KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will be missing three major contributors on offense because of injuries when they play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. The Chiefs ruled out embattled wide receiver Kadarius Toney with a hip injury, third-down running back Jerick McKinnon because of a groin injury and left tackle Donovan Smith with a neck injury. Running back Isiah Pacheco returns from a shoulder injury for Kansas City. The Raiders hope to have their own running back, Josh Jacobs, back from a quad injury in a must-win game for Las Vegas' slim playoff hopes.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns, Tyler Bass made a 29-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining, and the Buffalo Bills escaped with a 24-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers to improve their playoff chances. Allen ran for two TDs and threw for one, becoming the first player in NFL history with four consecutive seasons with 40 combined touchdowns. Bass’ go-ahead kick capped a 13-play, 64-yard drive that included Allen’s 15-yard completion to Khalil Shakir on third down. The Bills have won four of five to improve to 9-6. Buffalo turned the ball over three times to keep the short-handed Chargers in the game in their first outing under interim coach Giff Smith.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mason Rudolph and George Pickens connected for two long touchdowns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 34-11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph threw for 290 yards while starting in place of the injured Kenny Pickett and the ineffective Mitch Trubisky. Pickens finished with four receptions for 195 yards as the Steelers snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 8-7. Jake Browning passed for 335 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times as the Bengals fell to 8-7.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets must pay a record luxury tax of nearly $101 million after a fourth-place finish in their division, among an unprecedented eight teams that owe the penalty for the 2023 season. Owner Steve Cohen’s Mets finished with a tax payroll of $374.7 million, according to figures finalized by Major League Baseball on Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press. Other teams owing tax money are San Diego, the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, Toronto, Atlanta and World Series champion Texas. The Blue Jays, Braves and Rangers are paying tax for the first time.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 22 of his 29 points in the first half and West Virginia blew most of an 18-point lead before holding on to beat Toledo 91-81. Quinn Slazinski had 14 points for West Virginia, Kerr Kriisa added 12 points and 10 assists and Noah Farrakhan also scored 12. Ra’Heim Moss scored 21 points before fouling out with about a minute to go for Toledo. Akok Akok threw down a dunk, Battle converted a three-point play to give the Mountaineers the lead for good with 17:51 to go in the first half and Kriisa followed with two 3-pointers before Battle made a layup to cap a 13-0 run that made it 15-4 less than five minutes into the game.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have matched the NBA record for the longest losing streak within one season, falling 126-115 to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night for their 26th straight loss. The Pistons joined the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers, dropping to 2-27 in their first season under Monty Williams. The Nets put them away with a 15-0 run to open a 21-point lead and ensure that Detroit would remain winless since Oct. 28. The teams will meet again Tuesday in Detroit, with the Pistons nearing the overall longest skid in league history. The 76ers lost 28 consecutive games from late in the 2014-15 season through early 2015-16.

Final	(25)Mississippi	89	Southern Miss.	72

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702554092640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs will be missing three major contributors on offense because of injuries when they play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. The Chiefs ruled out embattled wide receiver Kadarius Toney with a hip injury, third-down running back Jerick McKinnon because of a groin injury and left tackle Donovan Smith with a neck injury. Running back Isiah Pacheco returns from a shoulder injury for Kansas City. The Raiders hope to have their own running back, Josh Jacobs, back from a quad injury in a must-win game for Las Vegas' slim playoff hopes.INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns, Tyler Bass made a 29-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining, and the Buffalo Bills escaped with a 24-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers to improve their playoff chances. Allen ran for two TDs and threw for one, becoming the first player in NFL history with four consecutive seasons with 40 combined touchdowns. Bass’ go-ahead kick capped a 13-play, 64-yard drive that included Allen’s 15-yard completion to Khalil Shakir on third down. The Bills have won four of five to improve to 9-6. Buffalo turned the ball over three times to keep the short-handed Chargers in the game in their first outing under interim coach Giff Smith.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mason Rudolph and George Pickens connected for two long touchdowns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 34-11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph threw for 290 yards while starting in place of the injured Kenny Pickett and the ineffective Mitch Trubisky. Pickens finished with four receptions for 195 yards as the Steelers snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 8-7. Jake Browning passed for 335 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times as the Bengals fell to 8-7.NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets must pay a record luxury tax of nearly $101 million after a fourth-place finish in their division, among an unprecedented eight teams that owe the penalty for the 2023 season. Owner Steve Cohen’s Mets finished with a tax payroll of $374.7 million, according to figures finalized by Major League Baseball on Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press. Other teams owing tax money are San Diego, the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, Toronto, Atlanta and World Series champion Texas. The Blue Jays, Braves and Rangers are paying tax for the first time.MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — RaeQuan Battle scored 22 of his 29 points in the first half and West Virginia blew most of an 18-point lead before holding on to beat Toledo 91-81. Quinn Slazinski had 14 points for West Virginia, Kerr Kriisa added 12 points and 10 assists and Noah Farrakhan also scored 12. Ra’Heim Moss scored 21 points before fouling out with about a minute to go for Toledo. Akok Akok threw down a dunk, Battle converted a three-point play to give the Mountaineers the lead for good with 17:51 to go in the first half and Kriisa followed with two 3-pointers before Battle made a layup to cap a 13-0 run that made it 15-4 less than five minutes into the game.NEW YORK (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have matched the NBA record for the longest losing streak within one season, falling 126-115 to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night for their 26th straight loss. The Pistons joined the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers, dropping to 2-27 in their first season under Monty Williams. The Nets put them away with a 15-0 run to open a 21-point lead and ensure that Detroit would remain winless since Oct. 28. The teams will meet again Tuesday in Detroit, with the Pistons nearing the overall longest skid in league history. The 76ers lost 28 consecutive games from late in the 2014-15 season through early 2015-16.SATURDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	34	Cincinnati	11	Final	Buffalo	24	L.A. Chargers	22	COLLEGE FOOTBALLAir Force	31	(24)James Madison	21Duke 17, Troy 10N. Illinois 21, Arkansas St. 19Northwestern 14, Utah 7South Alabama 59, E. Michigan 10Air Force 31, James Madison 21Coastal Carolina 24, San Jose St. 14Georgia St. 45, Utah St. 22	TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(14)FAU	96	(4)Arizona	95	Final	(5)UConn	69	St. John's	65	Final	(23)Memphis	77	Vanderbilt	75	Final	(25)Mississippi	89	Southern Miss.	72NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Milwaukee	130	New York	111	Final	Boston	145	L.A. Clippers	108	Final	Denver	102	Charlotte	95	Final	Orlando	117	Indiana	110	Final	Houston	106	New Orleans	104	Final	Utah	126	Toronto	119	Final	Memphis	125	Atlanta	119	Final	Brooklyn	126	Detroit	115	Final	Cleveland	109	Chicago	95	Final	L.A. Lakers	129	Oklahoma City	120	Final	Dallas	144	San Antonio	119	Final	Golden State	126	Portland	106	Final	Minnesota	110	Sacramento

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700783607464.jpeg" alt="Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Rankings (12/20/23)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Rankings (12/20/23)</figcaption>
 </figure>6A Boys1 Wichita Heights2 OP-Blue Valley Northwest3 Shawnee Mission Northwest4 Olathe West5 Shawnee - Mill Valley6 Junction City7 Olathe South8 Olathe North9 Shawnee Mission East10 Haysville-Campus 5A Boys1 Maize South2 Wichita- Kapaun Mt. Carmel3 Topeka - Highland Park4 De Soto5 Hutchinson6 OP-Blue Valley Southwest7 Great Bend8 OP-St. Thomas Aquinas9 Goddard10 Topeka-Seaman4A Boys1 McPherson2 Hugoton3 Atchison4 Towanda-Circle5 Baldwin6 Fort Scott7 Abilene8 Roeland Park-Bishop Miege9 Chanute10 Ottawa3A Boys1 Hesston2 Beloit3 Wichita-Collegiate4 Goodland5 Marysville6 Topeka-Hayden7 Girard8 Wellsville9 St. Mary's10 Humboldt2A Boys1 Wichita- The Independent2 Pittsburgh-St. Mary's Colgan3 Lyndon4 Moundridge5 Oxford6 Bennington7 Sterling8 Wichita- Classical School9 Meade10 Salina-Sacred Heart 1A-Div 1-Boys1 Montezuma-South Gray2 Coldwater-South Central3 Olpe4 Osborne5 Macksville6 Clyde - Clifton-Clyde7 LaCrosse8 Jetmore-Hodgeman County9 Frankfort10 Burden-Central 1A-Div 2-Boys1 Axtell2 Almena-Northern Valley3 McPherson-Elyria Christian4 Hanover5 Dighton6 Cunningham7 Beloit-St. John's/Tipton8 Lebo9 Bird City-Cheylin10 HartfordGIRLS RANKINGS6A Girls1 OP-Blue Valley North2 Shawnee Mission South3 Wichita Heights4 Olathe West5 OP-Blue Valley Northwest6 Topeka- Washburn Rural7 OP-Blue Valley8 Olathe South9 Derby10 Wichita South5A Girls1 Andover2 OP-St. Thomas Aquinas3 Topeka - Seaman4 Wichita - Bishop Carroll5 Maize South6 Emporia7 Topeka-Highland Park8 Salina South9 Tecumseh-Shawnee heights10 Hutchinson4A Girls1 Roeland Park-Bishop Miege2 Wamego3 McPherson4 Fort Scott5 Wellington6 Eudora7 Altamont- Labette County8 Towanda - Circle9 Clearwater10 Clay Center3A Girls1 Silver Lake2 Topeka - Hayden3 Hesston4 Rossville5 Cheney6 Halstead7 Seneca-Nemaha Central8 Goodland9 Carbondale-Santa Fe Trail10 Colby2A Girls1 Wathena-Riverside2 Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan3 Hillsboro4 Hoxie5 Wichita-The Independent6 Leoti-Wichita County7 Smith Center8 Valley Heights9 Elbing-Berean Academy10 Maur Hill Mount Academy1A-Div 1-Girls1 Little River2 Clyde - Clifton-Clyde3 Montezuma-South Gray4 Frankfort5 St. John - Hudson6 Olpe7 Highland-Doniphan West8 Centralia9 Norwich10 Jetmore-Hodgeman County 1A-Div 2- Girls1 Hanover2 Lebo3 Bucklin4 Sharon Springs-Wallace County5 Linn6 Hutchinson-Central Christian7 Ingalls8 Rozel-Pawnee Heights9 South Haven10 Beloit- St. John's/Tipton

KBCA Basketball rankings (12/20) Panthers No. 7 in 5A

BOSTON (AP) — Growing up in a Boston suburb in the 1960s, Charlie Baker learned his first political lesson — the art of listening to competing viewpoints — around the dinner table as his Democratic mother and Republican father hashed out the topics of the day.

