KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer stuck out nine, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run triple and the Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of the Oakland Athletics with an 8-1 victory Sunday.

It was the third sweep of the season for Kansas City. It took until September 20 for the Royals to record their third sweep of the season last year.

Singer (4-2) tossed six innings on one-run ball, giving up six hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. It was the fifth time this season that Singer has stuck out six or more and was one shy of his season high. He has gone at least five innings in every start this season.

“That’s what we were hoping for, the early counts and low pitch counts and making them make decisions," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "Certainly couldn't ask more for that when it comes to efficiency. To have him set the tone like that and get the early lead that’s all we could hope for.”

Pasquantino hit a three-run pinch-hit triple to highlight a four-run sixth inning for the Royals. It was his first career triple in the Majors. Kansas City ended the day with five extra-base hits.

“The nice thing about the Majors is that we have a batting cage close, so from the third inning on, I’m getting hot for that one opportunity," Pasquantino said. “I’m not coming into the game for my speed; I know it’ll be a high-leverage situation, so I was able to do that today.”

Bobby Witt Jr. went 2 for 3 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Maikel Garcia had a two-RBI game and extended a six-game hitting streak. Salvador Perez had a two-hit game with an RBI.

JP Sears (3-3) tossed 4 1/3 innings allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Brent Rooker hit his 11th home run of the season with a three-run shot over the left-field bullpen. He leads the team in the category.

Tyler Soderstrom put the A’s on the board with a two-out double in the fourth. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Soderstorm has a hit in six of nine games. Max Schuemann had a two-hit game.

Trailing 2-1 in the fifth, Oakland had a chance to take the lead with bases loaded with two outs, but Singer ended the inning on a Rooker groundout. Oakland left 10 men on base on 11 hits.

“We have to do a better job of scoring on situations to keep ourselves close late in games,” Rooker said. “We just need to take advantage when we have opportunities. We are just going to keep working. The guys stepping into the box are working hard. We are just going to keep pushing through this tough stretch.”

On a 10-game road trip, the Athletics went 1-9, including an eight-game losing streak. It was also the fourth time Oakland has been swept this season.

“I think the at-bats were better the last two days. We pitched better than we had all series,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Sometimes you get into these ruts where you start hitting well but not pitching and vice versa. You just have to push through them.”

The Athletics head home after a 10-day, tri-city road trip hosting the Rockies beginning on Tuesday night. Aaron Brooks (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will start game one for Oakland. Kansas City continues a six-game homestand with a matchup against Detroit beginning Monday night. Michael Wacha (3-4, 4.71 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716159550190.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brady Singer stuck out nine, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run triple and the Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of the Oakland Athletics with an 8-1 victory Sunday.It was the third sweep of the season for Kansas City. It took until September 20 for the Royals to record their third sweep of the season last year.Singer (4-2) tossed six innings on one-run ball, giving up six hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. It was the fifth time this season that Singer has stuck out six or more and was one shy of his season high. He has gone at least five innings in every start this season.“That’s what we were hoping for, the early counts and low pitch counts and making them make decisions," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "Certainly couldn't ask more for that when it comes to efficiency. To have him set the tone like that and get the early lead that’s all we could hope for.”Pasquantino hit a three-run pinch-hit triple to highlight a four-run sixth inning for the Royals. It was his first career triple in the Majors. Kansas City ended the day with five extra-base hits.“The nice thing about the Majors is that we have a batting cage close, so from the third inning on, I’m getting hot for that one opportunity," Pasquantino said. “I’m not coming into the game for my speed; I know it’ll be a high-leverage situation, so I was able to do that today.”Bobby Witt Jr. went 2 for 3 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Maikel Garcia had a two-RBI game and extended a six-game hitting streak. Salvador Perez had a two-hit game with an RBI.JP Sears (3-3) tossed 4 1/3 innings allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts.Brent Rooker hit his 11th home run of the season with a three-run shot over the left-field bullpen. He leads the team in the category.Tyler Soderstrom put the A’s on the board with a two-out double in the fourth. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Soderstorm has a hit in six of nine games. Max Schuemann had a two-hit game.Trailing 2-1 in the fifth, Oakland had a chance to take the lead with bases loaded with two outs, but Singer ended the inning on a Rooker groundout. Oakland left 10 men on base on 11 hits.“We have to do a better job of scoring on situations to keep ourselves close late in games,” Rooker said. “We just need to take advantage when we have opportunities. We are just going to keep working. The guys stepping into the box are working hard. We are just going to keep pushing through this tough stretch.”On a 10-game road trip, the Athletics went 1-9, including an eight-game losing streak. It was also the fourth time Oakland has been swept this season.“I think the at-bats were better the last two days. We pitched better than we had all series,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Sometimes you get into these ruts where you start hitting well but not pitching and vice versa. You just have to push through them.”UP NEXTThe Athletics head home after a 10-day, tri-city road trip hosting the Rockies beginning on Tuesday night. Aaron Brooks (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will start game one for Oakland. Kansas City continues a six-game homestand with a matchup against Detroit beginning Monday night. Michael Wacha (3-4, 4.71 ERA) will take the mound for the Royals.

Brady Singer strikes out nine, Royals defeat A's 8-4

Wednesday, May 15 Cowley 8, Dodge City 5&nbsp; Barton 5, Hutchinson 3 Johnson County 9, Butler 3 KCK 3, Cloud County 1 Thursday, May 16 Hutchinson 5, Dodge City 4 Butler 9, Cloud County 0 Barton 9, Cowley 8 Johnson County 7, KCK 4 Friday, May 17 Cowley 17, Butler 16 Hutchinson 9, KCK 8 Johnson County 8, Barton 5 Hutchinson 8, Cowley 6 Saturday, May 18&nbsp; Hutchinson 3, Barton 2 (10-innings) Hutchinson 11, Johnson County 8 Sunday, May 19 Johnson County 14, Hutchinson 6

*Johnson County advances to to the NJCAA World Series with a record of 52-11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710859281123.jpeg" alt="2024 NJCAA Plains District (Region VI) Championship, May 15-19 - Eck Stadium - Wichita, KS" />
 <figcaption>2024 NJCAA Plains District (Region VI) Championship, May 15-19 - Eck Stadium - Wichita, KS</figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday, May 15 Cowley 8, Dodge City 5&nbsp; Barton 5, Hutchinson 3 Johnson County 9, Butler 3 KCK 3, Cloud County 1 Thursday, May 16 Hutchinson 5, Dodge City 4 Butler 9, Cloud County 0 Barton 9, Cowley 8 Johnson County 7, KCK 4 Friday, May 17 Cowley 17, Butler 16 Hutchinson 9, KCK 8 Johnson County 8, Barton 5 Hutchinson 8, Cowley 6 Saturday, May 18&nbsp; Hutchinson 3, Barton 2 (10-innings) Hutchinson 11, Johnson County 8 Sunday, May 19 Johnson County 14, Hutchinson 6*Johnson County advances to to the NJCAA World Series with a record of 52-11.

Region 6 Baseball Tournament Scores-Schedule

The Lady Panther swim team capped a successful season with a 23rd-place finish at the Class 5-1A State Swimming and Diving Championships Friday and Saturday in Lenexa. Great Bend landed several swimmers in the consolation finals.

The 200-yard free relay team of junior Josephine Mazouch, freshman Meredith Mazouch, and seniors Sydney Kruckenberg and Emily Hall placed 13th. The team placed 15th in the prelims in 1:51:56, then cut it to 1:49.83 in the consolation finals. Blue Valley Southwest just missed a state meet record to win the gold by more than three seconds in 1:39.89.

Hall placed 11th in the 100 back. Swam 14th in the prelims with a time of 1:06.05, then swam a season-best 1:05.24 in the consolation finals to move into 11th. Andover junior Mari Griffin missed a state meet record by 0.14 seconds for the gold by more than three seconds in 55.29.

