TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas State High School Activities Association is pleased to announce Kyle Doperalski will join the staff on July 1, 2022, as an Assistant Executive Director. Doperalski was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. His primary responsibilities will be administering the activities of cross country, basketball and track &amp; field. Doperalski has served in the athletic department at the University of North Dakota for the past ten years as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. 

“As a native Kansan, Mr. Doperalski had significant positive impact in his work at the intercollegiate level,” said KSHSAA Executive Director, Bill Faflick. “We are pleased he is coming home and believe his skill set and expertise will provide the perfect complement to the KSHSAA staff in leadership and support of member schools. He is an outstanding choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered previously by Ms. Martin (Francine).” 

The Wamego High School graduate was the sport supervisor of the track and field and cross-country programs in his role with the North Dakota Athletic Department. Doperalski led the offices of communications, marketing, broadcast properties, video production and licensing. He was the department’s liaison with Learfield-IMG College and Midco Sports Network, the second tier TV partner of the department as well as the liaison with FOX/Bally Sports North, the third tier TV rights holder for UND. Doperalski also served in the secondary sport supervisory role for football and men’s basketball. Previously he served as sport supervisor for soccer, softball and men’s and women’s tennis. 

"I'm honored and humbled to become part of the KSHSAA team," Doperalski said. "Having competed under the KSHSAA umbrella while making lifetime memories I know first-hand the importance education based interscholastic activities play in the holistic development of Kansas kids. Each day I will do my very best to carry on the great work of past and present staff, as they passionately serve Kansas students, coaches, administrators and officials. I will strive to further the tradition of excellence established by Fran Martin and the entire Association staff."

Doperalski brings a wealth of experience administering events. He led North Dakota’s game management efforts from 2012-18 and served as tournament director for the 2014 Big Sky Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament and 2015 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Final Faceoff. He played a key role in the bid process and served as tournament director as North Dakota hosted multiple NCAA Hockey West Regionals, including 2015 (Fargo N.D.), 2017 (Fargo, N.D.) and 2018 (Sioux Falls, S.D.).

After competing in multiple sports for the Wamego High School Red Raiders, he went on to become a ‘T-Bird’ at Cloud County Community College where he completed an associate degree in 2002. Doperalski earned National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors in track and field and cross country while setting two school records. 

A 2005 graduate of the University of Nebraska, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism (emphasis in broadcasting), Doperalski was an All-Big 12 performer in track and field as the Huskers claimed four Big 12 championships In 2011, Doperalski earned a master's degree from the University of Illinois in recreation, sport, and tourism with an emphasis in sport management.

Doperalski also served at New Mexico State University where he created, developed and implemented the television network "Aggie Vision," which provided regular live coverage of football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. In 2008, Doperalski was recognized as the top national volleyball broadcaster by the American Volleyball Coaches Association in the annual Grant Berger Media Awards. The New Mexico Rivals.com site honored Doperalski as the 2012 New Mexico Sports Executive of the Year for putting together the state-wide high school football live radio shows.

Doperalski, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children will reside in the Topeka area as he begins his service at the KSHSAA on July 1. 

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas State High School Activities Association is pleased to announce Kyle Doperalski will join the staff on July 1, 2022, as an Assistant Executive Director. Doperalski was selected in a national search from a strong field of candidates. His primary responsibilities will be administering the activities of cross country, basketball and track &amp; field. Doperalski has served in the athletic department at the University of North Dakota for the past ten years as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. “As a native Kansan, Mr. Doperalski had significant positive impact in his work at the intercollegiate level,” said KSHSAA Executive Director, Bill Faflick. “We are pleased he is coming home and believe his skill set and expertise will provide the perfect complement to the KSHSAA staff in leadership and support of member schools. He is an outstanding choice to fulfill the duties so capably administered previously by Ms. Martin (Francine).” The Wamego High School graduate was the sport supervisor of the track and field and cross-country programs in his role with the North Dakota Athletic Department. Doperalski led the offices of communications, marketing, broadcast properties, video production and licensing. He was the department’s liaison with Learfield-IMG College and Midco Sports Network, the second tier TV partner of the department as well as the liaison with FOX/Bally Sports North, the third tier TV rights holder for UND. Doperalski also served in the secondary sport supervisory role for football and men’s basketball. Previously he served as sport supervisor for soccer, softball and men’s and women’s tennis. "I'm honored and humbled to become part of the KSHSAA team," Doperalski said. "Having competed under the KSHSAA umbrella while making lifetime memories I know first-hand the importance education based interscholastic activities play in the holistic development of Kansas kids. Each day I will do my very best to carry on the great work of past and present staff, as they passionately serve Kansas students, coaches, administrators and officials. I will strive to further the tradition of excellence established by Fran Martin and the entire Association staff."Doperalski brings a wealth of experience administering events. He led North Dakota’s game management efforts from 2012-18 and served as tournament director for the 2014 Big Sky Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament and 2015 Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Final Faceoff. He played a key role in the bid process and served as tournament director as North Dakota hosted multiple NCAA Hockey West Regionals, including 2015 (Fargo N.D.), 2017 (Fargo, N.D.) and 2018 (Sioux Falls, S.D.).After competing in multiple sports for the Wamego High School Red Raiders, he went on to become a ‘T-Bird’ at Cloud County Community College where he completed an associate degree in 2002. Doperalski earned National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors in track and field and cross country while setting two school records. A 2005 graduate of the University of Nebraska, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism (emphasis in broadcasting), Doperalski was an All-Big 12 performer in track and field as the Huskers claimed four Big 12 championships In 2011, Doperalski earned a master's degree from the University of Illinois in recreation, sport, and tourism with an emphasis in sport management.Doperalski also served at New Mexico State University where he created, developed and implemented the television network "Aggie Vision," which provided regular live coverage of football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. In 2008, Doperalski was recognized as the top national volleyball broadcaster by the American Volleyball Coaches Association in the annual Grant Berger Media Awards. The New Mexico Rivals.com site honored Doperalski as the 2012 New Mexico Sports Executive of the Year for putting together the state-wide high school football live radio shows.Doperalski, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children will reside in the Topeka area as he begins his service at the KSHSAA on July 1.

Kyle Doperalski to Join KSHSAA Staff as Assistant Executive Director

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball finalized the rules change Thursday to bring back automatic runners in extra innings for a third straight season.

Despite an easing of pandemic restrictions, MLB and the players’ association agreed to keep the controversial rule that starts each team with a runner on second base during extra innings for the 2022 regular season.

The agreement regarding on-field rules modifications also includes expanding active rosters from 26 players to 28 from opening day on April 7 through May 1 this year, due to the delayed start of spring training.

Another new rule benefits Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. With the designated hitter adopted in both leagues, pitchers who start games in the batting order can remain in the game as a DH after leaving the mound. A DH can also enter the game to pitch. That change will apply to multiple seasons.

“The expansion of the designated hitter and giving two-way players enhanced flexibility to showcase their talents will benefit the game for the foreseeable future,” union director of player services Kevin Slowey said in a statement. “The roster and extra-inning adjustments will also serve to protect the health and safety of players during what will be a unique 2022 season.”

The “zombie” runner modification was applied to the 2020 and 2021 regular seasons as part of adjustments due to COVID-19.

There were 78 extra-inning games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and the longest by innings were a pair of 13-inning contests at Houston, won by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 29 and by Oakland on Aug. 7. Every previous season since 1901 had at least one game of 15 innings or longer

There were 233 extra-inning games last year, and the longest was the Dodgers’ 16-inning win at the San Diego Padres on Aug. 25.

The modification for 2020 and 2021 that shortened doubleheaders to scheduled seven-inning games was not continued for 2022.

Active rosters will be 28 from opening day through May 1; 26 from May 2 through Aug. 31; and 28 for the rest of the regular season. Last season, the limit was 26 from opening day through Aug. 31, then 28.

Rookie qualifications going forward will remain the same as in 2021, when September days were not excluded toward the threshold of 45 days for the exhaustion of rookie status in future seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball finalized the rules change Thursday to bring back automatic runners in extra innings for a third straight season.Despite an easing of pandemic restrictions, MLB and the players’ association agreed to keep the controversial rule that starts each team with a runner on second base during extra innings for the 2022 regular season.The agreement regarding on-field rules modifications also includes expanding active rosters from 26 players to 28 from opening day on April 7 through May 1 this year, due to the delayed start of spring training.Another new rule benefits Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. With the designated hitter adopted in both leagues, pitchers who start games in the batting order can remain in the game as a DH after leaving the mound. A DH can also enter the game to pitch. That change will apply to multiple seasons.“The expansion of the designated hitter and giving two-way players enhanced flexibility to showcase their talents will benefit the game for the foreseeable future,” union director of player services Kevin Slowey said in a statement. “The roster and extra-inning adjustments will also serve to protect the health and safety of players during what will be a unique 2022 season.”The “zombie” runner modification was applied to the 2020 and 2021 regular seasons as part of adjustments due to COVID-19.There were 78 extra-inning games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and the longest by innings were a pair of 13-inning contests at Houston, won by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 29 and by Oakland on Aug. 7. Every previous season since 1901 had at least one game of 15 innings or longerThere were 233 extra-inning games last year, and the longest was the Dodgers’ 16-inning win at the San Diego Padres on Aug. 25.The modification for 2020 and 2021 that shortened doubleheaders to scheduled seven-inning games was not continued for 2022.Active rosters will be 28 from opening day through May 1; 26 from May 2 through Aug. 31; and 28 for the rest of the regular season. Last season, the limit was 26 from opening day through Aug. 31, then 28.Rookie qualifications going forward will remain the same as in 2021, when September days were not excluded toward the threshold of 45 days for the exhaustion of rookie status in future seasons.

