By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Following a doubleheader split on Thursday afternoon, the Barton Community College baseball team would settle for a second straight twin bill split on Saturday afternoon at Coffeyville Community College. Dropping an opening 11-0 fifth inning loss, the Cougars rallied back behind Jaron Cotton's go-ahead sixth inning grand slam in earning a 7-4 game two victory at Walter Johnson Park.

Finishing their non-conference four game series with a four-game split, the Cougars sit at 32-16 on the season while the Red Ravens see their record move to 21-26 overall.

Concluding non-conference play, Barton will open their second to last four-game Jayhawk West series on Thursday against conference leader and 17th ranked Hutchinson Community College. First pitch of Thursday's doubleheader is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Lawson-Biggs Field with the series concluding next Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. 

Robby Bolin's leadoff single extending his hitting streak to 16-straight would be the first of three Barton hits produced in the opener. Owen Clyne's ensuing walk after Bolin caught stealing at second would be the first of four-left stranded.

Down 2-0 after an inning, back-to-back Owen Bailey, and Ayden Hadley singles with two-away in the second supplied the Cougars final hits.

Taking advantage of Barton's missed scoring opportunities in Thursday's series opener as well, Coffeyville capitalized in the bottom of the second with four straight defensive miscues igniting a six-run second digging the Cougars into a 9-0 hole and deficit unable to overcome.

Barton's final base runner came in the top of the third on Hunter Seier's two-out walk with the Cougars going down in order over the final two frames and Red Ravens tacking on three more runs over their final two at-bats.

Falling on the wrong side, starting pitcher Nathan Bowman (1-2) worked 1.1-innings, yielding eight runs with only two being earned on six hits and walking one.

Trailing 3-0 and stranding a pair over the opening three innings, Seier and Bailey back-to-back singles to open the top of the fourth created Barton's first run of the afternoon coming on Kyler Horsman's fielder's choice to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Stranding five through five innings, the Cougars loaded the bases with one-out following Horsman's single mixed between Grant Nottlemann and Barrett Donaldson walks. Faced with two-outs following a strikeout, Cotton distributed the timely hit launching his collegiate first grand slam and eighth home run of the season gifting Barton's it's first and lone lead needed on the afternoon.

Horsman's bases loaded RBI fielder's choice added an insurance run with the final Cougar run crossing on Nottlemann's one-out single scoring Seier's second single of the day making it 7-3.

Sending the tying run to the plate with no-outs following three-straight Red Raven walks in the ninth, Barton called upon Bradley Feezer. Making his first ever appearance out of the bullpen, Feezer closed the door in earning his first collegiate save. Needing just six pitches, the freshman limited Coffeyville to just a run on a sacrifice fly before drawing up a game ending double play in locking down the doubleheader split.

Ethan Minaker (4-1) notched his fourth victory of the season, as the freshman worked 5.0-innings scattering three hits, three runs with only one run earned, walking four and fanning two Red Ravens.

Jackson MacWilliams provided three shutout innings out of the bullpen allowing just one hit and one strikeout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713704719655.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoFollowing a doubleheader split on Thursday afternoon, the Barton Community College baseball team would settle for a second straight twin bill split on Saturday afternoon at Coffeyville Community College. Dropping an opening 11-0 fifth inning loss, the Cougars rallied back behind Jaron Cotton's go-ahead sixth inning grand slam in earning a 7-4 game two victory at Walter Johnson Park.Finishing their non-conference four game series with a four-game split, the Cougars sit at 32-16 on the season while the Red Ravens see their record move to 21-26 overall.Concluding non-conference play, Barton will open their second to last four-game Jayhawk West series on Thursday against conference leader and 17th ranked Hutchinson Community College. First pitch of Thursday's doubleheader is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Lawson-Biggs Field with the series concluding next Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. Game 1 Recap (L 11-0 (5)Robby Bolin's leadoff single extending his hitting streak to 16-straight would be the first of three Barton hits produced in the opener. Owen Clyne's ensuing walk after Bolin caught stealing at second would be the first of four-left stranded.Down 2-0 after an inning, back-to-back Owen Bailey, and Ayden Hadley singles with two-away in the second supplied the Cougars final hits.Taking advantage of Barton's missed scoring opportunities in Thursday's series opener as well, Coffeyville capitalized in the bottom of the second with four straight defensive miscues igniting a six-run second digging the Cougars into a 9-0 hole and deficit unable to overcome.Barton's final base runner came in the top of the third on Hunter Seier's two-out walk with the Cougars going down in order over the final two frames and Red Ravens tacking on three more runs over their final two at-bats.Falling on the wrong side, starting pitcher Nathan Bowman (1-2) worked 1.1-innings, yielding eight runs with only two being earned on six hits and walking one.Game 2 Recap (W 7-4)Trailing 3-0 and stranding a pair over the opening three innings, Seier and Bailey back-to-back singles to open the top of the fourth created Barton's first run of the afternoon coming on Kyler Horsman's fielder's choice to cut the deficit to 3-1.Stranding five through five innings, the Cougars loaded the bases with one-out following Horsman's single mixed between Grant Nottlemann and Barrett Donaldson walks. Faced with two-outs following a strikeout, Cotton distributed the timely hit launching his collegiate first grand slam and eighth home run of the season gifting Barton's it's first and lone lead needed on the afternoon.Horsman's bases loaded RBI fielder's choice added an insurance run with the final Cougar run crossing on Nottlemann's one-out single scoring Seier's second single of the day making it 7-3.Sending the tying run to the plate with no-outs following three-straight Red Raven walks in the ninth, Barton called upon Bradley Feezer. Making his first ever appearance out of the bullpen, Feezer closed the door in earning his first collegiate save. Needing just six pitches, the freshman limited Coffeyville to just a run on a sacrifice fly before drawing up a game ending double play in locking down the doubleheader split.Ethan Minaker (4-1) notched his fourth victory of the season, as the freshman worked 5.0-innings scattering three hits, three runs with only one run earned, walking four and fanning two Red Ravens.Jackson MacWilliams provided three shutout innings out of the bullpen allowing just one hit and one strikeout.

Cotton's game-two grand slam salvages doubleheader and series split

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.

Baltimore at first didn't keep the ball for the final out.

“I guess the ball just got thrown into the stands,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We've got to have a little more awareness in left field when you catch that, but he was great tonight.”

The ball was found at the bottom of one of the fountains in right field.

“Right when I threw it, I said: 'Craig has a lot of saves, that one might be important,” Cowser said. “We got the ball back, though, it was the only one in the fountains.”

Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.

Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

“He's a veteran hitter and he'd got me both times we've played them,” Burnes said. “For the most part tonight we were able to limit the contact and get some quick outs. For the most part, it was a good job tonight."

Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.

“It is relentless the guys take a lot of pride in their at-bats. Salvador Perez coming up with the home run to get us back in the game was huge,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.

“It was not good, just have to move on as soon as tonight," Ragans said. "I have a start in five days that I have to prepare for so I can’t let this one bother.”

Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.

Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.

Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.

“That second inning was probably our best all season offensively,” Hyde said. “We faced a really good starter with a lot of success against us and I thought we just took what was given to us.”

Kansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.

Baltimore LHP Cole Irvin (0-1, 6.75 ERA) goes to the mound and Kansas City sends RHP Seth Lugo (3-0, 1.05) for Sunday’s series finale.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.Baltimore at first didn't keep the ball for the final out.“I guess the ball just got thrown into the stands,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We've got to have a little more awareness in left field when you catch that, but he was great tonight.”The ball was found at the bottom of one of the fountains in right field.“Right when I threw it, I said: 'Craig has a lot of saves, that one might be important,” Cowser said. “We got the ball back, though, it was the only one in the fountains.”Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.“He's a veteran hitter and he'd got me both times we've played them,” Burnes said. “For the most part tonight we were able to limit the contact and get some quick outs. For the most part, it was a good job tonight."Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.“It is relentless the guys take a lot of pride in their at-bats. Salvador Perez coming up with the home run to get us back in the game was huge,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.“It was not good, just have to move on as soon as tonight," Ragans said. "I have a start in five days that I have to prepare for so I can’t let this one bother.”Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.“That second inning was probably our best all season offensively,” Hyde said. “We faced a really good starter with a lot of success against us and I thought we just took what was given to us.”ROSTER MOVESKansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTBaltimore LHP Cole Irvin (0-1, 6.75 ERA) goes to the mound and Kansas City sends RHP Seth Lugo (3-0, 1.05) for Sunday’s series finale.

