HOUSTON (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman knows how thin the margin of error is in college football.

His Wildcats have been in three one-possession games this season and won all of them, including last week’s 29-27 win over rival Kansas.

No. 17 Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) still has hopes of a league title game berth and perhaps a playoff bid ahead of Saturday’s game at Houston (3-5, 2-3).

“We’ve been down in most games that we have had,” Klieman said. “Our guys haven’t panicked. Our guys stayed the course and stayed in the fight. It’s something that we’ve been preaching, the older guys have been preaching that kind of one play at a time (mentality). You can’t do anything about what has happened, now let’s move forward.”

The Wildcats have won four in a row and look to finish the second phase of their season on a strong note. Klieman said Kansas State broke the season into three parts – a five-game stretch before its first bye week, the current four-game stretch before a second bye and the final three-game stretch.

After finishing the first stretch 4-1, the Wildcats want to finish the second stretch 4-0, including close wins at Colorado and Kansas.

“I know that the ownership that the guys took, especially from the adversity that we faced in Colorado,” Klieman said. “Having the lead, losing the lead and being down in that kind of environment in the fourth quarter and just watching those guys help each other on both sides of the ball. ... The adversity that we have faced and the guys have faced during this four-game stretch - well, three of the four so far, I think has made us really grow as a football team.”

The Cougars have won two of three, including last week’s 17-14 win at home over Utah, one of the preseason favorites for the Big 12 title.

Klieman said balance on offense is one thing the Wildcats have strived for. Quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 373 yards and four scores, while running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 945 yards and four TDs this season.

“To be able to throw the ball effectively on any down and distance,” Klieman said. “That has been improving. The balance is where we are getting better.”

The Cougars have struggled to score this season. Houston is last nationally with 14.1 points per game and a 53.3% red zone success rate. Out of 15 trips into the red zone, the Cougars have scored four touchdowns and four field goals. That was on display against Utah last week when Houston failed to score four times from the 1-yard line twice in the second and third quarters each.

“Scoring touchdowns would have been good,” Houston first-year coach Willie Fritz said. “We stalled on those drives. Not just in the red zone, but on the 1-yard line. A barometer of winning is what we call four-point plays: scoring touchdowns instead of field goals when you get down in there.”

Both Klieman and Fritz pointed to winning the turnover game as a key. The Wildcats are plus-three in turnover margin this season, including plus-eight over their last four games, while Houston is minus-five overall.

“I think they come in bunches some times,” Klieman said. “I think when you’re struggling, you’re pressing so much. Then one happens and you get another one. Make no mistake, our success is we’re in the plus category.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730378774401.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates after a touchdown in the win at Colorado on Oct. 12. The Wildcats head to Houston on Saturday. (photo by Mike Courson/Great Bend Post)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University quarterback Avery Johnson celebrates after a touchdown in the win at Colorado on Oct. 12. The Wildcats head to Houston on Saturday. (photo by Mike Courson/Great Bend Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman knows how thin the margin of error is in college football.His Wildcats have been in three one-possession games this season and won all of them, including last week’s 29-27 win over rival Kansas.No. 17 Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) still has hopes of a league title game berth and perhaps a playoff bid ahead of Saturday’s game at Houston (3-5, 2-3).“We’ve been down in most games that we have had,” Klieman said. “Our guys haven’t panicked. Our guys stayed the course and stayed in the fight. It’s something that we’ve been preaching, the older guys have been preaching that kind of one play at a time (mentality). You can’t do anything about what has happened, now let’s move forward.”The Wildcats have won four in a row and look to finish the second phase of their season on a strong note. Klieman said Kansas State broke the season into three parts – a five-game stretch before its first bye week, the current four-game stretch before a second bye and the final three-game stretch.After finishing the first stretch 4-1, the Wildcats want to finish the second stretch 4-0, including close wins at Colorado and Kansas.“I know that the ownership that the guys took, especially from the adversity that we faced in Colorado,” Klieman said. “Having the lead, losing the lead and being down in that kind of environment in the fourth quarter and just watching those guys help each other on both sides of the ball. ... The adversity that we have faced and the guys have faced during this four-game stretch - well, three of the four so far, I think has made us really grow as a football team.”The Cougars have won two of three, including last week’s 17-14 win at home over Utah, one of the preseason favorites for the Big 12 title.<h2>Balancing act</h2>Klieman said balance on offense is one thing the Wildcats have strived for. Quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 373 yards and four scores, while running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 945 yards and four TDs this season.“To be able to throw the ball effectively on any down and distance,” Klieman said. “That has been improving. The balance is where we are getting better.”<h2>Red zone inefficiencies</h2>The Cougars have struggled to score this season. Houston is last nationally with 14.1 points per game and a 53.3% red zone success rate. Out of 15 trips into the red zone, the Cougars have scored four touchdowns and four field goals. That was on display against Utah last week when Houston failed to score four times from the 1-yard line twice in the second and third quarters each.“Scoring touchdowns would have been good,” Houston first-year coach Willie Fritz said. “We stalled on those drives. Not just in the red zone, but on the 1-yard line. A barometer of winning is what we call four-point plays: scoring touchdowns instead of field goals when you get down in there.”<h2>Turnover game</h2>Both Klieman and Fritz pointed to winning the turnover game as a key. The Wildcats are plus-three in turnover margin this season, including plus-eight over their last four games, while Houston is minus-five overall.“I think they come in bunches some times,” Klieman said. “I think when you’re struggling, you’re pressing so much. Then one happens and you get another one. Make no mistake, our success is we’re in the plus category.”

No. 17 Kansas State takes high hopes and a four-game winning streak to Houston

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College men's soccer team swept the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week honors with a national award tacked on as well.

The duo helped the Cougars secure the number two seed in the upcoming NJCAA Region 6 Division I Men's Soccer Tournament with a pair of road victories last week, a 3-1 win at Garden City followed by a 2-0 shutout at Seward County Community College.

Both first time recipients, Bergamin grasped the NJCAA National honor for the week following his exceptional week between the pipes making 13 of 14 saves for a .929 save percentage.

The freshman netminder opened his week making five of six save attempts faced helping the Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Broncbusters of Garden City.

In Saturday's regular season finale, Bergamin held strong in net despite the Cougars playing a man down for 48 minutes and falling two men down for the final 5:55 denying all eight attempts faced on frame for his third shutout of the season.

Pacheco's first career recognition came following a three point week while contributing on both sides of Barton's game-winning goals.

The sophomore midfielder started the week posting his first collegiate game-winner with a 12-yard left footed far post strike off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>&nbsp;created cross placed inside the box in the Cougars 3-1 win at Garden City.

Closing the week, Pacheco helped secure Barton's runner-up conference finish creating the textbook pin-point passing chipping the initial game-winner past a pair of Saints defenders for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s rise and shine mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike.

Earning the second seed for the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730379253187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>&nbsp;of the Barton Community College men's soccer team swept the KJCCC Division I Player of the Week honors with a national award tacked on as well.The duo helped the Cougars secure the number two seed in the upcoming NJCAA Region 6 Division I Men's Soccer Tournament with a pair of road victories last week, a 3-1 win at Garden City followed by a 2-0 shutout at Seward County Community College.Both first time recipients, Bergamin grasped the NJCAA National honor for the week following his exceptional week between the pipes making 13 of 14 saves for a .929 save percentage.The freshman netminder opened his week making five of six save attempts faced helping the Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Broncbusters of Garden City.In Saturday's regular season finale, Bergamin held strong in net despite the Cougars playing a man down for 48 minutes and falling two men down for the final 5:55 denying all eight attempts faced on frame for his third shutout of the season.Pacheco's first career recognition came following a three point week while contributing on both sides of Barton's game-winning goals.The sophomore midfielder started the week posting his first collegiate game-winner with a 12-yard left footed far post strike off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/dominguez_giminez_diogo_5r55">Diogo Giminez</a>&nbsp;created cross placed inside the box in the Cougars 3-1 win at Garden City.Closing the week, Pacheco helped secure Barton's runner-up conference finish creating the textbook pin-point passing chipping the initial game-winner past a pair of Saints defenders for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pico_abedul_joaquin_39tv">Joaquin Pico Abedul</a>'s rise and shine mid-flight pass resulting in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s strike.Earning the second seed for the upcoming Region 6/Plains District Tournament, Barton begins its post-season Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. hosting fifth seed Coffeyville Community College (4-10-4) with the victor advancing to play at the Region 16 Champion of either Crowder College or Jefferson College.

Barton's Bergamin earns NJCAA honor, Pacheco named KJCCC Player of the Week

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 9th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team stayed the course Wednesday evening on home court to complete the season sweep over Hutchinson Community College (25-12, 25-23, 25-13).

Following the conclusion and receiving news of No. 7 Colby's loss at Garden City, Barton clinched atleast a share of the KJCCC crown for the second straight year while locking up the top seed and host privileges throughout the Region 6/Plains District Tournament.

The 11th conference and 22nd sweep of the season improves Barton to 14-1 in league play and 27-2 overall as Hutchinson falls to 7-8 in the KJCCC and 19-19 on the season.

Barton concludes its regular season slate on Saturday in a 3:00 p.m. first serve at Cloud County before setting sites on the post-season beginning Wednesday, November 6.

Honoring its nine sophomores prior to the match, each added contributions to the night with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading all players with 13 kills in completing her 12th double-double of the year by recording 13 digs.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;led the backline with a perfect 17 service receives and a career high 22 digs with the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;recording 10 digs.

The Cougars were below their season average attack percentage for the evening, finishing at .200 sandwiching a .257 opening and .341 closing set with a .041, 11-error second set.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had 8 kills as did&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 8 kills on a .280 efficiency followed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s 7 kills behind a .312 percentage.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;made her first court appearance in 21 days producing 3 kills on 7 swings for a .429 night.

Coach Besecker maneuvered multiple lineups and substitutions throughout the night including the switch in rotation of the 6-2 setters as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;led the first wave with 27 assists as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s guided the second wave producing 14 assists.

Wierzbicki's career high 5 services aces also led the strong serving game of 11 total from the Cougars, Kaneko adding three with Danenberg, Nixon, and M. Reyes each adding one.

RECAPFollowing Hutchinson putting the first two points on the board, the Cougars grabbed the next eight points sparked by a pair of Wierzbicki service aces. Interrupted by two straight from the Blue Dragons, continued to roll stringing stretches four straight a pair of three in a row building a 20-9 lead in going on to win by thirteen on a 3-0 closeout.