MLB, players keep automatic runners in extras for 2022

The Kansas City Royals exercised their club option on Mike Matheny for the 2023 season on Thursday, eliminating any uncertainty over whether their manager will remain with the club after the coming season.

Matheny is entering his third season with the Royals, which includes the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and his first 162-game run as the manager last season. He is 100-122 with Kansas City and 691-596 overall, which includes seven seasons as the manager of the cross-state St. Louis Cardinals.

“Mike is one of the finest leaders I’ve been around and the Royals are fortunate to have him managing our team,” Royals President Dayton Moore said. “He is a tremendous competitor who cares deeply about players, the Kansas City community and this great game of baseball.”

The decision to retain Matheny was largely a foregone conclusion. The Royals are in the midst of a massive rebuilding effort following back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and ’15, weathering consecutive seasons of 100-plus losses in the final two years of manager Ned Yost’s tenure. And they’re just beginning to see the fruits of their labors as a talented, young bunch of starting pitchers establish themselves in the big leagues and more young help is on the way.

Brad Keller, Brady Singer and Kris Bubic are all 20-something pitchers who have taken some lumps but showed plenty of promise, and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — the No. 1 prospect in baseball — is elbowing his way onto the opening day roster.

Heading into Thursday, Witt was hitting .476 with two homers and six RBIs in eight spring training games.

The Royals also have outfielder Kyle Isbel and catcher MJ Melendez in the pipeline, and it’s possible both could join Witt in the big leagues this season. And with such an influx of young talent, it behooved the Royals to keep a consistent voice in the clubhouse — one that has become intimately familiar with the prospects on the rise.

“I’m proud and honored to work with this group of players and staff here with the Royals,” Matheny said in a statement. “Being able to continue that work is a privilege that I take very seriously. I know we’re in the middle of something special and I’m excited for our fans to see it.”

The Royals open the regular season April 7 against the Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.

The Kansas City Royals exercised their club option on Mike Matheny for the 2023 season on Thursday, eliminating any uncertainty over whether their manager will remain with the club after the coming season.Matheny is entering his third season with the Royals, which includes the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and his first 162-game run as the manager last season. He is 100-122 with Kansas City and 691-596 overall, which includes seven seasons as the manager of the cross-state St. Louis Cardinals.“Mike is one of the finest leaders I’ve been around and the Royals are fortunate to have him managing our team,” Royals President Dayton Moore said. “He is a tremendous competitor who cares deeply about players, the Kansas City community and this great game of baseball.”The decision to retain Matheny was largely a foregone conclusion. The Royals are in the midst of a massive rebuilding effort following back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and ’15, weathering consecutive seasons of 100-plus losses in the final two years of manager Ned Yost’s tenure. And they’re just beginning to see the fruits of their labors as a talented, young bunch of starting pitchers establish themselves in the big leagues and more young help is on the way.Brad Keller, Brady Singer and Kris Bubic are all 20-something pitchers who have taken some lumps but showed plenty of promise, and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — the No. 1 prospect in baseball — is elbowing his way onto the opening day roster.Heading into Thursday, Witt was hitting .476 with two homers and six RBIs in eight spring training games.The Royals also have outfielder Kyle Isbel and catcher MJ Melendez in the pipeline, and it’s possible both could join Witt in the big leagues this season. And with such an influx of young talent, it behooved the Royals to keep a consistent voice in the clubhouse — one that has become intimately familiar with the prospects on the rise.“I’m proud and honored to work with this group of players and staff here with the Royals,” Matheny said in a statement. “Being able to continue that work is a privilege that I take very seriously. I know we’re in the middle of something special and I’m excited for our fans to see it.”The Royals open the regular season April 7 against the Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals exercise option to keep Matheny through 2023 season

The KVGB/Jecha Farms 17 X sprint car opened the season last weekend in Oklahoma, taking third overall at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee on Friday, then taking second on Saturday in Lawton.

The car is owned and operated by Craig and Josh Jecha from Timken.&nbsp;

The 17x is driven by Jake Martens out of Fairview, Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648745056470.jpeg" alt="The KVGB /Jecha Farms/Martens Machine Shop sprint car" />
 <figcaption>The KVGB /Jecha Farms/Martens Machine Shop sprint car</figcaption>
 </figure>The KVGB/Jecha Farms 17 X sprint car opened the season last weekend in Oklahoma, taking third overall at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee on Friday, then taking second on Saturday in Lawton.The car is owned and operated by Craig and Josh Jecha from Timken.&nbsp;The 17x is driven by Jake Martens out of Fairview, Oklahoma.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648745806985.jpeg" alt="L-R Josh Jecha, Jake Martens, Craig Jecha building car in the Shop in rural Timken" />
 <figcaption>L-R Josh Jecha, Jake Martens, Craig Jecha building car in the Shop in rural Timken</figcaption>
 </figure>

Coming to a track near you

The college version of March Madness concludes this coming weekend with the NCAA men’s basketball semifinals and finals from New Orleans and the corresponding women’s championships in Minneapolis. To the knowledgeable high school sports historian, however, the original March Madness has played out this month with the conclusion of state high school basketball tournaments in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Long before CBS began referring to the NCAA basketball tournament as March Madness, the term – in one form or another – was used in association with state high school basketball tournaments.

In 1939, one year before he became the first full-time executive director of the NFHS, H. V. Porter, director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) at the time, used the March Madness term in reference to the annual IHSA state basketball tournament. And by the 1960s, March Madness had become a common term associated with state high school basketball tournaments.

In his 2018 book “Association Work,” former IHSA Assistant Executive Director Scott Johnson uncovered new information about the origin of March Madness. Since Mr. Porter never actually claimed to have coined “March Madness,” Johnson’s research led him to a new source.

According to Johnson, the first mention of the term “March Madness” in association with basketball was made by Bob Stranahan, sports editor of the New Castle (Indiana) Courier-Times in 1931. Several other mentions occurred later in that decade, including a 1938 Associated Press report that appeared in the Evansville (Indiana) Courier with an all-caps headline declaring “MARCH MADNESS HERE.”

Although there were references to the term prior to Mr. Porter’s mention in 1939, the first NFHS executive director certainly deserves credit for popularizing it and, through his extensive writings, forever linking the term to high school basketball.

And for that early momentum that Mr. Porter gave to the sport of basketball, we say “thanks.” While those tournaments in Mr. Porter’s days were only for boys, the passage of Title IX in 1972 created opportunities for girls, too. And, this year, some states have celebrated the 50th anniversary of those state tournaments.

Today, state championships not only for basketball, but also wrestling, swimming and ice hockey, as well as other activities such as drama, debate, speech and music, are a central part of the electricity that surrounds this time of year.

While simply participating in high school sports and performing arts is most desired by high school students, state championships represent the pinnacle of achievement offered by state high school associations. “Going to state” is the icing on the cake. And this year was extra special.

After two years of cancelled or interrupted or shortened state championships due to the pandemic, all states were back in action with winter championships and events – and the fans were back as well. In some states, attendance has even surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.

In girls and boys state basketball championships alone, more than 500 teams were crowned state champions. And perhaps some of the players on these teams will be able to experience the “March Madness Double” like some of the participants in this year’s NCAA championships.

In the men’s tournament, Duke University’s Wendell Moore Jr. won two North Carolina High School Athletic Association state titles at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina.

Christian Braun of the University of Kansas won three straight Kansas State High School Activities Association state titles at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, while Dajuan Harris Jr. helped Rock Bridge High School to the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 5 state championship and Mitch Lightfoot won an Arizona Interscholastic Association state title as a junior at Gilbert Christian High School.  

Leaky Black of the University of North Carolina was a member of the 2018 state championship team at Cox Mill High School, and Caleb Love was on track to lead Christian Brothers College High School of St. Louis to the 2020 state title before the pandemic shut down the Missouri State High School Activities Association state championship. Also, Villanova’s Collin Gillespie helped Archbishop Wood High School of Warminster, Pennsylvania, to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state title.  

In the women’s NCAA tournament, South Carolina’s Destanni Henderson helped Fort Myers (Florida) High School to three Florida High School Athletic Association state championships, while Zia Cooke won two Ohio High School Athletic Association state titles at Rogers High School in Toledo.  

Christyn Williams of the University of Connecticut led Central Arkansas Christian High School of Little Rock to the Class 4A Arkansas Activities Association state title as a senior, while Evina Westbrook helped South Salem High School of Salem, Oregon, to two Class 6A Oregon School Activities Association state championships.

Olivia Cochran of the University of Louisville helped Carver High School of Columbus, Georgia, to a Georgia High School Association state title, while Sydni Schetnan led Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Washington High School to a South Dakota High School Activities Association state championship.

Stanford’s Lexie Hull of Central Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, won two Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state titles, and Cameron Brink won two Oregon School Activities Association state championships at Southridge High School in Beaverton.    

