For the second straight season, the Barton Community College Baseball team has been tabbed to finish second for the upcoming 2022 Jayhawk Western Division I season, according to the league annual Coaches' Poll released Thursday.

In 2021, the Cougars finished in a three-way tie for the runner-up spot in the KJCCC West standings posting a 20-12 conference mark while finishing 34-18 overall after falling in the Cowley College sub-regional to Coffeyville Community College.

Region VI runner-up Colby Community College topped the poll with Hutchinson Community College and Butler Community College falling behind the Cougars in the third and fourth spots respectively.

In the Jayhawk East, the reigning Region VI Champion Tigers of Cowley College were picked to win the east with Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College falling behind in second and third.&nbsp;

Head Coach Brent Biggs' eighth edition will return 14 position players, a starting pitcher, and six relief pitchers out of the bullpen from last season.

<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/rodgers_alex_ddl0" target="_blank">Alex Rodgers</a>&nbsp;and cleanup hitter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/allen_connor_z2ba" target="_blank">Connor Allen</a>&nbsp;return as the top hitters for the Cougar offense in 2022. &nbsp;

Controlling the leadoff spot, Rodgers paced the Barton bats leading five offensive categories from a season ago. The Stephen F. Austin commit slashed a .380 batting average with 17 doubles, eight triples, 10 homers, while driving in 34 RBIs and swiping a conference fourth best 29 bases.

Allen conducted a third best average hitting .346 with 11 doubles, two triples and six round trippers over 44 games. Infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/reynolds_wade_uhi0" target="_blank">Wade Reynolds</a>, infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/maldonado_colter_87ul" target="_blank">Colter Maldonado</a>, outfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/marquis_shawn_wfha" target="_blank">Shawn Marquis</a>&nbsp;and utility&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/ellison_jordan_g5al" target="_blank">Jordan Ellison</a>&nbsp;are key returning position players.

Grand Canyon University commit,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/thornton_zach_sda0" target="_blank">Zach Thornton</a>&nbsp;looks to lead the Barton pitching staff after producing a brilliant freshman campaign. Thornton displayed a 7-1 record in 13 starts posting a 4.01 ERA and pitching a trio of complete games.

Relief pitchers&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/cornelius_carson_hjhr" target="_blank">Carson Cornelius</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/lanik_ian_gowg" target="_blank">Ian Lanik</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/hesseltine_hunter_yhq1" target="_blank">Hunter Hesseltine</a>&nbsp;bolster a deep bullpen as the trio combined for 50-appearances on the bump last season.

Biggs' new look Cougars include the additions of pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/reynolds_owen_nfdw" target="_blank">Owen Reynolds</a>&nbsp;of Wichita, KS, and infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/hayman_henry_qe9t" target="_blank">Henry Hayman</a>&nbsp;from Victoria, Australia.

Barton opens the 2022 season February 11th-12th at Rose State College. The Cougars home opener will come Saturday February 19 and 20th as they host a four game set against Western Nebraska Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643323483604.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>For the second straight season, the Barton Community College Baseball team has been tabbed to finish second for the upcoming 2022 Jayhawk Western Division I season, according to the league annual Coaches' Poll released Thursday.In 2021, the Cougars finished in a three-way tie for the runner-up spot in the KJCCC West standings posting a 20-12 conference mark while finishing 34-18 overall after falling in the Cowley College sub-regional to Coffeyville Community College.Region VI runner-up Colby Community College topped the poll with Hutchinson Community College and Butler Community College falling behind the Cougars in the third and fourth spots respectively.In the Jayhawk East, the reigning Region VI Champion Tigers of Cowley College were picked to win the east with Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College falling behind in second and third.&nbsp;Head Coach Brent Biggs' eighth edition will return 14 position players, a starting pitcher, and six relief pitchers out of the bullpen from last season.<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/rodgers_alex_ddl0" target="_blank">Alex Rodgers</a>&nbsp;and cleanup hitter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/allen_connor_z2ba" target="_blank">Connor Allen</a>&nbsp;return as the top hitters for the Cougar offense in 2022. &nbsp;Controlling the leadoff spot, Rodgers paced the Barton bats leading five offensive categories from a season ago. The Stephen F. Austin commit slashed a .380 batting average with 17 doubles, eight triples, 10 homers, while driving in 34 RBIs and swiping a conference fourth best 29 bases.Allen conducted a third best average hitting .346 with 11 doubles, two triples and six round trippers over 44 games. Infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/reynolds_wade_uhi0" target="_blank">Wade Reynolds</a>, infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/maldonado_colter_87ul" target="_blank">Colter Maldonado</a>, outfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/marquis_shawn_wfha" target="_blank">Shawn Marquis</a>&nbsp;and utility&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/ellison_jordan_g5al" target="_blank">Jordan Ellison</a>&nbsp;are key returning position players.Grand Canyon University commit,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/thornton_zach_sda0" target="_blank">Zach Thornton</a>&nbsp;looks to lead the Barton pitching staff after producing a brilliant freshman campaign. Thornton displayed a 7-1 record in 13 starts posting a 4.01 ERA and pitching a trio of complete games.Relief pitchers&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/cornelius_carson_hjhr" target="_blank">Carson Cornelius</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/lanik_ian_gowg" target="_blank">Ian Lanik</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/hesseltine_hunter_yhq1" target="_blank">Hunter Hesseltine</a>&nbsp;bolster a deep bullpen as the trio combined for 50-appearances on the bump last season.Biggs' new look Cougars include the additions of pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/reynolds_owen_nfdw" target="_blank">Owen Reynolds</a>&nbsp;of Wichita, KS, and infielder&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/bsb/2021-22/bios/hayman_henry_qe9t" target="_blank">Henry Hayman</a>&nbsp;from Victoria, Australia.Barton opens the 2022 season February 11th-12th at Rose State College. The Cougars home opener will come Saturday February 19 and 20th as they host a four game set against Western Nebraska Community College.

Barton Baseball picked second in KJCCC West Division I poll

Talk about newcomers versus the tried and true.

Here come the Cincinnati Bengals, who had lost eight straight playoff games since their last victory 31 years ago. Awaiting them at loud, sometimes intimidating Arrowhead Stadium will be the Kansas City Chiefs, in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game and seeking their third trip in a row to the Super Bowl.

This is hardly the matchup most NFL observers expected. Sure, the Chiefs made sense, but the often-mocked Bengals — Bungles no more — were a surprise last to first winner of the AFC North. Now, here they are, one step from their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989.

It’s not all about QB Joe Burrow (9) and rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase (1), but much of it is.

This pass-catch combination was dynamic at LSU and has made a huge splash in the NFL. Burrow, whose rookie season in 2020 was cut short by a knee injury, made a sensational return and is as accurate as any passer in the league. He had 34 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions during the season, and thus far in the playoffs is 52 of 71 (73.2%) for 592 yards and a 101.4 QB rating. Chase has 14 catches for 225 yards (16.1 per reception) after scoring 13 times on 81 receptions in the regular season. The two hooked up 11 times for 266 yards and three TDs in a 34-31 win over the Chiefs on Jan. 2.

Uzomah, however, might be needed to help block after Cincinnati allowed nine sacks at Tennessee. The Chiefs, under aggressive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, have a solid pass rush, which they’ll clearly need. Bengals tackles Jonah Williams (73) and Isaiah Prince (71) must deal with Chris Jones (95) and Frank Clark (55) on the outside, while DT Jarran Reed (90) has been superb in the playoffs. And watch for Chiefs weakside LB Nick Bolton (54) to have some impact.

If the Bengals can get the running game on track with Joe Mixon (28), who ranked third with 1,205 rushing yards, they might have the balance they need.

As they showed in the shootout with the Bills, the Chiefs need only, say, 13 seconds to produce in crunch time. Not only are they the most entertaining offense in the league, but with QB Patrick Mahomes (15), WR Tyreek Hill (10) and TE Travis Kelce (87), they are as creative as anyone.

Mahomes has certified himself with his arm, legs and mind as the real thing. With him, the numbers — albeit great — are almost superfluous as he finds a way on so many plays, particularly in the most dire circumstances.

One thing the Bengals defense will need is a relentless pass rush against a stout but not impenetrable line. Cincy sacks leader Trey Hendrickson (91) is the primary pass rusher, though DE Sam Hubbard (94) and DT D.J. Reader can be trouble.

It doesn’t hurt that Mahomes has a sixth sense for escaping pressure, but he needs his blockers, particularly LG Joe Thuney (62) and LT Orlando Brown Jr. (57) to hold up. Rookie C Creed Humphrey (52) has been a real find.

While Mahomes has other playmakers — WRs Mecole Hardman (17) and Byron Pringle (13), RBs Jerick McKinnon (1) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) — moving the ball and, especially, finding the end zone usually comes down to Kelce and Hill.

The unenviable task of dealing with them goes to nearly everyone, from LBs Logan Wilson (55) and Germaine Pratt (57) to a deep group of defensive backs: CBs Chidobe Awuzie (22), Mike Hilton (21) and inconsistent Eli Apple (20), plus backups Tre Flowers (33) and Trae Waynes (26), and safeties Vonn Bell (24) and Jessie Bates (30).

When a last-place team drafts a kicker in the fifth round, fans scratch their heads. Well, the Bengals are a division winner and one step from the Super Bowl thanks to Evan McPherson (2). The kid simply doesn’t miss: His four fields goal in the wild-card round were the most for a rookie in his postseason debut, and he nailed the winner in Music City.

P Kevin Huber (10) did not have a particularly strong season, but he’s a veteran accustomed to punting outdoors in the cold, which will help in KC. Coverage units were fine.

Cincy defends runbacks well, but is not much of a threat on its own returns.

Pringle is more of a threat than any of the Bengals on kick returns, while the Chiefs use a variety of dangerous players to bring back punts. Hardman and CB Mike Hughes (21) do most of the work, but the Chiefs will use Hill when they need a big play; he delivered with one on a punt return against Buffalo.

