By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Knocked out of the national Top-25 for the first time in twenty-three weeks of the polls dating back to February of 2023, the newly unranked Barton Community College men's basketball team knocked off its second straight ranked opponent as the Cougars went on the road Wednesday night returning with a 91-86 victory at No. 23 Hutchinson Community College.

Notching its 8th straight win of the series including third straight on the Blue Dragons' home floor and 13th straight overall at the Sports Arena, Barton improves to 9-4 in KJCCC play and 15-4 overall while Hutchinson's league leading 7th straight victory streak is snapped sliding to 9-4 in league and 13-6 on the season.

The new found momentum looks to carry into the Cougars' upcoming two-game homestand, the first coming in Saturday's 4:00 p.m. tip against Garden City Community College followed by Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. contest hosting Cloud County Community College.

Barton countered its second worst shooting outing of the year (38.9%) and Hutchinson's 50% shooting with its defense forcing 16 Blue Dragon turnovers resulting in plus-10 points on turnovers, a plus-9 rebound edge including 22 offensive rebounds leading to another plus-12 tallies of second chance points, and a solid 82.4% free throw shooting.

Scoring seven points being saddled with first half foul problems,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;returned to the final frame with vengeance adding another seventeen for a new career high 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 7-of-8 from the free throw line, and dished out a game high 5 assists with two of the Cougars' 11 steals.

Reigning two-time player of the week and recently announced as receiving the NJCAA honor as well,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>&nbsp;continued his torrid stretch with 18 points and 14 rebounds, half of his boards coming on the offensive glass, for his 8th double-double of the season.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/rodriguez_aris_jaun">Aris Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;scored six of his 15 points in the first four minutes of the second half as part of a 12-2 Barton start to the final frame with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith-_jr._eltramon_lgek">Eltramon Smith, Jr.</a>&nbsp;giving the Cougars a big surge off the bench with 10 points in just missing his first collegiate double-double grabbing a career high 9 rebounds.

Five Blue Dragons reached double-digit scoring being led by Ketraleus "Bo" Aldridge and Kobe Smith's 19 points each with Dimitrius "DJ" Dudley close behind with 17 points.

Much like the Cougars' Kindell, Mikhail Abdul-Hamid made up for first half foul problems to light up second half play keeping Hutchinson in the game by knocking down 4-of-5 from deep in finishing with 12 points. Kahlil Arnold rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on 3-of-5 three-pointers helping the Blue Dragons to a 11-of-18 evening beyond the arc.

RECAP A Barton 9-0 run across nearly six minutes of a tightly played first half gave Barton the edge only to see Hutchinson chip away in leading by four with two minutes remaining.

After closing first half action with four straight for a 32-31 lead to the break, Barton extended the margin with another six straight led by Rodriguez' opening second half buckets then later added another two points closing out the Cougars' 12-2 stretch in matching its then largest lead of nine.

The Cougars pushed the gap to double-digits shortly after on Kindell and Moss baskets with 14:51 remaining but ten minutes later were in a dogfight as Hutchinson closed within three with 6:55 left.

Rodriguez' 1-of-2 charity tosses followed by consecutive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/williams_fontaine_k5rg">Fontaine Williams</a>&nbsp;and Moss arc busters led the seven straight spurt for another double-digit lead but the Blue Dragons hung around the coop slicing the gap to seven with under three to play.

Enter the big play of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/muchitsch_sebastian_zlxk">Sebastian Muchitsch</a>, hampered with fouls resulting in just thirteen minutes of court time, providing the big spark of a 17-second, five-point swing in draining a back-breaking triple then following a quick Hutchinson empty trip, getting loose on the low block depositing Rodriguez' feed quickly ballooning the lead out to its largest at 77-65 with 2:08 to play.

From there Barton maintained atleast a two-possession margin as the teams traded a whopping 35 combined points in the final two minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737640068350.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoKnocked out of the national Top-25 for the first time in twenty-three weeks of the polls dating back to February of 2023, the newly unranked Barton Community College men's basketball team knocked off its second straight ranked opponent as the Cougars went on the road Wednesday night returning with a 91-86 victory at No. 23 Hutchinson Community College.Notching its 8th straight win of the series including third straight on the Blue Dragons' home floor and 13th straight overall at the Sports Arena, Barton improves to 9-4 in KJCCC play and 15-4 overall while Hutchinson's league leading 7th straight victory streak is snapped sliding to 9-4 in league and 13-6 on the season.The new found momentum looks to carry into the Cougars' upcoming two-game homestand, the first coming in Saturday's 4:00 p.m. tip against Garden City Community College followed by Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. contest hosting Cloud County Community College.Barton countered its second worst shooting outing of the year (38.9%) and Hutchinson's 50% shooting with its defense forcing 16 Blue Dragon turnovers resulting in plus-10 points on turnovers, a plus-9 rebound edge including 22 offensive rebounds leading to another plus-12 tallies of second chance points, and a solid 82.4% free throw shooting.Scoring seven points being saddled with first half foul problems,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;returned to the final frame with vengeance adding another seventeen for a new career high 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 7-of-8 from the free throw line, and dished out a game high 5 assists with two of the Cougars' 11 steals.Reigning two-time player of the week and recently announced as receiving the NJCAA honor as well,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>&nbsp;continued his torrid stretch with 18 points and 14 rebounds, half of his boards coming on the offensive glass, for his 8th double-double of the season.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/rodriguez_aris_jaun">Aris Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;scored six of his 15 points in the first four minutes of the second half as part of a 12-2 Barton start to the final frame with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith-_jr._eltramon_lgek">Eltramon Smith, Jr.</a>&nbsp;giving the Cougars a big surge off the bench with 10 points in just missing his first collegiate double-double grabbing a career high 9 rebounds.Five Blue Dragons reached double-digit scoring being led by Ketraleus "Bo" Aldridge and Kobe Smith's 19 points each with Dimitrius "DJ" Dudley close behind with 17 points.Much like the Cougars' Kindell, Mikhail Abdul-Hamid made up for first half foul problems to light up second half play keeping Hutchinson in the game by knocking down 4-of-5 from deep in finishing with 12 points. Kahlil Arnold rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points on 3-of-5 three-pointers helping the Blue Dragons to a 11-of-18 evening beyond the arc.RECAP A Barton 9-0 run across nearly six minutes of a tightly played first half gave Barton the edge only to see Hutchinson chip away in leading by four with two minutes remaining.After closing first half action with four straight for a 32-31 lead to the break, Barton extended the margin with another six straight led by Rodriguez' opening second half buckets then later added another two points closing out the Cougars' 12-2 stretch in matching its then largest lead of nine.The Cougars pushed the gap to double-digits shortly after on Kindell and Moss baskets with 14:51 remaining but ten minutes later were in a dogfight as Hutchinson closed within three with 6:55 left.Rodriguez' 1-of-2 charity tosses followed by consecutive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/williams_fontaine_k5rg">Fontaine Williams</a>&nbsp;and Moss arc busters led the seven straight spurt for another double-digit lead but the Blue Dragons hung around the coop slicing the gap to seven with under three to play.Enter the big play of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/muchitsch_sebastian_zlxk">Sebastian Muchitsch</a>, hampered with fouls resulting in just thirteen minutes of court time, providing the big spark of a 17-second, five-point swing in draining a back-breaking triple then following a quick Hutchinson empty trip, getting loose on the low block depositing Rodriguez' feed quickly ballooning the lead out to its largest at 77-65 with 2:08 to play.From there Barton maintained atleast a two-possession margin as the teams traded a whopping 35 combined points in the final two minutes.

Unranked Cougars knock off second straight ranked opponent with Hutch win

Aaron Glenn is back where his NFL journey began nearly 31 years ago. He was a game-changing cornerback for the New York Jets then. Now he’s tasked with helping turn around the fortunes of the franchise. The Jets and Glenn agreed to terms Wednesday on making the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator their head coach. Glenn, who oversaw the Lions’ defense the past four seasons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-coach-search-whitt-b30c75c8f1af5a91be69def7f365fe68">beat out 15 other candidates</a>&nbsp;for the job as the Jets went through an extensive search. And they ended up choosing one of their former players — a first-round draft pick in 1994 who was mentored by Bill Parcells, became one of the Jets’ best playmakers and developed into a well-respected and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-head-coaches-998aa623957bfd32c0949590e2002506">highly sought coach</a>. “This place is special for me,” Glenn said in a statement issued by the Jets, who announced the agreement Wednesday night. “From the time I was drafted and practiced on Long Island to the time I came back as a scout in New Jersey, this organization has always felt like home.”

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson grabbed an offensive rebound and had the ball cradled into his body with both arms, with no intention of letting TCU take it away from him. Coach Bill Self wasn’t pleased with how that play ended for his preseason AP All-America center, who never gave in as Trazarien White tried to wrestle ball away — even after officials blew the whistle in the second half of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-tcu-score-f2b2497fe354efedcc81071f68c10f3d">12th-ranked Jayhawks’ 74-61 win</a>&nbsp;at TCU on Wednesday night. “I thought it was asinine that our guy would hang onto the ball like that,” Self said. The 7-foot-2 Dickinson and 6-6 White&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43526552" target="_blank">remained tangled</a>&nbsp;even while stumbling out of bounds as whistles blew to stop the action. TCU guard Vasean Allette and freshman Malick Diallo also reached for the ball. Once Dickinson finally gave up the ball, officials reviewed the play and issued technical fouls to both him and White. “That was a bonehead play. But what made it a bonehead play as much as anything ... when the whistle blows, you stop. And I’m sure they blew it several times,” Self said. “Cost us a possession, so yeah, I wasn’t happy to see that at all.”

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-1-22-2025-live-updates-7b80c1eec07156adb2846e80d5739f5d">Madison Keys</a>&nbsp;saved a match point and came back to upset No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iga-swiatek-doping-australian-open-wada-bcd3e136e7b73435eee67dff1f44cb30">Iga Swiatek</a>&nbsp;5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) in a high-intensity, high-quality&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennis">Australian Open</a>&nbsp;semifinal on Thursday night to reach a Grand Slam title match for the second time in her career. Keys is a 29-year-old American who was the runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Open. She claimed more games against Swiatek than the five-time major champion had dropped in her five previous matches at Melbourne Park combined over the past two weeks. But Keys was on the brink of defeat when Swiatek served for the match at 6-5 in the third set and was a point away from ending it at 40-30. Swiatek put a backhand into the net there, and eventually got broken by double-faulting, sending the match to a concluding first-to-10, win-by-two tiebreaker. The 19th-seeded Keys will face No. 1&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aryna-sabalenka-anastasia-pavlyuchenkova-australian-open-2025-e41326a7d46061d8c6861e8447a62893">Aryna Sabalenka</a>&nbsp;in Saturday’s final. Sabalenka beat good friend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-1-21-2025-live-updates-a009dabafb7ef9dbce4a6f1b82e1554f">Paula Badosa</a>&nbsp;6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals.

Jimmy Butler was suspended by the Miami Heat for the second time in three weeks, a move that adds to the possibility he has already played his final game for the franchise. Butler drew the latest suspension — this one will last two games — for what the team in a statement Wednesday night called a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team,” including missing the Heat’s flight to Milwaukee earlier in the day. The Heat were scheduled to play the Bucks on Thursday and at Brooklyn on Saturday. The earliest he could play for the Heat again is Monday, at home against Orlando. And that would hinge on him still being on the roster, which seems far from guaranteed. Butler told the Heat in recent weeks that he wants a trade, a demand he has not made publicly because league rules do not allow players to do so. Any player who makes such a demand known is risking a fine of up to $150,000.

WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 5 Florida 70, South Carolina 69

No. 13 Texas A&amp;M 63, No. 16 Ole Miss 62

NCAA WOMEN TOP 25 No. 4 USC 79, Purdue 37

No. 16 West Virginia 89, Arizona State 59

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Glenn is back where his NFL journey began nearly 31 years ago. He was a game-changing cornerback for the New York Jets then. Now he’s tasked with helping turn around the fortunes of the franchise. The Jets and Glenn agreed to terms Wednesday on making the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator their head coach. Glenn, who oversaw the Lions’ defense the past four seasons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-coach-search-whitt-b30c75c8f1af5a91be69def7f365fe68">beat out 15 other candidates</a>&nbsp;for the job as the Jets went through an extensive search. And they ended up choosing one of their former players — a first-round draft pick in 1994 who was mentored by Bill Parcells, became one of the Jets’ best playmakers and developed into a well-respected and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-head-coaches-998aa623957bfd32c0949590e2002506">highly sought coach</a>. “This place is special for me,” Glenn said in a statement issued by the Jets, who announced the agreement Wednesday night. “From the time I was drafted and practiced on Long Island to the time I came back as a scout in New Jersey, this organization has always felt like home.”FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson grabbed an offensive rebound and had the ball cradled into his body with both arms, with no intention of letting TCU take it away from him. Coach Bill Self wasn’t pleased with how that play ended for his preseason AP All-America center, who never gave in as Trazarien White tried to wrestle ball away — even after officials blew the whistle in the second half of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-tcu-score-f2b2497fe354efedcc81071f68c10f3d">12th-ranked Jayhawks’ 74-61 win</a>&nbsp;at TCU on Wednesday night. “I thought it was asinine that our guy would hang onto the ball like that,” Self said. The 7-foot-2 Dickinson and 6-6 White&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43526552" target="_blank">remained tangled</a>&nbsp;even while stumbling out of bounds as whistles blew to stop the action. TCU guard Vasean Allette and freshman Malick Diallo also reached for the ball. Once Dickinson finally gave up the ball, officials reviewed the play and issued technical fouls to both him and White. “That was a bonehead play. But what made it a bonehead play as much as anything ... when the whistle blows, you stop. And I’m sure they blew it several times,” Self said. “Cost us a possession, so yeah, I wasn’t happy to see that at all.”MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-1-22-2025-live-updates-7b80c1eec07156adb2846e80d5739f5d">Madison Keys</a>&nbsp;saved a match point and came back to upset No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iga-swiatek-doping-australian-open-wada-bcd3e136e7b73435eee67dff1f44cb30">Iga Swiatek</a>&nbsp;5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) in a high-intensity, high-quality&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tennis">Australian Open</a>&nbsp;semifinal on Thursday night to reach a Grand Slam title match for the second time in her career. Keys is a 29-year-old American who was the runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Open. She claimed more games against Swiatek than the five-time major champion had dropped in her five previous matches at Melbourne Park combined over the past two weeks. But Keys was on the brink of defeat when Swiatek served for the match at 6-5 in the third set and was a point away from ending it at 40-30. Swiatek put a backhand into the net there, and eventually got broken by double-faulting, sending the match to a concluding first-to-10, win-by-two tiebreaker. The 19th-seeded Keys will face No. 1&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aryna-sabalenka-anastasia-pavlyuchenkova-australian-open-2025-e41326a7d46061d8c6861e8447a62893">Aryna Sabalenka</a>&nbsp;in Saturday’s final. Sabalenka beat good friend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-1-21-2025-live-updates-a009dabafb7ef9dbce4a6f1b82e1554f">Paula Badosa</a>&nbsp;6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals.Jimmy Butler was suspended by the Miami Heat for the second time in three weeks, a move that adds to the possibility he has already played his final game for the franchise. Butler drew the latest suspension — this one will last two games — for what the team in a statement Wednesday night called a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team,” including missing the Heat’s flight to Milwaukee earlier in the day. The Heat were scheduled to play the Bucks on Thursday and at Brooklyn on Saturday. The earliest he could play for the Heat again is Monday, at home against Orlando. And that would hinge on him still being on the roster, which seems far from guaranteed. Butler told the Heat in recent weeks that he wants a trade, a demand he has not made publicly because league rules do not allow players to do so. Any player who makes such a demand known is risking a fine of up to $150,000.WEDNESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 5 Florida 70, South Carolina 69No. 7 Houston 70, Utah 36No. 12 Kansas 74, TCU 61No. 13 Texas A&amp;M 63, No. 16 Ole Miss 62No. 20 St. John's 79, Xavier 71NCAA WOMEN TOP 25 No. 4 USC 79, Purdue 37No. 6 UConn 100, Villanova 57Oklahoma State 60, No. 9 TCU 59No. 16 West Virginia 89, Arizona State 59No. 21 Michigan State 82, Penn State 61No. 24 Michigan 70, No. 23 Minnesota 65

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

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Basketball players, coaches, fans, and even cheerleaders. On Sunday, the St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum hosted a forum to celebrate the community's basketball history. More than two dozen people attended the forum in person and another dozen attended via Zoom. Longtime assistant coach Kurt Fairchild helped emcee the event and said St. John's basketball legacy extends well beyond Stafford County.

"I've found when people ask where you're from, a lot of times you just say, 'St. John' and it's 'Oh, well I know the Kinnamons,' or 'I know Dean Wade,' or 'You guys are pretty good in basketball.' That's been amazing to experience the people who do relate St. John to basketball memories."

Current and former coaches and players who joined the discussion were Clint and Kurt Kinnamon, now coaches at McPherson High School. Ivan Williams coached the Tigers to their first state basketball championship in 1974. Perhaps the most famous Tiger, current Cleveland Cavalier Dean Wade, said his NBA teammates get a kick out of his St. John stories.

"They feel sorry for me for some reason," Wade said. "I don't understand it. I feel very blessed to grow up in a small town. Everyone is watching and taking care of you."

Board Member Beccy Tanner streamlined the history of basketball into the history of the sport in St. John. Dr. James Naismith invented the sport in 1891, and by 1907, classes at St. John High School were playing against one another. The following year, St. John played its first game against Stafford High School.

Kevin Alpers moved from his class of eight in Hudson to a class of 40 as a freshman at St. John in 1970. His freshman team that season had nice height and often beat the junior varsity team. That squad would go on to win the first state championship in 1974.

"Back then, we had a lot of talent in the school," he said. "As a freshman or sophomore, very few kids got to play varsity because we were so deep. The team of '73, we went undefeated until substate but we lost. That team was probably deeper than the team that won in '74."

Many things changed when the Kinnamon family moved to St. John in July 1969. Kurt, who has coached 38 years of high school basketball, including 30 years as head coach at McPherson High School where he has won seven titles, remembers the disappointment of the 1972-73 season. He recalls crying on the way home after a season-ending loss to Victoria.

"Those guys were my heroes," Kurt said. "Clint and I would play in the basement. I would be Larry Atkinson and he would be Mike Osborne. We would play what we called 'indoor basketball' and there were no fouls allowed. He got mad and threw me through the wall one day."

The Kinnamon boys were not the only ones watching the Tiger varsity team that year. Joel Hood, another member of the 1982 championship team, shared his memory of that season via Zoom during Sunday's forum.

"In 1974, I was in second grade," he said. "One of the things I realized was basketball in St. John was a community thing. It wasn't just the high school. The entire school loaded up in the gym to send off the '74 team. I was just amazed. I didn't know that many people existed."

Alpers and Coach Williams remember how good the defense was in 1974. Mike Osborne and Mike Leroy both played guard and were exceptional track athletes. Alpers recalls being able to run a press because the guys never tired. Williams remembered a game in Rozel. An ice storm caused the lights to go out two minutes before halftime.

"When we went back to finish the game, we went out and warmed up, played for two minutes, then went to the dressing room for halftime," he said. "I'd never done that before."

In a post shared to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomecomingHall">St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum Facebook page</a>, Williams recalls St. John's first trip to the state tournament in Dodge City as a big community event. The Tigers had to knock off unbeaten Basehor and Frankfort teams to win the title.

"To coach a state championship team was a phenomenal experience," Williams wrote. "I personally think this happens when you have a great school board, superintendent, principal, group of parents, very talented players, the best assistant coach, the best cheer leaders, pep band, and an outstanding community, and without a doubt the most supportive coaches wives and families.  Certainly, one of the proud moments was when we not only won the state championship, but we also brought home the sportsmanship award. What a tribute to our fans and our cheerleaders. This means we did it with class."

The Kinnamons' mother recalls the boys shoveling snow in the garage so they could shoot hoops. Kurt remembers dribbling a basketball across town to play pick-up games in the park. All the efforts paid off. Kurt was part of the 1982 Tiger team that won the Class 2A title in a perfect season.

Kurt averaged 28.2 points a game over his 65 career varsity games. Wade scored 1,749 points in 92 games before his successful NBA career. Clint Kinnamon and his son, Cole, rank No. 5 and 6 in school history, respectively, and are separated by just six career points.

State championship rings were not handed out in 1982. Kurt had a custom ring made for that title. Before winning a seventh title as a coach at McPherson, he showed his box of rings to his players, explaining no ring is as special as the one he earned as a player.

Clint Kinnamon led the Tigers to 11 state tournament appearances between 2002 and 2020. He won state titles in 2007, 2013, 2014, and 2015, and finished second in 2008, 2017, and 2019. The 63 Tiger wins from 2013-2015 remain a state record for most consecutive wins in boys' basketball. Clint's favorite ring came from his 2014 title in which he coached his sons, Kade and Cole.

"As a coach, I was so blessed with all the players we've had come through here," he said. "It's amazing. We were fortunate enough to be in the substate finals for seven years straight. We had a little stretch where we didn't, then the last eight years here we were able to be in the substate finals. That's a tribute to the community and the kids all wanting to become basketball players."

The St. John girls have also had their share of success on the hardwood. In 2007, the girls advanced to the state tournament under Dean Rausch. They finished second the next season in his final year. Danny Smith took over the program in the 2008-09, winning the Class 1A title in his first season. Smith's Lady Tigers placed third in 2010 and lost to juggernaut Hoxie in 2012 and 2014 to place second and fourth, respectively. His teams also qualified for state in 2018 and 2024.

Another big basketball tradition in St. John has been the Lions Club Mid-Winter Classic. The event, hailed as "The Longest Annual Lions Club Tournament West of the Mississippi, celebrated its 50th year in 2018. USD 350 St. John now handles the tournament, which now includes a girls' bracket. Kurt Kinnamon still holds many of the tournament's records, including a 46-point game in 1981, but Hoisington's Zach Baird still holds the record for 107 points over three games in 2003.

Just as famous as the tournament were the homemade pies. Anna Minnis, outgoing board president, spoke at Sunday's forum about her famous black bottom pies, which sold out quickly the first time they were offered around 1970.

"I thought, if those pies are that popular, I'm going to learn how to make those, so I got the recipe and I made many, many black bottom pies for the tournaments," she said. "Before the tournament would start, I'd have people ask me if I was going to be making my black bottom pies. That's part of the legacy, but no more. I don't make the black bottom pies anymore except for my family...occasionally."

The Tiger tradition continues to work its way through the basketball landscape in Kansas. After brief stints at Wichita East and Remington, Clint joined his brother at McPherson High School this season. Clint's son, Cole, is now the head coach at Meade High School. Danton Hilton, who played under Clint and coached Attica to a state championship in 2016, is the current Tiger coach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737573713802.jpeg" alt="St. John celebrated a third-straight title with the Class 2A championship in 2015." />
 <figcaption>St. John celebrated a third-straight title with the Class 2A championship in 2015.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBasketball players, coaches, fans, and even cheerleaders. On Sunday, the St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum hosted a forum to celebrate the community's basketball history. More than two dozen people attended the forum in person and another dozen attended via Zoom. Longtime assistant coach Kurt Fairchild helped emcee the event and said St. John's basketball legacy extends well beyond Stafford County."I've found when people ask where you're from, a lot of times you just say, 'St. John' and it's 'Oh, well I know the Kinnamons,' or 'I know Dean Wade,' or 'You guys are pretty good in basketball.' That's been amazing to experience the people who do relate St. John to basketball memories."Current and former coaches and players who joined the discussion were Clint and Kurt Kinnamon, now coaches at McPherson High School. Ivan Williams coached the Tigers to their first state basketball championship in 1974. Perhaps the most famous Tiger, current Cleveland Cavalier Dean Wade, said his NBA teammates get a kick out of his St. John stories."They feel sorry for me for some reason," Wade said. "I don't understand it. I feel very blessed to grow up in a small town. Everyone is watching and taking care of you."Board Member Beccy Tanner streamlined the history of basketball into the history of the sport in St. John. Dr. James Naismith invented the sport in 1891, and by 1907, classes at St. John High School were playing against one another. The following year, St. John played its first game against Stafford High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737573972061.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Alpers moved from his class of eight in Hudson to a class of 40 as a freshman at St. John in 1970. His freshman team that season had nice height and often beat the junior varsity team. That squad would go on to win the first state championship in 1974."Back then, we had a lot of talent in the school," he said. "As a freshman or sophomore, very few kids got to play varsity because we were so deep. The team of '73, we went undefeated until substate but we lost. That team was probably deeper than the team that won in '74."Many things changed when the Kinnamon family moved to St. John in July 1969. Kurt, who has coached 38 years of high school basketball, including 30 years as head coach at McPherson High School where he has won seven titles, remembers the disappointment of the 1972-73 season. He recalls crying on the way home after a season-ending loss to Victoria."Those guys were my heroes," Kurt said. "Clint and I would play in the basement. I would be Larry Atkinson and he would be Mike Osborne. We would play what we called 'indoor basketball' and there were no fouls allowed. He got mad and threw me through the wall one day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737575035267.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kinnamon boys were not the only ones watching the Tiger varsity team that year. Joel Hood, another member of the 1982 championship team, shared his memory of that season via Zoom during Sunday's forum."In 1974, I was in second grade," he said. "One of the things I realized was basketball in St. John was a community thing. It wasn't just the high school. The entire school loaded up in the gym to send off the '74 team. I was just amazed. I didn't know that many people existed."Alpers and Coach Williams remember how good the defense was in 1974. Mike Osborne and Mike Leroy both played guard and were exceptional track athletes. Alpers recalls being able to run a press because the guys never tired. Williams remembered a game in Rozel. An ice storm caused the lights to go out two minutes before halftime."When we went back to finish the game, we went out and warmed up, played for two minutes, then went to the dressing room for halftime," he said. "I'd never done that before."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737575222694.jpeg" alt="Dean Wade playing in the 2A title game against Central Plains in 2015, just before he played in Bramlage Coliseum as a Wildcat." />
 <figcaption>Dean Wade playing in the 2A title game against Central Plains in 2015, just before he played in Bramlage Coliseum as a Wildcat.</figcaption>
 </figure>In a post shared to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomecomingHall">St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum Facebook page</a>, Williams recalls St. John's first trip to the state tournament in Dodge City as a big community event. The Tigers had to knock off unbeaten Basehor and Frankfort teams to win the title."To coach a state championship team was a phenomenal experience," Williams wrote. "I personally think this happens when you have a great school board, superintendent, principal, group of parents, very talented players, the best assistant coach, the best cheer leaders, pep band, and an outstanding community, and without a doubt the most supportive coaches wives and families. Certainly, one of the proud moments was when we not only won the state championship, but we also brought home the sportsmanship award. What a tribute to our fans and our cheerleaders. This means we did it with class."The Kinnamons' mother recalls the boys shoveling snow in the garage so they could shoot hoops. Kurt remembers dribbling a basketball across town to play pick-up games in the park. All the efforts paid off. Kurt was part of the 1982 Tiger team that won the Class 2A title in a perfect season.Kurt averaged 28.2 points a game over his 65 career varsity games. Wade scored 1,749 points in 92 games before his successful NBA career. Clint Kinnamon and his son, Cole, rank No. 5 and 6 in school history, respectively, and are separated by just six career points.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737575790627.jpeg" alt="Kade and Clint Kinnamon in 2013." />
 <figcaption>Kade and Clint Kinnamon in 2013.</figcaption>
 </figure>State championship rings were not handed out in 1982. Kurt had a custom ring made for that title. Before winning a seventh title as a coach at McPherson, he showed his box of rings to his players, explaining no ring is as special as the one he earned as a player.Clint Kinnamon led the Tigers to 11 state tournament appearances between 2002 and 2020. He won state titles in 2007, 2013, 2014, and 2015, and finished second in 2008, 2017, and 2019. The 63 Tiger wins from 2013-2015 remain a state record for most consecutive wins in boys' basketball. Clint's favorite ring came from his 2014 title in which he coached his sons, Kade and Cole."As a coach, I was so blessed with all the players we've had come through here," he said. "It's amazing. We were fortunate enough to be in the substate finals for seven years straight. We had a little stretch where we didn't, then the last eight years here we were able to be in the substate finals. That's a tribute to the community and the kids all wanting to become basketball players."The St. John girls have also had their share of success on the hardwood. In 2007, the girls advanced to the state tournament under Dean Rausch. They finished second the next season in his final year. Danny Smith took over the program in the 2008-09, winning the Class 1A title in his first season. Smith's Lady Tigers placed third in 2010 and lost to juggernaut Hoxie in 2012 and 2014 to place second and fourth, respectively. His teams also qualified for state in 2018 and 2024.Another big basketball tradition in St. John has been the Lions Club Mid-Winter Classic. The event, hailed as "The Longest Annual Lions Club Tournament West of the Mississippi, celebrated its 50th year in 2018. USD 350 St. John now handles the tournament, which now includes a girls' bracket. Kurt Kinnamon still holds many of the tournament's records, including a 46-point game in 1981, but Hoisington's Zach Baird still holds the record for 107 points over three games in 2003.Just as famous as the tournament were the homemade pies. Anna Minnis, outgoing board president, spoke at Sunday's forum about her famous black bottom pies, which sold out quickly the first time they were offered around 1970."I thought, if those pies are that popular, I'm going to learn how to make those, so I got the recipe and I made many, many black bottom pies for the tournaments," she said. "Before the tournament would start, I'd have people ask me if I was going to be making my black bottom pies. That's part of the legacy, but no more. I don't make the black bottom pies anymore except for my family...occasionally."The Tiger tradition continues to work its way through the basketball landscape in Kansas. After brief stints at Wichita East and Remington, Clint joined his brother at McPherson High School this season. Clint's son, Cole, is now the head coach at Meade High School. Danton Hilton, who played under Clint and coached Attica to a state championship in 2016, is the current Tiger coach.

Basketball town: Former coaches, players celebrate St. John's hardwood heritage 

WACO, Texas (AP) — Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BaylorMBB/status/1882271226623889568">VJ Edgecombe scored 20 of his career-high 30 points</a>&nbsp;in the second half to rally Baylor to a 70-62 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

The Bears were down a dozen when Dug McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats up 40-28 less than four minutes into the second half.

Baylor was down nine when Jalen Celestine made a pair of free throws to ignite a 19-5 run for a 55-40 lead. Edgecombe had 11 points and capped the surge with a 3-pointer. Celestine also had a pair of 3s in that stretch.

Brendan Hausen hit his third 3 of the half to pull Kansas State within 57-56 with just under five minutes to go but Celestine and Edgecombe worked the Bears' lead back to nine with a minute left.

Celestine scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half for the Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12 Conference). Norchad Omier grabbed 13 rebounds for Baylor.

David N'Guessan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Kansas State (7-11, 1-6), which has lost 15-straight road games and six overall. McDaniel and Hausen both added 12.

McDaniel hit a 3-pointer, Coleman Hawkins converted a three-point play and then McDaniel added a pair of layups for a 10-0 run that helped the Wildcats take a 30-26 lead at the half.

Baylor shot 25% in the first half but 60% in the second, when the Bears made 5 of 8 3s and 15 of 19 free throws with just one turnover.

No. 23 West Virginia plays at Kansas State on Saturday when Baylor plays at Utah.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737608015745.png" alt="

Kansas State guard Max Jones attempts a shot over the Baylor defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)" />
 <figcaption>

Kansas State guard Max Jones attempts a shot over the Baylor defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WACO, Texas (AP) — Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BaylorMBB/status/1882271226623889568">VJ Edgecombe scored 20 of his career-high 30 points</a>&nbsp;in the second half to rally Baylor to a 70-62 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.The Bears were down a dozen when Dug McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats up 40-28 less than four minutes into the second half.Baylor was down nine when Jalen Celestine made a pair of free throws to ignite a 19-5 run for a 55-40 lead. Edgecombe had 11 points and capped the surge with a 3-pointer. Celestine also had a pair of 3s in that stretch.Brendan Hausen hit his third 3 of the half to pull Kansas State within 57-56 with just under five minutes to go but Celestine and Edgecombe worked the Bears' lead back to nine with a minute left.Celestine scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half for the Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12 Conference). Norchad Omier grabbed 13 rebounds for Baylor.David N'Guessan scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Kansas State (7-11, 1-6), which has lost 15-straight road games and six overall. McDaniel and Hausen both added 12.McDaniel hit a 3-pointer, Coleman Hawkins converted a three-point play and then McDaniel added a pair of layups for a 10-0 run that helped the Wildcats take a 30-26 lead at the half.Baylor shot 25% in the first half but 60% in the second, when the Bears made 5 of 8 3s and 15 of 19 free throws with just one turnover.No. 23 West Virginia plays at Kansas State on Saturday when Baylor plays at Utah.

Freshman VJ Edgecombe scores 30 to rally Baylor over K-State

Barton Men 91 Hutchinson 86; Hutchinson Women 63 Barton 46

Barton Community College basketball on B104 3 The Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a>

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639328302345.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 91 Hutchinson 86; Hutchinson Women 63 Barton 46<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/bdt2o3ba/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Barton Community College basketball on B104 3 The Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 16 points to lead five Kansas players scoring in double figures as the 12th-ranked Jayhawks won 74-61 at TCU on Wednesday night after trailing by 14 points in the first half.

AJ Storr scored 10 of his 12 points after halftime for the Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12). His stepback jumper with 11:30 left put them ahead to stay, right after the junior guard had turnovers on consecutive possessions, and ignited a 14-2 run he ended with a jumper.

Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Shakeel Moore 11. Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving the 6-foot-9 freshman his first career double-double, along with four blocked shots.

Noah Reynolds had 14 points to lead TCU (10-8, 3-4), which has alternated wins and losses the past eight games. Vasean Allette had 13 points and Brendan Wenzel had 11.

After Kansas was down 14 midway through the first half, Mayo’s jumper tied the game at 33 just before halftime. The preseason No. 1 team now has its lowest ranking this season.

TCU missed a chance for its second win in a row over a Top 25 team after a win Sunday at then-No. 25 Baylor.

Dickinson had the ball cradled into his body with both arms on an offensive rebound when TCU forward Trazarien White also grabbed at it. They remained tangled and both got technical fouls after officials reviewed the play. TCU had possession and White had an alley-oop dunk from Reynolds to make it 48-47 with 12:44 left, its last lead.

TCU missed its last six shots and only made two free throws over the final 3:37.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hunter Dickinson had 16 points to lead five Kansas players scoring in double figures as the 12th-ranked Jayhawks won 74-61 at TCU on Wednesday night after trailing by 14 points in the first half.AJ Storr scored 10 of his 12 points after halftime for the Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12). His stepback jumper with 11:30 left put them ahead to stay, right after the junior guard had turnovers on consecutive possessions, and ignited a 14-2 run he ended with a jumper.Zeke Mayo added 13 points and Shakeel Moore 11. Flory Bidunga had 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving the 6-foot-9 freshman his first career double-double, along with four blocked shots.Noah Reynolds had 14 points to lead TCU (10-8, 3-4), which has alternated wins and losses the past eight games. Vasean Allette had 13 points and Brendan Wenzel had 11.<h2>Takeaways</h2>After Kansas was down 14 midway through the first half, Mayo’s jumper tied the game at 33 just before halftime. The preseason No. 1 team now has its lowest ranking this season.TCU missed a chance for its second win in a row over a Top 25 team after a win Sunday at then-No. 25 Baylor.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dickinson had the ball cradled into his body with both arms on an offensive rebound when TCU forward Trazarien White also grabbed at it. They remained tangled and both got technical fouls after officials reviewed the play. TCU had possession and White had an alley-oop dunk from Reynolds to make it 48-47 with 12:44 left, its last lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>TCU missed its last six shots and only made two free throws over the final 3:37.<h2>Up next</h2>

No. 12 Kansas overcomes early 14-point deficit and beats TCU 74-61

- Great Bend Lady Panther basketball coach Jade Winter will preview Thursday's Salina Invitational Tournament opener with Salina South. She'll be joined by Senior's Cassie Ellegood and Alyssa McCauley.

- We'll talk with Great Bend Boys basketball coach Kyle Kreigh about his teams first round opponent at the SIT Wichita South.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/itQItg-Ah54?si=uFhCkUCIPH2WG0V7" 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>- Great Bend Lady Panther basketball coach Jade Winter will preview Thursday's Salina Invitational Tournament opener with Salina South. She'll be joined by Senior's Cassie Ellegood and Alyssa McCauley.- We'll talk with Great Bend Boys basketball coach Kyle Kreigh about his teams first round opponent at the SIT Wichita South.- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock- Wednesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

NEW YORK (AP) — Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait.

Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball's Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday. Fifteen minutes passed without a ring.

“I actually started getting kind of nervous,” he said through a translator. “I was actually relieved when I first got the call.”

Suzuki became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ichiro-hall-of-fame-1af67d9c45077b0e79faa6865c0e4c87">the first Japanese player</a>&nbsp;chosen for the Hall, falling one vote shy of unanimous when he was elected along with CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.

Quite the journey for a 27-year-old who left the Pacific League's Orix BlueWave in November 2000 to sign with Seattle as the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball.

“I don’t think anybody in this whole world thought that I would be a Hall of Famer,” he said. “As a baseball player, this is definitely the top of the top.”

Suzuki received 393 of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia was on 342 ballots (86.8%) and Wagner on 325 (82.5%), which was 29 votes more than the 296 needed for the required 75%.

Sabathia and Suzuki were elected in their first appearance on the ballot, while Wagner made it on his 10th and final try. The trio will be inducted into the Hall at Cooperstown on July 27 along with Dave Parker and Dick Allen, voted in last month by the classic era committee.

Mariano Rivera remained the only player to get 100% of the vote from the BBWAA, appearing on all 425 ballots in 2019. Derek Jeter was chosen on 395 of 396 in 2020.

Seattle's Space Needle was lit blue in honor of Suzuki, who joined Fred Lynn in 1975 as the only players to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. The Mariners announced plans to retire Suzuki's No. 51 on Aug. 9.

Suzuki was a two-time AL batting champion and 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, hitting .311 with 117 homers, 780 RBIs and 509 stolen bases with Seattle (2001-12, 2018-19), the New York Yankees (2012-14) and Miami (2015-17).

He is perhaps the best contact hitter ever, with 1,278 hits in Nippon Professional Baseball and 3,089 in MLB, including a season-record 262 in 2004. His combined total of 4,367 exceeds Pete Rose’s MLB record of 4,256.

In his role as a Mariners special assistant, he still gets dressed in baseball clothes for home workouts as an example for today's players.

“I want to be able to show the players how I did it," he said. “Also in the offseason I go to a few high schools in Japan and I want to be able to show them what a professional baseball player looks like.”

Sabathia, second to Suzuki in 2001 AL Rookie of the Year voting, was a six-time All-Star who won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and a World Series title in 2009. He went 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 strikeouts, third among left-handers behind Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton, during 19 seasons with Cleveland (2001-08), Milwaukee (2008) and the New York Yankees (2009-19).

Sabathia prefers to have a Yankees cap on his Cooperstown plaque — the decision is made by the Hall.

“The Yankees is the place that wanted me,” he said. “I found a home in the Bronx and I don't think I'll ever leave this city.”

Sabathia almost retired after the Game 7 loss to Houston in the 2017 AL Championship Series but was persuaded to keep playing when MLB Network's Harold Reynolds explained how close his statistics were to Hall level.

After adopting a cutter to compensate for diminished velocity, Sabathia won 37 games in his final four seasons.

"I turned myself into my version of Jamie Moyer, is what I felt like: backdoor sliders, changeups, cutters on your hands, two-seamers off the plate," he said. “I fought it for a long time. When you’re a guy that is throwing 94, 95 (mph) your whole life, it's hard to buy in.”

Wagner was five votes shy last year. He got only 10.5% support in his first appearance in 2016, and 10.2% the following year.

“It’s not been an easy 10 years to sit here and swallow a lot of things that you have to swallow,” Wagner said. “I didn’t blow a save for 10 years, so I felt that might have had an input on being able to get in."

A natural right-hander, Wagner switched to throwing left-handed after breaking his right arm playing football as a 7-year-old, then breaking it again. His son Will, a 26-year-old infielder, made his big league debut with Toronto last August.

Wagner became the ninth pitcher in the Hall who was primarily a reliever after Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith and Rivera. Wagner is the only left-hander among them.

A seven-time All-Star, Wagner was 47-40 with a 2.31 ERA and 422 saves for Houston (1995-2003), Philadelphia (2004-05), the New York Mets (2006-09), Boston (2009) and Atlanta (2010). His 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings are the most among pitchers with at least 900 innings, though his 903 career innings are the fewest among Hall of Famers.

Carlos Beltrán fell 19 votes short at 70.3%, up from 57.1% last year and 46.5% in 2023 in his first ballot appearance. He was followed by Andruw Jones with 261 for 66.2%, an increase from 61.6% last year and 7.3% when he first appeared in 2018.

Jones has two more chances on the BBWAA ballot.

Chase Utley was sixth with 157 votes for 39.8%, an increase from 28.8% in his first appearance.

Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramírez have lagged in voting, hurt by suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs. Rodriguez received 37.1% in his fourth appearance, up from 34.8%, and Ramírez got 34.3% in his ninth, an increase from 32.5%.

Andy Pettitte got 110 votes and 27.9% in his seventh appearance, doubling from 13.5% last year. Félix Hernández received 81 votes and 20.6% in his first ballot.

Players comprise 278 of 351 elected Hall of Famers, including 142 on the BBWAA ballot, of which 62 were elected in their first year of eligibility.

Carlos González, Curtis Granderson, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Hanley Ramírez, Fernando Rodney, Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Zobrist will be dropped from future ballots after receiving less than 5%.

Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp join the ballot next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737381763765.png" alt="FILE: Seattle Mariner's Ichiro Suzuki, of Japan, hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the LA Angels on Sunday, May 31, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE: Seattle Mariner's Ichiro Suzuki, of Japan, hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the LA Angels on Sunday, May 31, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait.Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball's Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday. Fifteen minutes passed without a ring.“I actually started getting kind of nervous,” he said through a translator. “I was actually relieved when I first got the call.”Suzuki became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ichiro-hall-of-fame-1af67d9c45077b0e79faa6865c0e4c87">the first Japanese player</a>&nbsp;chosen for the Hall, falling one vote shy of unanimous when he was elected along with CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.Quite the journey for a 27-year-old who left the Pacific League's Orix BlueWave in November 2000 to sign with Seattle as the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball.“I don’t think anybody in this whole world thought that I would be a Hall of Famer,” he said. “As a baseball player, this is definitely the top of the top.”Suzuki received 393 of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia was on 342 ballots (86.8%) and Wagner on 325 (82.5%), which was 29 votes more than the 296 needed for the required 75%.Sabathia and Suzuki were elected in their first appearance on the ballot, while Wagner made it on his 10th and final try. The trio will be inducted into the Hall at Cooperstown on July 27 along with Dave Parker and Dick Allen, voted in last month by the classic era committee.Mariano Rivera remained the only player to get 100% of the vote from the BBWAA, appearing on all 425 ballots in 2019. Derek Jeter was chosen on 395 of 396 in 2020.Seattle's Space Needle was lit blue in honor of Suzuki, who joined Fred Lynn in 1975 as the only players to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. The Mariners announced plans to retire Suzuki's No. 51 on Aug. 9.Suzuki was a two-time AL batting champion and 10-time All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder, hitting .311 with 117 homers, 780 RBIs and 509 stolen bases with Seattle (2001-12, 2018-19), the New York Yankees (2012-14) and Miami (2015-17).He is perhaps the best contact hitter ever, with 1,278 hits in Nippon Professional Baseball and 3,089 in MLB, including a season-record 262 in 2004. His combined total of 4,367 exceeds Pete Rose’s MLB record of 4,256.In his role as a Mariners special assistant, he still gets dressed in baseball clothes for home workouts as an example for today's players.“I want to be able to show the players how I did it," he said. “Also in the offseason I go to a few high schools in Japan and I want to be able to show them what a professional baseball player looks like.”Sabathia, second to Suzuki in 2001 AL Rookie of the Year voting, was a six-time All-Star who won the 2007 AL Cy Young Award and a World Series title in 2009. He went 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 strikeouts, third among left-handers behind Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton, during 19 seasons with Cleveland (2001-08), Milwaukee (2008) and the New York Yankees (2009-19).Sabathia prefers to have a Yankees cap on his Cooperstown plaque — the decision is made by the Hall.“The Yankees is the place that wanted me,” he said. “I found a home in the Bronx and I don't think I'll ever leave this city.”Sabathia almost retired after the Game 7 loss to Houston in the 2017 AL Championship Series but was persuaded to keep playing when MLB Network's Harold Reynolds explained how close his statistics were to Hall level.After adopting a cutter to compensate for diminished velocity, Sabathia won 37 games in his final four seasons."I turned myself into my version of Jamie Moyer, is what I felt like: backdoor sliders, changeups, cutters on your hands, two-seamers off the plate," he said. “I fought it for a long time. When you’re a guy that is throwing 94, 95 (mph) your whole life, it's hard to buy in.”Wagner was five votes shy last year. He got only 10.5% support in his first appearance in 2016, and 10.2% the following year.“It’s not been an easy 10 years to sit here and swallow a lot of things that you have to swallow,” Wagner said. “I didn’t blow a save for 10 years, so I felt that might have had an input on being able to get in."A natural right-hander, Wagner switched to throwing left-handed after breaking his right arm playing football as a 7-year-old, then breaking it again. His son Will, a 26-year-old infielder, made his big league debut with Toronto last August.Wagner became the ninth pitcher in the Hall who was primarily a reliever after Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith and Rivera. Wagner is the only left-hander among them.“It means a lot,” he said.A seven-time All-Star, Wagner was 47-40 with a 2.31 ERA and 422 saves for Houston (1995-2003), Philadelphia (2004-05), the New York Mets (2006-09), Boston (2009) and Atlanta (2010). His 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings are the most among pitchers with at least 900 innings, though his 903 career innings are the fewest among Hall of Famers.Carlos Beltrán fell 19 votes short at 70.3%, up from 57.1% last year and 46.5% in 2023 in his first ballot appearance. He was followed by Andruw Jones with 261 for 66.2%, an increase from 61.6% last year and 7.3% when he first appeared in 2018.Jones has two more chances on the BBWAA ballot.Chase Utley was sixth with 157 votes for 39.8%, an increase from 28.8% in his first appearance.Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramírez have lagged in voting, hurt by suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs. Rodriguez received 37.1% in his fourth appearance, up from 34.8%, and Ramírez got 34.3% in his ninth, an increase from 32.5%.Andy Pettitte got 110 votes and 27.9% in his seventh appearance, doubling from 13.5% last year. Félix Hernández received 81 votes and 20.6% in his first ballot.Players comprise 278 of 351 elected Hall of Famers, including 142 on the BBWAA ballot, of which 62 were elected in their first year of eligibility.Carlos González, Curtis Granderson, Adam Jones, Ian Kinsler, Russell Martin, Brian McCann, Hanley Ramírez, Fernando Rodney, Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Zobrist will be dropped from future ballots after receiving less than 5%.Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp join the ballot next year.

Suzuki, Sabathia and Wagner elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:

•&nbsp;CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004)

•&nbsp;Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979)

•&nbsp;Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012)

•&nbsp;Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)

The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.

Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jbollig84@gmail.com">jbollig84@gmail.com</a>or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.

Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025

CJ HAMILTON&nbsp;– Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) &nbsp;*Head Coach • Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl • Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973 • Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979 • The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820) • In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances • From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances • Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame • Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coach

KENT SEDLACEK&nbsp;– Player, Hanover H.S. (1979) • 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S. • Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982) • Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history • Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989 • As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years • Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind • Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in Manhattan

COLLIN SEXTON&nbsp;– Player, Abilene H.S. (2012) • 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S. • Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl • Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015 • Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times • Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program • Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex • Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022 • Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics • Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas Athletics

DANE SIMONEAU&nbsp;– Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007) • 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S. • Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career • Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history • A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season • Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior • Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns • Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop • Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013 • Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season • Spent four seasons at Northeastern State, with the final three as the Offensive Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737558925184.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the four member Hall of Fame Class of 2025 to be inducted, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Manhattan. The 2025 class will be inducted during the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony at the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet. The event will be hosted at the Shamrock Plaza at Coach Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State University.The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes:•&nbsp;CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl Coach (1977, 1985, 1986, 2003, 2004)•&nbsp;Kent Sedlacek, Hanover H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star (1979)•&nbsp;Collin Sexton, Abilene H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2012)•&nbsp;Dane Simoneau, Salina Sacred Heart H.S., Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star (2007)The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring those individuals who have gained recognition and fame for themselves and the Kansas Shrine Bowl as a result of their endeavors and accomplishments both on and off the football field. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame consists of 32 inductees, with the 2025 class soon to join. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/HallofFame">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/HallofFame</a>.Tickets to the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter National Football Foundation Banquet in Manhattan on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, are available for $30. Please contact Jeff Bollig at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jbollig84@gmail.com">jbollig84@gmail.com</a>or call 913-449-1635 for additional ticketing information.The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's.Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025CJ HAMILTON&nbsp;– Coach, Silver Lake H.S. (1977, 1985, 1986*, 2003, 2004*) &nbsp;*Head Coach • Coached in five Kansas Shrine Bowl games, including twice as East Head Coach, the five coaching appearances is tied for the 3rd most all-time in the Kansas Shrine Bowl • Began his coaching career at his alma mater, Silver Lake H.S., in 1973 • Coached at Washburn University from 1977-1978, before returning to Silver Lake H.S. in 1979 • The all-time winningest high school football coach in Kansas history, with a career record of 447-98 (.820) • In 47 years, he led Silver Lake to 40 state playoff appearances, 39 Mid-East League championships, eight state championships, and a state record 18 state championship game appearances • From 2002-2008, led Silver Lake to seven consecutive state championship game appearances • Member of the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame • Also led Silver Lake H.S. to baseball state championships in 1975, 1977, and 1982 as the head coachKENT SEDLACEK&nbsp;– Player, Hanover H.S. (1979) • 1979 Kansas Shrine Bowl East All-Star from Hanover H.S. • Played for Kansas State University (1979-1982) • Member of the 1982 Independence Bowl team, the first bowl game appearance in KSU history • Returned to his alma mater with the Kansas State University Foundation in 1989 • As a specialist in charitable estate planning, he has been involved in securing over $400 Million in charitable contributions for KSU for over 35 years • Credits his experience playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, as an important moment in his desire to help children and make an impact with scholarships, buildings, athletics, arts, faculty and research to continue helping Kansans and mankind • Has coached over 30 teams in many sports as a volunteer during his time in ManhattanCOLLIN SEXTON&nbsp;– Player, Abilene H.S. (2012) • 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Abilene H.S. • Caught a 54-yard touchdown pass to lead the West to a 14-7 victory in the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl • Served as a public relations intern for the Kansas Shrine Bowl in the summer of 2015 • Played football at Kansas State University where he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 recipient and a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll four times • Joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletics Director-Chief Strategy Officer, as well as the sport administrator for the Kansas Football program • Has played a significant role in the first-of-its-kind Deloitte partnership efforts for Kansas Athletics, the $450M Gateway District Project at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the renovated and expanded Anderson Family Football Complex • Led the process and creation of Kansas Athletics Strategic plan, ‘To the Stars’, published in 2022 • Prior to coming to the University of Kansas, was the assistant athletics director for leadership giving at Northwestern and the director of football operations/chief of staff at Bowling Green State University• Contributed to a record-breaking fundraising campaign of over $460M to Northwestern athletics • Serves as a board member for the Wichita Sports Commission, representing Kansas AthleticsDANE SIMONEAU&nbsp;– Player, Salina Sacred Heart H.S. (2007) • 2007 Kansas Shrine Bowl West All-Star from Salina Sacred Heart H.S. • Ranked 2nd in Kansas High School history with 8,020 passing yards, while passing for 71 touchdowns in his high school career • Started 42 of 43 career games at Washburn University (2007-11), while setting 35 Ichabod career, season and single-game records, including the top three passing season in school history • A five-time consensus All-American who finished 2nd in the voting for the Harlon Hill Award (Division 2 Heisman) his senior season • Named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year as a senior • Finished collegiate career 12th in NCAA Division II history with 11,291 yards passing and 15th on the all-time charts with 102 passing touchdowns • Was also a four-year starter on the Washburn baseball team where he finished his career first in all-time doubles, fourth in at bats, sixth in RBI, and 10th in hits earning all-MIAA honors as a senior at shortstop • Played professionally for the Salina Bombers of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (2012-13), where he was named the CPIFL Offensive MVP in 2013 • Currently in his fifth full-time season on the Washburn University coaching staff, moving into the role of Offensive Coordinator in the 2025 season • Spent four seasons at Northeastern State, with the final three as the Offensive Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announced

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Five years ago, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-sports-general-super-bowl-football-ap-top-news-8f6178fbfa3844677b5fc374bc53b80f">Kansas City Chiefs had just rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers</a>&nbsp;in their first Super Bowl appearance in five decades, Chris Jones settled behind a dais and was asked about what the future held for him.

Now a three-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-all-pro-2024-cdf9837431c51929b072c357988bc024">All-Pro</a>&nbsp;defensive tackle, Jones was heading into free agency for the first time back then.

“Next year we’re coming back,” he replied with a smile. "We’re coming back for a repeat.”

This year, the Chiefs are going for a three-peat. And the good-natured, game-wrecking Jones has been there for it all.

Rather than hitting free agency back in January 2020, and after getting franchised, Jones signed a long-term contract to stay in Kansas City. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-5f562ac65a27dda647fe94a39df9d7e9">signed another, bigger deal</a>&nbsp;last March, one that could mean Jones plays his entire career here. And that makes him one of six elder statesman for a franchise in the midst of a dynasty — those that will have played in seven consecutive AFC championship games when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-37b066e08025915af603c9859a4c2c35">the Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night</a>&nbsp;at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I'm getting old,” Jones, 30, said with a laugh. "It's fun, though. It's a challenge. Takes a lot of hard work, commitment, a lot of belief, a lot of encouragement throughout the year. A lot of unselfish play amongst the team to continue to do that.

“We had this message in chapel about climbing the mountaintop,” Jones added. “You don't want to stay up there because you can't really breathe. The air is too thin. So you go back down. But the joy is climbing to the mountaintop.”

Few teams have managed to knock the Chiefs from the top of the mountain.

They've won four of the past six AFC championship games, and both losses came in overtime: to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43cca379cca2426497e6cdaa96cdc340">Patriots</a>&nbsp;in the first of their title-game streak in 2019 and to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-sports-harrison-butker-e7f37e3c8734a62cd077228a5b167dd0">Bengals</a>&nbsp;three years ago. When they've reached the Super Bowl, only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-brady-wins-super-bowl-buccaneers-ac8c020eebd7a6a0c6f4bba5add83233">Tom Brady and Tampa Bay have managed to stop Patrick Mahomes and Co.</a>&nbsp;from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Mahomes is another of the six Chiefs players who have been there for all seven conference championship games. The first came in his first year as the starter, when he shredded records on the way to earning the first of his two NFL MVP awards. In that matchup with the Patriots, he threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in the losing effort.

To this day, Mahomes talks about how that loss inside Arrowhead Stadium fueled him to all those future championships.

“Obviously, you want to win three in a row,” Mahomes said, “but building those memories with the guys and with the community every single year is special. When I look back at all the different Super Bowls we’ve won, I look back at special moments that we’ve had and special games that we’ve had. We’ll try to do that the same this year.

“I mean, it has been a fun run up to this point,” Mahomes said, "but we want to get to that ultimate goal.”

There's quite a few of them that know how to get there.

Along with Jones and Mahomes, four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce — who had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' divisional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-mahomes-nfl-playoffs-67b6cca111cfa36594f8527b8758fc01">win over Houston last Saturday</a>&nbsp;— has been there for all seven AFC title games. So have Derrick Nnadi, a perpetually overlooked but solid defensive tackle, long snapper James Winchester and kicker Harrison Butker.

Sure, there have been supplemental stars along the way. Tyrann Mathieu was the anchor of the defense at the start of the Chiefs' seven-year run, and Tyreek Hill was a big part of their record-setting offenses. And there have been role players, such as running back Damien Williams and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who shared in the collective success.

But those six that have been around for it all? They've combined to play 945 games for the Chiefs, and 121 of those have been in the playoffs, when a single loss — a single mistake, really — could have ended such an incredible run.

There is something to be said for that experience, especially when the calendar reaches the end of January.

“The experience helps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Especially with some of the younger guys to be able to talk to them and tell them about the urgency of this thing. It's single elimination. That's easier said than putting that in your brain and getting yourself right for every snap that you have at practice, to practice hard and be aggressive with. You just have to make sure you stay really focused and don't let the distractions in there the best you can.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705900377653.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Five years ago, after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-sports-general-super-bowl-football-ap-top-news-8f6178fbfa3844677b5fc374bc53b80f">Kansas City Chiefs had just rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers</a>&nbsp;in their first Super Bowl appearance in five decades, Chris Jones settled behind a dais and was asked about what the future held for him.Now a three-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-all-pro-2024-cdf9837431c51929b072c357988bc024">All-Pro</a>&nbsp;defensive tackle, Jones was heading into free agency for the first time back then.“Next year we’re coming back,” he replied with a smile. "We’re coming back for a repeat.”This year, the Chiefs are going for a three-peat. And the good-natured, game-wrecking Jones has been there for it all.Rather than hitting free agency back in January 2020, and after getting franchised, Jones signed a long-term contract to stay in Kansas City. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-chris-jones-5f562ac65a27dda647fe94a39df9d7e9">signed another, bigger deal</a>&nbsp;last March, one that could mean Jones plays his entire career here. And that makes him one of six elder statesman for a franchise in the midst of a dynasty — those that will have played in seven consecutive AFC championship games when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-37b066e08025915af603c9859a4c2c35">the Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night</a>&nbsp;at Arrowhead Stadium.“I'm getting old,” Jones, 30, said with a laugh. "It's fun, though. It's a challenge. Takes a lot of hard work, commitment, a lot of belief, a lot of encouragement throughout the year. A lot of unselfish play amongst the team to continue to do that.“We had this message in chapel about climbing the mountaintop,” Jones added. “You don't want to stay up there because you can't really breathe. The air is too thin. So you go back down. But the joy is climbing to the mountaintop.”Few teams have managed to knock the Chiefs from the top of the mountain.They've won four of the past six AFC championship games, and both losses came in overtime: to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43cca379cca2426497e6cdaa96cdc340">Patriots</a>&nbsp;in the first of their title-game streak in 2019 and to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-sports-harrison-butker-e7f37e3c8734a62cd077228a5b167dd0">Bengals</a>&nbsp;three years ago. When they've reached the Super Bowl, only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-brady-wins-super-bowl-buccaneers-ac8c020eebd7a6a0c6f4bba5add83233">Tom Brady and Tampa Bay have managed to stop Patrick Mahomes and Co.</a>&nbsp;from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.Mahomes is another of the six Chiefs players who have been there for all seven conference championship games. The first came in his first year as the starter, when he shredded records on the way to earning the first of his two NFL MVP awards. In that matchup with the Patriots, he threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in the losing effort.To this day, Mahomes talks about how that loss inside Arrowhead Stadium fueled him to all those future championships.“Obviously, you want to win three in a row,” Mahomes said, “but building those memories with the guys and with the community every single year is special. When I look back at all the different Super Bowls we’ve won, I look back at special moments that we’ve had and special games that we’ve had. We’ll try to do that the same this year.“I mean, it has been a fun run up to this point,” Mahomes said, "but we want to get to that ultimate goal.”There's quite a few of them that know how to get there.Along with Jones and Mahomes, four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce — who had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' divisional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-mahomes-nfl-playoffs-67b6cca111cfa36594f8527b8758fc01">win over Houston last Saturday</a>&nbsp;— has been there for all seven AFC title games. So have Derrick Nnadi, a perpetually overlooked but solid defensive tackle, long snapper James Winchester and kicker Harrison Butker.Sure, there have been supplemental stars along the way. Tyrann Mathieu was the anchor of the defense at the start of the Chiefs' seven-year run, and Tyreek Hill was a big part of their record-setting offenses. And there have been role players, such as running back Damien Williams and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who shared in the collective success.But those six that have been around for it all? They've combined to play 945 games for the Chiefs, and 121 of those have been in the playoffs, when a single loss — a single mistake, really — could have ended such an incredible run.There is something to be said for that experience, especially when the calendar reaches the end of January.“The experience helps,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Especially with some of the younger guys to be able to talk to them and tell them about the urgency of this thing. It's single elimination. That's easier said than putting that in your brain and getting yourself right for every snap that you have at practice, to practice hard and be aggressive with. You just have to make sure you stay really focused and don't let the distractions in there the best you can.”

The steadfast 6: Mahomes, Kelce and 4 others have carried KC to 7 straight AFC title games

NEW YORK (AP) — Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait. Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball’s Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday. Fifteen minutes passed without a ring. “I actually started getting kind of nervous,” he said through a translator. “I was actually relieved when I first got the call.” Suzuki became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ichiro-hall-of-fame-1af67d9c45077b0e79faa6865c0e4c87">the first Japanese player</a>&nbsp;chosen for the Hall, falling one vote shy of unanimous when he was elected along with CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. Quite the journey for a 27-year-old who left the Pacific League’s Orix BlueWave in November 2000 to sign with Seattle as the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball. “I don’t think anybody in this whole world thought that I would be a Hall of Famer,” he said. “As a baseball player, this is definitely the top of the top.” Suzuki received 393 of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia was on 342 ballots (86.8%) and Wagner on 325 (82.5%), which was 29 votes more than the 296 needed for the required 75%.

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — Patriots safety&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jabrill-peppers">Jabrill Peppers</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to go on trial Wednesday for allegedly shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and repeatedly choking her after she received a phone call while they were in bed together. Peppers, 29, faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine, court documents show. He will appear in court in Quincy, Massachusetts. Police in Braintree, Massachusetts, said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people in October.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-jabrill-peppers-contract-dc79654b6a1a1518178f205c38dd3ac5">Peppers</a>&nbsp;allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, shoved her head into a wall, and allegedly choked her six times, according to court documents. Police said she refused to go to a hospital and was treated at the home for her injuries.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James’ first triple-double after turning 40 was impressive enough. The fact that he did it one day after flying from Los Angeles to Atlanta and back just so he could cheer on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes at the College Football Playoff championship game? That’s the type of sporting feat only the greats would even try to pull off. James showed neither jet lag nor fatigue while racking up 21 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-wizards-score-lebron-e4a668076fdef8e2e474f05677edb8ff">the Los Angeles Lakers’ 111-88 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.&nbsp;He spent Monday night 2,200 miles away in a luxury box at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, trading high-fives with old friends and family while watching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-national-championship-ohio-state-notre-dame-1179b47b57053e9a237f98ca56ebe50d">the Buckeyes’ title-clinching victory</a>&nbsp;over Notre Dame.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shelton-tv-interviewers-australian-open-djokovic-afeabdc6a98d38b1c792a09ef9c70c49">Ben Shelton’s</a>&nbsp;Australian Open quarterfinal foe, Lorenzo Sonego, produced the shot of the tournament — diving to his left for a volley with so much spin that the ball bounced on one side of the net, then floated back over to the other — but it was the American who ended up with the victory Wednesday. The left-handed Shelton did some entertaining of his own, including earning cheers by doing a couple of push-ups after tumbling in the concluding tiebreaker, and he reached his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-open-semifinals-shelton-djokovic-alcaraz-medvedev-dd382fc3ad4bdc823a6c53ec22e7e679">second Grand Slam semifinal</a>&nbsp;at age 22 by beating the unseeded Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4). “I’m relieved,” said Shelton, who will meet No. 1&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jannik-sinner-davis-cup-fdf66266e82c7b0f5d412c7c50535d77">Jannik Sinner</a>&nbsp;of Italy on Friday for a spot in the final. “Shout out Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis.” Sinner, the defending champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-2025-watch-guide-tv-betting-schedule-99dddf042d336c8e1469efaa0d897d00">at Melbourne Park</a>, completely overwhelmed the last Australian in the men’s bracket, No. 8 Alex de Minaur, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 at night.

TUESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 3 Iowa State 108, UCF 83

No. 6 Tennessee 68, No. 14 Mississippi State 56

Arizona State 65, No. 23 West Virginia 57

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Used to leading off, Ichiro Suzuki got antsy when he had to wait. Considered a no-doubt pick for baseball’s Hall of Fame and possibly the second unanimous selection, he waited by the phone for the expected call Tuesday. Fifteen minutes passed without a ring. “I actually started getting kind of nervous,” he said through a translator. “I was actually relieved when I first got the call.” Suzuki became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ichiro-hall-of-fame-1af67d9c45077b0e79faa6865c0e4c87">the first Japanese player</a>&nbsp;chosen for the Hall, falling one vote shy of unanimous when he was elected along with CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. Quite the journey for a 27-year-old who left the Pacific League’s Orix BlueWave in November 2000 to sign with Seattle as the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball. “I don’t think anybody in this whole world thought that I would be a Hall of Famer,” he said. “As a baseball player, this is definitely the top of the top.” Suzuki received 393 of 394 votes (99.7%) from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Sabathia was on 342 ballots (86.8%) and Wagner on 325 (82.5%), which was 29 votes more than the 296 needed for the required 75%.QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — Patriots safety&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jabrill-peppers">Jabrill Peppers</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to go on trial Wednesday for allegedly shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and repeatedly choking her after she received a phone call while they were in bed together. Peppers, 29, faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine, court documents show. He will appear in court in Quincy, Massachusetts. Police in Braintree, Massachusetts, said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people in October.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-jabrill-peppers-contract-dc79654b6a1a1518178f205c38dd3ac5">Peppers</a>&nbsp;allegedly pushed the woman to the ground, shoved her head into a wall, and allegedly choked her six times, according to court documents. Police said she refused to go to a hospital and was treated at the home for her injuries.LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James’ first triple-double after turning 40 was impressive enough. The fact that he did it one day after flying from Los Angeles to Atlanta and back just so he could cheer on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes at the College Football Playoff championship game? That’s the type of sporting feat only the greats would even try to pull off. James showed neither jet lag nor fatigue while racking up 21 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-wizards-score-lebron-e4a668076fdef8e2e474f05677edb8ff">the Los Angeles Lakers’ 111-88 victory</a>&nbsp;over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.&nbsp;He spent Monday night 2,200 miles away in a luxury box at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, trading high-fives with old friends and family while watching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-national-championship-ohio-state-notre-dame-1179b47b57053e9a237f98ca56ebe50d">the Buckeyes’ title-clinching victory</a>&nbsp;over Notre Dame.MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shelton-tv-interviewers-australian-open-djokovic-afeabdc6a98d38b1c792a09ef9c70c49">Ben Shelton’s</a>&nbsp;Australian Open quarterfinal foe, Lorenzo Sonego, produced the shot of the tournament — diving to his left for a volley with so much spin that the ball bounced on one side of the net, then floated back over to the other — but it was the American who ended up with the victory Wednesday. The left-handed Shelton did some entertaining of his own, including earning cheers by doing a couple of push-ups after tumbling in the concluding tiebreaker, and he reached his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-open-semifinals-shelton-djokovic-alcaraz-medvedev-dd382fc3ad4bdc823a6c53ec22e7e679">second Grand Slam semifinal</a>&nbsp;at age 22 by beating the unseeded Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4). “I’m relieved,” said Shelton, who will meet No. 1&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jannik-sinner-davis-cup-fdf66266e82c7b0f5d412c7c50535d77">Jannik Sinner</a>&nbsp;of Italy on Friday for a spot in the final. “Shout out Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis.” Sinner, the defending champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-2025-watch-guide-tv-betting-schedule-99dddf042d336c8e1469efaa0d897d00">at Melbourne Park</a>, completely overwhelmed the last Australian in the men’s bracket, No. 8 Alex de Minaur, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 at night.TUESDAY SCORES NCAA MEN TOP 25 No. 3 Iowa State 108, UCF 83No. 4 Alabama 103, Vanderbilt 87No. 6 Tennessee 68, No. 14 Mississippi State 56No. 10 Marquette 76, Seton Hall 59Ohio State 73, No. 11 Purdue 70No. 15 Oregon 82, Washington 71UCLA 85, No. 18 Wisconsin 83No. 19 UConn 80, Butler 78Texas 61, No. 22 Missouri 53Arizona State 65, No. 23 West Virginia 57No. 25 Louisville 98, SMU 73

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

Little River Boys 45 Larned 43; Saint John Girls 42 Larned 35

Larned Sports on Hits 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695238768373.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Little River Boys 45 Larned 43; Saint John Girls 42 Larned 35<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3x15japv/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Larned Sports on Hits 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

Special Winter Jam Major Sponsors on 100.7 Eagle Country! Nex-Tech Wireless, USD 431 Hoisington, C&amp;E Doors, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Landmark National Bank, Allstaff Chartered, Clara Barton Medical Center, Mpire Realty, USD 432 Victoria,  Innovative Livestock Services, Jimlo Glass Center, The Fieldhouse, USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools.

Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581739911992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Game #1 Ellinwood Girls 41 Otis-Bison 28Game #2 Ellsworth Boys 39 Ellinwood 38Game #3 Ellsworth Girls 35 Hoisington 29Game #4 Hoisington Boys 52 La Crosse 19<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/enw2tlv1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Special Winter Jam Major Sponsors on 100.7 Eagle Country! Nex-Tech Wireless, USD 431 Hoisington, C&amp;E Doors, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Landmark National Bank, Allstaff Chartered, Clara Barton Medical Center, Mpire Realty, USD 432 Victoria, Innovative Livestock Services, Jimlo Glass Center, The Fieldhouse, USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Winter Jam Day 2 Results

Despite some late fireworks, there was little drama in Tuesday's wrestling dual between Great Bend High School and Hays. The Panthers opened up a 46-3 lead and held on to take the dual 52-20.

There was high drama early on as freshman Able Spencer stepped into varsity action against Hays freshman Cyler Luck (16-5) at 106 pounds. Spencer led 6-0 after two minutes and was leading 7-4 late in the second before a late takedown leveled the score. In overtime, Spencer fell victim to a takedown in a 10-7 loss.

Those would be the only three Hays points for a while. Fifth-ranked Cal Schartz tech-falled his 113-pound opponent 15-0 late in the second period. Senior Ambrose Kramer led most of the way at 120 pounds before pinning his opponent early in the third. Freshman Logan Turner, also a varsity newcomer, needed just 29 seconds to win his first match at 126 pounds.

Sophomore Hayden Liles picked up a quality win against Grady Lind (12-4) at 132 pounds. Liled led 7-0 after to minutes and pinned Lind with seven ticks left in the second. Sixth-ranked Triston Tomlinson piled up 17 points in less than two minutes to win a 17-2 tech fall in the first period at 138 points.

The momentum continued at 144 pounds as junior Trevin Maciel picked up an escape point early in the third to pull ahead 7-6. He ultimately won a 13-8 decision. Junior Hayden Kelly, now ranked No. 5 at 150 pounds, followed with a 10-1 major decision. Sophomore Blake Stein needed just 65 seconds to hand Camdyn Cooper his first loss of the season at 157 pounds. Senior Jace Schartz capped the giant run with one of his trademark tech falls, a 21-5 win in the first period at 165 pounds.

Hays picked up tech fall points at 175 pounds via third-ranked Dalton Meyers, who defeated Maxx Steffan. Indian junior Jonathan Roggler followed with a pin against Panther freshman Brady Mendez at 190 pounds. 

Sixth-ranked Trenton Kern led 3-0 after one period before pinning his opponent at 215 pounds. With many in attendance on their feet for the final match of the evening, Hays sophomore Tanner Geist got the win by fall against Panther sophomore Ryder Morris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737515409903.jpeg" alt="Panther freshman Logan Turner needed just 29 seconds to pin his 126-pound Hays opponent in Tuesday's 52-20 dual win over the Indians." />
 <figcaption>Panther freshman Logan Turner needed just 29 seconds to pin his 126-pound Hays opponent in Tuesday's 52-20 dual win over the Indians.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDespite some late fireworks, there was little drama in Tuesday's wrestling dual between Great Bend High School and Hays. The Panthers opened up a 46-3 lead and held on to take the dual 52-20.There was high drama early on as freshman Able Spencer stepped into varsity action against Hays freshman Cyler Luck (16-5) at 106 pounds. Spencer led 6-0 after two minutes and was leading 7-4 late in the second before a late takedown leveled the score. In overtime, Spencer fell victim to a takedown in a 10-7 loss.Those would be the only three Hays points for a while. Fifth-ranked Cal Schartz tech-falled his 113-pound opponent 15-0 late in the second period. Senior Ambrose Kramer led most of the way at 120 pounds before pinning his opponent early in the third. Freshman Logan Turner, also a varsity newcomer, needed just 29 seconds to win his first match at 126 pounds.Sophomore Hayden Liles picked up a quality win against Grady Lind (12-4) at 132 pounds. Liled led 7-0 after to minutes and pinned Lind with seven ticks left in the second. Sixth-ranked Triston Tomlinson piled up 17 points in less than two minutes to win a 17-2 tech fall in the first period at 138 points.The momentum continued at 144 pounds as junior Trevin Maciel picked up an escape point early in the third to pull ahead 7-6. He ultimately won a 13-8 decision. Junior Hayden Kelly, now ranked No. 5 at 150 pounds, followed with a 10-1 major decision. Sophomore Blake Stein needed just 65 seconds to hand Camdyn Cooper his first loss of the season at 157 pounds. Senior Jace Schartz capped the giant run with one of his trademark tech falls, a 21-5 win in the first period at 165 pounds.Hays picked up tech fall points at 175 pounds via third-ranked Dalton Meyers, who defeated Maxx Steffan. Indian junior Jonathan Roggler followed with a pin against Panther freshman Brady Mendez at 190 pounds. Sixth-ranked Trenton Kern led 3-0 after one period before pinning his opponent at 215 pounds. With many in attendance on their feet for the final match of the evening, Hays sophomore Tanner Geist got the win by fall against Panther sophomore Ryder Morris.

Great Bend wrestlers open up giant lead in dual win against Hays

As fate would have it, Tuesday's wrestling dual between Western Athletic Conference rivals Great Bend and Hays came down to the final two contested matches. But some late roster changes made it interesting. The No. 7 Lady Panthers eventually got the 45-36 win over the third-ranked Indians.

"It was awesome because we're not very good against Hays," said senior Danica Cline. "We have broken our dual streak of losing this year so I'm really happy about that. The girls' program has just grown so much."

Cline moved down to 170 pounds where she trailed 3-0 after one period. She was able to ride out the top and get a pin in the second period to give the Panthers a 39-30 edge. But the Indians were guaranteed six points in the final match of the dual - an open weight for Great Bend.

"I was just trying not to get pinned, trying to get out and get us some points," said Cline. "It's just feeling something, try to get an arm or a leg and just keep her down a second."

That meant the dual hinged on the 190-pound match. Senior Kirra Stevens entered the day ranked No. 3 at 170 pounds and found out just after weigh-ins that she would be wrestling up a weight against second-ranked Hays sophomore Eleanor Stoffel, who entered the night with a 17-4 record.

"Not look at her record and, honestly, do what I do and do my absolute best just because I know my team relies on me for these kinds of things," Stevens said.

Despite being undersized, Stevens was able to throw Stoffel a pair of times. One of those throws resulted in a pin 31 seconds into the second period. Those six points secured the dual.

"Usually, taller girls are a lot harder for me," Stevens said. "Coach (Lars Lueders) has been training me a lot to handle the taller girls better so that's helped a lot."

Great Bend largely dominated the lightweight matches. Second-ranked Camdyn Post needed just 30 seconds to pin freshman Alondra Garcia, a varsity fill-in, at 105 pounds. Sophomore Keira Leyva pinned her 110-pound opponent late in the first period for a 12-6 Panther lead. Freshman Micah Ellegood moved up to No. 2 in the latest 125-pound rankings. She needed just 90 seconds to pin her opponent, and freshman Brooklyn Kelly followed with a 94-second pin at 130 pounds. Great Bend opened up a 27-12 lead.

Hays picked up 18 points over the next three classes with a pair of pins and an open weight. Riata Stryker was pinned at 140 pounds, and Tara Newton was pinned at 145 pounds. Lea Nokes picked up open points at 155 pounds to give the Panthers a 33-30 advantage heading into the final two contested matches.

Sophomore Kayle Baldwin picked up crucial points at 120 pounds in perhaps the best match of the dual. She trailed 10-1 before turning things around for a 15-12 decision against sophomore Kenlee Vehige. Freshman Sophia Bauer led 6-3 after one period at 100 pounds but was pinned in the second period. Madison Ketch lost by fall at 115 pounds. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737514423560.jpeg" alt="Lady Panther senior Danica Cline picked up six crucial points with a second-period pin at 170 pounds in Tuesday's 45-36 dual win against third-ranked Hays." />
 <figcaption>Lady Panther senior Danica Cline picked up six crucial points with a second-period pin at 170 pounds in Tuesday's 45-36 dual win against third-ranked Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs fate would have it, Tuesday's wrestling dual between Western Athletic Conference rivals Great Bend and Hays came down to the final two contested matches. But some late roster changes made it interesting. The No. 7 Lady Panthers eventually got the 45-36 win over the third-ranked Indians."It was awesome because we're not very good against Hays," said senior Danica Cline. "We have broken our dual streak of losing this year so I'm really happy about that. The girls' program has just grown so much."Cline moved down to 170 pounds where she trailed 3-0 after one period. She was able to ride out the top and get a pin in the second period to give the Panthers a 39-30 edge. But the Indians were guaranteed six points in the final match of the dual - an open weight for Great Bend."I was just trying not to get pinned, trying to get out and get us some points," said Cline. "It's just feeling something, try to get an arm or a leg and just keep her down a second."That meant the dual hinged on the 190-pound match. Senior Kirra Stevens entered the day ranked No. 3 at 170 pounds and found out just after weigh-ins that she would be wrestling up a weight against second-ranked Hays sophomore Eleanor Stoffel, who entered the night with a 17-4 record."Not look at her record and, honestly, do what I do and do my absolute best just because I know my team relies on me for these kinds of things," Stevens said.Despite being undersized, Stevens was able to throw Stoffel a pair of times. One of those throws resulted in a pin 31 seconds into the second period. Those six points secured the dual."Usually, taller girls are a lot harder for me," Stevens said. "Coach (Lars Lueders) has been training me a lot to handle the taller girls better so that's helped a lot."Great Bend largely dominated the lightweight matches. Second-ranked Camdyn Post needed just 30 seconds to pin freshman Alondra Garcia, a varsity fill-in, at 105 pounds. Sophomore Keira Leyva pinned her 110-pound opponent late in the first period for a 12-6 Panther lead. Freshman Micah Ellegood moved up to No. 2 in the latest 125-pound rankings. She needed just 90 seconds to pin her opponent, and freshman Brooklyn Kelly followed with a 94-second pin at 130 pounds. Great Bend opened up a 27-12 lead.Hays picked up 18 points over the next three classes with a pair of pins and an open weight. Riata Stryker was pinned at 140 pounds, and Tara Newton was pinned at 145 pounds. Lea Nokes picked up open points at 155 pounds to give the Panthers a 33-30 advantage heading into the final two contested matches.Sophomore Kayle Baldwin picked up crucial points at 120 pounds in perhaps the best match of the dual. She trailed 10-1 before turning things around for a 15-12 decision against sophomore Kenlee Vehige. Freshman Sophia Bauer led 6-3 after one period at 100 pounds but was pinned in the second period. Madison Ketch lost by fall at 115 pounds.

No. 7 Great Bend girls pull dual upset against No. 3 Hays

Just one month remains in the regular season for wrestlers. The second rankings of 2025 include some new names. Hoisington sophomore Neveah Graves had a quick pin of the top-ranked wrestler in Class 3-2-1A and moves up to No. 3 in her class. Great Bend freshman Micah Ellegood jumped all the way to No. 2 at 125 pounds in Class 5A.

Class 5A Boys: 1. Goddard 2. Bishop Carroll 3. Basehor-Linwood 4. Blue Valley SW 5. Valley Center 6. St. Thomas Aquinas 7. Andover 8. Salina Central 9. Lansing 10. Newton

113 pounds - No. 5 Cal Schartz, Fr., Great Bend

138 pounds - No. 6 Triston Tomlinson, Jr., Great Bend

150 pounds - No. 5 Hayden Kelly, Jr., Great Bend

165 pounds - No. 3 Jace Schartz, Sr., Great Bend (No. 9 all-class)

215 pounds - No. 6 Trenton Kern, Jr., Great Bend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostJust one month remains in the regular season for wrestlers. The second rankings of 2025 include some new names. Hoisington sophomore Neveah Graves had a quick pin of the top-ranked wrestler in Class 3-2-1A and moves up to No. 3 in her class. Great Bend freshman Micah Ellegood jumped all the way to No. 2 at 125 pounds in Class 5A.Area tanked teams and wrestlers include:Class 5A Boys: 1. Goddard 2. Bishop Carroll 3. Basehor-Linwood 4. Blue Valley SW 5. Valley Center 6. St. Thomas Aquinas 7. Andover 8. Salina Central 9. Lansing 10. Newton113 pounds - No. 5 Cal Schartz, Fr., Great Bend138 pounds - No. 6 Triston Tomlinson, Jr., Great Bend150 pounds - No. 5 Hayden Kelly, Jr., Great Bend165 pounds - No. 3 Jace Schartz, Sr., Great Bend (No. 9 all-class)215 pounds - No. 6 Trenton Kern, Jr., Great BendClass 5A Girls 1. Shawnee Heights 2. Basehor-Linwood 3. Hays 4. Newton 5. Bonner Springs 6. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 7. Great Bend 8. Pittsburg 9. Blue Valley SW 10. Emporia105 pounds - No. 2 Camdyn Post, So., Great Bend (No. 7 all-class)125 pounds - No. 2 Micah Ellegood, Fr., Great Bend155 pounds - No. 5 Lea Nokes, Sr., Great Bend170 pounds - No. 3 Kirra Stevens, Sr., Great Bend (No. 8 all-class)Class 3-2-1A Boys 1. Hoxie 2. Norton 3. Phillipsburg 4. Atchison County 5. Russell 6. Southeast of Saline 7. Council Grove 8. Jayhawk-Linn 9. Hill City 10. St. Francis106 pounds - No. 3 Xzander Donner, Fr., Russell106 pounds - No. 5 Marius Lee, Fr., Lyons113 pounds - No. 2 Xzephren Donner, Jr., Russell138 pounds - No. 2 Will Donley, Sr., Ellsworth150 pounds - No. 2 Jace Grizzle, So., Lyons165 pounds - No. 4 Teagen Pfeifer, Sr., Russell175 pounds - No. 3 Brayden Suchy, Sr., Russell (No. 9 all-class)175 pounds - No. 4 Teron Kraft, Sr., Hoisington190 pounds - No. 4 Keegan Urbanek, Jr., EllsworthClass 4A Girls (individual)135 pounds - No. 5 Cara Herbert, So., LarnedClass 3-2-1A Girls 1. Norton 2. Oakley 3. Russell 4. Plainville 5. Stockton 6. Fredonia 7. Ellinwood 8. Sabetha 9. St. Francis 10. Hoisington100 pounds - No. 5 Taylor Baxter, Fr., Lyons105 pounds - No. 1 Jacynn Boeken, Fr., Sterling (No. 8 all-class)105 pounds - No. 6 Madison Raybern, Sr., Russell110 pounds - No. 2 Kennedy Grizzle, Jr., Lyons110 pounds - No. 4 McKena Parker, Fr., Ellinwood115 pounds - No. 4 Mya Trevino, Jr., Russell115 pounds - No. 6 Annabelle Gonzalez, So., Hoisington125 pounds - No. 4 Chaysie Bachman, So., Russell130 pounds - No. 2 Averie Counts, Fr., Russell (No. 8 all-class)130 pounds - No. 6 Tristin Compton, So., Hoisington135 pounds - No. 1 Kinsey Zorn, So., Russell135 pounds - No. 4 Kaylynn Crawford, Fr., Ellinwood135 pounds - No. 6 Lillian Gradig, Sr., Hoisington145 pounds - No. 1 Jaden Ney, Sr., Russell (No. 1 all-class)145 pounds - No. 5 Lillian Gradig, Sr., Hoisington155 pounds - No. 5 Ashlynn Henley, Fr., Russell170 pounds - No. 3 Neveah Graves, So., Hoisington235 pounds - No. 4 Emma Hahn, Sr., Ellinwood (No. 9 all-class)235 pounds - No. 6 Haylee Holinde, Sr., Hoisington (No. 4 all-class)