Haven Boys 45 Hoisington 33; Haven Girls 55 Hoisington 43

1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Donald E. Reif Jr., Attorney at Law, Superior Essex, Cardinal Pharmacy, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, H &amp; D Exploration, Central Chiropractic, Equity  Bank, K &amp; L Fencing, Keenan Law Firm, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Clara Barton Medical Center, Barton Community College, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock, Rosenburg Family Dentistry, Farmers Insurance, the Matt Delong Agency and Ehler Chevrolet

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Haven Boys 45 Hoisington 33; Haven Girls 55 Hoisington 43<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/yticjkzc/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Donald E. Reif Jr., Attorney at Law, Superior Essex, Cardinal Pharmacy, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, H &amp; D Exploration, Central Chiropractic, Equity Bank, K &amp; L Fencing, Keenan Law Firm, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Clara Barton Medical Center, Barton Community College, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock, Rosenburg Family Dentistry, Farmers Insurance, the Matt Delong Agency and Ehler Chevrolet

Smoky Valley Boys 42 Larned 34; Smoky Valley Girls 59 Larned 40

1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by Progressive Therapy and Sports Medicine, Barton Community College, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, Pawnee County CO-OP, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Eakin Concrete/Santa Fe Liquor Mart,  H and H Roofing, Fusion Bank, Beckwith Mortuary, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Leigh Ann Seeman agent, Carr Auction and Real Estate, Smith Dental, Ike Shaver Plumbing, Heart of Kansas Medical Center, Equity Bank Clock Reality and Insurance, Frick Veterinary Service, Pawnee Plaza, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Doerrs Ace Hardware and USD 495.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Valley Boys 42 Larned 34; Smoky Valley Girls 59 Larned 40<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/d3xugnag/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by Progressive Therapy and Sports Medicine, Barton Community College, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, Pawnee County CO-OP, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Eakin Concrete/Santa Fe Liquor Mart, H and H Roofing, Fusion Bank, Beckwith Mortuary, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Leigh Ann Seeman agent, Carr Auction and Real Estate, Smith Dental, Ike Shaver Plumbing, Heart of Kansas Medical Center, Equity Bank Clock Reality and Insurance, Frick Veterinary Service, Pawnee Plaza, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Doerrs Ace Hardware and USD 495.&nbsp;

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Lamar Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second AP NFL Most
Valuable Player award announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night.
Christian McCaffrey ran away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year
award. Myles Garrett beat out T.J. Watt for the AP Defensive Player
of the Year award. C.J. Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the
Year award in a landslide. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. won
the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Browns took home four
awards. Quarterback Joe Flacco was AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski edged DeMeco Ryans for AP Coach of the
Year honors by one first-place vote. Browns defensive coordinator Jim
Schwartz won the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award.

UNDATED (AP) —
Millions of Americans will find something to be excited about when it
comes to Super Bowl Sunday. That’s before even factoring in the
influence of Taylor Swift. Four in 10 U.S. adults are extremely or
very excited for at least one part of the Super Bowl day’s
festivities. That could be the game, commercials, halftime show or
the Puppy Bowl, according to a new poll from The Associated
Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The Kansas City Chiefs
will play the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
When the Super Bowl was in the balance in the fourth quarter a year
ago, coach Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs put a twist on their
frequent pre-snap motion. That led to two wide-open touchdown passes
that helped the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 for a Super
Bowl title. Kansas City returns to the big stage to take on San
Francisco in a game that should feature players on the move at the
snap at a staggering rate based on how Reid and 49ers coach Kyle
Shanahan use motion to create mismatches for their offenses.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
First-time candidate Julius Peppers headlines the 2024 Pro Football
Hall of Fame class that has a distinctive defensive feel. The star
defensive end was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight
Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era
category announced Thursday night. Prolific receiver Andre Johnson
and dynamic returner Devin Hester also got voted into the Hall from
the group of 15 finalists. Two more defensive players got in on the
senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle
Steve McMichael getting the necessary 80% support.

IRVING, Texas (AP) —
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will be chairman of the
College Football Playoff selection committee next season. Manuel has
served on the committee for the past two years. He will replace North
Carolina State AD Boo Corrigan as the chairman. The playoff expands
from four to 12 teams next season. The CFP also announced six
additions to the 13-person panel: athletic directors Pat Chun of
Washington State, Carla Williams of Virginia, Mack Rhoades of Baylor
and Hunter Yurachek of Arkansas. Also joining the committee will be
former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel and former Arizona State and NFL
star Randall McDaniel.

UNDATED (AP) —
Baylor is hiring former TCU coach Gary Patterson as a senior
consultant to head coach Dave Aranda, a person with direct knowledge
of the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition
of anonymity because the deal was being finalized. The 63-year-old
Patterson was coach at TCU for 22 years before being pushed out
during the 2021 season. He went 181-79 while leading the Horned Frogs
— the winningest coach in program history. Baylor is coming off a
3-9 season that has raised the pressure on Aranda, who is entering
his fifth year as the Bears coach.

UNDATED (AP) —
College football’s busy recruiting calendar created a particularly
hectic first few weeks on the job for all the head coaches who
switched schools over the last month. Nick Saban's retirement last
month set off a chain reaction that resulted in head coaching changes
at Arizona, Washington and San Jose State as well as Alabama. That
doesn’t even factor in Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the NFL’s
Los Angeles Chargers. New coaches had to re-recruit prospects who had
signed to play for a different staff and now were free to look
elsewhere.

UNDATED (AP) —
Bojan Bogdanovic left Detroit to join a now even-more-formidable
contender in New York. Gordon Hayward is leaving Charlotte for one of
the NBA's best surprise stories this season in Oklahoma City. Doug
McDermott was once traded by Indiana to San Antonio, and now, the
Spurs have traded him back to the Pacers. None of those shooters were
making playoff plans when Thursday started. Trade deadline day in the
NBA gave them and plenty of other players an entirely new outlook,
plus might have even reshaped the start of the playoff push as well.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
(AP) — Sahith Theegala returned from a lengthy weather delay to
finish off a 6-under 65, taking the early lead in the unfinished
first round of the Phoenix Open. Five days after weather shortened
the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to 54 holes, storms followed the PGA
Tour to the desert. A chilly morning gave way to wind and heavy rain
that left pools of water on the greens at TPC Scottsdale. The Stadium
Course was deemed unplayable around noon, leading to a delay of 3 1/2
hours. About half the field was able to finish the first round.
Andrew Novak was 5 under through nine holes. S.H. Kim and Shane Lowry
each shot 67.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707476130831.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Lamar Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second AP NFL Most
Valuable Player award announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night.
Christian McCaffrey ran away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year
award. Myles Garrett beat out T.J. Watt for the AP Defensive Player
of the Year award. C.J. Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the
Year award in a landslide. Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. won
the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Browns took home four
awards. Quarterback Joe Flacco was AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski edged DeMeco Ryans for AP Coach of the
Year honors by one first-place vote. Browns defensive coordinator Jim
Schwartz won the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award.UNDATED (AP) —
Millions of Americans will find something to be excited about when it
comes to Super Bowl Sunday. That’s before even factoring in the
influence of Taylor Swift. Four in 10 U.S. adults are extremely or
very excited for at least one part of the Super Bowl day’s
festivities. That could be the game, commercials, halftime show or
the Puppy Bowl, according to a new poll from The Associated
Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The Kansas City Chiefs
will play the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
When the Super Bowl was in the balance in the fourth quarter a year
ago, coach Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs put a twist on their
frequent pre-snap motion. That led to two wide-open touchdown passes
that helped the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 for a Super
Bowl title. Kansas City returns to the big stage to take on San
Francisco in a game that should feature players on the move at the
snap at a staggering rate based on how Reid and 49ers coach Kyle
Shanahan use motion to create mismatches for their offenses.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
First-time candidate Julius Peppers headlines the 2024 Pro Football
Hall of Fame class that has a distinctive defensive feel. The star
defensive end was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight
Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era
category announced Thursday night. Prolific receiver Andre Johnson
and dynamic returner Devin Hester also got voted into the Hall from
the group of 15 finalists. Two more defensive players got in on the
senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle
Steve McMichael getting the necessary 80% support.IRVING, Texas (AP) —
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will be chairman of the
College Football Playoff selection committee next season. Manuel has
served on the committee for the past two years. He will replace North
Carolina State AD Boo Corrigan as the chairman. The playoff expands
from four to 12 teams next season. The CFP also announced six
additions to the 13-person panel: athletic directors Pat Chun of
Washington State, Carla Williams of Virginia, Mack Rhoades of Baylor
and Hunter Yurachek of Arkansas. Also joining the committee will be
former Missouri coach Gary Pinkel and former Arizona State and NFL
star Randall McDaniel.UNDATED (AP) —
Baylor is hiring former TCU coach Gary Patterson as a senior
consultant to head coach Dave Aranda, a person with direct knowledge
of the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition
of anonymity because the deal was being finalized. The 63-year-old
Patterson was coach at TCU for 22 years before being pushed out
during the 2021 season. He went 181-79 while leading the Horned Frogs
— the winningest coach in program history. Baylor is coming off a
3-9 season that has raised the pressure on Aranda, who is entering
his fifth year as the Bears coach.UNDATED (AP) —
College football’s busy recruiting calendar created a particularly
hectic first few weeks on the job for all the head coaches who
switched schools over the last month. Nick Saban's retirement last
month set off a chain reaction that resulted in head coaching changes
at Arizona, Washington and San Jose State as well as Alabama. That
doesn’t even factor in Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the NFL’s
Los Angeles Chargers. New coaches had to re-recruit prospects who had
signed to play for a different staff and now were free to look
elsewhere.UNDATED (AP) —
Bojan Bogdanovic left Detroit to join a now even-more-formidable
contender in New York. Gordon Hayward is leaving Charlotte for one of
the NBA's best surprise stories this season in Oklahoma City. Doug
McDermott was once traded by Indiana to San Antonio, and now, the
Spurs have traded him back to the Pacers. None of those shooters were
making playoff plans when Thursday started. Trade deadline day in the
NBA gave them and plenty of other players an entirely new outlook,
plus might have even reshaped the start of the playoff push as well.SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
(AP) — Sahith Theegala returned from a lengthy weather delay to
finish off a 6-under 65, taking the early lead in the unfinished
first round of the Phoenix Open. Five days after weather shortened
the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to 54 holes, storms followed the PGA
Tour to the desert. A chilly morning gave way to wind and heavy rain
that left pools of water on the greens at TPC Scottsdale. The Stadium
Course was deemed unplayable around noon, leading to a delay of 3 1/2
hours. About half the field was able to finish the first round.
Andrew Novak was 5 under through nine holes. S.H. Kim and Shane Lowry
each shot 67.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(8)Arizona	105	Utah	99	Final	UAB	76	(20)FAU	73	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Golden
State	131	Indiana	109	Final	Orlando	127	San
Antonio	111	Final	Dallas	122	New
York	108	Final	Minnesota	129	Milwaukee	105	Final	Chicago	118	Memphis	110	Final	Phoenix	129	Utah	115	Final	Denver	114	L.A.
Lakers	106	Final
OT	Detroit	128	Portland	122	Final	Cleveland	118	Brooklyn	95	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	4	Winnipeg	1	Final	Boston	4	Vancouver	0	Final	Florida	4	Washington	2	Final	Calgary	5	New
Jersey	3	Final	Carolina	5	Colorado	2	Final	N-Y
Islanders	6	Tampa Bay	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- The Sports Day crew will recap the Barton men's big home win over Butler last night, a win that improved the 3rd ranked Cougars to 22-1 on the season.