Although he missed two kicks against the Bills, Harrison Butker (7) has a huge leg and has been very reliable for the Chiefs, and he bounced back to hit the 49-yarder to force overtime last weekend. On the other side, McPherson is the real deal.

Maybe the biggest discrepancy in this game is the resume for each coach.

That’s not a knock on Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor, who has helped turn around a moribund franchise and has an exciting group on offense. This is a team that doesn’t panic, and when could that be said about the Bengals?

Still, the master in this one is Andy Reid, who could join that limited group with three or more consecutive Super Bowl appearances: Don Shula, Marv Levy, Bill Belichick. Reid relies heavily on his assistants (Spagnuolo, OC Eric Bieniemy, special teams coordinator Dave Toub) and they all keep things fresh and innovative. Watch for something new Sunday.

What do the Bengals have to lose? They’re a year early, by most estimations, in their development, and the experience can only help them in the future. So they should be able to play loose and free.

Plus, they know when they’ve needed big plays in the past month or so, they have made them.

For the Chiefs, it’s Super Bowl or bust, as it has been since Mahomes took charge.

Talk about newcomers versus the tried and true.Here come the Cincinnati Bengals, who had lost eight straight playoff games since their last victory 31 years ago. Awaiting them at loud, sometimes intimidating Arrowhead Stadium will be the Kansas City Chiefs, in their fourth consecutive AFC championship game and seeking their third trip in a row to the Super Bowl.This is hardly the matchup most NFL observers expected. Sure, the Chiefs made sense, but the often-mocked Bengals — Bungles no more — were a surprise last to first winner of the AFC North. Now, here they are, one step from their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989.How do they match up with the Chiefs?WHEN THE BENGALS HAVE THE BALL:It’s not all about QB Joe Burrow (9) and rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase (1), but much of it is.This pass-catch combination was dynamic at LSU and has made a huge splash in the NFL. Burrow, whose rookie season in 2020 was cut short by a knee injury, made a sensational return and is as accurate as any passer in the league. He had 34 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions during the season, and thus far in the playoffs is 52 of 71 (73.2%) for 592 yards and a 101.4 QB rating. Chase has 14 catches for 225 yards (16.1 per reception) after scoring 13 times on 81 receptions in the regular season. The two hooked up 11 times for 266 yards and three TDs in a 34-31 win over the Chiefs on Jan. 2.Uzomah, however, might be needed to help block after Cincinnati allowed nine sacks at Tennessee. The Chiefs, under aggressive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, have a solid pass rush, which they’ll clearly need. Bengals tackles Jonah Williams (73) and Isaiah Prince (71) must deal with Chris Jones (95) and Frank Clark (55) on the outside, while DT Jarran Reed (90) has been superb in the playoffs. And watch for Chiefs weakside LB Nick Bolton (54) to have some impact.If the Bengals can get the running game on track with Joe Mixon (28), who ranked third with 1,205 rushing yards, they might have the balance they need.WHEN THE CHIEFS HAVE THE BALL:Watch out!As they showed in the shootout with the Bills, the Chiefs need only, say, 13 seconds to produce in crunch time. Not only are they the most entertaining offense in the league, but with QB Patrick Mahomes (15), WR Tyreek Hill (10) and TE Travis Kelce (87), they are as creative as anyone.Mahomes has certified himself with his arm, legs and mind as the real thing. With him, the numbers — albeit great — are almost superfluous as he finds a way on so many plays, particularly in the most dire circumstances.One thing the Bengals defense will need is a relentless pass rush against a stout but not impenetrable line. Cincy sacks leader Trey Hendrickson (91) is the primary pass rusher, though DE Sam Hubbard (94) and DT D.J. Reader can be trouble.It doesn’t hurt that Mahomes has a sixth sense for escaping pressure, but he needs his blockers, particularly LG Joe Thuney (62) and LT Orlando Brown Jr. (57) to hold up. Rookie C Creed Humphrey (52) has been a real find.While Mahomes has other playmakers — WRs Mecole Hardman (17) and Byron Pringle (13), RBs Jerick McKinnon (1) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) — moving the ball and, especially, finding the end zone usually comes down to Kelce and Hill.The unenviable task of dealing with them goes to nearly everyone, from LBs Logan Wilson (55) and Germaine Pratt (57) to a deep group of defensive backs: CBs Chidobe Awuzie (22), Mike Hilton (21) and inconsistent Eli Apple (20), plus backups Tre Flowers (33) and Trae Waynes (26), and safeties Vonn Bell (24) and Jessie Bates (30).SPECIAL TEAMS:When a last-place team drafts a kicker in the fifth round, fans scratch their heads. Well, the Bengals are a division winner and one step from the Super Bowl thanks to Evan McPherson (2). The kid simply doesn’t miss: His four fields goal in the wild-card round were the most for a rookie in his postseason debut, and he nailed the winner in Music City.P Kevin Huber (10) did not have a particularly strong season, but he’s a veteran accustomed to punting outdoors in the cold, which will help in KC. Coverage units were fine.Cincy defends runbacks well, but is not much of a threat on its own returns.Pringle is more of a threat than any of the Bengals on kick returns, while the Chiefs use a variety of dangerous players to bring back punts. Hardman and CB Mike Hughes (21) do most of the work, but the Chiefs will use Hill when they need a big play; he delivered with one on a punt return against Buffalo.Although he missed two kicks against the Bills, Harrison Butker (7) has a huge leg and has been very reliable for the Chiefs, and he bounced back to hit the 49-yarder to force overtime last weekend. On the other side, McPherson is the real deal.COACHING:Maybe the biggest discrepancy in this game is the resume for each coach.That’s not a knock on Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor, who has helped turn around a moribund franchise and has an exciting group on offense. This is a team that doesn’t panic, and when could that be said about the Bengals?Still, the master in this one is Andy Reid, who could join that limited group with three or more consecutive Super Bowl appearances: Don Shula, Marv Levy, Bill Belichick. Reid relies heavily on his assistants (Spagnuolo, OC Eric Bieniemy, special teams coordinator Dave Toub) and they all keep things fresh and innovative. Watch for something new Sunday.INTANGIBLES:What do the Bengals have to lose? They’re a year early, by most estimations, in their development, and the experience can only help them in the future. So they should be able to play loose and free.Plus, they know when they’ve needed big plays in the past month or so, they have made them.For the Chiefs, it’s Super Bowl or bust, as it has been since Mahomes took charge.

AFC Matchup: Newbie Bengals visit perennial contender Chiefs


The Garden City Buffaloes used three forfeit victories at open
weights to beat the Great Bend Panthers 38-32 in a Western Athletic
Conference dual in Garden City Thursday.


Great Bend won seven matches to Garden City's four, but the Panthers
didn't have any wrestlers to fill the 106, 170 and 285 pound weight
classes which gave the Buffs the needed points to record the dual
victory.


The Panthers stay in Garden to Participate in the prestigious Rocky
Welton Inviational that starts on Friday.


106: Braydon Pacheco (GACI) over   (GRBE) (For.) 


113: Emanuel
Prieto (GRBE) over Gael Terrazas (GACI) (Dec 13-8)

120: Kaden
Spragis (GRBE) over Logan Avalon (GACI) (TF 15-0 3:17)


126: Ryan Heiman (GACI) over Avery Wolf (GRBE) (Fall 1:19) 


132: Cooper Liles
(GRBE) over Robert Corales (GACI) (Fall 0:12)

138: Wyatt Weber
(GRBE) over Sebastian Rodriguez (GACI) (Fall 3:13)

145: Jace Schartz
(GRBE) over Ethen Allen (GACI) (Dec 8-2)


152: Colin Kleysteuber (GACI) over Skyler McMullen (GRBE) (MD 16-2) 



160: Salvador Barintas (GACI) over Vaiden Wenrich (GRBE) (MD 12-3) 



170: Alonso Marquez (GACI) over   (GRBE) (For.) 


182: Matthew 
Johnson (GRBE) over Ben Dunlap (GACI) (Dec 4-2)

195: Brody
Schnoebelen (GRBE) over Johnny Romo (GACI) (Fall 1:00)


220: Brayden Hill (GACI) over Keyven Schroeder (GRBE) (Fall 3:49) 



285: Sebastian Lopez (GACI) over   (GRBE) (For.)

The Garden City Buffaloes used three forfeit victories at open
weights to beat the Great Bend Panthers 38-32 in a Western Athletic
Conference dual in Garden City Thursday.
Great Bend won seven matches to Garden City's four, but the Panthers
didn't have any wrestlers to fill the 106, 170 and 285 pound weight
classes which gave the Buffs the needed points to record the dual
victory.
The Panthers stay in Garden to Participate in the prestigious Rocky
Welton Inviational that starts on Friday.Garden City Boys
38 Great Bend 32
106: Braydon Pacheco (GACI) over (GRBE) (For.) 
113: Emanuel
Prieto (GRBE) over Gael Terrazas (GACI) (Dec 13-8) 
120: Kaden
Spragis (GRBE) over Logan Avalon (GACI) (TF 15-0 3:17) 

126: Ryan Heiman (GACI) over Avery Wolf (GRBE) (Fall 1:19) 
132: Cooper Liles
(GRBE) over Robert Corales (GACI) (Fall 0:12) 
138: Wyatt Weber
(GRBE) over Sebastian Rodriguez (GACI) (Fall 3:13) 
145: Jace Schartz
(GRBE) over Ethen Allen (GACI) (Dec 8-2) 

152: Colin Kleysteuber (GACI) over Skyler McMullen (GRBE) (MD 16-2) 

160: Salvador Barintas (GACI) over Vaiden Wenrich (GRBE) (MD 12-3) 

170: Alonso Marquez (GACI) over (GRBE) (For.) 
182: Matthew 
Johnson (GRBE) over Ben Dunlap (GACI) (Dec 4-2) 
195: Brody
Schnoebelen (GRBE) over Johnny Romo (GACI) (Fall 1:00) 

220: Brayden Hill (GACI) over Keyven Schroeder (GRBE) (Fall 3:49) 

285: Sebastian Lopez (GACI) over (GRBE) (For.)

