Last week, the NFHS distributed one of its most anticipated releases of the year – the announcement of the 23 National High School Coaches of the Year.

When people are honored with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. More often than not, coaching “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. And as you might expect, the accomplishments of this year’s award recipients were amazing.

The 23 coaches selected for this national honor have led their teams to a combined 137 state championships. They all have earned multiple “Coach of the Year” awards in their states, and many of their student-athletes have received individual honors.

Perhaps at the top of the “honors” list is Rickey Baker, who led his boys cross country teams at Hopi High School in Arizona to an amazing 27 consecutive Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, topped by the 1999 team that scored a perfect 15 in bringing home the crown. Two years ago, Baker was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame.

Billy Bowen has won 18 state baseball championships in Oklahoma – six in the fall and 12 in the spring. Among the coaches of girls sports, Tim Godby has led Milton (Georgia) High School to 15 Georgia High School Association Girls Lacrosse State Championships, and Iona Stookey has won 13 Montana High School Association Class B State Volleyball Championships at Huntley Project High School.

While the “on the field” accomplishments of this year’s National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, the state titles, career victories and undefeated seasons only begin to tell the story about why these individuals were chosen for this national honor.

When it comes to “great” high school coaches, success is not measured solely on a person’s winning record. If victories and state titles were the primary motives of these individuals, many would have left for positions at the college or professional levels. Instead, this year’ award recipients have been coaching for a collective 678 years – an average of approximately 30 years per person at the high school level of coaching.

A closer look at the coaching philosophies of some of these individuals indicates why they have remained dedicated to coaching high school student-athletes, starting with the aforementioned Rickey Baker.

“One would expect that winning is at the core of Rick’s philosophy and beliefs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Ricky Greer, athletic director at Hopi High School. “Rick believes that winning takes care of itself. It is a byproduct of hard work, dedication, discipline, attention to detail, a focus on the fundamentals, and the development of meaningful relationships.”

Greg Haagsma has led the Valley Christian high school boys basketball team from Chandler, Arizona, to 20 state tournaments and seven Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, all while trying to make a difference in his students’ lives.

“Educational athletics play in important role in the overall development of each student at the high school level,” Haagsma said. “The experiences are part of the process by which our young men and women are being taught character qualities and are being molded into the adults that we desire they become.”

Greg Grant, the football coach at Heppner (Oregon) High School, has won 330 games in 41 years of coaching. He has won three Oregon School Activities Association state championships and ranks fourth on the state’s all-time victories chart. However, winning games and titles is not his main objective in coaching.  

“My philosophy is to capitalize on the lessons available in athletics to enrich every player’s life now and into the future,” Grant said. “It is my goal that players leave our program realizing that attendance, timeliness, effort and accountability are actions that will set them up for success in every facet of their lives.”

Terri Simonetti-Frost won her sixth Ohio High School Athletic Association State Field Hockey Championship last fall at Thomas Worthington High School. While she has been one of the nation’s most successful field hockey coaches with 365 career victories, her focus has been on leading her students to success in life.

“I truly believe a coach is someone who not only coaches the sport but also teaches them life lessons on leadership, respect, loyalty, hard work, communication and overcoming adversity,” said Simonetti-Frost.

Debbie Kishpaugh has been the girls spirit/dance coach at Pendleton (Oregon) High School for 36 years. Alongside success “on the court” – six consecutive Oregon School Activities Association State Dance/Drill Championships – Kishpaugh’s efforts as founder of Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships have raised more than $115,000 in dance and academic scholarships. She believes that youth spirit participation leads to a life of character and disciplined learning for participants. 

These are but a few of the amazing coaches who are making an impact in education-based high school athletics every day. In addition to the 23 National Coaches of the Year, another 847 were recognized at the state and sectional levels. We appreciate the great work of the 870 coaches recognized this year by the NFHS – and thousands of others who are making a difference in our nation’s 19,700 schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643235301160.jpeg" alt="Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her fifth 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 fifth year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, the NFHS distributed one of its most anticipated releases of the year – the announcement of the 23 National High School Coaches of the Year.When people are honored with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. More often than not, coaching “greatness” is associated with victories and championships. And as you might expect, the accomplishments of this year’s award recipients were amazing.The 23 coaches selected for this national honor have led their teams to a combined 137 state championships. They all have earned multiple “Coach of the Year” awards in their states, and many of their student-athletes have received individual honors.Perhaps at the top of the “honors” list is Rickey Baker, who led his boys cross country teams at Hopi High School in Arizona to an amazing 27 consecutive Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, topped by the 1999 team that scored a perfect 15 in bringing home the crown. Two years ago, Baker was inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame.Billy Bowen has won 18 state baseball championships in Oklahoma – six in the fall and 12 in the spring. Among the coaches of girls sports, Tim Godby has led Milton (Georgia) High School to 15 Georgia High School Association Girls Lacrosse State Championships, and Iona Stookey has won 13 Montana High School Association Class B State Volleyball Championships at Huntley Project High School.While the “on the field” accomplishments of this year’s National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary, the state titles, career victories and undefeated seasons only begin to tell the story about why these individuals were chosen for this national honor.When it comes to “great” high school coaches, success is not measured solely on a person’s winning record. If victories and state titles were the primary motives of these individuals, many would have left for positions at the college or professional levels. Instead, this year’ award recipients have been coaching for a collective 678 years – an average of approximately 30 years per person at the high school level of coaching.A closer look at the coaching philosophies of some of these individuals indicates why they have remained dedicated to coaching high school student-athletes, starting with the aforementioned Rickey Baker.“One would expect that winning is at the core of Rick’s philosophy and beliefs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Ricky Greer, athletic director at Hopi High School. “Rick believes that winning takes care of itself. It is a byproduct of hard work, dedication, discipline, attention to detail, a focus on the fundamentals, and the development of meaningful relationships.”Greg Haagsma has led the Valley Christian high school boys basketball team from Chandler, Arizona, to 20 state tournaments and seven Arizona Interscholastic Association state championships, all while trying to make a difference in his students’ lives.“Educational athletics play in important role in the overall development of each student at the high school level,” Haagsma said. “The experiences are part of the process by which our young men and women are being taught character qualities and are being molded into the adults that we desire they become.”Greg Grant, the football coach at Heppner (Oregon) High School, has won 330 games in 41 years of coaching. He has won three Oregon School Activities Association state championships and ranks fourth on the state’s all-time victories chart. However, winning games and titles is not his main objective in coaching. “My philosophy is to capitalize on the lessons available in athletics to enrich every player’s life now and into the future,” Grant said. “It is my goal that players leave our program realizing that attendance, timeliness, effort and accountability are actions that will set them up for success in every facet of their lives.”Terri Simonetti-Frost won her sixth Ohio High School Athletic Association State Field Hockey Championship last fall at Thomas Worthington High School. While she has been one of the nation’s most successful field hockey coaches with 365 career victories, her focus has been on leading her students to success in life.“I truly believe a coach is someone who not only coaches the sport but also teaches them life lessons on leadership, respect, loyalty, hard work, communication and overcoming adversity,” said Simonetti-Frost.Debbie Kishpaugh has been the girls spirit/dance coach at Pendleton (Oregon) High School for 36 years. Alongside success “on the court” – six consecutive Oregon School Activities Association State Dance/Drill Championships – Kishpaugh’s efforts as founder of Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships have raised more than $115,000 in dance and academic scholarships. She believes that youth spirit participation leads to a life of character and disciplined learning for participants. These are but a few of the amazing coaches who are making an impact in education-based high school athletics every day. In addition to the 23 National Coaches of the Year, another 847 were recognized at the state and sectional levels. We appreciate the great work of the 870 coaches recognized this year by the NFHS – and thousands of others who are making a difference in our nation’s 19,700 schools.

National Coaches of the Year Focused on Making a Difference


- Great Bend Boys Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined by
Senior Tyler Stuhlsatz and Freshman Jacob Hall.


- Brett Kaiser, Developmebnt and Sports Coordinator for Special
Olympics Kansas will be in studio to talk about the West Region
Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament that will be held in Great
Bend for the first time on February 25th.


- Great Bend Swimming coach Klara Gilbert

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Md8koXILO4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure>
- Great Bend Boys Basketball coach Kyle Kreigh who will be joined by
Senior Tyler Stuhlsatz and Freshman Jacob Hall.
- Brett Kaiser, Developmebnt and Sports Coordinator for Special
Olympics Kansas will be in studio to talk about the West Region
Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament that will be held in Great
Bend for the first time on February 25th.
- Great Bend Swimming coach Klara Gilbert
- Thursday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Thursday on Sports Day (Watch)

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer

Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.

Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.

Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.

The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.

“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”

Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.

Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."

He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.

Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.

“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”

The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.

Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.

Here are some other things to know during the postseason:

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, Fox

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBS

The AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.

The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.

Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.

In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.

“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.

This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.

The four division winners in both conferences automatically get the top four seeds, regardless of record, and then the top three teams with the best record that didn't win their division are the wild-card selections. That's why it's fairly common for a wild-card selection to have a better record — but worse playoff seeding — than a team that finished as a division winner.

The No. 1-seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the second round — that's the Chiefs and Eagles — while No. 2 hosts No. 7, No. 3 hosts No. 6 and No. 4 hosts No. 5 during the wild-card weekend.

The NFL re-seeds teams after each playoff round. That means no matter how the bracket started, the lowest-seeded team always travels to the highest-seeded team.

There are four rounds to the playoffs: The wild-card round was Jan. 14-16, the divisional round was last weekend, the conference championship games are this Sunday and the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals.

By DAVID BRANDT AP&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Writer Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder.Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday's NFL conference championship games.Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain.The Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game Sunday.“The last few days has been an all-day thing,” Mahomes said, “where you’re doing treatment and rehab and watching film. You’re trying to make sure you’re prepared for the Bengals, a great football team, mentally and physically.”Mahomes, a two-time All-Pro, was still pretty good on one ankle against the Jaguars. He left in the second quarter after the injury but returned for the second half and performed well enough to push the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory. They advanced to their fifth consecutive conference title game.Philadelphia's Hurts — who is a finalist for MVP along with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Jefferson and Joe Burrow -- has a sore right shoulder and told Fox Sports before the team's 38-7 win over the Giants that he was “nowhere near 100%."He looked fine against the Giants, completing 7 of 7 passes for 89 yards in the first quarter and eventually threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score in Philadelphia's lopsided win.Hurts said Wednesday his shoulder is still sore, though he didn't seem concerned.“I’ve felt better, but it doesn’t really matter,” Hurts said. “I’ve got to get it done.”The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship on Sunday. The two winners from the conference championship games will advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.Purdy is set for perhaps his toughest test yet Sunday, when he faces an Eagles defense that led the NFL with 70 sacks and must deal with an imposing road environment.Two of the four remaining teams are in the midst of long winning streaks. The 49ers have won 12 straight games while the Bengals have won 10 straight.Here are some other things to know during the postseason:WHAT’S THE UPCOMING SCHEDULE?SUNDAYSan Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. EST, FoxCincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBSNO NEED FOR NEUTRALThe AFC title game would have been played in Atlanta next weekend if the Buffalo Bills had beaten the Bengals, under a rule adjustment approved by NFL owners.The league decided on the first of its kind conference championship neutral site setting because the Bills (13-3) finished the season a half-game behind the Chiefs (14-3) after their game at Cincinnati was canceled on Jan. 2 when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.Hamlin has since been making a remarkable recovery and attended Sunday's game in Buffalo, waving to fans from a stadium suite.In the end, all the Atlanta hypotheticals weren't needed. That's because the Bengals and Burrow are rolling. Cincinnati beat Buffalo 27-10 and is one win away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl.“Better send those refunds,” Burrow said, referring to the 50,000 or so tickets already sold for a game that will never be played.WHAT'S THE FORMAT FOR THE PLAYOFFS?This is the third straight year of the current playoff format, which included the top seven teams from both the AFC and the NFC.The four division winners in both conferences automatically get the top four seeds, regardless of record, and then the top three teams with the best record that didn't win their division are the wild-card selections. That's why it's fairly common for a wild-card selection to have a better record — but worse playoff seeding — than a team that finished as a division winner.The No. 1-seeded team in each conference gets a bye into the second round — that's the Chiefs and Eagles — while No. 2 hosts No. 7, No. 3 hosts No. 6 and No. 4 hosts No. 5 during the wild-card weekend.The NFL re-seeds teams after each playoff round. That means no matter how the bracket started, the lowest-seeded team always travels to the highest-seeded team.There are four rounds to the playoffs: The wild-card round was Jan. 14-16, the divisional round was last weekend, the conference championship games are this Sunday and the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona, at the home stadium of the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL playoffs: Mahomes shrugs off pain, plans to play

By STEPHEN HAWKINS &nbsp;AP Sports Writer

Bill Self hasn’t had to go through many stretches like this in his 20 seasons at Kansas. Yet the coach hasn't seemed angry or even all that discouraged during a rare three-game losing streak.

Self knows this isn’t the same Jayhawks team that won the national championship last season.

Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) has gone from having one of the nation’s most experienced rosters to a much younger group without a proven presence in the post in a loaded Big 12 Conference that may be better than ever.

“We don’t have as much margin for error as we’ve had in years past and that’s OK,” Self said. “But (when) you don’t have quite as much margin for error, and the other teams in the league are a lot better, it makes it tough.”

The ninth-ranked Jayhawks have lost three in a row for only the fourth time under Self. Each loss was to a ranked conference opponent, two on the road. The latest was 75-69 at Baylor on Monday night in a matchup of the last two national champions, the fifth win in a row for the 17th-ranked Bears.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve got to take a different approach and understand that it’s a marathon,” Self said. “It’s not an immediate reaction, because you can react immediately in this league, and you’ll have nine other teams go through the exact same thing at some point."

Junior forward Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 with in scoring at 21.4 points per game and is second in rebounds at 8.6. While streaky, freshman Gradey Dick (14.9 ppg) is the league’s top 3-point shooter at 43.7%, and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. averages 7.3 rebounds. Dajuan Harris Jr. is one of the top assist men at 6.5 per game despite his extended shooting struggles.

But these Jayhawks are different than most of Self’s standout teams in the past that played through the post with big guys like David McCormack, Jeff Withy, Thomas Robinson or Udoka Azubuike.

McCormack was part of last year’s title team, along with first-round NBA draft picks Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun. The Jayhawks also lost ballhandler Remy Martin and veteran sharpshooter Jalen Coleman-Lands.

Kansas plays its SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at Kentucky (14-6), which won 80-62 at Allen Fieldhouse last season. The Jayhawks will be trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89, their first season under coach Roy Williams.

After going to Rupp Arena to face coach John Calipari's struggling Wildcats, the Jayhawks return to conference play against fifth-ranked Kansas State. They then open the second half of their Big 12 schedule at No. 12 Iowa State before hosting No. 10 Texas.

Their current skid began with an 83-82 overtime loss last week at K-State, which had a 14-point lead midway through the first half. TCU, now ranked 11th, hit 13 of its first 15 shots and had an early 19-0 run in an 83-60 win Saturday, the second-worst home loss in the Self era.

“Our league is that good," Self said. “It’s going to be a grind.”

The Jayhawks trailed by as many as 13 midway through the first half at Baylor. They took their only lead when Wilson swished a 3-pointer with 15 1/2 minutes left, but the Bears responded with a 12-3 run.

“The way that K-State played the first 10 minutes, the way TCU played the first 10 minutes, and the way Baylor played the first 10 minutes, if we had played really well, we would have still been behind,” Self said, before using a wrestling analogy prompted by seeing two former Oklahoma State classmates in the postgame interview room at Baylor.

Brad Livingstone was a senior at Oklahoma State during the 1981-82 season, when Self was a freshman for the Cowboys. Livingstone's wife, Baylor president Linda Livingstone, also played basketball for the school in Stillwater where wrestling is big.

“When you’re on top and you can get riding time, it takes twice as much energy if you’re the low man in wrestling. ... It’s exactly the way basketball is too,” Self said. “When you’re behind, it takes more energy, everything’s magnified, it takes more effort. And when you’re playing with the lead, obviously you’re looser, everything’s not life or death.”

By STEPHEN HAWKINS &nbsp;AP Sports Writer Bill Self hasn’t had to go through many stretches like this in his 20 seasons at Kansas. Yet the coach hasn't seemed angry or even all that discouraged during a rare three-game losing streak.Self knows this isn’t the same Jayhawks team that won the national championship last season.Kansas (16-4, 5-3 Big 12) has gone from having one of the nation’s most experienced rosters to a much younger group without a proven presence in the post in a loaded Big 12 Conference that may be better than ever.“We don’t have as much margin for error as we’ve had in years past and that’s OK,” Self said. “But (when) you don’t have quite as much margin for error, and the other teams in the league are a lot better, it makes it tough.”The ninth-ranked Jayhawks have lost three in a row for only the fourth time under Self. Each loss was to a ranked conference opponent, two on the road. The latest was 75-69 at Baylor on Monday night in a matchup of the last two national champions, the fifth win in a row for the 17th-ranked Bears.“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve got to take a different approach and understand that it’s a marathon,” Self said. “It’s not an immediate reaction, because you can react immediately in this league, and you’ll have nine other teams go through the exact same thing at some point."Kansas is still loaded with talent.Junior forward Jalen Wilson leads the Big 12 with in scoring at 21.4 points per game and is second in rebounds at 8.6. While streaky, freshman Gradey Dick (14.9 ppg) is the league’s top 3-point shooter at 43.7%, and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. averages 7.3 rebounds. Dajuan Harris Jr. is one of the top assist men at 6.5 per game despite his extended shooting struggles.But these Jayhawks are different than most of Self’s standout teams in the past that played through the post with big guys like David McCormack, Jeff Withy, Thomas Robinson or Udoka Azubuike.McCormack was part of last year’s title team, along with first-round NBA draft picks Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun. The Jayhawks also lost ballhandler Remy Martin and veteran sharpshooter Jalen Coleman-Lands.Kansas plays its SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at Kentucky (14-6), which won 80-62 at Allen Fieldhouse last season. The Jayhawks will be trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89, their first season under coach Roy Williams.After going to Rupp Arena to face coach John Calipari's struggling Wildcats, the Jayhawks return to conference play against fifth-ranked Kansas State. They then open the second half of their Big 12 schedule at No. 12 Iowa State before hosting No. 10 Texas.Their current skid began with an 83-82 overtime loss last week at K-State, which had a 14-point lead midway through the first half. TCU, now ranked 11th, hit 13 of its first 15 shots and had an early 19-0 run in an 83-60 win Saturday, the second-worst home loss in the Self era.“Our league is that good," Self said. “It’s going to be a grind.”The Jayhawks trailed by as many as 13 midway through the first half at Baylor. They took their only lead when Wilson swished a 3-pointer with 15 1/2 minutes left, but the Bears responded with a 12-3 run.“The way that K-State played the first 10 minutes, the way TCU played the first 10 minutes, and the way Baylor played the first 10 minutes, if we had played really well, we would have still been behind,” Self said, before using a wrestling analogy prompted by seeing two former Oklahoma State classmates in the postgame interview room at Baylor.Brad Livingstone was a senior at Oklahoma State during the 1981-82 season, when Self was a freshman for the Cowboys. Livingstone's wife, Baylor president Linda Livingstone, also played basketball for the school in Stillwater where wrestling is big.“When you’re on top and you can get riding time, it takes twice as much energy if you’re the low man in wrestling. ... It’s exactly the way basketball is too,” Self said. “When you’re behind, it takes more energy, everything’s magnified, it takes more effort. And when you’re playing with the lead, obviously you’re looser, everything’s not life or death.”

Self assessment: Skidding No. 9 Kansas has little margin

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook scored six of his 20 points in overtime as Tulane defeated Wichita State 95-90 on Wednesday night.

Forbes was 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 for 7 from distance, and went 5 for 7 from the line for the Green Wave (13-7, 6-3 American Athletic Conference). Cook scored his 20 points while shooting 6 for 14 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and added nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Kevin Cross shot 7 for 17 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free throw line to finish with 18 points, while adding seven rebounds and five assists.

Jaykwon Walton led the Shockers (10-10, 3-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and six assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds for Wichita State. Kenny Pohto also recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook scored six of his 20 points in overtime as Tulane defeated Wichita State 95-90 on Wednesday night.Forbes was 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 for 7 from distance, and went 5 for 7 from the line for the Green Wave (13-7, 6-3 American Athletic Conference). Cook scored his 20 points while shooting 6 for 14 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and added nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Kevin Cross shot 7 for 17 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free throw line to finish with 18 points, while adding seven rebounds and five assists.Jaykwon Walton led the Shockers (10-10, 3-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and six assists. Jaron Pierre Jr. added 18 points and seven rebounds for Wichita State. Kenny Pohto also recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Forbes and Tulane win 95-90 in OT against Wichita State

Barton Men 68 Cowley 61; Cowley Women 94 Barton 75

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 68 Cowley 61; Cowley Women 94 Barton 75<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/p14ge1rb/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

UNDATED (AP) — 
Patrick Mahomes has
a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder. Even
so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday’s
NFL conference championship games. Mahomes went through a normal
morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon
practice, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his
ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain. The Chiefs host
the Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday. Hurts said Wednesday
that his shoulder is still sore, though he didn’t seem concerned.
The Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship, also on
Sunday. The winners of the conference title games will meet in the
Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

UNDATED (AP) —
It’s been 25 years since both NFL conference championship games
were this evenly matched from an oddsmakers standpoint. The San
Francisco 49ers are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Philadelphia
Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game, according to FanDuel
Sportsbook. In the AFC title game, the Cincinnati Bengals are 1
1/2-point favorites on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. The
previous time both conference championship games featured spreads
under 3 points was 1998. The Packers were 2 1/2-point favorites at
San Francisco in the NFC game. The Broncos were 2 1/2-point favorites
at Pittsburgh in the AFC matchup. Both road teams won.

UNDATED (AP) —
Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for
The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the
playoffs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bengals QB Joe Burrow also
are finalists for MVP. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa,
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher
Micah Parsons are the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Brock Purdy’s NFL career started with the moniker of “Mr.
Irrelevant” and the weeklong trip to Newport Beach to celebrate the
player picked last in the draft. With one more win, Purdy’s rookie
season in the NFL will end on the brightest stage of all as a
starting quarterback in the Super Bowl for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s been an improbable nine-month journey from the trip to
Disneyland, golf tournament, and a roast where he received the
Lowsman Trophy as the last draft pick to the NFC title game against
the Philadelphia Eagles. Purdy will try to become the first rookie
quarterback ever to reach the Super Bowl.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook added six points in the
overtime as the Tulane Green Wave beat the Wichita State Shockers
95-90 on Wednesday night. The Green Wave are now 13-7 on the season,
while the Shockers moved to 10-10.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 22 point, Seth Wilson hit a career-high five
3-pointers and finished with 15 points and West Virginia beat Texas
Tech 76-61, the Red Raiders’ eighth consecutive loss. Erik
Stevenson scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds — the fifth-year
senior guard’s first career double-double — for West Virginia.
After the Mountaineers got off to a slow start, coach Bob Huggins
replaced his entire starting five, and West Virginia’s play
improved. Stevenson made four straight free throws, including two on
a technical foul, for a 22-21 lead and Tre Mitchell’s 3-pointer
made it 33-28 at halftime. Obanor led Texas Tech with 20 points and
eight rebounds. WVU's Kedrian Johnson and Texas Tech's Pop Isaacs
left the game in the second half and did not return due to injuries.

UNDATED (AP) —
Bill Self knows this isn't the same Kansas team that won the national
championship last season. But the coach hasn't had to go through many
stretches like this in his 20 seasons with the Jayhawks. Kansas has
lost three games in a row for only the fourth time under Self. All of
those losses were to ranked Big 12 opponents, with two on the road.
The 16-4 Jayhawks play their SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at
struggling Kentucky, which beat them 80-62 last year. They will be
trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89.
That was their first season under coach Roy Williams.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jon Rahm struggled to a 1-over 73 at Torrey Pines South while Sam
Ryder, Aaron Rai and Brent Grant all shot 8-under 64 on the more
forgiving North Course to tie for the first-round lead at the Farmers
Insurance Open. Rahm is ranked No. 3 in the world and trying for his
third win in as many starts. He made a double bogey on the par-4
seventh hole and was continually left frustrated on the harder South
Course. Rahm earned his first PGA Tour victory at Torrey Pines in
2017 and then won the U.S. Open on the South Course in 2021.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Brandon Vazquez scored to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters
making their international debuts, but the Americans lost 2-1 to
Serbia in their first match since the World Cup. Veljko Simic scored
the go-ahead goal in the opening minute of the second half for
Serbia, which gave debuts to 14 players. Eight Americans in all
debuted during a lively friendly that felt like spring training. The
American team is in transition with interim head coach Anthony Hudson
running the show while U.S. Soccer Federation determines the future
of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired last month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672223935757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — 
Patrick Mahomes has
a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder. Even
so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday’s
NFL conference championship games. Mahomes went through a normal
morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon
practice, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his
ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain. The Chiefs host
the Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday. Hurts said Wednesday
that his shoulder is still sore, though he didn’t seem concerned.
The Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship, also on
Sunday. The winners of the conference title games will meet in the
Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.UNDATED (AP) —
It’s been 25 years since both NFL conference championship games
were this evenly matched from an oddsmakers standpoint. The San
Francisco 49ers are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Philadelphia
Eagles on Sunday in the NFC championship game, according to FanDuel
Sportsbook. In the AFC title game, the Cincinnati Bengals are 1
1/2-point favorites on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. The
previous time both conference championship games featured spreads
under 3 points was 1998. The Packers were 2 1/2-point favorites at
San Francisco in the NFC game. The Broncos were 2 1/2-point favorites
at Pittsburgh in the AFC matchup. Both road teams won.UNDATED (AP) —
Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for
The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL
Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who
regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the
playoffs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bengals QB Joe Burrow also
are finalists for MVP. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa,
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher
Micah Parsons are the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year.SANTA CLARA, Calif.
(AP) — Brock Purdy’s NFL career started with the moniker of “Mr.
Irrelevant” and the weeklong trip to Newport Beach to celebrate the
player picked last in the draft. With one more win, Purdy’s rookie
season in the NFL will end on the brightest stage of all as a
starting quarterback in the Super Bowl for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s been an improbable nine-month journey from the trip to
Disneyland, golf tournament, and a roast where he received the
Lowsman Trophy as the last draft pick to the NFC title game against
the Philadelphia Eagles. Purdy will try to become the first rookie
quarterback ever to reach the Super Bowl.WICHITA, Kan. (AP) —
Jaylen Forbes scored 25 points and Jalen Cook added six points in the
overtime as the Tulane Green Wave beat the Wichita State Shockers
95-90 on Wednesday night. The Green Wave are now 13-7 on the season,
while the Shockers moved to 10-10.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Joe Toussaint scored 22 point, Seth Wilson hit a career-high five
3-pointers and finished with 15 points and West Virginia beat Texas
Tech 76-61, the Red Raiders’ eighth consecutive loss. Erik
Stevenson scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds — the fifth-year
senior guard’s first career double-double — for West Virginia.
After the Mountaineers got off to a slow start, coach Bob Huggins
replaced his entire starting five, and West Virginia’s play
improved. Stevenson made four straight free throws, including two on
a technical foul, for a 22-21 lead and Tre Mitchell’s 3-pointer
made it 33-28 at halftime. Obanor led Texas Tech with 20 points and
eight rebounds. WVU's Kedrian Johnson and Texas Tech's Pop Isaacs
left the game in the second half and did not return due to injuries.UNDATED (AP) —
Bill Self knows this isn't the same Kansas team that won the national
championship last season. But the coach hasn't had to go through many
stretches like this in his 20 seasons with the Jayhawks. Kansas has
lost three games in a row for only the fourth time under Self. All of
those losses were to ranked Big 12 opponents, with two on the road.
The 16-4 Jayhawks play their SEC/Big 12 Challenge game Saturday at
struggling Kentucky, which beat them 80-62 last year. They will be
trying to avoid their first four-game losing streak since 1988-89.
That was their first season under coach Roy Williams.SAN DIEGO (AP) —
Jon Rahm struggled to a 1-over 73 at Torrey Pines South while Sam
Ryder, Aaron Rai and Brent Grant all shot 8-under 64 on the more
forgiving North Course to tie for the first-round lead at the Farmers
Insurance Open. Rahm is ranked No. 3 in the world and trying for his
third win in as many starts. He made a double bogey on the par-4
seventh hole and was continually left frustrated on the harder South
Course. Rahm earned his first PGA Tour victory at Torrey Pines in
2017 and then won the U.S. Open on the South Course in 2021.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Brandon Vazquez scored to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters
making their international debuts, but the Americans lost 2-1 to
Serbia in their first match since the World Cup. Veljko Simic scored
the go-ahead goal in the opening minute of the second half for
Serbia, which gave debuts to 14 players. Eight Americans in all
debuted during a lively friendly that felt like spring training. The
American team is in transition with interim head coach Anthony Hudson
running the show while U.S. Soccer Federation determines the future
of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired last month.WEDNESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(2)Alabama	66	Mississippi
St.	63	Final	(3)Houston	82	UCF	71	Final	(4)Tennessee	70	Georgia	41	Final	(13)Xavier	82	(19)UConn	79	Final	Texas
A&amp;M	79	(15)Auburn	63	Final	(23)Providence	79	Butler	58NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Orlando	126	Indiana	120	Final	Philadelphia	137	Brooklyn	133	Final	Atlanta	137	Oklahoma
City	132	Final	Milwaukee	107	Denver	99	Final	Washington	108	Houston	103	Final	Minnesota	111	New
Orleans	102	Final	Toronto	113	Sacramento	95	Final	Portland	134	Utah	124	Final	L.A.
Lakers	113	San Antonio	104	Final	Golden
State	122	Memphis	120	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Toronto	3	N-Y Rangers	2	Final	Ottawa	2	N-Y
Islanders	1	Final
OT	Carolina	3	Dallas	2	Final
OT	Columbus	3	Edmonton	2	Final	Seattle	6	Vancouver	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Returning to the lanes following a two-month layoff, the Barton Community College men's bowling team displayed a pair of fourth place finishes at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI this past weekend in Texas.

Competing in separate tournaments in the two-day span, the Cougars began the weekend with a fourth-place finish in the SWIBC V consisting of five individual games and 12 baker games compiling a team total of 6,924. Making the short drive over to Plano, TX for Sunday's SWIBC VI, Barton sustained the momentum holding sturdy with another fourth place showing accumulating a 7,017 score over seven individual team games.

Besting the 15-team field on both days was in state Division I school Wichita State University edging out cross-town rival Newman University and Oklahoma Christian University.

Sophomore Griffin Peterson posted the Cougars highest individual finish of seventh in Saturday's SWIBC V with a five-game total of 1,044 while leading the best average score on the day for the Cougars with a 208.8 per-10 frames.

V-Thoon Thanasouk had the biggest improvement between the two days of competition leaping 64 spots to finish 13th in Sunday's tournament scoring a team best 1,517. The freshman was one of three Cougars to surpass the 200-mark in five of seven games rolled with Bryce Moore and Peterson also joining Thanasouk.

Turning in a 20th place finish in Saturday's competition, sophomore Bryce Moore bettered his placing in Sunday's tournament moving up three spots earning a 17th individual finish of 1,499 in seven tossed games. The sophomore recorded Barton's highest single game score of 280 in the second of his seven games.

Fielding a junior varsity team both days the Cougars turned in placings of seventh and sixth as a squad while Cale McConnell led the JV entrants each day turning in a 40th and 34th placing with scores of 892 and 1,379 respectfully.

Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.

The Barton Community College women's bowling team returned from the holiday break recording a pair of fourth place finishes this weekend at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI.

Competing in two separate events over the weekend, the Cougars opened the trip with a fourth-place finish after five individual games and 12 baker games. Making the short jaunt from Dallas to Plano, TX on Sunday for the SWIBC VI, the Cougars remained consistent turning in its' second consecutive fourth place finish over seven individual games in the field of seven teams.

Claiming the team title on both days was Wichita State University edging out Oklahoma Christian University and Newman University.

Jasmine Bridges led the highest finish of the weekend in Saturday's SWIBC V with a 16th place in the field of 50 participants with a score of 859 over five games tossed.

Ana Stanton notched the highest game and average round on Saturday with a third game of 200 while carding a 184 average per-10 over a trio of tossed games.

Courtney Kitchen mended together Barton's best average placings, average score, and highest single score on the weekend. The sophomore displayed finishes of 18th and 34th while fabricating the highest average of 188.2 per-10 frames on Sunday and manufactured the highest rolled single game scores with a pair of 211's in Sunday's fifth and sixth games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658825339.jpeg" alt="Barton Men's Bowler Griffin Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Barton Men's Bowler Griffin Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBarton MenReturning to the lanes following a two-month layoff, the Barton Community College men's bowling team displayed a pair of fourth place finishes at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI this past weekend in Texas.Competing in separate tournaments in the two-day span, the Cougars began the weekend with a fourth-place finish in the SWIBC V consisting of five individual games and 12 baker games compiling a team total of 6,924. Making the short drive over to Plano, TX for Sunday's SWIBC VI, Barton sustained the momentum holding sturdy with another fourth place showing accumulating a 7,017 score over seven individual team games.Besting the 15-team field on both days was in state Division I school Wichita State University edging out cross-town rival Newman University and Oklahoma Christian University.Sophomore Griffin Peterson posted the Cougars highest individual finish of seventh in Saturday's SWIBC V with a five-game total of 1,044 while leading the best average score on the day for the Cougars with a 208.8 per-10 frames.V-Thoon Thanasouk had the biggest improvement between the two days of competition leaping 64 spots to finish 13th in Sunday's tournament scoring a team best 1,517. The freshman was one of three Cougars to surpass the 200-mark in five of seven games rolled with Bryce Moore and Peterson also joining Thanasouk.Turning in a 20th place finish in Saturday's competition, sophomore Bryce Moore bettered his placing in Sunday's tournament moving up three spots earning a 17th individual finish of 1,499 in seven tossed games. The sophomore recorded Barton's highest single game score of 280 in the second of his seven games.Fielding a junior varsity team both days the Cougars turned in placings of seventh and sixth as a squad while Cale McConnell led the JV entrants each day turning in a 40th and 34th placing with scores of 892 and 1,379 respectfully.Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658692787.jpeg" alt="Barton's Bowler Ana Stanton" />
 <figcaption>Barton's Bowler Ana Stanton</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton WomenThe Barton Community College women's bowling team returned from the holiday break recording a pair of fourth place finishes this weekend at the SWIBC V and SWIBC VI.Competing in two separate events over the weekend, the Cougars opened the trip with a fourth-place finish after five individual games and 12 baker games. Making the short jaunt from Dallas to Plano, TX on Sunday for the SWIBC VI, the Cougars remained consistent turning in its' second consecutive fourth place finish over seven individual games in the field of seven teams.Claiming the team title on both days was Wichita State University edging out Oklahoma Christian University and Newman University.Jasmine Bridges led the highest finish of the weekend in Saturday's SWIBC V with a 16th place in the field of 50 participants with a score of 859 over five games tossed.Ana Stanton notched the highest game and average round on Saturday with a third game of 200 while carding a 184 average per-10 over a trio of tossed games.Courtney Kitchen mended together Barton's best average placings, average score, and highest single score on the weekend. The sophomore displayed finishes of 18th and 34th while fabricating the highest average of 188.2 per-10 frames on Sunday and manufactured the highest rolled single game scores with a pair of 211's in Sunday's fifth and sixth games.Barton's next action comes this Saturday with a trip up north to Hastings, Nebraska for the Bronco Baker Bash.

Barton Bowling Results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The decision that Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faced at the conclusion of last season was shockingly simple yet brutally difficult:

Do they sign wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a long-term deal or trade him away?

Two options. Yet two very different ways to chart a course for the future of the franchise.

Veach mulled the decision for the better part of six weeks, knowing full well most Chiefs fans wanted to keep the dynamic playmaker, but that it would saddle the club with salary cap problems for years to come.

In late March, he hopped on the phone with Dolphins counterpart Chris Grier and made the deal: Hill was headed to South Beach for a package of five draft picks — which the Chiefs could use to fortify their roster — and much-needed financial flexibility.

“We took a step back and figured, ‘How are we going to get better on both sides?’ And that's why we decided it was best for us and best for Tyreek,” Veach said at the time. “It was kind of a best-case scenario for us and for him.”

Hill ultimately became the league's highest-paid wide receiver, signing a $120 million, four-year deal with the Dolphins that would have limited what the Chiefs could do in free agency.

And the Chiefs used their draft capital and financial freedom to replenish a roster that will face Cincinnati on Sunday night in its fifth consecutive AFC title game.

The Chiefs used the first-round pick from Miami — after a trade with New England — on Trent McDuffie, whose metrics are among the best of any rookie cornerback this season. Then they used their second-rounder from the Dolphins — after another trade with the Patriots — on wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been a versatile addition to the offense.

Just as importantly, the Chiefs used the money they would have spent on Hill elsewhere: They signed wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, brought in safety Justin Reid, added veteran Carlos Dunlap to help one of the league's worst pass rushes, and had money left over to improve their depth elsewhere.

“Brett does it as well as anybody on finding people and bringing them in, that he thinks will fit in the offense, defense and special teams,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We have full trust in him as a coaching staff.”

It's easy to have that trust given the results.

Hill had an incredible season for the Dolphins, catching a career-best 119 passes for 1,710 yards with seven TDs. But while Smith-Schuster finished with only 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, that still means he supplied Kansas City with roughly 55% of Hill's production in the regular season at roughly 14% of the cost.

Valdes-Scantling caught the decisive touchdown in last weekend's divisional win over the Jaguars, and along with Moore and Smith-Schuster, the trio helped the Chiefs lead the league in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense.

On the flip side, Dunlap helped the Chiefs to 55 sacks in the regular season, which ranked second in the league, after they had just 31 the previous year. Justin Reid proved to be a calming yet physical presence in the defensive backfield.

“All the guys stepped up,” Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier said, “because there were a number of departures, not just Tyreek, to basically get all caught up and sped up to where we are today, so that we could just keep going as an offense, and the guys we brought in bought into that.”

Ten months later, it would be difficult to argue Veach didn't make the right decision to trade Hill.

It's the kind of monumental decision the Bengals will face soon enough.

They've already indicated plans to negotiate a long-term deal this offseason for Joe Burrow, who could command as much as $50 million a year. And with that kind of investment in their quarterback, the Bengals will have to decide what to do with their pending free agents: Starting cornerback Eli Apple, safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III and tight end Hayden Hurst are all due to hit the open market, along with backups such as Tre Flowers and Samaje Perine.

Plenty of other starters — wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, and defensive tackle D.J. Reader — will be hitting free agency after next season.

The challenge in making the numbers work was evident in August, when Bates stayed clear of the Bengals amid a contract dispute. He eventually reported to training camp after signing a franchise tender worth about $13 million, rather than sit out the entire season. When asked why a deal wasn't reached, he replied: “That's not my question to answer.”

“There’s a business side of things,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged at the time, “and that plays into it some.”

Just as it did for the Chiefs and Hill last offseason.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The decision that Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faced at the conclusion of last season was shockingly simple yet brutally difficult:Do they sign wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a long-term deal or trade him away?Two options. Yet two very different ways to chart a course for the future of the franchise.Veach mulled the decision for the better part of six weeks, knowing full well most Chiefs fans wanted to keep the dynamic playmaker, but that it would saddle the club with salary cap problems for years to come.In late March, he hopped on the phone with Dolphins counterpart Chris Grier and made the deal: Hill was headed to South Beach for a package of five draft picks — which the Chiefs could use to fortify their roster — and much-needed financial flexibility.“We took a step back and figured, ‘How are we going to get better on both sides?’ And that's why we decided it was best for us and best for Tyreek,” Veach said at the time. “It was kind of a best-case scenario for us and for him.”That might be an understatement.Hill ultimately became the league's highest-paid wide receiver, signing a $120 million, four-year deal with the Dolphins that would have limited what the Chiefs could do in free agency.And the Chiefs used their draft capital and financial freedom to replenish a roster that will face Cincinnati on Sunday night in its fifth consecutive AFC title game.The Chiefs used the first-round pick from Miami — after a trade with New England — on Trent McDuffie, whose metrics are among the best of any rookie cornerback this season. Then they used their second-rounder from the Dolphins — after another trade with the Patriots — on wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been a versatile addition to the offense.Just as importantly, the Chiefs used the money they would have spent on Hill elsewhere: They signed wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, brought in safety Justin Reid, added veteran Carlos Dunlap to help one of the league's worst pass rushes, and had money left over to improve their depth elsewhere.“Brett does it as well as anybody on finding people and bringing them in, that he thinks will fit in the offense, defense and special teams,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We have full trust in him as a coaching staff.”It's easy to have that trust given the results.Hill had an incredible season for the Dolphins, catching a career-best 119 passes for 1,710 yards with seven TDs. But while Smith-Schuster finished with only 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, that still means he supplied Kansas City with roughly 55% of Hill's production in the regular season at roughly 14% of the cost.Valdes-Scantling caught the decisive touchdown in last weekend's divisional win over the Jaguars, and along with Moore and Smith-Schuster, the trio helped the Chiefs lead the league in passing offense, scoring offense and total offense.On the flip side, Dunlap helped the Chiefs to 55 sacks in the regular season, which ranked second in the league, after they had just 31 the previous year. Justin Reid proved to be a calming yet physical presence in the defensive backfield.“All the guys stepped up,” Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier said, “because there were a number of departures, not just Tyreek, to basically get all caught up and sped up to where we are today, so that we could just keep going as an offense, and the guys we brought in bought into that.”Ten months later, it would be difficult to argue Veach didn't make the right decision to trade Hill.It's the kind of monumental decision the Bengals will face soon enough.They've already indicated plans to negotiate a long-term deal this offseason for Joe Burrow, who could command as much as $50 million a year. And with that kind of investment in their quarterback, the Bengals will have to decide what to do with their pending free agents: Starting cornerback Eli Apple, safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III and tight end Hayden Hurst are all due to hit the open market, along with backups such as Tre Flowers and Samaje Perine.Plenty of other starters — wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, and defensive tackle D.J. Reader — will be hitting free agency after next season.The challenge in making the numbers work was evident in August, when Bates stayed clear of the Bengals amid a contract dispute. He eventually reported to training camp after signing a franchise tender worth about $13 million, rather than sit out the entire season. When asked why a deal wasn't reached, he replied: “That's not my question to answer.”“There’s a business side of things,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged at the time, “and that plays into it some.”Just as it did for the Chiefs and Hill last offseason.

Chiefs' decision to trade Hill opened future for success

The Barton Community College wrestling team dropped its final home conference dual of the season Tuesday night at the Barton Gym 32-21 to 8th ranked Northwest Kansas Technical College.

The Cougars' will close out conference play Sunday at the Jayhawk Duals held at the Fieldhouse in Salina, KS. Barton will open the day at 11:00 a.m. taking on Neosho County Community College with matches later against Labette Community College (12:30pm), Cowley College (2:00pm), and 4th ranked Pratt Community College (3:30pm).

Barton's lone mat victory came from&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;in the 149 class, as the freshman bounced back from last week's major decision result beating Amulek Partida with a 9-2 decision result improving his conference record to 2-1 on the season.

The Cougars aided behind a trio of open weight victories as&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;125 division,&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;141 division and&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;165 division closed out Barton's final points of the dual.

Northwest Tech also benefitted behind a trio of open weight wins in the 184, 197, and 285 divisions.

MATCH RESULTS –&nbsp;#8 NW Tech won 32-21 over Barton 125:&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 133: Samuel Blackmon (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Stephen Baldwin&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 2:10 141:&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 149:&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;(Barton) over Amulek Partida (NW Tech) Dec 9-2 157: #1 (149-Div) Bryce Boumans (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Dawson Chavez&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 3:32 165:&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 174: Jonathan Carr (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Keondre Bonner&nbsp;(Barton) Dec 7-4 184: Garrett Davis (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 197: Isiah Frank (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 285: Dontavius Daniels (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) (NW Tech assessed -1 for sportsmanship)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658343501.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College wrestling team dropped its final home conference dual of the season Tuesday night at the Barton Gym 32-21 to 8th ranked Northwest Kansas Technical College.The Cougars' will close out conference play Sunday at the Jayhawk Duals held at the Fieldhouse in Salina, KS. Barton will open the day at 11:00 a.m. taking on Neosho County Community College with matches later against Labette Community College (12:30pm), Cowley College (2:00pm), and 4th ranked Pratt Community College (3:30pm).Barton's lone mat victory came from&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;in the 149 class, as the freshman bounced back from last week's major decision result beating Amulek Partida with a 9-2 decision result improving his conference record to 2-1 on the season.The Cougars aided behind a trio of open weight victories as&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;125 division,&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;141 division and&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;165 division closed out Barton's final points of the dual.Northwest Tech also benefitted behind a trio of open weight wins in the 184, 197, and 285 divisions.MATCH RESULTS –&nbsp;#8 NW Tech won 32-21 over Barton 125:&nbsp;Avery Wolf&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 133: Samuel Blackmon (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Stephen Baldwin&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 2:10 141:&nbsp;Cohen Suchy&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 149:&nbsp;Zane Hennessey&nbsp;(Barton) over Amulek Partida (NW Tech) Dec 9-2 157: #1 (149-Div) Bryce Boumans (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Dawson Chavez&nbsp;(Barton) Fall 3:32 165:&nbsp;Chance Unruh&nbsp;(Barton) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 174: Jonathan Carr (NW Tech) over&nbsp;Keondre Bonner&nbsp;(Barton) Dec 7-4 184: Garrett Davis (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 197: Isiah Frank (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) 285: Dontavius Daniels (NW Tech) wins by Forfeit (OPEN) (NW Tech assessed -1 for sportsmanship)

Barton Wrestling falls to 8th ranked NW Tech


- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck who will be
joined by Junior Makenzie Premer.


- KVGB Football Insider Aaron Clark previews the AFC and NFC
Championship games this weekend.


- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ngAKS7pb3c" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure>
- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck who will be
joined by Junior Makenzie Premer.
- KVGB Football Insider Aaron Clark previews the AFC and NFC
Championship games this weekend.
- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock.
- Wednesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day (Watch)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals acquired left-hander Josh Taylor from the Boston Red Sox for injury-prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and an additional player on Tuesday, the second straight day that Kansas City dealt one of its surplus position players in a bid to upgraded its lackluster bullpen.

The 30-year-old Taylor missed all of last season with a back injury, but he was stellar over the previous three seasons in Boston, with a 3.69 ERA and 129 strikeouts over 121 appearances. At one point during the 2021 season, he had a streak of 26 consecutive scoreless outings, the longest streak for a left-hander in franchise history.

He also pitched in six of 11 postseason games for the Red Sox in '21, allowing one earned run over four innings pitched.

“Josh Taylor is someone we've valued for a long time,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “If you go back and look at what he did in 2019 in Boston and what he did again in 2021 in Boston in a playoff run, it was really really impressive.”

Mondesi signed with the Royals in 2011 and has played his entire career with the club. He made his big league debut in the 2015 World Series, when it seemed as if his future was limitless. But despite elite speed and defense, and showing flashes at the plate, Mondesi was never able to stay healthy, appearing in just 109 games over the past three seasons.

Despite having one year left on his deal, Mondesi's future with the Royals was thrown in doubt last season, when heralded prospect Bobby Witt Jr. made his debut. He proceeded to hit .252 with 20 homers and 30 stolen bases.

The Red Sox, who have been in the market for shortstop help, hope the 27-year-old Mondesi can stay on the field and make good on the promise he showed in 2019, when he hit .263 with nine homers and 43 stolen bases in 102 games.

“We weren't in a spot where we felt we had to trade him,” Picollo said. “There were a couple things we need to think about: What's right for this team right now, and how do you send a clear message that this is the direction we want to go, and you think about the player and the frustrations he went through. Ultimately, it may be the best thing for him.”

On Monday night, the Royals sent starting centerfielder Michael A. Taylor to the AL Central-rival Minnesota Twins for a pair of pitching prospects, Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk, that could help the big league bullpen as soon as this season.

Cruz, a 6-foot-6 power right-hander, went 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA, 35 walks and 72 strikeouts in 56 innings last season for Double-A Wichita. In 120 career minor league appearances, he has 259 strikeouts in 192 1/3 innings.

Sisk, a left-hander with a funky delivery, split last season between Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul. He went 5-1 with a 1.57 ERA, 29 walks and 76 strikeouts in 63 innings between the teams.

The 31-year-old Taylor hit .254 with nine homers and 43 RBIs in 414 at-bats last season for the Royals. Drew Waters and Kyle Isbel, who shared time in the outfield last season, are the front-runners to take over his spot in the lineup.

“We were really happy with the return in both deals,” Picollo said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals acquired left-hander Josh Taylor from the Boston Red Sox for injury-prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and an additional player on Tuesday, the second straight day that Kansas City dealt one of its surplus position players in a bid to upgraded its lackluster bullpen.The 30-year-old Taylor missed all of last season with a back injury, but he was stellar over the previous three seasons in Boston, with a 3.69 ERA and 129 strikeouts over 121 appearances. At one point during the 2021 season, he had a streak of 26 consecutive scoreless outings, the longest streak for a left-hander in franchise history.He also pitched in six of 11 postseason games for the Red Sox in '21, allowing one earned run over four innings pitched.“Josh Taylor is someone we've valued for a long time,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “If you go back and look at what he did in 2019 in Boston and what he did again in 2021 in Boston in a playoff run, it was really really impressive.”Mondesi signed with the Royals in 2011 and has played his entire career with the club. He made his big league debut in the 2015 World Series, when it seemed as if his future was limitless. But despite elite speed and defense, and showing flashes at the plate, Mondesi was never able to stay healthy, appearing in just 109 games over the past three seasons.Despite having one year left on his deal, Mondesi's future with the Royals was thrown in doubt last season, when heralded prospect Bobby Witt Jr. made his debut. He proceeded to hit .252 with 20 homers and 30 stolen bases.The Red Sox, who have been in the market for shortstop help, hope the 27-year-old Mondesi can stay on the field and make good on the promise he showed in 2019, when he hit .263 with nine homers and 43 stolen bases in 102 games.“We weren't in a spot where we felt we had to trade him,” Picollo said. “There were a couple things we need to think about: What's right for this team right now, and how do you send a clear message that this is the direction we want to go, and you think about the player and the frustrations he went through. Ultimately, it may be the best thing for him.”On Monday night, the Royals sent starting centerfielder Michael A. Taylor to the AL Central-rival Minnesota Twins for a pair of pitching prospects, Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk, that could help the big league bullpen as soon as this season.Cruz, a 6-foot-6 power right-hander, went 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA, 35 walks and 72 strikeouts in 56 innings last season for Double-A Wichita. In 120 career minor league appearances, he has 259 strikeouts in 192 1/3 innings.Sisk, a left-hander with a funky delivery, split last season between Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul. He went 5-1 with a 1.57 ERA, 29 walks and 76 strikeouts in 63 innings between the teams.The 31-year-old Taylor hit .254 with nine homers and 43 RBIs in 414 at-bats last season for the Royals. Drew Waters and Kyle Isbel, who shared time in the outfield last season, are the front-runners to take over his spot in the lineup.“We were really happy with the return in both deals,” Picollo said.

Royals get LHP Taylor from Boston for oft-injured SS Mondesi

Bennington 66, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 32

Greeley County 62, Cheyenne Wells, Colo. 38

Troy 60, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 59, OT

Wichita Defenders Homeschool 61, Central Christian 44

Wichita Southeast 63, Wichita Bishop Carroll 62

Burlingame 54, Marais des Cygnes Valley 45

Cornerstone Family 41, Topeka Heritage Christian 26

Ell-Saline 59, Hutchinson Central Christian 50

TUESDAY BOYS SCORESAugusta 52, El Dorado 49, OTBV Southwest 71, Tonganoxie 24Beloit 63, Salina Sacred Heart 52Bennington 66, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 32Blue Valley 54, SM Northwest 53Bonner Springs 82, KC Turner 40Central Heights 56, Osawatomie 36Chanute 47, Paola 31Chase 58, Natoma 45Cherryvale 70, Neodesha 39Dighton 57, Otis-Bison 36Ellinwood 55, Minneapolis 36Ellsworth 47, Plainville 42Emporia 41, Manhattan 39Frontenac 64, Pittsburg Colgan 44Galena 47, Columbus 40Garden City 63, Goodland 55Girard 43, Fort Scott 38Greeley County 62, Cheyenne Wells, Colo. 38Hanover 71, Washington County 53Highland Park 76, Eudora 45Hill City 63, Smith Center 33Hoisington 61, Phillipsburg 46Hoxie 43, Russell 38Hugoton 69, Scott City 36Hutchinson 55, Derby 50KC Bishop Ward 75, Cair Paravel 55KC Piper 51, Leavenworth 38Kapaun Mount Carmel 69, Wichita North 40La Crosse 59, St. John 34Lakeside 59, Lincoln 41Lawrence Free State 63, SM North 38Lyndon 59, Heritage Christian 56Madison/Hamilton 60, Waverly 43Maize South 63, Goddard 30McPherson 51, Andale 36Mulvane 58, Clearwater 37Olpe 96, Southern Coffey 7Osage City 61, Ottawa 58Osborne 69, Wilson 52Rawlins County 62, Logan/Palco 47Rock Hills 41, Tescott 31Silver Lake 81, Santa Fe Trail 62Smoky Valley 50, Hutchinson Trinity 43Solomon 65, Flint Hills Christian 31Southeast Saline 75, Republic County 23St. Mary's Academy 70, Topeka 60Sylvan-Lucas 57, Southern Cloud 44Thunder Ridge 64, Pike Valley 45Topeka West 65, Basehor-Linwood 59Troy 60, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 59, OTVictoria 46, Ellis 31Wamego 70, Council Grove 40Weskan 68, Heartland Christian 34Wichita Defenders Homeschool 61, Central Christian 44Wichita Heights 67, Wichita Northwest 42Wichita South 49, Wichita West 47Wichita Southeast 63, Wichita Bishop Carroll 62SPIAA TournamentConsolationAshland 45, Ingalls 41Satanta 52, Spearville 51QuarterfinalKiowa County 64, Hodgeman County 57Meade 62, Bucklin 51Pawnee Heights 56, Minneola 48South Gray 48, South Central 42TUESDAY GIRLS SCORESArkansas City 36, Winfield 30Atchison County 63, Atchison 39BV Southwest 56, Tonganoxie 26Burlingame 54, Marais des Cygnes Valley 45Chase 49, Natoma 37Clifton-Clyde 57, Linn 51Cornerstone Family 41, Topeka Heritage Christian 26Deerfield 53, Western Plains 41Dighton 61, Otis-Bison 49Ell-Saline 59, Hutchinson Central Christian 50Ellis 55, Victoria 40Ellsworth 57, Plainville 25Eureka 66, Caney Valley 33Fairfield 62, Stafford 20Fort Scott 49, Girard 34Galena 47, Columbus 39Goodland 67, Garden City 45Greeley County 62, Cheyenne Wells, Colo. 38Heritage Christian 49, Lyndon 35Highland Park 56, Eudora 50Hugoton 59, Scott City 50Inman 47, Belle Plaine 34Kapaun Mount Carmel 42, Wichita North 33Lakeside 64, Lincoln 27Lebo 58, Hartford 16Madison/Hamilton 60, Waverly 43Minneapolis 46, Ellinwood 20Neodesha 41, Cherryvale 30Northern Valley 56, Stockton 44Norwich 54, Cunningham 12Osborne 72, Wilson 49Ottawa 52, Osage City 44Paola 58, Chanute 47Phillipsburg 47, Hoisington 21Pittsburg Colgan 56, Frontenac 41Quinter 47, Golden Plains 44Rawlins County 50, Logan/Palco 24Rock Hills 45, Tescott 25Rural Vista 49, Northern Heights 26Salina Sacred Heart 46, Beloit 43Sedgwick 44, Wichita Defenders Homeschool 25Smith Center 51, Hill City 13Smoky Valley 58, Hutchinson Trinity 27Solomon 36, Flint Hills Christian 28Southeast Saline 47, Republic County 29St. Francis 43, Oberlin-Decatur 34St. John 44, La Crosse 33St. John's Beloit-Tipton 48, Bennington 41St. Mary's 61, Lafayette (St. Joseph), Mo. 50Sylvan-Lucas 43, Southern Cloud 17Thunder Ridge 44, Pike Valley 30Troy 48, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 31University Academy, Mo. 73, KC Sumner 17Wakefield 58, BV Randolph 55, 2OTWallace County 71, Triplains-Brewster 19Wamego 70, Council Grove 19Wellington 72, Wichita Campus 6Wichita Bishop Carroll 45, Wichita Southeast 42Wichita Heights 56, Wichita Northwest 21Wichita Sunrise 43, Wichita Defenders Homeschool 13

Tuesday Statewide Scores

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jaren Holmes matched his season high with 23 points as No. 12 Iowa State held on to beat No. 5 Kansas State 80-76 on Tuesday night.

The Cyclones (15-4, 6-2 Big 12) moved into a three-way tie atop the conference standings with the Wildcats and Texas.

Iowa State shot 57.1% — including 62.5% in the second half — and scored 25 points off turnovers.

“It felt like as much as any game this year ... it was our guys being so connected,” Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “And just making plays for one another.”

Gabe Kalscheur added 19 points for Iowa State. Osun Osunniyi finished with 16.

Markquis Nowell led Kansas State (17-3, 6-2) with 23 points.

“I thought this was just an unbelievable Big 12 game,” Kanas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The environment was incredible."

A 3-pointer from Holmes gave Iowa State a 59-49 advantage with 8:12 remaining. Kansas State responded with a 10-1 run to trim the margin to 60-59.

Caleb Grill's 3-pointer steadied the Cyclones and pushed the lead back to 63-59 with five minutes left.

“Jaren was dynamite on both ends,” Otzelberger said. “I thought defensively he had a really good game.”

Free throws by Osunniyi, Grill and Holmes sealed the victory in the final 24 seconds.

“It's truly a blessing,” Holmes said after jogging off the Hilton Coliseum floor. “I treasure every moment that I have in this great arena, and every opportunity I have to witness Hilton magic.”

The first half featured eight lead changes and ended with Kansas State up 33-31.

A 3-pointer by Kalscheur ignited an early 9-0 run for the Cyclones and helped them build a 19-14 lead. Iowa State made just one of nine 3-point tries in the first 20 minutes.

Kansas State was trying to extend its best start to a season since 1961-62.

Iowa State improved to 11-0 at home. The Cyclones have not lost back-to-back games this season.

Kansas State hosts Florida on Saturday as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

Iowa State travels to Missouri on Saturday.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jaren Holmes matched his season high with 23 points as No. 12 Iowa State held on to beat No. 5 Kansas State 80-76 on Tuesday night.The Cyclones (15-4, 6-2 Big 12) moved into a three-way tie atop the conference standings with the Wildcats and Texas.Iowa State shot 57.1% — including 62.5% in the second half — and scored 25 points off turnovers.“It felt like as much as any game this year ... it was our guys being so connected,” Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “And just making plays for one another.”Gabe Kalscheur added 19 points for Iowa State. Osun Osunniyi finished with 16.Markquis Nowell led Kansas State (17-3, 6-2) with 23 points.“I thought this was just an unbelievable Big 12 game,” Kanas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The environment was incredible."A 3-pointer from Holmes gave Iowa State a 59-49 advantage with 8:12 remaining. Kansas State responded with a 10-1 run to trim the margin to 60-59.Caleb Grill's 3-pointer steadied the Cyclones and pushed the lead back to 63-59 with five minutes left.Holmes finished 8-of-11 shooting.“Jaren was dynamite on both ends,” Otzelberger said. “I thought defensively he had a really good game.”Free throws by Osunniyi, Grill and Holmes sealed the victory in the final 24 seconds.“It's truly a blessing,” Holmes said after jogging off the Hilton Coliseum floor. “I treasure every moment that I have in this great arena, and every opportunity I have to witness Hilton magic.”The first half featured eight lead changes and ended with Kansas State up 33-31.A 3-pointer by Kalscheur ignited an early 9-0 run for the Cyclones and helped them build a 19-14 lead. Iowa State made just one of nine 3-point tries in the first 20 minutes.BIG PICTUREKansas State was trying to extend its best start to a season since 1961-62.Iowa State improved to 11-0 at home. The Cyclones have not lost back-to-back games this season.UP NEXTKansas State hosts Florida on Saturday as part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.Iowa State travels to Missouri on Saturday.

No. 12 Iowa State holds on to beat No. 5 Kansas State 80-76

Hoisington Boys 61 Phillipsburg 46; Phillipsburg Girls 47 Hoisington 21

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington Boys 61 Phillipsburg 46; Phillipsburg Girls 47 Hoisington 21<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/t5d1tol1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Jaren Holmes matched his season high with 23 points as No. 12 Iowa
State held on to beat No. 5 Kansas State 80-76. The Cyclones moved
into a three-way tie atop the Big 12 standings with the Wildcats and
Texas. Gabe Kalscheur added 19 points for Iowa State. Osun Osunniyi
finished with 16. Markquis Nowell led Kansas State with 23 points.
Free throws by Osunniyi, Caleb Grill and Holmes sealed the victory in
the final 24 seconds.

FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Mike Miles Jr. scored 23 points and 11th-ranked TCU led
throughout in a 79-52 win over Oklahoma. The Horned Frogs followed up
their 23-point win at then-No. 2 Kansas by scoring the game’s first
11 points back at home. Damion Baugh and Micah Peavy added 13 points
for 16-4 TCU. Emanuel Miller 10 rebounds. C.J. Noland had 11 points
for the 11-9 Sooners, who lost their third game in a row. TCU also
scored the first 11 points after halftime to extend their lead to
55-27.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Marcus Carr scored 21 points and No. 10 Texas earned a regular-season
sweep of Oklahoma State with an 89-75 win Tuesday night. Timmy Allen
scored 17 points and Brock Cunningham scored 15 for Texas which
improved to 17-3 overall and 10-2 under interim head coach Rodney
Terry who took over the team in mid-December. That surge has the
Longhorns in the thick of the Big 12 title chase. Kalib Boone and
John-Michael Wright each scored 18 points to lead Oklahoma State.
Cunningham is typically the Longhorns’ defensive disrupter. He was
5-of-6 shooting with three 3-pointers.

UNDATED (AP) —
Conference races across the country are getting tight as the regular
season winds toward the finish. The Big 12 and Southeastern
conferences will take a break from league games on Saturday to play
each other, gifting college basketball fans with some marquee
midseason nonconference games. The 10th SEC/Big 12 Challenge will
feature 10 games between the two conferences, including eight
involving ranked teams. Topping the marquee will be No. 10 Texas at
No. 4 Tennessee.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could have paid Tyreek Hill
handsomely and gone all-in on another championship run. Instead, they
dealt him to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks and some
financial flexibility. In doing so, they took a championship window
that might have lasted a few years and extended it by several more.
It was a difficult choice, though, and one their opponent in Sunday's
AFC title game will soon face. The Bengals intend to pay quarterback
Joe Burrow handsomely as soon as this offseason, and that will mean
tough decisions on free agents such as Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates
III.

STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Oklahoma State has hired Bryan Nardo as defensive
coordinator. He was defensive coordinator at Division II Gannon this
past season. Gannon’s total defense improved from 393.3 yards
allowed per game in 2021 to 287.4. It was the school’s lowest total
surrendered in 20 seasons. Nardo previously was linebackers coach at
Youngstown State for two years. That was after he spent eight years
as defensive coordinator at Emporia State. He was named the Great
Lakes Football Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2011 after
his lone season at Missouri S&amp;T.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Royals have acquired left-hander Josh Taylor from the
Boston Red Sox for injury prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and an
additional player. Tuesday marked the second straight day that Kansas
City dealt one of its surplus position players in a bid to upgraded
its lackluster bullpen. On Monday night, the Royals sent starting
centerfielder Michael A. Taylor to the AL Central-rival Minnesota
Twins for a pair of pitching prospects, Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk,
that could help the big league bullpen as soon as this season.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Slick-fielding third baseman Scott Rolen has been elected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame with five votes to spare above the 75% needed.
The seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner appeared on
297 of 389 ballots cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of
America for 76.3%. He becomes the 18th third baseman elected to the
Hall, the fewest of any position. First baseman Todd Helton was
second with 281 votes for 72.2%, falling 11 votes short, and reliever
Billy Wagner third with 265 for 68.1%. Rolen had a .281 batting
average with 316 homers and 1,287 RBIs with the Phillies, Cardinals,
Blue Jays and Reds from 1996-2012.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672223935757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Jaren Holmes matched his season high with 23 points as No. 12 Iowa
State held on to beat No. 5 Kansas State 80-76. The Cyclones moved
into a three-way tie atop the Big 12 standings with the Wildcats and
Texas. Gabe Kalscheur added 19 points for Iowa State. Osun Osunniyi
finished with 16. Markquis Nowell led Kansas State with 23 points.
Free throws by Osunniyi, Caleb Grill and Holmes sealed the victory in
the final 24 seconds.FORT WORTH, Texas
(AP) — Mike Miles Jr. scored 23 points and 11th-ranked TCU led
throughout in a 79-52 win over Oklahoma. The Horned Frogs followed up
their 23-point win at then-No. 2 Kansas by scoring the game’s first
11 points back at home. Damion Baugh and Micah Peavy added 13 points
for 16-4 TCU. Emanuel Miller 10 rebounds. C.J. Noland had 11 points
for the 11-9 Sooners, who lost their third game in a row. TCU also
scored the first 11 points after halftime to extend their lead to
55-27.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
Marcus Carr scored 21 points and No. 10 Texas earned a regular-season
sweep of Oklahoma State with an 89-75 win Tuesday night. Timmy Allen
scored 17 points and Brock Cunningham scored 15 for Texas which
improved to 17-3 overall and 10-2 under interim head coach Rodney
Terry who took over the team in mid-December. That surge has the
Longhorns in the thick of the Big 12 title chase. Kalib Boone and
John-Michael Wright each scored 18 points to lead Oklahoma State.
Cunningham is typically the Longhorns’ defensive disrupter. He was
5-of-6 shooting with three 3-pointers.UNDATED (AP) —
Conference races across the country are getting tight as the regular
season winds toward the finish. The Big 12 and Southeastern
conferences will take a break from league games on Saturday to play
each other, gifting college basketball fans with some marquee
midseason nonconference games. The 10th SEC/Big 12 Challenge will
feature 10 games between the two conferences, including eight
involving ranked teams. Topping the marquee will be No. 10 Texas at
No. 4 Tennessee.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could have paid Tyreek Hill
handsomely and gone all-in on another championship run. Instead, they
dealt him to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks and some
financial flexibility. In doing so, they took a championship window
that might have lasted a few years and extended it by several more.
It was a difficult choice, though, and one their opponent in Sunday's
AFC title game will soon face. The Bengals intend to pay quarterback
Joe Burrow handsomely as soon as this offseason, and that will mean
tough decisions on free agents such as Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates
III.STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Oklahoma State has hired Bryan Nardo as defensive
coordinator. He was defensive coordinator at Division II Gannon this
past season. Gannon’s total defense improved from 393.3 yards
allowed per game in 2021 to 287.4. It was the school’s lowest total
surrendered in 20 seasons. Nardo previously was linebackers coach at
Youngstown State for two years. That was after he spent eight years
as defensive coordinator at Emporia State. He was named the Great
Lakes Football Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2011 after
his lone season at Missouri S&amp;T.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Royals have acquired left-hander Josh Taylor from the
Boston Red Sox for injury prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and an
additional player. Tuesday marked the second straight day that Kansas
City dealt one of its surplus position players in a bid to upgraded
its lackluster bullpen. On Monday night, the Royals sent starting
centerfielder Michael A. Taylor to the AL Central-rival Minnesota
Twins for a pair of pitching prospects, Steven Cruz and Evan Sisk,
that could help the big league bullpen as soon as this season.NEW YORK (AP) —
Slick-fielding third baseman Scott Rolen has been elected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame with five votes to spare above the 75% needed.
The seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner appeared on
297 of 389 ballots cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of
America for 76.3%. He becomes the 18th third baseman elected to the
Hall, the fewest of any position. First baseman Todd Helton was
second with 281 votes for 72.2%, falling 11 votes short, and reliever
Billy Wagner third with 265 for 68.1%. Rolen had a .281 batting
average with 316 homers and 1,287 RBIs with the Phillies, Cardinals,
Blue Jays and Reds from 1996-2012.SAN VIGILIO DI
MAREBBE, Italy (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin has won a
record 83rd World Cup race. Shiffrin’s giant slalom victory broke a
tie on the all-time women’s list with former American teammate
Lindsey Vonn. Vonn retired four years ago when injuries cut her
career short. Shiffrin now needs only three more wins to match
Ingemar Stenmark’s overall mark between men and women of 86
victories. Stenmark competed in the 1970s and 80s. Shiffrin says “I
don’t think there are words to explain all the feelings.”
Shiffrin can quickly add to her record total in another giant slalom
at Kronplatz on Wednesday.TUESDAY SCORESTOP-25 COLLEGE
BASKETBALLFinal	(12)Iowa
St.	80	(5)Kansas St.	76	Final	(10)Texas	89	Oklahoma
St.	75	Final	(11)TCU	79	Oklahoma	52	Final	(20)Miami	86	Florida
St.	63	Final	(24)Clemson	72	Georgia
Tech	51NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	116	Chicago	110	Final	New
York	105	Cleveland	103	Final	Miami	98	Boston	95	Final	Denver	99	New
Orleans	98	Final	Washington	127	Dallas	126	Final	Phoenix	128	Charlotte	97	Final	L.A.
Clippers	133	L.A. Lakers	115	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUEFinal
OT	Detroit	3	San Jose	2	Final OT	Los
Angeles	4	Philadelphia	3	Final
OT	Pittsburgh	7	Florida	6	Final	Boston	4	Montreal	2	Final	Tampa
Bay	4	Minnesota	2	Final OT	New
Jersey	3	Vegas	2	Final	Buffalo	5	St.
Louis	3	Final	Nashville	2	Winnipeg	1	Final	Colorado	3	Washington	2	Final	Anaheim	5	Arizona	2	Final	Vancouver	5	Chicago	2