There was a reason he was given two ears and one mouth, his mother would tell him.

It's a story Baker repeatedly told as Massachusetts governor, and one that offers lessons for his job as president of the NCAA — the country’s largest college sports governing body overseeing some 500,000 athletes at more than 1,100 schools.

Earlier this month, the 6-foot-6 former Harvard basketball player outlined a vision for a new NCAA subdivision at the very top of college sports in a letter he sent to the more than 350 Division I schools. It was an attempt in part to grapple with one of the diciest issues facing the NCAA — how best to compensate college athletes.

Baker said his proposal would require schools that want to be a part of the new tier to commit to paying athletes tens of thousands of dollars per year through a trust fund. He also suggested all Division I schools bring name, image and likeness compensation for their athletes in-house through group licensing and remove limits on educational benefits schools can provide their players

“Some people are going to say you’re going too far and people will say but you’re not going far enough,” Baker said.

It's part of a larger effort by the 67-year-old to help persuade lawmakers in Washington that the NCAA is trying to get ahead of its legal troubles as they face antitrust challenges that could usher in a new reality where some athletes are treated like paid employees. Coming to terms with that future is one reason the NCAA hired Baker.

Linda Livingstone, president of Baylor University and chair of NCAA board of governors, said Baker’s history as governor and stint as a former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care demonstrated an ability to listen, learn and adapt.

“In both of those roles as governor and health care CEO he was in very complex environments and worked to solve some pretty hard, what seemed to be intractable, problems,” said Livingstone, who was part of the team that hired Baker. She said the fact that Baker didn’t come from the worlds of academia or athletics was another plus.

What the NCAA needs most from Baker is help in finding a model that will bring more stability to athletics. Livingstone said that model should provide compensation for athletes but stop short of designating them employees.

“We’re all working with Charlie as we develop these ideas together,” she said.

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Baker appreciates the crisis college athletics is in and has brought a new urgency to the role.

"There’s the question of how governable the NCAA is and I think Charlie sort of poses that question in real time, because he is such an effective leader and manager,” Swarbrick said. “If he can’t engineer the change, I don’t think anybody can.”

For Baker, navigating potentially choppy political waters was a skill he honed as a Republican in Democratic Massachusetts, adapting to a sometimes frosty political environment by making as many allies as possible and choosing his fights carefully.

It was a lesson learned in part during his first run for governor against Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick in 2010. During the race, Baker came off as too conservative and a sore loser, said Erin O’Brien, an associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

“Four years later he ran as someone who was more bipartisan, congenial and I think that helped him,” O’Brien said. “He showed he could learn and change course.”

Although Baker at times found himself at odds with some unions, he developed a public “bromance” with then-Democratic Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh, a former labor lawyer and current executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

“He’s used to a semi-hostile environment. He’s used to working with people who aren’t exactly sure about him,” O’Brien said. “As governor, he could go along with the Democratic leaders with some small changes. With the NCAA, member schools are not going to be satisfied with the status quo. He has to be more of a doer.”

Michael McCann, a law professor and director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire, said Baker seems like a good fit for a nearly impossible job.

“He has the right background for what the NCAA needs to do, which is to reorient itself,” McCann said. “He’s pragmatic, he’s reality based, he understands the importance of deal making."

During his eight years as governor Baker faced a slew of challenges, from battling blizzards, to trying to fix a teetering public transit system, to leading the state through the pandemic. He also drew the ire of former President Donald Trump by refusing to endorse or vote for him 2016 and 2020.

One issue that vexed Baker throughout his tenure was the state of metropolitan Boston's public transit system. Baker poured billions into replacing tracks, fixing signals and updating electrical systems even as officials dealt with runaway trains, subway cars belching smoke and rush hour trains running on weekend schedules.

At times the system seemed unfixable, not unlike the NCAA. McCann said the organization has tried to cling to a model that doesn’t resonate with the public anymore — the idea that athletes at top schools are amateur athletes, even as college sports rakes in billions annually.

Baker will need to steer schools toward a new model, McCann said.

BOSTON (AP) — Growing up in a Boston suburb in the 1960s, Charlie Baker learned his first political lesson — the art of listening to competing viewpoints — around the dinner table as his Democratic mother and Republican father hashed out the topics of the day.There was a reason he was given two ears and one mouth, his mother would tell him.It's a story Baker repeatedly told as Massachusetts governor, and one that offers lessons for his job as president of the NCAA — the country’s largest college sports governing body overseeing some 500,000 athletes at more than 1,100 schools.Earlier this month, the 6-foot-6 former Harvard basketball player outlined a vision for a new NCAA subdivision at the very top of college sports in a letter he sent to the more than 350 Division I schools. It was an attempt in part to grapple with one of the diciest issues facing the NCAA — how best to compensate college athletes.Baker said his proposal would require schools that want to be a part of the new tier to commit to paying athletes tens of thousands of dollars per year through a trust fund. He also suggested all Division I schools bring name, image and likeness compensation for their athletes in-house through group licensing and remove limits on educational benefits schools can provide their players“Some people are going to say you’re going too far and people will say but you’re not going far enough,” Baker said.It's part of a larger effort by the 67-year-old to help persuade lawmakers in Washington that the NCAA is trying to get ahead of its legal troubles as they face antitrust challenges that could usher in a new reality where some athletes are treated like paid employees. Coming to terms with that future is one reason the NCAA hired Baker.Linda Livingstone, president of Baylor University and chair of NCAA board of governors, said Baker’s history as governor and stint as a former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care demonstrated an ability to listen, learn and adapt.“In both of those roles as governor and health care CEO he was in very complex environments and worked to solve some pretty hard, what seemed to be intractable, problems,” said Livingstone, who was part of the team that hired Baker. She said the fact that Baker didn’t come from the worlds of academia or athletics was another plus.What the NCAA needs most from Baker is help in finding a model that will bring more stability to athletics. Livingstone said that model should provide compensation for athletes but stop short of designating them employees.“We’re all working with Charlie as we develop these ideas together,” she said.Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Baker appreciates the crisis college athletics is in and has brought a new urgency to the role."There’s the question of how governable the NCAA is and I think Charlie sort of poses that question in real time, because he is such an effective leader and manager,” Swarbrick said. “If he can’t engineer the change, I don’t think anybody can.”For Baker, navigating potentially choppy political waters was a skill he honed as a Republican in Democratic Massachusetts, adapting to a sometimes frosty political environment by making as many allies as possible and choosing his fights carefully.It was a lesson learned in part during his first run for governor against Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick in 2010. During the race, Baker came off as too conservative and a sore loser, said Erin O’Brien, an associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.“Four years later he ran as someone who was more bipartisan, congenial and I think that helped him,” O’Brien said. “He showed he could learn and change course.”Although Baker at times found himself at odds with some unions, he developed a public “bromance” with then-Democratic Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh, a former labor lawyer and current executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association.“He’s used to a semi-hostile environment. He’s used to working with people who aren’t exactly sure about him,” O’Brien said. “As governor, he could go along with the Democratic leaders with some small changes. With the NCAA, member schools are not going to be satisfied with the status quo. He has to be more of a doer.”Michael McCann, a law professor and director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire, said Baker seems like a good fit for a nearly impossible job.“He has the right background for what the NCAA needs to do, which is to reorient itself,” McCann said. “He’s pragmatic, he’s reality based, he understands the importance of deal making."During his eight years as governor Baker faced a slew of challenges, from battling blizzards, to trying to fix a teetering public transit system, to leading the state through the pandemic. He also drew the ire of former President Donald Trump by refusing to endorse or vote for him 2016 and 2020.One issue that vexed Baker throughout his tenure was the state of metropolitan Boston's public transit system. Baker poured billions into replacing tracks, fixing signals and updating electrical systems even as officials dealt with runaway trains, subway cars belching smoke and rush hour trains running on weekend schedules.At times the system seemed unfixable, not unlike the NCAA. McCann said the organization has tried to cling to a model that doesn’t resonate with the public anymore — the idea that athletes at top schools are amateur athletes, even as college sports rakes in billions annually.Baker will need to steer schools toward a new model, McCann said.

NCAA President Charlie Baker drawing on lessons learned as GOP governor in Democratic Massachusetts

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kevin McCullar Jr. was going IN for a layup in practice this week when one of his Kansas teammates landed on his head.

You'd never know that he had tweaked his neck Friday night.

The veteran guard poured in a career-high 34 points against Yale, taking over during a second-half run that gave the Jayhawks the lead, and the nation's second-ranked team eventually pulled away for a 75-60 win over the Bulldogs.

"He's been our best player the whole year. Proved it again today," said Jayhawks reserve Nicolas Timberlake, who added 13 points. “Got nicked up in practice the other day and played through it. Easily one of the toughest players I've played with."

