AMES, Iowa (AP) — Curtis Jones scored 25 points in his second start of the season to lead No. 2 Iowa State to a 74-57 win over No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday night, the Cyclones' 12th straight victory.

The Cyclones (15-1, 5-0 Big 12) entered with their highest ranking in program history but without one of their key starters in forward Milan Momcilovic, who's out indefinitely with a left hand injury.

Jones, who scored a season-high 26 points off the bench against Texas Tech on Saturday, looked just as comfortable starting in Momcilovic's place. He made his first six shots and finished 5 of 6 on 3-pointers.

Dishon Jackson tied his season high with 17 points in his first appearance off the bench this season. Joshua Jefferson posted his sixth double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger earned his 12th win against a top-10 opponent, tying Johnny Orr for the most in school history. Otzelberger is in his fourth season; Orr coached the Cyclones for 14.

Zeke Mayo led the Jayhawks (12-4, 3-2) with 17 points, and Dajuan Harris Jr. added eight.

Kansas: The Jayhawks committed 17 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-33 while taking their first Big 12 road loss.

Iowa State: The Cyclones beat Kansas for the third straight time in Ames and extended their home win streak to 28 games.

The Jayhawks cut a 12-point deficit to five late in the game, but their momentum was halted when they failed to get the rebound on Jefferson's missed free throw. That led to Tamin Lipsey's 3 from the wing that put the Cyclones up 61-52 with 4:10 left.

Jones had 20 points in the first half but was held scoreless for over 18 minutes in the second.

Iowa State visits West Virginia on Saturday. Kansas hosts Kansas State on the same day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736995258688.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa (AP) — Curtis Jones scored 25 points in his second start of the season to lead No. 2 Iowa State to a 74-57 win over No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday night, the Cyclones' 12th straight victory.The Cyclones (15-1, 5-0 Big 12) entered with their highest ranking in program history but without one of their key starters in forward Milan Momcilovic, who's out indefinitely with a left hand injury.Jones, who scored a season-high 26 points off the bench against Texas Tech on Saturday, looked just as comfortable starting in Momcilovic's place. He made his first six shots and finished 5 of 6 on 3-pointers.Dishon Jackson tied his season high with 17 points in his first appearance off the bench this season. Joshua Jefferson posted his sixth double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger earned his 12th win against a top-10 opponent, tying Johnny Orr for the most in school history. Otzelberger is in his fourth season; Orr coached the Cyclones for 14.Zeke Mayo led the Jayhawks (12-4, 3-2) with 17 points, and Dajuan Harris Jr. added eight.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks committed 17 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-33 while taking their first Big 12 road loss.Iowa State: The Cyclones beat Kansas for the third straight time in Ames and extended their home win streak to 28 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Jayhawks cut a 12-point deficit to five late in the game, but their momentum was halted when they failed to get the rebound on Jefferson's missed free throw. That led to Tamin Lipsey's 3 from the wing that put the Cyclones up 61-52 with 4:10 left.<h2>Key stat</h2>Jones had 20 points in the first half but was held scoreless for over 18 minutes in the second.<h2>Up next</h2>Iowa State visits West Virginia on Saturday. Kansas hosts Kansas State on the same day.

🏀Curtis Jones scores 25 to lead No. 2 Iowa St. over No. 9 Kansas

 MANHEIM, Pa. – Fort Hays State graduate student-athlete Nichole Moore&nbsp;was named the Region 8 Co-Wrestler of the Month for December during the 2024-25 season. She shared the monthly regional honor with Alison Evans of Colorado Mesa. Region 8 was the only region with co-wrestlers of the month and the National Wrestler of the Month went to Sydney Petzinger of North Central in Region 5.

Moore put together a strong December in which she posted an 8-1 overall record. On the first day of the month, she won the 138 class in the FHSU-Bob Smith Open by going 4-0. She posted three-straight shutouts, two by tech fall and one by decision, before winning on criteria in the final against Corrie Williams of Adams State. Moore and Williams are both regionally ranked by the NWCA.

Moore went 4-1 overall at the Jewell Duals on December 7, which in turn helped the Tigers to a 4-1 record as a team on the day. She notched a pair of pins, a shutout decision, and a forfeit win for the day. Her 7-0 win over Kayla Edwards tied up the dual with No. 7 ranked Lindenwood before the Tigers went on to upset the Lions 23-20. Her pin of Ellisa Jimenez pushed FHSU into the lead against No. 25 ranked William Jewell before the Tigers went on to knock off the Cardinals 27-18. Moore's only loss of the month was in FHSU's dual with No. 1 ranked Iowa, but she scored the only team point for the Tigers in the dual with the Hawkeyes.

Moore and teammate Lexie Lopez&nbsp;(124) tied for the best record among Tiger wrestlers for the month of December, both at 8-1. They are also tied for the team lead in wins, both with 21-5 overall records on the season. Both have spent time in the NWCA national rankings this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736975061411.png" alt="2025-01-15 (1).png" />
 <figcaption>2025-01-15 (1).png</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU Athletics MANHEIM, Pa. – Fort Hays State graduate student-athlete Nichole Moore&nbsp;was named the Region 8 Co-Wrestler of the Month for December during the 2024-25 season. She shared the monthly regional honor with Alison Evans of Colorado Mesa. Region 8 was the only region with co-wrestlers of the month and the National Wrestler of the Month went to Sydney Petzinger of North Central in Region 5.Moore put together a strong December in which she posted an 8-1 overall record. On the first day of the month, she won the 138 class in the FHSU-Bob Smith Open by going 4-0. She posted three-straight shutouts, two by tech fall and one by decision, before winning on criteria in the final against Corrie Williams of Adams State. Moore and Williams are both regionally ranked by the NWCA.Moore went 4-1 overall at the Jewell Duals on December 7, which in turn helped the Tigers to a 4-1 record as a team on the day. She notched a pair of pins, a shutout decision, and a forfeit win for the day. Her 7-0 win over Kayla Edwards tied up the dual with No. 7 ranked Lindenwood before the Tigers went on to upset the Lions 23-20. Her pin of Ellisa Jimenez pushed FHSU into the lead against No. 25 ranked William Jewell before the Tigers went on to knock off the Cardinals 27-18. Moore's only loss of the month was in FHSU's dual with No. 1 ranked Iowa, but she scored the only team point for the Tigers in the dual with the Hawkeyes.Moore and teammate Lexie Lopez&nbsp;(124) tied for the best record among Tiger wrestlers for the month of December, both at 8-1. They are also tied for the team lead in wins, both with 21-5 overall records on the season. Both have spent time in the NWCA national rankings this season.

🤼‍♀️ FHSU's Moore named Region Co-Wrestler of the Month

We're joined by Fort Hays State women's wrestling coach Alijah Jeffery, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's basketball coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400.94.3) live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

We're joined by Fort Hays State women's wrestling coach Alijah Jeffery, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's basketball coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. on KAYS (1400.94.3) live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (January 15, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cnxdq-17b25b3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (January 15, 2025)

Fort Hays State graduate guard Kaleb Hammeke has been named to the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List, released by Small College Basketball on Wednesday, January 15. It is the second-straight year Hammeke has been named to the list, which encompasses players from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, NCCAA, and USCAA.

<a href="https://www.smallcollegebasketball.com/bevo-francis-award-2">Bevo Francis Award</a>

<a href="https://www.smallcollegebasketball.com/bevo-francis-award-2"></a>Consideration for the award is based on season statistics, individual achievements, awards, personal character, and team achievements. It is a prestigious award given to only one player within the coverage of Small College Basketball.

The namesake of the award, Clarence "Bevo" Francis, played at Rio Grande College (now the University of Rio Grande) in Ohio in 1952-53 and 1953-54.&nbsp;Over two seasons at Rio Grande, Bevo averaged 47.1 points per game in 39 official contests at both the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels. He still to this day owns the NAIA single-season scoring average record, set at 48.3 points per game in 1952-53 (12 games), and the NCAA Division II single-season scoring average record of 46.5 points per game in 1953-54 (27 games). He scored a single-game NCAA Division II record 113 points in 1954, and also had a 116-point game against a college not recognized for official records.

The winner of the award in four of the last seven years has been from NCAA Division II institutions. That list includes Justin Pitts of Northwest Missouri State (2017), Emanuel Terry of Lincoln Memorial (2018), Trevor Hudgins of Northwest Missouri State (2022), and RJ Sunahar of Nova Southeastern (2023).Hammeke is among five student-athletes from the MIAA being considered for the award, joining four players from Washburn. He is a four-time All-MIAA selection, which included first-team honors the last two years. He is a two-time All-District selection for the Central Region and an all-region selection by the D2CCA last year. Hammeke was also the MIAA Freshman of the Year back in 2020-21.

Last week on January 9, Hammeke became the all-time leading scorer in FHSU Men's Basketball history, now with 1,767 points. He is on the verge of becoming the first player in FHSU history to record both 500 assists and 500 rebounds. He already passed the 500 assist mark back on January 4 and has five rebounds to go to accomplish the feat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736969434581.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State graduate guard Kaleb Hammeke has been named to the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List, released by Small College Basketball on Wednesday, January 15. It is the second-straight year Hammeke has been named to the list, which encompasses players from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, NCCAA, and USCAA.<a href="https://www.smallcollegebasketball.com/bevo-francis-award-2">Bevo Francis Award</a><a href="https://www.smallcollegebasketball.com/bevo-francis-award-2"></a>Consideration for the award is based on season statistics, individual achievements, awards, personal character, and team achievements. It is a prestigious award given to only one player within the coverage of Small College Basketball.The namesake of the award, Clarence "Bevo" Francis, played at Rio Grande College (now the University of Rio Grande) in Ohio in 1952-53 and 1953-54.&nbsp;Over two seasons at Rio Grande, Bevo averaged 47.1 points per game in 39 official contests at both the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels. He still to this day owns the NAIA single-season scoring average record, set at 48.3 points per game in 1952-53 (12 games), and the NCAA Division II single-season scoring average record of 46.5 points per game in 1953-54 (27 games). He scored a single-game NCAA Division II record 113 points in 1954, and also had a 116-point game against a college not recognized for official records.The winner of the award in four of the last seven years has been from NCAA Division II institutions. That list includes Justin Pitts of Northwest Missouri State (2017), Emanuel Terry of Lincoln Memorial (2018), Trevor Hudgins of Northwest Missouri State (2022), and RJ Sunahar of Nova Southeastern (2023).Hammeke is among five student-athletes from the MIAA being considered for the award, joining four players from Washburn. He is a four-time All-MIAA selection, which included first-team honors the last two years. He is a two-time All-District selection for the Central Region and an all-region selection by the D2CCA last year. Hammeke was also the MIAA Freshman of the Year back in 2020-21.Last week on January 9, Hammeke became the all-time leading scorer in FHSU Men's Basketball history, now with 1,767 points. He is on the verge of becoming the first player in FHSU history to record both 500 assists and 500 rebounds. He already passed the 500 assist mark back on January 4 and has five rebounds to go to accomplish the feat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hammeke named to the Bevo Francis Top 100 watch list for second-straight year