Kimbrel gets 422nd save and Orioles beat Royals 9-7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track. Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save this season.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — William Contreras drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and finished with two RBIs as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Friday night. Contreras hit a two-out single off Ryan Helsley (1-2) in the 10th inning that scored automatic runner Blake Perkins, breaking a 1-all tie. Hoby Milner shut down the middle of the Cardinals’ order in the bottom of the 10th to earn his first save. Milwaukee won its second straight game. St. Louis lost for the fourth time in six games and has failed to score more than three runs in a game during that span.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler pitched no-hit ball for 7 1/3 innings, Brandon Marsh homered and the Philadelphia Phillies extended their winning streak to five by beating the struggling Chicago White Sox 9-5. Wheeler didn’t give up a hit until rookie Korey Lee’s one-out single on a hard grounder into right field that just eluded diving first baseman Bryce Harper. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out eight, walked two and allowed no runs while throwing 75 of 106 pitches for strikes. Chicago is batting a major league-low .190 and extended its franchise-worst start to 3-17. The White Sox have lost eight of their last nine games.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets powered past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103 in their Western Conference playoff opener. Two other Nuggets posted double-doubles — Jamal Murray (22 points, 10 assists) and Aaron Gordon (12 points, 11 rebounds) — and Michael Porter Jr. came close with 19 points and eight boards. James scored 27 points for L.A. and Anthony Davis had 32 points and 14 rebounds, but the Lakers lost to the Nuggets for the ninth consecutive time and Denver handed James just his fourth loss in 17 first-round openers.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart each scored 22 points, Deuce McBride led a huge effort by New York’s backups with 21 and the Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. McBride outscored the 76ers by himself with 13 points in the second quarter, when Joel Embiid had to leave after appearing to reinjure his surgically repaired left knee on a dunk. He returned and rallied the 76ers into the lead in the second half, but Hart hit a couple big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks pull it out. Hart also had 13 rebounds for the No. 2-seeded Knicks, who host Game 2 on Monday.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, Jarrett Allen had 18 reounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 97-83 in Game 1 of their playoff series. Evan Mobley added 16 points for Cleveland, which got bullied and bounced in just five games by the New York Knicks in the 2023 postseason. That experience scarred the Cavs, who entered these playoffs more confident and relatively healthy after a regular season filled with injuries. Paolo Banchero scored 24 points for the Magic, but he had nine turnovers in his playoff debut. Orlando shot just 33%v from the floor, and made just 8 of 37 3-pointers.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 18 of his 33 points in the third quarter and had nine rebounds to carry the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tone-setting 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns to start the first round of the playoffs. The Wolves got their first Game 1 home win in the playoffs in 20 years. Kevin Durant scored 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting to lead the Suns, whose disadvantages in depth and size were exploited. They were outrebounded 52-28 and outscored 52-34 in the paint by the Wolves.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Masters champion Scottie Scheffler is not letting up. He won the green jacket last week. Now he's in position to add the plaid jacket from Harbour Town in the RBC Heritage. Scheffler was bogey-free for a 63. That took him from a three-shot deficit to a one-shot lead over Sepp Straka. Collin Morikawa was another shot back and Masters runner-up Ludvig Aberg was among those three behind. Scheffler is going for his fourth win in his last five tournaments. He's trying to become the first player since Bernhard Langer to win in the next week after winning the Masters.

SHANGHAI (AP) — The three-time defending F1 champion Max Verstappen has won the Chinese Grand Prix. He started from pole for his fourth victory in five races this season and his 23rd in the last 27 extending through last season. Only a brake failure last month in the Australian GP in Melbourne probably kept him from winning all five. Lando Norris of McLaren was second followed by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

Final	Philadelphia	9	Chicago White Sox	5	

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track. Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save this season.ST. LOUIS (AP) — William Contreras drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and finished with two RBIs as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Friday night. Contreras hit a two-out single off Ryan Helsley (1-2) in the 10th inning that scored automatic runner Blake Perkins, breaking a 1-all tie. Hoby Milner shut down the middle of the Cardinals’ order in the bottom of the 10th to earn his first save. Milwaukee won its second straight game. St. Louis lost for the fourth time in six games and has failed to score more than three runs in a game during that span.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler pitched no-hit ball for 7 1/3 innings, Brandon Marsh homered and the Philadelphia Phillies extended their winning streak to five by beating the struggling Chicago White Sox 9-5. Wheeler didn’t give up a hit until rookie Korey Lee’s one-out single on a hard grounder into right field that just eluded diving first baseman Bryce Harper. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out eight, walked two and allowed no runs while throwing 75 of 106 pitches for strikes. Chicago is batting a major league-low .190 and extended its franchise-worst start to 3-17. The White Sox have lost eight of their last nine games.DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets powered past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-103 in their Western Conference playoff opener. Two other Nuggets posted double-doubles — Jamal Murray (22 points, 10 assists) and Aaron Gordon (12 points, 11 rebounds) — and Michael Porter Jr. came close with 19 points and eight boards. James scored 27 points for L.A. and Anthony Davis had 32 points and 14 rebounds, but the Lakers lost to the Nuggets for the ninth consecutive time and Denver handed James just his fourth loss in 17 first-round openers.NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart each scored 22 points, Deuce McBride led a huge effort by New York’s backups with 21 and the Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. McBride outscored the 76ers by himself with 13 points in the second quarter, when Joel Embiid had to leave after appearing to reinjure his surgically repaired left knee on a dunk. He returned and rallied the 76ers into the lead in the second half, but Hart hit a couple big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks pull it out. Hart also had 13 rebounds for the No. 2-seeded Knicks, who host Game 2 on Monday.CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, Jarrett Allen had 18 reounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 97-83 in Game 1 of their playoff series. Evan Mobley added 16 points for Cleveland, which got bullied and bounced in just five games by the New York Knicks in the 2023 postseason. That experience scarred the Cavs, who entered these playoffs more confident and relatively healthy after a regular season filled with injuries. Paolo Banchero scored 24 points for the Magic, but he had nine turnovers in his playoff debut. Orlando shot just 33%v from the floor, and made just 8 of 37 3-pointers.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 18 of his 33 points in the third quarter and had nine rebounds to carry the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tone-setting 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns to start the first round of the playoffs. The Wolves got their first Game 1 home win in the playoffs in 20 years. Kevin Durant scored 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting to lead the Suns, whose disadvantages in depth and size were exploited. They were outrebounded 52-28 and outscored 52-34 in the paint by the Wolves.HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Masters champion Scottie Scheffler is not letting up. He won the green jacket last week. Now he's in position to add the plaid jacket from Harbour Town in the RBC Heritage. Scheffler was bogey-free for a 63. That took him from a three-shot deficit to a one-shot lead over Sepp Straka. Collin Morikawa was another shot back and Masters runner-up Ludvig Aberg was among those three behind. Scheffler is going for his fourth win in his last five tournaments. He's trying to become the first player since Bernhard Langer to win in the next week after winning the Masters.SHANGHAI (AP) — The three-time defending F1 champion Max Verstappen has won the Chinese Grand Prix. He started from pole for his fourth victory in five races this season and his 23rd in the last 27 extending through last season. Only a brake failure last month in the Australian GP in Melbourne probably kept him from winning all five. Lando Norris of McLaren was second followed by Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.SATURDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Washington	5	Houston	4	Final	Boston	4	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Philadelphia	9	Chicago White Sox	5	Final	Cincinnati	7	L.A. Angels	5	Final	Atlanta	5	Texas	2	Final	Seattle	7	Colorado	0	Final	Toronto	5	San Diego	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa Bay	2	N.Y. Yankees	0	Final	Minnesota	4	Detroit	3	Final	Cleveland	6	Oakland	3	Final	Baltimore	9	Kansas City	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	3	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	Milwaukee	12	St. Louis	5	Final	San Francisco	7	Arizona	3	Final	N.Y. Mets	6	L.A. Dodgers	4	Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Miami	3	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Cleveland	97	Orlando	83	Final	Minnesota	120	Phoenix	95	Final	New York	111	Philadelphia	104	Final	Denver	114	L.A. Lakers	103

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Coming off a record performance in its previous conference doubleheader, the Barton Community College softball team was back to racking up the hits and runs Friday in Goodland on 22-2 and 14-5 run-rule victories at Northwest Kansas Technical College.

