KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the second round of the draft to select SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice, giving MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target. The Chiefs acquired the 55th pick along with a sixth-round selection from Detroit to move up from the No. 63 pick while adding a fourth-round and a seventh-round choice. That allowed the Chiefs to address one of their biggest holes on the offensive side of the ball. Rice caught 96 passes for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The Chiefs also took Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris late in the third round. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Will Levis quickly got the call he waited on for 24 hours. Hendon Hooker had to sit around a few more hours to hear his name announced. After Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were selected in the first four picks, it took two more rounds for the top five quarterbacks to be off the board in the NFL draft. The selections of Levis by Tennessee and Hooker by Detroit highlighted a Friday night filled with plenty of trades and some surprises. Day 2 of the draft at Union Station in downtown Kansas City kicked off with family ties. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick of the second round. His dad, Joey Porter, was a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker in eight seasons with Pittsburgh.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco and Jose Miranda homered as the Minnesota Twins stayed hot at the plate with an 8-6 win over the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning, but Jorge López struck out Nick Pratto for his second save. Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and two RBIs for the Royals. Pratto added three singles and two RBIs, and Edward Olivares doubled twice, tripled and scored three runs. The Twins have scored 33 runs in their last five games after starting the season in an offensive slump. The three homers gave Minnesota 36 on the season, second-most in the American League behind the Rays.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — New fathers Mookie Betts and Max Muncy powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Betts hit a leadoff homer and Muncy had a go-ahead double in the third inning as Los Angeles won the opener of a six-game homestand after losing consecutive games at Pittsburgh. Betts spent two days on the paternity list last week, and Muncy returned to the lineup Friday. Dodgers starter Dustin May rebounded from a bumpy first inning. Jason Heyward drove in two runs for Los Angeles, and rookie Miguel Vargas had a two-run homer. Cardinals right-hander Jack Flaherty, who grew up in the Los Angeles area, allowed a season-high five runs over 4 2/3 innings while throwing 110 pitches — his most since 2019.

DENVER (AP) — Ketel Marte hit an early homer, Josh Rojas drove in three runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Colorado 9-1 on Friday night, sending the Rockies to their sixth straight home loss. Christian Walker hit a go-ahead double in a three-run seventh inning, and NL West-leading Arizona broke open the game with a five-run ninth. Colorado is a National League-worst 8-19, the Rockies worst start since they began 6-21 in 2005. Colorado dropped to 3-8 at Coors Field. Merrill Kelly (2-3) allowed one run and six hits in six innings with five strikeouts. He walked one after issuing 17 in his first five starts.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Just 6,423 fans showed up for the Athletics’ first home game since announcing a deal for land to build a ballpark in Las Vegas, many chanting “Sell the team!” and “Stay in Oakland!” during an 11-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Unable to make progress on a new ballpark in the Bay Area and wanting to make plans as the expiration of their Oakland Coliseum lease approaches at the end of the 2024 season, the team announced April 19 that it had signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers completed their first-round upset of the Memphis Grizzlies with a 125-85 victory in Game 6. Anthony Davis had 16 points and 14 rebounds while blocking five shots in a spectacular defensive performance, and D’Angelo Russell scored a career playoff-high 31 points. LeBron James scored 22 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who emphatically clinched a playoff series in their own arena for the first time since 2012. Ja Morant scored 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting for the Grizzlies, who won 107 games and two Southwest Division titles in the past two seasons, but just one playoff series.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Malik Monk scored 28 points, De’Aaron Fox added 26 points and 11 assists, and the Sacramento Kings staved off elimination in their first-round playoff series by beating Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors 118-99 in Game 6. Now, a winner-takes-all Game 7 is back in Sacramento on Sunday afternoon. Rookie Keegan Murray scored 15 points with four 3-pointers and grabbed 12 rebounds for his first playoff double-double, and the Kings withstood every scoring surge by the defending champions and shined in nearly every facet of this one with their special season on the line.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk scored twice, Eetu Luostarinen put Florida ahead to stay with 5:38 left in what was a crazed third period, and the Panthers forced a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series by beating the Boston Bruins 7-5. Aleksander Barkov, Brandon Montour, Zac Dalpe and Sam Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, who got 30 saves from Sergei Bobrovsky. Tyler Bertuzzi and David Pastrnak each scored twice for Boston, which got four assists from Brad Marchand and 26 saves from Linus Ullmark. Jake DeBrusk also scored for the Bruins. Game 7 is Sunday.

SEATTLE (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, including an empty-net goal in the closing seconds, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 4-1 to force a Game 7 in their first-round playoff series. Mikko Rantanen scored for Colorado in the final seconds of the first period, tying it at 1 after Seattle scored the first goal yet again. The Avalanche then dominated the final two periods, flashing some of what made them Stanley Cup champs a season ago. Erik Johnson scored his first of the playoffs on a deflected shot 7:21 into the second, and Lehkonen redirected Devon Toews' slap pass at 16:57 to give Colorado a 3-1 lead. Vince Dunn scored Seattle's only goal.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Roope Hintz scored his fifth goal of the series, Jake Oettinger stonewalled his home-state team again, and the Stars eliminated the Minnesota Wild with a 4-1 win in Game 6 of their first-round NHL playoff series. Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment scored in the second period when the Stars outshot the Wild 18-5. Oettinger made 22 saves as the Stars advanced to face the Colorado-Seattle winner. Freddy Gaudreau scored with 7:07 left to prevent Oettinger from posting a second shutout in the series. Max Domi added an empty-net goal for Dallas. Minnesota hasn't advanced in the postseason in eight years.

Baltimore	at	Detroit	5:10 p.m.	(Postponed)

Pittsburgh	at	Washington	6:05 p.m.	(Postponed)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676975758362.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the second round of the draft to select SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice, giving MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target. The Chiefs acquired the 55th pick along with a sixth-round selection from Detroit to move up from the No. 63 pick while adding a fourth-round and a seventh-round choice. That allowed the Chiefs to address one of their biggest holes on the offensive side of the ball. Rice caught 96 passes for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The Chiefs also took Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris late in the third round. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Will Levis quickly got the call he waited on for 24 hours. Hendon Hooker had to sit around a few more hours to hear his name announced. After Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were selected in the first four picks, it took two more rounds for the top five quarterbacks to be off the board in the NFL draft. The selections of Levis by Tennessee and Hooker by Detroit highlighted a Friday night filled with plenty of trades and some surprises. Day 2 of the draft at Union Station in downtown Kansas City kicked off with family ties. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick of the second round. His dad, Joey Porter, was a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker in eight seasons with Pittsburgh.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco and Jose Miranda homered as the Minnesota Twins stayed hot at the plate with an 8-6 win over the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning, but Jorge López struck out Nick Pratto for his second save. Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and two RBIs for the Royals. Pratto added three singles and two RBIs, and Edward Olivares doubled twice, tripled and scored three runs. The Twins have scored 33 runs in their last five games after starting the season in an offensive slump. The three homers gave Minnesota 36 on the season, second-most in the American League behind the Rays.LOS ANGELES (AP) — New fathers Mookie Betts and Max Muncy powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Betts hit a leadoff homer and Muncy had a go-ahead double in the third inning as Los Angeles won the opener of a six-game homestand after losing consecutive games at Pittsburgh. Betts spent two days on the paternity list last week, and Muncy returned to the lineup Friday. Dodgers starter Dustin May rebounded from a bumpy first inning. Jason Heyward drove in two runs for Los Angeles, and rookie Miguel Vargas had a two-run homer. Cardinals right-hander Jack Flaherty, who grew up in the Los Angeles area, allowed a season-high five runs over 4 2/3 innings while throwing 110 pitches — his most since 2019.DENVER (AP) — Ketel Marte hit an early homer, Josh Rojas drove in three runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Colorado 9-1 on Friday night, sending the Rockies to their sixth straight home loss. Christian Walker hit a go-ahead double in a three-run seventh inning, and NL West-leading Arizona broke open the game with a five-run ninth. Colorado is a National League-worst 8-19, the Rockies worst start since they began 6-21 in 2005. Colorado dropped to 3-8 at Coors Field. Merrill Kelly (2-3) allowed one run and six hits in six innings with five strikeouts. He walked one after issuing 17 in his first five starts.OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Just 6,423 fans showed up for the Athletics’ first home game since announcing a deal for land to build a ballpark in Las Vegas, many chanting “Sell the team!” and “Stay in Oakland!” during an 11-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Unable to make progress on a new ballpark in the Bay Area and wanting to make plans as the expiration of their Oakland Coliseum lease approaches at the end of the 2024 season, the team announced April 19 that it had signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new retractable roof ballpark in Las Vegas.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers completed their first-round upset of the Memphis Grizzlies with a 125-85 victory in Game 6. Anthony Davis had 16 points and 14 rebounds while blocking five shots in a spectacular defensive performance, and D’Angelo Russell scored a career playoff-high 31 points. LeBron James scored 22 points for the seventh-seeded Lakers, who emphatically clinched a playoff series in their own arena for the first time since 2012. Ja Morant scored 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting for the Grizzlies, who won 107 games and two Southwest Division titles in the past two seasons, but just one playoff series.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Malik Monk scored 28 points, De’Aaron Fox added 26 points and 11 assists, and the Sacramento Kings staved off elimination in their first-round playoff series by beating Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors 118-99 in Game 6. Now, a winner-takes-all Game 7 is back in Sacramento on Sunday afternoon. Rookie Keegan Murray scored 15 points with four 3-pointers and grabbed 12 rebounds for his first playoff double-double, and the Kings withstood every scoring surge by the defending champions and shined in nearly every facet of this one with their special season on the line.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk scored twice, Eetu Luostarinen put Florida ahead to stay with 5:38 left in what was a crazed third period, and the Panthers forced a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series by beating the Boston Bruins 7-5. Aleksander Barkov, Brandon Montour, Zac Dalpe and Sam Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, who got 30 saves from Sergei Bobrovsky. Tyler Bertuzzi and David Pastrnak each scored twice for Boston, which got four assists from Brad Marchand and 26 saves from Linus Ullmark. Jake DeBrusk also scored for the Bruins. Game 7 is Sunday.SEATTLE (AP) — Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, including an empty-net goal in the closing seconds, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Seattle Kraken 4-1 to force a Game 7 in their first-round playoff series. Mikko Rantanen scored for Colorado in the final seconds of the first period, tying it at 1 after Seattle scored the first goal yet again. The Avalanche then dominated the final two periods, flashing some of what made them Stanley Cup champs a season ago. Erik Johnson scored his first of the playoffs on a deflected shot 7:21 into the second, and Lehkonen redirected Devon Toews' slap pass at 16:57 to give Colorado a 3-1 lead. Vince Dunn scored Seattle's only goal.ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Roope Hintz scored his fifth goal of the series, Jake Oettinger stonewalled his home-state team again, and the Stars eliminated the Minnesota Wild with a 4-1 win in Game 6 of their first-round NHL playoff series. Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment scored in the second period when the Stars outshot the Wild 18-5. Oettinger made 22 saves as the Stars advanced to face the Colorado-Seattle winner. Freddy Gaudreau scored with 7:07 left to prevent Oettinger from posting a second shutout in the series. Max Domi added an empty-net goal for Dallas. Minnesota hasn't advanced in the postseason in eight years.FRIDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Milwaukee	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Philadelphia	3	Houston	1	Final	Cincinnati	11	Oakland	7	AMERICAN LEAGUEBaltimore	at	Detroit	5:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Minnesota	8	Kansas City	6	Final	Cleveland	5	Boston	2	Final	Toronto	3	Seattle	2	Final	Tampa Bay	3	Chicago White Sox	2	Final	Texas	5	N.Y. Yankees	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEPittsburgh	at	Washington	6:05 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Atlanta	4	N.Y. Mets	0	Final	Miami	3	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Arizona	9	Colorado	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	St. Louis	3	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Sacramento	118	Golden State	99	Final	L.A. Lakers	125	Memphis	85	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal OT	Carolina	2	N-Y Islanders	1	Final	Florida	7	Boston	5	Final	Dallas	4	Minnesota	1	Final	Colorado	4	Seattle	1