A Barton 5-0 run broke away from the sixth tie of the second set coming at 8-all. As Hutchinson's two consecutive put the deficit to 11-10, another five-pack of points appeared to set the stage for another blowout win. Hutchinson stayed in the fight behind a 4-0 run with a trio of tallies later drawing within 21-20 but a pair of costly attack errors helped Barton go on to win the set as Wierzbicki's middle attack followed by her then 4th ace of the match clinched the set.

Barton all but put any Hutchinson hopes to bed early in the third frame, scoring seven straight for a 9-1 lead while building a 16-4 advantage before the Blue Dragons could string multiple points together.

The Cougars closed out the evening festivities with the final three points in locking up its fourth straight victory of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730379136061.jpeg" alt="Barton freshman Mina Kaneko returns a serve during Wednesday's match against Hutchinson as sophomore Naya Danenberg looks on.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Barton freshman Mina Kaneko returns a serve during Wednesday's match against Hutchinson as sophomore Naya Danenberg looks on.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 9th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team stayed the course Wednesday evening on home court to complete the season sweep over Hutchinson Community College (25-12, 25-23, 25-13).Following the conclusion and receiving news of No. 7 Colby's loss at Garden City, Barton clinched atleast a share of the KJCCC crown for the second straight year while locking up the top seed and host privileges throughout the Region 6/Plains District Tournament.The 11th conference and 22nd sweep of the season improves Barton to 14-1 in league play and 27-2 overall as Hutchinson falls to 7-8 in the KJCCC and 19-19 on the season.Barton concludes its regular season slate on Saturday in a 3:00 p.m. first serve at Cloud County before setting sites on the post-season beginning Wednesday, November 6.Honoring its nine sophomores prior to the match, each added contributions to the night with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;leading all players with 13 kills in completing her 12th double-double of the year by recording 13 digs.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;led the backline with a perfect 17 service receives and a career high 22 digs with the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Week&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/kaneko_mina_z3c5">Mina Kaneko</a>&nbsp;recording 10 digs.The Cougars were below their season average attack percentage for the evening, finishing at .200 sandwiching a .257 opening and .341 closing set with a .041, 11-error second set.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had 8 kills as did&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 8 kills on a .280 efficiency followed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s 7 kills behind a .312 percentage.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/zuluaga_nohava_sara_y8hs">Sara Zuluaga Nohava</a>&nbsp;made her first court appearance in 21 days producing 3 kills on 7 swings for a .429 night.Coach Besecker maneuvered multiple lineups and substitutions throughout the night including the switch in rotation of the 6-2 setters as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;led the first wave with 27 assists as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s guided the second wave producing 14 assists.Wierzbicki's career high 5 services aces also led the strong serving game of 11 total from the Cougars, Kaneko adding three with Danenberg, Nixon, and M. Reyes each adding one.RECAPFollowing Hutchinson putting the first two points on the board, the Cougars grabbed the next eight points sparked by a pair of Wierzbicki service aces. Interrupted by two straight from the Blue Dragons, continued to roll stringing stretches four straight a pair of three in a row building a 20-9 lead in going on to win by thirteen on a 3-0 closeout.A Barton 5-0 run broke away from the sixth tie of the second set coming at 8-all. As Hutchinson's two consecutive put the deficit to 11-10, another five-pack of points appeared to set the stage for another blowout win. Hutchinson stayed in the fight behind a 4-0 run with a trio of tallies later drawing within 21-20 but a pair of costly attack errors helped Barton go on to win the set as Wierzbicki's middle attack followed by her then 4th ace of the match clinched the set.Barton all but put any Hutchinson hopes to bed early in the third frame, scoring seven straight for a 9-1 lead while building a 16-4 advantage before the Blue Dragons could string multiple points together.The Cougars closed out the evening festivities with the final three points in locking up its fourth straight victory of the series.

No. 9 Barton sweeps Hutchinson, Cougars clinch KJCCC title for second straight year

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rowdy crowds took to the streets in Los Angeles after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">the Dodgers won the World Series</a>, setting a bus on fire, breaking into stores and setting off firecrackers. Police reported an unknown number of arrests early Thursday. Video showed some people throwing objects at police in Los Angeles as sirens blared and officers told them to leave the area after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 5 in New York. Other video showed revelers standing on top of a bus waving a Dodgers banner and other people leaving a boarded-up store with sneakers. It wasn’t known if anyone was hurt.

NEW YORK (AP) — When the World Series started, it was hard to figure what Freddie Freeman would be able to provide for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He left no doubt about the MVP winner. Freeman broke records by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-499d410be06593d753c919a259cdf332">homering in the first four games</a>&nbsp;and matched a Fall Classic mark with 12 RBIs to power the Dodgers past the New York Yankees for their second championship in five years. “That means there was a lot of my teammates on base,” Freeman said after being presented with the World Series MVP award, named in honor of Willie Mays. “I’m glad I was able to get hot at the right time.” The popular slugger delivered yet again Wednesday night with a two-run single off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in a five-run fifth inning that helped rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">Los Angeles to a clinching 7-6 victory in Game 5.</a>

MIAMI (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 44 points and 13 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half and the New York Knicks rallied to beat the Miami Heat 116-107 on Wednesday night. Towns had the fourth-most points for the Knicks against the Heat. Jamal Crawford scored 52 in 2007, Carmelo Anthony had 50 at Miami in 2013 and RJ Barrett 46 in 2022. Mikal Bridges added 17 points for New York, which trailed by 13 in the third quarter before flipping the game. OG Anunoby had 11 points and Josh Hart finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Tyler Herro had 34 points for Miami, hitting eight 3-pointers. Terry Rozier scored 16 points, Jimmy Butler had 15, Bam Adebayo 11 and Nikola Jovic 10. Miami was again without Kevin Love. He has missed all four games this season for personal reasons.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Less than two weeks before the regular season began, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a>&nbsp;abruptly traded linebacker Ernest Jones, their leading tackler and defensive signal-caller, to Tennessee for a minor late-round draft pick upgrade in 2026. Coach Sean McVay curiously called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rams-titans-trade-ernest-jones-26d5df7ef586ade0d90b04716a3150c3">the trade</a>&nbsp;a “football decision” when it happened. Two months later, with the Rams still lacking a linebacker of Jones’ caliber, McVay is a bit more frank about the surprising deal and how it affected his team. “I think all the decisions that we make in the moment, we feel like are in the best interest,” McVay said Wednesday. “I’m not going to pretend to act like every decision is accurate, and you try to be able to learn from it and apply it moving forward. But you know that you’re playing against a really well-respected player. Mentally, physically tough. Seems like he’s always around the football. So I wish him well. It’s going to be a great challenge going against him.”

WEDNESDAY SCORES Major League Baseball World Series LA Dodgers 7, NY Yankees 6&nbsp; (Dodgers win best-of-seven series 4-1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rowdy crowds took to the streets in Los Angeles after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">the Dodgers won the World Series</a>, setting a bus on fire, breaking into stores and setting off firecrackers. Police reported an unknown number of arrests early Thursday. Video showed some people throwing objects at police in Los Angeles as sirens blared and officers told them to leave the area after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 5 in New York. Other video showed revelers standing on top of a bus waving a Dodgers banner and other people leaving a boarded-up store with sneakers. It wasn’t known if anyone was hurt.NEW YORK (AP) — When the World Series started, it was hard to figure what Freddie Freeman would be able to provide for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He left no doubt about the MVP winner. Freeman broke records by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-499d410be06593d753c919a259cdf332">homering in the first four games</a>&nbsp;and matched a Fall Classic mark with 12 RBIs to power the Dodgers past the New York Yankees for their second championship in five years. “That means there was a lot of my teammates on base,” Freeman said after being presented with the World Series MVP award, named in honor of Willie Mays. “I’m glad I was able to get hot at the right time.” The popular slugger delivered yet again Wednesday night with a two-run single off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in a five-run fifth inning that helped rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-score-bd8e555b9bb5a321fff527e78e0ba637">Los Angeles to a clinching 7-6 victory in Game 5.</a>MIAMI (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 44 points and 13 rebounds, Jalen Brunson scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half and the New York Knicks rallied to beat the Miami Heat 116-107 on Wednesday night. Towns had the fourth-most points for the Knicks against the Heat. Jamal Crawford scored 52 in 2007, Carmelo Anthony had 50 at Miami in 2013 and RJ Barrett 46 in 2022. Mikal Bridges added 17 points for New York, which trailed by 13 in the third quarter before flipping the game. OG Anunoby had 11 points and Josh Hart finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Tyler Herro had 34 points for Miami, hitting eight 3-pointers. Terry Rozier scored 16 points, Jimmy Butler had 15, Bam Adebayo 11 and Nikola Jovic 10. Miami was again without Kevin Love. He has missed all four games this season for personal reasons.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Less than two weeks before the regular season began, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a>&nbsp;abruptly traded linebacker Ernest Jones, their leading tackler and defensive signal-caller, to Tennessee for a minor late-round draft pick upgrade in 2026. Coach Sean McVay curiously called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rams-titans-trade-ernest-jones-26d5df7ef586ade0d90b04716a3150c3">the trade</a>&nbsp;a “football decision” when it happened. Two months later, with the Rams still lacking a linebacker of Jones’ caliber, McVay is a bit more frank about the surprising deal and how it affected his team. “I think all the decisions that we make in the moment, we feel like are in the best interest,” McVay said Wednesday. “I’m not going to pretend to act like every decision is accurate, and you try to be able to learn from it and apply it moving forward. But you know that you’re playing against a really well-respected player. Mentally, physically tough. Seems like he’s always around the football. So I wish him well. It’s going to be a great challenge going against him.”WEDNESDAY SCORES Major League Baseball World Series LA Dodgers 7, NY Yankees 6&nbsp; (Dodgers win best-of-seven series 4-1)

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers won their second World Series championship in five seasons, overcoming a five-run deficit with the help of three Yankees defensive miscues and rallying on sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts in the eighth inning to beat New York 7-6 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, Alex Verdugo’s RBI single&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8475f75a8d70496adacb51f7b18cc9bf">chased Jack Flaherty in the second</a>&nbsp;and Giancarlo Stanton’s third-inning homer against Ryan Brasier built a 5-0 Yankees lead.

But errors by Judge in center and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, combined with pitcher Gerrit Cole failing to cover first on Betts' grounder, helped Los Angeles score five unearned runs in the fifth.

After Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly put the Yankees back ahead 6-5, the Dodgers loaded the bases against loser Tommy Kahnle in the eighth before the sacrifice flies off Luke Weaver.

Winner Blake Treinen escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the bottom half by retiring Stanton on a flyout and striking out Anthony Rizzo.

Walker Buehler, making his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c697f8d5b3444019845eba0503874d9">first relief appearance since his rookie season in 2018</a>, pitched a perfect ninth for his first major league save.

“We’re obviously resilient, but there’s so much love in the clubhouse that won this game today,” Betts said. “That’s what it was. It was love, it was grit. I mean, it was just a beautiful thing. I’m just proud of us and I’m happy for us.”

When Buehler struck out Verdugo to end the game, the Dodgers poured onto the field to celebrate between the mound and first base, capping a season in which they won 98 games and finished with the best regular-season record.

“There’s just a lot of ways we can win baseball games,” Buehler said. “Obviously the superstars we have on our team and the discipline, it just kind of all adds up.”

Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ record-setting $700 million signing and baseball’s first 50-homer, 50-steal player, went 2 for 19 with no RBIs and had one single after separating his shoulder during a stolen base attempt in Game 2.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-yankees-69c512cf5db1053d10f39e9012068293">Freddie Freeman hit a two-run single to tie the Series record of 12 RBIs</a>, set by Bobby Richardson over seven games in 1960. With the Dodgers one out from losing Friday’s opener, Freeman hit a game-ending grand slam reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s homer off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1988’s Game 1 that sparked Los Angeles to the title.

The Dodgers earned their eighth championship and seventh since leaving Brooklyn for Los Angeles — their first in a non-shortened season since 1988. They won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-los-angeles-dodgers-win-3f933853d5b790b87788142fc58adbd9">neutral-site World Series against Tampa Bay in 2020</a>&nbsp;after a 60-game regular season and couldn’t have a parade because of the coronavirus pandemic.

These Dodgers of Ohtani, Freeman &amp; Betts joined the 1955 Duke Snider and Roy Campanella Boys of Summer, the Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale era that spanned the three titles from 1959-65, the Tommy Lasorda-led groups 1981 and ’88 and the Betts and Clayton Kershaw champions of 2020.

Dave Roberts won his second championship in nine seasons as manager as the Dodgers, matching Lasorda and trailing the four of Walter Alston. The Dodgers won for the fourth time in 12 Series meetings with the Yankees.

New York remained without a title since winning its record 27th in 2009. The Yankees acquired Juan Soto from San Diego in December knowing he would be eligible for free agency after the 2024 Series. The 26-year-old star went 5 for 16 one RBI in the Series heading into intensely followed bidding on the open market.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-3109939e98406dd0ef094d364068c7da">Judge finished 4 for 18 with three RBIs</a>.

Cole didn’t allow a hit until Kiké Hernández singled leading off the fifth. Judge, who an inning earlier made a leaping catch at the wall to deny Freeman an extra-base hit, dropped Tommy Edman’s fly to center. Shortstop Anthony Volpe then bounced a throw to third on Will Smith’s grounder, allowing the Dodgers to load the bases with no outs.

Cole struck out Lux and Ohtani, and Betts hit a grounder to Rizzo. Cole didn’t cover first, pointing at Rizzo to run to the bag as Betts outraced the first baseman.

Freeman followed with a two-run single and Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run double. Max Muncy walked before Kiké Hernández grounded into a forceout on Cole’s 48th pitch of the inning.

“We just take advantage of every mistake they made in that inning,” Teoscar Hernández said. “We put some good at-bats together. We put the ball in play.”

Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly off Brusdar Graterol put the Yankees ahead 6-5, but the Dodgers rallied one last time in the eighth.

Kiké Hernández singled off Tommy Kahnle leading off. Edman followed with an infield hit and Smith walked on four pitches. Lux’s sacrifice fly off Luke Weaver tied the score. Ohtani reached on catcher’s interference and Betts followed with another sacrifice fly to give the Dodgers their first lead.

<a href="https://apnews.com/ddce0cc3fd284b9f96d69ee457230df7">Purchased by Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012</a>, the Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman from Tampa Bay to head their baseball operations two years later. He boosted the front office with a multitude of analytics and performance science staff, and ownership supplied the cash.

Los Angeles went on an unprecedented $1.25 billion spending spree last offseason on deals with Ohtani, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Much of the money was future obligations that raised the Dodgers’ deferred compensation to $915.5 million owed from 2028-44.

Faced with injuries, the Dodgers acquired Flaherty, Edman and reliever Michael Kopech ahead of the trade deadline, and all became important cogs in the title run. The additions boosted payroll to $266 million, third behind the Mets and the Yankees, plus a projected $43 million luxury tax.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730348282298.jpeg" alt="The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers won their second World Series championship in five seasons, overcoming a five-run deficit with the help of three Yankees defensive miscues and rallying on sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts in the eighth inning to beat New York 7-6 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, Alex Verdugo’s RBI single&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8475f75a8d70496adacb51f7b18cc9bf">chased Jack Flaherty in the second</a>&nbsp;and Giancarlo Stanton’s third-inning homer against Ryan Brasier built a 5-0 Yankees lead.But errors by Judge in center and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, combined with pitcher Gerrit Cole failing to cover first on Betts' grounder, helped Los Angeles score five unearned runs in the fifth.After Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly put the Yankees back ahead 6-5, the Dodgers loaded the bases against loser Tommy Kahnle in the eighth before the sacrifice flies off Luke Weaver.Winner Blake Treinen escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the bottom half by retiring Stanton on a flyout and striking out Anthony Rizzo.Walker Buehler, making his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7c697f8d5b3444019845eba0503874d9">first relief appearance since his rookie season in 2018</a>, pitched a perfect ninth for his first major league save.“We’re obviously resilient, but there’s so much love in the clubhouse that won this game today,” Betts said. “That’s what it was. It was love, it was grit. I mean, it was just a beautiful thing. I’m just proud of us and I’m happy for us.”When Buehler struck out Verdugo to end the game, the Dodgers poured onto the field to celebrate between the mound and first base, capping a season in which they won 98 games and finished with the best regular-season record.“There’s just a lot of ways we can win baseball games,” Buehler said. “Obviously the superstars we have on our team and the discipline, it just kind of all adds up.”Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ record-setting $700 million signing and baseball’s first 50-homer, 50-steal player, went 2 for 19 with no RBIs and had one single after separating his shoulder during a stolen base attempt in Game 2.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-freddie-freeman-dodgers-yankees-69c512cf5db1053d10f39e9012068293">Freddie Freeman hit a two-run single to tie the Series record of 12 RBIs</a>, set by Bobby Richardson over seven games in 1960. With the Dodgers one out from losing Friday’s opener, Freeman hit a game-ending grand slam reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s homer off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1988’s Game 1 that sparked Los Angeles to the title.The Dodgers earned their eighth championship and seventh since leaving Brooklyn for Los Angeles — their first in a non-shortened season since 1988. They won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-los-angeles-dodgers-win-3f933853d5b790b87788142fc58adbd9">neutral-site World Series against Tampa Bay in 2020</a>&nbsp;after a 60-game regular season and couldn’t have a parade because of the coronavirus pandemic.These Dodgers of Ohtani, Freeman &amp; Betts joined the 1955 Duke Snider and Roy Campanella Boys of Summer, the Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale era that spanned the three titles from 1959-65, the Tommy Lasorda-led groups 1981 and ’88 and the Betts and Clayton Kershaw champions of 2020.Dave Roberts won his second championship in nine seasons as manager as the Dodgers, matching Lasorda and trailing the four of Walter Alston. The Dodgers won for the fourth time in 12 Series meetings with the Yankees.New York remained without a title since winning its record 27th in 2009. The Yankees acquired Juan Soto from San Diego in December knowing he would be eligible for free agency after the 2024 Series. The 26-year-old star went 5 for 16 one RBI in the Series heading into intensely followed bidding on the open market.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-aaron-judge-yankees-3109939e98406dd0ef094d364068c7da">Judge finished 4 for 18 with three RBIs</a>.Cole didn’t allow a hit until Kiké Hernández singled leading off the fifth. Judge, who an inning earlier made a leaping catch at the wall to deny Freeman an extra-base hit, dropped Tommy Edman’s fly to center. Shortstop Anthony Volpe then bounced a throw to third on Will Smith’s grounder, allowing the Dodgers to load the bases with no outs.Cole struck out Lux and Ohtani, and Betts hit a grounder to Rizzo. Cole didn’t cover first, pointing at Rizzo to run to the bag as Betts outraced the first baseman.Freeman followed with a two-run single and Teoscar Hernández hit a tying two-run double. Max Muncy walked before Kiké Hernández grounded into a forceout on Cole’s 48th pitch of the inning.“We just take advantage of every mistake they made in that inning,” Teoscar Hernández said. “We put some good at-bats together. We put the ball in play.”Stanton’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly off Brusdar Graterol put the Yankees ahead 6-5, but the Dodgers rallied one last time in the eighth.Kiké Hernández singled off Tommy Kahnle leading off. Edman followed with an infield hit and Smith walked on four pitches. Lux’s sacrifice fly off Luke Weaver tied the score. Ohtani reached on catcher’s interference and Betts followed with another sacrifice fly to give the Dodgers their first lead.<a href="https://apnews.com/ddce0cc3fd284b9f96d69ee457230df7">Purchased by Guggenheim Baseball Management in 2012</a>, the Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman from Tampa Bay to head their baseball operations two years later. He boosted the front office with a multitude of analytics and performance science staff, and ownership supplied the cash.Los Angeles went on an unprecedented $1.25 billion spending spree last offseason on deals with Ohtani, pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton, and outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Much of the money was future obligations that raised the Dodgers’ deferred compensation to $915.5 million owed from 2028-44.Faced with injuries, the Dodgers acquired Flaherty, Edman and reliever Michael Kopech ahead of the trade deadline, and all became important cogs in the title run. The additions boosted payroll to $266 million, third behind the Mets and the Yankees, plus a projected $43 million luxury tax.

Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit to beat Yankees 7-6

- Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark will preview the 24-25 season that begins Friday at a tournament in Hobbs, New Mexico.

