By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

Bo Nix's broken ankle has placed Jarrett Stidham into most unusual territory.

After throwing no passes and taking four offensive snaps all season, Stidham will now take over as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in the AFC title game against New England on Sunday.

Stidham hasn't thrown a pass in a regular season or playoff game since starting the final two contests in 2023, getting his only action in practice and the preseason since then.

According to Sportradar, Stidham will be the seventh quarterback since starts began being tracked in 1950 to start a playoff game in a season when he didn't start in the regular season.

Frank Reich was the only one of those six QBs to win as a fill-in when he won two starts for Buffalo in the 1992 playoffs in place of Jim Kelly.

Stidham will join Joe Webb as the only QB to start a playoff game after not throwing a pass in the regular season and the second to make his first start in the conference title game or Super Bowl. Roger Staubach made his first start in the 1972 season in the NFC title game for Dallas the year after winning Super Bowl MVP.

Here's a look at the six QBs who started a playoff game in a season when they had no regular season starts:

Heinicke had bounced around the NFL for more than five years when he signed to Washington's practice squad late in the 2020 season. He replaced Dwayne Haskins late in a Week 16 loss but reverted to a backup role the following week for Alex Smith.

Smith won the finale to clinch a playoff berth with a 7-9 record but was unavailable for the wild-card round because of a calf injury. Heinicke stepped in and made his second career start, throwing for 306 yards and a touchdown in a loss to eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay.

A promising season for the Raiders ended in disappointment in 2016. Derek Carr led the team to its first playoff berth in 14 years but broke his leg in Week 16. Matt McGloin started the season finale but got hurt, setting the stage for rookie Connor Cook to make his first career start in a wild-card game at Houston.

Cook went 18 for 45 for 161 yards with one TD and three interceptions in a 27-14 loss to the Texans and never appeared in an NFL game again.

Webb played only three offensive snaps — one fewer than Stidham this season — when he was called on to start the wild-card game against Green Bay when Christian Ponder went down with an elbow injury.

Webb had started two games in 2010 but hadn't thrown a single pass in 2012 before the game against the Packers. He went 11 for 30 for 180 yards with one TD and one INT in a 24-10 loss.

After Jim Kelly hurt his knee in the season finale, Reich got the nod for the wild-card game against Houston and delivered a memorable performance.

Buffalo fell into a 35-3 hole early in the third quarter before Reich engineered the biggest comeback in playoff history. He threw four TD passes to lead the Bills to a 41-38 overtime win. Reich followed that up with a win the next week at Pittsburgh before Kelly returned for an AFC title game win against Pittsburgh.

After starting all 16 games in 1980 for Detroit, Danielson split time the next two seasons with Eric Hipple. Danielson got benched for Hipple for a playoff game in 1982 after leading the team to a win in the finale to clinch a playoff berth.

Hipple then started all 16 games in 1983 with Danielson coming off the bench 10 times to throw 113 passes and seven TDs. But Hipple hurt his knee in the season finale and Danielson made his first start of the 1983 season in the divisional round against San Francisco.

The results were rough as Danielson threw five interceptions —including four in the first half — but still almost came out with a win. Joe Montana threw a go-ahead TD pass to Freddie Solomon with 1:23 to play to make it 24-23. Danielson led Detroit into field goal range only for Eddie Murray to miss a 43-yard field goal in the closing seconds.

Staubach had led Dallas to a Super Bowl title in the 1971 season but separated his shoulder in a preseason game. Craig Morton took over as starter and kept the job even when Staubach was healthy again late in the season.

But coach Tom Landry went to Staubach in the divisional round with Dallas trailing 28-13 and he engineered one of the biggest playoff comebacks ever. Staubach threw two TD in the final 90 seconds to help the Cowboys win 30-28 and advance to the NFC title game.

Staubach then got his first start since winning Super Bowl MVP the previous season but struggled in a 26-3 los to Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768822250149.jpeg" alt="FILE - Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) is sacked by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an AFC Wild Card NFL football game Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) is sacked by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an AFC Wild Card NFL football game Jan. 7, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football WriterBo Nix's broken ankle has placed Jarrett Stidham into most unusual territory.After throwing no passes and taking four offensive snaps all season, Stidham will now take over as starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in the AFC title game against New England on Sunday.Stidham hasn't thrown a pass in a regular season or playoff game since starting the final two contests in 2023, getting his only action in practice and the preseason since then.According to Sportradar, Stidham will be the seventh quarterback since starts began being tracked in 1950 to start a playoff game in a season when he didn't start in the regular season.Frank Reich was the only one of those six QBs to win as a fill-in when he won two starts for Buffalo in the 1992 playoffs in place of Jim Kelly.Stidham will join Joe Webb as the only QB to start a playoff game after not throwing a pass in the regular season and the second to make his first start in the conference title game or Super Bowl. Roger Staubach made his first start in the 1972 season in the NFC title game for Dallas the year after winning Super Bowl MVP.Here's a look at the six QBs who started a playoff game in a season when they had no regular season starts:<h2>Taylor Heinicke, 2020 Washington</h2>Heinicke had bounced around the NFL for more than five years when he signed to Washington's practice squad late in the 2020 season. He replaced Dwayne Haskins late in a Week 16 loss but reverted to a backup role the following week for Alex Smith.Smith won the finale to clinch a playoff berth with a 7-9 record but was unavailable for the wild-card round because of a calf injury. Heinicke stepped in and made his second career start, throwing for 306 yards and a touchdown in a loss to eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay.<h2>Connor Cook, 2016 Raiders</h2>A promising season for the Raiders ended in disappointment in 2016. Derek Carr led the team to its first playoff berth in 14 years but broke his leg in Week 16. Matt McGloin started the season finale but got hurt, setting the stage for rookie Connor Cook to make his first career start in a wild-card game at Houston.Cook went 18 for 45 for 161 yards with one TD and three interceptions in a 27-14 loss to the Texans and never appeared in an NFL game again.<h2>Joe Webb, 2012 Vikings</h2>Webb played only three offensive snaps — one fewer than Stidham this season — when he was called on to start the wild-card game against Green Bay when Christian Ponder went down with an elbow injury.Webb had started two games in 2010 but hadn't thrown a single pass in 2012 before the game against the Packers. He went 11 for 30 for 180 yards with one TD and one INT in a 24-10 loss.<h2>Frank Reich, 1992 Bills</h2>After Jim Kelly hurt his knee in the season finale, Reich got the nod for the wild-card game against Houston and delivered a memorable performance.Buffalo fell into a 35-3 hole early in the third quarter before Reich engineered the biggest comeback in playoff history. He threw four TD passes to lead the Bills to a 41-38 overtime win. Reich followed that up with a win the next week at Pittsburgh before Kelly returned for an AFC title game win against Pittsburgh.<h2>Gary Danielson, 1983 Lions</h2>After starting all 16 games in 1980 for Detroit, Danielson split time the next two seasons with Eric Hipple. Danielson got benched for Hipple for a playoff game in 1982 after leading the team to a win in the finale to clinch a playoff berth.Hipple then started all 16 games in 1983 with Danielson coming off the bench 10 times to throw 113 passes and seven TDs. But Hipple hurt his knee in the season finale and Danielson made his first start of the 1983 season in the divisional round against San Francisco.The results were rough as Danielson threw five interceptions —including four in the first half — but still almost came out with a win. Joe Montana threw a go-ahead TD pass to Freddie Solomon with 1:23 to play to make it 24-23. Danielson led Detroit into field goal range only for Eddie Murray to miss a 43-yard field goal in the closing seconds.<h2>Roger Staubach, 1972 Cowboys</h2>Staubach had led Dallas to a Super Bowl title in the 1971 season but separated his shoulder in a preseason game. Craig Morton took over as starter and kept the job even when Staubach was healthy again late in the season.But coach Tom Landry went to Staubach in the divisional round with Dallas trailing 28-13 and he engineered one of the biggest playoff comebacks ever. Staubach threw two TD in the final 90 seconds to help the Cowboys win 30-28 and advance to the NFC title game.Staubach then got his first start since winning Super Bowl MVP the previous season but struggled in a 26-3 los to Washington.

Stidham set to join Staubach, Reich and 4 other QBs to make 1st start of season in playoffs

The Fort Hays State football team will be looking for a new starting quarterback in 2026. Senior Caleb Heavner has entered the portal and committed to Division I Miami of Ohio.

The Denison, Texas native played in 24 games and made 17 starts over four seasons with the Tigers, completing 63-percent of his passes for&nbsp;3,398 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. None of this interceptions came this past season.&nbsp;

Heavner also rushed for&nbsp;1,094 yards with 11 touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762043440771.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State quarterback Caleb Heavner (4) scrambles against Central Missouri on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Hays, Kan, (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State quarterback Caleb Heavner (4) scrambles against Central Missouri on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Hays, Kan, (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Post SportsThe Fort Hays State football team will be looking for a new starting quarterback in 2026. Senior Caleb Heavner has entered the portal and committed to Division I Miami of Ohio.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Committed. <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOHFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOHFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/EBqbpfWQ0D">pic.twitter.com/EBqbpfWQ0D</a>&mdash; Caleb Heavner (@heavner_caleb) <a href="https://twitter.com/heavner_caleb/status/2013019816509005996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Denison, Texas native played in 24 games and made 17 starts over four seasons with the Tigers, completing 63-percent of his passes for&nbsp;3,398 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. None of this interceptions came this past season.&nbsp;Heavner also rushed for&nbsp;1,094 yards with 11 touchdowns.

🏈 FHSU's Heavner enters portal, commits to Miami of Ohio

WARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team had three placers at the Roger Denker Open Sunday afternoon. The Tigers had two placers at 165 pounds, with Cason Lindsey finishing as the runner-up and Hunter Harris placing third, while Houston Frank placed fifth at 184 pounds. The 20 Tiger wrestlers turned in a combined record of 35-38 on the day.

Lindsey blitzed his way to the championship bout of the 165-pound bracket, picking up two pins, one major decision and one decision along the way. The senior picked up a pin in 68 seconds in the opening round before reaching the quarterfinals with an 8-2 decision. He then picked up another pin just before the final horn in the third period before reaching the finals following an 11-0 major decision.

The Derby, Kan. native then took a 4-1 lead into the third period against ninth-ranked Gage Bernall of UCM in the first-place bout before the Mule picked up a takedown with 30 seconds to go to claim the title with a 5-4 decision.

Harris picked up three-straight wins to also reach the semifinals at 165 pounds, including a pin in 75 seconds in the first round, a second round 13-12 decision and a quarterfinal 19-4 technical fall. Harris then fell to ninth-ranked Bernall before earning a pair of wins via medical forfeit and forfeit in the consolation bracket, finishing the day 5-1.

Frank placed fifth at 184 pounds after going 4-2 on the day. The redshirt-freshman opened the day with a pin before moving to the consolation bracket after suffering a fall in the quarterfinal. He then picked up a narrow 4-3 decision and a dominant 14-0 major decision to reach the consolation semifinals before falling 5-3. Frank ultimately took fifth place via medical forfeit.

Competing unattached, Julien Kimling led the field of 184 wrestlers with four pins in the 141-pound bracket. His fastest pin took only 31 seconds, third-fastest on the day and the fifth-fastest this season by FHSU. The freshman finished the day 4-2 overall.

Five Tigers finished the day 2-2, including two that picked up a pair of bonus-point wins. Competing unattached, Ender Rider recorded a pair of technical falls at 165 pounds while Jace Schartz racked up one technical fall and one major decision. Tacoma Augustine (141) and Justus Hulse (157) both recorded one pin and one decision on the day. Marcell Dely picked up one major decision and one decision at 157 pounds.

Eight Tigers earned one victory on the day, including pins from Jett Schwartz (133), Griffin Mitchell (174) and Cameron Shultz (184), a technical fall from Micah Castro (157), major decisions from Kolton Field (141) and Corbin White (149) and decisions from Griffin Bohanan (165) and Ernesto Duenez (174).