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

A
Jam packed show Friday, so packed the boys will get things started at
12:20 pm.


- Great Bend native and
Wichita State bowler Paige Wagner joins the show to talk about her
national championship that was won last week in Las Vegas.


- Barton Softball coach Carson
Dubose will talk about the Lady Cougars double-header sweep of Dodge
City Wednesday.


- Sports in Kansas contributor
Conor Nicholl will talk about a big day in Kansas high school
football recruiting Saturday. He'll also have an early preview of
what looks like a loaded West field in class 2A football next season.


- Mike Courson goes on the
prowl for the Panther sports as he visits with Great Bend Girls Swim
coach Klara Gilbert.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1B0DKTAh1hI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure>A
Jam packed show Friday, so packed the boys will get things started at
12:20 pm.
- Great Bend native and
Wichita State bowler Paige Wagner joins the show to talk about her
national championship that was won last week in Las Vegas.
- Barton Softball coach Carson
Dubose will talk about the Lady Cougars double-header sweep of Dodge
City Wednesday.
- Sports in Kansas contributor
Conor Nicholl will talk about a big day in Kansas high school
football recruiting Saturday. He'll also have an early preview of
what looks like a loaded West field in class 2A football next season.
- Mike Courson goes on the
prowl for the Panther sports as he visits with Great Bend Girls Swim
coach Klara Gilbert.
- Friday Sports Headlines.
- Sounds of the past 24-hours.

Friday on Sports Day - 12:20 p.m. show start (Watch) 

The Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation has announced its special recognition awards for the 2022-23 academic year.

Cunningham head coach Lance McGuire and Manhattan head coach Joe Schartz were named the Don Fambrough Coaches of the Year. The legendary late Kansas head football coach, Fambrough was also a member of the Jayhawks’ 1947 Orange Bowl team.

McGuire resurrected Cunnigham football after it was forced to combine with other programs for three seasons. In its first season as a six-man program, the Wildcats went 0-6, but are 28-3 in the last three seasons. Cunningham went 12-0 this year, defeating Ashland 38-16 to win the state title. Schartz led Manhattan to the 6A title, defeating Gardner-Edgerton, 21-20 to cap a 13-0 campaign. It was the Indians’ first title since 1988. In his 14 years as head coach, he is 120-29 and has been Centennial League champs 12 of 14 years.

Gene Wier, who coached 34 seasons at Olathe North and Richland (Texas) high schools, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is currently serving as an assistant coach at Mill Valley High School. In his first 22-year stint at Olathe, he was 188-36 with six Kansas Class 6A titles. In the last seven years before he moved to Texas, the Eagles were 96-6.

Taylor Darr of Wichita, Kan., has been selected to receive the John and Phil Laurie Officiating Award. Darr has moved up quickly since first officiating as a student in 2016 in the Kansas State University intramural program. She has officiated in the KJCCC, KCAC and MIAA conferences. She is the first female to officiate in the MIAA.

“Truly accomplished individuals, we are happy to recognize them for their excellence,” founding chapter board member Bernie Kish said. “Our youth need the support of engaged leaders and we are fortunate to have so many top-notch individuals in the state of Kansas. Our honorees represent the cream of the crop.”

They will be honored at the annual Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation awards dinner conducted May 10 in Manhattan.

Sponsors of the chapter and its activities include Dillons Food Stores, Bill Geiger and the Geiger Foundation, Jim Schroeder and Great Western Manufacturing, Joe and Brady Flannery and Weaver's Department Store, and John and Phil Laurie.

About the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter NFF

The Kansas Chapter received its National Football Foundation Charter Nov. 25, 1991 at halftime ceremonies of the Kansas-Missouri football game. It then evolved into the Jayhawk Chapter and later transitioned to the Sunflower Chapter This year, it was renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family Sunflower Chapter. Its mission is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in their schools and communities. More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991.

About the National Football Foundation

Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.

The NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first meeting to discuss the formation of chapters was held by the Cincinnati Club in 1954, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers, which is simply to Build Leaders Through Football. Collectively, they host more than 300 events each year, reaching more than 500,000 football players at 5,000 high schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682706724302.png" alt="Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of NFF recognize Kansas football mentors" />
 <figcaption>Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of NFF recognize Kansas football mentors</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jeff BolligThe Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation has announced its special recognition awards for the 2022-23 academic year.Cunningham head coach Lance McGuire and Manhattan head coach Joe Schartz were named the Don Fambrough Coaches of the Year. The legendary late Kansas head football coach, Fambrough was also a member of the Jayhawks’ 1947 Orange Bowl team.McGuire resurrected Cunnigham football after it was forced to combine with other programs for three seasons. In its first season as a six-man program, the Wildcats went 0-6, but are 28-3 in the last three seasons. Cunningham went 12-0 this year, defeating Ashland 38-16 to win the state title. Schartz led Manhattan to the 6A title, defeating Gardner-Edgerton, 21-20 to cap a 13-0 campaign. It was the Indians’ first title since 1988. In his 14 years as head coach, he is 120-29 and has been Centennial League champs 12 of 14 years.Gene Wier, who coached 34 seasons at Olathe North and Richland (Texas) high schools, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is currently serving as an assistant coach at Mill Valley High School. In his first 22-year stint at Olathe, he was 188-36 with six Kansas Class 6A titles. In the last seven years before he moved to Texas, the Eagles were 96-6.Taylor Darr of Wichita, Kan., has been selected to receive the John and Phil Laurie Officiating Award. Darr has moved up quickly since first officiating as a student in 2016 in the Kansas State University intramural program. She has officiated in the KJCCC, KCAC and MIAA conferences. She is the first female to officiate in the MIAA.“Truly accomplished individuals, we are happy to recognize them for their excellence,” founding chapter board member Bernie Kish said. “Our youth need the support of engaged leaders and we are fortunate to have so many top-notch individuals in the state of Kansas. Our honorees represent the cream of the crop.”They will be honored at the annual Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation awards dinner conducted May 10 in Manhattan.Sponsors of the chapter and its activities include Dillons Food Stores, Bill Geiger and the Geiger Foundation, Jim Schroeder and Great Western Manufacturing, Joe and Brady Flannery and Weaver's Department Store, and John and Phil Laurie.About the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter NFFThe Kansas Chapter received its National Football Foundation Charter Nov. 25, 1991 at halftime ceremonies of the Kansas-Missouri football game. It then evolved into the Jayhawk Chapter and later transitioned to the Sunflower Chapter This year, it was renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family Sunflower Chapter. Its mission is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in their schools and communities. More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991.About the National Football FoundationFounded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.About the NFF Chapter NetworkThe NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first meeting to discuss the formation of chapters was held by the Cincinnati Club in 1954, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers, which is simply to Build Leaders Through Football. Collectively, they host more than 300 events each year, reaching more than 500,000 football players at 5,000 high schools.

