COLBY – The TMP-Marian
softball team started their season 4-0 with a couple of wins over Colby
Tuesday. The Monarchs won the first contest 9-4 then take game two 18-0 in three
innings.

Game 1: TMP-Marian
9, Colby 4
 Colby scored three in the second inning to grab a 3-1 lead but the Monarchs answered
with four in the third and two in the fourth. They then added single runs in the
sixth and seventh.

Nicole Schumacher tied the game
with a single. Brooke Koeningsman scored on a passed ball to put the Monarchs ahead
for good. Rebel’s two-run single in the third pushed the lead to 7-4.

Rebel allowed four
unearned runs on seven hits with 11 strikeouts and four walks and picked up the
win.



Game 2:
TMP-Marian 18, Colby 0 (3 innings)
 The Monarchs scored five runs in the
first, five in the second and eight in the third.

Brynn Rebel and Bridget Feldt both
had three of the Monarchs 16 hits.. Rebel had a double and triple and drove in
four runs.

Bria Windholz did not allow
a run on three hits with six strikeouts and no walks and picked up the win.

Hays PostCOLBY – The TMP-Marian
softball team started their season 4-0 with a couple of wins over Colby
Tuesday. The Monarchs won the first contest 9-4 then take game two 18-0 in three
innings.Game 1: TMP-Marian
9, Colby 4
 Colby scored three in the second inning to grab a 3-1 lead but the Monarchs answered
with four in the third and two in the fourth. They then added single runs in the
sixth and seventh.Nicole Schumacher tied the game
with a single. Brooke Koeningsman scored on a passed ball to put the Monarchs ahead
for good. Rebel’s two-run single in the third pushed the lead to 7-4.Rebel allowed four
unearned runs on seven hits with 11 strikeouts and four walks and picked up the
win.

Game 2:
TMP-Marian 18, Colby 0 (3 innings)
 The Monarchs scored five runs in the
first, five in the second and eight in the third.Brynn Rebel and Bridget Feldt both
had three of the Monarchs 16 hits.. Rebel had a double and triple and drove in
four runs.Bria Windholz did not allow
a run on three hits with six strikeouts and no walks and picked up the win.

🥎 TMP-Marian sweeps Colby to move to 4-0

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

HAYS - Hays High opened Western Athletic Conference play with a single home game against Dodge City on Tuesday. The Indians were last year's league champions with an 11-1 mark. Each of the teams in the conference play a three series.&nbsp;

Hays High junior Riley Dreher struck out 15 batters on the way to a 4-2 victory for the Indians. She also helped out her own cause by hitting a solo home run.

The Indians put pressure on the Red Demon defense early. Dezarae Schmidt was hit by a pitch to lead of the bottom of the first inning. She came around to score when Dani Willeford laid down a sacrifice bunt. The throw went well past first base allowing Schmidt to scored and Willeford to advance to third. Dreher doubled the lead up with a single on the next at bat for a 2-0 advantage.

The Indians scored another run in the bottom of the second when Dodge City committed five errors. Alyse Zimmerman scored in the inning for a 3-0 lead.

Dreher led off the third inning with a solo home run for the Indians' final run of the game. It was her first home run of the season and the first for the team as well.

Dreher kept Dodge City off balance all evening. Out of the 21 outs recorded she struck out 15. The Red Demons recorded two runs in the top of the fourth. Both runs scored with two outs. First a pop up landed for a double after being pushed by the 40 mile per hour wind to score a run. Then a single to right center field cut the lead in half at 4-2.

Dodge City threatened in the top of the sixth inning with a pair of singles but left the runners stranded.

Hays improves to 1-2, 1-0. Dodge City drops to 2-1, 0-1. The same two teams meet up for a double header in Dodge City on Thursday.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostHAYS - Hays High opened Western Athletic Conference play with a single home game against Dodge City on Tuesday. The Indians were last year's league champions with an 11-1 mark. Each of the teams in the conference play a three series.&nbsp;Hays High junior Riley Dreher struck out 15 batters on the way to a 4-2 victory for the Indians. She also helped out her own cause by hitting a solo home run.<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/1791228376&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/hhs-sb-highlights-vs-dodge-city-04-02-24" title="HHS SB Highlights Vs Dodge City 04 - 02 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS SB Highlights Vs Dodge City 04 - 02 - 24</a></div></div>The Indians put pressure on the Red Demon defense early. Dezarae Schmidt was hit by a pitch to lead of the bottom of the first inning. She came around to score when Dani Willeford laid down a sacrifice bunt. The throw went well past first base allowing Schmidt to scored and Willeford to advance to third. Dreher doubled the lead up with a single on the next at bat for a 2-0 advantage.The Indians scored another run in the bottom of the second when Dodge City committed five errors. Alyse Zimmerman scored in the inning for a 3-0 lead.Dreher led off the third inning with a solo home run for the Indians' final run of the game. It was her first home run of the season and the first for the team as well.Dreher kept Dodge City off balance all evening. Out of the 21 outs recorded she struck out 15. The Red Demons recorded two runs in the top of the fourth. Both runs scored with two outs. First a pop up landed for a double after being pushed by the 40 mile per hour wind to score a run. Then a single to right center field cut the lead in half at 4-2.<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/1791228865&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/hh-sb-coach-gillan-interview-v-dodge-city-04-02-24" title="HH SB Coach Gillan Interview V. Dodge City 04-02-24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HH SB Coach Gillan Interview V. Dodge City 04-02-24</a></div></div>Dodge City threatened in the top of the sixth inning with a pair of singles but left the runners stranded.Hays improves to 1-2, 1-0. Dodge City drops to 2-1, 0-1. The same two teams meet up for a double header in Dodge City on Thursday.

🥎 Hays opens WAC play with victory over Dodge City

HAYS, Kan. – The MIAA softball doubleheaders hosted by Fort Hays State University this week against Emporia State and Washburn have been moved up a day. FHSU will host Emporia State on Thursday at 2 p.m. and then Washburn on Friday at 1 p.m.

Potential weather forecasted for Saturday in the Hays and Kearney areas has caused the schedule adjustment.

Live stream and stats will be available for both doubleheaders. See the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/schedule/2024">FHSU&nbsp;Softball Schedule</a>&nbsp;for all of the links.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712140535165.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The MIAA softball doubleheaders hosted by Fort Hays State University this week against Emporia State and Washburn have been moved up a day. FHSU will host Emporia State on Thursday at 2 p.m. and then Washburn on Friday at 1 p.m.Potential weather forecasted for Saturday in the Hays and Kearney areas has caused the schedule adjustment.Live stream and stats will be available for both doubleheaders. See the&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/schedule/2024">FHSU&nbsp;Softball Schedule</a>&nbsp;for all of the links.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 FHSU home doubleheaders with ESU and WU moved up a day

HAYS - Hays High girls soccer loses
2-1 to Dodge City. They are now 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Western Athletic
Conference. 