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays Of The Week HHS vs Emporia

Wednesday, January 15 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Iowa State, 4:30pm

Thursday, January 16 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 5:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Ellis, 5:40pm

Friday, January 17 KKQY: Otis-Bison MWBKB at LaCrosse, 5:15pm * KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Garden City, 5:40pm

Saturday, January 18 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Kansas State, 10:30am&nbsp; KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 1:35pm KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 2pm

Wednesday, January 15 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:15pm KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Iowa State, 4:30pmThursday, January 16 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 5:05pm KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Ellis, 5:40pmFriday, January 17 KKQY: Otis-Bison MWBKB at LaCrosse, 5:15pm * KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Garden City, 5:40pmSaturday, January 18 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Kansas State, 10:30am&nbsp; KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 1:35pm KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 2pmSunday, January 19&nbsp; none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Darrion Williams scored 16 points, Elijah Hawkins added 14 with nine assists for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders held Kansas State scoreless for the final 5-plus minutes in their 61-57 win on Tuesday night.

Texas Tech (12-4, 3-2 Big 12), which lost 85-84 in overtime to No. 3 Iowa State last time out, has won three of its last four games.

Brendan Hausen scored 13 points, Coleman Hawkins 12 and David N’Guessan added 11 for Kansas State (7-9, 1-4). Max Jones finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Wildcats have lost four games in a row and seven of their last eight.

Coleman Hawkins made a jumper that tied it at 57-all with 5:50 left but Elijah Hawkins answered 22 seconds later and Kansas State went scoreless the rest of the way. The Wildcats went 0 for 8 from the field and committed two turnovers down the stretch. Texas Tech was 0-for-4 shooting with four turnovers before Williams made a layup with 17 seconds left to cap the scoring.

Federiko Federiko converted a three-point play, Elijah Hawkins hit a 3-pointer and Christian Anderson made a layup and-1. Anderson followed with a fast-break layup and Federiko threw down a dunk to cap a 13-0 spurt that gave Texas Tech a 51-44 lead about 7 1/2 minutes into the second half.

Coleman Hawkins scored Kansas State's next eight points, including 3-pointers 30 seconds apart, before David Castillo made a layup to put the Wildcats back in front at 54-53 with 9:12 remaining.

Texas Tech returns home to face Arizona on Saturday. Kansas State hits the road to face No. 9 Kansas on Saturday before a visit to No. 25 Baylor on Jan. 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736940954630.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Darrion Williams scored 16 points, Elijah Hawkins added 14 with nine assists for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders held Kansas State scoreless for the final 5-plus minutes in their 61-57 win on Tuesday night.Texas Tech (12-4, 3-2 Big 12), which lost 85-84 in overtime to No. 3 Iowa State last time out, has won three of its last four games.Brendan Hausen scored 13 points, Coleman Hawkins 12 and David N’Guessan added 11 for Kansas State (7-9, 1-4). Max Jones finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.The Wildcats have lost four games in a row and seven of their last eight.Coleman Hawkins made a jumper that tied it at 57-all with 5:50 left but Elijah Hawkins answered 22 seconds later and Kansas State went scoreless the rest of the way. The Wildcats went 0 for 8 from the field and committed two turnovers down the stretch. Texas Tech was 0-for-4 shooting with four turnovers before Williams made a layup with 17 seconds left to cap the scoring.Federiko Federiko converted a three-point play, Elijah Hawkins hit a 3-pointer and Christian Anderson made a layup and-1. Anderson followed with a fast-break layup and Federiko threw down a dunk to cap a 13-0 spurt that gave Texas Tech a 51-44 lead about 7 1/2 minutes into the second half.Coleman Hawkins scored Kansas State's next eight points, including 3-pointers 30 seconds apart, before David Castillo made a layup to put the Wildcats back in front at 54-53 with 9:12 remaining.Texas Tech returns home to face Arizona on Saturday. Kansas State hits the road to face No. 9 Kansas on Saturday before a visit to No. 25 Baylor on Jan. 22.

🏀 Texas Tech beats K-State, holds 'Cats scoreless over final 5-plus minutes

AREA GIRLS SCORES Ellis 40, La Crosse 35 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Oakley 42, Norton 32 Otis Bison 40, Kinsley 37 Phillipsburg 58, Trego 23 Plainville 41, Hill City 32&nbsp; Smith Center 61, Russell 53&nbsp; Stockton 48, Logan 43 Sylvan-Lucas 69, Natoma 9&nbsp;&nbsp; Victoria 55, Golden Plains 25

AREA BOYS SCORES Ellis 40, La Crosse 30 Emporia 41, Hays 36&nbsp; Norton 63, Oakley 44&nbsp; Otis-Bison 56, Kinsley 35 Phillipsburg 53, Trego 45 Plainville 68, Hill City 54 Russell 63, Smith Center 48 Sylvan-Lucas 55, Natoma 24 Victoria 56, Golden Plains 26

OTHER GIRLS SCORES Andover 58, Andover Central 23 Arkansas City 53, Salina Central 43 Ashland 64, Pawnee Heights 32 Beloit 48, Ellsworth 47 Bennington 48, Marion 35 Caney Valley 60, Erie 36 Central Plains 55, Sterling 27 Circle 42, Mulvane 35 Clearwater 34, Andale 31 Coffeyville 55, Chanute 34 Colby 50, Goodland 30 Conway Springs 39, Douglass 27 Crest 37, Pleasanton 9 Derby 69, Wichita Campus 34 Doniphan West 56, Frankfort 25 Elkhart 47, Deerfield 32 Elyria Christian 32, Reno County 29 Fairfield 46, Stafford 33 Frontenac 71, Baxter Springs 18 Garden Plain 50, Wichita Trinity 45 Halstead 55, Pratt 49 Hanover 40, Linn 38 Hesston 58, Hoisington 24 Hillsboro 49, Haven 43 Hodgeman County 62, Minneola 22 Hooker, Okla. 36, Hugoton 22 Hutchinson 38, Valley Center 22 Hutchinson Central Christian 38, Attica 30 Inman 51, Berean Academy 36 KC Piper 73, Shawnee Heights 49 Kingman 44, Medicine Lodge 41 Lansing 46, KC Turner 21 Larned 62, Nickerson 19 Lawrence 61, Olathe East 43 Liberal 44, Garden City 41 Little River 73, Goessel 9 Macksville 73, Chase 15 Madison 41, Northern Heights 11 Maize South 49, Goddard 34 Manhattan 93, Junction City 25 McPherson 51, Winfield 24 Nemaha Central 58, Royal Valley 26 Neodesha 53, Columbus 43 Olathe North 61, Lawrence Free State 12 Olathe Northwest 47, SM East 44 Olpe 42, Hartford 35 Osage City 69, Topeka Cair Paravel 10 Ottawa 48, Baldwin 43 Remington 52, Wichita Classical 35 Rock Creek 54, Clay Center 46 Rock Hills 43, Lawrence-Nelson, Neb. 38 Rural Vista 39, Centre 31 Scott City 62, Ulysses 30 Smoky Valley 57, Chapman 46 Southeast of Saline 44, Lyons 19 Southwestern Hts. 34, Meade 29 St Marys 54, Perry-Lecompton 30 St Paul 54, Uniontown 23 St. James Academy 69, BV Southwest 43 St. John 49, Ellinwood 37 Stanton County 44, Walsh, Colo. 15 Tescott 41, Lincoln 29 Tonganoxie 40, Paola 14 Topeka Hayden 56, Topeka 41 Topeka Seaman 71, Topeka West 29 Udall 56, Caldwell 33 Valley Heights 60, Washington County 47 Wabaunsee 42, Council Grove 27 Wallace County 42, Greeley County 32 Wamego 56, Concordia 46 Wellington 91, El Dorado 15 Wichita Bishop Carroll 38, Wichita South 33 Wichita Collegiate 29, Rose Hill 22

OTHER BOYS SCORES Andale 64, Clearwater 19 Andover 48, Andover Central 40 Ashland 42, Pawnee Heights 29 Augusta 61, Buhler 52 Beloit 51, Ellsworth 33 Berean Academy 48, Inman 20 Bishop Seabury 90, Northland Christian, Mo. 55 Bonner Springs 56, Spring Hill 49 Burlington 79, Osawatomie 44 Caney Valley 79, Erie 44 Circle 72, Mulvane 64 Conway Springs 45, Douglass 38 Derby 70, Wichita Campus 52 Doniphan West 56, Frankfort 25 Elkhart 73, Deerfield 65 Ellinwood 63, St. John 44 Frontenac 69, Baxter Springs 51 Galena 45, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 23 Garden City 69, Liberal 61 Garden Plain 49, Wichita Trinity 35 Goodland 58, Colby 49 Hanover 59, Linn 36 Haven 41, Hillsboro 35 Hesston 40, Hoisington 34 Highland Park 86, KC Sumner 42 Hooker, Okla. 77, Hugoton 52 Hutchinson 66, Valley Center 40 Jayhawk Linn 42, Central Heights 37 Junction City 66, Manhattan 62 Lawrence 61, Olathe East 43 Lawrence-Nelson, Neb. 64, Rock Hills 63, OT Lincoln 47, Tescott 26 Little River 56, Atchison County 24 Logan-Palco 61, Stockton 29 Madison 46, Northern Heights 35 Maize South 65, Goddard 35 McPherson 64, Winfield 26 Medicine Lodge 56, Kingman 33 Moundridge 75, Hutchinson Central Christian 25 Olathe Northwest 67, SM Northwest 55 Olathe South 57, SM East 55 Osage City 61, Topeka Cair Paravel 37 Oswego 50, Yates Center 26 Oswego 64, Chetopa 35 Ottawa 61, Baldwin 52 Paola 82, Tonganoxie 72, 2OT Pratt 67, Halstead 41 Remington 38, Wichita Classical 30 Rock Creek 66, Clay Center 48 Sabetha 53, Holton 37 Scott City 56, Ulysses 48 Southeast of Saline 67, Lyons 59 St Marys 65, Perry-Lecompton 46 Stanton County 65, Walsh, Colo. 33 Sterling 64, Central Plains 38 Topeka West 59, Topeka Seaman 57 Valley Heights 60, Washington County 51 Wellington 69, El Dorado 46 Wichita Bishop Carroll 59, Wichita South 50 Wichita Collegiate 85, Rose Hill 42 Wichita Heights 59, Kapaun Mount Carmel 54 Wichita Sunrise 63, Manhattan CHIEF 47