- Great Bend Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh previews Friday's home game against Garden City.

- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports

<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="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HhKtwA7NpyU?si=b8bVw2aYp4fR5S7M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- The Sports Day crew will recap the Barton men's big home win over Butler last night, a win that improved the 3rd ranked Cougars to 22-1 on the season.- Great Bend Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh previews Friday's home game against Garden City.- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College track and field program added five more national qualifying entries this weekend competing at the Washburn Open in Topeka, Kansas.

Competing just fifteen total athletes, six from the women's squad recorded four personal and/or season best efforts in adding two new qualifying performances while the men's nine entries also had four bests in adding three to its national list.

The program now has a total of 43 national entries secured, 19 from the women's side and 24 coming from the men's squad with two meets remaining on the schedule.

The Cougars' next meet is Friday in the two-day Tyson Invitational held in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in final preparation for the KJCCC/Region 6 Indoor Championships taking place February 17-18 at Pittsburg State University.

Sophomore Jazmine Williamson's high jump season debut rose to a 1.75m (5-08.75) height to win the event, immediately jumping to the No. 2 slot on the national rankings. Also competing in the long jump Williamson came up shy of national standards but recorded a season best 5.28m (17-04.00).

Shone Walters took on the 600 yard event for the first time to clock the nation's 8th best time of 1:27.14 (1:37.60 converted to 600m) in placing 4th overall in the 36-competitor field.

The national leader in the men's triple jump, Trevon Hamer punched his second ticket to the big show with a personal best long jump of 7.20m (23- 07.50). Hamer will be joined at nationals in the triple jump as Kalil Murphy's personal best landed at 14.44m (47-04.50).

Missing out on the Washburn Open 600 yard title by an eyeblink .005 seconds, Corlando Chambers added his name alongside two other Cougars already qualified with a personal best 1:11.87 (1:20.50 converted to 600m). Revon Williams, who punched his ticket in the season opener in Lubbock, placed 4th in the 35-man competitor field with a 1:12.15 time.

Jasiah Clapp just missed the 800m qualifying standard by just .24 seconds in clocking a personal best 1:57.14.

60m: 28th Carly Stermer (7.92 *1st Time), 58th Myla Tabora (8.22)

400m: 51st Raynisha Narcisse (1:04.57 *1st Time)

600yd: 4th Shone Walters (NQ 1:27.14 *1st Time), 9th Kialia Claiborne (PB 1:29.27), 14th Raynisha Narcisse (PB 1:31.60)

High Jump: 1st Jazmine Williamson (PB NQ 1.75m, 5-08.75)

Long Jump: 16th Jazmine Williamson (SB 5.28m, 17-04.00)

400m: 43rd Manjot Singh (50.77), 51st Jayden Singleton (51.41)

600yd: 2nd Corlando Chambers (PB NQ 1:11.87), 4th Revon Williams (1:12.15 *Already NQ)

800m: 22nd Jasiah Clapp (PB 1:57.14) *just missed

Long Jump: 5th Trevon Hamer (PB NQ 7.20m, 23-07.50)

Triple Jump: 4th Kalil Murphy (PB NQ 14.44m, 47-04.50)

Weight Throw: 25th Boris Peranovic (14.19m, 46-06.75)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707415425406.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College track and field program added five more national qualifying entries this weekend competing at the Washburn Open in Topeka, Kansas.Competing just fifteen total athletes, six from the women's squad recorded four personal and/or season best efforts in adding two new qualifying performances while the men's nine entries also had four bests in adding three to its national list.The program now has a total of 43 national entries secured, 19 from the women's side and 24 coming from the men's squad with two meets remaining on the schedule.The Cougars' next meet is Friday in the two-day Tyson Invitational held in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in final preparation for the KJCCC/Region 6 Indoor Championships taking place February 17-18 at Pittsburg State University.Sophomore Jazmine Williamson's high jump season debut rose to a 1.75m (5-08.75) height to win the event, immediately jumping to the No. 2 slot on the national rankings. Also competing in the long jump Williamson came up shy of national standards but recorded a season best 5.28m (17-04.00).Shone Walters took on the 600 yard event for the first time to clock the nation's 8th best time of 1:27.14 (1:37.60 converted to 600m) in placing 4th overall in the 36-competitor field.The national leader in the men's triple jump, Trevon Hamer punched his second ticket to the big show with a personal best long jump of 7.20m (23- 07.50). Hamer will be joined at nationals in the triple jump as Kalil Murphy's personal best landed at 14.44m (47-04.50).Missing out on the Washburn Open 600 yard title by an eyeblink .005 seconds, Corlando Chambers added his name alongside two other Cougars already qualified with a personal best 1:11.87 (1:20.50 converted to 600m). Revon Williams, who punched his ticket in the season opener in Lubbock, placed 4th in the 35-man competitor field with a 1:12.15 time.Jasiah Clapp just missed the 800m qualifying standard by just .24 seconds in clocking a personal best 1:57.14.Barton Women's Results60m: 28th Carly Stermer (7.92 *1st Time), 58th Myla Tabora (8.22)400m: 51st Raynisha Narcisse (1:04.57 *1st Time)600yd: 4th Shone Walters (NQ 1:27.14 *1st Time), 9th Kialia Claiborne (PB 1:29.27), 14th Raynisha Narcisse (PB 1:31.60)High Jump: 1st Jazmine Williamson (PB NQ 1.75m, 5-08.75)Long Jump: 16th Jazmine Williamson (SB 5.28m, 17-04.00)Barton Men's Results60m: 46th Malachi Carter (7.07)400m: 43rd Manjot Singh (50.77), 51st Jayden Singleton (51.41)600yd: 2nd Corlando Chambers (PB NQ 1:11.87), 4th Revon Williams (1:12.15 *Already NQ)800m: 22nd Jasiah Clapp (PB 1:57.14) *just missedLong Jump: 5th Trevon Hamer (PB NQ 7.20m, 23-07.50)Triple Jump: 4th Kalil Murphy (PB NQ 14.44m, 47-04.50)Weight Throw: 25th Boris Peranovic (14.19m, 46-06.75)

Barton track and field adds five national qualifying entries competing at Washburn

BOSTON (AP) — At 6-foot-11, Scot Pollard’s size helped him play more than a decade in the NBA, earning him a championship ring with the 2008 Boston Celtics.

Pollard needs a heart transplant, an already dire predicament that is made more difficult by the fact so few donors can provide him with a pump big and strong enough to supply blood to his extra large body. He was admitted to intensive care at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Tuesday, and he will wait there until a donor surfaces who was big enough to be a match.

“I'm staying here until I get a heart,” he said in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday night. “My heart got weaker. (Doctors) agree this is my best shot at getting a heart quicker.”

At nearly 7 feet tall and with a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard's size rules out most potential donors for a heart to replace the one that — due to a genetic condition that was likely triggered by a virus he contracted in 2021 — has been beating an extra 10,000 times per day. Half of his siblings have the same condition — as did his father, who died at 54, when Scot was 16.

“That was an immediate wake-up call," Pollard said in a recent telephone interview. "You don’t see a lot of old (7-) footers walking around. So I’ve known that my whole life, just because I had that seared into my brain as a 16-year-old, that -- yeah, being tall is great, but I’m not going to see 80.”

A 1997 first-round draft pick after helping Kansas reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in four straight seasons, Pollard was a useful big man off the bench for much of an NBA career that stretched over 11 years and five teams. He played 55 seconds in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the NBA Finals in 2007, and won it all the following year with the Celtics despite a season-ending ankle injury in February.

Pollard retired after that season, then dabbled in broadcasting and acting. He was a contestant on the 32nd season of “Survivor,” where he was voted out on Day 27 with eight castaways remaining.

Although Pollard, 48, has been aware of the condition at least since his father died in the 1990s, it wasn’t until he got sick three years ago that it began to affect his quality of life.

“It feels like I’m walking uphill all the time,” he said on the telephone, when he warned a reporter that he might need to cut it short if he got tired.

Pollard tried medication, and has had three ablations — procedures to try to break up the signals causing the irregular heartbeats. A pacemaker implanted about a year go only gets to about half of the problem.

“They all agree that more ablations isn’t going to fix this, more medication isn’t going to fix that,” Pollard said. “We need a transplant.”

Patients in need of an organ transplant have to navigate a labyrinthine system that attempts to fairly match the donated organs with the recipients in need. The matching process takes the health of the patient into account, all with the goal of maximizing the benefit of the limited organs available.

“It’s out of my hands. It’s not even in the doctor’s hands,” Pollard said. “It’s up to the donor networks.”

To maximize his chances, Pollard was advised to register at as many transplant centers as possible — “it's increasing my odds at the casino by going to as many casinos at the same time as possible,” he said. But: He must be able to get there within four hours; the need to return for post-operative visits also make it difficult to get treated far from home.

Pollard listed himself at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in his hometown of Carmel, Indiana, and last week went through testing at the University of Chicago. He traveled this week to Vanderbilt, which performed 128 heart transplants in a record year in 2023. Pollard arrived on Sunday; on Tuesday, doctors admitted him to the I.C.U.

There, Pollard will wait for a new heart – one that is healthy enough to give him a chance, and big enough to fit his oversized frame. He had been living as Status 4 — for those who are in stable condition — but now that he is hospitalized he could be eligible for Status 2, the second-highest priority.

“They can’t predict, but they are confident I’ll get a heart in weeks not months,” he texted.

Pollard acknowledged it's strange to be hoping for a donor to surface, which is essentially rooting for someone to die.

“The fact is, that person's going to end up saving someone else's life. They're going to be a hero,” he said. “That's how I look at it. I understand what has to happen for me to get what I need. So it's a real hard mix of emotions.”

Until then, Pollard waits with the knowledge that the same genetic quirk that helped him a basketball star — so far, the defining achievement of his life — threatens to be a defining factor in his death.

It's something he's known since his father died.

“I’ve thought about that my entire life,” he said. "I'm from a family of giants. I'm the youngest of six and I have three brothers that are taller than me. And people are always like, ‘Oh, man, I wish I had your height.’ Yeah? Let’s go sit on an airplane together and see how much you want to be this tall.