The Indians travel to Manhattan Saturday.

Hays PostHAYS - Hays High girls soccer loses
2-1 to Dodge City. They are now 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Western Athletic
Conference. The Indians travel to Manhattan Saturday.

⚽ HHS girls fall to Dodge City

ARKANSAS CITY - The Hays High boys tennis team completed at the Arkansas City Invitational Tuesday. This was a full 32-man bracket for singles and doubles.

Colin Clark went 3-2 and finished 25th in No. 1 Singles.&nbsp;Kaiden Bunger went 1-3 and placed 29th in No. 2 Singles.

The No. 1 Doubles team of Xavier Catura and Kale Schwien went 4-1 and placed 17th. The No. 2 Doubles team of&nbsp;Henry Fitzthum and Carsen Riat went 3-2 and placed 19th.

Hays PostARKANSAS CITY - The Hays High boys tennis team completed at the Arkansas City Invitational Tuesday. This was a full 32-man bracket for singles and doubles.Colin Clark went 3-2 and finished 25th in No. 1 Singles.&nbsp;Kaiden Bunger went 1-3 and placed 29th in No. 2 Singles.The No. 1 Doubles team of Xavier Catura and Kale Schwien went 4-1 and placed 17th. The No. 2 Doubles team of&nbsp;Henry Fitzthum and Carsen Riat went 3-2 and placed 19th.

🎾 HHS boys compete at Arkansas City Invitational

MONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team continued their spring season with an 11th-place finish on Tuesday at The Showdown at Shangri-La. The tournament was played at the Shangri-La Country Club, a par-71 course.

The Tigers finished 36-over par with a total of 888 strokes. Fort Hays State had an strong final round, the fourth-best final round among the field with a 292. The team totaled 40 birdies overall, ninth in the tournament, while notching 136 pars.

The Tigers were led by Cooper Scheck, who tied for 15th overall shooting just 4-over par during the tournament. Scheck started out hot, finishing round one with a 69 (-2) and tied for tenth. He followed with 77 and 71, leading the team with ten birdies. All the birdies were in rounds one and three, having six birdies in his first round. Scheck was a top-five performer in par 4s, going 1-over par with an average of 4.04 strokes per par-4 hole.

Jackson Rader&nbsp;turned in a top-30 performance, finishing tied for 28th. Rader was consistent throughout the tournament, turning in rounds of 75, 73 and 73. In round one, Rader recorded an eagle, the only Tiger with an eagle in the tournament. Rader had nine birdies and 27 pars, finishing 8-over par.&nbsp;

Cole Streck&nbsp;tied for 48th, turning in rounds of 79, 73 and 73. Streck saw himself having a great second and third round with six birdies and going 4-over par in those two rounds. His consistency in the later rounds allowed him to jump almost 20 places and finished in the top 50. Streck finished with eight birdies and 31 pars, going 12-over par.

Tanner Copeland&nbsp;tied for 65th place, finishing 16-over par. Copeland turned in rounds of 78, 76 and 75, finishing the tournament with nine birdies. Copeland's third round was just 4-over par, while recording four birdies. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished 89th, shooting a 31-over par. Krob had a solid first round, going even in the front nine and 4-over par in the back nine. He finished with scores of 75, 86, and 83.

Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma took home the individual title after shooting an 11-under par overall, three strokes ahead of the next competitor. Baldwin shot in the 60s all three rounds with 65, 68 and 69. He had a tournament-leading 16 birdies. Central Oklahoma took home the team victory at 3-under par as a team, with Harding right behind at 2-under par.

The team looks forward to the WU Invitational hosted by Washburn University next week. The invite will be played at the Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, Kan. This event is scheduled for this upcoming Monday to Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712138673644.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State men's golf team continued their spring season with an 11th-place finish on Tuesday at The Showdown at Shangri-La. The tournament was played at the Shangri-La Country Club, a par-71 course.The Tigers finished 36-over par with a total of 888 strokes. Fort Hays State had an strong final round, the fourth-best final round among the field with a 292. The team totaled 40 birdies overall, ninth in the tournament, while notching 136 pars.The Tigers were led by Cooper Scheck, who tied for 15th overall shooting just 4-over par during the tournament. Scheck started out hot, finishing round one with a 69 (-2) and tied for tenth. He followed with 77 and 71, leading the team with ten birdies. All the birdies were in rounds one and three, having six birdies in his first round. Scheck was a top-five performer in par 4s, going 1-over par with an average of 4.04 strokes per par-4 hole.Jackson Rader&nbsp;turned in a top-30 performance, finishing tied for 28th. Rader was consistent throughout the tournament, turning in rounds of 75, 73 and 73. In round one, Rader recorded an eagle, the only Tiger with an eagle in the tournament. Rader had nine birdies and 27 pars, finishing 8-over par.&nbsp;Cole Streck&nbsp;tied for 48th, turning in rounds of 79, 73 and 73. Streck saw himself having a great second and third round with six birdies and going 4-over par in those two rounds. His consistency in the later rounds allowed him to jump almost 20 places and finished in the top 50. Streck finished with eight birdies and 31 pars, going 12-over par.Tanner Copeland&nbsp;tied for 65th place, finishing 16-over par. Copeland turned in rounds of 78, 76 and 75, finishing the tournament with nine birdies. Copeland's third round was just 4-over par, while recording four birdies. Parker Krob&nbsp;finished 89th, shooting a 31-over par. Krob had a solid first round, going even in the front nine and 4-over par in the back nine. He finished with scores of 75, 86, and 83.Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma took home the individual title after shooting an 11-under par overall, three strokes ahead of the next competitor. Baldwin shot in the 60s all three rounds with 65, 68 and 69. He had a tournament-leading 16 birdies. Central Oklahoma took home the team victory at 3-under par as a team, with Harding right behind at 2-under par.UP NEXTThe team looks forward to the WU Invitational hosted by Washburn University next week. The invite will be played at the Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, Kan. This event is scheduled for this upcoming Monday to Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Tiger men finish 11th at Monkey Island

Hays High vs Dodge City Tuesday, April 2 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1041433">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians softball team returns to the diamond Tuesday afternoon for a Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Dodge City Red Demons.