The Tigers will return to Warrensburg on Friday when they take on 17th-ranked Central Missouri in dual action beginning at 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768821495257.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jordyn Bredenberg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWARRENSBURG, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team had three placers at the Roger Denker Open Sunday afternoon. The Tigers had two placers at 165 pounds, with Cason Lindsey finishing as the runner-up and Hunter Harris placing third, while Houston Frank placed fifth at 184 pounds. The 20 Tiger wrestlers turned in a combined record of 35-38 on the day.Lindsey blitzed his way to the championship bout of the 165-pound bracket, picking up two pins, one major decision and one decision along the way. The senior picked up a pin in 68 seconds in the opening round before reaching the quarterfinals with an 8-2 decision. He then picked up another pin just before the final horn in the third period before reaching the finals following an 11-0 major decision.The Derby, Kan. native then took a 4-1 lead into the third period against ninth-ranked Gage Bernall of UCM in the first-place bout before the Mule picked up a takedown with 30 seconds to go to claim the title with a 5-4 decision.Harris picked up three-straight wins to also reach the semifinals at 165 pounds, including a pin in 75 seconds in the first round, a second round 13-12 decision and a quarterfinal 19-4 technical fall. Harris then fell to ninth-ranked Bernall before earning a pair of wins via medical forfeit and forfeit in the consolation bracket, finishing the day 5-1.Frank placed fifth at 184 pounds after going 4-2 on the day. The redshirt-freshman opened the day with a pin before moving to the consolation bracket after suffering a fall in the quarterfinal. He then picked up a narrow 4-3 decision and a dominant 14-0 major decision to reach the consolation semifinals before falling 5-3. Frank ultimately took fifth place via medical forfeit.Competing unattached, Julien Kimling led the field of 184 wrestlers with four pins in the 141-pound bracket. His fastest pin took only 31 seconds, third-fastest on the day and the fifth-fastest this season by FHSU. The freshman finished the day 4-2 overall.Five Tigers finished the day 2-2, including two that picked up a pair of bonus-point wins. Competing unattached, Ender Rider recorded a pair of technical falls at 165 pounds while Jace Schartz racked up one technical fall and one major decision. Tacoma Augustine (141) and Justus Hulse (157) both recorded one pin and one decision on the day. Marcell Dely picked up one major decision and one decision at 157 pounds.Eight Tigers earned one victory on the day, including pins from Jett Schwartz (133), Griffin Mitchell (174) and Cameron Shultz (184), a technical fall from Micah Castro (157), major decisions from Kolton Field (141) and Corbin White (149) and decisions from Griffin Bohanan (165) and Ernesto Duenez (174).The Tigers will return to Warrensburg on Friday when they take on 17th-ranked Central Missouri in dual action beginning at 7 p.m.

🤼‍♂️ FHSU men place three in Warrensburg

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split its final pair of duals for the 2025-26 season on Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The No. 11 ranked Tigers came up short in a 24-21 loss to No. 7 ranked Colorado Mesa, but bounced back for strong 41-6 victory over Sioux Falls. The Tigers went 6-4 in dual action this season and now just have tournaments remaining on their schedule.

#7 Colorado Mesa 24, #11 Fort Hays State 21 Much like their contests at NWCA National Duals a week prior, Fort Hays State had to make up a lot of ground from a large deficit early. The Tigers delivered a late‑match surge, but ultimately fell by three, 24–21. After dropping the first four matches, the Tigers roared back with five victories in the final six.

Colorado Mesa opened the dual with four straight bonus‑point wins, building a significant early advantage. The Mavericks scored three falls and one tech fall to take an early 19-1 lead. However, the Tigers refused to fold.

The comeback began at 131 pounds, where Samara Markwardt put Fort Hays State on the board with a dominant 13-3 tech fall. Ashlynn Goodwin followed at 138 with a strong 10–2 decision, continuing to chip away at the deficit. It cut the deficit to 21-8.

After a narrow loss at 145, the Tigers surged again in the upper weights. Marissa Porsch controlled her match at 160, earning a 9–0 decision. No. 2 ranked Isabella Renfro delivered another decisive win, a 10–0 tech fall at 180. At 207, Hailey Conley picked up a forfeit victory since the Mavericks had the team win locked up, but it made the final margin just three.

Results 103: Kinlee Brandley (CMU) over Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) (Fall 4:02) 110: Adriana Gomez (CMU) over Isabell Ortiz (FHSU) (TF 11-1 3:57) 117: Sophia Cornish (CMU) over Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) (Fall 4:19) 124: Lorianna Piestewa (CMU) over Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) (Fall 4:38) 131: Samara Markwardt (FHSU) over Thalia Vogelsang (CMU) (TF 13-3 3:49) 138: Ashlynn Goodwin (FHSU) over Delarie Juarez (CMU) (Dec 10-2) 145: Gretchen Donally (CMU) over Nichole Moore (FHSU) (Dec 6-2) 160: Marissa Porsch (FHSU) over Valerie Glenn (CMU) (Dec 9-0) 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Maggie Smith (CMU) (TF 10-0 2:02) 207: Hailey Conley (FHSU) over (CMU) (For.) Exhibition 117: Marjorie McDaniel (CMU) over Gabby Hampton (FHSU) (Fall 5:34)

#11 Fort Hays State 41, Sioux Falls 6 Fort Hays State bounced back with a commanding 41-6 victory over Sioux Falls to wrap up their dual action for the season. The match featured nine Tiger victories, including six bonus‑point wins and three forfeits.

The Tigers jumped out to a 15–0 lead before the first contested match, with Jaidyn Alvarado (103), Isabell Ortiz (110), and Leiannah Landreth (117) each receiving forfeits. At 124, Morgan Maschmann kept the momentum rolling with a dominant 12-2 tech fall, extending the Tigers' advantage to 19-1.

The bonus‑point surge continued at 131, where Addison Broxterman secured a fall in 2:51, followed by Peyton Hellmann's pin at 138 in 4:37 to push the lead to 29-1.

Sioux Falls earned its lone victory at 145 pounds, where Kristy More edged Dylen Ritchey in an 8-8 criteria decision. But, the Tigers quickly regained control. At 160, Marissa Porsch battled through a tight 3-2 decision to add three more team points. Isabella Renfro delivered one of the fastest finishes of the day at 180, pinning her opponent in just 31 seconds. The dual closed with Grace Johns earning a 7-2 decision at 207, sealing the 41–6 team victory.

Results 103: Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 110: Isabell Ortiz (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 124: Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) over Mackenzie Armagost (USF) (TF 12-2 1:48) 131: Addison Broxterman (FHSU) over Dani Ringstmeyer (USF) (Fall 2:51) 138: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Johanna Steinlicht (USF) (Fall 4:37) 145: Kristy More (USF) over Dylen Ritchey (FHSU) (Dec 8-8) 160: Marissa Porsch (FHSU) over Aliyah Villarreal (USF) (Dec 3-2) 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Rachel Berger (USF) (Fall 0:31) 207: Grace Johns (FHSU) over Zoe Adam (USF) (Dec 7-2)

Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday, January 31 at the Midland University Open in Fremont, Neb. The Tigers have two tournaments remaining on the schedule before the NCAA Region 6 Tournament in the latter part of February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768821120771.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split its final pair of duals for the 2025-26 season on Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The No. 11 ranked Tigers came up short in a 24-21 loss to No. 7 ranked Colorado Mesa, but bounced back for strong 41-6 victory over Sioux Falls. The Tigers went 6-4 in dual action this season and now just have tournaments remaining on their schedule.#7 Colorado Mesa 24, #11 Fort Hays State 21 Much like their contests at NWCA National Duals a week prior, Fort Hays State had to make up a lot of ground from a large deficit early. The Tigers delivered a late‑match surge, but ultimately fell by three, 24–21. After dropping the first four matches, the Tigers roared back with five victories in the final six.Colorado Mesa opened the dual with four straight bonus‑point wins, building a significant early advantage. The Mavericks scored three falls and one tech fall to take an early 19-1 lead. However, the Tigers refused to fold.The comeback began at 131 pounds, where Samara Markwardt put Fort Hays State on the board with a dominant 13-3 tech fall. Ashlynn Goodwin followed at 138 with a strong 10–2 decision, continuing to chip away at the deficit. It cut the deficit to 21-8.After a narrow loss at 145, the Tigers surged again in the upper weights. Marissa Porsch controlled her match at 160, earning a 9–0 decision. No. 2 ranked Isabella Renfro delivered another decisive win, a 10–0 tech fall at 180. At 207, Hailey Conley picked up a forfeit victory since the Mavericks had the team win locked up, but it made the final margin just three.Results 103: Kinlee Brandley (CMU) over Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) (Fall 4:02) 110: Adriana Gomez (CMU) over Isabell Ortiz (FHSU) (TF 11-1 3:57) 117: Sophia Cornish (CMU) over Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) (Fall 4:19) 124: Lorianna Piestewa (CMU) over Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) (Fall 4:38) 131: Samara Markwardt (FHSU) over Thalia Vogelsang (CMU) (TF 13-3 3:49) 138: Ashlynn Goodwin (FHSU) over Delarie Juarez (CMU) (Dec 10-2) 145: Gretchen Donally (CMU) over Nichole Moore (FHSU) (Dec 6-2) 160: Marissa Porsch (FHSU) over Valerie Glenn (CMU) (Dec 9-0) 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Maggie Smith (CMU) (TF 10-0 2:02) 207: Hailey Conley (FHSU) over (CMU) (For.) Exhibition 117: Marjorie McDaniel (CMU) over Gabby Hampton (FHSU) (Fall 5:34)#11 Fort Hays State 41, Sioux Falls 6 Fort Hays State bounced back with a commanding 41-6 victory over Sioux Falls to wrap up their dual action for the season. The match featured nine Tiger victories, including six bonus‑point wins and three forfeits.The Tigers jumped out to a 15–0 lead before the first contested match, with Jaidyn Alvarado (103), Isabell Ortiz (110), and Leiannah Landreth (117) each receiving forfeits. At 124, Morgan Maschmann kept the momentum rolling with a dominant 12-2 tech fall, extending the Tigers' advantage to 19-1.The bonus‑point surge continued at 131, where Addison Broxterman secured a fall in 2:51, followed by Peyton Hellmann's pin at 138 in 4:37 to push the lead to 29-1.Sioux Falls earned its lone victory at 145 pounds, where Kristy More edged Dylen Ritchey in an 8-8 criteria decision. But, the Tigers quickly regained control. At 160, Marissa Porsch battled through a tight 3-2 decision to add three more team points. Isabella Renfro delivered one of the fastest finishes of the day at 180, pinning her opponent in just 31 seconds. The dual closed with Grace Johns earning a 7-2 decision at 207, sealing the 41–6 team victory.Results 103: Jaidyn Alvarado (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 110: Isabell Ortiz (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 117: Leiannah Landreth (FHSU) over (USF) (For.) 124: Morgan Maschmann (FHSU) over Mackenzie Armagost (USF) (TF 12-2 1:48) 131: Addison Broxterman (FHSU) over Dani Ringstmeyer (USF) (Fall 2:51) 138: Peyton Hellmann (FHSU) over Johanna Steinlicht (USF) (Fall 4:37) 145: Kristy More (USF) over Dylen Ritchey (FHSU) (Dec 8-8) 160: Marissa Porsch (FHSU) over Aliyah Villarreal (USF) (Dec 3-2) 180: Isabella Renfro (FHSU) over Rachel Berger (USF) (Fall 0:31) 207: Grace Johns (FHSU) over Zoe Adam (USF) (Dec 7-2)Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday, January 31 at the Midland University Open in Fremont, Neb. The Tigers have two tournaments remaining on the schedule before the NCAA Region 6 Tournament in the latter part of February.