BOSTON (AP) — At 6-foot-11, Scot Pollard’s size helped him play more than a decade in the NBA, earning him a championship ring with the 2008 Boston Celtics.Now it may be killing him.Pollard needs a heart transplant, an already dire predicament that is made more difficult by the fact so few donors can provide him with a pump big and strong enough to supply blood to his extra large body. He was admitted to intensive care at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Tuesday, and he will wait there until a donor surfaces who was big enough to be a match.“I'm staying here until I get a heart,” he said in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday night. “My heart got weaker. (Doctors) agree this is my best shot at getting a heart quicker.”At nearly 7 feet tall and with a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard's size rules out most potential donors for a heart to replace the one that — due to a genetic condition that was likely triggered by a virus he contracted in 2021 — has been beating an extra 10,000 times per day. Half of his siblings have the same condition — as did his father, who died at 54, when Scot was 16.“That was an immediate wake-up call," Pollard said in a recent telephone interview. "You don’t see a lot of old (7-) footers walking around. So I’ve known that my whole life, just because I had that seared into my brain as a 16-year-old, that -- yeah, being tall is great, but I’m not going to see 80.”A 1997 first-round draft pick after helping Kansas reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in four straight seasons, Pollard was a useful big man off the bench for much of an NBA career that stretched over 11 years and five teams. He played 55 seconds in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the NBA Finals in 2007, and won it all the following year with the Celtics despite a season-ending ankle injury in February.Pollard retired after that season, then dabbled in broadcasting and acting. He was a contestant on the 32nd season of “Survivor,” where he was voted out on Day 27 with eight castaways remaining.Although Pollard, 48, has been aware of the condition at least since his father died in the 1990s, it wasn’t until he got sick three years ago that it began to affect his quality of life.“It feels like I’m walking uphill all the time,” he said on the telephone, when he warned a reporter that he might need to cut it short if he got tired.Pollard tried medication, and has had three ablations — procedures to try to break up the signals causing the irregular heartbeats. A pacemaker implanted about a year go only gets to about half of the problem.“They all agree that more ablations isn’t going to fix this, more medication isn’t going to fix that,” Pollard said. “We need a transplant.”Patients in need of an organ transplant have to navigate a labyrinthine system that attempts to fairly match the donated organs with the recipients in need. The matching process takes the health of the patient into account, all with the goal of maximizing the benefit of the limited organs available.“It’s out of my hands. It’s not even in the doctor’s hands,” Pollard said. “It’s up to the donor networks.”To maximize his chances, Pollard was advised to register at as many transplant centers as possible — “it's increasing my odds at the casino by going to as many casinos at the same time as possible,” he said. But: He must be able to get there within four hours; the need to return for post-operative visits also make it difficult to get treated far from home.Pollard listed himself at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in his hometown of Carmel, Indiana, and last week went through testing at the University of Chicago. He traveled this week to Vanderbilt, which performed 128 heart transplants in a record year in 2023. Pollard arrived on Sunday; on Tuesday, doctors admitted him to the I.C.U.There, Pollard will wait for a new heart – one that is healthy enough to give him a chance, and big enough to fit his oversized frame. He had been living as Status 4 — for those who are in stable condition — but now that he is hospitalized he could be eligible for Status 2, the second-highest priority.“They can’t predict, but they are confident I’ll get a heart in weeks not months,” he texted.Pollard acknowledged it's strange to be hoping for a donor to surface, which is essentially rooting for someone to die.“The fact is, that person's going to end up saving someone else's life. They're going to be a hero,” he said. “That's how I look at it. I understand what has to happen for me to get what I need. So it's a real hard mix of emotions.”Until then, Pollard waits with the knowledge that the same genetic quirk that helped him a basketball star — so far, the defining achievement of his life — threatens to be a defining factor in his death.It's something he's known since his father died.“I’ve thought about that my entire life,” he said. "I'm from a family of giants. I'm the youngest of six and I have three brothers that are taller than me. And people are always like, ‘Oh, man, I wish I had your height.’ Yeah? Let’s go sit on an airplane together and see how much you want to be this tall.

Former KU player and Survivor contestant Scot Pollard waits in hospital for heart transplant

Western Athletic Conference Friday Garden City @ Great Bend Hays @ Liberal Dodge City @ Colby Saturday Hooker, OK @ Garden City Central Kansas League Friday Hoisington @ Lyons Hesston @ Larned Pratt @ Nickerson Halstead @ Hillsboro Haven @ Smoky Valley Central Prairie League Friday Ellinwood @ Kinsley Otis-Bison @ Ness City Victoria @ St. John Central Plains @ LaCrosse Macksville @ Bucklin Smoky Valley Home Educators @ Chase Other Area Games Friday Burrton @ Stafford Pawnee Heights @ Ingalls Hodgeman County @ Kiowa County Trego @ Russell Republic County @ Ellsworth Phillipsburg @ TMP Cunningham @ Skyline

Western Athletic Conference Friday Garden City @ Great Bend Hays @ Liberal Dodge City @ Colby Saturday Hooker, OK @ Garden City Central Kansas League Friday Hoisington @ Lyons Hesston @ Larned Pratt @ Nickerson Halstead @ Hillsboro Haven @ Smoky Valley Central Prairie League Friday Ellinwood @ Kinsley Otis-Bison @ Ness City Victoria @ St. John Central Plains @ LaCrosse Macksville @ Bucklin Smoky Valley Home Educators @ Chase Other Area Games Friday Burrton @ Stafford Pawnee Heights @ Ingalls Hodgeman County @ Kiowa County Trego @ Russell Republic County @ Ellsworth Phillipsburg @ TMP Cunningham @ Skyline

Friday Area High School Basketball Schedule

The San Francisco
49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to play a rematch of their
Super Bowl from four years ago when they meet Sunday at Allegiant
Stadium in Las Vegas. The Chiefs rallied with three fourth-quarter
touchdowns to beat the 49ers that night in Miami. San Francisco is
led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffery and
wide receiver Deebo Samuel, while the Chiefs counter with reigning
Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Travis Kelce at tight
end and the NFL's second-ranked defense. Kansas City is trying to
become the first team since New England in the 2003 and 2004 seasons
to win back-to-back Lombardi Trophies.

SAN FRANCISCO
(14-5) vs. KANSAS CITY (14-6) at Las Vegas

OPENING LINE:
49ers by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

AGAINST THE
SPREAD: 49ers 9-9-1; Chiefs 13-7.

LAST MEETING:
Chiefs beat 49ers 44-23 on Oct. 23, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.

LAST GAME:
49ers beat Lions 34-31; Chiefs beat Ravens 17-10.

49ERS OFFENSE:
OVERALL (2), RUSH (3), PASS (4), SCORING (3)

49ERS DEFENSE:
OVERALL (8), RUSH (3), PASS (14), SCORING (3)

CHIEFS OFFENSE:
OVERALL (9), RUSH (19), PASS (6), SCORING (15).

CHIEFS DEFENSE:
OVERALL (2), RUSH (18), PASS (4), SCORING (2).

TURNOVER
DIFFERENTIAL: 49ers plus-10; Chiefs minus-11.

49ERS PLAYER TO
WATCH: QB Brock Purdy. The third-youngest quarterback ever to
start a Super Bowl, the 24-year-old Purdy can cap a remarkable rise
from final pick of the 2022 draft to champion in less than two years.
Purdy struggled in the rain in the divisional round against Green Bay
and for the first half in the conference championship game against
Detroit, but he has led back-to-back comeback wins. He has thrown for
519 yards and two TDs with one INT this postseason.

CHIEFS PLAYER TO
WATCH: QB Patrick Mahomes. He can further cement his legacy as
one of the greatest players in NFL history with his third Lombardi in
his first six seasons as a starter, and perhaps even capture a third
Super Bowl MVP to go with it. Mahomes sacrificed stats for wins most
of the season, relying on the league's No. 2-ranked defense while the
Kansas City offense was scuffling. But he's been excellent in the
playoffs, throwing for 528 yards and five TDs with no interceptions.

KEY MATCHUP:
San Francisco DE Nick Bosa vs. Kansas City's offense tackles. Bosa
had two sacks in the NFC title game to give him a franchise-record 10
in his postseason career. If Bosa can't get to Mahomes, he might be
able to draw holding calls against one of the most penalty-prone
units in the league. The Chiefs have been called for offensive
holding a league-high 36 times in the regular season and playoffs. RT
Jawaan Taylor is tied for the most with eight and LT Donovan Smith
has four.

KEY INJURIES:
Chief All-Pro LG Joe Thuney is unlikely to play after sustaining a
pectoral injury in the divisional round in Buffalo. RB Jerick
McKinnon is also unlikely to play despite being designated to return
from injured reserve, where he has been since a procedure for a core
muscle injury on Jan. 2. ... The 49ers are relatively healthy with
the only active players limited in practice this week being TE George
Kittle (toe) and DL Arik Armstead (foot, knee). Both are expected to
start Sunday.

SERIES NOTES:
The teams met in the Super Bowl four years ago with Kansas City
overcoming a 10-point deficit with three fourth-quarter touchdowns
for a 31-20 victory in Miami. The Chiefs have won five of the past
six in the series, including all three games with Mahomes at
quarterback. They won 38-27 in 2018 and 44-23 last season.

By The Associated
PressThe San Francisco
49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to play a rematch of their
Super Bowl from four years ago when they meet Sunday at Allegiant
Stadium in Las Vegas. The Chiefs rallied with three fourth-quarter
touchdowns to beat the 49ers that night in Miami. San Francisco is
led by quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffery and
wide receiver Deebo Samuel, while the Chiefs counter with reigning
Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Travis Kelce at tight
end and the NFL's second-ranked defense. Kansas City is trying to
become the first team since New England in the 2003 and 2004 seasons
to win back-to-back Lombardi Trophies.SAN FRANCISCO
(14-5) vs. KANSAS CITY (14-6) at Las VegasSunday, 6:30 p.m.
EST, CBSOPENING LINE:
49ers by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.AGAINST THE
SPREAD: 49ers 9-9-1; Chiefs 13-7.SERIES RECORD:
Chiefs lead 8-7.LAST MEETING:
Chiefs beat 49ers 44-23 on Oct. 23, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.LAST GAME:
49ers beat Lions 34-31; Chiefs beat Ravens 17-10.49ERS OFFENSE:
OVERALL (2), RUSH (3), PASS (4), SCORING (3)49ERS DEFENSE:
OVERALL (8), RUSH (3), PASS (14), SCORING (3)CHIEFS OFFENSE:
OVERALL (9), RUSH (19), PASS (6), SCORING (15).CHIEFS DEFENSE:
OVERALL (2), RUSH (18), PASS (4), SCORING (2).TURNOVER
DIFFERENTIAL: 49ers plus-10; Chiefs minus-11.49ERS PLAYER TO
WATCH: QB Brock Purdy. The third-youngest quarterback ever to
start a Super Bowl, the 24-year-old Purdy can cap a remarkable rise
from final pick of the 2022 draft to champion in less than two years.
Purdy struggled in the rain in the divisional round against Green Bay
and for the first half in the conference championship game against
Detroit, but he has led back-to-back comeback wins. He has thrown for
519 yards and two TDs with one INT this postseason.CHIEFS PLAYER TO
WATCH: QB Patrick Mahomes. He can further cement his legacy as
one of the greatest players in NFL history with his third Lombardi in
his first six seasons as a starter, and perhaps even capture a third
Super Bowl MVP to go with it. Mahomes sacrificed stats for wins most
of the season, relying on the league's No. 2-ranked defense while the
Kansas City offense was scuffling. But he's been excellent in the
playoffs, throwing for 528 yards and five TDs with no interceptions.KEY MATCHUP:
San Francisco DE Nick Bosa vs. Kansas City's offense tackles. Bosa
had two sacks in the NFC title game to give him a franchise-record 10
in his postseason career. If Bosa can't get to Mahomes, he might be
able to draw holding calls against one of the most penalty-prone
units in the league. The Chiefs have been called for offensive
holding a league-high 36 times in the regular season and playoffs. RT
Jawaan Taylor is tied for the most with eight and LT Donovan Smith
has four.KEY INJURIES:
Chief All-Pro LG Joe Thuney is unlikely to play after sustaining a
pectoral injury in the divisional round in Buffalo. RB Jerick
McKinnon is also unlikely to play despite being designated to return
from injured reserve, where he has been since a procedure for a core
muscle injury on Jan. 2. ... The 49ers are relatively healthy with
the only active players limited in practice this week being TE George
Kittle (toe) and DL Arik Armstead (foot, knee). Both are expected to
start Sunday.SERIES NOTES:
The teams met in the Super Bowl four years ago with Kansas City
overcoming a 10-point deficit with three fourth-quarter touchdowns
for a 31-20 victory in Miami. The Chiefs have won five of the past
six in the series, including all three games with Mahomes at
quarterback. They won 38-27 in 2018 and 44-23 last season.