The first pitch is set for approximately 5:45p.m.&nbsp;

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Dodge City Tuesday, April 2 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports ComplexRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1041433">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians softball team returns to the diamond Tuesday afternoon for a Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Dodge City Red Demons.The first pitch is set for approximately 5:45p.m.&nbsp;Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🥎🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High hosts Dodge City

The TMP-Marian softball team will take part in the 2-1A
Sylvan-Lucas regional in the spring.

The games will be played at the Sylvan Grove Fairgrounds May
13 – May 14.

The KSHSAA announced hosts sites for 2-1A on Tuesday.

Joining TMP at Sylvan-Lucas is Bennington HS; Brookville-Ell-Saline HS;
Ellinwood HS; Ellis HS; Little River HS; Salina-Sacred Heart HS and
Sylvan-Lucas Unified HS.

Other 2-1 sites include Alma-Wabaunsee HS at Alma-McKnight
Park, Dexter HS at Dexter-USD471 Sports Complex, Erie HS at Erie- Johnson Ball
Park, Lyndon HS, Marion HS at Marion Baseball/Softball Complex, McLouth HS at
McLouth- Patterson Field and Pratt-Skyline HS at Pratt-Green Sports Complex.

You can find the complete KSHSAA regional assignment
coverage <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Softball/Regionals.cfm?Class=2-1A">HERE</a>.

Hays PostThe TMP-Marian softball team will take part in the 2-1A
Sylvan-Lucas regional in the spring.The games will be played at the Sylvan Grove Fairgrounds May
13 – May 14.The KSHSAA announced hosts sites for 2-1A on Tuesday.Joining TMP at Sylvan-Lucas is Bennington HS; Brookville-Ell-Saline HS;
Ellinwood HS; Ellis HS; Little River HS; Salina-Sacred Heart HS and
Sylvan-Lucas Unified HS.Other 2-1 sites include Alma-Wabaunsee HS at Alma-McKnight
Park, Dexter HS at Dexter-USD471 Sports Complex, Erie HS at Erie- Johnson Ball
Park, Lyndon HS, Marion HS at Marion Baseball/Softball Complex, McLouth HS at
McLouth- Patterson Field and Pratt-Skyline HS at Pratt-Green Sports Complex.You can find the complete KSHSAA regional assignment
coverage <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Softball/Regionals.cfm?Class=2-1A">HERE</a>.

🥎 KSHSAA announces softball regional sites

The TMP-Marian Monarchs baseball team will host a 2-1A baseball regional May 10 – May 16.

Joining the Monarchs at the Monarchs Sports Complex are Bennington, Brookville-Ell-Saline HS, Ellinwood HS, Ellis HS, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic HS, Inman HS, Little River HS and Salina-Sacred Heart.

The other hosts sites are Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Elkhart, Eskridge-Mission Valley, Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan at Pittsburg-Jaycee Ballpark, Richmond-Central Heights at Richmond-Bud Schaub Athletic Complex, Rosalia-Flinthills and Sedan HS at Sedan-Davis Field.

You can find the complete KSHSAA regional assignment coverage <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/Regionals.cfm">HERE</a>.

Hays PostThe TMP-Marian Monarchs baseball team will host a 2-1A baseball regional May 10 – May 16.Joining the Monarchs at the Monarchs Sports Complex are Bennington, Brookville-Ell-Saline HS, Ellinwood HS, Ellis HS, Hutchinson-Trinity Catholic HS, Inman HS, Little River HS and Salina-Sacred Heart.The other hosts sites are Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Elkhart, Eskridge-Mission Valley, Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan at Pittsburg-Jaycee Ballpark, Richmond-Central Heights at Richmond-Bud Schaub Athletic Complex, Rosalia-Flinthills and Sedan HS at Sedan-Davis Field.You can find the complete KSHSAA regional assignment coverage <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Baseball/Regionals.cfm">HERE</a>.

⚾ KSHSAA announces baseball regional sites

BALTIMORE (AP) — Jordan Westburg hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to carry the Baltimore Orioles past the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Monday night.

Westburg's opposite-field drive to right came on an 0-2 pitch from Nick Anderson (0-1) after the Royals rallied to tie the game in the top of the inning.

“I really wasn't trying to do too much, just trying to move the ball and get to the next man (in the lineup)," Westburg said.

Instead, the second-year infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774968257365061846">put an end to a tight contest</a>.

“That was the coolest moment of my career so far,” Westburg said. “I've never had a walk-off in all my years I've played baseball. To have my first one here in Baltimore is pretty special.”

Ryan Mountcastle homered and drove in three runs for the Orioles.

Bobby&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1774941300736889340">Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez homered</a>&nbsp;for the Royals, the second straight game in which each went deep.

With the score tied at 3 in the eighth, singles by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman put runners at the corners with two outs for Mountcastle, who&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774962570069246236">reached on an RBI infield single</a>&nbsp;when first baseman Nick Loftin couldn't handle the throw from the shortstop Witt.

That gave closer Craig Kimbrel (1-0) a chance to seal the victory in his Baltimore debut. But Kyle Isbel singled, and pinch-runner Dairon Blanco stole second and third before scoring on a fly ball by Maikel Garcia.

Westburg delivered in the bottom half. He leaped in joy after rounding first base and was drenched in water after arriving at the plate.

“It just an euphoric feeling, seeing that ball go over the wall,” he said.

Making his Kansas City debut after signing a two-year, $32 million contract in December, Michael Wacha gave up three runs in five innings. The only three hits he allowed came in succession in the fourth, when Baltimore bounced back from a 3-0 deficit to pull even.

“Good one to build off of,” Wacha said. “I felt like I had good command of stuff early, and carried it toward the end of my outing as well.”

Orioles starter Dean Kremer allowed three runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Witt hit a solo shot in the third and Perez added a two-run drive to put the Royals up 3-0.

Rutschman doubled leading off the Baltimore fourth, Anthony Santander followed with an RBI single and Mountcastle went deep.

“Our guys went out and put up a three-spot, and as a pitcher you want to be able to hold that lead,” Wacha said. “It was frustrating giving it right back to them a couple innings later.”

The Orioles fumbled two grounders for errors in the first inning, but a pair of superb fielding plays kept the game tied in the seventh. After Nelson Velázquez hit a one-out double, Mountcastle dived to snare a grounder past first base and beat Isbel to the bag. Henderson then charged to pick up a short-hop grounder to shortstop and threw out speedy Maikel Garcia.

Orioles: LHP John Means (elbow) began his rehabilitation assignment by yielding two homers and seven runs in one-plus innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday. “The numbers didn't show great success but he felt good physically,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday. “That's what matters in any rehab, for sure.”

