KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have lost three straight games to the Cincinnati Bengals, including last year’s AFC title game, when they blew an early 21-3 lead in an overtime defeat before a sea of stunned fans inside Arrowhead Stadium.

Patrick Mahomes, who expects to lead the Chiefs against the Bengals on a sprained right ankle in Sunday night's rematch, is likewise winless against Bengals counterpart Joe Burrow, the only quarterback to have beaten him three straight times.

In other words, there's a reason the AFC North champions are imbued with a certain degree of confidence as they return to Kansas City, where the burgeoning rivals will once again determine who represents the AFC in the Super Bowl.

“Your preparation leads to confidence. That’s just what you see from Joe and all of our players,” explained the even-keeled Bengals coach Zac Taylor, who has somehow out-schemed, out-coached and gotten his team to out-execute Andy Reid and his Chiefs over the past 13 months. “So when they walk on the field on Sunday, they’re relaxed.”

In fact, the Bengals are so confident that some have taken to calling the Chiefs’ home “Burrowhead Stadium.”

Which, as you can imagine, doesn’t sit well with the AFC West champs.

“I’m sure a lot of guys are aware of the comments they’re making,” Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster admitted. "The Bengals have always been the rah-rah team, and they back it up. And they’re doing so again in the postseason.”

Yet it’s not as if the Bengals, who roared past the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, have dominated the Chiefs, who took care of the Jacksonville Jaguars despite losing Mahomes for most of a quarter following his injury.

All three of their meetings have been decided by just three points each.

“We know what team we’re playing, a team that has been to this game the last five seasons, and they’ve all been in that stadium,” Burrow said. “So to me, they’re still the team to beat and we’re coming for them, but we know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to be hard-fought, and we know the kind of players they have on that side.”

Their matchup in last year's title game was a classic. Mahomes threw three first-half touchdown passes, then Burrow led a dramatic comeback for Cincinnati. And when the Chiefs' Harrison Butker kicked a 41-yard field goal with no time left to send the game to overtime, the Bengals quickly picked off Mahomes to set up Evan McPherson's winning kick.

“Listen, they probably should be confident. They've won three games,” said Reid, who is trying to guide Kansas City back to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons. “That's OK. We're still going to play the game.”

Besides, the Chiefs have a quiet confidence about them, too.

“I would say they know us. We know them. And we’re all searching for that little extra that you can throw at them,” Reid said. “We’ve played each other enough that I’m sure both sides feel the same way.”

The Chiefs' All-Pro quarterback practiced as usual this week, and Mahomes' ailing right ankle did not appear more heavily taped than the left. His ability to scramble is a big part of his game, though, particularly when it comes to finding time to make off-schedule throws, and any hesitation could be costly for Kansas City's offense.

“It's about being a competitor,” Mahomes said this week. “You want to be out there, especially in these games.”

The Bengals often struggled to run the ball this season, but Joe Mixon dominated the Bills last week, despite an offensive line forced to use a trio of backups because of injuries. He finished with 105 yards rushing and a touchdown.

“That’s nothing I’m surprised about,” Mixon said. “At the same time it’s a great thing to be able to contribute in a major way with my teammates in a crucial moment. So as the moments get bigger, I’ve just got to keep elevating my game.”

Whatever the limitations on Mahomes because of his ankle, the Chiefs will almost certainly try to help him out by getting their run game going. Isiah Pacheco had 95 yards on just 12 carries last week, and the bulk of that came during a 12-play, 98-yard drive when Mahomes was getting examined and backup Chad Henne was in the game.

A big part of Burrow's success is getting the ball out quickly, before pass rushers can find a lane and defenders can process what’s happening. His release time averaged about 2 1/2 seconds last week and the Bills sacked him just once.

“We can't let him sit back in the pocket and get into rhythm throws because that's when he's most dangerous,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “You're not going to win games if you don't get sacks and turnovers, especially against a team like this.”

The Bengals have one of the league's best groups of wide receivers, headlined by Ja'Marr Chase, who set the franchise's single-game record with 266 yards receiving in a regular-season win over Kansas City last season.

They'll be facing one of the youngest defensive backfields, which often has three rookie corners and a rookie safety on the field at once.

“Hopefully we've grown enough that we can match what they put out there,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “This is an elite group we're going against. We have to have an elite game. We have to play our best game of the year.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have lost three straight games to the Cincinnati Bengals, including last year’s AFC title game, when they blew an early 21-3 lead in an overtime defeat before a sea of stunned fans inside Arrowhead Stadium.Patrick Mahomes, who expects to lead the Chiefs against the Bengals on a sprained right ankle in Sunday night's rematch, is likewise winless against Bengals counterpart Joe Burrow, the only quarterback to have beaten him three straight times.In other words, there's a reason the AFC North champions are imbued with a certain degree of confidence as they return to Kansas City, where the burgeoning rivals will once again determine who represents the AFC in the Super Bowl.“Your preparation leads to confidence. That’s just what you see from Joe and all of our players,” explained the even-keeled Bengals coach Zac Taylor, who has somehow out-schemed, out-coached and gotten his team to out-execute Andy Reid and his Chiefs over the past 13 months. “So when they walk on the field on Sunday, they’re relaxed.”In fact, the Bengals are so confident that some have taken to calling the Chiefs’ home “Burrowhead Stadium.”Which, as you can imagine, doesn’t sit well with the AFC West champs.“I’m sure a lot of guys are aware of the comments they’re making,” Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster admitted. "The Bengals have always been the rah-rah team, and they back it up. And they’re doing so again in the postseason.”Yet it’s not as if the Bengals, who roared past the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, have dominated the Chiefs, who took care of the Jacksonville Jaguars despite losing Mahomes for most of a quarter following his injury.All three of their meetings have been decided by just three points each.“We know what team we’re playing, a team that has been to this game the last five seasons, and they’ve all been in that stadium,” Burrow said. “So to me, they’re still the team to beat and we’re coming for them, but we know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to be hard-fought, and we know the kind of players they have on that side.”Their matchup in last year's title game was a classic. Mahomes threw three first-half touchdown passes, then Burrow led a dramatic comeback for Cincinnati. And when the Chiefs' Harrison Butker kicked a 41-yard field goal with no time left to send the game to overtime, the Bengals quickly picked off Mahomes to set up Evan McPherson's winning kick.“Listen, they probably should be confident. They've won three games,” said Reid, who is trying to guide Kansas City back to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons. “That's OK. We're still going to play the game.”Besides, the Chiefs have a quiet confidence about them, too.“I would say they know us. We know them. And we’re all searching for that little extra that you can throw at them,” Reid said. “We’ve played each other enough that I’m sure both sides feel the same way.”MAHOMES ON THE MENDThe Chiefs' All-Pro quarterback practiced as usual this week, and Mahomes' ailing right ankle did not appear more heavily taped than the left. His ability to scramble is a big part of his game, though, particularly when it comes to finding time to make off-schedule throws, and any hesitation could be costly for Kansas City's offense.“It's about being a competitor,” Mahomes said this week. “You want to be out there, especially in these games.”RECHARGED RUN GAMEThe Bengals often struggled to run the ball this season, but Joe Mixon dominated the Bills last week, despite an offensive line forced to use a trio of backups because of injuries. He finished with 105 yards rushing and a touchdown.“That’s nothing I’m surprised about,” Mixon said. “At the same time it’s a great thing to be able to contribute in a major way with my teammates in a crucial moment. So as the moments get bigger, I’ve just got to keep elevating my game.”SPEAKING OF RUNNINGWhatever the limitations on Mahomes because of his ankle, the Chiefs will almost certainly try to help him out by getting their run game going. Isiah Pacheco had 95 yards on just 12 carries last week, and the bulk of that came during a 12-play, 98-yard drive when Mahomes was getting examined and backup Chad Henne was in the game.QUICK RELEASEA big part of Burrow's success is getting the ball out quickly, before pass rushers can find a lane and defenders can process what’s happening. His release time averaged about 2 1/2 seconds last week and the Bills sacked him just once.“We can't let him sit back in the pocket and get into rhythm throws because that's when he's most dangerous,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “You're not going to win games if you don't get sacks and turnovers, especially against a team like this.”INTRIGUING MATCHUPSThe Bengals have one of the league's best groups of wide receivers, headlined by Ja'Marr Chase, who set the franchise's single-game record with 266 yards receiving in a regular-season win over Kansas City last season.They'll be facing one of the youngest defensive backfields, which often has three rookie corners and a rookie safety on the field at once.“Hopefully we've grown enough that we can match what they put out there,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “This is an elite group we're going against. We have to have an elite game. We have to play our best game of the year.”