McGuire, Schartz, Wier, Darr Honored for Contributions  to High School Football

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info


The impactful freshman
campaign from Christopher Young of the nationally 3nd ranked Barton
Community College men's track and field team has been named the KJCCC
Field Athlete for Week Six of the outdoor season.


Young previously earned the
week four honor after posting the 6th furthest shot put mark (18.11m)
in program history.


This past week at the John
Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma, Young was again making
impacts in the program record book, this time in the discus throw
unleashing a personal best event winning 56.47m mark to also land in
the 6th slot in Barton performances.


Young also added a 4th place
finish in the shot put and a 13th placing in the hammer throw during
the busy three-event weekend over two days of competition.


The conference weekly award is
the third for Young of the season, adding the week four indoor
distinctions to his now two outdoor honors.


In addition to the being
qualified for the NJCAA National meet in the shot put, discus, and
hammer throw, Young also leads the nation in the javelin throw having
stuck a program 4th furthest throw of 66.51m back on March 24 at the
Masked Rider Open in Lubbock, Texas.


Young is part of a historic
power trio of Cougars that have been pushing each other throughout
the indoor and now outdoor season, seemingly making impacts on the
program every meet they compete in.


Sophomore Brandon Lloyd, who
set the program's discus record last year coincidentally at the same
Jacobs Invite, leads the trio in the shot put with a 5th best mark,
and has been chasing a top ten distance in the hammer throw.


Christopher Crawford is also
having an impactful initial collegiate season, leading's the trio's
2023 performances in the discus with a program 3rd furthest mark, has
the 8th furthest shot put dent, and is just on the outside looking in
of qualifying in the hammer throw for the national meet.


Young and the Cougars are back
to the competition rings Saturday in the Rock Chalk Classic hosted by
the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682693368212.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info
The impactful freshman
campaign from Christopher Young of the nationally 3nd ranked Barton
Community College men's track and field team has been named the KJCCC
Field Athlete for Week Six of the outdoor season.
Young previously earned the
week four honor after posting the 6th furthest shot put mark (18.11m)
in program history.
This past week at the John
Jacobs Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma, Young was again making
impacts in the program record book, this time in the discus throw
unleashing a personal best event winning 56.47m mark to also land in
the 6th slot in Barton performances.
Young also added a 4th place
finish in the shot put and a 13th placing in the hammer throw during
the busy three-event weekend over two days of competition.
The conference weekly award is
the third for Young of the season, adding the week four indoor
distinctions to his now two outdoor honors.
In addition to the being
qualified for the NJCAA National meet in the shot put, discus, and
hammer throw, Young also leads the nation in the javelin throw having
stuck a program 4th furthest throw of 66.51m back on March 24 at the
Masked Rider Open in Lubbock, Texas.
Young is part of a historic
power trio of Cougars that have been pushing each other throughout
the indoor and now outdoor season, seemingly making impacts on the
program every meet they compete in.
Sophomore Brandon Lloyd, who
set the program's discus record last year coincidentally at the same
Jacobs Invite, leads the trio in the shot put with a 5th best mark,
and has been chasing a top ten distance in the hammer throw.
Christopher Crawford is also
having an impactful initial collegiate season, leading's the trio's
2023 performances in the discus with a program 3rd furthest mark, has
the 8th furthest shot put dent, and is just on the outside looking in
of qualifying in the hammer throw for the national meet.
Young and the Cougars are back
to the competition rings Saturday in the Rock Chalk Classic hosted by
the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Barton's Young earns second conference honor in three weeks 

The Barton Community College softball team went deep eight times Thursday at Cougar Field to sweep Dodge City Community College 20-1 in five innings followed by an 11-4 cap in game two.

The Cougars pinned six on the scoreboard in their first at-bat before breaking the game open with 13 runs in the third inning for the squad's largest margin of victory this season.

Facing a four-run deficit into the third inning of game two, the Cougars took the lead with a five-run at-bat, added another pair in the fifth before tacking on four more in the sixth in completing the regular season sweep over the Conquistadors.

Barton improves to 20-10 for fourth place of the conference standings and 26-20 overall while Dodge City suffers their eighth straight defeat dropping to 12-20 and 17-28 overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682675454546.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College softball team went deep eight times Thursday at Cougar Field to sweep Dodge City Community College 20-1 in five innings followed by an 11-4 cap in game two.The Cougars pinned six on the scoreboard in their first at-bat before breaking the game open with 13 runs in the third inning for the squad's largest margin of victory this season.Facing a four-run deficit into the third inning of game two, the Cougars took the lead with a five-run at-bat, added another pair in the fifth before tacking on four more in the sixth in completing the regular season sweep over the Conquistadors.Barton improves to 20-10 for fourth place of the conference standings and 26-20 overall while Dodge City suffers their eighth straight defeat dropping to 12-20 and 17-28 overall.

Barton softball utilizes the long ball for sweep of Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs picked a hometown boy with the last selection in the first round of the hometown NFL draft.

The Super Bowl champions bolstered their pass rush Thursday night when they chose Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick. He was born in Kansas City and became a prep star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, before helping the Wildcats to a Big 12 title last season, when he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.

“I got drafted by literally my favorite team growing up,” Anudike-Uzomah said. “It's definitly a dream come true.”

Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who released Frank Clark not long ago to create some salary cap space.

The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.

“Felix is a heck of a player. He’s also a KC native, so we appreciate that part of it, too,” coach Andy Reid said. “When you’re picking right there at 31, you take the best player available. He was that guy.”

“It’s one thing to get drafted in the NFL," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach added. "To have a local kid get that call on draft night, while the draft is being held in Kansas City, needless to say he was pretty excited.”

Kansas City had been in the spotlight all night before the Chiefs made their pick. The draft was being held for the first time at historic Union Station, where the largest stage complex in its history was erected near the National World War I Museum.

Thousands of fans began arriving nearly 12 hours before Carolina went on the clock with the first pick, and 125,000 packed the area by the time the Chiefs made their pick. And while jerseys representing almost every NFL team were in the crowd, the vast majority were Chiefs jereys that formed a rollicking sea of red as fans awaited their selection.

Earlier in the night, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce had greeted fans by bringing out their latest Lombardi Trophy. But for their selection, two finely dressed gentleman brought out their other two Lombardi trophies before Chiefs owner Clark Hunt carried out the third one and the champions finally made their pick.

At that point, it was anyone’s guess what Veach might do.

The Chiefs were long linked to wide receivers in the first round after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman in free agency, and signing Richie James as the only noteworthy replacement. But beginning with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Seahawks at No. 20, four wide receivers were selected in a row, and that left the Chiefs without one with a first-round grade.

Then there was the offensive line, where the Chiefs declined to use the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for a second consecutive year and allowed Andrew Wylie to leave as well. The Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor with the intention of moving him from right tackle to left tackle, but they are still searching for help at the other end of the line.

Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison was a potential fit but he went four spots earlier to Jacksonville.

The other big hole was at defensive end, where the Chiefs signed Charles Omenihu to play alongside Karlaftis but still needed a long-term solution. Nolan Smith would have been an option, but the Georgia standout’s long slide ended when the Eagles — who lost to Kansas City in the Super Bowl — selected him one pick before the Chiefs went on the clock.

So, they pivoted to another pass-rushing option.

Anudike-Uzomah was considered a fringe first-round pick, but the Chiefs saw enough value in him to make the selection, rather than trade out of Round 1 altogether. Anudike-Uzomah joins a group of pass rushers that also includes Mike Danna and Malik Herring, but where there will be ample opportunity to make an immediate impact.

The Chiefs still have nine more draft picks, including second- and third-rounders on Friday night.