Brock Purdy and the 49ers set to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Colby Rogers scored 18 points as Wichita State beat UTSA 84-64 on Wednesday night.

Rogers also had six rebounds for the Shockers (10-13, 2-8 American Athletic Conference). Harlond Beverly added 16 points while going 8 of 13 from the field, and he also had six rebounds and five assists. Quincy Ballard shot 4 of 5 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line to finish with 11 points.

The Roadrunners (8-15, 2-8) were led by Dre Fuller Jr., who recorded 13 points. UTSA also got 12 points and two steals from Adante' Holiman. In addition, Trey Edmonds had 10 points and six rebounds.

Wichita State's next game is Sunday against Florida Atlantic at home. UTSA hosts East Carolina on Saturday.

Edmonds 4-6 2-6 10, Linguard 1-4 2-2 5, Carter 1-4 0-0 2, Tucker 1-2 0-0 2, Wyatt 3-4 0-1 7, Holiman 4-13 2-3 12, Ivy-Curry 1-10 3-4 5, Fuller 6-11 0-1 13, Diouf 2-3 0-0 4, Cuthrell 0-2 1-2 1, Mahmoud 0-1 3-6 3. Totals 23-60 13-25 64.

Ridgnal 3-6 0-0 7, Ballard 4-5 3-3 11, Beverly 8-13 0-0 16, Cortes 3-8 0-0 7, Rogers 5-16 6-6 18, Bell 4-11 2-2 11, DeGray 1-2 4-4 7, Pohto 2-5 0-0 4, Germany 0-2 0-0 0, Abidde 0-2 0-0 0, Ighovodja 1-1 0-0 3, Thengvall 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 31-71 15-15 84.

Halftime_Wichita St. 44-24. 3-Point Goals_UTSA 5-22 (Holiman 2-6, Wyatt 1-2, Linguard 1-3, Fuller 1-4, Cuthrell 0-1, Ivy-Curry 0-1, Mahmoud 0-1, Tucker 0-1, Carter 0-3), Wichita St. 7-19 (Rogers 2-6, DeGray 1-1, Ighovodja 1-1, Bell 1-2, Ridgnal 1-2, Cortes 1-3, Abidde 0-1, Beverly 0-1, Germany 0-1, Pohto 0-1). Fouled Out_Diouf. Rebounds_UTSA 33 (Edmonds 6), Wichita St. 46 (Pohto 8). Assists_UTSA 6 (Holiman 3), Wichita St. 18 (Beverly, Cortes 5). Total Fouls_UTSA 15, Wichita St. 18. A_6,133 (10,506).

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Colby Rogers scored 18 points as Wichita State beat UTSA 84-64 on Wednesday night.Rogers also had six rebounds for the Shockers (10-13, 2-8 American Athletic Conference). Harlond Beverly added 16 points while going 8 of 13 from the field, and he also had six rebounds and five assists. Quincy Ballard shot 4 of 5 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line to finish with 11 points.The Roadrunners (8-15, 2-8) were led by Dre Fuller Jr., who recorded 13 points. UTSA also got 12 points and two steals from Adante' Holiman. In addition, Trey Edmonds had 10 points and six rebounds.Wichita State's next game is Sunday against Florida Atlantic at home. UTSA hosts East Carolina on Saturday.

UTSA (8-15)Edmonds 4-6 2-6 10, Linguard 1-4 2-2 5, Carter 1-4 0-0 2, Tucker 1-2 0-0 2, Wyatt 3-4 0-1 7, Holiman 4-13 2-3 12, Ivy-Curry 1-10 3-4 5, Fuller 6-11 0-1 13, Diouf 2-3 0-0 4, Cuthrell 0-2 1-2 1, Mahmoud 0-1 3-6 3. Totals 23-60 13-25 64.WICHITA ST. (10-13)Ridgnal 3-6 0-0 7, Ballard 4-5 3-3 11, Beverly 8-13 0-0 16, Cortes 3-8 0-0 7, Rogers 5-16 6-6 18, Bell 4-11 2-2 11, DeGray 1-2 4-4 7, Pohto 2-5 0-0 4, Germany 0-2 0-0 0, Abidde 0-2 0-0 0, Ighovodja 1-1 0-0 3, Thengvall 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 31-71 15-15 84.Halftime_Wichita St. 44-24. 3-Point Goals_UTSA 5-22 (Holiman 2-6, Wyatt 1-2, Linguard 1-3, Fuller 1-4, Cuthrell 0-1, Ivy-Curry 0-1, Mahmoud 0-1, Tucker 0-1, Carter 0-3), Wichita St. 7-19 (Rogers 2-6, DeGray 1-1, Ighovodja 1-1, Bell 1-2, Ridgnal 1-2, Cortes 1-3, Abidde 0-1, Beverly 0-1, Germany 0-1, Pohto 0-1). Fouled Out_Diouf. Rebounds_UTSA 33 (Edmonds 6), Wichita St. 46 (Pohto 8). Assists_UTSA 6 (Holiman 3), Wichita St. 18 (Beverly, Cortes 5). Total Fouls_UTSA 15, Wichita St. 18. A_6,133 (10,506).

Rogers' 18 lead Wichita State over UTSA 84-64

Barton Men 93 Butler 71; Butler Women 59 Barton 58

1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a>

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 93 Butler 71; Butler Women 59 Barton 58<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/kfrj4gon/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Patrick Mahomes is a different quarterback than he was four years
ago, when the Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in
his first Super Bowl. He’s a different man, for that matter, a dad
of two with different priorities in his life. One thing Mahomes has
learned that has helped with both jobs is patience. That was
especially true on the football field this season, when his wide
receivers dropped more passes than any other team, and the rest of
the Kansas City offense committed more penalties than any team but
one. Yet here is Mahomes, back in the Super Bowl, and playing San
Francisco again on Sunday.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Las Vegas is about to throw its biggest party yet. Doors open Sunday
at Allegiant Stadium for the city's first Super Bowl. Las Vegas is
primed for an estimated 330,000 visitors this week leading up to the
San Francisco 49ers taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. Even the Las
Vegas Strip looks different, with Roman numeral installations
springing up and a towering Vince Lombardi Trophy outside the
Bellagio. One county official says the city's transformation for the
big game proves Las Vegas has arrived as a sports entertainment hub.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The underdog Kansas City Chiefs are playing for history against the
San Francisco 49ers. No team has been the underdog in consecutive
Super Bowls and won both games. The two previous defending champions
to return as an underdog both lost. But the Chiefs have been defying
the odds throughout the postseason. They were underdogs in victories
at Buffalo and Baltimore. Now, they’ve got to do it again to become
the first repeat champions in 19 years. The 49ers are 2 1/2-point
favorites on Sunday, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. They’re quite
familiar with that role having been favored to win each game this
season.

DENVER (AP) — A
person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are closing in on adding
Cincinnati Bengals secondary coach Robert Livingston as the defensive
coordinator. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity
because the team has not finalized the hiring. Livingston would take
over for Charles Kelly, who’s now in a similar role at Auburn.
Livingston is set to inherit a Colorado defense that surrendered 34.8
points and 453.3 yards per game in Sanders’ first season in charge.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Led by Colby Rogers' 18 points, the Wichita State Shockers defeated
the UTSA Roadrunners 84-64 on Wednesday night. The Shockers improved
to 10-13 with the win and the Roadrunners fell to 8-15.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)
— Geno Auriemma becomes third Division I coach to win 1,200 games.
Auriemma joined former Duke men’s coach Mike Krzyzewski and
Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer, who received widespread acclaim last
month when she became the winningest coach in college basketball
history. But Auriemma will reach the win plateau in his 39th season.
Krzyzewski coached for 47 years and VanDerveer is in her 45th season
as a head coach.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Tiger Woods has been pointing to Riviera for his 2024 debut. He made
it official with a statement on X saying he looks forward to being a
playing host next week at the Genesis Invitational. The tournament he
hosts is another $20 million signature event. Woods will be playing
on a sponsor exemption. Riviera is among the best courses on tour,
but it has confounded Woods. He has played it 12 times as a pro
without winning, the most of any course on the PGA Tour. Woods hasn't
played a PGA Tour event since the Masters because of ankle surgery.

UNDATED (AP) —
Nick Saban is joining ESPN’s “College GameDay," the
long-running Saturday pregame road show he appeared on as a guest so
frequently during his 17 seasons as Alabama coach. The network
announced Saban will be an on-set analyst for “GameDay,” joining
host Rece Davis and regulars Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond
Howard and Pat McAfee. The 72-year-old Saban retired last month after
28 years as a college head coach. He won seven national
championships, including six with Alabama and one with LSU.

PARIS (AP) — When
they make history at the Paris Games, Olympic medalists will take a
bit of France and its history home, too. A hexagonal, polished piece
of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower is being embedded in the gold,
silver and bronze medals that will be hung around athletes’ necks
at this year’s Summer Games and Paralympics. Games organizers
revealed the design on Thursday. The pieces of the Eiffel Tower each
weigh 18 grams. They were cut from girders and other bits that were
swapped out during renovations of the tower and stored for
safekeeping. Paris jewelry house Chaumet designed the medals and the
Paris Mint is manufacturing 5,084 of them.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Joel Embiid’s timeline to return to the Philadelphia 76ers is still
unclear following knee surgery. His availability this summer for the
U.S. Olympic team is just as murky. Embiid told USA Basketball in
October that, after more than a year of deliberating, he has picked
the Americans over France as his team for the Paris Olympics. USA
Basketball does not plan to name its team until the spring of 2024,
but if healthy, Embiid seemed to have a lock on one of the 12 spots
on the squad that will be coached by Golden State Warriors coach
Steve Kerr. Embiid became a U.S. citizen last year and could have
also chosen to play for France.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics has recommended that
Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add a women’s
wrestling championship. It's a key step to a potential jump from
emerging sport status to an official NCAA championship sport. If
sponsored, the NCAA members in the divisions are expected to vote on
adding the sport during the NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee,
next January. The committee hopes wrestling makes its NCAA
championship debut in winter 2026. The latest sports sponsorship and
participation data shows that more than 70 schools plan to sponsor
the sport for the 2023-24 academic year.

