TOPEKA, Kan. – The state volleyball and basketball formats will look different starting next school year, and the shot clock is officially in the postseason. Those items were approved during the KSHSAA Executive Board and Board of Director Meetings on Thursday.

Volleyball - The traditional two-day format for state volleyball will now be played across three days for classes 6A, 5A, 4 A, 3A, 2A and 1A DI. There will still be two days of competition for each classification, but of the three sites with two classifications, the teams there will alternate days of pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to all play the semifinals, consolation and finals on Saturday. The 1A DII state volleyball format will remain the same.

“This decision is really centered around what is best for the student-athlete,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Sarah Smith. “The traditional two-day format put students in a situation where we were competing well into the night, sometimes at midnight. This allows for teams to be well rested before their most important match of the year.”

Thursday &amp; Friday Schedule/Format

Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play on Thursday during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will play on Thursday during odd-numbered years. Whoever does not play Thursday will play the same time schedule/format on Friday.

Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play bracket play in the morning during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will bracket play in the morning during odd-numbered years. 1A Div II will keep their current schedule/format.

Even Numbered Classes (assuming this is an even-numbered year)

9:00 am: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1

10:30 am: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match

Odd Numbered Classes (assuming this is an odd-numbered year)

1:00 pm: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1

2:30 pm: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match

Basketball – In June of 2024 the KSHSAA Executive Board approved the plan to move state basketball to four sites to align with the membership’s desire to combine championship venues as the association did with football and soccer this school year. On Thursday, the board approved the next step of the plan to move the quarterfinal round to a select group of neutral sites. While sites are not fully finalized, the general premise will be to place the higher seeds playing their opening round game closer to home so far as possible. There will be cases when the travel distance for the opponent is too great so a neutral site in the middle of the two schools will be selected. This could include multiple classes playing at the same site. There will be a total of four sites around the state for semifinals and finals. The quarterfinal sites and the semifinal and final sites have not been selected at this time. More information will be available soon.

Also approved Thursday was the next step for the shot clock. The KSHSAA Executive Board approved the following for mandatory adoption during the postseason:

The KSHSAA collected data throughout the year from those schools who chose to use the shot clock and sent a survey after the basketball season to every school asking for their opinion on the future of the shot clock. Results of the data from the season and the survey are linked here.

Football – The KSHSAA Board of Directors made an adjustment to the classification limits for teams eligible to compete in 8-player and 6-player football. KSHSAA Handbook Rule 35 now reads: For 8-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 110 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. For 6-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 65 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. The change will go into effect for the next football districting cycle.

KSHSAA CoveredTOPEKA, Kan. – The state volleyball and basketball formats will look different starting next school year, and the shot clock is officially in the postseason. Those items were approved during the KSHSAA Executive Board and Board of Director Meetings on Thursday.Volleyball - The traditional two-day format for state volleyball will now be played across three days for classes 6A, 5A, 4 A, 3A, 2A and 1A DI. There will still be two days of competition for each classification, but of the three sites with two classifications, the teams there will alternate days of pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to all play the semifinals, consolation and finals on Saturday. The 1A DII state volleyball format will remain the same.“This decision is really centered around what is best for the student-athlete,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Sarah Smith. “The traditional two-day format put students in a situation where we were competing well into the night, sometimes at midnight. This allows for teams to be well rested before their most important match of the year.”Thursday &amp; Friday Schedule/FormatEven-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play on Thursday during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will play on Thursday during odd-numbered years. Whoever does not play Thursday will play the same time schedule/format on Friday.10:00 am: 4 vs 5; 3 vs 611:00 am: 1 vs 8; 2 vs 712:00 pm: 4 vs 8; 3 vs 71:00 pm: 1 vs 5; 2 vs 62:00 pm: 5 vs 8; 6 vs 73:00 pm: 1 vs 4; 2 vs 3Saturday Schedule/FormatEven-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play bracket play in the morning during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will bracket play in the morning during odd-numbered years. 1A Div II will keep their current schedule/format.Even Numbered Classes (assuming this is an even-numbered year)9:00 am: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 110:30 am: 3rd Place Match; Championship MatchOdd Numbered Classes (assuming this is an odd-numbered year)1:00 pm: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 12:30 pm: 3rd Place Match; Championship MatchBasketball – In June of 2024 the KSHSAA Executive Board approved the plan to move state basketball to four sites to align with the membership’s desire to combine championship venues as the association did with football and soccer this school year. On Thursday, the board approved the next step of the plan to move the quarterfinal round to a select group of neutral sites. While sites are not fully finalized, the general premise will be to place the higher seeds playing their opening round game closer to home so far as possible. There will be cases when the travel distance for the opponent is too great so a neutral site in the middle of the two schools will be selected. This could include multiple classes playing at the same site. There will be a total of four sites around the state for semifinals and finals. The quarterfinal sites and the semifinal and final sites have not been selected at this time. More information will be available soon.Also approved Thursday was the next step for the shot clock. The KSHSAA Executive Board approved the following for mandatory adoption during the postseason:Class 6A, 5A and 4A - 2025-26Class 3A and 2A – 2026-27Class 1A DI and Class 1ADII – 2027-28The KSHSAA collected data throughout the year from those schools who chose to use the shot clock and sent a survey after the basketball season to every school asking for their opinion on the future of the shot clock. Results of the data from the season and the survey are linked here.Football – The KSHSAA Board of Directors made an adjustment to the classification limits for teams eligible to compete in 8-player and 6-player football. KSHSAA Handbook Rule 35 now reads: For 8-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 110 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. For 6-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 65 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. The change will go into effect for the next football districting cycle.

KSHSAA legislative boards approve several changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.

The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.

Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.

Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.

Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.

Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.

The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.

The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.

Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.

The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745679040839.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.<h2>Up next</h2>The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

Seth Lugo shuts down Astros to lead Royals to fifth straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals ace Cole Ragans will undergo testing on his left groin after the All-Star left-hander was forced to leave Thursday's start against the Colorado Rockies after just three innings and 62 pitches.

Ragans had allowed four runs on three hits — two of them homers — and two walks before Angel Zerpa replaced him for the fourth inning of a 7-3 victory over the Rockies. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Ragans had trouble getting loose before the game and his groin began to bother him as the innings went on.

“As he was sitting there between innings, between the third and fourth, it tightened up on him,” said Quatraro, who thinks some of Ragans' command problems during the opening game of a doubleheader were related to the groin issue.

Ragans went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA and led the league in strikeouts per nine innings during a breakout season last year. He is 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA in six starts this season, including a dismal outing last week against the Tigers.

“Cole was not 100 percent," Royals catcher Salvador Perez said Thursday. “I could tell from the bullpen he was not right.”

The Royals bullpen picked Ragans up, though, tossing six scoreless innings in relief. Zerpa and Steven Cruz tossed two apiece, Lucas Erceg cruised through the eighth and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth to earn his sixth save.

In other injury news, Quatraro said right-hander Alec Marsh would begin a new throwing progression Friday after he was shut down a few weeks ago with more soreness in his right shoulder. The Royals hope to have him back sometime in June.

Speedy outfielder Dairon Blanco also is on the mend after dealing with a right Achilles injury. He went through a full workout on Tuesday, and Quatraro said it's possible that Blanco could be headed on a rehab assignment soon.

