By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Great Bend Bat Cat connection is working. Great Bend High School senior Carson Umphres had some options when choosing where to continue his baseball career. Utilizing some relationships made while playing for the the Bat Cats this summer, Umphres chose Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleastant, 120 miles east of Dallas.

"When I went down there, I was very impressed with their dorms and their field, along with the coaching staff," Umphres said. "Their field is a nice, natural dirt field and they just put up a brand new outfield fence. The head coach is a very good person; a family-first, Christian guy. And they have an associates in engineering which will be accepted by almost all colleges. With recent Division I baseball rule changes, I knew junior college was going to be best for me. As well as it would better prepare me for a possible career in professional baseball as I have drawn draft attention this year."

The new assistant coach at NTCC is a former Bat Cat who stayed with the Umphres family while playing in Great Bend. Several Bat Cats have played at NTCC.  

Umphres batted .455 as a sophomore for the Panther baseball team. He drove in 25 runs that season with one home run, five triples, and eight doubles. Last season, he drove in 19 runs and batted .415 with two home runs and 13 doubles. Umphres also led the team in innings pitched and strikeouts after going 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA. He struck out nine and held Junction City hitless in five innings in one outing last season.

Great Bend finished last season at 18-9 but came up a just shy of the state tournament. Umphres hopes to change that next spring.

"I am going into this season with higher expectations than ever while also not being worried at all," he said. "We haven’t lost anything we can’t replace and our team chemistry will be better than ever. Obviously, losing in regionals stunk last year but it happens and we have this year to make it count. We definitely have a more versatile team this year with almost all of our players being able to play anywhere. 

"We have been doing offseason workouts and are about to start offseason hitting and pitching. I'm really looking forward to this team this year. One last ride with the kids I’ve grown up playing with really looking to leave a mark on GBHS baseball."

Trent Touchet played at Sam Houston State in college and played in Great Bend during the 2020 Bat Cat season. He spent the last two seasons at Louisiana Tech as a graduate assistant before taking on the assistant coaching job at NTCC. The Eagles posted a 33-24 record in 2024. 

Carson is the son of Chris and Terri Umphres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731679093591.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior Carson Umphres, surrounded by parents Terri and Chris Umphres, signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Northeast Texas Community College next year." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior Carson Umphres, surrounded by parents Terri and Chris Umphres, signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Northeast Texas Community College next year.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Bat Cat connection is working. Great Bend High School senior Carson Umphres had some options when choosing where to continue his baseball career. Utilizing some relationships made while playing for the the Bat Cats this summer, Umphres chose Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleastant, 120 miles east of Dallas."When I went down there, I was very impressed with their dorms and their field, along with the coaching staff," Umphres said. "Their field is a nice, natural dirt field and they just put up a brand new outfield fence. The head coach is a very good person; a family-first, Christian guy. And they have an associates in engineering which will be accepted by almost all colleges. With recent Division I baseball rule changes, I knew junior college was going to be best for me. As well as it would better prepare me for a possible career in professional baseball as I have drawn draft attention this year."The new assistant coach at NTCC is a former Bat Cat who stayed with the Umphres family while playing in Great Bend. Several Bat Cats have played at NTCC. Umphres batted .455 as a sophomore for the Panther baseball team. He drove in 25 runs that season with one home run, five triples, and eight doubles. Last season, he drove in 19 runs and batted .415 with two home runs and 13 doubles. Umphres also led the team in innings pitched and strikeouts after going 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA. He struck out nine and held Junction City hitless in five innings in one outing last season.Great Bend finished last season at 18-9 but came up a just shy of the state tournament. Umphres hopes to change that next spring."I am going into this season with higher expectations than ever while also not being worried at all," he said. "We haven’t lost anything we can’t replace and our team chemistry will be better than ever. Obviously, losing in regionals stunk last year but it happens and we have this year to make it count. We definitely have a more versatile team this year with almost all of our players being able to play anywhere. "We have been doing offseason workouts and are about to start offseason hitting and pitching. I'm really looking forward to this team this year. One last ride with the kids I’ve grown up playing with really looking to leave a mark on GBHS baseball."Trent Touchet played at Sam Houston State in college and played in Great Bend during the 2020 Bat Cat season. He spent the last two seasons at Louisiana Tech as a graduate assistant before taking on the assistant coaching job at NTCC. The Eagles posted a 33-24 record in 2024. Carson is the son of Chris and Terri Umphres.

Great Bend's Umphres signs to play baseball at Northeast Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Friendship is at the heart of how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyson-vs-paul-fight-efae4cab8a8731a938a3da3da54854ea">a fight came together</a>&nbsp;between 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and much younger YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Friction helped build the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jake-paul-mike-tyson-boxing-d8d6f6f4a02747e2afa93e1a75f8c29b">hype for a bout</a>&nbsp;that is testing the formula for how boxing is delivered to the masses, a first-ever combat sports offering from the streaming platform Netflix rather than pay-per-view or traditional cable.

“I think they’re beloved fans of Mike Tyson,” Paul said, trying to explain the boisterous boos that have greeted him when the two have appeared together in recent months to hype the event.

“And I’m the new kid on the block, the disrupter, loud mouth, polarizing figure,” Paul said. “And I’ve built my career as the heel. Naturally people want to root against me, and that’s great for the sport of boxing.”

Tyson's first sanctioned professional fight in almost 20 years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-fight-47348cf07fc56edfd74cf3e6f5e0d0e5">is set for Friday night</a>&nbsp;at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. A crowd of at least 60,000 is expected while Netflix offers the bout at no additional cost to more than 280 million subscribers globally.

The 27-year-old Paul is relatively new to the sport, the one-time social media influencer bringing a 10-1 record with seven knockouts mostly against mixed martial artists and journeymen boxers.

Asked about the friendship earlier in the week, Tyson said, “There's no feeling attached.” He proved it by slapping Paul as they faced off following the weigh-in Thursday night.

Tyson appeared to take offense to the way Paul approached him for the faceoff, but didn't bother explaining. “The talk is over,” Tyson, who checked in at 228 pounds, said when one of the hosts tried to ask a question.

“Now it's personal,” Paul screamed into a microphone before storming off the stage. Paul weighed 227 pounds.

Tyson was 50-6 with 44 knockouts when he retired after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005, saying he didn't have anything left to give the sport. He last fought in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. with no fans during the pandemic in 2020.

A fight originally scheduled for July 20 was postponed when Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.

Tyson said in a documentary chronicling the preparations for the fight that he lost 26 pounds in the process of recovering.

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded Most Valuable Promotions with Paul, said Tyson was cleared medically weeks ago. Bidarian sidestepped a question of how concerned he was for Tyson's health once he steps in the ring.

"I’m nervous for both men,” Bidarian said. “The reality is Jake’s never been hit by someone like Mike Tyson flush on the chin. And Mike hasn’t fought someone like Jake for a very long time. That’s what makes this interesting.”

Paul said he had a vision for the fight about two years ago and shared it with Tyson because he thought the Hall of Famer would understand — and be interested. It took about that long for the bout to come together.

Tyson appeared agitated at both hype events with fans in the Dallas area, first in the weeks before the originally scheduled fight and again at a news conference two nights before the bout.

He was more reflective in a smaller setting with reporters, suggesting he wasn't the same foul-mouthed, scowling fighter from his prime.

“I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” Tyson said. “I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”

According to reports, Paul will get $40 million for the fight, a number he mentioned at another news conference in New York in August.

Tyson, who had two stints in prison over convictions in the 1990s for rape and assault and declared bankruptcy 21 years ago, will get $20 million. Tyson has said he isn't doing the fight for money.

"That old Mike Tyson ... he doesn’t have no more purpose in my life. He just doesn't exist,” Tyson said. “I’m having a good time in my life. I don’t have much time left, so I’m having the best time of my life.”

Several states wouldn’t sanction the bout. Texas agreed to a fight that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-boxing-76fb70731ebc0629ec710b2f9c28a42c">eight rounds instead of 10 or 12</a>, with two-minute rounds instead of three, and heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches.

Paul has faced persistent questions about why he would fight someone so much older, regardless of Tyson's pedigree. His answers have been consistent.

“I say talk to Mike and tell Mike that,” Paul said. “He’s the one that wanted it to be a pro fight and me, as a young person in this sport, is not going to (pass) up the opportunity to fight the GOAT of boxing. It’s like Ja Morant turning down a 1-v-1 against LeBron. It’s not going to happen.”

There is a high-profile championship fight on the card — the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano.

Paul said he wanted to give the women a spotlight after their slugfest at sold-out Madison Square Garden in 2022. It was the first time women headlined a boxing event at the famous venue.

Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7b3f16f78fc47262883d4cbbb2c9f844">won a split decision</a>&nbsp;that many questioned. Bidarian and Paul say the rematch for the undisputed super lightweight title will be the most lucrative women's sporting event in history.