BOSTON (AP) — At
6-foot-11, Scot Pollard’s size helped him play more than a decade
in the NBA and earn him a championship ring with the 2008 Boston
Celtics. Now it may be killing him. Pollard needs a heart transplant
and the already dire predicament is made more difficult by the fact
so few donors can provide him with a pump big and strong enough to
supply blood to his body. He was admitted to intensive care at the
Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will wait there until a
donor surfaces who was big enough to be a match. Pollard said in text
messages to The Associated Press doctors hope it will be a matter of
weeks, not months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702986449520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HENDERSON, Nev. (AP)
— Patrick Mahomes is a different quarterback than he was four years
ago, when the Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in
his first Super Bowl. He’s a different man, for that matter, a dad
of two with different priorities in his life. One thing Mahomes has
learned that has helped with both jobs is patience. That was
especially true on the football field this season, when his wide
receivers dropped more passes than any other team, and the rest of
the Kansas City offense committed more penalties than any team but
one. Yet here is Mahomes, back in the Super Bowl, and playing San
Francisco again on Sunday.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Las Vegas is about to throw its biggest party yet. Doors open Sunday
at Allegiant Stadium for the city's first Super Bowl. Las Vegas is
primed for an estimated 330,000 visitors this week leading up to the
San Francisco 49ers taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. Even the Las
Vegas Strip looks different, with Roman numeral installations
springing up and a towering Vince Lombardi Trophy outside the
Bellagio. One county official says the city's transformation for the
big game proves Las Vegas has arrived as a sports entertainment hub.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The underdog Kansas City Chiefs are playing for history against the
San Francisco 49ers. No team has been the underdog in consecutive
Super Bowls and won both games. The two previous defending champions
to return as an underdog both lost. But the Chiefs have been defying
the odds throughout the postseason. They were underdogs in victories
at Buffalo and Baltimore. Now, they’ve got to do it again to become
the first repeat champions in 19 years. The 49ers are 2 1/2-point
favorites on Sunday, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. They’re quite
familiar with that role having been favored to win each game this
season.DENVER (AP) — A
person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are closing in on adding
Cincinnati Bengals secondary coach Robert Livingston as the defensive
coordinator. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity
because the team has not finalized the hiring. Livingston would take
over for Charles Kelly, who’s now in a similar role at Auburn.
Livingston is set to inherit a Colorado defense that surrendered 34.8
points and 453.3 yards per game in Sanders’ first season in charge.UNDATED (AP) —
College football’s busy recruiting calendar created a particularly
hectic first few weeks on the job for all the head coaches who
switched schools over the last month. Nick Saban's retirement last
month set off a chain reaction that resulted in head coaching changes
at Arizona, Washington and San Jose State as well as Alabama. That
doesn’t even factor in Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan for the NFL’s
Los Angeles Chargers. New coaches had to re-recruit prospects who had
signed to play for a different staff and now were free to look
elsewhere.WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Led by Colby Rogers' 18 points, the Wichita State Shockers defeated
the UTSA Roadrunners 84-64 on Wednesday night. The Shockers improved
to 10-13 with the win and the Roadrunners fell to 8-15.HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)
— Geno Auriemma becomes third Division I coach to win 1,200 games.
Auriemma joined former Duke men’s coach Mike Krzyzewski and
Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer, who received widespread acclaim last
month when she became the winningest coach in college basketball
history. But Auriemma will reach the win plateau in his 39th season.
Krzyzewski coached for 47 years and VanDerveer is in her 45th season
as a head coach.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Tiger Woods has been pointing to Riviera for his 2024 debut. He made
it official with a statement on X saying he looks forward to being a
playing host next week at the Genesis Invitational. The tournament he
hosts is another $20 million signature event. Woods will be playing
on a sponsor exemption. Riviera is among the best courses on tour,
but it has confounded Woods. He has played it 12 times as a pro
without winning, the most of any course on the PGA Tour. Woods hasn't
played a PGA Tour event since the Masters because of ankle surgery.UNDATED (AP) —
Nick Saban is joining ESPN’s “College GameDay," the
long-running Saturday pregame road show he appeared on as a guest so
frequently during his 17 seasons as Alabama coach. The network
announced Saban will be an on-set analyst for “GameDay,” joining
host Rece Davis and regulars Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond
Howard and Pat McAfee. The 72-year-old Saban retired last month after
28 years as a college head coach. He won seven national
championships, including six with Alabama and one with LSU.PARIS (AP) — When
they make history at the Paris Games, Olympic medalists will take a
bit of France and its history home, too. A hexagonal, polished piece
of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower is being embedded in the gold,
silver and bronze medals that will be hung around athletes’ necks
at this year’s Summer Games and Paralympics. Games organizers
revealed the design on Thursday. The pieces of the Eiffel Tower each
weigh 18 grams. They were cut from girders and other bits that were
swapped out during renovations of the tower and stored for
safekeeping. Paris jewelry house Chaumet designed the medals and the
Paris Mint is manufacturing 5,084 of them.PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Joel Embiid’s timeline to return to the Philadelphia 76ers is still
unclear following knee surgery. His availability this summer for the
U.S. Olympic team is just as murky. Embiid told USA Basketball in
October that, after more than a year of deliberating, he has picked
the Americans over France as his team for the Paris Olympics. USA
Basketball does not plan to name its team until the spring of 2024,
but if healthy, Embiid seemed to have a lock on one of the 12 spots
on the squad that will be coached by Golden State Warriors coach
Steve Kerr. Embiid became a U.S. citizen last year and could have
also chosen to play for France.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics has recommended that
Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add a women’s
wrestling championship. It's a key step to a potential jump from
emerging sport status to an official NCAA championship sport. If
sponsored, the NCAA members in the divisions are expected to vote on
adding the sport during the NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee,
next January. The committee hopes wrestling makes its NCAA
championship debut in winter 2026. The latest sports sponsorship and
participation data shows that more than 70 schools plan to sponsor
the sport for the 2023-24 academic year.BOSTON (AP) — At
6-foot-11, Scot Pollard’s size helped him play more than a decade
in the NBA and earn him a championship ring with the 2008 Boston
Celtics. Now it may be killing him. Pollard needs a heart transplant
and the already dire predicament is made more difficult by the fact
so few donors can provide him with a pump big and strong enough to
supply blood to his body. He was admitted to intensive care at the
Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will wait there until a
donor surfaces who was big enough to be a match. Pollard said in text
messages to The Associated Press doctors hope it will be a matter of
weeks, not months.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(6)Tennessee	88	LSU	68	Final	(9)Duke	71	Notre
Dame	53	Final	Michigan	72	(11)Wisconsin	68	Final	(12)Auburn	99	(16)Alabama	81	Final	Providence	91	(19)Creighton	87NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Toronto	123	Charlotte	117	Final	Cleveland	114	Washington	106	Final	Boston	125	Atlanta	117	Final	Miami	116	San
Antonio	104	Final	Golden
State	127	Philadelphia	104	Final	Detroit	133	Sacramento	120	Final	New
Orleans	117	L.A. Clippers	106	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	N-Y
Rangers	3	Tampa Bay	1	Final	Toronto	5	Dallas	4

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck recaps Tuesday night's 42-27 home victory over Dodge City.

- "Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock

<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/f5znx4oi/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck recaps Tuesday night's 42-27 home victory over Dodge City.- "Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day (Listen)

Fresh off a home sweep of McPherson the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will make the short trip to Bethany College on Wednesday, looking for two season sweeps of the Swedes.

Women's Game: KWU (12-10, 10-6) at Bethany (12-10, 10-5)

The Coyotes ended a three-game losing streak against Bethany with a 71-66 victory on December 2 inside Mabee Arena. The schools are 5-5 in the last 10 games, but KWU has a 27-13 advantage since December 2005. The Coyotes were 9-8 during that time.

The Swedes have lost two of their last three but had won five in a row before the skid. Bethany fell to Friends 75-66 Saturday in Wichita but defeated Bethel 89-50 last Wednesday in Lindsborg.

Senior guard R'Manie Pulling is the team's top scorer (12.9) with junior guard Jaden Newfarmer next is (9.1). Lauren Gleason and is the leading rebounder (6.3) followed by Newcomer (6.1). 

The Swedes average 68 points and are shooting 39 percent overall, 29 percent from beyond the 3-point arc, and are committing 17.6 turnovers per game. Opponents average 65 points and shoot 39.4 percent.

Men's Game: KWU (16-6, 13-3) at Bethany (3-18, 2-14)

The Coyotes have won three of the last four and nine of last 12 against Bethany. KWU defeated the Swedes 73-59 December 2 in Mabee Arena in the first game this season. The Coyotes are 21-18 against Bethany since December, 2005 and are 9-9 in Lindsborg during that time.

The Swedes have lost five in a row and 15 of 16. Their last victory was over York 72-70 on January 17 in York, Nebraska. They were beaten by Friends 79-72 Wednesday in Wichita and are just 1-8 at home this season.

Junior guard Maurice Cujo II leads the team in scoring (13.4) and is followed by junior swingman Jamal Frenchwood (10.7) who leads the team in rebounding (6.2). Frenchwood scored 20 against the Coyotes in December. 

The Swedes are getting outrebounded by eight per game and average 16 turnovers. They're scoring 63.5 points per game, allowing 77.3 and are shooting 40.6 percent from the field, 30 percent from beyond the arc.

Both games can be heard locally on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) or online at 910KINA.COM. Tyler Henry will be on the call for both games with pregame beginning at 5:30 on Wednesday

Fresh off a home sweep of McPherson the Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will make the short trip to Bethany College on Wednesday, looking for two season sweeps of the Swedes.Women's Game: KWU (12-10, 10-6) at Bethany (12-10, 10-5)The Coyotes ended a three-game losing streak against Bethany with a 71-66 victory on December 2 inside Mabee Arena. The schools are 5-5 in the last 10 games, but KWU has a 27-13 advantage since December 2005. The Coyotes were 9-8 during that time.The Swedes have lost two of their last three but had won five in a row before the skid. Bethany fell to Friends 75-66 Saturday in Wichita but defeated Bethel 89-50 last Wednesday in Lindsborg.Senior guard R'Manie Pulling is the team's top scorer (12.9) with junior guard Jaden Newfarmer next is (9.1). Lauren Gleason and is the leading rebounder (6.3) followed by Newcomer (6.1). The Swedes average 68 points and are shooting 39 percent overall, 29 percent from beyond the 3-point arc, and are committing 17.6 turnovers per game. Opponents average 65 points and shoot 39.4 percent.Men's Game: KWU (16-6, 13-3) at Bethany (3-18, 2-14)The Coyotes have won three of the last four and nine of last 12 against Bethany. KWU defeated the Swedes 73-59 December 2 in Mabee Arena in the first game this season. The Coyotes are 21-18 against Bethany since December, 2005 and are 9-9 in Lindsborg during that time.The Swedes have lost five in a row and 15 of 16. Their last victory was over York 72-70 on January 17 in York, Nebraska. They were beaten by Friends 79-72 Wednesday in Wichita and are just 1-8 at home this season.Junior guard Maurice Cujo II leads the team in scoring (13.4) and is followed by junior swingman Jamal Frenchwood (10.7) who leads the team in rebounding (6.2). Frenchwood scored 20 against the Coyotes in December. The Swedes are getting outrebounded by eight per game and average 16 turnovers. They're scoring 63.5 points per game, allowing 77.3 and are shooting 40.6 percent from the field, 30 percent from beyond the arc.Broadcast InformationBoth games can be heard locally on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) or online at 910KINA.COM. Tyler Henry will be on the call for both games with pregame beginning at 5:30 on Wednesday

Coyotes Travel to Lindsborg to Battle Bethany

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be without three key players when they play the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney appeared to get into a dispute with Chiefs management about a hip injury that sidelined him for six games, going on Instagram to say he didn't receive the proper injury designation for the AFC championship game at Baltimore on Jan. 28.

But he told NFL Network on Monday that his expletive-filled rant was aimed at a New York Giants fan and not the Chiefs and called his outburst a mistake.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn't commit Tuesday to playing Toney, opening the way for a potential healthy scratch.

“We'll see how that goes,” Reid said. “He's been practicing, and we'll see whether he's up or not.”

Also, Reid wasn't optimistic running back Jerick McKinnon or guard Joe Thuney would play.

McKinnon has been on injured reserve since Dec. 24 with a groin injury and hasn't practiced.

“It's slim for him to be out there,” Reid said.

Thuney didn't play against the Ravens because of a pectoral injury.

“It's strength and making sure that he's in a position that he doesn't get hurt worse than what he's got,” Reid said. “We'll see (whether Thuney practices). I think it's a long shot.”

49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks called out his unit last week for not playing hard on every play of their 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship game.

“That's something that never needs to be coached,” Gipson said. "That's something that never needs to be addressed. This is the National Football League. You're here on the biggest stage. Those plays are unacceptable. Led to two touchdowns.

“That film (session) was hard. Obviously, you had to see that. You had to hear some choice words. But that's not our brand of football. We're a lot better football team than that, so it's not something I'm worried about moving forward.”

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said lack of effort was an issue, but there were other problems the Niners had in trying to stop Detroit's running attack in the first half. The Lions rushed for 148 yards in the first 30 minutes, but only 34 after that.

“When you play an eight-man front, it just takes one guy to out of the gap for there to be only one (defender) left,” Shanahan said. “That's stuff we've got to do a lot better at.”

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt was at a function about a week ago when a woman in her mid-20s approached him. She explained that she was never a football fan, even though everyone else in her family was a Dallas Cowboys diehard, but that as a devoted Swiftie, she keenly followed pop superstar Taylor Swift's every move.

Naturally, that means she now keenly follows the Chiefs.

Ever since the 14-time Grammy-winning songstress began dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce last year, the franchise has seen a noticeable growth among fans in what Hunt called “that young female demographic.” They are driving up TV ratings for games, buying merchandise and apparel by the truckload, and throwing their lot into a team some of them knew nothing about.

“There's no doubt that her being a fan has put more intense focus on the team than we would have had otherwise, and has opened up the fanbase to a whole new demographic that we really didn't have,” Hunt told a small group of reporters on Tuesday.

“Having Taylor as a Chiefs fan is very unique,” Hunt added. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I frequently have dads come up to me and say, ‘My 10-to-12-year-old daughters never used to watch football, but now they tell me any time the Chiefs are playing to tell them, so they can come and watch.'”

All those Swifties will no doubt be watching the Super Bowl. Swift is expected to make a mad dash from Tokyo, where she will be performing on her Eras Tour the previous night, across the Pacific so that she can arrive in Las Vegas in time for kickoff.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark, the reigning women's college basketball player of the year, continues to sell out arenas at home and on the road as she chases the NCAA Division I scoring record.

Her brother was the backup quarterback at rival Iowa State to 49ers second-year starter Brock Purdy. Blake Clark will be the best man in Purdy's upcoming wedding.

“Caitlin, I wasn’t around as much, but obviously just through Blake, we’d always watch her,” Purdy said. “What a baller she was from day one. Obviously, even high school. We knew that she was going to be a game changer. To see her now, just absolutely killing it, couldn’t be happier for her.”

Clark is 66 points from breaking the NCAA record of 3,527 held by former Washington star and current Las Vegas Aces All-Star Kelsey Plum.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be without three key players when they play the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl.Wide receiver Kadarius Toney appeared to get into a dispute with Chiefs management about a hip injury that sidelined him for six games, going on Instagram to say he didn't receive the proper injury designation for the AFC championship game at Baltimore on Jan. 28.But he told NFL Network on Monday that his expletive-filled rant was aimed at a New York Giants fan and not the Chiefs and called his outburst a mistake.Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn't commit Tuesday to playing Toney, opening the way for a potential healthy scratch.“We'll see how that goes,” Reid said. “He's been practicing, and we'll see whether he's up or not.”Also, Reid wasn't optimistic running back Jerick McKinnon or guard Joe Thuney would play.McKinnon has been on injured reserve since Dec. 24 with a groin injury and hasn't practiced.“It's slim for him to be out there,” Reid said.Thuney didn't play against the Ravens because of a pectoral injury.“It's strength and making sure that he's in a position that he doesn't get hurt worse than what he's got,” Reid said. “We'll see (whether Thuney practices). I think it's a long shot.”GOING ALL OUT49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks called out his unit last week for not playing hard on every play of their 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship game.Safety Tashaun Gipson agreed.“That's something that never needs to be coached,” Gipson said. "That's something that never needs to be addressed. This is the National Football League. You're here on the biggest stage. Those plays are unacceptable. Led to two touchdowns.“That film (session) was hard. Obviously, you had to see that. You had to hear some choice words. But that's not our brand of football. We're a lot better football team than that, so it's not something I'm worried about moving forward.”San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said lack of effort was an issue, but there were other problems the Niners had in trying to stop Detroit's running attack in the first half. The Lions rushed for 148 yards in the first 30 minutes, but only 34 after that.“When you play an eight-man front, it just takes one guy to out of the gap for there to be only one (defender) left,” Shanahan said. “That's stuff we've got to do a lot better at.”EXPANDING CHIEFS FAN BASEChiefs owner Clark Hunt was at a function about a week ago when a woman in her mid-20s approached him. She explained that she was never a football fan, even though everyone else in her family was a Dallas Cowboys diehard, but that as a devoted Swiftie, she keenly followed pop superstar Taylor Swift's every move.Naturally, that means she now keenly follows the Chiefs.Ever since the 14-time Grammy-winning songstress began dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce last year, the franchise has seen a noticeable growth among fans in what Hunt called “that young female demographic.” They are driving up TV ratings for games, buying merchandise and apparel by the truckload, and throwing their lot into a team some of them knew nothing about.“There's no doubt that her being a fan has put more intense focus on the team than we would have had otherwise, and has opened up the fanbase to a whole new demographic that we really didn't have,” Hunt told a small group of reporters on Tuesday.“Having Taylor as a Chiefs fan is very unique,” Hunt added. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I frequently have dads come up to me and say, ‘My 10-to-12-year-old daughters never used to watch football, but now they tell me any time the Chiefs are playing to tell them, so they can come and watch.'”All those Swifties will no doubt be watching the Super Bowl. Swift is expected to make a mad dash from Tokyo, where she will be performing on her Eras Tour the previous night, across the Pacific so that she can arrive in Las Vegas in time for kickoff.MORE FEMALE STAR POWERIowa's Caitlin Clark, the reigning women's college basketball player of the year, continues to sell out arenas at home and on the road as she chases the NCAA Division I scoring record.Her brother was the backup quarterback at rival Iowa State to 49ers second-year starter Brock Purdy. Blake Clark will be the best man in Purdy's upcoming wedding.“Caitlin, I wasn’t around as much, but obviously just through Blake, we’d always watch her,” Purdy said. “What a baller she was from day one. Obviously, even high school. We knew that she was going to be a game changer. To see her now, just absolutely killing it, couldn’t be happier for her.”Clark is 66 points from breaking the NCAA record of 3,527 held by former Washington star and current Las Vegas Aces All-Star Kelsey Plum.

Chiefs will likely be short-handed when they play 49ers in the Super Bowl

Blue Valley Randolph 71, Washington County 47

Chase County 52, Marais des Cygnes Valley 39

Cunningham 66, Hutchinson Central Christian 58

Douglass 44, Wichita Central Christian 28

Maur Hill - Mount Academy 67, Oskaloosa 38

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 53, Riverton 44

Tyro Community Christian 66, Chanute Christian 26

Blue Valley Randolph 50, Washington County 46

Tuesday AP Boys Scores Abilene 61, Concordia 32Alma, Neb. 56, Northern Valley 51, OTAndover 66, Arkansas City 37Andover Central 52, Salina Central 43Atchison 83, KC Wyandotte 39Axtell 61, Pawnee City, Neb. 57Baldwin 58, Paola 31Basehor-Linwood 60, KC Piper 18Beloit 45, Southeast of Saline 28Bishop Seabury 73, Heritage Christian 58Blue Valley Randolph 71, Washington County 47Caney Valley 73, Cherryvale 16Centralia 71, St Marys 59Chase County 52, Marais des Cygnes Valley 39Cheylin 62, Rawlins County 44Circle 75, Wellington 45Clifton-Clyde 58, Hanover 36Council Grove 60, Eureka 33Cunningham 66, Hutchinson Central Christian 58De Soto 39, Leavenworth 13Deerfield 55, Pawnee Heights 46Derby 72, Salina South 47Doniphan West 50, Onaga 33Douglass 44, Wichita Central Christian 28El Dorado 58, Winfield 51Ellis 66, Ness City 63Elyria Christian 66, Goessel 19Emporia 50, Topeka Hayden 24Erie 72, Jayhawk Linn 29Fredonia 55, Bluestem 23Garden City 60, Liberal 47Garden Plain 59, Wichita Independent 56Goodland 67, Colby 44Great Bend 72, Dodge City 59Hays-TMP-Marian 38, Russell 35Hesston 64, Halstead 30Highland Park 77, KC Schlagle 33Hoisington 50, Smoky Valley 46Holton 50, Jefferson West 40Howard West Elk 52, Udall 36Hugoton 65, Cimarron 18Humboldt 50, Neodesha 40Junction City 63, Washburn Rural 55La Crosse 93, Chase 23Lawrence 62, SM South 60Lincoln 64, Southern Cloud 26Linn 54, Valley Heights 53, OTLittle River 45, Canton-Galva 31Logan 62, Thunder Ridge 24Louisburg 45, Tonganoxie 40Lyndon 67, Lebo 55Lyons 49, Nickerson 37Macksville 62, Kinsley 33Manhattan 61, Topeka 53Marysville 55, Rock Creek 39Maur Hill - Mount Academy 67, Oskaloosa 38Mill Valley 51, Olathe Northwest 46Minneola 52, Ingalls 47Mulvane 61, Andale 52Norton 45, Oberlin-Decatur 38Olathe South 58, Lawrence Free State 27Olathe West 80, SM North 52Osborne 69, Pike Valley 42Ottawa 50, Eudora 45Parsons 72, Labette County 65Perry-Lecompton 66, Royal Valley 34Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 53, Riverton 44Pratt 36, Haven 29Rose Hill 52, Augusta 48SM East 76, Olathe East 64Sabetha 44, Nemaha Central 41Satanta 79, Moscow 25Scott City 47, Lakin 36Shawnee Heights 58, Topeka West 30Southeast 50, Oswego 42St Paul 64, Yates Center 47Stanton County 71, Springfield, Colo. 54Sublette 53, Southwestern Hts. 44Topeka Seaman 60, KC Turner 31Tyro Community Christian 66, Chanute Christian 26Wamego 65, Chapman 52Wellsville 84, Burlington 58Weskan 67, Bethune, Colo. 22Wichita Classical 55, Waverly 50Wichita Heights 74, Wichita South 43Tuesday AP Girls ScoresAndover 51, Arkansas City 24Andover Central 41, Salina Central 40Atchison 56, KC Wyandotte 17Baldwin 61, Paola 35Beloit 45, Southeast of Saline 37Berean Academy 39, Remington 31Bethune, Colo. 43, Weskan 22Bishop Miege 47, BV Northwest 40Blue Valley Randolph 50, Washington County 46Centralia 47, St Marys 41Chapman 45, Wamego 33Concordia 49, Abilene 37De Soto 52, Leavenworth 37Derby 58, Salina South 37Doniphan West 66, Onaga 34Emporia 44, Topeka Hayden 32Fredonia 40, Bluestem 39Girard 69, Columbus 50Goodland 35, Colby 34Great Bend 42, Dodge City 27Halstead 49, Hesston 40Hanover 57, Clifton-Clyde 44Hays 44, McPherson 41Holton 49, Jefferson West 35Hutchinson 37, Goddard-Eisenhower 31Hutchinson Central Christian 43, Cunningham 27Jayhawk Linn 29, Erie 28La Crosse 76, Chase 20Lakin 41, Scott City 38Lebo 58, Lyndon 12Liberal 64, Garden City 28Lincoln 48, Southern Cloud 27Little River 72, Canton-Galva 28Louisburg 40, Tonganoxie 39Manhattan 55, Topeka 21Marysville 49, Rock Creek 46Maur Hill - Mount Academy 51, Oskaloosa 38Minneapolis 54, Ellsworth 31Norton 36, Oberlin-Decatur 23Norwich 58, Stafford 31Olathe Northwest 45, Mill Valley 38Olpe 62, Fairfield 23Osage City 53, Rossville 50Osborne 60, Pike Valley 26Ottawa 49, Eudora 47Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 52, Riverton 26Riverside 36, Hiawatha 25Rose Hill 42, Augusta 33SM East 46, Olathe East 34SM South 69, Lawrence 28Satanta 57, Moscow 32Shawnee Heights 65, Topeka West 48Southwestern Hts. 55, Sublette 25St. Thomas Aquinas 74, BV North 50Thunder Ridge 45, Logan 37Udall 45, Howard West Elk 33Uniontown 38, Pleasanton 10Valley Heights 47, Linn 40Washburn Rural 49, Junction City 11Wellington 66, Circle 22Wellsville 43, Burlington 29Wichita Bishop Carroll 62, Wichita West 2Wichita Central Christian 41, Douglass 38Wichita Classical 41, Waverly 38Wichita County 62, Dighton 32

Tuesday Statewide Scores

Great Bend Boys 72 Dodge City 59; Great Bend Girls 42 Dodge City 27

1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Venture Corporation, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Mpire Reality, Nex-Tech, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Damm Pipe Testing, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Comfort Pro, Haz Mat Response, American Plains Co-op, Marmie Auto Group, Sutherlands, Stone Sand Company &amp; Stone Waste Management, S&amp;J Trucking, Schroeder Homes &amp; Remodeling, Unruh Brothers Trash Service, Great Bend Pizza Hut, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, Beugelsdijk Chiropractic, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, People's Bank &amp; Trust, The Fieldhouse, Great Bend Rec, Insurance Planning, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, USD 428, Scott's Welding, University of Kansas Health Systems, Edward Jones Financial Services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Boys 72 Dodge City 59; Great Bend Girls 42 Dodge City 27<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ulfc1jh0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Venture Corporation, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Mpire Reality, Nex-Tech, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Damm Pipe Testing, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Comfort Pro, Haz Mat Response, American Plains Co-op, Marmie Auto Group, Sutherlands, Stone Sand Company &amp; Stone Waste Management, S&amp;J Trucking, Schroeder Homes &amp; Remodeling, Unruh Brothers Trash Service, Great Bend Pizza Hut, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, Beugelsdijk Chiropractic, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, People's Bank &amp; Trust, The Fieldhouse, Great Bend Rec, Insurance Planning, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, USD 428, Scott's Welding, University of Kansas Health Systems, Edward Jones Financial Services.

Hoisington Boys 50 Smoky Valley 46; Smoky Valley Girls 54 Hoisington 49

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington Boys 50 Smoky Valley 46; Smoky Valley Girls 54 Hoisington 49<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ka0x2nuo/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Donald E. Reif Jr., Attorney at Law, Superior Essex, Cardinal Pharmacy, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, H &amp; D Exploration, Central Chiropractic, Equity Bank, K &amp; L Fencing, Keenan Law Firm, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Clara Barton Medical Center, Barton Community College, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock, Rosenburg Family Dentistry, Farmers Insurance, the Matt Delong Agency and Ehler Chevrolet

Hillsboro Boys 52 Larned 36; Hillsboro Girls 57 Larned 20

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hillsboro Boys 52 Larned 36; Hillsboro Girls 57 Larned 20<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/mdlrpxe0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by Progressive Therapy and Sports Medicine, Barton Community College, Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, Pawnee County CO-OP, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Eakin Concrete/Santa Fe Liquor Mart, H and H Roofing, Fusion Bank, Beckwith Mortuary, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Leigh Ann Seeman agent, Carr Auction and Real Estate, Smith Dental, Ike Shaver Plumbing, Heart of Kansas Medical Center, Equity Bank Clock Reality and Insurance, Frick Veterinary Service, Pawnee Plaza, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Doerrs Ace Hardware and USD 495.&nbsp;

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The Chiefs are underdogs heading into the Super Bowl against San
Francisco, a situation they have rarely experienced in the six years
that Patrick Mahomes has been their starting quarterback. But it
turns out they kind of like it. They no longer have to manufacture a
chip on their shoulder, instead relishing the opportunity to prove
naysayers wrong. That was the case when they beat Buffalo in the
divisional round, and again when they beat Baltimore in the AFC title
game. On Sunday in Las Vegas, they will try to become the sixth team
since 2000 to win the Super Bowl as underdogs in their last three
games.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Minutes after the San Francisco 49ers finished off a stunning
comeback to win the NFC championship, star defender Nick Bosa pulled
aside quarterback Brock Purdy and marveled at his journey. Purdy has
undergone a meteoric rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick
of the 2022 draft to MVP finalist and starting quarterback in the
Super Bowl in a span of less than 22 months. It’s been one of the
most improbable draft success stories in recent memories and seems to
shock just about everyone other than Purdy, who had the steadfast
confidence that he could make it as long as someone gave him a
chance.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Jamal Shead scored 23 points, Emanuel Sharp added 16 points and No. 5
Houston beat Oklahoma State 79-63. The Cougars played most of the
second half without coach Kelvin Sampson, who got two technical fouls
and was ejected with 15:08 remaining. Sampson stormed to the other
end of the court and started yelling at the officials for not calling
fouls against Oklahoma State. Shead had 17 points in the first half
as Houston built a 40-21 halftime lead. Javon Small scored 18 points
and John-Michael Wright added 13 points for Oklahoma State.

WACO, Texas (AP) —
RayJ Dennis scored 21 points, 7-foot Baylor freshman Yves Missi had
17 points with some impressive dunks, and the 13th-ranked Bears beat
No. 23 Texas Tech 79-73. It was the Red Raiders' third consecutive
loss. Jayden Nunn added 14 points for the 17-5 Bears, including seven
in the 13-0 run that put them ahead to stay. Joe Toussaint had 18
points and six assists for 16-6 Texas Tech.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Javian McCollum scored 20 points, including 15 in the second half,
and Oklahoma beat No. 21 BYU 82-66 on Tuesday night. Milos Uzan had
16 points and Rivaldo Soares added 12 for Oklahoma, which dropped out
of the AP Top 25 for the first time in 10 weeks on Monday. Fousseyni
Traore led BYU with 21 points and Dallin Hall finished with 17 for
the Cougars, who had won two straight. McCollum converted six free
throws down the stretch and made a 3-pointer with 46 seconds
remaining to seal the win for the Sooners.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Milan Momcilovic scored 13 points and No. 14 Iowa State held off a
furious Texas rally over the final 10 minutes to earn a 70-65 win.
The Cyclones led by 18 points in the second half only to see Texas
claw its way back behind Dylan Disu, who scored 28 points, including
16 in a row in the second half. Iowa State closed out the win on
Tamin Lipsey's 3-pointer and a dunk by Tre King with 15 seconds left.

WACO, Texas (AP) —
The Big 12 has fined Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades $25,000
for his criticism of officials after the 13th-ranked Bears’ victory
over Iowa State when coach Scott Drew was ejected for getting two
technical fouls. Rhoades was also given a public reprimand Tuesday.
That and the fine were in accordance to Big 12 sportsmanship
policies. Drew was ejected for the first time in his 21 seasons as
Baylor’s coach with about 11 1/2 minutes left in Saturday’s 70-68
win. The Bears bench was assessed another technical right after that.
Rhoades, after the game, called the officiating an embarrassment for
the league.

UNDATED (AP) — A
judge has kept in place NCAA rules prohibiting name, image and
likeness compensation being used as a recruiting inducement, denying
a request for a temporary restraining order by the states of
Tennessee and Virginia. The attorneys general of those states filed a
federal antitrust lawsuit in the Eastern District of Tennessee last
week that challenged the NCAA’s NIL rules, after it was revealed
the University of Tennessee was under investigation by the
association for potential infractions. The states argued that
immediate action was needed to keep the NCAA from standing in the way
of recruits monetizing their fame.

UNDATED (AP) —
ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans on Tuesday to
launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include
offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional
sports leagues. A one-stop app to view most sports should be a
welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by
subscribing to multiple services. The three companies will each share
one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and
pricing will be announced at a later date.

UNDATED (AP) —
José Altuve and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $125 million,
five-year contract that covers 2025-29. Houston announced a new
multiyear deal for Altuve on Tuesday without disclosing financial
details. Altuve has a $26 million salary for 2024 in the final season
of a $163.5 million, seven-year deal. The eight-time All-Star second
baseman would have been eligible for free agency after this year’s
World Series. His new agreement includes a $15 million signing bonus,
payable upon the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball, a
person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person
spoke on condition of anonymity because those details were not
announced.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.
(AP) — The obnoxious money ruining golf was sure to create trust
issues with the leadership. That hasn't gone away even after the PGA
Tour got a $3 billion deal with a minority investor. But now it might
be a question of who needs to regain trust. One is PGA Tour
Commissioner Jay Monahan. The other is Rory McIlroy. McIlroy was once
the loudest critic of LIV Golf. Now he has come full circle and
players aren't sure what to make of him. McIlroy raised eyebrows at
Pebble Beach by saying LIV players should be able to return to the
PGA Tour without any punishment.

BOSTON (AP) — A
ruling that gives the Dartmouth basketball team the right to unionize
has far-reaching implications for all of college sports — from the
quaint, academically oriented Ivy League to the big-money football
factories like Michigan and Alabama. But it’s not time to cut down
the nets just yet. Although Monday’s ruling by a National Labor
Relations Board official put the players on the path toward a union,
they have a long way to go. It could be years before they are able to
sit down with the school and negotiate a collective bargaining
agreement. Only then would the two sides sit down and decide what the
players are worth. And others around collegiate sports will be
watching.