AREA GIRLS SCORES Ellis 40, La Crosse 35 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Oakley 42, Norton 32 Otis Bison 40, Kinsley 37 Phillipsburg 58, Trego 23 Plainville 41, Hill City 32&nbsp; Smith Center 61, Russell 53&nbsp; Stockton 48, Logan 43 Sylvan-Lucas 69, Natoma 9&nbsp;&nbsp; Victoria 55, Golden Plains 25AREA BOYS SCORES Ellis 40, La Crosse 30 Emporia 41, Hays 36&nbsp; Norton 63, Oakley 44&nbsp; Otis-Bison 56, Kinsley 35 Phillipsburg 53, Trego 45 Plainville 68, Hill City 54 Russell 63, Smith Center 48 Sylvan-Lucas 55, Natoma 24 Victoria 56, Golden Plains 26OTHER GIRLS SCORES Andover 58, Andover Central 23 Arkansas City 53, Salina Central 43 Ashland 64, Pawnee Heights 32 Beloit 48, Ellsworth 47 Bennington 48, Marion 35 Caney Valley 60, Erie 36 Central Plains 55, Sterling 27 Circle 42, Mulvane 35 Clearwater 34, Andale 31 Coffeyville 55, Chanute 34 Colby 50, Goodland 30 Conway Springs 39, Douglass 27 Crest 37, Pleasanton 9 Derby 69, Wichita Campus 34 Doniphan West 56, Frankfort 25 Elkhart 47, Deerfield 32 Elyria Christian 32, Reno County 29 Fairfield 46, Stafford 33 Frontenac 71, Baxter Springs 18 Garden Plain 50, Wichita Trinity 45 Halstead 55, Pratt 49 Hanover 40, Linn 38 Hesston 58, Hoisington 24 Hillsboro 49, Haven 43 Hodgeman County 62, Minneola 22 Hooker, Okla. 36, Hugoton 22 Hutchinson 38, Valley Center 22 Hutchinson Central Christian 38, Attica 30 Inman 51, Berean Academy 36 KC Piper 73, Shawnee Heights 49 Kingman 44, Medicine Lodge 41 Lansing 46, KC Turner 21 Larned 62, Nickerson 19 Lawrence 61, Olathe East 43 Liberal 44, Garden City 41 Little River 73, Goessel 9 Macksville 73, Chase 15 Madison 41, Northern Heights 11 Maize South 49, Goddard 34 Manhattan 93, Junction City 25 McPherson 51, Winfield 24 Nemaha Central 58, Royal Valley 26 Neodesha 53, Columbus 43 Olathe North 61, Lawrence Free State 12 Olathe Northwest 47, SM East 44 Olpe 42, Hartford 35 Osage City 69, Topeka Cair Paravel 10 Ottawa 48, Baldwin 43 Remington 52, Wichita Classical 35 Rock Creek 54, Clay Center 46 Rock Hills 43, Lawrence-Nelson, Neb. 38 Rural Vista 39, Centre 31 Scott City 62, Ulysses 30 Smoky Valley 57, Chapman 46 Southeast of Saline 44, Lyons 19 Southwestern Hts. 34, Meade 29 St Marys 54, Perry-Lecompton 30 St Paul 54, Uniontown 23 St. James Academy 69, BV Southwest 43 St. John 49, Ellinwood 37 Stanton County 44, Walsh, Colo. 15 Tescott 41, Lincoln 29 Tonganoxie 40, Paola 14 Topeka Hayden 56, Topeka 41 Topeka Seaman 71, Topeka West 29 Udall 56, Caldwell 33 Valley Heights 60, Washington County 47 Wabaunsee 42, Council Grove 27 Wallace County 42, Greeley County 32 Wamego 56, Concordia 46 Wellington 91, El Dorado 15 Wichita Bishop Carroll 38, Wichita South 33 Wichita Collegiate 29, Rose Hill 22OTHER BOYS SCORES Andale 64, Clearwater 19 Andover 48, Andover Central 40 Ashland 42, Pawnee Heights 29 Augusta 61, Buhler 52 Beloit 51, Ellsworth 33 Berean Academy 48, Inman 20 Bishop Seabury 90, Northland Christian, Mo. 55 Bonner Springs 56, Spring Hill 49 Burlington 79, Osawatomie 44 Caney Valley 79, Erie 44 Circle 72, Mulvane 64 Conway Springs 45, Douglass 38 Derby 70, Wichita Campus 52 Doniphan West 56, Frankfort 25 Elkhart 73, Deerfield 65 Ellinwood 63, St. John 44 Frontenac 69, Baxter Springs 51 Galena 45, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 23 Garden City 69, Liberal 61 Garden Plain 49, Wichita Trinity 35 Goodland 58, Colby 49 Hanover 59, Linn 36 Haven 41, Hillsboro 35 Hesston 40, Hoisington 34 Highland Park 86, KC Sumner 42 Hooker, Okla. 77, Hugoton 52 Hutchinson 66, Valley Center 40 Jayhawk Linn 42, Central Heights 37 Junction City 66, Manhattan 62 Lawrence 61, Olathe East 43 Lawrence-Nelson, Neb. 64, Rock Hills 63, OT Lincoln 47, Tescott 26 Little River 56, Atchison County 24 Logan-Palco 61, Stockton 29 Madison 46, Northern Heights 35 Maize South 65, Goddard 35 McPherson 64, Winfield 26 Medicine Lodge 56, Kingman 33 Moundridge 75, Hutchinson Central Christian 25 Olathe Northwest 67, SM Northwest 55 Olathe South 57, SM East 55 Osage City 61, Topeka Cair Paravel 37 Oswego 50, Yates Center 26 Oswego 64, Chetopa 35 Ottawa 61, Baldwin 52 Paola 82, Tonganoxie 72, 2OT Pratt 67, Halstead 41 Remington 38, Wichita Classical 30 Rock Creek 66, Clay Center 48 Sabetha 53, Holton 37 Scott City 56, Ulysses 48 Southeast of Saline 67, Lyons 59 St Marys 65, Perry-Lecompton 46 Stanton County 65, Walsh, Colo. 33 Sterling 64, Central Plains 38 Topeka West 59, Topeka Seaman 57 Valley Heights 60, Washington County 51 Wellington 69, El Dorado 46 Wichita Bishop Carroll 59, Wichita South 50 Wichita Collegiate 85, Rose Hill 42 Wichita Heights 59, Kapaun Mount Carmel 54 Wichita Sunrise 63, Manhattan CHIEF 47

🏀 Tuesday high school results

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

EMPORIA - Hays finally got their season going in 2025 after Mother Nature postponed the first two contests last week. The first of two make-up game took place in Emporia on Tuesday night.

Girls:&nbsp;#6 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Hays outscored Emporia in all four quarters on their way to a 66-12 win and in the process picked up their seventh win in seven tries this season.

Emporia hit a three pointer to open the game before Hays went on a 21-0 run over the next six minutes. Emporia shot just two field goals in the first quarter and took seven total shots through the first half. The Indians knocked down a shot at the end of the first quarter for a 23-4 lead.

Hays outscored Emporia 19-4 in the second quarter and 19-2 in the third for a 61-10 lead. The running clock fourth quarter still saw the Indians outscore the Spartans 5-2 for the 66-12 victory.

Hays allowed just 12 field goal attempts and forced 36 turnovers. Hays let go of the ball just seven times to match a season low. The Indians also shot a season high 56%.

Hays improves to 7-0 while Emporia falls to 0-5. The Spartans graduated 12 seniors following a fourth place finish at 5A state last year.

The Indians travel to Garden City Friday to resume Western Athletic Conference play.

Jenna Schmeidler 10; Annie Humphrey 3; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 5; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 6; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 2; Haley LaBarge 1.

Boys:&nbsp;Emporia 41, Hays 36 Hays had was outscored by eight in the fourth quarter falling 41-36 on the road Tuesday.

There weren't many points in the first half but Hays had more than half of them leading 18-14. Emporia led by two points twice before Hays used a 9-0 run that led to a 11-4 lead midway through the first quarter.

The Indians didn't score for the next six minutes but only allowed four points during the same stretch. Hays rebuilt their lead to 18-12 and had the ball inside two minutes remaining in the first half. Emporia closed the gap down to 18-14 at halftime.

Hays had a pair of seven point leads in the third quarter but never advanced the lead from that point. The Indians led 25-18 with 3:36 left in the third. That lead was followed by six straight turnovers. Despite that Hays led 25-22 going to the fourth quarter.

The Indians opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to take a 28-22 advantage. Hays didn't score for the next 6:08 when they made a pair of free throws with 1:02 left in the fourth, cutting the lead down to 34-30.&nbsp;

A pair of three pointers by Hays wrapped around a single free throw make brought Hays within one point at 37-36 with 11 seconds remaining. The Spartans cashed a pair of free throws to lead by three and Hays turned the ball over one more time. Two more Emporia free throws made the difference at 41-36.

Hays falls to 3-4 on the season. Emporia is now 4-2.

