The Barton Community College softball team split their final regular season road trip in Wednesday's conference doubleheader at Dodge City Community College.

The Cougars ended the first game in five innings behind a multiple run frames in three of their at-bat frames for an 11-1 victory. Barton continued the momentum into the nightcap building a four run lead before Dodge City's five run third inning sent the contest into a battle as the Conquistadors prevailed 10-7.

The results leaves Barton in fourth place in the standings at 16-14 and 22-20 on the year while Dodge City moves into sixth at 14-16 and 20-24 overall.

Next up is Barton's regular season and home finale on Saturday in hosting Northwest Kansas Technical College in a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651155561770.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College softball team split their final regular season road trip in Wednesday's conference doubleheader at Dodge City Community College.The Cougars ended the first game in five innings behind a multiple run frames in three of their at-bat frames for an 11-1 victory. Barton continued the momentum into the nightcap building a four run lead before Dodge City's five run third inning sent the contest into a battle as the Conquistadors prevailed 10-7.The results leaves Barton in fourth place in the standings at 16-14 and 22-20 on the year while Dodge City moves into sixth at 14-16 and 20-24 overall.Next up is Barton's regular season and home finale on Saturday in hosting Northwest Kansas Technical College in a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader.

Barton Softball splits final road contest at Dodge City

The Barton Community College women's golf team spent the last twenty-four hours lying in wait, receiving the news Wednesday afternoon the 12th ranked Cougars received an at-large bid for the NJCAA Division I Championships.

Barton placed third Tuesday behind automatic qualifiers 5th ranked Iowa Western and 3rd ranked Dodge City at Region VI/Plains District Tournament. Left up to a national committee, Barton was chosen as a recipient of the five at-large bids and will join fourteen other teams and fifteen individual entries May 9-12 at the Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Florida.

Prior to the announcement, Barton was only going to be represented by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/sukasem_pawinee_x0ne" target="_blank">Pawinee Sukasem</a>&nbsp;following her automatic bid having finished in the top three individuals not on a qualifying team. Now being joined by her teammates, Sukasem's individual bid was given to the next in line within the Plains District.

Barton has finished within the Top-9 of the national tournament three straight seasons, including a program high 6th place finish in the 2019 season.

The Cougars' team set to keep the streak alive includes Sukasem,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/villavicencio_paulina_wekb" target="_blank">Paulina Villavicencio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/inmee_pornnapa_dna4" target="_blank">Pornnapa Inmee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/pandee_mathanee_s6su" target="_blank">Mathanee Pandee</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/newman_matilyn_ztdj" target="_blank">Matilyn Newman</a>, along with, alternate player&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/spray_haleigh_w7vc" target="_blank">Haleigh Spray</a>&nbsp;and manager&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/turner_jalyn_9g8g" target="_blank">Jalyn Turner</a>.

More videos of the celebration can be found on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BartonSports" target="_blank">Barton Sports' YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651154566406.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>from bartonsports.comThe Barton Community College women's golf team spent the last twenty-four hours lying in wait, receiving the news Wednesday afternoon the 12th ranked Cougars received an at-large bid for the NJCAA Division I Championships.Barton placed third Tuesday behind automatic qualifiers 5th ranked Iowa Western and 3rd ranked Dodge City at Region VI/Plains District Tournament. Left up to a national committee, Barton was chosen as a recipient of the five at-large bids and will join fourteen other teams and fifteen individual entries May 9-12 at the Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Florida.Prior to the announcement, Barton was only going to be represented by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/sukasem_pawinee_x0ne" target="_blank">Pawinee Sukasem</a>&nbsp;following her automatic bid having finished in the top three individuals not on a qualifying team. Now being joined by her teammates, Sukasem's individual bid was given to the next in line within the Plains District.Barton has finished within the Top-9 of the national tournament three straight seasons, including a program high 6th place finish in the 2019 season.The Cougars' team set to keep the streak alive includes Sukasem,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/villavicencio_paulina_wekb" target="_blank">Paulina Villavicencio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/inmee_pornnapa_dna4" target="_blank">Pornnapa Inmee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/pandee_mathanee_s6su" target="_blank">Mathanee Pandee</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/newman_matilyn_ztdj" target="_blank">Matilyn Newman</a>, along with, alternate player&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/spray_haleigh_w7vc" target="_blank">Haleigh Spray</a>&nbsp;and manager&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wgolf/2021-22/bios/turner_jalyn_9g8g" target="_blank">Jalyn Turner</a>.More videos of the celebration can be found on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BartonSports" target="_blank">Barton Sports' YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel

Florida bound, Barton women's golf headed to nationals

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Ayoka Lee continues to collect honors for her outstanding 2021-22 season, as she has been recognized by the Kansas City Sports Commission with the 2022 Children's Mercy Sports Medicine Center Sportswoman of the Year award.

Lee will receive her award at the 49th annual of the Kansas City Sports Awards Banquet presented by Populous on Thursday, June 9, at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott – Muehlebach Tower. A reception at 5:30 p.m., precedes the dinner and awards program, which starts at 7 p.m. Tables are currently available exclusively for sponsors. More information can be found at sportskc.org/awards-banquet.

A product of Byron, Minnesota, Lee was a First Team All-American by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated, a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and USBWA, a Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention recipient, a finalist for the 2022 Lisa Leslie Award, a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection by the league's coaches and garnered her first selection to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team.

Lee completed the 2021-22 season with career-highs in a number of statistical categories including points (727), points per game (22.0), field goals made and attempted (296-526), free throws made and attempted (135-175), rebounds (339), blocks (95), steals (39), assists (23) and double-doubles (20). 

Lee was the only player in NCAA Division I women's basketball in the 2021-22 season to register 725 or more points, 325 or more rebounds and 90 or more blocks. This was the first time in the 54-season history of K-State women's basketball in which a player reached the statistical combination of 725 or more points, 325 or more rebounds and 90 or more blocks in a single-season.

With her scoring average of 22.0 points per game and total of 296 field goals made, Lee set the single-season school records for scoring average and field goals made. Her point total of 727 ranks second in school history for points in a season and set a school record for points in a junior season.

Lee is the first player in K-State women's basketball history to average a double-double in at least two seasons, as she achieved the feat in her freshman season in 2019-20 and again in 2021-22.

As part of her 2021-22 statistical resume, Lee set the NCAA Division I single-game record of 61 points scored against Oklahoma on January 23. She also led the Big 12 for field goal percentage and a Big 12-high eight games with 30 or more points.

A two-time United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week recipient, Lee's 339 rebounds established a new school record for rebounds in a season.

Lee, a four-time Big 12 Player of the Week selection and a three-time ESPN.com National Player of the Week honor, set the school record for double-doubles with 20. She became the sixth player in the history of the Big 12 to register 20 or more double-doubles in a season.

In Big 12 play, Lee led the league in field goal percentage (.555), 30-point games in league play (4), games with 10 or more rebounds (11) and double-doubles (11). She finished second in the Big 12 in scoring (21.89 ppg), rebounding (9.78 rpg) and blocked shots (2.4 bpg).

In her career, Lee ranks ninth in school history for points scored with 1,661, sixth for rebounds with 887, third for blocks with 235, sixth for field goals made with 665 and sixth for free throws made with 331. She is also second for double-doubles with 49.

In the classroom in the 2021-22 season, Lee was the 2021-22 Big 12 Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year in addition to her second CoSIDA Academic All-America honor (second team in 2021; first team in 2022), her third career Academic All-Big 12 First Team honor.

Lee graduated in May of 2021 with her undergraduate degree in psychology and is currently pursuing her graduate degree in couples and family therapy. Lee is the second player in K-State women's basketball history to be named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team, joining Laurie Koehn in 2004. Lee and Koehn are the only two-time recipients of CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in the history of the program.