- Selected Lady Panther volleyball players who will talk about this weekend's 5A State Tournament in Salina.

-"Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort Hays State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0RQKESDjP4?si=NzMup8bYctSdqsUi" 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>- Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark will preview the 24-25 season that begins Friday at a tournament in Hobbs, New Mexico.- Selected Lady Panther volleyball players who will talk about this weekend's 5A State Tournament in Salina.-"Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort Hays State.- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24 hours

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

The Barton Community College swimming programs returned to action this past weekend in Conway, Arkansas for the 61st Hendrix Relays and 55th Annual Hendricks Classic.

Entered as the lone NJCAA program, the Cougars were led behind&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/contes_tribst_marcela_enxq">Marcela Contes Tribst</a>&nbsp;and Mateo Wallet's first place finishes over the two days of competition while also producing a trio of new program top 10 impacts and four new personal best times

Ahead for the Cougars is a weekend break before traveling to Kearney, Nebraska for the UNK Invitational held November 8-9 before concluding the first half of the semester at the Eagle Invitational held November 15-17 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Women's Recap On the women's side, Barton produced one individual title, two new program top-10 times while four different Cougars made their first appearance over the 13 events.

Making her Barton debut, Contes Tribst fashioned the first of her two-program top 10 impacts, besting the 14-participant field in the 200 backstroke writting the programs fifth fastest stoppage 2:20.37. The freshman concluded her strong collegiate debut mending the program's 10th quickest time of 2:25.97 for a third-place finish in the 200 IM.

Sophomore Elana Lara and freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/alvarez_katy_w1y9">Katy Alvarez</a>&nbsp;fashioned the Cougars next highest placings individually with runner-up finishes.

Lara led a two-pack inside the top-4 in the 200 butterfly touching the wall second quickest in 2:25.50 while counterpart&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/cicha_aleksandra_l8hj">Aleksandra Cicha</a>&nbsp;slipped two spots back with a 2:26.86.

Alvarez collected her runner-up placing behind a new personal best 200 breaststroke wall touch of 2:48.80 with teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/naldoza_mia_qk6f">Mia Naldoza</a>&nbsp;four spots back in sixth with a first ever time 3:01.16.

In the lone team event, the four pack of Contes Tribust, Alvarez, Lara and Cicha supplied a runner-up result in the 200 Medley with a 2:02.29 stoppage.

Men's Recap The Cougar men secured one individual title while producing five top-5 placings over the 13-events of competition.

Highlighting the competition was Wallet's pair of top-three finishes. The freshman manufactured the lone gold medal in the 200 freestyle, out pacing the 23 participant field with the programs sixth quickest stoppage 1:44.44 while teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/guimaraes_arnaldo_6ayy">Arnaldo Guimaraes</a>&nbsp;drew runner-up with a 1:46.72 stoppage.

Wallet secured his other top-three placing with his second personal best stoppage on the afternoon drawing a third place 4:54.49 in the 500 freestyle.

In the tightest race of the afternoon,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/ribeiro_joao_m0f9">Joao Ribeiro</a>&nbsp;led a pair of Cougars inside the top-4 of the 50 freestyle with a runner-up 22.22 while teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/sein_cameron_yvef">Cameron Sein</a>&nbsp;fell five tenths back in fourth with a 22.27 wall touch.

The four pack of Wallet, Guimaraes, Sein and Ribeiro pieced together the best relay finish with a bronze medal in the 200 medley completing the four leg in a time of 1:39.35.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/files/61stHendrixRelays102524.pdf">Complete 61st Hendrix Relays Results</a>

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/files/55thHendrixClassic102524.pdf">Complete 55th Hendrix Classic Results</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730293120010.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College swimming programs returned to action this past weekend in Conway, Arkansas for the 61st Hendrix Relays and 55th Annual Hendricks Classic.Entered as the lone NJCAA program, the Cougars were led behind&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/contes_tribst_marcela_enxq">Marcela Contes Tribst</a>&nbsp;and Mateo Wallet's first place finishes over the two days of competition while also producing a trio of new program top 10 impacts and four new personal best timesAhead for the Cougars is a weekend break before traveling to Kearney, Nebraska for the UNK Invitational held November 8-9 before concluding the first half of the semester at the Eagle Invitational held November 15-17 in Edmond, Oklahoma.Women's Recap On the women's side, Barton produced one individual title, two new program top-10 times while four different Cougars made their first appearance over the 13 events.Making her Barton debut, Contes Tribst fashioned the first of her two-program top 10 impacts, besting the 14-participant field in the 200 backstroke writting the programs fifth fastest stoppage 2:20.37. The freshman concluded her strong collegiate debut mending the program's 10th quickest time of 2:25.97 for a third-place finish in the 200 IM.Sophomore Elana Lara and freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/alvarez_katy_w1y9">Katy Alvarez</a>&nbsp;fashioned the Cougars next highest placings individually with runner-up finishes.Lara led a two-pack inside the top-4 in the 200 butterfly touching the wall second quickest in 2:25.50 while counterpart&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/cicha_aleksandra_l8hj">Aleksandra Cicha</a>&nbsp;slipped two spots back with a 2:26.86.Alvarez collected her runner-up placing behind a new personal best 200 breaststroke wall touch of 2:48.80 with teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/bios/naldoza_mia_qk6f">Mia Naldoza</a>&nbsp;four spots back in sixth with a first ever time 3:01.16.In the lone team event, the four pack of Contes Tribust, Alvarez, Lara and Cicha supplied a runner-up result in the 200 Medley with a 2:02.29 stoppage.Men's Recap The Cougar men secured one individual title while producing five top-5 placings over the 13-events of competition.Highlighting the competition was Wallet's pair of top-three finishes. The freshman manufactured the lone gold medal in the 200 freestyle, out pacing the 23 participant field with the programs sixth quickest stoppage 1:44.44 while teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/guimaraes_arnaldo_6ayy">Arnaldo Guimaraes</a>&nbsp;drew runner-up with a 1:46.72 stoppage.Wallet secured his other top-three placing with his second personal best stoppage on the afternoon drawing a third place 4:54.49 in the 500 freestyle.In the tightest race of the afternoon,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/ribeiro_joao_m0f9">Joao Ribeiro</a>&nbsp;led a pair of Cougars inside the top-4 of the 50 freestyle with a runner-up 22.22 while teammate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mswimdive/2024-25/bios/sein_cameron_yvef">Cameron Sein</a>&nbsp;fell five tenths back in fourth with a 22.27 wall touch.The four pack of Wallet, Guimaraes, Sein and Ribeiro pieced together the best relay finish with a bronze medal in the 200 medley completing the four leg in a time of 1:39.35.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/files/61stHendrixRelays102524.pdf">Complete 61st Hendrix Relays Results</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2024-25/files/55thHendrixClassic102524.pdf">Complete 55th Hendrix Classic Results</a>

Barton Swimming led behind Contes Tribst and Wallet's golds at the Hendrix Classic

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The 2024 prep volleyball season was a banner one for teams around the Golden Belt. Seven teams throughout Barton, Rice, and Rush Counties are headed to state at four different venues, each with their own set of rules for fans. Here are those rules as listed on the Kansas State High School Activities Association website.

Class 5A at Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina (Great Bend, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clear Bag Policy in effect approved bags will include clear tote bags up to 12” x 12” x 6”, one-gallon plastic freezer bags, or small purses or clutches not to exceed 8.5” x 5.5”.&nbsp;Patrons whose bags exceed these dimensions will be asked to return belongings to their vehicles.&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bags NOT ALLOWED&nbsp;include but are not limited to: backpacks, binoculars cases, camera cases, large purses, oversized tote bags, diaper bags, mesh bags, fanny packs or seat cushions. Diaper bags are allowed, though diaper bags will be subject to search by security team.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Video and/or photography is not allowed at most TONY’S® Pizza Events Center events without pre-approved media credentials. Media request must be made in advance and will not be accepted day of event.&nbsp; Absolutely&nbsp;no TRI-PODS&nbsp;are allowed into the facility unless they are on the approved media list and set up in designated media areas.

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Banners and/or signs should only be&nbsp;hung from arena railing system (bottom rail only)&nbsp;and cannot be attached with tape. Zip ties and/or string is preferred. Size must not exceed 4ft. x 12ft. (page 15 of manual). Any banners taped to the arena rails, left over night or those that exceed the size limit will be taken down by arena staff.&nbsp;

IMPORTANT:&nbsp;All signs must be removed each day.&nbsp; Venue not responsible for any signs which are not removed.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No bands, artificial noisemakers or props are allowed at postseason volleyball tournaments (page 14 of your manual).

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Helium balloons and confetti are not allowed in the arena.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Face/body paint application is not allowed in the building.

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guests/fans will not wear or bring signage with obscene or indecent messages.

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guests/fans will enjoy an event that is free of disruptive behavior, foul or abusive language or obscene gestures. All fans are to abide by Rule 52 and display good Sportsmanship.

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cheerleaders and school administrators are to see that students do not stand on chairs. Schools will be held responsible for any damage to chairs or other property where the damage is directly attributable to the school.&nbsp;

Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena (Hoisington, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)

No outside food or drink. Cash or credit card options available for concessions.

Class 2A and 1A, Div. I at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena (Ellinwood, morning session on Friday, Nov. 1 Little River and St. John evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)

Glitter, Confetti and Balloons filled with helium are NOT ALLOWED in the Arena. Artificial noise-makers (horns, cowbells, triangles, whistles, etc.) are not allowed. Banners and signs are acceptable as long as they are not derogatory. Signs can be attached to anything in the Arena other than the hockey dashers (as this is playable surface) and cannot obstruct the view of spectators or block Exit signs. Please use string or zip-ties not tape. Signs may not exceed 4’x 6’.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash or credit card options available for concessions.

Class 1A, Div. II at Emporia's White Auditorium (Otis-Bison in morning session on Friday, Nov. 1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730294087522.jpeg" alt="Fans at last weekend's Class 5A substate tournament in Great Bend brought energy and their Halloween costumes." />
 <figcaption>Fans at last weekend's Class 5A substate tournament in Great Bend brought energy and their Halloween costumes.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe 2024 prep volleyball season was a banner one for teams around the Golden Belt. Seven teams throughout Barton, Rice, and Rush Counties are headed to state at four different venues, each with their own set of rules for fans. Here are those rules as listed on the Kansas State High School Activities Association website.Class 5A at Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina (Great Bend, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1) 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clear Bag Policy in effect approved bags will include clear tote bags up to 12” x 12” x 6”, one-gallon plastic freezer bags, or small purses or clutches not to exceed 8.5” x 5.5”.&nbsp;Patrons whose bags exceed these dimensions will be asked to return belongings to their vehicles.&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bags NOT ALLOWED&nbsp;include but are not limited to: backpacks, binoculars cases, camera cases, large purses, oversized tote bags, diaper bags, mesh bags, fanny packs or seat cushions. Diaper bags are allowed, though diaper bags will be subject to search by security team.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Video and/or photography is not allowed at most TONY’S® Pizza Events Center events without pre-approved media credentials. Media request must be made in advance and will not be accepted day of event.&nbsp; Absolutely&nbsp;no TRI-PODS&nbsp;are allowed into the facility unless they are on the approved media list and set up in designated media areas.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Banners and/or signs should only be&nbsp;hung from arena railing system (bottom rail only)&nbsp;and cannot be attached with tape. Zip ties and/or string is preferred. Size must not exceed 4ft. x 12ft. (page 15 of manual). Any banners taped to the arena rails, left over night or those that exceed the size limit will be taken down by arena staff.&nbsp;IMPORTANT:&nbsp;All signs must be removed each day.&nbsp; Venue not responsible for any signs which are not removed.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No bands, artificial noisemakers or props are allowed at postseason volleyball tournaments (page 14 of your manual).6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Helium balloons and confetti are not allowed in the arena.7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Face/body paint application is not allowed in the building.8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guests/fans will not wear or bring signage with obscene or indecent messages.9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guests/fans will enjoy an event that is free of disruptive behavior, foul or abusive language or obscene gestures. All fans are to abide by Rule 52 and display good Sportsmanship.10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cheerleaders and school administrators are to see that students do not stand on chairs. Schools will be held responsible for any damage to chairs or other property where the damage is directly attributable to the school.&nbsp;Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena (Hoisington, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)No outside food or drink. Cash or credit card options available for concessions.Class 2A and 1A, Div. I at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena (Ellinwood, morning session on Friday, Nov. 1 Little River and St. John evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)Glitter, Confetti and Balloons filled with helium are NOT ALLOWED in the Arena. Artificial noise-makers (horns, cowbells, triangles, whistles, etc.) are not allowed. Banners and signs are acceptable as long as they are not derogatory. Signs can be attached to anything in the Arena other than the hockey dashers (as this is playable surface) and cannot obstruct the view of spectators or block Exit signs. Please use string or zip-ties not tape. Signs may not exceed 4’x 6’.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash or credit card options available for concessions.Class 1A, Div. II at Emporia's White Auditorium (Otis-Bison in morning session on Friday, Nov. 1)<ul>
 <li>No Helium filled balloons or confetti is permitted in the facility.</li><li>Spectators are assigned seating locations for team introductions according to a predetermined assignment made by the KSHSAA, not necessarily based on the seed of the team.&nbsp; Please observe these seating assignments during the team introductions portions of the tournament.</li><li>No artificial noisemakers are allowed in the facility.</li><li>Signs may not be taped to the railings.&nbsp; Use string or zip ties to attach signs.</li><li>All fans are to abide by Rule 52 and display good Sportsmanship.</li><li>Fans must stay off the court after the conclusion of all matches.</li><li>Coolers with food and drink for the players will only be allowed in the locker rooms.</li><li>Ticket booths open one hour prior to the first game.&nbsp; Credit and debit cards are accepted.</li><li>&nbsp;Updated results and brackets are available by going to kshsaa.org and clicking on the state tournament site, look for the icon - updated state results.</li><li>CASH ONLY for concessions.</li>
 </ul>

Clear bags and signs: what state volleyball fans need to know

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Sunday. Coach DeMeco Ryans made the announcement Tuesday, calling Diggs being out a huge loss. “It hurts our team to hear that news,” Ryans said. “He’s been such an important part to our team and just everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day. He brought a lot to our team and we have to pick up the slack — a lot of guys have to pick up the slack.” Diggs suffered the non-contact injury in the third quarter of Houston’s win over the Colts on Sunday. He was running a route and pulled up and grabbed at his right knee before falling to the ground. The 30-year-old Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in his first season in Houston after a blockbuster trade from the Bills.

NEW YORK (AP) — Two fans at Yankee Stadium were ejected from Game 4 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/mlb">World Series</a>&nbsp;after one pried a foul ball out of the glove of Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts on Tuesday night. Betts leaped at the wall in foul territory and initially caught Gleyber Torres’ pop up in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees’ road jersey&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851420322295128310" target="_blank">grabbed Betts’ glove</a>&nbsp;with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ non-glove hand. Betts reacted angrily, and Torres was immediately called out on fan interference. “When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”

The Indianapolis Colts are benching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-analysis-week-7-ff1f521f1994d84f381ddd6ff05f5e7d">Anthony Richardson</a>&nbsp;to start Joe Flacco at quarterback on Sunday at Minnesota, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not announced the change. Coach Shane Steichen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-analysis-week-8-1807372c0ec5c38c4f5f47e77b28d31d">said Monday he was “evaluating”</a>&nbsp;whether Richardson would remain the starter — the first hint that a move might be coming for the 4-4 Colts. Richardson, the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/anthony-richardson-indianapolis-colts-6587f0ae2bc00083dcb57d575c0e4200">was 10 of 32 passing</a>&nbsp;and got sacked five times in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-colts-score-stroud-richardson-c81741384083f956a324985508ffa190">23-20 loss to Houston</a>&nbsp;over the weekend. He also drew outside criticism for taking himself out of the game for a play because he said he was tired. Flacco came in relief earlier this season and started the next two games&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-anthony-richardson-out-titans-ecee712adf157ca2ee1f23d295515754">when Richardson was out</a>&nbsp;with a right hip injury. The 39-year-old completed 71 of 108 passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception, and Indianapolis went 2-1.&nbsp;The Colts are 2-3 in games Richardson has started and finished. The University of Florida product is 59 of 133 for 958 yards, four TDs and seven INTs.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz have been emphasizing that this season will be centered on developing their young building blocks like forward Taylor Hendricks, but now he’s likely gone for the season. On Monday night, Hendricks ran down the court toward the baseline,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-hendricks-leg-utah-jazz-4e11bfd072b862133fe1b9a4888b1dd7">stumbled and awkwardly fell</a>&nbsp;on top of his leg. Without anyone in his vicinity, he broke his right fibula, dislocated his ankle and yelped in disbelief as he saw his foot going one direction and his leg the other. Several Jazz players had tears in their eyes and covered their heads with towels during an extended break where the medical staff took Hendricks off on a stretcher. They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-jazz-score-kyrie-irving-56784a333b85bf8f104e89c96d9c8a95">lost to the Mavericks 110-102</a>&nbsp;and now face a rebuilding season without a defensive centerpiece.

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA finally announced a first sponsor for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/club-world-cup-2025-fifa-cbc0fa69ecff46972e775c1afc477a07">revamped Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday in a deal that will brand video review checks at the tournament in the United States next year. Chinese consumer electronics firm Hisense will have “branding appearing in the video operation room and on pitchside screens,”&nbsp;<a href="https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/commercial/media-releases/hisense-becomes-partner-for-new-fifa-club-world-cup" target="_blank">FIFA said in a statement</a>, when match officials study key incidents in the 32-team tournament being played in 11 American cities from June 15 to July 13. Though no previous FIFA tournament has had a sponsor for video reviews since the technology was approved before the men’s 2018 World Cup in Russia, Hisense&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hisense-usa.com/newsroom/more-than-a-sponsor-hisense-named-var-screen-provider-for-uefa-euro-2024" target="_blank">was the official “VAR Screen Provider”</a>&nbsp;for this year’s European Championship organized by UEFA in Germany.

TUESDAY SCORES Major League Baseball World Series NY Yankees 11, LA Dodgers 4&nbsp; &nbsp;(Dodgers lead best-of-seven series 3-1)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714991701059.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Sunday. Coach DeMeco Ryans made the announcement Tuesday, calling Diggs being out a huge loss. “It hurts our team to hear that news,” Ryans said. “He’s been such an important part to our team and just everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day. He brought a lot to our team and we have to pick up the slack — a lot of guys have to pick up the slack.” Diggs suffered the non-contact injury in the third quarter of Houston’s win over the Colts on Sunday. He was running a route and pulled up and grabbed at his right knee before falling to the ground. The 30-year-old Diggs had 47 receptions for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in his first season in Houston after a blockbuster trade from the Bills.NEW YORK (AP) — Two fans at Yankee Stadium were ejected from Game 4 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/mlb">World Series</a>&nbsp;after one pried a foul ball out of the glove of Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts on Tuesday night. Betts leaped at the wall in foul territory and initially caught Gleyber Torres’ pop up in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees’ road jersey&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1851420322295128310" target="_blank">grabbed Betts’ glove</a>&nbsp;with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ non-glove hand. Betts reacted angrily, and Torres was immediately called out on fan interference. “When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”The Indianapolis Colts are benching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-analysis-week-7-ff1f521f1994d84f381ddd6ff05f5e7d">Anthony Richardson</a>&nbsp;to start Joe Flacco at quarterback on Sunday at Minnesota, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not announced the change. Coach Shane Steichen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-analysis-week-8-1807372c0ec5c38c4f5f47e77b28d31d">said Monday he was “evaluating”</a>&nbsp;whether Richardson would remain the starter — the first hint that a move might be coming for the 4-4 Colts. Richardson, the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/anthony-richardson-indianapolis-colts-6587f0ae2bc00083dcb57d575c0e4200">was 10 of 32 passing</a>&nbsp;and got sacked five times in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-colts-score-stroud-richardson-c81741384083f956a324985508ffa190">23-20 loss to Houston</a>&nbsp;over the weekend. He also drew outside criticism for taking himself out of the game for a play because he said he was tired. Flacco came in relief earlier this season and started the next two games&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colts-anthony-richardson-out-titans-ecee712adf157ca2ee1f23d295515754">when Richardson was out</a>&nbsp;with a right hip injury. The 39-year-old completed 71 of 108 passes for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception, and Indianapolis went 2-1.&nbsp;The Colts are 2-3 in games Richardson has started and finished. The University of Florida product is 59 of 133 for 958 yards, four TDs and seven INTs.SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz have been emphasizing that this season will be centered on developing their young building blocks like forward Taylor Hendricks, but now he’s likely gone for the season. On Monday night, Hendricks ran down the court toward the baseline,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-hendricks-leg-utah-jazz-4e11bfd072b862133fe1b9a4888b1dd7">stumbled and awkwardly fell</a>&nbsp;on top of his leg. Without anyone in his vicinity, he broke his right fibula, dislocated his ankle and yelped in disbelief as he saw his foot going one direction and his leg the other. Several Jazz players had tears in their eyes and covered their heads with towels during an extended break where the medical staff took Hendricks off on a stretcher. They&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-jazz-score-kyrie-irving-56784a333b85bf8f104e89c96d9c8a95">lost to the Mavericks 110-102</a>&nbsp;and now face a rebuilding season without a defensive centerpiece.GENEVA (AP) — FIFA finally announced a first sponsor for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/club-world-cup-2025-fifa-cbc0fa69ecff46972e775c1afc477a07">revamped Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday in a deal that will brand video review checks at the tournament in the United States next year. Chinese consumer electronics firm Hisense will have “branding appearing in the video operation room and on pitchside screens,”&nbsp;<a href="https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/commercial/media-releases/hisense-becomes-partner-for-new-fifa-club-world-cup" target="_blank">FIFA said in a statement</a>, when match officials study key incidents in the 32-team tournament being played in 11 American cities from June 15 to July 13. Though no previous FIFA tournament has had a sponsor for video reviews since the technology was approved before the men’s 2018 World Cup in Russia, Hisense&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hisense-usa.com/newsroom/more-than-a-sponsor-hisense-named-var-screen-provider-for-uefa-euro-2024" target="_blank">was the official “VAR Screen Provider”</a>&nbsp;for this year’s European Championship organized by UEFA in Germany.TUESDAY SCORES Major League Baseball World Series NY Yankees 11, LA Dodgers 4&nbsp; &nbsp;(Dodgers lead best-of-seven series 3-1)

Wednesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-coit/15715">David Coit</a>&nbsp;scored 19 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zeke-mayo/15498">Zeke Mayo</a>&nbsp;had 16 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rylan-griffen/15499">Rylan Griffen</a>&nbsp;had 14 points as Kansas defeated Washburn 84-53 inside Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night in the team's final exhibition contest of 2024-25.

The 70th season of Allen Fieldhouse kicked off as Kansas hosted their second and final exhibition game of the season and&nbsp;welcoming Washburn. Washburn is led by head coach Brett Ballard, who played for Kansas from 2000-02 and was a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>'s staff for the 2008 National Championship.

The top-ranked Jayhawks got off to an early 11-2 lead with 15:08 left in the first half. The Jayhawk lead stretched to 16 points thanks to a three-pointer from Coit, who had 13 first-half points and finished with 19 in the contest. Coit went 5-of-10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc in his first game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas entered halftime up 38-22 after firing a 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) shooting. Five different Jayhawks hit a three-pointer in the opening half with&nbsp;Coit,&nbsp;who hit three from downtown.

Kansas shot 8-of-19 (42.1 percent) from beyond the arc in the first half.An alley-oop from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dajuan-harris-jr-/15490">Dajuan Harris Jr.</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kj-adams-jr-/15494">KJ Adams Jr.</a>&nbsp;led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/15502">Flory Bidunga</a>&nbsp;block on the other end, resulting in a made three pointer by Griffen to force a Washburn timeout with 18:38 left in the second half.

Kansas' lead stretched to 63-28 with 13:30 left in the second half after Mayo drilled back-to-back three pointers. Kansas would cruise to the finish line from that point on, finishing the game shooting 30-of-59 (50.8 percent) from the field, and holding Washburn to just 34.4 percent shooting.

Bidunga&nbsp;was the fourth Jayhawk in double figures, adding 10 points, a game-high tying seven rebounds and a game-high four blocks. Adams&nbsp;shot a perfect 4-of-4 (100.0 percent) and logged eight points, six boards and four assists.

UP NEXT Kansas will host Howard in the 2024-25 regular-season opener inside Allen Fieldhouse next Monday, Nov. 4&nbsp;with tipoff set for 7 p.m. CT.

The game will be broadcast&nbsp;via ESPN+.The Howard game will mark the second annual McLendon Classic as KU begins the season hosting an HBCU opponent. The contest celebrates University of Kansas alum and legendary coach John McLendon and the McLendon Leadership Initiative.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/david-coit/15715">David Coit</a>&nbsp;scored 19 points,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/zeke-mayo/15498">Zeke Mayo</a>&nbsp;had 16 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/rylan-griffen/15499">Rylan Griffen</a>&nbsp;had 14 points as Kansas defeated Washburn 84-53 inside Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night in the team's final exhibition contest of 2024-25.The 70th season of Allen Fieldhouse kicked off as Kansas hosted their second and final exhibition game of the season and&nbsp;welcoming Washburn. Washburn is led by head coach Brett Ballard, who played for Kansas from 2000-02 and was a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727">Bill Self</a>'s staff for the 2008 National Championship.The top-ranked Jayhawks got off to an early 11-2 lead with 15:08 left in the first half. The Jayhawk lead stretched to 16 points thanks to a three-pointer from Coit, who had 13 first-half points and finished with 19 in the contest. Coit went 5-of-10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc in his first game at Allen Fieldhouse.Kansas entered halftime up 38-22 after firing a 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) shooting. Five different Jayhawks hit a three-pointer in the opening half with&nbsp;Coit,&nbsp;who hit three from downtown.Kansas shot 8-of-19 (42.1 percent) from beyond the arc in the first half.An alley-oop from&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dajuan-harris-jr-/15490">Dajuan Harris Jr.</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kj-adams-jr-/15494">KJ Adams Jr.</a>&nbsp;led to a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/flory-bidunga/15502">Flory Bidunga</a>&nbsp;block on the other end, resulting in a made three pointer by Griffen to force a Washburn timeout with 18:38 left in the second half.Kansas' lead stretched to 63-28 with 13:30 left in the second half after Mayo drilled back-to-back three pointers. Kansas would cruise to the finish line from that point on, finishing the game shooting 30-of-59 (50.8 percent) from the field, and holding Washburn to just 34.4 percent shooting.Bidunga&nbsp;was the fourth Jayhawk in double figures, adding 10 points, a game-high tying seven rebounds and a game-high four blocks. Adams&nbsp;shot a perfect 4-of-4 (100.0 percent) and logged eight points, six boards and four assists.UP NEXT Kansas will host Howard in the 2024-25 regular-season opener inside Allen Fieldhouse next Monday, Nov. 4&nbsp;with tipoff set for 7 p.m. CT.The game will be broadcast&nbsp;via ESPN+.The Howard game will mark the second annual McLendon Classic as KU begins the season hosting an HBCU opponent. The contest celebrates University of Kansas alum and legendary coach John McLendon and the McLendon Leadership Initiative.

No. 1 Kansas routs Washburn in final exhibition contest

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/anthony-volpe-hits-a-grand-slam-1-to-left-center-field-aaron-judge-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Anthony Volpe’s third-inning grand slam</a>&nbsp;overcame Freddie Freeman's record-setting home run, and the New York Yankees avoided a World Series sweep with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night that forced a Game 5.

<a href="https://apnews.com/499d410be06593d753c919a259cdf332">Freeman homered for his sixth straight Series game</a>, hitting a two-run drive in the first inning for the second consecutive night and again stunning the Yankee Stadium crowd.

Seeking to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 Series deficit, New York surged ahead 5-2 on Alex Verdugo’s RBI grounder in the second and Volpe’s drive against Daniel Hudson in the third. Volpe turned on a first-pitch slider at the knees and drove it into the left-field seats.

“I was hustling. I didn’t know I got it,” Volpe said. “And then I blacked out.”

Volpe came across with New York's first run when he walked after falling behind 0-2 in the count in the second inning. He also doubled and stole two bases.

“Amazing. Volpe, he did it all tonight,” Gleyber Torres said.

Austin Wells and Torres added homers for the Yankees, who broke open the game with a five-run eighth. New York had scored just seven runs in the first three games.

“We’re down three, and really just went out there and said screw it,” Wells said.

Los Angeles closed within 6-4 in a two-run fifth that included Will Smith's homer off starter Luis Gil and an RBI grounder by Freeman. Despite a sprained right ankle, Freeman beat a relay to avoid an inning-ending double play on what originally was ruled an out but was reversed in a video review.

Wells hit a second-deck homer in the sixth against Landon Knack, and Verdugo added another run-scoring grounder in the eighth ahead of Torres' three-run homer off Brent Honeywell.

Tim Hill, winning pitcher Clay Holmes, Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Weaver and Tim Mayza strung together five innings of one-hit relief with seven strikeouts, and the Yankees avoided what would have been their first losing Series sweep since 1976.

Game 5 is Wednesday night, with the Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty meeting in a rematch of Game 1.

“Gerrit’s the best pitcher in the game. We really believe in him,” Torres said. “But we have to do the job like we did tonight so we don’t have to put all the pressure on him.”

New York's Aaron Judge drove in his first run of the Series with an RBI single in the eighth and is 2 for 15 in the four games. Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani also is 2 for 15 after going 1 for 4 with a single, his first hit since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-ohtani-332dfab365b16f5f8ae607fcb5147a01">partially separating his left shoulder</a>&nbsp;in Game 2.

Twenty-one of the previous 24 teams to take 3-0 Series leads went on to sweeps, all but the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics against the Chicago Cubs, the 1937 Yankees against the New York Giants and the 1970 Baltimore Orioles against the Cincinnati Reds. All three of those Series ended in five games.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox, sparked by a stolen base from current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, are the only team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in any round, beating the Yankees in the AL Championship Series.

New York stopped a seven-game Series losing streak against the Dodgers dating to 1981. The Yankees got their first seven RBIs from the bottom three hitters in their batting order, Volpe, Wells and Verdugo, who had entered 4 for 32 with three RBIs in the Series.

Freeman homered when he deposited a slider from Gil into the right-field short porch following Mookie Betts’ one-out double. He became the first player to homer in the first four games of a World Series and his streak of long balls in six straight games is one more than Houston's George Springer 2017 and '19.

Freeman’s walk-off grand slam with two outs in the 10th inning turned around the opener, giving the Dodgers a 6-3 win. The Yankees had not led since then.

Volpe walked in the second against rookie Ben Casparias, reached third on Wells’ double off the center-field wall and scored on Verdugo’s groundout.

Losing pitcher Hudson loaded the bases in the third when he Judge with a pitch with one out, Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled off the right-field wall and Giancarlo Stanton walked. Anthony Rizzo popped out and Volpe hit the record sixth slam of the postseason.

UP NEXT Cole allowed one run over six-plus innings in the opener -- Kiké Hernández tripled in the fifth as right fielder Juan Soto took a poor route, then scored on Smith’s sacrifice fly. Flaherty gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings, a two-run homer by Stanton.

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/anthony-volpe-hits-a-grand-slam-1-to-left-center-field-aaron-judge-scores?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Anthony Volpe’s third-inning grand slam</a>&nbsp;overcame Freddie Freeman's record-setting home run, and the New York Yankees avoided a World Series sweep with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night that forced a Game 5.<a href="https://apnews.com/499d410be06593d753c919a259cdf332">Freeman homered for his sixth straight Series game</a>, hitting a two-run drive in the first inning for the second consecutive night and again stunning the Yankee Stadium crowd.Seeking to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 Series deficit, New York surged ahead 5-2 on Alex Verdugo’s RBI grounder in the second and Volpe’s drive against Daniel Hudson in the third. Volpe turned on a first-pitch slider at the knees and drove it into the left-field seats.“I was hustling. I didn’t know I got it,” Volpe said. “And then I blacked out.”Volpe came across with New York's first run when he walked after falling behind 0-2 in the count in the second inning. He also doubled and stole two bases.“Amazing. Volpe, he did it all tonight,” Gleyber Torres said.Austin Wells and Torres added homers for the Yankees, who broke open the game with a five-run eighth. New York had scored just seven runs in the first three games.“We’re down three, and really just went out there and said screw it,” Wells said.Los Angeles closed within 6-4 in a two-run fifth that included Will Smith's homer off starter Luis Gil and an RBI grounder by Freeman. Despite a sprained right ankle, Freeman beat a relay to avoid an inning-ending double play on what originally was ruled an out but was reversed in a video review.Wells hit a second-deck homer in the sixth against Landon Knack, and Verdugo added another run-scoring grounder in the eighth ahead of Torres' three-run homer off Brent Honeywell.Tim Hill, winning pitcher Clay Holmes, Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Weaver and Tim Mayza strung together five innings of one-hit relief with seven strikeouts, and the Yankees avoided what would have been their first losing Series sweep since 1976.Game 5 is Wednesday night, with the Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty meeting in a rematch of Game 1.“Gerrit’s the best pitcher in the game. We really believe in him,” Torres said. “But we have to do the job like we did tonight so we don’t have to put all the pressure on him.”New York's Aaron Judge drove in his first run of the Series with an RBI single in the eighth and is 2 for 15 in the four games. Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani also is 2 for 15 after going 1 for 4 with a single, his first hit since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-dodgers-yankees-ohtani-332dfab365b16f5f8ae607fcb5147a01">partially separating his left shoulder</a>&nbsp;in Game 2.Twenty-one of the previous 24 teams to take 3-0 Series leads went on to sweeps, all but the 1910 Philadelphia Athletics against the Chicago Cubs, the 1937 Yankees against the New York Giants and the 1970 Baltimore Orioles against the Cincinnati Reds. All three of those Series ended in five games.The 2004 Boston Red Sox, sparked by a stolen base from current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, are the only team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in any round, beating the Yankees in the AL Championship Series.New York stopped a seven-game Series losing streak against the Dodgers dating to 1981. The Yankees got their first seven RBIs from the bottom three hitters in their batting order, Volpe, Wells and Verdugo, who had entered 4 for 32 with three RBIs in the Series.Freeman homered when he deposited a slider from Gil into the right-field short porch following Mookie Betts’ one-out double. He became the first player to homer in the first four games of a World Series and his streak of long balls in six straight games is one more than Houston's George Springer 2017 and '19.Freeman’s walk-off grand slam with two outs in the 10th inning turned around the opener, giving the Dodgers a 6-3 win. The Yankees had not led since then.Volpe walked in the second against rookie Ben Casparias, reached third on Wells’ double off the center-field wall and scored on Verdugo’s groundout.Losing pitcher Hudson loaded the bases in the third when he Judge with a pitch with one out, Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled off the right-field wall and Giancarlo Stanton walked. Anthony Rizzo popped out and Volpe hit the record sixth slam of the postseason.UP NEXT Cole allowed one run over six-plus innings in the opener -- Kiké Hernández tripled in the fifth as right fielder Juan Soto took a poor route, then scored on Smith’s sacrifice fly. Flaherty gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings, a two-run homer by Stanton.

Volpe slam sparks comeback after Freeman homer, Yanks beat Dodgers 11-4

&nbsp;- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif previews Friday's Week 9 matchup with Ellsworth at Elton Brown Field.

- Great Bend High School Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IQ4Cxfa9dlI?si=yMKw6ZYGulndPGVy" 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>&nbsp;- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif previews Friday's Week 9 matchup with Ellsworth at Elton Brown Field.- Barton Volleyball coach Megan Besecker- Great Bend High School Athletic Director Matt Westerhaus- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Walking from his apartment to classes and then to the University of Florida’s basketball facility, Olivier Rioux poses for dozens — sometimes hundreds — of pictures a day.

Vertical shots, of course. Rioux won’t fit in the frame any other way.

At 7 feet, 9 inches, Rioux is the ultimate BMOC. He’s actually the Biggest Man On Campus — any campus.

The Florida freshman, a happy-go-lucky Canadian who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/9/canadian-confirmed-as-tallest-teenager-in-the-world-675836">owns a spot in the Guinness record book as the world’s tallest teenager</a>, also will make basketball history when he plays for the 21st-ranked Gators this season. The cheerful guy known as “Oli” will become the tallest to play college hoops, supplanting 7-foot-7 Kenny George of UNC Asheville (2006-08).

He’s 2 inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley.

“You get asked questions every day,” said Rioux, who likes to draw in his spare time. “You don’t have a single three seconds to yourself when you’re outside, which I was fine with because my brother and my dad are tall. And, as a family, we used to go out. That’s just how it was, and you can’t change that because people are curious.”

His college teammates have gotten used to it by now.

“It’s really weird looking up to someone,” said 7-foot-1 center Micah Handlogten. “But being around him just about every day, it’s just different when you’re out in public with him. People normally ask me, ‘You’re so tall. Do you play basketball?’ No one says a word to me (now). Everyone just looks to him. It’s kind of crazy. He doesn’t shy away from it.”

Rioux actually embraces it. He welcomes the stares, the questions and all the requests.

“It does help to be Canadian,” he quipped. “You just get used to it. Talking to people is nice because they are curious, and you can’t change that.”

Rioux has worked hard to prepare for Division I basketball, but no one expects him to be a star at this level, certainly not right away. The Gators do expect Rioux to be a fan favorite, beginning with their season opener against USF on Monday night. Coach Todd Golden predicts it will be like nothing he’s ever experienced, with chants for Rioux late in games.

“That one we can see coming from a mile away,” Golden said. "About 95% of my conversations with random people about our team are about him. It’s the first time we’ve been ranked since 2019 and it’s like, ‘Hey, Coach, we’re really excited to see Oli out there this year.’ And I get it, man. He’s a very unique individual.”

Rioux grew up in Terrebonne, Quebec, and realized at an early age he was different. He was taller than most of his teachers in elementary school, crossed the 6-foot mark by age 8 and topped 7 feet the summer before seventh grade.

His mom is 6-2, dad is 6-8 and his older brother is 6-9.

“At my meemaw’s house, we had the wall (where) me and my brother used to measure ourselves. And then one day, poof, my brother was gone,” Rioux said, recalling the day he “officially” outgrew his entire family.

Back home in Canada, Rioux has a number of custom-made items to make life more comfortable, most notably his bed. On campus, though, he barely fits diagonally across a queen-sized mattress.

He has to duck to get through near every doorway and often hits his head. He wears a size 20 shoe, gets most of his wardrobe from team gear and won’t dare ride a scooter because “I don’t trust myself.” And squeezing into a classroom desk is more comical than a point guard trying to box him out.

He started playing basketball at age 5 and ended up at IMG Academy in Sarasota, about three hours south of Gainesville, for high school. He had offers from UC Irvine and Morehead State but ended up at Florida as a preferred walk-on.

He’s one of six international players on Golden’s roster and a clear project despite having played in several FIBA events with the Canadian national team, including the 2024 U18 FIBA AmeriCup and the 2023 U19 World Cup.

“The great thing in our minds is we think he has potential to play at some point,” Golden said. “He’s more than just a 7-9 guy. He’s had some really good moments in practice, super coachable and I’m excited for him to get to this point next year and kind of see where we’re at."

Rioux has made strides in just a few months. His mobility and coordination have improved — he can wrap his leg around his head — along with his conditioning. Golden still wants him to use his 305-pound frame to become “more of a butt-kicker” in the low post.

“He has flashes in practice where he’ll make some plays and you’re like, ‘Whoa,’” Golden said. “Like, obviously, we can’t do that with anybody else.”

Rioux can dunk without leaving his feet and has a nearly unstoppable hook shot. He wears No. 32 because of his affection for Pro Basketball Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, a fellow 7-footer.

He’d like to pattern his game after former Purdue center Zach Edey (7-4) and French superstar Victor Wembanyama (7-3), who is currently considered the gold standard for 7-footers.

Most people have the same reaction when seeing Rioux for the first time. He towers over teammates and classmates, and just about every picture taken of him goes viral.

“He doesn’t seek the attention, but he also doesn’t get annoyed at the people that ask,” Handlogten said. “He embraces it because it’s part of him, and he loves that. If someone comes up and asks for pictures, he’s like, ‘Yeah, of course.’ And he always has that bright smile on his face. It’s awesome.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730222465628.jpeg" alt="Olivier Rioux, 7-foot-9 NCAA college basketball player at Florida, poses for a photo after practice, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)" />
 <figcaption>Olivier Rioux, 7-foot-9 NCAA college basketball player at Florida, poses for a photo after practice, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)</figcaption>
 </figure>GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Walking from his apartment to classes and then to the University of Florida’s basketball facility, Olivier Rioux poses for dozens — sometimes hundreds — of pictures a day.Vertical shots, of course. Rioux won’t fit in the frame any other way.At 7 feet, 9 inches, Rioux is the ultimate BMOC. He’s actually the Biggest Man On Campus — any campus.The Florida freshman, a happy-go-lucky Canadian who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/9/canadian-confirmed-as-tallest-teenager-in-the-world-675836">owns a spot in the Guinness record book as the world’s tallest teenager</a>, also will make basketball history when he plays for the 21st-ranked Gators this season. The cheerful guy known as “Oli” will become the tallest to play college hoops, supplanting 7-foot-7 Kenny George of UNC Asheville (2006-08).He’s 2 inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley.“You get asked questions every day,” said Rioux, who likes to draw in his spare time. “You don’t have a single three seconds to yourself when you’re outside, which I was fine with because my brother and my dad are tall. And, as a family, we used to go out. That’s just how it was, and you can’t change that because people are curious.”His college teammates have gotten used to it by now.“It’s really weird looking up to someone,” said 7-foot-1 center Micah Handlogten. “But being around him just about every day, it’s just different when you’re out in public with him. People normally ask me, ‘You’re so tall. Do you play basketball?’ No one says a word to me (now). Everyone just looks to him. It’s kind of crazy. He doesn’t shy away from it.”Rioux actually embraces it. He welcomes the stares, the questions and all the requests.“It does help to be Canadian,” he quipped. “You just get used to it. Talking to people is nice because they are curious, and you can’t change that.”Rioux has worked hard to prepare for Division I basketball, but no one expects him to be a star at this level, certainly not right away. The Gators do expect Rioux to be a fan favorite, beginning with their season opener against USF on Monday night. Coach Todd Golden predicts it will be like nothing he’s ever experienced, with chants for Rioux late in games.“That one we can see coming from a mile away,” Golden said. "About 95% of my conversations with random people about our team are about him. It’s the first time we’ve been ranked since 2019 and it’s like, ‘Hey, Coach, we’re really excited to see Oli out there this year.’ And I get it, man. He’s a very unique individual.”Rioux grew up in Terrebonne, Quebec, and realized at an early age he was different. He was taller than most of his teachers in elementary school, crossed the 6-foot mark by age 8 and topped 7 feet the summer before seventh grade.His mom is 6-2, dad is 6-8 and his older brother is 6-9.“At my meemaw’s house, we had the wall (where) me and my brother used to measure ourselves. And then one day, poof, my brother was gone,” Rioux said, recalling the day he “officially” outgrew his entire family.Back home in Canada, Rioux has a number of custom-made items to make life more comfortable, most notably his bed. On campus, though, he barely fits diagonally across a queen-sized mattress.He has to duck to get through near every doorway and often hits his head. He wears a size 20 shoe, gets most of his wardrobe from team gear and won’t dare ride a scooter because “I don’t trust myself.” And squeezing into a classroom desk is more comical than a point guard trying to box him out.He started playing basketball at age 5 and ended up at IMG Academy in Sarasota, about three hours south of Gainesville, for high school. He had offers from UC Irvine and Morehead State but ended up at Florida as a preferred walk-on.He’s one of six international players on Golden’s roster and a clear project despite having played in several FIBA events with the Canadian national team, including the 2024 U18 FIBA AmeriCup and the 2023 U19 World Cup.“The great thing in our minds is we think he has potential to play at some point,” Golden said. “He’s more than just a 7-9 guy. He’s had some really good moments in practice, super coachable and I’m excited for him to get to this point next year and kind of see where we’re at."Rioux has made strides in just a few months. His mobility and coordination have improved — he can wrap his leg around his head — along with his conditioning. Golden still wants him to use his 305-pound frame to become “more of a butt-kicker” in the low post.“He has flashes in practice where he’ll make some plays and you’re like, ‘Whoa,’” Golden said. “Like, obviously, we can’t do that with anybody else.”Rioux can dunk without leaving his feet and has a nearly unstoppable hook shot. He wears No. 32 because of his affection for Pro Basketball Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal, a fellow 7-footer.He’d like to pattern his game after former Purdue center Zach Edey (7-4) and French superstar Victor Wembanyama (7-3), who is currently considered the gold standard for 7-footers.“Oh my God,” Rioux gushed.Most people have the same reaction when seeing Rioux for the first time. He towers over teammates and classmates, and just about every picture taken of him goes viral.“He doesn’t seek the attention, but he also doesn’t get annoyed at the people that ask,” Handlogten said. “He embraces it because it’s part of him, and he loves that. If someone comes up and asks for pictures, he’s like, ‘Yeah, of course.’ And he always has that bright smile on his face. It’s awesome.”

At 7 feet, 9 inches, Olivier Rioux is the world’s tallest teen and a new Florida Gator

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Caitlin Clark era at Iowa ended with her as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-iowa-ncaa-record-8d2a9bc33a9fdc59177a5ca4fe7221a9">NCAA Division I overall scoring leader</a>&nbsp;and the Hawkeyes playing in two straight national championship games and being the hottest ticket in women’s basketball.

Clark recently finished her first pro season as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-rookie-year-wnba-ecfc3070241f5c659402e0843c433808">WNBA rookie of the year</a>, and Iowa starts over with a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-jensen-iowa-hawkeyes-ncaa-basketball-875bd1c008b9f1ca6acaeed230ef87ed">head coach</a>, new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-lucy-olsen-basketball-50479f7efb6b4101f16ea1ba020f5652">point guard</a>&nbsp;and considerably lower expectations.

Jan Jensen, the longtime assistant who succeeded the retired Lisa Bluder in May, delivered a simple message to her players as they began summer conditioning: “We’ve got next.”

“Coach J says it all of the time,” said Hannah Stuelke, the team’s top returning scorer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730222258549.jpeg" alt="FILE - Iowa guard Caitlin Clark talks with assistant coach Jan Jensen during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Drake, Nov. 19, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, file)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Iowa guard Caitlin Clark talks with assistant coach Jan Jensen during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Drake, Nov. 19, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Caitlin Clark era at Iowa ended with her as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-iowa-ncaa-record-8d2a9bc33a9fdc59177a5ca4fe7221a9">NCAA Division I overall scoring leader</a>&nbsp;and the Hawkeyes playing in two straight national championship games and being the hottest ticket in women’s basketball.Clark recently finished her first pro season as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-rookie-year-wnba-ecfc3070241f5c659402e0843c433808">WNBA rookie of the year</a>, and Iowa starts over with a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-jensen-iowa-hawkeyes-ncaa-basketball-875bd1c008b9f1ca6acaeed230ef87ed">head coach</a>, new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-lucy-olsen-basketball-50479f7efb6b4101f16ea1ba020f5652">point guard</a>&nbsp;and considerably lower expectations.Jan Jensen, the longtime assistant who succeeded the retired Lisa Bluder in May, delivered a simple message to her players as they began summer conditioning: “We’ve got next.”“Coach J says it all of the time,” said Hannah Stuelke, the team’s top returning scorer.The Hawkeyes will play without Clark for the first time since March 6, 2020, when they host Missouri Western in an exhibition Wednesday night.After spending all of last season in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll, they are one spot outside the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">preseason Top 25</a>&nbsp;as the team receiving the most votes among the unranked.Iowa went 109-30 in Clark’s four years with four NCAA Tournament appearances, three Big Ten Tournament titles and a shared regular-season championship. Her 3,951 points stand as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caitlin-clark-iowa-ncaa-record-8d2a9bc33a9fdc59177a5ca4fe7221a9">most ever by a women’s or men’s DI player</a>&nbsp;in the NCAA. Her 1,293 field goals and 548 3-pointers are women’s records, as are her 480 points in NCAA Tournament games.The Hawkeyes also lost sixth-year guard Kate Martin and fifth-year guard Gabbie Marshall, two starters who played key roles in Iowa’s postseason runs.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-lisa-bluder-retiring-d0f203e6e0b97d38c1d7d9d2ab9d3277">Bluder retired in May</a>&nbsp;after winning 528 games with 18 NCAA appearances in 24 years. Jensen, who had been with Bluder since their days at Drake in the 1990s, was named head coach the same day.It’s a lot of change for a program that has been a mark of consistency under Bluder, and the success of the past four years with Clark has given way to questions about how good the Hawkeyes can be without her and the others.“I think everybody wants to be the New York Yankees, right?” Jensen said. “It was kind of fun to be that the last couple of years, the favorite with those mature teams and the longevity, with Caitlin and Kate, Gabbie, in that starting lineup. But it’s also fun to be the underdog. I think a lot of America always cheers typically for the underdog.”Still, there will be times when it feels like it will be hard to move on without Clark’s presence. The first two questions Stuelke and new teammate Lucy Olsen got at the Big Ten media days were about Clark, and at the Hawkeyes’ media day, Jensen fielded questions about Clark’s impact on the program.Olsen, who was third in the nation in scoring last season at Villanova, is one of six newcomers. Stuelke and guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-womens-basketball-62acea4457f0f0016f65029f12b1e918">Sydney Affolter, who will be out for the first few weeks</a>&nbsp;of the season as she recovers from offseason knee surgery, are the only returning starters.Jensen has stressed to the players that the departures of Clark, Martin and Marshall will open playing time for others.“There’s new roles, a few more shots,” Jensen said. “A few more big defensive assignments that they may now get. And I love to see them leaning in and being ready to hopefully surprise some people.”Kylie Feuerbach, a fifth-year senior contending for a starting spot, sees a huge opportunity.“But nothing’s a given,” she said, “and we’re going to have to earn it.”The Hawkeyes are still popular. All season tickets at home are sold out for the second consecutive season.Feuerbach said Jensen led the team to the top of Carver-Hawkeye Arena one day to illustrate the magnitude of the crowds that have shown up.“Coach J had us sit up pretty high in one of the seats, and she just kind of explained to us, put into perspective, the arena that we’re selling out,” Feuerbach said. “And it really does put in perspective and how special it really truly is that there’s that many people that want to come and watch us every single game.”Jensen said she tells the Hawkeyes to focus on “the windshield” and to forget about the “rear-view mirror.”“I just keep reminding them to embrace this moment and who they are,” Jensen said.Every season is a new beginning for every team, but never more than for Iowa as it goes into 2024-25.