NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kevin Cross' 31 points led Tulane over Wichita State 85-75 in the regular season finale for both schools Friday night.

Cross added nine rebounds and six assists for the Green Wave (14-16, 5-13 American Athletic Conference). Collin Holloway scored 24 points, shooting 8 for 13 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 9 from the free-throw line. Jaylen Forbes shot 3 of 8 from the field, including 1 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line to finish with 11 points. The Green Wave broke a seven-game skid.

The Shockers (13-18, 5-13) were led in scoring by Colby Rogers, who finished with 29 points. Quincy Ballard added 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for Wichita State. Harlond Beverly finished with 13 points and two steals.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kevin Cross' 31 points led Tulane over Wichita State 85-75 in the regular season finale for both schools Friday night.Cross added nine rebounds and six assists for the Green Wave (14-16, 5-13 American Athletic Conference). Collin Holloway scored 24 points, shooting 8 for 13 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 9 from the free-throw line. Jaylen Forbes shot 3 of 8 from the field, including 1 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line to finish with 11 points. The Green Wave broke a seven-game skid.The Shockers (13-18, 5-13) were led in scoring by Colby Rogers, who finished with 29 points. Quincy Ballard added 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for Wichita State. Harlond Beverly finished with 13 points and two steals.

Tulane knocks off Wichita State 85-75

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zakiyah Franklin scored 20 points and seventh-seeded Kansas defeated 10th-seeded BYU 77-53 in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Friday.

The Jayhawks (19-11) beat BYU (16-16) for the third time this season and won for the 10th time in their last 11 games in advancing to play second-seeded and No. 6-ranked Texas in Saturday's quarterfinals.

Wyvette Mayberry made all four of her 3-point attempts and scored 14 points for Kansas, which shot 55%. S’Mya Nichols added 13 points, Taiyanna Jackson 12 and Holly Kersgieter 11.

Amari Whiting led BYU with 13 points. Lauren Gustin collected her nation-best 30th double-double this season with 10 points and 17 rebounds but shot only 4 of 16.

BYU’s second-leading scorer, Kailey Woolston, sat out the second half with a left-knee injury after hitting all three of her 3-point attempts in the first half. The Cougars started 5 of 7 from the arc but were just 1 of 11 after that.

Leading 35-33 at halftime, Kansas shot 61.5% in the second half and held BYU to 28% after the Cougars shot 50% in the first half. The Jayhawks outscored BYU 20-10 off turnovers and 40-28 in the paint.

The Jayhawks outscored BYU 21-12 in the third quarter and scored the first 11 points of the fourth to take a 22-point lead.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zakiyah Franklin scored 20 points and seventh-seeded Kansas defeated 10th-seeded BYU 77-53 in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Friday.The Jayhawks (19-11) beat BYU (16-16) for the third time this season and won for the 10th time in their last 11 games in advancing to play second-seeded and No. 6-ranked Texas in Saturday's quarterfinals.Wyvette Mayberry made all four of her 3-point attempts and scored 14 points for Kansas, which shot 55%. S’Mya Nichols added 13 points, Taiyanna Jackson 12 and Holly Kersgieter 11.Amari Whiting led BYU with 13 points. Lauren Gustin collected her nation-best 30th double-double this season with 10 points and 17 rebounds but shot only 4 of 16.BYU’s second-leading scorer, Kailey Woolston, sat out the second half with a left-knee injury after hitting all three of her 3-point attempts in the first half. The Cougars started 5 of 7 from the arc but were just 1 of 11 after that.Leading 35-33 at halftime, Kansas shot 61.5% in the second half and held BYU to 28% after the Cougars shot 50% in the first half. The Jayhawks outscored BYU 20-10 off turnovers and 40-28 in the paint.The Jayhawks outscored BYU 21-12 in the third quarter and scored the first 11 points of the fourth to take a 22-point lead.

Kansas pulls away in second half to beat BYU women in Big 12 Tournament

Friday AP Boys State Tourney Semi-Finals

Kapaun Mount Carmel 67, Highland Park 64, OT

----------------------------------------

Friday AP Girls State Tourney Semi-Finals

Wichita Independent 48, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 40

Friday AP Boys State Tourney Semi-FinalsClass 6ASM Northwest 63, Mill Valley 51Wichita Heights 74, Wichita Northwest 32Class 5AKC Piper 61, Maize South 55Kapaun Mount Carmel 67, Highland Park 64, OTClass 4AHugoton 39, Atchison 38McPherson 62, Baldwin 49Class 3AGoodland 55, Southeast of Saline 38Wellsville 68, Beloit 49Class 2ALyndon 63, Salina Sacred Heart 56Moundridge 56, Sterling 45Class 1A, Div. 1Bishop Seabury 73, Quinter 45South Gray 68, Olpe 62Class 1A, Div. 2Cunningham 61, Dighton 58Lebo 45, Axtell 38----------------------------------------Friday AP Girls State Tourney Semi-FinalsClass 6ASM South 65, BV North 49Washburn Rural 69, Derby 62Class 5AMaize South 55, Emporia 47Topeka Seaman 49, Andover 45Class 4ABishop Miege 61, Fort Scott 32McPherson 65, Wellington 56, OTClass 3AHesston 40, Goodland 31Silver Lake 64, Topeka Hayden 49Class 2ARiverside 53, Valley Heights 45Wichita Independent 48, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 40Class 1A, Div. 1Frankfort 48, South Gray 31Little River 50, Centralia 42Class 1A, Div. 2Hanover 56, Northern Valley 28Lebo 47, Wallace County 36

Friday Statewide Scores

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Kansas senior Hunter Dickinson has been named one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today.

The annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, named after the Class of 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion, celebrates its 10th year by honoring the top centers in Division I men’s college basketball.

Joining Dickinson as finalists are Armando Bacot (North Carolina), Zach Edey (Purdue), PJ Hall (Clemson) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton).

A six-time Big 12 weekly award winner and on nearly every national player of the year and All-America watch list, Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is seventh nationally in rebounds per game at 11. The Alexandria, Virginia, native recorded his 16th double-double of the season with 15 points and 20 rebounds against Kansas State (3/5) and his 16 double-doubles lead the Big 12 and are 10th nationally. With an 18.2 ppg, which is second in the Big 12 behind Kansas teammate Kevin McCullar Jr., Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 averaging a double-double. He also leads the Big 12 with 14 games of 20-plus points and leads KU with 42 blocked shots and has 29 steals.

Dickinson enters Saturday’s game at Houston with 2,163 points and 1,117 rebounds and is one of four active players in NCAA Division I to surpass both 2,100 points and 1,100 rebounds for his career. Prior to joining Kansas last summer, Dickinson was a three-time all-conference honoree while at Michigan and a 2021 Consensus All-America Second Team selection.

Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies, starting Friday, March 8, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.

Later this month, the finalists will be presented to Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees. The Selection Committee for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award are composed of top men’s basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

The winner of the 2024 Abdul-Jabbar Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), the Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), the Julius Erving Award (Small Forward) and the Karl Malone Award (Power Forward). In 2017 Kansas’ Frank Mason III won the Bob Cousy Award and in 2023 KU’s Jalen Wilson won the Julius Erving Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709929536367.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Kansas senior Hunter Dickinson has been named one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today.The annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, named after the Class of 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion, celebrates its 10th year by honoring the top centers in Division I men’s college basketball.Joining Dickinson as finalists are Armando Bacot (North Carolina), Zach Edey (Purdue), PJ Hall (Clemson) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton).A six-time Big 12 weekly award winner and on nearly every national player of the year and All-America watch list, Dickinson leads the Big 12 and is seventh nationally in rebounds per game at 11. The Alexandria, Virginia, native recorded his 16th double-double of the season with 15 points and 20 rebounds against Kansas State (3/5) and his 16 double-doubles lead the Big 12 and are 10th nationally. With an 18.2 ppg, which is second in the Big 12 behind Kansas teammate Kevin McCullar Jr., Dickinson is the only player in the Big 12 averaging a double-double. He also leads the Big 12 with 14 games of 20-plus points and leads KU with 42 blocked shots and has 29 steals.Dickinson enters Saturday’s game at Houston with 2,163 points and 1,117 rebounds and is one of four active players in NCAA Division I to surpass both 2,100 points and 1,100 rebounds for his career. Prior to joining Kansas last summer, Dickinson was a three-time all-conference honoree while at Michigan and a 2021 Consensus All-America Second Team selection.Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies, starting Friday, March 8, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.Later this month, the finalists will be presented to Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees. The Selection Committee for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award are composed of top men’s basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.The winner of the 2024 Abdul-Jabbar Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), the Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), the Julius Erving Award (Small Forward) and the Karl Malone Award (Power Forward). In 2017 Kansas’ Frank Mason III won the Bob Cousy Award and in 2023 KU’s Jalen Wilson won the Julius Erving Award.

Hunter Dickinson Named Finalist for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award

- Barton Men's Basketball coach Jeremy Coombs joins us to talk about the Region 6 Tournament that for Barton, begins Tuesday at home against either Coffeyville or Colby.

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl joins the show for all the big stories taking place at State Basketball Tournaments across the state.

- A recap of all the tournament scores including the St. John Girls who took on Frankfort Thursday night at the 1A-D1 tournament in Colby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/2j4gln15/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>- Barton Men's Basketball coach Jeremy Coombs joins us to talk about the Region 6 Tournament that for Barton, begins Tuesday at home against either Coffeyville or Colby.- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl joins the show for all the big stories taking place at State Basketball Tournaments across the state.- A recap of all the tournament scores including the St. John Girls who took on Frankfort Thursday night at the 1A-D1 tournament in Colby.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Listen) 

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

Chris Jones won't have to wait so long to cash in this year.