Garden City edges Panthers 38-32

A look at the upcoming weekend around the Big 12 Conference:

The marquee game of the Big 12-SEC Challenge usually involves Kentucky or Kansas. This year, it involves both.

The No. 12 Wildcats head to historic Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night to face the fifth-ranked Jayhawks in a matchup of college basketball’s two winningest programs with a combined 14 national championships.

Kentucky and Kansas have become well-acquainted over the past few years. This will be the fourth meeting in the Big 12′s annual duel with the SEC (the Jayhawks have a 2-1 edge); they’ve met four times in the Champions Classic, the early season doubleheader that includes Duke and Michigan State (they are 2-2); and they have split two NCAA Tournament games over the past 15 years, though the Wildcats got the one that mattered most in the 2012 title game.

“It’s the bluest of the bluebloods — Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina, the bluest of the bluebloods,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said, “and we get to hook up and the game really doesn’t mean much. Let’s call it like it is: It means pride, it means all that stuff, but it is not going to impact if each of us win the league. It may impact seeding line, but we should just let it go and play. Our guys will be so jacked and their guys will, too. That’s going to be a big-boy game.”

In other Big 12-SEC Challenge games involving ranked teams, fourth-ranked and defending national champion Baylor heads to Alabama in a matchup of two teams that went deep into the NCAA Tournament last March; Oklahoma visits Auburn, which is No. 1 for the first time in school history; Mississippi State heads to No. 13 Texas Tech, which took the Jayhawks to double-overtime on Monday night; former Texas coach Rick Barnes heads back to Austin with No. 18 Tennessee; No. 19 LSU visits surprising TCU; and Missouri heads to No. 23 Iowa State for a meeting of old Big Eight rivals.

In games involving unranked teams, Kansas States heads to Ole Miss, Oklahoma State visits Florida and West Virginia and Arkansas meet in a game involving two likely NCAA Tournament teams.

Kansas guard Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 29 points in turning back Texas Tech in double-overtime. That came after he scored 29 to lead the Jayhawks from a 16-point halftime deficit against Kansas State. The breakout senior is now averaging 21.3 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from the field.

The Big 12 is 44-35 in the SEC Challenge. ... The league leads the nation in scoring defense with Texas at No. 1, allowing just 55 points per game. Texas Tech, Baylor, Iowa State and TCU also are in the top 20. ... Iowa State’s Izaiah Brockington scored 19 points with a team-high 12 boards against TCU for his seventh double-double this season. ... Nijel Pack scored 35 points for Kansas State against the Jayhawks. ... West Virginia’s Bob Huggins coached his 1,300th game on Jan. 22 against Texas Tech. That’s the sixth-most in history behind Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, Jim Phelan, Cliff Ellis and Jim Calhoun.

Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee set Big 12 and NCAA records with 61 points in a win over Oklahoma last weekend. She also had a Big 12 record of 23 made field goals. ... Eight of the league’s 10 teams are ranked or receiving votes this week, including four in the top 15. Seventh-ranked Iowa State is followed by No. 14 Oklahoma and Baylor and Texas in a tie for 15th. ... Iowa State had the best 17-game start in school history at 16-1. The Cyclones started 5-0 in Big 12 play for the sixth time in program history. ... The Longhorns are fifth in the nation in scoring margin and turnover margin and sixth in forced turnovers. ... West Virginia guard KK Deans has scored in double digits in 13 of her first 14 games this season.

A look at the upcoming weekend around the Big 12 Conference:GAME OF THE WEEKENDThe marquee game of the Big 12-SEC Challenge usually involves Kentucky or Kansas. This year, it involves both.The No. 12 Wildcats head to historic Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night to face the fifth-ranked Jayhawks in a matchup of college basketball’s two winningest programs with a combined 14 national championships.Kentucky and Kansas have become well-acquainted over the past few years. This will be the fourth meeting in the Big 12′s annual duel with the SEC (the Jayhawks have a 2-1 edge); they’ve met four times in the Champions Classic, the early season doubleheader that includes Duke and Michigan State (they are 2-2); and they have split two NCAA Tournament games over the past 15 years, though the Wildcats got the one that mattered most in the 2012 title game.“It’s the bluest of the bluebloods — Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina, the bluest of the bluebloods,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said, “and we get to hook up and the game really doesn’t mean much. Let’s call it like it is: It means pride, it means all that stuff, but it is not going to impact if each of us win the league. It may impact seeding line, but we should just let it go and play. Our guys will be so jacked and their guys will, too. That’s going to be a big-boy game.”In other Big 12-SEC Challenge games involving ranked teams, fourth-ranked and defending national champion Baylor heads to Alabama in a matchup of two teams that went deep into the NCAA Tournament last March; Oklahoma visits Auburn, which is No. 1 for the first time in school history; Mississippi State heads to No. 13 Texas Tech, which took the Jayhawks to double-overtime on Monday night; former Texas coach Rick Barnes heads back to Austin with No. 18 Tennessee; No. 19 LSU visits surprising TCU; and Missouri heads to No. 23 Iowa State for a meeting of old Big Eight rivals.In games involving unranked teams, Kansas States heads to Ole Miss, Oklahoma State visits Florida and West Virginia and Arkansas meet in a game involving two likely NCAA Tournament teams.PLAYER TO WATCHKansas guard Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 29 points in turning back Texas Tech in double-overtime. That came after he scored 29 to lead the Jayhawks from a 16-point halftime deficit against Kansas State. The breakout senior is now averaging 21.3 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from the field.INSIDE THE NUMBERSThe Big 12 is 44-35 in the SEC Challenge. ... The league leads the nation in scoring defense with Texas at No. 1, allowing just 55 points per game. Texas Tech, Baylor, Iowa State and TCU also are in the top 20. ... Iowa State’s Izaiah Brockington scored 19 points with a team-high 12 boards against TCU for his seventh double-double this season. ... Nijel Pack scored 35 points for Kansas State against the Jayhawks. ... West Virginia’s Bob Huggins coached his 1,300th game on Jan. 22 against Texas Tech. That’s the sixth-most in history behind Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim, Jim Phelan, Cliff Ellis and Jim Calhoun.ON THE WOMEN’S SIDEKansas State’s Ayoka Lee set Big 12 and NCAA records with 61 points in a win over Oklahoma last weekend. She also had a Big 12 record of 23 made field goals. ... Eight of the league’s 10 teams are ranked or receiving votes this week, including four in the top 15. Seventh-ranked Iowa State is followed by No. 14 Oklahoma and Baylor and Texas in a tie for 15th. ... Iowa State had the best 17-game start in school history at 16-1. The Cyclones started 5-0 in Big 12 play for the sixth time in program history. ... The Longhorns are fifth in the nation in scoring margin and turnover margin and sixth in forced turnovers. ... West Virginia guard KK Deans has scored in double digits in 13 of her first 14 games this season.

UK vs KU: Blueblood showdown highlights Big 12-SEC Challenge

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642278253811.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Girls 56 Hutchinson 53<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/0yezof35/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Great Bend Girls 56 Hutchinson 53

UNDATED (AP) — The marquee game of the Big 12-SEC Challenge usually involves Kentucky or Kansas. This year, it involves both. The No. 12 Wildcats head to historic Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night to face the fifth-ranked Jayhawks in a matchup of college basketball’s two winningest programs with a combined 14 national championships. Other games include fourth-ranked and defending national champ Baylor against Alabama and top-ranked Auburn against Oklahoma.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — You can bet that Texas saw what Kansas State forward Ayoka Lee did to Oklahoma last weekend. It didn’t seem to help a whole lot. Sure, the ninth-ranked Longhorns managed to shut down the rest of the No. 25 Wildcats in a 66-48 victory Wednesday night in Austin, but they didn’t slow down the national player of the year candidate. Lee still poured in 20 points grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked a couple shots in another exceptional performance in a season full of them. None more so than her record-setting 61-point game against the Sooners last weekend.

UNDATED (AP) — It is a man’s world six months after the NCAA cleared the way for college athletes to earn money on their celebrity. Men lead the way in total name, image and likeness compensation and have more NIL activities than women. That's according to third-party data from July 1 through Dec. 31 for some 125,000 athletes. The true size of the fledgling industry is somewhat unknown because some data has not been released. Ohio State is one of the only schools to detail compensation through six months, saying 220 athletes made $2.98 million. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There was never a sense of panic for Patrick Mahomes as he stood on the sideline Sunday night, watching the Bills score yet another late touchdown to regain the lead with 13 seconds left in their divisional-round game against the Chiefs. Thirteen seconds left with plenty of timeouts? No cause for concern. Mahomes calmly led Kansas City to the tying field goal, then the winning touchdown in overtime. It was perhaps the best example yet of the calm that Mahomes exudes during the most stressful of circumstances.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has announced his retirement after an 18-year NFL career spent entirely with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger was taken 11th overall by the Steelers in the 2004 draft and started their second game that season. He completed more than 64% of his passes for 64,088 yards and 418 touchdowns in 249 career games.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Matt Eberflus is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus spent the past four years as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator, helping turn around a unit that ranked among the league’s worst. The hire is the first big move for new Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who took over on Tuesday.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Broncos have hired Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach. Denver fired Vic Fangio after a 7-10 season. Hackett’s hiring will raise speculation that the Broncos might try to acquire Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the offseason.