“A lot of people said the real main event is Taylor-Serrano,” Bidarian said. “I'm OK if you feel that way. Jake has said he's more excited about that fight than his own fight. But we wanted to ensure the most eyeballs got to see that fight. To be quite honest with ourselves, Paul-Tyson draws a bigger audience."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731676276473.jpeg" alt="Mike Tyson, front left, and Jake Paul, front right, face off during a news conference ahead of their fight, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)" />
 <figcaption>Mike Tyson, front left, and Jake Paul, front right, face off during a news conference ahead of their fight, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Friendship is at the heart of how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tyson-vs-paul-fight-efae4cab8a8731a938a3da3da54854ea">a fight came together</a>&nbsp;between 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and much younger YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.Friction helped build the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jake-paul-mike-tyson-boxing-d8d6f6f4a02747e2afa93e1a75f8c29b">hype for a bout</a>&nbsp;that is testing the formula for how boxing is delivered to the masses, a first-ever combat sports offering from the streaming platform Netflix rather than pay-per-view or traditional cable.“I think they’re beloved fans of Mike Tyson,” Paul said, trying to explain the boisterous boos that have greeted him when the two have appeared together in recent months to hype the event.“And I’m the new kid on the block, the disrupter, loud mouth, polarizing figure,” Paul said. “And I’ve built my career as the heel. Naturally people want to root against me, and that’s great for the sport of boxing.”Tyson's first sanctioned professional fight in almost 20 years&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-fight-47348cf07fc56edfd74cf3e6f5e0d0e5">is set for Friday night</a>&nbsp;at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. A crowd of at least 60,000 is expected while Netflix offers the bout at no additional cost to more than 280 million subscribers globally.The 27-year-old Paul is relatively new to the sport, the one-time social media influencer bringing a 10-1 record with seven knockouts mostly against mixed martial artists and journeymen boxers.Asked about the friendship earlier in the week, Tyson said, “There's no feeling attached.” He proved it by slapping Paul as they faced off following the weigh-in Thursday night.Tyson appeared to take offense to the way Paul approached him for the faceoff, but didn't bother explaining. “The talk is over,” Tyson, who checked in at 228 pounds, said when one of the hosts tried to ask a question.“Now it's personal,” Paul screamed into a microphone before storming off the stage. Paul weighed 227 pounds.Tyson was 50-6 with 44 knockouts when he retired after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005, saying he didn't have anything left to give the sport. He last fought in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. with no fans during the pandemic in 2020.A fight originally scheduled for July 20 was postponed when Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.Tyson said in a documentary chronicling the preparations for the fight that he lost 26 pounds in the process of recovering.Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded Most Valuable Promotions with Paul, said Tyson was cleared medically weeks ago. Bidarian sidestepped a question of how concerned he was for Tyson's health once he steps in the ring."I’m nervous for both men,” Bidarian said. “The reality is Jake’s never been hit by someone like Mike Tyson flush on the chin. And Mike hasn’t fought someone like Jake for a very long time. That’s what makes this interesting.”Paul said he had a vision for the fight about two years ago and shared it with Tyson because he thought the Hall of Famer would understand — and be interested. It took about that long for the bout to come together.Tyson appeared agitated at both hype events with fans in the Dallas area, first in the weeks before the originally scheduled fight and again at a news conference two nights before the bout.He was more reflective in a smaller setting with reporters, suggesting he wasn't the same foul-mouthed, scowling fighter from his prime.“I’ve been through so many ups and downs since my last fight with Kevin McBride,” Tyson said. “I’ve been in rehab. I’ve been in prison, been locked up. Never in a million years did I believe I’d be doing this.”According to reports, Paul will get $40 million for the fight, a number he mentioned at another news conference in New York in August.Tyson, who had two stints in prison over convictions in the 1990s for rape and assault and declared bankruptcy 21 years ago, will get $20 million. Tyson has said he isn't doing the fight for money."That old Mike Tyson ... he doesn’t have no more purpose in my life. He just doesn't exist,” Tyson said. “I’m having a good time in my life. I don’t have much time left, so I’m having the best time of my life.”Several states wouldn’t sanction the bout. Texas agreed to a fight that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-boxing-76fb70731ebc0629ec710b2f9c28a42c">eight rounds instead of 10 or 12</a>, with two-minute rounds instead of three, and heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches.Paul has faced persistent questions about why he would fight someone so much older, regardless of Tyson's pedigree. His answers have been consistent.“I say talk to Mike and tell Mike that,” Paul said. “He’s the one that wanted it to be a pro fight and me, as a young person in this sport, is not going to (pass) up the opportunity to fight the GOAT of boxing. It’s like Ja Morant turning down a 1-v-1 against LeBron. It’s not going to happen.”There is a high-profile championship fight on the card — the co-main event of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano.Paul said he wanted to give the women a spotlight after their slugfest at sold-out Madison Square Garden in 2022. It was the first time women headlined a boxing event at the famous venue.Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7b3f16f78fc47262883d4cbbb2c9f844">won a split decision</a>&nbsp;that many questioned. Bidarian and Paul say the rematch for the undisputed super lightweight title will be the most lucrative women's sporting event in history.“A lot of people said the real main event is Taylor-Serrano,” Bidarian said. “I'm OK if you feel that way. Jake has said he's more excited about that fight than his own fight. But we wanted to ensure the most eyeballs got to see that fight. To be quite honest with ourselves, Paul-Tyson draws a bigger audience."

Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old's fight with  Paul

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts rolled over, face down, and grabbed his helmet. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback’s head&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1857242162410508658" target="_blank">was spiked into the turf</a>&nbsp;by Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu in the second quarter and bounced off the ground. Hurts was evaluated for a concussion — “I guess I beat the protocol,” he quipped — and stayed in the game. Hurts ran for the go-ahead score, Saquon Barkley rushed for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, and the Eagles stretched their lead in the NFC East with a 26-18 win Thursday night over Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. “Really,” coach Nick Sirianni said, “what we talked about at halftime was this was going to be a grimy, gritty game.” After three quarters of uninspired offense by the Eagles, Barkley and Hurts led them to 20 points in the fourth. The Eagles (8-2) won their sixth straight since their bye. Fans cheered when Hurts ran out of the tunnel for the second half, and he finished with 221 yards passing.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at the New York Yankees’ nearby spring training ballpark amid uncertainty about the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tampa-bay-rays-hurricane-milton-d0d480aae567ccc71a8be9fbf9e1bd9d">hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field</a>, Rays executives told The Associated Press. Stuart Sternberg, the Rays’ principal owner, said in an interview that Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is the best fit for the team and its fanbase. At about 11,000 seats, it’s also the largest of the spring training sites in Florida. “It is singularly the best opportunity for our fans to experience 81 games of major league Rays baseball,” Sternberg said. “As difficult as it is to get any of these stadiums up to major league standards, it was the least difficult. You’re going to see Major League Baseball in a small environment.” Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the Rays-Yankees deal is good for the sport and the Tampa Bay region.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid became the fourth-fastest NHL player to reach 1,000 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/nsh-edm-mcdavid-scores-goal-against-scott-wedgewood-6364731319112" target="_blank">scoring early in the second period</a>&nbsp;in the Edmonton Oilers’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/predators-oilers-score-1b5878539c92c18373f040b7c31c276e">3-2 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. McDavid reached the milestone in his 659th game. Wayne Gretzky was the fastest at 424 games, followed by Mario Lemieux at 513 and Mike Bossy at 656. McDavid has 341 goals and 660 assists. He’s the 99th NHL player to reach 1,000 points, and at 27, also the fourth-youngest. “These milestones are a great time to reflect and look back,” McDavid said. “It’s been a good 10 years and hopefully 10 more good ones. Some of these things have kind of hit me a little more emotionally than I would have thought.&nbsp; McDavid took a pass from Leon Draisaitl on a 2-on-1 break and beat goalie Scott Wedgewood with a shot to the near post to tie it at 1.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Audi Crooks had 26 points and eight rebounds, Sydney Harris added 13 and No. 8 Iowa State beat St. Thomas of Minnesota 80-47 on Thursday night. Crooks made 12 of 17 shots from the field and left the game two minutes into the fourth quarter after her layup gave the Cyclones a 27-point lead. She has reached double figures in 36 consecutive games. Harris has come off the bench to score in double figures in three straight games for the Cyclones (4-0). Emily Ryan had 13 assists, most by a Division I player this season, to go with four points and three rebounds, and Addy Brown added 10 points for Iowa State. Amber Scalia led the Tommies (3-1) with 11 points, and Jade Hill and Sammy Opichka added eight apiece. Iowa State scored a season-high 46 points in the paint to the Tommies’ 22.