“We did have some calls (on trading down),” Veach acknowledged. “You know, it’s a situation where you have a guy that’s clearly the top guy left, and the calls we had, you’re talking mid-40s, that’s a long ways away. So we thought, ‘Let’s not get cute here. There’s a guy we like. Let’s go ahead and make the pick.’ And we're glad we did.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs picked a hometown boy with the last selection in the first round of the hometown NFL draft.The Super Bowl champions bolstered their pass rush Thursday night when they chose Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick. He was born in Kansas City and became a prep star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, before helping the Wildcats to a Big 12 title last season, when he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.“I got drafted by literally my favorite team growing up,” Anudike-Uzomah said. “It's definitly a dream come true.”Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who released Frank Clark not long ago to create some salary cap space.The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.“Felix is a heck of a player. He’s also a KC native, so we appreciate that part of it, too,” coach Andy Reid said. “When you’re picking right there at 31, you take the best player available. He was that guy.”“It’s one thing to get drafted in the NFL," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach added. "To have a local kid get that call on draft night, while the draft is being held in Kansas City, needless to say he was pretty excited.”Kansas City had been in the spotlight all night before the Chiefs made their pick. The draft was being held for the first time at historic Union Station, where the largest stage complex in its history was erected near the National World War I Museum.Thousands of fans began arriving nearly 12 hours before Carolina went on the clock with the first pick, and 125,000 packed the area by the time the Chiefs made their pick. And while jerseys representing almost every NFL team were in the crowd, the vast majority were Chiefs jereys that formed a rollicking sea of red as fans awaited their selection.Earlier in the night, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce had greeted fans by bringing out their latest Lombardi Trophy. But for their selection, two finely dressed gentleman brought out their other two Lombardi trophies before Chiefs owner Clark Hunt carried out the third one and the champions finally made their pick.At that point, it was anyone’s guess what Veach might do.The Chiefs were long linked to wide receivers in the first round after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman in free agency, and signing Richie James as the only noteworthy replacement. But beginning with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Seahawks at No. 20, four wide receivers were selected in a row, and that left the Chiefs without one with a first-round grade.Then there was the offensive line, where the Chiefs declined to use the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for a second consecutive year and allowed Andrew Wylie to leave as well. The Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor with the intention of moving him from right tackle to left tackle, but they are still searching for help at the other end of the line.Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison was a potential fit but he went four spots earlier to Jacksonville.The other big hole was at defensive end, where the Chiefs signed Charles Omenihu to play alongside Karlaftis but still needed a long-term solution. Nolan Smith would have been an option, but the Georgia standout’s long slide ended when the Eagles — who lost to Kansas City in the Super Bowl — selected him one pick before the Chiefs went on the clock.So, they pivoted to another pass-rushing option.Anudike-Uzomah was considered a fringe first-round pick, but the Chiefs saw enough value in him to make the selection, rather than trade out of Round 1 altogether. Anudike-Uzomah joins a group of pass rushers that also includes Mike Danna and Malik Herring, but where there will be ample opportunity to make an immediate impact.The Chiefs still have nine more draft picks, including second- and third-rounders on Friday night.“We did have some calls (on trading down),” Veach acknowledged. “You know, it’s a situation where you have a guy that’s clearly the top guy left, and the calls we had, you’re talking mid-40s, that’s a long ways away. So we thought, ‘Let’s not get cute here. There’s a guy we like. Let’s go ahead and make the pick.’ And we're glad we did.”

Chiefs pick hometown star Felix Anudike-Uzomah of K-State

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Sophomore Ayden Blachowicz drove in a career-high five runs to lead the 8th ranked Barton Community College baseball team to an opening 12-1 run-rule victory over Hutchinson Community College in five innings.

The Blue Dragons fought off a late rally in Game 2 earning a 9-7 victory over the Cougars to split the first two games of the four-game set Thursday afternoon at Hobart-Detter Field.

The series will conclude Saturday afternoon shifting to Barton's Lawson-Biggs Field for a 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. scheduled doubleheader.

Entering the day with a four-game lead in the Jayhawk West standings, the split trims Barton's lead to three games at 20-6 in the KJCCC and 41-8 on the season while the Blue Dragons move into a fifth-place tie with a mark of 15-11 and overall record of 27-23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682675195651.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoSophomore Ayden Blachowicz drove in a career-high five runs to lead the 8th ranked Barton Community College baseball team to an opening 12-1 run-rule victory over Hutchinson Community College in five innings.The Blue Dragons fought off a late rally in Game 2 earning a 9-7 victory over the Cougars to split the first two games of the four-game set Thursday afternoon at Hobart-Detter Field.The series will conclude Saturday afternoon shifting to Barton's Lawson-Biggs Field for a 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. scheduled doubleheader.Entering the day with a four-game lead in the Jayhawk West standings, the split trims Barton's lead to three games at 20-6 in the KJCCC and 41-8 on the season while the Blue Dragons move into a fifth-place tie with a mark of 15-11 and overall record of 27-23.

8th ranked Cougars settle for road split with Blue Dragons

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.

Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton’s opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.

Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.

Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it “just inflammation,” but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start.

"No one's really concerned about it," he said. “So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine.”

Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.

“The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great.”

Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.

The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn’t beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field.

“It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. “The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does.”

Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.

Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high.

“He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. “He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch.”

Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.

Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.

Before Thursday’s game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.

Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.

Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.

Royals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a “bad bruise” but underwent pregame activities.

Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday’s game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He’ll likely land on the injured list.

RHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton’s opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it “just inflammation,” but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start."No one's really concerned about it," he said. “So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine.”Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.“The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great.”Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn’t beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field.“It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. “The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does.”Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high.“He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. “He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch.”Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.ROSTER MOVEBefore Thursday’s game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a “bad bruise” but underwent pregame activities.Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday’s game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He’ll likely land on the injured list.UP NEXTRHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

Buxton, Correa go long in Twins' rout of Royals; Greinke 0-4

The Great Bend High School baseball team climbed to No. 4 in regional rankings ahead of Thursday's home doubleheader against Dodge City. That put extra emphasis on the final six games of the regular season if the Panthers want to stay at home in the postseason. The final four games of the season will now carry some extra weight after Dodge City escaped with wins of 4-3 and 8-7.

Both teams scored a run in the first inning of game one. The Red Demons pulled ahead in the third inning, then plated a pair of runs in the sixth to lead 4-1.&nbsp;

Tyler Stuhlsatz singled and scored in the first inning for that early run. He had the chance to be the hero in the seventh inning. Edwin Chavez reached in that final frame with a one-out walk. Bradley Hopkins doubled with two outs to keep the rally alive. An error off the bat of Koehn Ribordy scored Chavez and Hopkins for a 4-3 score, with Stuhlsatz at the plate. The senior popped up to end the game.

Great Bend had just four hits in the loss. Hopkins doubled, and Stuhlsatz, Owen Kaiser, and Carson Umphres each singled. Umphres threw all seven innings in the loss. He struck out eight and allowed four earned runs on eight hits.

Game two was just as exciting. The Panthers had to overcome a seven-run second by the Demons, but trailed just 7-6 after four. Dodge City added a big run in the sixth and carried that 8-6 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

JJ Grove led off the seventh by being hit by a pitch. Chavez followed with a single before Hunter Herrman hit into a fielder's choice that left runners on the corners with an out in the books. A pair of balks allowed Grove to score and Herrman to move into scoring position. A Ribordy lineout to shortstop ended the rally and the doubleheader.

Kaiser and Umphres accounted for half the eight Panther hits, both reaching on a single and a double. Kaiser drove in two and Umphres scored twice. Ian Premer doubled, and Chavez, Grove, and Ribordy had the other singles.

Stuhlsatz picked up the loss, recording five outs and allowing seven runs, though just two of the runs were earned. Ribordy struck out five and allowed just three hits and an earned run in 4.1 innings of work, and Herrman threw a hitless inning.

The Panthers drop to 10-6 overall and return to action next Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886299669.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe Great Bend High School baseball team climbed to No. 4 in regional rankings ahead of Thursday's home doubleheader against Dodge City. That put extra emphasis on the final six games of the regular season if the Panthers want to stay at home in the postseason. The final four games of the season will now carry some extra weight after Dodge City escaped with wins of 4-3 and 8-7.Both teams scored a run in the first inning of game one. The Red Demons pulled ahead in the third inning, then plated a pair of runs in the sixth to lead 4-1.&nbsp;Tyler Stuhlsatz singled and scored in the first inning for that early run. He had the chance to be the hero in the seventh inning. Edwin Chavez reached in that final frame with a one-out walk. Bradley Hopkins doubled with two outs to keep the rally alive. An error off the bat of Koehn Ribordy scored Chavez and Hopkins for a 4-3 score, with Stuhlsatz at the plate. The senior popped up to end the game.Great Bend had just four hits in the loss. Hopkins doubled, and Stuhlsatz, Owen Kaiser, and Carson Umphres each singled. Umphres threw all seven innings in the loss. He struck out eight and allowed four earned runs on eight hits.Game two was just as exciting. The Panthers had to overcome a seven-run second by the Demons, but trailed just 7-6 after four. Dodge City added a big run in the sixth and carried that 8-6 lead into the bottom of the seventh.JJ Grove led off the seventh by being hit by a pitch. Chavez followed with a single before Hunter Herrman hit into a fielder's choice that left runners on the corners with an out in the books. A pair of balks allowed Grove to score and Herrman to move into scoring position. A Ribordy lineout to shortstop ended the rally and the doubleheader.Kaiser and Umphres accounted for half the eight Panther hits, both reaching on a single and a double. Kaiser drove in two and Umphres scored twice. Ian Premer doubled, and Chavez, Grove, and Ribordy had the other singles.Stuhlsatz picked up the loss, recording five outs and allowing seven runs, though just two of the runs were earned. Ribordy struck out five and allowed just three hits and an earned run in 4.1 innings of work, and Herrman threw a hitless inning.The Panthers drop to 10-6 overall and return to action next Friday.

