SALINA – While missing one of its top scorers, the Hays High boys’ swim team relied on some depth to dominate the Salina South meet Thursday.

With classmate Chase Zadina out of action because of illness, numerous swimmers scored for Hays High in its first action of 2026 as the Indians amassed 524 points – 133 more than runner-up Junction City in the eight-team event.

Senior Karsen Flaska claimed three first-place finishes to help Hays High claim its second team title of the season. It marks the third top-two team finish in four outings this season for the Indians.

Flaska won the 100-yard backstroke in a state-qualifying time of 1 minute, 1.15 seconds, was part of two first-place relay teams and also finished fourth in the 100y butterfly.

Junior Cedric Durr, also a member of those two championship relay teams, also placed high in two individual events.

In addition to Flaska, the senior class was also led by Jude Hileman, who placed in the top four of four events, as well as classmates Noah Shaeffer, Seth Burkholder, Maison Desaire and Levi Crisenberry, who all helped rack up points for the Indians.

Hays High has also been enjoying the addition of several talented underclassmen this season.

Thursday, freshman Jace Herbers filled in for Zadina in the freestyle leg of the team’s 200y medley relay to help the Indians finish first, then placed third individually in the 100y backstroke and swam a leg on the 200y freestyle relay that placed second.

In addition, three ninth-graders (Judah Rigler, Emmitt Dreiling and Brooks Dixon) joined sophomore Jackson Huwa for a fourth-place finish in the 200y freestyle relay. And two other frosh, Bentley Demel and Col Lonsdale, helped another relay team finish fifth.

Next action for the Indians will be Tuesday at Topeka West.

Hays High 524, Junction City 391, Dodge City 374, Salina South 329, Salina Central 214, El Dorado 94, Bennington 40, Gypsum-Southeast of Saline 37.

200y medley relay – 1. (Karsen Flaska, Noah Shaeffer, Cedric Durr, Jace Herbers). 200y individual medley – 3. Cedric Durr; 5. Jude Hileman. 50y freestyle – 4. Maison Désaire; 5. Seth Burkholder. 100y butterfly – 3. Jude Hileman; 4. Karsen Flaska. 100y freestyle – 2. Cedric Durr. 200y freestyle relay – 2. (Maison Désaire, Seth Burkholder, Jace Herbers, Jude Hileman); 4. (Judah Rigler, Emmitt Dreiling, Brooks Dixon, Jackson Huwa). 100y backstroke – 1. Karsen Flaska, 1:01.15 (state qualifying) 100y breaststroke – 2. Noah Shaeffer; 3. Jace Herbers. 400y freestyle relay – 1. (Cedric Durr, Jude Hileman, Seth Burkholder, Karsen Flaska); 5. (Noah Shaeffer, Levi Crisenbery, Bentley Demel, Col Lonsdale)

SubmittedSALINA – While missing one of its top scorers, the Hays High boys’ swim team relied on some depth to dominate the Salina South meet Thursday.With classmate Chase Zadina out of action because of illness, numerous swimmers scored for Hays High in its first action of 2026 as the Indians amassed 524 points – 133 more than runner-up Junction City in the eight-team event.Senior Karsen Flaska claimed three first-place finishes to help Hays High claim its second team title of the season. It marks the third top-two team finish in four outings this season for the Indians.Flaska won the 100-yard backstroke in a state-qualifying time of 1 minute, 1.15 seconds, was part of two first-place relay teams and also finished fourth in the 100y butterfly.Junior Cedric Durr, also a member of those two championship relay teams, also placed high in two individual events.In addition to Flaska, the senior class was also led by Jude Hileman, who placed in the top four of four events, as well as classmates Noah Shaeffer, Seth Burkholder, Maison Desaire and Levi Crisenberry, who all helped rack up points for the Indians.Hays High has also been enjoying the addition of several talented underclassmen this season.Thursday, freshman Jace Herbers filled in for Zadina in the freestyle leg of the team’s 200y medley relay to help the Indians finish first, then placed third individually in the 100y backstroke and swam a leg on the 200y freestyle relay that placed second.In addition, three ninth-graders (Judah Rigler, Emmitt Dreiling and Brooks Dixon) joined sophomore Jackson Huwa for a fourth-place finish in the 200y freestyle relay. And two other frosh, Bentley Demel and Col Lonsdale, helped another relay team finish fifth.Next action for the Indians will be Tuesday at Topeka West.Team scoresHays High 524, Junction City 391, Dodge City 374, Salina South 329, Salina Central 214, El Dorado 94, Bennington 40, Gypsum-Southeast of Saline 37.Hays High results200y medley relay – 1. (Karsen Flaska, Noah Shaeffer, Cedric Durr, Jace Herbers). 200y individual medley – 3. Cedric Durr; 5. Jude Hileman. 50y freestyle – 4. Maison Désaire; 5. Seth Burkholder. 100y butterfly – 3. Jude Hileman; 4. Karsen Flaska. 100y freestyle – 2. Cedric Durr. 200y freestyle relay – 2. (Maison Désaire, Seth Burkholder, Jace Herbers, Jude Hileman); 4. (Judah Rigler, Emmitt Dreiling, Brooks Dixon, Jackson Huwa). 100y backstroke – 1. Karsen Flaska, 1:01.15 (state qualifying) 100y breaststroke – 2. Noah Shaeffer; 3. Jace Herbers. 400y freestyle relay – 1. (Cedric Durr, Jude Hileman, Seth Burkholder, Karsen Flaska); 5. (Noah Shaeffer, Levi Crisenbery, Bentley Demel, Col Lonsdale)

🏊‍♀️ Indian swimmers win another meet

EMPORIA, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 11-4 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA with a 73-70 win over Emporia State on Thursday evening at White Auditorium. The Tigers trailed by one at halftime, but maintained the lead after hitting the first basket of the second half. The Hornets fell to 4-10 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA.

The first half was tight as the biggest lead for either team was three points within the first 15 minutes. The Tigers went on a 9-0 burst to take an eight-point lead at 29-21, but the Hornets closed the half on an 11-2 run to get the lead back, 32-31 at halftime. The first half saw 12 lead changes and a pair of ties.

A Lucas Hammeke 3-point play to open the second half scoring put the Tigers in front for good. It started an 11-2 run by the Tigers, which took their lead back to eight. They pushed their lead into double digits by the 10:59 mark and led by 11 twice before having to hold off the pesky Hornets late. ESU came within two with five seconds to go, but they could not get off a 3-point look at the end of the game as the Tigers survived.

Dan Mukuna led the Tigers with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 11-of-18 from the field and 5-of-7 at the free-throw line. He also tied Hammeke for a team-high three steals. Kyle Grill had 16 points and Jahvari Martino added 12. Hammeke led the Tigers in assists with four.

Chris Harris led the Hornets with 24 points, while Treyvon Taylor added 13 and Trey Redd had 11 and a team-best six assists.

The Tigers have won 10 of their last 12 games against Emporia State at White Auditorium. In the series overall, they have won five of the last six.

The Tigers will have a whole week off before returning to action on the road next Thursday at Missouri Western.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767943384260.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Eli Lawson (32) blocks the shot of Emporia State's Treyvon Taylor (22) in the second half of their college basketball game on Thursday, January 8., 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart/ESU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Eli Lawson (32) blocks the shot of Emporia State's Treyvon Taylor (22) in the second half of their college basketball game on Thursday, January 8., 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart/ESU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 11-4 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA with a 73-70 win over Emporia State on Thursday evening at White Auditorium. The Tigers trailed by one at halftime, but maintained the lead after hitting the first basket of the second half. The Hornets fell to 4-10 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2244315569&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-814667509/1-8-25-fhsu-mbkb-coach" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)</a></div></div>The first half was tight as the biggest lead for either team was three points within the first 15 minutes. The Tigers went on a 9-0 burst to take an eight-point lead at 29-21, but the Hornets closed the half on an 11-2 run to get the lead back, 32-31 at halftime. The first half saw 12 lead changes and a pair of ties.A Lucas Hammeke 3-point play to open the second half scoring put the Tigers in front for good. It started an 11-2 run by the Tigers, which took their lead back to eight. They pushed their lead into double digits by the 10:59 mark and led by 11 twice before having to hold off the pesky Hornets late. ESU came within two with five seconds to go, but they could not get off a 3-point look at the end of the game as the Tigers survived.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2244317717&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-814667509/1-8-25-fhsu-mbkb-highlights-at" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)</a></div></div>Dan Mukuna led the Tigers with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 11-of-18 from the field and 5-of-7 at the free-throw line. He also tied Hammeke for a team-high three steals. Kyle Grill had 16 points and Jahvari Martino added 12. Hammeke led the Tigers in assists with four.Chris Harris led the Hornets with 24 points, while Treyvon Taylor added 13 and Trey Redd had 11 and a team-best six assists.The Tigers have won 10 of their last 12 games against Emporia State at White Auditorium. In the series overall, they have won five of the last six.<h2>Up next</h2>The Tigers will have a whole week off before returning to action on the road next Thursday at Missouri Western.

🏀 Makuna double-double helps Tigers hold off Hornets

EMPORIA, Kan. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team shook off a slow start to defeat Emporia State Thursday evening (Jan. 8) on the road, winning 82-64. The win extends the Tigers' (14-1, 5-1 MIAA) winning streak against the Lady Hornets to seven games, their longest in series history.

The win is Fort Hays State's 425th victory since joining the MIAA in 2006, moving the Tigers past Emporia State for the most in the conference over the last 20 seasons. FHSU is averaging more than 21 wins per season over that span.