Bengals return to Kansas City for another AFC title game

In conjunction with its February 15 home basketball game, the Barton Community College Athletic Department will dedicate the "Pink Out Night" in support of Camp Hope.

In a an effort to raise funds for the nearby youth camp, the Department is selling commemorative pink t-shirts with all proceeds going directly to the Camp Hope initiative.

Held annually at the College's Camp Aldrich near Claflin, the camp is offered by KyMel, Inc. and provides a traditional summer camp experience for ages 4-17 that have, or have had cancer. The mission of Camp Hope is to provide a normal, active and safe camp experience where children can celebrate life with, through, and beyond the diagnosis of cancer.

Supporting the initiative for many years, Barton Athletics requests pre-order of t-shirts by February 1 in preparation of celebrating the fund drive at the February 15 basketball game as the Cougars host Butler Community College that evening.

Cost for the t-shirts are $12 (sizes youth small through adult extra-large), $14 (double extra-large), and $16 (triple extra large).  Pink Out Flyer

Contact Heather Panning at panningh@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9377 OR

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674829861179.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>In conjunction with its February 15 home basketball game, the Barton Community College Athletic Department will dedicate the "Pink Out Night" in support of Camp Hope.In a an effort to raise funds for the nearby youth camp, the Department is selling commemorative pink t-shirts with all proceeds going directly to the Camp Hope initiative.Held annually at the College's Camp Aldrich near Claflin, the camp is offered by KyMel, Inc. and provides a traditional summer camp experience for ages 4-17 that have, or have had cancer. The mission of Camp Hope is to provide a normal, active and safe camp experience where children can celebrate life with, through, and beyond the diagnosis of cancer.Supporting the initiative for many years, Barton Athletics requests pre-order of t-shirts by February 1 in preparation of celebrating the fund drive at the February 15 basketball game as the Cougars host Butler Community College that evening.Cost for the t-shirts are $12 (sizes youth small through adult extra-large), $14 (double extra-large), and $16 (triple extra large). Pink Out FlyerContact Heather Panning at panningh@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9377 ORuse the Online Form to place your order.

Shirt pre-orders for "Pink Out" night supporting Camp Hope due February 1


- Barton Men's Basketball Coach Jeremy Coombs


- KVGB High School Baksetball Insider and Sports In Kansas
contributor Conor Nicholl


- Great Bend Panther Bowling coach David Feldbauer

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsZJUZh1zjk" 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="&nbsp; Presented By" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure>
- Barton Men's Basketball Coach Jeremy Coombs
- KVGB High School Baksetball Insider and Sports In Kansas
contributor Conor Nicholl
- Great Bend Panther Bowling coach David Feldbauer
- Friday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (WATCH)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Blue Valley Girls 61 Great Bend 41<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ztp4s0mp/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Blue Valley Girls 61 Great Bend 41

KANSAS CITY, MO.
(AP) — The Bengals and Chiefs have become familiar foes. When the
teams face off Sunday in Kansas City to determine the AFC champion,
it’ll be their fourth meeting in 393 days and a rematch of last
year’s conference title game. The No. 1 seed Chiefs (15-3) dropped
all three games, including a 27-24 loss in Cincinnati on Dec. 4. That
was the same score for the Bengals’ overtime victory in Kansas City
in this game last season. The Bengals (14-4) are riding a 10-game
winning streak after eliminating the Buffalo Bills in the divisional
round. Both teams are here because of their quarterbacks.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan’s success in San Francisco overseeing
productive offenses without elite quarterback play is a reason why so
many teams each January are seeking the next trendy, play-calling
offensive coach to take over their team. All four head coaches in the
conference championship games come from an offensive background with
Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor also calling
plays like Shanahan, while Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni delegated
that duty during his first season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— The Carolina Panthers have hired Frank Reich as their new head
coach following an extensive search. The 61-year-old Reich joins the
Panthers after spending the past four-plus seasons with the
Indianapolis Colts, where he went 40-33-1 as head coach before being
fired on Nov. 7. The Colts went to the playoffs twice as a wild-card
team under Reich. For Reich, the hire represents a return to
Carolina, where he spent one season as the team’s quarterback and
started the franchise’s inaugural game in 1995. He was chosen over
candidates including Steve Wilks, who served as the team’s
defensive coordinator before being promoted to interim coach.

UNDATED (AP) — The
New York Jets have hired former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel
Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The team announced the hiring
Thursday of the 43-year-old Hackett, who replaces Mike LaFleur.
Hackett went 4-11 in less than one season as head coach of the
Broncos. Hackett’s arrival will fuel some speculation about whether
the Jets could pursue Aaron Rodgers, whose playing future is
uncertain. Hackett served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator
from 2019-21 with Rodgers as the quarterback. The Jets also announced
that Keith Carter was hired as the team’s offensive line coach/run
game coordinator.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Billy Packer, an Emmy award-winning college basketball
broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, has died at
82. Packer's son, Mark, told The Associated Press on Thursday night
that his father had been hospitalized for the past three weeks and
had several medical issues, and ultimately succumbed to kidney
failure. Packer’s broadcasting career coincided with the growth of
college basketball. He worked as analyst or color commentator on
every Final Four from 1975 to 2008.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Sam Ryder extended his lead to three shots in the Farmers Insurance
Open with a 4-under 68 in challenging wind in the second round on
Torrey Pines’ South Course. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm had an eagle
followed by three straight birdies late in his 5-under 67 on the
easier North Course to get under the cut line. Ryder survived both
the Santa Ana wind and the tougher South Course with just one bogey
to reach 12-under 132 and take a three-stroke lead over Brendan
Steele, who shot a 70 on the South Course. Tano Goya was two more
shots back after a 67 on the North Course.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674816098633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO.
(AP) — The Bengals and Chiefs have become familiar foes. When the
teams face off Sunday in Kansas City to determine the AFC champion,
it’ll be their fourth meeting in 393 days and a rematch of last
year’s conference title game. The No. 1 seed Chiefs (15-3) dropped
all three games, including a 27-24 loss in Cincinnati on Dec. 4. That
was the same score for the Bengals’ overtime victory in Kansas City
in this game last season. The Bengals (14-4) are riding a 10-game
winning streak after eliminating the Buffalo Bills in the divisional
round. Both teams are here because of their quarterbacks.SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Coach Kyle Shanahan’s success in San Francisco overseeing
productive offenses without elite quarterback play is a reason why so
many teams each January are seeking the next trendy, play-calling
offensive coach to take over their team. All four head coaches in the
conference championship games come from an offensive background with
Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor also calling
plays like Shanahan, while Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni delegated
that duty during his first season.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— The Carolina Panthers have hired Frank Reich as their new head
coach following an extensive search. The 61-year-old Reich joins the
Panthers after spending the past four-plus seasons with the
Indianapolis Colts, where he went 40-33-1 as head coach before being
fired on Nov. 7. The Colts went to the playoffs twice as a wild-card
team under Reich. For Reich, the hire represents a return to
Carolina, where he spent one season as the team’s quarterback and
started the franchise’s inaugural game in 1995. He was chosen over
candidates including Steve Wilks, who served as the team’s
defensive coordinator before being promoted to interim coach.UNDATED (AP) — The
New York Jets have hired former Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel
Hackett as their offensive coordinator. The team announced the hiring
Thursday of the 43-year-old Hackett, who replaces Mike LaFleur.
Hackett went 4-11 in less than one season as head coach of the
Broncos. Hackett’s arrival will fuel some speculation about whether
the Jets could pursue Aaron Rodgers, whose playing future is
uncertain. Hackett served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator
from 2019-21 with Rodgers as the quarterback. The Jets also announced
that Keith Carter was hired as the team’s offensive line coach/run
game coordinator.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)
— Billy Packer, an Emmy award-winning college basketball
broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, has died at
82. Packer's son, Mark, told The Associated Press on Thursday night
that his father had been hospitalized for the past three weeks and
had several medical issues, and ultimately succumbed to kidney
failure. Packer’s broadcasting career coincided with the growth of
college basketball. He worked as analyst or color commentator on
every Final Four from 1975 to 2008.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Sam Ryder extended his lead to three shots in the Farmers Insurance
Open with a 4-under 68 in challenging wind in the second round on
Torrey Pines’ South Course. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm had an eagle
followed by three straight birdies late in his 5-under 67 on the
easier North Course to get under the cut line. Ryder survived both
the Santa Ana wind and the tougher South Course with just one bogey
to reach 12-under 132 and take a three-stroke lead over Brendan
Steele, who shot a 70 on the South Course. Tano Goya was two more
shots back after a 67 on the North Course.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(1)Purdue	75	Michigan	70	Final	(6)Arizona	63	Washington
St.	58	Final	Southern
Cal	77	(8)UCLA	64	Final	(21)FAU	85	Middle
Tennessee	67NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Charlotte	111	Chicago	96	Final	Detroit	130	Brooklyn	122	Final OT	New
York	120	Boston	117	Final	Cleveland	113	Houston	95	Final	Dallas	99	Phoenix	95	Final	L.A.
Clippers	138	San Antonio	100	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Detroit	4	Montreal	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	3	Boston	2	Final
SO	Washington	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Buffalo	3	Winnipeg	2	Final	Nashville	6	New
Jersey	4	Final
OT	Minnesota	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Chicago	5	Calgary	1	Final	Arizona	5	St.
Louis	0	Final	Anaheim	5	Colorado	3

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend @ Dodge City

Central Kansas League Smoky Valley @ Clay Center Hillsboro @ Minneapolis Buhler @ Hesston

Central Prairie League Ellinwood @ Lyons Otis-Bison @ Sylvan-Lucas LaCrosse @ Victoria Wheatland-Grinnell @ Ness City

Other Area Games Chase @ Pike Valley Goodland @ Russell Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline Abilene @ TMP Rock Hills @ Wilson

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend @ Dodge CityCentral Kansas League Smoky Valley @ Clay Center Hillsboro @ Minneapolis Buhler @ HesstonCentral Prairie League Ellinwood @ Lyons Otis-Bison @ Sylvan-Lucas LaCrosse @ Victoria Wheatland-Grinnell @ Ness CityOther Area Games Chase @ Pike Valley Goodland @ Russell Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline Abilene @ TMP Rock Hills @ Wilson

Friday High School Basketball Schedule (Non-Tourney Games)

Last week, the NFHS distributed one of its most anticipated releases of the year – the announcement of the 23 National High School Coaches of the Year.

When people are honored with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. More often than not, coaching “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. And as you might expect, the accomplishments of this year’s award recipients were amazing.

The 23 coaches selected for this national honor have led their teams to a combined 137 state championships. They all have earned multiple “Coach of the Year” awards in their states, and many of their student-athletes have received individual honors.

Perhaps at the top of the “honors” list is Rickey Baker, who led his boys cross country teams at Hopi High School in Arizona to an amazing 27 consecutive Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, topped by the 1999 team that scored a perfect 15 in bringing home the crown. Two years ago, Baker was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame.

Billy Bowen has won 18 state baseball championships in Oklahoma – six in the fall and 12 in the spring. Among the coaches of girls sports, Tim Godby has led Milton (Georgia) High School to 15 Georgia High School Association Girls Lacrosse State Championships, and Iona Stookey has won 13 Montana High School Association Class B State Volleyball Championships at Huntley Project High School.

While the “on the field” accomplishments of this year’s National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, the state titles, career victories and undefeated seasons only begin to tell the story about why these individuals were chosen for this national honor.

When it comes to “great” high school coaches, success is not measured solely on a person’s winning record. If victories and state titles were the primary motives of these individuals, many would have left for positions at the college or professional levels. Instead, this year’ award recipients have been coaching for a collective 678 years – an average of approximately 30 years per person at the high school level of coaching.

A closer look at the coaching philosophies of some of these individuals indicates why they have remained dedicated to coaching high school student-athletes, starting with the aforementioned Rickey Baker.

“One would expect that winning is at the core of Rick’s philosophy and beliefs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Ricky Greer, athletic director at Hopi High School. “Rick believes that winning takes care of itself. It is a byproduct of hard work, dedication, discipline, attention to detail, a focus on the fundamentals, and the development of meaningful relationships.”

Greg Haagsma has led the Valley Christian high school boys basketball team from Chandler, Arizona, to 20 state tournaments and seven Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, all while trying to make a difference in his students’ lives.

“Educational athletics play in important role in the overall development of each student at the high school level,” Haagsma said. “The experiences are part of the process by which our young men and women are being taught character qualities and are being molded into the adults that we desire they become.”

Greg Grant, the football coach at Heppner (Oregon) High School, has won 330 games in 41 years of coaching. He has won three Oregon School Activities Association state championships and ranks fourth on the state’s all-time victories chart. However, winning games and titles is not his main objective in coaching.  

“My philosophy is to capitalize on the lessons available in athletics to enrich every player’s life now and into the future,” Grant said. “It is my goal that players leave our program realizing that attendance, timeliness, effort and accountability are actions that will set them up for success in every facet of their lives.”

Terri Simonetti-Frost won her sixth Ohio High School Athletic Association State Field Hockey Championship last fall at Thomas Worthington High School. While she has been one of the nation’s most successful field hockey coaches with 365 career victories, her focus has been on leading her students to success in life.

“I truly believe a coach is someone who not only coaches the sport but also teaches them life lessons on leadership, respect, loyalty, hard work, communication and overcoming adversity,” said Simonetti-Frost.

Debbie Kishpaugh has been the girls spirit/dance coach at Pendleton (Oregon) High School for 36 years. Alongside success “on the court” – six consecutive Oregon School Activities Association State Dance/Drill Championships – Kishpaugh’s efforts as founder of Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships have raised more than $115,000 in dance and academic scholarships. She believes that youth spirit participation leads to a life of character and disciplined learning for participants. 