From high school to college basketball, the Madness of March is something to behold.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648723306310.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>The college version of March Madness concludes this coming weekend with the NCAA men’s basketball semifinals and finals from New Orleans and the corresponding women’s championships in Minneapolis. To the knowledgeable high school sports historian, however, the original March Madness has played out this month with the conclusion of state high school basketball tournaments in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.Long before CBS began referring to the NCAA basketball tournament as March Madness, the term – in one form or another – was used in association with state high school basketball tournaments.In 1939, one year before he became the first full-time executive director of the NFHS, H. V. Porter, director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) at the time, used the March Madness term in reference to the annual IHSA state basketball tournament. And by the 1960s, March Madness had become a common term associated with state high school basketball tournaments.In his 2018 book “Association Work,” former IHSA Assistant Executive Director Scott Johnson uncovered new information about the origin of March Madness. Since Mr. Porter never actually claimed to have coined “March Madness,” Johnson’s research led him to a new source.According to Johnson, the first mention of the term “March Madness” in association with basketball was made by Bob Stranahan, sports editor of the New Castle (Indiana) Courier-Times in 1931. Several other mentions occurred later in that decade, including a 1938 Associated Press report that appeared in the Evansville (Indiana) Courier with an all-caps headline declaring “MARCH MADNESS HERE.”Although there were references to the term prior to Mr. Porter’s mention in 1939, the first NFHS executive director certainly deserves credit for popularizing it and, through his extensive writings, forever linking the term to high school basketball.And for that early momentum that Mr. Porter gave to the sport of basketball, we say “thanks.” While those tournaments in Mr. Porter’s days were only for boys, the passage of Title IX in 1972 created opportunities for girls, too. And, this year, some states have celebrated the 50th anniversary of those state tournaments.Today, state championships not only for basketball, but also wrestling, swimming and ice hockey, as well as other activities such as drama, debate, speech and music, are a central part of the electricity that surrounds this time of year.While simply participating in high school sports and performing arts is most desired by high school students, state championships represent the pinnacle of achievement offered by state high school associations. “Going to state” is the icing on the cake. And this year was extra special.After two years of cancelled or interrupted or shortened state championships due to the pandemic, all states were back in action with winter championships and events – and the fans were back as well. In some states, attendance has even surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.In girls and boys state basketball championships alone, more than 500 teams were crowned state champions. And perhaps some of the players on these teams will be able to experience the “March Madness Double” like some of the participants in this year’s NCAA championships.In the men’s tournament, Duke University’s Wendell Moore Jr. won two North Carolina High School Athletic Association state titles at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina.Christian Braun of the University of Kansas won three straight Kansas State High School Activities Association state titles at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, while Dajuan Harris Jr. helped Rock Bridge High School to the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 5 state championship and Mitch Lightfoot won an Arizona Interscholastic Association state title as a junior at Gilbert Christian High School. Leaky Black of the University of North Carolina was a member of the 2018 state championship team at Cox Mill High School, and Caleb Love was on track to lead Christian Brothers College High School of St. Louis to the 2020 state title before the pandemic shut down the Missouri State High School Activities Association state championship. Also, Villanova’s Collin Gillespie helped Archbishop Wood High School of Warminster, Pennsylvania, to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state title. In the women’s NCAA tournament, South Carolina’s Destanni Henderson helped Fort Myers (Florida) High School to three Florida High School Athletic Association state championships, while Zia Cooke won two Ohio High School Athletic Association state titles at Rogers High School in Toledo. Christyn Williams of the University of Connecticut led Central Arkansas Christian High School of Little Rock to the Class 4A Arkansas Activities Association state title as a senior, while Evina Westbrook helped South Salem High School of Salem, Oregon, to two Class 6A Oregon School Activities Association state championships.Olivia Cochran of the University of Louisville helped Carver High School of Columbus, Georgia, to a Georgia High School Association state title, while Sydni Schetnan led Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Washington High School to a South Dakota High School Activities Association state championship.Stanford’s Lexie Hull of Central Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, won two Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state titles, and Cameron Brink won two Oregon School Activities Association state championships at Southridge High School in Beaverton. From high school to college basketball, the Madness of March is something to behold.

From High School to College Basketball, March Madness is Something to Behold

There’s no room for a surprise team at this Final Four.

Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova have combined for 17 national championships. Each of the schools has won at least three titles, making this the first Final Four in which each of the teams already had won multiple championships.

The closest thing to a Final Four party crasher is North Carolina, which was seeded eighth in the South Region but has won 10 of its last 11 games.

Those aren’t the only impressive numbers involving the four tradition-rich programs remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Here are a few things to know about each of the teams in the Final Four:

COACH K’s FINALE: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is making his 13th Final Four appearance to move into sole possession of first place (former UCLA coach John Wooden also had 12). Krzyzewski also has made more NCAA Tournament appearances (36) and won more NCAA Tournament games (101) than any other coach.

ON THE MARK: Mark Williams has blocked 16 shots in Duke’s first games, which matches the most by any Duke player in a single NCAA Tournament. Shane Battier had 16 in 2001 when Duke won the title. Williams also is shooting 80.6% from the floor, which puts him on pace to have the highest field-goal percentage in a single NCAA Tournament of any Duke player with at least 25 attempts. Williams’ accuracy has helped Duke shoot 53.8% in the tournament, the best field-goal percentage of anyone in the original 68-team field.

WATCH OUT FOR GRIFFIN: A.J. Griffin has been the barometer for Duke’s level of success against semifinal opponent North Carolina this season. He scored 27 points in Duke’s 87-67 victory at North Carolina on Feb. 5 but had just five points in 34 minutes when the Blue Devils fell 94-81 to the Tar Heels at home a month later.

FAMILIAR FINISH: This is North Carolina’s NCAA-leading 21st appearance in the Final Four. The Tar Heels also lead all schools with 130 victories in NCAA Tournament games.

SELECT COMPANY: North Carolina coach Hubert Davis is one of only two people to play and coach in the Final Four with the same school. Davis was on the 1991 North Carolina team that lost an NCAA semifinal to Kansas. The only other person to make a Final Four as a player and coach at the same school was Dick Harp, who played (1940) and coached (1957) NCAA runner-up teams with Kansas. Davis also was an assistant coach on Roy Williams’ staff when North Carolina reached an NCAA final in 2016 and won the title in 2017.

MANEK VS. DEVILS: Brady Manek scored at least 20 points in each of North Carolina’s previous two meetings with Duke this season. He had 21 points when the Tar Heels lost to Duke at home. He had 20 points and 11 rebounds when North Carolina won at Duke. Manek has scored 86 points in this NCAA Tournament, the most of any player.

GETTING STINGY: The Jayhawks are allowing tournament foes to shoot just 34.1%. That’s the best NCAA Tournament field-goal percentage defense of any team in the original 68-team field.

MORE WINS THAN ANYONE: Kansas’ Midwest Region final triumph over Miami gave the Jayhawks 2,355 all-time victories. That enabled Kansas to take the Division I lead over Kentucky, a first-round loser that ended its season with 2,354 all-time wins.

UNDER 70: Kansas has held eight of its last nine opponents below 70 points. The Jayhawks are 24-0 this season when they allow fewer than 70 points. The only team to crack 70 points against Kansas during this tournament was Creighton, which lost 79-72 to the Jayhawks in the second round. Kansas’ semifinal opponent is Villanova, which has won nine straight but has reached the 70-point mark in just two of its last seven games.

NO MOORE: Justin Moore leads Villanova in minutes per game (34.4), ranks second on the team in scoring (14.8), 3-pointers (80) and assists per game (2.3) and ranks third in rebounds per game (4.8). Villanova will have to play the Final Four without Moore, who tore his right Achilles tendon in a 50-44 South Region final victory over Houston.

SAMUELS’ SURGE: Jermaine Samuels has averaged 17.5 points in the tournament and has scored at least 15 points in each game. Samuels entered the tournament averaging just 10.4.

COLD BUT POISED: Villanova has shot 27.5% from 3-point range (14 of 51) over its last two games but still reached the Final Four. The Wildcats were 9 of 30 on 3-point attempts against Michigan and 5 of 21 against Houston. They’ve shot 30% or below from 3-point range in 13 games this season but have gone 9-4 in those contests.

There’s no room for a surprise team at this Final Four.Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova have combined for 17 national championships. Each of the schools has won at least three titles, making this the first Final Four in which each of the teams already had won multiple championships.The closest thing to a Final Four party crasher is North Carolina, which was seeded eighth in the South Region but has won 10 of its last 11 games.Those aren’t the only impressive numbers involving the four tradition-rich programs remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Here are a few things to know about each of the teams in the Final Four:DUKECOACH K’s FINALE: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is making his 13th Final Four appearance to move into sole possession of first place (former UCLA coach John Wooden also had 12). Krzyzewski also has made more NCAA Tournament appearances (36) and won more NCAA Tournament games (101) than any other coach.ON THE MARK: Mark Williams has blocked 16 shots in Duke’s first games, which matches the most by any Duke player in a single NCAA Tournament. Shane Battier had 16 in 2001 when Duke won the title. Williams also is shooting 80.6% from the floor, which puts him on pace to have the highest field-goal percentage in a single NCAA Tournament of any Duke player with at least 25 attempts. Williams’ accuracy has helped Duke shoot 53.8% in the tournament, the best field-goal percentage of anyone in the original 68-team field.WATCH OUT FOR GRIFFIN: A.J. Griffin has been the barometer for Duke’s level of success against semifinal opponent North Carolina this season. He scored 27 points in Duke’s 87-67 victory at North Carolina on Feb. 5 but had just five points in 34 minutes when the Blue Devils fell 94-81 to the Tar Heels at home a month later.NORTH CAROLINAFAMILIAR FINISH: This is North Carolina’s NCAA-leading 21st appearance in the Final Four. The Tar Heels also lead all schools with 130 victories in NCAA Tournament games.SELECT COMPANY: North Carolina coach Hubert Davis is one of only two people to play and coach in the Final Four with the same school. Davis was on the 1991 North Carolina team that lost an NCAA semifinal to Kansas. The only other person to make a Final Four as a player and coach at the same school was Dick Harp, who played (1940) and coached (1957) NCAA runner-up teams with Kansas. Davis also was an assistant coach on Roy Williams’ staff when North Carolina reached an NCAA final in 2016 and won the title in 2017.MANEK VS. DEVILS: Brady Manek scored at least 20 points in each of North Carolina’s previous two meetings with Duke this season. He had 21 points when the Tar Heels lost to Duke at home. He had 20 points and 11 rebounds when North Carolina won at Duke. Manek has scored 86 points in this NCAA Tournament, the most of any player.KANSASGETTING STINGY: The Jayhawks are allowing tournament foes to shoot just 34.1%. That’s the best NCAA Tournament field-goal percentage defense of any team in the original 68-team field.MORE WINS THAN ANYONE: Kansas’ Midwest Region final triumph over Miami gave the Jayhawks 2,355 all-time victories. That enabled Kansas to take the Division I lead over Kentucky, a first-round loser that ended its season with 2,354 all-time wins.UNDER 70: Kansas has held eight of its last nine opponents below 70 points. The Jayhawks are 24-0 this season when they allow fewer than 70 points. The only team to crack 70 points against Kansas during this tournament was Creighton, which lost 79-72 to the Jayhawks in the second round. Kansas’ semifinal opponent is Villanova, which has won nine straight but has reached the 70-point mark in just two of its last seven games.VILLANOVANO MOORE: Justin Moore leads Villanova in minutes per game (34.4), ranks second on the team in scoring (14.8), 3-pointers (80) and assists per game (2.3) and ranks third in rebounds per game (4.8). Villanova will have to play the Final Four without Moore, who tore his right Achilles tendon in a 50-44 South Region final victory over Houston.SAMUELS’ SURGE: Jermaine Samuels has averaged 17.5 points in the tournament and has scored at least 15 points in each game. Samuels entered the tournament averaging just 10.4.COLD BUT POISED: Villanova has shot 27.5% from 3-point range (14 of 51) over its last two games but still reached the Final Four. The Wildcats were 9 of 30 on 3-point attempts against Michigan and 5 of 21 against Houston. They’ve shot 30% or below from 3-point range in 13 games this season but have gone 9-4 in those contests.