“That was a huge step forward. He had a ton of volume out there,” Quatraro said. “We've got to get through this weekend, but if everything goes smoothly, we'll get him out sometime next week.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals ace Cole Ragans will undergo testing on his left groin after the All-Star left-hander was forced to leave Thursday's start against the Colorado Rockies after just three innings and 62 pitches.Ragans had allowed four runs on three hits — two of them homers — and two walks before Angel Zerpa replaced him for the fourth inning of a 7-3 victory over the Rockies. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Ragans had trouble getting loose before the game and his groin began to bother him as the innings went on.“As he was sitting there between innings, between the third and fourth, it tightened up on him,” said Quatraro, who thinks some of Ragans' command problems during the opening game of a doubleheader were related to the groin issue.Ragans went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA and led the league in strikeouts per nine innings during a breakout season last year. He is 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA in six starts this season, including a dismal outing last week against the Tigers.“Cole was not 100 percent," Royals catcher Salvador Perez said Thursday. “I could tell from the bullpen he was not right.”The Royals bullpen picked Ragans up, though, tossing six scoreless innings in relief. Zerpa and Steven Cruz tossed two apiece, Lucas Erceg cruised through the eighth and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth to earn his sixth save.In other injury news, Quatraro said right-hander Alec Marsh would begin a new throwing progression Friday after he was shut down a few weeks ago with more soreness in his right shoulder. The Royals hope to have him back sometime in June.Speedy outfielder Dairon Blanco also is on the mend after dealing with a right Achilles injury. He went through a full workout on Tuesday, and Quatraro said it's possible that Blanco could be headed on a rehab assignment soon.“That was a huge step forward. He had a ton of volume out there,” Quatraro said. “We've got to get through this weekend, but if everything goes smoothly, we'll get him out sometime next week.”

Ragans to undergo testing after leaving start vs Rockies with groin tightness

- We'll recap Thursday's softball double header in Hays between Great Bend and the Indians with members of the Panthers softball team.

- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl will have the latest on high school baseball and softball.

- KVGB Track and Field Insider Mike Courson highlights some of the best performances of the week on the track and in the field.

- Friday Sports Headlines including all the results from Day one the NFL Draft on Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Friday show lineup with host Steve Webster" />
 <figcaption>Friday show lineup with host Steve Webster</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTEZWO8akNE?si=r7s8wA3SlduvLSw7" 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>- We'll recap Thursday's softball double header in Hays between Great Bend and the Indians with members of the Panthers softball team.- Sunflower Sports Solutions Conor Nicholl will have the latest on high school baseball and softball.- KVGB Track and Field Insider Mike Courson highlights some of the best performances of the week on the track and in the field.- Friday Sports Headlines including all the results from Day one the NFL Draft on Thursday night.- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)


Wichita Kansas- The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals featured 57 of the
top senior wrestlers across the state, competing together for one
great cause, to benefit Shriners Children’s. Team West came away
victorious on the mat, with a 113-36 team dual win. 



Together, the 57 wrestlers, coaches, family, friends &amp; supporters
teamed up to help raise $25,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. 



On the mat, Team West won 23 of the 30 matches at Fugate Gymnasium on
the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. 



The 2026 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will return to Newman University on
Saturday, March 28, 2026. 


Final Results –
2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals


165 - Jace Schartz (West/Great Bend) over Aidan Carmack (East/Shawnee
Mission North) Fall 0:54


207 - Emma Hahn (West/Ellinwood) over Ryan Bretthauer (East/Eudora)
Fall 0:41


157 - Blake Winsor (West/Pratt) over Braiden Frey (East/Olathe North)
TF 19-3


184 - Teron Kraft (West/Hoisington) over Ty Hammers (East/Gardner
Edgerton) Dec 8-4

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745590739508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Post Sports
Wichita Kansas- The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals featured 57 of the
top senior wrestlers across the state, competing together for one
great cause, to benefit Shriners Children’s. Team West came away
victorious on the mat, with a 113-36 team dual win. 

Together, the 57 wrestlers, coaches, family, friends &amp; supporters
teamed up to help raise $25,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. 

On the mat, Team West won 23 of the 30 matches at Fugate Gymnasium on
the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. 

The 2026 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will return to Newman University on
Saturday, March 28, 2026. 
Final Results –
2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine DualsWest 113 – East
36Area Wrestlers
results
165 - Jace Schartz (West/Great Bend) over Aidan Carmack (East/Shawnee
Mission North) Fall 0:54
207 - Emma Hahn (West/Ellinwood) over Ryan Bretthauer (East/Eudora)
Fall 0:41
157 - Blake Winsor (West/Pratt) over Braiden Frey (East/Olathe North)
TF 19-3
184 - Teron Kraft (West/Hoisington) over Ty Hammers (East/Gardner
Edgerton) Dec 8-4

2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals Raises $25,000 for Shriners Children’s

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Patrick Surtain II has a new partner in the defensive backfield, with the Denver Broncos selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.

“We weren’t expecting him to be there,” general manager George Paton said. “He was pretty high up on our board. What we liked about him is he’s a playmaker, he’s a football player, he’s a fun watch.”

Coach Sean Payton praised Barron’s skills and football IQ and said another thing that impressed him was this: After Barron spoke with team owner Greg Penner following his selection, he asked to be put on speaker phone so he could thank everyone in the organization.

“And I’ve never had that happen,” Payton said.

A ballhawk and sure tackler for the Longhorns, Barron lined up outside, in the slot and in the box as a dime linebacker, and his versatility is expected to allow him to make an impact as a rookie.

Barron has elite speed, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, and he won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2024 after picking off five passes and breaking up 11 more.

“I bring a lot of versatility to the defense,” Barron said. “I’m going to learn from the vets. I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Surtain. I can’t wait to learn from (Denver defensive coordinator Vance) Joseph. I mean, it’s going to be amazing.”

The Broncos could even give the 5-foot-11, 194-pound Barron a look at safety. If so, he’s certain he’d fare well.

“Oh, definitely,” Barron said. “It would be a tremendous thing for me, just learning from those vets there.”

Barron said he was recently introduced to Surtain through his financial advisor but hadn’t had time to return Surtain’s message in the leadup to the draft.

“So, he’s probably going to make me carry his pads for not hitting him back,” Barron said with a laugh.

For the first time in a decade, the Broncos didn’t have to spend their draft preparation poring over quarterback prospects. Bo Nix’s successful rookie season in 2024 allowed Payton and Paton to focus their energies elsewhere.

The Broncos got off to a good start with their roster reshaping in free agency, signing safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers and adding tight end Evan Engram from Jacksonville and special teams ace Trent Sherfield from Detroit.

That allowed them to focus on adding the best player on their board, which they did in Barron.

“I can do a lot of things once I learn and soak it in, soak the game in and understand it,” Barron said. “But I’m very smart and I’m willing to do whatever to contribute and make myself a value and a key piece.

“And again, I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Surtain, to be a part of the DB culture and the things that he’s doing and the things that they got going on down there.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Patrick Surtain II has a new partner in the defensive backfield, with the Denver Broncos selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.“We weren’t expecting him to be there,” general manager George Paton said. “He was pretty high up on our board. What we liked about him is he’s a playmaker, he’s a football player, he’s a fun watch.”Coach Sean Payton praised Barron’s skills and football IQ and said another thing that impressed him was this: After Barron spoke with team owner Greg Penner following his selection, he asked to be put on speaker phone so he could thank everyone in the organization.“And I’ve never had that happen,” Payton said.A ballhawk and sure tackler for the Longhorns, Barron lined up outside, in the slot and in the box as a dime linebacker, and his versatility is expected to allow him to make an impact as a rookie.Barron has elite speed, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, and he won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2024 after picking off five passes and breaking up 11 more.“I bring a lot of versatility to the defense,” Barron said. “I’m going to learn from the vets. I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Surtain. I can’t wait to learn from (Denver defensive coordinator Vance) Joseph. I mean, it’s going to be amazing.”The Broncos could even give the 5-foot-11, 194-pound Barron a look at safety. If so, he’s certain he’d fare well.“Oh, definitely,” Barron said. “It would be a tremendous thing for me, just learning from those vets there.”Barron said he was recently introduced to Surtain through his financial advisor but hadn’t had time to return Surtain’s message in the leadup to the draft.“So, he’s probably going to make me carry his pads for not hitting him back,” Barron said with a laugh.For the first time in a decade, the Broncos didn’t have to spend their draft preparation poring over quarterback prospects. Bo Nix’s successful rookie season in 2024 allowed Payton and Paton to focus their energies elsewhere.The Broncos got off to a good start with their roster reshaping in free agency, signing safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers and adding tight end Evan Engram from Jacksonville and special teams ace Trent Sherfield from Detroit.That allowed them to focus on adding the best player on their board, which they did in Barron.“I can do a lot of things once I learn and soak it in, soak the game in and understand it,” Barron said. “But I’m very smart and I’m willing to do whatever to contribute and make myself a value and a key piece.“And again, I can’t wait to learn from Patrick Surtain, to be a part of the DB culture and the things that he’s doing and the things that they got going on down there.”

Broncos add cornerback Jahdae Barron of Texas to team up with star Pat Surtain II

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.

Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn't work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.

“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you'll find out he's a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”

Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

Not surprising given the amount of time he spent on his back last season.

“There's a lot different expectations when you're picking this low in the draft, especially with the quarterback that's going to be behind you,” said Simmons, who spent draft night with his agent and some family and friends.

“You have to attack it hard," he added, "show up to work hard every day.”

The Chiefs tried to address left tackle last season, when they picked Kingsley Suamataia in the second round. But he was soon benched, and Wanya Morris fared little better in his place. By the end of the season, the Chiefs had resorted to using star guard Joe Thuney at the tackle spot so that Mahomes would have enough time in the pocket.

It didn't work. And the Eagles took advantage of the porous offensive line in a blowout victory in the Super Bowl.

Coincidentally, just before the Chiefs went on the clock Thursday night, they swapped draft slots with Philadelphia, giving up No. 31. And by moving back that one spot, the Chiefs also picked up a fifth-round pick in this year's draft.

The Eagles picked Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, leaving Kansas City to pick Simmons and fill its biggest need.

“When you throw that tape on,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “you're thinking, ‘Hopefully we’re not in a position to take him,' because he could go pretty high. ... There's still a rehabilitation process, and belief in our training staff. But had it not been for his injury, he probably wouldn't have been there.”

The Chiefs did sign Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract in free agency, giving them an option at offensive tackle if things didn't work out in the draft. Now, they have two capable options to go with starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor.

Reid said the Chiefs would be cautious with Simmons during their upcoming rookie minicamp, and he was unsure exactly what the 6-foot-5, 317-pounder would be able to do during the rest of offseason workouts. But trainer Rick Burkholder was confident that Simmons' knee would be ready to go by training camp, putting him on track to play a full rookie season.

“There's no time to take breaths. If anything, it's where you have to start pouring it on as much as you ever have,” Simmons said. “You know you're going into a really, really good football club.”

The Chiefs have three picks on Day 2 of the draft Friday night — one in the second round and two in the third. And they still have plenty of needs as they seek a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance, including help along the defensive line.

“You'll never be able to stamp anything on a draft until you see the guys produce, and how they perform on the field,” Veach said. "But just in general, it's good practice to always leave a draft with offensive linemen and defensive linemen.

“We'll try to check the boxes where need meets the talent.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn't work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you'll find out he's a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That's where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.Not surprising given the amount of time he spent on his back last season.“There's a lot different expectations when you're picking this low in the draft, especially with the quarterback that's going to be behind you,” said Simmons, who spent draft night with his agent and some family and friends.“You have to attack it hard," he added, "show up to work hard every day.”The Chiefs tried to address left tackle last season, when they picked Kingsley Suamataia in the second round. But he was soon benched, and Wanya Morris fared little better in his place. By the end of the season, the Chiefs had resorted to using star guard Joe Thuney at the tackle spot so that Mahomes would have enough time in the pocket.It didn't work. And the Eagles took advantage of the porous offensive line in a blowout victory in the Super Bowl.Coincidentally, just before the Chiefs went on the clock Thursday night, they swapped draft slots with Philadelphia, giving up No. 31. And by moving back that one spot, the Chiefs also picked up a fifth-round pick in this year's draft.The Eagles picked Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, leaving Kansas City to pick Simmons and fill its biggest need.“When you throw that tape on,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “you're thinking, ‘Hopefully we’re not in a position to take him,' because he could go pretty high. ... There's still a rehabilitation process, and belief in our training staff. But had it not been for his injury, he probably wouldn't have been there.”The Chiefs did sign Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract in free agency, giving them an option at offensive tackle if things didn't work out in the draft. Now, they have two capable options to go with starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor.Reid said the Chiefs would be cautious with Simmons during their upcoming rookie minicamp, and he was unsure exactly what the 6-foot-5, 317-pounder would be able to do during the rest of offseason workouts. But trainer Rick Burkholder was confident that Simmons' knee would be ready to go by training camp, putting him on track to play a full rookie season.“There's no time to take breaths. If anything, it's where you have to start pouring it on as much as you ever have,” Simmons said. “You know you're going into a really, really good football club.”The Chiefs have three picks on Day 2 of the draft Friday night — one in the second round and two in the third. And they still have plenty of needs as they seek a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance, including help along the defensive line.“You'll never be able to stamp anything on a draft until you see the guys produce, and how they perform on the field,” Veach said. "But just in general, it's good practice to always leave a draft with offensive linemen and defensive linemen.“We'll try to check the boxes where need meets the talent.”

Chiefs use final pick in first round of NFL draft on Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team's hopes of closing in on its 12th conference title were disrupted Thursday afternoon at Cavalier Field dropping both ends of the doubleheader at Dodge City Community College.

A five-run fifth inning provided too many obstacles in the opener as the Conquistadors won 8-4, snapping the Cougars' program best 19-game winning streak.

In the nightcap, a five-run lead would not be enough as Dodge City outscored Barton 8-2 over the final inning and half capping the 9-8 comeback on a walk-off grand slam.

The losses bring Barton back into a first-place tie with Cloud County in the conference standings at 24-6 and 37-10 overall while Dodge City moves to 12-14 in league play and 28-20 on the season. 

Still controlling its destiny in the title chase, Barton will look to clinch at least a share of the title with a pair of wins in Saturday's conference finale doubleheader with Dodge City in a 1:00 p.m. first-pitch from Lawson-Biggs Field.

Barton was outhit on the afternoon 23-15, with five of the Conquistador hits coming on the long ball including the game-winning grand slam in the nightcap.

Barton got off to a strong start plating a run in the opening two frames, but the Cougar offense would be held in check with just two runs coming over the final five innings.

Tyler Janssen's leadoff plunking accounted for the first tally scoring off John Connors' two-out single for a 1-0 first-inning lead.

Making his return to Cavalier Field, Tate Blasi increased the lead to 2-0 in the second with a one-out solo shot for his eighth blast of the season.

Held to just a single through two-innings, the Conquistador offense quickly claimed the lead in the third sending eight to the plate benefitting off a leadoff plunking, walk and trio of singles generating a three-run frame and 3-2 advantage.

The Cougars evened things at 3-all in the top of the fourth as Blasi's two-out single ignited a two-out rally scoring on Kyle Graves RBI triple.

Wyatt Yetter's 2-out fifth inning fence clearer for his seventh home run of the season pushed Barton back out front for the final time at 4-3.

A leadoff error along with five hits produced keyed the decisive five run home half, the big blows coming on a three-run home run and two-run shot for an 8-4 Conquistador lead.