These are but a few of the amazing coaches who are making an impact in education-based high school athletics every day. In addition to the 23 National Coaches of the Year, another 847 were recognized at the state and sectional levels. We appreciate the great work of the 870 coaches recognized this year by the NFHS – and thousands of others who are making a difference in our nation’s 19,700 schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fifth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fifth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, the NFHS distributed one of its most anticipated releases of the year – the announcement of the 23 National High School Coaches of the Year.When people are honored with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. More often than not, coaching “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. And as you might expect, the accomplishments of this year’s award recipients were amazing.The 23 coaches selected for this national honor have led their teams to a combined 137 state championships. They all have earned multiple “Coach of the Year” awards in their states, and many of their student-athletes have received individual honors.Perhaps at the top of the “honors” list is Rickey Baker, who led his boys cross country teams at Hopi High School in Arizona to an amazing 27 consecutive Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, topped by the 1999 team that scored a perfect 15 in bringing home the crown. Two years ago, Baker was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame.Billy Bowen has won 18 state baseball championships in Oklahoma – six in the fall and 12 in the spring. Among the coaches of girls sports, Tim Godby has led Milton (Georgia) High School to 15 Georgia High School Association Girls Lacrosse State Championships, and Iona Stookey has won 13 Montana High School Association Class B State Volleyball Championships at Huntley Project High School.While the “on the field” accomplishments of this year’s National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, the state titles, career victories and undefeated seasons only begin to tell the story about why these individuals were chosen for this national honor.When it comes to “great” high school coaches, success is not measured solely on a person’s winning record. If victories and state titles were the primary motives of these individuals, many would have left for positions at the college or professional levels. Instead, this year’ award recipients have been coaching for a collective 678 years – an average of approximately 30 years per person at the high school level of coaching.A closer look at the coaching philosophies of some of these individuals indicates why they have remained dedicated to coaching high school student-athletes, starting with the aforementioned Rickey Baker.“One would expect that winning is at the core of Rick’s philosophy and beliefs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Ricky Greer, athletic director at Hopi High School. “Rick believes that winning takes care of itself. It is a byproduct of hard work, dedication, discipline, attention to detail, a focus on the fundamentals, and the development of meaningful relationships.”Greg Haagsma has led the Valley Christian high school boys basketball team from Chandler, Arizona, to 20 state tournaments and seven Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, all while trying to make a difference in his students’ lives.“Educational athletics play in important role in the overall development of each student at the high school level,” Haagsma said. “The experiences are part of the process by which our young men and women are being taught character qualities and are being molded into the adults that we desire they become.”Greg Grant, the football coach at Heppner (Oregon) High School, has won 330 games in 41 years of coaching. He has won three Oregon School Activities Association state championships and ranks fourth on the state’s all-time victories chart. However, winning games and titles is not his main objective in coaching. “My philosophy is to capitalize on the lessons available in athletics to enrich every player’s life now and into the future,” Grant said. “It is my goal that players leave our program realizing that attendance, timeliness, effort and accountability are actions that will set them up for success in every facet of their lives.”Terri Simonetti-Frost won her sixth Ohio High School Athletic Association State Field Hockey Championship last fall at Thomas Worthington High School. While she has been one of the nation’s most successful field hockey coaches with 365 career victories, her focus has been on leading her students to success in life.“I truly believe a coach is someone who not only coaches the sport but also teaches them life lessons on leadership, respect, loyalty, hard work, communication and overcoming adversity,” said Simonetti-Frost.Debbie Kishpaugh has been the girls spirit/dance coach at Pendleton (Oregon) High School for 36 years. Alongside success “on the court” – six consecutive Oregon School Activities Association State Dance/Drill Championships – Kishpaugh’s efforts as founder of Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships have raised more than $115,000 in dance and academic scholarships. She believes that youth spirit participation leads to a life of character and disciplined learning for participants. These are but a few of the amazing coaches who are making an impact in education-based high school athletics every day. In addition to the 23 National Coaches of the Year, another 847 were recognized at the state and sectional levels. We appreciate the great work of the 870 coaches recognized this year by the NFHS – and thousands of others who are making a difference in our nation’s 19,700 schools.

National Coaches of the Year Focused on Making a Difference


- Great Bend Boys Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined by
Senior Tyler Stuhlsatz and Freshman Jacob Hall.


- Brett Kaiser, Developmebnt and Sports Coordinator for Special
Olympics Kansas will be in studio to talk about the West Region
Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament that will be held in Great
Bend for the first time on February 25th.


- Great Bend Swimming coach Klara Gilbert

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Md8koXILO4" 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>
- Great Bend Boys Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined by
Senior Tyler Stuhlsatz and Freshman Jacob Hall.
- Brett Kaiser, Developmebnt and Sports Coordinator for Special
Olympics Kansas will be in studio to talk about the West Region
Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament that will be held in Great
Bend for the first time on February 25th.
- Great Bend Swimming coach Klara Gilbert
- Thursday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer

Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.

Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.

Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.

The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.

“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”

Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.

Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."

He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.

Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.

“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”

The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.

Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.

Here are some other things to know during the postseason:

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, Fox

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBS

The AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.

The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.

Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.

In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.

“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.

This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.

The four division winners in both conferences automatically get the top four seeds, regardless of record, and then the top three teams with the best record that didn't win their division are the wild-card selections. That's why it's fairly common for a wild-card selection to have a better record — but worse playoff seeding — than a team that finished as a division winner.

The No. 1-seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the second round — that's the Chiefs and Eagles — while No. 2 hosts No. 7, No. 3 hosts No. 6 and No. 4 hosts No. 5 during the wild-card weekend.

The NFL re-seeds teams after each playoff round. That means no matter how the bracket started, the lowest-seeded team always travels to the highest-seeded team.

There are four rounds to the playoffs: The wild-card round was Jan. 14-16, the divisional round was last weekend, the conference championship games are this Sunday and the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals.

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.Here are some other things to know during the postseason:WHAT’S THE UPCOMING SCHEDULE?SUNDAYSan Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, FoxCincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBSNO NEED FOR NEUTRALThe AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.WHAT'S THE FORMAT FOR THE PLAYOFFS?This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.The four division winners in both conferences automatically get the top four seeds, regardless of record, and then the top three teams with the best record that didn't win their division are the wild-card selections. That's why it's fairly common for a wild-card selection to have a better record — but worse playoff seeding — than a team that finished as a division winner.The No. 1-seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the second round — that's the Chiefs and Eagles — while No. 2 hosts No. 7, No. 3 hosts No. 6 and No. 4 hosts No. 5 during the wild-card weekend.The NFL re-seeds teams after each playoff round. That means no matter how the bracket started, the lowest-seeded team always travels to the highest-seeded team.There are four rounds to the playoffs: The wild-card round was Jan. 14-16, the divisional round was last weekend, the conference championship games are this Sunday and the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL playoffs: Mahomes shrugs off pain, plans to play

By STEPHEN HAWKINS &nbsp;AP Sports Writer

Bill Self hasn’t had to go through many stretches like this in his 20 seasons at Kansas. Yet the coach hasn't seemed angry or even all that discouraged during a rare three-game losing streak.

Self knows this isn’t the same Jayhawks team that won the national championship last season.

Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) has gone from having one of the nation’s most experienced rosters to a much younger group without a proven presence in the post in a loaded Big 12 Conference that may be better than ever.

“We don’t have as much margin for error as we’ve had in years past and that’s OK,” Self said. “But (when) you don’t have quite as much margin for error, and the other teams in the league are a lot better, it makes it tough.”

The ninth-ranked Jayhawks have lost three in a row for only the fourth time under Self. Each loss was to a ranked conference opponent, two on the road. The latest was 75-69 at Baylor on Monday night in a matchup of the last two national champions, the fifth win in a row for the 17th-ranked Bears.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve got to take a different approach and understand that it’s a marathon,” Self said. “It’s not an immediate reaction, because you can react immediately in this league, and you’ll have nine other teams go through the exact same thing at some point."

Junior forward Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 with in scoring at 21.4 points per game and is second in rebounds at 8.6. While streaky, freshman Gradey Dick (14.9 ppg) is the league’s top 3-point shooter at 43.7%, and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. averages 7.3 rebounds. Dajuan Harris Jr. is one of the top assist men at 6.5 per game despite his extended shooting struggles.

But these Jayhawks are different than most of Self’s standout teams in the past that played through the post with big guys like David McCormack, Jeff Withy, Thomas Robinson or Udoka Azubuike.

McCormack was part of last year’s title team, along with first-round NBA draft picks Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun. The Jayhawks also lost ballhandler Remy Martin and veteran sharpshooter Jalen Coleman-Lands.

Kansas plays its SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at Kentucky (14-6), which won 80-62 at Allen Fieldhouse last season. The Jayhawks will be trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89, their first season under coach Roy Williams.

After going to Rupp Arena to face coach John Calipari's struggling Wildcats, the Jayhawks return to conference play against fifth-ranked Kansas State. They then open the second half of their Big 12 schedule at No. 12 Iowa State before hosting No. 10 Texas.

Their current skid began with an 83-82 overtime loss last week at K-State, which had a 14-point lead midway through the first half. TCU, now ranked 11th, hit 13 of its first 15 shots and had an early 19-0 run in an 83-60 win Saturday, the second-worst home loss in the Self era.

“Our league is that good," Self said. “It’s going to be a grind.”

The Jayhawks trailed by as many as 13 midway through the first half at Baylor. They took their only lead when Wilson swished a 3-pointer with 15 1/2 minutes left, but the Bears responded with a 12-3 run.

“The way that K-State played the first 10 minutes, the way TCU played the first 10 minutes, and the way Baylor played the first 10 minutes, if we had played really well, we would have still been behind,” Self said, before using a wrestling analogy prompted by seeing two former Oklahoma State classmates in the postgame interview room at Baylor.

Brad Livingstone was a senior at Oklahoma State during the 1981-82 season, when Self was a freshman for the Cowboys. Livingstone's wife, Baylor president Linda Livingstone, also played basketball for the school in Stillwater where wrestling is big.

“When you’re on top and you can get riding time, it takes twice as much energy if you’re the low man in wrestling. ... It’s exactly the way basketball is too,” Self said. “When you’re behind, it takes more energy, everything’s magnified, it takes more effort. And when you’re playing with the lead, obviously you’re looser, everything’s not life or death.”

By STEPHEN HAWKINS &nbsp;AP Sports Writer Bill Self hasn’t had to go through many stretches like this in his 20 seasons at Kansas. Yet the coach hasn't seemed angry or even all that discouraged during a rare three-game losing streak.Self knows this isn’t the same Jayhawks team that won the national championship last season.Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) has gone from having one of the nation’s most experienced rosters to a much younger group without a proven presence in the post in a loaded Big 12 Conference that may be better than ever.“We don’t have as much margin for error as we’ve had in years past and that’s OK,” Self said. “But (when) you don’t have quite as much margin for error, and the other teams in the league are a lot better, it makes it tough.”The ninth-ranked Jayhawks have lost three in a row for only the fourth time under Self. Each loss was to a ranked conference opponent, two on the road. The latest was 75-69 at Baylor on Monday night in a matchup of the last two national champions, the fifth win in a row for the 17th-ranked Bears.“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve got to take a different approach and understand that it’s a marathon,” Self said. “It’s not an immediate reaction, because you can react immediately in this league, and you’ll have nine other teams go through the exact same thing at some point."Kansas is still loaded with talent.Junior forward Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 with in scoring at 21.4 points per game and is second in rebounds at 8.6. While streaky, freshman Gradey Dick (14.9 ppg) is the league’s top 3-point shooter at 43.7%, and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. averages 7.3 rebounds. Dajuan Harris Jr. is one of the top assist men at 6.5 per game despite his extended shooting struggles.But these Jayhawks are different than most of Self’s standout teams in the past that played through the post with big guys like David McCormack, Jeff Withy, Thomas Robinson or Udoka Azubuike.McCormack was part of last year’s title team, along with first-round NBA draft picks Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun. The Jayhawks also lost ballhandler Remy Martin and veteran sharpshooter Jalen Coleman-Lands.Kansas plays its SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at Kentucky (14-6), which won 80-62 at Allen Fieldhouse last season. The Jayhawks will be trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89, their first season under coach Roy Williams.After going to Rupp Arena to face coach John Calipari's struggling Wildcats, the Jayhawks return to conference play against fifth-ranked Kansas State. They then open the second half of their Big 12 schedule at No. 12 Iowa State before hosting No. 10 Texas.Their current skid began with an 83-82 overtime loss last week at K-State, which had a 14-point lead midway through the first half. TCU, now ranked 11th, hit 13 of its first 15 shots and had an early 19-0 run in an 83-60 win Saturday, the second-worst home loss in the Self era.“Our league is that good," Self said. “It’s going to be a grind.”The Jayhawks trailed by as many as 13 midway through the first half at Baylor. They took their only lead when Wilson swished a 3-pointer with 15 1/2 minutes left, but the Bears responded with a 12-3 run.“The way that K-State played the first 10 minutes, the way TCU played the first 10 minutes, and the way Baylor played the first 10 minutes, if we had played really well, we would have still been behind,” Self said, before using a wrestling analogy prompted by seeing two former Oklahoma State classmates in the postgame interview room at Baylor.Brad Livingstone was a senior at Oklahoma State during the 1981-82 season, when Self was a freshman for the Cowboys. Livingstone's wife, Baylor president Linda Livingstone, also played basketball for the school in Stillwater where wrestling is big.“When you’re on top and you can get riding time, it takes twice as much energy if you’re the low man in wrestling. ... It’s exactly the way basketball is too,” Self said. “When you’re behind, it takes more energy, everything’s magnified, it takes more effort. And when you’re playing with the lead, obviously you’re looser, everything’s not life or death.”

Self assessment: Skidding No. 9 Kansas has little margin

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook scored six of his 20 points in overtime as Tulane defeated Wichita State 95-90 on Wednesday night.

Forbes was 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 for 7 from distance, and went 5 for 7 from the line for the Green Wave (13-7, 6-3 American Athletic Conference). Cook scored his 20 points while shooting 6 for 14 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and added nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Kevin Cross shot 7 for 17 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free throw line to finish with 18 points, while adding seven rebounds and five assists.

Jaykwon Walton led the Shockers (10-10, 3-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and six assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds for Wichita State. Kenny Pohto also recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook scored six of his 20 points in overtime as Tulane defeated Wichita State 95-90 on Wednesday night.Forbes was 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 for 7 from distance, and went 5 for 7 from the line for the Green Wave (13-7, 6-3 American Athletic Conference). Cook scored his 20 points while shooting 6 for 14 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and added nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Kevin Cross shot 7 for 17 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free throw line to finish with 18 points, while adding seven rebounds and five assists.Jaykwon Walton led the Shockers (10-10, 3-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and six assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds for Wichita State. Kenny Pohto also recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Forbes and Tulane win 95-90 in OT against Wichita State

Barton Men 68 Cowley 61; Cowley Women 94 Barton 75

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 68 Cowley 61; Cowley Women 94 Barton 75<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/p14ge1rb/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

UNDATED (AP) — 
Patrick Mahomes has
a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder. Even
so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday’s
NFL conference championship games. Mahomes went through a normal
morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon
practice, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his
ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain. The Chiefs host
the Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday. Hurts said Wednesday
that his shoulder is still sore, though he didn’t seem concerned.
The Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship, also on
Sunday. The winners of the conference title games will meet in the
Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

UNDATED (AP) —
It’s been 25 years since both NFL conference championship games
were this evenly matched from an oddsmakers standpoint. The San
Francisco 49ers are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Philadelphia
Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game, according to FanDuel
Sportsbook. In the AFC title game, the Cincinnati Bengals are 1
1/2-point favorites on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. The
previous time both conference championship games featured spreads
under 3 points was 1998. The Packers were 2 1/2-point favorites at
San Francisco in the NFC game. The Broncos were 2 1/2-point favorites
at Pittsburgh in the AFC matchup. Both road teams won.