The Kansas City Chiefs' star defensive tackle will be among the headliners when free agency opens next week and he could eclipse Aaron Donald's three-year, $96 million deal that made Donald the league's highest-paid defensive tackle.

Teams can begin negotiating Monday and can sign players starting Wednesday.

Jones held out last year, missing the entire offseason plus the opener and a $1.1 million weekly paycheck, in a contract dispute that resulted in a restructure of the final year of his contract.

Although the Chiefs retained the right to franchise tag Jones in 2024, they decided to place that tag instead on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed at $19.8 million.

Call them priorities 1A and 1B for Chiefs GM Brett Veach, the architect of the NFL's latest dynasty with a trio of Lombardi Trophies since 2020.

“You'd like to ... pay all the guys and it's tough because the more you win, the more you've got to pay players, and obviously when you have this amount of success you're paying a lot of players a lot of money,” Veach said.

"Hopefully, we’ll be able to figure something out but every free agent is different, unique and crazy. But we do have one tag and ... our goal is to get both those players done and then work down the rest of our roster.”

The 31 other teams looking to knock the Chiefs from their pedestal will begin plugging holes with veterans next week.

The team that made the most racket in free agency a year ago won't be noisy this year.

The Denver Broncos signed 14 veterans to contracts totaling a whopping $242,647,500, which was only slightly more than the $242,588,236 contract extension Russell Wilson signed less than a year earlier.

Now, the Broncos are moving on from Wilson, a separation that saddles them with a record $85 million in dead cap charges, crimping any designs on another spending spree even with the salary cap's historic spike.

“We can't do that every year,” said Broncos general manager George Paton, who began the roster purge Thursday by releasing star safety Justin Simmons to save $14.5 million.

One truism about free agency is it's usually a whole lot less risky to re-sign one's own free agents than to acquire other teams' castoffs, misfits, pluggers or stars.

With that in mind, here's a free agent from every team that front offices want to keep from calling the moving trucks:

WR Marquise Brown has had a star-crossed stint in Arizona but he has flashed when he and Kyler Murray are healthy.

EDGE Calais Campbell. He's valued more for his leadership at age 37, although he did post 6 1/2 sacks last season.

DL Justin Madubuike's 13 sacks and 33 QB hits led all defensive tackles. Baltimore put its $22.1 million franchise tag on him.

EDGE A.J. Epenesa is a consistent, improving player on a team whose purge of players this week cut deep into its core.

EDGE Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, received the franchise tag, which is worth $24 million.

CB Jaylon Johnson, a second-team All-Pro, received the franchise tag, which will pay him $19.8 million in 2024.

WR Tee Higgins received the franchise tag that will pay him just under $22 million next season.

Joe Flacco is the most valuable backup QB in the NFL and Deshaun Watson is recovering from shoulder surgery.

LT Tyron Smith is 33 and often hurt, but he gave up one sack in '23 and remains the NFL's top pass-blocking tackle.

C Lloyd Cushenberry III is one of the NFL's best, but Luke Wattenberg or Alex Forsyth could step in if he bolts Denver.

G Graham Glasgow had a resurgence in 2023 in his return to Detroit after a three-year stint in Denver.

KR-CB Keisean Nixon was an All-Pro kick returner in each of the last two seasons. No more one-year “prove it” deals.

EDGE Jonathan Greenard collected 12½ sacks last season as the Texans returned to relevance.

WR Michael Pittman is coming off his first 100-catch season and received the franchise tag worth $21.8 million in '24.

EDGE Josh Allen received the $24 million franchise tag after setting franchise record with 17½ sacks last season.

DT Chris Jones and CB L'Jarius Sneed. Of course KC gets two mentions here. They're the team of the 2020s, after all.

OG Kevin Dotson went from an afterthought in Pittsburgh to the NFL's best run-blocking guard in 2023.

K Cameron Dicker has nailed 52 of 55 career FG attempts and absolutely crushed his Pro Bowl campaign video.

C Andre James will get another big salary bump after seeing his pay jump from $505,000 in ‘19 to $6.5 million in ’23.

DT Christian Wilkins, a five-year pro, enjoyed a breakout 2023 season with a career-best nine sacks.

QB Kirk Cousins. Even at 36 in '24 and with a repaired Achilles, his exit would shake up the Vikings and the NFL QB market.

Safety Kyle Dugger received the Patriots' transition tag, which will pay him $13.8 million in 2024.

Jameis Winston provides a spark whenever he subs for starter Derek Carr, much like Flacco does with Watson out.

FS Xavier McKinney picked off three passes and didn't allow a single TD catch in 2023, solidifying his topflight status.

EDGE Bryce Huff was one of the few Jets who had a stellar 2023 with a career-high 10 sacks and a budding reputation.

RB D'Andre Swift posted his first 1,000-yard season and made the Pro Bowl in '23 after three years in Detroit.

QB Mason Rudolph was terrific subbing for Kenny Pickett in ‘23 and could provide similar support for a new QB in ’24.

DT Leonard Williams is a 10th-year pro who has 43½ career sacks and averages 19.2 QB hits a year.

EDGE Chase Young, 2020's second overall pick, showed glimpses of greatness after his ‘23 trade from Washington.

QB Baker Mayfield has finally arrived. He set career highs last year in accuracy (64.3%), yards (4,044) and TDs (28).

RB Derrick Henry, 30, was the NFL's second-leading rusher in '23 with 1,167 yards and 12 TDs, but seems set to leave.

CB Kendall Fuller was the only bright spot on Washington's dreadful defense in '23 and should thrive under Dan Quinn.

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterChris Jones won't have to wait so long to cash in this year.The Kansas City Chiefs' star defensive tackle will be among the headliners when free agency opens next week and he could eclipse Aaron Donald's three-year, $96 million deal that made Donald the league's highest-paid defensive tackle.Teams can begin negotiating Monday and can sign players starting Wednesday.Jones held out last year, missing the entire offseason plus the opener and a $1.1 million weekly paycheck, in a contract dispute that resulted in a restructure of the final year of his contract.Although the Chiefs retained the right to franchise tag Jones in 2024, they decided to place that tag instead on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed at $19.8 million.Call them priorities 1A and 1B for Chiefs GM Brett Veach, the architect of the NFL's latest dynasty with a trio of Lombardi Trophies since 2020.“You'd like to ... pay all the guys and it's tough because the more you win, the more you've got to pay players, and obviously when you have this amount of success you're paying a lot of players a lot of money,” Veach said."Hopefully, we’ll be able to figure something out but every free agent is different, unique and crazy. But we do have one tag and ... our goal is to get both those players done and then work down the rest of our roster.”The 31 other teams looking to knock the Chiefs from their pedestal will begin plugging holes with veterans next week.The team that made the most racket in free agency a year ago won't be noisy this year.The Denver Broncos signed 14 veterans to contracts totaling a whopping $242,647,500, which was only slightly more than the $242,588,236 contract extension Russell Wilson signed less than a year earlier.Now, the Broncos are moving on from Wilson, a separation that saddles them with a record $85 million in dead cap charges, crimping any designs on another spending spree even with the salary cap's historic spike.“We can't do that every year,” said Broncos general manager George Paton, who began the roster purge Thursday by releasing star safety Justin Simmons to save $14.5 million.One truism about free agency is it's usually a whole lot less risky to re-sign one's own free agents than to acquire other teams' castoffs, misfits, pluggers or stars.With that in mind, here's a free agent from every team that front offices want to keep from calling the moving trucks:ARIZONA CARDINALSWR Marquise Brown has had a star-crossed stint in Arizona but he has flashed when he and Kyler Murray are healthy.ATLANTA FALCONSEDGE Calais Campbell. He's valued more for his leadership at age 37, although he did post 6 1/2 sacks last season.BALTIMORE RAVENSDL Justin Madubuike's 13 sacks and 33 QB hits led all defensive tackles. Baltimore put its $22.1 million franchise tag on him.BUFFALO BILLSEDGE A.J. Epenesa is a consistent, improving player on a team whose purge of players this week cut deep into its core.CAROLINA PANTHERSEDGE Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, received the franchise tag, which is worth $24 million.CHICAGO BEARSCB Jaylon Johnson, a second-team All-Pro, received the franchise tag, which will pay him $19.8 million in 2024.CINCINNATI BENGALSWR Tee Higgins received the franchise tag that will pay him just under $22 million next season.CLEVELAND BROWNSJoe Flacco is the most valuable backup QB in the NFL and Deshaun Watson is recovering from shoulder surgery.DALLAS COWBOYSLT Tyron Smith is 33 and often hurt, but he gave up one sack in '23 and remains the NFL's top pass-blocking tackle.DENVER BRONCOSC Lloyd Cushenberry III is one of the NFL's best, but Luke Wattenberg or Alex Forsyth could step in if he bolts Denver.DETROIT LIONSG Graham Glasgow had a resurgence in 2023 in his return to Detroit after a three-year stint in Denver.GREEN BAY PACKERSKR-CB Keisean Nixon was an All-Pro kick returner in each of the last two seasons. No more one-year “prove it” deals.HOUSTON TEXANSEDGE Jonathan Greenard collected 12½ sacks last season as the Texans returned to relevance.INDIANAPOLIS COLTSWR Michael Pittman is coming off his first 100-catch season and received the franchise tag worth $21.8 million in '24.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARSEDGE Josh Allen received the $24 million franchise tag after setting franchise record with 17½ sacks last season.KANSAS CITY CHIEFSDT Chris Jones and CB L'Jarius Sneed. Of course KC gets two mentions here. They're the team of the 2020s, after all.LOS ANGELES RAMSOG Kevin Dotson went from an afterthought in Pittsburgh to the NFL's best run-blocking guard in 2023.LOS ANGELES CHARGERSK Cameron Dicker has nailed 52 of 55 career FG attempts and absolutely crushed his Pro Bowl campaign video.LAS VEGAS RAIDERSC Andre James will get another big salary bump after seeing his pay jump from $505,000 in ‘19 to $6.5 million in ’23.MIAMI DOLPHINSDT Christian Wilkins, a five-year pro, enjoyed a breakout 2023 season with a career-best nine sacks.MINNESOTA VIKINGSQB Kirk Cousins. Even at 36 in '24 and with a repaired Achilles, his exit would shake up the Vikings and the NFL QB market.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTSSafety Kyle Dugger received the Patriots' transition tag, which will pay him $13.8 million in 2024.NEW ORLEANS SAINTSJameis Winston provides a spark whenever he subs for starter Derek Carr, much like Flacco does with Watson out.NEW YORK GIANTSFS Xavier McKinney picked off three passes and didn't allow a single TD catch in 2023, solidifying his topflight status.NEW YORK JETSEDGE Bryce Huff was one of the few Jets who had a stellar 2023 with a career-high 10 sacks and a budding reputation.PHILADELPHIA EAGLESRB D'Andre Swift posted his first 1,000-yard season and made the Pro Bowl in '23 after three years in Detroit.PITTSBURGH STEELERSQB Mason Rudolph was terrific subbing for Kenny Pickett in ‘23 and could provide similar support for a new QB in ’24.SEATTLE SEAHAWKSDT Leonard Williams is a 10th-year pro who has 43½ career sacks and averages 19.2 QB hits a year.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERSEDGE Chase Young, 2020's second overall pick, showed glimpses of greatness after his ‘23 trade from Washington.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERSQB Baker Mayfield has finally arrived. He set career highs last year in accuracy (64.3%), yards (4,044) and TDs (28).TENNESSEE TITANSRB Derrick Henry, 30, was the NFL's second-leading rusher in '23 with 1,167 yards and 12 TDs, but seems set to leave.WASHINGTON COMMANDERSCB Kendall Fuller was the only bright spot on Washington's dreadful defense in '23 and should thrive under Dan Quinn.