The Lady Panther 400 free relay team of Kruckenberg, Hall, Josephine Mazouch, and Darcy Feist placed 12th. The girls swam a 4:06.52 to finish 12th in the prelims. Despite a big cut to 4:03.99 in the consolation finals, Great Bend held that 12th position. Blue Valley Southwest beat the field by more than two seconds in 3:38.86 for the title.

Josephine Mazouch swam a 58.97 in the 100 free to take the 16th and final spot in the consolation finals. She cut that time to 58.75 in that final race to move up to 15th. McPherson senior Danica Brunk won the race by 0.4 seconds in 52.77.

Josephine Mazouch stayed under 27 seconds in the 50 free prelims but her time of 26.83 was half a second behind the final consolation qualifier. She finished 19th overall. Hillsboro sophomore Lauryn Vogt tied a 26-year-old state meet record for the win in 23.77. Hays junior Izabel Schmidt swam second in 24.41.

Hall placed 20th in the 100 fly. Her time of 1:05.68 was three quarters of a second behind the last consolation finals time. Vogt won that race by more than two seconds in 56.02.

Great Bend opened its state swim meet with a 21st-place finish in the 200 medley relay. The team of Kruckenberg, Feist, Meredith Mazouch, and Clarise Snapp entered with a seed time of 2:07.03 but dropped to 2:14.30 in the prelims. A time of 2:04.08 was needed to make the consolation finals, and a 2:00.90 was good enough for the final eight teams. Andover took the title by better than four seconds in 1:52.09.

The Lady Panthers finished with 26 points to place 23rd as a team. Blue Valley Southwest dominated the field with 253 points, followed by Topeka Seaman in second with 147 points, and Lansing with 138.5 points in third.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886359882.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Lady Panther swim team capped a successful season with a 23rd-place finish at the Class 5-1A State Swimming and Diving Championships Friday and Saturday in Lenexa. Great Bend landed several swimmers in the consolation finals.The 200-yard free relay team of junior Josephine Mazouch, freshman Meredith Mazouch, and seniors Sydney Kruckenberg and Emily Hall placed 13th. The team placed 15th in the prelims in 1:51:56, then cut it to 1:49.83 in the consolation finals. Blue Valley Southwest just missed a state meet record to win the gold by more than three seconds in 1:39.89.Hall placed 11th in the 100 back. Swam 14th in the prelims with a time of 1:06.05, then swam a season-best 1:05.24 in the consolation finals to move into 11th. Andover junior Mari Griffin missed a state meet record by 0.14 seconds for the gold by more than three seconds in 55.29.The Lady Panther 400 free relay team of Kruckenberg, Hall, Josephine Mazouch, and Darcy Feist placed 12th. The girls swam a 4:06.52 to finish 12th in the prelims. Despite a big cut to 4:03.99 in the consolation finals, Great Bend held that 12th position. Blue Valley Southwest beat the field by more than two seconds in 3:38.86 for the title.Josephine Mazouch swam a 58.97 in the 100 free to take the 16th and final spot in the consolation finals. She cut that time to 58.75 in that final race to move up to 15th. McPherson senior Danica Brunk won the race by 0.4 seconds in 52.77.Josephine Mazouch stayed under 27 seconds in the 50 free prelims but her time of 26.83 was half a second behind the final consolation qualifier. She finished 19th overall. Hillsboro sophomore Lauryn Vogt tied a 26-year-old state meet record for the win in 23.77. Hays junior Izabel Schmidt swam second in 24.41.Hall placed 20th in the 100 fly. Her time of 1:05.68 was three quarters of a second behind the last consolation finals time. Vogt won that race by more than two seconds in 56.02.Great Bend opened its state swim meet with a 21st-place finish in the 200 medley relay. The team of Kruckenberg, Feist, Meredith Mazouch, and Clarise Snapp entered with a seed time of 2:07.03 but dropped to 2:14.30 in the prelims. A time of 2:04.08 was needed to make the consolation finals, and a 2:00.90 was good enough for the final eight teams. Andover took the title by better than four seconds in 1:52.09.The Lady Panthers finished with 26 points to place 23rd as a team. Blue Valley Southwest dominated the field with 253 points, followed by Topeka Seaman in second with 147 points, and Lansing with 138.5 points in third.

Lady Panther swim team places 23rd at 5-1A state meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 and earned his American League-leading seventh victory as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 5-3 Saturday night.

The Royals improved to 28-19, nine games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2015 season, when they went on to win the World Series. Kansas City also claimed its eighth series win of the season, a mark the Royals didn't reach until mid-September in 2023.

“With this pitching staff, we don't need much,” second baseman Michael Massey said. "When a hitter is on a hot streak, at what point is he just good and not on a hot streak? I feel like that's where we're starting to get as a team. It's not really a streak. We're just playing the way we're supposed to play.

Oakland lost its seventh straight game, the team's longest skid of the season.

Lugo (7-1) allowed two runs on six hits with a walk in 5 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander had his second straight double-digit strikeout game and became the eighth Royals pitcher to accomplish that feat. James McArthur picked up his 11th save.

“The starter's job is to pitch deep into the game,” he said. “When (John) Schreiber's having to go multiple innings and three relievers are used, I feel like the standard should be to pitch deeper and to take the load off (the bullpen).”

"You feel really good that he's going to keep you in it” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. ”His stuff looked really good. The home run pitch was just him not getting the ball where he wanted it.

“This was a good test for Lugo. This was the first night when it was really warm and humid, and you could see that they made him work.”

Ross Stripling (1-8) picked up his league-leading eighth loss. The 34-year-old righty allowed four runs on nine hits with no walks and two strikeouts in five-plus innings.

The Athletics had plenty of chances, pounding out 11 hits, but they only pushed across three runs.

“We just didn't get the big hit,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “They were able to capitalize with two outs. But, offensively, there were better signs.”

The Royals got to Stripling for a pair of runs in the first. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. opened with singles. After the runners advanced to second and third on a groundout, Salvador Perez drove in both with a single to left field.

“I don't care when we score runs,” Quatraro said, “but it's better to get out to a lead. We knew Stripling was going to be tough.”

The Athletics answered in the second. Zack Gelof legged out a double before Seth Brown hit his fourth homer of the season, a 445-foot shot to center field to tie the score.

The Royals regained the lead in the fifth when Vinnie Pasquantino snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a two-out line drive single that scored Garcia. The Royals added to the lead in the sixth on an RBI single by Nelson Velazquez that scored Massey, who led off with a double.

The Athletics closed within a run on an RBI single by Brent Rooker in the seventh. But the Royals got that run back on a leadoff home run by Kyle Isbel, his fourth, in the bottom of the seventh.