🤼‍♀️ Tiger women split duals with Mavericks and Cougars on Senior Day

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post Sports

HAYS - The Hays girls bested a 21-team field to claim the championship of their own Prairie Classic on Saturday.

The Indians put five in the championship round and claimed three titles. Reese Vehige won the 130 pound class, Timber Lovewell took the title at 145 and Lexi Barnett won at 155. It's the second individual championship for Barnett in the last eight days after winning the Topeka Seaman crown last Saturday.

Audrey Yarmer finished runner-up at 105 and at 190 Elanor Stoffel finished in the same position.&nbsp;

Emersyn Copper (100) and Kenlee Vehige (120) both finished in third place.&nbsp;

Chassidy Carlisle (115), Crystal Walters (140), Audrey Gutierrez (170) and Emily Casas (235) all finished all finished in the top six.&nbsp;

Hays' score of 196 points finished ahead of Oakley (155.5) and Norton (155), who ended the day in second and third.

The area was well represented. Kia Mader of Ellis won the title at 105. Josie Bell from Hoxie was the top finisher at 120.

Kaison Miller, Norton, won at 125 and remains undefeated on the season. Her teammates Halle Pfannenstiel took the 140 pound championship, Cadence Greeson is also undefeated at 190 after claiming the championship and Adriana Winters won at 235. Dalie Braun was runner-up at 145 and Sophia Kane placed the same at 170.&nbsp;

Oakley finished second as a team despite winning just one weight class. Brooke Smith won the 170 pound title. Abbygayl Jackson at 135 and Kylee Hodges at 120 were runner-up.

Plainville's Kaeleigh Klein won at 100 and Hayden Staab took the 135 crown.&nbsp;

Saj Snyder from Stockton was the 110 pound champion. Teammate Carolina Northup finished second at 100 pounds.

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsHAYS - The Hays girls bested a 21-team field to claim the championship of their own Prairie Classic on Saturday.The Indians put five in the championship round and claimed three titles. Reese Vehige won the 130 pound class, Timber Lovewell took the title at 145 and Lexi Barnett won at 155. It's the second individual championship for Barnett in the last eight days after winning the Topeka Seaman crown last Saturday.Audrey Yarmer finished runner-up at 105 and at 190 Elanor Stoffel finished in the same position.&nbsp;Emersyn Copper (100) and Kenlee Vehige (120) both finished in third place.&nbsp;Chassidy Carlisle (115), Crystal Walters (140), Audrey Gutierrez (170) and Emily Casas (235) all finished all finished in the top six.&nbsp;Hays' score of 196 points finished ahead of Oakley (155.5) and Norton (155), who ended the day in second and third.The area was well represented. Kia Mader of Ellis won the title at 105. Josie Bell from Hoxie was the top finisher at 120.Kaison Miller, Norton, won at 125 and remains undefeated on the season. Her teammates Halle Pfannenstiel took the 140 pound championship, Cadence Greeson is also undefeated at 190 after claiming the championship and Adriana Winters won at 235. Dalie Braun was runner-up at 145 and Sophia Kane placed the same at 170.&nbsp;Oakley finished second as a team despite winning just one weight class. Brooke Smith won the 170 pound title. Abbygayl Jackson at 135 and Kylee Hodges at 120 were runner-up.Plainville's Kaeleigh Klein won at 100 and Hayden Staab took the 135 crown.&nbsp;Saj Snyder from Stockton was the 110 pound champion. Teammate Carolina Northup finished second at 100 pounds.

🤼‍♂️ Hays girls claim Prairie Classic team title

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Sunday, January 18 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos wrangled their biggest win in a decade from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills but suffered an enormous loss in the process.

About an hour after second-year quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 33-30 win on Wil Lutz's 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, Denver coach Sean Payton returned to the postgame lectern to deliver the stunning news.

He said Nix broke his right ankle a few plays before Lutz's kick sent the top-seeded Broncos (15-3) to the AFC championship game against either New England or Houston.

Nix will have season-ending surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We celebrate the season for him," Payton said. “And listen, the city's ready and we'll be ready for the next challenge.”

Backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes over for Nix. He took just one snap this season, a kneel-down in a blowout win over Dallas in Week 8.

“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton declared. “He's ready. I said this at the beginning of the season I've got a 2 that's capable of starting for a number of teams. And I know he feels the same way. So, watch out."

Stidham has appeared in 20 games in six NFL seasons, starting four and winning one.

Nix got hurt on a keeper where he lost 2 yards and was tackled by safety Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, but there was no indication that he suffered such a serious injury.

On the next play, Nix threw a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass interference flag and got the Broncos well into field-goal range. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Lutz’s game-ending field goal.

Nix tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first in the playoffs. The Broncos lost last year at Buffalo but Nix led Denver to the AFC’s top seed this season.

“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “And this team all year has lost key players and will rise up for the next challenge.”

Before word of Nix's injury broke, Denver was jubilant over the Broncos' first playoff victory in a decade.

Denver's game-winning drive came after nickel back Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted Allen's deep pass in overtime.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2012692527359651953">McMillian's pick</a>&nbsp;was Denver's fifth takeaway of the game after they were minus-3 in turnover differential during the season.

McMillian wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo (13-6).

“He actually had the ball coming down and I had my hand on the ball,” McMillian said. “I was able to take it from him. I fell on top of him, just held the ball up, showed the fans some love.”

“I feel that way,” he said. "But at the end of the day, you don’t, you know, no matter, ultimately this is where we’re sitting now.”

Referee Carl Cheffers said in a pool report, “The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”

Cooks said he just has to make sure next time not to leave it in the "officials' hands.”

Nix said nothing about being hurt&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/2012696279042711683">during a postgame interview</a>&nbsp;with CBS, and he sounded as if he was looking forward to the next game.

“It’s great to have home-field advantage in a situation like this. It’s exciting. This is why you play the game, this is why you compete. You get to playoff football, and good things happen,” Nix said.

Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all. That came after Nix's 26-yard touchdown throw to Mims with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.

Allen, who hadn't turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.

“I felt like I let my teammates down," a teary-eyed Allen said.

The Bills failed once again to reach the Super Bowl with Allen under center even though Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson weren’t standing in his way this time as that trio of franchise quarterbacks all missed the postseason party.

Coming off the first road playoff win of his career, Allen’s first three turnovers helped Denver built a 23-10 lead before he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman and a 14-yarder to Dalton Kincaid to give Buffalo a 24-23 lead early in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos scored 10 points in the final 22 seconds of the first half to take a 20-10 lead into the locker room, and they got their third takeaway just two plays into the second half on Nik Bonitto’s strip-sack of Allen that was recovered by Malcolm Roach at the Bills 17, leading to a field goal.

Denver avenged a 31-7 loss at Buffalo in the playoffs last year.

“We weren't ready last year,” Payton said. “But we were ready today.”

Bills: LB Dorian Williams (neck) got hurt covering the opening kickoff and was taken to a hospital. ... DT Ed Oliver (knee) left in the third quarter.

Broncos: WR Pat Bryant sustained a concussion on Denver's initial drive after he caught three passes for 32 yards. ... WR Troy Franklin pulled a hamstring.

The Bills are left wondering what it'll take to get to the Super Bowl.

The Broncos host their first AFC championship game in a decade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768728440275.png" alt="Photo Denver Broncos" />
 <figcaption>Photo Denver Broncos</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos wrangled their biggest win in a decade from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills but suffered an enormous loss in the process.About an hour after second-year quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 33-30 win on Wil Lutz's 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, Denver coach Sean Payton returned to the postgame lectern to deliver the stunning news.He said Nix broke his right ankle a few plays before Lutz's kick sent the top-seeded Broncos (15-3) to the AFC championship game against either New England or Houston.Nix will have season-ending surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.“We celebrate the season for him," Payton said. “And listen, the city's ready and we'll be ready for the next challenge.”Backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes over for Nix. He took just one snap this season, a kneel-down in a blowout win over Dallas in Week 8.“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton declared. “He's ready. I said this at the beginning of the season I've got a 2 that's capable of starting for a number of teams. And I know he feels the same way. So, watch out."Stidham has appeared in 20 games in six NFL seasons, starting four and winning one.Nix got hurt on a keeper where he lost 2 yards and was tackled by safety Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, but there was no indication that he suffered such a serious injury.On the next play, Nix threw a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass interference flag and got the Broncos well into field-goal range. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Lutz’s game-ending field goal.Nix tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first in the playoffs. The Broncos lost last year at Buffalo but Nix led Denver to the AFC’s top seed this season.“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “And this team all year has lost key players and will rise up for the next challenge.”Before word of Nix's injury broke, Denver was jubilant over the Broncos' first playoff victory in a decade.Denver's game-winning drive came after nickel back Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted Allen's deep pass in overtime.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2012692527359651953">McMillian's pick</a>&nbsp;was Denver's fifth takeaway of the game after they were minus-3 in turnover differential during the season.McMillian wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo (13-6).“He actually had the ball coming down and I had my hand on the ball,” McMillian said. “I was able to take it from him. I fell on top of him, just held the ball up, showed the fans some love.”Cooks said he thought it was a catch.“I feel that way,” he said. "But at the end of the day, you don’t, you know, no matter, ultimately this is where we’re sitting now.”Referee Carl Cheffers said in a pool report, “The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”Cooks said he just has to make sure next time not to leave it in the "officials' hands.”Or McMillian's.Nix said nothing about being hurt&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/2012696279042711683">during a postgame interview</a>&nbsp;with CBS, and he sounded as if he was looking forward to the next game.“It’s great to have home-field advantage in a situation like this. It’s exciting. This is why you play the game, this is why you compete. You get to playoff football, and good things happen,” Nix said.Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all. That came after Nix's 26-yard touchdown throw to Mims with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.Allen, who hadn't turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.“I felt like I let my teammates down," a teary-eyed Allen said.The Bills failed once again to reach the Super Bowl with Allen under center even though Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson weren’t standing in his way this time as that trio of franchise quarterbacks all missed the postseason party.Coming off the first road playoff win of his career, Allen’s first three turnovers helped Denver built a 23-10 lead before he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman and a 14-yarder to Dalton Kincaid to give Buffalo a 24-23 lead early in the fourth quarter.<h2>Quick strikes</h2>The Broncos scored 10 points in the final 22 seconds of the first half to take a 20-10 lead into the locker room, and they got their third takeaway just two plays into the second half on Nik Bonitto’s strip-sack of Allen that was recovered by Malcolm Roach at the Bills 17, leading to a field goal.Denver avenged a 31-7 loss at Buffalo in the playoffs last year.“We weren't ready last year,” Payton said. “But we were ready today.”<h2>Injuri</h2><h2>es</h2>Bills: LB Dorian Williams (neck) got hurt covering the opening kickoff and was taken to a hospital. ... DT Ed Oliver (knee) left in the third quarter.Broncos: WR Pat Bryant sustained a concussion on Denver's initial drive after he caught three passes for 32 yards. ... WR Troy Franklin pulled a hamstring.<h2>Up next</h2>The Bills are left wondering what it'll take to get to the Super Bowl.The Broncos host their first AFC championship game in a decade.

🏈Broncos reach AFC title game with win over Bills, but lose Nix with ankle injury

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Anthony Roy scored 23 points, Vyctorius Miller was fouled on a corner 3-point shot with 2.8 seconds left and hit all three free throws and Oklahoma State beat Kansas State 84-83 on Saturday night.

Parsa Fallah had 17 points, nine rebounds and two steals for Oklahoma State and Kanye Clary had 12 points and six assists. Andrija Vukovic added 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting and Miller finished with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The Cowboys (14-4, 2-3 Big 12) are 24-0 under coach second-year coach Steve Lutz when they score at least 81 points. The 53-year-old Lutz earned his 100th career win in four-plus seasons.

Kansas State (9-9) is 0-5 in conference play for the first time since the 1996-97 season.