Dajuan Harris Jr. added 10 points and six assists for the Jayhawks (11-1), who trailed by as many as 11 in the first half and by a point at the break before making the final appear much more comfortable than it was all night.

Yale (7-6) shut down Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson, kept the Jayhawks from getting into transition and held its own on the glass. It also got 13 points apiece from guards August Mahoney and Bez Mbeng, who kept the Bulldogs in the game.

“We didn't play well early,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “The last 24 minutes I thought we were pretty good.”

Kansas has had trouble with trap-type games this season, stumbling past Eastern Illinois between the Maui Invitational and a showdown with UConn, and struggling to overcome a slow start against Kansas City before facing rival Missouri.

That was the case again in the Jayhawks' last game before an eight-day holiday break.

They missed easy shots in the paint, took poor shots from the perimeter and allowed Yale to gain some confidence when Mahoney and John Poulakidas began knocking down 3-pointers. By the time Danny Wolf knocked down a 3 of his own, and Self called timeout, the Bulldogs had built a 25-14 lead in the closing minutes of the first half.

The Jayhawks settled down a bit, scoring the final seven points of the half, but they still trailed 33-32 at the break.

Then they turned up the defense in the second half.

Forcing the Bulldogs into a pair of shot-clock violations, and very nearly three more, the Jayhawks slowly pulled back ahead. And when they got the lead, they quickly extended it, unspooling a 13-1 run to take a 51-43 lead with 7 1/2 minutes to go.

McCullar added a pair of 3s during a 10-0 run a couple of minutes later that put the game away.

“The big thing for us, we have guys that can put the ball in the hole,” McCullar said. “It's about the defensive end for us. Not all shots are going to fall. We have to worry about the defensive end first.”

Yale hung with Gonzaga earlier this season, so coach James Jones knew his team could compete. But the way the Bulldogs played in the toughest environment they will face all season bodes well for Ivy League play.

Kansas was coming off tough games against Missouri and Indiana, so the Jayhawks were ripe for a letdown. Now comes a break before facing Wichita State in Kansas City, Missouri, in the Jayhawks' final tuneup before Big 12 play.

Knowling 3-8 0-0 6, Wolf 5-12 0-0 11, Mahoney 5-8 0-0 13, Mbeng 4-10 4-6 13, Poulakidas 3-8 0-0 8, Townsend 0-1 0-0 0, Simmons 0-2 0-0 0, Gharram 1-1 0-0 2, Aletan 0-1 2-2 2, Molloy 2-2 0-0 5, Basa-Ama 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 23-54 6-8 60.

Adams 2-8 2-2 6, Dickinson 4-9 0-0 8, Harris 3-5 2-2 10, Jackson 1-6 0-0 2, McCullar 11-18 8-8 34, Timberlake 5-10 0-0 13, Braun 1-1 0-0 2, McDowell 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-57 12-12 75.

Halftime_Yale 33-32. 3-Point Goals_Yale 8-21 (Mahoney 3-5, Poulakidas 2-5, Molloy 1-1, Mbeng 1-5, Wolf 1-5), Kansas 9-20 (McCullar 4-7, Timberlake 3-7, Harris 2-3, Jackson 0-1, Dickinson 0-2). Rebounds_Yale 23 (Wolf, Townsend 6), Kansas 27 (Dickinson 10). Assists_Yale 13 (Mbeng 5), Kansas 18 (Harris 6). Total Fouls_Yale 10, Kansas 12. A_16,300 (16,300).

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kevin McCullar Jr. was going IN for a layup in practice this week when one of his Kansas teammates landed on his head.You'd never know that he had tweaked his neck Friday night.The veteran guard poured in a career-high 34 points against Yale, taking over during a second-half run that gave the Jayhawks the lead, and the nation's second-ranked team eventually pulled away for a 75-60 win over the Bulldogs."He's been our best player the whole year. Proved it again today," said Jayhawks reserve Nicolas Timberlake, who added 13 points. “Got nicked up in practice the other day and played through it. Easily one of the toughest players I've played with."Dajuan Harris Jr. added 10 points and six assists for the Jayhawks (11-1), who trailed by as many as 11 in the first half and by a point at the break before making the final appear much more comfortable than it was all night.Yale (7-6) shut down Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson, kept the Jayhawks from getting into transition and held its own on the glass. It also got 13 points apiece from guards August Mahoney and Bez Mbeng, who kept the Bulldogs in the game.“We didn't play well early,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “The last 24 minutes I thought we were pretty good.”Kansas has had trouble with trap-type games this season, stumbling past Eastern Illinois between the Maui Invitational and a showdown with UConn, and struggling to overcome a slow start against Kansas City before facing rival Missouri.That was the case again in the Jayhawks' last game before an eight-day holiday break.They missed easy shots in the paint, took poor shots from the perimeter and allowed Yale to gain some confidence when Mahoney and John Poulakidas began knocking down 3-pointers. By the time Danny Wolf knocked down a 3 of his own, and Self called timeout, the Bulldogs had built a 25-14 lead in the closing minutes of the first half.The Jayhawks settled down a bit, scoring the final seven points of the half, but they still trailed 33-32 at the break.Then they turned up the defense in the second half.Forcing the Bulldogs into a pair of shot-clock violations, and very nearly three more, the Jayhawks slowly pulled back ahead. And when they got the lead, they quickly extended it, unspooling a 13-1 run to take a 51-43 lead with 7 1/2 minutes to go.McCullar added a pair of 3s during a 10-0 run a couple of minutes later that put the game away.“The big thing for us, we have guys that can put the ball in the hole,” McCullar said. “It's about the defensive end for us. Not all shots are going to fall. We have to worry about the defensive end first.”BIG PICTUREYale hung with Gonzaga earlier this season, so coach James Jones knew his team could compete. But the way the Bulldogs played in the toughest environment they will face all season bodes well for Ivy League play.Kansas was coming off tough games against Missouri and Indiana, so the Jayhawks were ripe for a letdown. Now comes a break before facing Wichita State in Kansas City, Missouri, in the Jayhawks' final tuneup before Big 12 play.UP NEXTYale visits Santa Clara on Dec. 30.Kansas plays the Shockers the same day.YALE (7-6)Knowling 3-8 0-0 6, Wolf 5-12 0-0 11, Mahoney 5-8 0-0 13, Mbeng 4-10 4-6 13, Poulakidas 3-8 0-0 8, Townsend 0-1 0-0 0, Simmons 0-2 0-0 0, Gharram 1-1 0-0 2, Aletan 0-1 2-2 2, Molloy 2-2 0-0 5, Basa-Ama 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 23-54 6-8 60.KANSAS (11-1)Adams 2-8 2-2 6, Dickinson 4-9 0-0 8, Harris 3-5 2-2 10, Jackson 1-6 0-0 2, McCullar 11-18 8-8 34, Timberlake 5-10 0-0 13, Braun 1-1 0-0 2, McDowell 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-57 12-12 75.Halftime_Yale 33-32. 3-Point Goals_Yale 8-21 (Mahoney 3-5, Poulakidas 2-5, Molloy 1-1, Mbeng 1-5, Wolf 1-5), Kansas 9-20 (McCullar 4-7, Timberlake 3-7, Harris 2-3, Jackson 0-1, Dickinson 0-2). Rebounds_Yale 23 (Wolf, Townsend 6), Kansas 27 (Dickinson 10). Assists_Yale 13 (Mbeng 5), Kansas 18 (Harris 6). Total Fouls_Yale 10, Kansas 12. A_16,300 (16,300).

No. 2 Kansas pulls away late for 75-60 win over Yale

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dSDjREbjxbo?si=DiuRpL2b0__wMfK0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

Ellinwood High School is proud to announce that senior golfer Drew Heinz has officially signed his letter of intent to play golf at Dodge City Community College. Heinz, a two-time state runner-up, two-time first team all-state player, and two-time regional champion, has consistently showcased exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

During his junior year, Heinz not only secured impressive victories in five tournaments but also achieved a career-low round of 68 at the Mariah Hills DC Invite, highlighting his prowess on the golf course.

The decision to join Dodge City Community College reflects Heinz’s commitment to furthering his education while continuing to excel in golf. His outstanding achievements and passion for the game make him a valuable addition to the college’s golf program.

“We are thrilled that Drew Heinz has committed to the Dodge City Community College golf team. His remarkable track record and demonstrated skill on the course align perfectly with their golf programs commitment to excellence. We look forward to supporting Drew in his academic and athletic journey,” said Greg Maxwell, Ellinwood High School Golf Coach

Heinz’s dedication to his sport and academic pursuits serves as an inspiration to his peers and the Ellinwood community. The Ellinwood High School family extends its congratulations to Drew Heinz on this significant achievement and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703256163613.jpeg" alt="Ellinwood senior Drew Heinz recently signed a letter of intent to play golf at Dodge City Community College next year." />
 <figcaption>Ellinwood senior Drew Heinz recently signed a letter of intent to play golf at Dodge City Community College next year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellinwood High School is proud to announce that senior golfer Drew Heinz has officially signed his letter of intent to play golf at Dodge City Community College. Heinz, a two-time state runner-up, two-time first team all-state player, and two-time regional champion, has consistently showcased exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.During his junior year, Heinz not only secured impressive victories in five tournaments but also achieved a career-low round of 68 at the Mariah Hills DC Invite, highlighting his prowess on the golf course.The decision to join Dodge City Community College reflects Heinz’s commitment to furthering his education while continuing to excel in golf. His outstanding achievements and passion for the game make him a valuable addition to the college’s golf program.“We are thrilled that Drew Heinz has committed to the Dodge City Community College golf team. His remarkable track record and demonstrated skill on the course align perfectly with their golf programs commitment to excellence. We look forward to supporting Drew in his academic and athletic journey,” said Greg Maxwell, Ellinwood High School Golf CoachHeinz’s dedication to his sport and academic pursuits serves as an inspiration to his peers and the Ellinwood community. The Ellinwood High School family extends its congratulations to Drew Heinz on this significant achievement and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.