The Cougars trailed 2-0 in the opener before a nine-run second inning followed by another seven lighting up the scoreboard in the ensuing frame highlighted 22 unanswered runs for the five inning victory.

Barton jumped out to a 4-0 lead to the third inning of game two, had the lead cut to one before answering with seven plate crossers in the fourth before tacking a clinching three more tallies in the fifth to pre-counter a Maverick two-run rally in their last at-bat.

Improving to 19-9 in conference play and 22-16 overall, Barton takes a break from the league grind on Monday in hosting Otero Junior College in a 2:00 p.m. twin bill. Northwest Kansas falls to 1-27 in KJCCC play and 1-43 on the season.

Connecting on thirteen hits in both ends of the doubleheader, ten hits came from the combined effort of Chloe Enslinger and Allyson McDougal. Enslinger also led the squad with three doubles in driving home 7 runs while McDougal's double and triple within her 5-of-8 afternoon raised her average to a team best .489 batting average.

Leslie Ramos pushed across six run in the opener including four crossing the dish on a second inning grand slam giving the Cougars the lead for good on her 4th round tripper of the season.

In the circle Elina Bartlett struck out five in three innings of work improving to 7-3 on the year with Aly Lawrence hurling the first three innings of game two moving to 5-3 on the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713628106366.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoComing off a record performance in its previous conference doubleheader, the Barton Community College softball team was back to racking up the hits and runs Friday in Goodland on 22-2 and 14-5 run-rule victories at Northwest Kansas Technical College.The Cougars trailed 2-0 in the opener before a nine-run second inning followed by another seven lighting up the scoreboard in the ensuing frame highlighted 22 unanswered runs for the five inning victory.Barton jumped out to a 4-0 lead to the third inning of game two, had the lead cut to one before answering with seven plate crossers in the fourth before tacking a clinching three more tallies in the fifth to pre-counter a Maverick two-run rally in their last at-bat.Improving to 19-9 in conference play and 22-16 overall, Barton takes a break from the league grind on Monday in hosting Otero Junior College in a 2:00 p.m. twin bill. Northwest Kansas falls to 1-27 in KJCCC play and 1-43 on the season.Connecting on thirteen hits in both ends of the doubleheader, ten hits came from the combined effort of Chloe Enslinger and Allyson McDougal. Enslinger also led the squad with three doubles in driving home 7 runs while McDougal's double and triple within her 5-of-8 afternoon raised her average to a team best .489 batting average.Leslie Ramos pushed across six run in the opener including four crossing the dish on a second inning grand slam giving the Cougars the lead for good on her 4th round tripper of the season.In the circle Elina Bartlett struck out five in three innings of work improving to 7-3 on the year with Aly Lawrence hurling the first three innings of game two moving to 5-3 on the year.

Cougar Softball picks up pair of Friday wins at Northwest Tech

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.

Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.

Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.

Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”

Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.

MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.

“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.

Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.

“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”

Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.

Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”

Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.

“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”

Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.

Massey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.

Orioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.TRAINER’S ROOMMassey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTOrioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

Royals win 9-4 and stop Orioles' 4-game winning streak

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak. Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith. Dean Kremer retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer. MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Michael Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.

MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game. Kevin Love scored 16 and Bam Adebayo added 13 for Miami. The Heat head to Boston for a rematch of the last two East finals against the Celtics. It’s Round 1 this time, with the Heat set to be huge underdogs against the runaway favorite to win the NBA title. DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points for the Bulls.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 24 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans booked a spot in the NBA playoffs with a 105-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a play-in tournament elimination game. The Pelicans won without leading-scorer Zion Williamson, who strained his left hamstring in a play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. New Orleans used a balanced approach to improved to 8-5 this season without Williamson in the lineup. Six players scored 10 or more points. New Orleans now opens the playoffs at top-seeded Oklahoma City on Sunday. De’Aaron Fox scored 35 points for the Kings and Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and 14 rebounds.

UNDATED (AP) — There’s a 64-win team in Boston that ran away with the league’s best record. The defending champions in Denver, a group that won 57 games. A fearless young bunch in Oklahoma City, whose No. 1 seed was no fluke. A trio of Villanova alums in New York, who turned the Knicks into a real contender. And, once again, there’s LeBron James, too. The NBA playoffs are about to begin with the Celtics and Nuggets the heavy favorites to collide in the Finals, and no shortage of teams have realistic belief that they can win the whole thing as well.

UNDATED (AP) — Hockey fans across Canada are preparing themselves for the annual thrill and torment that arrives with the NHL playoffs. Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto are in the 16-team field. Canada’s Cup drought dates to Montreal’s triumph in 1993, an agonizingly long time for fans in the nation that loves hockey more than any other. The Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Canadiens and Ottawa have all made it to the final since then only to fall short. The four Canadian clubs in this year’s bracket are the most to make the cut in a normal season since 2017.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Following a sign-stealing scandal that rocked college football and hung over Michigan’s championship run in 2023, the NCAA’s oversight committee approved the use of coach-to-player helmet communications in games for the 2024 season. The football rules committee last month made a recommendation to allow — but not require — teams at the highest tier of Division I to use radio technology similar to what NFL teams use to call in plays. Only one player for each team will be permitted to be in communication with coaches while on the field.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers figured his football career had always been in such a rush that it was time to slow down. So he opted to return for the 2024 season instead of entering the draft. The Longhorns wrap spring practice this week looking forward to Ewers leading them into the season and their move into the Southeastern Conference. The NFL remains Ewers' dream but that can wait a year. Ewers says he wants to "enjoy being here and just being present and not looking too far forward.” The decision to stay also keeps Arch Manning waiting for his turn to take over the Texas offense.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State and four former members of its football coaching staff have reached an agreement with the NCAA on penalties for impermissible in-person contact with recruits during the COVID-10 dead period. Two others are contesting portions of their respective cases via a written record hearing, according to a release by the NCAA. Under the penalties, Arizona State was hit with four years probation, a fine, an already-served self-imposed ban for the 2023 postseason and vacation of records for games in which ineligible student-athletes competed. The Sun Devils also will have a reduction in scholarships and recruiting restrictions.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — Nelly Korda is one shot off the lead through 36 holes at the Chevron Championship as she seeks to tie an LPGA Tour record with her fifth straight win. Korda shot a 3-under 69 on Friday at the year's first major. She's at 7-under 137, trailing Atthaya Thitikul and Jin Hee Im by a shot. Korda made a double bogey on the first hole but followed that with six birdies and one bogey. The 25-year-old, top-ranked Korda is seeking her second major title after winning the Women's PGA Championship in 2021.

