FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines ended up playing just one game of what should have been the last two of a four-game series at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday (Mar. 22). An agreement by the coaches following game one clipped the second game of the doubleheader, but the Tigers completed a three-game midweek non-conference sweep of the Orediggers by a score of 3-1. With the win, Fort Hays State improved to 19-10 overall. Colorado School of Mines dropped to 11-18. The one run scored by Colorado School of Mines in the first inning on Wednesday was its only run of the entire series after two straight shutouts by the Tigers on Tuesday. After surrendering the one run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;settled in for another strong performance in the pitching circle as she moved to 9-4 on the season with the win. Fort Hays State leveled the score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;pushed the Tigers into the lead, 2-1, in the second with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single of her own. Egger finished with nine strikeouts in her complete-game effort in the circle. She yielded just four hits. Kat Miller took her first loss of the season for Colorado School of Mines, throwing 4.0 innings with three runs allowed (two earned) on seven hits and two walks. Lauren Decker pitched a scoreless final two innings for CSM. Shepard led the Tigers with three of the team's nine hits, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and Stuke each had two. Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday (Mar. 25) when it plays host to Nebraska-Kearney in an MIAA doubleheader set to begin at 12 p.m. A ceremony for the official name change of Tiger Stadium to Fleharty Family Field will be held between the games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679519958358.jpeg" alt="(FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)" />
 <figcaption>(FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines ended up playing just one game of what should have been the last two of a four-game series at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday (Mar. 22). An agreement by the coaches following game one clipped the second game of the doubleheader, but the Tigers completed a three-game midweek non-conference sweep of the Orediggers by a score of 3-1. With the win, Fort Hays State improved to 19-10 overall. Colorado School of Mines dropped to 11-18. The one run scored by Colorado School of Mines in the first inning on Wednesday was its only run of the entire series after two straight shutouts by the Tigers on Tuesday. After surrendering the one run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;settled in for another strong performance in the pitching circle as she moved to 9-4 on the season with the win. Fort Hays State leveled the score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;pushed the Tigers into the lead, 2-1, in the second with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single of her own. Egger finished with nine strikeouts in her complete-game effort in the circle. She yielded just four hits. Kat Miller took her first loss of the season for Colorado School of Mines, throwing 4.0 innings with three runs allowed (two earned) on seven hits and two walks. Lauren Decker pitched a scoreless final two innings for CSM. Shepard led the Tigers with three of the team's nine hits, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and Stuke each had two. Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday (Mar. 25) when it plays host to Nebraska-Kearney in an MIAA doubleheader set to begin at 12 p.m. A ceremony for the official name change of Tiger Stadium to Fleharty Family Field will be held between the games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎Tigers Win Final Game vs. Orediggers and Sweep Series

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

Jerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.

They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.

Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.

Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>

Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.

“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”

Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.

Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.

“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.

Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.

Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.

David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.

Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.

“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”

The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.

Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.

Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.

The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.

“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”

AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679498648397.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball WriterJerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.Four have been downright super.Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”Kansas State still has pen to paper.The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.One was already there.Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

Super seniors lead the way into March Madness Sweet 16

Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Jaci VonLintel made it official Tuesday, signing her letter of
intent to play both basketball and softball at Barton County College next
season.

After spending her entire life playing both sports, VonLintel
said she is grateful to be given the opportunity to play both basketball and softball at
the next level.

“It feels great because I don’t have to give one up,” VonLintel
said. “Because I always thought like, ' Dang, I’m going to have to pick one.'But now, I have to opportunity to go play both and excel in both.”

VonLintel led the TMP-M basketball team in every major statistical
category last season. She averaged 13.8 points per game along with nine
rebounds, 5.5 steals, three assists and two blocks per game.

She was a two-time all Mid-Continent League selection,
earning first-team honors this past season.

On the softball diamond, VonLintel led the Monarchs with a
.486 average as a junior. She amassed a team-high 12 extra base hits with three
home runs and led the team with 35 RBI’s and was second with 31 runs scored.

The Monarchs softball season begins Friday at home against
Russell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679440854128.jpeg" alt="Courtesy TMP-Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy TMP-Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThomas More Prep-Marian senior Jaci VonLintel made it official Tuesday, signing her letter of
intent to play both basketball and softball at Barton County College next
season.After spending her entire life playing both sports, VonLintel
said she is grateful to be given the opportunity to play both basketball and softball at
the next level.“It feels great because I don’t have to give one up,” VonLintel
said. “Because I always thought like, ' Dang, I’m going to have to pick one.'But now, I have to opportunity to go play both and excel in both.”<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1474493038&color=%232a4d75&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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/jaci-vonlintel-signing-march-21-2023" title="Jaci VonLintel - Signing (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jaci VonLintel - Signing (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>VonLintel led the TMP-M basketball team in every major statistical
category last season. She averaged 13.8 points per game along with nine
rebounds, 5.5 steals, three assists and two blocks per game.She was a two-time all Mid-Continent League selection,
earning first-team honors this past season.On the softball diamond, VonLintel led the Monarchs with a
.486 average as a junior. She amassed a team-high 12 extra base hits with three
home runs and led the team with 35 RBI’s and was second with 31 runs scored.The Monarchs softball season begins Friday at home against
Russell.

🏀 🥎 TMP’s VonLintel headed to Barton as a two-sport athlete

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team swept Rockhurst in a midweek non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21). The Tigers trailed early in both contests, but were able to string together some big hits to come from behind for their wins. The Tigers improved to 13-16 overall, while the Hawks fell to 7-18 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Rockhurst 4 Luuk ter Beek got the nod in game one on the bump for FHSU. The Hawks got on the board in the opening frame, scoring two runs on a pair of hits and a fielding error by the Tigers. The Tiger starter began to settle in the following frame as he allowed only one hit and held the Hawks scoreless. With one out in the top of the third, ter Beek was struck hard by a single back up the middle and Tiger strikeout leader Andrew Hansen&nbsp;took over. Hansen held his own on the rubber allowing only one hit, while striking out four batters going into the fifth inning.

The Tigers scored the majority of their runs in the home half of the fourth, starting with a two-run pinch hit homer by Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;to bring home Zane Knox. Mikey Felton&nbsp;drew a walk in the next at bat and would later be brought home on an RBI triple from Ed Scott. Back-to-back walks by Trey DeGarmo and Isaiah Ural juiced the bases for Elliott Herrmann, who drew yet another walk to plate Scott. Boies wrapped up the Tiger rally by blasting a double to left field scoring DeGarmo and Ural, putting the Tigers in front 6-2.

The Hawks answered with two runs in the top of the fifth on a couple of hits, but Hansen struck out the final two batters to end the inning. DeGarmo drove in the final two runs of the game for FHSU with a blast over the right field wall to plate Colter Maldanado. Hansen retired the Hawks in order in the sixth, including his seventh punchout of the game. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;entered the game to close it out in the seventh. After allowing a leadoff single, Flaherty punched out the next two batters he faced on his way to closing out the game.

Kreutzer, Boies, and DeGarmo each collected two RBIs in the contest.

Game 2: Fort Hays State 4, Rockhurst 2 Rockhurst jumped out to another early lead in the night cap by drawing a bases loaded walk in the top of the first. Trailing early with no outs in the opening frame, the Tigers brought in reliever Jenner Kehe&nbsp;with the bases loaded. Kehe was able to escape the inning with no further damage done forcing a double play and an easy put out at third. Kehe retired every batter he faced in his four inning appearance.

The Tigers claimed the lead in the third as a walk drawn by Ridge Stephens&nbsp;and a bunt single by Maldonado set up a two-RBI single for DeGarmo into the right center gap. Ural doubled to the same spot to move DeGarmo to third, allowing him to cross the plate on a wild pitch. Boies later added the final run the for Tigers on an RBI single to plate Ural in the fifth inning. The Tigers led 4-1.

Nate Pitts&nbsp;took over on the mound for the Tigers in the fifth and kept the Hawks in check, but a perfectly placed hit down the left field line allowed Rockhurst to plate a run in the sixth. Pitts returned in the seventh to hold off Rockhurst and secure the series sweep.

Boies finished 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. The Tigers will be back at home this weekend (March 24-26) to host Pittsburg State for a three-game conference series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679450730168.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Isaiah Ural hits the ball in game one of an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Isaiah Ural hits the ball in game one of an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team swept Rockhurst in a midweek non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21). The Tigers trailed early in both contests, but were able to string together some big hits to come from behind for their wins. The Tigers improved to 13-16 overall, while the Hawks fell to 7-18 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Rockhurst 4 Luuk ter Beek got the nod in game one on the bump for FHSU. The Hawks got on the board in the opening frame, scoring two runs on a pair of hits and a fielding error by the Tigers. The Tiger starter began to settle in the following frame as he allowed only one hit and held the Hawks scoreless. With one out in the top of the third, ter Beek was struck hard by a single back up the middle and Tiger strikeout leader Andrew Hansen&nbsp;took over. Hansen held his own on the rubber allowing only one hit, while striking out four batters going into the fifth inning.The Tigers scored the majority of their runs in the home half of the fourth, starting with a two-run pinch hit homer by Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;to bring home Zane Knox. Mikey Felton&nbsp;drew a walk in the next at bat and would later be brought home on an RBI triple from Ed Scott. Back-to-back walks by Trey DeGarmo and Isaiah Ural juiced the bases for Elliott Herrmann, who drew yet another walk to plate Scott. Boies wrapped up the Tiger rally by blasting a double to left field scoring DeGarmo and Ural, putting the Tigers in front 6-2.The Hawks answered with two runs in the top of the fifth on a couple of hits, but Hansen struck out the final two batters to end the inning. DeGarmo drove in the final two runs of the game for FHSU with a blast over the right field wall to plate Colter Maldanado. Hansen retired the Hawks in order in the sixth, including his seventh punchout of the game. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;entered the game to close it out in the seventh. After allowing a leadoff single, Flaherty punched out the next two batters he faced on his way to closing out the game.Kreutzer, Boies, and DeGarmo each collected two RBIs in the contest.Game 2: Fort Hays State 4, Rockhurst 2 Rockhurst jumped out to another early lead in the night cap by drawing a bases loaded walk in the top of the first. Trailing early with no outs in the opening frame, the Tigers brought in reliever Jenner Kehe&nbsp;with the bases loaded. Kehe was able to escape the inning with no further damage done forcing a double play and an easy put out at third. Kehe retired every batter he faced in his four inning appearance.The Tigers claimed the lead in the third as a walk drawn by Ridge Stephens&nbsp;and a bunt single by Maldonado set up a two-RBI single for DeGarmo into the right center gap. Ural doubled to the same spot to move DeGarmo to third, allowing him to cross the plate on a wild pitch. Boies later added the final run the for Tigers on an RBI single to plate Ural in the fifth inning. The Tigers led 4-1.Nate Pitts&nbsp;took over on the mound for the Tigers in the fifth and kept the Hawks in check, but a perfectly placed hit down the left field line allowed Rockhurst to plate a run in the sixth. Pitts returned in the seventh to hold off Rockhurst and secure the series sweep.Boies finished 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. The Tigers will be back at home this weekend (March 24-26) to host Pittsburg State for a three-game conference series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m.