The Indians travels to Garden City on Friday.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 8; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 12; Izaac Fox 5; Dawson Ruder 2.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostEMPORIA - Hays finally got their season going in 2025 after Mother Nature postponed the first two contests last week. The first of two make-up game took place in Emporia on Tuesday night.Girls:&nbsp;#6 Hays 66, Emporia 12 Hays outscored Emporia in all four quarters on their way to a 66-12 win and in the process picked up their seventh win in seven tries this season.Emporia hit a three pointer to open the game before Hays went on a 21-0 run over the next six minutes. Emporia shot just two field goals in the first quarter and took seven total shots through the first half. The Indians knocked down a shot at the end of the first quarter for a 23-4 lead.Hays outscored Emporia 19-4 in the second quarter and 19-2 in the third for a 61-10 lead. The running clock fourth quarter still saw the Indians outscore the Spartans 5-2 for the 66-12 victory.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2009517483&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-wbkb-hilights-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Highlights V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays allowed just 12 field goal attempts and forced 36 turnovers. Hays let go of the ball just seven times to match a season low. The Indians also shot a season high 56%.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2009520331&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-wbkb-coach-interview-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS WBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays improves to 7-0 while Emporia falls to 0-5. The Spartans graduated 12 seniors following a fourth place finish at 5A state last year.The Indians travel to Garden City Friday to resume Western Athletic Conference play.Jenna Schmeidler 10; Annie Humphrey 3; Katie Linenberger 10; Molly Martin 16; Kenlee Winter 4; Morgan Armbruster 3; Jaysa Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 5; Molly Buckles 4; Zoe Winter 6; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 2; Haley LaBarge 1.Boys:&nbsp;Emporia 41, Hays 36 Hays had was outscored by eight in the fourth quarter falling 41-36 on the road Tuesday.There weren't many points in the first half but Hays had more than half of them leading 18-14. Emporia led by two points twice before Hays used a 9-0 run that led to a 11-4 lead midway through the first quarter.The Indians didn't score for the next six minutes but only allowed four points during the same stretch. Hays rebuilt their lead to 18-12 and had the ball inside two minutes remaining in the first half. Emporia closed the gap down to 18-14 at halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2009573595&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-mbkb-highlights-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Highlights V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays had a pair of seven point leads in the third quarter but never advanced the lead from that point. The Indians led 25-18 with 3:36 left in the third. That lead was followed by six straight turnovers. Despite that Hays led 25-22 going to the fourth quarter.The Indians opened up the fourth quarter with a three pointer to take a 28-22 advantage. Hays didn't score for the next 6:08 when they made a pair of free throws with 1:02 left in the fourth, cutting the lead down to 34-30.&nbsp;A pair of three pointers by Hays wrapped around a single free throw make brought Hays within one point at 37-36 with 11 seconds remaining. The Spartans cashed a pair of free throws to lead by three and Hays turned the ball over one more time. Two more Emporia free throws made the difference at 41-36.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2009571487&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-14-25-hhs-mbkb-coach-interview-v-emporia" title="1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1 - 14 - 25 HHS MBKB Coach Interview V. Emporia</a></div></div>Hays falls to 3-4 on the season. Emporia is now 4-2.The Indians travels to Garden City on Friday.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 8; Trace Jacobs 0; Cooper Lindenmeyer 0; Trey Oakley 9; Tiger Johnson 12; Izaac Fox 5; Dawson Ruder 2.

🏀 Ranked Hays girls pick up win; boys lose in Emporia

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had his mind on the playoffs even as he was awaiting the arrival of his third child.

The Chiefs quarterback said Tuesday that his wife, Brittany, let him watch some of the wild-card games Sunday while they were waiting for her to give birth. She wound up delivering their second daughter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-brittany-mahomes-baby-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-48967dce27451d5c67c822f165cc6177">which they named Golden Raye,</a>&nbsp;to go along with 3-year-old daughter Sterling and a 2-year-old son that they nicknamed Bronze.

“Brittany crushed it,” Mahomes said before heading out to practice for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against Houston, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chargers-score-5a108d64ad9775007e5b4baade32bcf8">blew out the Chargers</a>&nbsp;in the wild-card round. "It's been cool to welcome another baby girl to the family and see how my other kids reacted to her, and have a baby sister and stuff like that. So it's been a lot of fun.

“And,” Mahomes added, “it was cool that football was on TV while I was in the hospital, so I was able to watch a little bit.”

Mahomes, a self-described football junkie, was happy the schedule worked out for him. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-chargers-west-nfl-playoffs-ce1fccd9eacb64a76e1867d94086242b">Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed</a>&nbsp;and a first-round bye before their Week 18 game in Denver, which Mahomes sat out with many of their best players. And that meant he was able to focus on the arrival of his child rather than worrying about a first-round playoff opponent.

Asked whether baby No. 3 was easier than the first two, Mahomes offered a wise husband-turned-father reply: “I don't even want to say that because, like, Brittany's doing everything.”

“It was cool that we got the bye, just because you can kind of really focus in on just being at the hospital, being in the moment,” he added. “It's a special moment that a lot of dads and moms experience. And you don't forget that stuff.”

Now, the two-time NFL MVP can focus on making some more memories. The Chiefs are trying to become the first team to win three consecutive Lombardi Trophies. They were early 8 1/2-point favorites to beat the Texans, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and have the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl behind Detroit, the top seed in the NFC.

“I think every year is special,” Mahomes said. “Obviously you want to win three in a row and build those memories with the guys and the community. But every single year is special. And when I look back at all the different Super Bowls that we've won, I look back at special moments that we've had and special games that we've had. And so, we'll try to do the same this year.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-37fa92c3c83761eb6574e2e5529acfd1">The Chiefs beat the Texans</a>&nbsp;the weekend before Christmas, part of a grueling stretch in which both played three times over 11 days. And they've won four in a row over Houston dating to the 2020 playoffs, when they fell behind 24-0 in a divisional-round game at Arrowhead Stadium but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1129919fad337ff1d482dc02cb5a4059">rallied for a 51-31 victory</a>&nbsp;— and went on to win Mahomes' first Super Bowl.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the bye week — and really, more than three weeks off for the most consequential players who sat out the game in Denver — has left his team as healthy as it's been all season heading into their playoff opener.

“They've got good attitudes," Reid said. ”They were in last week and did a nice job with that. Even on the days off, a lot of them came in. But they're excited. They know they're playing a good football team."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736894737494.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes had his mind on the playoffs even as he was awaiting the arrival of his third child.The Chiefs quarterback said Tuesday that his wife, Brittany, let him watch some of the wild-card games Sunday while they were waiting for her to give birth. She wound up delivering their second daughter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patrick-brittany-mahomes-baby-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-48967dce27451d5c67c822f165cc6177">which they named Golden Raye,</a>&nbsp;to go along with 3-year-old daughter Sterling and a 2-year-old son that they nicknamed Bronze.“Brittany crushed it,” Mahomes said before heading out to practice for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against Houston, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chargers-score-5a108d64ad9775007e5b4baade32bcf8">blew out the Chargers</a>&nbsp;in the wild-card round. "It's been cool to welcome another baby girl to the family and see how my other kids reacted to her, and have a baby sister and stuff like that. So it's been a lot of fun.“And,” Mahomes added, “it was cool that football was on TV while I was in the hospital, so I was able to watch a little bit.”Mahomes, a self-described football junkie, was happy the schedule worked out for him. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-chargers-west-nfl-playoffs-ce1fccd9eacb64a76e1867d94086242b">Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed</a>&nbsp;and a first-round bye before their Week 18 game in Denver, which Mahomes sat out with many of their best players. And that meant he was able to focus on the arrival of his child rather than worrying about a first-round playoff opponent.Asked whether baby No. 3 was easier than the first two, Mahomes offered a wise husband-turned-father reply: “I don't even want to say that because, like, Brittany's doing everything.”“It was cool that we got the bye, just because you can kind of really focus in on just being at the hospital, being in the moment,” he added. “It's a special moment that a lot of dads and moms experience. And you don't forget that stuff.”Now, the two-time NFL MVP can focus on making some more memories. The Chiefs are trying to become the first team to win three consecutive Lombardi Trophies. They were early 8 1/2-point favorites to beat the Texans, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and have the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl behind Detroit, the top seed in the NFC.“I think every year is special,” Mahomes said. “Obviously you want to win three in a row and build those memories with the guys and the community. But every single year is special. And when I look back at all the different Super Bowls that we've won, I look back at special moments that we've had and special games that we've had. And so, we'll try to do the same this year.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chiefs-score-37fa92c3c83761eb6574e2e5529acfd1">The Chiefs beat the Texans</a>&nbsp;the weekend before Christmas, part of a grueling stretch in which both played three times over 11 days. And they've won four in a row over Houston dating to the 2020 playoffs, when they fell behind 24-0 in a divisional-round game at Arrowhead Stadium but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1129919fad337ff1d482dc02cb5a4059">rallied for a 51-31 victory</a>&nbsp;— and went on to win Mahomes' first Super Bowl.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the bye week — and really, more than three weeks off for the most consequential players who sat out the game in Denver — has left his team as healthy as it's been all season heading into their playoff opener.“They've got good attitudes," Reid said. ”They were in last week and did a nice job with that. Even on the days off, a lot of them came in. But they're excited. They know they're playing a good football team."

🏈 Patrick Mahomes watched the playoffs while awaiting his child's birth. Now, he's ready to play

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball received votes in the NABC Top 25 Poll for the third-straight week on Tuesday (Jan. 14). Fort Hays State currently holds a record of 10-4 overall on the season and is off to a 3-2 start in MIAA play. FHSU will play at home twice this week.

Washburn is now the No. 1 ranked team in the nation in the latest NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls. With 2023-24 national runner-up Nova Southeastern taking its first loss of the season last week, undefeated Washburn (15-0) took over the No. 1 spot in both polls. The Ichabods have reached the No. 1 national ranking for the first time since 1992. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA school referenced in the latest NABC Poll.

Two of Fort Hays State's losses this year have been to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 22) in the season opener back on November 8. Washburn was ranked No. 3 when it met FHSU back in December and Southwest Minnesota State began the year receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 19 ranking this week.

Fort Hays State plays host to Missouri Western (Thur. Jan. 16) and Northwest Missouri State (Sat. Jan. 18) this week in Hays. FHSU defeated NWMSU in Maryville back on January 2 before falling by three points to MWSU in St. Joseph on January 4.

Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 14, 2025.