THURSDAY SCORES National Football League Philadelphia 26, Washington 18

NCAA WOMEN TOP-25 No. 1 South Carolina 92, Coppin State 60

No. 8 Iowa State 80, St. Thomas-Minnesota 47

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991701059.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts rolled over, face down, and grabbed his helmet. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback’s head&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1857242162410508658" target="_blank">was spiked into the turf</a>&nbsp;by Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu in the second quarter and bounced off the ground. Hurts was evaluated for a concussion — “I guess I beat the protocol,” he quipped — and stayed in the game. Hurts ran for the go-ahead score, Saquon Barkley rushed for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, and the Eagles stretched their lead in the NFC East with a 26-18 win Thursday night over Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. “Really,” coach Nick Sirianni said, “what we talked about at halftime was this was going to be a grimy, gritty game.” After three quarters of uninspired offense by the Eagles, Barkley and Hurts led them to 20 points in the fourth. The Eagles (8-2) won their sixth straight since their bye. Fans cheered when Hurts ran out of the tunnel for the second half, and he finished with 221 yards passing.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at the New York Yankees’ nearby spring training ballpark amid uncertainty about the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tampa-bay-rays-hurricane-milton-d0d480aae567ccc71a8be9fbf9e1bd9d">hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field</a>, Rays executives told The Associated Press. Stuart Sternberg, the Rays’ principal owner, said in an interview that Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is the best fit for the team and its fanbase. At about 11,000 seats, it’s also the largest of the spring training sites in Florida. “It is singularly the best opportunity for our fans to experience 81 games of major league Rays baseball,” Sternberg said. “As difficult as it is to get any of these stadiums up to major league standards, it was the least difficult. You’re going to see Major League Baseball in a small environment.” Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the Rays-Yankees deal is good for the sport and the Tampa Bay region.EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid became the fourth-fastest NHL player to reach 1,000 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/nsh-edm-mcdavid-scores-goal-against-scott-wedgewood-6364731319112" target="_blank">scoring early in the second period</a>&nbsp;in the Edmonton Oilers’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/predators-oilers-score-1b5878539c92c18373f040b7c31c276e">3-2 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. McDavid reached the milestone in his 659th game. Wayne Gretzky was the fastest at 424 games, followed by Mario Lemieux at 513 and Mike Bossy at 656. McDavid has 341 goals and 660 assists. He’s the 99th NHL player to reach 1,000 points, and at 27, also the fourth-youngest. “These milestones are a great time to reflect and look back,” McDavid said. “It’s been a good 10 years and hopefully 10 more good ones. Some of these things have kind of hit me a little more emotionally than I would have thought.&nbsp; McDavid took a pass from Leon Draisaitl on a 2-on-1 break and beat goalie Scott Wedgewood with a shot to the near post to tie it at 1.AMES, Iowa (AP) — Audi Crooks had 26 points and eight rebounds, Sydney Harris added 13 and No. 8 Iowa State beat St. Thomas of Minnesota 80-47 on Thursday night. Crooks made 12 of 17 shots from the field and left the game two minutes into the fourth quarter after her layup gave the Cyclones a 27-point lead. She has reached double figures in 36 consecutive games. Harris has come off the bench to score in double figures in three straight games for the Cyclones (4-0). Emily Ryan had 13 assists, most by a Division I player this season, to go with four points and three rebounds, and Addy Brown added 10 points for Iowa State. Amber Scalia led the Tommies (3-1) with 11 points, and Jade Hill and Sammy Opichka added eight apiece. Iowa State scored a season-high 46 points in the paint to the Tommies’ 22.THURSDAY SCORES National Football League Philadelphia 26, Washington 18NCAA WOMEN TOP-25 No. 1 South Carolina 92, Coppin State 60No. 8 Iowa State 80, St. Thomas-Minnesota 47No. 10 Kansas State 86, Creighton 68No. 13 NC State 79, Kent State 51No. 16 Duke 84, Dayton 49No. 17 Baylor 104, East Texas A&amp;M 55No. 19 Ole Miss 80, Delaware State 42No. 22 Alabama 88, Alcorn State 59No. 23 Illinois 84, Eastern Illinois 37

Friday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 20 points against his former team, freshman Vyctorius Miller added 15 points and LSU beat Kansas State 76-65 on Thursday night.

Carter, who spent his sophomore and junior seasons with Kansas State, was 6 of 11 from the field, including three made 3-pointers. He has scored 62 points and made 11 of 19 3-pointers in his first three games with LSU after averaging 14.6 points last season with the Wildcats.

Dug McDaniel drove the baseline for an open layup and made a steal at the other end, leading to his fast-break layup to cut Kansas State’s deficit to 56-46 with 9:14 remaining. After a timeout, Carter sank a 3-pointer from the top of the arc.

Miller missed a wide open 3-pointer early in the shot clock in the closing minutes but got his own rebound before making a 3 from the corner to extend the lead to 72-57 with 2:33 left.

It was just Kansas State’s fifth loss at home in 36 games under coach Jerome Tang.

Jordan Sears had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Daimion Collins added 12 points for LSU (3-0). Corey Chest, who entered with just three minutes played this season, grabbed 13 rebounds in 21 minutes.

David N’Guessan and McDaniel each scored 16 for Kansas State (2-1).

It was the third consecutive year the teams have played each other. LSU and K-State first met in the finals of the Cayman Islands Classic, with Kansas State winning 61-59 when a late LSU bucket was disallowed. Then last year the Wildcats won 75-60 in the Maravich Center.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 20 points against his former team, freshman Vyctorius Miller added 15 points and LSU beat Kansas State 76-65 on Thursday night.Carter, who spent his sophomore and junior seasons with Kansas State, was 6 of 11 from the field, including three made 3-pointers. He has scored 62 points and made 11 of 19 3-pointers in his first three games with LSU after averaging 14.6 points last season with the Wildcats.Dug McDaniel drove the baseline for an open layup and made a steal at the other end, leading to his fast-break layup to cut Kansas State’s deficit to 56-46 with 9:14 remaining. After a timeout, Carter sank a 3-pointer from the top of the arc.Miller missed a wide open 3-pointer early in the shot clock in the closing minutes but got his own rebound before making a 3 from the corner to extend the lead to 72-57 with 2:33 left.It was just Kansas State’s fifth loss at home in 36 games under coach Jerome Tang.Jordan Sears had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Daimion Collins added 12 points for LSU (3-0). Corey Chest, who entered with just three minutes played this season, grabbed 13 rebounds in 21 minutes.David N’Guessan and McDaniel each scored 16 for Kansas State (2-1).It was the third consecutive year the teams have played each other. LSU and K-State first met in the finals of the Cayman Islands Classic, with Kansas State winning 61-59 when a late LSU bucket was disallowed. Then last year the Wildcats won 75-60 in the Maravich Center.

LSU beats K-State behind former Wildcat Cam Carter's 20 points

- Hoisington football coach Zach Baird will join us in studio to preview Friday's nights 2A Sectional playoff game in Gypsum between the Cardinals and Southeast of Saline. He'll be joined by Cardinal players Kyler Russell, Rhen Galla, and Jason Robinson.

- Barton soccer coach Rafael Simmons joins us to recap the Barton Men's and Women's soccer seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Thursday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RJuEJFsJm18?si=MfZOq1f7SrS0swDW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Hoisington football coach Zach Baird will join us in studio to preview Friday's nights 2A Sectional playoff game in Gypsum between the Cardinals and Southeast of Saline. He'll be joined by Cardinal players Kyler Russell, Rhen Galla, and Jason Robinson.- Barton soccer coach Rafael Simmons joins us to recap the Barton Men's and Women's soccer seasons.- Thursday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day(Watch)

The Hoisington High School football game at Southeast of Saline on Friday, Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs has been moved to Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. (231 E Cloud St, Salina, KS 67401) The picture below shows gates and where fans are to sit. Game time is still 7 p.m.&nbsp; The broadcast of the game will begin at 6:30 p.m. on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.

The Hoisington High School football game at Southeast of Saline on Friday, Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs has been moved to Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. (231 E Cloud St, Salina, KS 67401) The picture below shows gates and where fans are to sit. Game time is still 7 p.m.&nbsp; The broadcast of the game will begin at 6:30 p.m. on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731602086384.jpeg" alt=" " />
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Hoisington football game Friday moved to Kansas Wesleyan 

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Watching the Kansas City Royals go from losing 106 games in 2023 to winning 86 games and breaking a nine-year playoff drought in 2024 was a fun ride for many fans. Many other fans saw little of the turnaround as convoluted television contracts limited viewing opportunities.

That could change for the 2025 season. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Star announced the team is renegotiating its contract with Bally Sports Kansas City. An announcement on a new contract could be announced as early as this week.

Royals management had two real options: seek a new deal with Diamond Sports Group for less money or give broadcasting rights to another organization. Major League Baseball would take over broadcasting on its own channel.

Bally Sports KC has been rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City after Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Diamond Sports announced Wednesday it had signed a multi-year agreement with Amazon Prime Video, which would broadcast games in "each team's designated geographic area."

Royals fans already using Prime Video would have to pay an additional fee to watch any games streamed via the service. Bally already limited geographic access to Royals games to customers using its app. The new designation via Prime would remain the same.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727493170969.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., front left, and Michael Massey, right, await for their turns at bat in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr., front left, and Michael Massey, right, await for their turns at bat in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jason Allen)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post Watching the Kansas City Royals go from losing 106 games in 2023 to winning 86 games and breaking a nine-year playoff drought in 2024 was a fun ride for many fans. Many other fans saw little of the turnaround as convoluted television contracts limited viewing opportunities.That could change for the 2025 season. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Star announced the team is renegotiating its contract with Bally Sports Kansas City. An announcement on a new contract could be announced as early as this week.Royals management had two real options: seek a new deal with Diamond Sports Group for less money or give broadcasting rights to another organization. Major League Baseball would take over broadcasting on its own channel.Bally Sports KC has been rebranded as FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City after Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Diamond Sports announced Wednesday it had signed a multi-year agreement with Amazon Prime Video, which would broadcast games in "each team's designated geographic area."Royals fans already using Prime Video would have to pay an additional fee to watch any games streamed via the service. Bally already limited geographic access to Royals games to customers using its app. The new designation via Prime would remain the same.

New Royals television contract could be announced this week

All of a sudden, the state of Kansas is a hub of tight ends. Goodland's Linkon Cure, a Kansas State-commit, is the Class of 2025's top-rated recruit nationally on the website 247sports.com. Earlier this week, Great Bend junior Ian Premer moved to the top of the list for the Class of 2026.

Premer helped the Panther football team to a 9-0 start before last week's playoff loss to Hays. Premer caught 30 passes for a team-best 541 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, his 50 tackles were fourth-most on the team and his three interceptions tied for the team lead.

Premer has had offers from nearly two dozen major Div. I football programs, including Michigan, Oregon, USC, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Kansas State, Stanford, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. He will soon return to the hardwood where he helped the Panthers reach the state tournament last year after averaging 21.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game. Premer was also a key contributor for the Panther baseball team last spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731592274804.jpeg" alt="Panther junior Ian Premer is now the Class of 2026's top-ranked tight end in the nation according to 247sports.com." />
 <figcaption>Panther junior Ian Premer is now the Class of 2026's top-ranked tight end in the nation according to 247sports.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsAll of a sudden, the state of Kansas is a hub of tight ends. Goodland's Linkon Cure, a Kansas State-commit, is the Class of 2025's top-rated recruit nationally on the website 247sports.com. Earlier this week, Great Bend junior Ian Premer moved to the top of the list for the Class of 2026.Premer helped the Panther football team to a 9-0 start before last week's playoff loss to Hays. Premer caught 30 passes for a team-best 541 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, his 50 tackles were fourth-most on the team and his three interceptions tied for the team lead.Premer has had offers from nearly two dozen major Div. I football programs, including Michigan, Oregon, USC, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Kansas State, Stanford, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. He will soon return to the hardwood where he helped the Panthers reach the state tournament last year after averaging 21.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game. Premer was also a key contributor for the Panther baseball team last spring.