What you need to know about each team in the Final Four

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ochai Agbaji of Kansas, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Drew Timme of Gonzaga and Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky are the five finalists for the men’s John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year.

The Los Angeles Athletic Club announced the finalists Wednesday. The winner will be announced April 5 on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”

The finalists have been invited to Los Angeles for the 46th annual presentation on April 8.

The Wooden Award All American Team comprised of the 10 players who were the top vote-getters also was announced. Joining the five finalists were Kofi Cockburn of Illinois, Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga, Jaden Ivey of Purdue, Bennedict Mathurin of Arizona and Jabari Smith of Auburn.

Voting took place from March 14-21 during the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ochai Agbaji of Kansas, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Drew Timme of Gonzaga and Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky are the five finalists for the men’s John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year.The Los Angeles Athletic Club announced the finalists Wednesday. The winner will be announced April 5 on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”The finalists have been invited to Los Angeles for the 46th annual presentation on April 8.The Wooden Award All American Team comprised of the 10 players who were the top vote-getters also was announced. Joining the five finalists were Kofi Cockburn of Illinois, Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga, Jaden Ivey of Purdue, Bennedict Mathurin of Arizona and Jabari Smith of Auburn.Voting took place from March 14-21 during the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Agbaji, Tshiebwe among 5 finalists for men’s Wooden Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman was trying to relax in the warm spring training sun in Arizona, but fans kept coming up to him with the same question that had nothing to do with collective-bargaining agreements or lockouts.

“When’s he going to come up?” Sherman recalled with a smile.

That would be Bobby Witt Jr., the No. 1 prospect in baseball, and the best to come through the organization in years.

“I always say, ‘That’s above my pay grade.’ Someone else makes that decision,” Sherman said. “But as a fan, I’m ready to see him. I think there’s some anticipation that that day may be fairly soon, but we’ll see.”

Witt has been raking throughout spring training, seemingly making it impossible for the Royals to keep him in the minors. And should Witt join the club, it will represent a unique convergence of past, present and future taking the field inside Kauffman Stadium.

Witt represents the future, along with young pitchers such as Brady Singer and Kris Bubic who started to take their lumps the past couple seasons. The present has been represented by catcher Salvador Perez and outfielder Whit Merrifield, a pair of veterans in a clubhouse that has continued to trend younger and younger in recent years.

And the past? That would be Zack Greinke, the former Cy Young winner, whose trade to Milwaukee more than a decade ago allowed the Royals to piece together back-to-back World Series teams even as he chased riches elsewhere.

In one of the surprising moves of the offseason, Greinke agreed to a deal to return to Kansas City, hoping to keep his career going where it all began while simultaneously lending his experience to an otherwise youthful starting rotation.

“I’m hoping to have a lot of fun this year,” said the 38-year-old Greinke, who made his big league debut for Kansas City in 2004, when Witt was 3 years old. “This is a team I singled out that I wanted to play for. It was my No. 1 choice.”

The Royals were happy to hear it, and even happier to hear his willingness to help Singer and Co.

“It was one of the things he talked about right away when we had conversations,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He believes he has something to bring to these guys. He knows it. People are going to be watching everything he does.”

Just like people are going to be watching everything Witt does on the opposite end of the age spectrum.

“The X-factor for him might be his passion for the game,” Matheny said of Witt, who hit .290 with 33 homers and 97 RBIs at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. ”This kid loves walking in here and throwing on that jersey.”

Especially when it says “Royals” across the chest. Kansas City opens the season at home April 7 against the Cleveland Guardians.

The biggest offseason news in Kansas City might have been Sherman’s admission that the club was considering the future of Kauffman Stadium, and whether a downtown ballpark might be in the cards. The club has toyed with the idea in the past but has always opted to remain at the K.

Hunter Dozier’s first season after signing a lucrative four-year deal was a downer in just about every respect. He hit just .216 with 16 homers and 54 RBIs, becoming a liability in the middle of a lineup that needed some production. But after he simplified his swing during the offseason, Dozier believes he’s ready for a bounce-back year.

“I worked really hard this offseason trying to get back to what I know I can do,” Dozier said.

Adalberto Mondesi has proven to be one of the game’s dynamic players when he’s healthy, leading the league with 24 stolen bases during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. But Mondesi has only played more than 100 games once in six seasons, and he hit just .230 with six homers and 15 steals while limited to 35 games by injuries last season.

“I changed a lot of things,” Mondesi said of his offseason, which included working with a different trainer in an attempt to stay healthy. “Just focused on the things I need to focus on and I feel good right now and see what’s going to happen.”

Greinke is the biggest addition this season, but the Royals also brought in left-hander Amir Garrett from Cincinnati in a trade for Mike Minor. They hope he can return to his 2020 form after a down season and provide help in the bullpen.

MJ Melendez is perhaps the second-most tantalizing prospect in the Royals system behind Witt, especially after leading the minors last season with 41 homers. But with Perez firmly entrenched behind the plate, Melendez has been tinkering with playing other positions in the hopes of finding his way onto the field at some point this season.

“He’s absolutely come a long way with his swing,” Matheny said. “He’s dangerous.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman was trying to relax in the warm spring training sun in Arizona, but fans kept coming up to him with the same question that had nothing to do with collective-bargaining agreements or lockouts.“When’s he going to come up?” Sherman recalled with a smile.That would be Bobby Witt Jr., the No. 1 prospect in baseball, and the best to come through the organization in years.“I always say, ‘That’s above my pay grade.’ Someone else makes that decision,” Sherman said. “But as a fan, I’m ready to see him. I think there’s some anticipation that that day may be fairly soon, but we’ll see.”Witt has been raking throughout spring training, seemingly making it impossible for the Royals to keep him in the minors. And should Witt join the club, it will represent a unique convergence of past, present and future taking the field inside Kauffman Stadium.Witt represents the future, along with young pitchers such as Brady Singer and Kris Bubic who started to take their lumps the past couple seasons. The present has been represented by catcher Salvador Perez and outfielder Whit Merrifield, a pair of veterans in a clubhouse that has continued to trend younger and younger in recent years.And the past? That would be Zack Greinke, the former Cy Young winner, whose trade to Milwaukee more than a decade ago allowed the Royals to piece together back-to-back World Series teams even as he chased riches elsewhere.In one of the surprising moves of the offseason, Greinke agreed to a deal to return to Kansas City, hoping to keep his career going where it all began while simultaneously lending his experience to an otherwise youthful starting rotation.“I’m hoping to have a lot of fun this year,” said the 38-year-old Greinke, who made his big league debut for Kansas City in 2004, when Witt was 3 years old. “This is a team I singled out that I wanted to play for. It was my No. 1 choice.”The Royals were happy to hear it, and even happier to hear his willingness to help Singer and Co.“It was one of the things he talked about right away when we had conversations,” manager Mike Matheny said. “He believes he has something to bring to these guys. He knows it. People are going to be watching everything he does.”Just like people are going to be watching everything Witt does on the opposite end of the age spectrum.“The X-factor for him might be his passion for the game,” Matheny said of Witt, who hit .290 with 33 homers and 97 RBIs at Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. ”This kid loves walking in here and throwing on that jersey.”Especially when it says “Royals” across the chest. Kansas City opens the season at home April 7 against the Cleveland Guardians.ENJOY THE KThe biggest offseason news in Kansas City might have been Sherman’s admission that the club was considering the future of Kauffman Stadium, and whether a downtown ballpark might be in the cards. The club has toyed with the idea in the past but has always opted to remain at the K.DON’T DOZE ON DOZIERHunter Dozier’s first season after signing a lucrative four-year deal was a downer in just about every respect. He hit just .216 with 16 homers and 54 RBIs, becoming a liability in the middle of a lineup that needed some production. But after he simplified his swing during the offseason, Dozier believes he’s ready for a bounce-back year.“I worked really hard this offseason trying to get back to what I know I can do,” Dozier said.HEALTH CHECKAdalberto Mondesi has proven to be one of the game’s dynamic players when he’s healthy, leading the league with 24 stolen bases during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. But Mondesi has only played more than 100 games once in six seasons, and he hit just .230 with six homers and 15 steals while limited to 35 games by injuries last season.“I changed a lot of things,” Mondesi said of his offseason, which included working with a different trainer in an attempt to stay healthy. “Just focused on the things I need to focus on and I feel good right now and see what’s going to happen.”NEW LOOKGreinke is the biggest addition this season, but the Royals also brought in left-hander Amir Garrett from Cincinnati in a trade for Mike Minor. They hope he can return to his 2020 form after a down season and provide help in the bullpen.ROOKIES TO WATCHMJ Melendez is perhaps the second-most tantalizing prospect in the Royals system behind Witt, especially after leading the minors last season with 41 homers. But with Perez firmly entrenched behind the plate, Melendez has been tinkering with playing other positions in the hopes of finding his way onto the field at some point this season.“He’s absolutely come a long way with his swing,” Matheny said. “He’s dangerous.”