Some of the biggest deals in NFL free agency could actually be re-signings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back versatile linebacker Drue Tranquill on a three-year, $19 million contract, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Thursday night.

The person requested anonymity because the team had not announced the contract.

Tranquill signed with the Chiefs relatively late last offseason after spending the previous four years with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. But rather than an afterthought, Tranquill emerged as an important contributor for the league's second-ranked defense, making 4 1/2 sacks and helping to fill in as a starter while Nick Bolton was out with an injury.

Tranquill, who will turn 29 in August, was at his best in the playoffs, making four tackles apiece in the wild-card and divisional rounds before making eight stops in the AFC championship game against Baltimore. He also had a pair of assists in the Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to force overtime against San Francisco and then won their second straight Lombardi Trophy.

“Unfinished business,” Tranquill wrote in a social media post Thursday.

The Chiefs have a number of decisions to make if they want to return one of the NFL's best defenses largely intact, and the first big one came earlier this week, when they used the franchise tag on L'Jarius Sneed.

Sneed arguably would have been the top cornerback in free agency, and now he faces the prospect of playing next season on a $19.8 million deal with Kansas City if the sides are unable to work out a long-term contract. The Chiefs also could trade him to a team willing to give him that lucrative contract in return for draft picks and salary cap relief.

The other big decision facing Kansas City is whether to give All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones the long-term deal he desires after failing to reach an agreement the past two offseasons. Jones held out all of last offseason and through the Chiefs' Week 1 loss to Detroit before ultimately signing a revised one-year agreement so that he would get back on the field.

As those two situations play out, the Chiefs have other moves to make on the defensive side of the ball. They must decide whether to re-sign or replace safety Mike Edwards, who became an important player alongside Justin Reid after Bryan Cook sustained a season-ending injury. Willie Gay Jr. is due to hit free agency after proving to be the Chiefs' most athletic linebacker. And defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi and Mike Danna also are becoming free agents.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back versatile linebacker Drue Tranquill on a three-year, $19 million contract, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Thursday night.The person requested anonymity because the team had not announced the contract.Tranquill signed with the Chiefs relatively late last offseason after spending the previous four years with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. But rather than an afterthought, Tranquill emerged as an important contributor for the league's second-ranked defense, making 4 1/2 sacks and helping to fill in as a starter while Nick Bolton was out with an injury.Tranquill, who will turn 29 in August, was at his best in the playoffs, making four tackles apiece in the wild-card and divisional rounds before making eight stops in the AFC championship game against Baltimore. He also had a pair of assists in the Super Bowl, when the Chiefs rallied to force overtime against San Francisco and then won their second straight Lombardi Trophy.“Unfinished business,” Tranquill wrote in a social media post Thursday.The Chiefs have a number of decisions to make if they want to return one of the NFL's best defenses largely intact, and the first big one came earlier this week, when they used the franchise tag on L'Jarius Sneed.Sneed arguably would have been the top cornerback in free agency, and now he faces the prospect of playing next season on a $19.8 million deal with Kansas City if the sides are unable to work out a long-term contract. The Chiefs also could trade him to a team willing to give him that lucrative contract in return for draft picks and salary cap relief.The other big decision facing Kansas City is whether to give All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones the long-term deal he desires after failing to reach an agreement the past two offseasons. Jones held out all of last offseason and through the Chiefs' Week 1 loss to Detroit before ultimately signing a revised one-year agreement so that he would get back on the field.As those two situations play out, the Chiefs have other moves to make on the defensive side of the ball. They must decide whether to re-sign or replace safety Mike Edwards, who became an important player alongside Justin Reid after Bryan Cook sustained a season-ending injury. Willie Gay Jr. is due to hit free agency after proving to be the Chiefs' most athletic linebacker. And defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi and Mike Danna also are becoming free agents.

Chiefs bringing back LB Drue Tranquill on 3-year, $19 million deal


Maize South 55, St. Thomas Aquinas 52, OT


Wallace County 58, St John’s Beloit 44

Thursday AP Boys
QuarterfinalsClass 6A
Mill Valley 69, Olathe North 57
Wichita East 72, SM Northwest 57
Wichita Heights 86, Wichita Campus 57
Wichita Northwest 44, BV Northwest 43Class 4A
Atchison 68, Rock Creek 54
Baldwin 63, Circle 53
Hugoton 53, Abilene 41
McPherson 61, Fort Scott 48Class 2A
Lyndon 51, Conway Springs 38
Moundridge 55, Jefferson North 37
Salina Sacred Heart 74, Erie 35
Sterling 57, Plainville 43-----------------------Thursday AP Girls
QuarterfinalsClass 5A
Andover 65, BV Southwest 42
Emporia 38, Wichita Bishop Carroll 35
Maize South 55, St. Thomas Aquinas 52, OT
Topeka Seaman 51, De Soto 38Class 3A
Goodland 32, Girard 30
Hesston 65, Cheney 43
Silver Lake 75, Haven 38
Topeka Hayden 48, Heritage Christian 33Class 1A, Div. 1
Centralia 52, Norwich 30
Frankfort 51, St John 34
Olpe 61, Little River 44
South Gray 58, Rawlins County 29Class 1A, Div. 2
Hanover 57, Bucklin 43
Lebo 56, Marais des Cygnes Valley 29
Northern Valley 49, South Haven 42
Wallace County 58, St John’s Beloit 44

Thursday Statewide Scores

5A Boys @ Emporia Wednesday Quarterfinals Topeka-Highland Park 57, Andover 32 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 60, De Soto 53 Maize South 61, Great Bend 53 K.C. Piper 72, Shawnee Heights 71 Friday Semi's 2:00 Highland Park (22-1) vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel (20-3) 6:00 Maize South winner (23-0) vs K.C. Piper (20-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship

1A-DI Boys @ Colby Wednesday Quarterfinals South Gray 79, Canton-Galva 43 Olpe 58, Clifton-Clyde 50 Lawrence-Bishop Seabury Academy 72, LaCrosse 51 Quinter 57, Burden-Central 43 Friday Semi's 2:00 South Gray (23-0)&nbsp; vs Olpe (21-3) 6:00 Lawrence- Bishop Seabury (20-4) vs Quinter (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; 1A-DII Boys @ Great Bend Wednesday Quarterfinals Dighton 72, Marmaton Valley 26 Cunningham 70, Bucklin 66 Axtell 54, Beloit-St. John's 32 Lebo 59, Northern Valley 56 Friday Semi's 2:00 Dighton (23-1) vs Cunningham (20-3) 6:00 Axtell (22-1) vs Lebo (17-7) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp;

1A-DI Girls @ Colby Thursday Quarterfinals Little River 61, Olpe 44 Centralia 52, Norwich 30 South Gray 58, Rawlins County 29 Frankfort 51, St. John 34 Friday Semi's 4:00 Little River (24-0) vs Centralia (22-2) 8:00 South Gray (23-1) vs Frankfort (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 2:00 3rd Place 6:15 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; 1A-DII Girls @ Great Bend Thursday Quarterfinals Northern Valley 49, South haven 42 Hanover 57, Bucklin 43 Lebo 56, Marais Des Cygnes Valley 29 Wallace County 58, Beloit-St. John's 44 Friday Semi's 4:00 Northern Valley (13-11) vs Hanover (21-4) 8:00 Lebo (22-2) vs Wallace County (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 2:00 3rd Place 6:15 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp;