Great Bend's Premer now top-ranked tight end in Class of 2026

The brackets are set for the NJCAA Div. I Volleyball Championships in Clarksville, Tenn. on Nov. 20-23. The first two days of games will be featured on the NJCAA Network and the final day of games, including the national championship, will be featured on ESPN+.

Barton Community College, in its 22nd national tournament appearance, will enter as the No. 6 seed. The Lady Cougars are 31-2 on the season and enter the bracket on an 8-match win streak. Barton will take on No. 11 seed Navarro College (Texas). At 21-11, the Bulldogs were the final team to make the national bracket. Navarro finished third at nationals last year but has a new head coach in Dylan Butler this season.

Barton takes on Navarro at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Austin Peay University. 

The winner of that match will face either No. 3 seed New Mexico Military or No. 11 Indian Hills. NMM enters the national tournament riding a 25-match win streak. Barton defeated Indian Hills in four sets earlier this season.

The No. 1 seed in this year's tournament is two-time defending champion Florida Southwestern. Colby Community College received an at-large bid as the No. 13 seed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731593947834.jpeg" alt="Barton sophomore Anna Wierzbicki celebrates a point in the second of three meetings against Colby this season." />
 <figcaption>Barton sophomore Anna Wierzbicki celebrates a point in the second of three meetings against Colby this season.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe brackets are set for the NJCAA Div. I Volleyball Championships in Clarksville, Tenn. on Nov. 20-23. The first two days of games will be featured on the NJCAA Network and the final day of games, including the national championship, will be featured on ESPN+.Barton Community College, in its 22nd national tournament appearance, will enter as the No. 6 seed. The Lady Cougars are 31-2 on the season and enter the bracket on an 8-match win streak. Barton will take on No. 11 seed Navarro College (Texas). At 21-11, the Bulldogs were the final team to make the national bracket. Navarro finished third at nationals last year but has a new head coach in Dylan Butler this season.Barton takes on Navarro at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Austin Peay University. The winner of that match will face either No. 3 seed New Mexico Military or No. 11 Indian Hills. NMM enters the national tournament riding a 25-match win streak. Barton defeated Indian Hills in four sets earlier this season.The No. 1 seed in this year's tournament is two-time defending champion Florida Southwestern. Colby Community College received an at-large bid as the No. 13 seed.

Lady Cougars enter national tournament as No. 6 seed opposite Navarro

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-bcf56ea73a934ddf8f76dc53c61e8dd9">coming out of retirement</a>&nbsp;to rejoin the U.S. Ski Team, she announced Thursday, intending to race again at age 40 — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/lindsey-vonn-eyes-some-unfinished-business-at-2018-olympics-ce3572489b124ca68dde550b70d00bde">six years after her last Olympics</a>. Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist, including a downhill gold and super-G bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f8a0218d772140d68bfd3609de96910d">bronze in the downhill</a>&nbsp;at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. She is also a four-time overall World Cup champion and owns eight world championships medals. Her 82 World Cup race victories stood as the record for a woman until that total was eclipsed in January 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-mikaela-shiffrin-lindsey-vonn-austria-italy-2f294929af9a957b90808372999320c8">by American Mikaela Shiffrin</a>, who is still active and is now up to 97 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5493bf6d8bec45d3b4ee78b47294db0f">Before eclipsing Vonn’s total, Shiffrin said</a>: “I don’t know if I could fill Lindsey’s shoes, the way that she has worn them.”

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers wasn’t sure it was a good thing that Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 of the team’s 24 first-quarter points on Wednesday night. But Rivers could smile about it after Antetokounmpo finished with 59 points in the Bucks’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bucks-pistons-core-antetokounmpo-be78d45c275e2203db0233dc5d246175">127-120 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons</a>. It was the highest total by any NBA player this season and five short of Antetokounmpo’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bucks-pacers-score-giannis-antetokounmpo-b9e832e139cce6f1dad9230d8b16fd66">career high of 64</a>&nbsp;set last season against the Indiana Pacers. Antetokounmpo, who made 21 of 34 shots from the field and 16 of 17 free throws while adding 14 rebounds and seven assists, said he is striving to find the right balance as the 4-8 Bucks try to dig out of an early season hole.

DENVER (AP) — Mikko Rantanen scored twice in the third period to complete his ninth career hat trick, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 on Wednesday night. Rantanen’s goal at 10:01, his second of the night, gave Colorado the lead in the third and he added an empty-net goal with 1:59 remaining for his second hat trick of the season. Artturi Lehkonen also scored and Alexandar Georgiev made 13 saves for the Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon, who had three assists, has at least one point in 16 of 17 games this season and all 10 home games. Los Angeles goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves before leaving early in the third period with an apparent injury. David Rittich finished with three saves. Adrian Kempe had two goals, including one 32 seconds into the game, for the Kings. Lehkonen tied it at 3:40 of the first period but Kempe scored again off of a Colorado turnover with 4:09 remaining in the opening period. Rantanen tied it with 3:53 left in the second second.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Mike Tyson wasn’t in the mood for talking in the final news conference before the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-fight-47348cf07fc56edfd74cf3e6f5e0d0e5">faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul</a>. Tyson had terse answers for all the questions Wednesday night, two nights before the fight against Paul, who is 31 years younger, at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The issue of Tyson’s health didn’t come up in a small concert venue about 20 miles from AT&amp;T Stadium. A bout originally scheduled for July 20&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-postponed-jake-paul-7383b668be4a94f5e6fe9037a84be87c">was postponed to Friday night</a>&nbsp;after Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer when he fell ill on a flight.

WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 3 UCONN 90, Le Moyne 49

No. 14 Creighton 78, Houston Christian 43

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-bcf56ea73a934ddf8f76dc53c61e8dd9">coming out of retirement</a>&nbsp;to rejoin the U.S. Ski Team, she announced Thursday, intending to race again at age 40 — and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/lindsey-vonn-eyes-some-unfinished-business-at-2018-olympics-ce3572489b124ca68dde550b70d00bde">six years after her last Olympics</a>. Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist, including a downhill gold and super-G bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f8a0218d772140d68bfd3609de96910d">bronze in the downhill</a>&nbsp;at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. She is also a four-time overall World Cup champion and owns eight world championships medals. Her 82 World Cup race victories stood as the record for a woman until that total was eclipsed in January 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-mikaela-shiffrin-lindsey-vonn-austria-italy-2f294929af9a957b90808372999320c8">by American Mikaela Shiffrin</a>, who is still active and is now up to 97 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5493bf6d8bec45d3b4ee78b47294db0f">Before eclipsing Vonn’s total, Shiffrin said</a>: “I don’t know if I could fill Lindsey’s shoes, the way that she has worn them.”MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers wasn’t sure it was a good thing that Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 of the team’s 24 first-quarter points on Wednesday night. But Rivers could smile about it after Antetokounmpo finished with 59 points in the Bucks’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bucks-pistons-core-antetokounmpo-be78d45c275e2203db0233dc5d246175">127-120 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons</a>. It was the highest total by any NBA player this season and five short of Antetokounmpo’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bucks-pacers-score-giannis-antetokounmpo-b9e832e139cce6f1dad9230d8b16fd66">career high of 64</a>&nbsp;set last season against the Indiana Pacers. Antetokounmpo, who made 21 of 34 shots from the field and 16 of 17 free throws while adding 14 rebounds and seven assists, said he is striving to find the right balance as the 4-8 Bucks try to dig out of an early season hole.DENVER (AP) — Mikko Rantanen scored twice in the third period to complete his ninth career hat trick, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 on Wednesday night. Rantanen’s goal at 10:01, his second of the night, gave Colorado the lead in the third and he added an empty-net goal with 1:59 remaining for his second hat trick of the season. Artturi Lehkonen also scored and Alexandar Georgiev made 13 saves for the Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon, who had three assists, has at least one point in 16 of 17 games this season and all 10 home games. Los Angeles goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves before leaving early in the third period with an apparent injury. David Rittich finished with three saves. Adrian Kempe had two goals, including one 32 seconds into the game, for the Kings. Lehkonen tied it at 3:40 of the first period but Kempe scored again off of a Colorado turnover with 4:09 remaining in the opening period. Rantanen tied it with 3:53 left in the second second.IRVING, Texas (AP) — Mike Tyson wasn’t in the mood for talking in the final news conference before the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-jake-paul-fight-47348cf07fc56edfd74cf3e6f5e0d0e5">faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul</a>. Tyson had terse answers for all the questions Wednesday night, two nights before the fight against Paul, who is 31 years younger, at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The issue of Tyson’s health didn’t come up in a small concert venue about 20 miles from AT&amp;T Stadium. A bout originally scheduled for July 20&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-tyson-postponed-jake-paul-7383b668be4a94f5e6fe9037a84be87c">was postponed to Friday night</a>&nbsp;after Tyson had to be treated for a stomach ulcer when he fell ill on a flight.WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 3 UCONN 90, Le Moyne 49No. 5 Auburn 79, Kent State 56No. 8 Houston 91, Louisiana 45No. 11 Tennessee 92, Montana 57No. 14 Creighton 78, Houston Christian 43No. 18 Arkansas 65, Troy 49No. 22 St. John's 66, Wagner 45

Thursday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich has been away from the team because he suffered a mild stroke earlier this month, the San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday.

Popovich is in his 29th season as coach of the Spurs and there is no timetable for his return to the sideline, the team said. The stroke happened on Nov. 2 at the team’s arena, and Popovich is expected to make a full recovery.

The 75-year-old Popovich, the NBA’s all-time win leader who has led the Spurs to five titles and USA Basketball to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has already started a rehabilitation program, the team said.

“During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family,” the Spurs said in a release.

Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been the acting head coach in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs play at home Wednesday against Washington, and that will be the seventh straight game where Johnson will be filling in for Popovich.

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or if a blood vessel in the brain bursts. That deprives the brain of oxygen which can cause brain damage that can lead to difficulty thinking, talking and walking, or even death. Strokes may lead to difficulty speaking, paralysis or loss of movement in certain muscles, memory loss and more.

It is unknown if Popovich is dealing with any aftereffects of the stroke.

Stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half a million Americans have a stroke every year.

The Spurs were playing the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Nov. 2, and Popovich’s medical episode there occurred in the hours before that game. Johnson took over for that night’s contest, which the Spurs won, after the team said Popovich was not feeling well.

Johnson and Popovich spoke the following day. The Spurs had not released much in the way of details since, prior to Wednesday’s announcement about the stroke.

“Right now, his health is the No. 1 priority,” Johnson said on Nov. 4, adding, “He’s in good spirits. He’ll be OK. He is OK. And we can’t wait to have him back.”

Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA coach of the year award three times, Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He’s one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (9), John Kundla (5) and Riley (5) are the others.

Popovich has been part of the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988 through 1992, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. He made the decision to fire coach Bob Hill and appoint himself coach on Dec. 10, 1996.

He’s been the Spurs’ sideline boss ever since.

Popovich’s 29-year run with the Spurs is a span the likes of which has been nearly unmatched in U.S. major pro sports history.

Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, George Halas coached the Chicago Bears for 40 years and John McGraw managed the New York Giants for 31 years. Those three tenures — all wrapping up well over a half-century ago — are the only ones exceeding Popovich’s run with the Spurs; his 29-year era in San Antonio to this point matches the tenures that Dallas Cowboys’ Tom Landry and the Green Bay Packers’ Curly Lambeau had in those jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731524447994.png" alt="San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a call by the official during the second half of an NBA game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City. (AP photo/Rick Egan)" />
 <figcaption>San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts after a call by the official during the second half of an NBA game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in Salt Lake City. (AP photo/Rick Egan)</figcaption>
 </figure>Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich has been away from the team because he suffered a mild stroke earlier this month, the San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday.Popovich is in his 29th season as coach of the Spurs and there is no timetable for his return to the sideline, the team said. The stroke happened on Nov. 2 at the team’s arena, and Popovich is expected to make a full recovery.The 75-year-old Popovich, the NBA’s all-time win leader who has led the Spurs to five titles and USA Basketball to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has already started a rehabilitation program, the team said.“During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family,” the Spurs said in a release.Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been the acting head coach in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs play at home Wednesday against Washington, and that will be the seventh straight game where Johnson will be filling in for Popovich.A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or if a blood vessel in the brain bursts. That deprives the brain of oxygen which can cause brain damage that can lead to difficulty thinking, talking and walking, or even death. Strokes may lead to difficulty speaking, paralysis or loss of movement in certain muscles, memory loss and more.It is unknown if Popovich is dealing with any aftereffects of the stroke.Stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half a million Americans have a stroke every year.The Spurs were playing the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Nov. 2, and Popovich’s medical episode there occurred in the hours before that game. Johnson took over for that night’s contest, which the Spurs won, after the team said Popovich was not feeling well.Johnson and Popovich spoke the following day. The Spurs had not released much in the way of details since, prior to Wednesday’s announcement about the stroke.“Right now, his health is the No. 1 priority,” Johnson said on Nov. 4, adding, “He’s in good spirits. He’ll be OK. He is OK. And we can’t wait to have him back.”Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA coach of the year award three times, Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He’s one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (9), John Kundla (5) and Riley (5) are the others.Popovich has been part of the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988 through 1992, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. He made the decision to fire coach Bob Hill and appoint himself coach on Dec. 10, 1996.He’s been the Spurs’ sideline boss ever since.Popovich’s 29-year run with the Spurs is a span the likes of which has been nearly unmatched in U.S. major pro sports history.Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, George Halas coached the Chicago Bears for 40 years and John McGraw managed the New York Giants for 31 years. Those three tenures — all wrapping up well over a half-century ago — are the only ones exceeding Popovich’s run with the Spurs; his 29-year era in San Antonio to this point matches the tenures that Dallas Cowboys’ Tom Landry and the Green Bay Packers’ Curly Lambeau had in those jobs.

Spurs coach Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, full recovery expected

Undefeated Oregon stayed on top in the second batch of College Football Playoff rankings, while Tuesday's poll shoved Georgia completely out of the bracket after its lopsided loss to Mississippi.

Led by the Ducks, then Ohio State, the Big Ten captured four of the top five spots — a string interrupted only by Texas of the Southeastern Conference, which was slotted in at No. 3 and would receive a first-round bye.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-ole-miss-score-top-25-e9a3625b603fce0a872f1975e03aacf3">Georgia's 28-10 loss to Ole Miss</a>&nbsp;dropped the Bulldogs from third to all the way to 12th, but they would be the first team out because No. 13 Boise State of the Mountain West would receive an automatic bid and the final spot in the 12-team bracket as the fifth-best conference champion.

BYU was ranked sixth, but would receive a first-round bye as the Big 12's champion if it wins out.

Those byes go to the four highest-ranked conference champions, meaning Miami of the Atlantic Coast Conference would get a pass into the quarterfinals per this week's version of the bracket despite a loss to Georgia Tech that dropped the Hurricanes five spots to No. 9.

The other ranked teams: No. 4 Penn State, No. 5 Indiana, No. 7 Tennessee, No. 8 Notre Dame, No. 10 Alabama and No. 11 Ole Miss.

The CFP committee releases rankings every week, closing on Dec. 8 with the final poll that will determine the official pairings. College football's first 12-team playoff begins with first-round games Dec. 20-21 and concludes with the title game on Jan. 20.

Much of the hand-wringing this week had to do with Georgia’s nine-spot drop in the rankings and its ouster from the bracket. Yes, the Bulldogs have two losses, but they also have what is widely regarded as the toughest schedule in the country. It wouldn’t seem right, though, if they were ranked ahead of Ole Miss after last Saturday’s beatdown.

“Both Alabama and Ole Miss beat them head-to-head,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, who chairs the selection committee. “As we went through the rankings and looked at everyone, they obviously fell to 12, but it's based on who won in front of them, head-to-head and everything we look at in terms of body of work.”

Both the SEC and Big Ten placed four teams in the projected Week 2 bracket.

Undefeated Army of the American Athletic Conference moved up one spot to No. 24 — still behind three teams with three losses — while Colorado came in at No. 17. Coach Deion Sanders' Buffaloes can earn a spot in the Big 12 title game by winning their next two games.

First-round games will take place on the campus of the better-seeded team. Here’s what the matchups would look like based on this week's rankings (teams listed by seed, not ranking):

No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Ohio State: The Buckeyes could still get a chance to avenge their one-point loss to Oregon in the Big Ten title game.

No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Penn State: Rivalry brewing? The Rebels beat the Nittany Lions 38-25 in the 2023 Peach Bowl.

No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 Indiana: Alabama has 77 bowl appearances; Indiana has 13.

No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 8 Tennessee: The programs have split eight meetings. Notre Dame won the last one in 2005.

Utah at Colorado, Kansas at BYU: Last week, Utah and KU played like what a lot of people expected they would be this season: Big 12 contenders. Now they get a chance to play spoiler.

Tennessee at Georgia: the only matchup between top-12 teams this week. Would a Bulldogs win put them back into the bracket?

Clemson at Pittsburgh: The Tigers, ranked 20th, would conceivably get back into contention for something — a spot in the ACC title game? — with a win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731524150147.jpeg" alt="Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws the ball as Maryland linebacker Kellan Wyatt (45) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. Oregon won 39-18. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)" />
 <figcaption>Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws the ball as Maryland linebacker Kellan Wyatt (45) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. Oregon won 39-18. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)</figcaption>
 </figure>Undefeated Oregon stayed on top in the second batch of College Football Playoff rankings, while Tuesday's poll shoved Georgia completely out of the bracket after its lopsided loss to Mississippi.Led by the Ducks, then Ohio State, the Big Ten captured four of the top five spots — a string interrupted only by Texas of the Southeastern Conference, which was slotted in at No. 3 and would receive a first-round bye.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-ole-miss-score-top-25-e9a3625b603fce0a872f1975e03aacf3">Georgia's 28-10 loss to Ole Miss</a>&nbsp;dropped the Bulldogs from third to all the way to 12th, but they would be the first team out because No. 13 Boise State of the Mountain West would receive an automatic bid and the final spot in the 12-team bracket as the fifth-best conference champion.BYU was ranked sixth, but would receive a first-round bye as the Big 12's champion if it wins out.Those byes go to the four highest-ranked conference champions, meaning Miami of the Atlantic Coast Conference would get a pass into the quarterfinals per this week's version of the bracket despite a loss to Georgia Tech that dropped the Hurricanes five spots to No. 9.The other ranked teams: No. 4 Penn State, No. 5 Indiana, No. 7 Tennessee, No. 8 Notre Dame, No. 10 Alabama and No. 11 Ole Miss.The CFP committee releases rankings every week, closing on Dec. 8 with the final poll that will determine the official pairings. College football's first 12-team playoff begins with first-round games Dec. 20-21 and concludes with the title game on Jan. 20.Much of the hand-wringing this week had to do with Georgia’s nine-spot drop in the rankings and its ouster from the bracket. Yes, the Bulldogs have two losses, but they also have what is widely regarded as the toughest schedule in the country. It wouldn’t seem right, though, if they were ranked ahead of Ole Miss after last Saturday’s beatdown.“Both Alabama and Ole Miss beat them head-to-head,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, who chairs the selection committee. “As we went through the rankings and looked at everyone, they obviously fell to 12, but it's based on who won in front of them, head-to-head and everything we look at in terms of body of work.”Both the SEC and Big Ten placed four teams in the projected Week 2 bracket.Undefeated Army of the American Athletic Conference moved up one spot to No. 24 — still behind three teams with three losses — while Colorado came in at No. 17. Coach Deion Sanders' Buffaloes can earn a spot in the Big 12 title game by winning their next two games.<h2>Projected first-round matchups</h2>First-round games will take place on the campus of the better-seeded team. Here’s what the matchups would look like based on this week's rankings (teams listed by seed, not ranking):No. 12 Boise State at No. 5 Ohio State: The Buckeyes could still get a chance to avenge their one-point loss to Oregon in the Big Ten title game.No. 11 Ole Miss at No. 6 Penn State: Rivalry brewing? The Rebels beat the Nittany Lions 38-25 in the 2023 Peach Bowl.No. 10 Alabama at No. 7 Indiana: Alabama has 77 bowl appearances; Indiana has 13.No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 8 Tennessee: The programs have split eight meetings. Notre Dame won the last one in 2005.<h2>Big games this week</h2>Utah at Colorado, Kansas at BYU: Last week, Utah and KU played like what a lot of people expected they would be this season: Big 12 contenders. Now they get a chance to play spoiler.Tennessee at Georgia: the only matchup between top-12 teams this week. Would a Bulldogs win put them back into the bracket?Clemson at Pittsburgh: The Tigers, ranked 20th, would conceivably get back into contention for something — a spot in the ACC title game? — with a win.