Final	(15)South
Carolina	68	Mississippi	65	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702986449520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) —
The Chiefs are underdogs heading into the Super Bowl against San
Francisco, a situation they have rarely experienced in the six years
that Patrick Mahomes has been their starting quarterback. But it
turns out they kind of like it. They no longer have to manufacture a
chip on their shoulder, instead relishing the opportunity to prove
naysayers wrong. That was the case when they beat Buffalo in the
divisional round, and again when they beat Baltimore in the AFC title
game. On Sunday in Las Vegas, they will try to become the sixth team
since 2000 to win the Super Bowl as underdogs in their last three
games.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Minutes after the San Francisco 49ers finished off a stunning
comeback to win the NFC championship, star defender Nick Bosa pulled
aside quarterback Brock Purdy and marveled at his journey. Purdy has
undergone a meteoric rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick
of the 2022 draft to MVP finalist and starting quarterback in the
Super Bowl in a span of less than 22 months. It’s been one of the
most improbable draft success stories in recent memories and seems to
shock just about everyone other than Purdy, who had the steadfast
confidence that he could make it as long as someone gave him a
chance.HOUSTON (AP) —
Jamal Shead scored 23 points, Emanuel Sharp added 16 points and No. 5
Houston beat Oklahoma State 79-63. The Cougars played most of the
second half without coach Kelvin Sampson, who got two technical fouls
and was ejected with 15:08 remaining. Sampson stormed to the other
end of the court and started yelling at the officials for not calling
fouls against Oklahoma State. Shead had 17 points in the first half
as Houston built a 40-21 halftime lead. Javon Small scored 18 points
and John-Michael Wright added 13 points for Oklahoma State.WACO, Texas (AP) —
RayJ Dennis scored 21 points, 7-foot Baylor freshman Yves Missi had
17 points with some impressive dunks, and the 13th-ranked Bears beat
No. 23 Texas Tech 79-73. It was the Red Raiders' third consecutive
loss. Jayden Nunn added 14 points for the 17-5 Bears, including seven
in the 13-0 run that put them ahead to stay. Joe Toussaint had 18
points and six assists for 16-6 Texas Tech.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Javian McCollum scored 20 points, including 15 in the second half,
and Oklahoma beat No. 21 BYU 82-66 on Tuesday night. Milos Uzan had
16 points and Rivaldo Soares added 12 for Oklahoma, which dropped out
of the AP Top 25 for the first time in 10 weeks on Monday. Fousseyni
Traore led BYU with 21 points and Dallin Hall finished with 17 for
the Cougars, who had won two straight. McCollum converted six free
throws down the stretch and made a 3-pointer with 46 seconds
remaining to seal the win for the Sooners.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Milan Momcilovic scored 13 points and No. 14 Iowa State held off a
furious Texas rally over the final 10 minutes to earn a 70-65 win.
The Cyclones led by 18 points in the second half only to see Texas
claw its way back behind Dylan Disu, who scored 28 points, including
16 in a row in the second half. Iowa State closed out the win on
Tamin Lipsey's 3-pointer and a dunk by Tre King with 15 seconds left.WACO, Texas (AP) —
The Big 12 has fined Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades $25,000
for his criticism of officials after the 13th-ranked Bears’ victory
over Iowa State when coach Scott Drew was ejected for getting two
technical fouls. Rhoades was also given a public reprimand Tuesday.
That and the fine were in accordance to Big 12 sportsmanship
policies. Drew was ejected for the first time in his 21 seasons as
Baylor’s coach with about 11 1/2 minutes left in Saturday’s 70-68
win. The Bears bench was assessed another technical right after that.
Rhoades, after the game, called the officiating an embarrassment for
the league.UNDATED (AP) — A
judge has kept in place NCAA rules prohibiting name, image and
likeness compensation being used as a recruiting inducement, denying
a request for a temporary restraining order by the states of
Tennessee and Virginia. The attorneys general of those states filed a
federal antitrust lawsuit in the Eastern District of Tennessee last
week that challenged the NCAA’s NIL rules, after it was revealed
the University of Tennessee was under investigation by the
association for potential infractions. The states argued that
immediate action was needed to keep the NCAA from standing in the way
of recruits monetizing their fame.UNDATED (AP) —
ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans on Tuesday to
launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include
offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional
sports leagues. A one-stop app to view most sports should be a
welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by
subscribing to multiple services. The three companies will each share
one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and
pricing will be announced at a later date.UNDATED (AP) —
José Altuve and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $125 million,
five-year contract that covers 2025-29. Houston announced a new
multiyear deal for Altuve on Tuesday without disclosing financial
details. Altuve has a $26 million salary for 2024 in the final season
of a $163.5 million, seven-year deal. The eight-time All-Star second
baseman would have been eligible for free agency after this year’s
World Series. His new agreement includes a $15 million signing bonus,
payable upon the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball, a
person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person
spoke on condition of anonymity because those details were not
announced.PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.
(AP) — The obnoxious money ruining golf was sure to create trust
issues with the leadership. That hasn't gone away even after the PGA
Tour got a $3 billion deal with a minority investor. But now it might
be a question of who needs to regain trust. One is PGA Tour
Commissioner Jay Monahan. The other is Rory McIlroy. McIlroy was once
the loudest critic of LIV Golf. Now he has come full circle and
players aren't sure what to make of him. McIlroy raised eyebrows at
Pebble Beach by saying LIV players should be able to return to the
PGA Tour without any punishment.BOSTON (AP) — A
ruling that gives the Dartmouth basketball team the right to unionize
has far-reaching implications for all of college sports — from the
quaint, academically oriented Ivy League to the big-money football
factories like Michigan and Alabama. But it’s not time to cut down
the nets just yet. Although Monday’s ruling by a National Labor
Relations Board official put the players on the path toward a union,
they have a long way to go. It could be years before they are able to
sit down with the school and negotiate a collective bargaining
agreement. Only then would the two sides sit down and decide what the
players are worth. And others around collegiate sports will be
watching.TUESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(1)UConn	71	Butler	62	Final	Clemson	80	(3)North
Carolina	76	Final	(5)Houston	79	Oklahoma
St.	63	Final	(13)Baylor	79	(23)Texas
Tech	73	Final	(14)Iowa
St.	70	Texas	65	Final	(15)South
Carolina	68	Mississippi	65	Final	(17)Kentucky	109	Vanderbilt	77	Final	(18)Dayton	94	Saint
Joseph's	79	Final	Oklahoma	82	(21)BYU	66	Final	Nevada	77	(22)Utah
St.	63	Final	(24)San Diego
St.	77	Air Force	64	Final	(25)New
Mexico	91	Wyoming	73NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	132	Houston	129	Final	New
York	123	Memphis	113	Final	Miami	121	Orlando	95	Final	Dallas	119	Brooklyn	107	Final
OT	Chicago	129	Minnesota	123	Final	Utah	124	Oklahoma
City	117	Final	Phoenix	114	Milwaukee	106	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Vancouver	3	Carolina	2	Final	Philadelphia	2	Florida	1	Final	Pittsburgh	3	Winnipeg	0	Final	Montreal	5	Washington	2	Final	Calgary	4	Boston	1	Final	Dallas	2	Buffalo	1	Final	New
Jersey	5	Colorado	3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman remembers hanging along the fence at spring training in Arizona back in 2020, shortly after he had purchased the club from David Glass, and watching top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. rip line drives to every part of the field.

Sherman had a suspicion even then that he was watching something special.

Over the next few years, Witt shot through the minors like one of those hard-hit line drives. He made his big league debut in 2022 and hit 20 homers and stole 30 bases. And he followed with a sophomore season to remember, finishing seventh in MVP voting while doing things last year that put him on rarified lists alongside Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.

Now, Witt will be doing those things in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.

The Royals officially signed the 23-year-old shortstop to a mammoth 11-year deal worth more than $288.7 million guaranteed on Tuesday, easily the longest and richest contract in club history. It includes a three-year, $89 million team option that would drive the value to more than $377 million and keep Witt with the Royals through the 2037 season.

“We wanted to get this done before the season, and ideally before spring training, and this was the time to do it,” Sherman said during a news conference at Kauffman Stadium. “It's really, really hard to draft and develop generational talent in this business, and it's even harder to keep them in the same uniform, and that's what this is really all about.”

The Royals approached Witt about a long-term deal last September, when he had just wrapped up a season that proved he could be the cornerstone of a rebuilding effort for a 106-loss team. The negotiations began in earnest during the winter meetings, and some creativity from both sides allowed them to find a middle ground this past weekend.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman remembers hanging along the fence at spring training in Arizona back in 2020, shortly after he had purchased the club from David Glass, and watching top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. rip line drives to every part of the field.Sherman had a suspicion even then that he was watching something special.Over the next few years, Witt shot through the minors like one of those hard-hit line drives. He made his big league debut in 2022 and hit 20 homers and stole 30 bases. And he followed with a sophomore season to remember, finishing seventh in MVP voting while doing things last year that put him on rarified lists alongside Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.Now, Witt will be doing those things in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.The Royals officially signed the 23-year-old shortstop to a mammoth 11-year deal worth more than $288.7 million guaranteed on Tuesday, easily the longest and richest contract in club history. It includes a three-year, $89 million team option that would drive the value to more than $377 million and keep Witt with the Royals through the 2037 season.“We wanted to get this done before the season, and ideally before spring training, and this was the time to do it,” Sherman said during a news conference at Kauffman Stadium. “It's really, really hard to draft and develop generational talent in this business, and it's even harder to keep them in the same uniform, and that's what this is really all about.”The Royals approached Witt about a long-term deal last September, when he had just wrapped up a season that proved he could be the cornerstone of a rebuilding effort for a 106-loss team. The negotiations began in earnest during the winter meetings, and some creativity from both sides allowed them to find a middle ground this past weekend.Witt's deal riffs on his lucky No. 7 jersey by including a signing bonus of $7,777,777, payable in seven installments, with the first within 60 days of the contract’s approval by the commissioner’s office. Witt will receive $2 million this year, then in the three years he would have been eligible for arbitration: $7 million in 2025, $13 million in 2026 and $19 million in 2027. Witt will then earn $30 million in 2028 and $35 million each of the next two years.Then there is some flexibility built into the contract: Witt has four player options at $35 million annually from 2031-34, giving him the chance to redo his deal with Kansas City or test free agency. The Royals' three-year team option follows and would pay $33 million in 2035 and $28 million each in 2036 and the concluding year.If all the options are included, Witt would be 37 by the time the contract expires.“It's been amazing, all the text messages I was getting — seeing, ‘Breaking News!’ and it was me,'” Witt said. "It was pretty special to see the text messages from the guys; the one from Patrick Mahomes is pretty cool. And just the support from around the city.“We were out at fanfest this past weekend,” Witt recalled, “and they were like, ‘When are you going to get that contract done? We want you in Kansas City forever.’ So it was special to see all that support and all of that love."The contract, and the offseason in general, represents a seismic shift for a notoriously frugal, small-market ballclub.The Royals’ previous record contract was a four-year, $82 million deal given to All-Star catcher Salvador Perez. Yet over the past few months, they have committed more than $100 million to free agents, almost completely revamping their starting rotation and destitute bullpen while adding Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier to fill out the depth chart.Those deals will not only help Kansas City compete in a wide open AL Central but were important to Witt's negotiation.“We needed to make some moves,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo admitted. "Going back to the September meeting, the most important thing to Bobby was being in a place he thought he could win. That was the No. 1 message we took out of that.“When you're as talented as he is,” Picollo said, “the finances will take care of themselves. But he was talking about the culture of winning. That really resonated with John and me, and was probably the driving factor when we got to the finish line that we had done some things that showed we wanted to win.”The Royals also are trying to show voters in Jackson County, Missouri, that they want to win. The voters will cast ballots in April on a referendum to extend a sales tax that would help to pay for a new billion-dollar-plus downtown ballpark.The Royals' aim has been to move into the new stadium in time for opening day of the 2028 season.Witt should be there. And for many years afterward.