The Athletics and Royals will close their three-game series Sunday afternoon. The Athletics will send LHP JP Sears (3-2, 3.96 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Brady Singer (3-2, 2.84 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716130606442.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 and earned his American League-leading seventh victory as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 5-3 Saturday night.The Royals improved to 28-19, nine games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2015 season, when they went on to win the World Series. Kansas City also claimed its eighth series win of the season, a mark the Royals didn't reach until mid-September in 2023.“With this pitching staff, we don't need much,” second baseman Michael Massey said. "When a hitter is on a hot streak, at what point is he just good and not on a hot streak? I feel like that's where we're starting to get as a team. It's not really a streak. We're just playing the way we're supposed to play.“We're just a good team.”Oakland lost its seventh straight game, the team's longest skid of the season.Lugo (7-1) allowed two runs on six hits with a walk in 5 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander had his second straight double-digit strikeout game and became the eighth Royals pitcher to accomplish that feat. James McArthur picked up his 11th save.But Lugo was not satisfied.“The starter's job is to pitch deep into the game,” he said. “When (John) Schreiber's having to go multiple innings and three relievers are used, I feel like the standard should be to pitch deeper and to take the load off (the bullpen).”His manager was much more complimentary."You feel really good that he's going to keep you in it” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. ”His stuff looked really good. The home run pitch was just him not getting the ball where he wanted it.“This was a good test for Lugo. This was the first night when it was really warm and humid, and you could see that they made him work.”Ross Stripling (1-8) picked up his league-leading eighth loss. The 34-year-old righty allowed four runs on nine hits with no walks and two strikeouts in five-plus innings.The Athletics had plenty of chances, pounding out 11 hits, but they only pushed across three runs.“We just didn't get the big hit,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “They were able to capitalize with two outs. But, offensively, there were better signs.”The Royals got to Stripling for a pair of runs in the first. Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. opened with singles. After the runners advanced to second and third on a groundout, Salvador Perez drove in both with a single to left field.“I don't care when we score runs,” Quatraro said, “but it's better to get out to a lead. We knew Stripling was going to be tough.”The Athletics answered in the second. Zack Gelof legged out a double before Seth Brown hit his fourth homer of the season, a 445-foot shot to center field to tie the score.The Royals regained the lead in the fifth when Vinnie Pasquantino snapped an 0-for-14 slump with a two-out line drive single that scored Garcia. The Royals added to the lead in the sixth on an RBI single by Nelson Velazquez that scored Massey, who led off with a double.The Athletics closed within a run on an RBI single by Brent Rooker in the seventh. But the Royals got that run back on a leadoff home run by Kyle Isbel, his fourth, in the bottom of the seventh.UP NEXT:The Athletics and Royals will close their three-game series Sunday afternoon. The Athletics will send LHP JP Sears (3-2, 3.96 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Brady Singer (3-2, 2.84 ERA).

Seth Lugo claims AL-leading 7th win as the Royals beat A's 5-3

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang made another key addition to his team for the 2024-25 season with the signing of NJCAA All-American guard Chimobi (Mobi) Ikegwuruka(Galway, Ireland/Ellsworth [Iowa] Community College) to a Financial Aid Agreement on Friday afternoon (May 17).

The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard who has experience playing internationally, including with the Irish U16 National Team, arrives at K-State after a redshirt freshman season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 2023-24. He averaged a double-double (19.0 ppg., 10.3 rpg.) in leading the Panthers to a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Division II Championship with a 29-8 record. It was the school's first national tournament appearance in 38 seasons and their highest national finish since 1977 when they placed third.

"It's always a great day to be a Wildcat and we're excited to welcome Mobi and his family to K-State," said head coach Jerome Tang. "He is an athletic wing who is a big-time acrobatic finisher that will be exciting to watch in the open court. He is also a versatile defender who can switch and guard 1-4. He has significant international experience with 3 years of eligibility remaining. Our fan base will love getting to know Mobi, who speaks four languages fluently and has a variety of interests including fashion and photography."

Ikegwuruka was a 2024 NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American and a First Team All-Region XI performer at Ellsworth, playing for head coach Bryan Bender. He played in 21 games with 13 starts for the Panthers, averaging 19.0 points on 59.4 percent (155-of-261) shooting, including 50 percent (3-of-6) from 3-point range, to go with 10.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists in 26.9 minutes per game. He led the team in several categories, including scoring, field goal percentage, rebounding, steals and blocks.

In addition to his All-America and All-Region honors, Ikegwuruka was named a Fab 50 Freshman by JUCORecruiting.com.

Ikegwuruka scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a career-high 27 points on 10-of-16 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws at Western Iowa Tech on Dec. 9, 2023. He rattled off seven consecutive 20-point games to end the regular season. He also collected 10 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Monroe Community College and Milwaukee Area Tech at the NJCAA Division II Championship. He posted 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Milwaukee Area Tech that sent Ellsworth to the Final Four for the first time since 1977.

Ikegwuruka nearly averaged a double-double in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) play, posting 19.3 points on 58.8 percent (120-of-204) shooting with 9.8 rebounds per game.

Ikegwuruka has a variety of international experience, having played for the Irish U16 National Team at the 2019 FIBA European U16 Championships as well as for two club teams in the Czech Republic. In 8 games at the FIBA U16 Championships, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.4 assists in 23.1 minutes per game. He scored in double figures in 4 games, including 25 points against the Republic of Georgia on August 9, 2019. He followed that with a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) against Portugal on August 10, 2019.

Ikegwuruka played for Czech U19 squads – GBA Lions Jindrichuv Hradec and Sojky Pelhrimov – as well as the main GBA Lions in the 1Liga from 2020-23. He played in 51 games for GBA Lions, Sojky P and Pelhrimov at various levels from 2020-22 with 44 of those 51 games coming during the 2021-22 season. His best stretch came in 13 games with Pelhrimov, averaging 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.8 steals in 26.4 minutes per game.

Ikeywuruka played in 7 games for the GBA Lions Jindrichuv Hradec in the 1Liga in 2022-23, averaging 14.1 points on 55.1 percent (38-of-69) shooting with 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 21.7 minutes per game. He produced 3 20-point games, including a season-best 28 points against SP Basket on 11-of-13 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws on Dec. 9, 2022, to go with 3 double-doubles.  

Ikegwuruka is the seventh player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the first junior college player. He joins Division I transfers Dug McDaniel(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan), Christian (C.J.) Jones(East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC), Max Jones(Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater/University of Tampa/Cal State Fullerton), Brendan Hausen(Amarillo, Texas/Amarillo/Villanova) and Baye Fall(Dakar, Senegal/ Accelerated Prep [Colo.]/Arkansas). The six transfers join top-50 high school prospect David Castillo(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed during the early signing period on Nov. 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716049307873.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang made another key addition to his team for the 2024-25 season with the signing of NJCAA All-American guard Chimobi (Mobi) Ikegwuruka(Galway, Ireland/Ellsworth [Iowa] Community College) to a Financial Aid Agreement on Friday afternoon (May 17).The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard who has experience playing internationally, including with the Irish U16 National Team, arrives at K-State after a redshirt freshman season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 2023-24. He averaged a double-double (19.0 ppg., 10.3 rpg.) in leading the Panthers to a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Division II Championship with a 29-8 record. It was the school's first national tournament appearance in 38 seasons and their highest national finish since 1977 when they placed third."It's always a great day to be a Wildcat and we're excited to welcome Mobi and his family to K-State," said head coach Jerome Tang. "He is an athletic wing who is a big-time acrobatic finisher that will be exciting to watch in the open court. He is also a versatile defender who can switch and guard 1-4. He has significant international experience with 3 years of eligibility remaining. Our fan base will love getting to know Mobi, who speaks four languages fluently and has a variety of interests including fashion and photography."Ikegwuruka was a 2024 NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American and a First Team All-Region XI performer at Ellsworth, playing for head coach Bryan Bender. He played in 21 games with 13 starts for the Panthers, averaging 19.0 points on 59.4 percent (155-of-261) shooting, including 50 percent (3-of-6) from 3-point range, to go with 10.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists in 26.9 minutes per game. He led the team in several categories, including scoring, field goal percentage, rebounding, steals and blocks.In addition to his All-America and All-Region honors, Ikegwuruka was named a Fab 50 Freshman by JUCORecruiting.com.Ikegwuruka scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a career-high 27 points on 10-of-16 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws at Western Iowa Tech on Dec. 9, 2023. He rattled off seven consecutive 20-point games to end the regular season. He also collected 10 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Monroe Community College and Milwaukee Area Tech at the NJCAA Division II Championship. He posted 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Milwaukee Area Tech that sent Ellsworth to the Final Four for the first time since 1977.Ikegwuruka nearly averaged a double-double in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) play, posting 19.3 points on 58.8 percent (120-of-204) shooting with 9.8 rebounds per game.Ikegwuruka has a variety of international experience, having played for the Irish U16 National Team at the 2019 FIBA European U16 Championships as well as for two club teams in the Czech Republic. In 8 games at the FIBA U16 Championships, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.4 assists in 23.1 minutes per game. He scored in double figures in 4 games, including 25 points against the Republic of Georgia on August 9, 2019. He followed that with a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) against Portugal on August 10, 2019.Ikegwuruka played for Czech U19 squads – GBA Lions Jindrichuv Hradec and Sojky Pelhrimov – as well as the main GBA Lions in the 1Liga from 2020-23. He played in 51 games for GBA Lions, Sojky P and Pelhrimov at various levels from 2020-22 with 44 of those 51 games coming during the 2021-22 season. His best stretch came in 13 games with Pelhrimov, averaging 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.8 steals in 26.4 minutes per game.Ikeywuruka played in 7 games for the GBA Lions Jindrichuv Hradec in the 1Liga in 2022-23, averaging 14.1 points on 55.1 percent (38-of-69) shooting with 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 21.7 minutes per game. He produced 3 20-point games, including a season-best 28 points against SP Basket on 11-of-13 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws on Dec. 9, 2022, to go with 3 double-doubles. Ikegwuruka is the seventh player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the first junior college player. He joins Division I transfers Dug McDaniel(Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan), Christian (C.J.) Jones(East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC), Max Jones(Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater/University of Tampa/Cal State Fullerton), Brendan Hausen(Amarillo, Texas/Amarillo/Villanova) and Baye Fall(Dakar, Senegal/ Accelerated Prep [Colo.]/Arkansas). The six transfers join top-50 high school prospect David Castillo(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed during the early signing period on Nov. 8.

Tang Signs JUCO All-American Mobi Ikegwuruka

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The proposed massive renovation of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium has been downsized for the time being, meaning the south end of the stadium won't be torn down after the 2024 season as originally planned, athletic director Troy Dannen said in a statement Friday.

Former athletic director Trev Alberts in 2022 announced an estimated $450 million project to update the 100-year-old stadium. The first phase would have temporarily removed nearly 25,000 seats for the 2025 season while a new south-end section was built.

Dannen's revised plan would address the east and west sides of the stadium, and work would begin no sooner than after the 2025 season. Bleacher seating would be replaced with chairbacks in some, if not all, sections and other amenities would be added. Renovations on the south end are in the long-range plan but there is no timetable.

“We are all aligned on the need to modernize our aging stadium," Dannen said. “But as we have said, any work we do needs to follow our guiding principles. First, it needs to help us win. Second, it needs to advance our goals for acquisition and retention of talent. Third, and equally importantly, it must preserve our financial stability — one of the greatest assets of Husker Athletics.”

A comprehensive funding plan has not been announced, though Alberts said he expected private dollars would be used for a substantial portion of the project.

Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit. The proposed settlement of House vs. the NCAA would require Power Five schools to spend $20 million per year on athlete compensation.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The proposed massive renovation of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium has been downsized for the time being, meaning the south end of the stadium won't be torn down after the 2024 season as originally planned, athletic director Troy Dannen said in a statement Friday.Former athletic director Trev Alberts in 2022 announced an estimated $450 million project to update the 100-year-old stadium. The first phase would have temporarily removed nearly 25,000 seats for the 2025 season while a new south-end section was built.Dannen's revised plan would address the east and west sides of the stadium, and work would begin no sooner than after the 2025 season. Bleacher seating would be replaced with chairbacks in some, if not all, sections and other amenities would be added. Renovations on the south end are in the long-range plan but there is no timetable.“We are all aligned on the need to modernize our aging stadium," Dannen said. “But as we have said, any work we do needs to follow our guiding principles. First, it needs to help us win. Second, it needs to advance our goals for acquisition and retention of talent. Third, and equally importantly, it must preserve our financial stability — one of the greatest assets of Husker Athletics.”A comprehensive funding plan has not been announced, though Alberts said he expected private dollars would be used for a substantial portion of the project.Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit. The proposed settlement of House vs. the NCAA would require Power Five schools to spend $20 million per year on athlete compensation.

Nebraska football stadium renovation is scaled back for now

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings, Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia homered and the Kansas City Royals beat Oakland 6-2 on Friday night to extend the Athletics losing streak to a season-high six.

Ragans (3-3) walked two and struck out seven, rebounding from a 9-3 loss at the Los Angeles Angels when he allowed seven runs and eight hits. He has three scoreless starts of at least six innings this season.

Chris Stratton and Matt Sauers finished the four-hitter, the ninth time Oakland has been held to four hits or fewer.

Oakland has been outscored 36-6 during its losing streak, which dropped the A's to 19-28.

“We just need to continue to grind at-bats out and find some offense,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said.

Kansas City went ahead in the first when Salvador Perez hit a two-out, run-scoring infield single. Perez was called out by first base umpire Ryan Additon, but a video review ruled Perez beat the throw from third baseman Brett Harris.

Massey hit a two-run homer off Austin Adams and Maikel Garcia a three-run drive against Brandon Bielak in a five-run sixth.

“We were only up 1-0 going into that inning so that was huge,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Massey gets the homer and things went from there, it was a huge spot in the game.”

Mitch Spence (3-2) gave up one run and five hits in 4 2/3 innings.

“I thought he did a nice job tonight,” Kotsay said. “To only give up one run over 4 2/3 innings and throw 75 pitches, that's a great outing and what was expected. I thought he'd be able to do that.”

Shea Langeliers hit a two-run homer off Sauers in the ninth, his 10th this season.

Oakland activated Bielak, a day after he was acquired from Houston for cash. LHP Hogan Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

RHP Ross Stripling (1-7, 4.98 ERA) takes the mound for Oakland on Saturday while Kansas City starts RHP Seth Lugo (6-1, 1.66),

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716047993349.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Friday, May 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Friday, May 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings, Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia homered and the Kansas City Royals beat Oakland 6-2 on Friday night to extend the Athletics losing streak to a season-high six.Ragans (3-3) walked two and struck out seven, rebounding from a 9-3 loss at the Los Angeles Angels when he allowed seven runs and eight hits. He has three scoreless starts of at least six innings this season.Chris Stratton and Matt Sauers finished the four-hitter, the ninth time Oakland has been held to four hits or fewer.Oakland has been outscored 36-6 during its losing streak, which dropped the A's to 19-28.“We just need to continue to grind at-bats out and find some offense,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said.Kansas City went ahead in the first when Salvador Perez hit a two-out, run-scoring infield single. Perez was called out by first base umpire Ryan Additon, but a video review ruled Perez beat the throw from third baseman Brett Harris.Massey hit a two-run homer off Austin Adams and Maikel Garcia a three-run drive against Brandon Bielak in a five-run sixth.“We were only up 1-0 going into that inning so that was huge,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Massey gets the homer and things went from there, it was a huge spot in the game.”Mitch Spence (3-2) gave up one run and five hits in 4 2/3 innings.“I thought he did a nice job tonight,” Kotsay said. “To only give up one run over 4 2/3 innings and throw 75 pitches, that's a great outing and what was expected. I thought he'd be able to do that.”Shea Langeliers hit a two-run homer off Sauers in the ninth, his 10th this season.ROSTER MOVESOakland activated Bielak, a day after he was acquired from Houston for cash. LHP Hogan Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.UP NEXTRHP Ross Stripling (1-7, 4.98 ERA) takes the mound for Oakland on Saturday while Kansas City starts RHP Seth Lugo (6-1, 1.66),

Ragans throws 7 scoreless innings as Royals win 6-2

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nichol joins the show to put Regional Baseball and Softball to bed and to preview next week's State Tournaments that will include the Great Bend Lady Panthers in Softball and the Hoisington Cardinals in Baseball.

- Mike Courson has a complete wrap-up of Thursday 5A Regional Track Meet in Great Bend and will visit with a few of the Panthers that will compete at next week's State Track Meet in Wichita.

- An update on the Barton Baseball Cougars in the Region 6 Tournament in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZWT1qe4epKU?si=prKh0eZZ5E217upu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nichol joins the show to put Regional Baseball and Softball to bed and to preview next week's State Tournaments that will include the Great Bend Lady Panthers in Softball and the Hoisington Cardinals in Baseball.- Mike Courson has a complete wrap-up of Thursday 5A Regional Track Meet in Great Bend and will visit with a few of the Panthers that will compete at next week's State Track Meet in Wichita.- An update on the Barton Baseball Cougars in the Region 6 Tournament in Wichita.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24 hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/masters-2024-augusta-national-8f9bcddc2f3c8aa4298a83c016286918">Masters champion Scottie Scheffler</a>&nbsp;was arrested Friday morning on his way to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scottie-scheffler-pga-championship-dc43b1facb4b7c5e6a8c9b29159a6ae2">PGA Championship</a>, with stunning images showing him handcuffed as he was taken to jail for not following police orders during a pedestrian fatality investigation.

In a span of four hours, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scottie-scheffler-tiger-woods-players-championship-387cadc831f8bf7f63e00673166d6add">top-ranked golfer</a>&nbsp;in the world was arrested wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt, dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, stretched in a jail cell to stay loose and returned to Valhalla Golf Club dressed and ready for his 10:08 a.m. tee time.

Louisville Metro Police Department said Scheffler was booked on four charges, including second-degree assault of a police officer after his vehicle dragged an officer to the ground.

Scheffler said the incident was a “big misunderstanding amid a chaotic situation.”

“I feel like my head is still spinning. I can't really explain what happened this morning,” Scheffler said after remarkably posting another 5-under 66 that kept him in the mix for a second straight major championship.

He said he could not offer specifics on the arrest because it was under investigation. In a statement released before his round, he said never intended to disregard police instructions outside the entrance to the club.

“I definitely never imagined ever going to jail, and I definitely never imagined going to jail the morning before one of my tee times for sure,” Scheffler said. “I was grateful to be able to go out there and compete and yeah, it was definitely a nice round of golf.”

His attorney, Steve Romines in Louisville, also described it as a misunderstanding and told The Associated Press, “We will litigate the case as it goes.”

Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg said tournament vendor John Mills was the pedestrian killed and offered sympathies to his family. Greenberg also said the incident involving Scheffler and LMPD was “unfortunate” and that the police department was investigating.

Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road that leads to Valhalla in the morning darkness with light rain, with dozens of police vehicles flashing red-and-blue lights near the entrance.

Police approached the long line of cars waiting to say a pedestrian had been struck by a bus while crossing the road in a lane that was dedicated to tournament traffic.

Mills, 69, was working for a PGA Championship vendor. He was pronounced dead at the scene about 5:09 a.m.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington witnessed the incident and said Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world who was to start the second round at 8:48 a.m., drove past a police officer a little after 6 a.m. in his SUV with markings on the door indicating it was a PGA Championship vehicle.

The officer screamed at him to stop and then grabbed onto the car until Scheffler stopped about 10 yards later, Darlington said. The officer, identified in the arrest report as Det. Gillis, was dragged “to the ground” and suffered “pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist” after the car “accelerated forward,” according to Louisville police.

Scheffler was booked at 7:28 a.m. — about 2 1/2 hours before his updated tee time after the second round was delayed because of the fatality. In addition to the assault charge, he was booked on charges of third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

“The main thing is he was proceeding exactly as he was directed in a marked vehicle with credentials," Romines said. “He didn’t do anything intentionally wrong.”

The officer was dressed in a high visibility reflective jacket when he stopped Scheffler’s car to give instructions, the arrest sheet said. Gillis was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

Darlington said police pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs.

“Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back, in handcuffs, very stunned about what was happening, looked toward me as he was in those handcuffs and said, ‘Please help me,’" Darlington said. “He very clearly did not know what was happening in the situation. It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively.”

Scheffler was released by police and returned to the course at 9:12 a.m. He made his way to the practice area around 9:30 a.m. and was welcomed by fans — one shouted “free Scottie!” and others arrived later wearing “Free Scottie” T-shirts.

Scheffler seemed like his normal, relaxed self, sharing a few laughs on the driving range.

“I was never angry. I was just in shock,” Scheffler said. “I was shaking the whole time. I was shaking for like an hour. It was definitely a new feeling for me.”

He could see from a TV in the jail that tee times were pushed back 1 hour, 20 minutes because of the traffic situation, and realized when an officer knocked on the door and said, “Let's go,” that he had a chance to play.

He made birdie on his first hole of the day after sticking his approach shot to 3 feet.

Darlington, the ESPN reporter, said police were not sure who Scheffler was at first. He said an officer asked him to leave and when he identified himself being with the media, he was told, “There's nothing you can do. He's going to jail.”

Darlington said another police officer later approached with a notepad and asked if he knew the name of the person they put in handcuffs.

Scheffler said he never told police who he was except to say, “I'm sorry, I'm just trying to get to my tee time.”

Louisville police have attracted negative national attention in recent years after the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in 2020 and a federal investigation into its policing practices.

A Department of Justice report released last year said Louisville officers use excessive force and conduct searches based on invalid warrants. The report said Black motorists in Louisville were more likely to be searched during traffic stops, and officers used neck restraints, police dogs and Tasers against people who posed no imminent threat.

Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was shot by officers in who had come to her apartment with a warrant that federal officials later said was falsified.

PGA of America, which runs the PGA Championship, offered sympathies for Mills' family and said in a statement, “As it relates to the incident involving Scottie Scheffler, we are fully cooperating as local authorities review what took place.”

Scheffler is coming off four victories in his last five tournaments, including his second Masters title. He was home in Dallas the last three weeks waiting on the birth of his first child, a son that was born May 8.

Scheffler, who has won four of his last five tournaments, is trying to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.

In a span of four hours, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scottie-scheffler-tiger-woods-players-championship-387cadc831f8bf7f63e00673166d6add">top-ranked golfer</a>&nbsp;in the world was arrested wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt, dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, returned to Valhalla Golf Club in golf clothes and made his 10:08 a.m. second-round tee time.

“This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers,” he said in a statement released as he was warming up on the range. "It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do.

“I never intended to disregard any of the instructions,” he said. “I'm hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today. Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective.”

Police said a pedestrian had been struck by a bus while crossing the road in a lane that was dedicated to tournament traffic and was pronounced dead at the scene about 5:09 a.m. The PGA of America identified the man as an employee of one of its vendors.

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington said Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world who was to start the second round at 8:48 a.m., drove past a police officer a little after 6 a.m. in his SUV with markings on the door indicating it was a PGA Championship vehicle.

The officer screamed at him to stop and then grabbed onto the car until Scheffler stopped about 10 yards later. The officer, identified in the arrest report as Det. Gillis, was dragged “to the ground” and suffered “pain, swelling, and abrasions to his left wrist” after the car “accelerated forward,” according to Louisville police.

Scheffler was booked at 7:28 a.m. — about 2 1/2 hours before his updated tee time after the second round was delayed because of the fatality. Police said he was booked for second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

Darlington watched it unfold. He said police pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs.

Mitchell told Louisville radio station WHAS the man was crossing Shelbyville Road about 5 a.m. and the bus didn't see him. Mitchell said the man was pronounced dead on the scene.

Scheffler was released by police and returned to the course at 9:12 a.m. He made his way to the practice area around 9:30 a.m. and was welcomed by fans — one shouted “free Scottie!”

Scheffler seemed like his normal, relaxed self, sharing a few laughs on the driving range. Then he went out and made a birdie on his first hole of the day after sticking his approach shot to three feet.

With cars backed up in the morning darkness, other PGA-marked vehicles tried to move slowly toward the entrance. Traffic finally began to move gradually a little before 7 a.m.

It was a surreal start to what already has been a wild week of weather — the Masters champion and top-ranked player in the world, dressed in workout clothes with his hands in cuffs behind his back amid flashing flights.