Panthers drop pair of one-run losses to Dodge City

The Western Athletic Conference has proven a worthy foe for the Lady Panther softball team. Great Bend dropped three games to Hays last week, and after a win at Liberal, lost three-straight to Garden City this week. The Lady Panthers traveled to Garden City Thursday where they were defeated 7-4 and 11-2 to drop to 7-9 on the season.

Game one was decided in the sixth inning. Garden City led 2-0 after one, but the Lady Panthers took a 3-2 lead in the third inning. The Lady Buffs tied it up in the bottom of the third, then plated four runs in the decisive sixth.

DeShawnna Bryant's 3-run homer in the third inning was the highlight in a game that featured just four Lady Panther hits. Katherine Mazouch singled twice, and Kamryn Koelsch added the other single. Great Bend batters struck out 13 times.

Just two of the seven runs against Paige Thexton were earned in the loss. The junior struck out four, walked three, and allowed eight hits in six innings of work.

Reigning WAC Player of the Year Brie Manwarren was again dominant in game two, holding the Lady Panthers to just five hits. Great Bend scored both of its runs in the first three innings but still trailed 3-2 after three before the Lady Buffs piled on seven runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

Thexton doubled and drove in a run. Bryant, Halle Post, Alyssa McCauley, and Prilling added the other hits, all singles.&nbsp;

The freshman pair of McCauley and Braelyn Turner pitched all six innings. McCauley recorded the first five outs, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Turner pitched two shutout innings before the floodgates opened in the fifth. She walked nine and struck out three, allowing seven earned runs on four hits in 4.1 innings of work.

The Lady Panthers take some time off before their final two doubleheaders of the regular season. Action resumes next Friday with a double-dip at McPherson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886492120.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe Western Athletic Conference has proven a worthy foe for the Lady Panther softball team. Great Bend dropped three games to Hays last week, and after a win at Liberal, lost three-straight to Garden City this week. The Lady Panthers traveled to Garden City Thursday where they were defeated 7-4 and 11-2 to drop to 7-9 on the season.Game one was decided in the sixth inning. Garden City led 2-0 after one, but the Lady Panthers took a 3-2 lead in the third inning. The Lady Buffs tied it up in the bottom of the third, then plated four runs in the decisive sixth.DeShawnna Bryant's 3-run homer in the third inning was the highlight in a game that featured just four Lady Panther hits. Katherine Mazouch singled twice, and Kamryn Koelsch added the other single. Great Bend batters struck out 13 times.Just two of the seven runs against Paige Thexton were earned in the loss. The junior struck out four, walked three, and allowed eight hits in six innings of work.Reigning WAC Player of the Year Brie Manwarren was again dominant in game two, holding the Lady Panthers to just five hits. Great Bend scored both of its runs in the first three innings but still trailed 3-2 after three before the Lady Buffs piled on seven runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth.Thexton doubled and drove in a run. Bryant, Halle Post, Alyssa McCauley, and Prilling added the other hits, all singles.&nbsp;The freshman pair of McCauley and Braelyn Turner pitched all six innings. McCauley recorded the first five outs, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Turner pitched two shutout innings before the floodgates opened in the fifth. She walked nine and struck out three, allowing seven earned runs on four hits in 4.1 innings of work.The Lady Panthers take some time off before their final two doubleheaders of the regular season. Action resumes next Friday with a double-dip at McPherson.

Lady Panther softball drops pair of games at Garden City

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the final pick of the
first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown boy,
selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st
overall pick. Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a
high school star in the suburb of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, before
playing for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his
sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in
which he was voted the league’s defensive player of the year.
Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Quarterbacks dominated the first part of the NFL draft.
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were among the top
four picks Thursday night, an expected result in a league where teams
know finding a franchise QB is the quickest path to success. The
Carolina Panthers selected Young, the slender and dynamic Alabama
quarterback, with the No. 1 pick, seven weeks after making a
blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of
potential franchise players. The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman
Trophy winner over Ohio State’s Stroud, Florida’s Richardson and
Kentucky’s Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the
week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several
weeks of deliberation.

UNDATED (AP) — For
one night at least, running backs got some of the glory in the
pass-happy NFL. In an era when what used to be one of the premier
positions in football has been de-emphasized, Texas’ Bijan Robinson
and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs broke the trend and went off the board
quickly in the NFL draft. The Atlanta Falcons took Robinson eighth
overall and the Detroit Lions took Gibbs four spots later. The picks
were a far cry from the last four drafts when only four running backs
went in the first round and none were picked higher than 24th.

Kentucky's Will
Levis and Tennessee's Hendon Hooker are two quarterbacks who are
tantalizing prospects for teams on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Levis and
Hooker slipped into the second round as the run on quarterbacks came
to a screeching halt after the Colts selected Florida's Anthony
Richardson Jr. with the fourth overall pick. The 2023 NFL draft began
with the Panthers making Alabama's Bryce Young the top overall pick
and the Texans chose Ohio State's CJ Stroud next. Levis was projected
to go as high as that No. 2 pick but instead fell to Day 2.

OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson
on a five-year deal on Thursday, making their star quarterback the
highest-paid player in NFL history. The Ravens and Jackson agreed on
a $260 million, five-year deal with $185 million in guaranteed money,
a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on
condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been signed. The
deal keeps the 2019 NFL MVP in Baltimore for the foreseeable future
and ends a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team’s
offseason. Jackson’s contract tops the $255 million, five-year deal
the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts earlier this month. Hurts
got $179.3 million in guarantees.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota
Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Buxton and Correa teed
off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning.
Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run, which was a solo homer by
Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth. Mahle exited after four
innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness. Reliever
Brock Stewart got the win with two scoreless innings. The 39-year-old
Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after
allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Alec Burleson and Paul DeJong homered, Miles Mikolas pitched 6 1/3
scoreless innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco
Giants 6-0. Mikolas scattered four hits and two walks, striking out
six to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak. Webb allowed two
runs in 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts, suffering his
MLB-leading fifth loss of the year. St. Louis has not been swept in a
four-game series since June 3-6, 2021, against Cincinnati.

ATLANTA (AP) — Al
Horford hit a huge 3-pointer against his former team and the Boston
Celtics broke open a tight game in the closing minutes to beat the
Atlanta Hawks 128-120. The Celtics win the opening-round playoff
series four games to two and advance to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Game 1 is Monday night in Boston. The Celtics ripped off an 11-0 run
that included three straight 3-pointers. Horford’s big shot was
sandwiched around treys from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown led
the Celtics with 32 points, while Tatum had 30. Trae Young paced
Atlanta with 30 points but made only one field goal in the second
half.