The Tigers put together a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures for the first time since last January (NWMSU, 1/18/25).

Emporia State (7-7, 1-4 MIAA) led by as many as seven early in the first quarter, capitalizing on six Tiger turnovers while limiting the visitors to just 25 percent shooting (5-of-20) in the opening frame.

Fort Hays State responded in a big way in the second quarter, pouring in its first eight shots to take the lead for good. After scoring just two points in the opening frame, Talexa Weeter totaled 10 points in the first five minutes of the second stanza including the go-ahead bucket three minutes into the frame.

Brooke Loewe and Mikayla Pilley both added 3-pointers during the 20-6 run, helping the Tigers go up by as many as 10 before they took a 35-28 lead into the locker room.

After turning the ball over 10 times in the first half, FHSU made only three turnovers over the final 20 minutes to help secure the win. The Lady Hornets chipped away in the third quarter, closing within one point late in the frame before a Pilley basket put the Tigers up 52-49 entering the fourth quarter.

The Tigers took things to another level in the final frame, outscoring ESU 30-11 over the first eight minutes to build the lead as high as 22. FHSU hit 10-of-14 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the line over that span while the defense limited the home team to just 4-of-12 shooting.

Kaitlin Schumann was a big reason for the fourth-quarter success, with the freshman scoring a career-high 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the frame.

Weeter led the game with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Loewe recorded 15 assists and 12 points for her seventh career double-double. The senior is averaging 13.3 assists per game since the calendar switched to 2026.

Olivia Mortensen also added 12 points and matched her career best with seven rebounds, while Pilley also surpassed her personal best with 11 points.

The Tigers outrebounded the Lady Hornets by 18, grabbing 50 rebounds for their highest total since 2023 (55 vs. NU, 12/17/23).

Winners of four games in the last eight days and seven in a row overall, the Tigers will now have one week to prepare before traveling to St. Joseph, Mo. to take on Missouri Western next Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767943019915.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kaitlin Schumann (34) goes up for a shot over Emporia State's Macey Gandee (34) on Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart/ESU Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kaitlin Schumann (34) goes up for a shot over Emporia State's Macey Gandee (34) on Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Emporia, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Mason Hart/ESU Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. - The sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team shook off a slow start to defeat Emporia State Thursday evening (Jan. 8) on the road, winning 82-64. The win extends the Tigers' (14-1, 5-1 MIAA) winning streak against the Lady Hornets to seven games, their longest in series history.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2244270683&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-814667509/1-8-25-fhsu-wbkb-coach" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)</a></div></div>The win is Fort Hays State's 425th victory since joining the MIAA in 2006, moving the Tigers past Emporia State for the most in the conference over the last 20 seasons. FHSU is averaging more than 21 wins per season over that span.The Tigers put together a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures for the first time since last January (NWMSU, 1/18/25).Emporia State (7-7, 1-4 MIAA) led by as many as seven early in the first quarter, capitalizing on six Tiger turnovers while limiting the visitors to just 25 percent shooting (5-of-20) in the opening frame.Fort Hays State responded in a big way in the second quarter, pouring in its first eight shots to take the lead for good. After scoring just two points in the opening frame, Talexa Weeter totaled 10 points in the first five minutes of the second stanza including the go-ahead bucket three minutes into the frame.Brooke Loewe and Mikayla Pilley both added 3-pointers during the 20-6 run, helping the Tigers go up by as many as 10 before they took a 35-28 lead into the locker room.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2244270881&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-814667509/1-8-25-fhsu-wbkb-highlights-at" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Emporia State (Jan. 8, 2026)</a></div></div>After turning the ball over 10 times in the first half, FHSU made only three turnovers over the final 20 minutes to help secure the win. The Lady Hornets chipped away in the third quarter, closing within one point late in the frame before a Pilley basket put the Tigers up 52-49 entering the fourth quarter.The Tigers took things to another level in the final frame, outscoring ESU 30-11 over the first eight minutes to build the lead as high as 22. FHSU hit 10-of-14 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the line over that span while the defense limited the home team to just 4-of-12 shooting.Kaitlin Schumann was a big reason for the fourth-quarter success, with the freshman scoring a career-high 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the frame.Weeter led the game with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Loewe recorded 15 assists and 12 points for her seventh career double-double. The senior is averaging 13.3 assists per game since the calendar switched to 2026.Olivia Mortensen also added 12 points and matched her career best with seven rebounds, while Pilley also surpassed her personal best with 11 points.The Tigers outrebounded the Lady Hornets by 18, grabbing 50 rebounds for their highest total since 2023 (55 vs. NU, 12/17/23).<h2>Up next</h2>Winners of four games in the last eight days and seven in a row overall, the Tigers will now have one week to prepare before traveling to St. Joseph, Mo. to take on Missouri Western next Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m.

🏀 No. 6 Tiger women run win streak over Emporia State to seven

Fort Hays State (10-4, 2-3 MIAA) at Emporia State (4-9, 0-4 MIAA) Thursday, January 8 • 7:30 p.m. Emporia, Kan. • White Auditorium

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

Fort Hays State will wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days on Thursday night in a contest at Emporia State. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium. The Tigers are still seeking their first conference road win of the season, entering at 10-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA. The Hornets hold a record of 4-9 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.

The Tigers are coming off a one-point, 68-67 loss at Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday night. They held three 1-point leads in the game, which included right at the start of the contest and twice inside the final two minutes of the game. The Tigers had a couple of chances to take the lead again late, but fell just a point short. Lucas Hammeke led FHSU with 21 points.

The Hornets enter on a three-game losing skid. They lost to Rockhurst before the start of the holiday break, then fell at Central Missouri and Washburn in conference play last week.

Fort Hays State holds a 108-88 advantage in the all-time series between the teams. FHSU and ESU split the regular season series last year, each winning at home. The Emporia State win in Emporia last year snapped a four-game winning streak for the Tigers in the series. However, the Tigers have played well in Emporia in recent times, winning nine of the last 11 meetings at White Auditorium.

Dan Mukuna leads the Tigers at 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Kyle Grill averages 13.4 points and Jahvari Martino adds 11.1 per game.

As a team, the Tigers rank third in NCAA Division II for scoring defense (59.3 ppg), fourth in field goal percentage defense (.370), and fifth in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.258).

Andrew Pengel leads Emporia State in scoring at 13.2 points per game, while Chris Harris adds 12.2 per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767873527087.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (10-4, 2-3 MIAA) at Emporia State (4-9, 0-4 MIAA) Thursday, January 8 • 7:30 p.m. Emporia, Kan. • White AuditoriumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Fort Hays State will wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days on Thursday night in a contest at Emporia State. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium. The Tigers are still seeking their first conference road win of the season, entering at 10-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA. The Hornets hold a record of 4-9 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.The Tigers are coming off a one-point, 68-67 loss at Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday night. They held three 1-point leads in the game, which included right at the start of the contest and twice inside the final two minutes of the game. The Tigers had a couple of chances to take the lead again late, but fell just a point short. Lucas Hammeke led FHSU with 21 points.The Hornets enter on a three-game losing skid. They lost to Rockhurst before the start of the holiday break, then fell at Central Missouri and Washburn in conference play last week.Fort Hays State holds a 108-88 advantage in the all-time series between the teams. FHSU and ESU split the regular season series last year, each winning at home. The Emporia State win in Emporia last year snapped a four-game winning streak for the Tigers in the series. However, the Tigers have played well in Emporia in recent times, winning nine of the last 11 meetings at White Auditorium.Dan Mukuna leads the Tigers at 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Kyle Grill averages 13.4 points and Jahvari Martino adds 11.1 per game.As a team, the Tigers rank third in NCAA Division II for scoring defense (59.3 ppg), fourth in field goal percentage defense (.370), and fifth in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.258).Andrew Pengel leads Emporia State in scoring at 13.2 points per game, while Chris Harris adds 12.2 per game.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: Tigers face Hornets in Emporia Thursday night

#6 Fort Hays State (13-1, 4-1 MIAA) at Emporia State (7-6, 1-3 MIAA) Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 5:30 p.m. Emporia, Kan. • White Auditorium

Sixth-ranked women's basketball plays for the fourth time in eight days on Thursday (Jan. 8) when the Tigers travel across the state to take on Emporia State. First tip from White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan. is set for 5:30 p.m.

Quick Hits - This is the 20th season the Tigers are playing in the MIAA since joining the league in 2006. Fort Hays State and Emporia State are tied for the league lead with 424 wins over that span. - Brooke Loewe broke her own school record with 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, three days after totaling 14 against Missouri Western. It is the most assists in a game by any NCAA women's basketball athlete across all divisions this season. - Loewe is the DII active career leader with 540 assists, ranking seventh across all NCAA divisions. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. For context, the MIAA record for single season scoring average is 25.4 ppg (MSSU's Melissa Grider, 95-96). - Fort Hays State has hit 50 percent or better from the floor in more than half of its games this season (8 of 14). - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.33) and third in field goal percentage (48.8 percent). - The Tigers have won six in a row against Emporia State, FHSU's longest winning streak in series history. - The Hornets are one of two teams with a winning record against the Tigers in regular season MIAA matchups (ESU 19-13, PSU 16-15).

National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.33), third in field goal percentage (48.8 percent), eighth in winning percentage (92.8 percent), 11th in 3-point percentage (36.7 percent) and 11th in scoring offense (80.4 ppg). - Brooke Loewe's 10.9 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. The DI lead is 9.0 assists per game, while the second-best average in DII is 7.3 (Jillian Aschoff - Nebraska-Kearney). - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. - Loewe's 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney are the most in a game across all NCAA divisions of women's basketball this season and second-most across all divisions including men's basketball (Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Quion Williams had 18 assists vs. Champion Christian). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe has seven games with 11-plus assists, the most of any DII athlete. Only two other DII student-athletes have had multiple 11-plus assist games this season (CSP's Lydia Haack - 2, UNK's Jillian Aschoff - 4). - Ellie Stearns ranks fourth in the conference with 2.1 3-pointers made per game. - Olivia Mortensen ranks third in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 53.4 percent. - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (9.1 per game) and second in the MIAA in field goal percentage (54.2 percent). - Loewe is tied for first in the conference with an average of 2.4 steals per game.

MIAA Athlete of the Week x 4 - Talexa Weeter has been named MIAA Athlete of the Week in four of the seven weeks so far this season. - The junior averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver before Thanksgiving. - Weeter totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State. - She erupted for an average of 37 points and 12 rebounds with a pair of double-doubles against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western, including a career-high 45 points against the Bearcats that is one off the program record and is tied for the most points scored by a DII athlete this season.

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

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

On This Day - The Tigers are 7-4 in recorded history on January 8, most recently defeating Lincoln 92-57 at home in 2022. - Katie Wagner was one of four Tigers in double figures, leading the team with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

Last Time Out - The No. 6 Tigers rallied from a 10-point deficit midway through the third quarter to defeat Nebraska-Kearney by double figures on the road on Tuesday, winning 84-73. - Brooke Loewe distributed 17 assists in the win, breaking her own school record. That total is the most in a single game by any NCAA women's basketball student-athlete across all divisions. - Talexa Weeter totaled 30 points, while Olivia Mortensen racked up 20 points thanks to four 3-pointers. - FHSU hit 50.9 percent from the floor, including hitting 15 of its final 19 shots.

Scouting the Lady Hornets - Emporia State is 7-6 overall and 1-3 in MIAA play. However, the Lady Hornets are a perfect 6-0 at home this season. - The Lady Hornets rank last in the conference in fouls per game (20.8) and defensive rebounds per game (24.7). On the other hand, ESU is second in the league on the offensive glass, averaging 14.0 offensive rebounds per night. - Kaitlyn Sanders ranks second in the conference behind Talexa Weeter with an average of 17.8 points per night. - Gracie Gilpin hits 2.46 3-pointers per game, second-most in the MIAA.

Series History with Emporia State - Emporia State is 52-41 all-time against the Tigers - The Hornets hold a 28-14 lead in games played in Emporia. - The Tigers have won six in a row overall, their longest winning streak in series history. - FHSU has won three in a row on the road, with ESU's last home win over the Tigers coming in 2019. - FHSU is 3-0 against the Lady Hornets under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 mark on the road. - The Lady Hornets are 19-13 against FHSU in regular season MIAA matchups. They are one of two teams with a winning record over the Tigers in such contests (PSU - 16-15). - The Tigers are 1-2 against ESU in overtime meetings, with the last matchup going to overtime in 1988.

Last Meeting with the Lady Hornets - The seventh-ranked Tigers held Emporia State to a season-low 52 points in a 70-52 road win last February (2/13/25). - The home team led for all of 11 seconds to start the game before Bailey Wilborn drilled a 3-pointer to give the Tigers the lead, the first of three triples for Wilborn." - Katie DeGarmo scored nine points in the second quarter, outscoring ESU by three points in the frame. - Olivia Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points while DeGarmo totaled 13 points and 14 rebounds for the 42nd double-double in her career.

Career Stats vs. ESU - Talexa Weeter - 11.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in two games, including one game with 20-plus points. - Brooke Loewe - 2.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.8 apg in four games, including one game with 10-plus assists. - Ellie Stearns - 4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg in four games, including one game with 10-plus points.

Looking Ahead The Tigers will get a week of preparation before returning to the road to take on Missouri Western next Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767873937640.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#6 Fort Hays State (13-1, 4-1 MIAA) at Emporia State (7-6, 1-3 MIAA) Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 5:30 p.m. Emporia, Kan. • White AuditoriumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;MIAA Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Sixth-ranked women's basketball plays for the fourth time in eight days on Thursday (Jan. 8) when the Tigers travel across the state to take on Emporia State. First tip from White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan. is set for 5:30 p.m.Quick Hits - This is the 20th season the Tigers are playing in the MIAA since joining the league in 2006. Fort Hays State and Emporia State are tied for the league lead with 424 wins over that span. - Brooke Loewe broke her own school record with 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, three days after totaling 14 against Missouri Western. It is the most assists in a game by any NCAA women's basketball athlete across all divisions this season. - Loewe is the DII active career leader with 540 assists, ranking seventh across all NCAA divisions. - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. For context, the MIAA record for single season scoring average is 25.4 ppg (MSSU's Melissa Grider, 95-96). - Fort Hays State has hit 50 percent or better from the floor in more than half of its games this season (8 of 14). - Fort Hays State leads Division II with an average of 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.33) and third in field goal percentage (48.8 percent). - The Tigers have won six in a row against Emporia State, FHSU's longest winning streak in series history. - The Hornets are one of two teams with a winning record against the Tigers in regular season MIAA matchups (ESU 19-13, PSU 16-15).National Rankings - FHSU leads in the country with 21.1 assists per game while ranking second in assist/turnover ratio (1.33), third in field goal percentage (48.8 percent), eighth in winning percentage (92.8 percent), 11th in 3-point percentage (36.7 percent) and 11th in scoring offense (80.4 ppg). - Brooke Loewe's 10.9 assists per game are the most across all NCAA divisions. The DI lead is 9.0 assists per game, while the second-best average in DII is 7.3 (Jillian Aschoff - Nebraska-Kearney). - Talexa Weeter leads Division II and ranks third across all NCAA divisions with an average of 29.0 points per game. - Loewe's 17 assists against Nebraska-Kearney are the most in a game across all NCAA divisions of women's basketball this season and second-most across all divisions including men's basketball (Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Quion Williams had 18 assists vs. Champion Christian). - Weeter's 45 points against Northwest Missouri State are tied for the most by a DII athlete this season. - Loewe has seven games with 11-plus assists, the most of any DII athlete. Only two other DII student-athletes have had multiple 11-plus assist games this season (CSP's Lydia Haack - 2, UNK's Jillian Aschoff - 4). - Ellie Stearns ranks fourth in the conference with 2.1 3-pointers made per game. - Olivia Mortensen ranks third in the MIAA with a field goal percentage of 53.4 percent. - Weeter ranks second in the MIAA in rebounds (9.1 per game) and second in the MIAA in field goal percentage (54.2 percent). - Loewe is tied for first in the conference with an average of 2.4 steals per game.MIAA Athlete of the Week x 4 - Talexa Weeter has been named MIAA Athlete of the Week in four of the seven weeks so far this season. - The junior averaged 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 60.5 percent from the floor in the first two games of the season. - The Goodland, Kan. native then averaged 33.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the two wins in Denver before Thanksgiving. - Weeter totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds in a blowout win over No. 6 Pittsburg State. - She erupted for an average of 37 points and 12 rebounds with a pair of double-doubles against Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western, including a career-high 45 points against the Bearcats that is one off the program record and is tied for the most points scored by a DII athlete this season.20 Wins Now the Norm - Fort Hays State has now reached the 20-win plateau in each of the last 14 seasons, extending the longest active streak of 20-win seasons in Division II. FHSU's streak is tied for the sixth-longest active streak of 20-win seasons across all NCAA Divisions. - FHSU reached the 20-win plateau just eight times over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12, including no more than two consecutive 20-win campaigns during that time. - The next-best active streak of 20-win seasons in the MIAA is four (MWSU), while the next-best streak in DII is Drury with 12. - Only five DI programs have longer active stretches of 20-win seasons, including UConn (32), Baylor (25), Stanford (23), Florida Gulf Coast (21) and Louisville (15). Fort Hays State's run of 14-straight 20-win seasons is tied with South Carolina and South Dakota State for sixth-best in all NCAA women's basketball.Fresh Start - Olivia Mortensen is the 14th true freshman to start a season opener for the Tigers during the DII era (since 1991-92) and the first since Ellie Stearns in 2022.On This Day - The Tigers are 7-4 in recorded history on January 8, most recently defeating Lincoln 92-57 at home in 2022. - Katie Wagner was one of four Tigers in double figures, leading the team with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting.Last Time Out - The No. 6 Tigers rallied from a 10-point deficit midway through the third quarter to defeat Nebraska-Kearney by double figures on the road on Tuesday, winning 84-73. - Brooke Loewe distributed 17 assists in the win, breaking her own school record. That total is the most in a single game by any NCAA women's basketball student-athlete across all divisions. - Talexa Weeter totaled 30 points, while Olivia Mortensen racked up 20 points thanks to four 3-pointers. - FHSU hit 50.9 percent from the floor, including hitting 15 of its final 19 shots.Scouting the Lady Hornets - Emporia State is 7-6 overall and 1-3 in MIAA play. However, the Lady Hornets are a perfect 6-0 at home this season. - The Lady Hornets rank last in the conference in fouls per game (20.8) and defensive rebounds per game (24.7). On the other hand, ESU is second in the league on the offensive glass, averaging 14.0 offensive rebounds per night. - Kaitlyn Sanders ranks second in the conference behind Talexa Weeter with an average of 17.8 points per night. - Gracie Gilpin hits 2.46 3-pointers per game, second-most in the MIAA.Series History with Emporia State - Emporia State is 52-41 all-time against the Tigers - The Hornets hold a 28-14 lead in games played in Emporia. - The Tigers have won six in a row overall, their longest winning streak in series history. - FHSU has won three in a row on the road, with ESU's last home win over the Tigers coming in 2019. - FHSU is 3-0 against the Lady Hornets under head coach Talia Kahrs, including a 1-0 mark on the road. - The Lady Hornets are 19-13 against FHSU in regular season MIAA matchups. They are one of two teams with a winning record over the Tigers in such contests (PSU - 16-15). - The Tigers are 1-2 against ESU in overtime meetings, with the last matchup going to overtime in 1988.Last Meeting with the Lady Hornets - The seventh-ranked Tigers held Emporia State to a season-low 52 points in a 70-52 road win last February (2/13/25). - The home team led for all of 11 seconds to start the game before Bailey Wilborn drilled a 3-pointer to give the Tigers the lead, the first of three triples for Wilborn." - Katie DeGarmo scored nine points in the second quarter, outscoring ESU by three points in the frame. - Olivia Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points while DeGarmo totaled 13 points and 14 rebounds for the 42nd double-double in her career.Career Stats vs. ESU - Talexa Weeter - 11.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.5 apg in two games, including one game with 20-plus points. - Brooke Loewe - 2.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.8 apg in four games, including one game with 10-plus assists. - Ellie Stearns - 4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg in four games, including one game with 10-plus points.Looking Ahead The Tigers will get a week of preparation before returning to the road to take on Missouri Western next Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mo.

🏀🎧 LISTEN: No. 6 FHSU women continue road swing Thursday in Emporia

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

Thursday, January 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Emporia State, 5:05pm

Friday, January 9
 KKQY: Ellis MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:00pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Sacred Heart, 5:40pm

Saturday, January 10
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
West Virginia, 9:30am

Sunday, January 11
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Thursday, January 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Emporia State, 5:05pmFriday, January 9
 KKQY: Ellis MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:00pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Sacred Heart, 5:40pmSaturday, January 10
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
West Virginia, 9:30amSunday, January 11
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 28 points, Motiejus Krivas added a career-high 25 and No. 1 Arizona remained unbeaten with a 101-76 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

Arizona (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) is off to its best start since winning the first 21 games of the 2013-14 season. Arizona won by at least 18 points for the 10th consecutive game, matching a mark Michigan had earlier this season that tied for the longest such run since 2003-04.

Burries had his fifth 20-point game and matched his career high by going 12 for 16 from the field while adding nine rebounds. Krivas was 7 of 10, making 11 of 13 free throws, and had 12 rebounds.

Koa Peat had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka added nine and 11 as Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32. Arizona shot 49.3% from the field but was just 3 of 16 from 3-point range.

Kansas State (9-6, 0-2) went 8 for 36 from deep and shot 33.8% overall. PJ Haggerty led the way with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, while Nate Johnson added 15 and Dorin Buca 12.

Down 15 at the half, Kansas State pulled within 58-49 with 16:09 left on a 3-pointer by Johnson. Arizona responded with a 6-0 run and kept the margin at least 12 the rest of the way. Back-to-back dunks by Burries and Peat and a corner 3-pointer by Jaden Bradley keyed a 13-0 run to put Arizona ahead 92-65 with 3:31 remaining.

Arizona built a 10-point lead less than six minutes into the game and upped it to 20 with 2:52 left in the first half. Burries had 16 before halftime.

Kansas State plays at Arizona State on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767869531294.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 28 points, Motiejus Krivas added a career-high 25 and No. 1 Arizona remained unbeaten with a 101-76 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.Arizona (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) is off to its best start since winning the first 21 games of the 2013-14 season. Arizona won by at least 18 points for the 10th consecutive game, matching a mark Michigan had earlier this season that tied for the longest such run since 2003-04.Burries had his fifth 20-point game and matched his career high by going 12 for 16 from the field while adding nine rebounds. Krivas was 7 of 10, making 11 of 13 free throws, and had 12 rebounds.Koa Peat had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka added nine and 11 as Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32. Arizona shot 49.3% from the field but was just 3 of 16 from 3-point range.Kansas State (9-6, 0-2) went 8 for 36 from deep and shot 33.8% overall. PJ Haggerty led the way with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, while Nate Johnson added 15 and Dorin Buca 12.Down 15 at the half, Kansas State pulled within 58-49 with 16:09 left on a 3-pointer by Johnson. Arizona responded with a 6-0 run and kept the margin at least 12 the rest of the way. Back-to-back dunks by Burries and Peat and a corner 3-pointer by Jaden Bradley keyed a 13-0 run to put Arizona ahead 92-65 with 3:31 remaining.Arizona built a 10-point lead less than six minutes into the game and upped it to 20 with 2:52 left in the first half. Burries had 16 before halftime.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State plays at Arizona State on Saturday.Arizona plays at TCU on Saturday.

🏀 Arizona remains unbeaten with win over Kansas State

Fort Hays State tries for a sixth-straight win when they play Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.

Fort Hays State tries for a sixth-straight win when they play Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 7, 2026)" 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=4q2tz-1a10c4d-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 Nebraska-Kearney

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women try for a sixth straight win again Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.

The 6th-ranked Fort Hays State women try for a sixth straight win again Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Health and Sports Center in Kearney, Neb.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Nebraska-Kearney" 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=9em39-1a10994-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 at Nebraska-Kearney 

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Manhattan

🎥🏀 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Sylvan-Lucas

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their first rankings of 2026 on Tuesday.

6A
Girls&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 &nbsp;1.&nbsp; SM South (2) 2.&nbsp; Blue Valley North (3)
 3.&nbsp; Wichita Heights (8) 4.&nbsp; Wichita East (1)
 5.&nbsp; Olathe North (9)
 6.&nbsp; Derby (5)
 7.&nbsp; Olathe South (4)
 8.&nbsp; Manhattan (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Lawrence (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Washburn Rural (6)

5A Girls &nbsp;1. St. Thomas Aquinas (1)
 2.&nbsp; Andover (2)
 3.&nbsp; Kansas City Piper (3)
 4.&nbsp; Maize South (5) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Hays (4)
 6.&nbsp; Kapaun (6)
 7.&nbsp; Bishop Carroll (7)
 8.&nbsp; Salina South (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Topeka Seaman (8)
 10. St. James (NR)

4A Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Wellington (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Wamego (3) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Bishop Miege (4)
 4.&nbsp; Fort Scott (7)
 5.&nbsp; Ottawa (NR) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Independence (8) &nbsp;7.&nbsp; Topeka Hayden (2)
 8.&nbsp; Eudora (5)
 9.&nbsp; Chapman (10)
 10. Santa Fe Trail (NR)

3A Girls 
 1.&nbsp; Silver Lake (2) 2.&nbsp; Halstead (1)
 3.&nbsp; Osage City (3) 4.&nbsp; Holcomb (4) 5.&nbsp; Burlington (6) 6.&nbsp; Cheney (7)
 7.&nbsp; Girard (5)
 8.&nbsp; Riley County (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Beloit (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Haven (NR)

2A&nbsp; Girls 1.&nbsp; Moundridge (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Pitt – Colgan (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Hillsboro (3)
 4.&nbsp; Ellinwood (4)
 5.&nbsp; Eureka (5)
 6.&nbsp; Valley Heights (6)
 7.&nbsp; Inman (7)
 8.&nbsp; Doniphan West (8) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Berean Academy (9)
 10.&nbsp; Remington (10)

1A Div. 1 Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Little River (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Wabaunsee (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Centralia (3) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Hodgeman County (4)
 5.&nbsp; Rock Hills (5)
 6.&nbsp; Decatur County (6)
 7.&nbsp; Spearville (7)
 8.&nbsp; Quinter (8)
 9. South Gray (9)
 10. Olpe (NR)

1A Div. 2 Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Hanover (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Bucklin (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Linn (3)
 4.&nbsp; Marais des Cynges (4)
 5.&nbsp; Cheylin (5) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Central Christian (6)
 7.&nbsp; Lebo (7)
 8.&nbsp; Ashland (8)
 9.&nbsp; Randolph - BV(NR)
 10.&nbsp; Dighton (10)

BOYS 6A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; SM South (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Olathe North (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Mill Valley (3)
 4.&nbsp; Wichita Heights (4)
 5.&nbsp; Maize (5)
 6.&nbsp; Blue Valley High (6)
 7.&nbsp; BV Northwest (9) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Blue Valley West (7) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Manhattan (NR)
 10. BV North (10) &nbsp;

5A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1)
 2.&nbsp; Topeka West (2)
 3.&nbsp; Emporia (NR) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; St. James Academy (10) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Topeka – Seaman (3) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Bonner Springs (5) &nbsp;7. &nbsp;Andover (9) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Hays (NR) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Salina South (6)
 10. Kansas City Piper (8)

4A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Rock Creek (1)
 2.&nbsp; Atchison (2)
 3.&nbsp; Bishop Miege (3)
 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pratt (4)
 5.&nbsp; Andale (9) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Concordia (8)
 7.&nbsp; Baldwin (10)
 8.&nbsp; Chanute (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Augusta (NR)
 10. Paola (5)

3A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Wichita–Collegiate (3) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Hesston (1) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Holcomb (4)
 4.&nbsp; Burlington (5)
 5.&nbsp; Wichita Trinity (NR)
 6.&nbsp; Silver Lake (2) &nbsp;7.&nbsp; Beloit (9)
 8.&nbsp; Riverton (NR) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Perry Lecompton (NR)
 10. Hiawatha (NR)