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Ayoka Lee continues to collect honors for her outstanding 2021-22 season, as she has been recognized by the Kansas City Sports Commission with the 2022 Children's Mercy Sports Medicine Center Sportswoman of the Year award.Lee will receive her award at the 49th annual of the Kansas City Sports Awards Banquet presented by Populous on Thursday, June 9, at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott – Muehlebach Tower. A reception at 5:30 p.m., precedes the dinner and awards program, which starts at 7 p.m. Tables are currently available exclusively for sponsors. More information can be found at sportskc.org/awards-banquet.A product of Byron, Minnesota, Lee was a First Team All-American by The Athletic and Sports Illustrated, a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and USBWA, a Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America Honorable Mention recipient, a finalist for the 2022 Lisa Leslie Award, a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection by the league's coaches and garnered her first selection to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team.Lee completed the 2021-22 season with career-highs in a number of statistical categories including points (727), points per game (22.0), field goals made and attempted (296-526), free throws made and attempted (135-175), rebounds (339), blocks (95), steals (39), assists (23) and double-doubles (20). Lee was the only player in NCAA Division I women's basketball in the 2021-22 season to register 725 or more points, 325 or more rebounds and 90 or more blocks. This was the first time in the 54-season history of K-State women's basketball in which a player reached the statistical combination of 725 or more points, 325 or more rebounds and 90 or more blocks in a single-season.With her scoring average of 22.0 points per game and total of 296 field goals made, Lee set the single-season school records for scoring average and field goals made. Her point total of 727 ranks second in school history for points in a season and set a school record for points in a junior season.Lee is the first player in K-State women's basketball history to average a double-double in at least two seasons, as she achieved the feat in her freshman season in 2019-20 and again in 2021-22.As part of her 2021-22 statistical resume, Lee set the NCAA Division I single-game record of 61 points scored against Oklahoma on January 23. She also led the Big 12 for field goal percentage and a Big 12-high eight games with 30 or more points.A two-time United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week recipient, Lee's 339 rebounds established a new school record for rebounds in a season.Lee, a four-time Big 12 Player of the Week selection and a three-time ESPN.com National Player of the Week honor, set the school record for double-doubles with 20. She became the sixth player in the history of the Big 12 to register 20 or more double-doubles in a season.In Big 12 play, Lee led the league in field goal percentage (.555), 30-point games in league play (4), games with 10 or more rebounds (11) and double-doubles (11). She finished second in the Big 12 in scoring (21.89 ppg), rebounding (9.78 rpg) and blocked shots (2.4 bpg).In her career, Lee ranks ninth in school history for points scored with 1,661, sixth for rebounds with 887, third for blocks with 235, sixth for field goals made with 665 and sixth for free throws made with 331. She is also second for double-doubles with 49.In the classroom in the 2021-22 season, Lee was the 2021-22 Big 12 Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year in addition to her second CoSIDA Academic All-America honor (second team in 2021; first team in 2022), her third career Academic All-Big 12 First Team honor.Lee graduated in May of 2021 with her undergraduate degree in psychology and is currently pursuing her graduate degree in couples and family therapy. Lee is the second player in K-State women's basketball history to be named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team, joining Laurie Koehn in 2004. Lee and Koehn are the only two-time recipients of CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in the history of the program.

K-State’s Lee Named KCSC Sportswoman of the Year

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Melvin Gordon III is returning to the Denver Broncos, but it's likely that he'll serve as the second jab in the team's 1-2 punch.

Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams split carries right down the middle last season, each one getting 203 handoffs, but Gordon started 16 games to Williams' one.

The Broncos appear ready to turn over the featured role to Williams, but after Gordon agreed to terms on a one-year, $5 million contract this week, offensive coordinator Justin Outten didn't want to declare his lead back as the team wrapped up its initial minicamp Wednesday.

At first, he said Gordon is “another guy to run the outside zone, third-down situations, just having that 1-2 punch. All those other guys are working their tails off as well. You've got Mike Boone and (Damarea) Crockett. Those guys are really putting in the work, so it's real exciting to get him on the field, as well.”

When pressed if Williams was the No. 1 running back and Gordon No. 2, Outten retorted, “I’m not saying that. I’m saying just guys that are gonna be on the field that can change up the game with their pace with fresh legs. It’s not necessarily a 1 and a 2 right now.”

Gordon ran for 918 yards and eight TDs last season and added 213 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.

Williams ran for 903 yards and four TDs and added 316 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.

Hours before Gordon agreed to return to Denver, Williams said he was prepared for whichever role general manager George Paton and head coach Nathaniel Hackett had in mind for him.

“Whatever George has planned, I’m ready. If I have to split carries, or if I’m the starter, it doesn’t matter,” Williams said. "Whatever it is, I’m just trying to win the Super Bowl.”

Gordon, who was expected to take his physical and sign his deal Wednesday, is reuniting with quarterback Russell Wilson, whom he played with at Wisconsin for one season.

That was in 2011 when Gordon was a freshman in Madison and Wilson a senior transfer from North Carolina State.

Russell reacted to the news by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1519142731427323904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1519142731427323904%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbroncoswire.usatoday.com%2F2022%2F04%2F27%2Fdenver-broncos-melvin-gordon-re-signs-russell-wilson-reaction%2F">tweeting</a>&nbsp;“25!!! We got us a Stable,” and the Broncos tweeted an old photo of the pair flashing a “W” sign back when Wilson was playing for the Seahawks.

Wide receiver Tim Patrick was pleased to see Gordon, an eighth-year pro, returning to the Broncos.

“They both ran for 900-some yards last year, right? That's just another piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It's gonna be scary this season.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Melvin Gordon III is returning to the Denver Broncos, but it's likely that he'll serve as the second jab in the team's 1-2 punch.Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams split carries right down the middle last season, each one getting 203 handoffs, but Gordon started 16 games to Williams' one.The Broncos appear ready to turn over the featured role to Williams, but after Gordon agreed to terms on a one-year, $5 million contract this week, offensive coordinator Justin Outten didn't want to declare his lead back as the team wrapped up its initial minicamp Wednesday.At first, he said Gordon is “another guy to run the outside zone, third-down situations, just having that 1-2 punch. All those other guys are working their tails off as well. You've got Mike Boone and (Damarea) Crockett. Those guys are really putting in the work, so it's real exciting to get him on the field, as well.”When pressed if Williams was the No. 1 running back and Gordon No. 2, Outten retorted, “I’m not saying that. I’m saying just guys that are gonna be on the field that can change up the game with their pace with fresh legs. It’s not necessarily a 1 and a 2 right now.”Gordon ran for 918 yards and eight TDs last season and added 213 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.Williams ran for 903 yards and four TDs and added 316 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.Hours before Gordon agreed to return to Denver, Williams said he was prepared for whichever role general manager George Paton and head coach Nathaniel Hackett had in mind for him.“Whatever George has planned, I’m ready. If I have to split carries, or if I’m the starter, it doesn’t matter,” Williams said. "Whatever it is, I’m just trying to win the Super Bowl.”Gordon, who was expected to take his physical and sign his deal Wednesday, is reuniting with quarterback Russell Wilson, whom he played with at Wisconsin for one season.That was in 2011 when Gordon was a freshman in Madison and Wilson a senior transfer from North Carolina State.Russell reacted to the news by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson/status/1519142731427323904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1519142731427323904%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbroncoswire.usatoday.com%2F2022%2F04%2F27%2Fdenver-broncos-melvin-gordon-re-signs-russell-wilson-reaction%2F">tweeting</a>&nbsp;“25!!! We got us a Stable,” and the Broncos tweeted an old photo of the pair flashing a “W” sign back when Wilson was playing for the Seahawks.Wide receiver Tim Patrick was pleased to see Gordon, an eighth-year pro, returning to the Broncos.“They both ran for 900-some yards last year, right? That's just another piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It's gonna be scary this season.”

Gordon back in Denver but likely flips roles with Williams

In the first official NFHS sports participation survey following the 1971-72 school year, there were 3,666,919 boys playing high school sports and only 294,015 girls. That summer, on June 23, 1972, with the passage of Title IX, the numbers began to change dramatically.

The next year, the number of girls in high school sports jumped to 817,073, followed by 1.3 million in 1972-73 and more than 2 million by 1977-78. While there were some girls participating in basketball and outdoor track and field prior to 1971, led by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, with more opportunities to play, girls flocked to volleyball and softball, cross country and then soccer, followed by numerous other sports in the ensuing years.

Imagine the past 50 years without girls in high school sports. The NFHS’ online National High School Sports Record Book provides a glimpse of some of the outstanding performances that have occurred thanks to that landmark Title IX legislation in 1972.

In basketball, there’s Geri Grigsby of Kentucky, who profited quickly from Title IX by averaging 46 points per game at McDowell High School from 1975 to 1977. Others in the Record Book and the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame  include Cheryl Miller of California, who once scored 105 points in a game; Jackie Stiles, considered the greatest athlete in Kansas history; Kim Mulkey, a Louisiana high school standout before her successful college coaching career; and Teresa Edwards, who helped the United States to four gold medals after her high school and college days in Georgia.

And there’s softball player Lisa Fernandez of California, swimmer Janet Evans of California, and track and field stars Jackie Joyner-Kersee of Illinois, Natasha Kaiser-Brown of Iowa, and many more – all of whom took advantage of the opportunity presented to them by Title IX.

In addition to student-athletes, Title IX opened the door for women to be involved in coaching, administration and officiating. Notables include NFHS Hall of Famer Leta Andrews of Texas, whose 52-year girls basketball coaching career began prior to 1972 and concluded in 2014 as the all-time leader with 1,416 victories.    

Several female high school athletic directors suddenly had opportunities to initiate girls programs in the early 1970s and had many years of distinguished service, including Alice Barron and Leslie Moore in Colorado, Barbara Twardus in Washington, Priscilla Dillow in Indiana, Lucia Norwood in Georgia and Sister Lynn Winsor in Arizona – among others.

Despite the advances of some of the aforementioned female leaders in high school sports, the numbers still lag when compared to males in these positions. More women are needed for coaching, administration and officiating positions. While women continue to make strides in leadership roles nationwide, the percentages still fall far shy of 50 percent.

In pursuit of the continued advancement of educational and competitive opportunities for women in sports, the NFHS is hosting its first “Better Together: Women and Sports Leadership Virtual Summit” next week.

More than 300 individuals are signed up to take advantage of this three-day virtual conference (May 1-3), with which we hope to build on the growth established by Title IX and assist attendees in connecting skills learned in athletics to those associated with being an effective leader.

Featured speakers include Dr. Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach and a sports psychologist; Betsy Butterick, a communication specialist and former collegiate and professional basketball coach; and Violet Palmer, a retired collegiate and professional basketball official.    

Breakout sessions will be led by influential coaches, administrators and officials, including Lisa Langston, director of athletics for the Fort Worth (Texas) Independent School District; Stephanie Hauser, executive director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association; Joan Powell, high school and college volleyball official; Bonnie Edmondson, USA track and field coach; and Que Tucker, executive director of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, to highlight a few of the 27 total speakers.

To register for the NFHS Women and Sport Leadership Virtual Summit, visit meetings.nfhs.org/btwls22/.

The NFHS hopes this is a great start to the next 50 years of girls and women leading the way in high school sports and activity programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651097911222.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>In the first official NFHS sports participation survey following the 1971-72 school year, there were 3,666,919 boys playing high school sports and only 294,015 girls. That summer, on June 23, 1972, with the passage of Title IX, the numbers began to change dramatically.The next year, the number of girls in high school sports jumped to 817,073, followed by 1.3 million in 1972-73 and more than 2 million by 1977-78. While there were some girls participating in basketball and outdoor track and field prior to 1971, led by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, with more opportunities to play, girls flocked to volleyball and softball, cross country and then soccer, followed by numerous other sports in the ensuing years.Imagine the past 50 years without girls in high school sports. The NFHS’ online National High School Sports Record Book provides a glimpse of some of the outstanding performances that have occurred thanks to that landmark Title IX legislation in 1972.In basketball, there’s Geri Grigsby of Kentucky, who profited quickly from Title IX by averaging 46 points per game at McDowell High School from 1975 to 1977. Others in the Record Book and the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame include Cheryl Miller of California, who once scored 105 points in a game; Jackie Stiles, considered the greatest athlete in Kansas history; Kim Mulkey, a Louisiana high school standout before her successful college coaching career; and Teresa Edwards, who helped the United States to four gold medals after her high school and college days in Georgia.And there’s softball player Lisa Fernandez of California, swimmer Janet Evans of California, and track and field stars Jackie Joyner-Kersee of Illinois, Natasha Kaiser-Brown of Iowa, and many more – all of whom took advantage of the opportunity presented to them by Title IX.In addition to student-athletes, Title IX opened the door for women to be involved in coaching, administration and officiating. Notables include NFHS Hall of Famer Leta Andrews of Texas, whose 52-year girls basketball coaching career began prior to 1972 and concluded in 2014 as the all-time leader with 1,416 victories. Several female high school athletic directors suddenly had opportunities to initiate girls programs in the early 1970s and had many years of distinguished service, including Alice Barron and Leslie Moore in Colorado, Barbara Twardus in Washington, Priscilla Dillow in Indiana, Lucia Norwood in Georgia and Sister Lynn Winsor in Arizona – among others.Despite the advances of some of the aforementioned female leaders in high school sports, the numbers still lag when compared to males in these positions. More women are needed for coaching, administration and officiating positions. While women continue to make strides in leadership roles nationwide, the percentages still fall far shy of 50 percent.In pursuit of the continued advancement of educational and competitive opportunities for women in sports, the NFHS is hosting its first “Better Together: Women and Sports Leadership Virtual Summit” next week.More than 300 individuals are signed up to take advantage of this three-day virtual conference (May 1-3), with which we hope to build on the growth established by Title IX and assist attendees in connecting skills learned in athletics to those associated with being an effective leader.Featured speakers include Dr. Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach and a sports psychologist; Betsy Butterick, a communication specialist and former collegiate and professional basketball coach; and Violet Palmer, a retired collegiate and professional basketball official. Breakout sessions will be led by influential coaches, administrators and officials, including Lisa Langston, director of athletics for the Fort Worth (Texas) Independent School District; Stephanie Hauser, executive director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association; Joan Powell, high school and college volleyball official; Bonnie Edmondson, USA track and field coach; and Que Tucker, executive director of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, to highlight a few of the 27 total speakers.To register for the NFHS Women and Sport Leadership Virtual Summit, visit meetings.nfhs.org/btwls22/.The NFHS hopes this is a great start to the next 50 years of girls and women leading the way in high school sports and activity programs.

NFHS Begins Building Leaders for Next 50 Years with Women and Sport Leadership Summit

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider (2-1). Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left for his fourth homer.

“I was just up there looking for a good pitch and I got a fastball middle-up and put a good swing on it,” Vaughn said. “This is definitely something to build off.”

The White Sox added another run in the eighth when Leury García scampered home on Reese McGuire’s double-play grounder.

Jake Burger hit a solo homer as Chicago got its first win since April 16. Burger finished with three hits, and Vaughn had four RBIs.

“Hopefully this is the start of a run on the right side of things,” Burger said. “The vibes in the dugout were pretty great.”

Whit Merrifield drove in two runs for Kansas City, which lost for the fifth time in six games. Zack Greinke permitted three runs and five hits in six innings.

Manager Mike Matheny admired Greinke’s grit on the chilly afternoon, with the start time moved up to avoid the cold temperatures forecasted for Wednesday night.

“He did such a good job in there in the second and the third limiting the damage,” he said. “Locating well despite the elements. I thought it was a terrific job of pitching.”

The Royals trailed 3-0 after five, but Merrifield hit a tying sacrifice fly off Bennett Sousa (1-0) in the top half of the seventh.

Dylan Cease struck out nine in six innings, helping the White Sox stop their longest losing streak since June 2018. The right-hander allowed two runs and three hits.

Chicago also ended a streak of nine straight games with a defensive error.

Edward Olivares began the sixth with an infield single for Kansas City’s first hit of the game.

Sousa got his first major league win. Kendall Graveman struck out four in two innings to earn his first save of the season.

Chicago closer Liam Hendriks said he might have overdone it during last weekend’s series in Minnesota. The right-hander experienced back soreness during a 16-pitch outing Saturday, then returned to throw 30 in the final 1 1/3 innings of Sunday’s loss that ended with Byron Buxton’s booming home run.

“If you’re going to give up a walk-off homer it might as well be the longest in history,” Hendriks said with a smile Wednesday morning.

Royals: INF Adalberto Mondesi was scheduled to be evaluated further, a day after leaving the series opener with left knee discomfort. Matheny said the initial examination did not indicate a need for a stint on the injury list.

White Sox: 3B Yoán Moncada (right oblique) and RHP Joe Kelly (biceps) are scheduled to begin rehab assignments Friday at Triple-A Charlotte. There is no timetable for either player to return to the lineup. … C Yasmani Grandal was the designated hitter a day after leaving in the seventh with leg soreness.

Kansas City’s Brad Keller (0-2, 2.55 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Michael Kopech (0-0, 0.64 ERA) in Thursday afternoon’s series finale.

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider (2-1). Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left for his fourth homer.“I was just up there looking for a good pitch and I got a fastball middle-up and put a good swing on it,” Vaughn said. “This is definitely something to build off.”The White Sox added another run in the eighth when Leury García scampered home on Reese McGuire’s double-play grounder.Jake Burger hit a solo homer as Chicago got its first win since April 16. Burger finished with three hits, and Vaughn had four RBIs.“Hopefully this is the start of a run on the right side of things,” Burger said. “The vibes in the dugout were pretty great.”Whit Merrifield drove in two runs for Kansas City, which lost for the fifth time in six games. Zack Greinke permitted three runs and five hits in six innings.Manager Mike Matheny admired Greinke’s grit on the chilly afternoon, with the start time moved up to avoid the cold temperatures forecasted for Wednesday night.“He did such a good job in there in the second and the third limiting the damage,” he said. “Locating well despite the elements. I thought it was a terrific job of pitching.”The Royals trailed 3-0 after five, but Merrifield hit a tying sacrifice fly off Bennett Sousa (1-0) in the top half of the seventh.Dylan Cease struck out nine in six innings, helping the White Sox stop their longest losing streak since June 2018. The right-hander allowed two runs and three hits.Chicago also ended a streak of nine straight games with a defensive error.Edward Olivares began the sixth with an infield single for Kansas City’s first hit of the game.Sousa got his first major league win. Kendall Graveman struck out four in two innings to earn his first save of the season.TAKING IT EASY?Chicago closer Liam Hendriks said he might have overdone it during last weekend’s series in Minnesota. The right-hander experienced back soreness during a 16-pitch outing Saturday, then returned to throw 30 in the final 1 1/3 innings of Sunday’s loss that ended with Byron Buxton’s booming home run.“If you’re going to give up a walk-off homer it might as well be the longest in history,” Hendriks said with a smile Wednesday morning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Adalberto Mondesi was scheduled to be evaluated further, a day after leaving the series opener with left knee discomfort. Matheny said the initial examination did not indicate a need for a stint on the injury list.White Sox: 3B Yoán Moncada (right oblique) and RHP Joe Kelly (biceps) are scheduled to begin rehab assignments Friday at Triple-A Charlotte. There is no timetable for either player to return to the lineup. … C Yasmani Grandal was the designated hitter a day after leaving in the seventh with leg soreness.UP NEXTKansas City’s Brad Keller (0-2, 2.55 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Michael Kopech (0-0, 0.64 ERA) in Thursday afternoon’s series finale.

Vaughn homers as White Sox stop slide by topping Royals 7-3

Featuring some of the best community college men's golf teams in the nation at the Region VI/Central District Championships, the 20th ranked Barton Community College squad simply couldn't keep pace in finishing seventh over the course of two days at Lochland Country Club in Hastings, Nebraska.

The Cougars began Monday's 36-holes of action with a team 302 score, good for fourth place and just four shots out of the morning's best team round. Barton fell to the sixth spot at the conclusion of the day with a 311 as each of the top five teams went sub-300 to break away from the field. Facing a seventeen stroke deficit in an attempt to climb back into the District's top five automatic national qualifiers, Tuesday's final round didn't go as planned in posting a 316 to slide another spot to seventh at 65-over 929.

The NJCAA's toughest district featured five Top-12 teams, three coming from the Cougars' own Region VI members, as each held their own to qualify for the NJCAA Championships. Leading the pack was 13th ranked Iowa Western at 18-over (882) followed by defending champion and 3rd ranked Hutchinson at 25-over (889). In third was 6th ranked Indian Hills at 27-over (891), followed by 11th ranked Dodge City at 29-over (893) and 12th ranked Garden City carding a combined 34-over 898.

Erasing a fifteen stroke deficit to the Cougars after round one, Kansas City Kansas leaped over Barton into sixth place by five strokes with a pair of solid rounds compiling a 60-over 924. Trailing Barton for eighth place was Fort Scott at 146-over (1010) with Coffeyville rounding out the nine team field at 247-over (1111).

Matching the morning's best individual tournament round of 1-under par 71, Pontus Nordstrom slipped in the remaining rounds with a pair of 80's on the card to finish at 15-over 231 for 25th overall.

The Cougars' most consistent performer throughout the three rounds was Carlos Hamou with Monday's twin 77 rounds followed by Tuesday's 78 score to finish a stroke behind Nordstrom at 16th place compiling a 16-over 232.

Second team All-KJCCC performer Tom Gehring finished the tournament with the Cougars' second best tournament round of 2-over 74 to follow up Monday's 77 and 82 rounds in placing 28th in the 45-man field at 17-over 233.

Ethan Bonnett began with consistent Monday rounds of 77 and 78 with a final trip around the links producing an 84 for a 23-over 239 placing 31st.

Carding 78 and 76 rounds on the first day, Tom Lehmann closed with an 86 for a 33rd place 24-over 240 to conclude the Barton entries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651064490571.jpeg" alt="Carlos Hamou-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Hamou-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Featuring some of the best community college men's golf teams in the nation at the Region VI/Central District Championships, the 20th ranked Barton Community College squad simply couldn't keep pace in finishing seventh over the course of two days at Lochland Country Club in Hastings, Nebraska.The Cougars began Monday's 36-holes of action with a team 302 score, good for fourth place and just four shots out of the morning's best team round. Barton fell to the sixth spot at the conclusion of the day with a 311 as each of the top five teams went sub-300 to break away from the field. Facing a seventeen stroke deficit in an attempt to climb back into the District's top five automatic national qualifiers, Tuesday's final round didn't go as planned in posting a 316 to slide another spot to seventh at 65-over 929.The NJCAA's toughest district featured five Top-12 teams, three coming from the Cougars' own Region VI members, as each held their own to qualify for the NJCAA Championships. Leading the pack was 13th ranked Iowa Western at 18-over (882) followed by defending champion and 3rd ranked Hutchinson at 25-over (889). In third was 6th ranked Indian Hills at 27-over (891), followed by 11th ranked Dodge City at 29-over (893) and 12th ranked Garden City carding a combined 34-over 898.Erasing a fifteen stroke deficit to the Cougars after round one, Kansas City Kansas leaped over Barton into sixth place by five strokes with a pair of solid rounds compiling a 60-over 924. Trailing Barton for eighth place was Fort Scott at 146-over (1010) with Coffeyville rounding out the nine team field at 247-over (1111).Matching the morning's best individual tournament round of 1-under par 71, Pontus Nordstrom slipped in the remaining rounds with a pair of 80's on the card to finish at 15-over 231 for 25th overall.The Cougars' most consistent performer throughout the three rounds was Carlos Hamou with Monday's twin 77 rounds followed by Tuesday's 78 score to finish a stroke behind Nordstrom at 16th place compiling a 16-over 232.Second team All-KJCCC performer Tom Gehring finished the tournament with the Cougars' second best tournament round of 2-over 74 to follow up Monday's 77 and 82 rounds in placing 28th in the 45-man field at 17-over 233.Ethan Bonnett began with consistent Monday rounds of 77 and 78 with a final trip around the links producing an 84 for a 23-over 239 placing 31st.Carding 78 and 76 rounds on the first day, Tom Lehmann closed with an 86 for a 33rd place 24-over 240 to conclude the Barton entries.

Season ends for 20th ranked Barton men's golf


The Barton Baseball Cougars tuned up for a big four game conference
with Cloud County this week by beating the Hesston Larks 7-1 in a
single 9-inning game at Hesston Tuesday night.


Barton improves to 33-12 on the season as they get set to host the
Thunderbirds Thursday in Great Bend. The two teams continue the
series Saturday in Concordia.


Barton and Cloud are currently tied for first in the Jayhawk West.