Anthony Treto (4-3) took the loss working 4.1-innings after yielding seven hits, seven runs (five-earned) with a walk. Landon Haines handled 1.1-innings with one run allowed off three hits while Jackson MacWilliams managed the final out of the sixth with a pickoff at second base for his 0.1-innings.

Blasi led Barton's only multi-hit performance finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI coming off his eighth home run of the season.

Similar to the opener, Barton jetted out to a quick 2-0 start behind Hunter Alvord and Ayden Hadley leadoff singles both scoring from Connors sacrifice fly and Yetter's groundout, but lighting struck again in the later stages.

Locked in a pitcher's duel with no-runs scored over the next three innings, the Conquistadors broke through on the scoreboard in the fifth as a trio of singles cut the margin to 2-1.

The advantage lengthened to 4-1 in the seventh as Janssen's two-out walk followed with Alvord's single both came in from Conquistadors' wild pitch and passed ball.

With both starting pitchers out entering the eighth, the offenses rapidly heated up combining for 12 runs over the final two-innings and Cougars outscored 8-4.

Pounding out four extra base hits in the opener, Connors leadoff triple to start the eighth would be the lone extra base knock for the Cougars in the nightcap scoring on Kyle Walker's single. Graves sacrifice bunt following brought in Blasi's one-out walk, pushing Barton's lead to 6-1.

The advantage quickly faded back to one in the home eighth when Dodge City struck for four tallies all coming on two-outs. A hit batsman initiated the first two-run home run and error succeeding fueling to the second two-run shot in the frame.

Yetter's two-out two-RBI single in the ninth brought the Cougars to a three run 8-5 lead, scoring Janssen's leadoff and Hadley's one-out plunking's.

A pair of unfortunate infield comebackers helped Dodge City load the bases all off singles with the blow coming on a two-out walk-off grand slam.

Preston Golden (1-1) took the loss in relief handling one-inning scattering four runs off four hits with a pair of strikeouts.

Reigning Jayhawk West Pitcher of the Week Braden Hauschel earned a no-decision behind 5.2-innings of work. The freshman allowed seven hits for one run and struck out seven.

Alvord and Walker contributed with four of the eight hits in the nightcap each producing two-hits apiece.

Yetter keyed the run production with three-RBIs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745577317292.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team's hopes of closing in on its 12th conference title were disrupted Thursday afternoon at Cavalier Field dropping both ends of the doubleheader at Dodge City Community College.A five-run fifth inning provided too many obstacles in the opener as the Conquistadors won 8-4, snapping the Cougars' program best 19-game winning streak.In the nightcap, a five-run lead would not be enough as Dodge City outscored Barton 8-2 over the final inning and half capping the 9-8 comeback on a walk-off grand slam.The losses bring Barton back into a first-place tie with Cloud County in the conference standings at 24-6 and 37-10 overall while Dodge City moves to 12-14 in league play and 28-20 on the season. Still controlling its destiny in the title chase, Barton will look to clinch at least a share of the title with a pair of wins in Saturday's conference finale doubleheader with Dodge City in a 1:00 p.m. first-pitch from Lawson-Biggs Field.Barton was outhit on the afternoon 23-15, with five of the Conquistador hits coming on the long ball including the game-winning grand slam in the nightcap.Game 1 RecapBarton got off to a strong start plating a run in the opening two frames, but the Cougar offense would be held in check with just two runs coming over the final five innings.Tyler Janssen's leadoff plunking accounted for the first tally scoring off John Connors' two-out single for a 1-0 first-inning lead.Making his return to Cavalier Field, Tate Blasi increased the lead to 2-0 in the second with a one-out solo shot for his eighth blast of the season.Held to just a single through two-innings, the Conquistador offense quickly claimed the lead in the third sending eight to the plate benefitting off a leadoff plunking, walk and trio of singles generating a three-run frame and 3-2 advantage.The Cougars evened things at 3-all in the top of the fourth as Blasi's two-out single ignited a two-out rally scoring on Kyle Graves RBI triple.Wyatt Yetter's 2-out fifth inning fence clearer for his seventh home run of the season pushed Barton back out front for the final time at 4-3.A leadoff error along with five hits produced keyed the decisive five run home half, the big blows coming on a three-run home run and two-run shot for an 8-4 Conquistador lead.Anthony Treto (4-3) took the loss working 4.1-innings after yielding seven hits, seven runs (five-earned) with a walk. Landon Haines handled 1.1-innings with one run allowed off three hits while Jackson MacWilliams managed the final out of the sixth with a pickoff at second base for his 0.1-innings.Blasi led Barton's only multi-hit performance finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI coming off his eighth home run of the season.Game 2 RecapSimilar to the opener, Barton jetted out to a quick 2-0 start behind Hunter Alvord and Ayden Hadley leadoff singles both scoring from Connors sacrifice fly and Yetter's groundout, but lighting struck again in the later stages.Locked in a pitcher's duel with no-runs scored over the next three innings, the Conquistadors broke through on the scoreboard in the fifth as a trio of singles cut the margin to 2-1.The advantage lengthened to 4-1 in the seventh as Janssen's two-out walk followed with Alvord's single both came in from Conquistadors' wild pitch and passed ball.With both starting pitchers out entering the eighth, the offenses rapidly heated up combining for 12 runs over the final two-innings and Cougars outscored 8-4.Pounding out four extra base hits in the opener, Connors leadoff triple to start the eighth would be the lone extra base knock for the Cougars in the nightcap scoring on Kyle Walker's single. Graves sacrifice bunt following brought in Blasi's one-out walk, pushing Barton's lead to 6-1.The advantage quickly faded back to one in the home eighth when Dodge City struck for four tallies all coming on two-outs. A hit batsman initiated the first two-run home run and error succeeding fueling to the second two-run shot in the frame.Yetter's two-out two-RBI single in the ninth brought the Cougars to a three run 8-5 lead, scoring Janssen's leadoff and Hadley's one-out plunking's.A pair of unfortunate infield comebackers helped Dodge City load the bases all off singles with the blow coming on a two-out walk-off grand slam.Preston Golden (1-1) took the loss in relief handling one-inning scattering four runs off four hits with a pair of strikeouts.Reigning Jayhawk West Pitcher of the Week Braden Hauschel earned a no-decision behind 5.2-innings of work. The freshman allowed seven hits for one run and struck out seven.Alvord and Walker contributed with four of the eight hits in the nightcap each producing two-hits apiece.Yetter keyed the run production with three-RBIs.

Title hopes disrupted; No. 17 Cougars' drop doubleheader at Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.

Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.

Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.

Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.

Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.

Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.

The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.

The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.

Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

Witt's hit streak reaches 16 games, Royals beat Rockies 6-2 to wrap up doubleheader sweep

