Junction City Boys 66 Great Bend 63; Great Bend Girls 65 Junction City 26

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Boys 66 Great Bend 63; Great Bend Girls 65 Junction City 26<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/wrobu4uj/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl previews the first Friday night of the High School Basketball season

- Barton Men's Basketball coach Jeremy Coombs will talk about the Cougars first loss of the season Wednesday at home against Cowley and preview Saturday road game at 9th ranked Butler

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_sZxdltbGGA?si=8ZI9uA3KjxrJyYIU" 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 previews the first Friday night of the High School Basketball season- Barton Men's Basketball coach Jeremy Coombs will talk about the Cougars first loss of the season Wednesday at home against Cowley and preview Saturday road game at 9th ranked Butler- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

Scott City Boys 50 Hoisington 38; Hoisington Girls 76 Scott City 65

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>Scott City Boys 50 Hoisington 38; Hoisington Girls 76 Scott City 65<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/aaiylnnr/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

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Lajae Jones of the 6th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team has been named the KJCCC's Week Four Player of the Week.

Jones averaged a double-double last week in helping the Cougars to a pair of road victories to remain unbeaten on the season.

Shooting 69% for the week, Jones averaged 22 points and 11.5 rebounds in 28.5 minutes of court time. Jones opened his week shooting 8-of-11 from the field for 19 points with 8 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 26 minutes helping Barton to a 96-75 win at Pratt.

Concluding the week this past Sunday, the sophomore guard posted his fourth 20-point performance of the season scoring 20 of his game high 25 in second half action guiding the Cougars to a 65-53 victory at 24th ranked Cloud County. Jones knocked down a perfect 4-of-4 from long distance in finishing 8-of-12 from the field while adding a career high 15 rebounds for his second double-double of the year.

Most recently Jones again led the squad in scoring with 18 points but was not enough as the 6th ranked Cougars fell to nationally receiving votes Cowley College 80-70 Wednesday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701460314176.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoLajae Jones of the 6th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team has been named the KJCCC's Week Four Player of the Week.Jones averaged a double-double last week in helping the Cougars to a pair of road victories to remain unbeaten on the season.Shooting 69% for the week, Jones averaged 22 points and 11.5 rebounds in 28.5 minutes of court time. Jones opened his week shooting 8-of-11 from the field for 19 points with 8 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 26 minutes helping Barton to a 96-75 win at Pratt.Concluding the week this past Sunday, the sophomore guard posted his fourth 20-point performance of the season scoring 20 of his game high 25 in second half action guiding the Cougars to a 65-53 victory at 24th ranked Cloud County. Jones knocked down a perfect 4-of-4 from long distance in finishing 8-of-12 from the field while adding a career high 15 rebounds for his second double-double of the year.Most recently Jones again led the squad in scoring with 18 points but was not enough as the 6th ranked Cougars fell to nationally receiving votes Cowley College 80-70 Wednesday evening.

Barton's Jones named Week 4 KJCCC Player of the Week

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — After one of their trademark come-from-behind victories last week in Las Vegas, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hope their rally sparks a surge that can help the defending Super Bowl champions make another postseason run.

The next step comes Sunday night when the AFC West-leading Chiefs (8-3) visit the improving Green Bay Packers (5-6).

Kansas City is coming off a 31-17 triumph over the Raiders in which the Chiefs responded after falling behind 14-0 in the first 18 minutes. Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team made plenty of notable comebacks during its two recent Super Bowl championship seasons, liked the way his players didn’t flinch amid adversity.

“They picked everything up and said, ‘We have to play better,’" Reid said. “And I hear things on the sideline, so I get a feel most people don’t hear. The guys, the leaders were really encouraging guys, and I thought all that was positive.”

That comeback ended a string of three straight games in which Kansas City failed to score after halftime, and it provided a glimpse of how the Chiefs must play the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.

Green Bay had its own issues earlier this season, as the Packers failed to score a single first-half touchdown during one five-game stretch.

But just like the Chiefs turned around their second-half woes, the Packers are doing a better job of moving the ball early on. They scored touchdowns on their first two drives in a 29-22 Thanksgiving Day victory at Detroit.

“I just think we’re doing a better job of finding our rhythm, finding our flow as an offense,” Packers wide receiver Christian Watson said. “It took us a little too long early in the season to find that, to find that rhythm. Now I think we’re connecting a little bit better as an offense and finding it a little quicker.”

This marks the Chiefs’ first regular-season visit to Green Bay since 2015, which means it will be the first time Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has played at Lambeau Field. The two-time Super Bowl champion was here for a 2019 preseason game in which he didn’t play.

“I’m extremely excited for it,” Mahomes said. “I’ve watched it my whole entire life. I know it’s going to be a hostile environment and loud, a lot like what Arrowhead is like to other teams. If you love football, you love Lambeau Field, and I’m excited to play a game there.”

Packers quarterback Jordan Love faced the Chiefs in his first career start in 2021, when a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers. The Packers lost that game 13-7 as Love struggled to deal with all the pressure the Chiefs were putting on him.

“It was a good learning experience for me, just being able to see those experiences, see where I need to be going with the ball,” Love said. “I watched it back that offseason and was able to learn a lot just from that film.”

TV viewers could end up seeing plenty of shots in the stands Sunday night with the possibility that pop superstar Taylor Swift, who's in a relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles, who's married to Green Bay safety Jonathan Owens, could be on hand for the game.

Swift hasn’t attended the last two Chiefs games due to conflicts with her tour schedule, which is currently on a break. Biles has attended multiple Packers home games and expressed her approval via social media last week when Owens scored his first career touchdown on a 27-yard fumble return.

Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling played his first four seasons in Green Bay, where he provided a deep threat but struggled to catch the ball consistently. He has had the same issues in Kansas City.

Valdes-Scantling has just 15 receptions for 248 yards and dropped a potential go-ahead touchdown pass in the final minutes of a 21-17 loss to the Eagles in their Super Bowl rematch a couple of weeks ago.

The Chiefs are tied for fourth in the NFL with 37 sacks. They have three players with more than five sacks: George Karlaftis (8), Chris Jones (7½) and Mike Danna (5½).

The Packers have their own exceptional pass rusher in Rashan Gary, who had three sacks in the Thanksgiving victory at Detroit.

The Packers are 15-0 in December games during Matt LaFleur’s coaching tenure. That represents the second-longest December winning streak in NFL history. The Chargers won 18 straight from 2006-09, well before their move to Los Angeles.

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports WriterGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — After one of their trademark come-from-behind victories last week in Las Vegas, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hope their rally sparks a surge that can help the defending Super Bowl champions make another postseason run.The next step comes Sunday night when the AFC West-leading Chiefs (8-3) visit the improving Green Bay Packers (5-6).Kansas City is coming off a 31-17 triumph over the Raiders in which the Chiefs responded after falling behind 14-0 in the first 18 minutes. Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team made plenty of notable comebacks during its two recent Super Bowl championship seasons, liked the way his players didn’t flinch amid adversity.“They picked everything up and said, ‘We have to play better,’" Reid said. “And I hear things on the sideline, so I get a feel most people don’t hear. The guys, the leaders were really encouraging guys, and I thought all that was positive.”That comeback ended a string of three straight games in which Kansas City failed to score after halftime, and it provided a glimpse of how the Chiefs must play the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.Green Bay had its own issues earlier this season, as the Packers failed to score a single first-half touchdown during one five-game stretch.But just like the Chiefs turned around their second-half woes, the Packers are doing a better job of moving the ball early on. They scored touchdowns on their first two drives in a 29-22 Thanksgiving Day victory at Detroit.“I just think we’re doing a better job of finding our rhythm, finding our flow as an offense,” Packers wide receiver Christian Watson said. “It took us a little too long early in the season to find that, to find that rhythm. Now I think we’re connecting a little bit better as an offense and finding it a little quicker.”This marks the Chiefs’ first regular-season visit to Green Bay since 2015, which means it will be the first time Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has played at Lambeau Field. The two-time Super Bowl champion was here for a 2019 preseason game in which he didn’t play.“I’m extremely excited for it,” Mahomes said. “I’ve watched it my whole entire life. I know it’s going to be a hostile environment and loud, a lot like what Arrowhead is like to other teams. If you love football, you love Lambeau Field, and I’m excited to play a game there.”LOVE VS. CHIEFS AGAINPackers quarterback Jordan Love faced the Chiefs in his first career start in 2021, when a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers. The Packers lost that game 13-7 as Love struggled to deal with all the pressure the Chiefs were putting on him.“It was a good learning experience for me, just being able to see those experiences, see where I need to be going with the ball,” Love said. “I watched it back that offseason and was able to learn a lot just from that film.”CELEBRITY WATCHTV viewers could end up seeing plenty of shots in the stands Sunday night with the possibility that pop superstar Taylor Swift, who's in a relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles, who's married to Green Bay safety Jonathan Owens, could be on hand for the game.Swift hasn’t attended the last two Chiefs games due to conflicts with her tour schedule, which is currently on a break. Biles has attended multiple Packers home games and expressed her approval via social media last week when Owens scored his first career touchdown on a 27-yard fumble return.VALDES-SCANTLING’S RETURNChiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling played his first four seasons in Green Bay, where he provided a deep threat but struggled to catch the ball consistently. He has had the same issues in Kansas City.Valdes-Scantling has just 15 receptions for 248 yards and dropped a potential go-ahead touchdown pass in the final minutes of a 21-17 loss to the Eagles in their Super Bowl rematch a couple of weeks ago.SACK ATTACKThe Chiefs are tied for fourth in the NFL with 37 sacks. They have three players with more than five sacks: George Karlaftis (8), Chris Jones (7½) and Mike Danna (5½).The Packers have their own exceptional pass rusher in Rashan Gary, who had three sacks in the Thanksgiving victory at Detroit.DANGEROUS IN DECEMBERThe Packers are 15-0 in December games during Matt LaFleur’s coaching tenure. That represents the second-longest December winning streak in NFL history. The Chargers won 18 straight from 2006-09, well before their move to Los Angeles.

Chiefs head to Lambeau to face the surging Packers

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Paige Thexton's numbers are trending in the right direction. A senior three-sport athlete at Great Bend High School, she's started every varsity softball game for the Lady Panthers in her first three years, and she keeps getting better.&nbsp;Wednesday morning, Thexton signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Fort Hays State University next year.&nbsp;

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to continue my love for softball," she said. "It has always been my dream to play softball at the collegiate level. I felt FHSU was the best fit for me. They have a great program, amazing coaches, sweet facilities, and I loved the campus. It is close to home, which is nice."

Thexton batted .377 in 21 games for Great Bend as a freshman. She bumped that figure to .418 in 21 games as a sophomore, then moved up to .443 in 22 games last year as a junior. She compiled 31 hits in the 2023 campaign, and her 15 walks put her on-base percentage at .541.

Earlier this fall, Thexton played in all 84 sets for the Lady Panther volleyball team that set a school record with 31 wins in a season. Her 234 digs were fourth on the team, and her 282 serve receives ranked second. She also served up 27 aces, fifth most on the squad. This winter, Thexton returns to the basketball court after averaging 5.2 rebounds and three points a game last season.

Thexton is the daughter of Rachel and Khris Thexton. She plans to study secondary education at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701443221933.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior Paige Thexton has officially signed her letter of intent to play softball at Fort Hays State University. She is surrounded by parents Rachel and Khris Thexton, and siblings Kolbie and Kade Thexton." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior Paige Thexton has officially signed her letter of intent to play softball at Fort Hays State University. She is surrounded by parents Rachel and Khris Thexton, and siblings Kolbie and Kade Thexton.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPaige Thexton's numbers are trending in the right direction. A senior three-sport athlete at Great Bend High School, she's started every varsity softball game for the Lady Panthers in her first three years, and she keeps getting better.&nbsp;Wednesday morning, Thexton signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Fort Hays State University next year.&nbsp;"I am so excited to have the opportunity to continue my love for softball," she said. "It has always been my dream to play softball at the collegiate level. I felt FHSU was the best fit for me. They have a great program, amazing coaches, sweet facilities, and I loved the campus. It is close to home, which is nice."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700588046465.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thexton batted .377 in 21 games for Great Bend as a freshman. She bumped that figure to .418 in 21 games as a sophomore, then moved up to .443 in 22 games last year as a junior. She compiled 31 hits in the 2023 campaign, and her 15 walks put her on-base percentage at .541.Earlier this fall, Thexton played in all 84 sets for the Lady Panther volleyball team that set a school record with 31 wins in a season. Her 234 digs were fourth on the team, and her 282 serve receives ranked second. She also served up 27 aces, fifth most on the squad. This winter, Thexton returns to the basketball court after averaging 5.2 rebounds and three points a game last season.Thexton is the daughter of Rachel and Khris Thexton. She plans to study secondary education at Fort Hays State University.

Great Bend's Thexton officially inks to play softball at FHSU

The winter sports season is officially underway as basketball teams, wrestlers, and swimmers all saw action around Kansas. The Great Bend High School swim team headed to Salina where they scored 201 points to place fifth out of seven teams in action. Campus dominated the meet with 607 points, followed by Garden City with 428 points, and Hays with 316.5 points.

The 200-yard freestyle relay of Joshua Sharpe, Matthew Williams, AJ Thurman, and Andrew McQuade finished sixth in 2:07.82, 17 seconds behind the bronze. McQuade, Williams, Kale Mermis, and Jordan Sander joined forces in the 200-yard medley relay to swim seventh in 2:23.03, 18 seconds off the bronze.

Sander had the best individual finish for the Panthers in the 500-yard free, placing sixth in 7:51.79 to miss the bronze by 80-plus seconds. Sander swam ninth in the 200-yard free in 2:41.55, followed by Williams in 2:55.33 for 10th. The winning time in that race was 2:05.66. Mermis placed seventh in the 200 IM in 3:06.43, followed by Thurman in ninth in 3:38.36. The winning time was 2:22.22. Mermis placed eighth in the 100 butterfly in 1:32.85 to miss the bronze by 29 seconds. McQuade finished eighth in the 100 back in 1:31.07, with the winner finishing in 1:03.82. Thomas Henrikson swam 14th in the 50 free in 39 flat with the winner crossing in 24.47.

The 400-yard freestyle relay team of Sander, Sharpe, Mermis, and Quinton Heath finished ninth in 5:40.53. Salina Central won that race by five seconds in 4:07.88.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886492120.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe winter sports season is officially underway as basketball teams, wrestlers, and swimmers all saw action around Kansas. The Great Bend High School swim team headed to Salina where they scored 201 points to place fifth out of seven teams in action. Campus dominated the meet with 607 points, followed by Garden City with 428 points, and Hays with 316.5 points.The 200-yard freestyle relay of Joshua Sharpe, Matthew Williams, AJ Thurman, and Andrew McQuade finished sixth in 2:07.82, 17 seconds behind the bronze. McQuade, Williams, Kale Mermis, and Jordan Sander joined forces in the 200-yard medley relay to swim seventh in 2:23.03, 18 seconds off the bronze.Sander had the best individual finish for the Panthers in the 500-yard free, placing sixth in 7:51.79 to miss the bronze by 80-plus seconds. Sander swam ninth in the 200-yard free in 2:41.55, followed by Williams in 2:55.33 for 10th. The winning time in that race was 2:05.66. Mermis placed seventh in the 200 IM in 3:06.43, followed by Thurman in ninth in 3:38.36. The winning time was 2:22.22. Mermis placed eighth in the 100 butterfly in 1:32.85 to miss the bronze by 29 seconds. McQuade finished eighth in the 100 back in 1:31.07, with the winner finishing in 1:03.82. Thomas Henrikson swam 14th in the 50 free in 39 flat with the winner crossing in 24.47.The 400-yard freestyle relay team of Sander, Sharpe, Mermis, and Quinton Heath finished ninth in 5:40.53. Salina Central won that race by five seconds in 4:07.88.The Panthers swim at home next Tuesday.

Panther swimmers open season at Salina

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)
— Thousands of students were lounging inside Allen Fieldhouse by
Wednesday afternoon, two full days before fifth-ranked Kansas was due
to take the court again, dutifully announcing their presence every
time someone barked out for roll call.

Getting in line that
early is what it takes to snag a prime seat for one of the biggest
college basketball games of the regular season.

In a throwback to an
increasingly bygone era, when high-profile showdowns were less often
lured to neutral floors by TV and sponsorship dollars, the Jayhawks
will get a visit from fourth-ranked UConn on Friday night. It will be
only the fifth time in the past decade that the past two national
champions have played, and only the second nonconference game on a
campus.

“I'm telling you
from this standpoint right now, playing the defending national
champions that are on a roll right now, it's as big a game as I could
ever remember in early December," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said
Thursday.

“I'm not going to
say it's the biggest game we've ever played. That's not fair to
anyone,” Self clarified, “and I don't think they would say it was
either, because there's been a lot of big games when they were
playing Villanova or whatever. But I think both teams would agree
it's about as big as it can be on December 1.”

There have been 13
previous games involving the past two national champs since 2000, and
the Jayhawks and Huskies have been involved in five of them. Two came
just last year, when the Jayhawks split games with Big 12 rival
Baylor, and three came in 2005, when UConn and Syracuse met twice in
the regular season and again in the Big East Tournament.

In fact, most games
over the past two decades involved conference foes in the regular
season or their league tournament. In two cases, the past two
national champs met in the NCAA Tournament, when it was inevitable
that the best would play the best.

But a true
nonconference game? The previous time that happened 2013, when
Kentucky defeated Louisville.

More often,
blueblood programs such as UConn and Kansas meet far from home. The
Jayhawks beat No. 12 Kentucky in the Champions Classic in Chicago
earlier this season, and split games against third-ranked Marquette
and No. 10 Tennessee at the Maui Invitational. UConn has a game
upcoming against No. 17 North Carolina in the Jimmy V Classic at
Madison Square Garden.

So when these
high-profile games are on campus, such as the Huskies and Jayhawks
will be Friday night? You get students camping out for seats, even if
it means starting their vigil more than 48 hours before tipoff.

“Seeing them camp
out pretty much after the last game, it's just like fuel to our
fire,” Kansas guard Elmarko Jackson said. “It just makes us want
to get out there even harder, you know? When the lights turn on,
we're just going to go super hard.”

Indeed, on-campus
games carry with them a different weight and feel for players. UConn
guard Tristen Newton admitted that “taking the joy of winning out
of somebody else's team is just a great feeling,” and Kansas center
Hunter Dickinson said that he thinks about — on an almost daily
basis — the sterling record that the Jayhawks have compiled in the
Phog.

“So that's
something that, you know, I definitely take pride in, trying to
defend this home court,” said Dickinson, who will go toe-to-toe
with UConn center Donovan Clingan in what should be one of the best
matchups of big men all season.

“This is the mecca
of college basketball,” Dickinson said. “We know we're going to
have our fans behind us. They're going to give us every ounce of
energy they can possibly give us. So it's up to us to try to channel
that.”

This isn't the only
power conference opponent that the Jayhawks are playing on campus
this season. They have longtime and bitter rival Missouri in a couple
of weeks, then head to Indiana in the return game of that series.