Ellinwood's Heinz to continue golf career at Dodge City CC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The one-sided nature of the Chiefs' recent history with the Las Vegas Raiders perhaps appropriately mimics the way the AFC West has turned into a one-team division since Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City just over a decade ago.

After second-place finishes in his first three seasons, Reid has led the Chiefs to seven straight division titles, and they could clinch their eighth on Monday with a victory over the Raiders — or a tie if the Broncos lose to the Patriots the previous night. The only streak longer in NFL history belongs to the Patriots, who won 11 straight AFC East championships from 2009 to 2019.

“That's something we talk about at the beginning of the year: Our first goal is to win the AFC West,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We have to be ready this week, and that would clinch our first goal if we are able to do that.”

The Chiefs (9-5) also are trying to keep their hopes alive of earning the AFC's No. 1 seed and lone first-round playoff bye. They head into the weekend two games back of the Ravens and a game behind the Dolphins, whom they have already defeated.

They Chiefs have an easier finishing stretch than either of those teams, and it begins with Las Vegas (6-8), which they have beaten six straight times and 11 of the last 12 in a series dating to Sept. 16, 1960, when the Chiefs were in Dallas and the Raiders in Oakland. In fact, the Raiders have won only once at Arrowhead Stadium since Oct. 28, 2012.

“It's a team that I'm just tired of losing to,” said Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson, who thought back to their 31-17 loss to the Chiefs in late November. “We’ve got the pieces. We’ve got the guys to be able to beat that team, and unfortunately we took an ‘L.’ That’s something I thought about for a long time. I’m happy that it’s back, that we’ve got an opportunity.”

Despite the lopsided nature of the rivalry, the Chiefs and Raiders remain just that: rivals.

There is a mutual hatred between the franchises, borne of the days of Len Dawson and Jim Otto, nurtured through the era of Bill Kenney and Jim Plunkett, and continuing into the present. Mahomes is 10-1 in his career against the Raiders.

“Any time you play a team like this,” Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell said, “you got to stay within yourself. Play one play at a time. Obviously there is history between the two teams, but I think any game you have to lock in on each play, each situation, try to stay ahead of the sticks and just make smart decisions.”

This is not the first time the Raiders and Chiefs have played on Christmas Day — the Chiefs won 31-30 in overtime in 2004, when Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez had two TDs apiece for Kansas City. The Chiefs also have a Dec. 25 win over the Broncos in 2016 and a Christmas loss to the Dolphins in the divisional round of the playoffs in 1971.

The only other game the Raiders have played on Christmas was in 2017, when they lost at Philadelphia.

Mahomes gives his offensive line gifts each year, and this year it was tricked-out golf carts that the big fellas whipped around the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot. Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams heard about it and was impressed, but noted that his own rookie QB probably won't have anything quite so extravagant lined up for his guys.

“It's a lot better than some gifts that I've seen quarterbacks give across the league. That's a hell of a gift,” Adams said, “but Aidan's bank account I don't think is ready for that. So he'll do that when he's ready.”

The Raiders raised plenty of eyebrows a week ago, when they set a franchise scoring record in their 63-21 victory over the Chargers. They scored a club-record 42 points in the first half, and eight different Raiders reached the end zone.

Now, they need to prove that it was not a one-off occurrence.

“We're not expecting to have 60 points every time we go out there, but it was more the style and togetherness that we played with,” Adams said. “When you can go out there and play together like that and everybody does their job and play at a high level, it’s fun. So, hopefully we can continue to do that.”

The Raiders have gotten off to good starts in two of their last three games against Kansas City, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in their October 2022 matchup and leading 14-0 earlier this season. In both cases, the Chiefs rallied for victories.

The Chiefs are last in the NFL in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging 2.8 points per game — a full point behind Arizona, the next-to-last team. They were shut out by New England last week and managed only a field goal the previous week against Buffalo.

“We've got to do better there,” Reid said. “Bottom line, you have to score.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The one-sided nature of the Chiefs' recent history with the Las Vegas Raiders perhaps appropriately mimics the way the AFC West has turned into a one-team division since Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City just over a decade ago.After second-place finishes in his first three seasons, Reid has led the Chiefs to seven straight division titles, and they could clinch their eighth on Monday with a victory over the Raiders — or a tie if the Broncos lose to the Patriots the previous night. The only streak longer in NFL history belongs to the Patriots, who won 11 straight AFC East championships from 2009 to 2019.“That's something we talk about at the beginning of the year: Our first goal is to win the AFC West,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We have to be ready this week, and that would clinch our first goal if we are able to do that.”The Chiefs (9-5) also are trying to keep their hopes alive of earning the AFC's No. 1 seed and lone first-round playoff bye. They head into the weekend two games back of the Ravens and a game behind the Dolphins, whom they have already defeated.They Chiefs have an easier finishing stretch than either of those teams, and it begins with Las Vegas (6-8), which they have beaten six straight times and 11 of the last 12 in a series dating to Sept. 16, 1960, when the Chiefs were in Dallas and the Raiders in Oakland. In fact, the Raiders have won only once at Arrowhead Stadium since Oct. 28, 2012.“It's a team that I'm just tired of losing to,” said Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson, who thought back to their 31-17 loss to the Chiefs in late November. “We’ve got the pieces. We’ve got the guys to be able to beat that team, and unfortunately we took an ‘L.’ That’s something I thought about for a long time. I’m happy that it’s back, that we’ve got an opportunity.”Despite the lopsided nature of the rivalry, the Chiefs and Raiders remain just that: rivals.There is a mutual hatred between the franchises, borne of the days of Len Dawson and Jim Otto, nurtured through the era of Bill Kenney and Jim Plunkett, and continuing into the present. Mahomes is 10-1 in his career against the Raiders.“Any time you play a team like this,” Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell said, “you got to stay within yourself. Play one play at a time. Obviously there is history between the two teams, but I think any game you have to lock in on each play, each situation, try to stay ahead of the sticks and just make smart decisions.”PLAYING ON CHRISTMASThis is not the first time the Raiders and Chiefs have played on Christmas Day — the Chiefs won 31-30 in overtime in 2004, when Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez had two TDs apiece for Kansas City. The Chiefs also have a Dec. 25 win over the Broncos in 2016 and a Christmas loss to the Dolphins in the divisional round of the playoffs in 1971.The only other game the Raiders have played on Christmas was in 2017, when they lost at Philadelphia.AND PLAYING SANTAMahomes gives his offensive line gifts each year, and this year it was tricked-out golf carts that the big fellas whipped around the Arrowhead Stadium parking lot. Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams heard about it and was impressed, but noted that his own rookie QB probably won't have anything quite so extravagant lined up for his guys.“It's a lot better than some gifts that I've seen quarterbacks give across the league. That's a hell of a gift,” Adams said, “but Aidan's bank account I don't think is ready for that. So he'll do that when he's ready.”FLUKE OR FABULOUSThe Raiders raised plenty of eyebrows a week ago, when they set a franchise scoring record in their 63-21 victory over the Chargers. They scored a club-record 42 points in the first half, and eight different Raiders reached the end zone.Now, they need to prove that it was not a one-off occurrence.“We're not expecting to have 60 points every time we go out there, but it was more the style and togetherness that we played with,” Adams said. “When you can go out there and play together like that and everybody does their job and play at a high level, it’s fun. So, hopefully we can continue to do that.”FINISHING MATTERSThe Raiders have gotten off to good starts in two of their last three games against Kansas City, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in their October 2022 matchup and leading 14-0 earlier this season. In both cases, the Chiefs rallied for victories.SPEAKING OF FINISHINGThe Chiefs are last in the NFL in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging 2.8 points per game — a full point behind Arizona, the next-to-last team. They were shut out by New England last week and managed only a field goal the previous week against Buffalo.“We've got to do better there,” Reid said. “Bottom line, you have to score.”

Chiefs aim to continue dominance of Raiders in Christmas Day matchup

The special teams footballs used in Sunday’s game between Kansas City and New England were reportedly underinflated — not by the Patriots, this time — an ironic throwback to the Deflategate scandal that captivated the football world for parts of three seasons and led to penalties against the team and quarterback Tom Brady.

MassLive.com reported on Thursday that the Patriots complained to the officials during the first half of the Chiefs' 27-17 victory that the balls used by the punters and kickers — which are specially marked, and referred to as “K-balls” — were too soft. They were tested at halftime and found to be inflated to 11 psi, the website reported, instead of the league-mandated minimum of 13.5 psi.

An NFL spokesman did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Patriots kickers were not available during Thursday's open locker loom period. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on Thursday that he hadn't heard of any issues but told reporters, “I'm not worried about all that.”

The Patriots told the website they sensed something was wrong when Kansas City’s Harrison Butker, who has put 87% of his kickoffs this season into the end zone for touchbacks, sent his game-opening kick only to the 3 yard-line. During the first half, both teams’ kickers missed field goals, including a 39-yard attempt that was Butker’s first miss of the season.

The balls were checked at halftime and fixed, the website reported. Butker made two field goals in the second half and every kickoff for both teams reached the end zone.

In the scandal that came to be known as Deflategate, the Patriots were fined $1 million and docked two draft picks and Brady was suspended four games for what the league found was a scheme to provide improperly inflated footballs for the AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18, 2015. In a 243-page report, an NFL investigator zeroed in on two equipment managers — one who referred to himself in a text message as “The Deflator” — and concluded that Brady was “at least generally aware” of the illegal deflation plans.