Royals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) is “progressing well” and could begin a rehab assignment “in the next few days,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

There's rain in the forecast Tuesday night, when Orioles starter Cole Irvin is scheduled to face the Royals and Alec Marsh, who lost his first eight decisions as a rookie last year before finishing 3-9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053097707.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Jordan Westburg hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to carry the Baltimore Orioles past the Kansas City Royals 6-4 on Monday night.Westburg's opposite-field drive to right came on an 0-2 pitch from Nick Anderson (0-1) after the Royals rallied to tie the game in the top of the inning.“I really wasn't trying to do too much, just trying to move the ball and get to the next man (in the lineup)," Westburg said.Instead, the second-year infielder&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774968257365061846">put an end to a tight contest</a>.“That was the coolest moment of my career so far,” Westburg said. “I've never had a walk-off in all my years I've played baseball. To have my first one here in Baltimore is pretty special.”Ryan Mountcastle homered and drove in three runs for the Orioles.Bobby&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1774941300736889340">Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez homered</a>&nbsp;for the Royals, the second straight game in which each went deep.With the score tied at 3 in the eighth, singles by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman put runners at the corners with two outs for Mountcastle, who&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Orioles/status/1774962570069246236">reached on an RBI infield single</a>&nbsp;when first baseman Nick Loftin couldn't handle the throw from the shortstop Witt.That gave closer Craig Kimbrel (1-0) a chance to seal the victory in his Baltimore debut. But Kyle Isbel singled, and pinch-runner Dairon Blanco stole second and third before scoring on a fly ball by Maikel Garcia.Westburg delivered in the bottom half. He leaped in joy after rounding first base and was drenched in water after arriving at the plate.“It just an euphoric feeling, seeing that ball go over the wall,” he said.Making his Kansas City debut after signing a two-year, $32 million contract in December, Michael Wacha gave up three runs in five innings. The only three hits he allowed came in succession in the fourth, when Baltimore bounced back from a 3-0 deficit to pull even.“Good one to build off of,” Wacha said. “I felt like I had good command of stuff early, and carried it toward the end of my outing as well.”Orioles starter Dean Kremer allowed three runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.Witt hit a solo shot in the third and Perez added a two-run drive to put the Royals up 3-0.Rutschman doubled leading off the Baltimore fourth, Anthony Santander followed with an RBI single and Mountcastle went deep.“Our guys went out and put up a three-spot, and as a pitcher you want to be able to hold that lead,” Wacha said. “It was frustrating giving it right back to them a couple innings later.”FIELDING GEMSThe Orioles fumbled two grounders for errors in the first inning, but a pair of superb fielding plays kept the game tied in the seventh. After Nelson Velázquez hit a one-out double, Mountcastle dived to snare a grounder past first base and beat Isbel to the bag. Henderson then charged to pick up a short-hop grounder to shortstop and threw out speedy Maikel Garcia.TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles: LHP John Means (elbow) began his rehabilitation assignment by yielding two homers and seven runs in one-plus innings for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday. “The numbers didn't show great success but he felt good physically,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday. “That's what matters in any rehab, for sure.”Royals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) is “progressing well” and could begin a rehab assignment “in the next few days,” manager Matt Quatraro said.UP NEXTThere's rain in the forecast Tuesday night, when Orioles starter Cole Irvin is scheduled to face the Royals and Alec Marsh, who lost his first eight decisions as a rookie last year before finishing 3-9.

⚾ Orioles late homer spoil Wacha's debut with win over Royals

DALLAS (AP) — An attorney for Kansas City Chiefs player Rashee Rice said Monday that the wide receiver is cooperating with authorities after a speeding Corvette and Lamborghini sport utility vehicle caused a chain-reaction crash on a busy Dallas highway over the weekend.

A total of six vehicles were involved in the crash shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the northbound lanes of North Central Expressway, Dallas police said Monday. The people in the Lamborghini and Corvette left the scene without determining if anyone needed medical attention or providing their information, police said. Two of the drivers in the other vehicles were treated at the scene for minor injuries, and two occupants of another vehicle were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-kansas-city-chiefs-wide-receiver-rashee-rice-collision/287-d3c39c05-b11e-4107-8c4f-87e4d12319a0">television station WFAA,</a>&nbsp;citing unnamed sources, reported that one of the speeding vehicles was registered to Rice. Police said Monday morning that they were working to identify the occupants of the Corvette and Lamborghini but did not release any information about the people they were seeking and would not confirm reports that Rice was among them.

Police spokesperson Kristin Lowman said early Monday evening that she could confirm that police had “spoken with members of legal counsel but have not conducted interviews with potentially involved individuals in Saturday’s crash.”

State Sen. Royce West, an attorney for Rice, said in a statement Monday that his client’s thoughts were with everyone impacted by the accident and that he was cooperating with local authorities.

West said in the statement that Rice “will take all necessary steps to address this situation responsibly.”

Police said the drivers of the Corvette and Lamborghini were speeding in the far left lane when they lost control and the Lamborghini traveled onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall, causing the chain collision.

Rice, a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Super Bowl-winning Chiefs team</a>, is from the Dallas area. He played for Southern Methodist University and grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills.

Chiefs President Mark Donovan said in an interview Monday with KCMO Talk Radio's “Mundo in the Morning” that the team will “react accordingly” once more is known about what happened.

“In all these situations you have to wait until you have all the facts, and frankly, we don’t have all the facts at this point,” Donovan said.