It will almost
assuredly be the best, though.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)
— Thousands of students were lounging inside Allen Fieldhouse by
Wednesday afternoon, two full days before fifth-ranked Kansas was due
to take the court again, dutifully announcing their presence every
time someone barked out for roll call.Getting in line that
early is what it takes to snag a prime seat for one of the biggest
college basketball games of the regular season.In a throwback to an
increasingly bygone era, when high-profile showdowns were less often
lured to neutral floors by TV and sponsorship dollars, the Jayhawks
will get a visit from fourth-ranked UConn on Friday night. It will be
only the fifth time in the past decade that the past two national
champions have played, and only the second nonconference game on a
campus.“I'm telling you
from this standpoint right now, playing the defending national
champions that are on a roll right now, it's as big a game as I could
ever remember in early December," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said
Thursday.“I'm not going to
say it's the biggest game we've ever played. That's not fair to
anyone,” Self clarified, “and I don't think they would say it was
either, because there's been a lot of big games when they were
playing Villanova or whatever. But I think both teams would agree
it's about as big as it can be on December 1.”There have been 13
previous games involving the past two national champs since 2000, and
the Jayhawks and Huskies have been involved in five of them. Two came
just last year, when the Jayhawks split games with Big 12 rival
Baylor, and three came in 2005, when UConn and Syracuse met twice in
the regular season and again in the Big East Tournament.In fact, most games
over the past two decades involved conference foes in the regular
season or their league tournament. In two cases, the past two
national champs met in the NCAA Tournament, when it was inevitable
that the best would play the best.But a true
nonconference game? The previous time that happened 2013, when
Kentucky defeated Louisville.More often,
blueblood programs such as UConn and Kansas meet far from home. The
Jayhawks beat No. 12 Kentucky in the Champions Classic in Chicago
earlier this season, and split games against third-ranked Marquette
and No. 10 Tennessee at the Maui Invitational. UConn has a game
upcoming against No. 17 North Carolina in the Jimmy V Classic at
Madison Square Garden.So when these
high-profile games are on campus, such as the Huskies and Jayhawks
will be Friday night? You get students camping out for seats, even if
it means starting their vigil more than 48 hours before tipoff.“Seeing them camp
out pretty much after the last game, it's just like fuel to our
fire,” Kansas guard Elmarko Jackson said. “It just makes us want
to get out there even harder, you know? When the lights turn on,
we're just going to go super hard.”Indeed, on-campus
games carry with them a different weight and feel for players. UConn
guard Tristen Newton admitted that “taking the joy of winning out
of somebody else's team is just a great feeling,” and Kansas center
Hunter Dickinson said that he thinks about — on an almost daily
basis — the sterling record that the Jayhawks have compiled in the
Phog.“So that's
something that, you know, I definitely take pride in, trying to
defend this home court,” said Dickinson, who will go toe-to-toe
with UConn center Donovan Clingan in what should be one of the best
matchups of big men all season.“This is the mecca
of college basketball,” Dickinson said. “We know we're going to
have our fans behind us. They're going to give us every ounce of
energy they can possibly give us. So it's up to us to try to channel
that.”This isn't the only
power conference opponent that the Jayhawks are playing on campus
this season. They have longtime and bitter rival Missouri in a couple
of weeks, then head to Indiana in the return game of that series.It will almost
assuredly be the best, though.

No. 4 UConn heads to No. 5 Kansas for rare matchup of the past two national champions

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

No. 10 Penn State is
hiring Kansas' Andy Kotelnicki as its offensive coordinator, a person
with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on
Thursday.

The person spoke on
condition of anonymity because details were being finalized and the
hire still needed university approval. However, Kansas announced it
was promoting Jim Zebrowski from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive
coordinator, while making no mention of Kotelnicki.

Jayhawks coach Lance
Leipold also elevated Jordan Peterson to co-defensive coordinator
from defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator.

At Penn State,
Kotelnicki will replace Mike Yurcich, who was fired by coach James
Franklin with two games left in the regular season after the Nittany
Lions lost 24-15 to No. 2 Michigan.

Penn State (10-2)
ranked 81st in the country in yards per play and especially struggled
in its two biggest Big Ten games. The Nittany Lions lost to both No.
6 Ohio State and Michigan, scoring a combined 27 points as first-year
starting quarterback Drew Allar struggled.

At Kansas,
Kotelnicki has been part of a staff that has directed a huge
turnaround of what had been the worst football program in Power Five
for more than a decade.

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football WriterNo. 10 Penn State is
hiring Kansas' Andy Kotelnicki as its offensive coordinator, a person
with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on
Thursday.The person spoke on
condition of anonymity because details were being finalized and the
hire still needed university approval. However, Kansas announced it
was promoting Jim Zebrowski from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive
coordinator, while making no mention of Kotelnicki.Jayhawks coach Lance
Leipold also elevated Jordan Peterson to co-defensive coordinator
from defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator.At Penn State,
Kotelnicki will replace Mike Yurcich, who was fired by coach James
Franklin with two games left in the regular season after the Nittany
Lions lost 24-15 to No. 2 Michigan.Penn State (10-2)
ranked 81st in the country in yards per play and especially struggled
in its two biggest Big Ten games. The Nittany Lions lost to both No.
6 Ohio State and Michigan, scoring a combined 27 points as first-year
starting quarterback Drew Allar struggled.At Kansas,
Kotelnicki has been part of a staff that has directed a huge
turnaround of what had been the worst football program in Power Five
for more than a decade.

Penn State to hire Kansas' Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator

Thursday AP Scores BOYS SCORES

Heritage Christian 71, KC East Christian, Mo. 62

Kansas City Central, Mo. 65, KC Schlagle 20

Logan-Rogersville, Mo. 45, Metro Academy 38

Thayer Central, Neb. 37, Republic County 33

Gerald Mitchell Hays City Shootout

Heritage Christian 48, KC East Christian, Mo. 16

Thayer Central, Neb. 52, Republic County 19

Thursday AP Scores BOYS SCORESDeerfield 49, Rolla 41Gardner-Edgerton 70, KC Sumner 36Heritage Christian 71, KC East Christian, Mo. 62Kansas City Central, Mo. 65, KC Schlagle 20Logan-Rogersville, Mo. 45, Metro Academy 38Maize South 75, Andover Central 60Olathe West 70, Raytown South, Mo. 36Otis-Bison 66, Natoma 13Pratt 56, Larned 37Thayer Central, Neb. 37, Republic County 33Topeka 58, Wamego 38Gerald Mitchell Hays City ShootoutFirst RoundHays 59, Hays-TMP-Marian 26Hugoton 54, Wichita Sunrise 52Millwood, Okla. 87, Manhattan 62Wichita Life Prep 65, Newton 43GIRLS SCORESBurlingame 57, Topeka Cair Paravel 30Garden City 39, Coronado, Colo. 21Heritage Christian 48, KC East Christian, Mo. 16Otis-Bison 51, Natoma 31Pratt 39, Larned 26Rolla 55, Olathe East 35Thayer Central, Neb. 52, Republic County 19Wamego 44, Topeka 40Gerald Mitchell Hays City ShootoutFirst RoundHays 55, Hays-TMP-Marian 27Millwood, Okla. 60, Manhattan 52Olathe West 71, Hugoton 12Washburn Rural 53, Newton 13

Thursday Statewide Scores

Pratt Boys 56 Larned 37; Pratt Girls 39 Larned 26

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600485516602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pratt Boys 56 Larned 37; Pratt Girls 39 Larned 26<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/zy35ui5v/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Penn State is hiring Kansas’ Andy Kotelnicki as its offensive
coordinator. That's according to a person with direct knowledge of
the decision who spoke to The Associated Pres on condition of
anonymity because details were being finalized and the hire still
needed university approval. However, Kansas announced it was
promoting Jim Zebrowski from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive
coordinator, while making no mention of Kotelnicki. At Penn State,
Kotelnicki will replace Mike Yurcich, who was fired with two games
left in the regular season after the Nittany Lions lost 24-15 to No.
2 Michigan.

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Texas will try to bid farewell to the Big 12 with a bookend
title. The seventh-ranked and SEC-bound Longhorns won the inaugural
Big 12 championship game in 1996, and now play their last one against
No. 19 Oklahoma State on Saturday. The 11-1 Longhorns last won the
Big 12 title game in 2009 to make the BCS national championship game,
and their only other Big 12 title was in 2005 when they were the
league’s last national champion. Oklahoma State won seven of its
last eight games to get into the Big 12 title game for the second
time in three seasons.

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, and the Dallas
Cowboys extended their home winning streak to 14 games by rallying
for a 41-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Prescott’s 12-yard
pass to Jake Ferguson put Dallas in front with 4 1/2 minutes
remaining. The Cowboys set up a rematch with NFC East rival
Philadelphia by escaping what would have been their first loss since
falling to the Eagles 28-23 to start November. Geno Smith threw three
touchdown passes to D.K. Metcalf, including a 73-yarder, as the
Seahawks got their offense going again. But Seattle couldn’t avoid
a third consecutive loss to drop to .500.

DALLAS (AP) —
Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has turned himself in to police
in a Dallas suburb after he was charged in a warrant with domestic
violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. Dallas
police confirmed that the 34-year-old Miller surrendered to police in
the suburb of Glenn Heights to face a charge of third-degree felony
assault of a pregnant woman. The offense is punishable by 2 to 10
years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Police wrote in an affidavit that
Miller twice put his hands on the neck of the woman, pulled out a
chunk of her hair and threw her onto a couch. Miller did not return a
text message seeking comment. He is free after posting bond.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers fully intends to play again this season for
the New York Jets and he hasn’t ruled out being back on the field
in a few weeks. The quarterback has been making a remarkably quick
recovery since tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his
debut with the Jets on Sept. 11. Rodgers spoke to local reporters
Thursday and said he’s not yet close to being able to play. But he
also left open the door for him to be back under center before his
initial goal of Dec. 24, saying he plans to ramp up his practice
activities next week.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Otega Oweh scored 20 points to lead No. 25 Oklahoma to a 107-86
victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 95-year-old McCasland Field
House. Owen was one of five Sooners to score in double figures. Jalen
Moore had 19 points and eight rebounds. Javian McCollum and John
Hugley IV both scored 15. Le’Tre Darthard added 14 points. The
undefeated Sooners returned to the AP Top 25 this week for the first
time since the 2020-21 season and for the first time under third-year
coach Porter Moser. They proved early that remaining unbeaten would
not be a problem. Kyle Milton led the Golden Lions with 24 points.
Rashad Williams added 20, going 5 for 10 from 3-point range.

STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Baylor Scheierman scored 21 points and Oklahoma City native
Trey Alexander added 20 as No. 15 Creighton rebounded from its first
loss of the season with a 79-65 victory over Oklahoma State. Steven
Ashworth scored 17 points and went 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, while Ryan
Kalkbrenner had 16 points and 12 rebounds. The Bluejays shot 53% from
the field and outrebounded the Cowboys 38-30 in a a Big East-Big 12
Battle game that was tied 23-all after 11 minutes. Javon Small scored
24 points to lead Oklahoma State, which shot 40% for the game and was
outscored 17-0 during a decisive Creighton run in the first half.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Jahmyl Telfort scored 26 points, DJ Davis added 25 points, and Posh
Alexander had a triple-double to help Butler beat Texas Tech 103-95
in overtime in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. Alexander had 10 points,
10 rebounds and 11 assists for Butler’s first triple-double since
Roosevelt Jones in 2016. At the end of regulation, Telfort made a
3-pointer from the top of the key with 28.6 seconds left to give
Butler an 83-81 lead. The Bulldogs defense surrounded Joe Toussaint
in the lane at the other end and he passed it out to Pop Isaacs, who
drove the left side of the paint for a tying layup with 3.8 to go.
Telfort’s heave from midcourt just before the horn did not hit the
rim.