The Patriots defended Brady, countering that the league's scientific evidence was flawed. Brady appealed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and then the federal courts; after a 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel reinstated his suspension, Brady sat out the first four games of the 2016 season.

New England went on to win the Super Bowl. Despite playing only 12 games, Brady was the runner-up in MVP voting.

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterThe special teams footballs used in Sunday’s game between Kansas City and New England were reportedly underinflated — not by the Patriots, this time — an ironic throwback to the Deflategate scandal that captivated the football world for parts of three seasons and led to penalties against the team and quarterback Tom Brady.MassLive.com reported on Thursday that the Patriots complained to the officials during the first half of the Chiefs' 27-17 victory that the balls used by the punters and kickers — which are specially marked, and referred to as “K-balls” — were too soft. They were tested at halftime and found to be inflated to 11 psi, the website reported, instead of the league-mandated minimum of 13.5 psi.An NFL spokesman did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. Patriots kickers were not available during Thursday's open locker loom period. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said on Thursday that he hadn't heard of any issues but told reporters, “I'm not worried about all that.”The Patriots told the website they sensed something was wrong when Kansas City’s Harrison Butker, who has put 87% of his kickoffs this season into the end zone for touchbacks, sent his game-opening kick only to the 3 yard-line. During the first half, both teams’ kickers missed field goals, including a 39-yard attempt that was Butker’s first miss of the season.The balls were checked at halftime and fixed, the website reported. Butker made two field goals in the second half and every kickoff for both teams reached the end zone.In the scandal that came to be known as Deflategate, the Patriots were fined $1 million and docked two draft picks and Brady was suspended four games for what the league found was a scheme to provide improperly inflated footballs for the AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18, 2015. In a 243-page report, an NFL investigator zeroed in on two equipment managers — one who referred to himself in a text message as “The Deflator” — and concluded that Brady was “at least generally aware” of the illegal deflation plans.The Patriots defended Brady, countering that the league's scientific evidence was flawed. Brady appealed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and then the federal courts; after a 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel reinstated his suspension, Brady sat out the first four games of the 2016 season.New England went on to win the Super Bowl. Despite playing only 12 games, Brady was the runner-up in MVP voting.

Footballs in New England were deflated. But don't blame the Patriots this time

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 17 points, including a pair of clinching free throws in the final minute, and Kansas State held on to beat in-state rival Wichita State 69-60 on Thursday night at the T-Mobile Center.

Cam Carter added 15 points, David N'Guessan had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Arthur Kaluma scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-3), who bounced back from a lousy shooting night in a loss to Nebraska to beat the Shockers for the fifth consecutive time.

“These games are always tough for a lot of different reasons,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The game before Christmas, you're always concerned — Did your guys go home and not tell you? Some are flying out tomorrow morning and you wonder if they're already home for Christmas or not. But I just thought our guys were locked in.”

Quincy Ballard scored 12 points to lead Wichita State (8-4). Colby Rogers and Xavier Bell added 12 apiece.

The game, played just across the state line in Missouri, was a reunion for Tang and Wichita State counterpart Paul Mills. The duo were part of Scott Drew's original staff at Baylor, helping to turn one of the worst programs in the Big 12 into a perennial power.

“I really wanted to win,” Mills said with a smile. “You may have a friend on the other side but your loyalty is to your players.”

Kansas State was relentless getting to the rim in the first half, and the result was a bunch of fouls and a parade of free throws.

Mills was forced to juggle some atypical lineups in the closing minutes to protect five Shockers with two fouls apiece, and the Wildcats went 13 of 18 from the foul line over the first 20 minutes to take a 33-29 halftime lead.

“We shot a ton of free throws, and we shot it well from the free-throw line,” Carter said, “so why not keep doing it?”

Kansas State eventually established breathing room early in the second half on a five-point trip down floor. Carter was fouled and converted a three-point play, and Perry made both free throws after a technical foul on Wichita State's bench.

"It was about just staying together for 40 minutes. It’s a long game,” Perry said. “We knew it would be game of runs.”

Perry added a couple of 3s a few minutes later as the Wildcats pushed their lead to 58-47 with 7 1/2 minutes to go. And despite Ballard's best effort in the paint, the Shockers never could cut far enough into their deficit to give Kansas State a scare.

“We just have to be more disciplined," Mills said. “You can't foul, obviously, and give yourself a chance. You can't have a lot of turnovers and give yourself a chance.”

Wichita State plays No. 2 Kansas on Dec. 30 at the T-Mobile Center.

Kansas State returns home to play Chicago State on Jan. 2.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 17 points, including a pair of clinching free throws in the final minute, and Kansas State held on to beat in-state rival Wichita State 69-60 on Thursday night at the T-Mobile Center.Cam Carter added 15 points, David N'Guessan had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Arthur Kaluma scored 11 for the Wildcats (9-3), who bounced back from a lousy shooting night in a loss to Nebraska to beat the Shockers for the fifth consecutive time.“These games are always tough for a lot of different reasons,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The game before Christmas, you're always concerned — Did your guys go home and not tell you? Some are flying out tomorrow morning and you wonder if they're already home for Christmas or not. But I just thought our guys were locked in.”Quincy Ballard scored 12 points to lead Wichita State (8-4). Colby Rogers and Xavier Bell added 12 apiece.The game, played just across the state line in Missouri, was a reunion for Tang and Wichita State counterpart Paul Mills. The duo were part of Scott Drew's original staff at Baylor, helping to turn one of the worst programs in the Big 12 into a perennial power.“I really wanted to win,” Mills said with a smile. “You may have a friend on the other side but your loyalty is to your players.”Kansas State was relentless getting to the rim in the first half, and the result was a bunch of fouls and a parade of free throws.Mills was forced to juggle some atypical lineups in the closing minutes to protect five Shockers with two fouls apiece, and the Wildcats went 13 of 18 from the foul line over the first 20 minutes to take a 33-29 halftime lead.“We shot a ton of free throws, and we shot it well from the free-throw line,” Carter said, “so why not keep doing it?”Kansas State eventually established breathing room early in the second half on a five-point trip down floor. Carter was fouled and converted a three-point play, and Perry made both free throws after a technical foul on Wichita State's bench."It was about just staying together for 40 minutes. It’s a long game,” Perry said. “We knew it would be game of runs.”Perry added a couple of 3s a few minutes later as the Wildcats pushed their lead to 58-47 with 7 1/2 minutes to go. And despite Ballard's best effort in the paint, the Shockers never could cut far enough into their deficit to give Kansas State a scare.“We just have to be more disciplined," Mills said. “You can't foul, obviously, and give yourself a chance. You can't have a lot of turnovers and give yourself a chance.”UP NEXTWichita State plays No. 2 Kansas on Dec. 30 at the T-Mobile Center.Kansas State returns home to play Chicago State on Jan. 2.

Perry scores 17 as K-State bounces back from loss to beat Wichita State, 69-60

INGLEWOOD, Calif.
(AP) — Matthew Stafford passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns,
and the Los Angeles Rams surged forward in the NFC playoff race with
a 30-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Rookie Puka Nacua had
nine catches for a career-high 164 yards and a TD, and Kyren Williams
rushed for 104 yards and another score while topping 1,000 yards for
the season in the Rams' fifth victory in six games. Los Angeles led
30-7 with 12:44 left in the fourth quarter after scoring on six of
its first eight possessions, but Derek Carr threw TD passes to Juwan
Johnson and A.T. Perry on the Saints’ next two drives. New Orleans'
two-game win streak ended.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Tylor Perry scored 17 points, including a pair of clinching
free throws in the final minute, and Kansas State held on to beat
in-state rival Wichita State 69-60 on Thursday night at the T-Mobile
Center. Cam Carter added 15 points, David N’Guessan had 13 points
and nine rebounds, and Arthur Kaluma scored 11 for the Wildcats. They
bounced back from one of the worst shooting performances in school
history in a loss to Nebraska to beat the Shockers for the fifth
consecutive time. Quincy Ballard scored 12 points and Colby Rogers
and Xavier Bell added 12 apiece for Wichita State.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 19 points, Pop Isaacs had 12 of his 18 in
the second half and Texas Tech held off UT Arlington 77-66 on
Thursday for the Red Raiders’ fourth straight win. Darrion Williams
scored 14 points with nine rebounds and six assists and Chance
McMillian added 13 points for the Red Raiders (9-2), who have won 28
consecutive nonconference home games. Phillip Russell, who made his
season debut with 28 points in UTA’s win over Air Force last
Saturday, had just two in the first half but finished with 18 points
and seven assists, though he missed all seven of his 3-point
attempts. Akili Vining added 16 points and eight rebounds.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Jaylin Sellers scored 15 points and Darius Johnson and Marchelus
Avery had 13 apiece as UCF defeated Florida A&amp;M 69-56 on
Thursday. Shemarri Allen added 11 points and Ibrahima Diallo grabbed
12 rebounds to go with eight points for the Knights. They shot 40%
and made 8 of 24 3-point tries and 19 of 27 from the line to the
Rattlers’ 7 of 11. UCF scored 24 points off 21 FAMU turnovers.
Roderick Coffee III scored 14 points, Shannon Grant added 12 and
Keith Lamar had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Rattlers.

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Curtis Jones scored 18 points off the bench, Milan Momcilovic, Robert
Jones and Tamin Lipsey each scored 16 and Iowa State pulled away in
the second half to take an 80-48 win over Eastern Illinois. Iowa
State picked up a fifth-straight win and extended its home winning
streak against non-conference opponents to 26 games.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Emanuel Sharp scored 17 points, Ja’Vier Francis added 13 and No. 3
Houston beat Texas State 72-37. Houston is one of three remaining
undefeated teams, along with James Madison (11-0) and Ole Miss
(11-0). Houston improved to 12-0 for the third time in school
history, joining the Cougar teams from 2018-19 and 1967-68. Houston
also has a 12-game home winning streak dating to last season. Kaden
Gumbs scored seven points to lead Texas State (6-6).

NEW YORK (AP) —
Major League Baseball is widening the runner’s lane approaching
first base to include a portion of fair territory, changing a more
than century-old rule that caused World Series controversy over
possible interference calls. MLB also is shortening the pitcher’s
clock with runners on base by two seconds to 18 and further reducing
mound visits in an effort to speed games. The sport’s 11-man
competition committee also requires a pitcher who warms up on the
mound before a half inning to face at least one batter.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Prized free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Los Angeles
Dodgers have agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract, according to
multiple reports. Yamamoto is set to join Japanese countryman Shohei
Ohtani with the Dodgers, who signed the two-way superstar to a record
$700 million, 10-year deal last week. The Dodgers did not confirm the
agreement with Yamamoto on Thursday night. MLB.com and ESPN were
among the outlets citing anonymous sources in reporting the deal.
It's the third pitching coup for the Dodgers this offseason. In
addition to Ohtani, they signed right-hander Tyler Glasnow to a
$136.5 million, five-year contract after he was traded from the Tampa
Bay Rays to Los Angeles.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)
— Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press' Male Athlete
of the Year for the second time in three years. Before the two-way
superstar signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this month, he put
together another incredible season for Japan's national team at the
World Baseball Classic and for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani led the
AL with 44 homers and in several other categories, and he had the
lowest opponents' batting average on the mound until his season ended
early due to an elbow injury. The Dodgers still gave Ohtani the
biggest contract in professional sports history.

UPDATED (AP) —
Oregon State and Washington State say they have reached an agreement
with 10 departing Pac-12 schools on revenue distribution for 2023-24
that puts an end to a legal battle sparked by conference realignment.
Last week, Oregon State and Washington State were given control of
the Pac-12 and assets when the state Supreme Court of Washington
declined to review a lower court’s decision to grant the schools a
preliminary injunction. Financial terms of the settlement were not
released. Washington State and Oregon State say the departing members
will forfeit a portion of distributions for this school year and
guarantee to cover a portion of “potential future liabilities.”

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) —
The Georgia Bulldogs are getting ready for a bowl game, which is
standard routine at this time of year. Yet it feels so different.
After winning back-to-back national championships and holding down
the No. 1 spot in the rankings for nearly the entire season,
Georgia’s first loss in nearly two years cost it a spot in the
College Football Playoff. So, instead of preparing for a semifinal
game and the chance to go for a third straight title, the Bulldogs
are left to settle for an Orange Bowl matchup against unbeaten
Florida State that carries little significance beyond pride.

BOSTON (AP) — NCAA
President Charlie Baker is drawing on lessons learned during his
eight years as a Republican governor in a Massachusetts dominated by
Democrats as he tries to help the college athletic association
navigate increasingly choppy political waters. Baker has floated a
proposal that would require schools that want to be a part of a new
D-1 tier to commit to paying their athletes tens of thousands of
dollars per year through a trust fund. During eight years as governor
Baker adapted to a sometimes frosty political environment by making
as many allies as possible and choosing his fights carefully.

Final	Oklahoma
City	134	L.A. Clippers	115	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702554092640.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>INGLEWOOD, Calif.
(AP) — Matthew Stafford passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns,
and the Los Angeles Rams surged forward in the NFC playoff race with
a 30-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Rookie Puka Nacua had
nine catches for a career-high 164 yards and a TD, and Kyren Williams
rushed for 104 yards and another score while topping 1,000 yards for
the season in the Rams' fifth victory in six games. Los Angeles led
30-7 with 12:44 left in the fourth quarter after scoring on six of
its first eight possessions, but Derek Carr threw TD passes to Juwan
Johnson and A.T. Perry on the Saints’ next two drives. New Orleans'
two-game win streak ended.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Tylor Perry scored 17 points, including a pair of clinching
free throws in the final minute, and Kansas State held on to beat
in-state rival Wichita State 69-60 on Thursday night at the T-Mobile
Center. Cam Carter added 15 points, David N’Guessan had 13 points
and nine rebounds, and Arthur Kaluma scored 11 for the Wildcats. They
bounced back from one of the worst shooting performances in school
history in a loss to Nebraska to beat the Shockers for the fifth
consecutive time. Quincy Ballard scored 12 points and Colby Rogers
and Xavier Bell added 12 apiece for Wichita State.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 19 points, Pop Isaacs had 12 of his 18 in
the second half and Texas Tech held off UT Arlington 77-66 on
Thursday for the Red Raiders’ fourth straight win. Darrion Williams
scored 14 points with nine rebounds and six assists and Chance
McMillian added 13 points for the Red Raiders (9-2), who have won 28
consecutive nonconference home games. Phillip Russell, who made his
season debut with 28 points in UTA’s win over Air Force last
Saturday, had just two in the first half but finished with 18 points
and seven assists, though he missed all seven of his 3-point
attempts. Akili Vining added 16 points and eight rebounds.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
Jaylin Sellers scored 15 points and Darius Johnson and Marchelus
Avery had 13 apiece as UCF defeated Florida A&amp;M 69-56 on
Thursday. Shemarri Allen added 11 points and Ibrahima Diallo grabbed
12 rebounds to go with eight points for the Knights. They shot 40%
and made 8 of 24 3-point tries and 19 of 27 from the line to the
Rattlers’ 7 of 11. UCF scored 24 points off 21 FAMU turnovers.
Roderick Coffee III scored 14 points, Shannon Grant added 12 and
Keith Lamar had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Rattlers.AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Curtis Jones scored 18 points off the bench, Milan Momcilovic, Robert
Jones and Tamin Lipsey each scored 16 and Iowa State pulled away in
the second half to take an 80-48 win over Eastern Illinois. Iowa
State picked up a fifth-straight win and extended its home winning
streak against non-conference opponents to 26 games.HOUSTON (AP) —
Emanuel Sharp scored 17 points, Ja’Vier Francis added 13 and No. 3
Houston beat Texas State 72-37. Houston is one of three remaining
undefeated teams, along with James Madison (11-0) and Ole Miss
(11-0). Houston improved to 12-0 for the third time in school
history, joining the Cougar teams from 2018-19 and 1967-68. Houston
also has a 12-game home winning streak dating to last season. Kaden
Gumbs scored seven points to lead Texas State (6-6).NEW YORK (AP) —
Major League Baseball is widening the runner’s lane approaching
first base to include a portion of fair territory, changing a more
than century-old rule that caused World Series controversy over
possible interference calls. MLB also is shortening the pitcher’s
clock with runners on base by two seconds to 18 and further reducing
mound visits in an effort to speed games. The sport’s 11-man
competition committee also requires a pitcher who warms up on the
mound before a half inning to face at least one batter.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Prized free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Los Angeles
Dodgers have agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract, according to
multiple reports. Yamamoto is set to join Japanese countryman Shohei
Ohtani with the Dodgers, who signed the two-way superstar to a record
$700 million, 10-year deal last week. The Dodgers did not confirm the
agreement with Yamamoto on Thursday night. MLB.com and ESPN were
among the outlets citing anonymous sources in reporting the deal.
It's the third pitching coup for the Dodgers this offseason. In
addition to Ohtani, they signed right-hander Tyler Glasnow to a
$136.5 million, five-year contract after he was traded from the Tampa
Bay Rays to Los Angeles.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)
— Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press' Male Athlete
of the Year for the second time in three years. Before the two-way
superstar signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this month, he put
together another incredible season for Japan's national team at the
World Baseball Classic and for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani led the
AL with 44 homers and in several other categories, and he had the
lowest opponents' batting average on the mound until his season ended
early due to an elbow injury. The Dodgers still gave Ohtani the
biggest contract in professional sports history.UPDATED (AP) —
Oregon State and Washington State say they have reached an agreement
with 10 departing Pac-12 schools on revenue distribution for 2023-24
that puts an end to a legal battle sparked by conference realignment.
Last week, Oregon State and Washington State were given control of
the Pac-12 and assets when the state Supreme Court of Washington
declined to review a lower court’s decision to grant the schools a
preliminary injunction. Financial terms of the settlement were not
released. Washington State and Oregon State say the departing members
will forfeit a portion of distributions for this school year and
guarantee to cover a portion of “potential future liabilities.”ATHENS, Ga. (AP) —
The Georgia Bulldogs are getting ready for a bowl game, which is
standard routine at this time of year. Yet it feels so different.
After winning back-to-back national championships and holding down
the No. 1 spot in the rankings for nearly the entire season,
Georgia’s first loss in nearly two years cost it a spot in the
College Football Playoff. So, instead of preparing for a semifinal
game and the chance to go for a third straight title, the Bulldogs
are left to settle for an Orange Bowl matchup against unbeaten
Florida State that carries little significance beyond pride.BOSTON (AP) — NCAA
President Charlie Baker is drawing on lessons learned during his
eight years as a Republican governor in a Massachusetts dominated by
Democrats as he tries to help the college athletic association
navigate increasingly choppy political waters. Baker has floated a
proposal that would require schools that want to be a part of a new
D-1 tier to commit to paying their athletes tens of thousands of
dollars per year through a trust fund. During eight years as governor
Baker adapted to a sometimes frosty political environment by making
as many allies as possible and choosing his fights carefully.FRIDAY SCORESCOLLEGE FOOTBALLSouth Florida 45,
Syracuse 0NATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUEFinal	L.A.
Rams	30	New Orleans	22	TOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Purdue	100	Jacksonville	57	Final	(3)Houston	72	Texas
St.	37	Final	(8)Tennessee	65	Tarleton
St.	46	Final	(9)Kentucky	95	Louisville	76NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Utah	119	Detroit	111	Final	New
Orleans	123	Cleveland	104	Final	Chicago	114	San
Antonio	95	Final	Oklahoma
City	134	L.A. Clippers	115	Final	Memphis	116	Indiana	103	Final	Milwaukee	118	Orlando	114	Final	Minnesota	118	L.A.
Lakers	111	Final	Washington	118	Portland	117	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Buffalo	9	Toronto	3	Final	St.
Louis	4	Florida	1	Final
OT	Washington	3	Columbus	2	Final	Nashville	4	Philadelphia	2	Final	Tampa
Bay	5	Vegas	4	Final
SO	Pittsburgh	2	Carolina	1	Final	Edmonton	6	New
Jersey	3	Final
OT	Dallas	4	Vancouver	3	Final
OT	Minnesota	4	Montreal	3	Final	Colorado	6	Ottawa	4	Final	Calgary	3	Anaheim	0	Final	Arizona	5	San
Jose	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh makes his last visit to the 12th and Baker studio in 2023 to talk about his teams No. 7 ranking in class 5A and the Panthers 6-1 record. He'll be joined by players Daxton Minton and Carter Coombs.

- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman returns for his Thursday show spot and will be joined by this week's Jayhawk Conference Wrestler of the Week, former Great Bend Panther Avery Wolf.

<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/A6vfhbdQaYU?si=ubo4IzPv5pUKIBke" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh makes his last visit to the 12th and Baker studio in 2023 to talk about his teams No. 7 ranking in class 5A and the Panthers 6-1 record. He'll be joined by players Daxton Minton and Carter Coombs.- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman returns for his Thursday show spot and will be joined by this week's Jayhawk Conference Wrestler of the Week, former Great Bend Panther Avery Wolf.- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced Wednesday the signing of 15 prospects during the early 2024 signing period.

So far, K-State's Class of 2024 is comprised of 13 high school prospects and two community-college transfers. Of the 15 overall players, nine players are on offense and six are on defense. There are four offensive linemen, three defensive backs, two apiece of linebackers, running backs and wide receivers, one defensive lineman and one quarterback.

K-State cast a wide net as the 15 signees hail from nine different states. Once again, Kansas leads in terms of most from one state with four, as it marks the 15th-straight season the Wildcats have signed at least four in-state prep players. Additionally, the Class of 2024 includes three players from Texas, two from Colorado and one apiece from Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

Of the 15 signees on Wednesday, nine are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2024 spring semester. The list includes: Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, Blake Barnett, Callen Barta, Ryan Howard, Boone Morris, Kyle Rakers, DeVon Rice, Jacques Spradley-Demps and Dante Thomas.

Kansas State will look to add more prospects to the Class of 2024 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 7.

Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder Defensive Line 6'6" 295 lbsSophomore Brockton, Mass. Whitman-Hanson Regional Butler CC

Blake Barnett Quarterback 6'2" 210 lbs Freshman Erie, Colo. Erie

Callen Barta Safety 6'2" 180 lbs Freshman Topeka, Kan. Seaman

Travis Bates Defensive End 6'3" 265 lbs Sophomore Tomball, Texas Tomball Austin Peay Univ.

Trae Davis Wide Receiver 6'1" 170 lbs Freshman Troup, Texas Troup

Gus Hawkins Offensive Line 6'7" 270 lbs Freshman Shawnee, Kan. Mill Valley

Ryan Howard Offensive Line 6'7" 315 lbs Freshman Downingtown, Pa. Downingtown West

Easton Kilty Offensive Line 6'5" 305 lbs Senior Stratford, Wis. Stratford Univ. of North Dakota

Kaedin Massey Offensive Line 6'8" 270 lbs Freshman Lyndon, Kan. Lyndon

Boone Morris Linebacker 6'3" 225 lbs Freshman Talco, Texas Mount Vernon

JB Price Running Back 5'11" 190 lbs Freshman Overland Park, Kan. Blue Valley

Kyle Rakers Offensive Line 6'4" 290 lbs Freshman Norwalk, Iowa Dowling Catholic

DeVon Rice Running Back 5'9" 180 lbs Freshman Las Vegas, Nev. Bishop Gorman

Zashon Rich Cornerback 6'2" 180 lbs Freshman Minneapolis, Minn. North Community

Jordan Riley Safety 6'1" 189 lbs Senior Clinton, Md. National Christian Academy Ball State Univ.

Jacques Spradley-Demps Wide Receiver 6'1" 195 lbs Freshman Jarrell, Texas Weiss

Jake Stonebraker Linebacker 6'1" 205 lbs Freshman Castle Rock, Colo. Douglas County

Dante Thomas Safety 6'1" 190 lbs Junior Hammond, La. John Curtis Southwest Mississippi CC

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703171532400.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman announced Wednesday the signing of 15 prospects during the early 2024 signing period.So far, K-State's Class of 2024 is comprised of 13 high school prospects and two community-college transfers. Of the 15 overall players, nine players are on offense and six are on defense. There are four offensive linemen, three defensive backs, two apiece of linebackers, running backs and wide receivers, one defensive lineman and one quarterback.K-State cast a wide net as the 15 signees hail from nine different states. Once again, Kansas leads in terms of most from one state with four, as it marks the 15th-straight season the Wildcats have signed at least four in-state prep players. Additionally, the Class of 2024 includes three players from Texas, two from Colorado and one apiece from Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and Pennsylvania.Of the 15 signees on Wednesday, nine are expected to enroll at K-State for the 2024 spring semester. The list includes: Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, Blake Barnett, Callen Barta, Ryan Howard, Boone Morris, Kyle Rakers, DeVon Rice, Jacques Spradley-Demps and Dante Thomas.Kansas State will look to add more prospects to the Class of 2024 during the regular signing period, which opens on Wednesday, February 7.K-State signing rosterMalcolm Alcorn-Crowder Defensive Line 6'6" 295 lbsSophomore Brockton, Mass. Whitman-Hanson Regional Butler CCBlake Barnett Quarterback 6'2" 210 lbs Freshman Erie, Colo. ErieCallen Barta Safety 6'2" 180 lbs Freshman Topeka, Kan. SeamanTravis Bates Defensive End 6'3" 265 lbs Sophomore Tomball, Texas Tomball Austin Peay Univ.Trae Davis Wide Receiver 6'1" 170 lbs Freshman Troup, Texas TroupGus Hawkins Offensive Line 6'7" 270 lbs Freshman Shawnee, Kan. Mill ValleyRyan Howard Offensive Line 6'7" 315 lbs Freshman Downingtown, Pa. Downingtown WestEaston Kilty Offensive Line 6'5" 305 lbs Senior Stratford, Wis. Stratford Univ. of North DakotaKaedin Massey Offensive Line 6'8" 270 lbs Freshman Lyndon, Kan. LyndonBoone Morris Linebacker 6'3" 225 lbs Freshman Talco, Texas Mount VernonJB Price Running Back 5'11" 190 lbs Freshman Overland Park, Kan. Blue ValleyKyle Rakers Offensive Line 6'4" 290 lbs Freshman Norwalk, Iowa Dowling CatholicDeVon Rice Running Back 5'9" 180 lbs Freshman Las Vegas, Nev. Bishop GormanZashon Rich Cornerback 6'2" 180 lbs Freshman Minneapolis, Minn. North CommunityJordan Riley Safety 6'1" 189 lbs Senior Clinton, Md. National Christian Academy Ball State Univ.Jacques Spradley-Demps Wide Receiver 6'1" 195 lbs Freshman Jarrell, Texas WeissJake Stonebraker Linebacker 6'1" 205 lbs Freshman Castle Rock, Colo. Douglas CountyDante Thomas Safety 6'1" 190 lbs Junior Hammond, La. John Curtis Southwest Mississippi CC

K-State Inks 15 During 2024 Early Signing Period

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Football head coach Lance Leipold announced the addition of 18 student-athletes who signed to join the Jayhawks on the first day of the early signing period on Wednesday.

The signing class is a consensus top 50 class by the recruiting services and ranked as high as No. 42 in the country by ESPN. Four of KU’s high school signees are rated as four-star prospects by Rivals, while 13 are rated as three-stars. The 17 prep players have an average rating of 87.29 on 247Sports, which is the highest ranking per player for a Kansas signing class since the service began.

Included in the early signing class are 17 high school signees and one four-year transfer in DeShawn Hanika, a Topeka, Kansas, native who played most recently at Iowa State. Kansas welcomes players from 10 different states, including four individuals from Arizona and Texas and two each from Michigan and Oklahoma. The Jayhawks also signed one player from California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.

The class is split with nine players on offense and nine on defense. The largest group of signees is at offensive line, where the Jayhawks added four newcomers. KU signed three players apiece at cornerback and defensive line, two each at tight end, running back and linebacker, and one quarterback and safety.

NAME	POSITION	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	HIGH SCHOOL	HOMETOWN

David Abajian	OL	6-5	285	Chaminade College Preparatory	West Hills, Calif.

Austin Alexander	CB	6-0	170	Marian Catholic HS	Hazel Crest, Ill.

Kene Anene	OL	6-5	275	East Ridge HS	Cottage Grove, Minn.

Dakyus Brinkley	DL	6-3	220	Katy HS	Katy, Texas

Carson Bruhn	TE	6-6	240	Sioux Center HS	Sioux Center, Iowa

Dre Gibson	CB	5-10	180	Desert Edge HS	Goodyear, Ariz.

Greydon Grimes	DE	6-6	230	China Spring HS	China Spring, Texas

DeShawn Hanika	TE	6-6	240	Hayden HS / Butler CC / Iowa State	Topeka, Kan.

Jon Jon Kamara	LB	6-3	205	Desert Edge HS	Goodyear, Ariz.

Carter Lavrusky	OL	6-6	275	Horizon HS	Scottsdale, Ariz.