Lowman said law enforcement is asking anyone with information on the crash to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712017870514.png" alt="Rashee Rice-photo KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Rashee Rice-photo KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — An attorney for Kansas City Chiefs player Rashee Rice said Monday that the wide receiver is cooperating with authorities after a speeding Corvette and Lamborghini sport utility vehicle caused a chain-reaction crash on a busy Dallas highway over the weekend.A total of six vehicles were involved in the crash shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the northbound lanes of North Central Expressway, Dallas police said Monday. The people in the Lamborghini and Corvette left the scene without determining if anyone needed medical attention or providing their information, police said. Two of the drivers in the other vehicles were treated at the scene for minor injuries, and two occupants of another vehicle were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-police-kansas-city-chiefs-wide-receiver-rashee-rice-collision/287-d3c39c05-b11e-4107-8c4f-87e4d12319a0">television station WFAA,</a>&nbsp;citing unnamed sources, reported that one of the speeding vehicles was registered to Rice. Police said Monday morning that they were working to identify the occupants of the Corvette and Lamborghini but did not release any information about the people they were seeking and would not confirm reports that Rice was among them.Police spokesperson Kristin Lowman said early Monday evening that she could confirm that police had “spoken with members of legal counsel but have not conducted interviews with potentially involved individuals in Saturday’s crash.”State Sen. Royce West, an attorney for Rice, said in a statement Monday that his client’s thoughts were with everyone impacted by the accident and that he was cooperating with local authorities.West said in the statement that Rice “will take all necessary steps to address this situation responsibly.”Police said the drivers of the Corvette and Lamborghini were speeding in the far left lane when they lost control and the Lamborghini traveled onto the shoulder and hit the center median wall, causing the chain collision.Rice, a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-dynasty-kansas-city-d16a308684d97a6be2d269c8d56404be">Super Bowl-winning Chiefs team</a>, is from the Dallas area. He played for Southern Methodist University and grew up in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills.Chiefs President Mark Donovan said in an interview Monday with KCMO Talk Radio's “Mundo in the Morning” that the team will “react accordingly” once more is known about what happened.“In all these situations you have to wait until you have all the facts, and frankly, we don’t have all the facts at this point,” Donovan said.Lowman said law enforcement is asking anyone with information on the crash to contact police.

Chiefs  Rashee Rice is cooperating with police after sports car crash

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) released
its All-State teams on Monday and a pair of juniors from Hays were named to
their respective all-state team’s classifications. 

Hays High’s Molly Martin was an honorable mention selection
to the 5A KBCA All-State team.

In her junior campaign Martin averaged 12.2 points per game,
helping the Indians claim the Western Athletic Conference title at a perfect 8-0
in league play. The Indians finished 16-6, losing in the 5A sub-state championship
game.

TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman also earned KBCA honors. She was
named to the 2A honorable mention team.

Koenigsman averaged a team-high 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds
per game this past season.

Hoxie also had two players named to the KBCA 2A All-State
team. 

Josey Kennedy was a first team selection and Emily Bainter
was named to the third team.

Smith Center’s Dakota Kattenburg was a second team selectin
in class 2A. 

Osborne’s Gracie Riner was named to the second team and Quinter’s
Brynn Gillespie was an honorable mention pick in class 1A-D1.

Hays PostThe Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) released
its All-State teams on Monday and a pair of juniors from Hays were named to
their respective all-state team’s classifications. Hays High’s Molly Martin was an honorable mention selection
to the 5A KBCA All-State team.In her junior campaign Martin averaged 12.2 points per game,
helping the Indians claim the Western Athletic Conference title at a perfect 8-0
in league play. The Indians finished 16-6, losing in the 5A sub-state championship
game.TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman also earned KBCA honors. She was
named to the 2A honorable mention team.Koenigsman averaged a team-high 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds
per game this past season.Hoxie also had two players named to the KBCA 2A All-State
team. Josey Kennedy was a first team selection and Emily Bainter
was named to the third team.Smith Center’s Dakota Kattenburg was a second team selectin
in class 2A. Osborne’s Gracie Riner was named to the second team and Quinter’s
Brynn Gillespie was an honorable mention pick in class 1A-D1.

🏀HHS’ Martin, TMP’s Koenigsman earn All-State honors

After helping to lead the Hays High Indians to the Western
Athletic Conference title this past season, senior Jack Weimer and sophomore
Dawson Ruder were named to the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) 5A
All-State team.

Weimer, who was also named the Player of the Year in the WAC,
averaged 12.7 pointers per game along with 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per
game. 

He was a second team 5A KBCA All-State selection.

Sophomore Dawson Ruder earned a KBCA honorable mention
selection.

Ruder averaged 13.7 points per game this past season with
6.8 rebounds.

The Indians finished the year 13-8 and 7-1 in the WAC.

Three area boys were also named to the 1A-D1 All-State
teams.

Osborne’s Jonny Hamel, La Crosse’s Caden Morgan and Shea
Salyers from Quinter were all named to the 1A-D1 second team.

Hays PostAfter helping to lead the Hays High Indians to the Western
Athletic Conference title this past season, senior Jack Weimer and sophomore
Dawson Ruder were named to the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) 5A
All-State team.Weimer, who was also named the Player of the Year in the WAC,
averaged 12.7 pointers per game along with 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per
game. He was a second team 5A KBCA All-State selection.Sophomore Dawson Ruder earned a KBCA honorable mention
selection.Ruder averaged 13.7 points per game this past season with
6.8 rebounds.The Indians finished the year 13-8 and 7-1 in the WAC.Three area boys were also named to the 1A-D1 All-State
teams.Osborne’s Jonny Hamel, La Crosse’s Caden Morgan and Shea
Salyers from Quinter were all named to the 1A-D1 second team.

🏀Hays’ Weimer and Ruder earn All-State honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. finished a double shy of the cycle, Kyle Isbel and Maikel Garcia hit back-to-back home runs, and the Kansas City Royals routed Minnesota 11-0 on Sunday to avoid a second straight season-opening sweep by the Twins.

Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs, and Nelson Velázquez had the last of five homers for Kansas City, which gave Brady Singer (1-0) plenty of run support on a day in which he hardly needed it.

Singer, trying to bounce back from a rough 2023, allowed three hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out 10.

“The offense was incredible,” Singer said with a smile. “It makes it a lot easier to stay in the zone and trust yourself.”

The Royals got their homers from five different players, matching a franchise record last done on July 27, 2020, in Detroit. And the 11-run victory margin was their biggest since an 11-0 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 13, 2020.

“To get out to a lead today was nice,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “just how we started the last two games.”

Bailey Ober (0-1) retired just four batters for Minnesota, allowing eight runs on nine hits and a walk. Kody Funderburk wasn't much better, allowing two more runs on three hits and a walk while retiring five.

“He had a great spring,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said of Ober, whose importance to the rotation has only increased after the club lost Anthony DeSclafani to season-ending flexor tendon surgery this week. “We have high expectations for him.”

Ober wasn't able to replicate the way Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan had shut down Kansas City, though. Its offensive outburst Sunday came after a club that lost 106 games last season managed only two runs on 10 hits and four walks — while striking out 19 times — in dropping the first two games of the season to its AL Central rival.

“It was a little payback today,” Quatraro said.

Perez provided the first big blow in the first inning, when he sent a three-run homer into the left-field bullpen. But it was a six-run second, highlighted by consecutive homers for Isbel and Garcia, that gave the Royals some breathing room. Witt added a triple to his first-inning single and Perez drove in another run before MJ Melendez knocked Ober from the game.