PJ Haggerty scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half for the Wildcats and Abdi Bashir Jr. added 15, which included 5 3s. Khamari McGriff scored 14 points on 7-of-7 shooting before he fouled out with 6:02 remaining. Nate Johnson also scored 14.

Haggerty made a running floater that gave Kansas State a two-point lead with 49 seconds to play. Kanye Clary missed back-to-back 3-point shots but Miller secured OSU's second consecutive offensive rebound on a tie-up with 4.0 seconds remaining. Miller then caught the inbounds pass in the corner and was fouled.

Clary and Miller each hit a 3 as Oklahoma State scored eight of the first 11 second-half points to push its lead into double figures with 17:22 left in the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768728142293.png" alt="Photo K-State Athlatics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athlatics</figcaption>
 </figure>STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Anthony Roy scored 23 points, Vyctorius Miller was fouled on a corner 3-point shot with 2.8 seconds left and hit all three free throws and Oklahoma State beat Kansas State 84-83 on Saturday night.Parsa Fallah had 17 points, nine rebounds and two steals for Oklahoma State and Kanye Clary had 12 points and six assists. Andrija Vukovic added 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting and Miller finished with nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.The Cowboys (14-4, 2-3 Big 12) are 24-0 under coach second-year coach Steve Lutz when they score at least 81 points. The 53-year-old Lutz earned his 100th career win in four-plus seasons.Kansas State (9-9) is 0-5 in conference play for the first time since the 1996-97 season.PJ Haggerty scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half for the Wildcats and Abdi Bashir Jr. added 15, which included 5 3s. Khamari McGriff scored 14 points on 7-of-7 shooting before he fouled out with 6:02 remaining. Nate Johnson also scored 14.Haggerty made a running floater that gave Kansas State a two-point lead with 49 seconds to play. Kanye Clary missed back-to-back 3-point shots but Miller secured OSU's second consecutive offensive rebound on a tie-up with 4.0 seconds remaining. Miller then caught the inbounds pass in the corner and was fouled.Clary and Miller each hit a 3 as Oklahoma State scored eight of the first 11 second-half points to push its lead into double figures with 17:22 left in the game.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Hosts Utah on Tuesday.Oklahoma State: Plays Tuesday at TCU.

🏀 Roy scores 23 as Oklahoma State beats Kansas State

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768822047670.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian (29) reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian (29) reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterDENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos wrangled their biggest win in a decade from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills but suffered an enormous loss in the process.About an hour after second-year quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 33-30 win on Wil Lutz's 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, Denver coach Sean Payton returned to the postgame lectern to deliver the stunning news.He said Nix broke his right ankle a few plays before Lutz's kick sent the top-seeded Broncos (15-3) to the AFC championship game against either New England or Houston.Nix will have season-ending surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.“We celebrate the season for him," Payton said. “And listen, the city's ready and we'll be ready for the next challenge.”Backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes over for Nix. He took just one snap this season, a kneel-down in a blowout win over Dallas in Week 8.“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton declared. “He's ready. I said this at the beginning of the season I've got a 2 that's capable of starting for a number of teams. And I know he feels the same way. So, watch out."Stidham has appeared in 20 games in six NFL seasons, starting four and winning one.Nix got hurt on a keeper where he lost 2 yards and was tackled by safety Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, but there was no indication that he suffered such a serious injury.On the next play, Nix threw a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass interference flag and got the Broncos well into field-goal range. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Lutz’s game-ending field goal.Nix tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first in the playoffs. The Broncos lost last year at Buffalo but Nix led Denver to the AFC’s top seed this season.“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “And this team all year has lost key players and will rise up for the next challenge.”Before word of Nix's injury broke, Denver was jubilant over the Broncos' first playoff victory in a decade.Denver's game-winning drive came after nickel back Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted Allen's deep pass in overtime.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2012692527359651953">McMillian's pick</a>&nbsp;was Denver's fifth takeaway of the game after they were minus-3 in turnover differential during the season.McMillian wrested the ball away from Brandin Cooks at the Broncos 20-yard line when a field goal would have won the game for Buffalo (13-6).“He actually had the ball coming down and I had my hand on the ball,” McMillian said. “I was able to take it from him. I fell on top of him, just held the ball up, showed the fans some love.”Cooks said he thought it was a catch.“I feel that way,” he said. "But at the end of the day, you don’t, you know, no matter, ultimately this is where we’re sitting now.”Referee Carl Cheffers said in a pool report, “The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”Cooks said he just has to make sure next time not to leave it in the "officials' hands.”Or McMillian's.Nix said nothing about being hurt&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonCBS/status/2012696279042711683">during a postgame interview</a>&nbsp;with CBS, and he sounded as if he was looking forward to the next game.“It’s great to have home-field advantage in a situation like this. It’s exciting. This is why you play the game, this is why you compete. You get to playoff football, and good things happen,” Nix said.Former Broncos kicker Matt Prater nailed a 50-yard field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, knotting it up at 30-all. That came after Nix's 26-yard touchdown throw to Mims with 55 seconds left had given Denver a 30-27 lead.Allen, who hadn't turned the ball over in his previous six playoff appearances, threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.“I felt like I let my teammates down," a teary-eyed Allen said.The Bills failed once again to reach the Super Bowl with Allen under center even though Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson weren’t standing in his way this time as that trio of franchise quarterbacks all missed the postseason party.Coming off the first road playoff win of his career, Allen’s first three turnovers helped Denver built a 23-10 lead before he threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman and a 14-yarder to Dalton Kincaid to give Buffalo a 24-23 lead early in the fourth quarter.<h2>Quick strikes</h2>The Broncos scored 10 points in the final 22 seconds of the first half to take a 20-10 lead into the locker room, and they got their third takeaway just two plays into the second half on Nik Bonitto’s strip-sack of Allen that was recovered by Malcolm Roach at the Bills 17, leading to a field goal.Denver avenged a 31-7 loss at Buffalo in the playoffs last year.“We weren't ready last year,” Payton said. “But we were ready today.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Bills: LB Dorian Williams (neck) got hurt covering the opening kickoff and was taken to a hospital. ... DT Ed Oliver (knee) left in the third quarter.Broncos: WR Pat Bryant sustained a concussion on Denver's initial drive after he caught three passes for 32 yards. ... WR Troy Franklin pulled a hamstring.<h2>Up next</h2>The Bills are left wondering what it'll take to get to the Super Bowl.The Broncos host their first AFC championship game in a decade.

🏈 Broncos reach AFC title game after 33-30 win over Bills, but lose Nix for season with ankle injury

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State improved to 13-4 overall and 5-3 in the MIAA with a 66-50 win at Northwest Missouri State on Saturday (Jan. 17), picking up a regular season sweep and fourth-straight win over the Bearcats. The final score was nearly identical to the first meeting of the season between the teams in Hays, which the Tigers won 67-50. Northwest Missouri State dropped to 9-10 overall and 2-6 in the MIAA.

The Tigers dug their claws in defensively early to immediately take control of the game. FHSU scored the first five points and started the game on a 14-2 run. The Tigers did not allow the Bearcats to reach 10 points until the 6:53 mark, a span of 13:07 on the clock to open the game. The Tiger lead kept growing throughout the first half, all the way to a 23-point, 39-16 advantage by halftime.

The Tigers held the Bearcats to just 26.1 percent shooting overall and 11.1 percent shooting beyond the 3-point line in the first half. The Bearcats were held without an offensive rebound in the opening half and eventually just one overall for the game. They never scored any second-chance points throughout the game. Meanwhile, on the flip side, Fort Hays State was a very-efficient 63 percent from the field in the first half (17-of-27).

Fort Hays State kept its lead margin in the 20s all the way until the 7:19 mark in the second half. The Tigers' largest lead was 29 points twice, the latter reached at 14:19 on the clock in the second half. Juju Ramirez had a season-best 17 points to lead the Tigers on an impressive 5-of-7 performance from beyond the 3-point line. He doubled his 3-point field goals made total for the season with the five makes, with the final one putting the Tigers back up by 20 with 2:47 to play. The final margin of 16 points was the closest the Bearcats got after halftime.

The Tigers had two double-double performances, one of the points-rebounds variety and the other in points and assists. Dan Mukuna finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Lucas Hammeke had 10 points and 12 assists. The 12 assists was a new career high for Hammeke and it matched the eighth-most produced in a game in program history. It was the most in a game since Kyler Kinnamon had 12 against Central Oklahoma back in 2019.

Royce Williams and Robert Garcia led the Bearcats with 10 points each. NWMSU finished the game at 42.9 percent from the field after the first-half struggles. However, they were held to just 19 percent beyond the 3-point line, which allowed FHSU to extend its streak of holding opponents to less than 30 percent shooting beyond the arc to 10 games. Only two teams have shot better than 30 percent beyond the 3-point line this year against the Tigers as the they took their national lead in that category down a bit further to just a 24.8 percent success rate for the season.

By holding the Bearcats well inside 60, the Tigers also took over the national lead once again in scoring defense, now allowing just 59.5 points per game. It is a stat category they led the nation in the previous two seasons as well.

The Tigers concluded their 4-game road swing 3-1, with the only loss being by just one point. With the results of games around the MIAA on Saturday, Fort Hays State vaulted all the way into a tie for second place in the conference standings. There is now a 6-way tie at 5-3.

The Tigers play their next four games at home, with three of the four against teams currently in that 6-way tie for second with them (Rogers State, Central Oklahoma, and Central Missouri). The other opponent in that four-game run is No. 1 nationally ranked Washburn, which remains undefeated on the season at 18-0 overall and 8-0 in the MIAA. FHSU starts the stretch of high-quality opponents on Thursday (Jan. 22) with Rogers State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768709959310.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Lucas Hammeke (3) and Blake Danitschek (10) defend Northwest Missouri State's Royce Williams on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Maryville, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Kaileen Dohrmann/NMSU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Lucas Hammeke (3) and Blake Danitschek (10) defend Northwest Missouri State's Royce Williams on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Maryville, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Kaileen Dohrmann/NMSU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State improved to 13-4 overall and 5-3 in the MIAA with a 66-50 win at Northwest Missouri State on Saturday (Jan. 17), picking up a regular season sweep and fourth-straight win over the Bearcats. The final score was nearly identical to the first meeting of the season between the teams in Hays, which the Tigers won 67-50. Northwest Missouri State dropped to 9-10 overall and 2-6 in the MIAA.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2249395517&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/johnson-post-int-v-nwmsu-jan" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)</a></div></div>The Tigers dug their claws in defensively early to immediately take control of the game. FHSU scored the first five points and started the game on a 14-2 run. The Tigers did not allow the Bearcats to reach 10 points until the 6:53 mark, a span of 13:07 on the clock to open the game. The Tiger lead kept growing throughout the first half, all the way to a 23-point, 39-16 advantage by halftime.The Tigers held the Bearcats to just 26.1 percent shooting overall and 11.1 percent shooting beyond the 3-point line in the first half. The Bearcats were held without an offensive rebound in the opening half and eventually just one overall for the game. They never scored any second-chance points throughout the game. Meanwhile, on the flip side, Fort Hays State was a very-efficient 63 percent from the field in the first half (17-of-27).Fort Hays State kept its lead margin in the 20s all the way until the 7:19 mark in the second half. The Tigers' largest lead was 29 points twice, the latter reached at 14:19 on the clock in the second half. Juju Ramirez had a season-best 17 points to lead the Tigers on an impressive 5-of-7 performance from beyond the 3-point line. He doubled his 3-point field goals made total for the season with the five makes, with the final one putting the Tigers back up by 20 with 2:47 to play. The final margin of 16 points was the closest the Bearcats got after halftime.The Tigers had two double-double performances, one of the points-rebounds variety and the other in points and assists. Dan Mukuna finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Lucas Hammeke had 10 points and 12 assists. The 12 assists was a new career high for Hammeke and it matched the eighth-most produced in a game in program history. It was the most in a game since Kyler Kinnamon had 12 against Central Oklahoma back in 2019.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2249402639&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/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-nwmsu" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)</a></div></div>Royce Williams and Robert Garcia led the Bearcats with 10 points each. NWMSU finished the game at 42.9 percent from the field after the first-half struggles. However, they were held to just 19 percent beyond the 3-point line, which allowed FHSU to extend its streak of holding opponents to less than 30 percent shooting beyond the arc to 10 games. Only two teams have shot better than 30 percent beyond the 3-point line this year against the Tigers as the they took their national lead in that category down a bit further to just a 24.8 percent success rate for the season.By holding the Bearcats well inside 60, the Tigers also took over the national lead once again in scoring defense, now allowing just 59.5 points per game. It is a stat category they led the nation in the previous two seasons as well.The Tigers concluded their 4-game road swing 3-1, with the only loss being by just one point. With the results of games around the MIAA on Saturday, Fort Hays State vaulted all the way into a tie for second place in the conference standings. There is now a 6-way tie at 5-3.The Tigers play their next four games at home, with three of the four against teams currently in that 6-way tie for second with them (Rogers State, Central Oklahoma, and Central Missouri). The other opponent in that four-game run is No. 1 nationally ranked Washburn, which remains undefeated on the season at 18-0 overall and 8-0 in the MIAA. FHSU starts the stretch of high-quality opponents on Thursday (Jan. 22) with Rogers State.

🏀 Tigers control Bearcats from start to finish in Maryville

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team completed the season sweep of Northwest Missouri State on Saturday (Jan. 17), winning 60-46 on the road. The Tigers (16-1, 7-1 MIAA) limited the Bearcats (10-8, 3-5 MIAA) to a field goal percentage of 30.4 percent, their lowest against an MIAA team this season, while NWMSU's 46 points are tied for its fewest this year.

A pair of 3-pointers from Talexa Weeter and one from Avery Lowe helped the Tigers build a 19-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. Making her first career start, Mikayla Pilley gave the Tigers the lead for good with a layup four minutes in, sparking a 9-0 FHSU run.

Northwest pulled within two points midway through the second quarter, but six points from Weeter in a 34-second span propelled the Tigers to end the half on a 15-4 run, giving the Black and Gold a 38-25 advantage.

Olivia Mortensen opened the third quarter with a bucket, pushing the lead to a game-high 15 points. The Tiger defense was able to fend off any potential Bearcat run down the stretch, with FHSU maintaining a double-digit lead the rest of the way. Fort Hays State recorded a season-high seven blocks in the win, including three from Kaitlin Schumann and two from Mortensen.

All seven Tigers who played in the game hit at least one basket, with five of the seven knocking down at least one 3-pointer. Freshmen and sophomores combined to score 41 of FHSU's 60 points.

Weeter led the Tigers with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, while also collecting seven rebounds and two steals. Lowe contributed a career-high 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, scoring in double figures for the fourth time in her career.

Schumann contributed 21 valuable minutes off the bench, matching or tying three career records with eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks while also adding nine points.

The Tigers hit 45.1 percent from the floor (23-of-51), including a season-high 58.3 percent (7-of-12) from behind the arc. FHSU won the rebound battle by two, 36-34.

FHSU's 16-1 start is tied for the third-best start in team history. The Tigers will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games next Thursday (Jan. 22) when they host Rogers State beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768709431559.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Avery Lowe (24) defends Northwest Missouri State's Bailey Birmingham (12) on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Maryville, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Kaileen Dohrmann/NMSU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Avery Lowe (24) defends Northwest Missouri State's Bailey Birmingham (12) on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Maryville, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Kaileen Dohrmann/NMSU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team completed the season sweep of Northwest Missouri State on Saturday (Jan. 17), winning 60-46 on the road. The Tigers (16-1, 7-1 MIAA) limited the Bearcats (10-8, 3-5 MIAA) to a field goal percentage of 30.4 percent, their lowest against an MIAA team this season, while NWMSU's 46 points are tied for its fewest this year.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2249352290&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/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-nwmsu" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)</a></div></div>A pair of 3-pointers from Talexa Weeter and one from Avery Lowe helped the Tigers build a 19-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. Making her first career start, Mikayla Pilley gave the Tigers the lead for good with a layup four minutes in, sparking a 9-0 FHSU run.Northwest pulled within two points midway through the second quarter, but six points from Weeter in a 34-second span propelled the Tigers to end the half on a 15-4 run, giving the Black and Gold a 38-25 advantage.Olivia Mortensen opened the third quarter with a bucket, pushing the lead to a game-high 15 points. The Tiger defense was able to fend off any potential Bearcat run down the stretch, with FHSU maintaining a double-digit lead the rest of the way. Fort Hays State recorded a season-high seven blocks in the win, including three from Kaitlin Schumann and two from Mortensen.All seven Tigers who played in the game hit at least one basket, with five of the seven knocking down at least one 3-pointer. Freshmen and sophomores combined to score 41 of FHSU's 60 points.Weeter led the Tigers with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, while also collecting seven rebounds and two steals. Lowe contributed a career-high 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, scoring in double figures for the fourth time in her career.<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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2249352461&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/kahrs-post-int-v-nwmsu-jan-17" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at NW Missouri State (Jan. 17, 2026)</a></div></div>Schumann contributed 21 valuable minutes off the bench, matching or tying three career records with eight rebounds, two assists and three blocks while also adding nine points.The Tigers hit 45.1 percent from the floor (23-of-51), including a season-high 58.3 percent (7-of-12) from behind the arc. FHSU won the rebound battle by two, 36-34.FHSU's 16-1 start is tied for the third-best start in team history. The Tigers will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games next Thursday (Jan. 22) when they host Rogers State beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

🏀 No. 6 Tiger women complete season sweep of Bearcats

Kansas high school basketball scores from Friday, January 16.

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL= Andover 71, Arkansas City 12 Andover Central 51, Wichita Campus 23 Atchison 48, KC Washington 21 Augusta 49, Wichita Collegiate 46 BV North 70, Lincoln Southeast, Neb. 63 Belle Plaine 48, Douglass 38 Beloit 67, Minneapolis 36 Berean Academy 45, Wichita Central Christian 9 Canton-Galva 59, Goessel 31 Cheney 54, Kingman 14 Clearwater 33, Buhler 29 Columbus 41, Baxter Springs 26 Concordia 64, Abilene 28 Conway Springs 61, Rose Hill 30 Ellinwood 73, Macksville 23 Ellsworth 53, Salina Sacred Heart 45 Fort Scott 58, Coffeyville 27 Garden Plain 58, Medicine Lodge 39 Halstead 43, Larned 34 Hays 69, Garden City 41 Hiawatha 55, Jefferson West 43 Hillsboro 43, Hesston 38 Hodgeman County 50, Spearville 34 Hutchinson 62, Great Bend 41 Hutchinson Central Christian 51, Stafford 28 Independence 52, Chanute 32 Inman 54, Marion 24 KC Piper 56, Basehor-Linwood 53 Lebo 51, Northern Heights 17 Liberal 54, Dodge City 35 Lincoln East, Neb. 53, Blue Valley 43 Mill Valley 42, Lawrence 39 Moundridge 67, Wichita Classical 20 Mulvane 57, El Dorado 39 Ness City 58, Chase 29 Olathe South 62, Olathe North 56 Osage City 67, Lyndon 34 Ottawa 59, Paola 26 Phillipsburg 46, Norton 35 Pittsburg 53, Labette County 27 Remington 52, Hutchinson Trinity 31 Riley County 48, Sabetha 13 Rock Creek 60, Chapman 41 SM South 73, SM North 27 Southeast of Saline 54, Clay Center 43 Spring Hill 40, Tonganoxie 30 Stanton County 43, Sublette 10 Topeka West 66, KC Turner 21 Udall 39, Flinthills 36 Wichita Heights 77, Wichita Northwest 10 Wichita Sunrise 51, Circle 33

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS= Scott City vs. Colby, ppd. to Jan 29th.

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL= Andover 51, Arkansas City 28 Atchison 57, KC Washington 52 BV North 87, Lincoln Southeast, Neb. 80 Baldwin 52, Louisburg 46 Beloit 57, Minneapolis 37 Berean Academy 67, Wichita Central Christian 27 Blue Valley 62, Lincoln East, Neb. 50 Buhler 77, Clearwater 44 Canton-Galva 66, Goessel 17 Chanute 57, Independence 54 Cherryvale 59, Humboldt 46 Clay Center 53, Southeast of Saline 50 Columbus 48, Baxter Springs 46 Concordia 74, Abilene 52 Cunningham 44, South Barber 42 Douglass 49, Belle Plaine 38 Flinthills 53, Udall 50 Fort Scott 47, Coffeyville 38 Hesston 70, Hillsboro 27 Hiawatha 70, Jefferson West 55 Highland Park 80, KC Harmon 44 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 20 Inman 44, Marion 34 Jayhawk Linn 60, Altoona-Midway 12 KC Piper 57, Basehor-Linwood 52 Lebo 74, Northern Heights 60 Liberal 54, Dodge City 35 Lyons 50, Republic County 43 Mill Valley 69, Lawrence 38 Mulvane 62, El Dorado 31 Oberlin-Decatur 60, Hoxie 30 Perry-Lecompton 75, Rossville 73 Phillipsburg 45, Norton 43 Pleasanton 55, Southern Coffey County 14 Pratt 45, Hoisington 34 Remington 58, Hutchinson Trinity 53 Rock Creek 83, Chapman 28 Rockhurst, Mo. 75, St. Thomas Aquinas 47 Rose Hill 61, Conway Springs 44 Sabetha 49, Riley County 44 Salina Sacred Heart 70, Ellsworth 43 Spearville 48, Hodgeman County 39 Spring Hill 66, Tonganoxie 36 Stanton County 59, Sublette 46 Stockton 56, Natoma 41 Wichita Campus 61, Andover Central 58 Wichita Collegiate 69, Augusta 41 Wichita Sunrise 68, Circle 43 Winfield 75, Wellington 64 Yates Center 61, Oswego 52

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758946379382.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767628959107.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas high school basketball scores from Friday, January 16.GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL= Andover 71, Arkansas City 12 Andover Central 51, Wichita Campus 23 Atchison 48, KC Washington 21 Augusta 49, Wichita Collegiate 46 BV North 70, Lincoln Southeast, Neb. 63 Belle Plaine 48, Douglass 38 Beloit 67, Minneapolis 36 Berean Academy 45, Wichita Central Christian 9 Canton-Galva 59, Goessel 31 Cheney 54, Kingman 14 Clearwater 33, Buhler 29 Columbus 41, Baxter Springs 26 Concordia 64, Abilene 28 Conway Springs 61, Rose Hill 30 Ellinwood 73, Macksville 23 Ellsworth 53, Salina Sacred Heart 45 Fort Scott 58, Coffeyville 27 Garden Plain 58, Medicine Lodge 39 Halstead 43, Larned 34 Hays 69, Garden City 41 Hiawatha 55, Jefferson West 43 Hillsboro 43, Hesston 38 Hodgeman County 50, Spearville 34 Hutchinson 62, Great Bend 41 Hutchinson Central Christian 51, Stafford 28 Independence 52, Chanute 32 Inman 54, Marion 24 KC Piper 56, Basehor-Linwood 53 Lebo 51, Northern Heights 17 Liberal 54, Dodge City 35 Lincoln East, Neb. 53, Blue Valley 43 Mill Valley 42, Lawrence 39 Moundridge 67, Wichita Classical 20 Mulvane 57, El Dorado 39 Ness City 58, Chase 29 Olathe South 62, Olathe North 56 Osage City 67, Lyndon 34 Ottawa 59, Paola 26 Phillipsburg 46, Norton 35 Pittsburg 53, Labette County 27 Remington 52, Hutchinson Trinity 31 Riley County 48, Sabetha 13 Rock Creek 60, Chapman 41 SM South 73, SM North 27 Southeast of Saline 54, Clay Center 43 Spring Hill 40, Tonganoxie 30 Stanton County 43, Sublette 10 Topeka West 66, KC Turner 21 Udall 39, Flinthills 36 Wichita Heights 77, Wichita Northwest 10 Wichita Sunrise 51, Circle 33 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS= Scott City vs. Colby, ppd. to Jan 29th.BOYS PREP BASKETBALL= Andover 51, Arkansas City 28 Atchison 57, KC Washington 52 BV North 87, Lincoln Southeast, Neb. 80 Baldwin 52, Louisburg 46 Beloit 57, Minneapolis 37 Berean Academy 67, Wichita Central Christian 27 Blue Valley 62, Lincoln East, Neb. 50 Buhler 77, Clearwater 44 Canton-Galva 66, Goessel 17 Chanute 57, Independence 54 Cherryvale 59, Humboldt 46 Clay Center 53, Southeast of Saline 50 Columbus 48, Baxter Springs 46 Concordia 74, Abilene 52 Cunningham 44, South Barber 42 Douglass 49, Belle Plaine 38 Flinthills 53, Udall 50 Fort Scott 47, Coffeyville 38 Hesston 70, Hillsboro 27 Hiawatha 70, Jefferson West 55 Highland Park 80, KC Harmon 44 Ingalls 66, Pawnee Heights 20 Inman 44, Marion 34 Jayhawk Linn 60, Altoona-Midway 12 KC Piper 57, Basehor-Linwood 52 Lebo 74, Northern Heights 60 Liberal 54, Dodge City 35 Lyons 50, Republic County 43 Mill Valley 69, Lawrence 38 Mulvane 62, El Dorado 31 Oberlin-Decatur 60, Hoxie 30 Perry-Lecompton 75, Rossville 73 Phillipsburg 45, Norton 43 Pleasanton 55, Southern Coffey County 14 Pratt 45, Hoisington 34 Remington 58, Hutchinson Trinity 53 Rock Creek 83, Chapman 28 Rockhurst, Mo. 75, St. Thomas Aquinas 47 Rose Hill 61, Conway Springs 44 Sabetha 49, Riley County 44 Salina Sacred Heart 70, Ellsworth 43 Spearville 48, Hodgeman County 39 Spring Hill 66, Tonganoxie 36 Stanton County 59, Sublette 46 Stockton 56, Natoma 41 Wichita Campus 61, Andover Central 58 Wichita Collegiate 69, Augusta 41 Wichita Sunrise 68, Circle 43 Winfield 75, Wellington 64 Yates Center 61, Oswego 52

🏀 Area basketball scores - Friday, January 16

Fort Hays State (12-4, 4-3 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (9-9, 2-5 MIAA) Saturday, January 17 • 3:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

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>

Fort Hays State will wrap up its four-game road swing on Saturday when it takes on Northwest Missouri State in Maryville. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena. The Tigers enter on a two-game win streak with a 12-4 overall record and 4-3 mark in MIAA play. The Bearcats are 9-9 overall and 2-5 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is coming off a 74-61 win at Missouri Western on Thursday night. The result gave the Tigers a regular season sweep of the Griffons in MIAA play. The 61 points by Missouri Western was its season low, after their 65 scored against FHSU in Hays back on January 3 was the previous low. The Tigers moved up to a tie for fifth in the MIAA standings, just one game back of second-place Central Missouri and Pittsburg State at 5-2.

Northwest Missouri State is coming off a 95-89 double-overtime loss at home against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. The Bearcats have now dropped three-straight MIAA games at home. The Bearcats and Lopers are now tied for 11th in the MIAA standings at 2-5.

Fort Hays State won the first meeting of the season with Northwest Missouri State in Hays by a score of 67-50 on New Year's Day. The Tigers own a 3-game win streak in the overall series with the Bearcats going back to last year. The Tigers won by a score of 58-39 last season in Maryville, which matched their largest win margin in the all-time series. The result snapped a string of 8-straight losses for FHSU at Bearcat Arena.

The Tigers continue to own one of the elite defenses in the nation. They moved into the national lead for 3-point field goal percentage defense, allowing just a 25.2 percent success rate to opponents for the season. The Tigers rank second nationally in scoring defense at 60.1 points per game and third in field goal percentage defense overall, allowing just a 37.6 percent success rate.

Dan Mukuna continues to lead FHSU at 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He had 23 points in the win at Missouri Western on Thursday night and 22 in the first meeting of the season with Northwest Missouri State back on January 1. Mukuna was recently named to the Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Watch List. He has scored at least 20 points in a game 10 times this season.

Jahvari Martino scored 19 points on Thursday night at Missouri Western, his third-best point total this season after having a pair of 20-point games. He averages 11.6 points per game. Kyle Grill led the Tigers in rebounds at Missouri Western with eight and averages 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Lucas Hammeke upped his assist average to 3.4 per game with six at Missouri Western, and adds 9.6 points per game for the season.

Royce Williams leads Northwest Missouri State in scoring at 14.0 points per game, followed by Aiden Gair of 13.6 and Matthew Mayes at 12.6. Trey Moala, who averages 7.3 per game, led NWMSU with 12 points in the first meeting of the season with FHSU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768625596556.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (12-4, 4-3 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (9-9, 2-5 MIAA) Saturday, January 17 • 3:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&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>Fort Hays State will wrap up its four-game road swing on Saturday when it takes on Northwest Missouri State in Maryville. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena. The Tigers enter on a two-game win streak with a 12-4 overall record and 4-3 mark in MIAA play. The Bearcats are 9-9 overall and 2-5 in the MIAA.Fort Hays State is coming off a 74-61 win at Missouri Western on Thursday night. The result gave the Tigers a regular season sweep of the Griffons in MIAA play. The 61 points by Missouri Western was its season low, after their 65 scored against FHSU in Hays back on January 3 was the previous low. The Tigers moved up to a tie for fifth in the MIAA standings, just one game back of second-place Central Missouri and Pittsburg State at 5-2.Northwest Missouri State is coming off a 95-89 double-overtime loss at home against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. The Bearcats have now dropped three-straight MIAA games at home. The Bearcats and Lopers are now tied for 11th in the MIAA standings at 2-5.Fort Hays State won the first meeting of the season with Northwest Missouri State in Hays by a score of 67-50 on New Year's Day. The Tigers own a 3-game win streak in the overall series with the Bearcats going back to last year. The Tigers won by a score of 58-39 last season in Maryville, which matched their largest win margin in the all-time series. The result snapped a string of 8-straight losses for FHSU at Bearcat Arena.The Tigers continue to own one of the elite defenses in the nation. They moved into the national lead for 3-point field goal percentage defense, allowing just a 25.2 percent success rate to opponents for the season. The Tigers rank second nationally in scoring defense at 60.1 points per game and third in field goal percentage defense overall, allowing just a 37.6 percent success rate.Dan Mukuna continues to lead FHSU at 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He had 23 points in the win at Missouri Western on Thursday night and 22 in the first meeting of the season with Northwest Missouri State back on January 1. Mukuna was recently named to the Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Watch List. He has scored at least 20 points in a game 10 times this season.Jahvari Martino scored 19 points on Thursday night at Missouri Western, his third-best point total this season after having a pair of 20-point games. He averages 11.6 points per game. Kyle Grill led the Tigers in rebounds at Missouri Western with eight and averages 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Lucas Hammeke upped his assist average to 3.4 per game with six at Missouri Western, and adds 9.6 points per game for the season.Royce Williams leads Northwest Missouri State in scoring at 14.0 points per game, followed by Aiden Gair of 13.6 and Matthew Mayes at 12.6. Trey Moala, who averages 7.3 per game, led NWMSU with 12 points in the first meeting of the season with FHSU.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers take on Bearcats Saturday in Maryville

#6 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (15-1, 6-1 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (10-7, 3-4 MIAA) Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 1:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

Sixth-ranked women's basketball concludes a four-game road trip on Saturday (Jan. 17) when the Tigers take on Northwest Missouri State. First tip is slated for 1:30 p.m. inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.

Quick Hits - FHSU leads the MIAA with 426 wins since joining the league 20 years ago (2006), one more than ESU. - This season is now tied with 2021-22 for the fourth-best start in team history. The Tigers opened the 2018-19 season 32-1, the 2014-15 season 22-1 and the 2015-16 season 16-1. - The Tigers have earned five MIAA Athlete of the Week honors this season, with all other teams combining for three. - Now with 974 points in her first 60 games as a Tiger, Talexa Weeter needs 26 points to become the 26th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. Provided she reaches that threshold in the next four games, she will be the second-fastest Tiger in history to reach 1,000 points (Annette Wiles - 57 games, Shauna Porter - 65 games). - Brooke Loewe broke her own school record with 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney last Tuesday, the most assists in a game by any NCAA women's basketball athlete across all divisions this season. - Loewe averages 10.9 assists per game. She is the only NCAA athlete, male or female, currently averaging in double figures in assists. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 28.9 points per game. For context, the MIAA record for single season scoring average is 25.4 ppg (MSSU's Melissa Grider, 95-96). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most in a game by a DII athlete this season. - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.32) and third in field goal percentage (48.7 percent)

20 Wins Now the Norm - Fort Hays State has now reached the 20-win plateau in each of the last 14 seasons, extending the longest active streak of 20-win seasons in Division II. FHSU's streak is tied for the sixth-longest active streak of 20-win seasons across all NCAA Divisions. - FHSU reached the 20-win plateau just eight times over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12, including no more than two consecutive 20-win campaigns during that time. - The next-best active streak of 20-win seasons in the MIAA is four (MWSU), while the next-best streak in DII is Drury with 12. - Only five DI programs have longer active stretches of 20-win seasons, including UConn (32), Baylor (25), Stanford (23), Florida Gulf Coast (21) and Louisville (15). Fort Hays State's run of 14-straight 20-win seasons is tied with South Carolina and South Dakota State for sixth-best in all NCAA women's basketball.

National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.32), third in field goal percentage (48.7 percent), fifth in defensive rebounds per game (31.6), seventh in fewest fouls per game (13.1), eighth in winning percentage (93.8 percent), 10th in scoring offense (79.6 ppg), 16th in 3-point percentage (35.4 percent) and 20th in scoring margin (+15.9). - Brooke Loewe's 10.9 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. In fact, she is the only NCAA student-athlete, male or female, currently averaging in double figures in assists. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 28.9 points per game. - Loewe's 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney are the most in a game across all NCAA divisions of women's basketball this season and second-most across all divisions including men's basketball (Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Quion Williams had 18 assists vs. Champion Christian). - Loewe has recorded 14 or more assists five times this season. Only one other DII athlete has done so once (Brielle Minor, Cal Poly Pomona). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most by a DII athlete this season. - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (8.9 per game) and third in the MIAA in field goal percentage (54.2 percent). - Olivia Mortensen ranks fourth in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 52.4 percent.

Last Time Out - The No. 6 Tigers built a big first half lead before holding on down the stretch to defeat Missouri Western on Thursday (Jan. 15), winning 66-60. - FHSU led by as many as 19 before the Griffons pulled within one possession twice in the fourth quarter, including making it a one-point game with 63 seconds remaining. - The Tigers hit 5-of-6 from the free throw line down the stretch and made two defensive stops to clinch the win. - Talexa Weeter led all scorers with 33 points, the eighth 30-point game of her career. - The Tigers collected a season-low five offensive rebounds but grabbed a season-high 38 defensive rebounds.

Class of the Conference Since joining the MIAA in 2006-07 (20 seasons), the Tigers lead the league with 426 wins. They have averaged more than 21 wins per season during that time MIAA Athlete of the Week x 5 - Fort Hays State has earned five MIAA Athlete of the Week honors this season, including four for Talexa Weeter and one for Brooke Loewe. The entire rest of the league has a combined three such awards this season. - Weeter averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver before Thanksgiving. - Weeter totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State. - She erupted for an average of 37 points and 12 rebounds with a pair of double-doubles against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western, including a career-high 45 points against the Bearcats that is one off the program record and is tied for the most points scored by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe earned the award on January 13 after breaking the school record with 17 assists at Nebraska-Kearney and following that up with 15 assists against Northwest Missouri State. Both totals are more than any other DII athlete this season, while her 17 assists are the most across all NCAA divisions this season and are the most by a DII athlete since 2023. She averaged a double-double for the week with 10.0 points and 16.0 assists.

Fresh Start - Olivia Mortensen is the 14th true freshman to start a season opener for the Tigers during the DII era (since 1991-92) and the first since Ellie Stearns in 2022.

Roster Report - Fort Hays State's roster includes seven returners and six newcomers, including five freshmen and one transfer. - This year's squad includes players from seven different states, including five from Kansas, three from Colorado and one each from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina and Texas. - There are three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and five freshmen on the squad this year. - The Tigers return two All-MIAA honorable mention selections in Brooke Loewe and Talexa Weeter.

Nationally Recognized - The Tigers are ranked sixth in this week's WBCA Coaches Poll. - FHSU has been ranked as high as No. 3 this year. - Fort Hays State opened the year ranked ninth national coaches poll. - This is the seventh time the Tigers have been ranked in the preseason. FHSU also opened the 2024-25 ranked 23rd, the 2022-23 season ranked third, the 2021-22 season ranked fourth, the 2019-20 season ranked seventh, the 2018-19 season ranked 12th and the 2015-16 season ranked 10th. - Fort Hays State has been ranked inside the top 25 in 122 different weekly releases from the WBCA. - This is the eighth-straight season the Tigers have been ranked at some point and the 13th-such season all-time. - Including the 2017-18 season (multiple weeks receiving votes), the Tigers have been mentioned in the polls at least once in each of the last 13 seasons.

18 and Over The Tigers have finished a season with at least 18 MIAA wins five times since joining the league in 2006-07, more than any other school during that span (UCM 4, MWSU 3, UNK 2, MSSU 1, NWMSU 1, PSU 1, WU 1).

Double-Digit Winning Streaks - Fort Hays State had a pair of 12-game winning streaks last season, the third time in team history that the Tigers have had multiple double-digit winning streaks in a season. - FHSU won 14 in a row early in the 1990-91 season before winning 20 straight to finish the year and claim the 1991 NAIA Championship. - The Tigers then won 15 in a row to begin the 2018-19 season and added a 17-game winning streak later in the season. - The Tigers have now recorded 16 double-digit winning streaks in team history. The 12-game streaks last season were tied for the sixth-longest winning streaks in team history.

Making it a Habit After reaching the NCAA Tournament once in its first 23 years in the Association, Fort Hays State has now been selected to compete in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship nine times over the last 11 seasons.

The Big 3-0 Fort Hays State reached the 30-win plateau for the fourth time in program history in 2021-22. FHSU has three 30-win seasons since 2014-15, while the rest of the MIAA has two 30-win campaign combined during that span (UCM 2017-18, PSU 2024-25).

Trophy SZN The Tigers won their fourth regular season MIAA championship and their second MIAA postseason tournament championship in 2021-22. FHSU now has 11 regular season conference titles all-time and three conference tournament titles. No school has won more MIAA regular season titles since FHSU joined the league in 2006-07 (FHSU 4, WU 4, UCM 3, MWSU 3, ESU 2, PSU 2, NWMSU 1, MSSU 1, UNK 1).

Century Mark FHSU has 25 100-point outings in its illustrious history, most recently a 100-59 win over Rogers State (2/20/20), which was the first time FHSU scored 100 points against a Division II opponent since 2013 (114-86 vs Newman, 1/26/13).

On This Date - The Tigers are 10-3 in recorded history on January 17, most recently defeating Northeastern State 71-41 at home in 2015. - Kate Lehman and Chelsea Mason tied for the team lead with 18 points. - FHSU last lost on this date in 2009 to Pittsburg State.

Scouting the Bearcats - The Bearcats are 10-7 overall and 3-4 in MIAA play after dropping four of five since the calendar turned to 2026. - NWMSU ranks second in the MIAA in blocks (4.3 per game) and offensive rebounds (13.4 per game) while they rank second-to-last in the league in assist/turnover ratio (0.67) and free throws made per game (10.5). - Bailey Birmingham is the top 3-point shooter in the league, knocking down a conference-best 40 on the year, 2.5 per game and 38.5 percent from behind the arc.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Series History with Northwest Missouri Stat - Fort Hays State is 27-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including a dominant 23-2 run since 2011. - The Tigers are 9-8 on the road against Northwest Missouri State, including a one-game winning streak and a 9-2 record in the last 11 meetings inside Bearcat Arena - The Tigers have won five in a row overall. - FHSU is 6-1 against NWMSU under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-1 record on the road. - The Tigers and Bearcats have never played an overtime game. - FHSU is 24-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season contests.

Last Meeting with the Bearcats - The No. 6 Tigers used a big second half to rally from a 20-point deficit and defeat Northwest Missouri State on New Year's Day, 84-71 (1/1/26). - It was tied for the largest comeback by the team during the MIAA era (also down 20 before winning at UNK, 2/2/19). - Talexa Weeter erupted for 45 points, including 29 in the second half. It was one shy of the program record for points in a single game and was the first 40-point game for a Tiger since 1993. She also broke the record with 17 free throws made and tied the record with 20 free throws attempted. - FHSU hit 50 percent from the floor (28-of-56). - The Tigers committed a season-low nine turnovers.

Career Stats vs. NWMSU - Talexa Weeter - 16.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 apg in four games - two games in double figures, including a career-high 45 points and one double-double - Olivia Mortensen - 11 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg in one game - Brooke Loewe - 5.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.0 apg in eight games - two games in double figures, including one double-double - Ellie Stearns - 4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg in nine games - two games in double figures

Looking Ahead The Tigers will play seven of their final 11 regular season games at home beginning Thursday, January 22 when they host Rogers State. First tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

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 </figure>FHSU Athletics#6 Fort Hays State Women's Basketball (15-1, 6-1 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (10-7, 3-4 MIAA) Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 1:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&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>Sixth-ranked women's basketball concludes a four-game road trip on Saturday (Jan. 17) when the Tigers take on Northwest Missouri State. First tip is slated for 1:30 p.m. inside Bearcat Arena in Maryville, Mo.Quick Hits - FHSU leads the MIAA with 426 wins since joining the league 20 years ago (2006), one more than ESU. - This season is now tied with 2021-22 for the fourth-best start in team history. The Tigers opened the 2018-19 season 32-1, the 2014-15 season 22-1 and the 2015-16 season 16-1. - The Tigers have earned five MIAA Athlete of the Week honors this season, with all other teams combining for three. - Now with 974 points in her first 60 games as a Tiger, Talexa Weeter needs 26 points to become the 26th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. Provided she reaches that threshold in the next four games, she will be the second-fastest Tiger in history to reach 1,000 points (Annette Wiles - 57 games, Shauna Porter - 65 games). - Brooke Loewe broke her own school record with 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney last Tuesday, the most assists in a game by any NCAA women's basketball athlete across all divisions this season. - Loewe averages 10.9 assists per game. She is the only NCAA athlete, male or female, currently averaging in double figures in assists. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 28.9 points per game. For context, the MIAA record for single season scoring average is 25.4 ppg (MSSU's Melissa Grider, 95-96). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most in a game by a DII athlete this season. - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.32) and third in field goal percentage (48.7 percent) 20 Wins Now the Norm - Fort Hays State has now reached the 20-win plateau in each of the last 14 seasons, extending the longest active streak of 20-win seasons in Division II. FHSU's streak is tied for the sixth-longest active streak of 20-win seasons across all NCAA Divisions. - FHSU reached the 20-win plateau just eight times over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12, including no more than two consecutive 20-win campaigns during that time. - The next-best active streak of 20-win seasons in the MIAA is four (MWSU), while the next-best streak in DII is Drury with 12. - Only five DI programs have longer active stretches of 20-win seasons, including UConn (32), Baylor (25), Stanford (23), Florida Gulf Coast (21) and Louisville (15). Fort Hays State's run of 14-straight 20-win seasons is tied with South Carolina and South Dakota State for sixth-best in all NCAA women's basketball.National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.32), third in field goal percentage (48.7 percent), fifth in defensive rebounds per game (31.6), seventh in fewest fouls per game (13.1), eighth in winning percentage (93.8 percent), 10th in scoring offense (79.6 ppg), 16th in 3-point percentage (35.4 percent) and 20th in scoring margin (+15.9). - Brooke Loewe's 10.9 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. In fact, she is the only NCAA student-athlete, male or female, currently averaging in double figures in assists. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks second across all NCAA divisions with an average of 28.9 points per game. - Loewe's 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney are the most in a game across all NCAA divisions of women's basketball this season and second-most across all divisions including men's basketball (Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Quion Williams had 18 assists vs. Champion Christian). - Loewe has recorded 14 or more assists five times this season. Only one other DII athlete has done so once (Brielle Minor, Cal Poly Pomona). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most by a DII athlete this season. - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (8.9 per game) and third in the MIAA in field goal percentage (54.2 percent). - Olivia Mortensen ranks fourth in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 52.4 percent.Last Time Out - The No. 6 Tigers built a big first half lead before holding on down the stretch to defeat Missouri Western on Thursday (Jan. 15), winning 66-60. - FHSU led by as many as 19 before the Griffons pulled within one possession twice in the fourth quarter, including making it a one-point game with 63 seconds remaining. - The Tigers hit 5-of-6 from the free throw line down the stretch and made two defensive stops to clinch the win. - Talexa Weeter led all scorers with 33 points, the eighth 30-point game of her career. - The Tigers collected a season-low five offensive rebounds but grabbed a season-high 38 defensive rebounds.Class of the Conference Since joining the MIAA in 2006-07 (20 seasons), the Tigers lead the league with 426 wins. They have averaged more than 21 wins per season during that time MIAA Athlete of the Week x 5 - Fort Hays State has earned five MIAA Athlete of the Week honors this season, including four for Talexa Weeter and one for Brooke Loewe. The entire rest of the league has a combined three such awards this season. - Weeter averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver before Thanksgiving. - Weeter totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State. - She erupted for an average of 37 points and 12 rebounds with a pair of double-doubles against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western, including a career-high 45 points against the Bearcats that is one off the program record and is tied for the most points scored by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe earned the award on January 13 after breaking the school record with 17 assists at Nebraska-Kearney and following that up with 15 assists against Northwest Missouri State. Both totals are more than any other DII athlete this season, while her 17 assists are the most across all NCAA divisions this season and are the most by a DII athlete since 2023. She averaged a double-double for the week with 10.0 points and 16.0 assists.Fresh Start - Olivia Mortensen is the 14th true freshman to start a season opener for the Tigers during the DII era (since 1991-92) and the first since Ellie Stearns in 2022.Roster Report - Fort Hays State's roster includes seven returners and six newcomers, including five freshmen and one transfer. - This year's squad includes players from seven different states, including five from Kansas, three from Colorado and one each from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina and Texas. - There are three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and five freshmen on the squad this year. - The Tigers return two All-MIAA honorable mention selections in Brooke Loewe and Talexa Weeter.Nationally Recognized - The Tigers are ranked sixth in this week's WBCA Coaches Poll. - FHSU has been ranked as high as No. 3 this year. - Fort Hays State opened the year ranked ninth national coaches poll. - This is the seventh time the Tigers have been ranked in the preseason. FHSU also opened the 2024-25 ranked 23rd, the 2022-23 season ranked third, the 2021-22 season ranked fourth, the 2019-20 season ranked seventh, the 2018-19 season ranked 12th and the 2015-16 season ranked 10th. - Fort Hays State has been ranked inside the top 25 in 122 different weekly releases from the WBCA. - This is the eighth-straight season the Tigers have been ranked at some point and the 13th-such season all-time. - Including the 2017-18 season (multiple weeks receiving votes), the Tigers have been mentioned in the polls at least once in each of the last 13 seasons.18 and Over The Tigers have finished a season with at least 18 MIAA wins five times since joining the league in 2006-07, more than any other school during that span (UCM 4, MWSU 3, UNK 2, MSSU 1, NWMSU 1, PSU 1, WU 1).Double-Digit Winning Streaks - Fort Hays State had a pair of 12-game winning streaks last season, the third time in team history that the Tigers have had multiple double-digit winning streaks in a season. - FHSU won 14 in a row early in the 1990-91 season before winning 20 straight to finish the year and claim the 1991 NAIA Championship. - The Tigers then won 15 in a row to begin the 2018-19 season and added a 17-game winning streak later in the season. - The Tigers have now recorded 16 double-digit winning streaks in team history. The 12-game streaks last season were tied for the sixth-longest winning streaks in team history.Making it a Habit After reaching the NCAA Tournament once in its first 23 years in the Association, Fort Hays State has now been selected to compete in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship nine times over the last 11 seasons.The Big 3-0 Fort Hays State reached the 30-win plateau for the fourth time in program history in 2021-22. FHSU has three 30-win seasons since 2014-15, while the rest of the MIAA has two 30-win campaign combined during that span (UCM 2017-18, PSU 2024-25).Trophy SZN The Tigers won their fourth regular season MIAA championship and their second MIAA postseason tournament championship in 2021-22. FHSU now has 11 regular season conference titles all-time and three conference tournament titles. No school has won more MIAA regular season titles since FHSU joined the league in 2006-07 (FHSU 4, WU 4, UCM 3, MWSU 3, ESU 2, PSU 2, NWMSU 1, MSSU 1, UNK 1).Century Mark FHSU has 25 100-point outings in its illustrious history, most recently a 100-59 win over Rogers State (2/20/20), which was the first time FHSU scored 100 points against a Division II opponent since 2013 (114-86 vs Newman, 1/26/13).On This Date - The Tigers are 10-3 in recorded history on January 17, most recently defeating Northeastern State 71-41 at home in 2015. - Kate Lehman and Chelsea Mason tied for the team lead with 18 points. - FHSU last lost on this date in 2009 to Pittsburg State.Scouting the Bearcats - The Bearcats are 10-7 overall and 3-4 in MIAA play after dropping four of five since the calendar turned to 2026. - NWMSU ranks second in the MIAA in blocks (4.3 per game) and offensive rebounds (13.4 per game) while they rank second-to-last in the league in assist/turnover ratio (0.67) and free throws made per game (10.5). - Bailey Birmingham is the top 3-point shooter in the league, knocking down a conference-best 40 on the year, 2.5 per game and 38.5 percent from behind the arc.&nbsp;&nbsp;Series History with Northwest Missouri Stat - Fort Hays State is 27-11 all-time against the Bearcats, including a dominant 23-2 run since 2011. - The Tigers are 9-8 on the road against Northwest Missouri State, including a one-game winning streak and a 9-2 record in the last 11 meetings inside Bearcat Arena - The Tigers have won five in a row overall. - FHSU is 6-1 against NWMSU under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-1 record on the road. - The Tigers and Bearcats have never played an overtime game. - FHSU is 24-8 against Northwest in MIAA regular season contests.Last Meeting with the Bearcats - The No. 6 Tigers used a big second half to rally from a 20-point deficit and defeat Northwest Missouri State on New Year's Day, 84-71 (1/1/26). - It was tied for the largest comeback by the team during the MIAA era (also down 20 before winning at UNK, 2/2/19). - Talexa Weeter erupted for 45 points, including 29 in the second half. It was one shy of the program record for points in a single game and was the first 40-point game for a Tiger since 1993. She also broke the record with 17 free throws made and tied the record with 20 free throws attempted. - FHSU hit 50 percent from the floor (28-of-56). - The Tigers committed a season-low nine turnovers.Career Stats vs. NWMSU - Talexa Weeter - 16.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 apg in four games - two games in double figures, including a career-high 45 points and one double-double - Olivia Mortensen - 11 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg in one game - Brooke Loewe - 5.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.0 apg in eight games - two games in double figures, including one double-double - Ellie Stearns - 4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg in nine games - two games in double figuresLooking Ahead The Tigers will play seven of their final 11 regular season games at home beginning Thursday, January 22 when they host Rogers State. First tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: #6 Tiger women wrap up road trip Saturday in Maryville

Saturday, January 17 KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 1:05pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Saturday, January 17 KJLS: Fort Hays State MWBKB at Northwest Missouri State, 1:05pm Sunday, January 18 none

GARDEN CITY - Hays High returned to the hardwood after a week off with a road trip to Garden City on Friday night. It was the first Western Athletic Conference game for the Indians since December 9, 2025.

Girls #3 Hays 69 - Garden City 41

Hays never trailed Garden City in a 69-41 road victory over the Buffaloes.

Zoe Winter scored the first points of the game for what would be a career night for her and a season high in points for the Indians. Garden City (7-5, 1-2) was never closer than three the entire game. Three separate times the Buffaloes were within three points during the first quarter. Leading 11-8, Hays (10-1, 2-0) went on a 8-2 run to go up by nine. Garden City hit two free throws to get within a 19-12 score after one quarter.

Garden City closed two five points at 21-16 when the Indians went on another spurt. This time an 8-1 run put Hays up 29-17 with a little over two minutes before halftime. The Indians would settle for a ten point halftime lead 31-21.

Hays secured firm control of the game in the third quarter. The Indians opened the second half on a 17-5 run that covered a little more than six minutes. Hays went four for five beyond the arc in the third quarter and made all six of their free throws. They would make 13 of 14 attempts from the stripe in the game.

Hays led 51-28 heading to the fourth quarter. The Buffaloes scored the first six points of the game and then Hays went on another run. A 13-3 run added up to a 27 point lead at 64-37. The biggest lead Hays built was at the buzzer, 69-41.

Hays has won 21 consecutive conference games. Zoe Winter scored a career high 23 to lead three Indians in double figures.&nbsp;

Shmeidler 19, Humphrey 3, LaBarge 0, Koerner 0, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 3, Turner 2, Newell 1, Harrington 5, Buckles 11, Winter 23.

Boys #8 Hays 55 - Garden City 34

Garden City took a pair of early leads in the first two minutes of the game. Trailing 5-4, Hays went on a 9-3 run to build their biggest lead of the first quarter at 13-7 that led to the second quarter.

Garden City's best chance to regain the lead came in the second frame. The Hays lead was trimmed from 17-12 down to 17-16 with 4:35 left before halftime. The Buffaloes turned the ball over on their next six possessions. Hays High took advantage by scoring the next eight points of the game for a 25-16 advantage. A pair of Garden City free throws closed the first half scoring at 25-18.

Garden City closed within four points at 25-21 by making three of four free throw attempts out of the locker room. The Hays defense the clamped down. Hays covered the next six minutes with an 11-3 run that saw the Indians take their first double-digit lead. The lead blossomed to 37-24 before Garden City scored right before the end of third quarter for a 37-26 difference.

Hays was never threatened in the fourth quarter. The lead was taken down to ten one time at 41-31. The Indians scored the next eight points and left Garden City with a 55-34 victory. Garden City's total was 24 points under their season average.

Izaac Fox recorded his third straight double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Hays High heads to Colby next week for the Orange &amp; Black Classic.

Pfeifer 7, Burkholder 0, Homeier 2, Oakley 11, Harmoney 3, Schmidtberger 3, Fox 21, Smalley 0 Day 0, Otte 0, Ruder 6, Loving 2.

By Dustin Armbruster Hays Post SportsGARDEN CITY - Hays High returned to the hardwood after a week off with a road trip to Garden City on Friday night. It was the first Western Athletic Conference game for the Indians since December 9, 2025.Girls #3 Hays 69 - Garden City 41Hays never trailed Garden City in a 69-41 road victory over the Buffaloes.Zoe Winter scored the first points of the game for what would be a career night for her and a season high in points for the Indians. Garden City (7-5, 1-2) was never closer than three the entire game. Three separate times the Buffaloes were within three points during the first quarter. Leading 11-8, Hays (10-1, 2-0) went on a 8-2 run to go up by nine. Garden City hit two free throws to get within a 19-12 score after one quarter.Garden City closed two five points at 21-16 when the Indians went on another spurt. This time an 8-1 run put Hays up 29-17 with a little over two minutes before halftime. The Indians would settle for a ten point halftime lead 31-21.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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2248988981&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-wbkb-highlights-v-garden-1" title="HHS WBKB Highlights v Garden City Jan 16, 2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS WBKB Highlights v Garden City Jan 16, 2026</a></div></div>Hays secured firm control of the game in the third quarter. The Indians opened the second half on a 17-5 run that covered a little more than six minutes. Hays went four for five beyond the arc in the third quarter and made all six of their free throws. They would make 13 of 14 attempts from the stripe in the game.Hays led 51-28 heading to the fourth quarter. The Buffaloes scored the first six points of the game and then Hays went on another run. A 13-3 run added up to a 27 point lead at 64-37. The biggest lead Hays built was at the buzzer, 69-41.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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2248988498&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-wbkb-coach-v-garden-city" title="HHS WBKB Coach v Garden City Jan 16, 2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS WBKB Coach v Garden City Jan 16, 2026</a></div></div>Hays has won 21 consecutive conference games. Zoe Winter scored a career high 23 to lead three Indians in double figures.&nbsp;Shmeidler 19, Humphrey 3, LaBarge 0, Koerner 0, Cunningham 0, Armbruster 3, Turner 2, Newell 1, Harrington 5, Buckles 11, Winter 23.Boys #8 Hays 55 - Garden City 34Garden City took a pair of early leads in the first two minutes of the game. Trailing 5-4, Hays went on a 9-3 run to build their biggest lead of the first quarter at 13-7 that led to the second quarter.Garden City's best chance to regain the lead came in the second frame. The Hays lead was trimmed from 17-12 down to 17-16 with 4:35 left before halftime. The Buffaloes turned the ball over on their next six possessions. Hays High took advantage by scoring the next eight points of the game for a 25-16 advantage. A pair of Garden City free throws closed the first half scoring at 25-18.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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2248992854&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-mbkb-highlights-v-garden-1" title="HHS MBKB Highlights v Garden City Jan 16, 2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB Highlights v Garden City Jan 16, 2026</a></div></div>Garden City closed within four points at 25-21 by making three of four free throw attempts out of the locker room. The Hays defense the clamped down. Hays covered the next six minutes with an 11-3 run that saw the Indians take their first double-digit lead. The lead blossomed to 37-24 before Garden City scored right before the end of third quarter for a 37-26 difference.Hays was never threatened in the fourth quarter. The lead was taken down to ten one time at 41-31. The Indians scored the next eight points and left Garden City with a 55-34 victory. Garden City's total was 24 points under their season average.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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2248989128&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-mbkb-coach-v-garden-city" title="HHS MBKB Coach v Garden City Jan 16, 2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS MBKB Coach v Garden City Jan 16, 2026</a></div></div>Izaac Fox recorded his third straight double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Hays High heads to Colby next week for the Orange &amp; Black Classic.Pfeifer 7, Burkholder 0, Homeier 2, Oakley 11, Harmoney 3, Schmidtberger 3, Fox 21, Smalley 0 Day 0, Otte 0, Ruder 6, Loving 2.