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP)
— Tiger Woods made a solid return to golf until he limped home in
the Bahamas. That was more about his golf than his fused right ankle.
Woods dropped four shots in a three-hole stretch toward the end and
shot 75 in the Hero World Challenge. That left him eight shots behind
leaders Brian Harman and Tony Finau. Woods' score was better than
only two players in the 20-man field at Albany. He attributed his
results to being rusty and lacking commitment. The big trouble came
on the par-5 15th. He tried to punch out of a bush and made a double
bogey.

Final	(25)Oklahoma	107	Ark.-Pine
Bluff	86	

Final	Golden
State	120	L.A. Clippers	114	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="BARTON SPRING ONLINE.jpg" />
 <figcaption>BARTON SPRING ONLINE.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — No.
10 Penn State is hiring Kansas’ Andy Kotelnicki as its offensive
coordinator. That's according to a person with direct knowledge of
the decision who spoke to The Associated Pres on condition of
anonymity because details were being finalized and the hire still
needed university approval. However, Kansas announced it was
promoting Jim Zebrowski from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive
coordinator, while making no mention of Kotelnicki. At Penn State,
Kotelnicki will replace Mike Yurcich, who was fired with two games
left in the regular season after the Nittany Lions lost 24-15 to No.
2 Michigan.ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Texas will try to bid farewell to the Big 12 with a bookend
title. The seventh-ranked and SEC-bound Longhorns won the inaugural
Big 12 championship game in 1996, and now play their last one against
No. 19 Oklahoma State on Saturday. The 11-1 Longhorns last won the
Big 12 title game in 2009 to make the BCS national championship game,
and their only other Big 12 title was in 2005 when they were the
league’s last national champion. Oklahoma State won seven of its
last eight games to get into the Big 12 title game for the second
time in three seasons.ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, and the Dallas
Cowboys extended their home winning streak to 14 games by rallying
for a 41-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Prescott’s 12-yard
pass to Jake Ferguson put Dallas in front with 4 1/2 minutes
remaining. The Cowboys set up a rematch with NFC East rival
Philadelphia by escaping what would have been their first loss since
falling to the Eagles 28-23 to start November. Geno Smith threw three
touchdown passes to D.K. Metcalf, including a 73-yarder, as the
Seahawks got their offense going again. But Seattle couldn’t avoid
a third consecutive loss to drop to .500.DALLAS (AP) —
Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has turned himself in to police
in a Dallas suburb after he was charged in a warrant with domestic
violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. Dallas
police confirmed that the 34-year-old Miller surrendered to police in
the suburb of Glenn Heights to face a charge of third-degree felony
assault of a pregnant woman. The offense is punishable by 2 to 10
years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Police wrote in an affidavit that
Miller twice put his hands on the neck of the woman, pulled out a
chunk of her hair and threw her onto a couch. Miller did not return a
text message seeking comment. He is free after posting bond.FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers fully intends to play again this season for
the New York Jets and he hasn’t ruled out being back on the field
in a few weeks. The quarterback has been making a remarkably quick
recovery since tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his
debut with the Jets on Sept. 11. Rodgers spoke to local reporters
Thursday and said he’s not yet close to being able to play. But he
also left open the door for him to be back under center before his
initial goal of Dec. 24, saying he plans to ramp up his practice
activities next week.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) —
Otega Oweh scored 20 points to lead No. 25 Oklahoma to a 107-86
victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 95-year-old McCasland Field
House. Owen was one of five Sooners to score in double figures. Jalen
Moore had 19 points and eight rebounds. Javian McCollum and John
Hugley IV both scored 15. Le’Tre Darthard added 14 points. The
undefeated Sooners returned to the AP Top 25 this week for the first
time since the 2020-21 season and for the first time under third-year
coach Porter Moser. They proved early that remaining unbeaten would
not be a problem. Kyle Milton led the Golden Lions with 24 points.
Rashad Williams added 20, going 5 for 10 from 3-point range.STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Baylor Scheierman scored 21 points and Oklahoma City native
Trey Alexander added 20 as No. 15 Creighton rebounded from its first
loss of the season with a 79-65 victory over Oklahoma State. Steven
Ashworth scored 17 points and went 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, while Ryan
Kalkbrenner had 16 points and 12 rebounds. The Bluejays shot 53% from
the field and outrebounded the Cowboys 38-30 in a a Big East-Big 12
Battle game that was tied 23-all after 11 minutes. Javon Small scored
24 points to lead Oklahoma State, which shot 40% for the game and was
outscored 17-0 during a decisive Creighton run in the first half.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Jahmyl Telfort scored 26 points, DJ Davis added 25 points, and Posh
Alexander had a triple-double to help Butler beat Texas Tech 103-95
in overtime in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. Alexander had 10 points,
10 rebounds and 11 assists for Butler’s first triple-double since
Roosevelt Jones in 2016. At the end of regulation, Telfort made a
3-pointer from the top of the key with 28.6 seconds left to give
Butler an 83-81 lead. The Bulldogs defense surrounded Joe Toussaint
in the lane at the other end and he passed it out to Pop Isaacs, who
drove the left side of the paint for a tying layup with 3.8 to go.
Telfort’s heave from midcourt just before the horn did not hit the
rim.NASSAU, Bahamas (AP)
— Tiger Woods made a solid return to golf until he limped home in
the Bahamas. That was more about his golf than his fused right ankle.
Woods dropped four shots in a three-hole stretch toward the end and
shot 75 in the Hero World Challenge. That left him eight shots behind
leaders Brian Harman and Tony Finau. Woods' score was better than
only two players in the 20-man field at Albany. He attributed his
results to being rusty and lacking commitment. The big trouble came
on the par-5 15th. He tried to punch out of a bush and made a double
bogey.THURSDAY SCORESNATIONAL FOOTBALL
LEAGUEFinal	Dallas	41	Seattle	35	TOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(13)FAU	83	Liberty	58	Final	(15)Creighton	79	Oklahoma
St.	65	Final	(16)Texas	77	Texas
St.	58	Final	(25)Oklahoma	107	Ark.-Pine
Bluff	86	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Portland	103	Cleveland	95	Final	Charlotte	129	Brooklyn	128	Final	New
York	118	Detroit	112	Final	Miami	142	Indiana	132	Final	Minnesota	101	Utah	90	Final	Oklahoma
City	133	L.A. Lakers	110	Final	Atlanta	137	San
Antonio	135	Final
OT	Chicago	120	Milwaukee	113	Final	Golden
State	120	L.A. Clippers	114	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	4	Tampa
Bay	2	Final	Detroit	5	Chicago	1	Final	Florida	5	Montreal	1	Final	Boston	3	San
Jose	0	Final
SO	Toronto	4	Seattle	3	Final OT	New
Jersey	4	Philadelphia	3	Final OT	N-Y
Islanders	5	Carolina	4	Final	Edmonton	3	Winnipeg	1	Final	St.
Louis	6	Buffalo	4	Final	Minnesota	6	Nashville	1	Final
OT	Calgary	4	Dallas	3	Final
OT	Arizona	4	Colorado	3	Final	Vegas	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Washington	5	Anaheim	4

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Great Bend Panther Boys basketball coach Kyle Kreigh will be joined by selected players to talk about the Panthers season opener Friday at home against Junction City

- The "Voice of the Indians" Gary Wagner joins the show to preview Thursday nights basketball season opener at Pratt

- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman

- Thursday Sports Headlines including the Barton Men's first loss of the season Wednesday night at home against Cowley

<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/yRcJEyxKGc0?si=1e2L58sgGTp7K2m5" 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 Boys basketball coach Kyle Kreigh will be joined by selected players to talk about the Panthers season opener Friday at home against Junction City- The "Voice of the Indians" Gary Wagner joins the show to preview Thursday nights basketball season opener at Pratt- Barton Wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman- Thursday Sports Headlines including the Barton Men's first loss of the season Wednesday night at home against Cowley- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

MANHATTAN, Kan. – With senior left guard Cooper Beebe being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year for a second-consecutive season, Kansas State football collected 30 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2023 Coaches' All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.

K-State's 30 total selections ranked second in the conference behind Texas (34) and ahead of Texas Tech (28), Oklahoma (27) and Oklahoma State (26). The Wildcats had six players garner first- or second-team honors, tied for second in the league with Oklahoma and behind Texas (11).

Beebe, who was also named an All-Big 12 First Team pick for a third-straight season, is the fifth player in conference history to twice be named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, an award that began in 2006. The others were Oklahoma's Creed Humphrey (2019 and 2020) and Orlando Brown (2016 and 2017), as well as Baylor's Spencer Drango (2014 and 2015) and Cyril Richardson (2012 and 2013).

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is the first K-State offensive lineman to earn three-straight All-Big 12 First Team citations from the league's coaches since Dalton Risner in 2016, 2017 and 2018. On Tuesday, Beebe was the first player in school history to be named a finalist for the Outland Trophy.

Beebe was joined on the first team by tight end Ben Sinnott, who garnered first-team honors for a second-straight year. He finished the 2023 regular season ranked second nationally among tight ends in receiving yards (676), tied for fourth in catches (49) and tied for fifth in touchdowns (6), leading the Big 12 in the two former categories. He has produced the most receiving yards, catches and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season in school history.

K-State's All-Big 12 Second Team honors included quarterback Will Howard, defensive end Khalid Duke, linebacker Austin Moore and safety Kobe Savage.

Howard earned his first All-Big 12 citation and is the first K-State quarterback to pick up first- or second-team honors since Jake Waters was a second-team recipient in 2014. He threw for 2,643 yards and a school-record tying 24 touchdowns this season on 219-of-357 aim in addition to rushing for 351 yards and another nine scores.