5A Boys @ Emporia Wednesday Quarterfinals Topeka-Highland Park 57, Andover 32 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 60, De Soto 53 Maize South 61, Great Bend 53 K.C. Piper 72, Shawnee Heights 71 Friday Semi's 2:00 Highland Park (22-1) vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel (20-3) 6:00 Maize South winner (23-0) vs K.C. Piper (20-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship1A-DI Boys @ Colby Wednesday Quarterfinals South Gray 79, Canton-Galva 43 Olpe 58, Clifton-Clyde 50 Lawrence-Bishop Seabury Academy 72, LaCrosse 51 Quinter 57, Burden-Central 43 Friday Semi's 2:00 South Gray (23-0)&nbsp; vs Olpe (21-3) 6:00 Lawrence- Bishop Seabury (20-4) vs Quinter (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; 1A-DII Boys @ Great Bend Wednesday Quarterfinals Dighton 72, Marmaton Valley 26 Cunningham 70, Bucklin 66 Axtell 54, Beloit-St. John's 32 Lebo 59, Northern Valley 56 Friday Semi's 2:00 Dighton (23-1) vs Cunningham (20-3) 6:00 Axtell (22-1) vs Lebo (17-7) Saturday Championship/Consolation 12:00 3rd Place 4:00 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; 1A-DI Girls @ Colby Thursday Quarterfinals Little River 61, Olpe 44 Centralia 52, Norwich 30 South Gray 58, Rawlins County 29 Frankfort 51, St. John 34 Friday Semi's 4:00 Little River (24-0) vs Centralia (22-2) 8:00 South Gray (23-1) vs Frankfort (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 2:00 3rd Place 6:15 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; 1A-DII Girls @ Great Bend Thursday Quarterfinals Northern Valley 49, South haven 42 Hanover 57, Bucklin 43 Lebo 56, Marais Des Cygnes Valley 29 Wallace County 58, Beloit-St. John's 44 Friday Semi's 4:00 Northern Valley (13-11) vs Hanover (21-4) 8:00 Lebo (22-2) vs Wallace County (21-3) Saturday Championship/Consolation 2:00 3rd Place 6:15 Championship&nbsp;&nbsp;

Area State Tournament Scores and Schedule

UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press the
Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a
three-year, $19 million contract. The person requested anonymity
because the team had not announced the deal on Thursday night.
Tranquill will turn 29 in August. He signed with the Chiefs
relatively late last offseason after spending the previous four years
with the AFC West-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Tranquill emerged as an
important contributor for the league’s second-ranked defense,
making 4 1/2 sacks while helping the Chiefs win their second straight
Super Bowl.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.
(AP) — Derrick Henry is back in the gym eager to prove turning 30
is just a number that shouldn’t affect the four-time Pro Bowl
running back’s value on the NFL’s open market. The challenge is
that the man who organized a group chat among the league’s top
running backs last summer is about to find out his worth and exactly
what teams are willing to pay for proven experience with a bigger
salary cap. Henry has company with stars such as Saquon Barkley, Josh
Jacobs and Tony Pollard all poised to hit the market next week as
well. Will some team show them big money? Or will they have to be
patient and take less?

UNDATED (AP) —
College football’s early signing period will move up three weeks
from mid-December to the week preceding conference championship
games, starting in 2024. The Collegiate Commissioners Association,
which oversees and administers the National Letter of Intent program
that schools and recruits use to make verbal commitments official and
binding, announced the change. The start of the traditional signing
period will remain on the first Wednesday of February and continue to
run through April 1. The CCA also said it is considering creating a
third summer signing period that would being in June of 2025.

UNDATED (AP) — Fox
will expand its coverage of college football with a package of Friday
night games. The schedule of games, which will include matchups from
the Big Ten, Big 12 and Mountain West conferences, likely won't be
announced until late May or early June after conferences and the
networks hold their selection meetings. The college football package
will fill a void for Fox on Friday nights during the fall when WWE’s
“Friday Night SmackDown” moves to USA Network in October. A
couple games could air on Fox in September with “SmackDown”
moving to FS1, which is what happened during the baseball playoffs
and World Series.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The Oakland Athletics return to Las Vegas this weekend for exhibition
games against Milwaukee, their first appearance since announcing the
relocation to what the team envisions as its future home city. The
games at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the franchise’s Triple-A
Aviators, feature an A’s team planning a new regular-season
ballpark on the Strip it hopes will open in 2028. The Nevada
Legislature enacted $380 million in funding for a $1.5 billion
stadium and baseball owners unanimously approved the relocation in
November. Close to a sellout crowd is expected in the 10,000 capacity
ballpark for the Saturday afternoon game.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Shane Lowry knows he's playing good golf. He also knows he has a
horrible record at Bay Hill. Good golf mattered more in the Arnold
Palmer Invitational. Lowry opened with a 66 on Thursday and has a
one-shot lead. That not only is his best score at Bay Hill, he had
never broken 70 the previous five times he played. Lowry had a share
of the 54-hole lead last week, so he knows his form is good. He leads
by one shot over Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Lower. Jordan Spieth had
another wild day of bogeys and birdies and shot 69.

Final	Washington	74	(18)Washington
St.	68

Kansas
City	at	Colorado	3:10 p.m.	(Canceled)

Cleveland	at	Oakland	3:05
p.m.	(Canceled)

L-A Dodgers	at	San
Francisco	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — A
person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press the
Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a
three-year, $19 million contract. The person requested anonymity
because the team had not announced the deal on Thursday night.
Tranquill will turn 29 in August. He signed with the Chiefs
relatively late last offseason after spending the previous four years
with the AFC West-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Tranquill emerged as an
important contributor for the league’s second-ranked defense,
making 4 1/2 sacks while helping the Chiefs win their second straight
Super Bowl.NASHVILLE, Tenn.
(AP) — Derrick Henry is back in the gym eager to prove turning 30
is just a number that shouldn’t affect the four-time Pro Bowl
running back’s value on the NFL’s open market. The challenge is
that the man who organized a group chat among the league’s top
running backs last summer is about to find out his worth and exactly
what teams are willing to pay for proven experience with a bigger
salary cap. Henry has company with stars such as Saquon Barkley, Josh
Jacobs and Tony Pollard all poised to hit the market next week as
well. Will some team show them big money? Or will they have to be
patient and take less?UNDATED (AP) —
College football’s early signing period will move up three weeks
from mid-December to the week preceding conference championship
games, starting in 2024. The Collegiate Commissioners Association,
which oversees and administers the National Letter of Intent program
that schools and recruits use to make verbal commitments official and
binding, announced the change. The start of the traditional signing
period will remain on the first Wednesday of February and continue to
run through April 1. The CCA also said it is considering creating a
third summer signing period that would being in June of 2025.UNDATED (AP) — Fox
will expand its coverage of college football with a package of Friday
night games. The schedule of games, which will include matchups from
the Big Ten, Big 12 and Mountain West conferences, likely won't be
announced until late May or early June after conferences and the
networks hold their selection meetings. The college football package
will fill a void for Fox on Friday nights during the fall when WWE’s
“Friday Night SmackDown” moves to USA Network in October. A
couple games could air on Fox in September with “SmackDown”
moving to FS1, which is what happened during the baseball playoffs
and World Series.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The Oakland Athletics return to Las Vegas this weekend for exhibition
games against Milwaukee, their first appearance since announcing the
relocation to what the team envisions as its future home city. The
games at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the franchise’s Triple-A
Aviators, feature an A’s team planning a new regular-season
ballpark on the Strip it hopes will open in 2028. The Nevada
Legislature enacted $380 million in funding for a $1.5 billion
stadium and baseball owners unanimously approved the relocation in
November. Close to a sellout crowd is expected in the 10,000 capacity
ballpark for the Saturday afternoon game.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Shane Lowry knows he's playing good golf. He also knows he has a
horrible record at Bay Hill. Good golf mattered more in the Arnold
Palmer Invitational. Lowry opened with a 66 on Thursday and has a
one-shot lead. That not only is his best score at Bay Hill, he had
never broken 70 the previous five times he played. Lowry had a share
of the 54-hole lead last week, so he knows his form is good. He leads
by one shot over Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Lower. Jordan Spieth had
another wild day of bogeys and birdies and shot 69.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(5)Arizona	88	UCLA	65	Final	Washington	74	(18)Washington
St.	68MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEKansas
City	at	Colorado	3:10 p.m.	(Canceled)Final	Tampa
Bay	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	3	Boston	2	Final	Houston	6	St.
Louis	3	Final	Milwaukee	8	Chicago
White Sox	2	Final	Texas	7	Arizona	5	AMERICAN LEAGUECleveland	at	Oakland	3:05
p.m.	(Canceled)Final	Seattle	5	L.A.
Angels	0	Final	Toronto	5	Detroit	4	Final	Detroit	11	N.Y.
Yankees	5	NATIONAL LEAGUEL-A Dodgers	at	San
Francisco	9:05 p.m.	(Canceled)Final	N.Y.
Mets	3	Washington	1	Final	Chicago
Cubs	2	Cincinnati	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Detroit	118	Brooklyn	112	Final	Minnesota	113	Indiana	111	Final	Dallas	114	Miami	108	Final	Phoenix	120	Toronto	113	Final	Sacramento	131	San
Antonio	129	Final	Chicago	125	Golden
State	122	Final	Denver	115	Boston	109	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	2	Florida	1	Final	Columbus	4	Edmonton	2	Final	Washington	6	Pittsburgh	0	Final	New
Jersey	4	St. Louis	1	Final	Calgary	6	Tampa
Bay	3	Final	Carolina	4	Montreal	1	Final	Boston	4	Toronto	1	Final	Nashville	4	Buffalo	2	Final	Minnesota	5	Arizona	2	Final	Vancouver	3	Vegas	1	Final	N-Y
Islanders	7	San Jose	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- The Mayo Money Management Studio will be full of Great Bend Lady Panther bowlers as they join the show to celebrate their 5A State Champion won last Friday in Wichita. We'll hear from all of them and place the State Champion Bowling Pin on the shelf of honor.