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle
Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft
on Thursday night. The move gives quarterback Patrick Mahomes the
blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season. Simmons
missed most of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his
knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine. But the
Chiefs were comfortable with their medical checks and wound up using
the No. 32 overall pick on him. They actually moved back from No. 31
in a trade with Philadelphia, picking up an extra fifth-rounder in
the process.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— Cam Ward went from zero-star recruit to No. 1 pick in the NFL
draft. Travis Hunter cost Jacksonville a premium. Jaxson Dart was
selected before Shedeur Sanders. While Ward, Hunter and Abdul Carter
went 1-2-3 as expected, Sanders wasn't picked at all in the first
round. Sanders was passed over by every team that had a need for a
potential franchise quarterback, even though some draft analysts had
him rated higher than Ward. The New York Giants had two chances to
take Sanders and went with Penn State edge rusher Carter with the No.
3 pick, bolstering an already strong pass rush. The Giants then moved
back into the first round and selected Dart, a quarterback from Ole
Miss, at No. 25.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best
16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning as the Royals beat
the Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to finish off a doubleheader and series
sweep. Salvador Perez added a pair of doubles and two RBIs, and
Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey also drove in runs for Kansas
City. The Royals have won four straight. Michael Lorenzen got the win
while the Rockies' Chase Dollander took the loss. The Rockies are
4-20, the worst start in franchise history, and they have matched a
franchise record by losing 13 consecutive road games.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Royals ace Cole Ragans will undergo testing on his left
groin after the All-Star left-hander was forced to leave Thursday’s
start against the Colorado Rockies after just three innings and 62
pitches. Ragans had allowed four runs on three hits and two walks
before Angel Zerpa replaced him for the fourth inning of a 7-3
victory over the Rockies. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said
Ragans had trouble getting loose before the game and his groin began
to bother him as the innings went on. The Royals bullpen picked him
up, shutting out the Rockies over the final six innings.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Chet Holmgren scored all but one of his 24 points in the second
half as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 29-point deficit
after Ja Morant left the game with a hip injury and beat the Memphis
Grizzlies 114-108 for a 3-0 lead in the first-round series. Morant
was hurt with just over three minutes left in the first half and
Memphis leading 67-40. They got the next basket after he exited and
still led by 26 points at halftime. The 29-point comeback was the
second-largest in an NBA postseason game since play-by-play data
began being recorded in the 1996-97 season.

DETROIT (AP) —
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points, Jalen Brunson had 30 and the New
York Knicks held on for a 118-116 win over the Detroit Pistons on
Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. OG
Anunoby added 22 points for New York. Game 4 is on Sunday in Detroit.
The Pistons have lost eight straight home playoff games since 2008,
pulling within one of an NBA record set by Philadelphia from 1968 to
1971. When Detroit won at New York in Game 2, the franchise ended a
league-record, 15-playoff game losing streak to take home-court
advantage, but the Knicks snatched it back.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Nate Schmidt scored his third goal in two games, Sergei Bobrovsky
stopped 19 shots and the Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay
Lightning 2-0 to take a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
Sam Bennett added an empty-netter with 4 seconds left. Bobrovsky got
his fourth career playoff shutout, and his first since Game 1 of last
year’s Stanley Cup final against Edmonton. Andrei Vasilevskiy
finished with 21 saves for Tampa Bay. Game 3 of the best-of-seven
series will be Saturday at Sunrise.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)
— Kirill Kaprizov had two power-play goals and the Minnesota Wild
beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in
the first-round series. Matt Boldy scored for the third straight
game, Marco Rossi had his first career postseason goal and Marcus
Foligno added an empty-netter. Filip Gustavsson’s glove stayed
sharp in the net on a 30-save night as the Wild carried the momentum
of their 5-2 road victory in Game 2 into the raucous Xcel Energy
Center and kept it going throughout the night. Game 4 is in Minnesota
on Saturday.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas
(AP) — Haeran Ryu and Yan Liu each shot 7-under 65 to share the
lead during the suspended first round of the Chevron Championship as
top-ranked Nelly Korda struggled to a 77 on Thursday in her title
defense. The round was suspended as a storm approached The Club at
Carlton Woods, with 24 players unable to finish. Korda won the last
year for the last of her five straight LPGA Tour victories and had
hoped to rediscover that dominant form in the season’s first major.
Instead, she bogeyed four straight holes and was 4 over after six
holes. Korda added two more bogeys on the back nine and was 12 shots
behind the leaders and needing a big second round simply to make the
cut.

AVONDALE, La. (AP) —
Rory McIlroy, playing for the first time since winning the Masters,
teamed with Shane Lowry to shoot an 8-under 64 in better-play
Thursday in the Zurich Classic, leaving the Irish defending champions
six shots behind leaders Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Vetlo. PGA Tour
rookies Salinda and Velo opened with a tournament-record 58 in the
tour’s only team event. Danish identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus
Holgaard were a shot back. The teams will play alternate shot Friday,
better ball Saturday and alternate shot Sunday. A large gallery
gathered on the 10th tee at TPC of Louisiana before 8 a.m. to see
McIlroy’s return to the PGA Tour. Shaking off an early-week
illness, he provided a few highlights after a relatively slow start.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle
Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft
on Thursday night. The move gives quarterback Patrick Mahomes the
blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season. Simmons
missed most of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his
knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine. But the
Chiefs were comfortable with their medical checks and wound up using
the No. 32 overall pick on him. They actually moved back from No. 31
in a trade with Philadelphia, picking up an extra fifth-rounder in
the process.GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— Cam Ward went from zero-star recruit to No. 1 pick in the NFL
draft. Travis Hunter cost Jacksonville a premium. Jaxson Dart was
selected before Shedeur Sanders. While Ward, Hunter and Abdul Carter
went 1-2-3 as expected, Sanders wasn't picked at all in the first
round. Sanders was passed over by every team that had a need for a
potential franchise quarterback, even though some draft analysts had
him rated higher than Ward. The New York Giants had two chances to
take Sanders and went with Penn State edge rusher Carter with the No.
3 pick, bolstering an already strong pass rush. The Giants then moved
back into the first round and selected Dart, a quarterback from Ole
Miss, at No. 25.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best
16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning as the Royals beat
the Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to finish off a doubleheader and series
sweep. Salvador Perez added a pair of doubles and two RBIs, and
Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey also drove in runs for Kansas
City. The Royals have won four straight. Michael Lorenzen got the win
while the Rockies' Chase Dollander took the loss. The Rockies are
4-20, the worst start in franchise history, and they have matched a
franchise record by losing 13 consecutive road games.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Royals ace Cole Ragans will undergo testing on his left
groin after the All-Star left-hander was forced to leave Thursday’s
start against the Colorado Rockies after just three innings and 62
pitches. Ragans had allowed four runs on three hits and two walks
before Angel Zerpa replaced him for the fourth inning of a 7-3
victory over the Rockies. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said
Ragans had trouble getting loose before the game and his groin began
to bother him as the innings went on. The Royals bullpen picked him
up, shutting out the Rockies over the final six innings.MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
— Chet Holmgren scored all but one of his 24 points in the second
half as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 29-point deficit
after Ja Morant left the game with a hip injury and beat the Memphis
Grizzlies 114-108 for a 3-0 lead in the first-round series. Morant
was hurt with just over three minutes left in the first half and
Memphis leading 67-40. They got the next basket after he exited and
still led by 26 points at halftime. The 29-point comeback was the
second-largest in an NBA postseason game since play-by-play data
began being recorded in the 1996-97 season.DETROIT (AP) —
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 31 points, Jalen Brunson had 30 and the New
York Knicks held on for a 118-116 win over the Detroit Pistons on
Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. OG
Anunoby added 22 points for New York. Game 4 is on Sunday in Detroit.
The Pistons have lost eight straight home playoff games since 2008,
pulling within one of an NBA record set by Philadelphia from 1968 to
1971. When Detroit won at New York in Game 2, the franchise ended a
league-record, 15-playoff game losing streak to take home-court
advantage, but the Knicks snatched it back.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Nate Schmidt scored his third goal in two games, Sergei Bobrovsky
stopped 19 shots and the Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay
Lightning 2-0 to take a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
Sam Bennett added an empty-netter with 4 seconds left. Bobrovsky got
his fourth career playoff shutout, and his first since Game 1 of last
year’s Stanley Cup final against Edmonton. Andrei Vasilevskiy
finished with 21 saves for Tampa Bay. Game 3 of the best-of-seven
series will be Saturday at Sunrise.ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)
— Kirill Kaprizov had two power-play goals and the Minnesota Wild
beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in
the first-round series. Matt Boldy scored for the third straight
game, Marco Rossi had his first career postseason goal and Marcus
Foligno added an empty-netter. Filip Gustavsson’s glove stayed
sharp in the net on a 30-save night as the Wild carried the momentum
of their 5-2 road victory in Game 2 into the raucous Xcel Energy
Center and kept it going throughout the night. Game 4 is in Minnesota
on Saturday.THE WOODLANDS, Texas
(AP) — Haeran Ryu and Yan Liu each shot 7-under 65 to share the
lead during the suspended first round of the Chevron Championship as
top-ranked Nelly Korda struggled to a 77 on Thursday in her title
defense. The round was suspended as a storm approached The Club at
Carlton Woods, with 24 players unable to finish. Korda won the last
year for the last of her five straight LPGA Tour victories and had
hoped to rediscover that dominant form in the season’s first major.
Instead, she bogeyed four straight holes and was 4 over after six
holes. Korda added two more bogeys on the back nine and was 12 shots
behind the leaders and needing a big second round simply to make the
cut.AVONDALE, La. (AP) —
Rory McIlroy, playing for the first time since winning the Masters,
teamed with Shane Lowry to shoot an 8-under 64 in better-play
Thursday in the Zurich Classic, leaving the Irish defending champions
six shots behind leaders Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Vetlo. PGA Tour
rookies Salinda and Velo opened with a tournament-record 58 in the
tour’s only team event. Danish identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus
Holgaard were a shot back. The teams will play alternate shot Friday,
better ball Saturday and alternate shot Sunday. A large gallery
gathered on the 10th tee at TPC of Louisiana before 8 a.m. to see
McIlroy’s return to the PGA Tour. Shaking off an early-week
illness, he provided a few highlights after a relatively slow start.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Kansas
City	7	Colorado	4	Final	Kansas
City	6	Colorado	2	Final	Baltimore	2	Washington	1	Final	L.A.
Angels	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	7	Arizona	4	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Chicago White
Sox	3	Minnesota	0	Final	Seattle	4	Boston	3	Final	Athletics	4	Texas	3	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San
Francisco	6	Milwaukee	5	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	New
York	118	Detroit	116	Final	Oklahoma
City	114	Memphis	108	Final	L.A.
Clippers	117	Denver	83	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	Florida	2	Tampa
Bay	0	Final
OT	Toronto	3	Ottawa	2	Final	Minnesota	5	Vegas	2	Final	St.
Louis	7	Winnipeg	2

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Softball -Game 1- Great Bend 11 Hays 4;&nbsp; Game 2 Rescheduled to Monday due to weather

Great Bend Sports on B104 3 The Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886602159.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Softball -Game 1- Great Bend 11 Hays 4;&nbsp; Game 2 Rescheduled to Monday due to weather<div></div>Great Bend Sports on B104 3 The Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

Softball -Game 1- Great Bend 11 Hays 4;  Game 2 Rescheduled to Monday Due to Weather

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Cedricka Williams and Ricardo Hayles of the Barton Community College track and field program have earned weekly honors following performances this past weekend at the Michael Johnson Invitational in Waco, Texas.

Both were named the KJCCC week six field athletes as Williams headlined the selections in picking up her fourth career national award distributed by the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Breaking the national discus record twice last season with the latest coming just over a year ago at the same Johnson Invite, Williams returned to break her own record another pair of times, bettering her fourth attempt's 59.16m (194-1) mark a foot further on her last attempt recording a 59.46m (195-1) in winning the event for the second consecutive year.

Earlier in the day, Williams again saved the best for last in the hammer throw with a 15th place 50.04m (164-02) mark in popping on the program all-time best list at No. 10.

Williams' four USTFCCCA weekly outdoor awards are the 12th for the women's program, joined by Jazmine Williamson (2024), Kelsie Murrell-Ross (2022), Nia Robinson (2021 and 2022), Lashanna Grahm (2021), Yoveinny Mota (twice in 2019) and Lydia Mato (2015).

For Hayles, this is not only his first but the Cougar men's first outdoor weekly award, in being named the KJCCC Field Athlete of the Week.

Making just his second appearance of the outdoor season due to an injury, Hayles is well back on his way to form eclipsing his previous outing's best twice for a 3rd placing overall at 57.71m (189-04). As a freshman, Hayles uncorked a 60.83m (199-07) Region 6 winning throw sixteen feet further to rank as the program's second best ever and the NJCAA's 7th all-time effort.

Barring any additions to the schedule, the duo along with the rest of the Cougar squad will now prepare for the outdoor post-season with the KJCCC/Region 6 Championships taking place May 1-3 in Coffeyville, followed by the National Championships held May 15-17 in Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745506588225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoCedricka Williams and Ricardo Hayles of the Barton Community College track and field program have earned weekly honors following performances this past weekend at the Michael Johnson Invitational in Waco, Texas.Both were named the KJCCC week six field athletes as Williams headlined the selections in picking up her fourth career national award distributed by the U.S. Track &amp; Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).Breaking the national discus record twice last season with the latest coming just over a year ago at the same Johnson Invite, Williams returned to break her own record another pair of times, bettering her fourth attempt's 59.16m (194-1) mark a foot further on her last attempt recording a 59.46m (195-1) in winning the event for the second consecutive year.Earlier in the day, Williams again saved the best for last in the hammer throw with a 15th place 50.04m (164-02) mark in popping on the program all-time best list at No. 10.Williams' four USTFCCCA weekly outdoor awards are the 12th for the women's program, joined by Jazmine Williamson (2024), Kelsie Murrell-Ross (2022), Nia Robinson (2021 and 2022), Lashanna Grahm (2021), Yoveinny Mota (twice in 2019) and Lydia Mato (2015).For Hayles, this is not only his first but the Cougar men's first outdoor weekly award, in being named the KJCCC Field Athlete of the Week.Making just his second appearance of the outdoor season due to an injury, Hayles is well back on his way to form eclipsing his previous outing's best twice for a 3rd placing overall at 57.71m (189-04). As a freshman, Hayles uncorked a 60.83m (199-07) Region 6 winning throw sixteen feet further to rank as the program's second best ever and the NJCAA's 7th all-time effort.Barring any additions to the schedule, the duo along with the rest of the Cougar squad will now prepare for the outdoor post-season with the KJCCC/Region 6 Championships taking place May 1-3 in Coffeyville, followed by the National Championships held May 15-17 in Hutchinson.

Barton's discus throwers earn awards

Meleia Ingram of the Barton Community College softball team has been named the Week Twelve KJCCC Pitcher of the Week.

A perfect game highlighted Ingram's 19-strikeout pair of contests, picking up victories over Southeast Community College and Pratt Community College.

On Monday, Ingram threw a seven-strikeout, four-inning performance in a non-conference victory over Southeast. Two days later, Ingram totally shut down conference foe Pratt by facing the minimum of 15 batters and striking out 12 with no batted-ball put in play, leaving the infield.

Improving to 16-4 on the season, Ingram has eclipsed 10 or more strikeouts in five contests to lower her ERA in KJCCC play to 2.50.

This is the third honor for the freshman out of Salina and the program's fifth of the season, sharing week five and six awards respectively with Karter Alvord and Chloe Enslinger giving Barton consecutive sweeps of the player and pitcher voting.

Most recently, Ingram and the Cougars ran into a buzzsaw Tuesday in El Dorado, Ingram taking the game one loss with Barton dropping both contests at 16th ranked Butler.

Sliding to 24-6 in KJCCC play and 31-13 overall, Barton winds up the regular season Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader hosting first place Hutchinson Community College (25-3, 33-7).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745506311517.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoMeleia Ingram of the Barton Community College softball team has been named the Week Twelve KJCCC Pitcher of the Week.A perfect game highlighted Ingram's 19-strikeout pair of contests, picking up victories over Southeast Community College and Pratt Community College.On Monday, Ingram threw a seven-strikeout, four-inning performance in a non-conference victory over Southeast. Two days later, Ingram totally shut down conference foe Pratt by facing the minimum of 15 batters and striking out 12 with no batted-ball put in play, leaving the infield.Improving to 16-4 on the season, Ingram has eclipsed 10 or more strikeouts in five contests to lower her ERA in KJCCC play to 2.50.This is the third honor for the freshman out of Salina and the program's fifth of the season, sharing week five and six awards respectively with Karter Alvord and Chloe Enslinger giving Barton consecutive sweeps of the player and pitcher voting.Most recently, Ingram and the Cougars ran into a buzzsaw Tuesday in El Dorado, Ingram taking the game one loss with Barton dropping both contests at 16th ranked Butler.Sliding to 24-6 in KJCCC play and 31-13 overall, Barton winds up the regular season Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader hosting first place Hutchinson Community College (25-3, 33-7).

Barton Softball's Ingram earns third KJCCC weekly pitching honor

Braden Hauschel of the No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team has been tabbed the week 12 KJCCC West Division Pitcher of the Week.

Hauschel went 6.1-innings in a combined shutout win last Tuesday, as the Cougars took down No. 3 Cowley 10-0 in eight innings. Making his sixth start of the season, Hauschel delivered his second quality start of the season.

The freshman from Topeka, KS limited the Tigers to four hits with four strikeouts on 88-pitches, improving to 5-1 on the season before giving way to reliver Eli Lang for the final 1.2-innings.

Hauschel holds a 2-0 record over his last three starts with a 1.88 ERA in 14.1-innings of work. In that span, the freshman has surrendered three runs off eight hits, walking six and fanning 18 batters.

Overall, Hauschel has gone 25.1-innings in six starts, supporting a 2.13 ERA and strikeout rate of 9.95 per nine-innings.

The weekly award is the third straight and fifth on the season for the Cougar pitching staff, along with the sixth overall for the squad.

Hauschel joins fellow pitchers Anthony Treto's pair, Antonio Mendez week six and Ethan Minaker's honor last week while Ayden Hadley added the week nine Player of the Week distinction.

Winners of 19-straight, the Cougars will set their sights on the final four-game conference series of the regular season beginning Thursday afternoon at Dodge City Community College. First pitch of the series opener is slated for 1:00 p.m. weather permitting from Cavalier Field with the final two games of the series coming Saturday at Lawson-Biggs Field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745493196367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBraden Hauschel of the No. 17 Barton Community College baseball team has been tabbed the week 12 KJCCC West Division Pitcher of the Week.Hauschel went 6.1-innings in a combined shutout win last Tuesday, as the Cougars took down No. 3 Cowley 10-0 in eight innings. Making his sixth start of the season, Hauschel delivered his second quality start of the season.The freshman from Topeka, KS limited the Tigers to four hits with four strikeouts on 88-pitches, improving to 5-1 on the season before giving way to reliver Eli Lang for the final 1.2-innings.Hauschel holds a 2-0 record over his last three starts with a 1.88 ERA in 14.1-innings of work. In that span, the freshman has surrendered three runs off eight hits, walking six and fanning 18 batters.Overall, Hauschel has gone 25.1-innings in six starts, supporting a 2.13 ERA and strikeout rate of 9.95 per nine-innings.The weekly award is the third straight and fifth on the season for the Cougar pitching staff, along with the sixth overall for the squad.Hauschel joins fellow pitchers Anthony Treto's pair, Antonio Mendez week six and Ethan Minaker's honor last week while Ayden Hadley added the week nine Player of the Week distinction.Winners of 19-straight, the Cougars will set their sights on the final four-game conference series of the regular season beginning Thursday afternoon at Dodge City Community College. First pitch of the series opener is slated for 1:00 p.m. weather permitting from Cavalier Field with the final two games of the series coming Saturday at Lawson-Biggs Field.

Barton's Hauschel becomes Cougars' third straight KJCCC Pitcher of the Week recipient

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745492899883.jpeg" alt="Lady Panthers swim at Salina Friday." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panthers swim at Salina Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Panther swim results from Buhler

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The game between the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals
scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to rain. 


After a delay of
more than two hours prior to first pitch, the game was moved to
Thursday, to be played as part of a traditional doubleheader,
beginning at 1:10 p.m. local time.

ATLANTA (AP) — Eli
White hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the eighth inning and the
Atlanta Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to win the three-game
series. JoJo Romero gave up singles to Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies
before White went deep off Ryan Fernandez for his first homer of the
season. White was making only his sixth start of the season,
including his fourth in left field. Daysbel Hernández stranded two
inherited base runners in the eighth when he struck out Jordan
Walker. Hernández remained in the game to pitch the ninth.

UNDATED (AP) — The
judge overseeing the sprawling $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit
settlement involving the NCAA and the nation’s five largest
conferences has delayed final approval of the plan until it is
modified to address concerns about roster limits. U.S. District Judge
Claudia Wilken signaled she is ready to approve the rest of the
settlement but wants both sides to come up with a way to not harm
current athletes who will lose their spots on teams. The settlement
calls for scholarship limits to be replaced by roster limits. Some
attorneys argued that Wilken's order could throw college sports into
chaos.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— The main question everyone is asking ahead of the first round of
the NFL draft on Thursday night is where Colorado quarterback Shedeur
Sanders going. They’re not just debating it on television and
sports radio. Even casual football fans in town for other business
are wondering which team is going to pick “Prime Time’s” son.
That was a discussion among a group sitting at a restaurant near
Lambeau Field on Wednesday. In a draft loaded with talented players,
Sanders has dominated the conversation in the days leading up to it.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Golden State’s Jimmy Butler sustained a pelvis contusion after
taking a hard fall on a foul by Amen Thompson late in the first
quarter and missed the rest of the Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the
Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Coach Steve Kerr said he wasn’t
sure if Butler would be available for Game 3 on Saturday. He’s
scheduled to have an MRI exam Thursday. Butler was injured when
Thompson was pushed into his legs as he jumped to try and grab a
rebound. Both players crashed to the court in the collision, but
Butler stayed down longer than Thompson.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Jalen Green made eight 3-pointers and scored 38 points to lead the
Houston Rockets to a 109-94 win over the Golden State Warriors on
Wednesday night in a testy matchup to even the first-round Western
Conference series at one game apiece. The seventh-seeded Warriors
never led and played short-handed for most of the night after Jimmy
Butler left with a pelvis contusion after a hard fall on a foul late
in the first quarter. Green, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft,
rebounded from a flop in his playoff debut, when he scored just seven
points on 3-of-15 shooting, with a dominant Game 2.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, including 17 in the fourth
quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 121-112 victory
over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in their
Eastern Conference first-round series. The top-seeded Cavaliers set
an NBA playoff record with 11 3-pointers in the second quarter and
had 22 for the game. However, Cleveland had to hold off a second-half
charge by Miami. Tyler Herro scored 33 points for Miami, which hosts
Game 3 on Saturday afternoon.

DENVER (AP) —
Tyler Seguin scored at 5:31 of overtime after Dallas killed a late
double-minor penalty, and the Stars beat Colorado 2-1 in Game 3 on
Wednesday night in a game that featured the return of Avalanche
captain Gabriel Landeskog. Dallas took a 2-1 lead in the first-round
series with its second straight overtime victory. Game 4 is Saturday
night in Denver. Seguin knocked the puck past Mackenzie Blackwood off
a feed from Mason Marchment. It was Marchment who was sent off for
four minutes in the final minute of regulation for a high-stick that
caught Brock Nelson in the face. Stars defenseman Esa Lindell made a
key play in overtime when he deflected a shot by Artturi Lehkonen
down low.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Adrian Kempe had two goals and two assists, captain Anze Kopitar
added a goal and three assists, and the Los Angeles Kings routed the
Edmonton Oilers 6-2 to seize a 2-0 lead in their first-round Stanley
Cup playoff series. Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko scored for
the second straight game, and Brandt Clarke scored his first playoff
goal in an overwhelming performance by second-seeded Los Angeles.
Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Oilers, whose
endemic defensive struggles couldn’t be covered up by the offensive
brilliance of Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Steve McMichael, a star defensive tackle on the Chicago Bears’
famed 1985 Super Bowl championship team, has died following a battle
with ALS. He was 67. McMichael's publicist, Betsy Shepherd, told The
Associated Press that he died Wednesday afternoon. McMichael had a
larger-than-life personality that made him a fixture in the Windy
City for decades and a natural for professional wrestling. He was a
two-time All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
in 2024. He ranks second to Richard Dent on the Bears' career sacks
list. McMichael revealed in April 2021 that he was battling ALS.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
The Los Angeles Kings have brought back the harmonica-playing senior
citizens whose rendition of the national anthem caused a sensation
before their playoff opener. The Kings welcomed back the Harmonica
Class from the Koreatown Senior and Community Center before Game 2 of
their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Edmonton
Oilers. The harmonica players became a viral sensation two days
earlier when they played the anthem before Game 1. Fans in the Kings’
downtown arena loved the surprising performance and loudly sang along
to the plaintive harmonica rendition.


Colorado	at	Kansas City	5:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739459822020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The game between the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals
scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to rain. 
After a delay of
more than two hours prior to first pitch, the game was moved to
Thursday, to be played as part of a traditional doubleheader,
beginning at 1:10 p.m. local time.ATLANTA (AP) — Eli
White hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the eighth inning and the
Atlanta Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 to win the three-game
series. JoJo Romero gave up singles to Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies
before White went deep off Ryan Fernandez for his first homer of the
season. White was making only his sixth start of the season,
including his fourth in left field. Daysbel Hernández stranded two
inherited base runners in the eighth when he struck out Jordan
Walker. Hernández remained in the game to pitch the ninth.UNDATED (AP) — The
judge overseeing the sprawling $2.8 billion antitrust lawsuit
settlement involving the NCAA and the nation’s five largest
conferences has delayed final approval of the plan until it is
modified to address concerns about roster limits. U.S. District Judge
Claudia Wilken signaled she is ready to approve the rest of the
settlement but wants both sides to come up with a way to not harm
current athletes who will lose their spots on teams. The settlement
calls for scholarship limits to be replaced by roster limits. Some
attorneys argued that Wilken's order could throw college sports into
chaos.GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)
— The main question everyone is asking ahead of the first round of
the NFL draft on Thursday night is where Colorado quarterback Shedeur
Sanders going. They’re not just debating it on television and
sports radio. Even casual football fans in town for other business
are wondering which team is going to pick “Prime Time’s” son.
That was a discussion among a group sitting at a restaurant near
Lambeau Field on Wednesday. In a draft loaded with talented players,
Sanders has dominated the conversation in the days leading up to it.HOUSTON (AP) —
Golden State’s Jimmy Butler sustained a pelvis contusion after
taking a hard fall on a foul by Amen Thompson late in the first
quarter and missed the rest of the Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the
Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Coach Steve Kerr said he wasn’t
sure if Butler would be available for Game 3 on Saturday. He’s
scheduled to have an MRI exam Thursday. Butler was injured when
Thompson was pushed into his legs as he jumped to try and grab a
rebound. Both players crashed to the court in the collision, but
Butler stayed down longer than Thompson.HOUSTON (AP) —
Jalen Green made eight 3-pointers and scored 38 points to lead the
Houston Rockets to a 109-94 win over the Golden State Warriors on
Wednesday night in a testy matchup to even the first-round Western
Conference series at one game apiece. The seventh-seeded Warriors
never led and played short-handed for most of the night after Jimmy
Butler left with a pelvis contusion after a hard fall on a foul late
in the first quarter. Green, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft,
rebounded from a flop in his playoff debut, when he scored just seven
points on 3-of-15 shooting, with a dominant Game 2.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, including 17 in the fourth
quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 121-112 victory
over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night for a 2-0 lead in their
Eastern Conference first-round series. The top-seeded Cavaliers set
an NBA playoff record with 11 3-pointers in the second quarter and
had 22 for the game. However, Cleveland had to hold off a second-half
charge by Miami. Tyler Herro scored 33 points for Miami, which hosts
Game 3 on Saturday afternoon.DENVER (AP) —
Tyler Seguin scored at 5:31 of overtime after Dallas killed a late
double-minor penalty, and the Stars beat Colorado 2-1 in Game 3 on
Wednesday night in a game that featured the return of Avalanche
captain Gabriel Landeskog. Dallas took a 2-1 lead in the first-round
series with its second straight overtime victory. Game 4 is Saturday
night in Denver. Seguin knocked the puck past Mackenzie Blackwood off
a feed from Mason Marchment. It was Marchment who was sent off for
four minutes in the final minute of regulation for a high-stick that
caught Brock Nelson in the face. Stars defenseman Esa Lindell made a
key play in overtime when he deflected a shot by Artturi Lehkonen
down low.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Adrian Kempe had two goals and two assists, captain Anze Kopitar
added a goal and three assists, and the Los Angeles Kings routed the
Edmonton Oilers 6-2 to seize a 2-0 lead in their first-round Stanley
Cup playoff series. Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko scored for
the second straight game, and Brandt Clarke scored his first playoff
goal in an overwhelming performance by second-seeded Los Angeles.
Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Oilers, whose
endemic defensive struggles couldn’t be covered up by the offensive
brilliance of Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.CHICAGO (AP) —
Steve McMichael, a star defensive tackle on the Chicago Bears’
famed 1985 Super Bowl championship team, has died following a battle
with ALS. He was 67. McMichael's publicist, Betsy Shepherd, told The
Associated Press that he died Wednesday afternoon. McMichael had a
larger-than-life personality that made him a fixture in the Windy
City for decades and a natural for professional wrestling. He was a
two-time All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
in 2024. He ranks second to Richard Dent on the Bears' career sacks
list. McMichael revealed in April 2021 that he was battling ALS.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
The Los Angeles Kings have brought back the harmonica-playing senior
citizens whose rendition of the national anthem caused a sensation
before their playoff opener. The Kings welcomed back the Harmonica
Class from the Koreatown Senior and Community Center before Game 2 of
their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Edmonton
Oilers. The harmonica players became a viral sensation two days
earlier when they played the anthem before Game 1. Fans in the Kings’
downtown arena loved the surprising performance and loudly sang along
to the plaintive harmonica rendition.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUE
Colorado	at	Kansas City	5:40 p.m.	(Postponed)
Final	Detroit	6	San Diego	0	
Final	Washington	4	Baltimore	3	
Final	Pittsburgh	3	L.A. Angels	0	
Final	Tampa Bay	7	Arizona	6	AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final	N.Y. Yankees	5	Cleveland	1	
Final	Seattle	8	Boston	5	
Final	Houston	3	Toronto	1	
Final	Minnesota	6	Chicago White Sox	3	
Final	Athletics	5	Texas	2	NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final	Atlanta	4	St. Louis	1	
Final	Cincinnati	5	Miami	2	
Final	N.Y. Mets	4	Philadelphia	3	
Final	Chicago Cubs	7	L.A. Dodgers	6	
Final	San Francisco	4	Milwaukee	2	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Final	Boston	109	Orlando	100	
Final	Cleveland	121	Miami	112	
Final	Houston	109	Golden State	94	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Final	Washington	3	Montreal	1	
Final	Los Angeles	6	Edmonton	2	
Final OT	Dallas	2	Colorado	1