UNDATED (AP) —
Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for
The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the
playoffs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bengals QB Joe Burrow also
are finalists for MVP. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa,
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher
Micah Parsons are the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Brock Purdy’s NFL career started with the moniker of “Mr.
Irrelevant” and the weeklong trip to Newport Beach to celebrate the
player picked last in the draft. With one more win, Purdy’s rookie
season in the NFL will end on the brightest stage of all as a
starting quarterback in the Super Bowl for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s been an improbable nine-month journey from the trip to
Disneyland, golf tournament, and a roast where he received the
Lowsman Trophy as the last draft pick to the NFC title game against
the Philadelphia Eagles. Purdy will try to become the first rookie
quarterback ever to reach the Super Bowl.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook added six points in the
overtime as the Tulane Green Wave beat the Wichita State Shockers
95-90 on Wednesday night. The Green Wave are now 13-7 on the season,
while the Shockers moved to 10-10.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 22 point, Seth Wilson hit a career-high five
3-pointers and finished with 15 points and West Virginia beat Texas
Tech 76-61, the Red Raiders’ eighth consecutive loss. Erik
Stevenson scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds — the fifth-year
senior guard’s first career double-double — for West Virginia.
After the Mountaineers got off to a slow start, coach Bob Huggins
replaced his entire starting five, and West Virginia’s play
improved. Stevenson made four straight free throws, including two on
a technical foul, for a 22-21 lead and Tre Mitchell’s 3-pointer
made it 33-28 at halftime. Obanor led Texas Tech with 20 points and
eight rebounds. WVU's Kedrian Johnson and Texas Tech's Pop Isaacs
left the game in the second half and did not return due to injuries.

UNDATED (AP) —
Bill Self knows this isn't the same Kansas team that won the national
championship last season. But the coach hasn't had to go through many
stretches like this in his 20 seasons with the Jayhawks. Kansas has
lost three games in a row for only the fourth time under Self. All of
those losses were to ranked Big 12 opponents, with two on the road.
The 16-4 Jayhawks play their SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at
struggling Kentucky, which beat them 80-62 last year. They will be
trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89.
That was their first season under coach Roy Williams.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jon Rahm struggled to a 1-over 73 at Torrey Pines South while Sam
Ryder, Aaron Rai and Brent Grant all shot 8-under 64 on the more
forgiving North Course to tie for the first-round lead at the Farmers
Insurance Open. Rahm is ranked No. 3 in the world and trying for his
third win in as many starts. He made a double bogey on the par-4
seventh hole and was continually left frustrated on the harder South
Course. Rahm earned his first PGA Tour victory at Torrey Pines in
2017 and then won the U.S. Open on the South Course in 2021.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Brandon Vazquez scored to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters
making their international debuts, but the Americans lost 2-1 to
Serbia in their first match since the World Cup. Veljko Simic scored
the go-ahead goal in the opening minute of the second half for
Serbia, which gave debuts to 14 players. Eight Americans in all
debuted during a lively friendly that felt like spring training. The
American team is in transition with interim head coach Anthony Hudson
running the show while U.S. Soccer Federation determines the future
of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired last month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672223935757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — 
Patrick Mahomes has
a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder. Even
so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday’s
NFL conference championship games. Mahomes went through a normal
morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon
practice, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his
ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain. The Chiefs host
the Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday. Hurts said Wednesday
that his shoulder is still sore, though he didn’t seem concerned.
The Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship, also on
Sunday. The winners of the conference title games will meet in the
Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.UNDATED (AP) —
It’s been 25 years since both NFL conference championship games
were this evenly matched from an oddsmakers standpoint. The San
Francisco 49ers are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Philadelphia
Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game, according to FanDuel
Sportsbook. In the AFC title game, the Cincinnati Bengals are 1
1/2-point favorites on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. The
previous time both conference championship games featured spreads
under 3 points was 1998. The Packers were 2 1/2-point favorites at
San Francisco in the NFC game. The Broncos were 2 1/2-point favorites
at Pittsburgh in the AFC matchup. Both road teams won.UNDATED (AP) —
Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for
The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the
playoffs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bengals QB Joe Burrow also
are finalists for MVP. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa,
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher
Micah Parsons are the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year.SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Brock Purdy’s NFL career started with the moniker of “Mr.
Irrelevant” and the weeklong trip to Newport Beach to celebrate the
player picked last in the draft. With one more win, Purdy’s rookie
season in the NFL will end on the brightest stage of all as a
starting quarterback in the Super Bowl for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s been an improbable nine-month journey from the trip to
Disneyland, golf tournament, and a roast where he received the
Lowsman Trophy as the last draft pick to the NFC title game against
the Philadelphia Eagles. Purdy will try to become the first rookie
quarterback ever to reach the Super Bowl.WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook added six points in the
overtime as the Tulane Green Wave beat the Wichita State Shockers
95-90 on Wednesday night. The Green Wave are now 13-7 on the season,
while the Shockers moved to 10-10.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 22 point, Seth Wilson hit a career-high five
3-pointers and finished with 15 points and West Virginia beat Texas
Tech 76-61, the Red Raiders’ eighth consecutive loss. Erik
Stevenson scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds — the fifth-year
senior guard’s first career double-double — for West Virginia.
After the Mountaineers got off to a slow start, coach Bob Huggins
replaced his entire starting five, and West Virginia’s play
improved. Stevenson made four straight free throws, including two on
a technical foul, for a 22-21 lead and Tre Mitchell’s 3-pointer
made it 33-28 at halftime. Obanor led Texas Tech with 20 points and
eight rebounds. WVU's Kedrian Johnson and Texas Tech's Pop Isaacs
left the game in the second half and did not return due to injuries.UNDATED (AP) —
Bill Self knows this isn't the same Kansas team that won the national
championship last season. But the coach hasn't had to go through many
stretches like this in his 20 seasons with the Jayhawks. Kansas has
lost three games in a row for only the fourth time under Self. All of
those losses were to ranked Big 12 opponents, with two on the road.
The 16-4 Jayhawks play their SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at
struggling Kentucky, which beat them 80-62 last year. They will be
trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89.
That was their first season under coach Roy Williams.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jon Rahm struggled to a 1-over 73 at Torrey Pines South while Sam
Ryder, Aaron Rai and Brent Grant all shot 8-under 64 on the more
forgiving North Course to tie for the first-round lead at the Farmers
Insurance Open. Rahm is ranked No. 3 in the world and trying for his
third win in as many starts. He made a double bogey on the par-4
seventh hole and was continually left frustrated on the harder South
Course. Rahm earned his first PGA Tour victory at Torrey Pines in
2017 and then won the U.S. Open on the South Course in 2021.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Brandon Vazquez scored to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters
making their international debuts, but the Americans lost 2-1 to
Serbia in their first match since the World Cup. Veljko Simic scored
the go-ahead goal in the opening minute of the second half for
Serbia, which gave debuts to 14 players. Eight Americans in all
debuted during a lively friendly that felt like spring training. The
American team is in transition with interim head coach Anthony Hudson
running the show while U.S. Soccer Federation determines the future
of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired last month.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(2)Alabama	66	Mississippi
St.	63	Final	(3)Houston	82	UCF	71	Final	(4)Tennessee	70	Georgia	41	Final	(13)Xavier	82	(19)UConn	79	Final	Texas
A&amp;M	79	(15)Auburn	63	Final	(23)Providence	79	Butler	58NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Orlando	126	Indiana	120	Final	Philadelphia	137	Brooklyn	133	Final	Atlanta	137	Oklahoma
City	132	Final	Milwaukee	107	Denver	99	Final	Washington	108	Houston	103	Final	Minnesota	111	New
Orleans	102	Final	Toronto	113	Sacramento	95	Final	Portland	134	Utah	124	Final	L.A.
Lakers	113	San Antonio	104	Final	Golden
State	122	Memphis	120	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Toronto	3	N-Y Rangers	2	Final	Ottawa	2	N-Y
Islanders	1	Final
OT	Carolina	3	Dallas	2	Final
OT	Columbus	3	Edmonton	2	Final	Seattle	6	Vancouver	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Returning to the lanes following a two-month layoff, the Barton Community College men's bowling team displayed a pair of fourth place finishes at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI this past weekend in Texas.

Competing in separate tournaments in the two-day span, the Cougars began the weekend with a fourth-place finish in the SWIBC V consisting of five individual games and 12 baker games compiling a team total of 6,924. Making the short drive over to Plano, TX for Sunday's SWIBC VI, Barton sustained the momentum holding sturdy with another fourth place showing accumulating a 7,017 score over seven individual team games.

Besting the 15-team field on both days was in state Division I school Wichita State University edging out cross-town rival Newman University and Oklahoma Christian University.

Sophomore Griffin Peterson posted the Cougars highest individual finish of seventh in Saturday's SWIBC V with a five-game total of 1,044 while leading the best average score on the day for the Cougars with a 208.8 per-10 frames.

V-Thoon Thanasouk had the biggest improvement between the two days of competition leaping 64 spots to finish 13th in Sunday's tournament scoring a team best 1,517. The freshman was one of three Cougars to surpass the 200-mark in five of seven games rolled with Bryce Moore and Peterson also joining Thanasouk.

Turning in a 20th place finish in Saturday's competition, sophomore Bryce Moore bettered his placing in Sunday's tournament moving up three spots earning a 17th individual finish of 1,499 in seven tossed games. The sophomore recorded Barton's highest single game score of 280 in the second of his seven games.

Fielding a junior varsity team both days the Cougars turned in placings of seventh and sixth as a squad while Cale McConnell led the JV entrants each day turning in a 40th and 34th placing with scores of 892 and 1,379 respectfully.

Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.

The Barton Community College women's bowling team returned from the holiday break recording a pair of fourth place finishes this weekend at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI.

Competing in two separate events over the weekend, the Cougars opened the trip with a fourth-place finish after five individual games and 12 baker games. Making the short jaunt from Dallas to Plano, TX on Sunday for the SWIBC VI, the Cougars remained consistent turning in its' second consecutive fourth place finish over seven individual games in the field of seven teams.

Claiming the team title on both days was Wichita State University edging out Oklahoma Christian University and Newman University.

Jasmine Bridges led the highest finish of the weekend in Saturday's SWIBC V with a 16th place in the field of 50 participants with a score of 859 over five games tossed.

Ana Stanton notched the highest game and average round on Saturday with a third game of 200 while carding a 184 average per-10 over a trio of tossed games.

Courtney Kitchen mended together Barton's best average placings, average score, and highest single score on the weekend. The sophomore displayed finishes of 18th and 34th while fabricating the highest average of 188.2 per-10 frames on Sunday and manufactured the highest rolled single game scores with a pair of 211's in Sunday's fifth and sixth games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658825339.jpeg" alt="Barton Men's Bowler Griffin Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Barton Men's Bowler Griffin Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBarton MenReturning to the lanes following a two-month layoff, the Barton Community College men's bowling team displayed a pair of fourth place finishes at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI this past weekend in Texas.Competing in separate tournaments in the two-day span, the Cougars began the weekend with a fourth-place finish in the SWIBC V consisting of five individual games and 12 baker games compiling a team total of 6,924. Making the short drive over to Plano, TX for Sunday's SWIBC VI, Barton sustained the momentum holding sturdy with another fourth place showing accumulating a 7,017 score over seven individual team games.Besting the 15-team field on both days was in state Division I school Wichita State University edging out cross-town rival Newman University and Oklahoma Christian University.Sophomore Griffin Peterson posted the Cougars highest individual finish of seventh in Saturday's SWIBC V with a five-game total of 1,044 while leading the best average score on the day for the Cougars with a 208.8 per-10 frames.V-Thoon Thanasouk had the biggest improvement between the two days of competition leaping 64 spots to finish 13th in Sunday's tournament scoring a team best 1,517. The freshman was one of three Cougars to surpass the 200-mark in five of seven games rolled with Bryce Moore and Peterson also joining Thanasouk.Turning in a 20th place finish in Saturday's competition, sophomore Bryce Moore bettered his placing in Sunday's tournament moving up three spots earning a 17th individual finish of 1,499 in seven tossed games. The sophomore recorded Barton's highest single game score of 280 in the second of his seven games.Fielding a junior varsity team both days the Cougars turned in placings of seventh and sixth as a squad while Cale McConnell led the JV entrants each day turning in a 40th and 34th placing with scores of 892 and 1,379 respectfully.Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658692787.jpeg" alt="Barton's Bowler Ana Stanton" />
 <figcaption>Barton's Bowler Ana Stanton</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton WomenThe Barton Community College women's bowling team returned from the holiday break recording a pair of fourth place finishes this weekend at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI.Competing in two separate events over the weekend, the Cougars opened the trip with a fourth-place finish after five individual games and 12 baker games. Making the short jaunt from Dallas to Plano, TX on Sunday for the SWIBC VI, the Cougars remained consistent turning in its' second consecutive fourth place finish over seven individual games in the field of seven teams.Claiming the team title on both days was Wichita State University edging out Oklahoma Christian University and Newman University.Jasmine Bridges led the highest finish of the weekend in Saturday's SWIBC V with a 16th place in the field of 50 participants with a score of 859 over five games tossed.Ana Stanton notched the highest game and average round on Saturday with a third game of 200 while carding a 184 average per-10 over a trio of tossed games.Courtney Kitchen mended together Barton's best average placings, average score, and highest single score on the weekend. The sophomore displayed finishes of 18th and 34th while fabricating the highest average of 188.2 per-10 frames on Sunday and manufactured the highest rolled single game scores with a pair of 211's in Sunday's fifth and sixth games.Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.

Barton Bowling Results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The decision that Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faced at the conclusion of last season was shockingly simple yet brutally difficult:

Do they sign wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a long-term deal or trade him away?

Two options. Yet two very different ways to chart a course for the future of the franchise.

Veach mulled the decision for the better part of six weeks, knowing full well most Chiefs fans wanted to keep the dynamic playmaker, but that it would saddle the club with salary cap problems for years to come.

In late March, he hopped on the phone with Dolphins counterpart Chris Grier and made the deal: Hill was headed to South Beach for a package of five draft picks — which the Chiefs could use to fortify their roster — and much-needed financial flexibility.

“We took a step back and figured, ‘How are we going to get better on both sides?’ And that's why we decided it was best for us and best for Tyreek,” Veach said at the time. “It was kind of a best-case scenario for us and for him.”

Hill ultimately became the league's highest-paid wide receiver, signing a $120 million, four-year deal with the Dolphins that would have limited what the Chiefs could do in free agency.

And the Chiefs used their draft capital and financial freedom to replenish a roster that will face Cincinnati on Sunday night in its fifth consecutive AFC title game.

The Chiefs used the first-round pick from Miami — after a trade with New England — on Trent McDuffie, whose metrics are among the best of any rookie cornerback this season. Then they used their second-rounder from the Dolphins — after another trade with the Patriots — on wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been a versatile addition to the offense.

Just as importantly, the Chiefs used the money they would have spent on Hill elsewhere: They signed wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, brought in safety Justin Reid, added veteran Carlos Dunlap to help one of the league's worst pass rushes, and had money left over to improve their depth elsewhere.

“Brett does it as well as anybody on finding people and bringing them in, that he thinks will fit in the offense, defense and special teams,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We have full trust in him as a coaching staff.”

It's easy to have that trust given the results.

Hill had an incredible season for the Dolphins, catching a career-best 119 passes for 1,710 yards with seven TDs. But while Smith-Schuster finished with only 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, that still means he supplied Kansas City with roughly 55% of Hill's production in the regular season at roughly 14% of the cost.

Valdes-Scantling caught the decisive touchdown in last weekend's divisional win over the Jaguars, and along with Moore and Smith-Schuster, the trio helped the Chiefs lead the league in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense.

On the flip side, Dunlap helped the Chiefs to 55 sacks in the regular season, which ranked second in the league, after they had just 31 the previous year. Justin Reid proved to be a calming yet physical presence in the defensive backfield.

“All the guys stepped up,” Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier said, “because there were a number of departures, not just Tyreek, to basically get all caught up and sped up to where we are today, so that we could just keep going as an offense, and the guys we brought in bought into that.”

Ten months later, it would be difficult to argue Veach didn't make the right decision to trade Hill.

It's the kind of monumental decision the Bengals will face soon enough.

They've already indicated plans to negotiate a long-term deal this offseason for Joe Burrow, who could command as much as $50 million a year. And with that kind of investment in their quarterback, the Bengals will have to decide what to do with their pending free agents: Starting cornerback Eli Apple, safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III and tight end Hayden Hurst are all due to hit the open market, along with backups such as Tre Flowers and Samaje Perine.

Plenty of other starters — wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, and defensive tackle D.J. Reader — will be hitting free agency after next season.

The challenge in making the numbers work was evident in August, when Bates stayed clear of the Bengals amid a contract dispute. He eventually reported to training camp after signing a franchise tender worth about $13 million, rather than sit out the entire season. When asked why a deal wasn't reached, he replied: “That's not my question to answer.”

“There’s a business side of things,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged at the time, “and that plays into it some.”

Just as it did for the Chiefs and Hill last offseason.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The decision that Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faced at the conclusion of last season was shockingly simple yet brutally difficult:Do they sign wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a long-term deal or trade him away?Two options. Yet two very different ways to chart a course for the future of the franchise.Veach mulled the decision for the better part of six weeks, knowing full well most Chiefs fans wanted to keep the dynamic playmaker, but that it would saddle the club with salary cap problems for years to come.In late March, he hopped on the phone with Dolphins counterpart Chris Grier and made the deal: Hill was headed to South Beach for a package of five draft picks — which the Chiefs could use to fortify their roster — and much-needed financial flexibility.“We took a step back and figured, ‘How are we going to get better on both sides?’ And that's why we decided it was best for us and best for Tyreek,” Veach said at the time. “It was kind of a best-case scenario for us and for him.”That might be an understatement.Hill ultimately became the league's highest-paid wide receiver, signing a $120 million, four-year deal with the Dolphins that would have limited what the Chiefs could do in free agency.And the Chiefs used their draft capital and financial freedom to replenish a roster that will face Cincinnati on Sunday night in its fifth consecutive AFC title game.The Chiefs used the first-round pick from Miami — after a trade with New England — on Trent McDuffie, whose metrics are among the best of any rookie cornerback this season. Then they used their second-rounder from the Dolphins — after another trade with the Patriots — on wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been a versatile addition to the offense.Just as importantly, the Chiefs used the money they would have spent on Hill elsewhere: They signed wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, brought in safety Justin Reid, added veteran Carlos Dunlap to help one of the league's worst pass rushes, and had money left over to improve their depth elsewhere.“Brett does it as well as anybody on finding people and bringing them in, that he thinks will fit in the offense, defense and special teams,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We have full trust in him as a coaching staff.”It's easy to have that trust given the results.Hill had an incredible season for the Dolphins, catching a career-best 119 passes for 1,710 yards with seven TDs. But while Smith-Schuster finished with only 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, that still means he supplied Kansas City with roughly 55% of Hill's production in the regular season at roughly 14% of the cost.Valdes-Scantling caught the decisive touchdown in last weekend's divisional win over the Jaguars, and along with Moore and Smith-Schuster, the trio helped the Chiefs lead the league in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense.On the flip side, Dunlap helped the Chiefs to 55 sacks in the regular season, which ranked second in the league, after they had just 31 the previous year. Justin Reid proved to be a calming yet physical presence in the defensive backfield.“All the guys stepped up,” Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier said, “because there were a number of departures, not just Tyreek, to basically get all caught up and sped up to where we are today, so that we could just keep going as an offense, and the guys we brought in bought into that.”Ten months later, it would be difficult to argue Veach didn't make the right decision to trade Hill.It's the kind of monumental decision the Bengals will face soon enough.They've already indicated plans to negotiate a long-term deal this offseason for Joe Burrow, who could command as much as $50 million a year. And with that kind of investment in their quarterback, the Bengals will have to decide what to do with their pending free agents: Starting cornerback Eli Apple, safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III and tight end Hayden Hurst are all due to hit the open market, along with backups such as Tre Flowers and Samaje Perine.Plenty of other starters — wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, and defensive tackle D.J. Reader — will be hitting free agency after next season.The challenge in making the numbers work was evident in August, when Bates stayed clear of the Bengals amid a contract dispute. He eventually reported to training camp after signing a franchise tender worth about $13 million, rather than sit out the entire season. When asked why a deal wasn't reached, he replied: “That's not my question to answer.”“There’s a business side of things,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged at the time, “and that plays into it some.”Just as it did for the Chiefs and Hill last offseason.

Chiefs' decision to trade Hill opened future for success

The Barton Community College wrestling team dropped its final home conference dual of the season Tuesday night at the Barton Gym 32-21 to 8th ranked Northwest Kansas Technical College.

The Cougars' will close out conference play Sunday at the Jayhawk Duals held at the Fieldhouse in Salina, KS. Barton will open the day at 11:00 a.m. taking on Neosho County Community College with matches later against Labette Community College (12:30pm), Cowley College (2:00pm), and 4th ranked Pratt Community College (3:30pm).

Barton's lone mat victory came from&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;in the 149 class, as the freshman bounced back from last week's major decision result beating Amulek Partida with a 9-2 decision result improving his conference record to 2-1 on the season.

The Cougars aided behind a trio of open weight victories as&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;125 division,&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;141 division and&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;165 division closed out Barton's final points of the dual.

Northwest Tech also benefitted behind a trio of open weight wins in the 184, 197, and 285 divisions.

MATCH RESULTS –&nbsp;#8 NW Tech won 32-21 over Barton 125:&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 133: Samuel Blackmon (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Stephen Baldwin&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 2:10 141:&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 149:&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;(Barton) over Amulek Partida (NW Tech) Dec 9-2 157: #1 (149-Div) Bryce Boumans (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Dawson Chavez&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 3:32 165:&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 174: Jonathan Carr (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Keondre Bonner&nbsp;(Barton) Dec 7-4 184: Garrett Davis (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 197: Isiah Frank (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 285: Dontavius Daniels (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) (NW Tech assessed -1 for sportsmanship)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658343501.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College wrestling team dropped its final home conference dual of the season Tuesday night at the Barton Gym 32-21 to 8th ranked Northwest Kansas Technical College.The Cougars' will close out conference play Sunday at the Jayhawk Duals held at the Fieldhouse in Salina, KS. Barton will open the day at 11:00 a.m. taking on Neosho County Community College with matches later against Labette Community College (12:30pm), Cowley College (2:00pm), and 4th ranked Pratt Community College (3:30pm).Barton's lone mat victory came from&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;in the 149 class, as the freshman bounced back from last week's major decision result beating Amulek Partida with a 9-2 decision result improving his conference record to 2-1 on the season.The Cougars aided behind a trio of open weight victories as&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;125 division,&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;141 division and&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;165 division closed out Barton's final points of the dual.Northwest Tech also benefitted behind a trio of open weight wins in the 184, 197, and 285 divisions.MATCH RESULTS –&nbsp;#8 NW Tech won 32-21 over Barton 125:&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 133: Samuel Blackmon (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Stephen Baldwin&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 2:10 141:&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 149:&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;(Barton) over Amulek Partida (NW Tech) Dec 9-2 157: #1 (149-Div) Bryce Boumans (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Dawson Chavez&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 3:32 165:&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 174: Jonathan Carr (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Keondre Bonner&nbsp;(Barton) Dec 7-4 184: Garrett Davis (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 197: Isiah Frank (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 285: Dontavius Daniels (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) (NW Tech assessed -1 for sportsmanship)

Barton Wrestling falls to 8th ranked NW Tech


- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck who will be
joined by Junior Makenzie Premer.


- KVGB Football Insider Aaron Clark previews the AFC and NFC
Championship games this weekend.


- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ngAKS7pb3c" 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>
- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck who will be
joined by Junior Makenzie Premer.
- KVGB Football Insider Aaron Clark previews the AFC and NFC
Championship games this weekend.
- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.
- Wednesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours