LARNED – TMP’s Molly Helget bounced back from a 0-2 start
and finished 5th at 120 pounds at the Larned girls round robin Thursday
in Larned.

Helget dropped her first two matches by fall. She opened
with a first-period fall against Russell’s Kinsey Zorn in her first match of
the tournament.

In her second round robin matchup, Helget lost by fall in
the third period against Holcomb’s Jalyssa Lopez.

Helget bounced back in a back way after the 0-2 start. 

She earned first period falls over Ariahna Krob from Larned
and Allison Simmons of Larned to earn an appearance in the 5th place
match.

In her final match of the day Helget was able to secure a
6-2 decision to finished fifth at 3-2 at the tournament.

Hays PostLARNED – TMP’s Molly Helget bounced back from a 0-2 start
and finished 5th at 120 pounds at the Larned girls round robin Thursday
in Larned.Helget dropped her first two matches by fall. She opened
with a first-period fall against Russell’s Kinsey Zorn in her first match of
the tournament.In her second round robin matchup, Helget lost by fall in
the third period against Holcomb’s Jalyssa Lopez.Helget bounced back in a back way after the 0-2 start. She earned first period falls over Ariahna Krob from Larned
and Allison Simmons of Larned to earn an appearance in the 5th place
match.In her final match of the day Helget was able to secure a
6-2 decision to finished fifth at 3-2 at the tournament.Helget is now 5-8 on the season.

🤼‍♀️TMP’s Helget places 5th at Larned

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12755">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 10-3 overall and 5-2 in the MIAA with a 61-51 win over Central Missouri on Thursday night&nbsp; at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers ran their win streak to six-straight games over the Mules, along with a sixth-straight win over the Mules inside the GMC. UCM dropped to 5-6 overall on the season and remains in search of its first MIAA win now at 0-5 in conference action.

Central Missouri held a lead for only 29 seconds of the game with 4-2 and 6-4 leads early. The Tigers used a 9-0 burst to get past the Mules from the 14:10 to 10:13 marks of the first half to build a 7-point lead. The Tigers would lead the remainder of the game to stay within one game of Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings. FHSU led by as many as 11 in the first half before going into halftime with a 28-21 lead.

Central Missouri used an 11-5 run to open the second half to get within one point of the Tigers with 15:44 to play. However, FHSU responded with a 10-0 run to stretch its lead back to 11 with just under 13 minutes to play. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;had five of the team's points in the burst, bookending the run with a 2-point jumper and 3-point jumper. A six-point margin with 10:06 to play was the closest the Mules got the rest of the way. FHSU reached its largest lead of 13 points twice before UCM buried a late 3-pointer to make the final margin 10.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;led the Tigers with 17 points, while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Shuan Riley&nbsp;was one point behind Hammeke with a strong 16 off the bench, going 8-of-14 from the field, while leading the team in rebounds with eight. Nnanabu also reached double figures in scoring with 13. Jahiem Holden&nbsp;notched a team-high five assists.

The Mules got 43 of their 51 points from three players, led by Caleb Nero with 18. Tim Jordan Jr. provided 13 and Jalen Knott added 12. Jordan Hayes had seven assists for UCM.FHSU shot 43.9 percent as a team and held UCM to just 30.2 percent overall. UCM made only four 2-point field goals in the game, getting 27 of its points off nine 3-point field goals. FHSU made 12 more field goals than UCM, though UCM made five more 3-point field goals and outscored FHSU by 11 at the free-throw line.

Fort Hays State improved its NCAA Division II leading scoring defense to 56.6 points per game allowed, holding the opposition to 60 or less for the ninth time this season out of 13 games.

The Tigers look to keep their momentum rolling into Saturday's home contest against Lincoln University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704431343781.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) drives around Central Missouri guard Raeshaun Ambris (4) i nteh first half of an NCAA college basketball team on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. ( FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) drives around Central Missouri guard Raeshaun Ambris (4) i nteh first half of an NCAA college basketball team on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. ( FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12755">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 10-3 overall and 5-2 in the MIAA with a 61-51 win over Central Missouri on Thursday night&nbsp; at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers ran their win streak to six-straight games over the Mules, along with a sixth-straight win over the Mules inside the GMC. UCM dropped to 5-6 overall on the season and remains in search of its first MIAA win now at 0-5 in conference action.<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/1708843035&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/coach-johnson-postgame-vs-ucm-01-04-24" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 04, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 04, 2024)</a></div></div>Central Missouri held a lead for only 29 seconds of the game with 4-2 and 6-4 leads early. The Tigers used a 9-0 burst to get past the Mules from the 14:10 to 10:13 marks of the first half to build a 7-point lead. The Tigers would lead the remainder of the game to stay within one game of Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA standings. FHSU led by as many as 11 in the first half before going into halftime with a 28-21 lead.Central Missouri used an 11-5 run to open the second half to get within one point of the Tigers with 15:44 to play. However, FHSU responded with a 10-0 run to stretch its lead back to 11 with just under 13 minutes to play. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;had five of the team's points in the burst, bookending the run with a 2-point jumper and 3-point jumper. A six-point margin with 10:06 to play was the closest the Mules got the rest of the way. FHSU reached its largest lead of 13 points twice before UCM buried a late 3-pointer to make the final margin 10.<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/1708839597&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/shaun-riley-postgame-vs-ucm-1-4-24" title="Shaun Riley Postgame vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Shaun Riley Postgame vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)</a></div></div>Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;led the Tigers with 17 points, while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Shuan Riley&nbsp;was one point behind Hammeke with a strong 16 off the bench, going 8-of-14 from the field, while leading the team in rebounds with eight. Nnanabu also reached double figures in scoring with 13. Jahiem Holden&nbsp;notched a team-high five assists.The Mules got 43 of their 51 points from three players, led by Caleb Nero with 18. Tim Jordan Jr. provided 13 and Jalen Knott added 12. Jordan Hayes had seven assists for UCM.FHSU shot 43.9 percent as a team and held UCM to just 30.2 percent overall. UCM made only four 2-point field goals in the game, getting 27 of its points off nine 3-point field goals. FHSU made 12 more field goals than UCM, though UCM made five more 3-point field goals and outscored FHSU by 11 at the free-throw line.<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/1708838514&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-vs-ucm-01-04-23" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 4. 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 4. 2024)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State improved its NCAA Division II leading scoring defense to 56.6 points per game allowed, holding the opposition to 60 or less for the ninth time this season out of 13 games.The Tigers look to keep their momentum rolling into Saturday's home contest against Lincoln University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, which follows the women's contest.

🏀 Solid defense leads Tigers past Central Missouri

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12786">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. - The 10th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team suffered its second defeat of the season on Thursday, losing 72-65 against 11th-ranked Central Missouri. After trailing by as many as 17 early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers (11-2, 5-2 MIAA) managed to close within four points with just under three minutes to play but could not complete the comeback.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;came out of the gates on fire, scoring the first seven points of the game to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the night. FHSU led for much of the first quarter before Central Missouri (10-2, 4-2 MIAA) jumped in front for the first time with 44 seconds to play in the period. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;responded with a 3-pointer to take back the lead before the Jennies tied things up at 18 just before the frame ended.

Central Missouri took control in the second quarter thanks to a 12-3 run that put the Jennies in front by 11 midway through the period, 34-23. Loewe and Clary Donica&nbsp;combined for 11 points over the final 3:24 of the first half, with Donica hitting 3-of-3 from the floor during the run and Loewe hitting both of her field goal attempts. The Jennies scored one final time with five seconds to go in the half, giving UCM a 39-34 lead at the break.

After Fort Hays State hit 42.3 percent from the floor in the first half (11-of-26), things took a turn over the final 20 minutes. The Tigers combined to hit just 24 percent of their shots (6-of-25) in the second half, while UCM hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc after halftime.

The Jennies used a 12-0 run spanning halftime to build a 15-point lead before Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;broke up the run with a stick-back layup. UCM later led by as many as 17 with 6:29 to go in the contest before Fort Hays State made its run. Over the next three minutes, Fort Hays State outscored the Jennies 16-3, closing within 67-63 with 2:54 to go in regulation.

The Tigers hit 3-of-3 from the floor, including a pair of 3-pointers from Sydney Golladay, and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line during the stretch while UCM was 1-for-7 from the floor over that span. FHSU collected a rebound and had a chance to close within one possession with 2:18 to go, but a turnover followed by a Jennie 3-pointer put UCM back up by seven with less than two minutes to play.

Fort Hays State closed within five late in the game on two more free throws, but the Jennies held up just enough on defense to secure the road win.

Wagner finished the night with a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds while also leading the team with three assists. It was the first 15-15 game for a Tiger since she put up 16 points and 16 rebounds against Lincoln last February (2/9/23).

Loewe totaled 17 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers and a 7-for-8 showing at the free-throw line.

The Tigers finished the day hitting 25-of-31 from the charity stripe as a team (80.6 percent), but shot just 33.3 percent from the floor (17-of-51). FHSU had a slim advantage in rebounds, 37-33, and in steals, 9-8.

Fort Hays State will look to bounce back Saturday when Lincoln University makes its final trip to Gross Memorial Coliseum as a member of the MIAA. First tip between the Tigers and Blue Tigers is set for 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704431030409.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State forward Katie Wagner (23) goes up for a shot against Brooke Littrell (30) of Central Missouri in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gilian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State forward Katie Wagner (23) goes up for a shot against Brooke Littrell (30) of Central Missouri in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gilian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12786">BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. - The 10th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team suffered its second defeat of the season on Thursday, losing 72-65 against 11th-ranked Central Missouri. After trailing by as many as 17 early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers (11-2, 5-2 MIAA) managed to close within four points with just under three minutes to play but could not complete the comeback.<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/1708838901&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/coach-kahrs-postgame-vs-ucm-01-04-24" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. #11 Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. #11 Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)</a></div></div>Katie Wagner&nbsp;came out of the gates on fire, scoring the first seven points of the game to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the night. FHSU led for much of the first quarter before Central Missouri (10-2, 4-2 MIAA) jumped in front for the first time with 44 seconds to play in the period. Brooke Loewe&nbsp;responded with a 3-pointer to take back the lead before the Jennies tied things up at 18 just before the frame ended.Central Missouri took control in the second quarter thanks to a 12-3 run that put the Jennies in front by 11 midway through the period, 34-23. Loewe and Clary Donica&nbsp;combined for 11 points over the final 3:24 of the first half, with Donica hitting 3-of-3 from the floor during the run and Loewe hitting both of her field goal attempts. The Jennies scored one final time with five seconds to go in the half, giving UCM a 39-34 lead at the break.<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/1708837464&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-vs-ucm-01-04-24" title="#10 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. #11 Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#10 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. #11 Central Missouri (Jan. 4, 2024)</a></div></div>After Fort Hays State hit 42.3 percent from the floor in the first half (11-of-26), things took a turn over the final 20 minutes. The Tigers combined to hit just 24 percent of their shots (6-of-25) in the second half, while UCM hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc after halftime.The Jennies used a 12-0 run spanning halftime to build a 15-point lead before Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;broke up the run with a stick-back layup. UCM later led by as many as 17 with 6:29 to go in the contest before Fort Hays State made its run. Over the next three minutes, Fort Hays State outscored the Jennies 16-3, closing within 67-63 with 2:54 to go in regulation.The Tigers hit 3-of-3 from the floor, including a pair of 3-pointers from Sydney Golladay, and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line during the stretch while UCM was 1-for-7 from the floor over that span. FHSU collected a rebound and had a chance to close within one possession with 2:18 to go, but a turnover followed by a Jennie 3-pointer put UCM back up by seven with less than two minutes to play.Fort Hays State closed within five late in the game on two more free throws, but the Jennies held up just enough on defense to secure the road win.Wagner finished the night with a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds while also leading the team with three assists. It was the first 15-15 game for a Tiger since she put up 16 points and 16 rebounds against Lincoln last February (2/9/23).Loewe totaled 17 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers and a 7-for-8 showing at the free-throw line.The Tigers finished the day hitting 25-of-31 from the charity stripe as a team (80.6 percent), but shot just 33.3 percent from the floor (17-of-51). FHSU had a slim advantage in rebounds, 37-33, and in steals, 9-8.Fort Hays State will look to bounce back Saturday when Lincoln University makes its final trip to Gross Memorial Coliseum as a member of the MIAA. First tip between the Tigers and Blue Tigers is set for 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 No. 10 Tiger women bested by No. 11 Jennies

Fort Hays State (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. Central Missouri (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 4 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

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

Game Sponsor: Buff Car Wash Promotion:&nbsp;<a href="https://halftimedogs.com/">Halftime Dogs Flying Disc Show</a>

<a href="https://halftimedogs.com/"></a>Fort Hays State Men's Basketball plays its first game of 2024 on Thursday night when it plays host to Central Missouri. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers enter the game at 9-3 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Mules enter at 5-5 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State owns a 17-15 advantage in the all-time series with Central Missouri. The Tigers have jumped in front with their current five-game win streak against the Mules, which dates back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU swept the regular season series between the teams each of the last two years. The Tigers have won the last five meetings between the teams in Hays going back to the 2015-16 season. Last year the Tigers won by 11 in Warrensburg and by nine in Hays.

The Tigers are coming off a big win over then No. 5/8 ranked Central Oklahoma this past Sunday in Edmond. It was just the third win ever for FHSU over an NABC Top 10 ranked opponent in a true road game during the program's NCAA Division II history. The previous occurrences were in 2009-10 when FHSU knocked off a No. 1 ranked Central Missouri team in Warrensburg and the undefeated national championship season of 1995-96 when FHSU defeated a No. 10 ranked Nebraska-Kearney team in Kearney. It was the first time the Tigers won a road game over a NABC Top 10 team when FHSU was not ranked. The Tigers were No. 13 in the win over UCM in 2009-10 and No. 1 in the win over UNK in 1995-96.

This will be the first game out of the holiday break for Central Missouri. The Mules played their final two games of December at the Las Vegas High Desert Classic, where they defeated Missouri-St. Louis by 25 and then lost to Truman by 14. The Mules started the season 4-0 before losing four straight to open MIAA play. The Mules have played only one conference game at home so far. UCM is in its first season under head coach Adam Bohac, who has a career record 317-151 in his 16th&nbsp;season overall. He led a strong Southern Nazarene program to four GAC regular season titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances over 15 years.

Six games into the conference slate, the Tigers are one game back of conference-leading Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats are 5-1, with their only loss against FHSU back on December 7 in Hays. FHSU and Central Oklahoma are both sitting at 4-2 in MIAA action. Fort Hays State is entering the month of January with nine wins overall for the third straight season.

Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in scoring at 13.8 points per game. He had a team-high 19 points in the win over Central Oklahoma back on Sunday, scoring the team's final nine points of the game in the final 1:30. He has scored 19 points in each of the last two games. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is the only other Tiger averaging double figures in scoring at 10.4 points per game. Traejon Davis&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding at 5.5 per game, while Hammeke is the team leader in assists at 3.7 per game. The Tigers have seven players averaging at least 6.0 points per game in scoring.

Caleb Nero leads the Mules at 14.6 points per game. The Mules have three players that average double figures that have played in all 10 games this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704369089875.jpeg" alt="FHSU-MBKB-GAME-13.jpg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-MBKB-GAME-13.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. Central Missouri (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 4 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor: Buff Car Wash Promotion:&nbsp;<a href="https://halftimedogs.com/">Halftime Dogs Flying Disc Show</a><a href="https://halftimedogs.com/"></a>Fort Hays State Men's Basketball plays its first game of 2024 on Thursday night when it plays host to Central Missouri. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers enter the game at 9-3 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Mules enter at 5-5 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.Fort Hays State owns a 17-15 advantage in the all-time series with Central Missouri. The Tigers have jumped in front with their current five-game win streak against the Mules, which dates back to the 2020-21 season. FHSU swept the regular season series between the teams each of the last two years. The Tigers have won the last five meetings between the teams in Hays going back to the 2015-16 season. Last year the Tigers won by 11 in Warrensburg and by nine in Hays.The Tigers are coming off a big win over then No. 5/8 ranked Central Oklahoma this past Sunday in Edmond. It was just the third win ever for FHSU over an NABC Top 10 ranked opponent in a true road game during the program's NCAA Division II history. The previous occurrences were in 2009-10 when FHSU knocked off a No. 1 ranked Central Missouri team in Warrensburg and the undefeated national championship season of 1995-96 when FHSU defeated a No. 10 ranked Nebraska-Kearney team in Kearney. It was the first time the Tigers won a road game over a NABC Top 10 team when FHSU was not ranked. The Tigers were No. 13 in the win over UCM in 2009-10 and No. 1 in the win over UNK in 1995-96.This will be the first game out of the holiday break for Central Missouri. The Mules played their final two games of December at the Las Vegas High Desert Classic, where they defeated Missouri-St. Louis by 25 and then lost to Truman by 14. The Mules started the season 4-0 before losing four straight to open MIAA play. The Mules have played only one conference game at home so far. UCM is in its first season under head coach Adam Bohac, who has a career record 317-151 in his 16th&nbsp;season overall. He led a strong Southern Nazarene program to four GAC regular season titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances over 15 years.Six games into the conference slate, the Tigers are one game back of conference-leading Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats are 5-1, with their only loss against FHSU back on December 7 in Hays. FHSU and Central Oklahoma are both sitting at 4-2 in MIAA action. Fort Hays State is entering the month of January with nine wins overall for the third straight season.Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in scoring at 13.8 points per game. He had a team-high 19 points in the win over Central Oklahoma back on Sunday, scoring the team's final nine points of the game in the final 1:30. He has scored 19 points in each of the last two games. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is the only other Tiger averaging double figures in scoring at 10.4 points per game. Traejon Davis&nbsp;leads the Tigers in rebounding at 5.5 per game, while Hammeke is the team leader in assists at 3.7 per game. The Tigers have seven players averaging at least 6.0 points per game in scoring.Caleb Nero leads the Mules at 14.6 points per game. The Mules have three players that average double figures that have played in all 10 games this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - Tigers begin new year with home contest vs. Mules

#10 Fort Hays State (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. #11 Central Missouri (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 4 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

The 10th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team heads back into conference play for the remainder of the season beginning Thursday when the 11th-ranked Central Missouri Jennies come to town. First tip in the 700th FHSU women's basketball game inside Gross Memorial Coliseum is slated for 5:30 p.m.

The Tigers are an impressive 560-139 at home over the last 50-plus seasons, good for a winning percentage north of 80 percent.

Both the Tigers (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) and Jennies (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) are coming off non-conference victories, with the Tigers defeating Bethany 75-41 and UCM slipping past Evangel, 66-54. Prior to that, UCM ended the pre-holiday schedule with back-to-back losses at home against conference opponents (PSU, MSSU), while the Tigers entered the break with consecutive road wins over league foes (NU, UCO).

After passing a pair of former Tigers on the all-time scoring list on Saturday, Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;(1,114 career points) now needs seven points to climb into the top 20 (Julie Kizzar, 1,121 points, 1987-91).

Katie Wagner&nbsp;has scored in double figures six times in seven career games against Central Missouri. She averages 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists against the Jennies, including one double-double in the most recent meeting (25 points, 10 rebounds, 3/4/23).

Jessie Sallach&nbsp;has also had several strong performances against UCM, scoring in double figures four times while adding a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send last season's MIAA semifinals into overtime.

Brooke Loewe&nbsp;distributed a season-high six assists in Saturday's win over the Swedes, her third game this season with at least five assists. She now leads the team with an average of 3.1 assists per game, ninth-best in the MIAA.

The Tigers trail in the all-time series against UCM, 22-17. However, Fort Hays State is 10-3 at home against the Jennies, including wins in eight of the last nine games inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. UCM swept the season series last year, beating the Tigers three times by a total of 10 points. The three-game UCM winning streak is tied for its longest in the series, while FHSU holds the longest overall winning streak in series history at five games (2014-17).

Central Missouri is 9-2 this season and 3-2 in conference play, including a 7-0 record away from home (4-0 road, 3-0 neutral). Brooke Littrell leads the conference in scoring with 20.1 points per game, 11th-most in the country, while ranking third in the conference and 38th in DII with 9.3 rebounds per game. Her six double-doubles lead the MIAA and rank seventh in the nation. Allie Clevenger has the fifth-best assist/turnover ratio in the country at 4.00. The Jennies rank fifth in the conference with an average of 75.4 points per game while ranking eighth in scoring defense, allowing 61.7 points per night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704368733932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#10 Fort Hays State (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) vs. #11 Central Missouri (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) Thursday, January 4 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The 10th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team heads back into conference play for the remainder of the season beginning Thursday when the 11th-ranked Central Missouri Jennies come to town. First tip in the 700th FHSU women's basketball game inside Gross Memorial Coliseum is slated for 5:30 p.m.The Tigers are an impressive 560-139 at home over the last 50-plus seasons, good for a winning percentage north of 80 percent.Both the Tigers (11-1, 5-1 MIAA) and Jennies (9-2, 3-2 MIAA) are coming off non-conference victories, with the Tigers defeating Bethany 75-41 and UCM slipping past Evangel, 66-54. Prior to that, UCM ended the pre-holiday schedule with back-to-back losses at home against conference opponents (PSU, MSSU), while the Tigers entered the break with consecutive road wins over league foes (NU, UCO).After passing a pair of former Tigers on the all-time scoring list on Saturday, Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;(1,114 career points) now needs seven points to climb into the top 20 (Julie Kizzar, 1,121 points, 1987-91).Katie Wagner&nbsp;has scored in double figures six times in seven career games against Central Missouri. She averages 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists against the Jennies, including one double-double in the most recent meeting (25 points, 10 rebounds, 3/4/23).Jessie Sallach&nbsp;has also had several strong performances against UCM, scoring in double figures four times while adding a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send last season's MIAA semifinals into overtime.Brooke Loewe&nbsp;distributed a season-high six assists in Saturday's win over the Swedes, her third game this season with at least five assists. She now leads the team with an average of 3.1 assists per game, ninth-best in the MIAA.The Tigers trail in the all-time series against UCM, 22-17. However, Fort Hays State is 10-3 at home against the Jennies, including wins in eight of the last nine games inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. UCM swept the season series last year, beating the Tigers three times by a total of 10 points. The three-game UCM winning streak is tied for its longest in the series, while FHSU holds the longest overall winning streak in series history at five games (2014-17).Central Missouri is 9-2 this season and 3-2 in conference play, including a 7-0 record away from home (4-0 road, 3-0 neutral). Brooke Littrell leads the conference in scoring with 20.1 points per game, 11th-most in the country, while ranking third in the conference and 38th in DII with 9.3 rebounds per game. Her six double-doubles lead the MIAA and rank seventh in the nation. Allie Clevenger has the fifth-best assist/turnover ratio in the country at 4.00. The Jennies rank fifth in the conference with an average of 75.4 points per game while ranking eighth in scoring defense, allowing 61.7 points per night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - #10 FHSU women host #11 Central Missouri

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team closes out 2023 at No. 5 Central Oklahoma on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team closes out 2023 at No. 5 Central Oklahoma on Sunday, December 31, 2023.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=d3wci-153f512-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB at #5 Central Oklahoma

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Although the Broncos didn't end their playoff drought in Sean Payton's first season in Denver, they do have a chance at snapping two other unseemly skids Sunday in Las Vegas.

A win by the Broncos (8-8) in the season finale would snap a streak of seven straight losses to the Raiders (7-9) which in some ways is more disconcerting to them than the 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-mahomes-wilson-910db1b01358b76f63d8eaf1cd8b9b07">Denver vanquished</a>&nbsp;with a resounding 24-9 win over Kansas City in Week 6.

“I don’t even know that I was aware that we had lost that many games to Las Vegas/Oakland," Payton said. “I think what would be important for us is to get to our ninth win.”

A ninth victory would give the Broncos their first winning season since 2016, the year after they rode Von Miller's prime-of-his-career brilliance and Peyton Manning to a win in Super Bowl 50.

No champion has ever followed up a tickertape parade with such a long wait to return to the postseason party.

“That's a massive deal for people who have been here as long as I have,” said fifth-year tackle Quinn Bailey, who's been in Denver since 2019. “To have a 9-8 record would be huge. I can't remember the last time I had that many wins in a season. I probably haven't, ever.”

Arizona State did go 10-3 in 2014, when Bailey played a handful of snaps as a freshman, but since then the teams he's been on have averaged 6.3 wins per season.

“Nine wins is a good thing,” said eighth-year safety Justin Simmons. “I was asked (recently), ‘Does a winning season mean anything?’ And I kind of brushed it off to the side because I really wanted to go to the playoffs and that meant more.”

But 9-8 would allow Denver to go into the offseason on a high note and return for 2024 without the emotional baggage of a seven-year run of losing records.

The Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend when the Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West crown despite being more vulnerable that at any time in Patrick Mahomes' brilliant career.

Finishing above .500 would be quite an accomplishment for a Broncos team that started out 1-5 before jumping into the crowded AFC playoff race with a five-game winning streak.

“I think it would be important to finish on the right note,” Simmons said, “and then have that momentum carry into next season.”

All season, Payton has preached about the Broncos following in the footsteps of the Detroit Lions, who rallied last season from a 1-6 start to finish 9-8, something they parlayed into a breakout 2023 season with an 11-5 record and their first divisional title since 1993.

A win by Denver, however, could prove harmful to its future at quarterback. The Broncos are currently slated to have the 14th pick in the draft. A loss could move them up to 11th and a win could drop them to 18th.

NOTES: Both OLB Baron Browning and WR Courtland Sutton were limited Wednesday in their return to practice. Both sustained concussions two weeks ago and missed Denver's win over the Chargers last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704368582924.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Will Grier (4) speak midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. The Denver Broncos won 16-9. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)" />
 <figcaption>Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Will Grier (4) speak midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. The Denver Broncos won 16-9. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Although the Broncos didn't end their playoff drought in Sean Payton's first season in Denver, they do have a chance at snapping two other unseemly skids Sunday in Las Vegas.A win by the Broncos (8-8) in the season finale would snap a streak of seven straight losses to the Raiders (7-9) which in some ways is more disconcerting to them than the 16-game losing streak to the Chiefs that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-broncos-mahomes-wilson-910db1b01358b76f63d8eaf1cd8b9b07">Denver vanquished</a>&nbsp;with a resounding 24-9 win over Kansas City in Week 6.“I don’t even know that I was aware that we had lost that many games to Las Vegas/Oakland," Payton said. “I think what would be important for us is to get to our ninth win.”A ninth victory would give the Broncos their first winning season since 2016, the year after they rode Von Miller's prime-of-his-career brilliance and Peyton Manning to a win in Super Bowl 50.No champion has ever followed up a tickertape parade with such a long wait to return to the postseason party.“That's a massive deal for people who have been here as long as I have,” said fifth-year tackle Quinn Bailey, who's been in Denver since 2019. “To have a 9-8 record would be huge. I can't remember the last time I had that many wins in a season. I probably haven't, ever.”Arizona State did go 10-3 in 2014, when Bailey played a handful of snaps as a freshman, but since then the teams he's been on have averaged 6.3 wins per season.“Nine wins is a good thing,” said eighth-year safety Justin Simmons. “I was asked (recently), ‘Does a winning season mean anything?’ And I kind of brushed it off to the side because I really wanted to go to the playoffs and that meant more.”But 9-8 would allow Denver to go into the offseason on a high note and return for 2024 without the emotional baggage of a seven-year run of losing records.The Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention last weekend when the Chiefs won their eighth straight AFC West crown despite being more vulnerable that at any time in Patrick Mahomes' brilliant career.Finishing above .500 would be quite an accomplishment for a Broncos team that started out 1-5 before jumping into the crowded AFC playoff race with a five-game winning streak.“I think it would be important to finish on the right note,” Simmons said, “and then have that momentum carry into next season.”All season, Payton has preached about the Broncos following in the footsteps of the Detroit Lions, who rallied last season from a 1-6 start to finish 9-8, something they parlayed into a breakout 2023 season with an 11-5 record and their first divisional title since 1993.A win by Denver, however, could prove harmful to its future at quarterback. The Broncos are currently slated to have the 14th pick in the draft. A loss could move them up to 11th and a win could drop them to 18th.NOTES: Both OLB Baron Browning and WR Courtland Sutton were limited Wednesday in their return to practice. Both sustained concussions two weeks ago and missed Denver's win over the Chargers last week.

🏈 Broncos' playoff drought now at 8 years, but they have a shot at first winning season since '16

We're joined by Fort Hays State wrestling coach Erik Wince, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's associate head coach Jeremy Brown.

Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (1400/94.3) at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.

We're joined by Fort Hays State wrestling coach Erik Wince, women's basketball coach Talia Kahrs and men's associate head coach Jeremy Brown.Tiger Talk airs on KAYS (1400/94.3) at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday live from the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Jan. 3, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=r9tdx-153f4ff-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Jan. 3, 2024)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles with their eighth straight AFC West title secured and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs already locked up.

The Chiefs can do no better or worse in their postseason positioning after last week's win over Cincinnati clinched the division, so coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Mahomes would get a week of rest.

Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start and second-year pro Chris Oladokun, who has spent the season on the practice squad, will be the primary backup.

Gabbert was signed in the offseason to replace Chad Henne, who retired after last year's Super Bowl triumph. The Chiefs have long valued having a veteran behind Mahomes, and Gabbert has started 48 games and appeared in 68 over 12 NFL seasons.

“He works so stinking hard in practice. It's great to have that opportunity to go out and play,” Reid said. “He's been a starter in the league. We have confidence he knows what to do, and he'll go in there and do well.”

The Chiefs (10-6) have struggled with offensive consistency this season, whether because of dropped passes, penalties or missed assignments. But while they finally played well in a 25-17 victory over the Bengals — despite drives fizzling and Harrison Butker kicking six field goals — Reid said he didn't consider giving Mahomes any snaps to keep the momentum going.

Mahomes instead will turn most of his attention to the five potential opponents that Kansas City could face the following week, and Gabbert and Oladokun will split practice reps as they prepared to head to Los Angeles.

“Ultimately the reason we play football is to play in the games, right? And it's a great opportunity not only for myself but others to play in different positions than they have been in throughout the year,” Gabbert said. “It's great to get reps under your belt so when your number is called in the playoffs, if it is called, you're ready to go.”

Reid indicated he was aware of some looming milestones, but he declined to say whether they would matter in playing time.

The biggest might belong to Travis Kelce, who needs 16 yards receiving for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season. That would extend his own club record and the NFL record for a tight end, and be the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.

“That's not how Travis plays. He wants team success first and he's always been that way," Gabbert said. “If it's Coach Reid's decision to have him rest, he'll rest. But if he's out there, we'll do our damn best to get him those yards.”

Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe's franchise record for a rookie, while defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus in the revised contract he signed prior to the season.

Asked how the conversations about those milestones might go, Reid said with a smile: “Probably one-sided.”

NOTES: Jones (groin spasm) and Rice (tweaked hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. RB Isiah Pacheco (bruised quad) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (strained calf) also did not practice. ... WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was back after missing two games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704368438492.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 25-17 to clinch the AFC West. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 25-17 to clinch the AFC West. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles with their eighth straight AFC West title secured and the No. 3 seed in the playoffs already locked up.The Chiefs can do no better or worse in their postseason positioning after last week's win over Cincinnati clinched the division, so coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Mahomes would get a week of rest.Veteran backup Blaine Gabbert will start and second-year pro Chris Oladokun, who has spent the season on the practice squad, will be the primary backup.Gabbert was signed in the offseason to replace Chad Henne, who retired after last year's Super Bowl triumph. The Chiefs have long valued having a veteran behind Mahomes, and Gabbert has started 48 games and appeared in 68 over 12 NFL seasons.“He works so stinking hard in practice. It's great to have that opportunity to go out and play,” Reid said. “He's been a starter in the league. We have confidence he knows what to do, and he'll go in there and do well.”The Chiefs (10-6) have struggled with offensive consistency this season, whether because of dropped passes, penalties or missed assignments. But while they finally played well in a 25-17 victory over the Bengals — despite drives fizzling and Harrison Butker kicking six field goals — Reid said he didn't consider giving Mahomes any snaps to keep the momentum going.Mahomes instead will turn most of his attention to the five potential opponents that Kansas City could face the following week, and Gabbert and Oladokun will split practice reps as they prepared to head to Los Angeles.“Ultimately the reason we play football is to play in the games, right? And it's a great opportunity not only for myself but others to play in different positions than they have been in throughout the year,” Gabbert said. “It's great to get reps under your belt so when your number is called in the playoffs, if it is called, you're ready to go.”Reid indicated he was aware of some looming milestones, but he declined to say whether they would matter in playing time.The biggest might belong to Travis Kelce, who needs 16 yards receiving for his eighth straight 1,000-yard season. That would extend his own club record and the NFL record for a tight end, and be the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.“That's not how Travis plays. He wants team success first and he's always been that way," Gabbert said. “If it's Coach Reid's decision to have him rest, he'll rest. But if he's out there, we'll do our damn best to get him those yards.”Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe's franchise record for a rookie, while defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus in the revised contract he signed prior to the season.Asked how the conversations about those milestones might go, Reid said with a smile: “Probably one-sided.”NOTES: Jones (groin spasm) and Rice (tweaked hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. RB Isiah Pacheco (bruised quad) and CB L'Jarius Sneed (strained calf) also did not practice. ... WR Kadarius Toney (hip) was back after missing two games.

🏈 Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes to sit regular-season finale against Chargers with AFC West secured

K-State's Hayden Gillum of Plainville has announced he is declaring for the NFL draft.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people congratulated the center when his announcement was posted on the Plainville, KS Facebook page.

The Wildcats beat North Carolina State 28-19 in the Poptarts Bowl to end their season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704309727405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State's Hayden Gillum of Plainville has announced he is declaring for the NFL draft.&nbsp;Hundreds of people congratulated the center when his announcement was posted on the Plainville, KS Facebook page.The Wildcats beat North Carolina State 28-19 in the Poptarts Bowl to end their season.

🏈 Plainville's Gillum declares for NFL draft

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 70, Nickerson 40 Arma-Northeast 41, Pleasanton 38 Axtell 66, Onaga 32 Cheney 43, Hesston 29 Cheney 44, Hesston 29 Clearwater 62, Halstead 45 Clifton-Clyde 65, Blue Valley Randolph 48 Colby 56, Hoxie 27 Dodge City 45, Garden Plain 42 Emporia 58, Topeka Hayden 42 Erie 76, Cherryvale 21 Fort Scott 63, Iola 45 Frankfort 38, Doniphan West 29 Hanover 58, Linn 34 Haven 53, Chaparral 36 Hillsboro 55, Hutchinson Trinity 40 Logan 59, Lakeside 50 Moundridge 81, Oxford 44 Norton 40, Cambridge, Neb. 32 Pike Valley 67, Tescott 44 Red Cloud, Neb. 48, Rock Hills 28 St John 57, Hutchinson Central Christian 34 Sterling 59, Inman 28 Valley Heights 53, Washington County 45 Victoria 57, Plainville 46 Wichita County 62, Golden Plains 27 Woodward, Okla. 92, Liberal 89

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 43, Nickerson 34 Arma-Northeast 34, Pleasanton 32 Axtell 43, Onaga 33 Basehor-Linwood 50, Leavenworth 23 Cherryvale 72, Erie 35 Clifton-Clyde 59, Blue Valley Randolph 42 Dodge City 38, Garden Plain 20 Emporia 54, Topeka Hayden 40 Fairfield 35, Chase 24 Fort Scott 57, Iola 23 Frankfort 54, Doniphan West 44 Halstead 43, Clearwater 26 Hanover 49, Linn 34 Haven 47, Chaparral 41 Hesston 58, Cheney 31 Hillsboro 59, Hutchinson Trinity 10 Hoxie 51, Colby 47 Inman 72, Sterling 38 Jefferson North 64, McLouth 18 Lakeside 48, Logan 46 Larned 53, Ellsworth 52 Liberal 64, Woodward, Okla. 53 Marmaton Valley 46, Uniontown 24 Norton 37, Cambridge, Neb. 23 Osage City 53, Central Heights 18 Pike Valley 52, Tescott 17 Red Cloud, Neb. 52, Rock Hills 37 South Haven 45, Attica 43 St John 47, Hutchinson Central Christian 27 Valley Heights 56, Washington County 43 Victoria 43, Plainville 23 Wichita County 50, Golden Plains 17

The Associated PressBOYS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 70, Nickerson 40 Arma-Northeast 41, Pleasanton 38 Axtell 66, Onaga 32 Cheney 43, Hesston 29 Cheney 44, Hesston 29 Clearwater 62, Halstead 45 Clifton-Clyde 65, Blue Valley Randolph 48 Colby 56, Hoxie 27 Dodge City 45, Garden Plain 42 Emporia 58, Topeka Hayden 42 Erie 76, Cherryvale 21 Fort Scott 63, Iola 45 Frankfort 38, Doniphan West 29 Hanover 58, Linn 34 Haven 53, Chaparral 36 Hillsboro 55, Hutchinson Trinity 40 Logan 59, Lakeside 50 Moundridge 81, Oxford 44 Norton 40, Cambridge, Neb. 32 Pike Valley 67, Tescott 44 Red Cloud, Neb. 48, Rock Hills 28 St John 57, Hutchinson Central Christian 34 Sterling 59, Inman 28 Valley Heights 53, Washington County 45 Victoria 57, Plainville 46 Wichita County 62, Golden Plains 27 Woodward, Okla. 92, Liberal 89GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Andale 43, Nickerson 34 Arma-Northeast 34, Pleasanton 32 Axtell 43, Onaga 33 Basehor-Linwood 50, Leavenworth 23 Cherryvale 72, Erie 35 Clifton-Clyde 59, Blue Valley Randolph 42 Dodge City 38, Garden Plain 20 Emporia 54, Topeka Hayden 40 Fairfield 35, Chase 24 Fort Scott 57, Iola 23 Frankfort 54, Doniphan West 44 Halstead 43, Clearwater 26 Hanover 49, Linn 34 Haven 47, Chaparral 41 Hesston 58, Cheney 31 Hillsboro 59, Hutchinson Trinity 10 Hoxie 51, Colby 47 Inman 72, Sterling 38 Jefferson North 64, McLouth 18 Lakeside 48, Logan 46 Larned 53, Ellsworth 52 Liberal 64, Woodward, Okla. 53 Marmaton Valley 46, Uniontown 24 Norton 37, Cambridge, Neb. 23 Osage City 53, Central Heights 18 Pike Valley 52, Tescott 17 Red Cloud, Neb. 52, Rock Hills 37 South Haven 45, Attica 43 St John 47, Hutchinson Central Christian 27 Valley Heights 56, Washington County 43 Victoria 43, Plainville 23 Wichita County 50, Golden Plains 17

🏀 Tuesday's high school results

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 19 points, Arthur Kaluma had a double-double and Kansas State came from behind to beat Chicago State 62-55 on Tuesday night.

Carter sank 6 of 16 shots with a 3-pointer and all six of his free throws for the Wildcats (10-3). Kaluma finished with 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. David N'Guessan pitched in with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Jahsean Corbett had 10 points and five rebounds by halftime, helping Chicago State take a 30-27 lead. Cam Carter had 11 points to help Kansas State rally from a 28-21 deficit to get within one possession. The Wildcats shot 35.7% before the intermission and made just 1 of 8 from 3-point range.

Carter scored four in an 8-0 run to begin the second half as Kansas State took a five-point lead and never trailed again. The Wildcats took their biggest lead at 59-50 on a dunk by Taj Manning with 62 seconds left to play.

Wesley Cardet Jr. scored 19 on 6-for-13 shooting with a 3-pointer for the independent Cougars (7-13). He made 6 of 8 foul shots and added four rebounds. Corbett scored 12 with eight boards.

Kansas State won 10 nonconference games for a second straight season under second-year coach Jerome Tang. The Wildcats improved to 3-0 all time against Chicago State with home wins in 2007 and 2009.

Chicago State has lost four straight after a four-game win streak that started with a 75-73 victory over then-No. 25 Northwestern on Dec. 13. It was the first win over a ranked team in program history.

Chicago State: The Cougars travel to play Oklahoma State on Wednesday.

Kansas State: The Wildcats begin Big 12 Conference play on Saturday when they host Central Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704260320849.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Taj Manning dunks the ball during the&nbsp; second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Chicago State on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Taj Manning dunks the ball during the&nbsp; second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Chicago State on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Cam Carter scored 19 points, Arthur Kaluma had a double-double and Kansas State came from behind to beat Chicago State 62-55 on Tuesday night.Carter sank 6 of 16 shots with a 3-pointer and all six of his free throws for the Wildcats (10-3). Kaluma finished with 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. David N'Guessan pitched in with 12 points and nine rebounds.Jahsean Corbett had 10 points and five rebounds by halftime, helping Chicago State take a 30-27 lead. Cam Carter had 11 points to help Kansas State rally from a 28-21 deficit to get within one possession. The Wildcats shot 35.7% before the intermission and made just 1 of 8 from 3-point range.Carter scored four in an 8-0 run to begin the second half as Kansas State took a five-point lead and never trailed again. The Wildcats took their biggest lead at 59-50 on a dunk by Taj Manning with 62 seconds left to play.Wesley Cardet Jr. scored 19 on 6-for-13 shooting with a 3-pointer for the independent Cougars (7-13). He made 6 of 8 foul shots and added four rebounds. Corbett scored 12 with eight boards.Kansas State won 10 nonconference games for a second straight season under second-year coach Jerome Tang. The Wildcats improved to 3-0 all time against Chicago State with home wins in 2007 and 2009.Chicago State has lost four straight after a four-game win streak that started with a 75-73 victory over then-No. 25 Northwestern on Dec. 13. It was the first win over a ranked team in program history.UP NEXTChicago State: The Cougars travel to play Oklahoma State on Wednesday.Kansas State: The Wildcats begin Big 12 Conference play on Saturday when they host Central Florida.

🏀 Carter, Kaluma rally Kansas State to victory over Chicago State

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team cracked the top 10 of the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, with the Tigers slotted 10th in the latest release announced Tuesday (Jan. 2). The Tigers are up six spots from the previous poll and are now the highest-ranked MIAA team in the country.

The Tigers are in the WBCA Top 25 for the fifth straight week. They return to the top 10 for a sixth-straight season, which dates back to 2018-19. Fort Hays State was last ranked among the top 10 in the preseason poll of the 2022-23 season. FHSU opened that year No. 3 in the country after spending the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign inside the top 10.

This is the 99th time Fort Hays State has been listed inside a top 25 weekly release and the 68th week the Tigers have been inside the top 10. FHSU is 152-39 all-time when ranked and 112-23 all-time when ranked inside the top 10.

The Tigers are the top-ranked MIAA program this week, one spot and just one point in front of Thursday's opponent, No. 11 Central Missouri. Pittsburg State is up to 16th this week, while Northwest Missouri State is the lone conference rival in the  receiving votes category.

The Tigers and Jennies will face off in a ranked opponent battle Thursday evening (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before FHSU wraps up the weekend homestand against Lincoln on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 6, 2 p.m.).

For the time being, Fort Hays State will remain No. 23 in the D2CSC Top 25 Poll. Pittsburg State is No. 13 and Central Missouri is No. 17 in that poll, which last released on December 19. The next edition of that poll will release on January 9.

Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (20) - 10-1 - 547 - 1 2 - Ashland (1) - 10-1 - 521 - 2 3 - Gannon (1) - 13-1 - 499 - 3 4 - Catawba - 8-1 - 475 - 4 5 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 464 - 6 6 - Union (Tenn.) - 12-1 - 445 - 8 7 - Southern Nazarene - 10-0 - 392 - 10 8 - Thomas Jefferson - 10-1 - 385 - 11 9 - Colorado Mines - 11-1 - 320 - 15 10 - Fort Hays State - 11-1 - 293 - 16 11 - Central Missouri - 9-2 - 292 - 14 12 - Fairmont State - 10-1 - 242 - 17 13 - Virginia State - 11-1 - 224 - 19 14 - Western Washington - 9-2 - 210 - 20 15 - Tampa - 12-3 - 206 - 7 16 - Pittsburg State - 11-1 - 205 - 22 17 - Montana State Billings - 11-3 - 156 - 21 18 - Texas Woman's - 10-3 - 150 - 5 19 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 144 - 23 20 - Harding - 9-1 - 135 - RV 21 - West Chester - 8-3 - 116 - 9 22 - Bentley - 8-2 - 112 - 12 23 - Valdosta State - 9-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Assumption - 8-2 - 64 - RV 25 - Texas A&amp;M International - 11-2 - 53 - RV

Dropped Out: No. 15 California (Pa.) (8-3); No. 18 Drury (8-3); No. 24 North Georgia (7-3).

Receiving Votes: Drury (8-3) 50; Califiornia (Pa.) (8-3) 44; Fayetteville State (10-1) 39; Azusa Pacific (10-3) 38; Pace (10-1) 35; Minnesota State Mankato (9-4) 28; Miles (7-1) 25; Georgia Southwestern (7-1) 24; Glenville State (8-4) 16; Texas-Tyler (11-3) 16; North Georgia (7-3) 14; Northwest Missouri State (10-2) 13; Anderson (S.C.) (9-2) 12; Holy Family (12-1) 10; Lee (Tenn.) (9-2) 5.

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team cracked the top 10 of the latest WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, with the Tigers slotted 10th in the latest release announced Tuesday (Jan. 2). The Tigers are up six spots from the previous poll and are now the highest-ranked MIAA team in the country.The Tigers are in the WBCA Top 25 for the fifth straight week. They return to the top 10 for a sixth-straight season, which dates back to 2018-19. Fort Hays State was last ranked among the top 10 in the preseason poll of the 2022-23 season. FHSU opened that year No. 3 in the country after spending the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign inside the top 10.This is the 99th time Fort Hays State has been listed inside a top 25 weekly release and the 68th week the Tigers have been inside the top 10. FHSU is 152-39 all-time when ranked and 112-23 all-time when ranked inside the top 10.The Tigers are the top-ranked MIAA program this week, one spot and just one point in front of Thursday's opponent, No. 11 Central Missouri. Pittsburg State is up to 16th this week, while Northwest Missouri State is the lone conference rival in the receiving votes category.The Tigers and Jennies will face off in a ranked opponent battle Thursday evening (Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m.) inside Gross Memorial Coliseum before FHSU wraps up the weekend homestand against Lincoln on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 6, 2 p.m.).For the time being, Fort Hays State will remain No. 23 in the D2CSC Top 25 Poll. Pittsburg State is No. 13 and Central Missouri is No. 17 in that poll, which last released on December 19. The next edition of that poll will release on January 9.WBCA DII Coaches Poll - January 2, 2024Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Pts. - Last 1 - Grand Valley State (20) - 10-1 - 547 - 1 2 - Ashland (1) - 10-1 - 521 - 2 3 - Gannon (1) - 13-1 - 499 - 3 4 - Catawba - 8-1 - 475 - 4 5 - Ferris State - 6-1 - 464 - 6 6 - Union (Tenn.) - 12-1 - 445 - 8 7 - Southern Nazarene - 10-0 - 392 - 10 8 - Thomas Jefferson - 10-1 - 385 - 11 9 - Colorado Mines - 11-1 - 320 - 15 10 - Fort Hays State - 11-1 - 293 - 16 11 - Central Missouri - 9-2 - 292 - 14 12 - Fairmont State - 10-1 - 242 - 17 13 - Virginia State - 11-1 - 224 - 19 14 - Western Washington - 9-2 - 210 - 20 15 - Tampa - 12-3 - 206 - 7 16 - Pittsburg State - 11-1 - 205 - 22 17 - Montana State Billings - 11-3 - 156 - 21 18 - Texas Woman's - 10-3 - 150 - 5 19 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 144 - 23 20 - Harding - 9-1 - 135 - RV 21 - West Chester - 8-3 - 116 - 9 22 - Bentley - 8-2 - 112 - 12 23 - Valdosta State - 9-2 - 83 - 25 24 - Assumption - 8-2 - 64 - RV 25 - Texas A&amp;M International - 11-2 - 53 - RVDropped Out: No. 15 California (Pa.) (8-3); No. 18 Drury (8-3); No. 24 North Georgia (7-3).Receiving Votes: Drury (8-3) 50; Califiornia (Pa.) (8-3) 44; Fayetteville State (10-1) 39; Azusa Pacific (10-3) 38; Pace (10-1) 35; Minnesota State Mankato (9-4) 28; Miles (7-1) 25; Georgia Southwestern (7-1) 24; Glenville State (8-4) 16; Texas-Tyler (11-3) 16; North Georgia (7-3) 14; Northwest Missouri State (10-2) 13; Anderson (S.C.) (9-2) 12; Holy Family (12-1) 10; Lee (Tenn.) (9-2) 5.

🏀 FHSU women crack top 10 in coaches poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Jan. 2). At 9-3 overall on the season, the Tigers are among the receiving votes section for a third-straight release of the poll.

Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State represent the MIAA in the Top 25. Central Oklahoma slipped from No. 5 to No. 12 this week after a loss to Fort Hays State this past weekend. Northwest Missouri State moved up two spots to No. 19 this week.

Fort Hays State impressively is 3-0 against NABC Top 25 ranked teams so far this season. FHSU won its first meeting of the season with both Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers have received votes in four of the NABC polls released this year, which includes the preseason poll.

Joining the Tigers in the receiving votes section from the MIAA are Washburn and Missouri Western. The Tigers knocked off Missouri Western earlier this season when MWSU was inside the Top 25.

The next release of the D2CSC Top 25 Poll will be on January 9. In the most recent edition of that poll, Central Oklahoma was the only MIAA team inside the Top 25 at No. 8.

Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 2, 2024.

Rank	Team	Record	Points 1.	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (16)	10-0	400 2.	MSU Moorhead (Minn.)	12-0	382 3.	Minnesota State	13-0	370 4.	West Texas A&amp;M	10-1	336 5.	Saint Martin's (Wash.)	11-1	308 6.	Dallas Baptist (Texas)	9-1	298 7.	North Georgia	9-1	278 8.	Benedict (S.C.)	10-0	262 9.	California (Pa.)	11-0	255 10.	Fort Lewis (Colo.)	9-1	245 11.	Angelo State (Texas)	10-1	243 12.	Central Oklahoma	12-2	232 13.	St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.)	11-1	206 14.	Colorado Mesa	9-2	181 15.	Ferris State (Mich.)	11-2	177 16.	Cal State San Bernardino	9-2	140 17.	Gannon (Pa.)	10-1	124 18.	Post (Conn.)	10-1	112 19.	Northwest Missouri State	9-3	94 20.	Chico State (Calif.)	8-2	69 21.	USC Aiken (S.C.)	9-1	66 22.	West Liberty (W.Va.)	9-3	59 23.	Minnesota Duluth	10-3	57 24.	West Georgia	9-2	53 25.	Florida Tech	9-1	32

Receiving Votes: Eastern New Mexico 26, Ashland (Ohio) 25, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 24, Colorado School of Mines 15, West Alabama 15, Catawba (N.C.) 14, Charleston (W.Va.) 11, Washburn (Kan.) 11, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Lander (S.C.) 7, Illinois Springfield 6, Minot State (N.D.) 6, Augusta (Ga.) 5, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 4, Concord (W.Va.) 4, Dominican (N.Y.) 4, Lake Superior State (Mich.) 4, Cal State East Bay 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Cal State Dominiguez Hills 1, Cal State LA 1, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 1, Missouri Western 1, Southern New Hampshire 1.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State continued to receive votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday (Jan. 2). At 9-3 overall on the season, the Tigers are among the receiving votes section for a third-straight release of the poll.Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State represent the MIAA in the Top 25. Central Oklahoma slipped from No. 5 to No. 12 this week after a loss to Fort Hays State this past weekend. Northwest Missouri State moved up two spots to No. 19 this week.Fort Hays State impressively is 3-0 against NABC Top 25 ranked teams so far this season. FHSU won its first meeting of the season with both Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers have received votes in four of the NABC polls released this year, which includes the preseason poll.Joining the Tigers in the receiving votes section from the MIAA are Washburn and Missouri Western. The Tigers knocked off Missouri Western earlier this season when MWSU was inside the Top 25.The next release of the D2CSC Top 25 Poll will be on January 9. In the most recent edition of that poll, Central Oklahoma was the only MIAA team inside the Top 25 at No. 8.Below is the NABC Top 25 Poll for January 2, 2024.Rank	Team	Record	Points 1.	Nova Southeastern (Fla.) (16)	10-0	400 2.	MSU Moorhead (Minn.)	12-0	382 3.	Minnesota State	13-0	370 4.	West Texas A&amp;M	10-1	336 5.	Saint Martin's (Wash.)	11-1	308 6.	Dallas Baptist (Texas)	9-1	298 7.	North Georgia	9-1	278 8.	Benedict (S.C.)	10-0	262 9.	California (Pa.)	11-0	255 10.	Fort Lewis (Colo.)	9-1	245 11.	Angelo State (Texas)	10-1	243 12.	Central Oklahoma	12-2	232 13.	St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.)	11-1	206 14.	Colorado Mesa	9-2	181 15.	Ferris State (Mich.)	11-2	177 16.	Cal State San Bernardino	9-2	140 17.	Gannon (Pa.)	10-1	124 18.	Post (Conn.)	10-1	112 19.	Northwest Missouri State	9-3	94 20.	Chico State (Calif.)	8-2	69 21.	USC Aiken (S.C.)	9-1	66 22.	West Liberty (W.Va.)	9-3	59 23.	Minnesota Duluth	10-3	57 24.	West Georgia	9-2	53 25.	Florida Tech	9-1	32 Receiving Votes: Eastern New Mexico 26, Ashland (Ohio) 25, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) 24, Colorado School of Mines 15, West Alabama 15, Catawba (N.C.) 14, Charleston (W.Va.) 11, Washburn (Kan.) 11, Fort Hays State (Kan.) 8, Lander (S.C.) 7, Illinois Springfield 6, Minot State (N.D.) 6, Augusta (Ga.) 5, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 4, Concord (W.Va.) 4, Dominican (N.Y.) 4, Lake Superior State (Mich.) 4, Cal State East Bay 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Cal State Dominiguez Hills 1, Cal State LA 1, Lincoln Memorial (Tenn.) 1, Missouri Western 1, Southern New Hampshire 1.

🏀 FHSU men’s receiving votes in third-straight NABC Top 25 poll

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team closes out non-conference play at home against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team closes out non-conference play at home against Bethany College on Saturday, December 30, 2023.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=69g8s-153c1ce-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Bethany College (Dec. 30, 2023)

SPRING HILL, Kan. -&nbsp;The roster of invitations for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth was announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection Show on Monday, January 1st. The selections are the result of a combination of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 457 nominees.

Several area players have been selected to play in the 51st
annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game later this summer.

Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman
Mason Hogan have been selected to the West Squad announced New Year’s Day. Norton
tight end Roman Hauser and Ellsworth linebacker Loden West were also selected to the West team..

The West will be coached by McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich. Hays
native and TMP-Marian grad Nicolas Schmidt will be an assistant. Schmidt is the
head coach at Medicine Lodge.

The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June
29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Empora.

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149387610.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostSPRING HILL, Kan. -&nbsp;The roster of invitations for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth was announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection Show on Monday, January 1st. The selections are the result of a combination of statewide media votes and Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of 457 nominees.Several area players have been selected to play in the 51st
annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game later this summer.Hays High running back Malik Bah and Plainville offensive lineman
Mason Hogan have been selected to the West Squad announced New Year’s Day. Norton
tight end Roman Hauser and Ellsworth linebacker Loden West were also selected to the West team..The West will be coached by McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich. Hays
native and TMP-Marian grad Nicolas Schmidt will be an assistant. Schmidt is the
head coach at Medicine Lodge.The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June
29, 2024 at Welch Stadium in Empora.2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Roster<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149539521.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Roster<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704149566920.png" alt="1-1-24-east-roster_orig.png" />
 <figcaption>1-1-24-east-roster_orig.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

🏈 Hays High's Bah, Plainville's Hogan selected for Shrine Bowl

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12753">BOX SCORE</a>

EDMOND, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke hit a couple of key late baskets and scored a game-high 19 points and the Tigers picked up their third win over a nationally ranked opponent with a 67-60 victory over No. 5 Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Field House.

It's the Tigers (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) first true road win over an an NABC Top-10 opponent since beating No. 1 Central Missouri in Warrensburg on January 4, 2010 and only their third true road win over a Top-10 team in FHSU's Division II history. It's their third win over a ranked team this season.

The win snapped the Bronchos five-game win streak and ended UCO's 16-game home win streak dating back to last season.

In a game that saw 13 ties and nine lead changes, the Tigers outscored UCO (12-2, 4-2 MIAA) 9-2 over the final 1:30 with Hammeke scoring all nine for FHSU. He converted a conventional 3-pount play after being fouled on a layup with 1:20 to play. Hammeke buried a running jumper with 26 seconds to play to push the lead to five. After a UCO turnover, Hammeke b0uried a pair of free throws to get the lead to seven.&nbsp;

Central Oklahoma opened the game on a 7-0 run, only to see FHSU counter with the next nine points. UCO used a 6-0 run to build a six-point lead late in the first half and led 35-29 at halftime.

The Tigers opened the second half with a 7-1 run to tie the game at 36-all then pushed their lead to six with 13:32 to play thanks to two 3-pointers from Bjarni Jonsson and one from Kyle Grill.

UCO responded with a 13-2 run to go up 53-38 with 8:20 to play only to see the Tigers score the next eight points to retake the lead following a timeout.

Hammeke finished with a game-high 19 points including 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Shaun Riley added 12 points. Elijah Nnanabu scored nine and pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds and dished out four assists. Jonsson finished with eight points, while Grill matched his season/career high with seven off the bench for the second-straight game.

Danquez Dawsey finished with a team-high 18 points for the Bronchos and was their only player to reach double figures scoring. The Tigers handcuffed UCO's top scorer Jaden Wells to just five points after entering the game averaging 18.1 per game. 

After making 10-of-12 free throws in the first half, the Bronchos went 6-for-16 from the line in the second half and only 1-of-8 after reaching the bonus in the final seven minutes of the game. After hitting 14 threes in their blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney Friday, they went 2-for-16 against the Tigers.

The Tigers look to build off the momentum of the big win when they return home this next week to face Central Missouri (Thursday, Jan. 4) and Lincoln (Saturday, Jan. 6).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704081641957.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke brings the ball up the floor in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke brings the ball up the floor in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Newman on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Wichita, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12753">BOX SCORE</a>EDMOND, Okla. - Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke hit a couple of key late baskets and scored a game-high 19 points and the Tigers picked up their third win over a nationally ranked opponent with a 67-60 victory over No. 5 Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Hamilton Field House.It's the Tigers (9-3, 4-2 MIAA) first true road win over an an NABC Top-10 opponent since beating No. 1 Central Missouri in Warrensburg on January 4, 2010 and only their third true road win over a Top-10 team in FHSU's Division II history. It's their third win over a ranked team this season.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1704791124&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/mark-johnson-postgame-v-central-oklahoma-dec-31-2023" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)</a></div></div>The win snapped the Bronchos five-game win streak and ended UCO's 16-game home win streak dating back to last season.In a game that saw 13 ties and nine lead changes, the Tigers outscored UCO (12-2, 4-2 MIAA) 9-2 over the final 1:30 with Hammeke scoring all nine for FHSU. He converted a conventional 3-pount play after being fouled on a layup with 1:20 to play. Hammeke buried a running jumper with 26 seconds to play to push the lead to five. After a UCO turnover, Hammeke b0uried a pair of free throws to get the lead to seven.&nbsp;Central Oklahoma opened the game on a 7-0 run, only to see FHSU counter with the next nine points. UCO used a 6-0 run to build a six-point lead late in the first half and led 35-29 at halftime.The Tigers opened the second half with a 7-1 run to tie the game at 36-all then pushed their lead to six with 13:32 to play thanks to two 3-pointers from Bjarni Jonsson and one from Kyle Grill.<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/1704791160&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-central-oklahoma-dec-31-2023" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #5 Central Oklahoma (Dec. 31, 2023)</a></div></div>UCO responded with a 13-2 run to go up 53-38 with 8:20 to play only to see the Tigers score the next eight points to retake the lead following a timeout.Hammeke finished with a game-high 19 points including 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Shaun Riley added 12 points. Elijah Nnanabu scored nine and pulled down a career-best 10 rebounds and dished out four assists. Jonsson finished with eight points, while Grill matched his season/career high with seven off the bench for the second-straight game.Danquez Dawsey finished with a team-high 18 points for the Bronchos and was their only player to reach double figures scoring. The Tigers handcuffed UCO's top scorer Jaden Wells to just five points after entering the game averaging 18.1 per game. After making 10-of-12 free throws in the first half, the Bronchos went 6-for-16 from the line in the second half and only 1-of-8 after reaching the bonus in the final seven minutes of the game. After hitting 14 threes in their blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney Friday, they went 2-for-16 against the Tigers.UP NEXTThe Tigers look to build off the momentum of the big win when they return home this next week to face Central Missouri (Thursday, Jan. 4) and Lincoln (Saturday, Jan. 6).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Late run lifts Tigers past No. 5 Bronchos

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have grown accustomed to wrapping up the AFC West by the middle of December.

Turns out they're perfectly fine with clinching it on New Year's Eve.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-mahomes-kelce-reid-e6e5b864a2c246fc7c6d58ca87f8e731">Amid an up-and-down season</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs have been forced to rely on their defense while their high-profile offense sputtered, Patrick Mahomes and Co. still managed to clinch their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-eliminated-playoffs-chiefs-65bf244aec9d942ab6e69c1f814af6bb#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20piled%20up%20eight,clinch%20the%20AFC%20West%20title.">eighth consecutive division championship Sunday</a>&nbsp;with a come-from-behind 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals — their opponent in each of the past two AFC title games.

Harrison Butker was a career-best 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, Mahomes had 245 yards passing and a touchdown, and Isiah Pacheco ran for a career-best 130 yards to help Kansas City (10-6) secure the No. 3 seed for the playoffs.

“Obviously, we're not winning this in Week 12 or Week 13 like before. We had to battle through adversity and find a way to win," said Mahomes, who went over 4,000 yards passing for his sixth consecutive year as the starter. “Now you're in the playoffs, it's one game, single elimination, and I think we can play with anybody.”

The Bengals (8-8), fighting to avoid postseason elimination, led by 10 early but found themselves trailing 25-17 when Butker hit the last of his field goals — a 46-yarder through blustery wind — with 2:59 remaining in the game.

Four of Butker’s six field goals were from at least 43 yards, including his 54-yarder in the first half.

With one last chance, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning hit Tyler Boyd over the middle to convert a long fourth down and get them into Kansas City territory. But back-to-back sacks by George Karlaftis and Chris Jones ultimately dashed their hopes.

Browning finished with 197 yards passing and a touchdown. Joe Mixon ran for 65 yards and had the TD reception.

“Every guy left it all on the field," Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said. “It was an emotional game. Physical game. All the things we knew would happen, happened. You have to give Kansas City credit. They got it done down the stretch.”

The Bengals and Chiefs are accustomed to playing high-stakes games when the weather turns frigid, meeting for down-to-the-wire nail-biters in each of the past two AFC championship games. And they are usually accompanied by plenty of trash talk, be it from fans, elected officials or — in the case this past week — players such as Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

The animosity usually spills onto the field, too. Midway through the second quarter, Chase and Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed got into a heated argument, and eventually a team-wide scrum resulted in offsetting personal foul penalties.

“I just be under people's skin sometimes, I guess,” Chase said afterward. “Just trash talking. (He) can't handle it.”

The Bengals jumped ahead 10-7 when an 8 1/2-minute drive resulted in a field goal and a 6 1/2-minute march ended in Mixon's touchdown catch. Cincinnati then got the ball back when Trey Hendrickson ran right around rookie right tackle Wanya Morris, stripped Mahomes from behind and Sam Hubbard was there to pounce on the loose ball.

Pass interference on Sneed in the end zone set up Browning's 1-yard TD run.

“It wasn't the smoothest early,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Butker's first field goal got the Chiefs within 17-10, though, and they had a chance to take the lead when Mahomes saw Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open on their next possession. But yet another dropped pass — the NFL-leading 40th by Kansas City this season — forced the Chiefs to settle for another field goal to trail 17-13 at the break.

But as the Chiefs' defense stiffened in the second half, their offense began showing signs of life.

They stuffed the Bengals on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 6, then drove 82 yards for Butker's third field goal. And when the Bengals had to punt again, Mahomes hit Rashee Rice for 67 yards to set up Butker's chip shot and give the Chiefs the lead. Two more field goals gave them some breathing room in the closing minutes.

“Everybody contributed in this, which I think was great. Nobody gave up hope,” said Reid, whose ninth consecutive 10-win season moved him past the 49ers' George Seifert for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. “The guys executed well, and that is the most important thing right now, at this time of year.”

Cincinnati WR Tee Higgins left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He returned to the game but didn't have another catch, finishing with one for 19 yards.

Kansas City WR Justin Watson hurt his chest in the third quarter but returned to the game. The Chiefs are thin at wide receiver with Skyy Moore on injured reserve and Kadarius Toney inactive due to a hip injury.

Chiefs: At the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704071979286.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have grown accustomed to wrapping up the AFC West by the middle of December.Turns out they're perfectly fine with clinching it on New Year's Eve.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-mahomes-kelce-reid-e6e5b864a2c246fc7c6d58ca87f8e731">Amid an up-and-down season</a>&nbsp;in which the Chiefs have been forced to rely on their defense while their high-profile offense sputtered, Patrick Mahomes and Co. still managed to clinch their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-eliminated-playoffs-chiefs-65bf244aec9d942ab6e69c1f814af6bb#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20piled%20up%20eight,clinch%20the%20AFC%20West%20title.">eighth consecutive division championship Sunday</a>&nbsp;with a come-from-behind 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals — their opponent in each of the past two AFC title games.Harrison Butker was a career-best 6 for 6 on field-goal attempts, Mahomes had 245 yards passing and a touchdown, and Isiah Pacheco ran for a career-best 130 yards to help Kansas City (10-6) secure the No. 3 seed for the playoffs.“Obviously, we're not winning this in Week 12 or Week 13 like before. We had to battle through adversity and find a way to win," said Mahomes, who went over 4,000 yards passing for his sixth consecutive year as the starter. “Now you're in the playoffs, it's one game, single elimination, and I think we can play with anybody.”The Bengals (8-8), fighting to avoid postseason elimination, led by 10 early but found themselves trailing 25-17 when Butker hit the last of his field goals — a 46-yarder through blustery wind — with 2:59 remaining in the game.Four of Butker’s six field goals were from at least 43 yards, including his 54-yarder in the first half.With one last chance, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning hit Tyler Boyd over the middle to convert a long fourth down and get them into Kansas City territory. But back-to-back sacks by George Karlaftis and Chris Jones ultimately dashed their hopes.Browning finished with 197 yards passing and a touchdown. Joe Mixon ran for 65 yards and had the TD reception.“Every guy left it all on the field," Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said. “It was an emotional game. Physical game. All the things we knew would happen, happened. You have to give Kansas City credit. They got it done down the stretch.”The Bengals and Chiefs are accustomed to playing high-stakes games when the weather turns frigid, meeting for down-to-the-wire nail-biters in each of the past two AFC championship games. And they are usually accompanied by plenty of trash talk, be it from fans, elected officials or — in the case this past week — players such as Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.The animosity usually spills onto the field, too. Midway through the second quarter, Chase and Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed got into a heated argument, and eventually a team-wide scrum resulted in offsetting personal foul penalties.“I just be under people's skin sometimes, I guess,” Chase said afterward. “Just trash talking. (He) can't handle it.”The Bengals jumped ahead 10-7 when an 8 1/2-minute drive resulted in a field goal and a 6 1/2-minute march ended in Mixon's touchdown catch. Cincinnati then got the ball back when Trey Hendrickson ran right around rookie right tackle Wanya Morris, stripped Mahomes from behind and Sam Hubbard was there to pounce on the loose ball.Pass interference on Sneed in the end zone set up Browning's 1-yard TD run.“It wasn't the smoothest early,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.Butker's first field goal got the Chiefs within 17-10, though, and they had a chance to take the lead when Mahomes saw Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open on their next possession. But yet another dropped pass — the NFL-leading 40th by Kansas City this season — forced the Chiefs to settle for another field goal to trail 17-13 at the break.But as the Chiefs' defense stiffened in the second half, their offense began showing signs of life.They stuffed the Bengals on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 6, then drove 82 yards for Butker's third field goal. And when the Bengals had to punt again, Mahomes hit Rashee Rice for 67 yards to set up Butker's chip shot and give the Chiefs the lead. Two more field goals gave them some breathing room in the closing minutes.“Everybody contributed in this, which I think was great. Nobody gave up hope,” said Reid, whose ninth consecutive 10-win season moved him past the 49ers' George Seifert for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. “The guys executed well, and that is the most important thing right now, at this time of year.”INJURIESCincinnati WR Tee Higgins left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He returned to the game but didn't have another catch, finishing with one for 19 yards.Kansas City WR Justin Watson hurt his chest in the third quarter but returned to the game. The Chiefs are thin at wide receiver with Skyy Moore on injured reserve and Kadarius Toney inactive due to a hip injury.UP NEXTBengals: Host Cleveland next weekend.Chiefs: At the Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

🏈 Butker hits 6 field goals, kicks Chiefs to AFC West title with win over Bengals

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos got that spark they were looking for with a quarterback switch — from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741625787818901940">their defense, anyway</a>.

The red-zone woes are still there for the offense. Same with the struggles to find a consistent ground game. At least, though, the Broncos are headed into a new year on a feel-good note even if they were officially eliminated from the playoff race.

Jarrett&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741622018070479135">Stidham threw</a>&nbsp;for 224 yards and a touchdown in an uneven performance during his first start in place of a benched Russell Wilson as the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 on Sunday.

Stidham earned his first career NFL win as a starter thanks to some timely plays, such as a nifty 54-yard catch-and-run for a score by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1741589190519762975">Lil’Jordan Humphrey</a>&nbsp;and a stellar defensive performance. The Broncos (8-8) forced one turnover and held the Chargers to 2-of-11 on third down.

“Once I got back to my locker, texted my wife just what a cool feeling it is to get my first NFL win,” said Stidham, who earned his first ‘W’ as a starter since leading Auburn to a 63-14 win over Purdue in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 28, 2018. “But with that, it’s not about me. ... It’s about the team getting the eighth win of the year.”

Despite the victory, the Broncos saw their playoff chances end when Kansas City beat Cincinnati. The Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.

It was a matchup of backup against backup, with Stidham supplanting Wilson in an effort to try to spark a sporadic offense. The Chargers (5-11) went with Easton Stick for a third straight start after the injury to Justin Herbert.

Stidham was both solid and shaky in stepping in for Wilson, who saw the team average 21.7 points a game under his watch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1704080980909.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports WriterDENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos got that spark they were looking for with a quarterback switch — from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741625787818901940">their defense, anyway</a>.The red-zone woes are still there for the offense. Same with the struggles to find a consistent ground game. At least, though, the Broncos are headed into a new year on a feel-good note even if they were officially eliminated from the playoff race.Jarrett&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1741622018070479135">Stidham threw</a>&nbsp;for 224 yards and a touchdown in an uneven performance during his first start in place of a benched Russell Wilson as the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-9 on Sunday.Stidham earned his first career NFL win as a starter thanks to some timely plays, such as a nifty 54-yard catch-and-run for a score by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/1741589190519762975">Lil’Jordan Humphrey</a>&nbsp;and a stellar defensive performance. The Broncos (8-8) forced one turnover and held the Chargers to 2-of-11 on third down.“Once I got back to my locker, texted my wife just what a cool feeling it is to get my first NFL win,” said Stidham, who earned his first ‘W’ as a starter since leading Auburn to a 63-14 win over Purdue in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 28, 2018. “But with that, it’s not about me. ... It’s about the team getting the eighth win of the year.”Despite the victory, the Broncos saw their playoff chances end when Kansas City beat Cincinnati. The Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl following the 2015 season.It was a matchup of backup against backup, with Stidham supplanting Wilson in an effort to try to spark a sporadic offense. The Chargers (5-11) went with Easton Stick for a third straight start after the injury to Justin Herbert.Stidham was both solid and shaky in stepping in for Wilson, who saw the team average 21.7 points a game under his watch.“(Stidham) was collected, calm,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “He was efficient in and out of the huddle.”Los Angeles made it 16-9 with 1:17 left on a 52-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker and tried an onside kick. It was recovered by Alex Singleton. Stidham took two knees to end the game.The game changed complexion at the start of the fourth quarter when D.J. Jones knocked the ball out of the hands of Austin Ekeler, with Josey Jewell recovering the fumble in Chargers territory.Denver turned the turnover into a 20-yard field goal by Wil Lutz to make it 16-6. The Broncos benefited from a pass interference call on Jerry Jeudy near the goal line on fourth down. Two false start penalties, though, moved them back and faced with another fourth-down call, Payton elected to kick.The Broncos also made a big play on special teams with Zach Allen blocking a 50-yard field goal by Dicker midway through the fourth quarter. They also thwarted a fake punt attempt in the first half.The Broncos were short-handed at receiver for Stidham, with receiver Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring) sidelined. Humphrey had two catches for 69 yards, while Jeudy made three receptions for 54 yards after being under the weather earlier in the week.As a team captain, Wilson briefly got on the field for the opening coin flip. He spent the afternoon on the sideline in what could be the first of his last two games with the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler was benched last Wednesday by Payton, who said he was looking for an offensive boost. Wilson later said he was approached after a win over Kansas City on Oct. 29 about altering his contract or risk being benched.Wilson has a $37 million injury guarantee for 2025 that’s triggered in March if he fails a physical. The Broncos wanted him to push back the date to give them flexibility, but Wilson rejected it. Payton dodged the topic after the game.“When the season ends, and you have questions specific to all of that — I wasn’t privy to the dialogue — but you’ll be able to ask the appropriate people,” Payton said. “Russ has been fantastic this week.”Stidham vouched for that.“We were communicating on the sideline," said Stidham, who made two starts last season with the Raiders. "I can’t speak highly enough about him.”Stick finished with 220 yards passing. He stepped in when Herbert broke his right index finger in the second quarter against the Broncos on Dec. 10.“I’m just really frustrated and I think we all are, because we don’t have the results,” Stick said. “Right now, we’re not winning football games and that hurts.”MACK’S SACKSChargers linebacker Khalil Mack eclipsed the 100-sack mark when he brought down Stidham in the second quarter.“It’s a landmark number,” Chargers interim coach Giff Smith said. “It’s a crazy number.”In addition, it was also Mack’s 16th sack of the season, which is a new career best.INJURY REPORTBroncos: RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) and special teams player Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) left in the first quarter.UP NEXTChargers: Host Kansas City on Jan. 6 or 7.Broncos: At Las Vegas on Jan. 6 or 7.