWN6RTB1dURxaXZ4TmFtS1kyQnBmdEthS3M9IiwiaXNzbG9jIjoiRE02UFIyMk1CMTc4NSIsInNyc24iOjYzODUzNDI3MTQyNjMxMjI3M30.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.S0ukyRCn7PEcTnWRkXtD1uNMqAig0BOY79TAOwLLHIyLib17nSpFdnuhMdAYIBoe3SxtTCyJgdbNx7QDh2EYGg-LyfFsKeYSgNTGTuBGIfgseIHI7_jbgZpr7-PNRSElEQygZY189xOHEwFwF5wifH2EOrr7zolVUpKLlNbQ02jrmi8kT7wkDRjXLt02-RFRo3KsVPCiEmAGSn85-7hB6ZrSNrRBZGC4DX3NAs9X6mmuvfweVEvYl_M1qg3XiQz0ibowFwC6FcHH4XuwwwHaRSZtnAzHq_p72XWiIh7BP-3_X7otEvdGXjfvnYlG6H1mkciAQXwCkplokf7iQ5BaUg&amp;r=p&amp;s=b" alt="" />
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 </figure>Following a solid freshman season of over 7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, Thompson's basketball career and life stood in the balance following a mysterious illness entering his sophomore campaign.Hospitalized for twenty days while doctors diagnosed to unveil a blood infection, surgery to his leg ensued leaving basketball a unknown possibility for the Hutchinson, Kansas, native.Successful surgery left hope but a compromised immune system left the door open for other complications resulting in an additional three weeks of bed rest.As his muscular frame lost twenty pounds throughout the ordeal, once cleared with the help of four different antibiotics and physical therapy, Thompson began his comeback vigorously and religiously.A gym rat by nature, the lifestyle along with his faith and support from family and friends led Thompson back to the court and return for his sophomore '23-24 season capped by the College's 60th national title.Thompson not only fought off the doubts but picked himself up to grind back bigger and stronger to chase his passion and dreams.Averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds, Thompson closed out his Barton career with a 27 point and 13 rebound performance in the title game coincidentally held in his hometown for his 7th double-double of the year in being named to the All-Tournament team.&nbsp;&nbsp;More regarding Thompson's story and Champion Award found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/general/2023-24/releases/20240603lvpncz" target="_blank">https://www.njcaa.org/general/2023-24/releases/20240603lvpncz</a>Thompson and teammate Ring Malith now set their sights on the NCAA Division I level as both have signed at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.<a href="https://youtu.be/tD5NpHcpr_g" target="_blank">Thompson's Acceptance Speech</a>