Isaiah Marshall	QB	6-0	205	Southfield A&amp;T HS	Southfield, Mich.

Red Martel	RB	5-9	205	Beggs HS	Beggs, Okla.

Damani Maxson	S	6-1	180	Clear Lake HS	Houston, Texas

Harry Stewart III	RB	5-9	215	Centennial HS	Frisco, Texas

JaCorey Stewart	LB	6-0	215	Milton HS	Atlanta, Ga.

Jalen Todd	CB	6-1	180	Southfield A&amp;T HS	Southfield, Mich.

Harrison Utley	OL	6-3	290	Norman HS	Norman, Okla.

DJ Warner	DE	6-3	215	Desert Edge HS	Buckeye, Ariz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703171327833.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Football head coach Lance Leipold announced the addition of 18 student-athletes who signed to join the Jayhawks on the first day of the early signing period on Wednesday.The signing class is a consensus top 50 class by the recruiting services and ranked as high as No. 42 in the country by ESPN. Four of KU’s high school signees are rated as four-star prospects by Rivals, while 13 are rated as three-stars. The 17 prep players have an average rating of 87.29 on 247Sports, which is the highest ranking per player for a Kansas signing class since the service began.Included in the early signing class are 17 high school signees and one four-year transfer in DeShawn Hanika, a Topeka, Kansas, native who played most recently at Iowa State. Kansas welcomes players from 10 different states, including four individuals from Arizona and Texas and two each from Michigan and Oklahoma. The Jayhawks also signed one player from California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.The class is split with nine players on offense and nine on defense. The largest group of signees is at offensive line, where the Jayhawks added four newcomers. KU signed three players apiece at cornerback and defensive line, two each at tight end, running back and linebacker, and one quarterback and safety.NAME	POSITION	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	HIGH SCHOOL	HOMETOWNDavid Abajian	OL	6-5	285	Chaminade College Preparatory	West Hills, Calif.Austin Alexander	CB	6-0	170	Marian Catholic HS	Hazel Crest, Ill.Kene Anene	OL	6-5	275	East Ridge HS	Cottage Grove, Minn.Dakyus Brinkley	DL	6-3	220	Katy HS	Katy, TexasCarson Bruhn	TE	6-6	240	Sioux Center HS	Sioux Center, IowaDre Gibson	CB	5-10	180	Desert Edge HS	Goodyear, Ariz.Greydon Grimes	DE	6-6	230	China Spring HS	China Spring, TexasDeShawn Hanika	TE	6-6	240	Hayden HS / Butler CC / Iowa State	Topeka, Kan.Jon Jon Kamara	LB	6-3	205	Desert Edge HS	Goodyear, Ariz.Carter Lavrusky	OL	6-6	275	Horizon HS	Scottsdale, Ariz.Isaiah Marshall	QB	6-0	205	Southfield A&amp;T HS	Southfield, Mich.Red Martel	RB	5-9	205	Beggs HS	Beggs, Okla.Damani Maxson	S	6-1	180	Clear Lake HS	Houston, TexasHarry Stewart III	RB	5-9	215	Centennial HS	Frisco, TexasJaCorey Stewart	LB	6-0	215	Milton HS	Atlanta, Ga.Jalen Todd	CB	6-1	180	Southfield A&amp;T HS	Southfield, Mich.Harrison Utley	OL	6-3	290	Norman HS	Norman, Okla.DJ Warner	DE	6-3	215	Desert Edge HS	Buckeye, Ariz.

Kansas Football Announces 2024 Early Signing Class

Texas and Oklahoma
will head to the Southeastern Conference next season with national
top-10 recruiting classes that are by far the highest-ranked among
current teams in the Big 12.

The Longhorns and
Sooners are Nos. 5 and 9, respectively, in the 247Sports composite
rankings. One or the other has been Nos. 1 or 2 in the Big 12 every
year since the composite rankings started in 2010.

Of the teams left
behind in the Big 12, Texas Tech was Wednesday's big winner. The Red
Raiders, ranked No. 22 nationally, signed a five-star recruit for the
first time and also brought in four four-stars.

Texas landed four of
the top 30 players in the country in receiver Ryan Wingo of St.
Louis; linebacker Collin Simmons of Duncanville, Texas; offensive
tackle Brandon Baker of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, California; and
safety Xavier Filsaime of McKinney, Texas.

The Longhorns
emphasized the secondary (five signees), receiver (four) and
defensive line (four).

The only signing-day
drama occurred when Aeryn Hampton, a four-star who could play
receiver or defensive back, flipped to Alabama. Hampton had given
Texas a verbal commitment over the summer.

Oklahoma's top
signee is five-star defensive lineman David Stone of IMG Academy in
Florida. The Sooners also landed the nation's No. 1 running back in
Taylor Tatum of Longview, Texas, and the No. 5 offensive lineman in
Eugene Brooks of Chatsworth, California.

Texas Tech coach
Joey McGuire scored a major victory when he landed five-star receiver
Micah Hudson of Temple, Texas. He also brought in four-star
quarterback Will Hammond of Hutto, Texas, who got a shout-out from
Tech alum Patrick Mahomes in September after he accounted for 807
yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns in a game.

TCU upgraded at
receiver with four-star Gekyle Bakerhigh of Brownsboro, Texas, and
the addition of Notre Dame transfer Braylon James.

UCF and Cincinnati,
both coming off their first seasons in the Big 12, filled needs at
quarterback after losing their starters. The Knights picked up two
three-stars in Riley Trujillo of Jacksonville, Florida, and EJ Colson
of Ellenwood, Georgia. The Bearcats signed three-star Samaj Jones of
Philadelphia after going to the transfer portal to land Brendan
Sorsby from Indiana.

Kansas landed a pair
of four-star edge rushers in Deshawn Warner of Goodyear, Arizona, and
Dakyus Brinkley of Katy, Texas.

Iowa State signed 22
players, all three-stars, and West Virginia brought in 21, with
four-star WR Ric’Darious Farmer the big addition. ... Three-star QB
Maealiuaki Smith of San Mateo, California, is the top-rated signee
for Oklahoma State, which had only two scholarship quarterbacks on
its roster. ... BYU (25 signees), Kansas State (15), Baylor (15) and
Houston (22) round out the 247Sports Composite rankings for the rest
of the current Big 12 members.

Hudson, the No. 7
national recruit, gives Texas Tech its first five-star recruit and is
the headliner of a class made up entirely of in-state recruits. The
6-foot, 190-pounder caught 70 balls for 1,370 yards and 18 touchdowns
for Lake Belton High in Temple. Hudson chose the Red Raiders over
Texas, Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&amp;M.

By The Associated
PressTexas and Oklahoma
will head to the Southeastern Conference next season with national
top-10 recruiting classes that are by far the highest-ranked among
current teams in the Big 12.The Longhorns and
Sooners are Nos. 5 and 9, respectively, in the 247Sports composite
rankings. One or the other has been Nos. 1 or 2 in the Big 12 every
year since the composite rankings started in 2010.Of the teams left
behind in the Big 12, Texas Tech was Wednesday's big winner. The Red
Raiders, ranked No. 22 nationally, signed a five-star recruit for the
first time and also brought in four four-stars.LEADER OF THE
PACKTexas landed four of
the top 30 players in the country in receiver Ryan Wingo of St.
Louis; linebacker Collin Simmons of Duncanville, Texas; offensive
tackle Brandon Baker of Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, California; and
safety Xavier Filsaime of McKinney, Texas.The Longhorns
emphasized the secondary (five signees), receiver (four) and
defensive line (four).The only signing-day
drama occurred when Aeryn Hampton, a four-star who could play
receiver or defensive back, flipped to Alabama. Hampton had given
Texas a verbal commitment over the summer.BEST OF THE RESTOklahoma's top
signee is five-star defensive lineman David Stone of IMG Academy in
Florida. The Sooners also landed the nation's No. 1 running back in
Taylor Tatum of Longview, Texas, and the No. 5 offensive lineman in
Eugene Brooks of Chatsworth, California.Texas Tech coach
Joey McGuire scored a major victory when he landed five-star receiver
Micah Hudson of Temple, Texas. He also brought in four-star
quarterback Will Hammond of Hutto, Texas, who got a shout-out from
Tech alum Patrick Mahomes in September after he accounted for 807
yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns in a game.TCU upgraded at
receiver with four-star Gekyle Bakerhigh of Brownsboro, Texas, and
the addition of Notre Dame transfer Braylon James.UNDER THE RADARUCF and Cincinnati,
both coming off their first seasons in the Big 12, filled needs at
quarterback after losing their starters. The Knights picked up two
three-stars in Riley Trujillo of Jacksonville, Florida, and EJ Colson
of Ellenwood, Georgia. The Bearcats signed three-star Samaj Jones of
Philadelphia after going to the transfer portal to land Brendan
Sorsby from Indiana.Kansas landed a pair
of four-star edge rushers in Deshawn Warner of Goodyear, Arizona, and
Dakyus Brinkley of Katy, Texas.Iowa State signed 22
players, all three-stars, and West Virginia brought in 21, with
four-star WR Ric’Darious Farmer the big addition. ... Three-star QB
Maealiuaki Smith of San Mateo, California, is the top-rated signee
for Oklahoma State, which had only two scholarship quarterbacks on
its roster. ... BYU (25 signees), Kansas State (15), Baylor (15) and
Houston (22) round out the 247Sports Composite rankings for the rest
of the current Big 12 members.STAR OF THE CLASSHudson, the No. 7
national recruit, gives Texas Tech its first five-star recruit and is
the headliner of a class made up entirely of in-state recruits. The
6-foot, 190-pounder caught 70 balls for 1,370 yards and 18 touchdowns
for Lake Belton High in Temple. Hudson chose the Red Raiders over
Texas, Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&amp;M.BIGGEST SURPRISE