Seattle	at	Colorado	8:10 p.m.	(Postponed)

Final	Philadelphia	7	Chicago White Sox	0	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712497619824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak. Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith. Dean Kremer retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer. MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Michael Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.ST. LOUIS (AP) — William Contreras drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and finished with two RBIs as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Friday night. Contreras hit a two-out single off Ryan Helsley (1-2) in the 10th inning that scored automatic runner Blake Perkins, breaking a 1-all tie. Hoby Milner shut down the middle of the Cardinals’ order in the bottom of the 10th to earn his first save. Milwaukee won its second straight game. St. Louis lost for the fourth time in six games and has failed to score more than three runs in a game during that span.MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game. Kevin Love scored 16 and Bam Adebayo added 13 for Miami. The Heat head to Boston for a rematch of the last two East finals against the Celtics. It’s Round 1 this time, with the Heat set to be huge underdogs against the runaway favorite to win the NBA title. DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points for the Bulls.NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 24 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans booked a spot in the NBA playoffs with a 105-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a play-in tournament elimination game. The Pelicans won without leading-scorer Zion Williamson, who strained his left hamstring in a play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. New Orleans used a balanced approach to improved to 8-5 this season without Williamson in the lineup. Six players scored 10 or more points. New Orleans now opens the playoffs at top-seeded Oklahoma City on Sunday. De’Aaron Fox scored 35 points for the Kings and Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and 14 rebounds.UNDATED (AP) — There’s a 64-win team in Boston that ran away with the league’s best record. The defending champions in Denver, a group that won 57 games. A fearless young bunch in Oklahoma City, whose No. 1 seed was no fluke. A trio of Villanova alums in New York, who turned the Knicks into a real contender. And, once again, there’s LeBron James, too. The NBA playoffs are about to begin with the Celtics and Nuggets the heavy favorites to collide in the Finals, and no shortage of teams have realistic belief that they can win the whole thing as well.UNDATED (AP) — Hockey fans across Canada are preparing themselves for the annual thrill and torment that arrives with the NHL playoffs. Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto are in the 16-team field. Canada’s Cup drought dates to Montreal’s triumph in 1993, an agonizingly long time for fans in the nation that loves hockey more than any other. The Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Canadiens and Ottawa have all made it to the final since then only to fall short. The four Canadian clubs in this year’s bracket are the most to make the cut in a normal season since 2017.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Following a sign-stealing scandal that rocked college football and hung over Michigan’s championship run in 2023, the NCAA’s oversight committee approved the use of coach-to-player helmet communications in games for the 2024 season. The football rules committee last month made a recommendation to allow — but not require — teams at the highest tier of Division I to use radio technology similar to what NFL teams use to call in plays. Only one player for each team will be permitted to be in communication with coaches while on the field.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers figured his football career had always been in such a rush that it was time to slow down. So he opted to return for the 2024 season instead of entering the draft. The Longhorns wrap spring practice this week looking forward to Ewers leading them into the season and their move into the Southeastern Conference. The NFL remains Ewers' dream but that can wait a year. Ewers says he wants to "enjoy being here and just being present and not looking too far forward.” The decision to stay also keeps Arch Manning waiting for his turn to take over the Texas offense.TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State and four former members of its football coaching staff have reached an agreement with the NCAA on penalties for impermissible in-person contact with recruits during the COVID-10 dead period. Two others are contesting portions of their respective cases via a written record hearing, according to a release by the NCAA. Under the penalties, Arizona State was hit with four years probation, a fine, an already-served self-imposed ban for the 2023 postseason and vacation of records for games in which ineligible student-athletes competed. The Sun Devils also will have a reduction in scholarships and recruiting restrictions.THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — Nelly Korda is one shot off the lead through 36 holes at the Chevron Championship as she seeks to tie an LPGA Tour record with her fifth straight win. Korda shot a 3-under 69 on Friday at the year's first major. She's at 7-under 137, trailing Atthaya Thitikul and Jin Hee Im by a shot. Korda made a double bogey on the first hole but followed that with six birdies and one bogey. The 25-year-old, top-ranked Korda is seeking her second major title after winning the Women's PGA Championship in 2021.FRIDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUESeattle	at	Colorado	8:10 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Cincinnati	7	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Philadelphia	7	Chicago White Sox	0	Final	Boston	8	Pittsburgh	1	Final	Houston	5	Washington	3	Final	Atlanta	8	Texas	3	Final	Toronto	5	San Diego	1	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	10	Oakland	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	5	Tampa Bay	3	Final	Kansas City	9	Baltimore	4	Final	Detroit	5	Minnesota	4	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	8	Miami	3	Final	Milwaukee	2	St. Louis	1	Final	N.Y. Mets	9	L.A. Dodgers	4	Final	Arizona	17	San Francisco	1	NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Miami	112	Chicago	91	Final	New Orleans	105	Sacramento	98

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nichol settles in his Friday spot to update everything taking place in area and regional softball and baseball action.

- KVGB Track and Field Insider Mike Courson has an update on top performers in the area and across the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wfxk-O3FCHg?si=zAUQ7F4jVSQHM0BU" 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 settles in his Friday spot to update everything taking place in area and regional softball and baseball action.- KVGB Track and Field Insider Mike Courson has an update on top performers in the area and across the state.- Friday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24 hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

Barton Community College basketball players Mozae Downing-Rivers and Myles Thompson were selected as participants in the 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game. Barton coach Jeremy Coombs was chosen as one of the coaches for the game.

The game will be played on Saturday, May 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Orleans Arena at 4 p.m. MDT.

The two Cougars are the lone representatives from the Jayhawk Conference.

Thompson averaged 14 points and seven rebounds in 37 appearances and 37 starts.&nbsp;Thompson had a breakout national tournament appearance, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. He scored 20 or more points in three of the four games in the tournament.&nbsp;He was selected as a first team all-conference selection, as well as on the all-tournament teams for the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.

Downing-Rivers averaged 5.7 assists along with a 3.0 assist to turnover ratio this season. With over 400 assists, Mozae ranks third in Barton history in career assists. Downing-Rivers was selected as a second-team all-conference selection.

Coombs, in his third year at Barton, was named conference and national coach of the year. Coombs has won 77 games in this three years at Barton.

The three helped guide Barton to their first national championship, winning every game at the tournament by at least 14 points.

Participants are selected by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. There are 27 players on the roster for the game.

This year’s event had 13 Division I players, nine Division II players, five Division III players fill up the two rosters. Players will be selected by the coaches and separated into teams at a later date.&nbsp;

The coaches of this year’s teams will be all three NJCAA national championship coaches –&nbsp;Jeremy Coombs&nbsp;of Barton,&nbsp;Dillon Hargrove&nbsp;of National Park and&nbsp;Josh Mills&nbsp;of Dallas-North Lake.

This is the 14th&nbsp;NJCAA Men’s Basketball All-Star Game dating back to 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713536696500.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy JCBCA on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy JCBCA on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College basketball players Mozae Downing-Rivers and Myles Thompson were selected as participants in the 2024 NJCAA Men's Basketball All-Star Game. Barton coach Jeremy Coombs was chosen as one of the coaches for the game.The game will be played on Saturday, May 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Orleans Arena at 4 p.m. MDT.The two Cougars are the lone representatives from the Jayhawk Conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713537966252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson averaged 14 points and seven rebounds in 37 appearances and 37 starts.&nbsp;Thompson had a breakout national tournament appearance, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. He scored 20 or more points in three of the four games in the tournament.&nbsp;He was selected as a first team all-conference selection, as well as on the all-tournament teams for the Region VI Tournament and the NJCAA National Tournament.Downing-Rivers averaged 5.7 assists along with a 3.0 assist to turnover ratio this season. With over 400 assists, Mozae ranks third in Barton history in career assists. Downing-Rivers was selected as a second-team all-conference selection.Coombs, in his third year at Barton, was named conference and national coach of the year. Coombs has won 77 games in this three years at Barton.The three helped guide Barton to their first national championship, winning every game at the tournament by at least 14 points.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🌟2024 ALL-STAR SELECTION🌟 Mozae Downing-Rivers (<a href="https://twitter.com/mo_xxiii?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mo_xxiii</a>) of <a href="https://twitter.com/BartonHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bartonhoops</a> has been selected as a 2024 NJCAA Men&#39;s Basketball All-Star! ✅1st Team All-Conference 💫NJCAA Rising All-Star Class of 2024 🏀3rd All-time Assist Leader for Barton<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJCAABasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJCAABasketball</a>🏀 <a href="https://t.co/5e0MkeHsab">pic.twitter.com/5e0MkeHsab</a>&mdash; JCBCA (@NJCAAMBBCoaches) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAAMBBCoaches/status/1781034967000064140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Participants are selected by the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. There are 27 players on the roster for the game.This year’s event had 13 Division I players, nine Division II players, five Division III players fill up the two rosters. Players will be selected by the coaches and separated into teams at a later date.&nbsp;The coaches of this year’s teams will be all three NJCAA national championship coaches –&nbsp;Jeremy Coombs&nbsp;of Barton,&nbsp;Dillon Hargrove&nbsp;of National Park and&nbsp;Josh Mills&nbsp;of Dallas-North Lake.This is the 14th&nbsp;NJCAA Men’s Basketball All-Star Game dating back to 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton's Coombs, Downing-Rivers & Thompson selected for national all-star game

The Kansas City
Royals host the Baltimore Orioles to start a three-game series.

Baltimore Orioles
(12-6, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (12-7, second in
the AL Central)

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

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Orioles: Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 14
strikeouts); Royals: Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 10
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Orioles -141, Royals +119; over/under is 9 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals open a three-game series at home against the
Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

Kansas City is 8-2
at home and 12-7 overall. Royals hitters have a collective .410
slugging percentage to rank third in the AL.

Baltimore has a 12-6
record overall and a 4-2 record in road games. The Orioles have the
best team slugging percentage in the AL at .459.

Friday's game is the
fourth time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads the Royals with a .324 batting average, and has
two doubles, five home runs, four walks and 17 RBI. Vinnie
Pasquantino is 13-for-36 with three home runs and 10 RBI over the
past 10 games.

Gunnar Henderson has
a double, two triples, six home runs and 15 RBI for the Orioles.
Colton Cowser is 13-for-35 with four doubles, four home runs and 14
RBI over the last 10 games.

Royals: 7-3,
.232 batting average, 3.07 ERA, outscored opponents by 23 runs

Orioles: 7-3,
.282 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runs

Royals: Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Jake Brentz: 15-Day IL (hamstring),
Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (back), Carlos Hernandez: 15-Day IL
(shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL
(shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Royals host the Baltimore Orioles to start a three-game series.Baltimore Orioles
(12-6, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (12-7, second in
the AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Friday, 7:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Orioles: Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 14
strikeouts); Royals: Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 10
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Orioles -141, Royals +119; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals open a three-game series at home against the
Baltimore Orioles on Friday.Kansas City is 8-2
at home and 12-7 overall. Royals hitters have a collective .410
slugging percentage to rank third in the AL.Baltimore has a 12-6
record overall and a 4-2 record in road games. The Orioles have the
best team slugging percentage in the AL at .459.Friday's game is the
fourth time these teams meet this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads the Royals with a .324 batting average, and has
two doubles, five home runs, four walks and 17 RBI. Vinnie
Pasquantino is 13-for-36 with three home runs and 10 RBI over the
past 10 games.Gunnar Henderson has
a double, two triples, six home runs and 15 RBI for the Orioles.
Colton Cowser is 13-for-35 with four doubles, four home runs and 14
RBI over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: 
Royals: 7-3,
.232 batting average, 3.07 ERA, outscored opponents by 23 runsOrioles: 7-3,
.282 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runsINJURIES: 
Royals: Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Jake Brentz: 15-Day IL (hamstring),
Michael Massey: 10-Day IL (back), Carlos Hernandez: 15-Day IL
(shoulder), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL
(shoulder)

Royals host the Orioles to start 3-game series

AJ Storr is transferring to Kansas after leading Wisconsin in scoring this past season.

Storr said Thursday in a social media post that he was making this decision “with great excitement and humility.” Later Thursday, Kansas announced the additions of Storr and former South Dakota State guard Zeke Mayo.

“Joining the Jayhawks is a dream realized, and I’m incredibly honored for this opportunity to be a part of the tradition and culture of Kansas Basketball,” Storr said in his post.

It was a busy day for transfer news involving Wisconsin, as Badgers point guard Chucky Hepburn announced on social media that he also was entering the portal. Tennessee announced the signing of Hofstra transfer guard Darlinstone Dubar.

Storr, who is 6-foot-7, averaged 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds for Wisconsin this past season while helping the Badgers go 22-14. Wisconsin earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but lost 72-61 to James Madison in the opening round.

Mayo already had announced on social media two weeks ago that he committed to Kansas. He was the Summit League's player of the year this past season, as he averaged 18.8 points and helped South Dakota State earn the conference's automatic NCAA bid. The Jackrabbits fell 82-65 to Iowa State in the opening round of the tournament.

Kansas will be Storr’s third school in as many seasons. Storr began his college career at St. John’s, where he averaged 8.8 points during the 2022-23 season.

While Storr was only at Wisconsin for one year, Hepburn had been a three-year starter for the Badgers. As a freshman, he helped Wisconsin clinch a share of the 2022 Big Ten regular-season title by banking in a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in a 70-67 victory over Purdue.

Hepburn averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals this past season. He scored 12.2 points per game during the 2022-23 season and 7.9 points per game in 2021-22.

“As I embark on this new chapter and enter the transfer portal, please know that my decision is not a reflection of anything lacking at Wisconsin,” Hepburn said in an Instagram post announcing his decision while thanking Wisconsin's players, coaches and fans. "Rather, it is an opportunity for me to explore new possibilities and continue my journey in pursuit of my dreams.

“Thank you, Wisconsin, for everything you have given me. I will carry the lessons and memories from my time here with me wherever I go, and I will always be proud to have been a Badger.”

By The Associated PressAJ Storr is transferring to Kansas after leading Wisconsin in scoring this past season.Storr said Thursday in a social media post that he was making this decision “with great excitement and humility.” Later Thursday, Kansas announced the additions of Storr and former South Dakota State guard Zeke Mayo.“Joining the Jayhawks is a dream realized, and I’m incredibly honored for this opportunity to be a part of the tradition and culture of Kansas Basketball,” Storr said in his post.It was a busy day for transfer news involving Wisconsin, as Badgers point guard Chucky Hepburn announced on social media that he also was entering the portal. Tennessee announced the signing of Hofstra transfer guard Darlinstone Dubar.Storr, who is 6-foot-7, averaged 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds for Wisconsin this past season while helping the Badgers go 22-14. Wisconsin earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but lost 72-61 to James Madison in the opening round.Mayo already had announced on social media two weeks ago that he committed to Kansas. He was the Summit League's player of the year this past season, as he averaged 18.8 points and helped South Dakota State earn the conference's automatic NCAA bid. The Jackrabbits fell 82-65 to Iowa State in the opening round of the tournament.Kansas will be Storr’s third school in as many seasons. Storr began his college career at St. John’s, where he averaged 8.8 points during the 2022-23 season.While Storr was only at Wisconsin for one year, Hepburn had been a three-year starter for the Badgers. As a freshman, he helped Wisconsin clinch a share of the 2022 Big Ten regular-season title by banking in a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in a 70-67 victory over Purdue.Hepburn averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals this past season. He scored 12.2 points per game during the 2022-23 season and 7.9 points per game in 2021-22.“As I embark on this new chapter and enter the transfer portal, please know that my decision is not a reflection of anything lacking at Wisconsin,” Hepburn said in an Instagram post announcing his decision while thanking Wisconsin's players, coaches and fans. "Rather, it is an opportunity for me to explore new possibilities and continue my journey in pursuit of my dreams.“Thank you, Wisconsin, for everything you have given me. I will carry the lessons and memories from my time here with me wherever I go, and I will always be proud to have been a Badger.”

Kansas adds AJ Storr after he led Wisconsin in scoring this past season

Hosting the first leg of a four-game non-conference series, the Barton Community College baseball team would strand 12-runners in a 7-3 loss to Coffeyville Community College before bouncing back with a strong start in game two, in salvaging a 9-4 doubleheader split at Lawson-Biggs Field on Thursday afternoon.

Wrapping up their five game homestand, the Cougars move to 31-15 overall after the split while the Red Ravens sit at 20-25 on the season. The teams will wrap up the four-game series Saturday afternoon as the team's swap locations to Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park for a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader.