- Barton Lady Cougar assistant coach Annie Kassongo who will preview Barton's first round game in the Region 6 Tournament Saturday at the Kirkman Center.

- The "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock joins us from Kansas City where the Tiger Men and Women open play in the MIAA Basketball Tournament at Municipal Auditorium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/fcesvbwn/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>- The Mayo Money Management Studio will be full of Great Bend Lady Panther bowlers as they join the show to celebrate their 5A State Champion won last Friday in Wichita. We'll hear from all of them and place the State Champion Bowling Pin on the shelf of honor.- Barton Lady Cougar assistant coach Annie Kassongo who will preview Barton's first round game in the Region 6 Tournament Saturday at the Kirkman Center.- The "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock joins us from Kansas City where the Tiger Men and Women open play in the MIAA Basketball Tournament at Municipal Auditorium.- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Listen)

Oklahoma’s Skylar Vann and Texas’ Madison Booker were selected as Big 12 Co-Players of the Year, as the 2023-24 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 women’s basketball awards were unveiled. The awards were voted on by the head coaches, who could not vote for their own players.

Oklahoma’s Jennie Baranczyk (Coach of the Year) and Payton Verhulst (Newcomer of the Year) joined Vann in winning superlative awards. DeYona Gaston (Sixth Player Award) joins Booker, who also won Freshman of the Year, as Longhorn superlative winners. West Virginia’s JJ Quinerly was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Booker, Quinerly, Vann and Verhulst were all named to the All-Big 12 First Team, joined by Lauren Gustin (BYU), Audi Crooks (Iowa State), Taiyanna Jackson (Kansas), S’Mya Nichols (Kansas), Ayoka Lee (Kansas State) and Serena Sundell (Kansas State). Crooks, Lee, Vann and Booker were all unanimous selections.

Vann averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds during Conference play, while shooting an even 50.0% from the field, all of which rank among the top eight in the league. She added six 20+ point games as the award went to a Sooner for the first time since Courtney Paris in 2009, and for the seventh time overall. Vann had previously won the Sixth Player Award the last two seasons, and joins Lauren Cox (Baylor, 2020) as the only former Sixth Player Award winner to go on to win Player of the Year.

Booker is the first freshman to win a share of Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists during the 18-game league schedule. She joins Brooke McCarty (2017) as the only Texas players to win Player of the Year, while she is the second Longhorn to take home Freshman of the Year in the past three seasons. 

Baranczyk was named Coach of the Year after leading the Sooners to a second consecutive regular season title. OU, who was voted fifth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, replaced four starters from last season’s team to go 15-3 and win the regular season title outright. The award goes to a Sooner head coach for the first time since 2009, and fifth time overall, while it is the third conference coach of the year honor for Baranczyk, earning the award twice in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Quinerly is the first West Virginia player to earn Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Mountaineer defense to lead the league in fewest points allowed (60.3), steals (13.2) and turnover margin (+8.1) during Conference play. Her 2.8 steals per Big 12 game ranked second, while she maintained an offensive output of 19.4 points per game.

Verhulst helped the Sooners to the regular season title by averaging 13.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists against Big 12 opponents, marks which rated among the league’s top-10. Her 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio ranked second as she became the third Oklahoma player to receive the award, and first since 2015.

Among reserves who played 15-or-more games, Gaston led the Big 12 with 8.8 points off the bench as she became the first Longhorn to earn the Sixth Player Award. Among all players, Gaston ranked 10th in league games with 0.9 blocks per Conference game.

Co-Player of the Year: Skylar Vann, Oklahoma

Co-Player of the Year: Madison Booker, Texas

Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Quinerly, West Virginia

Freshman of the Year: Madison Booker, Texas

Newcomer of the Year: Payton Verhulst, Oklahoma

Sixth Player Award: DeYona Gaston, Texas

Coach of the Year: Jennie Baranczyk, Oklahoma

Aijha Blackwell (Baylor), Dre’Una Edwards (Baylor), Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (Baylor), Kailey Woolston (BYU), Jillian Hayes (Cincinnati), Laila Blair (Houston), Addy Brown (Iowa State), Zakiyah Franklin (Kansas), Holly Kersgieter (Kansas), Gabby Gregory (Kansas State), Nevaeh Tot (Oklahoma), Sahara Williams (Oklahoma), Anna Gret Asi (Oklahoma State), Sedona Prince (TCU), Shaylee Gonzales (Texas), Shay Holle (Texas), Taylor Jones (Texas), Bailey Maupin (Texas Tech), Jasmine Shavers (Texas Tech)

Big12sports.comOklahoma’s Skylar Vann and Texas’ Madison Booker were selected as Big 12 Co-Players of the Year, as the 2023-24 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 women’s basketball awards were unveiled. The awards were voted on by the head coaches, who could not vote for their own players.Oklahoma’s Jennie Baranczyk (Coach of the Year) and Payton Verhulst (Newcomer of the Year) joined Vann in winning superlative awards. DeYona Gaston (Sixth Player Award) joins Booker, who also won Freshman of the Year, as Longhorn superlative winners. West Virginia’s JJ Quinerly was named Defensive Player of the Year.Booker, Quinerly, Vann and Verhulst were all named to the All-Big 12 First Team, joined by Lauren Gustin (BYU), Audi Crooks (Iowa State), Taiyanna Jackson (Kansas), S’Mya Nichols (Kansas), Ayoka Lee (Kansas State) and Serena Sundell (Kansas State). Crooks, Lee, Vann and Booker were all unanimous selections.Vann averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds during Conference play, while shooting an even 50.0% from the field, all of which rank among the top eight in the league. She added six 20+ point games as the award went to a Sooner for the first time since Courtney Paris in 2009, and for the seventh time overall. Vann had previously won the Sixth Player Award the last two seasons, and joins Lauren Cox (Baylor, 2020) as the only former Sixth Player Award winner to go on to win Player of the Year.Booker is the first freshman to win a share of Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists during the 18-game league schedule. She joins Brooke McCarty (2017) as the only Texas players to win Player of the Year, while she is the second Longhorn to take home Freshman of the Year in the past three seasons. Baranczyk was named Coach of the Year after leading the Sooners to a second consecutive regular season title. OU, who was voted fifth in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, replaced four starters from last season’s team to go 15-3 and win the regular season title outright. The award goes to a Sooner head coach for the first time since 2009, and fifth time overall, while it is the third conference coach of the year honor for Baranczyk, earning the award twice in the Missouri Valley Conference.Quinerly is the first West Virginia player to earn Defensive Player of the Year, leading the Mountaineer defense to lead the league in fewest points allowed (60.3), steals (13.2) and turnover margin (+8.1) during Conference play. Her 2.8 steals per Big 12 game ranked second, while she maintained an offensive output of 19.4 points per game.Verhulst helped the Sooners to the regular season title by averaging 13.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists against Big 12 opponents, marks which rated among the league’s top-10. Her 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio ranked second as she became the third Oklahoma player to receive the award, and first since 2015.Among reserves who played 15-or-more games, Gaston led the Big 12 with 8.8 points off the bench as she became the first Longhorn to earn the Sixth Player Award. Among all players, Gaston ranked 10th in league games with 0.9 blocks per Conference game.Co-Player of the Year: Skylar Vann, OklahomaCo-Player of the Year: Madison Booker, TexasDefensive Player of the Year: JJ Quinerly, West VirginiaFreshman of the Year: Madison Booker, TexasNewcomer of the Year: Payton Verhulst, OklahomaSixth Player Award: DeYona Gaston, TexasCoach of the Year: Jennie Baranczyk, OklahomaAll-Big 12 First TeamLauren Gustin, BYUAudi Crooks, Iowa State*Taiyanna Jackson, KansasS'Mya Nichols, KansasAyoka Lee, Kansas State*Serena Sundell, Kansas StateSkylar Vann, Oklahoma*Payton Verhulst, OklahomaMadison Booker, Texas*JJ Quinerly, West VirginiaAll-Big 12 Second TeamSarah Andrews, BaylorKaitlin Peterson, UCFMadison Conner, TCUAaliyah Moore, TexasJordan Harrison, West VirginiaAll-Big 12 Honorable Mention:Aijha Blackwell (Baylor), Dre’Una Edwards (Baylor), Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (Baylor), Kailey Woolston (BYU), Jillian Hayes (Cincinnati), Laila Blair (Houston), Addy Brown (Iowa State), Zakiyah Franklin (Kansas), Holly Kersgieter (Kansas), Gabby Gregory (Kansas State), Nevaeh Tot (Oklahoma), Sahara Williams (Oklahoma), Anna Gret Asi (Oklahoma State), Sedona Prince (TCU), Shaylee Gonzales (Texas), Shay Holle (Texas), Taylor Jones (Texas), Bailey Maupin (Texas Tech), Jasmine Shavers (Texas Tech)Big 12 All-Defensive TeamTaiyanna Jackson, KansasAyoka Lee, Kansas StateShay Holle, TexasJordan Harrison, West VirginiaJJ Quinerly, West VirginiaBig 12 All-Freshman TeamAddy Brown, Iowa StateAudi Crooks, Iowa State*S’Mya Nichols, Kansas*Stailee Heard, Oklahoma StateMadison Booker, Texas*

2023-24 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 Women’s Basketball Awards

Jayhawk Men #1 Barton&nbsp; 23-1 29-1 #11 Cowley 21-3&nbsp; 26-4 #15 Hutchinson 20-4&nbsp; 25-5 #19 Butler&nbsp; 17-7&nbsp; 22-8 Cloud County 15-9&nbsp; &nbsp;20-10 Garden City 14-10&nbsp; 18-12 NW Tech 11-13&nbsp; 15-15 Coffeyville 9-15&nbsp; 13-17 Dodge City 7-17&nbsp; 9-21 Pratt 7-17&nbsp; 10-20 Seward County 6-18&nbsp; 8-22 Colby 6-18 10-20 Independence&nbsp; 0-24&nbsp; 1-29

Tuesday, March 5 Barton 93, Colby 69 Wednesday, March 6 Cowley 81, Butler 65 Hutchinson 96, Garden City 78 Coffeyville 95, Independence 77 Pratt 88, Seward County 84 NW Tech 80, Cloud County 75 END OF REGULAR SEASON ----------------------------- Jayhawk Women #1 Hutchinson 24-0&nbsp; 30-0 #14 Dodge City 19-5&nbsp; 25-5 Butler 17-7 23-7 Barton&nbsp; 16-8&nbsp; 21-9 Coffeyville&nbsp; 14-10&nbsp; 19-11 Seward County 12-12&nbsp; 16-14 Garden City 11-13&nbsp; 16-13 Independence 10-14&nbsp; 16-14 Cowley 10-14&nbsp; 16-14 Cloud County 10-14&nbsp; 14-15 Pratt 7-17&nbsp; 13-17 Colby 4-19 8-20 NW Tech&nbsp; 2-22&nbsp; 3-25 Tuesday, March 5 Barton 62, Colby 32 Wednesday, March 6 Butler 62, Cowley 50 Hutchinson 74, Garden City 64 Coffeyville 69, Independence 51 Seward County 67, Pratt 62 Cloud County 117, NW Tech 72 END OF REGULAR SEASON &nbsp;

Jayhawk Men #1 Barton&nbsp; 23-1 29-1 #11 Cowley 21-3&nbsp; 26-4 #15 Hutchinson 20-4&nbsp; 25-5 #19 Butler&nbsp; 17-7&nbsp; 22-8 Cloud County 15-9&nbsp; &nbsp;20-10 Garden City 14-10&nbsp; 18-12 NW Tech 11-13&nbsp; 15-15 Coffeyville 9-15&nbsp; 13-17 Dodge City 7-17&nbsp; 9-21 Pratt 7-17&nbsp; 10-20 Seward County 6-18&nbsp; 8-22 Colby 6-18 10-20 Independence&nbsp; 0-24&nbsp; 1-29Tuesday, March 5 Barton 93, Colby 69 Wednesday, March 6 Cowley 81, Butler 65 Hutchinson 96, Garden City 78 Coffeyville 95, Independence 77 Pratt 88, Seward County 84 NW Tech 80, Cloud County 75 END OF REGULAR SEASON ----------------------------- Jayhawk Women #1 Hutchinson 24-0&nbsp; 30-0 #14 Dodge City 19-5&nbsp; 25-5 Butler 17-7 23-7 Barton&nbsp; 16-8&nbsp; 21-9 Coffeyville&nbsp; 14-10&nbsp; 19-11 Seward County 12-12&nbsp; 16-14 Garden City 11-13&nbsp; 16-13 Independence 10-14&nbsp; 16-14 Cowley 10-14&nbsp; 16-14 Cloud County 10-14&nbsp; 14-15 Pratt 7-17&nbsp; 13-17 Colby 4-19 8-20 NW Tech&nbsp; 2-22&nbsp; 3-25 Tuesday, March 5 Barton 62, Colby 32 Wednesday, March 6 Butler 62, Cowley 50 Hutchinson 74, Garden City 64 Coffeyville 69, Independence 51 Seward County 67, Pratt 62 Cloud County 117, NW Tech 72 END OF REGULAR SEASON &nbsp;

Final Jayhawk Standings-Wednesday Scores

Thursday AP Boys
State Tourney Scores

Thursday AP Girls
State Tourney Scores


Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 66, Eureka 50

Thursday AP Boys
State Tourney ScoresClass 1A, Div. 1
Bishop Seabury 72, La Crosse 51
Olpe 58, Clifton-Clyde 50
South Gray 79, Canton-Galva 43Class 1A, Div. 2
Axtell 54, St John's Beloit 32
Cunningham 70, Bucklin 66
Dighton 72, Marmaton Valley 26
Lebo 59, Northern Valley 56Class 3A
Beloit 56, Topeka Hayden 42
Goodland 68, Riverton 46
Southeast of Saline 54, Cheney 51
Wellsville 48, Ellsworth 38Class 5A
Highland Park 57, Andover 32
KC Piper 72, Shawnee Heights 71
Kapaun Mount Carmel 60, De Soto 53
Maize South 61, Great Bend 53Thursday AP Girls
State Tourney ScoresClass 2A
Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 66, Eureka 50
Riverside 43, Hoxie 38
Valley Heights 52, Wichita County 35
Wichita Independent 39, Hillsboro 36Class 4A
Bishop Miege 68, Labette County 33
Fort Scott 64, Clearwater 42
McPherson 66, Ottawa 44
Wellington 71, Andale 53Class 6A
BV North 58, Olathe South 50
Derby 48, SM Northwest 47
SM South 50, Manhattan 35

Wednesday Statewide Scores

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A basket from senior Maddox Spray. Two deep threes from senior Carter Coombs. And an even later 3-pointer from sophomore Daxton Minton. The 11 Panther points scored in the final 79 seconds of Wednesday's Class 5A state opener against were an exercise in futility against an unbeaten Maize South team that made all 10 of its free throw attempts in the final eight minutes. Great Bend was never out of sight but fell to the Mavs 61-53 at White Auditorium in Emporia.

"They're good but our kids proved they can play with the No. 1 team in the state," said Panther coach Kyle Kriegh. "They're 22-0 and we're right there within two points twice in the third quarter. I think our kids deserve a lot of credit."

Great Bend trailed 26-18 at the half and fell further behind at 29-20 early in the third. Maize South's 6-5 senior Darius Felton picked up a fourth foul less than two minutes into the period and it was game on for the Panthers.

Sophomore Jacob Hall started things off with a three, then sophomore Ian Premer hit a jumper to cut the gap to 29-27 with 4:45 to play in the third. Free throws from freshman Cooper Ohnmacht kept the gap at 31-29 in a tightly-called frame. Maverick senior Jeron Askren started a Maize South run with a pair of baskets that ended with a 43-34 score with a quarter to play.

Ohnmacht made another free throw early in the fourth as Maize South piled up three fouls in under three minutes. But the Mavs were able to stretch things back out at the free throw line. Maize South made 20 of its 24 shots from the stripe in the game. Great Bend went 11-for-20 from the line.

"That's what we talked about as a coaching staff," Kriegh said. "We knew it'd be tough coming here and shooting pressure free throws. Hopefully, this experience helps us in the future."

Premer scored a game-high 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds before fouling out with 2:54 remaining with the Panthers trailing 53-42. Felton and senior guard Michael Kates combined to go 8-for-8 from the line late in the game as the Panther offense warmed on the other end.

Maize South scored the first five points in the game before senior Maddox Spray pulled up with a jumper 67 seconds in. Spray scored four points in the opening frame but the Panthers still fell behind 19-8 after one quarter. Maverick senior Sammy Dresie had three putbacks in the quarter. Hall and Premer each scored four points in the second quarter as the Mavs maintained their 26-18 advantage into the half.

Felton scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 20 minutes of action for Maize South. Askren added 14 points, and Kates finished with 13 points.

Spray scored 10 points and grabbed six boards in his final game as a Panther. Six of those points came in the fourth quarter. Coombs finished nine points, including six in the final 42 seconds, and Hall scored eight points. Senior Parker Dicks scored four points, and Minton and Ohnmacht each finished with three points.

Great Bend finishes the season at 17-6. The Panthers say goodbye to just three seniors in Spray, Coombs, and Dicks.

"Awesome group of kids," Kriegh said. "Lots of time in the gym. I couldn't ask for anything more from those guys."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709777620098.jpeg" alt="Panther sophomore Ian Premer drives against Maize South's Sammy Dresie (2) and sophomore Cy Stucky (33) in the first half of Thursday's Class 5A state tournament game in Emporia." />
 <figcaption>Panther sophomore Ian Premer drives against Maize South's Sammy Dresie (2) and sophomore Cy Stucky (33) in the first half of Thursday's Class 5A state tournament game in Emporia.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA basket from senior Maddox Spray. Two deep threes from senior Carter Coombs. And an even later 3-pointer from sophomore Daxton Minton. The 11 Panther points scored in the final 79 seconds of Wednesday's Class 5A state opener against were an exercise in futility against an unbeaten Maize South team that made all 10 of its free throw attempts in the final eight minutes. Great Bend was never out of sight but fell to the Mavs 61-53 at White Auditorium in Emporia."They're good but our kids proved they can play with the No. 1 team in the state," said Panther coach Kyle Kriegh. "They're 22-0 and we're right there within two points twice in the third quarter. I think our kids deserve a lot of credit."Great Bend trailed 26-18 at the half and fell further behind at 29-20 early in the third. Maize South's 6-5 senior Darius Felton picked up a fourth foul less than two minutes into the period and it was game on for the Panthers.Sophomore Jacob Hall started things off with a three, then sophomore Ian Premer hit a jumper to cut the gap to 29-27 with 4:45 to play in the third. Free throws from freshman Cooper Ohnmacht kept the gap at 31-29 in a tightly-called frame. Maverick senior Jeron Askren started a Maize South run with a pair of baskets that ended with a 43-34 score with a quarter to play.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709777717821.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ohnmacht made another free throw early in the fourth as Maize South piled up three fouls in under three minutes. But the Mavs were able to stretch things back out at the free throw line. Maize South made 20 of its 24 shots from the stripe in the game. Great Bend went 11-for-20 from the line."That's what we talked about as a coaching staff," Kriegh said. "We knew it'd be tough coming here and shooting pressure free throws. Hopefully, this experience helps us in the future."Premer scored a game-high 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds before fouling out with 2:54 remaining with the Panthers trailing 53-42. Felton and senior guard Michael Kates combined to go 8-for-8 from the line late in the game as the Panther offense warmed on the other end.Maize South scored the first five points in the game before senior Maddox Spray pulled up with a jumper 67 seconds in. Spray scored four points in the opening frame but the Panthers still fell behind 19-8 after one quarter. Maverick senior Sammy Dresie had three putbacks in the quarter. Hall and Premer each scored four points in the second quarter as the Mavs maintained their 26-18 advantage into the half.Felton scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 20 minutes of action for Maize South. Askren added 14 points, and Kates finished with 13 points.Spray scored 10 points and grabbed six boards in his final game as a Panther. Six of those points came in the fourth quarter. Coombs finished nine points, including six in the final 42 seconds, and Hall scored eight points. Senior Parker Dicks scored four points, and Minton and Ohnmacht each finished with three points.Great Bend finishes the season at 17-6. The Panthers say goodbye to just three seniors in Spray, Coombs, and Dicks."Awesome group of kids," Kriegh said. "Lots of time in the gym. I couldn't ask for anything more from those guys."