Jayhawk West
Baseball Standings Barton 18-6 33-14&nbsp; - Cloud County 18-6 37-12&nbsp; - Colby 16-8 29-16 Butler 16-12 28-18 4 Hutchinson 13-11 27-20 5 Dodge City 12-12 25-20 6 Garden City 6-18 13-31 12 Seward County 6-18 13-33 12 Pratt 5-19 18-28 13

The Barton Baseball Cougars tuned up for a big four game conference
with Cloud County this week by beating the Hesston Larks 7-1 in a
single 9-inning game at Hesston Tuesday night.
Barton improves to 33-12 on the season as they get set to host the
Thunderbirds Thursday in Great Bend. The two teams continue the
series Saturday in Concordia.
Barton and Cloud are currently tied for first in the Jayhawk West.Jayhawk West
Baseball Standings Barton 18-6 33-14&nbsp; - Cloud County 18-6 37-12&nbsp; - Colby 16-8 29-16 Butler 16-12 28-18 4 Hutchinson 13-11 27-20 5 Dodge City 12-12 25-20 6 Garden City 6-18 13-31 12 Seward County 6-18 13-33 12 Pratt 5-19 18-28 13

Cougars take down Hesston in Mid-Week tune up


The Great Bend Lady Panther Softball team held the early lead against
Garden City Tuesday before the Buffalo bats woke up in a 12-2
six-inning, run-rule shortened victory that kept the Lady Panthers
winless on the season.


Great Bend led 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Garden City went
to work, scoring 11-runs over the next two innings to end the game
early.


The Lady Panthers fall to 0-12 overall and 0-8 in the Western
Athletic Conference. Garden City is now 9-2 and a perfect 7-0 in the
WAC.


The two teams meet again Thursday in Great Bend for a double header
at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

The Great Bend Lady Panther Softball team held the early lead against
Garden City Tuesday before the Buffalo bats woke up in a 12-2
six-inning, run-rule shortened victory that kept the Lady Panthers
winless on the season.
Great Bend led 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Garden City went
to work, scoring 11-runs over the next two innings to end the game
early.
The Lady Panthers fall to 0-12 overall and 0-8 in the Western
Athletic Conference. Garden City is now 9-2 and a perfect 7-0 in the
WAC.
The two teams meet again Thursday in Great Bend for a double header
at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

Lady Panthers fade late at Garden City

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch gave the Kansas City Royals exactly what they needed.

Not so much for Dallas Keuchel and the Chicago White Sox.

Lynch pitched six crisp innings, and the Royals handed the White Sox their eighth straight loss with a 6-0 victory Tuesday night.

“I felt like I commanded the ball really well,” Lynch said. “I did what I wanted to.”

Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and Carlos Santana drove in two runs, helping Kansas City stop a four-game slide. The Royals were outscored 22-12 in a sweep at Seattle over the weekend.

Lynch (2-1) allowed two hits, struck out seven and walked two. The left-hander, who made his big league debut almost a year ago, also pitched shutout ball in his previous start, working into the sixth in a 2-0 win over Minnesota last week.

“It’s just amazing from a year ago where he is right now,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “How his demeanor, his rhythm, his repeatability, that’s really a thing that you see the most is he is repeating mechanics that are letting him repeat inside the zone and outside. He had everything today.”

Chicago’s best scoring chance against Lynch occurred in the fourth, when Jake Burger flied out to the warning track in left with Yasmani Grandal aboard after a leadoff double.

The White Sox issued 11 walks and committed two more errors, running their major league-leading total to 20. First baseman José Abreu dropped a throw in the fourth, leading to two unearned runs. Shortstop Tim Anderson flubbed a grounder in the eighth for his seventh error in his last six games.

It’s the longest losing streak for Chicago since it also dropped eight in a row in June 2018.

“If you have talent like this and you have to get after guys to get started or they’re walking around smiling or not working, then you’ve got the wrong people,” manager Tony La Russa said. “We’ve got the right people. So we’ll be all right. The sooner the better though, because we’re not having any fun.”

Keuchel (1-2) worked four innings in his second straight loss, allowing two runs and two hits. The lefty struck out two and walked five for the reigning AL Central champions.

“We’re too good of a team to really feel bad about ourselves or get down, so we’ll have to pick it back up and eventually we will,” Keuchel said. “Just a matter of will it be tomorrow or hopefully the next day.”

Kansas City put the game away with four runs in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate. Witt doubled and scored on Michael A. Taylor’s sacrifice fly. Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with an unusual fielder’s choice, and Santana made it 6-0 with a two-run single against Kyle Crick.

Benintendi’s bases-loaded fly ball to left dropped in front of Andrew Vaughn, who threw to third for the forceout as Edward Olivares scored.

Taylor Clarke got three outs for Kansas City before Brady Singer finished the five-hitter.

Royals: SS Adalberto Mondesi exited in the sixth because of left knee discomfort. “He’s sore, but they didn’t think anything structural,” Matheny said. “Probably get another look at it in the morning.”

White Sox: OF Eloy Jiménez had surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Jiménez got hurt during Saturday’s 9-2 loss at Minnesota when he stretched for first base while running out a grounder to third. ... CF Luis Robert (groin strain) and 3B Yoán Moncada (right oblique strain) ran the bases before the game. Robert could return as soon as Wednesday, and Moncada could start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte as soon as this weekend.

Right-handers Zack Greinke (0-1, 2.25 ERA) and Dylan Cease (2-1, 3.38) pitch on Wednesday afternoon. Greinke tossed five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City’s 1-0 loss to Minnesota on Thursday. The 38-year-old Greinke is 4-0 with a 3.28 ERA in his last six starts against Chicago. Cease permitted four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 6-3 loss at Cleveland last week.

CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Lynch gave the Kansas City Royals exactly what they needed.Not so much for Dallas Keuchel and the Chicago White Sox.Lynch pitched six crisp innings, and the Royals handed the White Sox their eighth straight loss with a 6-0 victory Tuesday night.“I felt like I commanded the ball really well,” Lynch said. “I did what I wanted to.”Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and Carlos Santana drove in two runs, helping Kansas City stop a four-game slide. The Royals were outscored 22-12 in a sweep at Seattle over the weekend.Lynch (2-1) allowed two hits, struck out seven and walked two. The left-hander, who made his big league debut almost a year ago, also pitched shutout ball in his previous start, working into the sixth in a 2-0 win over Minnesota last week.“It’s just amazing from a year ago where he is right now,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “How his demeanor, his rhythm, his repeatability, that’s really a thing that you see the most is he is repeating mechanics that are letting him repeat inside the zone and outside. He had everything today.”Chicago’s best scoring chance against Lynch occurred in the fourth, when Jake Burger flied out to the warning track in left with Yasmani Grandal aboard after a leadoff double.The White Sox issued 11 walks and committed two more errors, running their major league-leading total to 20. First baseman José Abreu dropped a throw in the fourth, leading to two unearned runs. Shortstop Tim Anderson flubbed a grounder in the eighth for his seventh error in his last six games.It’s the longest losing streak for Chicago since it also dropped eight in a row in June 2018.“If you have talent like this and you have to get after guys to get started or they’re walking around smiling or not working, then you’ve got the wrong people,” manager Tony La Russa said. “We’ve got the right people. So we’ll be all right. The sooner the better though, because we’re not having any fun.”Keuchel (1-2) worked four innings in his second straight loss, allowing two runs and two hits. The lefty struck out two and walked five for the reigning AL Central champions.“We’re too good of a team to really feel bad about ourselves or get down, so we’ll have to pick it back up and eventually we will,” Keuchel said. “Just a matter of will it be tomorrow or hopefully the next day.”Kansas City put the game away with four runs in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate. Witt doubled and scored on Michael A. Taylor’s sacrifice fly. Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with an unusual fielder’s choice, and Santana made it 6-0 with a two-run single against Kyle Crick.Benintendi’s bases-loaded fly ball to left dropped in front of Andrew Vaughn, who threw to third for the forceout as Edward Olivares scored.Taylor Clarke got three outs for Kansas City before Brady Singer finished the five-hitter.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: SS Adalberto Mondesi exited in the sixth because of left knee discomfort. “He’s sore, but they didn’t think anything structural,” Matheny said. “Probably get another look at it in the morning.”White Sox: OF Eloy Jiménez had surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Jiménez got hurt during Saturday’s 9-2 loss at Minnesota when he stretched for first base while running out a grounder to third. ... CF Luis Robert (groin strain) and 3B Yoán Moncada (right oblique strain) ran the bases before the game. Robert could return as soon as Wednesday, and Moncada could start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte as soon as this weekend.UP NEXTRight-handers Zack Greinke (0-1, 2.25 ERA) and Dylan Cease (2-1, 3.38) pitch on Wednesday afternoon. Greinke tossed five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City’s 1-0 loss to Minnesota on Thursday. The 38-year-old Greinke is 4-0 with a 3.28 ERA in his last six starts against Chicago. Cease permitted four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 6-3 loss at Cleveland last week.

Lynch shines as Royals blank slumping White Sox 6-0

The 12th ranked Barton Community College women's golf team placed all five entries in the top twenty-four Tuesday in finishing 3rd overall at Region VI/Plains District Tournament held at Junction City's Rolling Meadows Golf Course.

The Cougars compiled an 88-over 664 following rounds of 339 and strong closing 325 to trail 3rd ranked Dodge City Community College by thirteen strokes for the District's final team qualifier and Region VI title winner. Winning the District was 5th ranked Iowa Western Community College as the Reivers seized the title with a 45-over 621.

As a team, the Cougars play the waiting game in hopes of receiving a wild card entry to the NJCAA Division I Championships held May 9-12 at Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Florida.  A committee selection announcement is slated on Wednesday.

In addition to the top two teams automatically qualifying for the national competition, three individuals not on a qualifying team also punched their ticket for the year end big show.

Making a final day charge of 6-over, the Cougars' Pawinee Sukasem bettered a par of teammates in grab the final spot joining Central Wyoming College's Aubree Johnson (+17) and Des Moines Community College's Ashley Michel (+18) as the trio of individual qualifiers.

Sukasem sat in a five-way tie for 12th position overall after day one's 86 round, fifth on the pecking list for the coveted top three spot. Compiling a 20-over 164 to earn the spot in the two-day event, Sukasem place tied for 8th overall in the 48th entry field.

Paulina Villavicencio opened with a sixth best round of 9-over 81, second amongst the individuals.  Taking an insect sting in the closing hole of the round, Villavicencio prevailed through the lingering effects but slid into the fourth spot two strokes back with a final round 13-over 85 to finish in an 11th place tie overall.

Teammate Pornnapa Inmee joined Villavicencio at the 22-over 166 total, carding a Monday 87 before making a final day charge of 7-over 79 to become the second Cougar to break 80 matching Sukasem's eight stroke round improvement.

Despite a second day improvement, Mathanee Pandee slipped three spots in the final overall standings to 13th at 24-over 168 with 85-83 rounds.

Moving four spots up the final leaderboard to 24th, Matilyn Newman shaved seven strokes off an opening 93 in carding an 86 to wrap up the tournament at 35-over 179.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651060913868.jpeg" alt="Pawinee Sukasem - Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Pawinee Sukasem - Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 12th ranked Barton Community College women's golf team placed all five entries in the top twenty-four Tuesday in finishing 3rd overall at Region VI/Plains District Tournament held at Junction City's Rolling Meadows Golf Course.The Cougars compiled an 88-over 664 following rounds of 339 and strong closing 325 to trail 3rd ranked Dodge City Community College by thirteen strokes for the District's final team qualifier and Region VI title winner. Winning the District was 5th ranked Iowa Western Community College as the Reivers seized the title with a 45-over 621.As a team, the Cougars play the waiting game in hopes of receiving a wild card entry to the NJCAA Division I Championships held May 9-12 at Mayfair Country Club in Sanford, Florida. A committee selection announcement is slated on Wednesday.In addition to the top two teams automatically qualifying for the national competition, three individuals not on a qualifying team also punched their ticket for the year end big show.Making a final day charge of 6-over, the Cougars' Pawinee Sukasem bettered a par of teammates in grab the final spot joining Central Wyoming College's Aubree Johnson (+17) and Des Moines Community College's Ashley Michel (+18) as the trio of individual qualifiers.Sukasem sat in a five-way tie for 12th position overall after day one's 86 round, fifth on the pecking list for the coveted top three spot. Compiling a 20-over 164 to earn the spot in the two-day event, Sukasem place tied for 8th overall in the 48th entry field.Paulina Villavicencio opened with a sixth best round of 9-over 81, second amongst the individuals. Taking an insect sting in the closing hole of the round, Villavicencio prevailed through the lingering effects but slid into the fourth spot two strokes back with a final round 13-over 85 to finish in an 11th place tie overall.Teammate Pornnapa Inmee joined Villavicencio at the 22-over 166 total, carding a Monday 87 before making a final day charge of 7-over 79 to become the second Cougar to break 80 matching Sukasem's eight stroke round improvement.Despite a second day improvement, Mathanee Pandee slipped three spots in the final overall standings to 13th at 24-over 168 with 85-83 rounds.Moving four spots up the final leaderboard to 24th, Matilyn Newman shaved seven strokes off an opening 93 in carding an 86 to wrap up the tournament at 35-over 179.

12th ranked Barton women's golf third in Plains District Championship

Baseball -Game 1- Great Bend 7 TMP 3 -Game 2- Great Bend 15 TMP 0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642278253811.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Baseball -Game 1- Great Bend 7 TMP 3 -Game 2- Great Bend 15 TMP 0<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/fh42oxcf/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Softball -Game 1- Smoky Valley 6 Larned 5 -Game 2- Larned 15 Smoky Valley 4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600485516602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Softball -Game 1- Smoky Valley 6 Larned 5 -Game 2- Larned 15 Smoky Valley 4<div></div>

The emergence of former LSU teammates Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that NFL teams can’t count on rookie wide receivers.

This year’s draft class is eager to continue the trend.

“Those guys put on a show their rookie year coming from the SEC and LSU,” Ohio State’s Chris Olave said. “That was huge to see. That was must-watch TV, especially with Ja’Marr Chase this past year, probably one of the best rookie performances ever. That definitely put motivation to me.”

Receivers taken in the first round this year should have a chance to make an immediate impact on the playoff race, since a few of the league’s top teams need to upgrade at that position.

The Green Bay Packers have posted the NFC’s best regular-season record each of the past two seasons, but traded two-time All-Pro Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs, who have reached the Super Bowl two of the past three seasons, sent three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.

Kansas City has since added former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and ex-Packers wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while the Packers brought in 2014 first-round pick Sammy Watkins. But both teams still may need to add more receivers, and they each have two first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Packers have the 22nd and 28th overall picks and have two more selections in the second round. The Chiefs are drafting 29th and 30th overall. The Tennessee Titans, who pick 26th overall, also could use a receiver.

How soon any rookie receivers taken in the lower portion of the first round will develop remains uncertain.

Wide receiver traditionally has been a developmental position in the NFL. Even wideouts taken in the first round generally didn’t do much as rookies and instead needed time to develop.

Not anymore. The emergence of 7-on-7 camps and spread offenses has made wide receivers more equipped to contribute as rookies.

“They’ve been coached probably better than back in the day maybe 10-12 years ago,” Packers wide receivers coach Jason Vrable said. “The reason why, people were passing since they’ve been in fifth grade now, right? And the growth of them as far as the pass game and route knowledge and all that stuff, typically guys are pretty clean in that aspect coming out. The biggest thing is you’ve got to feel good about the playbook, knows the ins and outs, know the audible system and know why we’re doing things. And that just takes some time.”

For some young receivers, it hasn’t taken much time at all.

Jefferson, drafted 22nd overall, caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards receiving for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Chase, the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft, surpassed Jefferson’s rookie total by accumulating 1,455 yards receiving while helping the Cincinnati Bengals earn their first Super Bowl berth since the 1988 season.

Jefferson’s 1,400 yards receiving were the most by a rookie in the Super Bowl era, until Chase surpassed it last season.

This year’s class of receivers also looks promising, though it lacks the star power of last year’s group.

“None of these guys have the same grade as a DeVonta Smith, a Ja’Marr Chase or a Jaylen Waddle,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said. “Those three last year all had elite grades.”

Kiper and NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah both predicted six or seven receivers could get taken in the first round. Jeremiah has Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson and Southern California’s Drake London ranked among his top 10 overall prospects.

“I really like this group, and I think it’s, again, got those six or seven guys that you really like there at the top,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t think the depth into like the fourth round and beyond is as good as some of the others we’ve seen, but I think up until that point it’s pretty good.”

Other receivers projected as potential first-round picks include Olave, Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore, North Dakota State’s Christian Watson and Alabama’s Jameson Williams.

The trick is figuring out which of these guys can contribute right away. Vrable says some receivers need time to develop the confidence necessary to face elite cornerbacks such as Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander.

“That’s the hardest part — getting a guy to truly walk out there and look across from him and see Jaire and truly believe in yourself, like ‘I can beat this guy one-on-one, not only do I know my route, I know the details of it, but then I’ve got to beat a guy who’s a dominating force on the opposing side of the ball,’” Vrable said. “And typically every team has an elite corner, so you’re going up against guys that you’ve just got to have that confidence. I think that, for some guys, takes a little bit more time than others.”

There aren’t many rookie receivers who possess that attitude plus the physical skills to back it up, but they’re a lot more plentiful than before.

“For what it used to be, kind of a coin flip on first-round receivers with the hit rate, it has gone way up over the last few years,” Jeremiah said. “It’s been pretty consistent with these guys being solid, solid players — if not more than that — right away.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650909800214.png" alt="Listen to the NFL Draft on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM Thursday starting at 6pm. Day three coverage will begin at 11am Saturday morning." />
 <figcaption>Listen to the NFL Draft on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM Thursday starting at 6pm. Day three coverage will begin at 11am Saturday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>The emergence of former LSU teammates Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that NFL teams can’t count on rookie wide receivers.This year’s draft class is eager to continue the trend.“Those guys put on a show their rookie year coming from the SEC and LSU,” Ohio State’s Chris Olave said. “That was huge to see. That was must-watch TV, especially with Ja’Marr Chase this past year, probably one of the best rookie performances ever. That definitely put motivation to me.”Receivers taken in the first round this year should have a chance to make an immediate impact on the playoff race, since a few of the league’s top teams need to upgrade at that position.The Green Bay Packers have posted the NFC’s best regular-season record each of the past two seasons, but traded two-time All-Pro Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs, who have reached the Super Bowl two of the past three seasons, sent three-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.Kansas City has since added former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and ex-Packers wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while the Packers brought in 2014 first-round pick Sammy Watkins. But both teams still may need to add more receivers, and they each have two first-round picks in this year’s draft.The Packers have the 22nd and 28th overall picks and have two more selections in the second round. The Chiefs are drafting 29th and 30th overall. The Tennessee Titans, who pick 26th overall, also could use a receiver.How soon any rookie receivers taken in the lower portion of the first round will develop remains uncertain.Wide receiver traditionally has been a developmental position in the NFL. Even wideouts taken in the first round generally didn’t do much as rookies and instead needed time to develop.Not anymore. The emergence of 7-on-7 camps and spread offenses has made wide receivers more equipped to contribute as rookies.“They’ve been coached probably better than back in the day maybe 10-12 years ago,” Packers wide receivers coach Jason Vrable said. “The reason why, people were passing since they’ve been in fifth grade now, right? And the growth of them as far as the pass game and route knowledge and all that stuff, typically guys are pretty clean in that aspect coming out. The biggest thing is you’ve got to feel good about the playbook, knows the ins and outs, know the audible system and know why we’re doing things. And that just takes some time.”For some young receivers, it hasn’t taken much time at all.Jefferson, drafted 22nd overall, caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards receiving for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Chase, the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft, surpassed Jefferson’s rookie total by accumulating 1,455 yards receiving while helping the Cincinnati Bengals earn their first Super Bowl berth since the 1988 season.Jefferson’s 1,400 yards receiving were the most by a rookie in the Super Bowl era, until Chase surpassed it last season.This year’s class of receivers also looks promising, though it lacks the star power of last year’s group.“None of these guys have the same grade as a DeVonta Smith, a Ja’Marr Chase or a Jaylen Waddle,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said. “Those three last year all had elite grades.”Kiper and NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah both predicted six or seven receivers could get taken in the first round. Jeremiah has Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson and Southern California’s Drake London ranked among his top 10 overall prospects.“I really like this group, and I think it’s, again, got those six or seven guys that you really like there at the top,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t think the depth into like the fourth round and beyond is as good as some of the others we’ve seen, but I think up until that point it’s pretty good.”Other receivers projected as potential first-round picks include Olave, Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore, North Dakota State’s Christian Watson and Alabama’s Jameson Williams.The trick is figuring out which of these guys can contribute right away. Vrable says some receivers need time to develop the confidence necessary to face elite cornerbacks such as Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander.“That’s the hardest part — getting a guy to truly walk out there and look across from him and see Jaire and truly believe in yourself, like ‘I can beat this guy one-on-one, not only do I know my route, I know the details of it, but then I’ve got to beat a guy who’s a dominating force on the opposing side of the ball,’” Vrable said. “And typically every team has an elite corner, so you’re going up against guys that you’ve just got to have that confidence. I think that, for some guys, takes a little bit more time than others.”There aren’t many rookie receivers who possess that attitude plus the physical skills to back it up, but they’re a lot more plentiful than before.“For what it used to be, kind of a coin flip on first-round receivers with the hit rate, it has gone way up over the last few years,” Jeremiah said. “It’s been pretty consistent with these guys being solid, solid players — if not more than that — right away.”

Wide receivers more likely than before to deliver as rookies

The Great Bend Lady
Panthers struggles continued Monday as they lost a Western Athletic
Conference soccer match to the Hays High Indians 7-0.

The loss was Great
Bend's seventh straight and drops their record to 2-8 overall.

The Lady Panthers
face another big challenge on Thursday as they travel to Dodge City.

The Great Bend Lady
Panthers struggles continued Monday as they lost a Western Athletic
Conference soccer match to the Hays High Indians 7-0.The loss was Great
Bend's seventh straight and drops their record to 2-8 overall.The Lady Panthers
face another big challenge on Thursday as they travel to Dodge City.

Hays shuts out Great Bend in WAC Soccer 7-0

LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Bethany College is investigating an allegation someone associated with its baseball program deliberately contaminated a water cooler used by its opponent this past weekend.

Athletic director Laura Moreno confirmed the investigation Monday and declined further comment.

Kansas Wesleyan University athletic director Steve Wilson said a KWU player or staff member discovered a foreign substance had been mixed into the team’s water during a doubleheader Sunday. He said it is common practice for the home team, Bethany in this case, to provide water for the visitor.

Wilson declined further comment, including whether any players, coaches or support staff drank the water or became ill.

The teams split the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader, with Kansas Wesleyan winning the second game 33-2.

Kansas Wesleyan and Bethany are 22 miles apart in central Kansas and are longtime rivals in athletics.

The alleged water cooler tampering was first disclosed on the Twitter account of KWU Barstool.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650967335162.jpeg" alt="A photo of the allegedly contaminated water coolor. KWU Barstool/Twitter" />
 <figcaption>A photo of the allegedly contaminated water coolor. KWU Barstool/Twitter</figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG, Kan. (AP) — Bethany College is investigating an allegation someone associated with its baseball program deliberately contaminated a water cooler used by its opponent this past weekend.Athletic director Laura Moreno confirmed the investigation Monday and declined further comment.Kansas Wesleyan University athletic director Steve Wilson said a KWU player or staff member discovered a foreign substance had been mixed into the team’s water during a doubleheader Sunday. He said it is common practice for the home team, Bethany in this case, to provide water for the visitor.Wilson declined further comment, including whether any players, coaches or support staff drank the water or became ill.The teams split the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader, with Kansas Wesleyan winning the second game 33-2.Kansas Wesleyan and Bethany are 22 miles apart in central Kansas and are longtime rivals in athletics.The alleged water cooler tampering was first disclosed on the Twitter account of KWU Barstool.

Bethany college looking into alleged water cooler tampering

Kansas City Royals (5-9, fifth in the AL Central) vs. Chicago White Sox (6-9, third in the AL Central)

PITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Daniel Lynch (1-1, 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, nine strikeouts); White Sox: Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 15.00 ERA, 2.83 WHIP, five strikeouts)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: White Sox -149, Royals +126; over/under is 9 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game series.

Chicago has a 6-9 record overall and a 4-2 record in home games. The White Sox have gone 3-0 in games when they scored at least five runs.

Kansas City is 5-9 overall and 5-5 at home. The Royals have gone 0-3 in games when they scored at least five runs.

The matchup Tuesday is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Anderson is second on the White Sox with a .312 batting average, and has four doubles, two home runs, a walk and six RBI. Gavin Sheets is 10-for-31 with a home run and two RBI over the past 10 games.

Hunter Dozier has three doubles, a triple, three home runs and six RBI for the Royals. Salvador Perez is 11-for-36 with three doubles and five home runs over the past 10 games.

White Sox: 2-8, .182 batting average, 4.87 ERA, outscored by 32 runs

Royals: 3-7, .220 batting average, 3.64 ERA, outscored by 10 runs

White Sox: Eloy Jimenez: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Luis Robert: day-to-day (groin), Josh Harrison: day-to-day (shoulder), Ryan Burr: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yermin Mercedes: 10-Day IL (hand), Lance Lynn: 10-Day IL (knee), Joe Kelly: 10-Day IL (biceps), Garrett Crochet: 10-Day IL (elbow), Yoan Moncada: 10-Day IL (oblique), Jonathan Stiever: 60-Day IL (lat)

Royals: Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Kansas City Royals (5-9, fifth in the AL Central) vs. Chicago White Sox (6-9, third in the AL Central)Chicago; Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Royals: Daniel Lynch (1-1, 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, nine strikeouts); White Sox: Dallas Keuchel (1-1, 15.00 ERA, 2.83 WHIP, five strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: White Sox -149, Royals +126; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game series.Chicago has a 6-9 record overall and a 4-2 record in home games. The White Sox have gone 3-0 in games when they scored at least five runs.Kansas City is 5-9 overall and 5-5 at home. The Royals have gone 0-3 in games when they scored at least five runs.The matchup Tuesday is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Anderson is second on the White Sox with a .312 batting average, and has four doubles, two home runs, a walk and six RBI. Gavin Sheets is 10-for-31 with a home run and two RBI over the past 10 games.Hunter Dozier has three doubles, a triple, three home runs and six RBI for the Royals. Salvador Perez is 11-for-36 with three doubles and five home runs over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: White Sox: 2-8, .182 batting average, 4.87 ERA, outscored by 32 runsRoyals: 3-7, .220 batting average, 3.64 ERA, outscored by 10 runsINJURIES: White Sox: Eloy Jimenez: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Luis Robert: day-to-day (groin), Josh Harrison: day-to-day (shoulder), Ryan Burr: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Yermin Mercedes: 10-Day IL (hand), Lance Lynn: 10-Day IL (knee), Joe Kelly: 10-Day IL (biceps), Garrett Crochet: 10-Day IL (elbow), Yoan Moncada: 10-Day IL (oblique), Jonathan Stiever: 60-Day IL (lat)Royals: Tyler Zuber: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

White Sox host the Royals to open 3-game series

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Our head is still spinning from all the draft movement over the past five weeks. There might very well be more trades involving first-round picks before everyone settles in near Caesars Palace and the Bellagio fountains for what promises to be a wild event.

Maybe as wild as the restructuring of the draft order already.

Not as much of a slam dunk as Trevor Lawrence last year at the top. Close enough, though.

Some believe the Lions will go quarterback here. Maybe in 2021 that would make sense. Not this time.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Our head is still spinning from all the draft movement over the past five weeks. There might very well be more trades involving first-round picks before everyone settles in near Caesars Palace and the Bellagio fountains for what promises to be a wild event.Maybe as wild as the restructuring of the draft order already.1. JacksonvilleNot as much of a slam dunk as Trevor Lawrence last year at the top. Close enough, though.AIDAN HUTCHINSON, EDGE, MICHIGAN2. DetroitSome believe the Lions will go quarterback here. Maybe in 2021 that would make sense. Not this time.TRAVON WALKER, EDGE, GEORGIA3. HoustonThe Texans elevated Lovie Smith to head coach and Lovie loves defensive studs. For the first time in 30 years, the top three are from that side of the ball.AHMAD “SAUCE” GARDNER, CB, CINCINNATI4. New York JetsThis draft is loaded with receivers, so the Jets wait until No. 10 for one. Instead, they also go defense.KYLE HAMILTON, S, NOTRE DAME5. New York GiantsNew general manager Joe Schoen knows one thing about this roster: the need for blockers. He gets maybe the best in ...IKEM EKWONU, T, NORTH CAROLINA STATE6. CarolinaTeams desperate for quarterbacks overreach. We’re not saying Kenny Pickett isn’t deserving of being the first QB taken, but at sixth overall?KENNY PICKETT, QB, PITTSBURGH7. New York Giants (from Chicago)The Giants could go for yet another O-lineman here, but there’s a stud pass rusher available, even though his consistency and ability to stay healthy are questionable.KAYVON THIBODEAUX, EDGE, OREGON8. AtlantaIf the Falcons don’t go wideout here, then Atlanta isn’t in Georgia.GARRETT WILSON, WR, OHIO STATE9. Seattle (from Denver)Part of the payment for Russell Wilson. Will it be his eventual replacement? Had Pickett been on the board, certainly. Might be another reach ...MALIK WILLIS, QB, LIBERTY10. New York Jets (from Seattle)And now for that receiver, just a decision on going to Ohio State or USC.DRAKE LONDON, WR, USC11. WashingtonThe Jets’ pick makes this one much easier for the Commanders, who go Buckeyes.CHRIS OLAVE, WR, OHIO STATE12. MinnesotaThe Vikings weren’t focusing on the line in front of Kirk Cousins. Then this stud blocker was available.EVAN NEAL, T, ALABAMA13. Houston (from Cleveland)Part of the Deshaun Watson deal. Houston addressed the D-line and now goes to the other side.CHARLES CROSS, T, MISSISSIPPI STATE14. BaltimoreBaltimore’s secondary was a sieve last season, very unlike the Ravens. Here’s some help.DEREK STINGLEY JR., CB, LSU15. Philadelphia (from Miami)Edge rusher or massive DT? The Eagles could go either way.JERMAINE JOHNSON, EDGE, FLORIDA STATE16. New Orleans (from Indianapolis through Philadelphia)Another team some folks believe will go quarterback here. We think the Saints are satisfied with Jameis Winston for a while. Not so satisfied with their receiving group or offensive line.TRAVIS PENNING, T, NORTHERN IOWA17. Los Angeles ChargersThis is not a huge need, but with him still around, the Chargers can’t pass on playmaking ...DEVIN LLOYD, LB, UTAH18. Philadelphia (from New Orleans)Philly used about 10 seconds to get the other DL it considered at No. 15.JORDAN DAVIS, DT, GEORGIA19. New Orleans (from Philadelphia)We still don’t see the Saints going quarterback. They will decide between a star receiver coming off an ACL tear and a slightly less terrific wideout who is healthy.TREYLON BURKS, WR, ARKANSAS20. PittsburghOK, we’ll go the quarterback route here. Steelers can only hope they get another Big Ben career out of ...MATT CORRAL, QB, MISSISSIPPI21. New EnglandEven though the Patriots needs pass catchers, they have been burned by going high in the draft for them. So ...TRENT MCDUFFIE, CB, WASHINGTON22. Green Bay (from Las Vegas)Part of the Davante Adams deal. And just in time to take a receiver who could fit in quickly.JAHAN DOTSON, WR, PENN STATE23. ArizonaThe Cardinals also want a wideout, and they will have to wait a spell for this guy — who might be the best receiver in this draft when healthy.JAMESON WILLIAMS, WR, ALABAMA24. DallasRemember how staunch the Dallas offensive lines were for years? No longer, so the Cowboys address that area.KENYON GREEN, G, TEXAS A&amp;M25. BuffaloAn early Super Bowl favorite with the wise guys in Vegas, Buffalo looks for a starting cornerback to go with Tre’Davious White once he is healthy.ANDREW BOOTH JR., CB, CLEMSON26. TennesseeThe need for playmakers in the passing game remains in Music City. So the Titans sing out the name of ...GEORGE PICKENS, WR, GEORGIA27. Tampa BayWell, it won’t likely be a QB with Tom Brady ending his short retirement without missing a game.DEVONTE WYATT, DT, GEORGIA28. Green BayHaving taken a wideout earlier, the Packers can concentrate on the defense. They could go secondary here, too.NAKOBE DEAN, LB, GEORGIA29. Kansas City (from San Francisco through Miami)Part of the payment for Tyreek Hill. But the Chiefs snap the string of Georgia Bulldogs with this selection.TRAVIS JONES, DT, UCONN30. Kansas CityAnd again for Kansas City’s D.DAXTON HILL, S, MICHIGAN31. CincinnatiSo close to their first Super Bowl title, the Bengals can go for the best player available. He’s a pass rusher who can stop the run.GEORGE KARLAFTIS, EDGE, PURDUE32. Detroit (from Los Angeles Rams)The Lions can’t wait for anyone. They could take a quarterback here, but Detroit goes again in two spots.CHRISTIAN WATSON, WR, NORTH DAKOTA STATE