Duke also earned his first-career All-Big 12 honor finishing the regular season with a team-high 6.0 sacks in addition to 8.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Moore was awarded his second-straight All-Big 12 honor as he was an honorable mention pick a year ago. He finished the regular season with a team-high 12.0 tackles for loss and was second with 59 tackles. Savage was an All-Big 12 Second Team pick for a second-straight season as he tied for team-high honors with three interceptions to go along with 57 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.

Kansas State's All-Big 12 Honorable Mention picks included punter Jack Blumer, wide receiver and kick returner Phillip Brooks, running back DJ Giddens, offensive lineman Hayden Gillum, cornerback Will Lee III, offensive lineman KT Leveston, defensive end Brendan Mott, cornerback Jacob Parrish, linebacker Desmond Purnell, defensive tackle Uso Seumalo, safety Marques Sigle, place kicker Chris Tennant, running back Treshaun Ward and offensive lineman Carver Willis.

Additionally, Duke picked up votes for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Howard for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Moore for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Sigle for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Ward for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, quarterback Avery Johnson for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, senior Seth Porter for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, and linebacker Austin Romaine for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Kansas State, which finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, will learn of its bowl destination and opponent this Sunday.

Coaches' All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)

Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year: Cooper Beebe.

First Team: Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL).

Second Team: Will Howard (QB), Khalid Duke (DL), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (DB).

Honorable Mention: Jack Blumer (P), Phillip Brooks (WR, KR/PR), Khalid Duke (Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year), DJ Giddens (RB), Hayden Gillum (OL), Will Howard (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year), Avery Johnson (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Will Lee III (DB), KT Leveston (OL), Austin Moore (Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year), Brendan Mott (DL), Jacob Parrish (DB), Seth Porter (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), Desmond Purnell (LB), Austin Romaine (Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year), Uso Seumalo (DL), Marques Sigle (DB, Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Chris Tennant (PK), Treshaun Ward (RB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Carver Willis (OL).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701363146141.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – With senior left guard Cooper Beebe being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year for a second-consecutive season, Kansas State football collected 30 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2023 Coaches' All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.K-State's 30 total selections ranked second in the conference behind Texas (34) and ahead of Texas Tech (28), Oklahoma (27) and Oklahoma State (26). The Wildcats had six players garner first- or second-team honors, tied for second in the league with Oklahoma and behind Texas (11).Beebe, who was also named an All-Big 12 First Team pick for a third-straight season, is the fifth player in conference history to twice be named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, an award that began in 2006. The others were Oklahoma's Creed Humphrey (2019 and 2020) and Orlando Brown (2016 and 2017), as well as Baylor's Spencer Drango (2014 and 2015) and Cyril Richardson (2012 and 2013).A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is the first K-State offensive lineman to earn three-straight All-Big 12 First Team citations from the league's coaches since Dalton Risner in 2016, 2017 and 2018. On Tuesday, Beebe was the first player in school history to be named a finalist for the Outland Trophy.Beebe was joined on the first team by tight end Ben Sinnott, who garnered first-team honors for a second-straight year. He finished the 2023 regular season ranked second nationally among tight ends in receiving yards (676), tied for fourth in catches (49) and tied for fifth in touchdowns (6), leading the Big 12 in the two former categories. He has produced the most receiving yards, catches and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season in school history.K-State's All-Big 12 Second Team honors included quarterback Will Howard, defensive end Khalid Duke, linebacker Austin Moore and safety Kobe Savage.Howard earned his first All-Big 12 citation and is the first K-State quarterback to pick up first- or second-team honors since Jake Waters was a second-team recipient in 2014. He threw for 2,643 yards and a school-record tying 24 touchdowns this season on 219-of-357 aim in addition to rushing for 351 yards and another nine scores.Duke also earned his first-career All-Big 12 honor finishing the regular season with a team-high 6.0 sacks in addition to 8.0 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Moore was awarded his second-straight All-Big 12 honor as he was an honorable mention pick a year ago. He finished the regular season with a team-high 12.0 tackles for loss and was second with 59 tackles. Savage was an All-Big 12 Second Team pick for a second-straight season as he tied for team-high honors with three interceptions to go along with 57 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.Kansas State's All-Big 12 Honorable Mention picks included punter Jack Blumer, wide receiver and kick returner Phillip Brooks, running back DJ Giddens, offensive lineman Hayden Gillum, cornerback Will Lee III, offensive lineman KT Leveston, defensive end Brendan Mott, cornerback Jacob Parrish, linebacker Desmond Purnell, defensive tackle Uso Seumalo, safety Marques Sigle, place kicker Chris Tennant, running back Treshaun Ward and offensive lineman Carver Willis.Additionally, Duke picked up votes for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Howard for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Moore for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Sigle for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Ward for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, quarterback Avery Johnson for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, senior Seth Porter for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, and linebacker Austin Romaine for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.Kansas State, which finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, will learn of its bowl destination and opponent this Sunday.Coaches' All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year: Cooper Beebe.First Team: Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL).Second Team: Will Howard (QB), Khalid Duke (DL), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (DB).Honorable Mention: Jack Blumer (P), Phillip Brooks (WR, KR/PR), Khalid Duke (Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year), DJ Giddens (RB), Hayden Gillum (OL), Will Howard (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year), Avery Johnson (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Will Lee III (DB), KT Leveston (OL), Austin Moore (Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year), Brendan Mott (DL), Jacob Parrish (DB), Seth Porter (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), Desmond Purnell (LB), Austin Romaine (Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year), Uso Seumalo (DL), Marques Sigle (DB, Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Chris Tennant (PK), Treshaun Ward (RB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Carver Willis (OL).

K-State Totals 30 Selections on Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams

Western Athletic Conference Junction City @ Great Bend McPherson @ Dodge City Ulysses @ Liberal Hays @ Hays City Shootout Garden City @ Coronado H.S. Colorado Tournament

Central Kansas League Scott City @ Hoisington Hillsboro @ Sterling Southeast of Saline @ Hesston Smoky Valley @ Abilene Halsted @ Sedgwick Lyons @ Ellsworth Nickerson @ Buhler

Central Prairie League Ellinwood @ LaCrosse Berean Academy @ Central Plains St. John @ Stafford Ness City @ Macksville Sublette @ Kinsley Quinter @ Victoria

Other Area Games Chase @ Western Plains Pawnee Heights @ South Central Russell @ Osborne Deerfield @ Hodgeman County Kiowa County @ Wichita Independent Skyline @ SW Heights

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606589794091.jpeg" alt="All games Boys and Girls DH unless noted" />
 <figcaption>All games Boys and Girls DH unless noted</figcaption>
 </figure>Western Athletic Conference Junction City @ Great Bend McPherson @ Dodge City Ulysses @ Liberal Hays @ Hays City Shootout Garden City @ Coronado H.S. Colorado TournamentCentral Kansas League Scott City @ Hoisington Hillsboro @ Sterling Southeast of Saline @ Hesston Smoky Valley @ Abilene Halsted @ Sedgwick Lyons @ Ellsworth Nickerson @ BuhlerCentral Prairie League Ellinwood @ LaCrosse Berean Academy @ Central Plains St. John @ Stafford Ness City @ Macksville Sublette @ Kinsley Quinter @ VictoriaOther Area Games Chase @ Western Plains Pawnee Heights @ South Central Russell @ Osborne Deerfield @ Hodgeman County Kiowa County @ Wichita Independent Skyline @ SW Heights

Area High School Basketball Schedule 12/1

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks had 11 players earn All-Big 12 recognition, led by three All-Big 12 First Team selections and Defensive Newcomer of the Year Austin Booker, the Big 12 Conference announced on Wednesday.

Booker, a sophomore defensive end, was joined on the All-Big 12 First Team by junior cornerback Cobee Bryant and senior offensive lineman Dominick Puni. Earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors were junior running back Devin Neal and senior safety Kenny Logan Jr., while All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognized Lawrence Arnold (WR), Jason Bean (QB), Booker (DLoY), Mello Dotson (DB), Mason Fairchild (TE), Neal (OPoY), Mike Novitsky (OL), Puni (OLoY) and Jereme Robinson (DL).

In total, 11 Jayhawks received 15 All-Big 12 recognitions. This marks the fourth time in Big 12 history that Kansas has had at least three All-Big 12 First Team selections, including the first since 2018. It’s also the most All-Big 12 honorees since 2016, when Kansas also had 11 players selected to the teams.

Kansas received the honors after finishing the regular season with a record of 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its third year under head coach Lance Leipold. The eight wins are the most by a Kansas team since 2008 and the Jayhawks have secured a bowl berth for the second consecutive season.

Booker becomes the first Jayhawk named Defensive Newcomer of the Year since Isaiah Johnson in 2013 and he’s KU’s first defensive lineman named All-Big 12 First Team since Daniel Wise in 2018. The Greenwood, Indiana, native finished his first season at Kansas ranked third in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and was sixth in the league with 12.0 tackles for loss. Booker is tied for second on the team with 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while adding two forced fumbles and one pass breakup this season.

Bryant earns First Team All-Big 12 honors for the second consecutive season, becoming the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team honors in back-to-back seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. The Evergreen, Alabama, native was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 25 after forcing, recovering and returning a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown against BYU, while also adding an interception in the contest. Bryant finished the regular season with 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and five pass breakups.

Puni picks up All-Big 12 recognition for the second straight season after receiving honorable mention in 2022. He started every game at left tackle this season and helped pave the way for KU’s rushing attack, which ranked fourth in the Big 12 by averaging 211.3 yards per game. The Jayhawks are fourth in the Big 12 in scoring offense, averaging 33.6 points per game, and fourth in sacks allowed with 15 this season. According to PFF, the St. Charles, Missouri, native did not allow any quarterback sacks in 745 snaps played and had a 90.5 grade in pass blocking, which ranked third among FBS tackles.

Neal became the third player in Kansas football history for rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons and earns All-Big 12 honors for the third time in his career. The hometown Lawrence, Kansas, native is fourth in the league with 1,209 yards and third with 15 touchdowns while averaging 100.8 yards per game on the ground. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards six times in 12 games and his 16 total touchdowns this season are tied for second in school history. In the season finale at Cincinnati, he surpassed the 3,000-yard milestone for his career and he’s fifth in school history with 3,006 rushing yards and third with 32 career rushing touchdowns.

Logan becomes a four-time All-Big 12 honoree by adding his second team honors to three previous honorable mention selections. From St. Augustine, Florida, Logan has led the Jayhawks in tackles for four straight seasons, becoming the program’s all-time leader in tackles by a defensive back with 377. This season, Logan has recorded 86 tackles, including 56 solo stops and 30 assists, and has 6.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one forced fumble. In KU’s win over BYU, Logan scored the second touchdown of his career on a 30-yard interception return. Logan’s 377 career tackles are eighth-most among active players in FBS football, most among safeties, and he leads all active player in FBS with 258 solo tackles in his career.

Arnold picks up his first All-Big 12 recognition after leading the Jayhawks with 38 receptions for 650 yards and three touchdowns this season. The DeSoto, Texas, native is seventh in the conference with an average of 17.1 yards per reception and ranks 13th in the league in receiving yards. For his career, Arnold ranks ninth in school history with 1,727 receiving yards and 12th with 115 receptions.

Bean earns his first All-Big 12 selection as a senior, giving Kansas an all-conference quarterback for the second straight season after not having one on the team since 2009. The Mansfield, Texas, native started 11 games in 2023, completing 105-of-171 (61.4%) passes for 1,681 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 259 yards and three touchdowns on 41 rushing attempts. In three seasons at Kansas, Bean has moved up to fourth in school history with 32 passing touchdowns and ninth in career passing yards with 4,213.

Dotson used a record-setting junior season to earn his first All-Big 12 selection. The Daytona Beach, Florida, native became the first player in Kansas Football history to return an interception for a touchdown in consecutive weeks when he accomplished the feat against Oklahoma (Oct. 28) and at Iowa State (Nov. 4). Dotson is tied for fourth in the league with four interceptions this season and his two touchdowns ranks second among players in the league. He’s also fourth in the league with 13 passes defended. With two interception returns for a touchdown, Dotson is tied for KU’s single-season and school record in that category.

Fairchild caps off his career in Lawrence with his second straight All-Big 12 recognition. The Andale, Kansas, native is a two-way threat, contributing both as a blocker and a pass catcher for the Jayhawk offense. This season, Fairchild has 25 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per reception. Fairchild ranks fourth in school history for receptions by a tight end with 80 for 1,082 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Novitsky becomes a three-time All-Big 12 selection while at Kansas after earning honorable mention in 2021 and second team in 2022. The Victor, New York, native has started all 37 games of his Jayhawk career at center, helping transform KU’s offensive line into one of the best in the conference. This season, Novitsky has helped pave the way for the Jayhawks rushing attack, which ranked fourth in the Big 12 at 211.3 yards per game, while allowing just 15 sacks as a unit.

Robinson picks up his first career All-Big 12 honor following a standout junior season on the defensive line. The Montgomery, Alabama, native has recorded 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, which both rank second on the team, while leading the Jayhawks with six quarterback hurries and six pass breakups. Robinson started all 12 games from his defensive end position and recorded 24 tackles, including 22 solo stops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701324823649.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks had 11 players earn All-Big 12 recognition, led by three All-Big 12 First Team selections and Defensive Newcomer of the Year Austin Booker, the Big 12 Conference announced on Wednesday.Booker, a sophomore defensive end, was joined on the All-Big 12 First Team by junior cornerback Cobee Bryant and senior offensive lineman Dominick Puni. Earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors were junior running back Devin Neal and senior safety Kenny Logan Jr., while All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognized Lawrence Arnold (WR), Jason Bean (QB), Booker (DLoY), Mello Dotson (DB), Mason Fairchild (TE), Neal (OPoY), Mike Novitsky (OL), Puni (OLoY) and Jereme Robinson (DL).In total, 11 Jayhawks received 15 All-Big 12 recognitions. This marks the fourth time in Big 12 history that Kansas has had at least three All-Big 12 First Team selections, including the first since 2018. It’s also the most All-Big 12 honorees since 2016, when Kansas also had 11 players selected to the teams.Kansas received the honors after finishing the regular season with a record of 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its third year under head coach Lance Leipold. The eight wins are the most by a Kansas team since 2008 and the Jayhawks have secured a bowl berth for the second consecutive season.Booker becomes the first Jayhawk named Defensive Newcomer of the Year since Isaiah Johnson in 2013 and he’s KU’s first defensive lineman named All-Big 12 First Team since Daniel Wise in 2018. The Greenwood, Indiana, native finished his first season at Kansas ranked third in the Big 12 with 8.0 sacks and was sixth in the league with 12.0 tackles for loss. Booker is tied for second on the team with 56 tackles, including 40 solo and 16 assists, while adding two forced fumbles and one pass breakup this season.Bryant earns First Team All-Big 12 honors for the second consecutive season, becoming the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team honors in back-to-back seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. The Evergreen, Alabama, native was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 25 after forcing, recovering and returning a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown against BYU, while also adding an interception in the contest. Bryant finished the regular season with 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions and five pass breakups.Puni picks up All-Big 12 recognition for the second straight season after receiving honorable mention in 2022. He started every game at left tackle this season and helped pave the way for KU’s rushing attack, which ranked fourth in the Big 12 by averaging 211.3 yards per game. The Jayhawks are fourth in the Big 12 in scoring offense, averaging 33.6 points per game, and fourth in sacks allowed with 15 this season. According to PFF, the St. Charles, Missouri, native did not allow any quarterback sacks in 745 snaps played and had a 90.5 grade in pass blocking, which ranked third among FBS tackles.Neal became the third player in Kansas football history for rush for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons and earns All-Big 12 honors for the third time in his career. The hometown Lawrence, Kansas, native is fourth in the league with 1,209 yards and third with 15 touchdowns while averaging 100.8 yards per game on the ground. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards six times in 12 games and his 16 total touchdowns this season are tied for second in school history. In the season finale at Cincinnati, he surpassed the 3,000-yard milestone for his career and he’s fifth in school history with 3,006 rushing yards and third with 32 career rushing touchdowns.Logan becomes a four-time All-Big 12 honoree by adding his second team honors to three previous honorable mention selections. From St. Augustine, Florida, Logan has led the Jayhawks in tackles for four straight seasons, becoming the program’s all-time leader in tackles by a defensive back with 377. This season, Logan has recorded 86 tackles, including 56 solo stops and 30 assists, and has 6.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one forced fumble. In KU’s win over BYU, Logan scored the second touchdown of his career on a 30-yard interception return. Logan’s 377 career tackles are eighth-most among active players in FBS football, most among safeties, and he leads all active player in FBS with 258 solo tackles in his career.Arnold picks up his first All-Big 12 recognition after leading the Jayhawks with 38 receptions for 650 yards and three touchdowns this season. The DeSoto, Texas, native is seventh in the conference with an average of 17.1 yards per reception and ranks 13th in the league in receiving yards. For his career, Arnold ranks ninth in school history with 1,727 receiving yards and 12th with 115 receptions.Bean earns his first All-Big 12 selection as a senior, giving Kansas an all-conference quarterback for the second straight season after not having one on the team since 2009. The Mansfield, Texas, native started 11 games in 2023, completing 105-of-171 (61.4%) passes for 1,681 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 259 yards and three touchdowns on 41 rushing attempts. In three seasons at Kansas, Bean has moved up to fourth in school history with 32 passing touchdowns and ninth in career passing yards with 4,213.Dotson used a record-setting junior season to earn his first All-Big 12 selection. The Daytona Beach, Florida, native became the first player in Kansas Football history to return an interception for a touchdown in consecutive weeks when he accomplished the feat against Oklahoma (Oct. 28) and at Iowa State (Nov. 4). Dotson is tied for fourth in the league with four interceptions this season and his two touchdowns ranks second among players in the league. He’s also fourth in the league with 13 passes defended. With two interception returns for a touchdown, Dotson is tied for KU’s single-season and school record in that category.Fairchild caps off his career in Lawrence with his second straight All-Big 12 recognition. The Andale, Kansas, native is a two-way threat, contributing both as a blocker and a pass catcher for the Jayhawk offense. This season, Fairchild has 25 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per reception. Fairchild ranks fourth in school history for receptions by a tight end with 80 for 1,082 yards and 10 touchdowns.Novitsky becomes a three-time All-Big 12 selection while at Kansas after earning honorable mention in 2021 and second team in 2022. The Victor, New York, native has started all 37 games of his Jayhawk career at center, helping transform KU’s offensive line into one of the best in the conference. This season, Novitsky has helped pave the way for the Jayhawks rushing attack, which ranked fourth in the Big 12 at 211.3 yards per game, while allowing just 15 sacks as a unit.Robinson picks up his first career All-Big 12 honor following a standout junior season on the defensive line. The Montgomery, Alabama, native has recorded 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, which both rank second on the team, while leading the Jayhawks with six quarterback hurries and six pass breakups. Robinson started all 12 games from his defensive end position and recorded 24 tackles, including 22 solo stops.Defensive Newcomer of the YearAustin Booker (DL)All-Big 12 First TeamAustin Booker (DL)Cobee Bryant (DB)Dominick Puni (OL)All-Big 12 Second TeamDevin Neal (RB)Kenny Logan Jr. (DB)All-Big 12 Honorable MentionLawrence Arnold (WR)Jason Bean (QB)Austin Booker (DLoY)Mello Dotson (DB)Mason Fairchild (TE)Devin Neal (OPoY)Mike Novitsky (OL)Dominick Puni (OLoY)Jereme Robinson (DL)

Kansas Football Has 11 Honored on All-Big 12 Teams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every Chiefs fan was clamoring at the NFL's trade deadline for general manager Brett Veach to swing a deal for some help at wide receiver, where Kansas City had been struggling to find someone to step up in the passing game.

The Chiefs did make a deal with the New York Jets for Mecole Hardman, but he's been ineffective or injured ever since returning to his old team, leaving Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the offense in no better position than they were.

Except for this: The someone the Chiefs needed to step up may already have been on the team.

Second-round pick Rashee Rice, who got off to a slow start in the complex system run by Chiefs coach Andy Reid, has steadily improved during the middle portion of the season. And he had his best game yet last Sunday in Las Vegas, when Rice had a game-high 10 targets, eight receptions and 107 yards, including a short throw that became a 39-yard touchdown catch.

It was the sixth time in seven games that Rice had caught at least four passes. He has TD grabs in two of the past three.

“He's been getting better every week,” Reid acknowledged, “and he's working to be more ‘Patrick-friendly.’ There's a lot that goes into that when you say something like that, and a lot of it is just playing. Being willing to fit your game into the offense's game, and how Patrick sees things. He's done a nice job of being open that way.”

Well, few quarterbacks in the NFL go off-script as successfully as the reigning league MVP, and many of his best throws and biggest highlights have been on sandlot-style plays. Opposing coaches often tell their defense that it is better to keep Mahomes in the pocket than let him run around given his propensity for conjuring up some off-schedule magic.

While that makes Mahomes a nightmare to defend, it also can make it hard on his wide receivers to get in sync: When do you cut off a route? When do you run to open space? When do you turn up-field or break outside or fade to the corner?

“When we're doing special teams and (Rice) is not in there,” Reid said, “he goes over and works with Pat. They talk through things. Then they run routes. ‘This is the look where I'm seeing you on this route against this coverage.' They spend time with each other there, and then off the field likewise, for meetings they keep an open communication there.”

The Chiefs desperately needed someone in their otherwise struggling wide receiver group to step up. Some of them have been battling injuries, others have consistently failed to get open, and drops have been a problem across the board.

Rice had an early problem with drops, too, but he's been better at securing the catch over the past month.

And the result has been a noticeable uptick in production. Rice had a three-game stretch against the Broncos and Chargers were he had at least four grabs for 56 yards in each game, and he had four catches for 42 yards against the Eagles in their Super Bowl rematch.

The result heading into Week 13 on Sunday night in Green Bay has been 44 catches for 527 yards and five TDs; the Chiefs' next-most productive wide receiver, Justin Watson, has just 20 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns.

“It's a complex offense," Mahomes admitted. “It's hard for young guys to do it. We kind of limit their roles and as the season goes on, we expand them more and more. I think he's done a great job with it. There are little things here and there that we continue to work on, but for the most part, he learns from his mistakes.”

That has given Mahomes the confidence to throw to Rice in increasingly stressful situations.

It also has given Reid the confidence to use him in a variety of ways.

“We've only scratched the surface, honestly,” Mahomes said. “You see us hitting him kind of around the line of scrimmage, but I think you saw the one down the sideline (against the Raiders). He can do some of the vertical-threat stuff, and he has speed, and he has burst. You see him when he has the football in his hands. So, let's start working him in.”

NOTES: RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) missed practice Wednesday. Everyone else worked, including LB Nick Bolton, who has been out since Week 7 with a wrist injury. ... Mahomes was voted AFC offensive player of the week, and it still means something to him despite having won it plenty of times already. “It's an award for playing great football, which is hard to do in this league,” he said. “It speaks to the team, mostly. Most times you win the game, the guys around you make the plays to get you those awards."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Just about every Chiefs fan was clamoring at the NFL's trade deadline for general manager Brett Veach to swing a deal for some help at wide receiver, where Kansas City had been struggling to find someone to step up in the passing game.The Chiefs did make a deal with the New York Jets for Mecole Hardman, but he's been ineffective or injured ever since returning to his old team, leaving Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the offense in no better position than they were.Except for this: The someone the Chiefs needed to step up may already have been on the team.Second-round pick Rashee Rice, who got off to a slow start in the complex system run by Chiefs coach Andy Reid, has steadily improved during the middle portion of the season. And he had his best game yet last Sunday in Las Vegas, when Rice had a game-high 10 targets, eight receptions and 107 yards, including a short throw that became a 39-yard touchdown catch.It was the sixth time in seven games that Rice had caught at least four passes. He has TD grabs in two of the past three.“He's been getting better every week,” Reid acknowledged, “and he's working to be more ‘Patrick-friendly.’ There's a lot that goes into that when you say something like that, and a lot of it is just playing. Being willing to fit your game into the offense's game, and how Patrick sees things. He's done a nice job of being open that way.”What does “Patrick-friendly” mean?Well, few quarterbacks in the NFL go off-script as successfully as the reigning league MVP, and many of his best throws and biggest highlights have been on sandlot-style plays. Opposing coaches often tell their defense that it is better to keep Mahomes in the pocket than let him run around given his propensity for conjuring up some off-schedule magic.While that makes Mahomes a nightmare to defend, it also can make it hard on his wide receivers to get in sync: When do you cut off a route? When do you run to open space? When do you turn up-field or break outside or fade to the corner?“When we're doing special teams and (Rice) is not in there,” Reid said, “he goes over and works with Pat. They talk through things. Then they run routes. ‘This is the look where I'm seeing you on this route against this coverage.' They spend time with each other there, and then off the field likewise, for meetings they keep an open communication there.”The Chiefs desperately needed someone in their otherwise struggling wide receiver group to step up. Some of them have been battling injuries, others have consistently failed to get open, and drops have been a problem across the board.Rice had an early problem with drops, too, but he's been better at securing the catch over the past month.And the result has been a noticeable uptick in production. Rice had a three-game stretch against the Broncos and Chargers were he had at least four grabs for 56 yards in each game, and he had four catches for 42 yards against the Eagles in their Super Bowl rematch.The result heading into Week 13 on Sunday night in Green Bay has been 44 catches for 527 yards and five TDs; the Chiefs' next-most productive wide receiver, Justin Watson, has just 20 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns.“It's a complex offense," Mahomes admitted. “It's hard for young guys to do it. We kind of limit their roles and as the season goes on, we expand them more and more. I think he's done a great job with it. There are little things here and there that we continue to work on, but for the most part, he learns from his mistakes.”That has given Mahomes the confidence to throw to Rice in increasingly stressful situations.It also has given Reid the confidence to use him in a variety of ways.“We've only scratched the surface, honestly,” Mahomes said. “You see us hitting him kind of around the line of scrimmage, but I think you saw the one down the sideline (against the Raiders). He can do some of the vertical-threat stuff, and he has speed, and he has burst. You see him when he has the football in his hands. So, let's start working him in.”NOTES: RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) missed practice Wednesday. Everyone else worked, including LB Nick Bolton, who has been out since Week 7 with a wrist injury. ... Mahomes was voted AFC offensive player of the week, and it still means something to him despite having won it plenty of times already. “It's an award for playing great football, which is hard to do in this league,” he said. “It speaks to the team, mostly. Most times you win the game, the guys around you make the plays to get you those awards."

Chiefs rookie Rashee Rice learning to be 'Patrick-friendly,' jump-starting Kansas City offense

IRVING, Texas (AP) — National rushing leader Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State was named the Big 12's offensive player of the year Wednesday after a vote of the league's 14 coaches, who also chose Texas defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat as the top defensive player.

Those players will be on opposite sides Saturday when the seventh-ranked Longhorns play the No. 19 Cowboys in the Big 12 championship game.

Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy was picked as the coach of the year after the Cowboys (9-3) won seven of their last eight games to get to their second Big 12 title game in three seasons.

Gordon is averaging 131.7 yards per game overall this season, and 163 in Big 12 games since he ran for only 109 yards combined in the three games before that. He also has 20 rushing touchdowns.

Sweat, a super senior and finalist for the Outland Trophy, set career highs with 40 tackles, 16 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and four pass breakups. He also had a blocked extra point that the Longhorns returned for two points against Iowa State.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — National rushing leader Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State was named the Big 12's offensive player of the year Wednesday after a vote of the league's 14 coaches, who also chose Texas defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat as the top defensive player.Those players will be on opposite sides Saturday when the seventh-ranked Longhorns play the No. 19 Cowboys in the Big 12 championship game.Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy was picked as the coach of the year after the Cowboys (9-3) won seven of their last eight games to get to their second Big 12 title game in three seasons.Gordon is averaging 131.7 yards per game overall this season, and 163 in Big 12 games since he ran for only 109 yards combined in the three games before that. He also has 20 rushing touchdowns.Sweat, a super senior and finalist for the Outland Trophy, set career highs with 40 tackles, 16 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and four pass breakups. He also had a blocked extra point that the Longhorns returned for two points against Iowa State.

Big 12 coaches name Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon and Texas DL T'Vondre Sweat top players

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Speedy utilityman Garrett Hampson and the Kansas City Royals agreed Wednesday to a $2 million, one-year contract.

Hampson can earn $200,000 in performance bonuses: $60,000 each for 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 plate appearances.

Hampson started at six positions last season for Miami and batted a career-best .276 with three homers, 23 RBIs and a .729 OPS in 98 games. He was eligible for arbitration this winter but the Marlins chose not to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.

The 29-year-old Hampson started 26 games at shortstop last season, 13 in center field, eight in right field, six at second base, four at third base and two in left field, helping Miami reach the playoffs.

Before signing with the Marlins, Hampson spent his first five seasons with the Colorado Rockies. He is a .241 career hitter with 29 home runs and a .676 OPS in 517 games over six major league seasons. He has 57 stolen bases in 70 attempts.

He joins a struggling Royals team that finished last in the AL Central this year at 56-106.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Speedy utilityman Garrett Hampson and the Kansas City Royals agreed Wednesday to a $2 million, one-year contract.Hampson can earn $200,000 in performance bonuses: $60,000 each for 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 plate appearances.Hampson started at six positions last season for Miami and batted a career-best .276 with three homers, 23 RBIs and a .729 OPS in 98 games. He was eligible for arbitration this winter but the Marlins chose not to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.The 29-year-old Hampson started 26 games at shortstop last season, 13 in center field, eight in right field, six at second base, four at third base and two in left field, helping Miami reach the playoffs.Before signing with the Marlins, Hampson spent his first five seasons with the Colorado Rockies. He is a .241 career hitter with 29 home runs and a .676 OPS in 517 games over six major league seasons. He has 57 stolen bases in 70 attempts.He joins a struggling Royals team that finished last in the AL Central this year at 56-106.

Royals sign utilityman Garrett Hampson to $2 million, 1-year contract

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Colby Rogers had 19 points in Wichita State's 80-68 win over Richmond on Wednesday night.

Rogers added seven rebounds and three steals for the Shockers (7-1). Xavier Bell scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Harlond Beverly had 13 points, while adding five rebounds and seven assists.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Colby Rogers had 19 points in Wichita State's 80-68 win over Richmond on Wednesday night.Rogers added seven rebounds and three steals for the Shockers (7-1). Xavier Bell scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Harlond Beverly had 13 points, while adding five rebounds and seven assists.