Royals eye future with Bobby Witt Jr’s pending arrival

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ochai Agbaji of Kansas, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Drew Timme of Gonzaga and Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky are the five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year. The winner will be announced April 5 on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” The finalists have been invited to Los Angeles for the 46th annual presentation on April 8.

UNDATED (AP) — There’s no room for a surprise team at this Final Four. Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova have combined for 17 national championships. Each of these schools has won at least three titles. That makes this the first Final Four in which each of the teams already had won multiple championships. The closest thing to a Final Four party crasher is North Carolina. The Tar Heels were seeded eighth in the East Region but have won 10 of their last 11 games.

UNDATED (AP) — Women’s basketball is ranked second, behind only college football and ahead of men’s basketball, when it comes to the amount of income generated by name, image and likeness deals. That is according to Blake Lawrence, the chief executive of Opendorse. His company helps colleges and athletes navigate the celebrity endorsement landscape, which was opened last summer by the NCAA and now has millions of dollars flowing through it. He says making it to the Final Four will only increase the deals coming to social-media influencers such as Stanford's Cameron Brink and UConn's Paige Bueckers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals head into this season with a bit of past, present and future in the mix. Zack Greinke, their former Cy Young winner, is returning to the club after more than a decade spent elsewhere. Longtime clubhouse stalwarts Salvador Perez and Whit Merrifield are back. And the future comes in the form ofyoung pitchers such as Brady Singer and Kris Bubic as well as infielder Bobby Witt Jr.. He is the No. 1 prospect in baseball. The Royals open the season at home April 7 against the Cleveland Guardians.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Albert Pujols went 1 for 3 against Washington in his spring training debut with St. Louis on the same day his wife underwent successful brain surgery. In his third at-bat, Pujols smacked a line drive to the right side through a hole created by an infield shift. He said afterward it felt good to be back in a real game. Pujols doesn’t expect to be in the Cardinals’ lineup on Thursday. But if all goes well, he will play Friday against the Mets. He may head to California to see his wife during the off days between the end of camp and the start of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648029384872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ochai Agbaji of Kansas, Johnny Davis of Wisconsin, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Drew Timme of Gonzaga and Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky are the five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year. The winner will be announced April 5 on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” The finalists have been invited to Los Angeles for the 46th annual presentation on April 8.UNDATED (AP) — There’s no room for a surprise team at this Final Four. Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova have combined for 17 national championships. Each of these schools has won at least three titles. That makes this the first Final Four in which each of the teams already had won multiple championships. The closest thing to a Final Four party crasher is North Carolina. The Tar Heels were seeded eighth in the East Region but have won 10 of their last 11 games.UNDATED (AP) — Women’s basketball is ranked second, behind only college football and ahead of men’s basketball, when it comes to the amount of income generated by name, image and likeness deals. That is according to Blake Lawrence, the chief executive of Opendorse. His company helps colleges and athletes navigate the celebrity endorsement landscape, which was opened last summer by the NCAA and now has millions of dollars flowing through it. He says making it to the Final Four will only increase the deals coming to social-media influencers such as Stanford's Cameron Brink and UConn's Paige Bueckers.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals head into this season with a bit of past, present and future in the mix. Zack Greinke, their former Cy Young winner, is returning to the club after more than a decade spent elsewhere. Longtime clubhouse stalwarts Salvador Perez and Whit Merrifield are back. And the future comes in the form ofyoung pitchers such as Brady Singer and Kris Bubic as well as infielder Bobby Witt Jr.. He is the No. 1 prospect in baseball. The Royals open the season at home April 7 against the Cleveland Guardians.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Albert Pujols went 1 for 3 against Washington in his spring training debut with St. Louis on the same day his wife underwent successful brain surgery. In his third at-bat, Pujols smacked a line drive to the right side through a hole created by an infield shift. He said afterward it felt good to be back in a real game. Pujols doesn’t expect to be in the Cardinals’ lineup on Thursday. But if all goes well, he will play Friday against the Mets. He may head to California to see his wife during the off days between the end of camp and the start of the season.WEDNESDAY SCORESNATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Dallas	120	Cleveland	112	Final	Washington	127	Orlando	110	Final	Denver	125	Indiana	118	Final	Toronto	125	Minnesota	102	Final	Charlotte	125	New York	114	Final	Miami	106	Boston	98	Final	Atlanta	136	Oklahoma City	118	Final	Sacramento	121	Houston	118	Final	Memphis	112	San Antonio	111	Final	New Orleans	117	Portland	107	Final	Phoenix	107	Golden State	103	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO	Winnipeg	3	Buffalo	2	Final OT	N-Y Rangers	5	Detroit	4	Final SO	Edmonton	4	Los Angeles	3	Final	Arizona	5	San Jose	2	Final	St. Louis	4	Vancouver	3	Final	Vegas	3	Seattle	0

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Christian Braun’s eyes opened wide when he learned that after Kansas had beaten Miami to return to the Final Four such a raging party had broken out back in Lawrence that authorities had to shut down Massachusetts Street, the popular bar and restaurant district near campus.

It was a much more welcome shutdown than the one Braun experienced two years earlier.

Braun and his teammates were sitting in their hotel room in downtown Kansas City in 2020, waiting to play in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament, and news began filtering out that it had been canceled because of a virus few knew anything about. In short order, the NCAA Tournament also was shut down, and what may have been one of the best teams Jayhawks coach Bill Self had ever assembled would never have a chance to prove it.

“We all knew we were a pretty good team that year. We were No. 1 for a long time,” said Braun, who was a role player as a freshman in 2020, but is now one of the star players for a team that is headed back to the national semifinals.

“For it to get canceled like that,” Braun said, “that kind of sucked for a while.”

The what-might-have-beens may never go away entirely.

After all, the Jayhawks spent four weeks at No. 1 and were there for the final Top 25 poll, the closest anybody would get to being crowned national champion. They lost just three games all season: to No. 4 Duke in the Champions Classic in New York, to No. 18 Villanova in Philadelphia and to Baylor, which by then had risen to No. 4, at Allen Fieldhouse.

Coincidentally, the Blue Devils and the Wildcats will be joining the Jayhawks in New Orleans this weekend.

That loss to the Bears came on Jan. 11, 2020, and despite a few close shaves the Jayhawks never lost again that season. They rolled through the rest of their Big 12 schedule, going 17-1 to win the championship in a landslide, and they almost certainly would have been the overwhelming choice to be the No. 1 overall seed for the big dance.

“We had arguably as good a team as anybody,” Self acknowledged Tuesday.

The Jayhawks were built to win in March, too.

They had peerless point guard play from Devon Dotson and a game-changing post player in Udoka Azuibike, both of whom would be voted second-team All-Americans and are now playing professionally. They had role players such as Braun and Ochai Agbaji, and a defensive stopper in Marcus Garrett, along with depth across the board.

“We had a lot of great pieces,” Kansas big man David McCormack recalled, “and felt like we could go really far.”

Instead, the group largely disbanded after the season, the inexorable turnover of college basketball yielding a far different team last year. Despite many of the same faces, it was one that struggled to the bitter end, when it was pounded by Southern California in the second round of an NCAA Tournament played entirely inside an Indianapolis bubble.

“Losing that game last year in the tournament didn’t feel good for us, either,” Braun said.

So combine the missed opportunity of playing for a title in 2020 with a disheartening dud in 2021 and, well, it’s not much of a surprise that the top-seeded Jayhawks have been on a mission this March.

They blew out Texas Southern in the opening round, then skated past Creighton and Providence with only a few hairy moments along the way, then routed the Hurricanes last weekend to punch their ticket to the Big Easy.

Agbaji and McCormack were sophomores two years ago and are the grizzled seniors this year. Braun is a junior who has been playing crucial minutes since he stepped on campus. Jalen Wilson, who played in just two games during the 2019-20 season because of an injury, has become one of their most important players during this year’s run.

Next up for them is Villanova, a familiar NCAA Tournament foe, on Saturday night at the Superdome. The Jayhawks lost to the Wildcats in the Final Four in 2018, long before the pandemic turned everything upside down.

“It was definitely a heartbreak feeling knowing that we definitely clawed our way to the top that year,” McCormack said of that COVID-canceled postseason. “Now this year feels like we’re avenging that year. Now that we have the opportunity, we’re going to make the most of it and just continue to grow as a team with each game. And just do what we weren’t able to do or didn’t have an opportunity to do within that 2020 year.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Christian Braun’s eyes opened wide when he learned that after Kansas had beaten Miami to return to the Final Four such a raging party had broken out back in Lawrence that authorities had to shut down Massachusetts Street, the popular bar and restaurant district near campus.It was a much more welcome shutdown than the one Braun experienced two years earlier.Braun and his teammates were sitting in their hotel room in downtown Kansas City in 2020, waiting to play in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament, and news began filtering out that it had been canceled because of a virus few knew anything about. In short order, the NCAA Tournament also was shut down, and what may have been one of the best teams Jayhawks coach Bill Self had ever assembled would never have a chance to prove it.“We all knew we were a pretty good team that year. We were No. 1 for a long time,” said Braun, who was a role player as a freshman in 2020, but is now one of the star players for a team that is headed back to the national semifinals.“For it to get canceled like that,” Braun said, “that kind of sucked for a while.”The what-might-have-beens may never go away entirely.After all, the Jayhawks spent four weeks at No. 1 and were there for the final Top 25 poll, the closest anybody would get to being crowned national champion. They lost just three games all season: to No. 4 Duke in the Champions Classic in New York, to No. 18 Villanova in Philadelphia and to Baylor, which by then had risen to No. 4, at Allen Fieldhouse.Coincidentally, the Blue Devils and the Wildcats will be joining the Jayhawks in New Orleans this weekend.That loss to the Bears came on Jan. 11, 2020, and despite a few close shaves the Jayhawks never lost again that season. They rolled through the rest of their Big 12 schedule, going 17-1 to win the championship in a landslide, and they almost certainly would have been the overwhelming choice to be the No. 1 overall seed for the big dance.“We had arguably as good a team as anybody,” Self acknowledged Tuesday.The Jayhawks were built to win in March, too.They had peerless point guard play from Devon Dotson and a game-changing post player in Udoka Azuibike, both of whom would be voted second-team All-Americans and are now playing professionally. They had role players such as Braun and Ochai Agbaji, and a defensive stopper in Marcus Garrett, along with depth across the board.“We had a lot of great pieces,” Kansas big man David McCormack recalled, “and felt like we could go really far.”Instead, the group largely disbanded after the season, the inexorable turnover of college basketball yielding a far different team last year. Despite many of the same faces, it was one that struggled to the bitter end, when it was pounded by Southern California in the second round of an NCAA Tournament played entirely inside an Indianapolis bubble.“Losing that game last year in the tournament didn’t feel good for us, either,” Braun said.So combine the missed opportunity of playing for a title in 2020 with a disheartening dud in 2021 and, well, it’s not much of a surprise that the top-seeded Jayhawks have been on a mission this March.They blew out Texas Southern in the opening round, then skated past Creighton and Providence with only a few hairy moments along the way, then routed the Hurricanes last weekend to punch their ticket to the Big Easy.Agbaji and McCormack were sophomores two years ago and are the grizzled seniors this year. Braun is a junior who has been playing crucial minutes since he stepped on campus. Jalen Wilson, who played in just two games during the 2019-20 season because of an injury, has become one of their most important players during this year’s run.Next up for them is Villanova, a familiar NCAA Tournament foe, on Saturday night at the Superdome. The Jayhawks lost to the Wildcats in the Final Four in 2018, long before the pandemic turned everything upside down.“It was definitely a heartbreak feeling knowing that we definitely clawed our way to the top that year,” McCormack said of that COVID-canceled postseason. “Now this year feels like we’re avenging that year. Now that we have the opportunity, we’re going to make the most of it and just continue to grow as a team with each game. And just do what we weren’t able to do or didn’t have an opportunity to do within that 2020 year.”

Jayhawks head to Final Four with 2020 still on their minds

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Billy Turner’s one-year deal with the Denver Broncos represents not only a homecoming but a reunion.

Turner, who played in Denver from 2016-18, and Broncos new head coach Nathaniel Hackett developed a close friendship during their time together in Green Bay, where Turner blossomed as a versatile and dependable offensive lineman.

“It’s special,” Turner said Tuesday of returning to the Broncos. “On top of that, being able to play for one of the better people that I’ve met in this industry and someone who I consider one of my great friends in this league ... you can’t pass up on a situation like that.”

Hackett gushed over Turner at the NFL owners meetings in Florida this week, and not just about Turner’s versatility.

“Billy is the best, man. I mean, he’s such a great dude,” Hackett said. He called Turner’s ability to seamlessly move from one position of need to another “something that would always blow me away.”

“I mean, it’s really unbelievable. Just as a man as he is off the field is just awesome. I love him. I’m so excited to have him on our team.”

Asked what was the genesis of their friendship in Green Bay, where Hackett was the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-21, Turner said, “I just think me and Hackett are cut from a similar cloth. We were able to have conversations that aren’t specifically about football. We can talk about everyday life situations. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world. We can talk about whatever.

“It was funny talking to him a week or two ago. We can also just sit there and sit in silence and enjoy that,” Turner added.

“Every day before practice when we were together the last three years in Green Bay, I would get ready for practice and tape my hands up and whatnot. He would just come over and he would sit next to me. Sometimes we would talk about things, sometimes we wouldn’t.

“It was just it was one of those opportunities that we always had daily to sit there, to communicate, and to learn about one another. He’s just one of those bright positive souls that I’ve fortunately had the great pleasure of meeting in this industry.”

The Miami Dolphins drafted Turner in the third round out of North Dakota State in 2014 and he joined the Broncos midway through the 2016 season.

He didn’t play in all 16 games until his third season in Denver and fifth season of his NFL career. He joined the Packers in 2019 and became a mainstay in Green Bay, starting 43 games in the regular season and two in the playoffs.

“I’ve grown in a lot of different ways. I think I’m a better football player now,” Turner said.

One reason is he embraced the opportunity to play multiple positions.

“I think that has helped me as a player — not only understanding the game more, but also being able to focus in and hone in on some of my personal techniques a little bit more,” he said.

“As a young player, you don’t really want to bounce around from position to position. You hear coaches and older people tell you that it’s going to enhance your value as a player and also make you a better player. As everyone knows, when you’re young and they tell you, ‘Look it’s going to go by in the blink of an eye,’ you never believe them until you’re in that situation.

“It’s no different with me playing different positions. They tell you it’s going to get better and it’s going to make you a better football player, but you never really understand that and trust that until you’re going into Year 9 like I am right now.”

Turner, who signed for $5 million in 2022, projects as the Broncos right tackle although he provides depth at both tackle spots and both guard positions.

“I personally don’t have any expectations,” Turner said. “I learned a long time ago not to go into any year or any game with any type of expectation. You can talk to Coach Hackett about that. It’s funny because when I was in Green Bay, you might get to a Wednesday or Thursday and then you find out that you have to play a different position. That’s just the norm for me.

“I honestly have no expectations for any position for me to play. I can play all of those positions. I’m comfortable at all those positions.”

Turner said it wasn’t just the chance to reunite with Hackett that drew him to Denver. Playing with newly acquired QB Russell Wilson was a big draw, too.

“It definitely played a factor,” Turner said. “When you’re looking at teams and you look at situations and you look at quarterbacks out there, Russell is one of those dudes that’s going to win you a handful of games by himself.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Billy Turner’s one-year deal with the Denver Broncos represents not only a homecoming but a reunion.Turner, who played in Denver from 2016-18, and Broncos new head coach Nathaniel Hackett developed a close friendship during their time together in Green Bay, where Turner blossomed as a versatile and dependable offensive lineman.“It’s special,” Turner said Tuesday of returning to the Broncos. “On top of that, being able to play for one of the better people that I’ve met in this industry and someone who I consider one of my great friends in this league ... you can’t pass up on a situation like that.”Hackett gushed over Turner at the NFL owners meetings in Florida this week, and not just about Turner’s versatility.“Billy is the best, man. I mean, he’s such a great dude,” Hackett said. He called Turner’s ability to seamlessly move from one position of need to another “something that would always blow me away.”“I mean, it’s really unbelievable. Just as a man as he is off the field is just awesome. I love him. I’m so excited to have him on our team.”Asked what was the genesis of their friendship in Green Bay, where Hackett was the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-21, Turner said, “I just think me and Hackett are cut from a similar cloth. We were able to have conversations that aren’t specifically about football. We can talk about everyday life situations. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world. We can talk about whatever.“It was funny talking to him a week or two ago. We can also just sit there and sit in silence and enjoy that,” Turner added.“Every day before practice when we were together the last three years in Green Bay, I would get ready for practice and tape my hands up and whatnot. He would just come over and he would sit next to me. Sometimes we would talk about things, sometimes we wouldn’t.“It was just it was one of those opportunities that we always had daily to sit there, to communicate, and to learn about one another. He’s just one of those bright positive souls that I’ve fortunately had the great pleasure of meeting in this industry.”The Miami Dolphins drafted Turner in the third round out of North Dakota State in 2014 and he joined the Broncos midway through the 2016 season.He didn’t play in all 16 games until his third season in Denver and fifth season of his NFL career. He joined the Packers in 2019 and became a mainstay in Green Bay, starting 43 games in the regular season and two in the playoffs.“I’ve grown in a lot of different ways. I think I’m a better football player now,” Turner said.One reason is he embraced the opportunity to play multiple positions.“I think that has helped me as a player — not only understanding the game more, but also being able to focus in and hone in on some of my personal techniques a little bit more,” he said.“As a young player, you don’t really want to bounce around from position to position. You hear coaches and older people tell you that it’s going to enhance your value as a player and also make you a better player. As everyone knows, when you’re young and they tell you, ‘Look it’s going to go by in the blink of an eye,’ you never believe them until you’re in that situation.“It’s no different with me playing different positions. They tell you it’s going to get better and it’s going to make you a better football player, but you never really understand that and trust that until you’re going into Year 9 like I am right now.”Turner, who signed for $5 million in 2022, projects as the Broncos right tackle although he provides depth at both tackle spots and both guard positions.“I personally don’t have any expectations,” Turner said. “I learned a long time ago not to go into any year or any game with any type of expectation. You can talk to Coach Hackett about that. It’s funny because when I was in Green Bay, you might get to a Wednesday or Thursday and then you find out that you have to play a different position. That’s just the norm for me.“I honestly have no expectations for any position for me to play. I can play all of those positions. I’m comfortable at all those positions.”Turner said it wasn’t just the chance to reunite with Hackett that drew him to Denver. Playing with newly acquired QB Russell Wilson was a big draw, too.“It definitely played a factor,” Turner said. “When you’re looking at teams and you look at situations and you look at quarterbacks out there, Russell is one of those dudes that’s going to win you a handful of games by himself.”

Billy Turner returns to Denver, reunites with Hackett

Baseball -Game 1- Pratt 15 Larned 7 -Game 2- Pratt 11 Larned 1

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600485516602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Baseball -Game 1- Pratt 15 Larned 7 -Game 2- Pratt 11 Larned 1<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3rahvp3x/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The 2020 Kansas team may have been the best coach Bill Self has ever put together. It never had a chance to prove it because the NCAA Tournament was canceled in the pandemic. Two years later, a few members of that team are headed to the Final Four with a chance to win it all. There are also veteran players on Duke, North Carolina and Villanova getting the same chance. Kansas and Villanova face each other on Saturday night in the national semifinals at the Superdome.

UNDATED (AP) — March Madness has taken a power turn as it turns to the Final Four. No more plucky underdogs. This year’s semifinalists are Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova, four powerhouses with 17 national championships among them. The first game on Saturday night in New Orleans puts Villanova up against Kansas, the lone No. 1 seed still in the field. The nightcap is one of the best rivalries in sports: Duke vs. North Carolina, who have played each other 257 times. This will be their first matchup in the NCAA Tournament.

NEW YORK (AP) — Quenton Jackson scored 18 points and Texas A&amp;M advanced to the NIT championship game with a 72-56 rout of Washington State. Henry Coleman III had 16 points and Manny Obaseki added 14 for the Aggies in the second semifinal at Madison Square Garden. They will play for the title Thursday night against Xavier, an 84-77 winner over St. Bonaventure in the doubleheader opener. Tyrell Roberts led Washington State with 14 points. He was the only Cougars player to score double figures. Efe Abogidi had nine points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — There was a time, not that many years ago, when predicting who would win the women’s NCAA Tournament was not that difficult. UConn or Tennessee, or Baylor or maybe Stanford, depending on the year, dominated the season and the tournament. But this year is not a year like that. South Carolina comes into Minneapolis as the favorite, but Stanford, UConn and Louisville have all been there before and each had to fight this season to get back to the top, as parity in women’s basketball continues to surge.

PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — The NFL is modifying a rule many fans believe was unfair. Each side will now get the ball in playoffs. Concerned that the coin toss to begin the extra period has too much impact on postseason game results, the owners have voted day to approve a proposal presented by the Colts and Eagles. Beginning this season, if the team possessing the ball first in overtime scores a touchdown on that series, the opponent still gets a possession.

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have reupped their commitment to playing annually at Wembley Stadium in London. The Jaguars received formal approval at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, to move forward with a three-year contract to play at Wembley. The deal gives the small-market franchise exclusivity at one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic venues. The Jaguars will be in charge of ticketing, merchandise sales and game-day management.

OWINGS MILL (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have signed coach John Harbaugh to a three-year contract extension through 2025. Harbaugh is entering his 15th season at the helm. Baltimore went 8-9 in 2021 for only the second losing record of his tenure. Injures derailed what looked like a promising season. The Ravens are 148-96 under Harbaugh, plus a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2012 season. He also guided Baltimore to the AFC title game in 2008 and 2011. In nine visits to the postseason, Harbaugh is 11-8. He was the AP’s NFL coach of the year in 2019.

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is downplaying the team's interest in dealing for former Houston Texan Deshaun Watson before the quarterback accepted a trade to Cleveland. Blank says more investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations made by nearly two dozen women against Watson while he was with the Texans would have been necessary before Atlanta’s interest could have become more serious.

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The move gives New Orleans a second experienced signal-caller behind returning starter Jameis Winston. The 34-year-old Dalton is a former starter in Cincinnati who is now with his fourth team in four years after spending his first eight with the Bengals. Dalton played for Dallas in 2020 and for Chicago last season.

UNDATED (AP) — The next U.S. Olympic swimming team will be decided in a football stadium. USA Swimming announced that its trials for the 2024 Paris Games will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the massive home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The decision marks the end of Omaha’s long run as host of the event. The last four U.S. trials were held in the Nebraska city’s downtown arena, which seated about 14,500 fans after the temporary pool was installed. USA Swimming is going for a much bigger show in Indy, which will have seating for up to 35,000.

UNDATED (AP) — The arrival of Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, new, relaxed rules on athlete compensation and better exposure on TV are fueling interest in NCAA women's gymnastics. Attendance figures have spiked at several schools this season, including Auburn, where Lee is a freshman. Women's gymnastics as a whole is thriving, with several schools preparing to join at the collegiate level in coming seasons. Lee says college gymnastics is a “positive” place that plays in contrast to elite gymnastics, which has struggled to find a way forward since sordid allegations of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648633536471.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The 2020 Kansas team may have been the best coach Bill Self has ever put together. It never had a chance to prove it because the NCAA Tournament was canceled in the pandemic. Two years later, a few members of that team are headed to the Final Four with a chance to win it all. There are also veteran players on Duke, North Carolina and Villanova getting the same chance. Kansas and Villanova face each other on Saturday night in the national semifinals at the Superdome.UNDATED (AP) — March Madness has taken a power turn as it turns to the Final Four. No more plucky underdogs. This year’s semifinalists are Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Villanova, four powerhouses with 17 national championships among them. The first game on Saturday night in New Orleans puts Villanova up against Kansas, the lone No. 1 seed still in the field. The nightcap is one of the best rivalries in sports: Duke vs. North Carolina, who have played each other 257 times. This will be their first matchup in the NCAA Tournament.NEW YORK (AP) — Quenton Jackson scored 18 points and Texas A&amp;M advanced to the NIT championship game with a 72-56 rout of Washington State. Henry Coleman III had 16 points and Manny Obaseki added 14 for the Aggies in the second semifinal at Madison Square Garden. They will play for the title Thursday night against Xavier, an 84-77 winner over St. Bonaventure in the doubleheader opener. Tyrell Roberts led Washington State with 14 points. He was the only Cougars player to score double figures. Efe Abogidi had nine points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes.BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — There was a time, not that many years ago, when predicting who would win the women’s NCAA Tournament was not that difficult. UConn or Tennessee, or Baylor or maybe Stanford, depending on the year, dominated the season and the tournament. But this year is not a year like that. South Carolina comes into Minneapolis as the favorite, but Stanford, UConn and Louisville have all been there before and each had to fight this season to get back to the top, as parity in women’s basketball continues to surge.PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — The NFL is modifying a rule many fans believe was unfair. Each side will now get the ball in playoffs. Concerned that the coin toss to begin the extra period has too much impact on postseason game results, the owners have voted day to approve a proposal presented by the Colts and Eagles. Beginning this season, if the team possessing the ball first in overtime scores a touchdown on that series, the opponent still gets a possession.PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars have reupped their commitment to playing annually at Wembley Stadium in London. The Jaguars received formal approval at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, to move forward with a three-year contract to play at Wembley. The deal gives the small-market franchise exclusivity at one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic venues. The Jaguars will be in charge of ticketing, merchandise sales and game-day management.OWINGS MILL (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have signed coach John Harbaugh to a three-year contract extension through 2025. Harbaugh is entering his 15th season at the helm. Baltimore went 8-9 in 2021 for only the second losing record of his tenure. Injures derailed what looked like a promising season. The Ravens are 148-96 under Harbaugh, plus a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2012 season. He also guided Baltimore to the AFC title game in 2008 and 2011. In nine visits to the postseason, Harbaugh is 11-8. He was the AP’s NFL coach of the year in 2019.ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is downplaying the team's interest in dealing for former Houston Texan Deshaun Watson before the quarterback accepted a trade to Cleveland. Blank says more investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations made by nearly two dozen women against Watson while he was with the Texans would have been necessary before Atlanta’s interest could have become more serious.METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The move gives New Orleans a second experienced signal-caller behind returning starter Jameis Winston. The 34-year-old Dalton is a former starter in Cincinnati who is now with his fourth team in four years after spending his first eight with the Bengals. Dalton played for Dallas in 2020 and for Chicago last season.UNDATED (AP) — The next U.S. Olympic swimming team will be decided in a football stadium. USA Swimming announced that its trials for the 2024 Paris Games will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the massive home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The decision marks the end of Omaha’s long run as host of the event. The last four U.S. trials were held in the Nebraska city’s downtown arena, which seated about 14,500 fans after the temporary pool was installed. USA Swimming is going for a much bigger show in Indy, which will have seating for up to 35,000.UNDATED (AP) — The arrival of Olympic champion Sunisa Lee, new, relaxed rules on athlete compensation and better exposure on TV are fueling interest in NCAA women's gymnastics. Attendance figures have spiked at several schools this season, including Auburn, where Lee is a freshman. Women's gymnastics as a whole is thriving, with several schools preparing to join at the collegiate level in coming seasons. Lee says college gymnastics is a “positive” place that plays in contrast to elite gymnastics, which has struggled to find a way forward since sordid allegations of physical, mental and emotional abuse.TUESDAY SCORESNATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Chicago	107	Washington	94	Final	Milwaukee	118	Philadelphia	116	Final	Dallas	128	L.A. Lakers	110	Final	Brooklyn	130	Detroit	123	Final	L.A. Clippers	121	Utah	115	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	N-Y Rangers	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final	N-Y Islanders	4	Columbus	3	Final	Toronto	6	Boston	4	Final OT	Tampa Bay	4	Carolina	3	Final	Florida	7	Montreal	4	Final	Minnesota	4	Philadelphia	1	Final	Nashville	4	Ottawa	1	Final	Colorado	2	Calgary	1	Final	Dallas	3	Anaheim	2

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The 18th Barton Community College men's golf team began its spring season Monday finishing fourth in the Jayhawk Tournament No. 1 held at Manhattan's Colbert Hills Golf Course.

Battling less than ideal cool and windy morning conditions with the eight team field, Barton carded a combined 314 in the early round before posting a third best 303 afternoon round to finish at 41-over 617 and just three strokes behind third place and 10th ranked Garden City Community College.

Dodge City Community College won the first meet's title as the 13th ranked Conquistadors put up a winning 23-over 599 in fighting off the 3rd ranked Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College's final round charge to close within three strokes at 26-over 602.

Tom Gehring led two Cougars in the top nine of the 51-player field, climbing seven spots on the leaderboard following an opening 4-over 76 with a 2-under 70 to tie for the lowest round of the field in claiming the runner-up position. Hutchinson Ben Partridge, the nation's No. 1 ranked golfer, won the event behind 73 and 70 rounds to finish with a 1-under 143.

Carlos Hamou also climbed the leaderboard in the afternoon round, following a morning 78 with a 75 to jump into a three-way tie for 9th place at 9-over 153.

Consistent rounds of 79 and 78 placed Pontus Nordstrom in a tie for 17th overall at 13-over 157 while Tom Lehmann also stayed steady on 81 and 80 rounds for a 21st place tie at 17-over 161.

Ethan Bonnett rounded out the team entries in a 33rd place tie, opening with an 84 before carding a final round of 87 for a combined 27-over 171.

Marshall Woolf competed as an individual, bettering his morning round of 94 with a three stroke 91 improvement for a 45th place 41-over 185.

The Cougars get back to the links Monday, April 11, traveling to Wichita's Crestview Country Club for 72 holes of conference action beginning at 8:30 a.m. for two rounds with Tuesday's final round also set for an 8:30 a.m. start.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648555464251.jpeg" alt="Tom Gehring watches his putt - Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Tom Gehring watches his putt - Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 18th Barton Community College men's golf team began its spring season Monday finishing fourth in the Jayhawk Tournament No. 1 held at Manhattan's Colbert Hills Golf Course.Battling less than ideal cool and windy morning conditions with the eight team field, Barton carded a combined 314 in the early round before posting a third best 303 afternoon round to finish at 41-over 617 and just three strokes behind third place and 10th ranked Garden City Community College.Dodge City Community College won the first meet's title as the 13th ranked Conquistadors put up a winning 23-over 599 in fighting off the 3rd ranked Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College's final round charge to close within three strokes at 26-over 602.Tom Gehring led two Cougars in the top nine of the 51-player field, climbing seven spots on the leaderboard following an opening 4-over 76 with a 2-under 70 to tie for the lowest round of the field in claiming the runner-up position. Hutchinson Ben Partridge, the nation's No. 1 ranked golfer, won the event behind 73 and 70 rounds to finish with a 1-under 143.Carlos Hamou also climbed the leaderboard in the afternoon round, following a morning 78 with a 75 to jump into a three-way tie for 9th place at 9-over 153.Consistent rounds of 79 and 78 placed Pontus Nordstrom in a tie for 17th overall at 13-over 157 while Tom Lehmann also stayed steady on 81 and 80 rounds for a 21st place tie at 17-over 161.Ethan Bonnett rounded out the team entries in a 33rd place tie, opening with an 84 before carding a final round of 87 for a combined 27-over 171.Marshall Woolf competed as an individual, bettering his morning round of 94 with a three stroke 91 improvement for a 45th place 41-over 185.The Cougars get back to the links Monday, April 11, traveling to Wichita's Crestview Country Club for 72 holes of conference action beginning at 8:30 a.m. for two rounds with Tuesday's final round also set for an 8:30 a.m. start.

18th ranked Barton men's golf places fourth at conference opener

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski refused to let his players ponder the possibility of facing North Carolina for the first time in the NCAA Tournament after the Blue Devils had punched their Final Four ticket with a win over Arkansas.

They have no choice but to think about it now.

The Tar Heels took care of the last of the underdogs Sunday by rolling past 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s, setting up a Final Four for the ages in New Orleans: Duke-Carolina for the first time in the tourney, and in retiring Coach K’s final appearance on college basketball’s biggest stage. The winner gets Kansas or Villanova for the national championship.

“I saw something that Bill Self said about the regional championship game,” Krzyzewski said of his Kansas counterpart, “it really is the biggest game a college coach has to coach, because it gets you into the promised land.

“For me to have that, I guess it’s 17 times now, that’s a big-time thing for me. I’m so proud of that,” Krzyzewski said, “that my teams have put us in that position and that’s we’ve won now 13 of them, and whatever happens afterward happens. But it is a heck of a thing. We’ve won a lot in the tournament, and we’ve won a lot of games, but Final Fours are big.”

Duke and North Carolina have met 257 times, including in Krzyzewski’s final game coaching at Cameron Indoor Stadium, when the Tar Heels spoiled the night with a victory that has helped to propel them to the Final Four.

Yet somehow, the bluest of the bluebloods have never collided in the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m not even thinking about that right now,” said Hubert Davis, who played for the Tar Heels in the Final Four and has led them back in his first year as the head coach. “Right now, I’m just so happy for our guys having an opportunity to play in the Final Four. That’s the only thing on my mind.”

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski refused to let his players ponder the possibility of facing North Carolina for the first time in the NCAA Tournament after the Blue Devils had punched their Final Four ticket with a win over Arkansas.They have no choice but to think about it now.The Tar Heels took care of the last of the underdogs Sunday by rolling past 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s, setting up a Final Four for the ages in New Orleans: Duke-Carolina for the first time in the tourney, and in retiring Coach K’s final appearance on college basketball’s biggest stage. The winner gets Kansas or Villanova for the national championship.“I saw something that Bill Self said about the regional championship game,” Krzyzewski said of his Kansas counterpart, “it really is the biggest game a college coach has to coach, because it gets you into the promised land.“For me to have that, I guess it’s 17 times now, that’s a big-time thing for me. I’m so proud of that,” Krzyzewski said, “that my teams have put us in that position and that’s we’ve won now 13 of them, and whatever happens afterward happens. But it is a heck of a thing. We’ve won a lot in the tournament, and we’ve won a lot of games, but Final Fours are big.”The biggest could be Saturday night.Duke and North Carolina have met 257 times, including in Krzyzewski’s final game coaching at Cameron Indoor Stadium, when the Tar Heels spoiled the night with a victory that has helped to propel them to the Final Four.Yet somehow, the bluest of the bluebloods have never collided in the NCAA Tournament.“I’m not even thinking about that right now,” said Hubert Davis, who played for the Tar Heels in the Final Four and has led them back in his first year as the head coach. “Right now, I’m just so happy for our guys having an opportunity to play in the Final Four. That’s the only thing on my mind.”The Blue Devils locked up their spot Saturday night when Paolo Banchero and Co. used a big run to put away Arkansas and send Krzyzewski’s farewell tour to the Big Easy. It will be his 13th trip to the Final Four, breaking a tie with UCLA’s John Wooden for the most in history, and makes 17 in all for the Duke program.“We knew we were capable of this, and that’s what we’ve worked for since June,” Banchero said. “To finally get to New Orleans and have a chance to play for a national championship is a blessing. I’m just proud of the way we came together.”North Carolina will be making its record 21st appearance in the Final Four, and the four teams headed to the Superdome have combined to make it an astounding 61 times. Together, they have cut down the nets on 17 occasions.Villanova also locked up its trip to the semifinals Saturday when it beat Houston in a low-scoring slugfest. It’s the seventh Final Four appearance for the Wildcats, including one from the 1970s that the NCAA forced them to vacate, and gives Jay Wright a chance to join some rare company by winning his third national championship.The list that would stand ahead of him? Wooden with 10, Krzyzewski with five and Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp with four.“It feels great to be going back to the Final Four. It never gets old,” said Wright, whose 2016 team beat Kansas and North Carolina on the way to the title and whose 2018 team beat the Jayhawks again in the Final Four before topping Michigan for the championship. “It is a dream of every player and coach in college basketball. It’s the ultimate.”The Wildcats will be without Justin Moore, though, after announcing Sunday that their second-leading scorer would have surgery this week for a torn Achilles tendon. Moore was hurt in the final minute of the win over the Cougars.“This is a tough blow for all of us, not just because of the great player Justin is, but because of what he means to us as teammates and coaches,” Wright said. “As one of our captains, Justin has been an integral part of our success.”While the Jayhawks have had plenty of problems with Villanova over the years, their real trouble had been escaping the regional finals. But they had their way with Miami in the second half Sunday in Chicago, relying on their superior speed and athleticism to turn a six-point deficit at the break into a 76-50 blowout.Now, the Jayhawks — who earlier in the tournament passed Kentucky as the winningest school in Division I basketball — are back to the Final Four for the 16th time, and Self is two wins away from his elusive second title.“I’m just proud of my team and proud of Coach Self. It’s great for the program and the university,” said Kansas guard Ochai Agbaji, a first-team All-American and the Big 12 player of the year. “But we’re not done yet. And I’m not satisfied yet with this. I know my teammates aren’t, either.”