﻿RANK	SCHOOL	RECORD	POINTS	PREVIOUS 1	Washburn, Kan. (14)	15-0	398	2 2	Daemen, N.Y. (1)	14-0	378	3 3	Nova Southeastern, Fla. (1)	14-1	365	1 4	Ferris State, Mich.	16-1	353	5 5	Alabama Huntsville	15-1	346	6 6	Lake Superior State, Mich.	14-2	279	10 7	Pace, N.Y.	15-1	273	11 8	Florida Southern	15-2	261	12 9	Findlay, Ohio	14-1	258	13 10	West Liberty, W.Va.	12-2	248	7 11	Lincoln Memorial, Tenn.	11-2	238	14 12	Colorado School of Mines	12-2	213	15 13	Fairmont State, W.Va.	12-2	205	9 14	Minot State, N.D.	17-2	192	4 15	Missouri S&amp;T	11-1	181	17 16	DBU, Texas	15-3	153	8 17	Saint Martin's, Wash.	16-2	139	18 18	Valdosta State, Ga.	13-2	134	19 19	MSU Denver, Colo.	12-2	124	22 20	Hillsdale, Mich.	14-2	112	20 21	Gannon, Pa.	14-2	61	NR 22	Southwest Minnesota State	13-3	56	NR 23	Palm Beach Atlantic, Fla.	13-2	52	NR 24	Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C.	12-3	48	16 25	Columbus State, Ga.	11-2	46	25

Receiving Votes: Chico State (Calif.) 34, Coker (S.C.) 11, Northern Michigan 8, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 6, Adelphi (N.Y.) 5, Midwestern State (Texas) 5, Winona State (Minn.) 5, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 4, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 4, Lewis (Ill.) 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736894315001.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball received votes in the NABC Top 25 Poll for the third-straight week on Tuesday (Jan. 14). Fort Hays State currently holds a record of 10-4 overall on the season and is off to a 3-2 start in MIAA play. FHSU will play at home twice this week.Washburn is now the No. 1 ranked team in the nation in the latest NABC and D2CSC Top 25 Polls. With 2023-24 national runner-up Nova Southeastern taking its first loss of the season last week, undefeated Washburn (15-0) took over the No. 1 spot in both polls. The Ichabods have reached the No. 1 national ranking for the first time since 1992. Fort Hays State is the only other MIAA school referenced in the latest NABC Poll.Two of Fort Hays State's losses this year have been to current NABC Top 25 ranked teams. The Tigers fell to Washburn back on December 7 and to Southwest Minnesota State (currently No. 22) in the season opener back on November 8. Washburn was ranked No. 3 when it met FHSU back in December and Southwest Minnesota State began the year receiving votes, while FHSU was ranked No. 16 in the preseason poll. FHSU also has a win over a current NABC Top 25 team in MSU Denver, which holds the No. 19 ranking this week.Fort Hays State plays host to Missouri Western (Thur. Jan. 16) and Northwest Missouri State (Sat. Jan. 18) this week in Hays. FHSU defeated NWMSU in Maryville back on January 2 before falling by three points to MWSU in St. Joseph on January 4.Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 14, 2025.﻿RANK	SCHOOL	RECORD	POINTS	PREVIOUS 1	Washburn, Kan. (14)	15-0	398	2 2	Daemen, N.Y. (1)	14-0	378	3 3	Nova Southeastern, Fla. (1)	14-1	365	1 4	Ferris State, Mich.	16-1	353	5 5	Alabama Huntsville	15-1	346	6 6	Lake Superior State, Mich.	14-2	279	10 7	Pace, N.Y.	15-1	273	11 8	Florida Southern	15-2	261	12 9	Findlay, Ohio	14-1	258	13 10	West Liberty, W.Va.	12-2	248	7 11	Lincoln Memorial, Tenn.	11-2	238	14 12	Colorado School of Mines	12-2	213	15 13	Fairmont State, W.Va.	12-2	205	9 14	Minot State, N.D.	17-2	192	4 15	Missouri S&amp;T	11-1	181	17 16	DBU, Texas	15-3	153	8 17	Saint Martin's, Wash.	16-2	139	18 18	Valdosta State, Ga.	13-2	134	19 19	MSU Denver, Colo.	12-2	124	22 20	Hillsdale, Mich.	14-2	112	20 21	Gannon, Pa.	14-2	61	NR 22	Southwest Minnesota State	13-3	56	NR 23	Palm Beach Atlantic, Fla.	13-2	52	NR 24	Lenoir-Rhyne, N.C.	12-3	48	16 25	Columbus State, Ga.	11-2	46	25Receiving Votes: Chico State (Calif.) 34, Coker (S.C.) 11, Northern Michigan 8, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) 6, Adelphi (N.Y.) 5, Midwestern State (Texas) 5, Winona State (Minn.) 5, Cal State Dominguez Hills 4, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 4, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 4, Lewis (Ill.) 1.

🏀 FHSU men receiving votes in NABC poll for third-straight week

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team held steady at No. 7 in this week's WBCA Coaches Poll while the Tigers moved up one spot to No. 13 in the latest D2CSC Media Poll, both released Tuesday (Jan. 14).

Fort Hays State is now 13-1 on the year after defeating Emporia State 87-65 last week, the Tigers' third conference win by at least 20 points. FHSU accumulated 426 points in the coaches poll this week, up from 402 a week ago.

This is the third time this season that the Tigers have been slotted seventh in the coaches poll and the ninth-such occurrence all-time. Fort Hays State is now 13-0 all-time when playing as the seventh-ranked team in the DII coaches poll. The Tigers have more wins without a loss as the seventh-ranked team than any other spot in the poll. The next closest is No. 11, where the Tigers are 7-0.

Fort Hays State is 170-44 when ranked in the DII Coaches Poll, including a 119-25 mark when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers have been listed in the WBCA Top 25 112 times, including 73 appearances in the top 10.

Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA program listed in either poll, with the Gorillas moving up one spot in each poll to No. 12 in the coaches rankings and No. 11 in the media poll.

The Tigers will play at home twice this week beginning Thursday (Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m.) when they look to avenge their lone loss of the season against Missouri Western.

WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 14, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State - 16-1 - 571 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 15-1 - 544 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 16-0 - 525 - 3 4 - Bentley - 15-1 - 503 - 4 5 - North Georgia - 13-0 - 469 - 6 6 - Montana State Billings - 16-2 - 468 - 5 7 - Fort Hays State - 13-1 - 426 - 7 8 - Azusa Pacific - 14-1 - 403 - 8 9 - Seton Hill - 15-1 - 371 - 10 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 15-2 - 361 - 11 11 - Union (Tenn.) - 14-2 - 322 - 12 12 - Pittsburg State - 14-2 - 304 - 13 13 - Texas-Tyler - 13-2 - 274 - 14 14 - Ashland - 14-3 - 241 - 15 15 - Embry-Riddle - 13-1 - 237 - 16 16t - Coker - 13-1 - 205 - 17 16t - Gannon - 15-3 - 205 - 9 18 - Lubbock Christian - 14-3 - 171 - 18 19 - Cal Poly Pomona - 12-2 - 170 - 21 20 - Nova Southeastern - 13-2 - 165 - 20 21t - Belmont Abbey - 12-2 - 98 - 23 21t - Concordia-St. Paul - 14-2 - 98 - 24 23 - Southwest Minnesota State - 14-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Tampa - 13-4 - 50 - 19 25 - Carson-Newman - 12-4 - 39 - 22

Receiving Votes: Alaska Anchorage (14-2) 33; Harding (12-2) 32; Indiana (Pa.) (12-2) 28; Fairmont State (11-3) 9; Chowan (9-0) 8; UNC Pembroke (13-3) 7; Lewis (12-1) 3; Miles (9-3) 2.

Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (14) - 16-1 - 374 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 15-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (1) - 14-0 - 333 - 4 4 - Bentley - 15-1 - 328 - 3 5 - Seton Hill - 15-1 - 304 - 5 6 - North Georgia - 13-0 - 298 - 6 7 - Embry-Riddle - 13-1 - 277 - 7 8 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 15-2 - 272 - 8 9 - Montana State Billings - 16-2 - 264 - 9 10 - Texas Tyler - 13-2 - 243 - 11 11 - Pittsburg State - 14-2 - 231 - 12 12 - Ashland - 14-3 - 192 - 14 13 - Fort Hays State - 13-1 - 176 - 14 14 - Azusa Pacific - 14-1 - 164 - 17 15 - Union - 14-2 - 162 - 20 16 - Lubbock Christian - 14-3 - 154 - 18 17 - Gannon - 15-3 - 146 - 10 18 - Nova Southeastern - 13-2 - 120 - 15 T19 - Holy Family - 12-3 - 95 - 21 T19 - Coker - 13-1 - 95 - 23 21 - Concordia-St. Paul - 14-2 - 87 - 22 22 - Indiana (Pa.) - 12-2 - 61 - 19 23 - Southern Connecticut State - 13-2 - 36 - RV 24 - Lewis - 12-1 - 36 - RV 25 - Belmont Abbey - 12-2 - 29 - RV

Receiving Votes: Cal Poly-Pomona (27); Colorado State- Pueblo (6); Northern Michigan (6); Southwest Minnesota State (3); Alaska-Anchorage (1); Alabama-Huntsville (1)

Dropped Out: (16) Carson-Newman; (24) Northern Michigan; (25) Tampa

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736894035644.png" alt="

FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch" />
 <figcaption>

FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe Fort Hays State women's basketball team held steady at No. 7 in this week's WBCA Coaches Poll while the Tigers moved up one spot to No. 13 in the latest D2CSC Media Poll, both released Tuesday (Jan. 14).Fort Hays State is now 13-1 on the year after defeating Emporia State 87-65 last week, the Tigers' third conference win by at least 20 points. FHSU accumulated 426 points in the coaches poll this week, up from 402 a week ago.This is the third time this season that the Tigers have been slotted seventh in the coaches poll and the ninth-such occurrence all-time. Fort Hays State is now 13-0 all-time when playing as the seventh-ranked team in the DII coaches poll. The Tigers have more wins without a loss as the seventh-ranked team than any other spot in the poll. The next closest is No. 11, where the Tigers are 7-0.Fort Hays State is 170-44 when ranked in the DII Coaches Poll, including a 119-25 mark when ranked inside the top 10. The Tigers have been listed in the WBCA Top 25 112 times, including 73 appearances in the top 10.Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA program listed in either poll, with the Gorillas moving up one spot in each poll to No. 12 in the coaches rankings and No. 11 in the media poll.The Tigers will play at home twice this week beginning Thursday (Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m.) when they look to avenge their lone loss of the season against Missouri Western.WBCA NCAA DII Coaches Poll - January 14, 2025 Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State - 16-1 - 571 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 15-1 - 544 - 2 3 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 16-0 - 525 - 3 4 - Bentley - 15-1 - 503 - 4 5 - North Georgia - 13-0 - 469 - 6 6 - Montana State Billings - 16-2 - 468 - 5 7 - Fort Hays State - 13-1 - 426 - 7 8 - Azusa Pacific - 14-1 - 403 - 8 9 - Seton Hill - 15-1 - 371 - 10 10 - Minnesota State Mankato - 15-2 - 361 - 11 11 - Union (Tenn.) - 14-2 - 322 - 12 12 - Pittsburg State - 14-2 - 304 - 13 13 - Texas-Tyler - 13-2 - 274 - 14 14 - Ashland - 14-3 - 241 - 15 15 - Embry-Riddle - 13-1 - 237 - 16 16t - Coker - 13-1 - 205 - 17 16t - Gannon - 15-3 - 205 - 9 18 - Lubbock Christian - 14-3 - 171 - 18 19 - Cal Poly Pomona - 12-2 - 170 - 21 20 - Nova Southeastern - 13-2 - 165 - 20 21t - Belmont Abbey - 12-2 - 98 - 23 21t - Concordia-St. Paul - 14-2 - 98 - 24 23 - Southwest Minnesota State - 14-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Tampa - 13-4 - 50 - 19 25 - Carson-Newman - 12-4 - 39 - 22Dropped Out: NoneReceiving Votes: Alaska Anchorage (14-2) 33; Harding (12-2) 32; Indiana (Pa.) (12-2) 28; Fairmont State (11-3) 9; Chowan (9-0) 8; UNC Pembroke (13-3) 7; Lewis (12-1) 3; Miles (9-3) 2.D2CSC Media Poll - January 14, 2025Rk. - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (14) - 16-1 - 374 - 1 2 - Texas Woman's - 15-1 - 354 - 2 3 - Cal State-Dominguez Hills (1) - 14-0 - 333 - 4 4 - Bentley - 15-1 - 328 - 3 5 - Seton Hill - 15-1 - 304 - 5 6 - North Georgia - 13-0 - 298 - 6 7 - Embry-Riddle - 13-1 - 277 - 7 8 - Minnesota State-Mankato - 15-2 - 272 - 8 9 - Montana State Billings - 16-2 - 264 - 9 10 - Texas Tyler - 13-2 - 243 - 11 11 - Pittsburg State - 14-2 - 231 - 12 12 - Ashland - 14-3 - 192 - 14 13 - Fort Hays State - 13-1 - 176 - 14 14 - Azusa Pacific - 14-1 - 164 - 17 15 - Union - 14-2 - 162 - 20 16 - Lubbock Christian - 14-3 - 154 - 18 17 - Gannon - 15-3 - 146 - 10 18 - Nova Southeastern - 13-2 - 120 - 15 T19 - Holy Family - 12-3 - 95 - 21 T19 - Coker - 13-1 - 95 - 23 21 - Concordia-St. Paul - 14-2 - 87 - 22 22 - Indiana (Pa.) - 12-2 - 61 - 19 23 - Southern Connecticut State - 13-2 - 36 - RV 24 - Lewis - 12-1 - 36 - RV 25 - Belmont Abbey - 12-2 - 29 - RVReceiving Votes: Cal Poly-Pomona (27); Colorado State- Pueblo (6); Northern Michigan (6); Southwest Minnesota State (3); Alaska-Anchorage (1); Alabama-Huntsville (1)Dropped Out: (16) Carson-Newman; (24) Northern Michigan; (25) Tampa

🏀 Tiger women ranked seventh in coaches poll, 13th in media rankings

The Hays High girls' have six wrestlers ranked and the boys have one in the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday.

Tionna Napue is ranked No. 1 at 135, Eleanor Stoffel is second at 190, Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155, Kenlee Vehige sits fourth at 120, Emersyn Copper is fifth at 100 and Reese Vehige sixth at 125.

Johnny Rigler is ranked fourth at 190 in Class 5A boys.1. 

Quinter's Tate Blackwill is ranked No. 1 at 113 in 321A boys.

Stockton's Carolina Northup is No. 1 at 100 and&nbsp;Ashlyn Hahn No. 1 at 130 in Class 321A girls. Kia Mader of Ellis is second at 110.

Below are links to the rankings in all classifications for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

BOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>

GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Hays High girls' have six wrestlers ranked and the boys have one in the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released Tuesday.Tionna Napue is ranked No. 1 at 135, Eleanor Stoffel is second at 190, Timber Lovewell is third at 145, Lexi Barnett third at 155, Kenlee Vehige sits fourth at 120, Emersyn Copper is fifth at 100 and Reese Vehige sixth at 125.Johnny Rigler is ranked fourth at 190 in Class 5A boys.1. Quinter's Tate Blackwill is ranked No. 1 at 113 in 321A boys.Stockton's Carolina Northup is No. 1 at 100 and&nbsp;Ashlyn Hahn No. 1 at 130 in Class 321A girls. Kia Mader of Ellis is second at 110.Below are links to the rankings in all classifications for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.BOYS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Boys%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>GIRLS <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/All%20Class%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">ALL CLASS RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/321A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">321 RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/4A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">4A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/5A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">5A RANKINGS</a> <a href="https://5starassets.blob.core.windows.net/multi-media/2636319/hub/6A%20Girls%20Week%205.pdf">6A RANKINGS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♀️ Area wrestlers ranked in latest KWCA polls

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their weekly high school rankings.

The Hays High girls' move up to No. 6 in Class 5A. The Garden City girls' are ranked 7th in Class 6A. The Hoxie girls' are 5th in Class 2A.

The Great Bend boys at 9th in Class 5A. Logan-Palco is third in 1A Division 2.

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Olathe North 8. Blue Valley North 9. Olathe Northwest 10. Mill Valley

5A Boys
 1. Topeka Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Andover Central 6. Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. Topeka West 9. Great Bend 10. OP - Saint Thomas Aquinas

4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. St. George - Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Roeland Park – Bishop Miege

3A Boys&nbsp; 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Hesston 5. Cheney 6. Holcomb 7. Lakin 8. Scott Community 9. Nemaha Central 10. St. Mary's

2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater - Remington 6. Rossville 7. Valley Falls 8. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 9. Elbing - Berean Academy 10. Maur Hill Mt. Academy

1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Montezuma – South Gray 3. Lawrence - Bishop Seabury 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Olpe 6. Oxford 7. Macksville 8. Burlingame 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville

1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. Weskan 5. McPherson - Elyria Christian 6. Hanover 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. Otis - Bison 10. St. John’s/Tipton

6A Girls 1. OP - Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Derby 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Manhattan 6. Olathe South 7. Garden City 8. Shawnee Mission South 9. Shawnee Mission Northwest 10. Wichita East

5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Overland Park - St. Thomas Aquinas
 3. Andover
 4. De Soto
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Hays
 7. Maize South
 8. Arkansas City
 9. Andover Central
 9. Wichita Bishop Carroll

4A Girls 1. Wellington
 2. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 3. Topeka Hayden
 4. Eudora
 5. Clay Center
 6. Labette County
 7. Fort Scott
 8. Baldwin
 9. Buhler 10 St. George - Rock Creek&nbsp;

3A Girls 1.&nbsp; Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Haven 4. Silver Lake 5. Girard 6. Colby 7. Goodland 8. Osage City 9. Holcomb 10. Cheney

2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Hoxie 6. Elbing - Beran Academy 7. Ellinwood 8. Inman 9. Highland - Doniphan West 10. Bennington

1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma - South Gray 4. Clyde - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. St. John - Hudson 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Troy 10. Olpe

1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2 Wallace County – Sharon Springs 3. Lebo 4. Marias des Cygnes Valley
 5. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 6. South Haven&nbsp; 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712064660369.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their weekly high school rankings.The Hays High girls' move up to No. 6 in Class 5A. The Garden City girls' are ranked 7th in Class 6A. The Hoxie girls' are 5th in Class 2A.The Great Bend boys at 9th in Class 5A. Logan-Palco is third in 1A Division 2.6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission Northwest 2. Wichita Heights 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Junction City 6. Wichita Northwest 7. Olathe North 8. Blue Valley North 9. Olathe Northwest 10. Mill Valley 5A Boys
 1. Topeka Highland Park 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Wichita - Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Tecumseh – Shawnee Heights 5. Andover Central 6. Valley Center 7. Topeka Seaman 8. Topeka West 9. Great Bend 10. OP - Saint Thomas Aquinas 4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Ottawa 3. McPherson 4. St. George - Rock Creek 5. Concordia 6. Atchison 7. Augusta 8. Abilene 9. Clay Center 10. Roeland Park – Bishop Miege 3A Boys&nbsp; 1. Wichita Collegiate
 2. Goodland 3. Haven 4. Hesston 5. Cheney 6. Holcomb 7. Lakin 8. Scott Community 9. Nemaha Central 10. St. Mary's 2A Boys 1. Moundridge 2. Salina - Sacred Heart 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Sterling 5. Whitewater - Remington 6. Rossville 7. Valley Falls 8. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 9. Elbing - Berean Academy 10. Maur Hill Mt. Academy1A Div. 1 Boys 1. Coldwater - South Central 2. Montezuma – South Gray 3. Lawrence - Bishop Seabury 4. Claflin - Central Plains 5. Olpe 6. Oxford 7. Macksville 8. Burlingame 9. Burden - Central 10. Spearville 1A Div. 2 Boys 1. Cunningham 2. Axtell 3. Logan - Palco 4. Weskan 5. McPherson - Elyria Christian 6. Hanover 7. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 8. Dighton 9. Otis - Bison 10. St. John’s/Tipton6A Girls 1. OP - Blue Valley North 2. Wichita Heights 3. Derby 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Manhattan 6. Olathe South 7. Garden City 8. Shawnee Mission South 9. Shawnee Mission Northwest 10. Wichita East5A Girls
 1. Topeka Seaman
 2. Overland Park - St. Thomas Aquinas
 3. Andover
 4. De Soto
 5. Kansas City Piper
 6. Hays
 7. Maize South
 8. Arkansas City
 9. Andover Central
 9. Wichita Bishop Carroll4A Girls 1. Wellington
 2. Roeland Park - Bishop Miege
 3. Topeka Hayden
 4. Eudora
 5. Clay Center
 6. Labette County
 7. Fort Scott
 8. Baldwin
 9. Buhler 10 St. George - Rock Creek&nbsp;3A Girls 1.&nbsp; Hesston 2. Halstead 3. Haven 4. Silver Lake 5. Girard 6. Colby 7. Goodland 8. Osage City 9. Holcomb 10. Cheney 2A Girls 1. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 2. Eureka 3. Moundridge 4. Leoti - Wichita County 5. Hoxie 6. Elbing - Beran Academy 7. Ellinwood 8. Inman 9. Highland - Doniphan West 10. Bennington 1A Div. 1 Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Montezuma - South Gray 4. Clyde - Clifton Clyde 5. Claflin - Central Plains 6. Madison - Hamilton 7. St. John - Hudson 8. Atwood - Rawlins County 9. Troy 10. Olpe 1A Div. 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2 Wallace County – Sharon Springs 3. Lebo 4. Marias des Cygnes Valley
 5. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 6. South Haven&nbsp; 7. Hartford 8. Cheylin 9. Attica 10. Ingalls