MIAMI (AP) — They
brawled in 1997. Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s leg in
1998. Allan Houston got a friendly bounce in 1999. Clarence
Weatherspoon didn’t get one in 2000. Amare Stoudemire lost a fight
with a glass-enclosed fire extinguisher in 2012. Something always
happens when it's Knicks vs. Heat. And here we go again. There are
more storied rivalries in the NBA — Lakers-Celtics and
76ers-Celtics among them — but there is just something about a Heat
vs. Knicks matchup that brings out something extra in Miami and New
York. They’re about to meet in the NBA playoffs for the sixth time.
Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series is Sunday at Madison
Square Garden.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680169902327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the final pick of the
first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown boy,
selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st
overall pick. Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a
high school star in the suburb of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, before
playing for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his
sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in
which he was voted the league’s defensive player of the year.
Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Quarterbacks dominated the first part of the NFL draft.
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were among the top
four picks Thursday night, an expected result in a league where teams
know finding a franchise QB is the quickest path to success. The
Carolina Panthers selected Young, the slender and dynamic Alabama
quarterback, with the No. 1 pick, seven weeks after making a
blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of
potential franchise players. The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman
Trophy winner over Ohio State’s Stroud, Florida’s Richardson and
Kentucky’s Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the
week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several
weeks of deliberation.UNDATED (AP) — For
one night at least, running backs got some of the glory in the
pass-happy NFL. In an era when what used to be one of the premier
positions in football has been de-emphasized, Texas’ Bijan Robinson
and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs broke the trend and went off the board
quickly in the NFL draft. The Atlanta Falcons took Robinson eighth
overall and the Detroit Lions took Gibbs four spots later. The picks
were a far cry from the last four drafts when only four running backs
went in the first round and none were picked higher than 24th.Kentucky's Will
Levis and Tennessee's Hendon Hooker are two quarterbacks who are
tantalizing prospects for teams on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Levis and
Hooker slipped into the second round as the run on quarterbacks came
to a screeching halt after the Colts selected Florida's Anthony
Richardson Jr. with the fourth overall pick. The 2023 NFL draft began
with the Panthers making Alabama's Bryce Young the top overall pick
and the Texans chose Ohio State's CJ Stroud next. Levis was projected
to go as high as that No. 2 pick but instead fell to Day 2.OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle with Lamar Jackson
on a five-year deal on Thursday, making their star quarterback the
highest-paid player in NFL history. The Ravens and Jackson agreed on
a $260 million, five-year deal with $185 million in guaranteed money,
a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on
condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been signed. The
deal keeps the 2019 NFL MVP in Baltimore for the foreseeable future
and ends a contract negotiation saga that was dominating the team’s
offseason. Jackson’s contract tops the $255 million, five-year deal
the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts earlier this month. Hurts
got $179.3 million in guarantees.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota
Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Buxton and Correa teed
off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning.
Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run, which was a solo homer by
Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth. Mahle exited after four
innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness. Reliever
Brock Stewart got the win with two scoreless innings. The 39-year-old
Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after
allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Alec Burleson and Paul DeJong homered, Miles Mikolas pitched 6 1/3
scoreless innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco
Giants 6-0. Mikolas scattered four hits and two walks, striking out
six to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak. Webb allowed two
runs in 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts, suffering his
MLB-leading fifth loss of the year. St. Louis has not been swept in a
four-game series since June 3-6, 2021, against Cincinnati.ATLANTA (AP) — Al
Horford hit a huge 3-pointer against his former team and the Boston
Celtics broke open a tight game in the closing minutes to beat the
Atlanta Hawks 128-120. The Celtics win the opening-round playoff
series four games to two and advance to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Game 1 is Monday night in Boston. The Celtics ripped off an 11-0 run
that included three straight 3-pointers. Horford’s big shot was
sandwiched around treys from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown led
the Celtics with 32 points, while Tatum had 30. Trae Young paced
Atlanta with 30 points but made only one field goal in the second
half.MIAMI (AP) — They
brawled in 1997. Jeff Van Gundy clung to Alonzo Mourning’s leg in
1998. Allan Houston got a friendly bounce in 1999. Clarence
Weatherspoon didn’t get one in 2000. Amare Stoudemire lost a fight
with a glass-enclosed fire extinguisher in 2012. Something always
happens when it's Knicks vs. Heat. And here we go again. There are
more storied rivalries in the NBA — Lakers-Celtics and
76ers-Celtics among them — but there is just something about a Heat
vs. Knicks matchup that brings out something extra in Miami and New
York. They’re about to meet in the NBA playoffs for the sixth time.
Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series is Sunday at Madison
Square Garden.THURSDAY SPORTS
HEADLINESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Philadelphia	1	Seattle	0	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	L.A.
Angels	8	Oakland	7	Final	Tampa
Bay	14	Chicago White Sox	5	Final	Baltimore	7	Detroit	4	Final	Minnesota	7	Kansas
City	1	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Texas	2	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	6	L.A.
Dodgers	2	Final	Miami	5	Atlanta	4	Final	Chicago
Cubs	5	San Diego	2	Final	St.
Louis	6	San Francisco	0	Final	N.Y.
Mets	9	Washington	8	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Boston	128	Atlanta	120	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Tampa
Bay	4	Toronto	2	Final	New
Jersey	4	N-Y Rangers	0	Final	Vegas	4	Winnipeg	1

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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Thursday Sports Day (Watch) 

Rain did not stop a small but talented group of tennis players Tuesday in Emporia. Great Bend scored 35 points in the field of six teams for fourth overall. St. Thomas Aquinas won the meet with 54 points, followed by Mill Valley with 50 points.

The tournament again put all singles and doubles players into single brackets. Great Bend's Brendyn Schroeder entered the singles bracket as the No. 3 seed, advancing with a bye and an 8-0 win against the No. 7seed from Manhattan. Schroeder defeated the No. 2 seed from Mill Valley 8-4 in the semifinals.&nbsp;

Things got a lot more difficult after that. St. Thomas Aquinas' two-time defending 5A champion Russell Lokko, who went unbeaten last year and will attend the University of Louisville next year, surrendered just one game on the day. He defeated Schroeder 8-0 for the title.

Aaron Ramirez entered the singles bracket as the No. 9 seed with an 8-0 loss to the eventual eighth-place finisher from Mill Valley. He defeated a player from Liberal (Mo.) 8-2 before losing his final three matches.

In the doubles bracket, Jordan Manning and Jacob Parks entered as the No. 4 seed, dropping their first match to the No. 5 seed from Manhattan 8-4. The pair went on to finish eighth in the bracket. Kaden Deines and Cameron Harbaugh, playing as the No. 10 seed, lost their first match 8-1 to the eventual seventh-place finishers from Manhattan. Deines and Harbaugh finished 11th in the bracket.

The Panthers return home Monday to host the Western Athletic Conference tournament that will include some special activities. Great Bend heads to regional action in Salina on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886244015.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostRain did not stop a small but talented group of tennis players Tuesday in Emporia. Great Bend scored 35 points in the field of six teams for fourth overall. St. Thomas Aquinas won the meet with 54 points, followed by Mill Valley with 50 points.The tournament again put all singles and doubles players into single brackets. Great Bend's Brendyn Schroeder entered the singles bracket as the No. 3 seed, advancing with a bye and an 8-0 win against the No. 7seed from Manhattan. Schroeder defeated the No. 2 seed from Mill Valley 8-4 in the semifinals.&nbsp;Things got a lot more difficult after that. St. Thomas Aquinas' two-time defending 5A champion Russell Lokko, who went unbeaten last year and will attend the University of Louisville next year, surrendered just one game on the day. He defeated Schroeder 8-0 for the title.Aaron Ramirez entered the singles bracket as the No. 9 seed with an 8-0 loss to the eventual eighth-place finisher from Mill Valley. He defeated a player from Liberal (Mo.) 8-2 before losing his final three matches.In the doubles bracket, Jordan Manning and Jacob Parks entered as the No. 4 seed, dropping their first match to the No. 5 seed from Manhattan 8-4. The pair went on to finish eighth in the bracket. Kaden Deines and Cameron Harbaugh, playing as the No. 10 seed, lost their first match 8-1 to the eventual seventh-place finishers from Manhattan. Deines and Harbaugh finished 11th in the bracket.The Panthers return home Monday to host the Western Athletic Conference tournament that will include some special activities. Great Bend heads to regional action in Salina on Friday.

Panther tennis team battles at tough Emporia tourney

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bryce Young had been catching grief from Alabama teammate Will Anderson Jr. all morning after dragging a blanket out of his hotel room, wrapping up in it and trying to fight off a brisk wind as the sun rose over Union Station.

“You can call me soft. Call me whatever you like,” Young said Wednesday. “I'm cold.”

It doesn't figure to be a whole lot warmer Thursday night, when the century-old train depot near downtown Kansas City serves as the backdrop for the NFL draft. Before it sits the largest stage complex the league has ever built for its second-biggest event behind the Super Bowl, serving as the anchor for a three-day spectacle expected to draw more than 100,000 people.

Young won't have to sit in the elements long, though. The Crimson Tide quarterback, who won the Heisman Trophy two years ago, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick when the Carolina Panthers are the first team on the clock.

“It's crazy to be here right now,” Young told The Associated Press, about 24 hours before the draft was set to begin. "My earliest memory of the draft is just probably having it on TV at a young age, you know? Just being a sports household. Always on. Always watching it, always paying attention to it. And now to be able to track these players and say, ‘Oh, I remember that draft, and now he’s here and doing this' — you know, you start to see the progression.

“And more recently,” Young said, “when I've been able to watch the draft, it's been surreal knowing people that have gone that I worked out with, or I shared a day with. I mean, now actually taking part in it, it's a blessing.”

Anderson, one of the best pass rushers available, also expects to be among the first few picks Thursday night.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I think the biggest thing is as long as you get drafted. That's how I kind of think of it," he said. “It doesn't matter where you land. Obviously just matters that you get drafted."

The actual draft is only part of the three-day football festival.

Up the hill from Union Station, where the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their third Super Bowl triumph in February, sits the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The expansive south grass area has transformed into the NFL Draft Experience, where fans can see every edition of the Super Bowl ring, the Lombardi Trophy and catch photos and autographs.

At the conclusion of the first round Thursday night, the Grammy-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy will take the stage for a concert. Motley Crue and Thundercat are scheduled to perform on subsequent nights.

On Friday night, just across the state line in Bonner Springs, Kansas, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is hosting his own music festival at the Azura Amphitheater. Machine Gun Kelly, Loud Luxury, Rick Ross and Kansas City hip-hop icon Tech N9ne will perform, and food will be provided by some of the best barbecue joints in town.

Speaking of 'cue, former Chiefs offensive tackle-turned-grillmaster Mitchell Schwartz will be hosting the KC Smoke Show on the north lawn of the museum on Saturday. Along with the official competition, some of the best pitmasters from Kansas City and around the country will serve up samples for fans attending the final day of the draft.

“It's absolutely amazing from where the draft has gone to now traveling all over the country and allowing cities to put on a great performance,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “I think it's cool because not every city can have a Super Bowl, just because of how big that is, but they can have a part of his NFL experience with different things.”

Asked whether he would have gone as a kid, Veach replied: “Absolutely. I would have been there all three days.”