Oregon tops Week 2 College Football Playoff rankings; Georgia falls out

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Second half adjustments by the 2nd ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team Tuesday night paid dividends as the Cougars pulled away for a 93-74 victory hosting North Platte Community College.

Notching the first of a four-game homestand, the now 3-0 Cougars' plays host this weekend for the Best Western/Booster Club Classic, playing both Friday and Saturday's 7:30 p.m. contests against Northern Oklahoma College-Enid and Harry S. Truman College respectively. The Cougar women play the 5:30 p.m. tip-offs, Friday against Redlands Community College followed by the developmental squad of Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday.

The Classic is joined by the nationally ranked squads from Hutchinson Community College, the top ranked defending champion women's squad playing the 1:00 p.m. contests with the 15th ranked Blue Dragon men taking the court for the 3:00 p.m. tips.

Barton found themselves in a first half dogfight to lead by just six but doubled up the margin three minutes coming out of the locker room.

North Platte connected on 8-of-13 from long distance in the first half keeping it close but in the final twenty the Cougar defense clamped down and held the Knights to just 3-of-11 three-point shooting and forced 11 turnovers.

The Cougars meanwhile were solid from beyond the arc at 44% (11-of-25), cutting down its miscues to just four in the second half, and controlled the paint for a plus-12 point advantage and an even larger plus-16 in points off turnovers.

Five Cougars reached double figures with nine scoring,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;leading the squad with a stat stuffing 21 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/williams_fontaine_k5rg">Fontaine Williams</a>' 18 points and 3-of-5 three-point shooting and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/ivanov_pavel_8ify">Pavel Ivanov</a>'s perfect three long distance ringing's for 13 points helped Barton to a plus-22 point advantage in bench scoring

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/rodriguez_aris_jaun">Aris Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;also contributed 13 points on 3-of-7 arc busting shots as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/sanogo_modibo_knhy">Modibo Sanogo</a>&nbsp;worked inside for 12 points and 8 rebounds.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>&nbsp;led the Cougars to a plus-5 edge on the boards with a game high 13 rebounds while adding 6 points and distributing a team second best 4 assists.

Four Knights reached double figures led by Justus Michael's 21 points in part to 4-of-6 three-point shooting. Mo Diao added 18 points with 7 rebounds and team high 3 steals, Alex Harper's 3-of-7 led to 12 points, and Trey Summers knocked down a pair of treys towards a 10 point night with a team leading 4 assists. Daniel Nwauzu led in rebounding with 10, four coming on the offensive glass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731504567140.jpeg" alt="Fontaine Williams" />
 <figcaption>Fontaine Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoSecond half adjustments by the 2nd ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team Tuesday night paid dividends as the Cougars pulled away for a 93-74 victory hosting North Platte Community College.Notching the first of a four-game homestand, the now 3-0 Cougars' plays host this weekend for the Best Western/Booster Club Classic, playing both Friday and Saturday's 7:30 p.m. contests against Northern Oklahoma College-Enid and Harry S. Truman College respectively. The Cougar women play the 5:30 p.m. tip-offs, Friday against Redlands Community College followed by the developmental squad of Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday.The Classic is joined by the nationally ranked squads from Hutchinson Community College, the top ranked defending champion women's squad playing the 1:00 p.m. contests with the 15th ranked Blue Dragon men taking the court for the 3:00 p.m. tips.Barton found themselves in a first half dogfight to lead by just six but doubled up the margin three minutes coming out of the locker room.North Platte connected on 8-of-13 from long distance in the first half keeping it close but in the final twenty the Cougar defense clamped down and held the Knights to just 3-of-11 three-point shooting and forced 11 turnovers.The Cougars meanwhile were solid from beyond the arc at 44% (11-of-25), cutting down its miscues to just four in the second half, and controlled the paint for a plus-12 point advantage and an even larger plus-16 in points off turnovers.Five Cougars reached double figures with nine scoring,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;leading the squad with a stat stuffing 21 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/williams_fontaine_k5rg">Fontaine Williams</a>' 18 points and 3-of-5 three-point shooting and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/ivanov_pavel_8ify">Pavel Ivanov</a>'s perfect three long distance ringing's for 13 points helped Barton to a plus-22 point advantage in bench scoring<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/rodriguez_aris_jaun">Aris Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;also contributed 13 points on 3-of-7 arc busting shots as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/sanogo_modibo_knhy">Modibo Sanogo</a>&nbsp;worked inside for 12 points and 8 rebounds.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>&nbsp;led the Cougars to a plus-5 edge on the boards with a game high 13 rebounds while adding 6 points and distributing a team second best 4 assists.Four Knights reached double figures led by Justus Michael's 21 points in part to 4-of-6 three-point shooting. Mo Diao added 18 points with 7 rebounds and team high 3 steals, Alex Harper's 3-of-7 led to 12 points, and Trey Summers knocked down a pair of treys towards a 10 point night with a team leading 4 assists. Daniel Nwauzu led in rebounding with 10, four coming on the offensive glass.

Second half adjustment pays dividends, No. 2 Cougars pull away in home opener

ATLANTA (AP) — Otega Oweh knocked down four free throws in the final 10.3 seconds and No. 19 Kentucky claimed the first big win of Mark Pope’s coaching tenure, knocking off No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. In the frenetic closing seconds, Duke (2-1) tied the game at 72 on Cooper Flagg’s lay-in with 1:14 remaining but never got off another shot. Flagg ruined a 26-point night by turning it over twice in the final minute to hand the victory to the Wildcats (3-0). Oweh had a steal that led to a pair of free throws, then snatched away an offensive rebound off a missed free throw by Lamont Butler, drawing another foul that set up two more free throws with 0.5 seconds left. Andrew Carr paced Kentucky with 17 points, while Oweh added 15.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-dak-prescott-hamstring-injury-682c8bcf12f1151e8e2da897d85e02d8">Dak Prescott</a>&nbsp;has decided on surgery for his torn hamstring, ending the season for the franchise quarterback of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-cowboys-analysis-f79208d06847b02a8eb6b59eea19f110">the Dallas Cowboys</a>&nbsp;when their playoff hopes were already fading fast. Owner Jerry Jones said Prescott will have the surgery Wednesday in New York. Jones was speaking on his radio show Tuesday. “His prognosis is wonderful,” Jones said. “It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year.” The decision comes a little more than a week after Prescott injured the hamstring in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-falcons-dallas-cowboys-score-nfl-1ee3cde620ceb17241e79fc1b35d1fb7">a 27-21 loss at Atlanta</a>. He was on the sideline for Dallas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-eagles-score-4b5c6d77d0629b63e0fd7aba0a399921">fourth consecutive loss</a>, 34-6 at home to Philadelphia on Sunday. The Cowboys (3-6) already knew they would be without last season’s runner-up in NFL MVP voting for at least a month, and were resigned to the outcome that was finalized after Prescott visited one more specialist. The recovery time is at least three months, about the amount of time former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith was sidelined after sustaining a similar injury in training camp two years ago.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma’s president and athletic director gave coach Brent Venables a vote of confidence on Tuesday after the school’s Board of Regents meeting. The Sooners are 5-5 overall and 1-5 in league play during their first season in the Southeastern Conference. Venables, in his third season, has a 21-15 overall record. “We all get emotional over during the course of a season,” Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz Jr. said. “What’s unwavering is the commitment to him. This is a new era for us, but it’s also a new era for college athletics, and there’s going to be a lot of adjustment, and there’s going to be a lot that takes place. As far as my commitment to coach Venables, it’s 100 percent.” Venables took over after Lincoln Riley left for Southern California following the 2021 season. The Sooners went 6-7 in Venables’ first year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-florida-oklahoma-state-seminoles-066c429368b9ae47d9e7a110452b1f06">losing the Cheez-It Bowl</a>&nbsp;to Florida State.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins had 21 points, nine assists and six steals to help No. 3 Southern California trounce Cal State Northridge 124-39 on Tuesday night. The Trojans (3-0) had six players in double figures, including Kiki Iriafen with 15 points and Kayleigh Heckel with 14 points off the bench. All 13 Trojans who played scored. The team’s total points were a program record. Laini Dahlin scored 11 points and Erika Aspajo added 10 for the Matadors (2-1). USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb earned her 300th career victory. Her players waved ‘300’ signs after the game and jumped up and down around her.

WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 1 Kansas 77, Michigan State 69

NCAA WOMEN TOP 25 No. 3 USC 124, Cal State Northridge 39

No. 14 North Carolina 66, North Carolina A&amp;T 47

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Otega Oweh knocked down four free throws in the final 10.3 seconds and No. 19 Kentucky claimed the first big win of Mark Pope’s coaching tenure, knocking off No. 6 Duke 77-72 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night. In the frenetic closing seconds, Duke (2-1) tied the game at 72 on Cooper Flagg’s lay-in with 1:14 remaining but never got off another shot. Flagg ruined a 26-point night by turning it over twice in the final minute to hand the victory to the Wildcats (3-0). Oweh had a steal that led to a pair of free throws, then snatched away an offensive rebound off a missed free throw by Lamont Butler, drawing another foul that set up two more free throws with 0.5 seconds left. Andrew Carr paced Kentucky with 17 points, while Oweh added 15.FRISCO, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-dak-prescott-hamstring-injury-682c8bcf12f1151e8e2da897d85e02d8">Dak Prescott</a>&nbsp;has decided on surgery for his torn hamstring, ending the season for the franchise quarterback of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-cowboys-analysis-f79208d06847b02a8eb6b59eea19f110">the Dallas Cowboys</a>&nbsp;when their playoff hopes were already fading fast. Owner Jerry Jones said Prescott will have the surgery Wednesday in New York. Jones was speaking on his radio show Tuesday. “His prognosis is wonderful,” Jones said. “It just means we’re not going to have him for the rest of the year.” The decision comes a little more than a week after Prescott injured the hamstring in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-falcons-dallas-cowboys-score-nfl-1ee3cde620ceb17241e79fc1b35d1fb7">a 27-21 loss at Atlanta</a>. He was on the sideline for Dallas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-eagles-score-4b5c6d77d0629b63e0fd7aba0a399921">fourth consecutive loss</a>, 34-6 at home to Philadelphia on Sunday. The Cowboys (3-6) already knew they would be without last season’s runner-up in NFL MVP voting for at least a month, and were resigned to the outcome that was finalized after Prescott visited one more specialist. The recovery time is at least three months, about the amount of time former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith was sidelined after sustaining a similar injury in training camp two years ago.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma’s president and athletic director gave coach Brent Venables a vote of confidence on Tuesday after the school’s Board of Regents meeting. The Sooners are 5-5 overall and 1-5 in league play during their first season in the Southeastern Conference. Venables, in his third season, has a 21-15 overall record. “We all get emotional over during the course of a season,” Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz Jr. said. “What’s unwavering is the commitment to him. This is a new era for us, but it’s also a new era for college athletics, and there’s going to be a lot of adjustment, and there’s going to be a lot that takes place. As far as my commitment to coach Venables, it’s 100 percent.” Venables took over after Lincoln Riley left for Southern California following the 2021 season. The Sooners went 6-7 in Venables’ first year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-florida-oklahoma-state-seminoles-066c429368b9ae47d9e7a110452b1f06">losing the Cheez-It Bowl</a>&nbsp;to Florida State.LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins had 21 points, nine assists and six steals to help No. 3 Southern California trounce Cal State Northridge 124-39 on Tuesday night. The Trojans (3-0) had six players in double figures, including Kiki Iriafen with 15 points and Kayleigh Heckel with 14 points off the bench. All 13 Trojans who played scored. The team’s total points were a program record. Laini Dahlin scored 11 points and Erika Aspajo added 10 for the Matadors (2-1). USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb earned her 300th career victory. Her players waved ‘300’ signs after the game and jumped up and down around her.WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 1 Kansas 77, Michigan State 69No. 19 Kentucky 77, No. 6 Duke 72No. 12 Baylor 104, Sam Houston 67No. 25 Ole Miss 64, South Alabama 54NCAA WOMEN TOP 25 No. 3 USC 124, Cal State Northridge 39No. 5 UCLA 91, Pepperdine 54No. 7 LSU 117, Charleston Southern 44No. 12 Ohio State 94, Charlotte 53No. 14 North Carolina 66, North Carolina A&amp;T 47No. 15 West Virginia 82, Pittsburgh 54No. 18 Louisville 86, UT Martin 64No. 20 Kentucky 76, Wofford 42No. 21 Nebraska 84, Southern 58No. 25 Oregon 66, North Texas 35

Wednesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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

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

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ss2r3uqs/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

Barton Men 93 North Platte 74

ATLANTA (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 28 points and Bill Self became the winningest coach in Kansas history as the No. 1 Jayhawks pulled away from Michigan State for a 77-69 victory in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night.

Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 52 with just under nine minutes remaining. KJ Adams Jr. hit a pair of free throws to put Kansas (3-0) ahead to stay.

Self improved to 591-143 in his 22nd season coaching the Jayhawks, pushing him past Phog Allen's mark of 590-129 in 36 seasons on the Kansas sideline.

Frankie Fidler led Michigan State (2-1) with 15 points.

The Jayhawks posted their second straight win over one of the nation's prominent programs, following up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-kansas-tar-heels-jayhawks-score-top-25-9919dca6cfb7cfca72b0d3133ba1026a">a 92-89 win</a>&nbsp;over No. 10 North Carolina.

Kansas: After missing 15 straight shots from the field, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run that turned an 18-16 deficit into a 30-20 lead.

Michigan State: The Spartans couldn't overcome a tough shooting night, especially from beyond the arc. They made just 3 of 24 from 3-point range.

Dajuan Harris Jr. gave the Jayhawks some breathing room when he laid one in off a fast break, drew a foul and completed the three-point play for a 68-59 lead with 4:25 to go. After tumbling to the court, Harris remained on his back for a few seconds, clapping furiously. He finished with 11 points and six assists.

The 7-foot-2 Dickinson made 13 of 21 shots from the field, including his only 3-point attempt, and grabbed 12 rebounds. He also had three steals and a block at the defensive end.

Kansas returns home Saturday to face Oakland. Michigan State hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731464445764.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 28 points and Bill Self became the winningest coach in Kansas history as the No. 1 Jayhawks pulled away from Michigan State for a 77-69 victory in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night.Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 52 with just under nine minutes remaining. KJ Adams Jr. hit a pair of free throws to put Kansas (3-0) ahead to stay.Self improved to 591-143 in his 22nd season coaching the Jayhawks, pushing him past Phog Allen's mark of 590-129 in 36 seasons on the Kansas sideline.Frankie Fidler led Michigan State (2-1) with 15 points.The Jayhawks posted their second straight win over one of the nation's prominent programs, following up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-kansas-tar-heels-jayhawks-score-top-25-9919dca6cfb7cfca72b0d3133ba1026a">a 92-89 win</a>&nbsp;over No. 10 North Carolina.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: After missing 15 straight shots from the field, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run that turned an 18-16 deficit into a 30-20 lead.Michigan State: The Spartans couldn't overcome a tough shooting night, especially from beyond the arc. They made just 3 of 24 from 3-point range.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dajuan Harris Jr. gave the Jayhawks some breathing room when he laid one in off a fast break, drew a foul and completed the three-point play for a 68-59 lead with 4:25 to go. After tumbling to the court, Harris remained on his back for a few seconds, clapping furiously. He finished with 11 points and six assists.<h2>Key stats</h2>The 7-foot-2 Dickinson made 13 of 21 shots from the field, including his only 3-point attempt, and grabbed 12 rebounds. He also had three steals and a block at the defensive end.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas returns home Saturday to face Oakland. Michigan State hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.

Self makes history at KU; top-ranked Jayhawks down Michigan State

At Tennessee, they are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nil-tennessee-volunteers-college-football-a0cb27d19f081f449dc6c8c0fd960eb4">adding a ‘talent fee’</a>&nbsp;to the price of sports tickets. At Arkansas, they will charge 3% more at the concessions stands. At Michigan and Michigan State, athletic directors sent letters alerting boosters that winning is going to start costing more. And, in a first, Clemson is going to start adding an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clemson-students-athletic-fee-a6abc6390b50a97319a084beca483f79#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Clemson%20University's%20board,athletic%20department%20in%202025%2D26.">athletic surcharge</a>&nbsp;to tuition bills.

Winning at big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.

“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans' emotional, long-held school ties more than bottom-line marketing strategies. “And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”

When the NCAA reluctantly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-sports-6fb10bea4176ac6a912138ce7f0a764e">approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL)</a>&nbsp;in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities.

Under terms of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-college-sports-nil-pay-players-b7b87c81f44ac6e32955ef89e61ca893">$2.8 billion lawsuit settlement</a>&nbsp;that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:

— Each school with the money to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.

—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop. The organization is on the hook to cover some $1.2 billion in damages under the settlement and the rest will be covered by conferences that will see less money shared each year from the NCAA and its lucrative men's basketball tournament.

— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money. For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department's bottom line. And that's on top of the revenue sharing.

“Maintaining a high level of support for our 29 NCAA athletic programs will take an elevated commitment from everyone,” Manuel wrote to Wolverines fans last month.

One possibility for Michigan might be placing advertising inside of Michigan Stadium, a practice the Wolverines have steadfastly avoided over the decades. The school also sent out a recent survey asking, among other questions, if fans were willing to pay between $3,000 and $4,000 for a new tranche of chairback seats, which are rare outside of club sections at The Big House.

Not all fans are signing on amid ‘donor fatigue’

In 2023, it cost two fans an&nbsp;<a href="https://oddspedia.com/us/insights/features/college-football-gamedays-comparison-study">average of around $180 to attend a college football game</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bookies.com/nfl/picks/here-s-how-much-it-costs-to-attend-an-nfl-game-in-2023">about $340 to go to an NFL game.</a>&nbsp;After all, college sports didn't have to worry about the biggest expense on a pro team's budget — player salaries.

NIL started chipping away at that, and once the terms of the lawsuit settlement go into effect, that dynamic will shift even more. Michigan State AD Alan Haller told Spartans fans his department's '25-26 budget will include between $25 million to $30 million in added expenses.

“As a department, we will continue to explore new opportunities for both revenue generation and cost containment,” Haller said. “However, without a doubt, your continued generosity and involvement will be paramount to our quest for excellence.”

Some fans will undoubtedly keep writing checks to keep the players — and hopefully, the wins — coming, along with retaining their “rights” to buy a certain number of tickets for football games.

A tour around the parking lot before this season's Michigan-Michigan State game found others who sounded more reluctant.

“The price of the education is out of hand,” said Michigan State fan Mike Bouchard, citing a more than $55,000 price for an out-of-state undergrad to attend his alma mater. “There's absolutely no way I'm going to dig into my pocket over and above that amount. Tell them to use their hundreds of millions in endowments.”

“Absolutely not,” said Ann Arbor resident Michael Ketslakh when asked if he would give more to support Michigan athletics. “I think it's excessive. It's bad for the sports.”

Rick Karcher, the faculty athletics representative at Eastern Michigan, said fans continue to pay because, unlike pro sports where everyone knows the profits go to billionaire owners, the economic models in college are often hard to nail down.

“College sports fans, students and boosters are willing to continue absorbing the operational costs while the team’s coaches and administrators get richer because they view athletics as separate from the university,” he said.

Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs

Earlier this fall, Texas Tech said it was budgeting $14.7 million for this fiscal year — about $9 million more than the previous year — in support for the athletic program, which has a budget of nearly $129 million.

“I think if any unit on this campus was facing a 20-something-percent cut in their revenue, we would have to look at how we might respond, and we will in this case,” school President Lawrence Schovanec explained.

Texas Tech is hardly alone in contributing to its athletic program, but not every school runs by the same model. At Florida, for instance, sports are run by the University Athletic Association, which not only has funded sports but has often given money back to the school.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2023/08/the-uf-athletics-department-budget-increased-19-million-in-the-2023-fiscal-year?ct=content_open&amp;cv=cbox_latest">story in the student-produced Florida Independent Alligator</a>&nbsp;said UF sports revenue was eighth-highest in the nation; two of its biggest boosters have given eight-figure sums to the UAA’s fundraising arm.

Clearly, though, it’s not only eight-figure donations that will keep college sports running.

Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices.

“That connection between resources and competitiveness has never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729517183848.jpeg" alt="Oregon head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with fans after his team defeated Purdue in an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)" />
 <figcaption>Oregon head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with fans after his team defeated Purdue in an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)</figcaption>
 </figure>At Tennessee, they are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nil-tennessee-volunteers-college-football-a0cb27d19f081f449dc6c8c0fd960eb4">adding a ‘talent fee’</a>&nbsp;to the price of sports tickets. At Arkansas, they will charge 3% more at the concessions stands. At Michigan and Michigan State, athletic directors sent letters alerting boosters that winning is going to start costing more. And, in a first, Clemson is going to start adding an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clemson-students-athletic-fee-a6abc6390b50a97319a084beca483f79#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Clemson%20University's%20board,athletic%20department%20in%202025%2D26.">athletic surcharge</a>&nbsp;to tuition bills.Winning at big-time college sports has never been free, but in a rapidly changing era in which players are allowed to earn money and be paid by their own schools, it has never been clearer that fans will be picking up a bigger part of the tab.“College athletics hasn’t professionalized as much as I think it was capable of,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports-business professor who believes most schools still rely on fans' emotional, long-held school ties more than bottom-line marketing strategies. “And now, I think this is forcing them in that direction.”When the NCAA reluctantly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-sports-6fb10bea4176ac6a912138ce7f0a764e">approved payments to players for use of their names, images and likenesses (NIL)</a>&nbsp;in 2021, boosters who used to give to schools and their athletic departments started funneling money to collectives — independent organizations that raised the money and paid the athletes. Those collectives are becoming more and more closely linked to the universities.Under terms of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-college-sports-nil-pay-players-b7b87c81f44ac6e32955ef89e61ca893">$2.8 billion lawsuit settlement</a>&nbsp;that is on track to take effect next year, the NIL deals will remain in full force and the schools themselves will be dealing with other multimillion-dollar changes to their bottom lines, including:— Each school with the money to do it will be allowed to share as much as $22 million in annual revenue with athletes — money they get from tickets sales, TV contracts and other sources. They can share less, but top recruits will be front of mind in the arms race for talent.—The amount the NCAA pays more than 350 Division I schools every year is going to drop. The organization is on the hook to cover some $1.2 billion in damages under the settlement and the rest will be covered by conferences that will see less money shared each year from the NCAA and its lucrative men's basketball tournament.— Schools will be allowed to offer more scholarships across all sports and that costs money. For instance, a school could offer up to 20 additional scholarships for a total of 105 in football. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said adding scholarships across sports could add $29 million in education costs to the department's bottom line. And that's on top of the revenue sharing.“Maintaining a high level of support for our 29 NCAA athletic programs will take an elevated commitment from everyone,” Manuel wrote to Wolverines fans last month.One possibility for Michigan might be placing advertising inside of Michigan Stadium, a practice the Wolverines have steadfastly avoided over the decades. The school also sent out a recent survey asking, among other questions, if fans were willing to pay between $3,000 and $4,000 for a new tranche of chairback seats, which are rare outside of club sections at The Big House.<h2>Not all fans are signing on amid ‘donor fatigue’</h2>In 2023, it cost two fans an&nbsp;<a href="https://oddspedia.com/us/insights/features/college-football-gamedays-comparison-study">average of around $180 to attend a college football game</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bookies.com/nfl/picks/here-s-how-much-it-costs-to-attend-an-nfl-game-in-2023">about $340 to go to an NFL game.</a>&nbsp;After all, college sports didn't have to worry about the biggest expense on a pro team's budget — player salaries.NIL started chipping away at that, and once the terms of the lawsuit settlement go into effect, that dynamic will shift even more. Michigan State AD Alan Haller told Spartans fans his department's '25-26 budget will include between $25 million to $30 million in added expenses.“As a department, we will continue to explore new opportunities for both revenue generation and cost containment,” Haller said. “However, without a doubt, your continued generosity and involvement will be paramount to our quest for excellence.”Some fans will undoubtedly keep writing checks to keep the players — and hopefully, the wins — coming, along with retaining their “rights” to buy a certain number of tickets for football games.A tour around the parking lot before this season's Michigan-Michigan State game found others who sounded more reluctant.“The price of the education is out of hand,” said Michigan State fan Mike Bouchard, citing a more than $55,000 price for an out-of-state undergrad to attend his alma mater. “There's absolutely no way I'm going to dig into my pocket over and above that amount. Tell them to use their hundreds of millions in endowments.”“Absolutely not,” said Ann Arbor resident Michael Ketslakh when asked if he would give more to support Michigan athletics. “I think it's excessive. It's bad for the sports.”Rick Karcher, the faculty athletics representative at Eastern Michigan, said fans continue to pay because, unlike pro sports where everyone knows the profits go to billionaire owners, the economic models in college are often hard to nail down.“College sports fans, students and boosters are willing to continue absorbing the operational costs while the team’s coaches and administrators get richer because they view athletics as separate from the university,” he said.<h2>Schools look for other ways of absorbing higher costs</h2>Earlier this fall, Texas Tech said it was budgeting $14.7 million for this fiscal year — about $9 million more than the previous year — in support for the athletic program, which has a budget of nearly $129 million.“I think if any unit on this campus was facing a 20-something-percent cut in their revenue, we would have to look at how we might respond, and we will in this case,” school President Lawrence Schovanec explained.Texas Tech is hardly alone in contributing to its athletic program, but not every school runs by the same model. At Florida, for instance, sports are run by the University Athletic Association, which not only has funded sports but has often given money back to the school.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2023/08/the-uf-athletics-department-budget-increased-19-million-in-the-2023-fiscal-year?ct=content_open&amp;cv=cbox_latest">story in the student-produced Florida Independent Alligator</a>&nbsp;said UF sports revenue was eighth-highest in the nation; two of its biggest boosters have given eight-figure sums to the UAA’s fundraising arm.Clearly, though, it’s not only eight-figure donations that will keep college sports running.Tennessee was among the first to grab headlines early in the football season when AD Danny White said the school was adding a 10% “talent fee” for 2025 football ticket renewals. That was on top of a 4.5% hike in ticket prices.“That connection between resources and competitiveness has never been tighter,” White said. “Only now we have the ability to share these resources with our athletes.”At Arkansas, AD Hunter Yurachek explained the 3% fee on concessions in a letter to fans that noted the importance of continuing to “maximize additional revenue opportunities” At Clemson, which long prided itself on not charging fees or ticket prices to students, the plan is to raise between $7 million and $8 million by adding a $150 “athletic fee” per semester to the price of tuition. The Tigers have been to four national title games over the past decade and won it twice.“I think it’s kind of ridiculous, but there comes a point when we have good enough sports teams that it’s kind of valid,” student Sam Gault told South Carolina's WSPA-TV when the fee was unveiled earlier this month.To win big, schools will have to pay big, and simply fielding a competitive team is no longer a given. The question hanging over college sports is where the money will come from.“You can pay more for tickets, put a sponsor patch on the uniforms, cut non-revenue sports or (start calling) the Big 12, the ‘Dr. Pepper Conference,'” said Popp, the professor at North Carolina. “I don’t think fans are anxious for any of those, but what might they be willing to accept? I think that's what athletic departments have to figure out.”