UNDATED (AP) — Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will be the starters and captains for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game. Joining Durant on the Eastern Conference starting lineup are Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, Chicago guard DeMar DeRozan and Atlanta guard Trae Young. Denver center Nikola Jokic, Golden State forward Andrew Wiggins, Warriors guard Steph Curry and Memphis guard Ja Morant will start with James on the Western Conference team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639997004498.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — The marquee game of the Big 12-SEC Challenge usually involves Kentucky or Kansas. This year, it involves both. The No. 12 Wildcats head to historic Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night to face the fifth-ranked Jayhawks in a matchup of college basketball’s two winningest programs with a combined 14 national championships. Other games include fourth-ranked and defending national champ Baylor against Alabama and top-ranked Auburn against Oklahoma.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — You can bet that Texas saw what Kansas State forward Ayoka Lee did to Oklahoma last weekend. It didn’t seem to help a whole lot. Sure, the ninth-ranked Longhorns managed to shut down the rest of the No. 25 Wildcats in a 66-48 victory Wednesday night in Austin, but they didn’t slow down the national player of the year candidate. Lee still poured in 20 points grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked a couple shots in another exceptional performance in a season full of them. None more so than her record-setting 61-point game against the Sooners last weekend.UNDATED (AP) — It is a man’s world six months after the NCAA cleared the way for college athletes to earn money on their celebrity. Men lead the way in total name, image and likeness compensation and have more NIL activities than women. That's according to third-party data from July 1 through Dec. 31 for some 125,000 athletes. The true size of the fledgling industry is somewhat unknown because some data has not been released. Ohio State is one of the only schools to detail compensation through six months, saying 220 athletes made $2.98 million. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There was never a sense of panic for Patrick Mahomes as he stood on the sideline Sunday night, watching the Bills score yet another late touchdown to regain the lead with 13 seconds left in their divisional-round game against the Chiefs. Thirteen seconds left with plenty of timeouts? No cause for concern. Mahomes calmly led Kansas City to the tying field goal, then the winning touchdown in overtime. It was perhaps the best example yet of the calm that Mahomes exudes during the most stressful of circumstances.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has announced his retirement after an 18-year NFL career spent entirely with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger was taken 11th overall by the Steelers in the 2004 draft and started their second game that season. He completed more than 64% of his passes for 64,088 yards and 418 touchdowns in 249 career games.A person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Matt Eberflus is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus spent the past four years as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator, helping turn around a unit that ranked among the league’s worst. The hire is the first big move for new Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who took over on Tuesday.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Broncos have hired Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach. Denver fired Vic Fangio after a 7-10 season. Hackett’s hiring will raise speculation that the Broncos might try to acquire Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the offseason.UNDATED (AP) — Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will be the starters and captains for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game. Joining Durant on the Eastern Conference starting lineup are Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, Chicago guard DeMar DeRozan and Atlanta guard Trae Young. Denver center Nikola Jokic, Golden State forward Andrew Wiggins, Warriors guard Steph Curry and Memphis guard Ja Morant will start with James on the Western Conference team.THURSDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(2)Gonzaga	89	Loyola Marymount	55	Final	(6)Purdue	83	Iowa	73	Final	(7)UCLA	81	California	57	Final	(11)Wisconsin	73	Nebraska	65	Final	Stanford	64	(15)Southern Cal	61	Final	(16)Ohio St.	75	Minnesota	64	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Philadelphia	105	L.A. Lakers	87	Final	Golden State	124	Minnesota	115	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Los Angeles	3	N-Y Islanders	2	Final	Florida	4	Vegas	1	Final OT	Seattle	2	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Anaheim	5	Montreal	4	Final	Tampa Bay	3	New Jersey	2	Final	Columbus	5	N-Y Rangers	3	Final SO	Carolina	3	Ottawa	2	Final	Vancouver	5	Winnipeg	1	Final	St. Louis	5	Calgary	1	Final SO	Edmonton	3	Nashville	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The Barton Community College softball team has been picked second according to league member coaches for the upcoming 2022 KJCCC Conference Division I season.

Guiding the Cougars into his fifth season, Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/coaches/gunelson_tyler_2021-22">Tyler Gunelson</a>&nbsp;has reloaded the Cougars from a runner-up Region VI finish last season, completing the season 21-27 and a fourth place 12-15 conference mark.

Defending conference and region champion Butler Community College topped the poll with Hutchinson Community College and Colby Community College trailing the Cougars in the third and fourth slot respectively.

The Cougars replace all-conference selections Madison Faylor and Brooke McCollough, starters Makayla Chavez, Kaylee Milligan, and pitcher Ashlee Lucero but return four of their five in the top of the lineup and two on their pitching staff.

Headlining the returners for the 2021 season is pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/beers_kayla_5dvu">Kayla Beers</a>. Developing throughout her freshman campaign, Beers delivered when the Cougars needed her the most in the Region VI Tournament. Gaining valuable pressure situational pitching by working 27.2 innings in three days of the region tournament, Beers earned three victories in the stretch to complete the year 12-7 with a save.

The Cougars' offensive production returns two key members, leadoff&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/lara_kennedee_3ytc">Kennedee Lara</a>&nbsp;and clean-up hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/krol_teegan_kis6">Teegan Krol</a>.

Lara batted .335 on the season as the starting second baseman for 43 of her 48 games played collected a team second best 53 hits including a team leading four triples.

Krol anchored the top four of the lineup, tying for the team lead with 8 home runs while second on the squad with a .376 batting average, 38 runs batted in, and 82 total bases.

Gunelson's new look Cougars include the addition of pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/morgan_jessica_5jpd">Jessica Morgan</a>&nbsp;of Lewistown, Montana, and catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/elsis_veronica_mb3t">Veronica Elsis</a>&nbsp;from Longmont, Colarado.

Barton begins its 2022 season February 11-12 in Harrison, Arkansas, before hosting its first of eleven home dates on the slate with a February 16 1:00 p.m. doubleheader versus the junior varsity squad of Central Christian College.

Following a weekend trip to Oklahoma (February 18-19), the Cougars will have one additional home non-conference twin bill on February 22 hosting Bethany College JV before welcoming Garden City Community College to Cougar Field on February 26 to open up conference play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617961531206.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College softball team has been picked second according to league member coaches for the upcoming 2022 KJCCC Conference Division I season.Guiding the Cougars into his fifth season, Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/coaches/gunelson_tyler_2021-22">Tyler Gunelson</a>&nbsp;has reloaded the Cougars from a runner-up Region VI finish last season, completing the season 21-27 and a fourth place 12-15 conference mark.Defending conference and region champion Butler Community College topped the poll with Hutchinson Community College and Colby Community College trailing the Cougars in the third and fourth slot respectively.The Cougars replace all-conference selections Madison Faylor and Brooke McCollough, starters Makayla Chavez, Kaylee Milligan, and pitcher Ashlee Lucero but return four of their five in the top of the lineup and two on their pitching staff.Headlining the returners for the 2021 season is pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/beers_kayla_5dvu">Kayla Beers</a>. Developing throughout her freshman campaign, Beers delivered when the Cougars needed her the most in the Region VI Tournament. Gaining valuable pressure situational pitching by working 27.2 innings in three days of the region tournament, Beers earned three victories in the stretch to complete the year 12-7 with a save.The Cougars' offensive production returns two key members, leadoff&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/lara_kennedee_3ytc">Kennedee Lara</a>&nbsp;and clean-up hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/krol_teegan_kis6">Teegan Krol</a>.Lara batted .335 on the season as the starting second baseman for 43 of her 48 games played collected a team second best 53 hits including a team leading four triples.Krol anchored the top four of the lineup, tying for the team lead with 8 home runs while second on the squad with a .376 batting average, 38 runs batted in, and 82 total bases.Gunelson's new look Cougars include the addition of pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/morgan_jessica_5jpd">Jessica Morgan</a>&nbsp;of Lewistown, Montana, and catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2021-22/bios/elsis_veronica_mb3t">Veronica Elsis</a>&nbsp;from Longmont, Colarado.Barton begins its 2022 season February 11-12 in Harrison, Arkansas, before hosting its first of eleven home dates on the slate with a February 16 1:00 p.m. doubleheader versus the junior varsity squad of Central Christian College.Following a weekend trip to Oklahoma (February 18-19), the Cougars will have one additional home non-conference twin bill on February 22 hosting Bethany College JV before welcoming Garden City Community College to Cougar Field on February 26 to open up conference play.

Barton Softball tabbed second in KJCCC Division I poll

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are finalizing a deal to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was still in the works and the team hasn’t made an announcement.

Hiring Hackett would raise speculation that the Broncos were trying to lure star Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Denver, perhaps along with his star receiver Davante Adams, who is set to hit free agency in March.

Rodgers, who turned 38 last month in what’s expected to be his fourth MVP season, is contemplating his future, including retirement, after the Packers’ early exit from the playoffs last weekend. Top-seeded Green Bay was upset at home 13-10 by the San Francisco 49ers.

Hackett, 42, emerged as the front-runner on his own merits, however, which includes his work with quarterback Blake Bortles as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator from 2016-18 before he went to Green Bay and helped Matt LaFleur win a record 39 games in his first three seasons as head coach.

Hackett, who is the son of former college and NFL coach Paul Hackett, would inherit a young, talented roster in Denver, where he flew in for a second interview on Monday. He was the only finalist to get a second in-person interview in Denver.

General manager George Paton interviewed 10 candidates to replace Vic Fangio, whom he fired after a disappointing 7-10 season, Denver’s sixth consecutive without a playoff berth.

After crisscrossing the country with a team of evaluators, Paton narrowed that list to three finalists: Hackett, Cowboys defensive coordinator and former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.

Despite a last-place finish in the competitive AFC West, the Broncos are seen as a rising team if they get the right head coach and a quarterback who can capitalize on a talented young offense that features receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam and bulldozing running back Javonte Williams.

Some of those playmakers would undoubtedly get packaged in any deal for a veteran quarterback if the Broncos decide not to grab a QB in the draft, where the choices aren’t as enticing as usual.

Fangio’s unremarkable tenure was dotted by poor quarterback play, uncreative offenses that struggled to score 20 points a game under Pat Shurmur and sloppy special teams play under Tom McMahon, all of which negated a stout defense that was Fangio’s calling card.

The Broncos have had 10 starting quarterbacks and no playoff appearances since Peyton Manning’s retirement six years ago, and they are in the market for an upgrade from oft-injured Teddy Bridgewater (7-7), who is set to become a free agent in March, and Drew Lock (0-3) this offseason.

They also are on the lookout for a new owner. Joe Ellis, the team’s outgoing president and CEO, said once a new head coach was in place he’d release details about the franchise’s future in what’s expected to be the most expensive team sale in U.S. sports history.

The Broncos are valued at nearly $4 billion and if sold for that much would surpass the record $3.35 billion that Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai paid for the Brooklyn Nets and the Barclays Center in 2019.

John Elway, who is in the final months as the team’s president of football operations, and Manning, who has lived in Denver since his retirement, are expected to get involved in the bidding as minority partners of billionaires competing to win the NFL’s approval to acquire the iconic franchise.

The Broncos won two Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s with Elway under center and again in 2016 with Elway in the front office and Manning at quarterback in the final game of his Hall of Fame career.

The only holdover from their last championship parade is kicker Brandon McManus. Paton traded Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller to the Rams for a pair of second-day draft picks last fall and Miller has shined in his return to the postseason. The Rams host the 49ers on Sunday in the NFC championship.

The second- and third-round draft choices the Broncos received in return for Miller give Paton 11 draft picks in April, including five of the top 100, which he could either use to beef up his roster or package to acquire a quarterback such as Rodgers or the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson.

Also interviewed for the Broncos head coaching vacancy were offensive coordinators Kellen Moore of the Cowboys, Brian Callahan of the Bengals and Eric Bieniemy of the Chiefs and defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn of the Lions and Jonathan Gannon of the Eagles, along with Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and Packers QBs coach Luke Getsy.

Getsy might draw interest from Hackett as his offensive coordinator in Denver.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are finalizing a deal to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was still in the works and the team hasn’t made an announcement.Hiring Hackett would raise speculation that the Broncos were trying to lure star Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Denver, perhaps along with his star receiver Davante Adams, who is set to hit free agency in March.Rodgers, who turned 38 last month in what’s expected to be his fourth MVP season, is contemplating his future, including retirement, after the Packers’ early exit from the playoffs last weekend. Top-seeded Green Bay was upset at home 13-10 by the San Francisco 49ers.Hackett, 42, emerged as the front-runner on his own merits, however, which includes his work with quarterback Blake Bortles as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator from 2016-18 before he went to Green Bay and helped Matt LaFleur win a record 39 games in his first three seasons as head coach.Hackett, who is the son of former college and NFL coach Paul Hackett, would inherit a young, talented roster in Denver, where he flew in for a second interview on Monday. He was the only finalist to get a second in-person interview in Denver.General manager George Paton interviewed 10 candidates to replace Vic Fangio, whom he fired after a disappointing 7-10 season, Denver’s sixth consecutive without a playoff berth.After crisscrossing the country with a team of evaluators, Paton narrowed that list to three finalists: Hackett, Cowboys defensive coordinator and former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.Despite a last-place finish in the competitive AFC West, the Broncos are seen as a rising team if they get the right head coach and a quarterback who can capitalize on a talented young offense that features receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler, tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam and bulldozing running back Javonte Williams.Some of those playmakers would undoubtedly get packaged in any deal for a veteran quarterback if the Broncos decide not to grab a QB in the draft, where the choices aren’t as enticing as usual.Fangio’s unremarkable tenure was dotted by poor quarterback play, uncreative offenses that struggled to score 20 points a game under Pat Shurmur and sloppy special teams play under Tom McMahon, all of which negated a stout defense that was Fangio’s calling card.The Broncos have had 10 starting quarterbacks and no playoff appearances since Peyton Manning’s retirement six years ago, and they are in the market for an upgrade from oft-injured Teddy Bridgewater (7-7), who is set to become a free agent in March, and Drew Lock (0-3) this offseason.They also are on the lookout for a new owner. Joe Ellis, the team’s outgoing president and CEO, said once a new head coach was in place he’d release details about the franchise’s future in what’s expected to be the most expensive team sale in U.S. sports history.The Broncos are valued at nearly $4 billion and if sold for that much would surpass the record $3.35 billion that Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai paid for the Brooklyn Nets and the Barclays Center in 2019.John Elway, who is in the final months as the team’s president of football operations, and Manning, who has lived in Denver since his retirement, are expected to get involved in the bidding as minority partners of billionaires competing to win the NFL’s approval to acquire the iconic franchise.The Broncos won two Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s with Elway under center and again in 2016 with Elway in the front office and Manning at quarterback in the final game of his Hall of Fame career.The only holdover from their last championship parade is kicker Brandon McManus. Paton traded Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller to the Rams for a pair of second-day draft picks last fall and Miller has shined in his return to the postseason. The Rams host the 49ers on Sunday in the NFC championship.The second- and third-round draft choices the Broncos received in return for Miller give Paton 11 draft picks in April, including five of the top 100, which he could either use to beef up his roster or package to acquire a quarterback such as Rodgers or the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson.Also interviewed for the Broncos head coaching vacancy were offensive coordinators Kellen Moore of the Cowboys, Brian Callahan of the Bengals and Eric Bieniemy of the Chiefs and defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn of the Lions and Jonathan Gannon of the Eagles, along with Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and Packers QBs coach Luke Getsy.Getsy might draw interest from Hackett as his offensive coordinator in Denver.

Broncos hire Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett as their new coach

As we noted in last week’s “Voice,” the NFHS recognized more than 650 individuals for their efforts as high school coaches during the 2020-21 school year, including 23 as National Coaches of the Year.

When people are recognized with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. Certainly, the 23 national recipients all had resumes filled with impressive accomplishments, but what really makes a “great” coach?

At the college and professional levels, usually the measuring stick for “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. However, two of the best college basketball coaches – John Wooden and Pat Summitt – were highly influential in their players lives. In addition to his multiple NCAA basketball championships at UCLA, Wooden was one of the top teacher-coaches of all time with his Pyramid of Success. Summitt was one of the top women’s basketball coaches in history at Tennessee, but her influence on her players literally saved lives. More often than not, however, “greatness” at the college and professional levels, understandably, is linked to victories and championships. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While that measuring stick is appropriate at those levels of competition, high school coaching success cannot be measured simply by an individual’s win-loss record. “Great” high school coaches are individuals who, along with achieving success on the field or court, make a positive impact on the lives of their student-athletes.

The records, awards and accomplishments of this year’s 23 National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, but comments about their roles as education-based coaches are even more telling as to why they were selected.

Christopher Verity, boys and girls swimming and diving coach at Maine-Endwell High School in New York, has led his teams to five state championships, but his concept of “greatness” is evident through his coaching philosophy.

“At the core of everything in coaching is building relationships with the athletes,” Verity said. “Our swim program at Maine-Endwell follows a simple philosophy – Dream Big, Word Hard, Stay Humble . . . This phrase carries over for athletes into other facets of their lives extending far beyond the pool. We don’t just build a team of champions – we build a swim family and champions for life.”

Often, one of the keys to becoming a “great” coach is having outstanding athletes on the squad. At the high school level, “greatness” can be measured by involving as many students as possible in a sport or activity, thereby allowing more individuals to achieve success.

Mike Simons, the NFHS Boys Wrestling National Coach of the Year, leads the boys and girls wrestling teams at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon. He has made a push to increase participation numbers, and there are now about 80 wrestlers – 45 boys and 35 girls – attending practice every day. And the girls team has won four consecutive state championships. &nbsp;

“Athletics are truly the tool that keeps many students from dropping out of school,” Simons said. “Athletes learn how to work hard in the classroom from being pushed hard on the mat, court or field.”

Dori Whitford, the NFHS National Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year from Spokane, Washington, has achieved “greatness” through a simple motto: “Focus on working hard, doing our best and having fun, and the winning will take care of itself.”

While Whitford’s 2010 girls track and field team at Mead High School won the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Class 4A state championship, her success has not been achieved by focusing on winning.

“Sport is a vehicle to learn and practice life lessons,” Whitford said. “. . . It is also a place where kids can learn that there is a place for them, and they can learn what it means to be a good team member. When things go awry, they can learn how to deal with conflict – and they deal with consequences if they make a mistake. These are things we focus on – we never focus on winning.”&nbsp;

And then there are those “great” high school coaches who have devoted their entire lives to the profession, coaching multiple sports and programs and impacting the lives of hundreds of students.

Such is the case of Holly Lester, the boys golf coach at Gilbert High School in Iowa and the only female to be named a National Coach of the Year for a boys sport. Lester started the boys and girls golf program at Gilbert 34 years ago and, this past year, led the boys team to its first Iowa High School Class 3A state championship.

“I want my athletes to know they are an important part of the team no matter their ability,” Lester said. “I encourage them to be respectful of the game, respect the course, and to feel good when that one great shot in a round keeps them coming back to play another day.”

We appreciate the great work of this year’s award recipients – and thousands of others who are making a difference every day in our nation’s schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fourth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>As we noted in last week’s “Voice,” the NFHS recognized more than 650 individuals for their efforts as high school coaches during the 2020-21 school year, including 23 as National Coaches of the Year.When people are recognized with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. Certainly, the 23 national recipients all had resumes filled with impressive accomplishments, but what really makes a “great” coach?At the college and professional levels, usually the measuring stick for “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. However, two of the best college basketball coaches – John Wooden and Pat Summitt – were highly influential in their players lives. In addition to his multiple NCAA basketball championships at UCLA, Wooden was one of the top teacher-coaches of all time with his Pyramid of Success. Summitt was one of the top women’s basketball coaches in history at Tennessee, but her influence on her players literally saved lives. More often than not, however, “greatness” at the college and professional levels, understandably, is linked to victories and championships. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While that measuring stick is appropriate at those levels of competition, high school coaching success cannot be measured simply by an individual’s win-loss record. “Great” high school coaches are individuals who, along with achieving success on the field or court, make a positive impact on the lives of their student-athletes.The records, awards and accomplishments of this year’s 23 National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, but comments about their roles as education-based coaches are even more telling as to why they were selected.Christopher Verity, boys and girls swimming and diving coach at Maine-Endwell High School in New York, has led his teams to five state championships, but his concept of “greatness” is evident through his coaching philosophy.“At the core of everything in coaching is building relationships with the athletes,” Verity said. “Our swim program at Maine-Endwell follows a simple philosophy – Dream Big, Word Hard, Stay Humble . . . This phrase carries over for athletes into other facets of their lives extending far beyond the pool. We don’t just build a team of champions – we build a swim family and champions for life.”Often, one of the keys to becoming a “great” coach is having outstanding athletes on the squad. At the high school level, “greatness” can be measured by involving as many students as possible in a sport or activity, thereby allowing more individuals to achieve success.Mike Simons, the NFHS Boys Wrestling National Coach of the Year, leads the boys and girls wrestling teams at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon. He has made a push to increase participation numbers, and there are now about 80 wrestlers – 45 boys and 35 girls – attending practice every day. And the girls team has won four consecutive state championships. &nbsp;“Athletics are truly the tool that keeps many students from dropping out of school,” Simons said. “Athletes learn how to work hard in the classroom from being pushed hard on the mat, court or field.”Dori Whitford, the NFHS National Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year from Spokane, Washington, has achieved “greatness” through a simple motto: “Focus on working hard, doing our best and having fun, and the winning will take care of itself.”While Whitford’s 2010 girls track and field team at Mead High School won the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Class 4A state championship, her success has not been achieved by focusing on winning.“Sport is a vehicle to learn and practice life lessons,” Whitford said. “. . . It is also a place where kids can learn that there is a place for them, and they can learn what it means to be a good team member. When things go awry, they can learn how to deal with conflict – and they deal with consequences if they make a mistake. These are things we focus on – we never focus on winning.”&nbsp;And then there are those “great” high school coaches who have devoted their entire lives to the profession, coaching multiple sports and programs and impacting the lives of hundreds of students.Such is the case of Holly Lester, the boys golf coach at Gilbert High School in Iowa and the only female to be named a National Coach of the Year for a boys sport. Lester started the boys and girls golf program at Gilbert 34 years ago and, this past year, led the boys team to its first Iowa High School Class 3A state championship.“I want my athletes to know they are an important part of the team no matter their ability,” Lester said. “I encourage them to be respectful of the game, respect the course, and to feel good when that one great shot in a round keeps them coming back to play another day.”We appreciate the great work of this year’s award recipients – and thousands of others who are making a difference every day in our nation’s schools.

High School Coaches Have Different Measuring Stick for Greatness

Cougar Downing of the Barton Community College men's basketball team was tabbed the week nine KJCCC Division I Player of the Week.

Downing was a consistent force for the Cougars including a crucial late three pointer helping Barton go 1-1 for the week. The sophomore averaged 25.5 points per game including a 28 point effort at Garden City then followed with a 23 point afternoon knocking down a late shot clock long range three-pointer keeping Barton in front with just a minute to play.

Downing finished over 51% shooting from the field on 23 shots, while sinking 87.5% (14-16) from the charity stripe, dishing out 3.5 assists and grabbing 4.5 rebounds per contest.

The award is the second for Downing on the season and the team's second weekly award on the campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643281819364.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Cougar Downing of the Barton Community College men's basketball team was tabbed the week nine KJCCC Division I Player of the Week.Downing was a consistent force for the Cougars including a crucial late three pointer helping Barton go 1-1 for the week. The sophomore averaged 25.5 points per game including a 28 point effort at Garden City then followed with a 23 point afternoon knocking down a late shot clock long range three-pointer keeping Barton in front with just a minute to play.Downing finished over 51% shooting from the field on 23 shots, while sinking 87.5% (14-16) from the charity stripe, dishing out 3.5 assists and grabbing 4.5 rebounds per contest.The award is the second for Downing on the season and the team's second weekly award on the campaign.

Downing collects second KJCCC weekly basketball award

Ricky Council IV scored a career-high 31 points and well-rested Wichita State bested UCF, 84-79, Wednesday evening at Charles Koch Arena.

Back in action for the first time in 10 days (health and safety protocol), the Shockers (10-7, 1-4) snapped a rare four-game losing streak and picked up their first conference win.

Council made 6-of-10 field goal attempts and went 16-of-20 at the foul line in WSU's first 30-point effort since Mar. 15, 2019 when Markis McDuffie scored 34 in an AAC quarterfinal win over Temple.

Only Cleo Littleton (22-of-25 in a 1955 win over Houston) and Dave Stallworth (18-of-23 in a 1963 win over Cincinnati) have made or attempted more free throws in a single-game.

Morris Udeze added 16 points and Dexter Dennis paired 13 points with a team-high six rebounds.

Brandon Mahan put up 20 points and 13 rebounds for UCF (12-6, 4-4), which fell to 0-8 against the Shockers (0-5 at Charles Koch Arena).

WSU shot exactly 40 percent from the field and made 9-of-23 threes (.391). UCF fared slightly better at 40.6 percent and made 10-of-26 from distance (.385).

Council's free points were the difference. The Shockers made 31-of-40 free throw tries to UCF's 17-of-23.

WSU led by 16 points (23-6) midway through the first half, helped by UCF's 1-of-15 shooting start.

The Knights battled to within 38-31 at halftime and to within three points at the 12:25-mark of the second half on a Darius Johnson three-pointer.

Council scored 22 points over the final 10:51 to keep UCF at bay. He was 5-of-7 from the field over that stretch with 10 free throw makes.

Council sank a pair with 1:08 to go (at which point he was a perfect 14-for-14 at the foul line) to make it a 77-65 game before missing 4-of-6 in the final minute.

UCF performed cometic surgery on the lead with 14 points in the final 63 seconds to spoil an otherwise excellent defensive effort.

WSU is in New Orleans on Saturday morning to take on Tulane. The 11 a.m. CT tip airs on ESPNU.

Ricky Council IV scored a career-high 31 points and well-rested Wichita State bested UCF, 84-79, Wednesday evening at Charles Koch Arena.Back in action for the first time in 10 days (health and safety protocol), the Shockers (10-7, 1-4) snapped a rare four-game losing streak and picked up their first conference win.Council made 6-of-10 field goal attempts and went 16-of-20 at the foul line in WSU's first 30-point effort since Mar. 15, 2019 when Markis McDuffie scored 34 in an AAC quarterfinal win over Temple.Only Cleo Littleton (22-of-25 in a 1955 win over Houston) and Dave Stallworth (18-of-23 in a 1963 win over Cincinnati) have made or attempted more free throws in a single-game.Morris Udeze added 16 points and Dexter Dennis paired 13 points with a team-high six rebounds.Brandon Mahan put up 20 points and 13 rebounds for UCF (12-6, 4-4), which fell to 0-8 against the Shockers (0-5 at Charles Koch Arena).WSU shot exactly 40 percent from the field and made 9-of-23 threes (.391). UCF fared slightly better at 40.6 percent and made 10-of-26 from distance (.385).Council's free points were the difference. The Shockers made 31-of-40 free throw tries to UCF's 17-of-23.WSU led by 16 points (23-6) midway through the first half, helped by UCF's 1-of-15 shooting start.The Knights battled to within 38-31 at halftime and to within three points at the 12:25-mark of the second half on a Darius Johnson three-pointer.Council scored 22 points over the final 10:51 to keep UCF at bay. He was 5-of-7 from the field over that stretch with 10 free throw makes.Council sank a pair with 1:08 to go (at which point he was a perfect 14-for-14 at the foul line) to make it a 77-65 game before missing 4-of-6 in the final minute.UCF performed cometic surgery on the lead with 14 points in the final 63 seconds to spoil an otherwise excellent defensive effort.WSU is in New Orleans on Saturday morning to take on Tulane. The 11 a.m. CT tip airs on ESPNU.Wichita State Athletics

Council Drops 31; Shockers Pick Up First AAC Win

Hutchinson Men 95 Barton 89; Hutchinson Women 73 Barton 47

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625250903956.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hutchinson Men 95 Barton 89; Hutchinson Women 73 Barton 47<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/5alt2opt/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have won a record six straight AFC West titles and will be hosting their record fourth straight AFC title game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Already, the talk is beginning of a blossoming dynasty in Kansas City. But if the Chiefs are not yet there, what exactly will it take for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to take the franchise into such a wholly subjective place? Perhaps a third straight Super Bowl trip with a win over the Bengals this weekend, or following up last year's loss to Tampa Bay with a second title in three years would do it. 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Ricky Council IV had a career-high 31 points as Wichita State narrowly beat Central Florida 84-79. Brandon Mahan led the Knights with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Izaiah Brockington scored 26 points to help No. 23 Iowa State beat Oklahoma State 84-81 in overtime. Tyrese Hunter had 18 points and Caleb Grill added 15 for the Cyclones, who snapped a two-game skid. Avery Anderson scored a career-high 34 points and Isaac Likekele had 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have lost two straight.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Tanner Groves scored 21 points, brother Jacob Groves added 12 and Oklahoma rolled to a 72-62 victory over West Virginia. Oklahoma (13-7, 3-5 Big 12) ended a four-game skid while West Virginia (13-6, 2-5) stretched its losing streak to four. It was Jacob Groves’ first start and highest scoring game with Oklahoma, which started a pair of brothers for the first time since Blake and Taylor Griffin’s March 2009 start in the Elite Eight. Gabe Osabuohien played just 19 minutes but led West Virginia with 17 points. Oklahoma took the lead for good with 12:10 remaining in the first half. 

UNDATED (AP) — The curious thing about the Big 12 this season is that while it might be the toughest conference in the country, boasting the defending national champion and three other Top 25 teams, it doesn’t have a single slam-dunk lottery pick. Kendall Brown of Baylor might be the best bet. With remarkable athletic ability, a fierce competitive nature and the ability to take over a game, Brown has surged up draft boards during his freshman season in Waco. And considering Brown doesn't turn 19 until May, his best basketball appears to be well ahead of him.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Aliyah Matharu scored 18 points, Audrey Warren had 16, and No. 9 Texas contained record-setting Ayoka Lee while beating Kansas State 66-48  for its fourth straight victory. Lee, a 6-foot-6 center, scored an NCAA record 61 points during a 94-65 win against  No. 18 Oklahoma on Sunday. Texas, taller than Oklahoma, limited the nation’s leading scorer to 20 — 5.5 fewer than her average. She converted 9 of 20 shots from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds.  Texas (15-3, 5-2 Big 12) outshot Kansas State (15-5, 5-3) 48.1% to 34.7. 

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ashley Joens scored 21 points and younger sister Aubrey broke out of a slump with 16 points to lead No. 13 Iowa State to a 77-62 win over Kansas. Ashley Joens, who moved within 85 points of breaking the school scoring record (2,149), had 11 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season and 41st of her career. Zakiyah Franklin led the Jayhawks with 14 points. Aniya Thomas opened the second half with a 3-pointer to pull Kansas within 40-36 but Ashley Jones scored 11 points in the third quarter when the Cyclones had a 23-11 advantage for a 63-44 lead.

UNDATED (AP) — Louisville has parted ways with men’s basketball coach Chris Mack and announced that assistant Mike Pegues will run the team the rest of the season. The mutual agreement was announced today following a special joint meeting of the school’s Board of Trustees and the University of Louisville Athletic Association board. Mack spent three-plus seasons with the Cardinals and failed to get the team to the NCAA tournament after their 2019 appearance.

UNDATED (AP) — Ryan Poles has been hired as the Chicago Bears’ general manager. Poles has spent the previous 13 seasons in the Chiefs’ front office. He was the team’s director of college scouting in 2017 when Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes with the No. 10 overall pick, three spots after the Bears took QB Mitchell Trubisky.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the process says the Minnesota Vikings have hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their general manager. The team is taking an innovative turn by bringing in an analytics expert from Cleveland’s front office who once worked on Wall Street. The 40-year-old Adofo-Mensah was vice president of football operations for the Browns for the last two years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634118097145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have won a record six straight AFC West titles and will be hosting their record fourth straight AFC title game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Already, the talk is beginning of a blossoming dynasty in Kansas City. But if the Chiefs are not yet there, what exactly will it take for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to take the franchise into such a wholly subjective place? Perhaps a third straight Super Bowl trip with a win over the Bengals this weekend, or following up last year's loss to Tampa Bay with a second title in three years would do it. WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Ricky Council IV had a career-high 31 points as Wichita State narrowly beat Central Florida 84-79. Brandon Mahan led the Knights with 20 points and 13 rebounds.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Izaiah Brockington scored 26 points to help No. 23 Iowa State beat Oklahoma State 84-81 in overtime. Tyrese Hunter had 18 points and Caleb Grill added 15 for the Cyclones, who snapped a two-game skid. Avery Anderson scored a career-high 34 points and Isaac Likekele had 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have lost two straight.MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Tanner Groves scored 21 points, brother Jacob Groves added 12 and Oklahoma rolled to a 72-62 victory over West Virginia. Oklahoma (13-7, 3-5 Big 12) ended a four-game skid while West Virginia (13-6, 2-5) stretched its losing streak to four. It was Jacob Groves’ first start and highest scoring game with Oklahoma, which started a pair of brothers for the first time since Blake and Taylor Griffin’s March 2009 start in the Elite Eight. Gabe Osabuohien played just 19 minutes but led West Virginia with 17 points. Oklahoma took the lead for good with 12:10 remaining in the first half. UNDATED (AP) — The curious thing about the Big 12 this season is that while it might be the toughest conference in the country, boasting the defending national champion and three other Top 25 teams, it doesn’t have a single slam-dunk lottery pick. Kendall Brown of Baylor might be the best bet. With remarkable athletic ability, a fierce competitive nature and the ability to take over a game, Brown has surged up draft boards during his freshman season in Waco. And considering Brown doesn't turn 19 until May, his best basketball appears to be well ahead of him.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Aliyah Matharu scored 18 points, Audrey Warren had 16, and No. 9 Texas contained record-setting Ayoka Lee while beating Kansas State 66-48 for its fourth straight victory. Lee, a 6-foot-6 center, scored an NCAA record 61 points during a 94-65 win against No. 18 Oklahoma on Sunday. Texas, taller than Oklahoma, limited the nation’s leading scorer to 20 — 5.5 fewer than her average. She converted 9 of 20 shots from the field and grabbed 11 rebounds. Texas (15-3, 5-2 Big 12) outshot Kansas State (15-5, 5-3) 48.1% to 34.7. AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ashley Joens scored 21 points and younger sister Aubrey broke out of a slump with 16 points to lead No. 13 Iowa State to a 77-62 win over Kansas. Ashley Joens, who moved within 85 points of breaking the school scoring record (2,149), had 11 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season and 41st of her career. Zakiyah Franklin led the Jayhawks with 14 points. Aniya Thomas opened the second half with a 3-pointer to pull Kansas within 40-36 but Ashley Jones scored 11 points in the third quarter when the Cyclones had a 23-11 advantage for a 63-44 lead.UNDATED (AP) — Louisville has parted ways with men’s basketball coach Chris Mack and announced that assistant Mike Pegues will run the team the rest of the season. The mutual agreement was announced today following a special joint meeting of the school’s Board of Trustees and the University of Louisville Athletic Association board. Mack spent three-plus seasons with the Cardinals and failed to get the team to the NCAA tournament after their 2019 appearance.UNDATED (AP) — Ryan Poles has been hired as the Chicago Bears’ general manager. Poles has spent the previous 13 seasons in the Chiefs’ front office. He was the team’s director of college scouting in 2017 when Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes with the No. 10 overall pick, three spots after the Bears took QB Mitchell Trubisky.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the process says the Minnesota Vikings have hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their general manager. The team is taking an innovative turn by bringing in an analytics expert from Cleveland’s front office who once worked on Wall Street. The 40-year-old Adofo-Mensah was vice president of football operations for the Browns for the last two years.TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(17)Providence	65	(21)Xavier	62	Final	(18)Tennessee	78	Florida	71	Final	(19)LSU	70	Texas A&amp;M	64	Final	(22)Marquette	73	Seton Hall	63	Final	(23)Iowa St.	84	Oklahoma St.	81	Final	VCU	70	(25)Davidson	68	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Cleveland	115	Milwaukee	99	Final	L.A. Clippers	111	Orlando	102	Final	Charlotte	158	Indiana	126	Final	Atlanta	121	Sacramento	104	Final	Miami	110	New York	96	Final	Chicago	111	Toronto	105	Final	Denver	124	Brooklyn	118	Final	Memphis	118	San Antonio	110	Final	Dallas	132	Portland	112	Final	Phoenix	105	Utah	97	NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	San Jose	4	Washington	1	Final	Calgary	6	Columbus	0	Final SO	Toronto	4	Anaheim	3	Final	Chicago	8	Detroit	5	Final OT	Colorado	4	Boston	3

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have won six straight AFC West titles, something never before accomplished, and will be hosting a record fourth consecutive conference championship game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

They’ve been to the past two Super Bowls. Won a championship. Set so many league-best marks behind the unparalleled play of Patrick Mahomes and the brilliant coaching of Andy Reid that the rest of the NFL has ample reason to be jealous.

So, are the Chiefs following in the footsteps of the Patriots as the next football dynasty?

Or, are they just the latest “it” team that everyone wants to watch?

“I think it was 2008 or 2009 that (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt made the statement that we’re going to strive to create an organization that consistently competes for championships,” team president Mark Donovan recalled this week, “and here we are, hosting our fourth straight championship. Never been done before. It’s special times to be a Chiefs fan, and special times to be part of this organization. I know Andy says it, and I’ll say it: We’re grateful for this opportunity we’re given.”

When Hunt made that bold proclamation, the Chiefs were a floundering franchise that hadn’t won a playoff game in more than two decades. And they hadn’t even bottomed out, either. That came a few years later when, during a season in which a player killed himself in the practice facility parking lot, the Chiefs were the two-win laughingstock of the league.

They soon began the search for a new coach, and in a case of coincidence or fate, the Eagles had just moved on from their own. Hunt quickly flew to Philadelphia and met with Reid, refused to let him out of the room without agreeing to come to Kansas City, and in one weekend changed the course of the organization.

The Chiefs went from two wins to 11 the very next year, one of the great turnarounds in NFL history, and haven’t had another losing season. The past seven have ended in the playoffs, the past four in the conference championship game and, with a win over the Bengals on Sunday, the past three would be in the Super Bowl.

But is nearly a decade of relative dominance enough to call the Chiefs a dynasty?

“Listen, I might down the road somewhere,” he said of putting the past few years into perspective, “but right now, we’re moving onto Cincinnati. There’s no time to wait. ... It’s important that we got on that and make sure our bases are covered.”

That doesn’t mean others can’t — and won’t — opine on the subject. After all, dynasties are purely subjective. The textbook definition, at least from Merriam-Webster, is that they involve “a sports franchise which has a prolonged run of successful seasons,” though in truth that doesn’t define anything.

Here are some facts: The Chiefs have won six straight home playoff games, one of the 10 longest streaks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They are among seven franchises to reach four straight conference title games, and the first to host all of them. A third straight Super Bowl appearance would match the Dolphins of Don Shula in the early ’70s and the Patriots of Bill Belichick from 2016-18 as the only franchises to make that many in a row with at least one victory.

(Yes, the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls. Without winning one, are they worthy of being called a dynasty?)

Of course, there are some NFL dynasties that are difficult to debate.

The Packers that won six championships under Curly Lambeau from 1929-44. The Bears of George Halas won four titles in seven seasons during the 1940s; Paul Brown’s teams in Cleveland seemingly never lost in the ‘50s. The Vince Lombardi-led Packers of the ’60s won the first two Super Bowls. The 1970s Steelers of the famed Steel Curtain defense, the 49ers in the ’80s and the Cowboys of the ’90s paved the way for the Patriots of the past two decades.

Besides longevity and success, most have something else in common: historic quarterback-coach combinations. Lombardi had Bart Starr. Chuck Noll had Terry Bradshaw in Pittsburgh. Bill Walsh coached Joe Montana and George Seifert had Steve Young in San Francisco. Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer relied on Troy Aikman in Dallas. Belichick had Tom Brady.

Kind of like Reid and Mahomes in Kansas City.

Whether the Chiefs are already a dynasty or one in the making is up for debate. But with Reid firmly ensconced in the coach’s office, Mahomes signed for most of the next decade and a plethora of playmakers under long-term contracts — guys such as Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones — the Chiefs don’t appear to be going away soon.

“As long as we keep the people that we have in this organization on this team, with the coach we have, I think we have a chance to be good year-in and year-out,” Mahomes said. “There’s a lot of great football teams in this league, you understand that. But at the same time, you just have to try to get better and be better every year you come in.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have won six straight AFC West titles, something never before accomplished, and will be hosting a record fourth consecutive conference championship game when Cincinnati visits Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.They’ve been to the past two Super Bowls. Won a championship. Set so many league-best marks behind the unparalleled play of Patrick Mahomes and the brilliant coaching of Andy Reid that the rest of the NFL has ample reason to be jealous.So, are the Chiefs following in the footsteps of the Patriots as the next football dynasty?Or, are they just the latest “it” team that everyone wants to watch?“I think it was 2008 or 2009 that (Chiefs chairman) Clark Hunt made the statement that we’re going to strive to create an organization that consistently competes for championships,” team president Mark Donovan recalled this week, “and here we are, hosting our fourth straight championship. Never been done before. It’s special times to be a Chiefs fan, and special times to be part of this organization. I know Andy says it, and I’ll say it: We’re grateful for this opportunity we’re given.”When Hunt made that bold proclamation, the Chiefs were a floundering franchise that hadn’t won a playoff game in more than two decades. And they hadn’t even bottomed out, either. That came a few years later when, during a season in which a player killed himself in the practice facility parking lot, the Chiefs were the two-win laughingstock of the league.They soon began the search for a new coach, and in a case of coincidence or fate, the Eagles had just moved on from their own. Hunt quickly flew to Philadelphia and met with Reid, refused to let him out of the room without agreeing to come to Kansas City, and in one weekend changed the course of the organization.The Chiefs went from two wins to 11 the very next year, one of the great turnarounds in NFL history, and haven’t had another losing season. The past seven have ended in the playoffs, the past four in the conference championship game and, with a win over the Bengals on Sunday, the past three would be in the Super Bowl.But is nearly a decade of relative dominance enough to call the Chiefs a dynasty?Don’t count on Reid to hazard a guess.“Listen, I might down the road somewhere,” he said of putting the past few years into perspective, “but right now, we’re moving onto Cincinnati. There’s no time to wait. ... It’s important that we got on that and make sure our bases are covered.”That doesn’t mean others can’t — and won’t — opine on the subject. After all, dynasties are purely subjective. The textbook definition, at least from Merriam-Webster, is that they involve “a sports franchise which has a prolonged run of successful seasons,” though in truth that doesn’t define anything.How successful? And for how long?Here are some facts: The Chiefs have won six straight home playoff games, one of the 10 longest streaks since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. They are among seven franchises to reach four straight conference title games, and the first to host all of them. A third straight Super Bowl appearance would match the Dolphins of Don Shula in the early ’70s and the Patriots of Bill Belichick from 2016-18 as the only franchises to make that many in a row with at least one victory.(Yes, the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls. Without winning one, are they worthy of being called a dynasty?)Of course, there are some NFL dynasties that are difficult to debate.The Packers that won six championships under Curly Lambeau from 1929-44. The Bears of George Halas won four titles in seven seasons during the 1940s; Paul Brown’s teams in Cleveland seemingly never lost in the ‘50s. The Vince Lombardi-led Packers of the ’60s won the first two Super Bowls. The 1970s Steelers of the famed Steel Curtain defense, the 49ers in the ’80s and the Cowboys of the ’90s paved the way for the Patriots of the past two decades.Besides longevity and success, most have something else in common: historic quarterback-coach combinations. Lombardi had Bart Starr. Chuck Noll had Terry Bradshaw in Pittsburgh. Bill Walsh coached Joe Montana and George Seifert had Steve Young in San Francisco. Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer relied on Troy Aikman in Dallas. Belichick had Tom Brady.Kind of like Reid and Mahomes in Kansas City.Whether the Chiefs are already a dynasty or one in the making is up for debate. But with Reid firmly ensconced in the coach’s office, Mahomes signed for most of the next decade and a plethora of playmakers under long-term contracts — guys such as Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones — the Chiefs don’t appear to be going away soon.“As long as we keep the people that we have in this organization on this team, with the coach we have, I think we have a chance to be good year-in and year-out,” Mahomes said. “There’s a lot of great football teams in this league, you understand that. But at the same time, you just have to try to get better and be better every year you come in.”

Winning ways: Are the Chiefs suddenly the NFL’s new dynasty?

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow took another beating against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday.

However, he still managed to push and will the Cincinnati Bengals to within one game of the Super Bowl.

Now Burrow is faced with the task of outdueling Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes for the second time in a month as the two teams meet again, this time in Kansas City with the AFC championship on the line.

Burrow — along with a ball-hawking defense and rookie kicker Evan McPherson — found a way to pull out a 19-16 win over Tennessee on Saturday to advance to the AFC title game for the first time since the 1988 season.

The Bengals won despite Burrow being sacked nine times. Burrow is the third quarterback to be sacked nine times in a playoff game. The others are Warren Moon in Houston’s 28-20 loss to Kansas City on Jan. 16, 1994, and the Chiefs’ Len Dawson in a 31-7 win against the Bills in the AFL title game on Jan. 1, 1967. Burrow and Dawson are the only two quarterbacks to win the game.

Also, the 49ers had nine sacks against the Bears on Jan. 6, 1985, and the Browns had nine against the Jets on Jan. 3, 1987. However both of those games had multiple players take sacks for the losing team.

With the game tied and 20 seconds left, Burrow hooked up with rookie Ja’Marr Chase out at the right sideline for 19 yards. Two more short runs put McPherson in position for the 52-yard game-winner as time ran out.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow took another beating against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday.However, he still managed to push and will the Cincinnati Bengals to within one game of the Super Bowl.Now Burrow is faced with the task of outdueling Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes for the second time in a month as the two teams meet again, this time in Kansas City with the AFC championship on the line.Burrow — along with a ball-hawking defense and rookie kicker Evan McPherson — found a way to pull out a 19-16 win over Tennessee on Saturday to advance to the AFC title game for the first time since the 1988 season.The Bengals won despite Burrow being sacked nine times. Burrow is the third quarterback to be sacked nine times in a playoff game. The others are Warren Moon in Houston’s 28-20 loss to Kansas City on Jan. 16, 1994, and the Chiefs’ Len Dawson in a 31-7 win against the Bills in the AFL title game on Jan. 1, 1967. Burrow and Dawson are the only two quarterbacks to win the game.Also, the 49ers had nine sacks against the Bears on Jan. 6, 1985, and the Browns had nine against the Jets on Jan. 3, 1987. However both of those games had multiple players take sacks for the losing team.With the game tied and 20 seconds left, Burrow hooked up with rookie Ja’Marr Chase out at the right sideline for 19 yards. Two more short runs put McPherson in position for the 52-yard game-winner as time ran out.“They don’t panic,” Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said after the first postseason road win in team history.“We’ve got literally one more game to do whatever we’ve got to do, however we’re going to make it happen, to go out there and get one more (win) to go to the Super Bowl,” running back Joe Mixon said. “It’s the biggest game you could ever imagine. As a kid, I didn’t imagine it. And even right now it still feels like I’m dreaming.”The difference Saturday was the Bengals’ three interceptions of Titans QB Ryan Tannehill that led to two of McPherson’s four field goals.“I know we haven’t been here before but it sure feels like we have,” Taylor said. “You see the attitude of the team and the confidence that they have, that we’re going to find a way to win. And just you can’t replace the confidence that these guys have earned in themselves and hopefully that carries us through for another couple games.”WHAT’S WORKINGThe Bengals defense was outstanding. The unit bottled up Titans running back Derrick Henry, who was activated Friday after missing the nine previous games with a broken foot. The three interceptions were game-changing. Linebacker Logan Wilson picked off Tannehill with 20 seconds left, allowing Burrow to get Cincinnati into field-goal range.WHAT’S NOTThe Bengals offensive line has struggled to protect Burrow all season, forcing him to adapt to the pressure and run from collapsing pockets. A season-ending ankle injury to right tackle Riley Reiff in December was a major loss.Taylor tried to deflect some of the blame away from the line.“There’s moments the offensive line could have been better, but I can promise you it wasn’t all on the offensive line,” he said. “It was all of us. You know, and it really starts with me. I got to do a better job taking the pressure off the quarterback and put us in a better position so those guys can’t tee off on us.”STOCK UPMcPherson’s last field goal was a no-doubter, just like the previous three he hit in the game. He is 8 for 8 so far in the two postseason games.STOCK DOWNLeft tackle Jonah Williams allowed five QB pressures and two sacks on Saturday. Right guard Hakeem Adeniji allowed four pressures and three sacks.KEY INJURIESPro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson, cleared from a concussion that knocked him out of the wild-card win, went to the sideline with an apparent injury late in the game, but Taylor said he’s OK. ... DE Cam Sample has groin injury and is day to day.KEY NUMBER109 — Receiving yards for Chase on five catches, his seventh 100-plus yard game this season, including two playoff games.NEXT STEPSThe Bengals will have to contend with Mahomes, who was terrific in the Chiefs’ 42-36 win over Buffalo on Sunday. Cincinnati beat Kansas City 34-31 on Jan. 2 behind Burrow’s four touchdown passes.