Alas, Veach won't be there this year. He'll be ensconced alongside Andy Reid at the Chiefs' facility near Arrowhead Stadium, about a 15-minute drive east of the downtown area, where they are scheduled to pick 31st overall Thursday night.

“I'm excited for the city,” Reid said. “Obviously all these people that are coming in for this are excited; they're excited to be in Kansas City. You better get the barbecue fired up and ready to go because we'll have a lot of folks here.”

Young and Anderson had yet to partake in Kansas City's famous barbecue Wednesday, though both promised it was still on their agenda before the draft. Also on the agenda was an afternoon trip to Central Middle and High School, where they were to join other draft prospects in a clinic and working on a variety of community service projects.

“It's crazy, for sure, just how much our lives are going to change, you know?” said Young, who glanced over to see — somewhat incredulously — that Anderson was now the one wrapped up in a blanket to fight off the morning chill.

“In 48 hours, we'll all be going our separate ways,” Young said. “Hopefully, you know, mentally you've prepared yourself for the process, and you've built toward it, and you're ready. I'm excited for it to be here, for sure.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682589488436.jpeg" alt="Preparations for the NFL Draft continue Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The draft will run from April 27-29. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Preparations for the NFL Draft continue Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The draft will run from April 27-29. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bryce Young had been catching grief from Alabama teammate Will Anderson Jr. all morning after dragging a blanket out of his hotel room, wrapping up in it and trying to fight off a brisk wind as the sun rose over Union Station.“You can call me soft. Call me whatever you like,” Young said Wednesday. “I'm cold.”It doesn't figure to be a whole lot warmer Thursday night, when the century-old train depot near downtown Kansas City serves as the backdrop for the NFL draft. Before it sits the largest stage complex the league has ever built for its second-biggest event behind the Super Bowl, serving as the anchor for a three-day spectacle expected to draw more than 100,000 people.Young won't have to sit in the elements long, though. The Crimson Tide quarterback, who won the Heisman Trophy two years ago, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick when the Carolina Panthers are the first team on the clock.“It's crazy to be here right now,” Young told The Associated Press, about 24 hours before the draft was set to begin. "My earliest memory of the draft is just probably having it on TV at a young age, you know? Just being a sports household. Always on. Always watching it, always paying attention to it. And now to be able to track these players and say, ‘Oh, I remember that draft, and now he’s here and doing this' — you know, you start to see the progression.“And more recently,” Young said, “when I've been able to watch the draft, it's been surreal knowing people that have gone that I worked out with, or I shared a day with. I mean, now actually taking part in it, it's a blessing.”Anderson, one of the best pass rushers available, also expects to be among the first few picks Thursday night.“I mean, at the end of the day, I think the biggest thing is as long as you get drafted. That's how I kind of think of it," he said. “It doesn't matter where you land. Obviously just matters that you get drafted."The actual draft is only part of the three-day football festival.Up the hill from Union Station, where the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their third Super Bowl triumph in February, sits the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The expansive south grass area has transformed into the NFL Draft Experience, where fans can see every edition of the Super Bowl ring, the Lombardi Trophy and catch photos and autographs.At the conclusion of the first round Thursday night, the Grammy-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy will take the stage for a concert. Motley Crue and Thundercat are scheduled to perform on subsequent nights.On Friday night, just across the state line in Bonner Springs, Kansas, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is hosting his own music festival at the Azura Amphitheater. Machine Gun Kelly, Loud Luxury, Rick Ross and Kansas City hip-hop icon Tech N9ne will perform, and food will be provided by some of the best barbecue joints in town.Speaking of 'cue, former Chiefs offensive tackle-turned-grillmaster Mitchell Schwartz will be hosting the KC Smoke Show on the north lawn of the museum on Saturday. Along with the official competition, some of the best pitmasters from Kansas City and around the country will serve up samples for fans attending the final day of the draft.“It's absolutely amazing from where the draft has gone to now traveling all over the country and allowing cities to put on a great performance,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “I think it's cool because not every city can have a Super Bowl, just because of how big that is, but they can have a part of his NFL experience with different things.”Asked whether he would have gone as a kid, Veach replied: “Absolutely. I would have been there all three days.”Alas, Veach won't be there this year. He'll be ensconced alongside Andy Reid at the Chiefs' facility near Arrowhead Stadium, about a 15-minute drive east of the downtown area, where they are scheduled to pick 31st overall Thursday night.“I'm excited for the city,” Reid said. “Obviously all these people that are coming in for this are excited; they're excited to be in Kansas City. You better get the barbecue fired up and ready to go because we'll have a lot of folks here.”Young and Anderson had yet to partake in Kansas City's famous barbecue Wednesday, though both promised it was still on their agenda before the draft. Also on the agenda was an afternoon trip to Central Middle and High School, where they were to join other draft prospects in a clinic and working on a variety of community service projects.“It's crazy, for sure, just how much our lives are going to change, you know?” said Young, who glanced over to see — somewhat incredulously — that Anderson was now the one wrapped up in a blanket to fight off the morning chill.“In 48 hours, we'll all be going our separate ways,” Young said. “Hopefully, you know, mentally you've prepared yourself for the process, and you've built toward it, and you're ready. I'm excited for it to be here, for sure.”

Kansas City ready for NFL draft spotlight on Union Station

PHOENIX (AP) — Manager Torey Lovullo admitted the Arizona Diamondbacks might have had a little hangover on Wednesday following a frustrating one-run loss.

Sending Zac Gallen to the mound cleared those bad feelings up in a hurry.

Gallen struck out 12 over 6 1/3 innings and stretched his scoreless streak to 28 innings, leading the Diamondbacks over the Kansas City Royals 2-0.

“It's always nice knowing Zac is stepping on the mound for us,” Lovullo said. “He sets an unbelieveable tone for us, goes 6 1/3, no runs, allows us to get ahead and stay ahead.”

Arizona took two of three games from the Royals and finished a 3-4 homestand.

Gallen (4-1) gave up four hits and walked none. He struck out six straight batters in the fourth and fifth innings, one shy of the franchise record accomplished by Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, both in 2001.

The right-hander — who finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting last season — hasn't given up a run since April 4 against San Diego. He's no stranger to long scoreless streaks as the D-backs just celebrated his 44 1/3 inning scoreless streak from 2022 with a bobblehead giveaway last weekend.

“Would you believe me if I said I didn't feel great?” Gallen said. “You know the cliché saying — you have your best stuff maybe five times (in a season), so the other 20 times, you've got to make it up.”

Even without his best stuff, Gallen's only minor trouble came in the first inning when Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez singled with one out. Gallen struck out Edward Olivares and Michael Massey to end the threat.

Miguel Castro handled the eighth and Andrew Chafin threw the ninth for his fourth save in five chances. The first two Royals batters reached base on Chafin, but the lefty retired the next three, including Freddy Fermin on a strikeout to end the game.

Arizona has pitched four shutouts. Kansas City has been blanked six times.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Gallen's ability to throw four pitches for strikes in any count makes him a tough matchup. Pasquantino said Gallen “does what a lot of people try to do and he does it really well.”

“He's playing chess and he's really good at it,” Pasquantino said. “He's setting you up, not just for the next pitch, but for the following pitch after that. He's moving your eyes around and he did a really nice job today.”

The D-backs didn't do much on offense, but with Gallen on the mound, didn't need much. Evan Longoria put Arizona ahead in the fourth on a broken-bat single into left field that scored Emmanuel Rivera.

Rivera, recalled Tuesday from Triple-A, had an RBI single in the fifth.

Ryan Yarbrough (0-3) gave up one run over four innings as Kansas City fell to 6-19.

Diamondbacks: Four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner cleared waivers and was released. The left-hander was designated for assignment last week after starting the season with an 0-3 record and 10.26 ERA.

Royals: Start a four-game series at Minnesota on Thursday. Kansas City will start RHP Zack Greinke (0-3, 4.61 ERA) in the opening game while Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (1-2, 3.32 ERA).

Diamondbacks: Open a three-game series at Colorado on Friday. Arizona will start RHP Merrill Kelly (1-3, 3.42 ERA) against Colorado LHP Kyle Freeland (2-2, 4.28 ERA).