By the time new second baseman Adam Frazier added a two-run double, the Royals were cruising with a 9-0 lead.

Witt added his 434-foot shot in the third, and all that was left to see was whether he could hit for the cycle. Nobody had done it for Kansas City since Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett accomplished the feat on July 25, 1990, in Toronto.

In the fifth, Witt struck out on a slider by Daniel Duarte. With one last chance in the seventh, the 23-year-old phenom worked a 3-1 count against Cole Sands before fouling off a pitch and swinging hard through a 95-mph fastball to end the inning.

“I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself,” Witt said. “I got a couple of pitches I should have hit.”

The Twins have a day off before RHP Louie Varland starts the opener of a two-game series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. finished a double shy of the cycle, Kyle Isbel and Maikel Garcia hit back-to-back home runs, and the Kansas City Royals routed Minnesota 11-0 on Sunday to avoid a second straight season-opening sweep by the Twins.Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs, and Nelson Velázquez had the last of five homers for Kansas City, which gave Brady Singer (1-0) plenty of run support on a day in which he hardly needed it.Singer, trying to bounce back from a rough 2023, allowed three hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out 10.“The offense was incredible,” Singer said with a smile. “It makes it a lot easier to stay in the zone and trust yourself.”The Royals got their homers from five different players, matching a franchise record last done on July 27, 2020, in Detroit. And the 11-run victory margin was their biggest since an 11-0 win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 13, 2020.“To get out to a lead today was nice,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “just how we started the last two games.”Bailey Ober (0-1) retired just four batters for Minnesota, allowing eight runs on nine hits and a walk. Kody Funderburk wasn't much better, allowing two more runs on three hits and a walk while retiring five.“He had a great spring,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said of Ober, whose importance to the rotation has only increased after the club lost Anthony DeSclafani to season-ending flexor tendon surgery this week. “We have high expectations for him.”Ober wasn't able to replicate the way Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan had shut down Kansas City, though. Its offensive outburst Sunday came after a club that lost 106 games last season managed only two runs on 10 hits and four walks — while striking out 19 times — in dropping the first two games of the season to its AL Central rival.“It was a little payback today,” Quatraro said.Perez provided the first big blow in the first inning, when he sent a three-run homer into the left-field bullpen. But it was a six-run second, highlighted by consecutive homers for Isbel and Garcia, that gave the Royals some breathing room. Witt added a triple to his first-inning single and Perez drove in another run before MJ Melendez knocked Ober from the game.By the time new second baseman Adam Frazier added a two-run double, the Royals were cruising with a 9-0 lead.Witt added his 434-foot shot in the third, and all that was left to see was whether he could hit for the cycle. Nobody had done it for Kansas City since Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett accomplished the feat on July 25, 1990, in Toronto.In the fifth, Witt struck out on a slider by Daniel Duarte. With one last chance in the seventh, the 23-year-old phenom worked a 3-1 count against Cole Sands before fouling off a pitch and swinging hard through a 95-mph fastball to end the inning.“I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself,” Witt said. “I got a couple of pitches I should have hit.”UP NEXTThe Twins have a day off before RHP Louie Varland starts the opener of a two-game series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Witt falls double shy of cycle, KC hits 5 homers and routs Twins

Sunday, March 31 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday, March 31 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

he door has been knocked on only once in its storied program history but Season 56 produced the ram rod as the top ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team captured the NJCAA Division I National Championship at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with an 88-73 victory over Triton College.

Making the most of just its 5th tournament appearance after being snubbed as an at-large berth last season, the Cougars completed the mission on its 27th straight victory to claim the College's 60th team national title and second in less than thirty days following the women's track and field's indoor title earlier in the month.

Barton completes the year at 36-1 tying for the most wins in program history while Triton finishes at 34-3 in their first ever Division I title appearance while as a team earning the Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award.

Hometown product Myles Thompson led the Cougars for the final time with his 7th double-double performance of the year on a game high 27 points and 13 rebounds while Lajae Jones added 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double in just twenty-two minutes in earning the 2024 Tournament MVP. The son of Cougar legend Jackie Jones finished the tournament with 66 points, 43 rebounds, and two double-doubles in the four games despite being saddled with foul trouble in a pair of contests.

Arguably a co-MVP with his week-long performance, Thompson also landed on the All-Tournament team as did Ring Malith after canning 4-of-7 from deep for 22 points and three steals.

Cooper Jackson added 14 points with 6 assists and 2 steals with Mozae Downing-Rivers dishing out a game high 7 dimes with 4 rebounds.

Four Tritons also reached double digit scoring despite being held nineteen points below their season average. Canning 5-of-6 from long distance, Dior Connors led with 24 points with Amar Augillard scoring 23 points despite an off-night 1-of-11 beyond the arc. Scoring 10 points each were Dylan Williams and X-factor AJ Dixon before fouling out with ten minutes remaining. Tolu Samuels led all players with 16 rebounds.

Barton won the rebounds by 12 while outshooting Triton 43.3% to 38.1% including 50% from three-point going 11-of-22 while the Trojans were just 8-of-28.

Both teams started off on fire by scoring in each of their first four possessions, Thompson answering the Trojans' opening triple with a trey followed by Jones arc buster answering Triton's conversion of an And-1. Thompson would again answer a Trojan jumper with an inside bucket and following another Triton basket, Jackson's three-pointer gave the Cougars' their first lead at 11-10 with 17:15 on the clock.

After Barton grabbed the lead, the Trojans fired right back with seven straight for their biggest lead of six at the 15:45 mark.

A Jones bucket and Malith's first of a trio of treys cutting the margin to one, Triton sank all three charity tosses after being fouled on a three-pointer pushing the gap back out to four.

Malith continued to stay hot tacking on seven straight points including another arc buster as Barton would never trail again for the final 28 minutes.

The game was tied just three more times with Malith's third triple followed by Thompson's jumper breaking the sixth and final deadlock.

Following a Triton trey slicing the deficit to two, Barton strung seven straight in a little over two minutes for its largest first half lead of nine coming at 39-30 with 2:26 remaining.

Triton would battle back to trail by just five twice but reserve Amiri Ndayisaba's triple with twelve seconds left in front of the Trojan bench swung the momentum to the Cougars' in a 46-39 lead to halftime.

A 12-4 stretch out of the locker room extended Barton's lead to twelve but was immediately sliced in half after Triton's six-pack answer.

Jackson's offensive rebound putback among the trees followed by Keandre Kindell's triple and Brent Moss' 1-of-2 trip to the line pushed it back to twelve with thirteen minutes left.

Three minutes later Barton had its largest advantage of fifteen after a pair of Kindell tosses and consecutive inside jumpers from Thompson for a 69-54 lead with 9:21 left on the clock.

Triton hung around and as the clock ticked under six to play, cut the deficit under double-digits and trailed by just five at 78-73 after Connors' three-pointer with 3:48 left.

Thompson, a 50% free throw shooter entering Saturday, buried a perfect two tosses on his 8-of-8 afternoon from the stripe then after Triton turned the ball over on the inbounds, muscled his way inside for another macho man signature style bucket.

Following empty possessions from each team, Jackson's step-back triple pushed the gap back to double-digits with 2:24 remaining.

Thompson's drive through the lane with eighty-six seconds left capped the squad's field goals on the day with Jackson's 1-of-2 trip to the line with forty-nine seconds put a lid on the scoring as Triton was held scoreless for the last 3:48 including a classy last possession of idle dribbling draining the remaining thirty seconds on the clock.

Lajae Jone (William French Most Valuable Player) - Barton (KS) G So.

Bradyn Hubbard - Connors State (OK) F So.

Jimmie Williams - Wallace State (AL) G Fr.

Tavion Banks - Northwest Florida State G/F So.

Myles Thompson - Barton (KS) F So.

Bud Obee Outstanding Small Player Award: Dylan Williams - Triton (IL) G So.

Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award: Triton (IL)

Coach of the Tournament: Jeremy Coombs - Barton (KS)

- The 2024 Tournament was Barton's fifth appearance in program history – the first since 2018

- Barton's championship game appearance was just the program's second (1999)

- Triton was making their first Division I Championship appearance since becoming a DI school five seasons ago

- Triton was making their 18th overall tournament appearance and third straight including second straight semifinal game

- Triton's 34-3 record tied the most wins in team history

- The Championship appearance was Triton's third overall between DI and DII.

- 215 career steals *2nd most – 103 behind Eric Bush's 319 (1999-01)

- 401 career assists *3rd most – 52 behind Gene Butler's 453 (1990-92)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711884368743.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Infohe door has been knocked on only once in its storied program history but Season 56 produced the ram rod as the top ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team captured the NJCAA Division I National Championship at the Hutchinson Sports Arena with an 88-73 victory over Triton College.Making the most of just its 5th tournament appearance after being snubbed as an at-large berth last season, the Cougars completed the mission on its 27th straight victory to claim the College's 60th team national title and second in less than thirty days following the women's track and field's indoor title earlier in the month.Barton completes the year at 36-1 tying for the most wins in program history while Triton finishes at 34-3 in their first ever Division I title appearance while as a team earning the Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award.Hometown product Myles Thompson led the Cougars for the final time with his 7th double-double performance of the year on a game high 27 points and 13 rebounds while Lajae Jones added 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double in just twenty-two minutes in earning the 2024 Tournament MVP. The son of Cougar legend Jackie Jones finished the tournament with 66 points, 43 rebounds, and two double-doubles in the four games despite being saddled with foul trouble in a pair of contests.Arguably a co-MVP with his week-long performance, Thompson also landed on the All-Tournament team as did Ring Malith after canning 4-of-7 from deep for 22 points and three steals.Cooper Jackson added 14 points with 6 assists and 2 steals with Mozae Downing-Rivers dishing out a game high 7 dimes with 4 rebounds.Four Tritons also reached double digit scoring despite being held nineteen points below their season average. Canning 5-of-6 from long distance, Dior Connors led with 24 points with Amar Augillard scoring 23 points despite an off-night 1-of-11 beyond the arc. Scoring 10 points each were Dylan Williams and X-factor AJ Dixon before fouling out with ten minutes remaining. Tolu Samuels led all players with 16 rebounds.Barton won the rebounds by 12 while outshooting Triton 43.3% to 38.1% including 50% from three-point going 11-of-22 while the Trojans were just 8-of-28.Both teams started off on fire by scoring in each of their first four possessions, Thompson answering the Trojans' opening triple with a trey followed by Jones arc buster answering Triton's conversion of an And-1. Thompson would again answer a Trojan jumper with an inside bucket and following another Triton basket, Jackson's three-pointer gave the Cougars' their first lead at 11-10 with 17:15 on the clock.After Barton grabbed the lead, the Trojans fired right back with seven straight for their biggest lead of six at the 15:45 mark.A Jones bucket and Malith's first of a trio of treys cutting the margin to one, Triton sank all three charity tosses after being fouled on a three-pointer pushing the gap back out to four.Malith continued to stay hot tacking on seven straight points including another arc buster as Barton would never trail again for the final 28 minutes.The game was tied just three more times with Malith's third triple followed by Thompson's jumper breaking the sixth and final deadlock.Following a Triton trey slicing the deficit to two, Barton strung seven straight in a little over two minutes for its largest first half lead of nine coming at 39-30 with 2:26 remaining.Triton would battle back to trail by just five twice but reserve Amiri Ndayisaba's triple with twelve seconds left in front of the Trojan bench swung the momentum to the Cougars' in a 46-39 lead to halftime.A 12-4 stretch out of the locker room extended Barton's lead to twelve but was immediately sliced in half after Triton's six-pack answer.Jackson's offensive rebound putback among the trees followed by Keandre Kindell's triple and Brent Moss' 1-of-2 trip to the line pushed it back to twelve with thirteen minutes left.Three minutes later Barton had its largest advantage of fifteen after a pair of Kindell tosses and consecutive inside jumpers from Thompson for a 69-54 lead with 9:21 left on the clock.Triton hung around and as the clock ticked under six to play, cut the deficit under double-digits and trailed by just five at 78-73 after Connors' three-pointer with 3:48 left.Thompson, a 50% free throw shooter entering Saturday, buried a perfect two tosses on his 8-of-8 afternoon from the stripe then after Triton turned the ball over on the inbounds, muscled his way inside for another macho man signature style bucket.Following empty possessions from each team, Jackson's step-back triple pushed the gap back to double-digits with 2:24 remaining.Thompson's drive through the lane with eighty-six seconds left capped the squad's field goals on the day with Jackson's 1-of-2 trip to the line with forty-nine seconds put a lid on the scoring as Triton was held scoreless for the last 3:48 including a classy last possession of idle dribbling draining the remaining thirty seconds on the clock.All-Tournament TeamLajae Jone (William French Most Valuable Player) - Barton (KS) G So.Chris Mpaka - Indian Hills (IA) F So.Bradyn Hubbard - Connors State (OK) F So.John-Paul Ricks - Hutchinson (KS) G So.Jabari McGhee - South Plains (TX) G So.Malique Ewin - South Plains (TX) F So.Jimmie Williams - Wallace State (AL) G Fr.Tavion Banks - Northwest Florida State G/F So.Willie Lightfoot - Odessa (TX) G So.AJ Dixon - Triton (IL) G Fr.Amar Augillard - Triton (IL) G So.Ring Malith - Barton (KS) G So.Myles Thompson - Barton (KS) F So.Bud Obee Outstanding Small Player Award: Dylan Williams - Triton (IL) G So.Charles Sesher Sportsmanship Award: Triton (IL)Coach of the Tournament: Jeremy Coombs - Barton (KS)GAME NOTES- The 2024 Tournament was Barton's fifth appearance in program history – the first since 2018- Barton's championship game appearance was just the program's second (1999)- Triton was making their first Division I Championship appearance since becoming a DI school five seasons ago- Triton was making their 18th overall tournament appearance and third straight including second straight semifinal game- Triton's 34-3 record tied the most wins in team history- The Championship appearance was Triton's third overall between DI and DII.Individual Record Book ImpactCooper Jackson- 215 career steals *2nd most – 103 behind Eric Bush's 319 (1999-01)Mozae Downing-Rivers- 401 career assists *3rd most – 52 behind Gene Butler's 453 (1990-92)