Panthers come up short against top-ranked Maize South

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
L.J. Cryer scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half to lift No.
1 Houston to a 67-59 comeback victory over UCF that clinched at least
a share of the Big 12 regular-season title in the Cougars’ first
season in the conference. Houston led by nine points after a Cryer
3-pointer with 2:18 to play. UCF closed to within four with just over
a minute to play, and then Cryer hit another clutch shot to pull away
for the win. The Cougars trailed by as many as seven points and never
led in the first half. C.J. Walker led UCF with 15 points.

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Tamin Lipsey scored 19 points and Curtis Jones added 18 to help No. 6
Iowa State finish the season undefeated at home for the first time in
23 years with a 68-63 win over No. 20 Brigham Young. The Cyclones
(24-6, 13-4 Big 12) completed their home schedule 18-0 and remained
within a game of conference leader Houston heading in the final
weekend. BYU (21-9, 9-8) failed in its bid to knock off a top 10 team
for the second time in as many weeks. The Cougars were led by Richie
Saunders’ 20 points. Iowa State trailed 46-32 early in the second
half before using an 11-0 run, highlighted by Lipsey’s 3-pointer,
to tie the score at 56 with 7:52 left to play.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(AP) — Emanuel Miller scored 21 points and TCU rode a hot start to
a 93-81 victory over West Virginia. Jameer Nelson Jr. added 17
points, Micah Peavy scored 16 and Chuck O’Bannon 11 for TCU. The
Horned Frogs broke a two-game losing streak. Jesse Edwards scored a
career-high 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, RaeQuan Battle added
13 points and Quinn Slazinski scored 11 for West Virginia. The
Mountaineers have lost four straight. TCU built a double-digit lead
in the first half for the second straight game. Unlike a loss to BYU
on Saturday, the Horned Frogs held on this time against the Big 12’s
worst defense.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Oklahoma and Texas are the top two seeds in their final Big
12 women's basketball tournament before heading off to the SEC next
season. The No. 19 Sooners started the season 6-5 but lost only three
more times en route to winning their first regular-season title since
2009. The sixth-ranked Longhorns are chasing their second conference
tourney title in three years. The tournament could be wide open as it
shifts from its longtime home at Municipal Auditorium to T-Mobile
Center, where the Big 12 has played its men's tournament for years.
There are four teams in the AP Top 25 this week and three more are
receiving votes.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.
(AP) — The Buffalo Bills’ salary cap-related purge of players cut
deep into the team’s core. Veteran safety Jordan Poyer and center
Mitch Morse were among five players the team announced it had
released. And cornerback Tre’Davious White is also being cut, a
person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated
Press. The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity
because the Bills did not announce White being cut because of the
timing of his release is designated for June 1. Also cut were
sixth-year backup cornerback Siran Neal, backup receiver Deonte Harty
and running back Nyheim Hines.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Bay Hill had a $20 million purse and a strong field that produced a
dynamic finish last year. Now it's a signature event, and really the
only change is a smaller field. Only 69 players are in the Arnold
Palmer Invitational. The signature events have smaller fields for the
elite players, along with 16 players who earned their way in. But
it's been quiet so far. Still to be determined is what kind of finish
Bay Hill produces. The year so far on the PGA Tour has produced four
first-time winners and only one winner from the top 50.

UNDATED (AP) — In
a span of just a few days in the 2022 offseason, the Denver Broncos
and Cleveland Browns made aggressive trades to acquire what they
hoped would be franchise-altering quarterbacks. The results so far
have been very underwhelming, with the Broncos set to cut Russell
Wilson and Deshaun Watson providing little so far for the Browns.
Those are part of a list of some of the worst deals in NFL history,
including Minnesota’s deal with Dallas for Herschel Walker and a
trade that sent future Hall of Famer Brett Favre to Green Bay.

Final	(4)Tennessee	66	(17)South
Carolina	59	

Final	L.A.
Dodgers	12	Chicago White Sox	9	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
L.J. Cryer scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half to lift No.
1 Houston to a 67-59 comeback victory over UCF that clinched at least
a share of the Big 12 regular-season title in the Cougars’ first
season in the conference. Houston led by nine points after a Cryer
3-pointer with 2:18 to play. UCF closed to within four with just over
a minute to play, and then Cryer hit another clutch shot to pull away
for the win. The Cougars trailed by as many as seven points and never
led in the first half. C.J. Walker led UCF with 15 points.AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Tamin Lipsey scored 19 points and Curtis Jones added 18 to help No. 6
Iowa State finish the season undefeated at home for the first time in
23 years with a 68-63 win over No. 20 Brigham Young. The Cyclones
(24-6, 13-4 Big 12) completed their home schedule 18-0 and remained
within a game of conference leader Houston heading in the final
weekend. BYU (21-9, 9-8) failed in its bid to knock off a top 10 team
for the second time in as many weeks. The Cougars were led by Richie
Saunders’ 20 points. Iowa State trailed 46-32 early in the second
half before using an 11-0 run, highlighted by Lipsey’s 3-pointer,
to tie the score at 56 with 7:52 left to play.MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(AP) — Emanuel Miller scored 21 points and TCU rode a hot start to
a 93-81 victory over West Virginia. Jameer Nelson Jr. added 17
points, Micah Peavy scored 16 and Chuck O’Bannon 11 for TCU. The
Horned Frogs broke a two-game losing streak. Jesse Edwards scored a
career-high 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, RaeQuan Battle added
13 points and Quinn Slazinski scored 11 for West Virginia. The
Mountaineers have lost four straight. TCU built a double-digit lead
in the first half for the second straight game. Unlike a loss to BYU
on Saturday, the Horned Frogs held on this time against the Big 12’s
worst defense.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Oklahoma and Texas are the top two seeds in their final Big
12 women's basketball tournament before heading off to the SEC next
season. The No. 19 Sooners started the season 6-5 but lost only three
more times en route to winning their first regular-season title since
2009. The sixth-ranked Longhorns are chasing their second conference
tourney title in three years. The tournament could be wide open as it
shifts from its longtime home at Municipal Auditorium to T-Mobile
Center, where the Big 12 has played its men's tournament for years.
There are four teams in the AP Top 25 this week and three more are
receiving votes.ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.
(AP) — The Buffalo Bills’ salary cap-related purge of players cut
deep into the team’s core. Veteran safety Jordan Poyer and center
Mitch Morse were among five players the team announced it had
released. And cornerback Tre’Davious White is also being cut, a
person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated
Press. The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity
because the Bills did not announce White being cut because of the
timing of his release is designated for June 1. Also cut were
sixth-year backup cornerback Siran Neal, backup receiver Deonte Harty
and running back Nyheim Hines.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Bay Hill had a $20 million purse and a strong field that produced a
dynamic finish last year. Now it's a signature event, and really the
only change is a smaller field. Only 69 players are in the Arnold
Palmer Invitational. The signature events have smaller fields for the
elite players, along with 16 players who earned their way in. But
it's been quiet so far. Still to be determined is what kind of finish
Bay Hill produces. The year so far on the PGA Tour has produced four
first-time winners and only one winner from the top 50.UNDATED (AP) — In
a span of just a few days in the 2022 offseason, the Denver Broncos
and Cleveland Browns made aggressive trades to acquire what they
hoped would be franchise-altering quarterbacks. The results so far
have been very underwhelming, with the Broncos set to cut Russell
Wilson and Deshaun Watson providing little so far for the Browns.
Those are part of a list of some of the worst deals in NFL history,
including Minnesota’s deal with Dallas for Herschel Walker and a
trade that sent future Hall of Famer Brett Favre to Green Bay.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Houston	67	UCF	59	Final	(2)UConn	74	(8)Marquette	67	Final	(4)Tennessee	66	(17)South
Carolina	59	Final	(6)Iowa
St.	68	(20)BYU	63	Final	(15)Kentucky	93	Vanderbilt	77	Final	(22)Utah
St.	90	San Jose St.	70MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEN-Y
Mets	at	Houston	1:05 p.m.	(Canceled)Final	Chicago
Cubs	6	L.A. Angels	5	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	12	Chicago White Sox	9	Final	Baltimore	6	Pittsburgh	4	Final	Texas	6	Colorado	6	Final	Cleveland	3	Milwaukee	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Minnesota	7	Boston	1	Final	Seattle	8	Kansas
City	7	Final	Oakland	12	L.A.
Angels	5	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	9	Miami	3	Final	Milwaukee	2	Cincinnati	0	Final	Cincinnati	6	San
Diego	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Orlando	119	Washington	109	Final	Atlanta	112	Cleveland	101	Final	L.A.
Clippers	122	Houston	116	Final	Memphis	115	Philadelphia	109	Final	Chicago	119	Utah	117	Final	Golden
State	125	Milwaukee	90	Final	Oklahoma
City	128	Portland	120	Final	Sacramento	130	L.A.
Lakers	120	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Toronto	2	Buffalo	1	Final	Anaheim	2	Ottawa	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oklahoma was a game above .500 following a loss to Southern three days before Christmas, and there seemed few reasons to believe the Sooners would turn around their fortunes when their last run through the Big 12 Conference began the following week.