🏀 Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings (Jan. 14)

Tuesday, January 14
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Emporia, 5:40pm &nbsp;KKQY: Logan-Palco MWBKB at Stockton, approx. 5:45pm

Wednesday, January 15
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Iowa State, 4:30pm

Thursday, January 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Ellis, 5:40pm

Friday, January 17
 KKQY: Otis-Bison
MWBKB at LaCrosse, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Garden City, 5:40pm

Saturday, January 18
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Kansas State, 10:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 1:35pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 2pm
 Sunday,
1/19
none

Tuesday, January 14
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Emporia, 5:40pm &nbsp;KKQY: Logan-Palco MWBKB at Stockton, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, January 15
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Iowa State, 4:30pmThursday, January 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Ellis, 5:40pmFriday, January 17
 KKQY: Otis-Bison
MWBKB at LaCrosse, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Garden City, 5:40pmSaturday, January 18
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Kansas State, 10:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 1:35pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 2pm
 Sunday,
1/19
none

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ARNIE%20STAPLETON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer</a>

DENVER (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-season-wrapup-nix-payton-b2593dd576936f77873176ae24350c97">Denver Broncos</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-season-wrapup-harbaugh-1efa14152cb290aec5b399b5643065ca">Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;felt good about their chances heading into the playoffs in large part because they had played the reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-6f7dbffff1f69e7b31277850fa6626b3">two-time Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;champion Kansas City Chiefs so tough this season.

Their wipeouts in the wild-card round show they're not as close to overtaking the Chiefs as they may have thought.

The Broncos (10-8) would have swept Kansas City (15-2) were it not for a blocked field goal as time expired in Week 10 that preserved the Chiefs' 16-14 escape at Arrowhead, and Denver ended its eight-year playoff drought with a 38-0 shutout of K.C.'s backups in Week 18.

If not for that fluke failure from his field goal protection unit, Sean Payton would be 3-1 against Kansas City since becoming Broncos head coach, and Jim Harbaugh was really close to going 2-0 against Andy Reid this season.

The Chargers (11-7) lost by two and seven points to K.C., which won its ninth consecutive AFC West crown in its quest for an unprecedented three-peat as Super Bowl champs.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chargers-score-5a108d64ad9775007e5b4baade32bcf8">Chargers face-planted 32-12 at Houston</a>&nbsp;on Saturday after taking a 6-0 lead into the second quarter, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-bills-playoffs-score-0519472b100dbacf96e8204dba436ffb">Broncos were blown out 31-7 at Buffalo</a>&nbsp;after grabbing a 7-0 lead just five snaps into the game.

The remaining teams — Baltimore, Buffalo and Houston — in the AFC field all could pose stiff challenges to the Chiefs. But Patrick Mahomes is 15-3 in the playoffs, has won his last seven postseason starts and is 4-0 against the AFC quarterbacks remaining in the playoffs.

Josh Allen is 0-3 against Mahomes in the playoffs and 6-2 against everybody else. Lamar Jackson is 0-1 against Mahomes and 3-3 against others, and Stroud is 2-1 and will face Mahomes for the first time in the postseason Saturday, when Mahomes and several other starters will be coming off a whopping 24 days' rest.

The Ravens and Bills meet in the other divisional round game while the Chargers and Broncos both look toward next season and ponder the painful lessons learned from their early exits.

Though not nearly as strong as the NFC North, which produced the 15-2 Lions, 14-3 Vikings and 11-6 Packers, all playoff teams, the AFC West sent three teams to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

“One of the things we learned early on is we got to find a way to play these games at home,” coach Sean Payton said.

That would mean upending the Chiefs, who have owned the division ever since Peyton Manning retired in 2016 and have averaged almost 13 wins a season since Mahomes became their starter in 2018.

So, how close are the Broncos to knocking the Chiefs from their pedestal? Several players who were cleaning out their lockers Monday said they felt they were close, although one thought it was a gotcha question.

“I mean, if you look at us, we were in all those games, every single one of them,” left tackle Garett Bolles said of the Broncos' 3-3 divisional record that included a sweep of Las Vegas and a pair of seven-point losses to the Chargers. “None of them were blowouts. We're right there. I think that we need to get some more playmakers but everything we have in this locker room, the core value, is here.

“The sky's the limit for us and I think we're going to be exactly where we want to be.”

Asked how close he felt the Broncos were to catching the Chiefs, right guard Quinn Meinerz, fresh off his first All-Pro season, was having none of it.

“You're already assuming the Chiefs,” he retorted.

Well, they have won nine consecutive division titles, second most ever behind the New England Patriots' 11-year dominance of the AFC East from 2009-19 under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

“We're not even on to the next season yet,” Meinerz interjected. “I mean, I can't predict any of that. We just got done playing in the playoffs. I think that's kind of a, kind of baiting question to ask, to be honest."

“This is all speculation and I'm not here to speculate,” Meinerz said. “I'm here to talk about what we just accomplished and not necessarily speculate on the future.”

He'll leave it to his coach to talk about supplanting Kansas City next season, by which time the Chiefs might just have another Lombardi Trophy glistening in their trophy case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736894536636.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) congratulates wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) after Franklin caught a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) congratulates wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) after Franklin caught a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ARNIE%20STAPLETON%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer</a>DENVER (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-season-wrapup-nix-payton-b2593dd576936f77873176ae24350c97">Denver Broncos</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-season-wrapup-harbaugh-1efa14152cb290aec5b399b5643065ca">Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;felt good about their chances heading into the playoffs in large part because they had played the reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-playoffs-6f7dbffff1f69e7b31277850fa6626b3">two-time Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;champion Kansas City Chiefs so tough this season.Their wipeouts in the wild-card round show they're not as close to overtaking the Chiefs as they may have thought.The Broncos (10-8) would have swept Kansas City (15-2) were it not for a blocked field goal as time expired in Week 10 that preserved the Chiefs' 16-14 escape at Arrowhead, and Denver ended its eight-year playoff drought with a 38-0 shutout of K.C.'s backups in Week 18.If not for that fluke failure from his field goal protection unit, Sean Payton would be 3-1 against Kansas City since becoming Broncos head coach, and Jim Harbaugh was really close to going 2-0 against Andy Reid this season.The Chargers (11-7) lost by two and seven points to K.C., which won its ninth consecutive AFC West crown in its quest for an unprecedented three-peat as Super Bowl champs.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-chargers-score-5a108d64ad9775007e5b4baade32bcf8">Chargers face-planted 32-12 at Houston</a>&nbsp;on Saturday after taking a 6-0 lead into the second quarter, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-bills-playoffs-score-0519472b100dbacf96e8204dba436ffb">Broncos were blown out 31-7 at Buffalo</a>&nbsp;after grabbing a 7-0 lead just five snaps into the game.The remaining teams — Baltimore, Buffalo and Houston — in the AFC field all could pose stiff challenges to the Chiefs. But Patrick Mahomes is 15-3 in the playoffs, has won his last seven postseason starts and is 4-0 against the AFC quarterbacks remaining in the playoffs.Josh Allen is 0-3 against Mahomes in the playoffs and 6-2 against everybody else. Lamar Jackson is 0-1 against Mahomes and 3-3 against others, and Stroud is 2-1 and will face Mahomes for the first time in the postseason Saturday, when Mahomes and several other starters will be coming off a whopping 24 days' rest.The Ravens and Bills meet in the other divisional round game while the Chargers and Broncos both look toward next season and ponder the painful lessons learned from their early exits.Though not nearly as strong as the NFC North, which produced the 15-2 Lions, 14-3 Vikings and 11-6 Packers, all playoff teams, the AFC West sent three teams to the postseason for the first time since 2013.“One of the things we learned early on is we got to find a way to play these games at home,” coach Sean Payton said.That would mean upending the Chiefs, who have owned the division ever since Peyton Manning retired in 2016 and have averaged almost 13 wins a season since Mahomes became their starter in 2018.So, how close are the Broncos to knocking the Chiefs from their pedestal? Several players who were cleaning out their lockers Monday said they felt they were close, although one thought it was a gotcha question.“I mean, if you look at us, we were in all those games, every single one of them,” left tackle Garett Bolles said of the Broncos' 3-3 divisional record that included a sweep of Las Vegas and a pair of seven-point losses to the Chargers. “None of them were blowouts. We're right there. I think that we need to get some more playmakers but everything we have in this locker room, the core value, is here.“The sky's the limit for us and I think we're going to be exactly where we want to be.”Asked how close he felt the Broncos were to catching the Chiefs, right guard Quinn Meinerz, fresh off his first All-Pro season, was having none of it.“You're already assuming the Chiefs,” he retorted.Well, they have won nine consecutive division titles, second most ever behind the New England Patriots' 11-year dominance of the AFC East from 2009-19 under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.“We're not even on to the next season yet,” Meinerz interjected. “I mean, I can't predict any of that. We just got done playing in the playoffs. I think that's kind of a, kind of baiting question to ask, to be honest."Are you around the corner, at least?“This is all speculation and I'm not here to speculate,” Meinerz said. “I'm here to talk about what we just accomplished and not necessarily speculate on the future.”He'll leave it to his coach to talk about supplanting Kansas City next season, by which time the Chiefs might just have another Lombardi Trophy glistening in their trophy case.

🏈 Blowouts show the Broncos, Chargers aren't as close to upending the Chiefs as they may have thought

Hays High at Emporia Tuesday, Jan. 14th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Emporia, Kan. - Emporia High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1989318">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

After a lengthy holiday break the Hays High Indians open the 2025 portion of their schedule Tuesday night on the road at Emporia.