Mission complete, top ranked Barton Co. Cougars win 1st ever National Title

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton drove in the tying run in the eighth inning, Christian Vázquez drove in the go-ahead run to start off a four-run ninth, and the Minnesota Twins rallied for a 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Griffin Jax (1-0), who earned the save on opening day, picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning for Minnesota. Brock Stewart handled the ninth this time, working around a single by MJ Melendez to put the Twins on the brink of a second straight season-opening sweep of their AL Central rivals.

“I mean, up and down the lineup, fantastic. Almost every guy in this lineup did several things to help us win the game,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Our pitching staff ... had a fantastic day. The bullpen came in and just shut things down.”

Will Smith (0-1), whom the Royals signed to a $5 million deal to close out games, had a debut to forget. He hit Ryan Jeffers with one out in the ninth, walked Willi Castro on a full-count pitch, then watched Vázquez drive in the go-ahead run.

Alex Kirilloff added a sacrifice fly and Buxton a two-run double later in the ninth.

“If we continue to pitch like that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “we’re going to be fine.”

The Royals' bullpen ultimately wasted six brilliant innings from Seth Lugo, whom they signed to a $45 million, three-year deal in the offseason. Lugo allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out four in a dominant first outing for Kansas City.

“My goal is to pitch as deep as possible,” said Lugo, who also hit a batter — before his bullpen proceeded to hit three more. "Weak contact and ground balls, that’s my game plan.”

The Twins didn't exactly do any favors for Joe Ryan, either.

The right-hander retired the first 10 batters he faced and was still cruising along until Bobby Witt Jr. legged out a double in the sixth. Steven Okert came in and, after getting a groundout and intentionally walking Salvador Perez, Melendez singled through the left side to give Kansas City the 1-0 lead.

It was still that way after the Royals' John Schreiber escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. But Edouard Julien led off the eighth with a double off James McArthur, and Buxton followed two batters later with a tying double of his own.

“We didn't put a bunch of runs on the board but we had some good swings. We just couldn't get the right swing at the right time,” Baldelli said. “We got some baserunners and we took advantage of it late in the game and separated in a good way.”

Twins INF Royce Lewis went on the injured list with a “severe quad strain” and could miss more than a month, said Derek Falvey, their president of baseball operations. Lewis hurt it on opening day Thursday rounding the bases. He had homered and singled in his two at-bats. “He's going to have some significant time down,” Falvey said.

UTIL Austin Martin was called up from Triple-A St. Paul and is prepared to make his big league debut. He had about 10 friends and family members fly into Kansas City with the hopes of seeing him play this weekend.

Twins RHP Bailey Ober will start the series finale on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer will face him for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Byron Buxton drove in the tying run in the eighth inning, Christian Vázquez drove in the go-ahead run to start off a four-run ninth, and the Minnesota Twins rallied for a 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.Griffin Jax (1-0), who earned the save on opening day, picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning for Minnesota. Brock Stewart handled the ninth this time, working around a single by MJ Melendez to put the Twins on the brink of a second straight season-opening sweep of their AL Central rivals.“I mean, up and down the lineup, fantastic. Almost every guy in this lineup did several things to help us win the game,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Our pitching staff ... had a fantastic day. The bullpen came in and just shut things down.”Will Smith (0-1), whom the Royals signed to a $5 million deal to close out games, had a debut to forget. He hit Ryan Jeffers with one out in the ninth, walked Willi Castro on a full-count pitch, then watched Vázquez drive in the go-ahead run.Alex Kirilloff added a sacrifice fly and Buxton a two-run double later in the ninth.“If we continue to pitch like that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “we’re going to be fine.”The Royals' bullpen ultimately wasted six brilliant innings from Seth Lugo, whom they signed to a $45 million, three-year deal in the offseason. Lugo allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out four in a dominant first outing for Kansas City.“My goal is to pitch as deep as possible,” said Lugo, who also hit a batter — before his bullpen proceeded to hit three more. "Weak contact and ground balls, that’s my game plan.”The Twins didn't exactly do any favors for Joe Ryan, either.The right-hander retired the first 10 batters he faced and was still cruising along until Bobby Witt Jr. legged out a double in the sixth. Steven Okert came in and, after getting a groundout and intentionally walking Salvador Perez, Melendez singled through the left side to give Kansas City the 1-0 lead.It was still that way after the Royals' John Schreiber escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. But Edouard Julien led off the eighth with a double off James McArthur, and Buxton followed two batters later with a tying double of his own.“We didn't put a bunch of runs on the board but we had some good swings. We just couldn't get the right swing at the right time,” Baldelli said. “We got some baserunners and we took advantage of it late in the game and separated in a good way.”TRAINER'S ROOMTwins INF Royce Lewis went on the injured list with a “severe quad strain” and could miss more than a month, said Derek Falvey, their president of baseball operations. Lewis hurt it on opening day Thursday rounding the bases. He had homered and singled in his two at-bats. “He's going to have some significant time down,” Falvey said.ROSTER MOVESUTIL Austin Martin was called up from Triple-A St. Paul and is prepared to make his big league debut. He had about 10 friends and family members fly into Kansas City with the hopes of seeing him play this weekend.UP NEXTTwins RHP Bailey Ober will start the series finale on Sunday. RHP Brady Singer will face him for Kansas City.