Coming up empty with the bases loaded and no-out in the bottom of the first, Barton loaded the bases backup with one-out in the second inning, but Owen Clyne's drawn walk would be all the Cougars could mustar with Red Raven starter Ricardo Hernandez limiting the damage with a strikeout and flyout holding Barton to a 1-0 lead.

Hank Orr's first of his two hit day gifted Barton a 2-0 lead in the third creating a two-out double driving in Grant Nottlemann's leadoff single from second.

Coffeyville drew even at 2-2, in the top of the fourth with a pair of singles scoring off a double-steal attempt with the third single of inning and Barton error tacked on scoring the tying run.

After being sent down in order in the fourth, Cesar Gomez first of his two hit game gifted the Cougars their final lead lacing a two-out RBI triple to right field scoring Kyler Horsman's leadoff single for a 3-2 lead.

The Red Ravens grasped their first and lone lead needed in the sixth. Back-to-back leadoff walks followed by a run producing single and RBI fielder's choice pushed Coffeyville out front 4-3. The second single of the frame added to the lead with Barton's second error of the game scoring another and fifth run crossing on a groundout.

Searching for one final rally attempt in the ninth, Nottlemann's one-out walk, Gomez two-out hit-by-pitch ensued by Orr's single loaded the bases, but the big hit never came leaving the bases loaded for a third time and stranding 12 in the loss.

Starter Reece Hemmerling (6-3) suffered the loss working five-plus innings, giving up six runs, with just four earned while walking four and striking out four.

Preston Golden tossed the final two innings out of the bullpen permitting one run off one hit and striking out one.

Unable to capitalize on bases loaded chances in the opener, Barton delivered in the nightcap as Orr's drawn walk with two-outs loaded the bases creating Gomez two-RBI double scoring back-to-back leadoff Robby Bolin and Owen Clyne singles.

Having the lead cut in half in the top of the second, the Cougars answered in the second loading the bases with no-outs off an Owen Bailey leadoff single, Cooper Tabor hit-by-pitch and Bolin walk. Already extending his hitting streak to 16-straight games, Clyne stretched the lead back to two with his second single while Horsman tacked on two runs with a two-run double with a wild pitch plating a fourth and Wyatt Yetter RBI single capping the five-run frame and 7-1 lead.

Coffeyville's Nathan Cruz drew the Red Ravens back within 7-4 in the top of the fifth scoring a pair on his three driven in with a single in the third and fifth inning RBI double.

Hitless in his first three trips to the plate, Jaron Cotton's one-out double in the bottom of the sixth sparked a two-run inning, scoring on a Coffeyville error with Gomez single driving in his third run of the game plating Horsman's single.

Starting pitcher Aidan Sowers (5-2) collected the victory with four innings allowing four runs, with three earned, scattering five hits, walking three and striking out five.

Earning his first save of the season by going the final three innings, Anthony Treto surrendered just two hits, walking one and fanning four to salvage the doubleheader split.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713522772809.jpeg" alt="Kyler Horsman hitting- Photo Diego Sano, Barton Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Kyler Horsman hitting- Photo Diego Sano, Barton Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoHosting the first leg of a four-game non-conference series, the Barton Community College baseball team would strand 12-runners in a 7-3 loss to Coffeyville Community College before bouncing back with a strong start in game two, in salvaging a 9-4 doubleheader split at Lawson-Biggs Field on Thursday afternoon.Wrapping up their five game homestand, the Cougars move to 31-15 overall after the split while the Red Ravens sit at 20-25 on the season. The teams will wrap up the four-game series Saturday afternoon as the team's swap locations to Coffeyville's Walter Johnson Park for a 1:00 p.m. first pitch doubleheader.Game 1 Recap (L 7-3)Coming up empty with the bases loaded and no-out in the bottom of the first, Barton loaded the bases backup with one-out in the second inning, but Owen Clyne's drawn walk would be all the Cougars could mustar with Red Raven starter Ricardo Hernandez limiting the damage with a strikeout and flyout holding Barton to a 1-0 lead.Hank Orr's first of his two hit day gifted Barton a 2-0 lead in the third creating a two-out double driving in Grant Nottlemann's leadoff single from second.Coffeyville drew even at 2-2, in the top of the fourth with a pair of singles scoring off a double-steal attempt with the third single of inning and Barton error tacked on scoring the tying run.After being sent down in order in the fourth, Cesar Gomez first of his two hit game gifted the Cougars their final lead lacing a two-out RBI triple to right field scoring Kyler Horsman's leadoff single for a 3-2 lead.The Red Ravens grasped their first and lone lead needed in the sixth. Back-to-back leadoff walks followed by a run producing single and RBI fielder's choice pushed Coffeyville out front 4-3. The second single of the frame added to the lead with Barton's second error of the game scoring another and fifth run crossing on a groundout.Searching for one final rally attempt in the ninth, Nottlemann's one-out walk, Gomez two-out hit-by-pitch ensued by Orr's single loaded the bases, but the big hit never came leaving the bases loaded for a third time and stranding 12 in the loss.Starter Reece Hemmerling (6-3) suffered the loss working five-plus innings, giving up six runs, with just four earned while walking four and striking out four.Preston Golden tossed the final two innings out of the bullpen permitting one run off one hit and striking out one.Game 2 Recap (W 9-4)Unable to capitalize on bases loaded chances in the opener, Barton delivered in the nightcap as Orr's drawn walk with two-outs loaded the bases creating Gomez two-RBI double scoring back-to-back leadoff Robby Bolin and Owen Clyne singles.Having the lead cut in half in the top of the second, the Cougars answered in the second loading the bases with no-outs off an Owen Bailey leadoff single, Cooper Tabor hit-by-pitch and Bolin walk. Already extending his hitting streak to 16-straight games, Clyne stretched the lead back to two with his second single while Horsman tacked on two runs with a two-run double with a wild pitch plating a fourth and Wyatt Yetter RBI single capping the five-run frame and 7-1 lead.Coffeyville's Nathan Cruz drew the Red Ravens back within 7-4 in the top of the fifth scoring a pair on his three driven in with a single in the third and fifth inning RBI double.Hitless in his first three trips to the plate, Jaron Cotton's one-out double in the bottom of the sixth sparked a two-run inning, scoring on a Coffeyville error with Gomez single driving in his third run of the game plating Horsman's single.Starting pitcher Aidan Sowers (5-2) collected the victory with four innings allowing four runs, with three earned, scattering five hits, walking three and striking out five.Earning his first save of the season by going the final three innings, Anthony Treto surrendered just two hits, walking one and fanning four to salvage the doubleheader split.

Barton Baseball, Coffeyville split first two games of four-game set

All four Panther tennis slots picked up points Thursday in Dodge City. The result was 38 points and a third-place finish out of eight squads in action. The host Demons scored 65 points for the win, and Meade finished second with 55 points.

In a joint singles bracket, Aiden Stacey won his first match against Ulysses 8-0, then advanced to the semifinals with an 8-2 win over Cimarron. He dropped an 8-1 match to the eventual champion from Dodge City. Stacey fell 8-1 to another Dodge City player in the consolation finals.

Aaron Ramirez won his first singles match 8-4 over Meade before falling 8-0 to the champion from Dodge City. He won his next match against Cimarron 8-5 before falling to Dodge City 8-3 in the fifth-place match.

The Panther doubles team of Kaiden Deines and Jacob Parks finished ninth. After an 8-3 loss to Ulysses to open the tournament, the pair won out with an 8-4 win against Liberal, an 8-6 thriller against teammates Chasen Ramsey and Kaden Pounds, and an 8-0 shutout against Dodge City in the ninth-place match.

Ramsey and Pounds dropped their first match to Dodge City 8-3 but advanced to face their teammates with a bye. After the loss to Deines and Parks, Ramsey and Pounds defeated Liberal 8-2 in the 11th-place match.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886359882.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsAll four Panther tennis slots picked up points Thursday in Dodge City. The result was 38 points and a third-place finish out of eight squads in action. The host Demons scored 65 points for the win, and Meade finished second with 55 points.In a joint singles bracket, Aiden Stacey won his first match against Ulysses 8-0, then advanced to the semifinals with an 8-2 win over Cimarron. He dropped an 8-1 match to the eventual champion from Dodge City. Stacey fell 8-1 to another Dodge City player in the consolation finals.Aaron Ramirez won his first singles match 8-4 over Meade before falling 8-0 to the champion from Dodge City. He won his next match against Cimarron 8-5 before falling to Dodge City 8-3 in the fifth-place match.The Panther doubles team of Kaiden Deines and Jacob Parks finished ninth. After an 8-3 loss to Ulysses to open the tournament, the pair won out with an 8-4 win against Liberal, an 8-6 thriller against teammates Chasen Ramsey and Kaden Pounds, and an 8-0 shutout against Dodge City in the ninth-place match.Ramsey and Pounds dropped their first match to Dodge City 8-3 but advanced to face their teammates with a bye. After the loss to Deines and Parks, Ramsey and Pounds defeated Liberal 8-2 in the 11th-place match.

Panther tennis team places third at Dodge City

After dropping the first two games to Hays, the Lady Panther softball team picked up a 13-3 win over the Indians in game three of the series Thursday in Great Bend. Hays took the first game Wednesday and won game one of Thursday's doubleheader 11-8.

The Lady Panthers opened up a 2-0 lead after two innings of game two. Hays tied the game in the top of the fourth but Great Bend pulled back ahead with two runs in the bottom of the frame. A 7-run fifth proved to be the difference.&nbsp;

Great Bend pounded out 16 hits in the win. Kya Behr homered and doubled, driving in two and scoring twice. DeShawnna Bryant went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two walks. Katherine Mazouch doubled and singled twice, and Denver Ringo and Adelle Smith each doubled. Smith drove in two with her pinch-hit double, and Rylee Prilling had a pair of singles and a walk.

Braelyn Turner pitched all six innings for the win, striking out four and allowing three earned runs on six hits.

Game one Thursday went the other way. Great Bend scored two runs in the first inning and led 4-1 after three. The Lady Indians plated six runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to pull ahead 9-5 after four. Great Bend picked up three runs in the sixth but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

Bryant went 2-for-2 with a home run, single, and two walks. She drove in two and scored three times. Ringo homered and singled. Paige Thexton went 4-for-4 and added a walk. Kamryn Koelsch added three singles, and Camdyn Post singled twice.

Chayla Prendergast held the Lady Indians hitless in four innings on Wednesday. Thursday, the Lady Indians piled up six earned runs on 10 hits against the freshman in 3.1 innings. Alyssa McCauley threw 0.2 innings with a pair of walks and an earned run. Turner pitched three innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs.

Great Bend moves to 14-5 on the season and travels to Garden City for a single game Tuesday. The Lady Panthers host the Buffs Thursday for a doubleheader.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886617099.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsAfter dropping the first two games to Hays, the Lady Panther softball team picked up a 13-3 win over the Indians in game three of the series Thursday in Great Bend. Hays took the first game Wednesday and won game one of Thursday's doubleheader 11-8.The Lady Panthers opened up a 2-0 lead after two innings of game two. Hays tied the game in the top of the fourth but Great Bend pulled back ahead with two runs in the bottom of the frame. A 7-run fifth proved to be the difference.&nbsp;Great Bend pounded out 16 hits in the win. Kya Behr homered and doubled, driving in two and scoring twice. DeShawnna Bryant went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two walks. Katherine Mazouch doubled and singled twice, and Denver Ringo and Adelle Smith each doubled. Smith drove in two with her pinch-hit double, and Rylee Prilling had a pair of singles and a walk.Braelyn Turner pitched all six innings for the win, striking out four and allowing three earned runs on six hits.Game one Thursday went the other way. Great Bend scored two runs in the first inning and led 4-1 after three. The Lady Indians plated six runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to pull ahead 9-5 after four. Great Bend picked up three runs in the sixth but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.Bryant went 2-for-2 with a home run, single, and two walks. She drove in two and scored three times. Ringo homered and singled. Paige Thexton went 4-for-4 and added a walk. Kamryn Koelsch added three singles, and Camdyn Post singled twice.Chayla Prendergast held the Lady Indians hitless in four innings on Wednesday. Thursday, the Lady Indians piled up six earned runs on 10 hits against the freshman in 3.1 innings. Alyssa McCauley threw 0.2 innings with a pair of walks and an earned run. Turner pitched three innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs.Great Bend moves to 14-5 on the season and travels to Garden City for a single game Tuesday. The Lady Panthers host the Buffs Thursday for a doubleheader.

Lady Panther softball splits with Hays at home

UNDATED (AP) — AJ
Storr is transferring to Kansas after leading Wisconsin in scoring
this past season. Storr said Thursday in a social media post that he
was making this decision “with great excitement and humility.”
The 6-foot-7 Storr had 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds for Wisconsin
this past season while helping the Badgers go 22-14. It was a busy
day for transfer news involving Wisconsin. Badgers point guard Chucky
Hepburn announced on social media that he also was entering the
portal. Meanwhile, Kansas announced that South Dakota State guard
Zeke Mayo is also transferring to the Jayhawks.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Schools facing NCAA infractions cases could ensure they avoid
postseason bans if they show “exemplary cooperation” with
investigators under a proposal before the NCAA Division I Council.
The NCAA announced Thursday that the Division I board of directors
infractions process committee had introduced that proposal to the
council. The proposal would define the term “exemplary cooperation”
more clearly while establishing its impact on possible penalties. The
NCAA said that impact would include removing a postseason ban from
the table for the majority of schools found to have demonstrated
exemplary cooperation.

MIAMI (AP) — All
four teams in the finales of the NBA play-in tournament on Friday
night are dealing with injury issues. Chicago goes to Miami and then
Sacramento plays at New Orleans. The winner of the Bulls-Heat game
meets Boston in Round 1 and the Kings-Pelicans winner meets Oklahoma
City. The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for
their game against the Bulls, who had guard Alex Caruso go down to a
sprained ankle in Wednesday’s win over Atlanta. The Pelicans will
be without Zion Williamson because of a hamstring injury.

UNDATED (AP) — The
2024 NFL draft has the potential to set a record for most players on
offense selected in the first round. No draft has seen more than 19
players on offense chosen in the first round. That happened three
times, most recently in 2009. Many draft experts are predicting more
than 20 offensive players will go in the first round and some have up
to 25. The AP’s final mock draft had 22 going in the first round,
including 10 offensive linemen, six wide receivers, five quarterbacks
and one tight end. Only once in the past 57 years have the first
seven picks all been offensive players. That happened in 2021.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) —
The University of Missouri is planning a $250 million renovation of
Memorial Stadium. The project is expected to be completed by the 2026
season. It will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add
a variety of new premium seating options. The field-level Bunker Club
in the south end zone will be converted to a team recruiting center,
with upgrades to restrooms, concessions and the sound system among
other changes. The university’s Board of Curators unanimously
approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group on
Wednesday to handle the project.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —
Virginia’s governor has signed a law that allows state colleges and
universities to directly pay athletes through name, image and
likeness endorsement deals. The law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin
bypasses NCAA rules. It takes effect on July 1. NIL rules, enacted in
2021, allow college athletes to agree to deals with brands and
businesses that compensate them for advertising or personal
appearances. The NCAA says rules against “pay for play” and
schools directly paying their athletes remain in place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UNDATED (AP) — AJ
Storr is transferring to Kansas after leading Wisconsin in scoring
this past season. Storr said Thursday in a social media post that he
was making this decision “with great excitement and humility.”
The 6-foot-7 Storr had 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds for Wisconsin
this past season while helping the Badgers go 22-14. It was a busy
day for transfer news involving Wisconsin. Badgers point guard Chucky
Hepburn announced on social media that he also was entering the
portal. Meanwhile, Kansas announced that South Dakota State guard
Zeke Mayo is also transferring to the Jayhawks.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Schools facing NCAA infractions cases could ensure they avoid
postseason bans if they show “exemplary cooperation” with
investigators under a proposal before the NCAA Division I Council.
The NCAA announced Thursday that the Division I board of directors
infractions process committee had introduced that proposal to the
council. The proposal would define the term “exemplary cooperation”
more clearly while establishing its impact on possible penalties. The
NCAA said that impact would include removing a postseason ban from
the table for the majority of schools found to have demonstrated
exemplary cooperation.MIAMI (AP) — All
four teams in the finales of the NBA play-in tournament on Friday
night are dealing with injury issues. Chicago goes to Miami and then
Sacramento plays at New Orleans. The winner of the Bulls-Heat game
meets Boston in Round 1 and the Kings-Pelicans winner meets Oklahoma
City. The Heat will be without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier for
their game against the Bulls, who had guard Alex Caruso go down to a
sprained ankle in Wednesday’s win over Atlanta. The Pelicans will
be without Zion Williamson because of a hamstring injury.UNDATED (AP) — The
2024 NFL draft has the potential to set a record for most players on
offense selected in the first round. No draft has seen more than 19
players on offense chosen in the first round. That happened three
times, most recently in 2009. Many draft experts are predicting more
than 20 offensive players will go in the first round and some have up
to 25. The AP’s final mock draft had 22 going in the first round,
including 10 offensive linemen, six wide receivers, five quarterbacks
and one tight end. Only once in the past 57 years have the first
seven picks all been offensive players. That happened in 2021.COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) —
The University of Missouri is planning a $250 million renovation of
Memorial Stadium. The project is expected to be completed by the 2026
season. It will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add
a variety of new premium seating options. The field-level Bunker Club
in the south end zone will be converted to a team recruiting center,
with upgrades to restrooms, concessions and the sound system among
other changes. The university’s Board of Curators unanimously
approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group on
Wednesday to handle the project.RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —
Virginia’s governor has signed a law that allows state colleges and
universities to directly pay athletes through name, image and
likeness endorsement deals. The law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin
bypasses NCAA rules. It takes effect on July 1. NIL rules, enacted in
2021, allow college athletes to agree to deals with brands and
businesses that compensate them for advertising or personal
appearances. The NCAA says rules against “pay for play” and
schools directly paying their athletes remain in place.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	2	L.A. Angels	1	Final	Cleveland	5	Boston	4	Final	Texas	9	Detroit	7	NATIONAL LEAGUEMiami	at	Chi
Cubs	7:40 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	San
Francisco	5	Arizona	0	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Seattle	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Winnipeg	4	Vancouver	2	Final	Calgary	5	San
Jose	1	Final	Colorado	5	Edmonton	1	Final	Anaheim	4	Vegas	1

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are in the market for a quarterback again.

And a tight end. And a cornerback. And a tackle. And an edge rusher.

The Broncos lack the draft capital to meet all their needs in the NFL draft, where they have the 12th overall pick in Round 1.

They aren’t slated to make their second selection until the 72nd overall choice in the third round because they sent their second-rounder this year along with last year’s first-rounder to New Orleans so they could hire former Saints head coach Sean Payton.

Although their fanbase is pining for a quarterback at No. 12, the Broncos could go in any direction to fill one of the numerous holes on a roster still reeling from the team’s calamitous connection with Russell Wilson.

Wilson’s acquisition from Seattle in 2022 cost the Broncos four premium draft picks and his departure from Denver this spring after he went just 11-19 carries its own hefty price tag.

The Broncos parted with first- and second-round picks in 2022 and ‘23 in the Wilson trade. So, they haven’t picked in the first round since 2021, when they took Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II ninth overall.

Parting with four premium picks in the Wilson deal is a recurring cost for the Broncos, one that’s produced a paucity of depth on Denver’s roster.

Their first selection in 2022 was outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, the 64th overall pick, and their top choice a year ago was wide receiver/returner Marvin Mims with the 63rd overall selection.

Surtain is the Broncos’ only bona fide star after they cut safety Justin Simmons this spring to save $15 million in salary, something Payton blamed on the enormous ramifications of moving on from Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.

The Broncos are on the hook for $37.79 million of Wilson’s $39 million salary this upcoming season because the one-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh was for the veteran’s league minimum of $1.21 million.

So, Wilson will again be their highest-paid player even though he’s no longer on the roster — and that’s on top of the $85 million in dead cap the Broncos take over the next two seasons.

Aside from Surtain, eighth-year left tackle Garett Bolles is the only player on Denver’s roster whom the Broncos selected in the first round. Denver’s three first-round picks before Surtain have all been traded (wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland, tight end Noah Fant to Seattle and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to Miami).

Payton has said he’d like to sign another veteran quarterback before camp. If he doesn’t draft a QB, journeyman Jarrett Stidham, who went 1-1 after Wilson was benched last season, will be the incumbent. Stidham is Denver’s 13th starting QB since Peyton Manning retired a month after winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

Quarterback. Tight end. Tackle. Cornerback. Edge.

Despite the new kickoff rule putting a premium on returners, the Broncos are pretty much set on special teams with Mims making second-team All-Pro as a rookie last year. They re-signed K Wil Lutz and have one of the league’s top punters in Riley Dixon.

Payton didn’t expect he’d be picking this high when he took over last summer and declared he’d be ticked if the Broncos didn’t make the playoffs. They not only extended their playoff drought to eight years, but they had their seventh straight losing season.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos are in the market for a quarterback again.And a tight end. And a cornerback. And a tackle. And an edge rusher.You name it, they need it.The Broncos lack the draft capital to meet all their needs in the NFL draft, where they have the 12th overall pick in Round 1.They aren’t slated to make their second selection until the 72nd overall choice in the third round because they sent their second-rounder this year along with last year’s first-rounder to New Orleans so they could hire former Saints head coach Sean Payton.Although their fanbase is pining for a quarterback at No. 12, the Broncos could go in any direction to fill one of the numerous holes on a roster still reeling from the team’s calamitous connection with Russell Wilson.Wilson’s acquisition from Seattle in 2022 cost the Broncos four premium draft picks and his departure from Denver this spring after he went just 11-19 carries its own hefty price tag.The Broncos parted with first- and second-round picks in 2022 and ‘23 in the Wilson trade. So, they haven’t picked in the first round since 2021, when they took Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II ninth overall.Parting with four premium picks in the Wilson deal is a recurring cost for the Broncos, one that’s produced a paucity of depth on Denver’s roster.Their first selection in 2022 was outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, the 64th overall pick, and their top choice a year ago was wide receiver/returner Marvin Mims with the 63rd overall selection.Surtain is the Broncos’ only bona fide star after they cut safety Justin Simmons this spring to save $15 million in salary, something Payton blamed on the enormous ramifications of moving on from Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.The Broncos are on the hook for $37.79 million of Wilson’s $39 million salary this upcoming season because the one-year deal he signed with Pittsburgh was for the veteran’s league minimum of $1.21 million.So, Wilson will again be their highest-paid player even though he’s no longer on the roster — and that’s on top of the $85 million in dead cap the Broncos take over the next two seasons.PAUCITY OF HIGH PICKSAside from Surtain, eighth-year left tackle Garett Bolles is the only player on Denver’s roster whom the Broncos selected in the first round. Denver’s three first-round picks before Surtain have all been traded (wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland, tight end Noah Fant to Seattle and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to Miami).WHAT IF NO QB IS SELECTEDPayton has said he’d like to sign another veteran quarterback before camp. If he doesn’t draft a QB, journeyman Jarrett Stidham, who went 1-1 after Wilson was benched last season, will be the incumbent. Stidham is Denver’s 13th starting QB since Peyton Manning retired a month after winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.NEEDSQuarterback. Tight end. Tackle. Cornerback. Edge.DON’T NEEDDespite the new kickoff rule putting a premium on returners, the Broncos are pretty much set on special teams with Mims making second-team All-Pro as a rookie last year. They re-signed K Wil Lutz and have one of the league’s top punters in Riley Dixon.PICK ’EMPayton didn’t expect he’d be picking this high when he took over last summer and declared he’d be ticked if the Broncos didn’t make the playoffs. They not only extended their playoff drought to eight years, but they had their seventh straight losing season.