⚾ Tigers sweep Rockhurst in midweek doubleheader

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-10 overall with a doubleheader sweep of Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday at Tiger Stadium. FHSU won game one by run rule, 8-0 in five innings, then completed 12 innings of shutout ball against CSM with a 2-0 win in game two. The Orediggers dropped to 11-17 overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;tied her career high for strikeouts in the first game in just five innings, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;continued a strong stretch of pitching with her third straight complete game.

Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Colorado School of Mines 0 (5 inn.) Fort Hays State took control of game one with a five-run first inning and then tacked on one in the third and two in the fourth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;sealed a run-rule victory in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;started the first-inning rally with a single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;beat out a bunt for a single to load the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;immediately put two runs on the board with a double to the right-center gap, then Tiffany came in to score the third run on a passed ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;recorded the first out of the inning on a sacrifice fly RBI that scored Beggs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;doubled and then came in to score on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;RBI single. Back-to-back singles by Ramirez-Johnson and Pierce in the third set up the sixth run for the Tigers, scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Curry. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/7091">Lexi Mohr</a>, Shepard, and Stuke in the fourth set up the final two runs for the Tigers. Tiffany drove in the first on a fielder's choice, then Beggs picked up her third RBI of the game on a single.

Egger recorded at least two strikeouts in every inning and finished with just one hit allowed, that being a single up the middle in the third by Kendall Aragon. Egger even notched herself the rare four-strikeout inning in the third when one of her strikeouts reached base by wild pitch. Egger tied her career high for strikeouts in a game with 12, matching her total from seven-inning complete games against Rockhurst this season (Feb. 25) and Truman last season (Mar. 5, 2022). She moved to 8-4 on the season with her MIAA-leading fifth shutout of the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 2, Colorado School of Mines 0 Game two was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Allison Westbrook of Colorado School of Mines. Though Westbrook allowed fewer hits, Carlson kept Colorado School of Mines scoreless all seven innings for a 2-0 complete-game victory. The decisive blow was a two-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;in the fourth inning, which accounted for the game's scoring. Carlson retired the first seven batters she faced before Colorado School of Mines collected its first of seven hits in the game. A runner caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;in the third was a big difference in keeping the Orediggers scoreless, since they had three hits in that inning. Carlson worked around two hits in the fifth and finished her shutout in the seventh after giving up a two-out double. She had two strikeouts in the game, both in the sixth inning with a CSM runner at second base. Carlson is now 6-3 on the season.

Westbrook allowed only three hits to the Tigers and walked three. She struck out one in the tough-luck loss as she now stands at 1-1 on the season. Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines will play another doubleheader on Wednesday (Mar. 22) starting at 12 p.m. FHSU enters with a five-game win streak.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679449799153.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Savanah Egger delivers a pitch in game one of an NCAA softball doubleheader against Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Savanah Egger delivers a pitch in game one of an NCAA softball doubleheader against Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-10 overall with a doubleheader sweep of Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday at Tiger Stadium. FHSU won game one by run rule, 8-0 in five innings, then completed 12 innings of shutout ball against CSM with a 2-0 win in game two. The Orediggers dropped to 11-17 overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;tied her career high for strikeouts in the first game in just five innings, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;continued a strong stretch of pitching with her third straight complete game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1474472479&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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-814667509/3-21-23-fhsu-sb-coach-interview" title="Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Colorado School of Mines 0 (5 inn.) Fort Hays State took control of game one with a five-run first inning and then tacked on one in the third and two in the fourth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;sealed a run-rule victory in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;started the first-inning rally with a single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;beat out a bunt for a single to load the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;immediately put two runs on the board with a double to the right-center gap, then Tiffany came in to score the third run on a passed ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;recorded the first out of the inning on a sacrifice fly RBI that scored Beggs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;doubled and then came in to score on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;RBI single. Back-to-back singles by Ramirez-Johnson and Pierce in the third set up the sixth run for the Tigers, scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Curry. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/7091">Lexi Mohr</a>, Shepard, and Stuke in the fourth set up the final two runs for the Tigers. Tiffany drove in the first on a fielder's choice, then Beggs picked up her third RBI of the game on a single.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1474396549&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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-814667509/2-21-23-fhsu-sb-v-co-school-of-mines-game-1-hilights" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Egger recorded at least two strikeouts in every inning and finished with just one hit allowed, that being a single up the middle in the third by Kendall Aragon. Egger even notched herself the rare four-strikeout inning in the third when one of her strikeouts reached base by wild pitch. Egger tied her career high for strikeouts in a game with 12, matching her total from seven-inning complete games against Rockhurst this season (Feb. 25) and Truman last season (Mar. 5, 2022). She moved to 8-4 on the season with her MIAA-leading fifth shutout of the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 2, Colorado School of Mines 0 Game two was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Allison Westbrook of Colorado School of Mines. Though Westbrook allowed fewer hits, Carlson kept Colorado School of Mines scoreless all seven innings for a 2-0 complete-game victory. The decisive blow was a two-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;in the fourth inning, which accounted for the game's scoring. Carlson retired the first seven batters she faced before Colorado School of Mines collected its first of seven hits in the game. A runner caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;in the third was a big difference in keeping the Orediggers scoreless, since they had three hits in that inning. Carlson worked around two hits in the fifth and finished her shutout in the seventh after giving up a two-out double. She had two strikeouts in the game, both in the sixth inning with a CSM runner at second base. Carlson is now 6-3 on the season.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1474476067&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=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-814667509/3-21-23-fhsu-sb-v-colorado-school-of-mines-game-two-hilights" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Westbrook allowed only three hits to the Tigers and walked three. She struck out one in the tough-luck loss as she now stands at 1-1 on the season. Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines will play another doubleheader on Wednesday (Mar. 22) starting at 12 p.m. FHSU enters with a five-game win streak.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers pick up pair of shutout wins over Orediggers

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;at the Broncho Invitational, one of four MIAA designated events for the 2022-23 season held at Rose Creek Country Club.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, tying for 40th&nbsp;individually. The Tigers were ninth among the MIAA teams competing in the tournament. Fort Hays State as a team shot rounds of 322, 327, and 325 for a 974 total. Central Oklahoma won the event at +30 as a team, shooting 289, 305, and 300. Northeastern State was two strokes back in second place, while Washburn was the next MIAA team in the standings at fifth overall with a +49 total. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;carded rounds of 77, 79, and 78 to lead the Tigers. He had six birdies for the tournament. He tied four other golfers at +18 for the tournament at the par-72 venue.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7103">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;was next in the individual standings for the Tigers, tying for 62nd&nbsp;at +23. He had rounds of 75, 81, and 83. He had seven birdies for the tournament, including three in his 3-over par first round. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7107">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;shot back-to-back rounds of 83 before an 81 to close out his tournament. He finished 80th&nbsp;and had four birdies for the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/7105">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;finished 84th&nbsp;with rounds of 87, 84, and 83, carding two birdies in the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/august-nilsson/7111">August Nilsson</a>&nbsp;shot rounds of 90, 86, and 86 to finish in 88th. His lone birdie was in the final round. Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma won the tournament at +3 overall with rounds of 69, 76, and 74. The Tigers return to action next week in Blue Springs, Mo. (Mar. 27-28) at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679479721452.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;at the Broncho Invitational, one of four MIAA designated events for the 2022-23 season held at Rose Creek Country Club.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, tying for 40th&nbsp;individually. The Tigers were ninth among the MIAA teams competing in the tournament. Fort Hays State as a team shot rounds of 322, 327, and 325 for a 974 total. Central Oklahoma won the event at +30 as a team, shooting 289, 305, and 300. Northeastern State was two strokes back in second place, while Washburn was the next MIAA team in the standings at fifth overall with a +49 total. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;carded rounds of 77, 79, and 78 to lead the Tigers. He had six birdies for the tournament. He tied four other golfers at +18 for the tournament at the par-72 venue.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7103">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;was next in the individual standings for the Tigers, tying for 62nd&nbsp;at +23. He had rounds of 75, 81, and 83. He had seven birdies for the tournament, including three in his 3-over par first round. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7107">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;shot back-to-back rounds of 83 before an 81 to close out his tournament. He finished 80th&nbsp;and had four birdies for the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/7105">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;finished 84th&nbsp;with rounds of 87, 84, and 83, carding two birdies in the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/august-nilsson/7111">August Nilsson</a>&nbsp;shot rounds of 90, 86, and 86 to finish in 88th. His lone birdie was in the final round. Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma won the tournament at +3 overall with rounds of 69, 76, and 74. The Tigers return to action next week in Blue Springs, Mo. (Mar. 27-28) at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Tiger men finish 16th at Broncho Invite

By DAVE SKRETTA Associated Press

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jerome Tang was tearing around his property on
 an unseasonably warm spring day not long ago, just before Kansas State 
headed down Interstate 70 for the Big 12 Tournament, when he noticed his
 four-wheeler was running out of fuel.

So, the Wildcats' coach did
 what anyone would do in a small town: He steered that bad boy onto the 
road, conveniently forgetting that it wasn't exactly street legal, and 
headed off for the service station.

“So I'm zooming down and the 
college kids are outside. They're hollering at you, happy to see you. I 
mean, how great is that?" Tang recalled. “My wife was upset. She's like,
 'You're going to get arrested. It's going to be on the news!'”

Tang glances around furtively, his ever-present smile growing just a bit wider.

“I can't, like, get in trouble for something that already happened, right?”

Not these days. Not in Manhattan, Kansas.

One
 year after taking over a downtrodden program coming off three straight 
losing seasons, Tang and his upstart Wildcats are preparing to play 
Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. They've <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-kansas-state-e0f322d3422ce45e56ec92d210ea55d8">already taken down mighty Kentucky</a> and its roster of NBA prospects, and now they will face Tom Izzo and the Spartans — a program synonymous with <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> success — under the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">bright lights of Madison Square Garden</a>.

The
 fan apathy that reached a nadir last spring? Forgotten after eight 
straight sellouts to end the regular season. Chants of “Eff K-U” during 
home games, the epitome of a long-standing inferiority complex toward 
their bitter rival, replaced by pride-filled shouts of “K-S-U,” much to 
the relief of a coach who demands 10 pushups every time his players 
swear.

This is a coach who can be found posted up on a purple sofa
 delivered to random spots around campus, from dining halls to the 
engineering building, so that he can chat with students going about 
their everyday lives.

“I mean, I'm just happy to see Coach Tang and our team having so much success,” says <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-kansas-state-e0f322d3422ce45e56ec92d210ea55d8">Markquis Nowell, their All-American guard.</a> “He's the reason we play with so much love and joy. And you know, we still have a lot to prove.”

Tang
 kept using the term “elevate” when he was hired to replace Bruce Weber a
 year ago. But not even the longtime Baylor assistant could imagine how 
quickly, and how high, <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/1637614896367140864?s=20">he would have the Wildcats soaring.</a>

“We
 surpassed the epectations I had,” Tang said in a wide-ranging interview
 with The Associated Press. “But like, you don't enjoy this, you 
shouldn't be doing it, right? Our guys, our young people, our community 
deserves to have someone that really appreciates them and desires to be 
around them. They deserve this.”

The first thing to understand 
about Tang's winding road to the heartland of America is fortunate to be
 here. Not here, as in Kansas State. Here, as in alive.

Born in 
San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, Tang moved to St. Croix with his 
mother and three siblings while his father chased work in the oil 
industry. He was about 5 years old and playing marbles beneath a car in 
his aunt's driveway when his cousin, not knowing he was there, got 
behind the wheel and drove away.

“Drove right over him,” remembers Tang's older sister, Kim. “He's lucky. He was in the hospital for weeks.”

Perhaps
 that brush with death somehow infused in Tang his profoundly deep faith
 — “I believe my gift is ministry,” he explains, “and my passion just 
happens to be basketball." Or perhaps it somehow led to a 
preternaturally optimistic outlook on life, which has served him well as
 he tries to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sports-manhattan-mens-college-basketball-texas-8d2a90d1813be03b4a5a9d91f69c28f0">resurrect Kansas State's basketball program</a>.

“He treats people the right way,” says Baylor coach Scott Drew, his longtime friend. “He just always sees the good in people.”

Tang
 grew up playing cricket and soccer, and when his family moved to the 
Houston area, it became baseball and football — this was Texas, after 
all. But in 1979, while watching Magic Johnson and Michigan State beat 
Larry Bird and Indiana State in the title game that truly gave birth to 
March Madness, Tang fell in love with basketball.

It
 was a bible scholarship that got him to North Central College. He later
 attended junior college before dropping out, partly because of money, 
partly due to immaturity. (He would earn his degree from Charter Oak 
State College years later.)

Tang returned to Texas, intent on 
becoming a youth pastor. But when the founder of Heritage Christian 
Academy, Dr. Jennifer Cooper, was searching for a basketball coach, she 
turned to Mike Allard, Tang's own youth pastor at Green’s Bayou Assembly
 of God. He recommended this energetic kid with a devout faith in both 
Jesus and basketball.

“We drove around in, like, a Cheech-and-Chong van to get places,” Tang says. “It was the best place in the world.”

Tang
 soon built the small school into a national power, pumping out 
prospects such as Von Wafer, who played at Florida State and in the NBA.
 And he was still there in 2002 when Drew was hired to clean up <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-nfl-business-mens-college-basketball-bd83e9e43e464016b6e29d6d9ec98818">an inconceivable mess at Baylor.</a>

Drew
 needed someone with an unflinchingly positive attitude who could 
recruit in Texas, and over dinner one night, Tang won him over, earning a
 job that Drew had very nearly given to someone else.

Nearly two 
decades later, inside a quiet football stadium at the end of an NCAA 
Tournament played entirely inside a COVID-19 bubble, Drew and Tang 
celebrated the Bears <a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-win-defeat-gonzaga-1st-ncaa-basketball-championship-1d53c12b04f50a9ea50110e787cc6567">winning the 2021 national championship</a>.

“Scott
 allowed us to make mistakes,” says Tang, who has Drew's book, “The Road
 to Joy,” prominently displayed above his otherwise haphazard desk. “I 
mean, we were young, so we could make mistakes. And sometimes in this 
business, you're not allowed to make mistakes. I'll never be able to 
thank him for that.”

Gene Taylor remembers a moment last year when
 the Wildcats still had just five players on their roster, and he was 
rightfully nervous. The athletic director had hired Tang after a pair of
 lengthy linterviews, one in Kansas City and one at Tang's home in Waco,
 Texas, and entrusted him with a program long on tradition but short on 
recent success.

“I asked, ‘Are we OK?’” Taylor recalled, "and he said, ‘Gene, we're fine. I don’t just want guys; I want the right guys.'”

The right guys turned out to be a motley crew carefully assembled during that hot summer in the Flint Hills.

Nowell
 is the 5-foot-8 sparkplug that Kentucky coach John Calipari couldn't 
get himself to call by name — “That little guy,” coach Cal said — after 
he'd minced up his own Wildcats in last weekend's second-round tourney 
game.

Keyontae Johnson, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-all-america-mens-basketball-team-2ab037abcde5157ad840f7dcd22cc8a4">voted an All-American alongside Nowell</a>,
 was playing for Florida when he collapsed on the court during a game in
 December 2020. Most schools were unwilling to clear Johnson to play, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-florida-gators-kansas-top-25-college-basketball-today-keyontae-johnson-6b738fc1685d1e9fdfade4e2a1afc6be">due to his underlying heart condition</a>, but Tang was willing to take every step and precaution necessary to get him back on the court.

Cam
 Carter came from Mississippi State, David N'Guessan from Virginia Tech.
 Desi Sills arrived from Arkansas State, Abayomi Iyiola from Hofstra. 
Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who never even played basketball in high school, signed
 out of junior college, and a pair of freshmen were sold on Tang's 
unwavering vision for the future.

“Nobody," Kansas coach Bill Self said, “has done a better job of assembling talent in a short amount of time.”

Picked
 to finish last in the Big 12, the Wildcats finished third. The reward 
was a No. 3 seed in March Madness, where the Wildcats <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-montana-state-c73a1a3cad7f67d1db2b315deb5917eb">knocked off Montana State</a> in the first round before toppling Kentucky last weekend.

Now, they're just two more wins away from their first Final Four in nearly 50 years.

“I
 like doing first stuff, you know?” Tang says, leaning forward in a 
purple wingback chair in the corner of his office, where boxes still 
remain unpacked a year after moving in. “Players, you ask them, do you 
remember your first dunk? They all remember their first dunk. Do you 
remember your third dunk? They don’t. Do you remember your first 
girlfriend? My first girlfriend was Pam Hubbard. My last was Careylyen, 
and I married her.

“You remember your firsts and your lasts,” Tang says, "and I like firsts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679420939010.jpeg" alt="Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang celebrates with members of the pep band after defeating Kentucky in a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang celebrates with members of the pep band after defeating Kentucky in a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA Associated PressMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jerome Tang was tearing around his property on
 an unseasonably warm spring day not long ago, just before Kansas State 
headed down Interstate 70 for the Big 12 Tournament, when he noticed his
 four-wheeler was running out of fuel.So, the Wildcats' coach did
 what anyone would do in a small town: He steered that bad boy onto the 
road, conveniently forgetting that it wasn't exactly street legal, and 
headed off for the service station.“So I'm zooming down and the 
college kids are outside. They're hollering at you, happy to see you. I 
mean, how great is that?" Tang recalled. “My wife was upset. She's like,
 'You're going to get arrested. It's going to be on the news!'”Tang glances around furtively, his ever-present smile growing just a bit wider.“I can't, like, get in trouble for something that already happened, right?”Not these days. Not in Manhattan, Kansas.One
 year after taking over a downtrodden program coming off three straight 
losing seasons, Tang and his upstart Wildcats are preparing to play 
Michigan State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. They've <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-kansas-state-e0f322d3422ce45e56ec92d210ea55d8">already taken down mighty Kentucky</a> and its roster of NBA prospects, and now they will face Tom Izzo and the Spartans — a program synonymous with <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> success — under the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">bright lights of Madison Square Garden</a>.The
 fan apathy that reached a nadir last spring? Forgotten after eight 
straight sellouts to end the regular season. Chants of “Eff K-U” during 
home games, the epitome of a long-standing inferiority complex toward 
their bitter rival, replaced by pride-filled shouts of “K-S-U,” much to 
the relief of a coach who demands 10 pushups every time his players 
swear.This is a coach who can be found posted up on a purple sofa
 delivered to random spots around campus, from dining halls to the 
engineering building, so that he can chat with students going about 
their everyday lives.“I mean, I'm just happy to see Coach Tang and our team having so much success,” says <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-kansas-state-e0f322d3422ce45e56ec92d210ea55d8">Markquis Nowell, their All-American guard.</a> “He's the reason we play with so much love and joy. And you know, we still have a lot to prove.”Tang
 kept using the term “elevate” when he was hired to replace Bruce Weber a
 year ago. But not even the longtime Baylor assistant could imagine how 
quickly, and how high, <a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Top25/status/1637614896367140864?s=20">he would have the Wildcats soaring.</a>“We
 surpassed the epectations I had,” Tang said in a wide-ranging interview
 with The Associated Press. “But like, you don't enjoy this, you 
shouldn't be doing it, right? Our guys, our young people, our community 
deserves to have someone that really appreciates them and desires to be 
around them. They deserve this.”The first thing to understand 
about Tang's winding road to the heartland of America is fortunate to be
 here. Not here, as in Kansas State. Here, as in alive.Born in 
San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, Tang moved to St. Croix with his 
mother and three siblings while his father chased work in the oil 
industry. He was about 5 years old and playing marbles beneath a car in 
his aunt's driveway when his cousin, not knowing he was there, got 
behind the wheel and drove away.“Drove right over him,” remembers Tang's older sister, Kim. “He's lucky. He was in the hospital for weeks.”Perhaps
 that brush with death somehow infused in Tang his profoundly deep faith
 — “I believe my gift is ministry,” he explains, “and my passion just 
happens to be basketball." Or perhaps it somehow led to a 
preternaturally optimistic outlook on life, which has served him well as
 he tries to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sports-manhattan-mens-college-basketball-texas-8d2a90d1813be03b4a5a9d91f69c28f0">resurrect Kansas State's basketball program</a>.“He treats people the right way,” says Baylor coach Scott Drew, his longtime friend. “He just always sees the good in people.”Tang
 grew up playing cricket and soccer, and when his family moved to the 
Houston area, it became baseball and football — this was Texas, after 
all. But in 1979, while watching Magic Johnson and Michigan State beat 
Larry Bird and Indiana State in the title game that truly gave birth to 
March Madness, Tang fell in love with basketball.Except, well, he wasn't very good.It
 was a bible scholarship that got him to North Central College. He later
 attended junior college before dropping out, partly because of money, 
partly due to immaturity. (He would earn his degree from Charter Oak 
State College years later.)Tang returned to Texas, intent on 
becoming a youth pastor. But when the founder of Heritage Christian 
Academy, Dr. Jennifer Cooper, was searching for a basketball coach, she 
turned to Mike Allard, Tang's own youth pastor at Green’s Bayou Assembly
 of God. He recommended this energetic kid with a devout faith in both 
Jesus and basketball.“We drove around in, like, a Cheech-and-Chong van to get places,” Tang says. “It was the best place in the world.”Tang
 soon built the small school into a national power, pumping out 
prospects such as Von Wafer, who played at Florida State and in the NBA.
 And he was still there in 2002 when Drew was hired to clean up <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-nfl-business-mens-college-basketball-bd83e9e43e464016b6e29d6d9ec98818">an inconceivable mess at Baylor.</a>Drew
 needed someone with an unflinchingly positive attitude who could 
recruit in Texas, and over dinner one night, Tang won him over, earning a
 job that Drew had very nearly given to someone else.Nearly two 
decades later, inside a quiet football stadium at the end of an NCAA 
Tournament played entirely inside a COVID-19 bubble, Drew and Tang 
celebrated the Bears <a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-win-defeat-gonzaga-1st-ncaa-basketball-championship-1d53c12b04f50a9ea50110e787cc6567">winning the 2021 national championship</a>.“Scott
 allowed us to make mistakes,” says Tang, who has Drew's book, “The Road
 to Joy,” prominently displayed above his otherwise haphazard desk. “I 
mean, we were young, so we could make mistakes. And sometimes in this 
business, you're not allowed to make mistakes. I'll never be able to 
thank him for that.”Gene Taylor remembers a moment last year when
 the Wildcats still had just five players on their roster, and he was 
rightfully nervous. The athletic director had hired Tang after a pair of
 lengthy linterviews, one in Kansas City and one at Tang's home in Waco,
 Texas, and entrusted him with a program long on tradition but short on 
recent success.“I asked, ‘Are we OK?’” Taylor recalled, "and he said, ‘Gene, we're fine. I don’t just want guys; I want the right guys.'”The right guys turned out to be a motley crew carefully assembled during that hot summer in the Flint Hills.Nowell
 is the 5-foot-8 sparkplug that Kentucky coach John Calipari couldn't 
get himself to call by name — “That little guy,” coach Cal said — after 
he'd minced up his own Wildcats in last weekend's second-round tourney 
game.Keyontae Johnson, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-all-america-mens-basketball-team-2ab037abcde5157ad840f7dcd22cc8a4">voted an All-American alongside Nowell</a>,
 was playing for Florida when he collapsed on the court during a game in
 December 2020. Most schools were unwilling to clear Johnson to play, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-florida-gators-kansas-top-25-college-basketball-today-keyontae-johnson-6b738fc1685d1e9fdfade4e2a1afc6be">due to his underlying heart condition</a>, but Tang was willing to take every step and precaution necessary to get him back on the court.Cam
 Carter came from Mississippi State, David N'Guessan from Virginia Tech.
 Desi Sills arrived from Arkansas State, Abayomi Iyiola from Hofstra. 
Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who never even played basketball in high school, signed
 out of junior college, and a pair of freshmen were sold on Tang's 
unwavering vision for the future.“Nobody," Kansas coach Bill Self said, “has done a better job of assembling talent in a short amount of time.”Picked
 to finish last in the Big 12, the Wildcats finished third. The reward 
was a No. 3 seed in March Madness, where the Wildcats <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-montana-state-c73a1a3cad7f67d1db2b315deb5917eb">knocked off Montana State</a> in the first round before toppling Kentucky last weekend.Now, they're just two more wins away from their first Final Four in nearly 50 years.“I
 like doing first stuff, you know?” Tang says, leaning forward in a 
purple wingback chair in the corner of his office, where boxes still 
remain unpacked a year after moving in. “Players, you ask them, do you 
remember your first dunk? They all remember their first dunk. Do you 
remember your third dunk? They don’t. Do you remember your first 
girlfriend? My first girlfriend was Pam Hubbard. My last was Careylyen, 
and I married her.“You remember your firsts and your lasts,” Tang says, "and I like firsts.”

Jerome Tang has rising Kansas State feeling sweet again

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State sophomore guard Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;was named to the NABC All-District Second Team for the Central Region on Monday. Hammeke was one of 10 players named to the region's all-district team, joining three other players from the MIAA. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference had five named to the team, while the Great American Conference had one. Hammeke adds this honor to an All-MIAA First Team selection for the 2022-23 season. He averaged 16.4 points and 3.6 assists per game for the season, scoring in double figures 27 of 30 games. He scored 20 or more seven times and 30 or more twice. A 36-point performance against Northeastern State on December 1, 2022 was his season high and he nearly matched that on February 18, 2023 with 35 at Missouri Southern. Hammeke gives Fort Hays State a player on the NABC All-District Team for a third-straight year. Jared Vitztum&nbsp;was also a second-team selection in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. Below is the 2022-23 NABC All-District Team for the Central Region.

First Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri State Jake Hilmer – Upper Iowa Jordan Janssen – Wayne State Sam Masten – Northern State Jaden Wells – Central Oklahoma

Second Team Matt Cartwright – Sioux Falls Kaleb Hammeke– Fort Hays State Owen Long – Emporia State Tyler McGhie – Southern Nazarene John Sutherland – Bemidji State

Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri St.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679413966564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State sophomore guard Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;was named to the NABC All-District Second Team for the Central Region on Monday. Hammeke was one of 10 players named to the region's all-district team, joining three other players from the MIAA. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference had five named to the team, while the Great American Conference had one. Hammeke adds this honor to an All-MIAA First Team selection for the 2022-23 season. He averaged 16.4 points and 3.6 assists per game for the season, scoring in double figures 27 of 30 games. He scored 20 or more seven times and 30 or more twice. A 36-point performance against Northeastern State on December 1, 2022 was his season high and he nearly matched that on February 18, 2023 with 35 at Missouri Southern. Hammeke gives Fort Hays State a player on the NABC All-District Team for a third-straight year. Jared Vitztum&nbsp;was also a second-team selection in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. Below is the 2022-23 NABC All-District Team for the Central Region.First Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri State Jake Hilmer – Upper Iowa Jordan Janssen – Wayne State Sam Masten – Northern State Jaden Wells – Central OklahomaSecond Team Matt Cartwright – Sioux Falls Kaleb Hammeke– Fort Hays State Owen Long – Emporia State Tyler McGhie – Southern Nazarene John Sutherland – Bemidji State Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri St.

🏀 FHSU's Hammeke named to NABC All-District Second Team

Colorado School of Mines (11-15) at Fort Hays State (16-10) Tuesday, March 21 - 2 PM (DH) Wednesday, March 22 - 12 PM (DH) Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio - KAYS (94.3/1400)&nbsp;

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Fort Hays State Softball will host Colorado School of Mines in a four-game non-conference series Tuesday and Wednesday (Mar. 21-22) in Hays. The Tigers enter the week at 16-10 overall, while the Orediggers come into the series at 11-15 overall. The teams will play doubleheaders each day with action set to begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and then 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Live stream and stats will be available for the entire series at the links provided above. FHSU won three of four games in Colorado last week in non-conference action, while CSM most recently took three of four games in a conference series at Chadron State. The Opponent Colorado School of Mines (11-15) -Fort Hays State leads the all-time series with Colorado School of Mines 20-13. The teams last met in a doubleheader during the 2016 season. CSM won both games of that doubleheader by scores of 1-0 and 5-4. -The teams are meeting in Hays for the first time since 2005, when FHSU was still a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The last 12 games between the teams have been played in Golden. -The Orediggers are just 1-5 in non-conference games this season, all played in the state of Florida back in February. They fell in both games of doubleheaders with Palm Beach Atlantic and Barry, but split with Nova Southeastern. The Orediggers have played 20 straight conference games since, going 10-10. -Sidney Wilson leads CSM in batting average at .389, while ranking second on the team in RBIs with 14. Kayleigh Kruger leads the team in RBIs with 17. -Sadriena Rodriguez leads CSM pitchers with a 2.61 ERA, a 5-2 record, and 74 strikeouts in 67 innings of work. Tiger Notes Tigers Sweep Thunderwolves Fort Hays State is coming off a doubleheader sweep of CSU Pueblo on March 15. The Tigers won by scores of 6-3 and 5-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany's</a>&nbsp;second career grand slam helped lift the Tigers to victory in the first game. Tiffany and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;drove in three runs for the Tigers in the third inning of game two to push the Tigers into the lead, which they did not relinquish. Tiffany had six RBIs in the doubleheader.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;each threw complete games for the Tigers. Tigers Nearly Sweep Roadrunners Fort Hays State fell just one out short of a doubleheader sweep at MSU Denver. The Tigers were up 11-10 with one out to get in game one, but unfortunately saw the Roadrunners score the tying run on an RBI single then win the game on a walk-off home run. The Tigers went on to win game two 3-1, which started their current three-game win streak. When the Tigers Score Four Fort Hays State is 10-2 this season when scoring at least four runs in a game. The only losses when scoring four or more were on walk-off home runs, a 7-6 loss to Southern Nazarene and a 13-11 loss to MSU Denver. FHSU is 6-8 when scoring three or less runs this season. Seven Shutouts Seven of Fort Hays State's 16 wins this season have been by shutout. The 7 shutouts this season ranks second in the MIAA – only one behind defending national champion Rogers State which has 8. It ranks 13th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. The 7 shutouts are already the most by a Tiger team during&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/adrian-pilkington/1157">Adrian Pilkington</a>'s tenure as a head coach. The 2013 team set the record for most shutouts by a team with 19. The 2002 (10) and 2009 (11) squads were the only others in the program's NCAA Division II history to reach double figures in shutouts for a season. Shepard of Speed <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;ranks among the top 10 players in the MIAA in stolen bases (T-3rd), on-base percentage (9th), hits (T-3rd), and hit-by-pitch (7th). She has 14 stolen bases, a .500 on-base percentage, 35 hits, and has been hit by a pitch five times. She is a perfect 14-of-14 on stolen base attempts this season. Efficient Running <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;have combined for 22 stolen bases so far this season. They are both perfect in their attempts, Shepard with 14 and Tiffany with 8.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;is 2-of-2, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sydnee-hoffman/7083">Sydnee Hoffman</a>&nbsp;is the only Tiger to be caught stealing this season at 1-of-2. The Tigers are 25-of-26 as a team. Tiffany Heating Back Up <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;has the longest current hitting streak for the Tigers, standing at six straight games. She is hitting .381 (8-for-21) in that stretch, bringing her season batting average back up to .329. She had a 1-for-19 stretch at the plate prior to her six-game hit streak. Tough to Strikeout <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;has just one strikeout in 64 at bats this season. She ranks eighth in NCAA Division II for toughest to strikeout. Put the Ball in Play Fort Hays State ranks second in the MIAA for fewest strikeouts as a team with 86 for the season. Central Oklahoma has the fewest with 80. Nebraska-Kearney leads the MIAA in strikeouts with 162. Moving Your Teammate Up Fort Hays State ranks second in the MIAA in sacrifice bunts/hits with 19, only behind Washburn's 22. FHSU is also second in the conference in total sacrifices with 26 when adding on their seven sacrifice flies. Washburn leads the MIAA in total sacrifices with 30. Central Oklahoma leads the sacrifice fly category with 15 for the season. Solid Pitching Fort Hays State has a team pitching ERA of 2.87, which ranks sixth in the MIAA. Three of four Tiger pitchers have ERAs lower than 3.10 for the season, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;at 2.05. The Tiger pitchers rank second in the MIAA in strikeouts with 173, only behind Washburn (226). All four Tiger pitchers have at least 25 strikeouts on the season, led by Egger with 77. FHSU is allowing just a .251 batting average to opponents, which is sixth in the MIAA. Strong in the Circle <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;has allowed two or less earned runs in nine of her 13 starts in the pitching circle this season. She had four consecutive shutouts from February 24 to March 4, which accounts for all of her shutouts this season. She ranks 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for individual shutouts, and is tied for first in the MIAA with Hannah Harrison of Pittsburg State. She had a 32-inning scoreless streak snapped on March 6 against Northwestern Oklahoma State, but threw 38 shutout innings in a 41-inning stretch from February 24 to March 11. Pair of Complete Games for Carlson <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a pair of complete games last week in Colorado. She went the full seven innings in a 3-1 win at MSU Denver and a 5-2 win at CSU Pueblo. The complete game at MSU Denver on March 14 was her first since a 14-0 run-rule win in five innings over Sioux Falls back on February 26. With a 1.50 ERA over the two games last week, she lowered her season ERA to 2.70.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679393387041.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Loren Beggs swings at a pitch in an NCAA softball game earlier this season in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Loren Beggs swings at a pitch in an NCAA softball game earlier this season in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsColorado School of Mines (11-15) at Fort Hays State (16-10) Tuesday, March 21 - 2 PM (DH) Wednesday, March 22 - 12 PM (DH) Hays, Kan. - Tiger Stadium Radio - KAYS (94.3/1400)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Fort Hays State Softball will host Colorado School of Mines in a four-game non-conference series Tuesday and Wednesday (Mar. 21-22) in Hays. The Tigers enter the week at 16-10 overall, while the Orediggers come into the series at 11-15 overall. The teams will play doubleheaders each day with action set to begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and then 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Live stream and stats will be available for the entire series at the links provided above. FHSU won three of four games in Colorado last week in non-conference action, while CSM most recently took three of four games in a conference series at Chadron State. The Opponent Colorado School of Mines (11-15) -Fort Hays State leads the all-time series with Colorado School of Mines 20-13. The teams last met in a doubleheader during the 2016 season. CSM won both games of that doubleheader by scores of 1-0 and 5-4. -The teams are meeting in Hays for the first time since 2005, when FHSU was still a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The last 12 games between the teams have been played in Golden. -The Orediggers are just 1-5 in non-conference games this season, all played in the state of Florida back in February. They fell in both games of doubleheaders with Palm Beach Atlantic and Barry, but split with Nova Southeastern. The Orediggers have played 20 straight conference games since, going 10-10. -Sidney Wilson leads CSM in batting average at .389, while ranking second on the team in RBIs with 14. Kayleigh Kruger leads the team in RBIs with 17. -Sadriena Rodriguez leads CSM pitchers with a 2.61 ERA, a 5-2 record, and 74 strikeouts in 67 innings of work. Tiger Notes Tigers Sweep Thunderwolves Fort Hays State is coming off a doubleheader sweep of CSU Pueblo on March 15. The Tigers won by scores of 6-3 and 5-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany's</a>&nbsp;second career grand slam helped lift the Tigers to victory in the first game. Tiffany and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;drove in three runs for the Tigers in the third inning of game two to push the Tigers into the lead, which they did not relinquish. Tiffany had six RBIs in the doubleheader.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;each threw complete games for the Tigers. Tigers Nearly Sweep Roadrunners Fort Hays State fell just one out short of a doubleheader sweep at MSU Denver. The Tigers were up 11-10 with one out to get in game one, but unfortunately saw the Roadrunners score the tying run on an RBI single then win the game on a walk-off home run. The Tigers went on to win game two 3-1, which started their current three-game win streak. When the Tigers Score Four Fort Hays State is 10-2 this season when scoring at least four runs in a game. The only losses when scoring four or more were on walk-off home runs, a 7-6 loss to Southern Nazarene and a 13-11 loss to MSU Denver. FHSU is 6-8 when scoring three or less runs this season. Seven Shutouts Seven of Fort Hays State's 16 wins this season have been by shutout. The 7 shutouts this season ranks second in the MIAA – only one behind defending national champion Rogers State which has 8. It ranks 13th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II. The 7 shutouts are already the most by a Tiger team during&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/adrian-pilkington/1157">Adrian Pilkington</a>'s tenure as a head coach. The 2013 team set the record for most shutouts by a team with 19. The 2002 (10) and 2009 (11) squads were the only others in the program's NCAA Division II history to reach double figures in shutouts for a season. Shepard of Speed <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;ranks among the top 10 players in the MIAA in stolen bases (T-3rd), on-base percentage (9th), hits (T-3rd), and hit-by-pitch (7th). She has 14 stolen bases, a .500 on-base percentage, 35 hits, and has been hit by a pitch five times. She is a perfect 14-of-14 on stolen base attempts this season. Efficient Running <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;have combined for 22 stolen bases so far this season. They are both perfect in their attempts, Shepard with 14 and Tiffany with 8.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;is 2-of-2, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sydnee-hoffman/7083">Sydnee Hoffman</a>&nbsp;is the only Tiger to be caught stealing this season at 1-of-2. The Tigers are 25-of-26 as a team. Tiffany Heating Back Up <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;has the longest current hitting streak for the Tigers, standing at six straight games. She is hitting .381 (8-for-21) in that stretch, bringing her season batting average back up to .329. She had a 1-for-19 stretch at the plate prior to her six-game hit streak. Tough to Strikeout <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;has just one strikeout in 64 at bats this season. She ranks eighth in NCAA Division II for toughest to strikeout. Put the Ball in Play Fort Hays State ranks second in the MIAA for fewest strikeouts as a team with 86 for the season. Central Oklahoma has the fewest with 80. Nebraska-Kearney leads the MIAA in strikeouts with 162. Moving Your Teammate Up Fort Hays State ranks second in the MIAA in sacrifice bunts/hits with 19, only behind Washburn's 22. FHSU is also second in the conference in total sacrifices with 26 when adding on their seven sacrifice flies. Washburn leads the MIAA in total sacrifices with 30. Central Oklahoma leads the sacrifice fly category with 15 for the season. Solid Pitching Fort Hays State has a team pitching ERA of 2.87, which ranks sixth in the MIAA. Three of four Tiger pitchers have ERAs lower than 3.10 for the season, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;at 2.05. The Tiger pitchers rank second in the MIAA in strikeouts with 173, only behind Washburn (226). All four Tiger pitchers have at least 25 strikeouts on the season, led by Egger with 77. FHSU is allowing just a .251 batting average to opponents, which is sixth in the MIAA. Strong in the Circle <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;has allowed two or less earned runs in nine of her 13 starts in the pitching circle this season. She had four consecutive shutouts from February 24 to March 4, which accounts for all of her shutouts this season. She ranks 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II for individual shutouts, and is tied for first in the MIAA with Hannah Harrison of Pittsburg State. She had a 32-inning scoreless streak snapped on March 6 against Northwestern Oklahoma State, but threw 38 shutout innings in a 41-inning stretch from February 24 to March 11. Pair of Complete Games for Carlson <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a pair of complete games last week in Colorado. She went the full seven innings in a 3-1 win at MSU Denver and a 5-2 win at CSU Pueblo. The complete game at MSU Denver on March 14 was her first since a 14-0 run-rule win in five innings over Sioux Falls back on February 26. With a 1.50 ERA over the two games last week, she lowered her season ERA to 2.70.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU hosts Colorado School of Mines

🎥⚾️🥎 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

It's the first spring sports Tiger Talk with head softball coach Adrian Pilkington and new head baseball coach Justin Wichert.

Tiger Talk airs live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays on KAYS (1400/94.3) at noon.

It's the first spring sports Tiger Talk with head softball coach Adrian Pilkington and new head baseball coach Justin Wichert.Tiger Talk airs live from Big Smoke Barbecue in Hays on KAYS (1400/94.3) at noon.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (March 20, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v8b2c-13c01aa-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (March 20, 2023)

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 23 of his 27 points after halftime, and Kansas State overcame a horrid start from outside by hitting a couple of clutch 3-pointers while topping Kentucky 75-69 in Sunday's second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The win sends the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018, and it came thanks to a series of big shots that finally pushed them through in a tight game.

They'll play the winner of the Michigan State-Marquette in the East Region semifinals.

Kansas State missed its first 13 3-pointers and sat at 2 for 17 for the game when the outside shots started falling. There was Nowell burying a step-back 3 against Cason Wallace to bring Kansas State within 60-59, followed a bit later by Ismael Massoud burying one from the right wing at the 2:21 mark that gave Kansas State the lead for good at 64-62.

Keyontae Johnson added one more from that side of the court in front of the Kansas State bench, pushing the lead to 67-62 with 1:23 left — sending a jolt with the kind of margin that felt massive considering nearly all of the second half had been played within four points.

The 5-foot-8 Nowell, a third-team Associated Press All-American, played a fearless floor game while making 7 of 14 shots and 10 of 11 free throws. He also hit three 3s, including the first one over Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe after an 0-for-13 start by Kansas State and another after halftime with his left foot on the “March Madness” logo near midcourt.

Tshiebwe had 25 points and 18 rebounds for sixth-seeded Kentucky (22-12), which shot 55% after halftime and led by eight early in the second half. But the Wildcats never could stretch that lead out, then couldn't make their own big outside shots (4 for 20 for the game) to answer when Kansas State made its move.

Consider it the latest chapter in a run of surprisingly fast success for Kansas State under first-year coach Jerome Tang, who left Baylor after a long stint on Scott Drew’s staff to take over in Manhattan. He inherited a program that hadn’t been to the tournament since 2019, was coming off three straight losing seasons and was picked to finish last in the Big 12.

Yet after a summer of reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, the Wildcats built early confidence and thrived right away — and now, that has them in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

And the bet paid off in a number of ways Sunday.

There was Johnson, who transferred from Florida after collapsing in a game in December 2020&nbsp;and hadn't played since before resuming his career with Kansas State.

There was Virginia Tech transfer big man David N'Guessan, who played multiple late possessions with his right heel out of his shoe — yet still had the tipout offensive rebound that led to Johnson's 3.

And there was Massoud, who transferred from Wake Forest to Kansas State before Tang's arrival and stuck around this year. Playing about a 30-minute drive from his first college stop, he hadn’t scored before hitting that huge 3.

For the other set of Wildcats, it marked another earlier-than-hoped-for exit from March Madness.

Tshiebwe had 25 rebounds in the first-round win against Providence&nbsp;for the most in any tournament game since 1977, and the two-time AP All-American was again a force inside. Wallace had 15 of his 21 points after halftime, including multiple times when the freshman guard used his 6-4 frame to score against Nowell inside.

But No. 2 scorer Antonio Reeves (14.6 points) managed five points on 1-for-15 shooting, including 1-for-10 from behind the arc with the lone 3 coming with 8 seconds left and Kansas State in control.

When it was over, Kansas State players began to hug each other at midcourt and celebrate, with guard Desi Sills — another transfer, fittingly — talking animatedly to nearly cameras as he walked around the court in victory.

Later, after most of the team had left the court, Johnson was still hanging around behind the bench to give high-fives and sign autographs for fans. And teammate Nae'Qwan Tomlin squeezed in one more high-five of his own before running toward the locker room while pointing triumphantly to another pocket of KSU fans.

Kentucky: The past year has been one of wild emotional swings, starting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-saint-peters-upsets-kentucky-b0fdd8fbd0ea432a9b6150f0cd8e6b22">last March’s devastating first-round exit at the hands of 15-seed Saint Peter’s</a>. That hung over the team while a No. 4 preseason ranking evaporated with a 10-6 start. Kentucky beat Providence in the first round to get past that emotional hurdle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-calipari-e8d462e3f8d13a560891efbbc1853867">with coach John Calipari pushing his team to play loose and free</a>. Still, it wasn't enough to get Kentucky to the tournament's second weekend for the first time since an Elite Eight run in 2019.

Kansas State:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-montana-state-c73a1a3cad7f67d1db2b315deb5917eb">Friday's first-round win against Montana State</a>&nbsp;came in the program's first tournament appearance since 2019. Nowell was huge in that one with 17 points and 14 assists. In this one, Kansas State outscored Kentucky 19-9 down the stretch, with Nowell scoring 11 and going 8-for-8 at the line in a show of unflappable resolve.

Kansas State will face the Michigan State-Marquette winner Thursday in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679261737994.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Desi Sills celebrates a dunk by forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin against Kentucky during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Desi Sills celebrates a dunk by forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin against Kentucky during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BEARD AP Basketball WriterGREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 23 of his 27 points after halftime, and Kansas State overcame a horrid start from outside by hitting a couple of clutch 3-pointers while topping Kentucky 75-69 in Sunday's second round of the NCAA Tournament.The win sends the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018, and it came thanks to a series of big shots that finally pushed them through in a tight game.They'll play the winner of the Michigan State-Marquette in the East Region semifinals.Kansas State missed its first 13 3-pointers and sat at 2 for 17 for the game when the outside shots started falling. There was Nowell burying a step-back 3 against Cason Wallace to bring Kansas State within 60-59, followed a bit later by Ismael Massoud burying one from the right wing at the 2:21 mark that gave Kansas State the lead for good at 64-62.Keyontae Johnson added one more from that side of the court in front of the Kansas State bench, pushing the lead to 67-62 with 1:23 left — sending a jolt with the kind of margin that felt massive considering nearly all of the second half had been played within four points.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679310627232.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell (1) dribbles the ball up the floor in first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell (1) dribbles the ball up the floor in first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The 5-foot-8 Nowell, a third-team Associated Press All-American, played a fearless floor game while making 7 of 14 shots and 10 of 11 free throws. He also hit three 3s, including the first one over Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe after an 0-for-13 start by Kansas State and another after halftime with his left foot on the “March Madness” logo near midcourt.Tshiebwe had 25 points and 18 rebounds for sixth-seeded Kentucky (22-12), which shot 55% after halftime and led by eight early in the second half. But the Wildcats never could stretch that lead out, then couldn't make their own big outside shots (4 for 20 for the game) to answer when Kansas State made its move.Consider it the latest chapter in a run of surprisingly fast success for Kansas State under first-year coach Jerome Tang, who left Baylor after a long stint on Scott Drew’s staff to take over in Manhattan. He inherited a program that hadn’t been to the tournament since 2019, was coming off three straight losing seasons and was picked to finish last in the Big 12.Yet after a summer of reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, the Wildcats built early confidence and thrived right away — and now, that has them in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.And the bet paid off in a number of ways Sunday.There was Johnson, who transferred from Florida after collapsing in a game in December 2020&nbsp;and hadn't played since before resuming his career with Kansas State.There was Virginia Tech transfer big man David N'Guessan, who played multiple late possessions with his right heel out of his shoe — yet still had the tipout offensive rebound that led to Johnson's 3.And there was Massoud, who transferred from Wake Forest to Kansas State before Tang's arrival and stuck around this year. Playing about a 30-minute drive from his first college stop, he hadn’t scored before hitting that huge 3.For the other set of Wildcats, it marked another earlier-than-hoped-for exit from March Madness.Tshiebwe had 25 rebounds in the first-round win against Providence&nbsp;for the most in any tournament game since 1977, and the two-time AP All-American was again a force inside. Wallace had 15 of his 21 points after halftime, including multiple times when the freshman guard used his 6-4 frame to score against Nowell inside.But No. 2 scorer Antonio Reeves (14.6 points) managed five points on 1-for-15 shooting, including 1-for-10 from behind the arc with the lone 3 coming with 8 seconds left and Kansas State in control.When it was over, Kansas State players began to hug each other at midcourt and celebrate, with guard Desi Sills — another transfer, fittingly — talking animatedly to nearly cameras as he walked around the court in victory.Later, after most of the team had left the court, Johnson was still hanging around behind the bench to give high-fives and sign autographs for fans. And teammate Nae'Qwan Tomlin squeezed in one more high-five of his own before running toward the locker room while pointing triumphantly to another pocket of KSU fans.BIG PICTUREKentucky: The past year has been one of wild emotional swings, starting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-saint-peters-upsets-kentucky-b0fdd8fbd0ea432a9b6150f0cd8e6b22">last March’s devastating first-round exit at the hands of 15-seed Saint Peter’s</a>. That hung over the team while a No. 4 preseason ranking evaporated with a 10-6 start. Kentucky beat Providence in the first round to get past that emotional hurdle&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kentucky-calipari-e8d462e3f8d13a560891efbbc1853867">with coach John Calipari pushing his team to play loose and free</a>. Still, it wasn't enough to get Kentucky to the tournament's second weekend for the first time since an Elite Eight run in 2019.Kansas State:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-montana-state-c73a1a3cad7f67d1db2b315deb5917eb">Friday's first-round win against Montana State</a>&nbsp;came in the program's first tournament appearance since 2019. Nowell was huge in that one with 17 points and 14 assists. In this one, Kansas State outscored Kentucky 19-9 down the stretch, with Nowell scoring 11 and going 8-for-8 at the line in a show of unflappable resolve.UP NEXTKansas State will face the Michigan State-Marquette winner Thursday in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

🏀 Late threes lift K-State past Kentucky for trip to Sweet 16

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State secured its first MIAA series win of the season with a 2-0 win over Central Oklahoma in the rubber match between the teams on Sunday. It marked the first shutout for the Tigers since March 4, 2022 (2-0 vs. Emporia State) and the first conference series win since May 8, 2021 vs. Newman. The Tigers improved to 11-16 overall and 4-9 in the MIAA, while UCO lost their second straight conference series falling to 17-8 overall and 7-6 in conference play. The series finale was a pitching battle from the very beginning as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-campbell/6805">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;and UCO starter Aiden Bagwell prevented any runs from crossing the plate through the first four innings. In that span, Bagwell allowed only two hits, while Campbell gave up three. UCO brought in reliever Jeb Jenkins in the fifth, who kept the scoreless string going into the sixth. The Tigers scored both of their runs in the sixth inning. A sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;moved&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;to second, setting up an RBI double by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;down the left field line. Before another pitch was thrown, the UCO pitcher made a throwing error on an unsuccessful appeal play allowing Scott to score all the way from second. Campbell (2-0) went an impressive 8.1 scoreless innings before yielding to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;with two runners on in the final frame. Maley allowed a hit to load the bases, but was able to escape the jam with a strikeout and groundout for his first save of the season and secure the win. Campbell struck out four and scattered six hits with just two walks, throwing 124 pitches. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;finished the day 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Tigers in hits for the game, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;each had hits aside from Scott's RBI double. The Tigers will be back at home this week when they host Rockhurst for a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679264338387.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Jake Campbell delivers a pitch earlier this season in an NCAA baseball game at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Jake Campbell delivers a pitch earlier this season in an NCAA baseball game at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State secured its first MIAA series win of the season with a 2-0 win over Central Oklahoma in the rubber match between the teams on Sunday. It marked the first shutout for the Tigers since March 4, 2022 (2-0 vs. Emporia State) and the first conference series win since May 8, 2021 vs. Newman. The Tigers improved to 11-16 overall and 4-9 in the MIAA, while UCO lost their second straight conference series falling to 17-8 overall and 7-6 in conference play. The series finale was a pitching battle from the very beginning as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-campbell/6805">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;and UCO starter Aiden Bagwell prevented any runs from crossing the plate through the first four innings. In that span, Bagwell allowed only two hits, while Campbell gave up three. UCO brought in reliever Jeb Jenkins in the fifth, who kept the scoreless string going into the sixth. The Tigers scored both of their runs in the sixth inning. A sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;moved&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;to second, setting up an RBI double by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;down the left field line. Before another pitch was thrown, the UCO pitcher made a throwing error on an unsuccessful appeal play allowing Scott to score all the way from second. Campbell (2-0) went an impressive 8.1 scoreless innings before yielding to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;with two runners on in the final frame. Maley allowed a hit to load the bases, but was able to escape the jam with a strikeout and groundout for his first save of the season and secure the win. Campbell struck out four and scattered six hits with just two walks, throwing 124 pitches. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;finished the day 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Tigers in hits for the game, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;each had hits aside from Scott's RBI double. The Tigers will be back at home this week when they host Rockhurst for a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21).&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers shutout Bronchos to claim series in Edmond

By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas' national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas' Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.

Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-4ad50feff4c6e12b4722de893edfc059">playing without ailing coach Bill Self,</a>&nbsp;became the second top seed not to escape the tournament's first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.

Arkansas (22-13) and coach Eric Musselman return to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year. The Razorbacks will play either Saint Mary's or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Musselman and his players rushed to a group of fans sitting courtside after the final buzzer. The 58-year-old coach ripped his polo shirt off, waved it over his head and shouted with joy.

“That’s such an unbelievable win for our program,” Musselman said. "I keep telling people that we’re getting better. Not many teams can get better this time of year. I’ve never been prouder of a team like tonight.”

Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn't feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.

Longtime assistant Norm Roberts was acting coach for a fifth straight game in Self’s absence.

Kansas, bidding to become the first repeat national champion since Florida in 2006-07, was ahead 35-27 at halftime and lost for the first time in 27 games when entering the second half with a lead. Kansas had been 47-0 in the NCAA Tournament when leading by eight points or more at the half.

Davis scored 21 of his points in the second half. He fouled out with 1:56 left, turning things over to the veteran Council, a transfer from Wichita State who scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points.

“This team was struggling and we figured it out,” Davis said. “I’m glad we did at the right time. Hopefully we continue to do it.”

Outside the locker room a few minutes later, a sobbing Musselman hugged Davis and shouted, "I (expletive) love you, man!”

Council's free throw put Arkansas ahead to stay, 68-67, with 24 seconds left. He then rebounded his own miss of the second free throw and made two more to give the Razorbacks a three-point lead.

The teams traded free throws, and Arkansas sent Kansas' Jalen Wilson to the line with 3 seconds left to prevent a potential tying 3-pointer. Wilson made the first free throw and appeared to try to miss the second intentionally, but it banked hard off the glass and in, and Kansas never regained possession.

Arkansas was playing a No. 1 seed for the third straight year. Last year, the Razorbacks knocked out Gonzaga on the way to their second straight Elite Eight.

Arkansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-illinois-arkansas-9c5294f8634c1fc2903b6e8b8b84df82">which beat Illinois in the first round,</a>&nbsp;was considered a scary matchup for the Jayhawks with its explosive transition game and ability to play lockdown defense.

But circumstances were less than ideal for the Razorbacks. Guard Anthony Black tweaked a nagging ankle injury early and went to the bench to get re-taped and change shoes, and fellow guard and projected high NBA first-round draft pick Nick Smith Jr. picked up two quick fouls and was limited to 10 minutes and no points in the first half. Also, big man Kamani Johnson was ill and played with a sore toe.

The Razorbacks were too eager to shoot 3-pointers early. They missed 8 of 9 in the first half and couldn’t get their running game going.

Kansas looked in full control early. The Jayhawks got their fans out of their seats with a series of electric plays that included Gradey Dick’s fast-break dunk off Dajuan Harris’ steal, Wilson’s contested inside basket on an and-one and his primal scream directed at Arkansas fans, and Joseph Yesufu’s high-arcing 3 from the logo to beat the shot clock.

Davis started a game-turning 11-0 Arkansas run in the middle of the second half and Jordan Walsh’s 3-pointer with eight minutes left gave the Razorbacks their first lead since their first basket of the game. Davis rushed over, chest-bumped Walsh and raised his arms to ask Arkansas fans for more noise.

Arkansas neutralized Wilson when it mattered most, allowing the All-American only two shots over a 15-minute stretch of the second half.

Arkansas is in the Sweet 16 for the 14th time. The only lower-seeded Razorbacks team to reach a regional semifinal was the 1996 squad, which was a No. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679188809157.jpeg" alt="Kansas players watch from the bench in the second half of a second-round college basketball game against Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas players watch from the bench in the second half of a second-round college basketball game against Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP Sports WriterDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Kansas' national title defense ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday when Arkansas' Ricky Council IV made five free throws in the closing seconds and the eighth-seeded Razorbacks beat the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71.Davonte Davis scored 25 points and Council added 21 as Arkansas rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit. Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-4ad50feff4c6e12b4722de893edfc059">playing without ailing coach Bill Self,</a>&nbsp;became the second top seed not to escape the tournament's first weekend after Purdue lost on Friday night to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson.Arkansas (22-13) and coach Eric Musselman return to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year. The Razorbacks will play either Saint Mary's or UConn in the West Region semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday.Musselman and his players rushed to a group of fans sitting courtside after the final buzzer. The 58-year-old coach ripped his polo shirt off, waved it over his head and shouted with joy.“That’s such an unbelievable win for our program,” Musselman said. "I keep telling people that we’re getting better. Not many teams can get better this time of year. I’ve never been prouder of a team like tonight.”Self has been with the Jayhawks (28-8) since they arrived in Des Moines and has attended practices and meetings, but he still didn't feel well enough to coach a game after having a heart procedure March 8 to clear clogged arteries.Longtime assistant Norm Roberts was acting coach for a fifth straight game in Self’s absence.Kansas, bidding to become the first repeat national champion since Florida in 2006-07, was ahead 35-27 at halftime and lost for the first time in 27 games when entering the second half with a lead. Kansas had been 47-0 in the NCAA Tournament when leading by eight points or more at the half.Davis scored 21 of his points in the second half. He fouled out with 1:56 left, turning things over to the veteran Council, a transfer from Wichita State who scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points.“This team was struggling and we figured it out,” Davis said. “I’m glad we did at the right time. Hopefully we continue to do it.”Outside the locker room a few minutes later, a sobbing Musselman hugged Davis and shouted, "I (expletive) love you, man!”Council's free throw put Arkansas ahead to stay, 68-67, with 24 seconds left. He then rebounded his own miss of the second free throw and made two more to give the Razorbacks a three-point lead.The teams traded free throws, and Arkansas sent Kansas' Jalen Wilson to the line with 3 seconds left to prevent a potential tying 3-pointer. Wilson made the first free throw and appeared to try to miss the second intentionally, but it banked hard off the glass and in, and Kansas never regained possession.Wilson led the Jayhawks with 20 points.Arkansas was playing a No. 1 seed for the third straight year. Last year, the Razorbacks knocked out Gonzaga on the way to their second straight Elite Eight.Arkansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-illinois-arkansas-9c5294f8634c1fc2903b6e8b8b84df82">which beat Illinois in the first round,</a>&nbsp;was considered a scary matchup for the Jayhawks with its explosive transition game and ability to play lockdown defense.But circumstances were less than ideal for the Razorbacks. Guard Anthony Black tweaked a nagging ankle injury early and went to the bench to get re-taped and change shoes, and fellow guard and projected high NBA first-round draft pick Nick Smith Jr. picked up two quick fouls and was limited to 10 minutes and no points in the first half. Also, big man Kamani Johnson was ill and played with a sore toe.The Razorbacks were too eager to shoot 3-pointers early. They missed 8 of 9 in the first half and couldn’t get their running game going.Kansas looked in full control early. The Jayhawks got their fans out of their seats with a series of electric plays that included Gradey Dick’s fast-break dunk off Dajuan Harris’ steal, Wilson’s contested inside basket on an and-one and his primal scream directed at Arkansas fans, and Joseph Yesufu’s high-arcing 3 from the logo to beat the shot clock.Davis started a game-turning 11-0 Arkansas run in the middle of the second half and Jordan Walsh’s 3-pointer with eight minutes left gave the Razorbacks their first lead since their first basket of the game. Davis rushed over, chest-bumped Walsh and raised his arms to ask Arkansas fans for more noise.Arkansas neutralized Wilson when it mattered most, allowing the All-American only two shots over a 15-minute stretch of the second half.Arkansas is in the Sweet 16 for the 14th time. The only lower-seeded Razorbacks team to reach a regional semifinal was the 1996 squad, which was a No. 12.___

🏀 Arkansas ousts defending champ Kansas from March Madness

EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team evened the series with Central Oklahoma with a 9-2 victory on Saturday. The Tigers held the Bronchos scoreless into the eighth inning while scoring at least one run five frames. The Tigers improve to 10-16 on the season and 3-9 in the MIAA while the Bronchos move to 17-7 overall and 7-5 in conference play. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;made the start and retired the first six batters he faced. The Tigers got on the board in the third inning as a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;brought in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-davis/7256">Zach Davis</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth with a solo shot to right field, his second of the series. FHSU batted around in the fifth, scoring four runs on three hits and one UCO error.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;started off the inning by reaching base on a bunt before swiping second base. A single from DeGarmo moved Maldonado to third and a wild pitch by UCO brought him home. DeGarmo would score on the next play as the catcher mishandled a play at the plate on an infield hit from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>. Boies&nbsp;later picked up his second RBI of the day on a double down the left field line. After a pitching change by UCO, the Tigers loaded the bases on a pair of walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;and Davis. In the next at bat,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;was hit by the pitch bringing the Tiger lead to 6-0. The Tigers plated two more runs in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;and another RBI double from Boies. The final run for the Tigers was scored in the eighth on a double down the left field line by Davis, scoring Ural and pushing the Tiger lead to 9-0. Berg (3-1) tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and six walks while striking out five batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;took the mound the eighth to relieve Berg and close out the game. The Bronchos managed to spoil the shutout with a two-out double down the right field line which plated two runs. Maley returned in the ninth and held UCO at bay to secure the win. Boies finished 3-for-5 with three RBI while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>, DeGarmo and Maldonado each recorded multi-hit games. The series will conclude with the rubber match slated for Sunday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679187999770.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Zach Berg gets ready to deliver a pitcher earlier this season at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Zach Berg gets ready to deliver a pitcher earlier this season at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team evened the series with Central Oklahoma with a 9-2 victory on Saturday. The Tigers held the Bronchos scoreless into the eighth inning while scoring at least one run five frames. The Tigers improve to 10-16 on the season and 3-9 in the MIAA while the Bronchos move to 17-7 overall and 7-5 in conference play. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;made the start and retired the first six batters he faced. The Tigers got on the board in the third inning as a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;brought in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-davis/7256">Zach Davis</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth with a solo shot to right field, his second of the series. FHSU batted around in the fifth, scoring four runs on three hits and one UCO error.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;started off the inning by reaching base on a bunt before swiping second base. A single from DeGarmo moved Maldonado to third and a wild pitch by UCO brought him home. DeGarmo would score on the next play as the catcher mishandled a play at the plate on an infield hit from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>. Boies&nbsp;later picked up his second RBI of the day on a double down the left field line. After a pitching change by UCO, the Tigers loaded the bases on a pair of walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;and Davis. In the next at bat,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;was hit by the pitch bringing the Tiger lead to 6-0. The Tigers plated two more runs in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;and another RBI double from Boies. The final run for the Tigers was scored in the eighth on a double down the left field line by Davis, scoring Ural and pushing the Tiger lead to 9-0. Berg (3-1) tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and six walks while striking out five batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;took the mound the eighth to relieve Berg and close out the game. The Bronchos managed to spoil the shutout with a two-out double down the right field line which plated two runs. Maley returned in the ninth and held UCO at bay to secure the win. Boies finished 3-for-5 with three RBI while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>, DeGarmo and Maldonado each recorded multi-hit games. The series will conclude with the rubber match slated for Sunday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Berg and Boies lift Tigers to victory over Bronchos

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bill Self will miss top-seeded Kansas' second-round NCAA Tournament game against Arkansas on Saturday, the school announced.

Self, who is recovering from a heart procedure he received earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-norm-roberts-fbb2c52dc34fa02235d1dbc3177ced01">has been with his team since it arrived in Des Moines and attended meetings and practices.</a>

Self declined to comment Friday when he walked past reporters after practice, but said in a radio interview before the Jayhawks' first-round win over Howard that he is feeling better and getting stronger — just not yet ready to be on the bench for a game.

Norm Roberts, Self's longtime assistant, will serve as acting coach for a fifth game.

Self went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks hold a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns with his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries.

Kansas is 3-1 in Self’s absence, with the loss coming to Texas in the Big 12 Tournament championship game.

The 57-year-old Roberts is Self’s right-hand man, having been on Self’s staff at four coaching stops.

“We have been together for almost 25 years, so we probably do finish each other’s sentences in basketball terms,” Roberts said Friday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bill Self will miss top-seeded Kansas' second-round NCAA Tournament game against Arkansas on Saturday, the school announced.Self, who is recovering from a heart procedure he received earlier this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-norm-roberts-fbb2c52dc34fa02235d1dbc3177ced01">has been with his team since it arrived in Des Moines and attended meetings and practices.</a>Self declined to comment Friday when he walked past reporters after practice, but said in a radio interview before the Jayhawks' first-round win over Howard that he is feeling better and getting stronger — just not yet ready to be on the bench for a game.Norm Roberts, Self's longtime assistant, will serve as acting coach for a fifth game.Self went to the emergency room the night of March 8, shortly after watching the Jayhawks hold a final shootaround ahead of their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns with his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries.Kansas is 3-1 in Self’s absence, with the loss coming to Texas in the Big 12 Tournament championship game.The 57-year-old Roberts is Self’s right-hand man, having been on Self’s staff at four coaching stops.“We have been together for almost 25 years, so we probably do finish each other’s sentences in basketball terms,” Roberts said Friday.

🏀 Bill Self to miss Kansas' NCAA game against Arkansas

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gradey Dick set the Kansas freshman record for 3-point field goals, recorded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-howard-a37482476123ba6f8f6c337deef99096">the first double-double of his career</a>&nbsp;in the Jayhawks' opener in the NCAA Tournament and is on track to be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-nba-draft-picks-9fe43406a0d09256c7070c39c503805f">NBA lottery pick</a>&nbsp;in June.

His mom, a player of her own accomplishment, is proud of him, of course.

But Carmen Dick concedes nothing to him as a basketball player. That's not how their uber-competitive family operates.

Her son played the starring role in a first-round win over Howard on Thursday and next he'll lead the top-seeded and defending champion Jayhawks (28-7) into a Saturday game against No. 8 Arkansas (21-13).

No. 2 UCLA (30-5) plays No. 7 Northwestern (22-11) in Sacramento, California, in the other West game.

Kansas' opening tournament games are being played at Wells Fargo Arena, which is right across the street from Veterans Auditorium. That's where Carmen Dick — then Carmen Jaspers — built her legacy as one of Iowa's greatest high school players before she became a 1,000-point scorer at Iowa State.

Since the Jayhawks arrived in Des Moines, locals have regaled Gradey Dick with memories of his mom dominating the competition in the old six-girl game Iowa high schools played until 30 years ago.

“Yeah, he knows what I did. He's well aware,” Carmen Dick said Friday. “We have competitions, and he's got me on a few and I've got him on a few.”

Gradey is the better 3-point shooter, but Carmen notes there were no 3s in her day. For her part, she played in three straight state tournaments for Ackley-Geneva High at Veterans Auditorium (1983-85), averaged 40 points per game as a senior and still ranks 10th all-time with her 77.6% shooting in 1984.

As a collegian, she was Iowa State's female athlete of the year in 1989 and still holds the school single-game free-throw record by going 15 for 15 against Kansas in 1988.

“I haven’t gotten near to that, so she holds that over me,” said Gradey, who had 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals in his first NCAA Tournament game.

Gradey said he admires his mom's accomplishments. Because she played under the basket in high school and college, she's even taught him a few inside moves.

“You never know when he might need to use those,” she said.

Carmen Dick is a personal trainer in Wichita, Kansas, where she and her husband, Bart, and raised Gradey as the youngest of four children. She said age has taken some of the luster off her game, but she doesn't back down from a challenge on the court.

“We all played a lot of games in the backyard,” she said, laughing, “and there was no mercy. No mercy.”

“Nowadays it's more H-O-R-S-E," he said. "Her mid-range game, she does not miss. Never.”

Kansas acting coach Norm Roberts said, “Gradey, he knows his mom is the best player in the house. We know all that. When you are coaching Gradey and talking to him about different things, his mom knows what’s going on.”

This marks the third straight year Arkansas will play a No. 1 seed. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-arkansas-defeats-gonzaga-bd0f1ba2407c81fe0eb2c2b23a50c451">Razorbacks knocked off Gonzaga 74-68</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in the Sweet 16 last year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-houston-cougars-mens-basketball-oregon-state-beavers-mens-basketball-baylor-bears-mens-basketball-michigan-wolverines-mens-basketball-7b2443c34b73af0856a21981a390a4c8">lost to Baylor 81-72 in the Elite Eight</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis in 2021.

“We talked about the mentality that you need to have going into this particular game,” coach Eric Musselman said. “Not good luck to play three number ones in three years. I don’t know if that’s ever happened before. But if it has happened before, it certainly hasn’t happened with many programs.”

The Razorbacks were seeded Nos. 4 and 3 the past two years and are a No. 8 this time. Arkansas is a 3 1/2-point underdog to Kansas, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaab?tab=march-madness">FanDuel Sportsbook</a>, after being a 2-point favorite against Illinois.

“I don’t think many people believed in us yesterday going into that game,” Musselman said. "Yeah, I think we need to play with a free mind. We need to not feel pressure. Our guys are smart. They’re on Twitter. They’re on Instagram. They know. They know what we’re playing against."

UCLA’s NCAA Tournament accolades are legendary with 11 national titles and 19 appearances in the Final Four.

The Bruins’ second-round opponent has just a bit less history on this stage. Northwestern is making only its second appearance. The Wildcats have never made it as far as the Sweet 16, losing in the second round in 2017 in their only other tournament trip.

“As a program, it would be huge,” forward Robbie Beran said. “I knew we had something special. Really just trying to make history. ... It will be a huge step for the program. But we’re just trying to focus on the game. We’re not really trying to look at how it affects Northwestern basketball legacy.”

UCLA coach Mick Cronin is focused less on that discrepancy in experience and more on an opponent with a tough defense that has endured a difficult Big Ten schedule.

“Experience always helps,” he said. “If you can have talent and experience, you got a better chance. But I’ll take talent.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679111050124.jpeg" alt="Kansas's Gradey Dick brings the ball up the floor during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas's Gradey Dick brings the ball up the floor during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP Sports WriterDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gradey Dick set the Kansas freshman record for 3-point field goals, recorded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-howard-a37482476123ba6f8f6c337deef99096">the first double-double of his career</a>&nbsp;in the Jayhawks' opener in the NCAA Tournament and is on track to be an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-nba-draft-picks-9fe43406a0d09256c7070c39c503805f">NBA lottery pick</a>&nbsp;in June.His mom, a player of her own accomplishment, is proud of him, of course.But Carmen Dick concedes nothing to him as a basketball player. That's not how their uber-competitive family operates.Her son played the starring role in a first-round win over Howard on Thursday and next he'll lead the top-seeded and defending champion Jayhawks (28-7) into a Saturday game against No. 8 Arkansas (21-13).No. 2 UCLA (30-5) plays No. 7 Northwestern (22-11) in Sacramento, California, in the other West game.Kansas' opening tournament games are being played at Wells Fargo Arena, which is right across the street from Veterans Auditorium. That's where Carmen Dick — then Carmen Jaspers — built her legacy as one of Iowa's greatest high school players before she became a 1,000-point scorer at Iowa State.Since the Jayhawks arrived in Des Moines, locals have regaled Gradey Dick with memories of his mom dominating the competition in the old six-girl game Iowa high schools played until 30 years ago.“Yeah, he knows what I did. He's well aware,” Carmen Dick said Friday. “We have competitions, and he's got me on a few and I've got him on a few.”Gradey is the better 3-point shooter, but Carmen notes there were no 3s in her day. For her part, she played in three straight state tournaments for Ackley-Geneva High at Veterans Auditorium (1983-85), averaged 40 points per game as a senior and still ranks 10th all-time with her 77.6% shooting in 1984.As a collegian, she was Iowa State's female athlete of the year in 1989 and still holds the school single-game free-throw record by going 15 for 15 against Kansas in 1988.“I haven’t gotten near to that, so she holds that over me,” said Gradey, who had 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals in his first NCAA Tournament game.Gradey said he admires his mom's accomplishments. Because she played under the basket in high school and college, she's even taught him a few inside moves.“You never know when he might need to use those,” she said.Carmen Dick is a personal trainer in Wichita, Kansas, where she and her husband, Bart, and raised Gradey as the youngest of four children. She said age has taken some of the luster off her game, but she doesn't back down from a challenge on the court.“We all played a lot of games in the backyard,” she said, laughing, “and there was no mercy. No mercy.”Gradey said she still has game.“Nowadays it's more H-O-R-S-E," he said. "Her mid-range game, she does not miss. Never.”Kansas acting coach Norm Roberts said, “Gradey, he knows his mom is the best player in the house. We know all that. When you are coaching Gradey and talking to him about different things, his mom knows what’s going on.”ANOTHER NO. 1 FOR ARKANSASThis marks the third straight year Arkansas will play a No. 1 seed. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-arkansas-defeats-gonzaga-bd0f1ba2407c81fe0eb2c2b23a50c451">Razorbacks knocked off Gonzaga 74-68</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in the Sweet 16 last year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arkansas-houston-cougars-mens-basketball-oregon-state-beavers-mens-basketball-baylor-bears-mens-basketball-michigan-wolverines-mens-basketball-7b2443c34b73af0856a21981a390a4c8">lost to Baylor 81-72 in the Elite Eight</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis in 2021.“We talked about the mentality that you need to have going into this particular game,” coach Eric Musselman said. “Not good luck to play three number ones in three years. I don’t know if that’s ever happened before. But if it has happened before, it certainly hasn’t happened with many programs.”The Razorbacks were seeded Nos. 4 and 3 the past two years and are a No. 8 this time. Arkansas is a 3 1/2-point underdog to Kansas, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaab?tab=march-madness">FanDuel Sportsbook</a>, after being a 2-point favorite against Illinois.“I don’t think many people believed in us yesterday going into that game,” Musselman said. "Yeah, I think we need to play with a free mind. We need to not feel pressure. Our guys are smart. They’re on Twitter. They’re on Instagram. They know. They know what we’re playing against."EXPERIENCE GAPUCLA’s NCAA Tournament accolades are legendary with 11 national titles and 19 appearances in the Final Four.The Bruins’ second-round opponent has just a bit less history on this stage. Northwestern is making only its second appearance. The Wildcats have never made it as far as the Sweet 16, losing in the second round in 2017 in their only other tournament trip.“As a program, it would be huge,” forward Robbie Beran said. “I knew we had something special. Really just trying to make history. ... It will be a huge step for the program. But we’re just trying to focus on the game. We’re not really trying to look at how it affects Northwestern basketball legacy.”UCLA coach Mick Cronin is focused less on that discrepancy in experience and more on an opponent with a tough defense that has endured a difficult Big Ten schedule.“Experience always helps,” he said. “If you can have talent and experience, you got a better chance. But I’ll take talent.”