Rogers scores 19, Wichita State takes down Richmond 80-68

Cowley Men 80 Barton 70; Barton Women 67 Cowley 55

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>Cowley Men 80 Barton 70; Barton Women 67 Cowley 55<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ols3ppdc/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

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Colby Rogers had 19 points in Wichita State’s 80-68 win over
Richmond. Rogers added seven rebounds and three steals for the
Shockers. Xavier Bell scored 17 points and added five rebounds.
Harlond Beverly had 13 points, while adding five rebounds and seven
assists. Neal Quinn led the way for the Spiders with 18 points.
Jordan King added 17 points and Isaiah Bigelow finished with 11
points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Speedy utilityman Garrett Hampson and the Kansas City Royals
have agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract. Hampson started at
six positions last season for Miami and batted a career-best .276
with three homers, 23 RBIs and a .729 OPS in 98 games. He was
eligible for arbitration this winter but the Marlins chose not to
tender him a contract, making him a free agent. The 29-year-old
Hampson started 26 games at shortstop last season, 13 in center
field, eight in right field, six at second base, four at third base
and two in left field, helping Miami reach the playoffs. Before
signing with the Marlins, Hampson spent his first five seasons with
the Colorado Rockies.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Baltimore’s Félix Bautista is the unanimous winner of the Mariano
Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award and Milwaukee’s
Devin Williams won the Trevor Hoffman National League honor. A
28-year-old right-hander, Bautista was 8-2 with a 1.48 ERA and 33
saves in 39 chances for the AL East champion Orioles. He made his
final appearance on Aug. 25 and had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 9,
which likely will cause him to miss the 2024 season. A 29-year-old
right-hander, Williams was 8-3 with a 1.53 ERA and 36 saves in 40
opportunities for the NL Central champion Brewers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs rookie Rashee Rice could be exactly what the
struggling Kansas City passing game has needed this season. As the
second-round pick has gotten more comfortable in coach Andy Reid’s
complex system, Rice has started to produce in ways that no wide
receiver has done through the first 12 weeks of the season. He is
coming off a game in Las Vegas where he had game-highs of 10 targets,
eight receptions and 107 yards receiving with a touchdown catch. The
Chiefs hope he can continue to produce in a big way given the
struggles of the rest of their wide receivers.

IRVING, Texas (AP) —
National rushing leader Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State has named
the Big 12’s offensive player of the year after a vote of the
league’s 14 coaches. Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat was
chosen as the top defensive player. They will be on opposite sides
Saturday when the seventh-ranked Longhorns play the No. 19 Cowboys in
the Big 12 championship game. Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy was
picked as the coach of the year. The AP will release its All-Big 12
awards on Dec. 8.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
In 28 seasons in the Big 12, Texas has only three league
championships and none since 2009. That's something the
seventh-ranked Longhorns have been reminded of all season. Texas can
add a fourth league crown on Saturday against No. 19 Oklahoma State
and put an exclamation point on the program's final year in the Big
12 before heading to the SEC in 2024. Many of the Longhorns' key
players were here in 2021 when they struggled through a 5-7 finish in
coach Steve Sarkisian's first season.

UNDATED (AP) —
There could be some awkward trophy ceremonies around college
football’s championship weekend. From the Pac-12, where the winner
is guaranteed to be one of the schools that helped collapse the
conference, to the Big 12, where the commissioner was outwardly
rooting against the favorite to win the championship game, to the Big
Ten, where Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and the commissioner who
suspended him could be sharing a stage, awkward handshakes are highly
likely. The games themselves should provide high drama, too, as seven
teams fight for four playoff spots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701258411232.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Colby Rogers had 19 points in Wichita State’s 80-68 win over
Richmond. Rogers added seven rebounds and three steals for the
Shockers. Xavier Bell scored 17 points and added five rebounds.
Harlond Beverly had 13 points, while adding five rebounds and seven
assists. Neal Quinn led the way for the Spiders with 18 points.
Jordan King added 17 points and Isaiah Bigelow finished with 11
points.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Speedy utilityman Garrett Hampson and the Kansas City Royals
have agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract. Hampson started at
six positions last season for Miami and batted a career-best .276
with three homers, 23 RBIs and a .729 OPS in 98 games. He was
eligible for arbitration this winter but the Marlins chose not to
tender him a contract, making him a free agent. The 29-year-old
Hampson started 26 games at shortstop last season, 13 in center
field, eight in right field, six at second base, four at third base
and two in left field, helping Miami reach the playoffs. Before
signing with the Marlins, Hampson spent his first five seasons with
the Colorado Rockies.NEW YORK (AP) —
Baltimore’s Félix Bautista is the unanimous winner of the Mariano
Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award and Milwaukee’s
Devin Williams won the Trevor Hoffman National League honor. A
28-year-old right-hander, Bautista was 8-2 with a 1.48 ERA and 33
saves in 39 chances for the AL East champion Orioles. He made his
final appearance on Aug. 25 and had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 9,
which likely will cause him to miss the 2024 season. A 29-year-old
right-hander, Williams was 8-3 with a 1.53 ERA and 36 saves in 40
opportunities for the NL Central champion Brewers.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Chiefs rookie Rashee Rice could be exactly what the
struggling Kansas City passing game has needed this season. As the
second-round pick has gotten more comfortable in coach Andy Reid’s
complex system, Rice has started to produce in ways that no wide
receiver has done through the first 12 weeks of the season. He is
coming off a game in Las Vegas where he had game-highs of 10 targets,
eight receptions and 107 yards receiving with a touchdown catch. The
Chiefs hope he can continue to produce in a big way given the
struggles of the rest of their wide receivers.IRVING, Texas (AP) —
National rushing leader Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State has named
the Big 12’s offensive player of the year after a vote of the
league’s 14 coaches. Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat was
chosen as the top defensive player. They will be on opposite sides
Saturday when the seventh-ranked Longhorns play the No. 19 Cowboys in
the Big 12 championship game. Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy was
picked as the coach of the year. The AP will release its All-Big 12
awards on Dec. 8.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
In 28 seasons in the Big 12, Texas has only three league
championships and none since 2009. That's something the
seventh-ranked Longhorns have been reminded of all season. Texas can
add a fourth league crown on Saturday against No. 19 Oklahoma State
and put an exclamation point on the program's final year in the Big
12 before heading to the SEC in 2024. Many of the Longhorns' key
players were here in 2021 when they struggled through a 5-7 finish in
coach Steve Sarkisian's first season.UNDATED (AP) —
There could be some awkward trophy ceremonies around college
football’s championship weekend. From the Pac-12, where the winner
is guaranteed to be one of the schools that helped collapse the
conference, to the Big 12, where the commissioner was outwardly
rooting against the favorite to win the championship game, to the Big
Ten, where Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and the commissioner who
suspended him could be sharing a stage, awkward handshakes are highly
likely. The games themselves should provide high drama, too, as seven
teams fight for four playoff spots.UNDATED (AP) —
There’s been a love-hate relationship with conference championship
games historically. This is a year to love the games that have
occasionally been knocked for being a money grab, putting unbeaten
teams at risk if they slip up against a lesser opponent and being a
tough sell for fans. This year, they're critical for the College
Football Playoff committee to separate the top-heavy group of elite
teams. Oregon plays Washington on Friday in the Pac-12. On Saturday,
it's Texas-Oklahoma State in the Big 12, Alabama-Georgia in the SEC,
Florida State-Louisville in the ACC and Michigan-Iowa in the Big Ten.UNDATED (AP) —
Oklahoma has promoted Seth Littrell from offensive analyst to
offensive coordinator. Littrell fills the spot Jeff Lebby vacated
when he left to become Mississippi State’s head coach. Littrell
will call plays and coach the quarterbacks. The Sooners also
announced that they have promoted tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley to
co-offensive coordinator. Finley will continue to coach tight ends
and will play an increased role in offensive game-planning and
oversight. Oklahoma hired Littrell as an offensive analyst in March
2023. He was head coach at North Texas from 2016 to 2022. He played
fullback on Oklahoma’s national championship team in 2000.FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for
quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The move Wednesday is the next step in the
four-time NFL MVP’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon.
Coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, was
cleared for some football activities but was limited at practice and
isn't cleared for contact. Saleh emphasized it’s not necessarily a
signal Rodgers will play again this season as it is the next step of
the quarterback’s rehabilitation process. At the end of the 21-day
period, the Jets will decide whether to activate him or he’ll spend
the rest of this season on injured reserve.LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Mark Cuban in many ways has been the face of the Dallas Mavericks
franchise since he bought the club in 2000. Tuesday’s news that he
was selling a majority share to perhaps Las Vegas’ most powerful
family created a number of questions. The Adelsons confirmed the
purchase Wednesday. Miriam Adelson is a medical doctor and widow of
Sheldon Adelson. He was the billionaire founder and owner of Las
Vegas Sands. She has no corporate role with the company. Her
son-in-law is Patrick Dumont. He is the company president and a board
member.PARIS (AP) — Stay
and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime show. That is the message organizers
of the Paris Olympics are sending in an effort to reassure the French
capital’s residents that security measures and traffic restrictions
won’t make their lives nightmarish during the July 26-Aug. 11 event
and the Paralympic Games that follow. But critics, including in the
Senate, were displeased by plans to require motorists to apply online
for a QR code to access traffic-restricted zones of Paris during the
games. Senators complained that lawmakers had not been consulted.
Nathalie Goulet, a senator from Normandy, likened the proposal to ID
papers that France’s Nazi occupiers imposed in World War II.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	Arkansas	80	(7)Duke	75	Final	(17)North
Carolina	100	(10)Tennessee	92	Final	Virginia	59	(14)Texas
A&amp;M	47	Final	Saint
Joseph's	78	(18)Villanova	65	Final	(20)Colorado
St.	88	Colorado	83	Final	(22)James
Madison	81	Buffalo	66	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	L.A.
Lakers	133	Detroit	107	Final	Orlando	139	Washington	120	Final	Toronto	112	Phoenix	105	Final	Memphis	105	Utah	91	Final	New
Orleans	124	Philadelphia	114	Final	Denver	134	Houston	124	Final	L.A.
Clippers	131	Sacramento	117	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal	Montreal	4	Columbus	2	Final	N-Y
Rangers	3	Detroit	2