The Hays girls are one of three unbeaten teams in 5A West at 6-0 while Emporia is 0-5.

The Indians boys look to get back to over .500 as they put their 3-3 record on the line against the 3-2&nbsp; Spartans.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6 p.m., and the boys' game will follow on the Indians Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="HHS Listen Live" />
 <figcaption>HHS Listen Live</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High at Emporia Tuesday, Jan. 14th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Emporia, Kan. - Emporia High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1989318">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>After a lengthy holiday break the Hays High Indians open the 2025 portion of their schedule Tuesday night on the road at Emporia.The Hays girls are one of three unbeaten teams in 5A West at 6-0 while Emporia is 0-5.The Indians boys look to get back to over .500 as they put their 3-3 record on the line against the 3-2&nbsp; Spartans.Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6 p.m., and the boys' game will follow on the Indians Sports Network.

🏀🎥 Hays High travels to Emporia

Monday, January 13
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6pm &nbsp;KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6pm

Monday, January 13
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with
Bill Self, 6pm &nbsp;KFIX: Chiefs Kingdom, 6pmTuesday, January 14
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB
at Emporia, 5:40pm &nbsp;KKQY: Logan-Palco MWBKB at Stockton, approx. 5:45pmWednesday, January 15
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at Iowa State, 4:30pmThursday, January 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
WMBKB vs. Missouri Western State, 5:05pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Ellis, 5:40pmFriday, January 17
 KKQY: Otis-Bison
MWBKB at LaCrosse, 5:15pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB at Garden City, 5:40pmSaturday, January 18
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Kansas State, 10:30am &nbsp;KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Northwest Missouri State, 1:35pm
 KFIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 2pm
 Sunday,
1/19
none

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-7ce3fc8ddcb6da68f7d1b83109912ab7">spread-the-wealth approach on offense</a>&nbsp;that was so productive in the regular season proved unstoppable in their playoff opener.

Whether it was Allen completing a 24-yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1878533116509446443">sliding running back Ty Johnson on fourth down</a>, or James Cook racking up 120 yards rushing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BuffaloBills/status/1878512854384435499">a 5-yard touchdown run</a>, the Bills leaned on a balanced attack in a 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in a wild-card playoff game on Sunday.

“I don’t think there was one certain thing over another. We just wanted to come out and execute well,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, we just wanted to come out and play our best football, and I feel like we did that today.”

With Allen completing 20 of 26 attempts for 272 yards passing and two touchdowns, and the running game combining for 210 yards, Buffalo methodically wore down the Broncos by scoring on six of its first seven drives in a game where the Bills finished with a 23-minute edge in time of possession.

Allen completed passes to eight players, including getting receiver Curtis Samuel involved by essentially sealing the win&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1878537183746793497">with a 55-yard touchdown catch</a>&nbsp;on the opening snap of the fourth quarter.

“I’ll speak on behalf of Curtis. He probably didn’t have the season that he wanted to have,” Allen said of the eighth-year player who was limited to 31 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown. “But he just continued to work hard, and that’s kind of the mentality we’ve had all year is everybody eats. And today was his day.”

The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills, who became the NFL’s first team to score 30 touchdowns rushing and passing in a season, advanced to the divisional round for a fifth straight postseason, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/allen-jackson-mahomes-stroud-beac74965e8b949f99bf43d26a4d53d0">will face the third-seeded Baltimore Ravens next Sunday night</a>.

The Ravens, coming off a 28-14 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday, routed Buffalo 35-10 at Baltimore in Week 4 this season. The outing will mark the second playoff meeting between Allen and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson after Buffalo defeated the Ravens 17-3 in the 2020 divisional round.

“This is what everyone’s been waiting for, right?” coach Sean McDermott said. “So it’ll be a nice week and everyone will be looking forward to it, and they’re a great football team. I mean they handled us pretty good the first go around and they’re certainly playing well.”

The seventh-seeded Broncos were outclassed in their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.

Denver’s offense essentially stalled after rookie Bo Nix capped a five-play opening drive with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1878504209831600380">43-yard touchdown pass to former college teammate Troy Franklin</a>. Nix finished 13 of 22 for 144 yards in an outing where Denver punted four times and turned the ball over on downs twice.

The game served as a lesson in how much further the first-round pick and the Broncos still have to go after a promising season in which Nix threw 29 touchdown passes — two short of the NFL rookie record.

“I’m really proud of these guys. We’ve overcome a lot and not really been counted in many games,” Nix said. “But to make the playoffs was a special moment for this group. It’s something we can build off of. ... Our goals are changing.”

Meantime, the Broncos attacking defense was kept at bay by an Allen-led attack that was more than content in gaining small chunks of yards on lengthy time-consuming drives. The Broncos, who had an NFL-leading 63 sacks this seasons, sacked Allen just twice in an game where the Bills punted once.

“Who got punched in the mouth?” Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau asked, dismissively, regarding the Broncos scoring 2:24 into the game.

“It really was just a message to ourselves,” Rousseau said. “We know who we are week after week, and what we’re capable of and what we’re supposed to do out there. That’s what it’s all about.”

Though the Bills didn't force a takeaway, they made impactful plays in limiting the Broncos to convert just two of nine third down opportunities.

And then there was Cam Lewis' diving tackle in shoving running back Jaleel McLaughlin out of bounds for no gain on fourth-and-2 at the Buffalo 14 early in the fourth quarter.

With Buffalo leading 13-7, Allen broke the game open with his touchdown pass to Johnson with 3:06 left in the third quarter. The score held up following a replay review, which showed Johnson’s foot touching out of bounds but after he secured the ball.

“You tell me it’s complete, I’m going to sign up for it every week,” McDermott said in placing his faith in Allen to convert on fourth down. “You guys know that. I trust him and I believe in him.”

Allen's touchdown to Samuel came on Buffalo's next possession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736767100219.jpeg" alt="Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) carries the ball for a first down against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)" />
 <figcaption>Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) carries the ball for a first down against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)</figcaption>
 </figure>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-7ce3fc8ddcb6da68f7d1b83109912ab7">spread-the-wealth approach on offense</a>&nbsp;that was so productive in the regular season proved unstoppable in their playoff opener.Whether it was Allen completing a 24-yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1878533116509446443">sliding running back Ty Johnson on fourth down</a>, or James Cook racking up 120 yards rushing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BuffaloBills/status/1878512854384435499">a 5-yard touchdown run</a>, the Bills leaned on a balanced attack in a 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in a wild-card playoff game on Sunday.“I don’t think there was one certain thing over another. We just wanted to come out and execute well,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, we just wanted to come out and play our best football, and I feel like we did that today.”With Allen completing 20 of 26 attempts for 272 yards passing and two touchdowns, and the running game combining for 210 yards, Buffalo methodically wore down the Broncos by scoring on six of its first seven drives in a game where the Bills finished with a 23-minute edge in time of possession.Allen completed passes to eight players, including getting receiver Curtis Samuel involved by essentially sealing the win&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1878537183746793497">with a 55-yard touchdown catch</a>&nbsp;on the opening snap of the fourth quarter.“I’ll speak on behalf of Curtis. He probably didn’t have the season that he wanted to have,” Allen said of the eighth-year player who was limited to 31 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown. “But he just continued to work hard, and that’s kind of the mentality we’ve had all year is everybody eats. And today was his day.”The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills, who became the NFL’s first team to score 30 touchdowns rushing and passing in a season, advanced to the divisional round for a fifth straight postseason, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/allen-jackson-mahomes-stroud-beac74965e8b949f99bf43d26a4d53d0">will face the third-seeded Baltimore Ravens next Sunday night</a>.The Ravens, coming off a 28-14 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday, routed Buffalo 35-10 at Baltimore in Week 4 this season. The outing will mark the second playoff meeting between Allen and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson after Buffalo defeated the Ravens 17-3 in the 2020 divisional round.“This is what everyone’s been waiting for, right?” coach Sean McDermott said. “So it’ll be a nice week and everyone will be looking forward to it, and they’re a great football team. I mean they handled us pretty good the first go around and they’re certainly playing well.”The seventh-seeded Broncos were outclassed in their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015.Denver’s offense essentially stalled after rookie Bo Nix capped a five-play opening drive with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/1878504209831600380">43-yard touchdown pass to former college teammate Troy Franklin</a>. Nix finished 13 of 22 for 144 yards in an outing where Denver punted four times and turned the ball over on downs twice.The game served as a lesson in how much further the first-round pick and the Broncos still have to go after a promising season in which Nix threw 29 touchdown passes — two short of the NFL rookie record.“I’m really proud of these guys. We’ve overcome a lot and not really been counted in many games,” Nix said. “But to make the playoffs was a special moment for this group. It’s something we can build off of. ... Our goals are changing.”Meantime, the Broncos attacking defense was kept at bay by an Allen-led attack that was more than content in gaining small chunks of yards on lengthy time-consuming drives. The Broncos, who had an NFL-leading 63 sacks this seasons, sacked Allen just twice in an game where the Bills punted once.“Who got punched in the mouth?” Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau asked, dismissively, regarding the Broncos scoring 2:24 into the game.“It really was just a message to ourselves,” Rousseau said. “We know who we are week after week, and what we’re capable of and what we’re supposed to do out there. That’s what it’s all about.”Though the Bills didn't force a takeaway, they made impactful plays in limiting the Broncos to convert just two of nine third down opportunities.And then there was Cam Lewis' diving tackle in shoving running back Jaleel McLaughlin out of bounds for no gain on fourth-and-2 at the Buffalo 14 early in the fourth quarter.With Buffalo leading 13-7, Allen broke the game open with his touchdown pass to Johnson with 3:06 left in the third quarter. The score held up following a replay review, which showed Johnson’s foot touching out of bounds but after he secured the ball.“You tell me it’s complete, I’m going to sign up for it every week,” McDermott said in placing his faith in Allen to convert on fourth down. “You guys know that. I trust him and I believe in him.”Allen's touchdown to Samuel came on Buffalo's next possession.Cook became Buffalo’s first player to top 100 yards rushing in a playoff game since Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas had 158 yards rushing in a 1995 wild-card playoff win over Miami. Allen increased his playoff total to 23 passing touchdowns, breaking the franchise record of 21 held by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.<h2>Up next</h2>Broncos: offseason.Bills: Host the Ravens in a matchup of two quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft.