#8/#17 Fort Hays State (19-2, 10-2 MIAA) vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (13-8, 7-5 MIAA) Saturday, February 8, 2025 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

Game Sponsor:&nbsp;American Family Insurance - The Brian Ruder Agency National Anthem:&nbsp;Scott County Encore Group Promotions:&nbsp;Styles Dance performance at women's halftime, student-athlete academic recognition at men's halftime, FHSU 20-year donor recognition, FHSU Affiliation Day

The eighth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team faces off with conference-newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith for the first time in program history Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

While this is the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and the Lions, this is not the first time FHSU has played another "Fort." Fort Hays State is 15-2 all-time against former RMAC rival Fort Lewis.

Winners of six in a row, Fort Hays State enters the contest 19-2 overall and 10-2 in MIAA action, while the Lions are 13-8 this season and 7-5 in conference contests. The Tigers need one win to reach the 20-win plateau for a 14th-straight season. FHSU has the longest active streak in Division II (Drury second with 11) and the sixth-longest streak in all NCAA women's basketball. The next-best stretch in the MIAA is just three seasons (MWSU, MSSU, PSU).

The Tigers rank in the top 10 in Division II in numerous statistical categories, including assist/turnover ratio (1.37, second), assists per game (18.9, third), field goal percentage (46.0, eighth), scoring margin (+18.6, ninth) and winning percentage (.905, tenth).Seventeen of FHSU's 19 wins have been double-figure victories, including 10 victories by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.

Fort Hays State leads Division II in attendance this season, averaging 1,824 fans per home contest. That total would tie Florida for 94th in Division I and is more than 272 DI programs.

Brooke Loewe&nbsp;has distributed 145 assists this season, already tied for third-most in a single season in program history. At her current pace of 7.3 assists per game, the junior would break the school record of 166 assists with four games remaining in the regular season (Kristi Leeper-Meis, 1990-91).

After hitting 10-of-13 from the floor in Thursday's win over Northeastern State, forward Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;improved her field goal percentage to 63.1 percent. That shooting rate ranks second in the MIAA and is fifth-best in the country. The graduate student also leads the team in both blocks and steals, ranking second in the MIAA with 2.1 steals per night and ranking third in blocks with 1.7 rejections per contest.

Arkansas-Fort Smith is 13-8 overall and 7-5 in MIAA action after dropping its third-straight game Thursday at Nebraska-Kearney. The Lions are 4-5 in true road games this season and 6-6 overall away from home. UAFS ranks third in the league in scoring offense, averaging 75.1 points per contest, while ranking second-to-last in scoring defense, allowing 72.7 points per contest. The Lions hit 7.5 3-pointers per game, third-most in the conference. Anna Trusty leads the Lions with 13.7 points per night, ranking 13th in the MIAA. She also paces the team in rebounds, ranking 15th in the league with 6.3 boards per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738958569801.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#8/#17 Fort Hays State (19-2, 10-2 MIAA) vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (13-8, 7-5 MIAA) Saturday, February 8, 2025 • 2 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor:&nbsp;American Family Insurance - The Brian Ruder Agency National Anthem:&nbsp;Scott County Encore Group Promotions:&nbsp;Styles Dance performance at women's halftime, student-athlete academic recognition at men's halftime, FHSU 20-year donor recognition, FHSU Affiliation DayThe eighth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team faces off with conference-newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith for the first time in program history Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.While this is the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and the Lions, this is not the first time FHSU has played another "Fort." Fort Hays State is 15-2 all-time against former RMAC rival Fort Lewis.Winners of six in a row, Fort Hays State enters the contest 19-2 overall and 10-2 in MIAA action, while the Lions are 13-8 this season and 7-5 in conference contests. The Tigers need one win to reach the 20-win plateau for a 14th-straight season. FHSU has the longest active streak in Division II (Drury second with 11) and the sixth-longest streak in all NCAA women's basketball. The next-best stretch in the MIAA is just three seasons (MWSU, MSSU, PSU).The Tigers rank in the top 10 in Division II in numerous statistical categories, including assist/turnover ratio (1.37, second), assists per game (18.9, third), field goal percentage (46.0, eighth), scoring margin (+18.6, ninth) and winning percentage (.905, tenth).Seventeen of FHSU's 19 wins have been double-figure victories, including 10 victories by 20 or more points, while both of the Tigers' losses have been by just one point.Fort Hays State leads Division II in attendance this season, averaging 1,824 fans per home contest. That total would tie Florida for 94th in Division I and is more than 272 DI programs.Brooke Loewe&nbsp;has distributed 145 assists this season, already tied for third-most in a single season in program history. At her current pace of 7.3 assists per game, the junior would break the school record of 166 assists with four games remaining in the regular season (Kristi Leeper-Meis, 1990-91).After hitting 10-of-13 from the floor in Thursday's win over Northeastern State, forward Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;improved her field goal percentage to 63.1 percent. That shooting rate ranks second in the MIAA and is fifth-best in the country. The graduate student also leads the team in both blocks and steals, ranking second in the MIAA with 2.1 steals per night and ranking third in blocks with 1.7 rejections per contest.Arkansas-Fort Smith is 13-8 overall and 7-5 in MIAA action after dropping its third-straight game Thursday at Nebraska-Kearney. The Lions are 4-5 in true road games this season and 6-6 overall away from home. UAFS ranks third in the league in scoring offense, averaging 75.1 points per contest, while ranking second-to-last in scoring defense, allowing 72.7 points per contest. The Lions hit 7.5 3-pointers per game, third-most in the conference. Anna Trusty leads the Lions with 13.7 points per night, ranking 13th in the MIAA. She also paces the team in rebounds, ranking 15th in the league with 6.3 boards per game.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: #8 Tiger women hosts MIAA newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith Saturday

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus shares what the week has been like for the Chiefs in New Orleans and previews Super Bowl LIX.

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus shares what the week has been like for the Chiefs in New Orleans and previews Super Bowl LIX.The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<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/2028697580%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-pgrz84WL91m&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/philadelphia-020825/s-pgrz84WL91m" title="Philadelphia - 020825" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Philadelphia - 020825</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

Saturday, February 8
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Kansas State, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 1:35pm

Sunday, February 9
 KKQY: Super Bowl LIX,
1pm

Saturday, February 8
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Kansas State, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 1:35pmSunday, February 9
 KKQY: Super Bowl LIX,
1pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-kelce-e81cb46000e0dfe731cf4d1bd0775635">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing history and a few of Taylor Swift’s records.

Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles stand in their way.

The Chiefs (17-2) will try to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls when they face the Eagles (17-3) on Sunday in the Superdome.

It’s a rematch from two years ago when Hurts nearly led the Eagles to a championship only to watch Mahomes snatch it away by rallying Kansas City to a 38-35 win on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-butker-6b308c23c218a10201a3c3bafa2aaca1">Harrison Butker’s</a>&nbsp;27-yard field goal with 8 seconds left.

Mahomes lifted the Chiefs to an overtime win against San Francisco in another Super Bowl rematch last year. Now, they’re poised for a three-peat, a word coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-andy-reid-bed873e97e64d43952dcf4382c963578">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;doesn’t use much.

"I think the only time I’ve heard him say it is to the media whenever y’all ask him about it," Mahomes said. "He’s very locked in on just, ‘How can we be great with our cadence today at practice?’ so that’s just the stuff that Coach Reid focuses on."

Reid won more games than any coach in franchise history during his 14 seasons in Philadelphia but couldn’t win the big one, going 1-4 in NFC championship games and losing a Super Bowl to the Patriots. He went right to Kansas City after the Eagles fired him following the 2012 season and has built a dynasty thanks to Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones and others.

“You don’t have time to think about all that,” Reid said of the three-peat. “You’re focused in on the job at hand here and that’s playing against a great Eagles team.”

Jones, the three-time All-Pro defensive tackle, echoed his coach’s viewpoint.

“We don’t talk about no three-peat,” Jones said. “I think that’s what we’re here for. We understand that. We understand there’s one more game until the offseason and we can do whatever we want to do. Our main focus is making sure we’re prepared for the Eagles.”

No matter what the Chiefs say, everyone else is talking about it. No team has done it in the Super Bowl era, though the Green Bay Packers won an NFL championship in 1965 and followed by winning the first two Super Bowls. Kelce even started all the three-peat talk on stage last year when he said the team’s goal was to win three.

“This is gonna be our biggest test yet,” Kelce said. “They got a lot of great players but the biggest thing is they play great together. You could see their communication. You could see the accountability they have, especially in the secondary. It’s not gonna make my job any easier.”

These Eagles are different from the group that fell just short against Kansas City in Arizona two years ago.

They have the NFL’s most dynamic player in the backfield. Barkley rushed for 2,447 yards with seven touchdowns of 60-plus yards in the regular season and playoffs.

“The goal has always been to win it, not just to get here,” Barkley said.

Losing to the Chiefs two years ago only motivated Hurts even more. He’s determined to hoist a Lombardi trophy and even had a photo of him walking off the field with Kansas City’s red and yellow confetti falling around him as the background on his phone.

“It’s had a great driving force,” Hurts said of that loss. “It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for.”

Hurts, Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and a dominant offensive line present a major challenge for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

The Eagles also have the league’s No. 1-ranked defense, featuring eight new starters from 2022 and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean plus the emergence of defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith has transformed a defensive unit that fell apart last season.

“We’re fortunate to have Steve Spagnuolo, but I tell you that Vic is one of those guys,” Reid said. “He’s just one of those really creative defensive minds that survived a long time in this league. He’s been time-tested, and, he has the trust of his players.”

If the Chiefs win, Reid and Mahomes will be one step closer to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. They’re halfway to the six Belichick and Brady won together in New England and Mahomes is still four away from Brady’s seven rings.

“I’m trying to be the greatest Patrick Mahomes that I can be. That’s obviously a goal of anyone’s — to be the greatest at their profession — but in order to do that, you have to be the greatest that you can be every single day,” Mahomes said.

“Whenever I’m done with football, if I leave everything out there — the way that I feel like I have so far — as far as effort and mentality, I’ll be happy with the results.”

A win for Kansas City also would give Kelce his fourth ring, the same number of Grammy Awards his pop star girlfriend has won for best album. Overall, Kelce has 18 playoff wins and Swift has 14 Grammys.

“She’s up there being the superstar that she is and never taking no for an answer and always working her tail off. I better match that energy for sure,” Kelce said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738842088116.jpeg" alt="Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) pose with the trophy during Super Bowl 59 Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. (AP Photo/Matt York)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) pose with the trophy during Super Bowl 59 Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New Orleans, ahead of the NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. (AP Photo/Matt York)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-kelce-e81cb46000e0dfe731cf4d1bd0775635">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing history and a few of Taylor Swift’s records.Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles stand in their way.The Chiefs (17-2) will try to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls when they face the Eagles (17-3) on Sunday in the Superdome.It’s a rematch from two years ago when Hurts nearly led the Eagles to a championship only to watch Mahomes snatch it away by rallying Kansas City to a 38-35 win on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-butker-6b308c23c218a10201a3c3bafa2aaca1">Harrison Butker’s</a>&nbsp;27-yard field goal with 8 seconds left.Mahomes lifted the Chiefs to an overtime win against San Francisco in another Super Bowl rematch last year. Now, they’re poised for a three-peat, a word coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-andy-reid-bed873e97e64d43952dcf4382c963578">Andy Reid</a>&nbsp;doesn’t use much."I think the only time I’ve heard him say it is to the media whenever y’all ask him about it," Mahomes said. "He’s very locked in on just, ‘How can we be great with our cadence today at practice?’ so that’s just the stuff that Coach Reid focuses on."Reid won more games than any coach in franchise history during his 14 seasons in Philadelphia but couldn’t win the big one, going 1-4 in NFC championship games and losing a Super Bowl to the Patriots. He went right to Kansas City after the Eagles fired him following the 2012 season and has built a dynasty thanks to Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones and others.“You don’t have time to think about all that,” Reid said of the three-peat. “You’re focused in on the job at hand here and that’s playing against a great Eagles team.”Jones, the three-time All-Pro defensive tackle, echoed his coach’s viewpoint.“We don’t talk about no three-peat,” Jones said. “I think that’s what we’re here for. We understand that. We understand there’s one more game until the offseason and we can do whatever we want to do. Our main focus is making sure we’re prepared for the Eagles.”No matter what the Chiefs say, everyone else is talking about it. No team has done it in the Super Bowl era, though the Green Bay Packers won an NFL championship in 1965 and followed by winning the first two Super Bowls. Kelce even started all the three-peat talk on stage last year when he said the team’s goal was to win three.“This is gonna be our biggest test yet,” Kelce said. “They got a lot of great players but the biggest thing is they play great together. You could see their communication. You could see the accountability they have, especially in the secondary. It’s not gonna make my job any easier.”These Eagles are different from the group that fell just short against Kansas City in Arizona two years ago.They have the NFL’s most dynamic player in the backfield. Barkley rushed for 2,447 yards with seven touchdowns of 60-plus yards in the regular season and playoffs.“The goal has always been to win it, not just to get here,” Barkley said.Losing to the Chiefs two years ago only motivated Hurts even more. He’s determined to hoist a Lombardi trophy and even had a photo of him walking off the field with Kansas City’s red and yellow confetti falling around him as the background on his phone.“It’s had a great driving force,” Hurts said of that loss. “It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for.”Hurts, Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and a dominant offensive line present a major challenge for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.The Eagles also have the league’s No. 1-ranked defense, featuring eight new starters from 2022 and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean plus the emergence of defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith has transformed a defensive unit that fell apart last season.“We’re fortunate to have Steve Spagnuolo, but I tell you that Vic is one of those guys,” Reid said. “He’s just one of those really creative defensive minds that survived a long time in this league. He’s been time-tested, and, he has the trust of his players.”If the Chiefs win, Reid and Mahomes will be one step closer to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. They’re halfway to the six Belichick and Brady won together in New England and Mahomes is still four away from Brady’s seven rings.“I’m trying to be the greatest Patrick Mahomes that I can be. That’s obviously a goal of anyone’s — to be the greatest at their profession — but in order to do that, you have to be the greatest that you can be every single day,” Mahomes said.“Whenever I’m done with football, if I leave everything out there — the way that I feel like I have so far — as far as effort and mentality, I’ll be happy with the results.”A win for Kansas City also would give Kelce his fourth ring, the same number of Grammy Awards his pop star girlfriend has won for best album. Overall, Kelce has 18 playoff wins and Swift has 14 Grammys.“She’s up there being the superstar that she is and never taking no for an answer and always working her tail off. I better match that energy for sure,” Kelce said.

🏈 Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs' quest for a three-peat faces its toughest challenge vs. the Eagles

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N'Guessan scored 20 points and Kansas State beat No. 16 Kansas 81-73 on Saturday for its fifth straight win, including three against ranked opponents.

Dug McDaniel added 15 points and Max Jones and Coleman Hawkins each scored 12 as Kansas State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) beat Kansas for the third straight game in Manhattan, after two overtime victories over the Jayhawks.

Hunter Dickinson scored 21 points, Zeke Mayo added 15 and KJ Adams 13 for Kansas (16-7, 7-5).

Kansas State extended its lead to 55-43 at the 17:20 mark of the second half and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

Kansas: The Jayhawks need to find some consistency before the NCAA Tournament rolls around. In their last six games, the Jayhawks have followed each win with a loss.

Kansas State: The Wildcats can start thinking about postseason play. If they can continue their present run, they could end up in the tournament field.

Starting point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. picked up two early fouls and went to the bench for the rest of the half after getting whistled for his third with 9:56 remaning before the break. His only stat in the first half was three assists in just over four minutes. He played nearly the entire second half, finishing with four points and six assists.

Kansas State had 23 assists and 10 turnovers and fought off constant defensive pressure in the second half by Kansas.

Both teams are in action Tuesday. Kansas hosts Colorado while Kansas State hosts Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739048737773.png" alt="Photo K-State athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — David N'Guessan scored 20 points and Kansas State beat No. 16 Kansas 81-73 on Saturday for its fifth straight win, including three against ranked opponents.Dug McDaniel added 15 points and Max Jones and Coleman Hawkins each scored 12 as Kansas State (12-11, 6-6 Big 12) beat Kansas for the third straight game in Manhattan, after two overtime victories over the Jayhawks.Hunter Dickinson scored 21 points, Zeke Mayo added 15 and KJ Adams 13 for Kansas (16-7, 7-5).Kansas State extended its lead to 55-43 at the 17:20 mark of the second half and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: The Jayhawks need to find some consistency before the NCAA Tournament rolls around. In their last six games, the Jayhawks have followed each win with a loss.Kansas State: The Wildcats can start thinking about postseason play. If they can continue their present run, they could end up in the tournament field.<h2>Key moment</h2>Starting point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. picked up two early fouls and went to the bench for the rest of the half after getting whistled for his third with 9:56 remaning before the break. His only stat in the first half was three assists in just over four minutes. He played nearly the entire second half, finishing with four points and six assists.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas State had 23 assists and 10 turnovers and fought off constant defensive pressure in the second half by Kansas.<h2>Up next</h2>Both teams are in action Tuesday. Kansas hosts Colorado while Kansas State hosts Arizona.___

🏀 K-State extends winning streak to 5 with victory over KU

PLAINVILLE -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams earned a doubleheader sweep as they returned to Mid-Continent League play Friday night in Smith Center.

The Monarch girls claimed a 47-46 victory while the boys earned a 57-46 win.

Gracyn Schippers scored with just over five seconds left to play lifting the TMP Lady Monarchs to a 47-46 win over the Smith Center Lady Red in the first game of the day.

TMP opened the game on an 11-2 run that covered the first quarter.

The lead was short-lived though, as Smith Center outscored TMP 17-7 in the second quarter as they rallied for a one point lead at halftime, 19-18.

The opening minutes of the third quarter belonged to TMP as they started the second half on a 13-3 run and 31-21 midway through the third period.

After TMP led by six at the end of the third quarter, Smith Center came all the way back to take the lead at 46-45 with just 15 second left in the game.

But after a TMP coach John Linn called a timeout the Monarchs got the ball in the post and scored &nbsp;with just five and a half seconds lefts putting TMP &nbsp;up 48-47.

Brooke Koenigsman for TMP led the way &nbsp;14 points. Claire Schippers add 14 points.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The TMP boys outscored Smith Center 26-5 to close out the game as they go on to win it, 57-46.

The first quarter featured seven lead changes and the Monarchs and Redmen were tied at 17 through the first quarter.

In the second neither team was able to build a substantial lead but a Ty Schmeidler three-pointer late in the first half gave TMP a 26-23 led.

TMP took a 28-25 lead into the second half.

In the third period Smith Center erased a four-point deficit with a 12-5 run giving the Redmen a four-point lead at 41-37 lead.

Trailing by four Schmeidler connected on a three-pointer to close the third quarter with TMP down just one at 41-40.

The Monarchs used that three pointer to close out the Redmen.

They outscored Smith Center 20-5 over the final eight-plus minuets as TMP clinched the 57-46 &nbsp;victory

Schmeidler scored a team-high 15 points and Carson Lyes 11 points and eight rebounds for TMP.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

PLAINVILLE -&nbsp;The TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams earned a doubleheader sweep as they returned to Mid-Continent League play Friday night in Smith Center.The Monarch girls claimed a 47-46 victory while the boys earned a 57-46 win.GIRLS: TMP 47, Smith Center 46Gracyn Schippers scored with just over five seconds left to play lifting the TMP Lady Monarchs to a 47-46 win over the Smith Center Lady Red in the first game of the day.<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/2029164076&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/john-linn-postgame-interview-vs-smith-center-feb-7th-25" title="John Linn Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Linn Postgame Interview Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25)</a></div> </div>TMP opened the game on an 11-2 run that covered the first quarter.The lead was short-lived though, as Smith Center outscored TMP 17-7 in the second quarter as they rallied for a one point lead at halftime, 19-18.The opening minutes of the third quarter belonged to TMP as they started the second half on a 13-3 run and 31-21 midway through the third period.After TMP led by six at the end of the third quarter, Smith Center came all the way back to take the lead at 46-45 with just 15 second left in the game.But after a TMP coach John Linn called a timeout the Monarchs got the ball in the post and scored &nbsp;with just five and a half seconds lefts putting TMP &nbsp;up 48-47.<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/2029164592&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/tmp-wbkb-highlights-vs-smith-center-feb-7th-25-mixdown" title="TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25) Mixdown" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25) Mixdown</a></div></div>Brooke Koenigsman for TMP led the way &nbsp;14 points. Claire Schippers add 14 points.Boys: TMP 57, Smith Center 46&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The TMP boys outscored Smith Center 26-5 to close out the game as they go on to win it, 57-46.<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/2029163208&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/bill-meagher-postgame-3" title="Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Smiith Center (Feb 7th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Smiith Center (Feb 7th 25)</a></div></div>The first quarter featured seven lead changes and the Monarchs and Redmen were tied at 17 through the first quarter.In the second neither team was able to build a substantial lead but a Ty Schmeidler three-pointer late in the first half gave TMP a 26-23 led.TMP took a 28-25 lead into the second half.In the third period Smith Center erased a four-point deficit with a 12-5 run giving the Redmen a four-point lead at 41-37 lead.Trailing by four Schmeidler connected on a three-pointer to close the third quarter with TMP down just one at 41-40.The Monarchs used that three pointer to close out the Redmen.They outscored Smith Center 20-5 over the final eight-plus minuets as TMP clinched the 57-46 &nbsp;victory<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/2029164508&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/tmp-mbkb-highlights-vs-smith-center-feb-7th-25" title="TMP MBKB Highlights Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights Vs Smith Center (Feb 7th 25)</a></div></div>Schmeidler scored a team-high 15 points and Carson Lyes 11 points and eight rebounds for TMP.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀Monarchs sweep Smith Center in return to MCL play

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 63, Columbus 27

Wichita Bishop Carroll 74, Wichita West 9

Northern Valley 48, Western Plains-Healy 40

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 54, Columbus 52

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726285481171.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Andover 84, Salina Central 28Arkansas City 51, Goddard 39Augusta 56, El Dorado 46Berean Academy 44, Sterling 20Blue Valley Randolph 40, Frankfort 27Bluestem 55, Erie 28Buhler 50, Circle 34Chase County 55, Burlingame 21Cheney 62, Chaparral 32Clay Center 58, Abilene 25Clearwater 50, Winfield 23Clifton-Clyde 57, Doniphan West 51, OTDerby 67, Goddard-Eisenhower 41Flinthills 36, Argonia 31Galena 48, Baxter Springs 24Garden Plain 44, Conway Springs 38Goessel 34, Wakefield 19Hanover 43, Axtell 37Hartford 49, Tescott 25Haven 46, Smoky Valley 16Hays 63, Dodge City 19Hays-TMP-Marian 47, Smith Center 46Hesston 58, Larned 29Highland Park 43, KC Wyandotte 40Holton 60, St Marys 40Hutchinson 46, Salina South 32Jackson Heights 44, Pleasant Ridge 43KC Piper 66, Topeka West 20Kapaun Mount Carmel 50, Wichita East 43Lebo 61, West Franklin 27Liberal 67, Great Bend 40Linn 65, Onaga 35Madison 47, Crest 38Maize South 59, Maize 32Manhattan 62, Emporia 29Neodesha 33, Eureka 30Northern Valley 51, Logan 43Osage City 55, Burlington 36Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 63, Columbus 27Riley County 32, Hiawatha 30Rock Creek 52, Marysville 43Royal Valley 55, Perry-Lecompton 34Scott City 54, Ulysses 19Silver Lake 44, Nemaha Central 39South Gray 60, South Central 28Syracuse 44, Deerfield 27Topeka Hayden 61, Junction City 14Topeka Seaman 62, KC Turner 7Valley Center 56, Wichita Campus 23Valley Heights 49, Chapman 35Wamego 59, Concordia 38Washburn Rural 65, Topeka 44Wichita Bishop Carroll 74, Wichita West 9Wichita Classical 56, Ell-Saline 22Wichita Heights 46, Wichita South 39Wichita Independent 40, Kingman 39BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Andover 68, Salina Central 41Augusta 59, El Dorado 51Burlingame 53, Chase County 48Cheney 81, Chaparral 57Circle 59, Buhler 55Council Grove 67, McLouth 41Derby 55, Goddard-Eisenhower 43Ellis 57, Trego 48Emporia 37, Manhattan 35Erie 71, Bluestem 28Flinthills 50, Argonia 35Frankfort 67, Blue Valley Randolph 59Fredonia 76, Cherryvale 43Galena 57, Baxter Springs 38Garden Plain 56, Conway Springs 37Goessel 38, Wakefield 30Great Bend 78, Liberal 41Haven 65, Smoky Valley 21Hays-TMP-Marian 57, Smith Center 46Hesston 64, Larned 31Hiawatha 73, Riley County 58Highland Park 81, KC Wyandotte 14Howard West Elk 60, Caldwell 29Hutchinson 69, Salina South 43Kapaun Mount Carmel 50, Wichita East 43Kingman 57, Wichita Independent 41Logan 50, Wheatland-Grinnell 27Lyons 64, Republic County 50Northern Valley 48, Western Plains-Healy 40Osborne 67, Natoma 32Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 54, Columbus 52Rossville 69, Sabetha 62Scott City 57, Ulysses 49Southwestern Hts. 58, Stanton County 43Sterling 58, Berean Academy 42Topeka Hayden 64, Junction City 55Victoria 77, Macksville 69Weskan 65, Golden Plains 38

🏀 Friday's high school basketball scores

Hays High returned to Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Dodge City on Friday.

Girls #4 Hays High 63, Dodge City 19

Hays scored the first thirty points of the game on their way to a 63-19 over Dodge City.

The Indians held Dodge City without a point through the first quarter. Hays took advantage making ten of fifteen field goal attempts through the first eight minutes. They also threw a free throw in for a 28-0 lead after the first eight minutes.

Hays led 30-0 before Dodge City scored their first points with 6:50 remaining in the second quarter. After the 30-0 score the rest of the quarter was a 10-8 ball game with the Indians holding the advantage during that time to lead 40-8 at halftime.

The Indians scored the first eleven points of the third quarter which increased their lead to 51-8. Hays outscored the Red Demons 17-4 in the third for a 57-12 lead heading to the fourth.

That large of a margin kicked in a continuous clock fourth quarter with Hays winning 63-19.

Hays(15-0, 4-0) has won fifteen consecutive WAC games. Molly Martin passed Brenda Bruggeman for fourth in career points and now has 949. She is one points behind Melissa Beyer in third. Dodge City(1-14, 0-3) has lost twelve games in a row. The two will rematch in Dodge City on February 25th for the Indians last road game of the regular season.

Jenna Schmeidler 14; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 0; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 8; Morgan Armbruster 0; Jays Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 4; Molly Buckles 14 (career high); Zoe Winter 9; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 0; Haley LaBarge 0; Brenna Fletcher 0.

Hays High used a 16-2 third quarter run to blow open a tight game on their way to a win over Dodge City 61-44.

Hays did not trail in the first half scoring the first five points. The Indians went on a 8-0 run after the Red Demons scored their first three points. Hays led 13-3 with 2:17 left in the first quarter but did not score again. Back-to-back three pointers by Dodge City brought the game back to a four point different heading to the second quarter 13-9

Dodge City outscored Hays 9-5 to start the second quarter to tie the game at 18. The Indians answered right back with a three pointer only to have Dodge City score shortly after to make it a 21-20 game. The Red Demons had the ball and got a shot off around the rim but didn't connect to take the lead.

Hays led 25-21 at halftime and started the second half on a game decisive run. Dodge City scored the first point of the third quarter to close the gap to a single possession at 25-22. The Indians then erupted on a 16-2 run in which five different players scored. When the dust settled on that stretch Hays owned a 41-24 lead.&nbsp;

Hays scored 24 points in the third after knocking in 25 points in the entire first half.

The Indians grew their lead to 22 in the fourth quarter and Dodge City could no closer than 15 rest of the way resulting in the 61-44 victory for Hays.

Hays(8-7, 3-1) snaps a three game skid and stays within a game of Great Bend in the WAC race. Dodge City(5-10, 2-1) will host Hays on February 25th. The Indians outrebounded Dodge City 41-19. Izaac Fox had a career high 12 boards.

Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 15; Trace Jacobs 3; Cooper Lindenmeyer 6; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 10; Tiger Johnson 17; Brody Harmony 0; Izaac Fox 8; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Alex Loving 0.

Hays High returned to Western Athletic Conference play by hosting Dodge City on Friday.Girls #4 Hays High 63, Dodge City 19Hays scored the first thirty points of the game on their way to a 63-19 over Dodge City.The Indians held Dodge City without a point through the first quarter. Hays took advantage making ten of fifteen field goal attempts through the first eight minutes. They also threw a free throw in for a 28-0 lead after the first eight minutes.Hays led 30-0 before Dodge City scored their first points with 6:50 remaining in the second quarter. After the 30-0 score the rest of the quarter was a 10-8 ball game with the Indians holding the advantage during that time to lead 40-8 at halftime.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2029145576&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-wbkb-highlights-v-5" title="Hays High WBKB Highlights v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Highlights v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025</a></div></div>The Indians scored the first eleven points of the third quarter which increased their lead to 51-8. Hays outscored the Red Demons 17-4 in the third for a 57-12 lead heading to the fourth.That large of a margin kicked in a continuous clock fourth quarter with Hays winning 63-19.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2029146076&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-wbkb-coach-post-v-2" title="Hays High WBKB Coach Post v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Coach Post v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025</a></div></div>Hays(15-0, 4-0) has won fifteen consecutive WAC games. Molly Martin passed Brenda Bruggeman for fourth in career points and now has 949. She is one points behind Melissa Beyer in third. Dodge City(1-14, 0-3) has lost twelve games in a row. The two will rematch in Dodge City on February 25th for the Indians last road game of the regular season.Jenna Schmeidler 14; Annie Humphrey 0; Katie Linenberger 0; Molly Martin 12; Kenlee Winter 8; Morgan Armbruster 0; Jays Roa 0; Kinslee Newell 2; Riley Dreher 4; Molly Buckles 14 (career high); Zoe Winter 9; Liz Cunningham 0; Rylen Harrington 0; Haley LaBarge 0; Brenna Fletcher 0.Boys Hays 61, Dodge City 44Hays High used a 16-2 third quarter run to blow open a tight game on their way to a win over Dodge City 61-44.Hays did not trail in the first half scoring the first five points. The Indians went on a 8-0 run after the Red Demons scored their first three points. Hays led 13-3 with 2:17 left in the first quarter but did not score again. Back-to-back three pointers by Dodge City brought the game back to a four point different heading to the second quarter 13-9Dodge City outscored Hays 9-5 to start the second quarter to tie the game at 18. The Indians answered right back with a three pointer only to have Dodge City score shortly after to make it a 21-20 game. The Red Demons had the ball and got a shot off around the rim but didn't connect to take the lead.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2029146200&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-mbkb-highlights-v-6" title="Hays High MBKB Highlights v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Highlights v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025</a></div></div>Hays led 25-21 at halftime and started the second half on a game decisive run. Dodge City scored the first point of the third quarter to close the gap to a single possession at 25-22. The Indians then erupted on a 16-2 run in which five different players scored. When the dust settled on that stretch Hays owned a 41-24 lead.&nbsp;Hays scored 24 points in the third after knocking in 25 points in the entire first half.The Indians grew their lead to 22 in the fourth quarter and Dodge City could no closer than 15 rest of the way resulting in the 61-44 victory for Hays.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2029146532&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-mbkb-coach-post-v-2" title="Hays High MBKB Coach Post v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Coach Post v Dodge City Feb 7, 2025</a></div></div>Hays(8-7, 3-1) snaps a three game skid and stays within a game of Great Bend in the WAC race. Dodge City(5-10, 2-1) will host Hays on February 25th. The Indians outrebounded Dodge City 41-19. Izaac Fox had a career high 12 boards.Carter Lang 0; Johnny Cano 15; Trace Jacobs 3; Cooper Lindenmeyer 6; Brogan Albers 0; Trey Oakley 10; Tiger Johnson 17; Brody Harmony 0; Izaac Fox 8; Noah Smalley 0; Brecken Otte 0; Alex Loving 0.

🏀 Hays girls and boys pick up WAC wins over Dodge City

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team picked up a pair of wins over East Central Friday afternoon inside Larks Park, winning a 2-0 pitcher's duel in the opener before rattling off 15 hits in a 13-3 run-rule win in the nightcap. FHSU improves to 4-2 on the year, while ECU dips to 0-6 so far this season.

Batting leadoff for the first time as a Tiger, Trey DeGarmo tied Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;for the team lead with four hits on the day. Fort Hays State pitchers struck out 15 batters across the two games.

Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, East Central 0 Front-line starter Ty Riley&nbsp;set the tone early with a 1-2-3 top of the first, the first of three times he would face retire the side in order in his 6.0 innings of work. Base hits from two of the first three FHSU hitters seemed to have the home team in business in the bottom of the first, but ECU starter Joel Hogan got out of the jam with a pair of flyouts.

Riley (2-0) continued to puzzle the ECU bats, with the returning first team All-MIAA pick allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out seven batters. He did not allow a runner to reach third base all afternoon.

Fort Hays State was able to break through on offense in the third when Cooper Howell&nbsp;led off with a single to right. A fielding error allowed the FHSU shortstop to advance to second before he came around to score on a base knock from DeGarmo.

The black and gold Tigers added a second run in the home half of the sixth when Burgos pulled a double down the left-field line to drive in Isaiah Ural.

Brandon Chavez&nbsp;came on in relief in the top of the seventh and proceeded to retire six in a row, including four strikeouts. ECU tried to mount a rally in the top of the ninth with a walk and a double, but a pair of ground balls, including one double play, completed the two-hit shutout for FHSU. Chavez picked up his second save of the season after allowing just two baserunners in 3 innings of work.

DeGarmo and Burgos both recorded two base hits in the narrow victory.

Game 2: Fort Hays State 13, East Central 3 (8 innings) Cade Flaherty&nbsp;opened game two the same way as Riley did in the opener - by retiring the side in order. That was one of four times the senior faced the minimum in his 6.0 innings of work.

FHSU again stranded a pair in the bottom of the first, allowing ECU to strike first with two runs on three hits in the top of the second. The home team grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third when Ural drove in a pair with a triple down the first-base line. Tony Moore&nbsp;&nbsp;followed with a single through the right side, giving FHSU a 3-2 lead.

Fort Hays State added a run in the fourth on an RBI triple from Jose Cintron before Luis Ayala&nbsp;plated a run on a suicide squeeze in the home half of the fifth. FHSU continued to pour it on against the East Central bullpen with five runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth.

A three-run home run home run capped a two-out rally for FHSU in the seventh, with all five runs coming with two outs. After East Central tacked on one run in the top of the eighth, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;led off the bottom of the inning with a double before the next two hitters were retired. Burgos started another two-out rally with an RBI single before Ayala worked a walk. Howell then walked it off with a two-RBI double.

Flaherty (1-0) surrendered two runs on five hits across 6 innings of work while striking out a pair without walking a batter. Kaleb Carpenter&nbsp;came on to earn his first save as a Tiger, allowing one run on two hits while striking out the pair in 2.0 innings of relief.

The teams are scheduled to wrap up the series on Saturday with another doubleheader beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738979672193.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Ty Riley delivers a pitch in the first game of an NCAA baseball doubleheader with East Central at Friday, February 7, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Ty Riley delivers a pitch in the first game of an NCAA baseball doubleheader with East Central at Friday, February 7, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team picked up a pair of wins over East Central Friday afternoon inside Larks Park, winning a 2-0 pitcher's duel in the opener before rattling off 15 hits in a 13-3 run-rule win in the nightcap. FHSU improves to 4-2 on the year, while ECU dips to 0-6 so far this season.Batting leadoff for the first time as a Tiger, Trey DeGarmo tied Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;for the team lead with four hits on the day. Fort Hays State pitchers struck out 15 batters across the two games.Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, East Central 0 Front-line starter Ty Riley&nbsp;set the tone early with a 1-2-3 top of the first, the first of three times he would face retire the side in order in his 6.0 innings of work. Base hits from two of the first three FHSU hitters seemed to have the home team in business in the bottom of the first, but ECU starter Joel Hogan got out of the jam with a pair of flyouts.Riley (2-0) continued to puzzle the ECU bats, with the returning first team All-MIAA pick allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out seven batters. He did not allow a runner to reach third base all afternoon.Fort Hays State was able to break through on offense in the third when Cooper Howell&nbsp;led off with a single to right. A fielding error allowed the FHSU shortstop to advance to second before he came around to score on a base knock from DeGarmo.The black and gold Tigers added a second run in the home half of the sixth when Burgos pulled a double down the left-field line to drive in Isaiah Ural.Brandon Chavez&nbsp;came on in relief in the top of the seventh and proceeded to retire six in a row, including four strikeouts. ECU tried to mount a rally in the top of the ninth with a walk and a double, but a pair of ground balls, including one double play, completed the two-hit shutout for FHSU. Chavez picked up his second save of the season after allowing just two baserunners in 3 innings of work.DeGarmo and Burgos both recorded two base hits in the narrow victory.Game 2: Fort Hays State 13, East Central 3 (8 innings) Cade Flaherty&nbsp;opened game two the same way as Riley did in the opener - by retiring the side in order. That was one of four times the senior faced the minimum in his 6.0 innings of work.FHSU again stranded a pair in the bottom of the first, allowing ECU to strike first with two runs on three hits in the top of the second. The home team grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third when Ural drove in a pair with a triple down the first-base line. Tony Moore&nbsp;&nbsp;followed with a single through the right side, giving FHSU a 3-2 lead.Fort Hays State added a run in the fourth on an RBI triple from Jose Cintron before Luis Ayala&nbsp;plated a run on a suicide squeeze in the home half of the fifth. FHSU continued to pour it on against the East Central bullpen with five runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth.A three-run home run home run capped a two-out rally for FHSU in the seventh, with all five runs coming with two outs. After East Central tacked on one run in the top of the eighth, Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;led off the bottom of the inning with a double before the next two hitters were retired. Burgos started another two-out rally with an RBI single before Ayala worked a walk. Howell then walked it off with a two-RBI double.Flaherty (1-0) surrendered two runs on five hits across 6 innings of work while striking out a pair without walking a batter. Kaleb Carpenter&nbsp;came on to earn his first save as a Tiger, allowing one run on two hits while striking out the pair in 2.0 innings of relief.UP NEXTThe teams are scheduled to wrap up the series on Saturday with another doubleheader beginning at noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers sweep East Central

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Fort Hays State softball opened its 2025 season on Friday in Wichita Falls Texas at the Mustang Round Up, hosted by Midwestern State University. The Tigers won their first contest of the season by a score of 3-2 over Northwestern Oklahoma State before falling to Cameron 9-1.

Fort Hays State 3, Northwestern Oklahoma State 2 Fort Hays State fell down 2-0 to Northwestern Oklahoma State in the fourth inning on a two-run home run, but rallied back for a 3-2 victory in its season opener with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/gracie-johns/8198">Gracie Johns</a>&nbsp;flipped the game in Fort Hays State's favor with a two-run home run in the fifth and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;made it hold up by retiring the final 10 batters of the game for a complete-game with seven strikeouts.

Neither team recorded a hit until the third inning. Schmidt worked around danger in the third after a leadoff triple. She got a pop up, ground out, and a strikeout to strand the runner at third. The Tigers loaded the bases in the bottom of the third on a single and a pair of walks, but unfortunately could not push a run across.

The Rangers struck first in the fourth with a single and then two-run home run by Rachel Sherwood. However, Schmidt would buckle down from that point on as the last out of the inning started her string of 10 consecutive retired to close out the game.

The Tigers cut the lead in half in the bottom half of the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;led off with a walk and then sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilly-mohr/8194">Lilly Mohr</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back singles to generate FHSU's first run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emily-mayer/8186">Emily Mayer</a>&nbsp;came in to score on the RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>, but the Tigers stranded runners at second and third.

Lilianna Ramirez-Johnson triggered Fort Hays State's quick burst in the fifth with a leadoff single. Then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/gracie-johns/8198">Gracie Johns</a>&nbsp;followed with her first collegiate home run, a blast to right-center field to put the Tigers on top 3-2.

Fort Hays State had eight hits in the game compared to four for NWOSU. Johns and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;each had a pair of hits. Schmidt allowed just one walk to go with her seven punchouts.

Kathryn Jones took the loss for the Rangers. She entered in relief in the fifth, but immediately yielded the single and homer that put the Tigers on top. NWOSU starter Chloe Brown threw 5 total innings with seven strikeouts and four hits allowed. Jones had two strikeouts and four hits allowed in 1&nbsp; inning.

Cameron 9, Fort Hays State 1 (6 inn.) Fort Hays State left a lot of potential runs stranded in a 9-1 loss to Cameron. The Tigers loaded the bases in three different innings, but never pushed a run across in any of the three situations. A solo home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;with two outs in the fifth was the only run the Tigers produced. Pierce went 2-for-2 in the game.

Cameron put on an offensive display in its first game of the season, scoring nine runs on 10 hits. The Aggies scored five runs on seven hits against FHSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;in 2 2/3 innings. They added four more runs on three hits against&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/korryn-johnson/8197">Korryn Johnson</a>, who pitched the final 3 innings before the Aggies ended the game by run rule in the bottom of the sixth. The Aggies scored in every inning except the first. Egger and Johnson combined for five strikeouts in the game.

Stormee Reed threw a complete game for the Aggies, even though she had to work out of danger several times. She allowed six free passes and five hits to the Tigers, but struck out eight. The Tigers left 10 runners on base against Reed.

After splitting its first day of action, Fort Hays State now prepares to take on Southwestern Oklahoma State and Southwest Baptist on Saturday. Games will be at Holliday High School in neighboring Holliday, Texas. There will be no live stream or stats coverage of either game. Score updates will be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FHSU_Softball">FHSU Softball X account</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738980224897.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo.Kaden Johnson" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo.Kaden Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA FALLS, Texas – Fort Hays State softball opened its 2025 season on Friday in Wichita Falls Texas at the Mustang Round Up, hosted by Midwestern State University. The Tigers won their first contest of the season by a score of 3-2 over Northwestern Oklahoma State before falling to Cameron 9-1.Fort Hays State 3, Northwestern Oklahoma State 2 Fort Hays State fell down 2-0 to Northwestern Oklahoma State in the fourth inning on a two-run home run, but rallied back for a 3-2 victory in its season opener with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/gracie-johns/8198">Gracie Johns</a>&nbsp;flipped the game in Fort Hays State's favor with a two-run home run in the fifth and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/morgan-schmidt/8190">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;made it hold up by retiring the final 10 batters of the game for a complete-game with seven strikeouts.Neither team recorded a hit until the third inning. Schmidt worked around danger in the third after a leadoff triple. She got a pop up, ground out, and a strikeout to strand the runner at third. The Tigers loaded the bases in the bottom of the third on a single and a pair of walks, but unfortunately could not push a run across.The Rangers struck first in the fourth with a single and then two-run home run by Rachel Sherwood. However, Schmidt would buckle down from that point on as the last out of the inning started her string of 10 consecutive retired to close out the game.The Tigers cut the lead in half in the bottom half of the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;led off with a walk and then sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilly-mohr/8194">Lilly Mohr</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>&nbsp;had back-to-back singles to generate FHSU's first run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emily-mayer/8186">Emily Mayer</a>&nbsp;came in to score on the RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/8187">Lexi Mohr</a>, but the Tigers stranded runners at second and third.Lilianna Ramirez-Johnson triggered Fort Hays State's quick burst in the fifth with a leadoff single. Then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/gracie-johns/8198">Gracie Johns</a>&nbsp;followed with her first collegiate home run, a blast to right-center field to put the Tigers on top 3-2.Fort Hays State had eight hits in the game compared to four for NWOSU. Johns and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/8182">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;each had a pair of hits. Schmidt allowed just one walk to go with her seven punchouts.Kathryn Jones took the loss for the Rangers. She entered in relief in the fifth, but immediately yielded the single and homer that put the Tigers on top. NWOSU starter Chloe Brown threw 5 total innings with seven strikeouts and four hits allowed. Jones had two strikeouts and four hits allowed in 1&nbsp; inning.Cameron 9, Fort Hays State 1 (6 inn.) Fort Hays State left a lot of potential runs stranded in a 9-1 loss to Cameron. The Tigers loaded the bases in three different innings, but never pushed a run across in any of the three situations. A solo home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/8188">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;with two outs in the fifth was the only run the Tigers produced. Pierce went 2-for-2 in the game.Cameron put on an offensive display in its first game of the season, scoring nine runs on 10 hits. The Aggies scored five runs on seven hits against FHSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/8183">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;in 2 2/3 innings. They added four more runs on three hits against&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/korryn-johnson/8197">Korryn Johnson</a>, who pitched the final 3 innings before the Aggies ended the game by run rule in the bottom of the sixth. The Aggies scored in every inning except the first. Egger and Johnson combined for five strikeouts in the game.Stormee Reed threw a complete game for the Aggies, even though she had to work out of danger several times. She allowed six free passes and five hits to the Tigers, but struck out eight. The Tigers left 10 runners on base against Reed.UP NEXTAfter splitting its first day of action, Fort Hays State now prepares to take on Southwestern Oklahoma State and Southwest Baptist on Saturday. Games will be at Holliday High School in neighboring Holliday, Texas. There will be no live stream or stats coverage of either game. Score updates will be provided on the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FHSU_Softball">FHSU Softball X account</a>.

🥎 Tigers split Opening Day games in Texas

Hays High vs Dodge City Friday, Feb. 7th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2082499">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High returns to WAC play for the matchup with Dodge City High School.

Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Dodge City Friday, Feb. 7th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2082499">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High returns to WAC play for the matchup with Dodge City High School.Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

🏀🎥 Hays High hosts Dodge City

TMP-Marian at Smith Center Friday, Feb. 7 – 6:00 p.m. Smith Center, Kan. - Smith Center High School

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1989391">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to MCL play Friday night at Smith Center.

The girls' game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. from Smith Center, and the boys will follow on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian at Smith Center Friday, Feb. 7 – 6:00 p.m. Smith Center, Kan. - Smith Center High SchoolRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1989391">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to MCL play Friday night at Smith Center.The girls' game will tip off at 6:00 p.m. from Smith Center, and the boys will follow on the Monarchs Sports Network.

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian plays at Smith Center

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Sacred Heart

Friday, February 7
 KKQY: Plainville
MWBKB at Norton, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Smith Center, 5:40pm

Friday, February 7
 KKQY: Plainville
MWBKB at Norton, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Dodge City, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB at Smith Center, 5:40pmSaturday, February 8
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Kansas State, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State WMBKB vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 1:35pmSunday, February 9
 KKQY: Super Bowl LIX,
1pm

The 8th-ranked Fort Hays State women return home to face Northeastern State on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.

The 8th-ranked Fort Hays State women return home to face Northeastern State on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Northeastern State" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cjqi3-17ec89a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Northeastern State

BY DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Every once in a while, when an unsuspecting offense is least expecting it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-kelce-swift-hurts-barkley-chiefs-eagles-7228a2415050fdacaf7e5b1eaec4b923">Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid</a>&nbsp;will inch his way toward the line of scrimmage, then take off like a thunderbolt toward the quarterback the moment the ball is snapped.

It looks so simple, the way Reid blitzes, as if all he's doing is timing up the QB's cadence.

The timing is a big part of it, of course, but so is the way defensive linemen tie up the offensive line. The way the rest of the defensive backfield disguises coverage. The way pass rushers stunt or otherwise provide pressure on the quarterback from the outside, making him move to the exact point on the field where Reid expects to meet him.

The mad scientist pulling all those strings is Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs defensive coordinator, whose job in helping Kansas City get back to the Super Bowl had him interviewing with several clubs last week for another shot at being a head coach.

“He's incredible,” Reid said ahead of Sunday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-8d39bd71118260412913f13138c40328">Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles</a>. “My first year here, like, the amount of pressures and cover-zeros and simulated pressures — the sheer volume of it was a little bit like, ‘Wow, this is really deep.’ But as you get a ton of reps at it and start to get a feel for the defense, you're almost hungry for it. Like, ‘Let’s put in more, put in something else nobody has ever seen.'”

Hard to believe there is something left to invent.

But that deep, complicated defensive playbook and all those exotic blitzes that “Spags” has developed over the years are a big reason why the Chiefs are back facing the Eagles on the NFL's biggest stage.

“I love this defense, man. Spags, we've always trusted him and everybody that plays under him,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “They're so sound and they play their tails off, and they throw their heart out there on the field every single week.”

In the early years of their dynastic run, the Chiefs defense was a liability, and it was up to Patrick Mahomes and the rest of a high-powered offense to bail it out. But that changed when Spagnuolo arrived, and general manager Brett Veach began investing free-agent money and draft capital into upgrades on that side of the ball. The result has been a defense among the NFL's best in scoring the past few years, and one that was particularly good against the run this season.

That could prove pivotal as the Chiefs try to slow down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-chiefs-eagles-barkley-d9e02612b0604ef5c69c7734444d5a63">Eagles running back Saquon Barkley</a>&nbsp;in the big game.

And when it comes to slowing down the passing attack, well, that's where blitzes come into play. They can come from any level of the defense, at any point in time, and the only thing they have in common is the frequency in which they succeed.

“He doesn't do it every down,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Sometimes you get the stigma of being a ‘blitz guy.’ It's when he does it and how he knows the protections or the run scheme, you know, for the run blitzes. How he understands the scheme and when to go about using it. I think that's what makes him so unique and why they're so successful.”

The success of the Kansas City defense coupled with Spagnuolo's relatable personality have made him a fan favorite, and why the Jets and Jaguars were among the teams that interviewed him for their head coaching vacancies.

Spagnuolo had a chance with the Rams from 2009-11, going 10-38 as a head coach. But the deck was stacked against him; the team was unsettled at quarterback, the most important position in the game, and was in the midst of a major rebuilding effort.

Andy Reid would love to see his longtime friend get another chance. But in the meantime, he's thankful Spagnuolo and so much of his defensive staff have remained intact for several years, providing consistency on that side of the ball.

“They know the scheme like the back of their hand. Spags has confidence in them and then the players have confidence in their coaches and Spags,” Reid said. "You have to stay focused during the meetings, you have to detail it at practice, you have to detail the walkthroughs that you do meetings on the field. Then, most of all, you have to execute it on game day. But there’s that trust, that whole foundation that you’ve built with the trust and these guys, they’ve got that.

"Then, likewise, I have the confidence in Spags and in certain situations. I don’t run over to him and go, ‘Hey, let’s not do that or this.’ I have enough confidence in him and been around him long enough to know he’s going to make the right call.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738842216308.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches from the sidelines alongside defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches from the sidelines alongside defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Every once in a while, when an unsuspecting offense is least expecting it,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mahomes-kelce-swift-hurts-barkley-chiefs-eagles-7228a2415050fdacaf7e5b1eaec4b923">Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid</a>&nbsp;will inch his way toward the line of scrimmage, then take off like a thunderbolt toward the quarterback the moment the ball is snapped.It looks so simple, the way Reid blitzes, as if all he's doing is timing up the QB's cadence.Turns out it is far more complicated.The timing is a big part of it, of course, but so is the way defensive linemen tie up the offensive line. The way the rest of the defensive backfield disguises coverage. The way pass rushers stunt or otherwise provide pressure on the quarterback from the outside, making him move to the exact point on the field where Reid expects to meet him.The mad scientist pulling all those strings is Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs defensive coordinator, whose job in helping Kansas City get back to the Super Bowl had him interviewing with several clubs last week for another shot at being a head coach.“He's incredible,” Reid said ahead of Sunday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-8d39bd71118260412913f13138c40328">Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles</a>. “My first year here, like, the amount of pressures and cover-zeros and simulated pressures — the sheer volume of it was a little bit like, ‘Wow, this is really deep.’ But as you get a ton of reps at it and start to get a feel for the defense, you're almost hungry for it. Like, ‘Let’s put in more, put in something else nobody has ever seen.'”Hard to believe there is something left to invent.But that deep, complicated defensive playbook and all those exotic blitzes that “Spags” has developed over the years are a big reason why the Chiefs are back facing the Eagles on the NFL's biggest stage.“I love this defense, man. Spags, we've always trusted him and everybody that plays under him,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “They're so sound and they play their tails off, and they throw their heart out there on the field every single week.”In the early years of their dynastic run, the Chiefs defense was a liability, and it was up to Patrick Mahomes and the rest of a high-powered offense to bail it out. But that changed when Spagnuolo arrived, and general manager Brett Veach began investing free-agent money and draft capital into upgrades on that side of the ball. The result has been a defense among the NFL's best in scoring the past few years, and one that was particularly good against the run this season.That could prove pivotal as the Chiefs try to slow down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-chiefs-eagles-barkley-d9e02612b0604ef5c69c7734444d5a63">Eagles running back Saquon Barkley</a>&nbsp;in the big game.And when it comes to slowing down the passing attack, well, that's where blitzes come into play. They can come from any level of the defense, at any point in time, and the only thing they have in common is the frequency in which they succeed.“He doesn't do it every down,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Sometimes you get the stigma of being a ‘blitz guy.’ It's when he does it and how he knows the protections or the run scheme, you know, for the run blitzes. How he understands the scheme and when to go about using it. I think that's what makes him so unique and why they're so successful.”The success of the Kansas City defense coupled with Spagnuolo's relatable personality have made him a fan favorite, and why the Jets and Jaguars were among the teams that interviewed him for their head coaching vacancies.Spagnuolo had a chance with the Rams from 2009-11, going 10-38 as a head coach. But the deck was stacked against him; the team was unsettled at quarterback, the most important position in the game, and was in the midst of a major rebuilding effort.Andy Reid would love to see his longtime friend get another chance. But in the meantime, he's thankful Spagnuolo and so much of his defensive staff have remained intact for several years, providing consistency on that side of the ball.“They know the scheme like the back of their hand. Spags has confidence in them and then the players have confidence in their coaches and Spags,” Reid said. "You have to stay focused during the meetings, you have to detail it at practice, you have to detail the walkthroughs that you do meetings on the field. Then, most of all, you have to execute it on game day. But there’s that trust, that whole foundation that you’ve built with the trust and these guys, they’ve got that."Then, likewise, I have the confidence in Spags and in certain situations. I don’t run over to him and go, ‘Hey, let’s not do that or this.’ I have enough confidence in him and been around him long enough to know he’s going to make the right call.”

🏈 Blitzing with 'Spags': Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the mad scientist of pass rush

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a late second half run to battle past Northeastern State 61-48 Thursday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum.. FHSU improved to 14-7, while NSU dropped to 13-8. Both sit at 7-5 in MIAA play.

Fort Hays State led for the first 13:30 of the game, up by as many as seven at the 12:38 mark of the first half. However, NSU grabbed its first lead of the game with a 10-2 run. They led by just one point twice before the Tigers edged back ahead by halftime 28-26.

The second half was tight early as neither team could gain much separation. FHSU led by five at the 14:06 mark before NSU used a 7-0 run to get ahead by two, which was its largest lead. Down 46-44, the Tigers finally made a big burst to get past the RiverHawks and seize control of the game. A Shaun Riley&nbsp;3-point play pushed the Tigers back in front and triggered a 14-0 run as the Tigers took a 12-point lead with 3:29 to go off of suffocating defense. Shaun Riley Kaleb Hammeke and Kyle Grill&nbsp;all had four points in the run. The Tigers held the RiverHawks scoreless for nearly six minutes. FHSU kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way.

Fort Hays State was the first team to hold Northeastern State inside of 66 points this season, 18 points fewer than their previous low and 33 below their season scoring average. FHSU held Trey Phipps, the MIAA's leading scorer entering the game at 21.8 points per game, to just four points. His previous season low was nine. Turnovers were a big key to the win for FHSU. The Tigers forced the RiverHawks into 19, while committing just seven. FHSU won the points off turnover spread 16-2, which covered the 13-point final score margin.

Hammeke led the Tigers with 16 points and four assists. Riley and Grill each pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Dan Mukuna&nbsp;was the top point man off the bench with 12, while Riley also had 12. Grill finished with 10 points.

Ethan Blackmon and Taven Washington each had a team-high 11 points for NSU. Jaxon Jones led the RiverHawks in rebounds with six.

Fort Hays State lowered its NCAA Division II-leading scoring defense to 58.9 points per game allowed this season. With the result, FHSU and NSU are now tied for fourth place in the MIAA standings at 7-5, just a game behind Pittsburg State's 8-4 mark.

The Tiger men play host to Arkansas-Fort Smith on Saturday (Feb. 8) at 4 p.m. following the women's contest. It will be the first-ever meeting between FHSU and Arkansas-Fort Smith, a newcomer to the MIAA this year, in both men's and women's basketball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738904100207.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Dan Mukuna attempts the shot in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northeastern State on Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Dan Mukuna attempts the shot in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northeastern State on Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a late second half run to battle past Northeastern State 61-48 Thursday evening at Gross Memorial Coliseum.. FHSU improved to 14-7, while NSU dropped to 13-8. Both sit at 7-5 in MIAA play.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2028324796&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-6-25-fhsu-mbkb-coach-interview-v-northeastern-state" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State led for the first 13:30 of the game, up by as many as seven at the 12:38 mark of the first half. However, NSU grabbed its first lead of the game with a 10-2 run. They led by just one point twice before the Tigers edged back ahead by halftime 28-26.The second half was tight early as neither team could gain much separation. FHSU led by five at the 14:06 mark before NSU used a 7-0 run to get ahead by two, which was its largest lead. Down 46-44, the Tigers finally made a big burst to get past the RiverHawks and seize control of the game. A Shaun Riley&nbsp;3-point play pushed the Tigers back in front and triggered a 14-0 run as the Tigers took a 12-point lead with 3:29 to go off of suffocating defense. Shaun Riley Kaleb Hammeke and Kyle Grill&nbsp;all had four points in the run. The Tigers held the RiverHawks scoreless for nearly six minutes. FHSU kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2028324904&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-6-25-fhsu-mbkb-player-interview-v-northeastern-state" title="Dan Mukuna Postgame vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Dan Mukuna Postgame vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State was the first team to hold Northeastern State inside of 66 points this season, 18 points fewer than their previous low and 33 below their season scoring average. FHSU held Trey Phipps, the MIAA's leading scorer entering the game at 21.8 points per game, to just four points. His previous season low was nine. Turnovers were a big key to the win for FHSU. The Tigers forced the RiverHawks into 19, while committing just seven. FHSU won the points off turnover spread 16-2, which covered the 13-point final score margin.Hammeke led the Tigers with 16 points and four assists. Riley and Grill each pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Dan Mukuna&nbsp;was the top point man off the bench with 12, while Riley also had 12. Grill finished with 10 points.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2028325012&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-6-25-fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-northeastern-state" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Northeastern State (February 6, 2025)</a></div></div>Ethan Blackmon and Taven Washington each had a team-high 11 points for NSU. Jaxon Jones led the RiverHawks in rebounds with six.Fort Hays State lowered its NCAA Division II-leading scoring defense to 58.9 points per game allowed this season. With the result, FHSU and NSU are now tied for fourth place in the MIAA standings at 7-5, just a game behind Pittsburg State's 8-4 mark.UP NEXTThe Tiger men play host to Arkansas-Fort Smith on Saturday (Feb. 8) at 4 p.m. following the women's contest. It will be the first-ever meeting between FHSU and Arkansas-Fort Smith, a newcomer to the MIAA this year, in both men's and women's basketball.

🏀 Tiger men use late second half run to fend off RiverHawks

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

SALINA – The TMP-Marian Monarchs split Thursday night's
final non-league games of the season. The girls earned a 55-45 win over Sacred
Heart, while the boys fell short against the state-ranked Knights 68-53. 

Girls: TMP 55,
Sacred Heart 45 After trailing by four three times in the first quarter, the
TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs outscored Sacred Heart 12-2 over a
four-and-a-half-minute stretch that closed out the first quarter and opened the
second, building a 23-16 lead—a lead they never relinquished on their way to
the victory.

Hannah Rose started the second quarter with a three-pointer
and capped off the run with her second three-pointer of the night on the way to
a career-high 17 points. 

In the third quarter, Sacred Heart closed within five
points, while TMP held onto a 38-35 lead through three quarters.

In the final frame, TMP outscored the Knights by five as
they claimed a 55-45 victory.

Rose led all scorers with 17 points, and Claire Schippers
matched her career-high for a second straight game with 12 points.

BOYS: Sacred Heart 68, TMP 53 After Sacred Heart and TMP went back and forth for the
better part of three quarters, the Knights used a 26-9 run to end the third and
open the fourth quarter on their way to a 68-53 win Thursday.

The second-ranked Knights jumped out to an early 9-4 lead
before TMP closed the game to just one, 9-8, with less than three and a half
minutes left in the first quarter. 

And that would be the theme of the night for TMP. Each time
the Monarchs closed the gap; Sacred Heart answered with a big run and again
controlled the game. 

With less than three minutes left in the first quarter, Sacred
Heart closed the quarter and opened the second quarter on a 15-2 run for a
24-10 lead.

Ty Schmeidler and Jacob Seib combined to score the next 15
points to close out the first half, and then Will Eck added a three-pointer to
open the second half, cutting the Knights' lead to 32-28.

TMP got as close as two with just under six and a half
minutes left in the third quarter but could get no closer. 

Sacred Heart built on its lead, using a 26-9 run to end the
third quarter and into the fourth quarter, on its way to the 68-53 victory.

Ty Schmeilder scored a team—high 19 points for the second
time in three games and Jacob Seib added 12 for TMP.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostSALINA – The TMP-Marian Monarchs split Thursday night's
final non-league games of the season. The girls earned a 55-45 win over Sacred
Heart, while the boys fell short against the state-ranked Knights 68-53. Girls: TMP 55,
Sacred Heart 45 After trailing by four three times in the first quarter, the
TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs outscored Sacred Heart 12-2 over a
four-and-a-half-minute stretch that closed out the first quarter and opened the
second, building a 23-16 lead—a lead they never relinquished on their way to
the victory.<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/2028305444&color=%23294b71&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/john-linn-postgame-interview-vs-salina-sacred-heart-feb-6th-25" title="John Linn Postgame Interview Vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">John Linn Postgame Interview Vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)</a></div></div>Hannah Rose started the second quarter with a three-pointer
and capped off the run with her second three-pointer of the night on the way to
a career-high 17 points. The Monarchs led 29-23 at halftime.In the third quarter, Sacred Heart closed within five
points, while TMP held onto a 38-35 lead through three quarters.In the final frame, TMP outscored the Knights by five as
they claimed a 55-45 victory.<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/2028309412&color=%23294b71&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/tmp-wbkb-highlights-vs-salina" title="TMP WBKB Highlights vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)</a></div></div>Rose led all scorers with 17 points, and Claire Schippers
matched her career-high for a second straight game with 12 points.BOYS: Sacred Heart 68, TMP 53 After Sacred Heart and TMP went back and forth for the
better part of three quarters, the Knights used a 26-9 run to end the third and
open the fourth quarter on their way to a 68-53 win Thursday.<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/2028307904&color=%23294b71&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/bill-meagher-postgame-2" title="Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Bill Meagher Postgame Interview vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)</a></div></div>The second-ranked Knights jumped out to an early 9-4 lead
before TMP closed the game to just one, 9-8, with less than three and a half
minutes left in the first quarter. And that would be the theme of the night for TMP. Each time
the Monarchs closed the gap; Sacred Heart answered with a big run and again
controlled the game. With less than three minutes left in the first quarter, Sacred
Heart closed the quarter and opened the second quarter on a 15-2 run for a
24-10 lead.Ty Schmeidler and Jacob Seib combined to score the next 15
points to close out the first half, and then Will Eck added a three-pointer to
open the second half, cutting the Knights' lead to 32-28.TMP got as close as two with just under six and a half
minutes left in the third quarter but could get no closer. Sacred Heart built on its lead, using a 26-9 run to end the
third quarter and into the fourth quarter, on its way to the 68-53 victory.<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/2028308800&color=%23294b71&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/tmp-mbkb-highlights-vs-salina" title="TMP MBKB Highlights vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights vs Salina Sacred Heart (Feb 6th 25)</a></div></div>Ty Schmeilder scored a team—high 19 points for the second
time in three games and Jacob Seib added 12 for TMP.The Monarchs travel to Smith Center on Friday.