KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke tossed six innings of one-run ball, Edward Olivares hit two solo homers and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1 on Friday night.

Both Grienke (1-4) and Olivares were activated from rehab assignments on Friday.

After missing 43 games with a right quad strain, Olivares belted homers to left field in his first two at-bats — in the third and fifth innings — for his first career multi-homer game.

“I was super excited,” Olivares said. “I had been waiting for this day for a long time. I’m here and happy to contribute.”

Greinke allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts in his first start since May 29, his longest outing since May 5 against St. Louis and the first win in his second stint with Kansas City.

“Zack has been so good on his rehabs, you can tell that he is pitching better and comes out there and just pounds the zone with everything,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He was really efficient working ahead in the count and just making him trust the defense. There was a lot of first-pitch swinging going on. He had a really good tempo and came right at them. I was happy for Zack to lead the way for us and get the win.”

Greinke sat down the first nine batters before Tony Kemp hit a leadoff single in the fourth. Seth Brown hit a two-out RBI single that scored Kemp.

“That is Zack at his best,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He is a master at his craft and knows how to set pitches up, use the strike zone well, keep the ball down and that is what he does and he did it well tonight.”

Royals relievers Dylan Coleman and Jose Cuas each held the A’s scoreless in an inning. Scott Barlow earned his ninth save of the season.

Carlos Santana added some insurance with an RBI single in the sixth.

Cole Irvin (2-5) gave up three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts and a season-high three walks.

“It was another good outing for Irvin,” Kotsay said. “It was one hitter who was the result of two home runs. He pitched well and efficient.”

Seth Brown and Sean Murphy each had two-hit games for the A’s, who lost the opening game of a series for the 10th straight time.

Royals: Kansas City announced that C Salvador Perez had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and was placed on the 10-day injured list. Olivares was activated in the corresponding move. The Royals also moved LHP Daniel Lynch (left index finger blister) on the 15-day injured list and activated Greinke.

Jared Koenig (1-2, 6.59 ERA) will pitch for Oakland in a Saturday matinee. Brad Keller (2-8, 4.30 ERA) will counter for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke tossed six innings of one-run ball, Edward Olivares hit two solo homers and the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1 on Friday night.Both Grienke (1-4) and Olivares were activated from rehab assignments on Friday.After missing 43 games with a right quad strain, Olivares belted homers to left field in his first two at-bats — in the third and fifth innings — for his first career multi-homer game.“I was super excited,” Olivares said. “I had been waiting for this day for a long time. I’m here and happy to contribute.”Greinke allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts in his first start since May 29, his longest outing since May 5 against St. Louis and the first win in his second stint with Kansas City.“Zack has been so good on his rehabs, you can tell that he is pitching better and comes out there and just pounds the zone with everything,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He was really efficient working ahead in the count and just making him trust the defense. There was a lot of first-pitch swinging going on. He had a really good tempo and came right at them. I was happy for Zack to lead the way for us and get the win.”Greinke sat down the first nine batters before Tony Kemp hit a leadoff single in the fourth. Seth Brown hit a two-out RBI single that scored Kemp.“That is Zack at his best,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He is a master at his craft and knows how to set pitches up, use the strike zone well, keep the ball down and that is what he does and he did it well tonight.”Royals relievers Dylan Coleman and Jose Cuas each held the A’s scoreless in an inning. Scott Barlow earned his ninth save of the season.Carlos Santana added some insurance with an RBI single in the sixth.Cole Irvin (2-5) gave up three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts and a season-high three walks.“It was another good outing for Irvin,” Kotsay said. “It was one hitter who was the result of two home runs. He pitched well and efficient.”Seth Brown and Sean Murphy each had two-hit games for the A’s, who lost the opening game of a series for the 10th straight time.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Kansas City announced that C Salvador Perez had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and was placed on the 10-day injured list. Olivares was activated in the corresponding move. The Royals also moved LHP Daniel Lynch (left index finger blister) on the 15-day injured list and activated Greinke.UP NEXTJared Koenig (1-2, 6.59 ERA) will pitch for Oakland in a Saturday matinee. Brad Keller (2-8, 4.30 ERA) will counter for Kansas City.

Greinke, Olivares return, power Royals to 3-1 win over A’s

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang continued the process of building his first team on Friday morning (June 24) with the signing of graduate transfer Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Ibadan, Nigeria/ Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy (Ga.)/Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra) to a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.

Iyiola is the seventh player to sign with the Wildcats since Tang was introduced as the program's head coach on March 21, including the fifth Division I transfer following Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech) and Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State). Overall, Iyiola is the eighth newcomer added to the team for the 2022-23 season.

A 6-foot-10, 215-pound center, Iyiola arrives at K-State after playing the 2021-22 season at Hofstra, where he saw action in 28 games with 25 starts. He helped the Pride win 21 games, including 13 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, while leading the team in both field goal percentage (63.2) and rebounding (7.1 rpg.). Among his 4 double-doubles was an 18-point, 14-rebound effort in a win over No. 24 Arkansas on December 18, 2021.

Iyiola also has experience playing at both Stetson (2017-19) and Arkansas (2019-21), although he played in just one game as a Razorback due to injury. At Stetson, he was a member of the 2018 Atlantic Sun (ASUN) All-Freshman Team, leading the team and ranking eighth in the league in rebounding (6.2 rpg.). He would play in 63 games with 39 starts as a Hatter, averaging 10.4 points on 50.1 percent shooting with 6.9 rebounds in 21 minutes per game.

Overall, Iyiola has logged 92 games of experience at the Division I level, including 64 starts, while totaling nearly 2,000 minutes played for a 20.5 per game average.

"Baybe is another great addition to our team and exactly the type of player we are looking to attract to K-State," said Tang. "We needed experience and more depth in the low post, and he gives us both. He has seen significant action in college, including playing major minutes in his first two seasons at Stetson. He really rebounded from injury (at Arkansas) to have a solid year at Hofstra. He is a talented player with 16 double-doubles to his credit."

"Most of all, Baybe continues our emphasis on guys who are winners. He won two state championships in high school, was part of a special team at Arkansas along with Desi (Sills) and won 21 games a year ago at Hofstra. He knows what it takes to be successful. We are excited to get him here and introduce him to Wildcat Nation!"

Iyiola will have one year of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granted Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 sport student-athletes an additional year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He recently completed his bachelor's degree in management from Hofstra in May 2022.

Iyiola has scored nearly 900 points in his college career, totaling 856 points (9.3 ppg.) in his 92 games played on 52.6 percent (358-of-680) shooting, while knocking down 72 percent (139-of-193) from the free throw line. He has 40 career double-digit scoring games, including 14 games of 15 or more points and three 20-point games, and 16 double-doubles (points/rebounds). In addition, he has collected 635 rebounds (6.9 rpg.), 34 assists (0.4 apg.), 67 steals (0.7 spg.) and 75 blocks (0.8 bpg.) in 1,888 minutes (20.5 mpg.) in his career.

This past season, Iyiola played in 28 of a possible 32 games, including 25 starts, for Hofstra, averaging 7.1 points on a team-best 63.2 percent (84-of-133) shooting with a team-high 7.1 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. He also connected on 76.2 percent (32-of-42) from the free throw line. He ranked fifth in the CAA in rebounding, while he was second in offensive rebounds (3.00), 11th in defensive rebounds (4.14) and 12th in blocked shots (0.6 bpg.).

Iyiola scored in double figures in seven games for the Pride, including a season-high of 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the win at Arkansas on December 18, 2021. He also registered 4 double-doubles and secured double-digit rebounds 8 times. He grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds (to go with 15 points) in a win at James Madison on January 9 to cap a stretch of five consecutive games with double-digit rebounds.

Iyiola played in all 18 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) games with 17 starts in 2021-22, averaging 6.2 points on 59.5 percent (44-of-74) shooting with a team-best 6.6 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game. He ranked seventh in the league in rebounding, fourth in offensive rebounds (2.89) and 10th in blocks (0.7 bpg.).

Prior to Hofstra, Iyiola spent two seasons (2019-21) at Arkansas playing for head coach Eric Musselman. After sitting out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA transfer rules, he played in just one game for the Razorbacks due to knee surgery. He did not start practicing with the team until December 26, 2020, as he dressed for his first game against Florida on February 16, 2021, before grabbing a rebound in 2 minutes at South Carolina on March 2, 2021.

Iyiola played alongside recent addition Desi Sills in both seasons at Arkansas, where the pair helped the Razorbacks win 45 games and advance to the Elite Eight in 2020-21.

Iyiola started his college career at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where he averaged 10.4 points (656 total) on 50.1 percent (274-of-547) shooting with 6.9 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.9 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game while playing in 63 games with 39 starts from 2017-19. He scored in double figures in 33 career games, including registering three 20-point games, with 12 double-doubles. His best scoring effort as a Hatter came at South Florida on November 28, 2018, as he poured in a career-best 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes.

Iyiola was named to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) All-Freshman Team in 2017-18, as he averaged 10.1 points on 51.9 percent (139-of-268) shooting with a team-leading 6.2 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. He ranked seventh in the ASUN in field goal percentage and eighth in rebounding. His scoring average ranked third on the team, while his 322 total points placed seventh among Stetson freshmen all-time. In all, he played in all 32 games with 8 starts, scoring in double figures 18 times and registering 4 double-doubles. He posted a double-double in his first collegiate game with 21 points and 13 rebounds vs. Webber on November 10, 2017.

His best season at Stetson came as a sophomore in 2018-19, in which he led the Hatters in scoring (10.8 ppg.), rebounding (7.6 rpg.) and blocked shots (1.2 bpg.) while starting all 31 games. He ranked fourth in the ASUN in rebounding, while he was second offensive rebounds (2.74) and fifth in blocks. He posted 8 double-doubles, while scoring in double figures 15 times and reaching double-digit in rebounds 10 times. In addition to his career-high 26 points at South Florida, he posted 22 points and 11 rebounds at Western Illinois on December 5, 2018.

Following the 2018-19 season, Iyiola followed his head coach Corey Williams to Arkansas.

The Nigerian national played for Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy in Decatur, Georgia, guiding the Eagles to a 57-7 overall record and back-to-back Class A Private School State Championships. As a senior in 2016-17, he averaged a nearly double-double with 10.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for a Greenforest squad that won 27 games and won their four playoff games by average of nearly 30 points per game.

Iyiola joins a signing class that already includes five fellow transfers in 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard Cam Carter (Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State), 6-foot-10, 216-pound center Jerrell Colbert (Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU), 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (New York City, N.Y./Urban Assembly School/Chipola [Fla.] College), 6-foot-9, 205-pound power forward David N'Guessan (De Lier, The Netherlands/Mt. Zion Prep/Virginia Tech) and 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard Desi Sills (Jonesboro, Ark./Jonesboro/Arkansas/Arkansas State)

The class also includes a pair of high school standouts in 6-foot-5, 175-pound combo guard Dorian Finister (New Orleans, La./Carver) and 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo./La Lumiere School [Ind.]). Manning signed with the previous coaching staff during the Fall 2021 Signing Period and reconfirmed his commitment to attend K-State for the 2022-23 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656087090066.png" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang continued the process of building his first team on Friday morning (June 24) with the signing of graduate transfer Abayomi "Baybe" Iyiola (Ibadan, Nigeria/ Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy (Ga.)/Stetson/Arkansas/Hofstra) to a Financial Aid Agreement with the program for the 2022-23 season.Iyiola is the seventh player to sign with the Wildcats since Tang was introduced as the program's head coach on March 21, including the fifth Division I transfer following Cam Carter (Mississippi State), Jerrell Colbert (LSU), David N'Guessan (Virginia Tech) and Desi Sills (Arkansas/Arkansas State). Overall, Iyiola is the eighth newcomer added to the team for the 2022-23 season.A 6-foot-10, 215-pound center, Iyiola arrives at K-State after playing the 2021-22 season at Hofstra, where he saw action in 28 games with 25 starts. He helped the Pride win 21 games, including 13 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, while leading the team in both field goal percentage (63.2) and rebounding (7.1 rpg.). Among his 4 double-doubles was an 18-point, 14-rebound effort in a win over No. 24 Arkansas on December 18, 2021.Iyiola also has experience playing at both Stetson (2017-19) and Arkansas (2019-21), although he played in just one game as a Razorback due to injury. At Stetson, he was a member of the 2018 Atlantic Sun (ASUN) All-Freshman Team, leading the team and ranking eighth in the league in rebounding (6.2 rpg.). He would play in 63 games with 39 starts as a Hatter, averaging 10.4 points on 50.1 percent shooting with 6.9 rebounds in 21 minutes per game.Overall, Iyiola has logged 92 games of experience at the Division I level, including 64 starts, while totaling nearly 2,000 minutes played for a 20.5 per game average."Baybe is another great addition to our team and exactly the type of player we are looking to attract to K-State," said Tang. "We needed experience and more depth in the low post, and he gives us both. He has seen significant action in college, including playing major minutes in his first two seasons at Stetson. He really rebounded from injury (at Arkansas) to have a solid year at Hofstra. He is a talented player with 16 double-doubles to his credit.""Most of all, Baybe continues our emphasis on guys who are winners. He won two state championships in high school, was part of a special team at Arkansas along with Desi (Sills) and won 21 games a year ago at Hofstra. He knows what it takes to be successful. We are excited to get him here and introduce him to Wildcat Nation!"Iyiola will have one year of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granted Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 sport student-athletes an additional year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He recently completed his bachelor's degree in management from Hofstra in May 2022.Iyiola has scored nearly 900 points in his college career, totaling 856 points (9.3 ppg.) in his 92 games played on 52.6 percent (358-of-680) shooting, while knocking down 72 percent (139-of-193) from the free throw line. He has 40 career double-digit scoring games, including 14 games of 15 or more points and three 20-point games, and 16 double-doubles (points/rebounds). In addition, he has collected 635 rebounds (6.9 rpg.), 34 assists (0.4 apg.), 67 steals (0.7 spg.) and 75 blocks (0.8 bpg.) in 1,888 minutes (20.5 mpg.) in his career.This past season, Iyiola played in 28 of a possible 32 games, including 25 starts, for Hofstra, averaging 7.1 points on a team-best 63.2 percent (84-of-133) shooting with a team-high 7.1 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. He also connected on 76.2 percent (32-of-42) from the free throw line. He ranked fifth in the CAA in rebounding, while he was second in offensive rebounds (3.00), 11th in defensive rebounds (4.14) and 12th in blocked shots (0.6 bpg.).Iyiola scored in double figures in seven games for the Pride, including a season-high of 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the win at Arkansas on December 18, 2021. He also registered 4 double-doubles and secured double-digit rebounds 8 times. He grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds (to go with 15 points) in a win at James Madison on January 9 to cap a stretch of five consecutive games with double-digit rebounds.Iyiola played in all 18 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) games with 17 starts in 2021-22, averaging 6.2 points on 59.5 percent (44-of-74) shooting with a team-best 6.6 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game. He ranked seventh in the league in rebounding, fourth in offensive rebounds (2.89) and 10th in blocks (0.7 bpg.).Prior to Hofstra, Iyiola spent two seasons (2019-21) at Arkansas playing for head coach Eric Musselman. After sitting out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA transfer rules, he played in just one game for the Razorbacks due to knee surgery. He did not start practicing with the team until December 26, 2020, as he dressed for his first game against Florida on February 16, 2021, before grabbing a rebound in 2 minutes at South Carolina on March 2, 2021.Iyiola played alongside recent addition Desi Sills in both seasons at Arkansas, where the pair helped the Razorbacks win 45 games and advance to the Elite Eight in 2020-21.Iyiola started his college career at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where he averaged 10.4 points (656 total) on 50.1 percent (274-of-547) shooting with 6.9 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.9 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game while playing in 63 games with 39 starts from 2017-19. He scored in double figures in 33 career games, including registering three 20-point games, with 12 double-doubles. His best scoring effort as a Hatter came at South Florida on November 28, 2018, as he poured in a career-best 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes.Iyiola was named to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) All-Freshman Team in 2017-18, as he averaged 10.1 points on 51.9 percent (139-of-268) shooting with a team-leading 6.2 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. He ranked seventh in the ASUN in field goal percentage and eighth in rebounding. His scoring average ranked third on the team, while his 322 total points placed seventh among Stetson freshmen all-time. In all, he played in all 32 games with 8 starts, scoring in double figures 18 times and registering 4 double-doubles. He posted a double-double in his first collegiate game with 21 points and 13 rebounds vs. Webber on November 10, 2017.His best season at Stetson came as a sophomore in 2018-19, in which he led the Hatters in scoring (10.8 ppg.), rebounding (7.6 rpg.) and blocked shots (1.2 bpg.) while starting all 31 games. He ranked fourth in the ASUN in rebounding, while he was second offensive rebounds (2.74) and fifth in blocks. He posted 8 double-doubles, while scoring in double figures 15 times and reaching double-digit in rebounds 10 times. In addition to his career-high 26 points at South Florida, he posted 22 points and 11 rebounds at Western Illinois on December 5, 2018.Following the 2018-19 season, Iyiola followed his head coach Corey Williams to Arkansas.The Nigerian national played for Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy in Decatur, Georgia, guiding the Eagles to a 57-7 overall record and back-to-back Class A Private School State Championships. As a senior in 2016-17, he averaged a nearly double-double with 10.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for a Greenforest squad that won 27 games and won their four playoff games by average of nearly 30 points per game.Iyiola joins a signing class that already includes five fellow transfers in 6-foot-3, 185-pound combo guard Cam Carter (Donaldsonville, La./Oak Hill Academy [Va.]/Mississippi State), 6-foot-10, 216-pound center Jerrell Colbert (Houston, Texas/Houston [Tenn.]/LSU), 6-foot-8, 195-pound small forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (New York City, N.Y./Urban Assembly School/Chipola [Fla.] College), 6-foot-9, 205-pound power forward David N'Guessan (De Lier, The Netherlands/Mt. Zion Prep/Virginia Tech) and 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard Desi Sills (Jonesboro, Ark./Jonesboro/Arkansas/Arkansas State)The class also includes a pair of high school standouts in 6-foot-5, 175-pound combo guard Dorian Finister (New Orleans, La./Carver) and 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo./La Lumiere School [Ind.]). Manning signed with the previous coaching staff during the Fall 2021 Signing Period and reconfirmed his commitment to attend K-State for the 2022-23 season.

Tang Signs Transfer Abayomi “Baybe” Iyiola

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ochai Agbaji developed championship DNA in college. The Cavaliers are counting on it staying with him in the pros.

Looking to add a perimeter player who can shoot, defend and maybe accelerate their timeline to NBA title contention, Cleveland selected Agbaji with the No. 14 overall pick in the draft Thursday night. Later, The Denver Nuggets selected Christian Braun with the 21st pick.

Later, The Denver Nuggets selected Christian Braun with the 21st pick.

With other options available in the first round, including Ohio State’s Malaki Branham and Duke’s AJ Griffin, the Cavs locked in on the 6-foot-5 Agbaji, who as a senior led Kansas to the NCAA title last season. Agbaji was named the most outstanding player at the Final Four, and his performance in the spotlight helped separate him from other players.

The Cavs are ready win. Agbaji knows how.

“It’s a part of his makeup and he’s coming in to a team that wants to win and he’s going to bring some unique ingredients to that,” said Koby Altman, Cleveland’s president of basketball operations. “You’re seeing national champions kind of sprinkled in these conference finals most recently and they definitely bring a chip with them. We hope he brings that to us.”

The 6-foot-6 Braun averaged 14.1 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Jayhawks last season. His 12 points and 12 rebounds helped Kansas beat North Carolina in the national championship game on April 4. He played the entire game.

This is the first draft with general manager Calvin Booth as the primary decision maker for the Nuggets. Tim Connelly, who joined the organization in 2013 and served as Denver’s president of basketball operations, was wooed by Minnesota with a lucrative deal to run that franchise.

“I think sky’s the limit. He’s always won,” Booth said of Braun. “He was an impactful player for Kansas this year. So really excited about his future and I think he has the right approach. He’s going to try to earn time and hopefully he’s able to hit the court sooner rather than later.”

Paolo Banchero was the first player taken in Thursday’s NBA draft. The 6-10 forward was chosen by the Magic after leading Duke to the Final Four as a freshman. Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Blue Devils. Going second overall to the Thunder was Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, a 7-footer who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds in his only season of college ball.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ochai Agbaji developed championship DNA in college. The Cavaliers are counting on it staying with him in the pros.Looking to add a perimeter player who can shoot, defend and maybe accelerate their timeline to NBA title contention, Cleveland selected Agbaji with the No. 14 overall pick in the draft Thursday night. Later, The Denver Nuggets selected Christian Braun with the 21st pick.Later, The Denver Nuggets selected Christian Braun with the 21st pick.With other options available in the first round, including Ohio State’s Malaki Branham and Duke’s AJ Griffin, the Cavs locked in on the 6-foot-5 Agbaji, who as a senior led Kansas to the NCAA title last season. Agbaji was named the most outstanding player at the Final Four, and his performance in the spotlight helped separate him from other players.The Cavs are ready win. Agbaji knows how.“It’s a part of his makeup and he’s coming in to a team that wants to win and he’s going to bring some unique ingredients to that,” said Koby Altman, Cleveland’s president of basketball operations. “You’re seeing national champions kind of sprinkled in these conference finals most recently and they definitely bring a chip with them. We hope he brings that to us.”The 6-foot-6 Braun averaged 14.1 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Jayhawks last season. His 12 points and 12 rebounds helped Kansas beat North Carolina in the national championship game on April 4. He played the entire game.This is the first draft with general manager Calvin Booth as the primary decision maker for the Nuggets. Tim Connelly, who joined the organization in 2013 and served as Denver’s president of basketball operations, was wooed by Minnesota with a lucrative deal to run that franchise.“I think sky’s the limit. He’s always won,” Booth said of Braun. “He was an impactful player for Kansas this year. So really excited about his future and I think he has the right approach. He’s going to try to earn time and hopefully he’s able to hit the court sooner rather than later.”Paolo Banchero was the first player taken in Thursday’s NBA draft. The 6-10 forward was chosen by the Magic after leading Duke to the Final Four as a freshman. Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Blue Devils. Going second overall to the Thunder was Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, a 7-footer who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds in his only season of college ball.

Obaji to Cleveland, Braun to Denver in the NBA Draft

Oakland
Athletics (23-48, fifth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals
(25-43, fifth in the AL Central)

Kansas
City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING
PROBABLES: No starters named

BOTTOM
LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the Oakland Athletics to open a
three-game series.

Kansas
City has a 25-43 record overall and a 12-21 record in home games.
Royals hitters are batting a collective .237, which ranks eighth in
the AL.

Oakland
is 23-48 overall and 15-19 on the road. The Athletics have a 16-4
record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Friday’s
game is the fourth time these teams match up this season.

TOP
PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has 10 home runs, 14 walks and 36 RBI
while hitting .240 for the Royals. Whit Merrifield is 10-for-40 with
two doubles and five RBI over the past 10 games.

Seth
Brown has 11 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 32 RBI for the
Athletics. Sean Murphy is 9-for-32 with two doubles, a home run and
three RBI over the past 10 games.

LAST
10 GAMES: Royals: 5-5, .225 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored
by six runs

Athletics:
2-8, .194 batting average, 4.66 ERA, outscored by 34 runs

Royals:
Salvador Perez: day-to-day (thumb), Joel Payamps: 15-Day IL
(covid-19), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (flexor), Zack Greinke: 15-Day IL
(flexor), Adalberto Mondesi: 60-Day IL (knee), Edward Olivares:
10-Day IL (quadricep), Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Athletics:
Sam Moll: day-to-day (covid-19), Dany Jimenez: 15-Day IL
(undisclosed), Daulton Jefferies: 60-Day IL (arm), Skye Bolt: 60-Day
IL (oblique), Stephen Piscotty: 10-Day IL (calf), Deolis Guerra:
60-Day IL (elbow), Brent Honeywell Jr.: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Oakland
Athletics (23-48, fifth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals
(25-43, fifth in the AL Central)Kansas
City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: No starters namedBOTTOM
LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the Oakland Athletics to open a
three-game series.Kansas
City has a 25-43 record overall and a 12-21 record in home games.
Royals hitters are batting a collective .237, which ranks eighth in
the AL.Oakland
is 23-48 overall and 15-19 on the road. The Athletics have a 16-4
record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Friday’s
game is the fourth time these teams match up this season.TOP
PERFORMERS: Bobby Witt Jr. has 10 home runs, 14 walks and 36 RBI
while hitting .240 for the Royals. Whit Merrifield is 10-for-40 with
two doubles and five RBI over the past 10 games.Seth
Brown has 11 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 32 RBI for the
Athletics. Sean Murphy is 9-for-32 with two doubles, a home run and
three RBI over the past 10 games.LAST
10 GAMES: Royals: 5-5, .225 batting average, 4.30 ERA, outscored
by six runsAthletics:
2-8, .194 batting average, 4.66 ERA, outscored by 34 runsINJURIES:

Royals:
Salvador Perez: day-to-day (thumb), Joel Payamps: 15-Day IL
(covid-19), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (flexor), Zack Greinke: 15-Day IL
(flexor), Adalberto Mondesi: 60-Day IL (knee), Edward Olivares:
10-Day IL (quadricep), Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)Athletics:
Sam Moll: day-to-day (covid-19), Dany Jimenez: 15-Day IL
(undisclosed), Daulton Jefferies: 60-Day IL (arm), Skye Bolt: 60-Day
IL (oblique), Stephen Piscotty: 10-Day IL (calf), Deolis Guerra:
60-Day IL (elbow), Brent Honeywell Jr.: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Athletics visit the Royals to begin 3-game series

Tomorrow is a very special day as we celebrate one of the most important events in our nation’s history. Certainly, in the 100-plus years of high school sports in the United States, there is perhaps nothing more significant and transformative than the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments.

Fifty years ago on June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the landmark legislation that, while not mentioning high school sports whatsoever, began to pave the way for girls to have the same opportunities to compete in sports as the boys.

“No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

These 37 words served as the groundwork to open the door of opportunity for girls in high school sports, and thousands upon thousands – and eventually millions – of girls seized that chance that had not been available previously.  

Except in isolated cases, such as in Iowa with its highly popular six-on-six basketball in place well before 1972, girls did not have the same opportunities as boys. The scene began to change dramatically in the years that followed, and, 50 years later, we have much to celebrate.   

Think for a second about the millions of girls who have been able to play sports in education-based programs the past 50 years. Certainly, the majority used life lessons learned through high school sports to assist them in becoming successful in their lives, whether in a profession, leaders in communities or as mothers raising children who, in turn, learn the importance of competing in high school sports and activity programs.

In addition, some girls were able to use their high school sports opportunity as a springboard to future athletic success. Imagine for a moment sports history the past 50 years without some of these individuals who got their start in high school sports thanks to the passage of Title IX.

Cheryl Miller, Riverside (California) Polytechnic High School. She was the first player – male or female – to be named All-American by Parade Magazine four times. She once scored 100 points in a game and in 1986, Sports Illustrated named Miller the best player in college basketball, regardless of sex. She was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame in 1990.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lincoln High School, East St. Louis, Illinois. A basketball, volleyball and track and field star in high school who won four state team titles – one in basketball and three in track and field. She won gold medals in the heptathlon and long jump at the 1988 Olympics.  Regarded as the one of the greatest female athletes of the 20th Century, Joyner-Kersee will speak at the NFHS Summer Meeting June 29 in San Antonio, Texas.

Dawn Staley, Murrell Dobbins Tech High School, North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was national player of the year as a senior and led the University of Virginia to three NCAA Final Fours. She won three Olympic gold medals as a player and one as coach of the U.S. team, and has led the University of South Carolina to two NCAA women’s basketball championships.

The list continues, including numerous others in the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame – all because of that opportunity 50 years ago: Kim Mulkey, Lynette Woodard, Denise Curry, Chris Evert, Geri Grigsby, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Jill Sterkel, Heather Farr, Natasha Kaiser-Brown, Janet Evans, Jackie Stiles, Missy West, Lisa Fernandez, Nicole Powell, Seimone Augustus, Maicel Malone and Michele Smith.

Several individuals who are a part of the 2022 class of the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame were involved with the administration – or were beneficiaries of – Title IX.

As head of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) for 48 years, the late E. Wayne Cooley provided programs for girls in 10 sports before the implementation of Title IX in 1972, including the storied six-on-six girls basketball.

In his early years with the NFHS in the 1970s, Jack Roberts was involved with the implementation of Title IX at the local and state levels, particularly with the regulations in 1974 that placed competitive athletics under the purview of Title IX.

Becky Oakes was a pre-Title IX high school athlete but played vital roles throughout her career with the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the NFHS in making sure that girls had equal opportunities.

Sanya Richards-Ross, one of four athletes in the 2022 Hall of Fame class, was a beneficiary of Title IX as an outstanding track and field athlete at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“As a woman who has benefited so greatly from Title IX, I can’t imagine a world where female athletes aren’t given the same opportunity as males. My prayer is that women never forget and always appreciate the opportunity and that opportunities continue to be greater for women because the potential that women have is endless.”

One of the key individuals in making sure girls had these opportunities was Hawaii senator Patsy Takemoto Mink, who was a champion of women’s rights. Mink co-authored the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act and introduced the Women’s Educational Equity Act of 1974. 

Along with continuing to provide more opportunities for girls to compete in sports, efforts must intensify to keep high school female athletes engaged and involved in sports as coaches and administrators. We must support them as women – possibly looking at providing day care in some situations.

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX is not a conclusion or a culminating event. We must continue to tell the story of why it is important for girls to be involved in high school sports – and then to consider moving into positions as coaches and administrators. We must do a better job at helping women with a life-work balance.      

The May issue of the NFHS’ national magazine, High School Today, contains many articles relating to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, including a feature by Peg Pennepacker on Bernice Sandler, whose willingness to fight against the discrimination she faced in 1969 led to the eventual Title IX legislation in 1972. Following is a link to the May issue of High School Today:

<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/uploadedfiles/3dissue/HSToday/2022issues/may2022/index.html">https://www.nfhs.org/uploadedfiles/3dissue/HSToday/2022issues/may2022/index.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tomorrow is a very special day as we celebrate one of the most important events in our nation’s history. Certainly, in the 100-plus years of high school sports in the United States, there is perhaps nothing more significant and transformative than the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments.Fifty years ago on June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the landmark legislation that, while not mentioning high school sports whatsoever, began to pave the way for girls to have the same opportunities to compete in sports as the boys.“No person in the United States shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”These 37 words served as the groundwork to open the door of opportunity for girls in high school sports, and thousands upon thousands – and eventually millions – of girls seized that chance that had not been available previously. Except in isolated cases, such as in Iowa with its highly popular six-on-six basketball in place well before 1972, girls did not have the same opportunities as boys. The scene began to change dramatically in the years that followed, and, 50 years later, we have much to celebrate. Think for a second about the millions of girls who have been able to play sports in education-based programs the past 50 years. Certainly, the majority used life lessons learned through high school sports to assist them in becoming successful in their lives, whether in a profession, leaders in communities or as mothers raising children who, in turn, learn the importance of competing in high school sports and activity programs.In addition, some girls were able to use their high school sports opportunity as a springboard to future athletic success. Imagine for a moment sports history the past 50 years without some of these individuals who got their start in high school sports thanks to the passage of Title IX.Cheryl Miller, Riverside (California) Polytechnic High School. She was the first player – male or female – to be named All-American by Parade Magazine four times. She once scored 100 points in a game and in 1986, Sports Illustrated named Miller the best player in college basketball, regardless of sex. She was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame in 1990.Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lincoln High School, East St. Louis, Illinois. A basketball, volleyball and track and field star in high school who won four state team titles – one in basketball and three in track and field. She won gold medals in the heptathlon and long jump at the 1988 Olympics. Regarded as the one of the greatest female athletes of the 20th Century, Joyner-Kersee will speak at the NFHS Summer Meeting June 29 in San Antonio, Texas.Dawn Staley, Murrell Dobbins Tech High School, North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was national player of the year as a senior and led the University of Virginia to three NCAA Final Fours. She won three Olympic gold medals as a player and one as coach of the U.S. team, and has led the University of South Carolina to two NCAA women’s basketball championships.The list continues, including numerous others in the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame – all because of that opportunity 50 years ago: Kim Mulkey, Lynette Woodard, Denise Curry, Chris Evert, Geri Grigsby, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Jill Sterkel, Heather Farr, Natasha Kaiser-Brown, Janet Evans, Jackie Stiles, Missy West, Lisa Fernandez, Nicole Powell, Seimone Augustus, Maicel Malone and Michele Smith.Several individuals who are a part of the 2022 class of the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame were involved with the administration – or were beneficiaries of – Title IX.As head of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) for 48 years, the late E. Wayne Cooley provided programs for girls in 10 sports before the implementation of Title IX in 1972, including the storied six-on-six girls basketball.In his early years with the NFHS in the 1970s, Jack Roberts was involved with the implementation of Title IX at the local and state levels, particularly with the regulations in 1974 that placed competitive athletics under the purview of Title IX.Becky Oakes was a pre-Title IX high school athlete but played vital roles throughout her career with the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the NFHS in making sure that girls had equal opportunities.Sanya Richards-Ross, one of four athletes in the 2022 Hall of Fame class, was a beneficiary of Title IX as an outstanding track and field athlete at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.“As a woman who has benefited so greatly from Title IX, I can’t imagine a world where female athletes aren’t given the same opportunity as males. My prayer is that women never forget and always appreciate the opportunity and that opportunities continue to be greater for women because the potential that women have is endless.”One of the key individuals in making sure girls had these opportunities was Hawaii senator Patsy Takemoto Mink, who was a champion of women’s rights. Mink co-authored the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act and introduced the Women’s Educational Equity Act of 1974. Along with continuing to provide more opportunities for girls to compete in sports, efforts must intensify to keep high school female athletes engaged and involved in sports as coaches and administrators. We must support them as women – possibly looking at providing day care in some situations.The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX is not a conclusion or a culminating event. We must continue to tell the story of why it is important for girls to be involved in high school sports – and then to consider moving into positions as coaches and administrators. We must do a better job at helping women with a life-work balance. The May issue of the NFHS’ national magazine, High School Today, contains many articles relating to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, including a feature by Peg Pennepacker on Bernice Sandler, whose willingness to fight against the discrimination she faced in 1969 led to the eventual Title IX legislation in 1972. Following is a link to the May issue of High School Today:<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/uploadedfiles/3dissue/HSToday/2022issues/may2022/index.html">https://www.nfhs.org/uploadedfiles/3dissue/HSToday/2022issues/may2022/index.html</a>

50th Anniversary of Title IX – A Time to Celebrate Opportunities for Girls in High School Sports

Get to know new FHSU head baseball coach Justin Wichert.

Get to know new FHSU head baseball coach Justin Wichert.<div><iframe title="Justin Wichert" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hzxc9-1259ccb-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Head baseball coach Justin Wichert

Last week, Kansas Athletics announced a new partnership with Altius Sports Partners (ASP) in its latest efforts to reinforce the commitment to enhancing the student-athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) experience at KU. In addition to the partnership with ASP, Kansas Athletics is hiring a full-time individual as the Director of NIL Services who will guide NIL initiatives at KU. These investments demonstrate KU’s commitment to empowering NIL activities for Kansas student-athletes. As leaders in the NIL activity space, ASP’s resources, knowledge and expertise will guide KU Athletics in the following areas:

1) Provide strategic guidance and national benchmarking to position student-athletes to navigate NIL opportunities and understand their rapidly evolving rights; 2) Equip coaches to effectively recruit and retain student-athletes in this new era; 3) Prepare external stakeholders such as donors, alumni, collectives and corporate partners to permissibly navigate this space; 4) Implement comprehensive student-athlete NIL curriculum and workshops.

ASP will provide Kansas Athletics with strategic planning, compliance support and education for staff, coaches and student-athletes. In addition to educational components, ASP’s expertise will be valuable in KU’s efforts to maximize ongoing guidance, consulting services, and education to further develop, refine, and implement actionable strategies in alignment with the four pillars of the Jayhawks Ascend program and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. ASP and KU will collaborate to deliver a best-in-class NIL program to student-athletes, coaches, and staff while enhancing education and support for internal and external departmental stakeholders. The Director of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Services will oversee all operations surrounding the NIL programing at Kansas Athletics, including program administration, education and resources, monitoring, external communications with marketing agencies, brand development for student athletes, coordination with corporate partner NIL initiatives and serve as a key contact with the athletics department’s Altius and Opendorse strategic partnerships.

“Throughout the first year of name, image and likeness, our goal has been to build a foundation based upon education and personal brand development so that our student-athletes are best positioned to navigate the uncharted waters of NIL,” said Director of Athletics Travis Goff. “Our partnership with Altius Sports provides impactful tools as we strategically move into the second phase of our NIL program, in concert with our new Director of NIL Services role and our Jayhawks Ascend program.”

Since July 1, 2021 when the NCAA permitted student-athletes the opportunity to monetize from their name, image and likeness, Kansas Athletics has launched several new and innovative initiatives to capitalize in this new space of college athletics.

kuathletics.comLast week, Kansas Athletics announced a new partnership with Altius Sports Partners (ASP) in its latest efforts to reinforce the commitment to enhancing the student-athletes’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) experience at KU. In addition to the partnership with ASP, Kansas Athletics is hiring a full-time individual as the Director of NIL Services who will guide NIL initiatives at KU. These investments demonstrate KU’s commitment to empowering NIL activities for Kansas student-athletes. As leaders in the NIL activity space, ASP’s resources, knowledge and expertise will guide KU Athletics in the following areas:1) Provide strategic guidance and national benchmarking to position student-athletes to navigate NIL opportunities and understand their rapidly evolving rights; 2) Equip coaches to effectively recruit and retain student-athletes in this new era; 3) Prepare external stakeholders such as donors, alumni, collectives and corporate partners to permissibly navigate this space; 4) Implement comprehensive student-athlete NIL curriculum and workshops.ASP will provide Kansas Athletics with strategic planning, compliance support and education for staff, coaches and student-athletes. In addition to educational components, ASP’s expertise will be valuable in KU’s efforts to maximize ongoing guidance, consulting services, and education to further develop, refine, and implement actionable strategies in alignment with the four pillars of the Jayhawks Ascend program and the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. ASP and KU will collaborate to deliver a best-in-class NIL program to student-athletes, coaches, and staff while enhancing education and support for internal and external departmental stakeholders. The Director of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Services will oversee all operations surrounding the NIL programing at Kansas Athletics, including program administration, education and resources, monitoring, external communications with marketing agencies, brand development for student athletes, coordination with corporate partner NIL initiatives and serve as a key contact with the athletics department’s Altius and Opendorse strategic partnerships.“Throughout the first year of name, image and likeness, our goal has been to build a foundation based upon education and personal brand development so that our student-athletes are best positioned to navigate the uncharted waters of NIL,” said Director of Athletics Travis Goff. “Our partnership with Altius Sports provides impactful tools as we strategically move into the second phase of our NIL program, in concert with our new Director of NIL Services role and our Jayhawks Ascend program.”Since July 1, 2021 when the NCAA permitted student-athletes the opportunity to monetize from their name, image and likeness, Kansas Athletics has launched several new and innovative initiatives to capitalize in this new space of college athletics.

Kansas Athletics Bolsters Name, Image and Likeness Efforts

HAYS, Kan. - With fundraising ongoing for the new Athletic Complex at Lewis Field Stadium, Don and Chris Bickle have stepped forward with an additional matching gift of $1 million as a challenge to others interested in supporting the project.

The 20,000-square foot facility is in the design stage with HTK Architects and is expected to be located just beyond the south end zone of Lewis Field as a stand-alone structure. Other renderings have shown the facility as an attachment to the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility.

The majority of the new facility addresses growing needs for the Tiger Football program. Plans are in place for a facility to house a larger locker room for up to 130 players, new coach offices and team meeting rooms, and an expanded sports medicine facility to be utilized by all FHSU athletic programs. The proposed facility is two levels, with the new locker room and sports medicine facilities on the ground level, and the coach offices and meeting rooms on the second level above ground.

Fundraising goals were originally targeted at $6.5 million, but cost increases are anticipated related to construction inflation. As new renderings and concepts are developed, new projections will be addressed in the fundraising plan.

This latest gift from the Bickles brings the total of confirmed gifts toward the project to just over $5 million. Their initial major donation toward the project was announced back in April.

"Don and Chris continue to be incredible supporters of our community, Fort Hays State University and Tiger Athletics," FHSU Director of Athletics, Curtis Hammeke said. "It is hard to express how grateful we are for their generosity and understanding of the need for quality facilities. As we broaden our fundraising efforts moving forward, we, along with the Bickles, are hopeful this latest matching gift will help to inspire others to help make this facility a reality."

For those interested in helping to make this project a reality, contact Jared Schiel with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5755 or jschiel@fhsu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655990363000.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - With fundraising ongoing for the new Athletic Complex at Lewis Field Stadium, Don and Chris Bickle have stepped forward with an additional matching gift of $1 million as a challenge to others interested in supporting the project.The 20,000-square foot facility is in the design stage with HTK Architects and is expected to be located just beyond the south end zone of Lewis Field as a stand-alone structure. Other renderings have shown the facility as an attachment to the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility.The majority of the new facility addresses growing needs for the Tiger Football program. Plans are in place for a facility to house a larger locker room for up to 130 players, new coach offices and team meeting rooms, and an expanded sports medicine facility to be utilized by all FHSU athletic programs. The proposed facility is two levels, with the new locker room and sports medicine facilities on the ground level, and the coach offices and meeting rooms on the second level above ground.Fundraising goals were originally targeted at $6.5 million, but cost increases are anticipated related to construction inflation. As new renderings and concepts are developed, new projections will be addressed in the fundraising plan.This latest gift from the Bickles brings the total of confirmed gifts toward the project to just over $5 million. Their initial major donation toward the project was announced back in April."Don and Chris continue to be incredible supporters of our community, Fort Hays State University and Tiger Athletics," FHSU Director of Athletics, Curtis Hammeke said. "It is hard to express how grateful we are for their generosity and understanding of the need for quality facilities. As we broaden our fundraising efforts moving forward, we, along with the Bickles, are hopeful this latest matching gift will help to inspire others to help make this facility a reality."For those interested in helping to make this project a reality, contact Jared Schiel with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5755 or jschiel@fhsu.edu.

Bickles Pledge Additional Million-Dollar Gift to New Athletic Complex Project

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will take on Rhode Island to conclude the first round of the 2022 Cayman Islands Classic on Monday, November 21, as tournament organizers announced the complete bracket for the tournament on Wednesday (June 22).

The fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic will run from Monday-Wednesday, November 21-23, 2022, at The John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from world famous Seven Mile Beach in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea about an hour away from Miami.

K-State and Rhode Island will meet for the first time in their respective histories in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Monday, November 21. LSU and Illinois State will meet in the opener at 11 a.m., CT followed by Akron and Western Kentucky at 1:30 p.m., CT. Mountain West foe Nevada and AAC member Tulane will open the evening session at 5 p.m., CT followed by the Wildcats and Rams.

The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.

In the opponent bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and WKU on Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.

The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Wednesday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.

All-session passes for the tournament start at $250 and can be purchased through ticket partner Event Pro in the coming months. Questions can be directed to info@caymanislandsclassic.com.

Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655987255030.png" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will take on Rhode Island to conclude the first round of the 2022 Cayman Islands Classic on Monday, November 21, as tournament organizers announced the complete bracket for the tournament on Wednesday (June 22).The fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic will run from Monday-Wednesday, November 21-23, 2022, at The John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from world famous Seven Mile Beach in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea about an hour away from Miami.K-State and Rhode Island will meet for the first time in their respective histories in the final game of the first day of the tournament at 7:30 p.m., CT on Monday, November 21. LSU and Illinois State will meet in the opener at 11 a.m., CT followed by Akron and Western Kentucky at 1:30 p.m., CT. Mountain West foe Nevada and AAC member Tulane will open the evening session at 5 p.m., CT followed by the Wildcats and Rams.The K-State/URI winner will advance to face the winner of the contest between Nevada and Tulane on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will play at 5 p.m., CT.In the opponent bracket, the winner of the first game between LSU and Illinois State will play the winner of the second game between Akron and WKU on Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m., CT, while the two remaining teams will open the second day of the tournament at 11 a.m., CT.The winner of each bracket will face off in the championship game on Wednesday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m., CT. There will be three consolation games that will precede the title contest at 11 a.m., CT (seventh-place game), 1:30 p.m., CT (fifth-place game) and 5 p.m., CT (third-place game), respectively.All-session passes for the tournament start at $250 and can be purchased through ticket partner Event Pro in the coming months. Questions can be directed to info@caymanislandsclassic.com.Those interested in travel packages can contact Sports &amp; Entertainment Travel, the official fan travel provider for the Cayman Islands Classic, by visiting their website at www.CaymanIslandClassicTravel.com or reach them by phone at (877) 669-8903.

K-State to Open with URI at Cayman Islands Classic

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani adheres to strict routine in nearly every aspect of his life. When his latest mound start was delayed 12 minutes by a pregame ceremony honoring the Angels’ 2002 World Series champions, his meticulous preparation took a hit before he even threw a pitch.

A slightly bumpy beginning still led to a second straight incredible night for the two-way superstar.

Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base three times in Los Angeles’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

After giving up two singles to start that delayed first inning, Ohtani (6-4) retired 16 straight Royals and 23 of the final 24 batters he faced. While matching the longest start of his major league career, he allowed just one baserunner over his final seven innings — on a walk that was quickly erased by a double play.

“I think the biggest thing was putting up that zero in the first inning after giving up those first two hits,” Ohtani said through his translator. “I was able to do that, and it set the tone for the game. I wanted to go as long as I could, but I wasn’t really thinking about the pitch count early in the game.”

With the backdrop of a rare Southern California lightning storm illuminating the sky far beyond center field at the Big A, Ohtani also had a single and two walks at the plate in his latest electrifying two-way performance.

One night after Ohtani hit two three-run homers and drove in a career-high eight runs in an extra-inning loss, he set a new personal best for strikeouts by fanning Emmanuel Rivera on his 108th and final pitch.

“He just put us on his back,” Angels interim manager Phil Nevin said. “I thought about taking him out going into the eighth, and he was adamant: ‘No. This is mine. I’m staying.’ ... What a day. What a performance by him.”

David MacKinnon got his first major league hit with an RBI single in the seventh for the Angels, who avoided a series sweep with their fourth victory in six games overall. Luis Rengifo had an RBI double in the seventh before scoring on that single to right by MacKinnon, who got his first career RBI two innings earlier with a sacrifice fly.

After scoring 18 runs in the previous two games at Angel Stadium, the Royals were shut out for the second time in four days and the 10th time this season. Kansas City still has won five of seven.

“That was a display,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s a very unique repertoire of pitches. I don’t think you’re going to find as many guys with as many weapons as what we saw today. He was throwing three different sliders, plus a cutter and a curve. When the split started going, that’s when the strikeouts really started to happen, and he’s got 100 (mph) in the tank that he hardly ever showed. ... It’s going to be a tough day at the plate.”

Ohtani is unbeatable on the mound lately, allowing just one run in his last 20 innings over three starts. In his most recent home start two weeks ago, he pitched seven innings of one-run ball and also homered in a victory that snapped the Angels’ franchise-record 14-game skid.

Whit Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi singled in the Royals’ first two at-bats against Ohtani, but he subsequently set down every batter he faced until Merrifield drew a one-out walk in the sixth — and Benintendi quickly grounded into a double play.

Ohtani’s fastball topped 99 mph twice in the second half of his start while he baffled Kansas City, getting a whopping 34 combined strikes on swing-and-misses or called strikes.

Daniel Lynch (3-7) wasn’t as effective for the Royals early on, but the left-hander resourcefully shut down the Angels until they loaded the bases in the fifth on two walks and an infield single. Lynch, who left after MacKinnon’s sacrifice fly, gave up three hits and five walks on a career-high 104 pitches.

Mike Trout got a rest day for the Angels, leaving their struggling lineup decidedly lacking punch. But MacKinnon came through as the team’s improbable cleanup hitter, getting first major league hit after getting called up last weekend for his MLB debut.

MacKinnon was pleased by his breakthrough swings, but other aspects of the game also thrilled him.

“I got to play the field behind Shohei and see how good he is,” MacKinnon said. “It’s crazy being here.”

Royals: C Salvador Perez sat out after reinjuring his left thumb on a swing Tuesday night, but Matheny said the team is still determining the seriousness of the injury after an MRI exam.

Angels: RHP Jimmy Herget went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Right-handers Elvis Peguero and Oliver Ortega came up from Triple-A Salt Lake, while inconsistent rookie Reid Detmers went down just six starts after throwing a no-hitter.

Royals: Zack Greinke is expected to come off the injured list Friday to start when Kansas City opens a three-game weekend series at home against Oakland. Greinke (0-4, 5.05 ERA) went on the IL three weeks ago with a strained forearm.

Angels: After a day off at home, Los Angeles opens a three-game weekend series against Seattle on Friday night. Neither team had confirmed a starter.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani adheres to strict routine in nearly every aspect of his life. When his latest mound start was delayed 12 minutes by a pregame ceremony honoring the Angels’ 2002 World Series champions, his meticulous preparation took a hit before he even threw a pitch.A slightly bumpy beginning still led to a second straight incredible night for the two-way superstar.Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base three times in Los Angeles’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.After giving up two singles to start that delayed first inning, Ohtani (6-4) retired 16 straight Royals and 23 of the final 24 batters he faced. While matching the longest start of his major league career, he allowed just one baserunner over his final seven innings — on a walk that was quickly erased by a double play.“I think the biggest thing was putting up that zero in the first inning after giving up those first two hits,” Ohtani said through his translator. “I was able to do that, and it set the tone for the game. I wanted to go as long as I could, but I wasn’t really thinking about the pitch count early in the game.”With the backdrop of a rare Southern California lightning storm illuminating the sky far beyond center field at the Big A, Ohtani also had a single and two walks at the plate in his latest electrifying two-way performance.One night after Ohtani hit two three-run homers and drove in a career-high eight runs in an extra-inning loss, he set a new personal best for strikeouts by fanning Emmanuel Rivera on his 108th and final pitch.“He just put us on his back,” Angels interim manager Phil Nevin said. “I thought about taking him out going into the eighth, and he was adamant: ‘No. This is mine. I’m staying.’ ... What a day. What a performance by him.”David MacKinnon got his first major league hit with an RBI single in the seventh for the Angels, who avoided a series sweep with their fourth victory in six games overall. Luis Rengifo had an RBI double in the seventh before scoring on that single to right by MacKinnon, who got his first career RBI two innings earlier with a sacrifice fly.After scoring 18 runs in the previous two games at Angel Stadium, the Royals were shut out for the second time in four days and the 10th time this season. Kansas City still has won five of seven.“That was a display,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s a very unique repertoire of pitches. I don’t think you’re going to find as many guys with as many weapons as what we saw today. He was throwing three different sliders, plus a cutter and a curve. When the split started going, that’s when the strikeouts really started to happen, and he’s got 100 (mph) in the tank that he hardly ever showed. ... It’s going to be a tough day at the plate.”Ohtani is unbeatable on the mound lately, allowing just one run in his last 20 innings over three starts. In his most recent home start two weeks ago, he pitched seven innings of one-run ball and also homered in a victory that snapped the Angels’ franchise-record 14-game skid.Whit Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi singled in the Royals’ first two at-bats against Ohtani, but he subsequently set down every batter he faced until Merrifield drew a one-out walk in the sixth — and Benintendi quickly grounded into a double play.Ohtani’s fastball topped 99 mph twice in the second half of his start while he baffled Kansas City, getting a whopping 34 combined strikes on swing-and-misses or called strikes.Daniel Lynch (3-7) wasn’t as effective for the Royals early on, but the left-hander resourcefully shut down the Angels until they loaded the bases in the fifth on two walks and an infield single. Lynch, who left after MacKinnon’s sacrifice fly, gave up three hits and five walks on a career-high 104 pitches.Mike Trout got a rest day for the Angels, leaving their struggling lineup decidedly lacking punch. But MacKinnon came through as the team’s improbable cleanup hitter, getting first major league hit after getting called up last weekend for his MLB debut.MacKinnon was pleased by his breakthrough swings, but other aspects of the game also thrilled him.“I got to play the field behind Shohei and see how good he is,” MacKinnon said. “It’s crazy being here.”TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez sat out after reinjuring his left thumb on a swing Tuesday night, but Matheny said the team is still determining the seriousness of the injury after an MRI exam.Angels: RHP Jimmy Herget went on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Right-handers Elvis Peguero and Oliver Ortega came up from Triple-A Salt Lake, while inconsistent rookie Reid Detmers went down just six starts after throwing a no-hitter.UP NEXTRoyals: Zack Greinke is expected to come off the injured list Friday to start when Kansas City opens a three-game weekend series at home against Oakland. Greinke (0-4, 5.05 ERA) went on the IL three weeks ago with a strained forearm.Angels: After a day off at home, Los Angeles opens a three-game weekend series against Seattle on Friday night. Neither team had confirmed a starter.

Ohtani strikes out career-high 13 in Angels’ 5-0 win over KC

MILWAUKEE
(AP) — Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado hit two-run homers as the
St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 and moved into
first place in the NL Central. The Cardinals have taken two straight
from the Brewers after falling 2-0 in the opener of the four-game
series. Rowdy Tellez and Andrew McCutchen hit solo homers for the
Brewers. Milwaukee threatened with two outs in the ninth as Victor
Caratini walked and Tyrone Taylor was hit by a pitch. Génesis
Cabrera got out of the jam by retiring Christian Yelich on a grounder
to second.

ANAHEIM,
Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight
dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base
three times in the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas
City Royals. After giving up two singles to start the first, Ohtani
retired 16 straight Royals and 23 of the final 24 batters he faced,
allowing just one baserunner over his final seven innings on a walk
that was quickly erased by a double play. With the backdrop of a rare
Southern California lightning storm illuminating the sky far beyond
center field, Ohtani also had a single and two walks at the plate in
his latest electrifying two-way performance.

OMAHA,
Neb. (AP) — Oklahoma is heading to the College World Series finals
after beating Texas A&amp;M 5-1. David Sandlin held Texas A&amp;M to
one run and struck out a career-high 12 in seven innings and Jimmy
Crooks’ three-run homer in the first held up. Trying to complete a
softball-baseball title sweep, the Sooners have won three straight
games at Charles Schwab Field by no fewer than four runs and will
play for their first national championship since 1994. Their opponent
in the best-of-three finals starting Saturday will be either Arkansas
or Mississippi. Arkansas beat Ole Miss 3-2 on Wednesday night to
force another game Thursday.

TAMPA,
Fla. (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored at 12:02 of overtime and the
Colorado Avalanche beat Tampa Bay 3-2 Wednesday night in Game 4 of
the Stanley Cup Final to move within a victory of dethroning the
two-time defending champion Lightning. Playing for the first time
since June 4 due to a thumb injury, Kadri skated in on Andrei
Vasilevskiy and slipped a shot under the goaltender’s right arm to
give Colorado a 3-1 series lead. The Avalanche outshot the Lightning
11-3 in the extra period. Vasilevskiy stopped Logan O’Connor on a
breakaway, and Colorado had a shot clang off the post and another hit
the crossbar before Kadri ended it. Game 5 is Friday night in Denver.

UNDATED
(AP) — Tony Siragusa, the charismatic defensive tackle who helped
lead a stout Baltimore defense to a Super Bowl title, has died. He
was 55. Siragusa’s broadcast agent, Jim Ornstein, confirmed the
death today. There was no word on the cause. The man known as “the
Goose” played seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and five
with the Ravens. Baltimore’s 2000 team won the Super Bowl behind a
defense that included Siragusa, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams. Siragusa was
popular with fans because of his fun-loving personality, which also
helped him transition to broadcasting after his playing career.

UNDATED
(AP) — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died at age
26. Police said the cause of death is still to be determined but that
no foul play is suspected at this time. Ferguson played three NFL
seasons. All were with Baltimore. Ferguson set the college Football
Bowl Subdivision career sacks record with 45 when he played at
Louisiana Tech, and he was drafted by the Ravens in the third round
in 2019. He played in 38 games as a pro and had 4 1/2 sacks. Ferguson
was born Dec. 14, 1995, in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He played
high school football and basketball at West Feliciana.

COLUMBUS,
Ohio (AP) — Ohio State University has won its fight to trademark
the word “The.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the
university’s request Tuesday. The school says it allows Ohio State
to control use of “The” on branded products associated with and
sold through athletics and collegiate channels. Those include such
items as T-shirts, baseball caps and hats. A university spokesman
noted that “THE has been a rallying cry in the Ohio State community
for many years. The university’s licensing and trademark program
generates over $12.5 million a year in revenue, which helps fund
student scholarships and university programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653406295542.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE
(AP) — Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado hit two-run homers as the
St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 and moved into
first place in the NL Central. The Cardinals have taken two straight
from the Brewers after falling 2-0 in the opener of the four-game
series. Rowdy Tellez and Andrew McCutchen hit solo homers for the
Brewers. Milwaukee threatened with two outs in the ninth as Victor
Caratini walked and Tyrone Taylor was hit by a pitch. Génesis
Cabrera got out of the jam by retiring Christian Yelich on a grounder
to second.ANAHEIM,
Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight
dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base
three times in the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas
City Royals. After giving up two singles to start the first, Ohtani
retired 16 straight Royals and 23 of the final 24 batters he faced,
allowing just one baserunner over his final seven innings on a walk
that was quickly erased by a double play. With the backdrop of a rare
Southern California lightning storm illuminating the sky far beyond
center field, Ohtani also had a single and two walks at the plate in
his latest electrifying two-way performance.OMAHA,
Neb. (AP) — Oklahoma is heading to the College World Series finals
after beating Texas A&amp;M 5-1. David Sandlin held Texas A&amp;M to
one run and struck out a career-high 12 in seven innings and Jimmy
Crooks’ three-run homer in the first held up. Trying to complete a
softball-baseball title sweep, the Sooners have won three straight
games at Charles Schwab Field by no fewer than four runs and will
play for their first national championship since 1994. Their opponent
in the best-of-three finals starting Saturday will be either Arkansas
or Mississippi. Arkansas beat Ole Miss 3-2 on Wednesday night to
force another game Thursday.TAMPA,
Fla. (AP) — Nazem Kadri scored at 12:02 of overtime and the
Colorado Avalanche beat Tampa Bay 3-2 Wednesday night in Game 4 of
the Stanley Cup Final to move within a victory of dethroning the
two-time defending champion Lightning. Playing for the first time
since June 4 due to a thumb injury, Kadri skated in on Andrei
Vasilevskiy and slipped a shot under the goaltender’s right arm to
give Colorado a 3-1 series lead. The Avalanche outshot the Lightning
11-3 in the extra period. Vasilevskiy stopped Logan O’Connor on a
breakaway, and Colorado had a shot clang off the post and another hit
the crossbar before Kadri ended it. Game 5 is Friday night in Denver.UNDATED
(AP) — Tony Siragusa, the charismatic defensive tackle who helped
lead a stout Baltimore defense to a Super Bowl title, has died. He
was 55. Siragusa’s broadcast agent, Jim Ornstein, confirmed the
death today. There was no word on the cause. The man known as “the
Goose” played seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and five
with the Ravens. Baltimore’s 2000 team won the Super Bowl behind a
defense that included Siragusa, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams. Siragusa was
popular with fans because of his fun-loving personality, which also
helped him transition to broadcasting after his playing career.UNDATED
(AP) — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died at age
26. Police said the cause of death is still to be determined but that
no foul play is suspected at this time. Ferguson played three NFL
seasons. All were with Baltimore. Ferguson set the college Football
Bowl Subdivision career sacks record with 45 when he played at
Louisiana Tech, and he was drafted by the Ravens in the third round
in 2019. He played in 38 games as a pro and had 4 1/2 sacks. Ferguson
was born Dec. 14, 1995, in St. Francisville, Louisiana. He played
high school football and basketball at West Feliciana.COLUMBUS,
Ohio (AP) — Ohio State University has won its fight to trademark
the word “The.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved the
university’s request Tuesday. The school says it allows Ohio State
to control use of “The” on branded products associated with and
sold through athletics and collegiate channels. Those include such
items as T-shirts, baseball caps and hats. A university spokesman
noted that “THE has been a rallying cry in the Ohio State community
for many years. The university’s licensing and trademark program
generates over $12.5 million a year in revenue, which helps fund
student scholarships and university programs.WEDNESDAY
SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Houston	5	N.Y.
Mets	3	Final	Texas	4	Philadelphia	2	Final	Baltimore	7	Washington	0	AMERICAN
LEAGUEFinal	Toronto	9	Chicago
White Sox	5	Final	Boston	6	Detroit	2	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	5	Tampa Bay	4	Final	Cleveland	11	Minnesota	10	Final	L.A.
Angels	5	Kansas City	0	Final	Seattle	9	Oakland	0	NATIONAL
LEAGUEFinal	San
Diego	10	Arizona	4	Final	Miami	7	Colorado	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	8	Cincinnati	4	Final	Atlanta	4	San
Francisco	3	Final	Chicago
Cubs	14	Pittsburgh	5	Final	St.
Louis	5	Milwaukee	4	NATIONAL
HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal
OT	Colorado	3	Tampa Bay	2

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

by Joanna Chadwick, Special to KSHSAA&nbsp;

It's an awfully big job to put into perspective the impact Moundridge's Laurie Koehn, Clay Center's Nicole Ohlde and Marysville's Kendra Wecker had on girls basketball in Kansas.

* Koehn played in four state title games with Moundridge, winning three. Koehn and Wecker were three-time All-State players. Koehn scored 1,700 career points at Kansas State and set an NCAA record for threes made in a career that stood until 2015. She played for the Washington Mystics and the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and played in Poland, Turkey and Australia.

* Wecker was unbeaten at Marysville, winning a 4A title her senior season in 2001. She went on to be named first team All-Big 12 three times and the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2005. She was a three-time Naismith Player of the Year finalist, two-time Wade Trophy and Wooden finalist. She was drafted fifth in the WNBA in 2005.

* Ohlde was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, the Big 12 Player of the Year as a junior and senior, a two-time first team All-American and finalist for Wade Trophy and Naismith Player of the Year. She was the Big 12 female athlete of the year her senior season and was drafted sixth in the 2004 WNBA draft, winning a title in 2009 with Phoenix.

* The trio led Kansas State to a 26-8 record in 2002 and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen, as well as a 29-5 record in 2003, the winningest season in history and the program's first Big 12 championship in 2004.

And that's the abbreviated version of their accomplishments.  So, several coaches stepped in to explain just how vital these three were to Kansas girls basketball.

Former Little River girls basketball coach Shane Cordell -- who won 604 games, including 91 straight in the 1990s and four straight Class 1A titles -- faced Koehn's Moundridge team in league play and saw the effect all three had.

"I think it was the turning point where girls basketball really set the tone for the quality and competitiveness of girls basketball at a state level," Cordell said. "... It raised Kansas girls basketball to a whole new level statewide, and people started to take notice. Fans really started to appreciate Kansas girls basketball."

Jason Tatkenhorst, who coached Ohlde at Clay Center, added: "To have three girls, kind of right there in central Kansas, come through at the same time -- you had a shooter in Koehn that could never miss and how do you guard her? And Kendra Wecker, no one wanted to play against her because she was so strong. And Nicole was a gazelle, who could run up and down the court and do so many things.

"That doesn't come around very often. It led to a lot of young girls watching them and seeing what a fun style of basketball it is. It had to motivate a whole lot of Kansas girls."

It doesn't matter how the names come off your tongue, they're linked together.

They first played together with the Kansas Thunderbolts, coached by Doug Finch.

"They put their schools on the map, but they put K-State on the map, too. They were huge for Kansas State women's basketball and the state," Finch said.

Koehn added: "We had no clue the magnitude of what we were experiencing at Kansas State. Being in front of sellout crowds with the state of Kansas behind us."

Koehn and Ohlde graduated from high school in 2000, while Wecker was a year behind. After Koehn and Ohlde chose Kansas State, they urged Wecker -- with whom they had played AAU ball on the Kansas Thunderbolts -- to join them. Koehn finished up at K-State with Wecker after sitting out her freshman year with an injury.

"We were all best friends," said Ohlde, whose maid of honor was Koehn. "We all hung out together. We were driven to be successful. We stayed in the dorms in the same hallway. We had dance parties in the hallway, stupid college stuff. We had a bunch of fun.

The story all three enjoy retelling is of the sellout crowds at Kansas State.

"There were no season tickets then, so the doors would open and they'd run down. They'd be laying down and saving seats," Ohlde said. "We'd stop warming up and just watch."

And now all three are still connected to basketball in some way -- Ohlde is a co-coach with her husband at Newman University, Koehn is an assistant at Washington State, and Wecker does some individual training.

"I'm proud of Laurie and Nicole for where they're at," Wecker said. "They're doing what they have passion for. And what I knew they were going to do. They love the game of basketball, they're great with people, they're great communicators, they're doing what they need to do in life."

Koehn's mom didn't play high school sports because it wasn't offered, but she played in college at Tabor.  Wecker didn't notice anything different between the boys and girls programs at Marysville, while Ohlde sees the opportunities.

"All the opportunities are there," she said. "The opportunities to develop all females, the confidence, everything including their self-esteem. It all plays together, and it's huge.

"I tell our basketball players they're two generations removed from not being able to play. Remember that. Embrace the opportunity we do have. Don't take any day for granted."

The exact moment Koehn fell in love with basketball was at 9 years old while watching the movie "The Pistol" about Pete Maravich.

"In that moment, I knew I wanted to be a great basketball player," Koehn said. "... I was 5-8, scrawny, unathletic."

But her work ethic was unparalleled. She'd ride her bike to Hesston College to shoot. She'd shoot in her driveway.Koehn

"I dribbled and dribbled and dribbled and shot and shot and shot," Koehn said. "I made up my own workouts -- make a 100 free throws today, 100 shots from this spot. I kept a journal in sixth grade of how many shots I made. My goal was 500."

She played whatever sport she could in high school.

"I played volleyball and track because they were the two other sports offered. Volleyball was about more jumping, and track, well, you hated it, so it built character," she said.

After volleyball practice, she'd go home to eat and then, maybe with her parents as rebounders but more likely by herself, she returned to the gym to make 800 shots.

After running distance events in track, she went to the gym exhausted and focused on making 800 shots.

High school basketball was where she truly shined, playing with a core group of girls she grew up with.

"That McPherson (midseason) tournament, where McPherson was the 5A champion, Little River was the 1A champion and we were the 2A champion -- that was probably the funnest tournament of the year," Koehn said. "It was better than state half the time and it was where you got the most competitive games and the bragging rights."

"I would never have imagined it's as much fun as playing," Koehn said. "OK, it's not as much, but it's a different kind of fun.

"I love the opportunity to watch these young girls come in as freshmen and have no clue what it takes to be really, really good at the highest level, and watch them grow and develop."

Wecker was a strong, all-around athlete. From age 4 she played flag football, soccer, volleyball, track and basketball.

At 10 years old, she was a finalist in the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

"I didn't think anything of it, but the media made a big deal out of it," Wecker said. "I was just mad I didn't win. The next year it split into boys and girls, so maybe I did have an effect."

Wecker held the national high school record for the javelin and was a three-time state javelin champion.

She scored 2,300 points and had 1,000 rebounds in high school - and had close to those same numbers at Kansas State.Kendra Wecker

"The girls program in the four years I was (at Marysville), we were good. We were really competitive," Wecker said. "The amount of people who would come and watch our games was so cool. The gym was packed. And then we'd play Clay Center - whether it was in Marysville or Clay Center - and they'd stand in the hallways because there weren't any more seats left in the gym."

Wecker made the transition well to college basketball. She had the skill, athleticism and work ethic.

"I'd get up at 5:30 a.m. to go run, play pickup games in gyms that were 85 to 90 degrees," Wecker said. "We knew what we were working for.

"It was something where every single day you would go to the gym or the weight room or you wake up early - and you do this thing together. There hasn't been a time in my life since college basketball where I've had that same feeling with a group of people. It's something so special and unique."

The WNBA was a tougher move. She went from playing a power forward to a two-guard.

"I certainly didn't come off of ball screens or bring the ball up the floor (before the WNBA)," Wecker said. "I set really good ball screens. But I wasn't out guarding the perimeter and guarding a two. Having to learn that and have success against the best in the world was really, really hard for me.

"And then I got hurt. I just didn't have the success I wanted and envisioned for myself. And that's OK."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655567273073.png" alt="Kansas has benefited many times over from the inclusion of women and girls in high school activities thanks to Title IX. These stories from KSHSAA highlight the legends and trail blazers that we are so fortunate to have in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Kansas has benefited many times over from the inclusion of women and girls in high school activities thanks to Title IX. These stories from KSHSAA highlight the legends and trail blazers that we are so fortunate to have in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>by Joanna Chadwick, Special to KSHSAA&nbsp;It's an awfully big job to put into perspective the impact Moundridge's Laurie Koehn, Clay Center's Nicole Ohlde and Marysville's Kendra Wecker had on girls basketball in Kansas.Where do you start?* Koehn played in four state title games with Moundridge, winning three. Koehn and Wecker were three-time All-State players. Koehn scored 1,700 career points at Kansas State and set an NCAA record for threes made in a career that stood until 2015. She played for the Washington Mystics and the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and played in Poland, Turkey and Australia.* Wecker was unbeaten at Marysville, winning a 4A title her senior season in 2001. She went on to be named first team All-Big 12 three times and the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2005. She was a three-time Naismith Player of the Year finalist, two-time Wade Trophy and Wooden finalist. She was drafted fifth in the WNBA in 2005.* Ohlde was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, the Big 12 Player of the Year as a junior and senior, a two-time first team All-American and finalist for Wade Trophy and Naismith Player of the Year. She was the Big 12 female athlete of the year her senior season and was drafted sixth in the 2004 WNBA draft, winning a title in 2009 with Phoenix.* The trio led Kansas State to a 26-8 record in 2002 and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen, as well as a 29-5 record in 2003, the winningest season in history and the program's first Big 12 championship in 2004.And that's the abbreviated version of their accomplishments. So, several coaches stepped in to explain just how vital these three were to Kansas girls basketball.Former Little River girls basketball coach Shane Cordell -- who won 604 games, including 91 straight in the 1990s and four straight Class 1A titles -- faced Koehn's Moundridge team in league play and saw the effect all three had."I think it was the turning point where girls basketball really set the tone for the quality and competitiveness of girls basketball at a state level," Cordell said. "... It raised Kansas girls basketball to a whole new level statewide, and people started to take notice. Fans really started to appreciate Kansas girls basketball."Jason Tatkenhorst, who coached Ohlde at Clay Center, added: "To have three girls, kind of right there in central Kansas, come through at the same time -- you had a shooter in Koehn that could never miss and how do you guard her? And Kendra Wecker, no one wanted to play against her because she was so strong. And Nicole was a gazelle, who could run up and down the court and do so many things."That doesn't come around very often. It led to a lot of young girls watching them and seeing what a fun style of basketball it is. It had to motivate a whole lot of Kansas girls."It doesn't matter how the names come off your tongue, they're linked together.They first played together with the Kansas Thunderbolts, coached by Doug Finch."They put their schools on the map, but they put K-State on the map, too. They were huge for Kansas State women's basketball and the state," Finch said.Koehn added: "We had no clue the magnitude of what we were experiencing at Kansas State. Being in front of sellout crowds with the state of Kansas behind us."Koehn and Ohlde graduated from high school in 2000, while Wecker was a year behind. After Koehn and Ohlde chose Kansas State, they urged Wecker -- with whom they had played AAU ball on the Kansas Thunderbolts -- to join them. Koehn finished up at K-State with Wecker after sitting out her freshman year with an injury."We were all best friends," said Ohlde, whose maid of honor was Koehn. "We all hung out together. We were driven to be successful. We stayed in the dorms in the same hallway. We had dance parties in the hallway, stupid college stuff. We had a bunch of fun."We worked really, really hard, too."The story all three enjoy retelling is of the sellout crowds at Kansas State."There were no season tickets then, so the doors would open and they'd run down. They'd be laying down and saving seats," Ohlde said. "We'd stop warming up and just watch."And now all three are still connected to basketball in some way -- Ohlde is a co-coach with her husband at Newman University, Koehn is an assistant at Washington State, and Wecker does some individual training."I'm proud of Laurie and Nicole for where they're at," Wecker said. "They're doing what they have passion for. And what I knew they were going to do. They love the game of basketball, they're great with people, they're great communicators, they're doing what they need to do in life."And they credit Title IX.Koehn's mom didn't play high school sports because it wasn't offered, but she played in college at Tabor. Wecker didn't notice anything different between the boys and girls programs at Marysville, while Ohlde sees the opportunities."All the opportunities are there," she said. "The opportunities to develop all females, the confidence, everything including their self-esteem. It all plays together, and it's huge."I tell our basketball players they're two generations removed from not being able to play. Remember that. Embrace the opportunity we do have. Don't take any day for granted."The exact moment Koehn fell in love with basketball was at 9 years old while watching the movie "The Pistol" about Pete Maravich."In that moment, I knew I wanted to be a great basketball player," Koehn said. "... I was 5-8, scrawny, unathletic."But her work ethic was unparalleled. She'd ride her bike to Hesston College to shoot. She'd shoot in her driveway.Koehn"I dribbled and dribbled and dribbled and shot and shot and shot," Koehn said. "I made up my own workouts -- make a 100 free throws today, 100 shots from this spot. I kept a journal in sixth grade of how many shots I made. My goal was 500."She played whatever sport she could in high school."I played volleyball and track because they were the two other sports offered. Volleyball was about more jumping, and track, well, you hated it, so it built character," she said.After volleyball practice, she'd go home to eat and then, maybe with her parents as rebounders but more likely by herself, she returned to the gym to make 800 shots.After running distance events in track, she went to the gym exhausted and focused on making 800 shots.High school basketball was where she truly shined, playing with a core group of girls she grew up with."That McPherson (midseason) tournament, where McPherson was the 5A champion, Little River was the 1A champion and we were the 2A champion -- that was probably the funnest tournament of the year," Koehn said. "It was better than state half the time and it was where you got the most competitive games and the bragging rights."Koehn has found her niche coaching."I would never have imagined it's as much fun as playing," Koehn said. "OK, it's not as much, but it's a different kind of fun."I love the opportunity to watch these young girls come in as freshmen and have no clue what it takes to be really, really good at the highest level, and watch them grow and develop."Wecker was a strong, all-around athlete. From age 4 she played flag football, soccer, volleyball, track and basketball.At 10 years old, she was a finalist in the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick competition."I didn't think anything of it, but the media made a big deal out of it," Wecker said. "I was just mad I didn't win. The next year it split into boys and girls, so maybe I did have an effect."Wecker held the national high school record for the javelin and was a three-time state javelin champion.She scored 2,300 points and had 1,000 rebounds in high school - and had close to those same numbers at Kansas State.Kendra Wecker"The girls program in the four years I was (at Marysville), we were good. We were really competitive," Wecker said. "The amount of people who would come and watch our games was so cool. The gym was packed. And then we'd play Clay Center - whether it was in Marysville or Clay Center - and they'd stand in the hallways because there weren't any more seats left in the gym."Wecker made the transition well to college basketball. She had the skill, athleticism and work ethic."I'd get up at 5:30 a.m. to go run, play pickup games in gyms that were 85 to 90 degrees," Wecker said. "We knew what we were working for."It was something where every single day you would go to the gym or the weight room or you wake up early - and you do this thing together. There hasn't been a time in my life since college basketball where I've had that same feeling with a group of people. It's something so special and unique."The WNBA was a tougher move. She went from playing a power forward to a two-guard."I certainly didn't come off of ball screens or bring the ball up the floor (before the WNBA)," Wecker said. "I set really good ball screens. But I wasn't out guarding the perimeter and guarding a two. Having to learn that and have success against the best in the world was really, really hard for me."And then I got hurt. I just didn't have the success I wanted and envisioned for myself. And that's OK."Wecker went on to graduate school at Oklahoma, and while she has coached and does some training, she has moved on to a career in oil and gas."I really enjoy it," she said. "It's not something I ever thought I'd get into, but there's a lot of different parts to it and a lot of sectors you can be a part of."Ohlde grew up wanting to be like her brothers, who were athletes. When she wasn't outside with them playing, she was watching the Chicago Bulls."There's not much to do in Clay Center, so a lot of time I was outside pretending to be Michael Jordan. I had all the moves down. I pretended I played the game. I didn't have my first official basketball game until I was in seventh grade," said Ohlde, now a co-coach with her husband at Newman University.Ohlde, who won a state high jump title as a senior, qualified for the 4A basketball tournament as a junior.At 6-foot-4, she played point guard for Clay Center."I do believe it was the best decision for me long-term," Ohlde said. "I give a lot of credit to Jason Tatkenhorst. I just give him a ton of credit because he didn't put me in a bubble like, 'You're 6-4, so you need to be an inside player."Maybe Ohlde could have averaged 20 to 30 points a game if she had been inside, but those ballhandling skills helped her transition to college and the WNBA.Still, she went through a tough learning process at Kansas State."I had no post moves," Ohlde said. "They taught me all of that. I needed footwork, patience, anything you can think of that you need to learn in the post. They needed to have a ton of patience with me, too. Somehow, they molded me to be this person who has all that."Ohlde set records at KSU for career scoring, rebounds, double doubles, blocked shots, free throws made and minutes played. She finished her college career with 2,241 points and 995 rebounds, and averaged nine points and seven rebounds a game in the WNBA.