2A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Sterling (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Moundridge (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Ell-Saline (3) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Sacred Heart (4)
 5.&nbsp; Classical School (8)
 6.&nbsp; St. Mary's (7) &nbsp;
 7.&nbsp; Berean Academy (5) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Pitt - Colgan (10)
 9.&nbsp; Rossville (6) &nbsp;10.&nbsp; Republic County (9)

1A Div. 1 Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Olpe (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; South Central (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Little River (3) &nbsp;
 4.&nbsp; Seabury Academy (9)
 5.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alma-Wabaunsee (6)
 6.&nbsp; Central Plains (7)
 7.&nbsp; St. John’s/Tipton (NR)
 8.&nbsp; Rural Vista (4) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Greeley County (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Quinter (5)

1A&nbsp; Div. 2 Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Hanover (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Axtell (2)&nbsp; &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Victoria (7) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Hartford (3) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Thunder Ridge (NR) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Wallace County (NR)
 7.&nbsp; Deerfield (10)
 8.&nbsp; Elyria Christian (4) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Linn (NR) &nbsp;10. Tescott (NR)

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association has released their first rankings of 2026 on Tuesday.6A
Girls&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 &nbsp;1.&nbsp; SM South (2) 2.&nbsp; Blue Valley North (3)
 3.&nbsp; Wichita Heights (8) 4.&nbsp; Wichita East (1)
 5.&nbsp; Olathe North (9)
 6.&nbsp; Derby (5)
 7.&nbsp; Olathe South (4)
 8.&nbsp; Manhattan (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Lawrence (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Washburn Rural (6)5A Girls &nbsp;1. St. Thomas Aquinas (1)
 2.&nbsp; Andover (2)
 3.&nbsp; Kansas City Piper (3)
 4.&nbsp; Maize South (5) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Hays (4)
 6.&nbsp; Kapaun (6)
 7.&nbsp; Bishop Carroll (7)
 8.&nbsp; Salina South (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Topeka Seaman (8)
 10. St. James (NR)4A Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Wellington (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Wamego (3) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Bishop Miege (4)
 4.&nbsp; Fort Scott (7)
 5.&nbsp; Ottawa (NR) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Independence (8) &nbsp;7.&nbsp; Topeka Hayden (2)
 8.&nbsp; Eudora (5)
 9.&nbsp; Chapman (10)
 10. Santa Fe Trail (NR)3A Girls 
 1.&nbsp; Silver Lake (2) 2.&nbsp; Halstead (1)
 3.&nbsp; Osage City (3) 4.&nbsp; Holcomb (4) 5.&nbsp; Burlington (6) 6.&nbsp; Cheney (7)
 7.&nbsp; Girard (5)
 8.&nbsp; Riley County (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Beloit (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Haven (NR)2A&nbsp; Girls 1.&nbsp; Moundridge (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Pitt – Colgan (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Hillsboro (3)
 4.&nbsp; Ellinwood (4)
 5.&nbsp; Eureka (5)
 6.&nbsp; Valley Heights (6)
 7.&nbsp; Inman (7)
 8.&nbsp; Doniphan West (8) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Berean Academy (9)
 10.&nbsp; Remington (10) 1A Div. 1 Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Little River (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Wabaunsee (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Centralia (3) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Hodgeman County (4)
 5.&nbsp; Rock Hills (5)
 6.&nbsp; Decatur County (6)
 7.&nbsp; Spearville (7)
 8.&nbsp; Quinter (8)
 9. South Gray (9)
 10. Olpe (NR)1A Div. 2 Girls &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Hanover (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Bucklin (2) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Linn (3)
 4.&nbsp; Marais des Cynges (4)
 5.&nbsp; Cheylin (5) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Central Christian (6)
 7.&nbsp; Lebo (7)
 8.&nbsp; Ashland (8)
 9.&nbsp; Randolph - BV(NR)
 10.&nbsp; Dighton (10)BOYS 6A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; SM South (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Olathe North (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Mill Valley (3)
 4.&nbsp; Wichita Heights (4)
 5.&nbsp; Maize (5)
 6.&nbsp; Blue Valley High (6)
 7.&nbsp; BV Northwest (9) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Blue Valley West (7) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Manhattan (NR)
 10. BV North (10) &nbsp;5A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1)
 2.&nbsp; Topeka West (2)
 3.&nbsp; Emporia (NR) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; St. James Academy (10) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Topeka – Seaman (3) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Bonner Springs (5) &nbsp;7. &nbsp;Andover (9) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Hays (NR) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Salina South (6)
 10. Kansas City Piper (8)4A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Rock Creek (1)
 2.&nbsp; Atchison (2)
 3.&nbsp; Bishop Miege (3)
 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pratt (4)
 5.&nbsp; Andale (9) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Concordia (8)
 7.&nbsp; Baldwin (10)
 8.&nbsp; Chanute (NR)
 9.&nbsp; Augusta (NR)
 10. Paola (5)3A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Wichita–Collegiate (3) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Hesston (1) &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Holcomb (4)
 4.&nbsp; Burlington (5)
 5.&nbsp; Wichita Trinity (NR)
 6.&nbsp; Silver Lake (2) &nbsp;7.&nbsp; Beloit (9)
 8.&nbsp; Riverton (NR) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Perry Lecompton (NR)
 10. Hiawatha (NR) 2A Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Sterling (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Moundridge (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Ell-Saline (3) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Sacred Heart (4)
 5.&nbsp; Classical School (8)
 6.&nbsp; St. Mary's (7) &nbsp;
 7.&nbsp; Berean Academy (5) &nbsp;8.&nbsp; Pitt - Colgan (10)
 9.&nbsp; Rossville (6) &nbsp;10.&nbsp; Republic County (9)

1A Div. 1 Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Olpe (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; South Central (2) &nbsp;
 3.&nbsp; Little River (3) &nbsp;
 4.&nbsp; Seabury Academy (9)
 5.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alma-Wabaunsee (6)
 6.&nbsp; Central Plains (7)
 7.&nbsp; St. John’s/Tipton (NR)
 8.&nbsp; Rural Vista (4) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Greeley County (NR)
 10.&nbsp; Quinter (5) 1A&nbsp; Div. 2 Boys &nbsp;1.&nbsp; Hanover (1) &nbsp;2.&nbsp; Axtell (2)&nbsp; &nbsp;3.&nbsp; Victoria (7) &nbsp;4.&nbsp; Hartford (3) &nbsp;5.&nbsp; Thunder Ridge (NR) &nbsp;6.&nbsp; Wallace County (NR)
 7.&nbsp; Deerfield (10)
 8.&nbsp; Elyria Christian (4) &nbsp;9.&nbsp; Linn (NR) &nbsp;10. Tescott (NR)

🏀 KBCA rankings (Jan. 6, 2026)

Wednesday, January 7
 none

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Wednesday, January 7
 noneThursday, January 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
MWBKB at Emporia State, 5:05pmFriday, January 9
 KKQY: Ellis MWBKB at
Smith Center, 5:00pm *
 KFIX: Hays High MWBKB vs. Emporia, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian MWBKB vs. Sacred Heart, 5:40pmSaturday, January 10
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
West Virginia, 9:30amSunday, January 11
 none

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls and boys basketball
teams opened the 2026 calendar year with a pair of wins over the Sylvan-Lucas
Mustangs on Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

GIRLS: TMP 44, Sylvan-Lucas 38 The Lady Monarchs (4-2, 1-0 MCL) held their second straight opponent
and their third in four games below 40 points, and they held the Mustangs to
just three points in the second quarter as they picked up their fourth straight
victory 44-38.

The two teams exchanged the lead early in the first quarter
before the Mustangs finished the first quarter on a 7-0 run, taking a 12-9 lead
into the second quarter.

In the second period, the Monarchs scored seven straight
points, five by Piper Simpson, to open the quarter as part of a 13-3 run,
giving TMP a 22-15 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Monarchs built a 13-point lead, 32-19,
in the third quarter.

In the fourth, the Mustangs closed the gap to six, but TMP
was able to make enough free throws to secure the 44-38 victory.

Claire Schippers connected on three three-pointers and
finished with a team-high 11 points.

BOYS: TMP 69, Sylvan-Lucas 38 The TMP-Marian boys outscored Sylvan-Lucas 31-15 in the
third quarter on their way to a 69-38 victory.

Caden Dinkel connected on a pair of first-quarter three-pointers,
finishing with three three-pointers for a second straight game, helping the
Monarchs build a 13-10 first-quarter lead, and TMP (3-3, 1-0 MCL) never trailed en route to a
big win.

Midway through the second frame, TMP had a two-point lead,
at 18-16, but a quick move inside by Grant Nehls sparked an 11-3 run to end the
first half with TMP leading 29-19.

The Monarchs carried the momentum from the first half out of
the halftime break, outscoring the Mustangs 31-15 in the third quarter.

Ty Schmeidler scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the
third quarter, and Ian Nehls added eight of his career-high 21 in the frame as
TMP built a 60-34 lead on their way to the 69-38 victory.

Grant Nehls also scored in double figures with 13 points for
TMP.

The Monarchs will host Sacred Heart on Friday.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs girls and boys basketball
teams opened the 2026 calendar year with a pair of wins over the Sylvan-Lucas
Mustangs on Tuesday at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.GIRLS: TMP 44, Sylvan-Lucas 38 The Lady Monarchs (4-2, 1-0 MCL) held their second straight opponent
and their third in four games below 40 points, and they held the Mustangs to
just three points in the second quarter as they picked up their fourth straight
victory 44-38.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243034653&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-vs-sylvan-lucas-coach-john" title="TMP vs Sylvan Lucas Coach John Linn Postgame 01-06-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP vs Sylvan Lucas Coach John Linn Postgame 01-06-2026</a></div></div>The two teams exchanged the lead early in the first quarter
before the Mustangs finished the first quarter on a 7-0 run, taking a 12-9 lead
into the second quarter.In the second period, the Monarchs scored seven straight
points, five by Piper Simpson, to open the quarter as part of a 13-3 run,
giving TMP a 22-15 lead at halftime.In the second half, the Monarchs built a 13-point lead, 32-19,
in the third quarter.In the fourth, the Mustangs closed the gap to six, but TMP
was able to make enough free throws to secure the 44-38 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243034632&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-wbkb-vs-sylvan-lucas" title="TMP WBKB vs Sylvan Lucas Highlights 01-06-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB vs Sylvan Lucas Highlights 01-06-2026</a></div></div>Claire Schippers connected on three three-pointers and
finished with a team-high 11 points.BOYS: TMP 69, Sylvan-Lucas 38 The TMP-Marian boys outscored Sylvan-Lucas 31-15 in the
third quarter on their way to a 69-38 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243034704&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-vs-sylvan-lucas-coach-bill" title="TMP vs Sylvan Lucas Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 01-06-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP vs Sylvan Lucas Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 01-06-2026</a></div></div>Caden Dinkel connected on a pair of first-quarter three-pointers,
finishing with three three-pointers for a second straight game, helping the
Monarchs build a 13-10 first-quarter lead, and TMP (3-3, 1-0 MCL) never trailed en route to a
big win.Midway through the second frame, TMP had a two-point lead,
at 18-16, but a quick move inside by Grant Nehls sparked an 11-3 run to end the
first half with TMP leading 29-19.The Monarchs carried the momentum from the first half out of
the halftime break, outscoring the Mustangs 31-15 in the third quarter.Ty Schmeidler scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the
third quarter, and Ian Nehls added eight of his career-high 21 in the frame as
TMP built a 60-34 lead on their way to the 69-38 victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243034644&color=%234d4d8a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-mbkb-vs-sylvan-lucas" title="TMP MBKB vs Sylvan Lucas Highlights 01-06-2026" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB vs Sylvan Lucas Highlights 01-06-2026</a></div></div>Grant Nehls also scored in double figures with 13 points for
TMP.The Monarchs will host Sacred Heart on Friday.

🏀 Monarchs open 2026 with sweep of Sylvan-Lucas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 32 points, including three crucial free throws in regulation to the tie the game, and No. 22 Kansas erased a double-digit deficit to outlast TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Kansas (11-4, 1-1 Big 12) trailed by 16 points midway through the second half, but cut the TCU lead to three with 34 seconds left in regulation.

The Jayhawks' next trip down the court was fruitless, leading to a foul and two free throws by TCU’s Liutauras Lelevicius. Kansas' Flory Bidunga cut the lead back to three on a tip in with just over six seconds remaining.

After a turnover on the ensuing TCU inbounds play, the Jayhawks got the ball to Peterson, who drew a foul beyond the arc and knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation.

Kansas held the lead throughout overtime and ultimately secured the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11. TCU (11-4, 1-1) went 2 for 4 in the same frame. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. scored nine of his 18 points during overtime.

Lelevicius led the Horned Frogs with a career-high 23 points. He shot 7 for 9 and hit five 3-pointers, another career high. He entered the game averaging just 8.5 points per game and shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.

Lelevicius outscored sophomore David Punch, who recorded his 10th consecutive double-digit performance with 20 points. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.

Tre White and Bidunga also finished in double figures for the Jayhawks, recording 22 and 16, respectively.

Kansas: Plays at West Virginia on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767783302388.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 32 points, including three crucial free throws in regulation to the tie the game, and No. 22 Kansas erased a double-digit deficit to outlast TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night.Kansas (11-4, 1-1 Big 12) trailed by 16 points midway through the second half, but cut the TCU lead to three with 34 seconds left in regulation.The Jayhawks' next trip down the court was fruitless, leading to a foul and two free throws by TCU’s Liutauras Lelevicius. Kansas' Flory Bidunga cut the lead back to three on a tip in with just over six seconds remaining.After a turnover on the ensuing TCU inbounds play, the Jayhawks got the ball to Peterson, who drew a foul beyond the arc and knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation.Kansas held the lead throughout overtime and ultimately secured the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11. TCU (11-4, 1-1) went 2 for 4 in the same frame. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. scored nine of his 18 points during overtime.Lelevicius led the Horned Frogs with a career-high 23 points. He shot 7 for 9 and hit five 3-pointers, another career high. He entered the game averaging just 8.5 points per game and shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.Lelevicius outscored sophomore David Punch, who recorded his 10th consecutive double-digit performance with 20 points. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.Tre White and Bidunga also finished in double figures for the Jayhawks, recording 22 and 16, respectively.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Plays at West Virginia on Saturday.TCU: Hosts Arizona on Saturday.

🏀 Kansas erases 16-point deficit, beats TCU in overtime

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post Sports

Hays - Hays High opened 2026 by hosting the Manhattan Indians on Tuesday evening. All four teams entered the contest state ranked.

Girls:&nbsp;#5-5A Hays 58, #8-6A Manhattan 45 It was the second meeting between the two Indian programs. Hays defeated Manhattan in the championship of the Hays City Shootout in December. A 13-2 second quarter run by Hays provided the cushion they used for the second half to win 58-45.

Manhattan scored the first points of 2026. It took Hays a little over two and a half minutes to respond, doing so with a 9-0 run. Hays held Manhattan to just a pair of first quarter field goals and led 12-4 through the first eight minutes.

Manhattan pulled within four twice at 14-10 and 16-12 midway through the second quarter. The next two and a half minutes belonged the Hays. Four field goals, three of which were three pointers, and a pair of free throws provided a 13-2 run that pushed the Hays lead to 29-14. Manhattan scored the final two points of the half for a 29-16 ball game.

Hays held three more 15 points leads in the third quarter. Manhattan never drew closer than ten points in the third and Hays took a 43-32 edge to the final eight minutes.&nbsp;

Manhattan got their deficit to single digits on a few occasions in the fourth quarter but never closer than eight and that occurred in the final minute. Hays made seven of their final eight free throws to win 58-45.

Jenna Schmeidler and Zoe Winter each unofficially recorded a double-double. Schmeidler with a game high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Winter scored 11 points and grabbed 10 boards.

Rupp 9, Schmeidler 26, Humphrey 2, LaBarge 0, Armbruster 3, Turner 3, Newell 0, Buckles 4, Winter 11.

Boys:&nbsp;#9-6A Manhattan 62, #8-5A Hays 59 (OT) It took four extra minutes to decide the first game of 2026 between Hays and Manhattan. Fifteen lead changes and seven ties later, it was Manhattan who left Hays with a three point win.

Hays built the largest lead for either team six minutes into the game. A 13-6 run to start the contest was erased the final two minutes of the first quarter when Manhattan scored seven straight points.&nbsp;

Manhattan hit a three to open the second quarter and complete a 10-0 run for a 16-13 lead. Hays responded with four straight points on a pair of technical free throws and a field goal to grab the lead back immediately after the three pointer by Manhattan.

The biggest lead by either team in the second quarter would belong to Manhattan at 31-27. Hays scored with 30 seconds left before halftime to make the score 31-29 at the break.

Hays scored the first five points out of the locker room to go up 34-31. The two teams swapped the lead for the remainder of the quarter and then were locked up at 44 a piece heading to the fourth.

Hays went up by three in the first minute of the quarter only to be matched by three free throws of Manhattan to tie the game at 47. Manhattan then made just one of four free throws to allow Hays the chance to take the lead back on four straight points at 51-48 with three minute remaining in regulation.

A free throw by Hays with just over a minute left increased the lead to 52-50. Manhattan drove the basket for a layup with 8.9 seconds left to tie the game for a seventh time. Hays got a shot away from just inside the arc but could not connect.

Manhattan scored the first six points of overtime to lead 58-52. Hays made four straight free throws to pull within two. Trailing 61-59 Hays missed two free throws to tie the game with just under a minute left. Each team turned the ball over on their next possession forcing Hays to foul. Manhattan made one of two free throws in 7.1 seconds showing on the clock. Hays fired a contested corner three at the buzzer that just missed.

Dawson Ruder recorded a double-double. He matched his season high in points with 24 and grabbed 11 rebounds. Manhattan (6-1) matches their win total from a season ago with the victory. Hays (6-3) will face a fourth consecutive ranked team with they host Emporia on Friday.

Pfeifer 0, Homeier 0, Oakley 12, Harmoney 2, Fox 18, Smalley 3, Ruder 24, Loving 0.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post SportsHays - Hays High opened 2026 by hosting the Manhattan Indians on Tuesday evening. All four teams entered the contest state ranked.Girls:&nbsp;#5-5A Hays 58, #8-6A Manhattan 45 It was the second meeting between the two Indian programs. Hays defeated Manhattan in the championship of the Hays City Shootout in December. A 13-2 second quarter run by Hays provided the cushion they used for the second half to win 58-45.Manhattan scored the first points of 2026. It took Hays a little over two and a half minutes to respond, doing so with a 9-0 run. Hays held Manhattan to just a pair of first quarter field goals and led 12-4 through the first eight minutes.Manhattan pulled within four twice at 14-10 and 16-12 midway through the second quarter. The next two and a half minutes belonged the Hays. Four field goals, three of which were three pointers, and a pair of free throws provided a 13-2 run that pushed the Hays lead to 29-14. Manhattan scored the final two points of the half for a 29-16 ball game.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2242984265&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-6-26-hhs-girls-bkb-vs" title="1-6-26 HHS Girls bkb vs Manhattan HIGHLIGHTS" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-6-26 HHS Girls bkb vs Manhattan HIGHLIGHTS</a></div></div>Hays held three more 15 points leads in the third quarter. Manhattan never drew closer than ten points in the third and Hays took a 43-32 edge to the final eight minutes.&nbsp;Manhattan got their deficit to single digits on a few occasions in the fourth quarter but never closer than eight and that occurred in the final minute. Hays made seven of their final eight free throws to win 58-45.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243002097&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-6-26-hays-high-girls-coach" title="1-6-26 Hays High Girls Coach Len Melvin POSTGAME Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-6-26 Hays High Girls Coach Len Melvin POSTGAME Interview</a></div></div>Jenna Schmeidler and Zoe Winter each unofficially recorded a double-double. Schmeidler with a game high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Winter scored 11 points and grabbed 10 boards.Hays will host Emporia on Friday.Rupp 9, Schmeidler 26, Humphrey 2, LaBarge 0, Armbruster 3, Turner 3, Newell 0, Buckles 4, Winter 11.Boys:&nbsp;#9-6A Manhattan 62, #8-5A Hays 59 (OT) It took four extra minutes to decide the first game of 2026 between Hays and Manhattan. Fifteen lead changes and seven ties later, it was Manhattan who left Hays with a three point win.Hays built the largest lead for either team six minutes into the game. A 13-6 run to start the contest was erased the final two minutes of the first quarter when Manhattan scored seven straight points.&nbsp;Manhattan hit a three to open the second quarter and complete a 10-0 run for a 16-13 lead. Hays responded with four straight points on a pair of technical free throws and a field goal to grab the lead back immediately after the three pointer by Manhattan.The biggest lead by either team in the second quarter would belong to Manhattan at 31-27. Hays scored with 30 seconds left before halftime to make the score 31-29 at the break.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243031095&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-6-26-hhs-boys-bkb-vs" title="1-6-26 HHS Boys bkb vs Manhattan HIGHLIGHTS" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-6-26 HHS Boys bkb vs Manhattan HIGHLIGHTS</a></div></div>Hays scored the first five points out of the locker room to go up 34-31. The two teams swapped the lead for the remainder of the quarter and then were locked up at 44 a piece heading to the fourth.Hays went up by three in the first minute of the quarter only to be matched by three free throws of Manhattan to tie the game at 47. Manhattan then made just one of four free throws to allow Hays the chance to take the lead back on four straight points at 51-48 with three minute remaining in regulation.A free throw by Hays with just over a minute left increased the lead to 52-50. Manhattan drove the basket for a layup with 8.9 seconds left to tie the game for a seventh time. Hays got a shot away from just inside the arc but could not connect.Manhattan scored the first six points of overtime to lead 58-52. Hays made four straight free throws to pull within two. Trailing 61-59 Hays missed two free throws to tie the game with just under a minute left. Each team turned the ball over on their next possession forcing Hays to foul. Manhattan made one of two free throws in 7.1 seconds showing on the clock. Hays fired a contested corner three at the buzzer that just missed.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243031227&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-6-26-hays-high-boys-coach" title="1-6-26 Hays High Boys Coach Sean Dreiling POSTGAME Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">1-6-26 Hays High Boys Coach Sean Dreiling POSTGAME Interview</a></div></div>Dawson Ruder recorded a double-double. He matched his season high in points with 24 and grabbed 11 rebounds. Manhattan (6-1) matches their win total from a season ago with the victory. Hays (6-3) will face a fourth consecutive ranked team with they host Emporia on Friday.Pfeifer 0, Homeier 0, Oakley 12, Harmoney 2, Fox 18, Smalley 3, Ruder 24, Loving 0.

🏀 Hays girls win, boys lose in state ranked showdowns

KEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State fought an uphill battle all night and briefly held a pair of leads late before coming up one point short at Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening by a score of 68-67. The Tigers moved to 10-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 8-8 overall and 1-4 in the MIAA.

After holding a 1-0 lead to start the game, the Tigers trailed the Lopers all the way from the 19:34 mark of the first half to the 1:34 mark of the second half. The Tigers had ample opportunities to overtake the Lopers throughout the second half as the game grinded into a possession-style battle, but struggled to find a go-ahead basket. FHSU cut the lead down to two five times and down to one five times as well before a pair of free throws by Jahvari Martino pushed the Tigers into the lead 65-64 with 1:34 to play.

The Lopers hit a pair of free throws to go back on top, but then Lucas Hammeke put the Tigers up for the final time at 67-66 with a layup at 1:08. Wade Williams of UNK made the game-winning layup with 54 seconds remaining as the Tigers turned the ball over on their next possession. FHSU got a stop on the defensive end, but Hammeke struggled to get a shot off in the Tigers' final scramble to the offensive end of the floor. His shot was just off the mark as time expired, leaving the Tigers a point short.

The free-throw line was a big difference in the game for UNK, where it went 19-of-22. FHSU was just 11-of-19 at the charity stripe, trailing the Lopers by eight points in that category. The Tigers hit two more field goals overall and three more 3-point field goals in the game, but it was not enough.

Hammeke finished with a game-high 21 points, while Dan Mukuna had 16 and Kyle Grill finished with 10. Martino pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.

Anthony Swift led the Lopers with 17 points, while Williams had 13. Ja'Bryant Hill and Clayton Moore each had 12. Swift led UNK in rebounds with nine.

Fort Hays State plays at Emporia State on Thursday night (Jan. 8). Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium. The Tigers still seek their first road win in conference play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767767533595.png" alt="FHSU Athletics/Nicole Hietmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Nicole Hietmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State fought an uphill battle all night and briefly held a pair of leads late before coming up one point short at Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening by a score of 68-67. The Tigers moved to 10-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 8-8 overall and 1-4 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243018411&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-814667509/1-6-25-fhsu-mbkb-coach" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2025)</a></div></div>After holding a 1-0 lead to start the game, the Tigers trailed the Lopers all the way from the 19:34 mark of the first half to the 1:34 mark of the second half. The Tigers had ample opportunities to overtake the Lopers throughout the second half as the game grinded into a possession-style battle, but struggled to find a go-ahead basket. FHSU cut the lead down to two five times and down to one five times as well before a pair of free throws by Jahvari Martino pushed the Tigers into the lead 65-64 with 1:34 to play.The Lopers hit a pair of free throws to go back on top, but then Lucas Hammeke put the Tigers up for the final time at 67-66 with a layup at 1:08. Wade Williams of UNK made the game-winning layup with 54 seconds remaining as the Tigers turned the ball over on their next possession. FHSU got a stop on the defensive end, but Hammeke struggled to get a shot off in the Tigers' final scramble to the offensive end of the floor. His shot was just off the mark as time expired, leaving the Tigers a point short.The free-throw line was a big difference in the game for UNK, where it went 19-of-22. FHSU was just 11-of-19 at the charity stripe, trailing the Lopers by eight points in that category. The Tigers hit two more field goals overall and three more 3-point field goals in the game, but it was not enough.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2243018504&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-814667509/1-6-25-fhsu-mbkb-highlights-at" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2025)</a></div></div>Hammeke finished with a game-high 21 points, while Dan Mukuna had 16 and Kyle Grill finished with 10. Martino pulled down a team-high seven rebounds.Anthony Swift led the Lopers with 17 points, while Williams had 13. Ja'Bryant Hill and Clayton Moore each had 12. Swift led UNK in rebounds with nine.Fort Hays State plays at Emporia State on Thursday night (Jan. 8). Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium. The Tigers still seek their first road win in conference play.

🏀 Tigers fall one-point short at Nebraska-Kearney

KEARNEY, Neb. - A school-record 17 assists from Brooke Loewe helped sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball rally past Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, winning 84-73. The Tigers (13-1, 4-1 MIAA) trailed by 10 midway through the third quarter before hitting 15-of-19 from the floor and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line over the final 15 minutes to complete the comeback.

The lead changed hands five times in the opening quarter, with the Lopers (9-7, 2-3 MIAA) scoring 11 of the final 14 points to pull in front 23-17 after 10 minutes. 3-pointers from Talexa Weeter and Olivia Mortensen anchored a 10-0 Tiger run to put FHSU in front midway through the second quarter, 29-27.

The home team answered with an 11-2 run to go back on top by seven before a Weeter 3-point play made the score 38-34 at halftime. Fort Hays State pulled within one possession early in the second half before three quick Loper buckets pushed their lead as high as 10, 50-40.

The Tigers started their run after the third quarter media timeout, closing the stanza on a 14-4 run to tie things up at 54. Avery Lowe contributed nine points during the run, including her fifth 3-pointer of the season.

After hitting their final four shots of the third quarter, FHSU kept things rolling in the final frame, knocking down 73.3 percent from the floor (11-of-15) to pull away for the win. Ellie Stearns opened the quarter with a 3-pointer, giving the Tigers the lead for good. Mortensen later poured in her fourth triple of the game, pushing the lead to double figures midway through the frame.

A traditional 3-point play from Weeter built the lead as high as 14 points before the Tigers hit a perfect 6-of-6 from the line down the stretch to hang on for the win.

The Tigers hit 50.9 percent from the floor on the day (29-of-57), hitting at least half of their shots for the eighth time this season. FHSU also hit a season-best 90 percent (18-of-20) from the free-throw line.

Alongside her 17 assists, which are the most across all NCAA divisions this season, Loewe totaled eight points, three rebounds and three steals. It was her eighth game with 10 or more assists this season and the 14th-such performance of her career.

Weeter totaled 30 points and a team-high eight rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting, while Mortensen recorded 20 points on 4-of-5 shooting from behind the arc. Lowe racked up 11 points, her third double-digit performance of the season.

The Tigers will wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days on Thursday (Jan. 8) when they take on Emporia State on the road. First tip from White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan. is set for 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767767254506.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Newman Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Newman Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKEARNEY, Neb. - A school-record 17 assists from Brooke Loewe helped sixth-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball rally past Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, winning 84-73. The Tigers (13-1, 4-1 MIAA) trailed by 10 midway through the third quarter before hitting 15-of-19 from the floor and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line over the final 15 minutes to 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/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2242978832&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-814667509/1-6-25-fhsu-wbkb-coach" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 6, 2026)</a></div></div>The lead changed hands five times in the opening quarter, with the Lopers (9-7, 2-3 MIAA) scoring 11 of the final 14 points to pull in front 23-17 after 10 minutes. 3-pointers from Talexa Weeter and Olivia Mortensen anchored a 10-0 Tiger run to put FHSU in front midway through the second quarter, 29-27.The home team answered with an 11-2 run to go back on top by seven before a Weeter 3-point play made the score 38-34 at halftime. Fort Hays State pulled within one possession early in the second half before three quick Loper buckets pushed their lead as high as 10, 50-40.The Tigers started their run after the third quarter media timeout, closing the stanza on a 14-4 run to tie things up at 54. Avery Lowe contributed nine points during the run, including her fifth 3-pointer of the season.After hitting their final four shots of the third quarter, FHSU kept things rolling in the final frame, knocking down 73.3 percent from the floor (11-of-15) to pull away for the win. Ellie Stearns opened the quarter with a 3-pointer, giving the Tigers the lead for good. Mortensen later poured in her fourth triple of the game, pushing the lead to double figures midway through the frame.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2241135092&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-1" title="#6 Fort Hays State WBB vs. Missouri Western State (Jan. 3, 2026)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#6 Fort Hays State WBB vs. Missouri Western State (Jan. 3, 2026)</a></div></div>A traditional 3-point play from Weeter built the lead as high as 14 points before the Tigers hit a perfect 6-of-6 from the line down the stretch to hang on for the win.The Tigers hit 50.9 percent from the floor on the day (29-of-57), hitting at least half of their shots for the eighth time this season. FHSU also hit a season-best 90 percent (18-of-20) from the free-throw line.Alongside her 17 assists, which are the most across all NCAA divisions this season, Loewe totaled eight points, three rebounds and three steals. It was her eighth game with 10 or more assists this season and the 14th-such performance of her career.Weeter totaled 30 points and a team-high eight rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting, while Mortensen recorded 20 points on 4-of-5 shooting from behind the arc. Lowe racked up 11 points, her third double-digit performance of the season.The Tigers will wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days on Thursday (Jan. 8) when they take on Emporia State on the road. First tip from White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan. is set for 5:30 p.m.

🏀 Loewe dishes out 17 assists in win over Lopers

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Central Plains Oilers in their final game before the Christmas break Friday night.

TMP-Marian v Sylvan-Lucas Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3315064">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs in the first game back following the holiday break.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Central Plains Oilers in their final game before the Christmas break Friday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>TMP-Marian v Sylvan-Lucas Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3315064">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs in the first game back following the holiday break.Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP opens 2026 at home against Sylvan-Lucas

Hays High vs Manhattan Tuesday, Jan. 6 - 6:00 Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3314631">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High opens 2026 with homes games against Manhattan.

All four teams are ranked in their respective classification.

The Hays girls beat Manhattan 61-53 in the Hays City Shootout Championship earlier in the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hays High vs Manhattan Tuesday, Jan. 6 - 6:00 Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3314631">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;Hays High opens 2026 with homes games against Manhattan.All four teams are ranked in their respective classification.The Hays girls beat Manhattan 61-53 in the Hays City Shootout Championship earlier in the season.Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40.&nbsp;Video is available at the above link.

🏀 📺 Hays High opens 2026 by hosting Manhattan

LILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team held steady at No. 6 in the latest release of the WBCA Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Jan. 6) by the coaches organization.

Now 12-1 overall and 3-1 in MIAA play, this is the first time this season that the Tigers have stayed in the same position in the poll for consecutive weeks. FHSU has occupied six different spots in the top 10 through eight releases of the poll, climbing as high as No. 3 after opening the year ninth in the preseason ranks.

Defending national champion Grand Valley State held on to the top spot again this week, with Minnesota State slotted as a unanimous No. 2 choice. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team listed in the poll, with the Gorillas moving up two spots to No. 11.

This is the 11th time the Tigers have been ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II coaches poll. FHSU is 15-3 when ranked sixth, 197-49 overall when ranked and 143-29 when slotted inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been ranked 128 times in the team's DII era, including 87 appearances inside the top 10.

The Tigers play two more conference games on the road this week to wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days. FHSU will first take on Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.) before traveling across the state to battle Emporia State on Thursday (Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.).

WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll - January 6, 2026 Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Points - Last Week 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 12-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 14-0 - 550 - 2 3 - Texas Woman's - 11-1 - 515 - 3 4 - Nova Southeastern - 14-0 - 492 - 4 5 - Gannon - 14-1 - 482 - 5 6 - Fort Hays State - 12-1 - 439 - 6 7 - West Texas A&amp;M - 13-1 - 434 - 8 8 - Indiana Pa. - 12-0 - 430 - 9 9 - Coker - 11-1 - 376 - 10 10 - Colorado Mesa - 14-1 - 372 - 11 11 - Pittsburg State - 11-2 - 302 - 13 12 - Lubbock Christian - 13-2 - 297 - 7 13 - Cal Poly Pomona - 11-1 - 283 - 14 14 - Northern Michigan - 12-2 - 277 - 12 15 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 260 - 15 16 - Central Washington - 12-1 - 245 - 16 17 - Harding - 10-2 - 193 - 17 18 - Embry-Riddle - 9-2 - 158 - 20 19 - Columbus State - 10-2 - 134 - 22 20 - Miles - 10-2 - 97 - 24 21 - Lincoln Memorial - 10-1 - 89 - 25 22 - Ferris State - 9-3 - 79 - 23 23 - Daemen - 11-2 - 71 - RV 24 - Bentley - 7-2 - 67 - 18 25 - Malone - 11-2 - 65 - 19

Dropped Out: No. 21 Fairmont State (8-3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767767762851.png" alt="FHSU Athletics image" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics image</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsLILBURN, Ga. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team held steady at No. 6 in the latest release of the WBCA Coaches Poll, released Tuesday (Jan. 6) by the coaches organization.Now 12-1 overall and 3-1 in MIAA play, this is the first time this season that the Tigers have stayed in the same position in the poll for consecutive weeks. FHSU has occupied six different spots in the top 10 through eight releases of the poll, climbing as high as No. 3 after opening the year ninth in the preseason ranks.Defending national champion Grand Valley State held on to the top spot again this week, with Minnesota State slotted as a unanimous No. 2 choice. Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team listed in the poll, with the Gorillas moving up two spots to No. 11.This is the 11th time the Tigers have been ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II coaches poll. FHSU is 15-3 when ranked sixth, 197-49 overall when ranked and 143-29 when slotted inside the top 10. The Tigers have now been ranked 128 times in the team's DII era, including 87 appearances inside the top 10.The Tigers play two more conference games on the road this week to wrap up a stretch of four games in eight days. FHSU will first take on Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.) before traveling across the state to battle Emporia State on Thursday (Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.).WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll - January 6, 2026 Rank - School (1st) - W-L - Points - Last Week 1 - Grand Valley State (23) - 12-0 - 575 - 1 2 - Minnesota State Mankato - 14-0 - 550 - 2 3 - Texas Woman's - 11-1 - 515 - 3 4 - Nova Southeastern - 14-0 - 492 - 4 5 - Gannon - 14-1 - 482 - 5 6 - Fort Hays State - 12-1 - 439 - 6 7 - West Texas A&amp;M - 13-1 - 434 - 8 8 - Indiana Pa. - 12-0 - 430 - 9 9 - Coker - 11-1 - 376 - 10 10 - Colorado Mesa - 14-1 - 372 - 11 11 - Pittsburg State - 11-2 - 302 - 13 12 - Lubbock Christian - 13-2 - 297 - 7 13 - Cal Poly Pomona - 11-1 - 283 - 14 14 - Northern Michigan - 12-2 - 277 - 12 15 - Northwestern Oklahoma State - 11-1 - 260 - 15 16 - Central Washington - 12-1 - 245 - 16 17 - Harding - 10-2 - 193 - 17 18 - Embry-Riddle - 9-2 - 158 - 20 19 - Columbus State - 10-2 - 134 - 22 20 - Miles - 10-2 - 97 - 24 21 - Lincoln Memorial - 10-1 - 89 - 25 22 - Ferris State - 9-3 - 79 - 23 23 - Daemen - 11-2 - 71 - RV 24 - Bentley - 7-2 - 67 - 18 25 - Malone - 11-2 - 65 - 19Dropped Out: No. 21 Fairmont State (8-3).Others receiving votes: St. Mary's (Texas) (9-2) 35; Vanguard U. (8-1) 29; Winston Salem State (11-1) 25; Fairmont State (8-3) 18; Minnesota Duluth (10-2) 15; Belmont Abbey (10-2) 14; Henderson State (8-2) 14; Glenville State (9-2) 11.