Darlington said police were not sure who Scheffler was. He said an officer asked him to leave and when he identified himself being with the media, he was told, “There's nothing you can do. He's going to jail.”

Scheffler opened with a 4-under 67 and was five shots out of the lead as he tries to become only the fifth player since 1960 to win the first two majors of the year.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested Friday morning on his way to the PGA Championship, with stunning images showing him handcuffed as he was taken to jail for not following police orders during a pedestrian fatality investigation.

In a span of four hours, the top-ranked golfer in the world was arrested wearing gym shorts and a tee shirt, dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, returned to Valhalla Golf Club in golf clothes and made his 10:08 a.m. second-round tee time.

“This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones,” the PGA said in a statement.

The officer screamed at him to stop and then grabbed onto the car until Scheffler stopped about 10 yards later.

Scheffler was booked at 7:28 a.m. — about 2 1/2 hours before he was scheduled to start his second round. Police said he was booked for second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

Louisville Metro police spokesman Dwight Mitchell did not immediately return a call seeking comment and information.

The PGA Championship posted a notice that play would be delayed because of the accident. The second round was to start 1 hour, 20 minutes later than scheduled tee times, meaning Scheffler was not due to start until 10:08 a.m.

In a span of three hours, Scheffler was arrested wearing gym shorts and a tee shirt, was dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, and returned to Valhalla Golf Club in golf clothes 56 minutes before he was to tee off in the second round.

Police said a pedestrian had been struck by a bus while crossing the road in a lane that was dedicated to tournament traffic and was pronounced dead at the scene about 5:09 a.m.

The PGA Championship posted a notice that play would be delayed because of the accident. The second round was to start 1 hour, 20 minutes later than scheduled tee times, meaning Scheffler was not due to start until a little after 10 a.m.

No. 1 golfer in the world charged with assault after officer dragged near fatal crash

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A regional title was out of grasp at Thursday's Class 5A meet at Great Bend High School, but the Panther boys still qualified for state in several events. Hays, Goddard, and Valley Center scored 120, 104, and 103 points, respectively, to run away with things. Goddard-Eisenhower finished a distant fourth with 48 points, and the Panthers scored 35 points for ninth.

Freshman Cooper Ohnmacht continued his reign in the triple jump. The school-record holder in that event at 46-5.5, he missed that mark by a few inches Thursday but still won the regional title at 46-1.5. Valley Center senior Colt Williams finished a foot back of Ohnmacht for the silver as the only other jumper past 45 feet.

The long jump field featured six athletes who went past 21 feet. Williams took the gold by an inch at 21-9.75. Ohnmacht went 0.75 inches further than Goddard's Jaden Cohens for the bronze medal.

The Panther 4x800m relay team of Ismael Ramirez, Diego Pasos, Tavon Stroup, and Braylon Moore also won a regional title, beating Valley Center by nearly three seconds in 8:23.74. Ramirez also qualified for state in the 3200m run, placing second in 10:10.99 to miss the gold by two seconds. Stroup ran eighth in 11:11.56.

Moore ran sixth in the 800m race in 2:02.98 to miss a spot at state by just over a second. Pason placed 10th in 2:09.33, and Alex Galindo finished 12th in 2:12.01. Ramiro Rocho finished 12th in the 400m dash in 56.18 to miss the final state spot by four seconds.

The 300m hurdle race featured the top two racers in Class 5A. Panther junior Ernan Rodriguez posted a season-best 43.08 to finish seventh and miss state by 1.07 seconds.

Sophomore Kellen Brown placed ninth in the triple jump at 38-10.25, four feet from state in a tough field. Sophomore Conner Holliday placed 11th in the discus at 125-5 where a 144-7 was needed to qualify for state. Senior Jorge Pena's shot put throw of 40-4 put him in 19th place, with Holliday following at 39-5.25 for 21st. The final state-qualifying mark was 49-2.

The Kansas State High School Track and Field Championships are scheduled for next Friday and Saturday at Wichita State University's Cessna Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715953287332.jpeg" alt="Panther sophomore Ismael Ramirez was joined by Diego Pasos, Tavon Stroup, and Braylon Moore on the 4x800m relay team that won a regional title. Ramirez also qualified for state in the 3200m run." />
 <figcaption>Panther sophomore Ismael Ramirez was joined by Diego Pasos, Tavon Stroup, and Braylon Moore on the 4x800m relay team that won a regional title. Ramirez also qualified for state in the 3200m run.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA regional title was out of grasp at Thursday's Class 5A meet at Great Bend High School, but the Panther boys still qualified for state in several events. Hays, Goddard, and Valley Center scored 120, 104, and 103 points, respectively, to run away with things. Goddard-Eisenhower finished a distant fourth with 48 points, and the Panthers scored 35 points for ninth.Freshman Cooper Ohnmacht continued his reign in the triple jump. The school-record holder in that event at 46-5.5, he missed that mark by a few inches Thursday but still won the regional title at 46-1.5. Valley Center senior Colt Williams finished a foot back of Ohnmacht for the silver as the only other jumper past 45 feet.The long jump field featured six athletes who went past 21 feet. Williams took the gold by an inch at 21-9.75. Ohnmacht went 0.75 inches further than Goddard's Jaden Cohens for the bronze medal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715953387114.jpeg" alt="Panther freshman Cooper Ohnmacht won a regional title in the triple jump and also qualified for state in the long jump." />
 <figcaption>Panther freshman Cooper Ohnmacht won a regional title in the triple jump and also qualified for state in the long jump.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Panther 4x800m relay team of Ismael Ramirez, Diego Pasos, Tavon Stroup, and Braylon Moore also won a regional title, beating Valley Center by nearly three seconds in 8:23.74. Ramirez also qualified for state in the 3200m run, placing second in 10:10.99 to miss the gold by two seconds. Stroup ran eighth in 11:11.56.Moore ran sixth in the 800m race in 2:02.98 to miss a spot at state by just over a second. Pason placed 10th in 2:09.33, and Alex Galindo finished 12th in 2:12.01. Ramiro Rocho finished 12th in the 400m dash in 56.18 to miss the final state spot by four seconds.The 300m hurdle race featured the top two racers in Class 5A. Panther junior Ernan Rodriguez posted a season-best 43.08 to finish seventh and miss state by 1.07 seconds.Sophomore Kellen Brown placed ninth in the triple jump at 38-10.25, four feet from state in a tough field. Sophomore Conner Holliday placed 11th in the discus at 125-5 where a 144-7 was needed to qualify for state. Senior Jorge Pena's shot put throw of 40-4 put him in 19th place, with Holliday following at 39-5.25 for 21st. The final state-qualifying mark was 49-2.The Kansas State High School Track and Field Championships are scheduled for next Friday and Saturday at Wichita State University's Cessna Stadium.

Ohnmacht, Panther 4x8 team claim regional championships

The Lady Panther track and field team's run of three-straight Class 5A regional titles was in jeopardy heading into Thursday's regional on the new track at Great Bend High School. The Lady Panthers led Salina Central by just half a point heading into the final race of the evening. With no real threat from the Mustang 4x400m relay, Great Bend cruised in one of its signature events to secure the regional title with 95 points. Central scored 86.5 points for second, and Hays placed third with 81.5 points.

Great Bend's 4x4 team of Eliana Beckham, Reese Bullard, Sadie Spray, and Daizy Gomez cut six seconds off a season-best, running the second-fastest time in Class 5A this year to win the gold by seven seconds in 4:04.38.

The school record in the 800m run, set in 1992, was 2:19 heading into that race Thursday evening. Salina Central freshman Kaylie Shultz ran her fastest race of the season to win in 2:15.88. Beckham cut nearly three seconds off a personal best to reset the GBHS record in 2:17.82. Salina South's Ava Lemaster finished just 0.03s later, and Bullard also ran under school-record time in the photo finish to place fourth in 2:17.92. The fifth-place runner crossed in 2:32.18, and Lady Panther sophomore Sienna Smith finished sixth in 2:32.99.

Great Bend qualified members to state in all the distance events. That started in the 4x800m relay as the team of Beckham, Bullard, Bella Long, and Kate Welcher cruised to a 10-second win over Valley Center in 10:18.60.

The Lady Panthers picked up another regional title via senior Macy Nachtigal in the javelin. The No. 1 thrower in Class 5A virtually all season, the school-record holder came up a little shy of that mark but still beat the field by four feet at 131-0. Second-ranked Rylen Harrington of Hays placed third at 121-4.

Salina Central's Shultz and Katelyn Rupe were expected to qualify in the 1600m and 3200m races and took the top two spots in both races. Lady Panther senior Addy Nicholson chased Rupe to a school-record 5:13.11 in the 1600m run at last year's regional. Thursday, Nicholson ran just off that mark, shaving seven seconds off a season-best for the bronze in 5:14.57. Smith took the final state spot by 12 seconds in 5:23.55, a season-best by seven seconds.

Rupe and Schultz are both ranked in the top 13 all-time in Kansas in the 3200m run. As they ran ahead of the field, Nicholson and junior Marissa Boone finished side by side in 12:09.42 and 12:09.91 to punch their tickets to state. Senior Morgan Beckwith ran fifth in 12:25.48.

Spray heads back to state in the 300m hurdles after a second-place finish in 47.50, more than a second faster than her best time of the season. Salina South's Tamia Cheeks won the title in 47.20. Spray was on the bubble entering the 100m hurdle race. She made the finals with a season-best 16.39 and fell to 16.56 for place fifth in the finals. Newton's Anai Fernandez took the final state spot in the tough field in 16.20.

The high jump featured several state placers from a year ago, including reigning runner-up Katie Linenberger of Hays, who entered Thursday as the class leader at 5-6. She failed to get a clearance to end her season. For a second straight week, Spray cleared 5-4 for the silver medal. Junior Cassie Ellegood heads back to state after a fourth-place finish at 5-0.

Sophomore Allie Gerhart went up against a loaded field in the shot put. Her best throw entering the meet was 35-8. The extra half foot she found Thursday was the difference between her third-place finish at 36-2 and the end of her season.

Cheeks had a banner day for South with regional titles in both hurdle events, the high jump, and the triple jump. Lady Panther junior Kara Feist made the triple jump finals where she placed fifth at 33-9.5 to miss the state meet by six inches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715951318014.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther senior Eliana Beckham set a school record in the 800m run during Thursday's Class 5A regional meet at Great Bend High School. Beckham was also part of the 4x8 and 4x4 relays that won regional titles." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther senior Eliana Beckham set a school record in the 800m run during Thursday's Class 5A regional meet at Great Bend High School. Beckham was also part of the 4x8 and 4x4 relays that won regional titles.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Lady Panther track and field team's run of three-straight Class 5A regional titles was in jeopardy heading into Thursday's regional on the new track at Great Bend High School. The Lady Panthers led Salina Central by just half a point heading into the final race of the evening. With no real threat from the Mustang 4x400m relay, Great Bend cruised in one of its signature events to secure the regional title with 95 points. Central scored 86.5 points for second, and Hays placed third with 81.5 points.Great Bend's 4x4 team of Eliana Beckham, Reese Bullard, Sadie Spray, and Daizy Gomez cut six seconds off a season-best, running the second-fastest time in Class 5A this year to win the gold by seven seconds in 4:04.38.The school record in the 800m run, set in 1992, was 2:19 heading into that race Thursday evening. Salina Central freshman Kaylie Shultz ran her fastest race of the season to win in 2:15.88. Beckham cut nearly three seconds off a personal best to reset the GBHS record in 2:17.82. Salina South's Ava Lemaster finished just 0.03s later, and Bullard also ran under school-record time in the photo finish to place fourth in 2:17.92. The fifth-place runner crossed in 2:32.18, and Lady Panther sophomore Sienna Smith finished sixth in 2:32.99.Great Bend qualified members to state in all the distance events. That started in the 4x800m relay as the team of Beckham, Bullard, Bella Long, and Kate Welcher cruised to a 10-second win over Valley Center in 10:18.60.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715951452412.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther sophomore Reese Bullard ran the second-fastest 800m run in school history to finish fourth and qualify for state. Bullard was also a member of the 4x4 and 4x8 teams that won regional titles." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther sophomore Reese Bullard ran the second-fastest 800m run in school history to finish fourth and qualify for state. Bullard was also a member of the 4x4 and 4x8 teams that won regional titles.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Panthers picked up another regional title via senior Macy Nachtigal in the javelin. The No. 1 thrower in Class 5A virtually all season, the school-record holder came up a little shy of that mark but still beat the field by four feet at 131-0. Second-ranked Rylen Harrington of Hays placed third at 121-4.Salina Central's Shultz and Katelyn Rupe were expected to qualify in the 1600m and 3200m races and took the top two spots in both races. Lady Panther senior Addy Nicholson chased Rupe to a school-record 5:13.11 in the 1600m run at last year's regional. Thursday, Nicholson ran just off that mark, shaving seven seconds off a season-best for the bronze in 5:14.57. Smith took the final state spot by 12 seconds in 5:23.55, a season-best by seven seconds.Rupe and Schultz are both ranked in the top 13 all-time in Kansas in the 3200m run. As they ran ahead of the field, Nicholson and junior Marissa Boone finished side by side in 12:09.42 and 12:09.91 to punch their tickets to state. Senior Morgan Beckwith ran fifth in 12:25.48.Spray heads back to state in the 300m hurdles after a second-place finish in 47.50, more than a second faster than her best time of the season. Salina South's Tamia Cheeks won the title in 47.20. Spray was on the bubble entering the 100m hurdle race. She made the finals with a season-best 16.39 and fell to 16.56 for place fifth in the finals. Newton's Anai Fernandez took the final state spot in the tough field in 16.20.The high jump featured several state placers from a year ago, including reigning runner-up Katie Linenberger of Hays, who entered Thursday as the class leader at 5-6. She failed to get a clearance to end her season. For a second straight week, Spray cleared 5-4 for the silver medal. Junior Cassie Ellegood heads back to state after a fourth-place finish at 5-0.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715951542035.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther senior Sadie Spray just missed state qualification in the 100m hurdles but does head to state in the 300m hurdles, high jump, and as a member of the regional champion 4x400m relay team." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther senior Sadie Spray just missed state qualification in the 100m hurdles but does head to state in the 300m hurdles, high jump, and as a member of the regional champion 4x400m relay team.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sophomore Allie Gerhart went up against a loaded field in the shot put. Her best throw entering the meet was 35-8. The extra half foot she found Thursday was the difference between her third-place finish at 36-2 and the end of her season.Cheeks had a banner day for South with regional titles in both hurdle events, the high jump, and the triple jump. Lady Panther junior Kara Feist made the triple jump finals where she placed fifth at 33-9.5 to miss the state meet by six inches.The Kansas State High School Track and Field Championships are scheduled for next Friday and Saturday at Wichita State University's Cessna Stadium.

Beckham sets school record, Lady Panthers secure fourth straight regional

Class 5A Andover Central Regional Wednesday, May 15 Salina South 5, Great Bend 4 (11-innings) Emporia 4, Andover Central 1 Salina South 6, Emporia 2 Class 4A McPherson Regional Tuesday, May 14 Rose Hill 8 Larned 2 McPherson 11, Chapman 1 Rose Hill 3, McPherson 1 Class 3A Russell Regional Friday, May 10 Holcomb 1, Goodland 0 Hoisington 12, Russell 2 Colby 7, SW Heights 3 Cimarron 8, Lakin 2 Tuesday, May 14 @ Russell Hoisington 10, Holcomb 4 Cimarron 4, Colby 3&nbsp; Hoisington 13, Cimarron 2 Class 2-1A TMP Regional Friday, May 10 Little River 11, Ellis 7 Sacred Heart 13, Little River 0 Ell-Saline 5, Inman 4 TMP 17, Bennington 0 Ellinwood 14, Hutch-Trinity 5 Thursday, May 16 @ Hays Sacred Heart 14, Ell-Saline 4 TMP 14, Ellinwood 8 Championship - TMP 5, Sacred Heart 4

Class 5A Andover Central Regional Wednesday, May 15 Salina South 5, Great Bend 4 (11-innings) Emporia 4, Andover Central 1 Salina South 6, Emporia 2 Class 4A McPherson Regional Tuesday, May 14 Rose Hill 8 Larned 2 McPherson 11, Chapman 1 Rose Hill 3, McPherson 1 Class 3A Russell Regional Friday, May 10 Holcomb 1, Goodland 0 Hoisington 12, Russell 2 Colby 7, SW Heights 3 Cimarron 8, Lakin 2 Tuesday, May 14 @ Russell Hoisington 10, Holcomb 4 Cimarron 4, Colby 3&nbsp; Hoisington 13, Cimarron 2 Class 2-1A TMP Regional Friday, May 10 Little River 11, Ellis 7 Sacred Heart 13, Little River 0 Ell-Saline 5, Inman 4 TMP 17, Bennington 0 Ellinwood 14, Hutch-Trinity 5 Thursday, May 16 @ Hays Sacred Heart 14, Ell-Saline 4 TMP 14, Ellinwood 8 Championship - TMP 5, Sacred Heart 4

Area Regional Baseball Scores

The Oakland
Athletics aim to break their five-game skid with a win against the
Kansas City Royals.

Oakland Athletics
(19-27, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (26-19, second
in the AL Central)

Kansas City,
Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Athletics: Alex Wood (0-0); Royals: Cole Ragans (2-3,
4.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 strikeouts)

BOTTOM LINE:
The Oakland Athletics aim to end their five-game skid with a victory
over the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City has a
26-19 record overall and a 15-8 record in home games. The Royals are
14-5 in games when they did not give up a home run.

Oakland is 19-27
overall and 9-14 in road games. The Athletics have hit 55 total home
runs to rank fourth in the majors.

The teams meet
Friday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Vinnie Pasquantino has 12 doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI for the
Royals. Adam Frazier is 5-for-23 with a double and a home run over
the last 10 games.

Brent Rooker has
seven doubles and 10 home runs for the Athletics. Abraham Toro is
13-for-44 with three doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.

Royals: 6-4,
.245 batting average, 3.83 ERA, outscored opponents by one run

Athletics:
2-8, .228 batting average, 5.92 ERA, outscored by 25 runs

Royals: Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Jake Brentz: 15-Day IL (hamstring),
Carlos Hernandez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL
(elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Oakland
Athletics aim to break their five-game skid with a win against the
Kansas City Royals.Oakland Athletics
(19-27, fourth in the AL West) vs. Kansas City Royals (26-19, second
in the AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Athletics: Alex Wood (0-0); Royals: Cole Ragans (2-3,
4.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 57 strikeouts)BOTTOM LINE:
The Oakland Athletics aim to end their five-game skid with a victory
over the Kansas City Royals.Kansas City has a
26-19 record overall and a 15-8 record in home games. The Royals are
14-5 in games when they did not give up a home run.Oakland is 19-27
overall and 9-14 in road games. The Athletics have hit 55 total home
runs to rank fourth in the majors.The teams meet
Friday for the first time this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Vinnie Pasquantino has 12 doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI for the
Royals. Adam Frazier is 5-for-23 with a double and a home run over
the last 10 games.Brent Rooker has
seven doubles and 10 home runs for the Athletics. Abraham Toro is
13-for-44 with three doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4,
.245 batting average, 3.83 ERA, outscored opponents by one runAthletics:
2-8, .228 batting average, 5.92 ERA, outscored by 25 runsINJURIES: 
Royals: Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Jake Brentz: 15-Day IL (hamstring),
Carlos Hernandez: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL
(elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Athletics look to end skid in game against the Royals

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Trailing by one and down to their final strike in the top of the ninth, Owen Clyne's opposite field two-RBI go-ahead single lifted the Barton Community College baseball team over Cowley College on Thursday afternoon in the Plains District Tournament at Wichita State University's Eck Stadium.

Seeing its three-run lead in the bottom of the eighth evaporate into an 8-7 deficit coming to bat in the top of the ninth, back-to-back one-out Cole Schieffer and Robby Bolin singles ignited the rally attempt with Clyne's two-run single giving the Cougars a 9-8 comeback victory.

The 10th seeded Cougars (41-19) secured their second straight victory over a higher seed to advance into Friday afternoon's 4:00 p.m. winners bracket semifinal game against top-seeded Johnson County Community College who defeated No. 4 seed Kansas City Kansas Community College 7-4.

Cowley placed the tying run on in the bottom of the 9th with a two-out walk, but two-way player Kyler Horsman recorded a strikeout to end the game and secure his second victory of the year. Horsman (2-1) pitched the final 2.0-innings allowing three hits, one run, a walk and four strikeouts while also leading five different multi-hit performances from the Cougar lineup going 3 for 6 at the plate with two-RBIs.

Barton outhit Cowley 14-9, getting hits from eight of the nine in the lineup.

Clyne and Schieffer joined Horsman to lead Barton's RBI production each knocking in a pair with three others adding one brought home.

Held scoreless over the opening five innings and trailing 3-0, Barton broke through in the top of the sixth with a five-run inning with the first six reaching base behind five singles and a walk. Schieffer's two-runs brought around gifted the Cougars their first lead following Ayden Hadley and Hank Orr run delivering singles and Bolin's groundout ensuing scoring one for a 5-3 lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715938651049.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoTrailing by one and down to their final strike in the top of the ninth, Owen Clyne's opposite field two-RBI go-ahead single lifted the Barton Community College baseball team over Cowley College on Thursday afternoon in the Plains District Tournament at Wichita State University's Eck Stadium.Seeing its three-run lead in the bottom of the eighth evaporate into an 8-7 deficit coming to bat in the top of the ninth, back-to-back one-out Cole Schieffer and Robby Bolin singles ignited the rally attempt with Clyne's two-run single giving the Cougars a 9-8 comeback victory.The 10th seeded Cougars (41-19) secured their second straight victory over a higher seed to advance into Friday afternoon's 4:00 p.m. winners bracket semifinal game against top-seeded Johnson County Community College who defeated No. 4 seed Kansas City Kansas Community College 7-4.Cowley placed the tying run on in the bottom of the 9th with a two-out walk, but two-way player Kyler Horsman recorded a strikeout to end the game and secure his second victory of the year. Horsman (2-1) pitched the final 2.0-innings allowing three hits, one run, a walk and four strikeouts while also leading five different multi-hit performances from the Cougar lineup going 3 for 6 at the plate with two-RBIs.Barton outhit Cowley 14-9, getting hits from eight of the nine in the lineup.Clyne and Schieffer joined Horsman to lead Barton's RBI production each knocking in a pair with three others adding one brought home.Held scoreless over the opening five innings and trailing 3-0, Barton broke through in the top of the sixth with a five-run inning with the first six reaching base behind five singles and a walk. Schieffer's two-runs brought around gifted the Cougars their first lead following Ayden Hadley and Hank Orr run delivering singles and Bolin's groundout ensuing scoring one for a 5-3 lead.Horsman's two-run single in the eighth added a three-run cushion of 7-4 but four of the Tigers nine hits coming in the bottom of the eighth sparked Cowley's four run frame and 8-7 advantage. Starting pitcher Aidan Sowers grinded out four innings with three hits, three runs, walking three and fanning one. Anthony Treto worked the next 3.0-innings scattering two hits, two runs with two walks and pair of strikeouts.