PHOENIX (AP) — Manager Torey Lovullo admitted the Arizona Diamondbacks might have had a little hangover on Wednesday following a frustrating one-run loss.Sending Zac Gallen to the mound cleared those bad feelings up in a hurry.Gallen struck out 12 over 6 1/3 innings and stretched his scoreless streak to 28 innings, leading the Diamondbacks over the Kansas City Royals 2-0.“It's always nice knowing Zac is stepping on the mound for us,” Lovullo said. “He sets an unbelieveable tone for us, goes 6 1/3, no runs, allows us to get ahead and stay ahead.”Arizona took two of three games from the Royals and finished a 3-4 homestand.Gallen (4-1) gave up four hits and walked none. He struck out six straight batters in the fourth and fifth innings, one shy of the franchise record accomplished by Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, both in 2001.The right-hander — who finished fifth in the NL Cy Young Award voting last season — hasn't given up a run since April 4 against San Diego. He's no stranger to long scoreless streaks as the D-backs just celebrated his 44 1/3 inning scoreless streak from 2022 with a bobblehead giveaway last weekend.“Would you believe me if I said I didn't feel great?” Gallen said. “You know the cliché saying — you have your best stuff maybe five times (in a season), so the other 20 times, you've got to make it up.”Even without his best stuff, Gallen's only minor trouble came in the first inning when Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez singled with one out. Gallen struck out Edward Olivares and Michael Massey to end the threat.Miguel Castro handled the eighth and Andrew Chafin threw the ninth for his fourth save in five chances. The first two Royals batters reached base on Chafin, but the lefty retired the next three, including Freddy Fermin on a strikeout to end the game.Arizona has pitched four shutouts. Kansas City has been blanked six times.Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Gallen's ability to throw four pitches for strikes in any count makes him a tough matchup. Pasquantino said Gallen “does what a lot of people try to do and he does it really well.”“He's playing chess and he's really good at it,” Pasquantino said. “He's setting you up, not just for the next pitch, but for the following pitch after that. He's moving your eyes around and he did a really nice job today.”The D-backs didn't do much on offense, but with Gallen on the mound, didn't need much. Evan Longoria put Arizona ahead in the fourth on a broken-bat single into left field that scored Emmanuel Rivera.Rivera, recalled Tuesday from Triple-A, had an RBI single in the fifth.Ryan Yarbrough (0-3) gave up one run over four innings as Kansas City fell to 6-19.TRAINER'S ROOMDiamondbacks: Four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner cleared waivers and was released. The left-hander was designated for assignment last week after starting the season with an 0-3 record and 10.26 ERA.UP NEXTRoyals: Start a four-game series at Minnesota on Thursday. Kansas City will start RHP Zack Greinke (0-3, 4.61 ERA) in the opening game while Minnesota counters with RHP Tyler Mahle (1-2, 3.32 ERA).Diamondbacks: Open a three-game series at Colorado on Friday. Arizona will start RHP Merrill Kelly (1-3, 3.42 ERA) against Colorado LHP Kyle Freeland (2-2, 4.28 ERA).

Gallen's scoreless streak at 28 innings, D-backs top Royals

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

It took the Carolina Panthers until this week to decide which quarterback they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.

They’re not saying, but oddsmakers believe it’ll be Alabama’s Bryce Young. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is an overwhelming favorite to go first, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud has dropped from favorite to having the third-best odds behind Kentucky’s Will Levis. Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a longshot.

The Panthers traded four picks, including No. 9 overall and a first-rounder next year, along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.

The final edition of the AP’s 2023 mock draft gives the nod to Young.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): BRYCE YOUNG, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA

Young can make every throw, has strong pocket presence and is a dynamic playmaker. The biggest question is his size — 5-foot-10, 204. It was never an issue while Young played at a high level at Alabama but the NFL is a different story and the Panthers need to protect their QB.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterIt took the Carolina Panthers until this week to decide which quarterback they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.They’re not saying, but oddsmakers believe it’ll be Alabama’s Bryce Young. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is an overwhelming favorite to go first, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud has dropped from favorite to having the third-best odds behind Kentucky’s Will Levis. Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a longshot.The Panthers traded four picks, including No. 9 overall and a first-rounder next year, along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.They need to make the right decision.The final edition of the AP’s 2023 mock draft gives the nod to Young.1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): BRYCE YOUNG, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMAYoung can make every throw, has strong pocket presence and is a dynamic playmaker. The biggest question is his size — 5-foot-10, 204. It was never an issue while Young played at a high level at Alabama but the NFL is a different story and the Panthers need to protect their QB.2. Houston Texans: C.J. STROUD, QUARTERBACK, OHIO STATEStroud has the ideal size — 6-foot-3, 214 pounds — to go with a strong, accurate arm and possesses the leadership ability and other intangibles. The Texans made it known they’re not sold on a QB at No. 2 and Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson is the favorite. Franchise QBs win Super Bowls, not edge rushers.3. Arizona Cardinals: WILL ANDERSON, EDGE, ALABAMANew coach Jonathan Gannon benefited from having a dominant defensive line last season as a defensive coordinator for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Anderson is the best pass rusher in the draft and Arizona has to replace T.J. Watt and Zach Allen.4. Indianapolis Colts: ANTHONY RICHARDSON, QUARTERBACK, FLORIDAAnother pick inspired by the Eagles. New coach Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, had tremendous success with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Colts owner Jim Irsay is a big fan of Hurts’ style. Richardson has incredible athleticism, a strong arm and elite talent. He needs time to work on accuracy and mechanics.5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): JALEN CARTER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIABefore his off-field issues, Carter was a potential No. 1 overall pick if Chicago didn’t trade down. He’s too talented to slip further. Carter is the right fit for Seattle and coach Pete Carroll.6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angels Rams): DEVON WITHERSPOON, CORNERBACK, ILLINOISWitherspoon has slid on some drafts probably because a hamstring injury limited his workouts. He was impressive at Illinois’ pro day and is widely considered the top cover cornerback. The Lions had the NFL’s second-worst pass defense in 2022.7. Las Vegas Raiders: TYREE WILSON, EDGE, TEXAS TECHSize, build, speed, Wilson has it all for an edge rusher. The Raiders can team Wilson up with Maxx Crosby to get after the elite QBs in the AFC West.8. Atlanta Falcons: BIJAN ROBINSON, RUNNING BACK, TEXASThe Falcons get a superstar game-breaker.9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): PETER SKORONSKI, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NORTHWESTERNThe Bears need to protect Justin Fields so it starts with Skoronski covering his blindside.10. Pittsburgh Steelers (mock trade with Eagles via New Orleans): PARIS JOHNSON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATEJohnson has all the physical tools and intangibles to anchor the O-line and protect Aaron Kenny Pickett.11. Tennessee Titans: WILL LEVIS, QUARTERBACK, KENTUCKYTitans can’t pass up this opportunity to take Levis. He didn’t have eye-popping stats at Kentucky but he has size, build, makeup and experience in a pro-style offense that teams desire.12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): LUKAS VAN NESS, EDGE, IOWAAfter taking Stroud at No. 2, the Texans grab an elite edge rusher in Van Ness.13. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets): JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATEUsing the pick from the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Packers take the first wide receiver. Smith-Njigba was the best WR at Ohio State two years ago on a team with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.14. New England Patriots: BRODERICK JONES, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIAThe Patriots get an athletic left tackle to protect the QB’s blindside.15. New York Jets (from the Packers): DARNELL WRIGHT, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, TENNESSEEThe Jets select a powerful lineman to block for Rodgers.16. Washington Commanders: JOEY PORTER JR., CORNERBACK, PENN STATEThe Commanders tab a physical cornerback, taking the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter.17. Philadelphia Eagles (mock trade with Steelers) NOLAN SMITH, EDGE, GEORGIASmith joins former Bulldogs teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on a revamped defense in Philly.18. Detroit Lions: CALIJAH KANCEY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, PITTSBURGHAfter selecting a CB earlier, the Lions continue to bolster a poor defense with an interior d-lineman who can get after QBs.19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: MYLES MURPHY, EDGE, CLEMSONMurphy strengthens a defense that will have to carry the team.20. Baltimore Ravens (mock trade with Seahawks): CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, CORNERBACK, OREGONRavens move up to get Gonzalez, who provides immediate help for a pass defense that finished 26th.21. Los Angeles Chargers: ZAY FLOWERS, WIDE RECEIVER, BOSTON COLLEGEFlowers slots in nicely with veterans Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.22. Seattle Seahawks (mock trade with Ravens): HENDON HOOKER, QUARTERBACK, TENNESSEEComing off a knee injury, Hooker has time to get healthy and develop behind Geno Smith.23. Vikings: JORDAN ADDISON, WIDE RECEIVER, USCAddison is polished enough to instantly step in to replace Adam Thielen.24. Jacksonville Jaguars: MICHAEL MAYER, TIGHT END, NOTRE DAMEMayer upgrades the run game and pass game, giving Trevor Lawrence a potential top target.25. New York Giants: JALIN HYATT, WIDE RECEIVER, TENNESSEEGiants get a wideout with game-breaking speed in Hyatt.26. Dallas Cowboys: BRIAN BRANCH, SAFETY, ALABAMACowboys bolster their secondary with the best safety in the draft.27. Buffalo Bills: BRYAN BRESEE, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSONBills get a run stuffer.28. Cincinnati Bengals: DEONTE BANKS, CORNERBACK, MARYLANDBengals add a physical, athletic cornerback to a depleted secondary.29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco): JACK CAMPBELL, LINEBACKER, IOWAThe 2022 Dick Butkus award winner replaces Tremaine Edwards.30. Los Angeles Rams (mock trade from Philadelphia): MATTHEW BERGERON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, SYRACUSERams move up to get an offensive lineman with their first first-round pick since Jared Goff in 2016.31. Kansas City Chiefs: MAZI SMITH, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, MICHIGANIn a draft stocked with interior d-linemen, Chiefs get a big man with freakish athletic skills.