More than two months later, Jennie Baranczyk's team has lost only three more times.

Led by Skylar Vann and Louisville transfer Payton Verhulst, the No. 19 Sooners (21-8) rolled to their first Big 12 regular-season title since 2009 before they join Texas in departing for the Southeastern Conference next season.

That also gave Oklahoma the No. 1 seed when the conference tournament begins Thursday in Kansas City.

“This team has really found itself to be a really good team,” Baranczyk said, “and I don't mean good because we won a Big 12 championship. I mean good because they cover for each other. They help each other. They believe in each other. And they never quit on each other, and they never have a second of doubt, even when it seems impossible.”

The Sooners earned a double bye as the 14-team Big 12 Tournament begins at T-Mobile Center, where the men have played for years but the women are getting equal billing for the first time. They had played down the street at Municipal Auditorium.

Oklahoma will play the TCU-Oklahoma State winner Saturday night as it seeks its first Big 12 tourney title since back-to-back championships in 2006 and '07.

“The tradition here is amazing, and everyone knows that,” said the Sooners' Lexy Keys, a transfer from Oklahoma State. “This program is amazing. This team is amazing. Playing against them, I knew that going in.”

The road to the Big 12 Tournament title won't be easy, though.

The second-seeded Longhorns (27-4), who will play the BYU-Kansas winner Saturday night, are the highest-ranked team at No. 6 in the AP Top 25 this week. In all, there are four teams in the poll and three more receiving votes, and each of those seven are almost certain locks when the NCAA Tournament selection committee meets to decide its field.

“It's been a little bit of a grind,” said Texas coach Vic Schaefer, whose team won the Big 12 tourney two years ago, “and now we go into the third season, which is the conference tournament, and then the fourth season, which is the NCAA Tournament. And both of those seasons can be a lot shorter than what we just ran through.”

Especially in the Big 12, where No. 16 Kansas State — the No. 3 seed — was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation this season.

“We definitely ended conference play on a good note,” the Longhorns' Shaylee Gonzales said. “Obviously we're going to take that in but realize we've got games ahead of us that we need to prepare for. They're all good teams. And we've all played before.”

The women's tournament previously ran alongside the men's tournament, which allowed fans traveling to Kansas City to catch both of their teams in the same week. But the Big 12 wanted women to have the same spotlight at T-Mobile Center as the men, and that meant moving up the start of the tourney by a week. The championship game is Tuesday night.

No. 17 Baylor, which plays the Houston-Texas Tech winner Friday night, has won five straight to climb to the No. 5 seed. Other teams on the rise include fourth-seeded Iowa State (18-10), which earned the last of the four double byes, and seventh-seeded Kansas (18-11), which has won eight of its last nine games to work its way into the projected NCAA Tournament field.

Kansas State (24-6) hasn't been the same since All-America candidate Ayoka Lee missed about a month because of ankle surgery, losing five of its last nine after a 20-1 start to the season. Texas Tech was 16-6 after beating TCU on Jan. 27, but it enters the Big 12 tourney on a nine-game skid and likely needs five wins in five days to make the NCAA field.

Baylor started the season 14-0, went through a 4-6 stretch midway through the season, then beat Oklahoma State on senior day for its fifth consecutive win. Now, the Bears will go for their first Big 12 tourney title since 2021, when the Bears won the last of three straight championships under former coach Kim Mulkey.

Ninth-seeded TCU enters the Big 12 tourney 19-10 overall and 6-12 in conference play. How do the losses compute? The Horned Frogs forfeited two games when they didn't have enough healthy players, which counted against their Big 12 record but not their overall mark. They have won four of their last five and could work their way into the NCAA field in Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Oklahoma was a game above .500 following a loss to Southern three days before Christmas, and there seemed few reasons to believe the Sooners would turn around their fortunes when their last run through the Big 12 Conference began the following week.More than two months later, Jennie Baranczyk's team has lost only three more times.Led by Skylar Vann and Louisville transfer Payton Verhulst, the No. 19 Sooners (21-8) rolled to their first Big 12 regular-season title since 2009 before they join Texas in departing for the Southeastern Conference next season.That also gave Oklahoma the No. 1 seed when the conference tournament begins Thursday in Kansas City.“This team has really found itself to be a really good team,” Baranczyk said, “and I don't mean good because we won a Big 12 championship. I mean good because they cover for each other. They help each other. They believe in each other. And they never quit on each other, and they never have a second of doubt, even when it seems impossible.”The Sooners earned a double bye as the 14-team Big 12 Tournament begins at T-Mobile Center, where the men have played for years but the women are getting equal billing for the first time. They had played down the street at Municipal Auditorium.Oklahoma will play the TCU-Oklahoma State winner Saturday night as it seeks its first Big 12 tourney title since back-to-back championships in 2006 and '07.“The tradition here is amazing, and everyone knows that,” said the Sooners' Lexy Keys, a transfer from Oklahoma State. “This program is amazing. This team is amazing. Playing against them, I knew that going in.”The road to the Big 12 Tournament title won't be easy, though.The second-seeded Longhorns (27-4), who will play the BYU-Kansas winner Saturday night, are the highest-ranked team at No. 6 in the AP Top 25 this week. In all, there are four teams in the poll and three more receiving votes, and each of those seven are almost certain locks when the NCAA Tournament selection committee meets to decide its field.“It's been a little bit of a grind,” said Texas coach Vic Schaefer, whose team won the Big 12 tourney two years ago, “and now we go into the third season, which is the conference tournament, and then the fourth season, which is the NCAA Tournament. And both of those seasons can be a lot shorter than what we just ran through.”Especially in the Big 12, where No. 16 Kansas State — the No. 3 seed — was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation this season.“We definitely ended conference play on a good note,” the Longhorns' Shaylee Gonzales said. “Obviously we're going to take that in but realize we've got games ahead of us that we need to prepare for. They're all good teams. And we've all played before.”CHANGING IT UPThe women's tournament previously ran alongside the men's tournament, which allowed fans traveling to Kansas City to catch both of their teams in the same week. But the Big 12 wanted women to have the same spotlight at T-Mobile Center as the men, and that meant moving up the start of the tourney by a week. The championship game is Tuesday night.ON THE RISENo. 17 Baylor, which plays the Houston-Texas Tech winner Friday night, has won five straight to climb to the No. 5 seed. Other teams on the rise include fourth-seeded Iowa State (18-10), which earned the last of the four double byes, and seventh-seeded Kansas (18-11), which has won eight of its last nine games to work its way into the projected NCAA Tournament field.ON THE SLIDEKansas State (24-6) hasn't been the same since All-America candidate Ayoka Lee missed about a month because of ankle surgery, losing five of its last nine after a 20-1 start to the season. Texas Tech was 16-6 after beating TCU on Jan. 27, but it enters the Big 12 tourney on a nine-game skid and likely needs five wins in five days to make the NCAA field.BEARS BACK ON TRACKBaylor started the season 14-0, went through a 4-6 stretch midway through the season, then beat Oklahoma State on senior day for its fifth consecutive win. Now, the Bears will go for their first Big 12 tourney title since 2021, when the Bears won the last of three straight championships under former coach Kim Mulkey.STRANGE SITUATIONNinth-seeded TCU enters the Big 12 tourney 19-10 overall and 6-12 in conference play. How do the losses compute? The Horned Frogs forfeited two games when they didn't have enough healthy players, which counted against their Big 12 record but not their overall mark. They have won four of their last five and could work their way into the NCAA field in Kansas City.

Big 12 Women's Tournament Preview

- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck puts a bow on the 2023-2024 season that saw the Panthers post a record of 15-7.

- "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif recaps Tuesday night's game at Colby and previews the Region 6 Tournament that begins on Saturday at home sites.

- St. John Girls Basketball coach Danny Smith previews Thursday quarterfinal game against Frankfort in the 1A-DI State Tournament in Colby. He'll be joined by&nbsp;St. John Lady Tiger basketball coach Danny Smith with Sr. Heidi Fisher, Jr. Lydia Reed, and Soph Tia Meyer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/zlhw1o15/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck puts a bow on the 2023-2024 season that saw the Panthers post a record of 15-7.- "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif recaps Tuesday night's game at Colby and previews the Region 6 Tournament that begins on Saturday at home sites.- St. John Girls Basketball coach Danny Smith previews Thursday quarterfinal game against Frankfort in the 1A-DI State Tournament in Colby. He'll be joined by&nbsp;St. John Lady Tiger basketball coach Danny Smith with Sr. Heidi Fisher, Jr. Lydia Reed, and Soph Tia Meyer.- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours