By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

With the Kansas Shrine Bowl less than a month away, the
final touches of the events surrounding the all-star football game in Hays are
starting to fall into place and that includes the appearance of a Pro Football
Hall of Famer.

The 2023 President of the <a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/2023-shrine-bowl.html">Kansas Shrine Bowl</a>, Donnie Bohannon
recently spoke with the Hays City Commission about plans for the 50th
annual All-Star Football game July 15 in Hays.

Bohannon said he has been working to build up the Kansas
Shrine Bowl Alumni Association. NFL Hall of Fame running back and Kansas native Barry Sanders will be in Hays, at this year’s game, to be inducted into
the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame.

“That's been a goal,” Bohannon said, “and I'm so excited for
the city and the Shrine Bowl.”

Bohannon said a documentary crew has contacted the Shrine
Bowl about coming to Hays as part of the festivities as they film a documentary
on Sanders. 

“They'll be filming the parade. They'll be filming some of
the game (and) they'll be filming his induction ceremony,” Bohannon said. “I
can't say enough how excited I am for the event coming up.”

Sanders, a Wichita North graduate, played for the West team
in the 1986 game. Sanders went on to Oklahoma State where he won the Heisman
Trophy and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989. After a 10-year NFL career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Bohannon said they are looking for places around the
community to host Sanders and the film crew.

The events for this year’s Shrine Bowl start Friday, July 14
with the golf tournament. They also will have a community kickoff at 9 a.m. on that
Friday morning and then a 50th Birthday Banquet later in the
afternoon.

Gameday, on Saturday, July 15, kicks off with the parade on
Main Street at 10 a.m. followed by a pep rally at 11 a.m. 

There also will be an alumni reunion Saturday afternoon
followed by a fan fest and then the game at 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium on
the Fort Hays State campus.

The annual all-star game and events surrounding the game
raise money for the Kansas Shriners in support of the Shriners Hospitals for
Children. The charity has given more than $3.7 million to Shriners Hospitals
for Children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686596673.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith the Kansas Shrine Bowl less than a month away, the
final touches of the events surrounding the all-star football game in Hays are
starting to fall into place and that includes the appearance of a Pro Football
Hall of Famer.The 2023 President of the <a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/2023-shrine-bowl.html">Kansas Shrine Bowl</a>, Donnie Bohannon
recently spoke with the Hays City Commission about plans for the 50th
annual All-Star Football game July 15 in Hays. Bohannon said he has been working to build up the Kansas
Shrine Bowl Alumni Association. NFL Hall of Fame running back and Kansas native Barry Sanders will be in Hays, at this year’s game, to be inducted into
the Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame.“That's been a goal,” Bohannon said, “and I'm so excited for
the city and the Shrine Bowl.”Bohannon said a documentary crew has contacted the Shrine
Bowl about coming to Hays as part of the festivities as they film a documentary
on Sanders. “They'll be filming the parade. They'll be filming some of
the game (and) they'll be filming his induction ceremony,” Bohannon said. “I
can't say enough how excited I am for the event coming up.”Sanders, a Wichita North graduate, played for the West team
in the 1986 game. Sanders went on to Oklahoma State where he won the Heisman
Trophy and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989. After a 10-year NFL career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.Bohannon said they are looking for places around the
community to host Sanders and the film crew.The events for this year’s Shrine Bowl start Friday, July 14
with the golf tournament. They also will have a community kickoff at 9 a.m. on that
Friday morning and then a 50th Birthday Banquet later in the
afternoon.Gameday, on Saturday, July 15, kicks off with the parade on
Main Street at 10 a.m. followed by a pep rally at 11 a.m. There also will be an alumni reunion Saturday afternoon
followed by a fan fest and then the game at 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium on
the Fort Hays State campus.The annual all-star game and events surrounding the game
raise money for the Kansas Shriners in support of the Shriners Hospitals for
Children. The charity has given more than $3.7 million to Shriners Hospitals
for Children.

Pro Football Hall of Famer to take part in Shrine Bowl in Hays

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Senior forward Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;was selected with the No. 50 pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023 NBA Draft presented by State Farm on Thursday night at the Barclays Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson is the first player to be drafted out of K-State since&nbsp;Wes Iwundu&nbsp;(Orlando Magic) was taken in the 2017 NBA Draft with the 33rd&nbsp;selection. He is the first K-State player to be drafted since the Thunder moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. He is the second Wildcat to be drafted by the franchise and the first since&nbsp;Steve Honeycutt&nbsp;was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in 1969. Overall, Johnson is the 51st&nbsp;Wildcat selected in the NBA Draft dating back to 1947.&nbsp; "It's just a tremendous relief," said Johnson. "I just trusted the process and knew that I would playing in the NBA." Johnson was joined in the Thunder draft class by Duke's&nbsp;Dereck Lively III&nbsp;and Clemson's&nbsp;Hunter Tyson. Johnson is the 13th&nbsp;draft pick developed by head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;in his coaching career, joining former Baylor players&nbsp;Ekpe Udoh&nbsp;(2010),&nbsp;Perry Jones III&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Quincy Acy&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Quincy Miller&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Pierre Jackson&nbsp;(2013),&nbsp;Cory Jefferson&nbsp;(2014),&nbsp;Taurean Prince&nbsp;(2016),&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;(2021),&nbsp;Jared Butler&nbsp;(20021),&nbsp;Jeremy Sochan&nbsp;(2022) and&nbsp;Kendall Brown&nbsp;(2022) as well as former Heritage Christian player&nbsp;Von Wafer&nbsp;(2005). Johnson was one of four Big 12 players selected in the draft, joining Kansas'&nbsp;Gradey Dick&nbsp;(No. 13, Toronto Raptors), Baylor's&nbsp;Keyonte George&nbsp;(No. 16, Utah Jazz) and Kansas'&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;(No. 51, Brooklyn Nets). The 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press and NABC after averaging 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 34.1 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season and the Elite Eight. A finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward Award, he was also honored as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and named to the All-Big 12 First Team. Teammate and fellow All-American Markquis Nowell&nbsp;did not get selected in the NBA Draft, but it was reported signed a 2-way contract with the Toronto Raptors late Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687518781802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsBROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Senior forward Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;was selected with the No. 50 pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023 NBA Draft presented by State Farm on Thursday night at the Barclays Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson is the first player to be drafted out of K-State since&nbsp;Wes Iwundu&nbsp;(Orlando Magic) was taken in the 2017 NBA Draft with the 33rd&nbsp;selection. He is the first K-State player to be drafted since the Thunder moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. He is the second Wildcat to be drafted by the franchise and the first since&nbsp;Steve Honeycutt&nbsp;was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in 1969. Overall, Johnson is the 51st&nbsp;Wildcat selected in the NBA Draft dating back to 1947.&nbsp; "It's just a tremendous relief," said Johnson. "I just trusted the process and knew that I would playing in the NBA." Johnson was joined in the Thunder draft class by Duke's&nbsp;Dereck Lively III&nbsp;and Clemson's&nbsp;Hunter Tyson. Johnson is the 13th&nbsp;draft pick developed by head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;in his coaching career, joining former Baylor players&nbsp;Ekpe Udoh&nbsp;(2010),&nbsp;Perry Jones III&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Quincy Acy&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Quincy Miller&nbsp;(2012),&nbsp;Pierre Jackson&nbsp;(2013),&nbsp;Cory Jefferson&nbsp;(2014),&nbsp;Taurean Prince&nbsp;(2016),&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;(2021),&nbsp;Jared Butler&nbsp;(20021),&nbsp;Jeremy Sochan&nbsp;(2022) and&nbsp;Kendall Brown&nbsp;(2022) as well as former Heritage Christian player&nbsp;Von Wafer&nbsp;(2005). Johnson was one of four Big 12 players selected in the draft, joining Kansas'&nbsp;Gradey Dick&nbsp;(No. 13, Toronto Raptors), Baylor's&nbsp;Keyonte George&nbsp;(No. 16, Utah Jazz) and Kansas'&nbsp;Jalen Wilson&nbsp;(No. 51, Brooklyn Nets). The 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press and NABC after averaging 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 34.1 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season and the Elite Eight. A finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward Award, he was also honored as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and named to the All-Big 12 First Team. Teammate and fellow All-American Markquis Nowell&nbsp;did not get selected in the NBA Draft, but it was reported signed a 2-way contract with the Toronto Raptors late Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 KSU's Johnson selected by Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Draft

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Kansas guard Gradey Dick and forward Jalen Wilson were among the 58 players selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Thursday night.

Dick was the overall No. 13 choice of the Toronto Raptors, while Wilson was taken by the Brooklyn Nets and was the No. 51 selection.

“I was obviously very happy for Gradey,” Kansas coach Bill Self said while exiting Barclays Center. “We had heard somewhere between 10 and 14 probably and he goes 13. I think that is a very good fit for him and Toronto. Jalen didn’t get drafted where he hoped he would but the bottom line is it’s all about fits at that point, once you get into the second round. I know his representation feels like it’s a really good fit and Brooklyn was very excited to get him. I’m happy with that and feel like he will have a heck of a chance to be a part of their roster.”

Dick becomes the 19th lottery selection in Kansas history and the 13th in the Bill Self era, w hich. Began in 2003-04. The NBA lottery began in 1985 and recognizes the top 14 players chosen in the NBA Draft. With the selections of Dick and Wilson, KU now has 87 all-time NBA Draft selections, including 29 in the Self era. Since the NBA adopted a two-round draft in 1989, Kansas has had 28 first-round selections and 42 total draft picks.

In one season at Kansas, Dick made a huge impact as he set the KU freshman record for three-point field goals made with 83. The Wichita, Kansas, native was named to the Big 12’s All-Freshman and All-Newcomer teams as well as being an all-league second team selection. A three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Dick was second on the team with a 14.1 scoring average, which ranked 12th in the Big 12, and his 5.1 rebounds per game were 15th in the league. Dick had seven games of 20 or more points during his season at KU.

In addition to his freshman-record 83 threes, Dick ranked on the KU freshman list in – points (4th at 507), scoring average (tied for 6th at 14.1), steals (7th with 52), field goals (5th with 174), field goals attempted (4th with 394), free throws made (tied for 9th with 79), free throw percentage (2nd at 85.4%), three point field goals attempted (2nd with 206), minutes played (2nd with 1,176), games played (tied for 9th with 36) and games started (tied for 2nd with 36).

Wilson, the 2023 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year, was Kansas’ 32nd&nbsp;all-time Consensus All-America First Team honoree following the 2022-23 season. The unanimous 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson led the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, rebounds at 8.3 and double-doubles with 12. The Denton, Texas, forward posted three 30-point performances and had 22 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last seven contests. Wilson is the seventh player in Big 12 history to lead the league in scoring and rebounding in the same season, including the fourth Jayhawk to earn the distinction.

Wilson is just the 10th player in Kansas men’s basketball history to record 1,400-plus career points and 800-plus career rebounds and the first since Perry Ellis (2013-16). Wilson’s 1,475 points rank 27th on the KU career list and his 802 rebounds are 14th in school history. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list.

KANSAS NBA DRAFT HISTORY Year – name (round/overall selection) 1948 – Otto Schnellbacher (Providence region) 1952 – Clyde Lovellette (1/10) 1953 – Dean Kelley (8/56), Gil Reich (11/32) 1954 – B.H. Born (3/22), Alan Kelley (7/56) 1957 – Maurice King (6/48) 1958 – Wilt Chamberlain (Territorial selection) 1959 – Ron Loneski (10/134) 1961 – Wayne Hightower (1/5), Bill Bridges (3/32) 1963 – Nolen Ellison (4/29) 1966 – Walt Wesley (1/6), Al Lopes (13/106) 1967 – Ron Franz (4/33) 1968 – Roger Bohnenstiel (9/120) 1969 – Jo Jo White (1/9), Dave Nash (4/48), Bruce Sloan (11/153) 1971 – Dave Robisch (3/44), Roger Brown (4/64), Pierre Russell (13/207) 1972 – Bud Stallworth (1/7) 1975 – Rick Suttle (7/110), Roger Morningstar (8/144) 1976 – Norm Cook (1/16) 1977 – Herb Nobles (6/124) 1978 – Ken Koenigs (5/99), John Douglas (6/118) 1979 – Paul Mokeski (2/42) 1981 – Darnell Valentine (1/16), Art Housey (3/47), John Crawford (7/160), Randolph Carroll (10/220) 1982 – Tony Guy (2/46), David Magley (2/28) 1984 – Carl Henry (4/80), Brian Martin (9/185) 1986 – Greg Drieling (2/26), Ron Kellogg (2/42), Calvin Thompson (4/71) 1988 – Danny Manning (1/1), Archie Marshall (3/75) 1990 – Kevin Pritchard (2/34) 1991 – Mark Randall (1/26) 1993 – Rex Walters (1/16), Adonis Jordan (2/42) 1994 – Darrin Hancock (2/38) 1995 – Greg Ostertag (1/28) 1997 – Scot Pollard (1/19), Jacque Vaughn (1/27) 1998 – Raef LaFrentz (1/3), Paul Pierce (1/10) 1999 – Ryan Robertson (2/45) 2001 – Eric Chenowith (2/42) 2002 – Drew Gooden (1/4) 2003 – Kirk Hinrich (1/7), Nick Collison (1/12) 2005 – Wayne Simien (1/29) 2007 – Julian Wright (1/13) 2008 – Brandon Rush (1/13), Darrell Arthur (1/27), Mario Chalmers (2/34), Darnell Jackson (2/52), Sasha Kaun (2/56) 2010 – Cole Aldrich (1/11), Xavier Henry (1/12) 2011 – Marcus Morris (1/13), Markieff Morris (1/14), Josh Selby (2/49) 2012 – Thomas Robinson (1/5), Tyshawn Taylor (2/41) 2013 – Ben McLemore (1/7), Jeff Withey (2/39) 2014 – Andrew Wiggins (1/1), Joel Embiid (1/3) 2015 – Kelly Oubre Jr. (1/15) 2016 – Cheick Diallo (2/33) 2017 – Josh Jackson (1/4), Frank Mason III (2/34) 2018 – Devonte’ Graham (2/34), Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (2/47) 2020 – Udoka Azubuike (1/27) 2022 – Ochai Agbaji (1/14), Christian Braun (1/21) 2023 – Gradey Dick (1/13), Jalen Wilson (2/51)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687522174558.png" alt="Grady Dick with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at Thursday's NBA Draft. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Grady Dick with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at Thursday's NBA Draft. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsBROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Kansas guard Gradey Dick and forward Jalen Wilson were among the 58 players selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Thursday night.Dick was the overall No. 13 choice of the Toronto Raptors, while Wilson was taken by the Brooklyn Nets and was the No. 51 selection.“I was obviously very happy for Gradey,” Kansas coach Bill Self said while exiting Barclays Center. “We had heard somewhere between 10 and 14 probably and he goes 13. I think that is a very good fit for him and Toronto. Jalen didn’t get drafted where he hoped he would but the bottom line is it’s all about fits at that point, once you get into the second round. I know his representation feels like it’s a really good fit and Brooklyn was very excited to get him. I’m happy with that and feel like he will have a heck of a chance to be a part of their roster.”Dick becomes the 19th lottery selection in Kansas history and the 13th in the Bill Self era, w hich. Began in 2003-04. The NBA lottery began in 1985 and recognizes the top 14 players chosen in the NBA Draft. With the selections of Dick and Wilson, KU now has 87 all-time NBA Draft selections, including 29 in the Self era. Since the NBA adopted a two-round draft in 1989, Kansas has had 28 first-round selections and 42 total draft picks.In one season at Kansas, Dick made a huge impact as he set the KU freshman record for three-point field goals made with 83. The Wichita, Kansas, native was named to the Big 12’s All-Freshman and All-Newcomer teams as well as being an all-league second team selection. A three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Dick was second on the team with a 14.1 scoring average, which ranked 12th in the Big 12, and his 5.1 rebounds per game were 15th in the league. Dick had seven games of 20 or more points during his season at KU.In addition to his freshman-record 83 threes, Dick ranked on the KU freshman list in – points (4th at 507), scoring average (tied for 6th at 14.1), steals (7th with 52), field goals (5th with 174), field goals attempted (4th with 394), free throws made (tied for 9th with 79), free throw percentage (2nd at 85.4%), three point field goals attempted (2nd with 206), minutes played (2nd with 1,176), games played (tied for 9th with 36) and games started (tied for 2nd with 36).Wilson, the 2023 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year, was Kansas’ 32nd&nbsp;all-time Consensus All-America First Team honoree following the 2022-23 season. The unanimous 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wilson led the Big 12 in scoring at 20.1 points per game, rebounds at 8.3 and double-doubles with 12. The Denton, Texas, forward posted three 30-point performances and had 22 games of 20 or more points scored this season, including each of his last seven contests. Wilson is the seventh player in Big 12 history to lead the league in scoring and rebounding in the same season, including the fourth Jayhawk to earn the distinction.Wilson is just the 10th player in Kansas men’s basketball history to record 1,400-plus career points and 800-plus career rebounds and the first since Perry Ellis (2013-16). Wilson’s 1,475 points rank 27th on the KU career list and his 802 rebounds are 14th in school history. Wilson’s 28 career double-doubles are ninth on the KU all-time list.KANSAS NBA DRAFT HISTORY Year – name (round/overall selection) 1948 – Otto Schnellbacher (Providence region) 1952 – Clyde Lovellette (1/10) 1953 – Dean Kelley (8/56), Gil Reich (11/32) 1954 – B.H. Born (3/22), Alan Kelley (7/56) 1957 – Maurice King (6/48) 1958 – Wilt Chamberlain (Territorial selection) 1959 – Ron Loneski (10/134) 1961 – Wayne Hightower (1/5), Bill Bridges (3/32) 1963 – Nolen Ellison (4/29) 1966 – Walt Wesley (1/6), Al Lopes (13/106) 1967 – Ron Franz (4/33) 1968 – Roger Bohnenstiel (9/120) 1969 – Jo Jo White (1/9), Dave Nash (4/48), Bruce Sloan (11/153) 1971 – Dave Robisch (3/44), Roger Brown (4/64), Pierre Russell (13/207) 1972 – Bud Stallworth (1/7) 1975 – Rick Suttle (7/110), Roger Morningstar (8/144) 1976 – Norm Cook (1/16) 1977 – Herb Nobles (6/124) 1978 – Ken Koenigs (5/99), John Douglas (6/118) 1979 – Paul Mokeski (2/42) 1981 – Darnell Valentine (1/16), Art Housey (3/47), John Crawford (7/160), Randolph Carroll (10/220) 1982 – Tony Guy (2/46), David Magley (2/28) 1984 – Carl Henry (4/80), Brian Martin (9/185) 1986 – Greg Drieling (2/26), Ron Kellogg (2/42), Calvin Thompson (4/71) 1988 – Danny Manning (1/1), Archie Marshall (3/75) 1990 – Kevin Pritchard (2/34) 1991 – Mark Randall (1/26) 1993 – Rex Walters (1/16), Adonis Jordan (2/42) 1994 – Darrin Hancock (2/38) 1995 – Greg Ostertag (1/28) 1997 – Scot Pollard (1/19), Jacque Vaughn (1/27) 1998 – Raef LaFrentz (1/3), Paul Pierce (1/10) 1999 – Ryan Robertson (2/45) 2001 – Eric Chenowith (2/42) 2002 – Drew Gooden (1/4) 2003 – Kirk Hinrich (1/7), Nick Collison (1/12) 2005 – Wayne Simien (1/29) 2007 – Julian Wright (1/13) 2008 – Brandon Rush (1/13), Darrell Arthur (1/27), Mario Chalmers (2/34), Darnell Jackson (2/52), Sasha Kaun (2/56) 2010 – Cole Aldrich (1/11), Xavier Henry (1/12) 2011 – Marcus Morris (1/13), Markieff Morris (1/14), Josh Selby (2/49) 2012 – Thomas Robinson (1/5), Tyshawn Taylor (2/41) 2013 – Ben McLemore (1/7), Jeff Withey (2/39) 2014 – Andrew Wiggins (1/1), Joel Embiid (1/3) 2015 – Kelly Oubre Jr. (1/15) 2016 – Cheick Diallo (2/33) 2017 – Josh Jackson (1/4), Frank Mason III (2/34) 2018 – Devonte’ Graham (2/34), Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (2/47) 2020 – Udoka Azubuike (1/27) 2022 – Ochai Agbaji (1/14), Christian Braun (1/21) 2023 – Gradey Dick (1/13), Jalen Wilson (2/51)

🏀 Kansas duo selected in the 2023 NBA Draft

By&nbsp;MARK DIDTLER Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays' biggest loss came long before a rare defeat.

The major league-leading Rays lost ace Shane McClanahan to mid-back tightness in a 6-5 loss to the lowly Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said there were no plans for additional tests.

"I don't want to speculate, it's still pretty early, but the leading notion is we don't think it's anything severe," McClanahan said, "Just maybe more of a precautionary move just to maybe limit whatever it is."

McClanahan was looking to become the majors' first 12-game winner of the year before leaving with two outs in the fourth. The left-hander, 11-1 this season, gave up two runs, four hits and two walks in a 66-pitch outing.

"It was something he felt before his last start and he kind of managed it really well," Cash said. "The way the ball was coming out (tonight) I think he was favoring it a little bit more. In those moments we need to err on the side of caution."

Maikel Garcia drew a walk from Pete Fairbanks (0-2) to start the ninth, then stole second and third. After Fairbanks got a pair of strikeouts, Garcia scored on MJ Melendez's infield single down the first-base line to put the Royals ahead 6-5. The Royals stole seven bases overall.

Aroldis Chapman (3-2) struck out the side during a perfect eighth, topping out at 102.6 mph. Scott Barlow got three outs for his ninth save.

Kansas City took a 3-2 lead in the seventh on Drew Waters' solo homer and his two-run eighth-inning single off Jason Adam tied it at 5.

"(My) smile comes just from beating the Tampa Bay Rays," said Waters, who entered hitting .167. "Everyone knows the type team they are, and the quality that they bring every night top to bottom. As a team I thought we played really well, and that's what we're capable of."

Francisco Mejía hit a homer leading the seventh and Randy Arozarena had a two-run single as Tampa Bay went up 5-3. Arozarena also had an RBI single during a two-run first and has 53 RBIs.

The Rays (52-26) dropped to 32-9 at home. Kansas City has the second-worst record in the majors at 21-54.

Cash announced before the game that shortstop Wander Franco would not play at least Thursday and Friday games due to how he has handled frustrating situations this season.

Former Tampa Bay coach Matt Quatraro faced his old team for the first time as the Royals manager.

Royals LHP Austin Cox entered with one out in the second and didn't allow a hit to his first 11 batters, extening his run of not giving one up to begin his career to 39. The stretch, ended by Yandy Díaz's single in the fifth, is the longest since 1961, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He recorded 34 outs, walked four and one batter reached on error.

Family and friends made the trip from Georgia for the game.

Royals: LHP Amir Garrett (left elbow) walked three and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning in his first game with Triple-A Omaha. ... LHP Ryan Yarbrough (facial fractures), who was hit by a 106.2 mph ball off the bat of Oakland's Ryan Noda on May 7, will make his second rehab start Saturday for Omaha. ... 1B Vinnie Pasquantino had right shoulder labrum surgery Wednesday and is expected to be ready for 2023.

Rays: 2B Brandon Lowe (herniated disc) will hit against relievers Andrew Kittredge (Tommy John surgery) and Calvin Faucher (right elbow) on Friday. ... RF Luke Raley was hit on the hand by a pitch in the first but stayed in the game. Postgame X-rays were negative but he will undergo further tests Friday.

Rays RHP Zach Eflin (8-3) was set to face RHP Zack Greinke (1-7) on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687515742613.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Austin Cox delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 22, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Austin Cox delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 22, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;MARK DIDTLER Associated PressST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays' biggest loss came long before a rare defeat.The major league-leading Rays lost ace Shane McClanahan to mid-back tightness in a 6-5 loss to the lowly Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said there were no plans for additional tests."I don't want to speculate, it's still pretty early, but the leading notion is we don't think it's anything severe," McClanahan said, "Just maybe more of a precautionary move just to maybe limit whatever it is."McClanahan was looking to become the majors' first 12-game winner of the year before leaving with two outs in the fourth. The left-hander, 11-1 this season, gave up two runs, four hits and two walks in a 66-pitch outing."It was something he felt before his last start and he kind of managed it really well," Cash said. "The way the ball was coming out (tonight) I think he was favoring it a little bit more. In those moments we need to err on the side of caution."Maikel Garcia drew a walk from Pete Fairbanks (0-2) to start the ninth, then stole second and third. After Fairbanks got a pair of strikeouts, Garcia scored on MJ Melendez's infield single down the first-base line to put the Royals ahead 6-5. The Royals stole seven bases overall.Aroldis Chapman (3-2) struck out the side during a perfect eighth, topping out at 102.6 mph. Scott Barlow got three outs for his ninth save.Kansas City took a 3-2 lead in the seventh on Drew Waters' solo homer and his two-run eighth-inning single off Jason Adam tied it at 5."(My) smile comes just from beating the Tampa Bay Rays," said Waters, who entered hitting .167. "Everyone knows the type team they are, and the quality that they bring every night top to bottom. As a team I thought we played really well, and that's what we're capable of."Francisco Mejía hit a homer leading the seventh and Randy Arozarena had a two-run single as Tampa Bay went up 5-3. Arozarena also had an RBI single during a two-run first and has 53 RBIs.The Rays (52-26) dropped to 32-9 at home. Kansas City has the second-worst record in the majors at 21-54.Cash announced before the game that shortstop Wander Franco would not play at least Thursday and Friday games due to how he has handled frustrating situations this season.Former Tampa Bay coach Matt Quatraro faced his old team for the first time as the Royals manager.GREAT BEGINNINGRoyals LHP Austin Cox entered with one out in the second and didn't allow a hit to his first 11 batters, extening his run of not giving one up to begin his career to 39. The stretch, ended by Yandy Díaz's single in the fifth, is the longest since 1961, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He recorded 34 outs, walked four and one batter reached on error."It's awesome." Cox said.Family and friends made the trip from Georgia for the game.TRAINERS ROOMRoyals: LHP Amir Garrett (left elbow) walked three and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning in his first game with Triple-A Omaha. ... LHP Ryan Yarbrough (facial fractures), who was hit by a 106.2 mph ball off the bat of Oakland's Ryan Noda on May 7, will make his second rehab start Saturday for Omaha. ... 1B Vinnie Pasquantino had right shoulder labrum surgery Wednesday and is expected to be ready for 2023.Rays: 2B Brandon Lowe (herniated disc) will hit against relievers Andrew Kittredge (Tommy John surgery) and Calvin Faucher (right elbow) on Friday. ... RF Luke Raley was hit on the hand by a pitch in the first but stayed in the game. Postgame X-rays were negative but he will undergo further tests Friday.UP NEXTRays RHP Zach Eflin (8-3) was set to face RHP Zack Greinke (1-7) on Friday night.

⚾ Waters, Cox star in Royals' victory over MLB-best Rays

The Hays Larks close out a two-game series against the Gameday Angels Thursday&nbsp;night in Parker Colo. against the Gameday Angels.

First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m. central time.

You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

The Hays Larks close out a two-game series against the Gameday Angels Thursday&nbsp;night in Parker Colo. against the Gameday Angels.First pitch is set for 7:35 p.m. central time.You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks at Gameday

Hays High softball standout Aubree Thomas has committed to play at Hutchinson Community College. The senior-to-be made the announcement through social media.

Thomas was named 5A first team by the Kansas softball coaches and Sports In Kansas. She was also a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference pick.

Thomas had 35 hits and with a .486 batting average this past season. She was also stellar in the circle, compiled an 11-3 won-loss record while pitching 93.1 innings. She struck out 111 and walked just 24 batters. Her earned-run-average was a solid 2.25.&nbsp;

Hays PostHays High softball standout Aubree Thomas has committed to play at Hutchinson Community College. The senior-to-be made the announcement through social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Super blessed and excited to announce that I have verbally committed to <a href="https://twitter.com/HutchSoftball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HutchSoftball</a> to continute my softball career!! Thank you to all my coaches and teammates who have gotten me to where I am today🐲🥎. <a href="https://t.co/H4FcrV4iGu">pic.twitter.com/H4FcrV4iGu</a>&mdash; Aubree Thomas 2024 (@AubreeThomas16) <a href="https://twitter.com/AubreeThomas16/status/1671966146935791616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Thomas was named 5A first team by the Kansas softball coaches and Sports In Kansas. She was also a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference pick.Thomas had 35 hits and with a .486 batting average this past season. She was also stellar in the circle, compiled an 11-3 won-loss record while pitching 93.1 innings. She struck out 111 and walked just 24 batters. Her earned-run-average was a solid 2.25.&nbsp;

🥎 HHS' Thomas commits to Hutch CC

AUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State junior golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;was named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators At-Large Academic All-America Team as a second team selection, announced Thursday by the organization. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, earning the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year award, unanimous first team All-MIAA honors and WGCA All-Central Region status after completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. A native of Andale, Kan., Brasser made her third-consecutive trip to the NCAA Central Regional as an individual in 2023. She earned a trio of MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week honors this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. Brasser completed her junior year with a GPA of 3.91 as a health and human performance major emphasizing in sport and exercise therapy. She was previously a CSC Academic All-District selection and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. She was the lone at-large MIAA student-athlete to earn All-America honors this season, male or female, and was one of 15 golfers nationwide listed on the Academic All-America list out of the 50 at-large honorees across the first, second and third teams. Brasser is the first golfer in school history to achieve CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American honors. She is the fourth FHSU student-athlete to earn such an honor this year, joining Alex Schremmer from the Tiger football team, Isabel Robben from the women's soccer squad and Ed Scott from the baseball team.

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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsAUSTIN, Texas - Fort Hays State junior golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/morgan-brasser/6948">Morgan Brasser</a>&nbsp;was named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators At-Large Academic All-America Team as a second team selection, announced Thursday by the organization. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals nationwide vote on the Academic All-America Team, which reflects both academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, earning the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year award, unanimous first team All-MIAA honors and WGCA All-Central Region status after completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. A native of Andale, Kan., Brasser made her third-consecutive trip to the NCAA Central Regional as an individual in 2023. She earned a trio of MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week honors this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. Brasser completed her junior year with a GPA of 3.91 as a health and human performance major emphasizing in sport and exercise therapy. She was previously a CSC Academic All-District selection and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. She was the lone at-large MIAA student-athlete to earn All-America honors this season, male or female, and was one of 15 golfers nationwide listed on the Academic All-America list out of the 50 at-large honorees across the first, second and third teams. Brasser is the first golfer in school history to achieve CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-American honors. She is the fourth FHSU student-athlete to earn such an honor this year, joining Alex Schremmer from the Tiger football team, Isabel Robben from the women's soccer squad and Ed Scott from the baseball team.

⛳ FHSU's Brasser named Academic All-American

PARKER, Colo. – The Hays
Larks rallied for two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead then added an
insurance run in the ninth for a 9-7 come-from-behind win over the Gameday
Angels Wednesday at Double Angel Field. The Larks (12-2, 5-0 RMBL) have now won
eight straight and 11 of their last 12.

Bryson Evans’ two-out
double scored Tyler LaRue and Garrett Gruell to give the Larks the lead in the
top of the seventh. Both LaRue and Greull reached with one-out singles. Evans drive
in the larks final run with a sacrifice bunt which scored Gruell with one-out
in the ninth. 

The Larks built a 5-0
lead but had to rally after the Angels (1-5, 1-3 RMBL) scored five in the fifth
and two in the sixth.

Will Pendergrass got the
Larks on the board in the first with a single to left which scored Damian Ruiz.
They scored four in the fifth. B Evans started the inning with a walk. Trent
Baker followed with an RBI triple to make the score 2-0. Ruiz had an RBI single
followed by an RBI double from Pendergrass. John Ceccoli finished off the
scoring with a sacrifice fly which scored Pendergrass.

Seven of the Larks 14
hits went for extra bases including a home run and triple from Baker who drove
in two runs and ran his hitting-streak to 10-games. Pendergrass had three hits, two of them doubles.

Preston Tabor (2-0) pitched
2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. The senior from Dallas
Baptist struck out four with no walks. Jeff Lodes works a 1-2-3 ninth with two
strikeouts for the save. 

Oklahoma junior Aaron
Calhoun made the start and allowed four unearned runs on two hits with six
strikeouts and one walk in 4 1/3 innings.

Wednesday’s game marked
only the second time this season the Larks have trailed after six innings. They
have not trailed after seven innings all season, moving to 10-0 when leading
after seven innings.

The Larks and Angels
close out the two-game series Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. CDT.

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 </figure>Hays PostPARKER, Colo. – The Hays
Larks rallied for two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead then added an
insurance run in the ninth for a 9-7 come-from-behind win over the Gameday
Angels Wednesday at Double Angel Field. The Larks (12-2, 5-0 RMBL) have now won
eight straight and 11 of their last 12.Bryson Evans’ two-out
double scored Tyler LaRue and Garrett Gruell to give the Larks the lead in the
top of the seventh. Both LaRue and Greull reached with one-out singles. Evans drive
in the larks final run with a sacrifice bunt which scored Gruell with one-out
in the ninth. The Larks built a 5-0
lead but had to rally after the Angels (1-5, 1-3 RMBL) scored five in the fifth
and two in the sixth.Will Pendergrass got the
Larks on the board in the first with a single to left which scored Damian Ruiz.
They scored four in the fifth. B Evans started the inning with a walk. Trent
Baker followed with an RBI triple to make the score 2-0. Ruiz had an RBI single
followed by an RBI double from Pendergrass. John Ceccoli finished off the
scoring with a sacrifice fly which scored Pendergrass.Seven of the Larks 14
hits went for extra bases including a home run and triple from Baker who drove
in two runs and ran his hitting-streak to 10-games. Pendergrass had three hits, two of them doubles.Preston Tabor (2-0) pitched
2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. The senior from Dallas
Baptist struck out four with no walks. Jeff Lodes works a 1-2-3 ninth with two
strikeouts for the save. Oklahoma junior Aaron
Calhoun made the start and allowed four unearned runs on two hits with six
strikeouts and one walk in 4 1/3 innings.LATE INNINGSWednesday’s game marked
only the second time this season the Larks have trailed after six innings. They
have not trailed after seven innings all season, moving to 10-0 when leading
after seven innings.UP NEXTThe Larks and Angels
close out the two-game series Thursday night at 7:35 p.m. CDT.

⚾ Larks rally past Angels for eighth-straight win

DETROIT (AP) — Zack Short homered and drove in three runs, Javier Báez got his 1,000th career hit and the Detroit Tigers beat the slumping Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Wednesday.

Matthew Boyd (5-5) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for Detroit. He struck out seven without a walk.

“He had a really good changeup and a pretty good slider today,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He can fall in love with them a little. You want him to maintain his fastball command at the top of the zone. But he did a very nice job for us.”

Brady Singer (4-7) lost his third straight decision, giving up five runs, seven hits and a walk in seven innings. He entered the game with a 6-0 record in 11 starts against Detroit but allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision on May 22.

“I thought he threw the ball well, but he couldn't get them to miss his slider,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had good movement, but they kept making good contact.”

The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the second. Maikel Garcia and Samad Taylor singled before Freddy Fermin hit a line drive to left-center field. Left fielder Andy Ibañez and center fielder Matt Vierling both went for the ball, which evaded Ibañez's reach then bounced off the wall and past Vierling for a two-run double.

Eric Haase tied it with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, and Short made it 3-2 with an RBI single.

“We got shut out last night, and then they come out and get the two quick runs on us today,” Hinch said. “To be able to answer back was really nice and then we kept tacking on and built some separation as the game went on.”

Báez put the Tigers ahead 4-2 in the third, driving in Kerry Carpenter with his 1,000th hit.

“I congratulated and reminded him he's still 2,118 behind (teammate Miguel Cabrera), so he better keep it up,” Hinch said.

Short led off the fifth with his fourth homer, giving the Tigers a three-run lead.

Kansas City second baseman Taylor and right fielder Matt Beaty collided going after Spencer Torkelson's shallow fly ball to lead off the eighth. Both players stayed down for several minutes, but Taylor stayed in the game and Beaty walked off under his own power.

“That was scary, because Matt went down really hard and Samad also went down hard,” Quatraro said. “Luckily, it isn't a serious injury. He's got a non-concussive whiplash injury, which is a lot better than it could have been.”

Torkelson ended up on third and scored on Báez's single over a drawn-in infield. The Tigers added three more runs in the inning for a 9-3 lead.

The 1:10 pm start was Detroit's 38th day game of the season, the most in the majors. The Tigers are 14-24 in afternoon games as opposed to 18-17 at night.

Moments after Taylor was shaken up by the collision with Beaty, he was taken out on a hard slide by Jake Marisnick while trying to turn a double play. In the ninth, he was hit on the left hand by a 94.4 mph fastball but stayed in the game after another visit with the trainer. Adding insult to injury, after a review, it was ruled a foul ball.

The Tigers have Thursday off before opening a weekend home series with the Minnesota Twins. LHP Joey Wentz (1-7, 6.82) is scheduled to start the opener.

Kansas City will travel to Florida for a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Royals will use RHP Jose Cuas (3-0, 4.15) as an opener on Thursday while Tampa Bay has not announced a pitcher.

DETROIT (AP) — Zack Short homered and drove in three runs, Javier Báez got his 1,000th career hit and the Detroit Tigers beat the slumping Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Wednesday.The Royals have lost 15 of 18 games.Matthew Boyd (5-5) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for Detroit. He struck out seven without a walk.“He had a really good changeup and a pretty good slider today,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He can fall in love with them a little. You want him to maintain his fastball command at the top of the zone. But he did a very nice job for us.”Brady Singer (4-7) lost his third straight decision, giving up five runs, seven hits and a walk in seven innings. He entered the game with a 6-0 record in 11 starts against Detroit but allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings in a no-decision on May 22.“I thought he threw the ball well, but he couldn't get them to miss his slider,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had good movement, but they kept making good contact.”The Royals took a 2-0 lead in the second. Maikel Garcia and Samad Taylor singled before Freddy Fermin hit a line drive to left-center field. Left fielder Andy Ibañez and center fielder Matt Vierling both went for the ball, which evaded Ibañez's reach then bounced off the wall and past Vierling for a two-run double.Eric Haase tied it with a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, and Short made it 3-2 with an RBI single.“We got shut out last night, and then they come out and get the two quick runs on us today,” Hinch said. “To be able to answer back was really nice and then we kept tacking on and built some separation as the game went on.”Báez put the Tigers ahead 4-2 in the third, driving in Kerry Carpenter with his 1,000th hit.“I congratulated and reminded him he's still 2,118 behind (teammate Miguel Cabrera), so he better keep it up,” Hinch said.Short led off the fifth with his fourth homer, giving the Tigers a three-run lead.Kansas City second baseman Taylor and right fielder Matt Beaty collided going after Spencer Torkelson's shallow fly ball to lead off the eighth. Both players stayed down for several minutes, but Taylor stayed in the game and Beaty walked off under his own power.“That was scary, because Matt went down really hard and Samad also went down hard,” Quatraro said. “Luckily, it isn't a serious injury. He's got a non-concussive whiplash injury, which is a lot better than it could have been.”Torkelson ended up on third and scored on Báez's single over a drawn-in infield. The Tigers added three more runs in the inning for a 9-3 lead.BRIGHT AND EARLYThe 1:10 pm start was Detroit's 38th day game of the season, the most in the majors. The Tigers are 14-24 in afternoon games as opposed to 18-17 at night.ROUGH FINISHMoments after Taylor was shaken up by the collision with Beaty, he was taken out on a hard slide by Jake Marisnick while trying to turn a double play. In the ninth, he was hit on the left hand by a 94.4 mph fastball but stayed in the game after another visit with the trainer. Adding insult to injury, after a review, it was ruled a foul ball.UP NEXTThe Tigers have Thursday off before opening a weekend home series with the Minnesota Twins. LHP Joey Wentz (1-7, 6.82) is scheduled to start the opener.Kansas City will travel to Florida for a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Royals will use RHP Jose Cuas (3-0, 4.15) as an opener on Thursday while Tampa Bay has not announced a pitcher.

⚾ Zack Short homers, Javier Báez gets 1,000th hit to lead Tigers over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to build his 2023-24 roster with the signing of 2022 BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament Team member&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Glendale, Ariz./Dream City Christian/Creighton)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, Kaluma arrives at K-State after an impressive 2-year stint (2021-23) at Creighton, where he helped the Bluejays to 47 wins, including 26 in BIG EAST play, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023) and the school's first trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. In addition to being selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22, Kaluma was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team and to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award in 2022-23. As a one-time transfer, Kaluma is immediately eligible and will have two years remaining starting in 2023-24. He had applied for early entry into the NBA Draft before withdrawing in late May. Kaluma is the second impactful transfer signed by Tang, joining 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(Fort Coffee, Okla./Spiro/Coffeyville CC/North Texas), who inked with the Wildcats on May 5. Both appear in the top-20 in several transfer rankings, including ESPN and CBS Sports. Kaluma averaged double-figure scoring both seasons at Creighton, totaling 758 points (11.1 ppg.) on 43.3 percent shooting (270-of-624), including 29.1 percent (68-of-234) from 3-point range, and 71.4 percent (150-of-210) from the free throw line in 68 games with 67 starts. He scored in double figures in 40 of his 68 games played, including all 6 NCAA Tournament games highlighted by a 24-point, 12-rebound effort against eventual NCAA champion Kansas in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. In 6 career NCAA Tournament games, Kaluma is averaging 13.2 points on 43.6 percent (24-of-55) shooting to go with 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35.2 minutes per game. In addition to his 40 career double-digit scoring games, Kaluma has posted 4 games of 20 or more points, including a career-high 27 points against future Big 12 foe BYU on Dec. 10, 2022. He also totaled 3 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Seton Hall and reigning NCAA champion UCONN this past season. For his Creighton career, Kaluma averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game. This past season, Kaluma started all 37 games for a Bluejay team that won 24 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, losing to eventual NCAA runner-up San Diego State, 57-56. He was one of 5 players to average double figures, averaging 11.8 points on 42.3 percent (146-of-345) shooting, including 31.1 percent (41-of-132) from 3-point range, to go with 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. He scored double figures in 26 games, including a pair of 20-point games, to go with 2 double-doubles. In addition to BYU, he collected 20 points to go with 9 rebounds in a home win over No. 13 Xavier on Jan. 28. Kaluma ended his sophomore season playing his best basketball, averaging 10.8 points on 50 percent (13-of-26) shooting with 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Creighton's 4 NCAA Tournament games. He had a near double-double in the opening win over N.C. State on March 17 with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists before an 11-point, 7-rebound effort in the win over No. 11 Baylor in round two. He had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win over Princeton on March 24 before posting 12 points and 5 rebounds vs. San Diego State on March 26. As a freshman, Kaluma made an immediate impact for a Bluejay squad that won 23 games, reached the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. He was one of five players to post double figures, averaging 10.4 points on 44.4 percent (124-of-279), including 26.5 percent (27-of-102) from 3-point range, to go with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He had 14 double-digit scoring games, including 2 20-point games, and a double-double. He was twice named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year (Feb. 14 and March 6) as well as to the league's All-Freshman Team. Kaluma once again played well at the right time, scoring BIG EAST All-Tournament honors after averaging 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the Bluejays' 3-game run to the tournament championship game. He had 17 points in the win over No. 11 Providence in the semifinals before a 9-point, 12-rebound effort against No. 8 Villanova in the title game. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, including the 24-point, 12-rebound performance against Kansas in the second round. In addition to Creighton, Kaluma has international experience having played for Uganda in the 2021 AfroBasket and 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. He averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in helping Uganda to its first quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 AfroBasket, while he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in a pair of first-round games with Cape Verde and Nigeria in July 2022. Kaluma prepped at Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., where he was a consensus top-50 prospect in 2021. He averaged a near double-double with team-highs in both scoring (24.7 ppg.) and rebounding (9.7 rpg.) in 2020-21, while connecting on 52.5 percent shooting and 72.1 percent from the free throw line. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-high 40-point effort against Tennessee Prep. He selected Creighton over offers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, UNLV and USC among others. His older brother,&nbsp;Adam Seiko, just finished his career at San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to a program-record 120 wins during his 6-year stint (2017-23) capped by trip the NCAA Championship game in 2022-23. Kaluma is the fifth addition to the team for the 2023-24 season, joining Perry and a highly touted 3-man freshman class of&nbsp;Darrin "Dai Dai" Ames&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill.),&nbsp;Robert "R.J." Jones&nbsp;(Denton, Texas)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill.), who all signed in November 2022. The newcomers join 6 returners for the Wildcats, which include a pair of 36-game starters in senior Nae'Quan Tomlin&nbsp;(10.4 ppg., 5.9 rpg.) and junior Cam Carter&nbsp;(6.5 ppg., 3.0 rpg.) as well as senior David N'Guessan&nbsp;(6.4 ppg., 3.5 rpg.), who saw action in 29 games with 18 starts in 2022-23. K-State posted a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place with an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23 under Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Jerome Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang&nbsp;continued to build his 2023-24 roster with the signing of 2022 BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament Team member&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Glendale, Ariz./Dream City Christian/Creighton)&nbsp;to a Financial Aid Agreement on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, Kaluma arrives at K-State after an impressive 2-year stint (2021-23) at Creighton, where he helped the Bluejays to 47 wins, including 26 in BIG EAST play, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023) and the school's first trip to the Elite Eight in 2022-23. In addition to being selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22, Kaluma was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Second Team and to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award in 2022-23. As a one-time transfer, Kaluma is immediately eligible and will have two years remaining starting in 2023-24. He had applied for early entry into the NBA Draft before withdrawing in late May. Kaluma is the second impactful transfer signed by Tang, joining 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(Fort Coffee, Okla./Spiro/Coffeyville CC/North Texas), who inked with the Wildcats on May 5. Both appear in the top-20 in several transfer rankings, including ESPN and CBS Sports. Kaluma averaged double-figure scoring both seasons at Creighton, totaling 758 points (11.1 ppg.) on 43.3 percent shooting (270-of-624), including 29.1 percent (68-of-234) from 3-point range, and 71.4 percent (150-of-210) from the free throw line in 68 games with 67 starts. He scored in double figures in 40 of his 68 games played, including all 6 NCAA Tournament games highlighted by a 24-point, 12-rebound effort against eventual NCAA champion Kansas in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. In 6 career NCAA Tournament games, Kaluma is averaging 13.2 points on 43.6 percent (24-of-55) shooting to go with 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35.2 minutes per game. In addition to his 40 career double-digit scoring games, Kaluma has posted 4 games of 20 or more points, including a career-high 27 points against future Big 12 foe BYU on Dec. 10, 2022. He also totaled 3 double-doubles, including in back-to-back games against Seton Hall and reigning NCAA champion UCONN this past season. For his Creighton career, Kaluma averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks in 28.2 minutes per game. This past season, Kaluma started all 37 games for a Bluejay team that won 24 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history, losing to eventual NCAA runner-up San Diego State, 57-56. He was one of 5 players to average double figures, averaging 11.8 points on 42.3 percent (146-of-345) shooting, including 31.1 percent (41-of-132) from 3-point range, to go with 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. He scored double figures in 26 games, including a pair of 20-point games, to go with 2 double-doubles. In addition to BYU, he collected 20 points to go with 9 rebounds in a home win over No. 13 Xavier on Jan. 28. Kaluma ended his sophomore season playing his best basketball, averaging 10.8 points on 50 percent (13-of-26) shooting with 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in Creighton's 4 NCAA Tournament games. He had a near double-double in the opening win over N.C. State on March 17 with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists before an 11-point, 7-rebound effort in the win over No. 11 Baylor in round two. He had 10 points and 6 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win over Princeton on March 24 before posting 12 points and 5 rebounds vs. San Diego State on March 26. As a freshman, Kaluma made an immediate impact for a Bluejay squad that won 23 games, reached the finals of the BIG EAST Tournament and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. He was one of five players to post double figures, averaging 10.4 points on 44.4 percent (124-of-279), including 26.5 percent (27-of-102) from 3-point range, to go with 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 26.8 minutes per game. He had 14 double-digit scoring games, including 2 20-point games, and a double-double. He was twice named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year (Feb. 14 and March 6) as well as to the league's All-Freshman Team. Kaluma once again played well at the right time, scoring BIG EAST All-Tournament honors after averaging 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the Bluejays' 3-game run to the tournament championship game. He had 17 points in the win over No. 11 Providence in the semifinals before a 9-point, 12-rebound effort against No. 8 Villanova in the title game. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, including the 24-point, 12-rebound performance against Kansas in the second round. In addition to Creighton, Kaluma has international experience having played for Uganda in the 2021 AfroBasket and 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers. He averaged 13.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in helping Uganda to its first quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 AfroBasket, while he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in a pair of first-round games with Cape Verde and Nigeria in July 2022. Kaluma prepped at Dream City Christian in Glendale, Ariz., where he was a consensus top-50 prospect in 2021. He averaged a near double-double with team-highs in both scoring (24.7 ppg.) and rebounding (9.7 rpg.) in 2020-21, while connecting on 52.5 percent shooting and 72.1 percent from the free throw line. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-high 40-point effort against Tennessee Prep. He selected Creighton over offers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, UNLV and USC among others. His older brother,&nbsp;Adam Seiko, just finished his career at San Diego State, where he led the Aztecs to a program-record 120 wins during his 6-year stint (2017-23) capped by trip the NCAA Championship game in 2022-23. Kaluma is the fifth addition to the team for the 2023-24 season, joining Perry and a highly touted 3-man freshman class of&nbsp;Darrin "Dai Dai" Ames&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill.),&nbsp;Robert "R.J." Jones&nbsp;(Denton, Texas)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;(East St. Louis, Ill.), who all signed in November 2022. The newcomers join 6 returners for the Wildcats, which include a pair of 36-game starters in senior Nae'Quan Tomlin&nbsp;(10.4 ppg., 5.9 rpg.) and junior Cam Carter&nbsp;(6.5 ppg., 3.0 rpg.) as well as senior David N'Guessan&nbsp;(6.4 ppg., 3.5 rpg.), who saw action in 29 games with 18 starts in 2022-23. K-State posted a 26-10 overall record, including a tie for third place with an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to its 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23 under Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Jerome Tang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tang signs Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma

Several area players were named to the Sports in Kansas all-state softball teams announced Tuesday.

Hays High junior Aubrey Thomas is named 5A first team All-State by Sports in Kansas. Riley Dreher and Dezerea Schmidt are honorable mention picks… Kaydawn Haag of Ellis and TMP-Marian’s Brooke Koeningsman are first team in 2-1A. The Monarchs Jaci VonLintel and the Railers Myah McCoy and Hannah Schiel are on the second team.

Sports in Kansas has released its annual list (since 2012) of all-state softball player honors along with coach of the year honors. Every KSHSAA team in Kansas is eligible for our honors (this is a media selection list – not to be confused with the coaches association list which is limited to only member coaches teams &amp; their voting). 

Our lists represent every league in the state and nearly every school with some type of representation. Input from media members across the state determine picks, other factors include competition, team success, stats, and all-league. 

The lists are voted on after the completion of the season with final input/capsules from Chet Kuplen and Bethany Bowman. Conor Nicholl provides Sports in Kansas with regular season softball notes and postseason capsules. This is not a recruiting list nor is it based on summer softball, showcases, based only on the 2023 KSHSAA season.

2023 SPORTS IN KANSAS SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR &amp; COACH OF THE YEAR CAPSULES BY CLASS

Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 6A Softball Player of the Year: Madison Walker, Olathe West, Sr.&nbsp;

Walker led Olathe West to the 6A state title with her dominance at the plate. She hit .659 with a .688 on base percentage and 1.545 slugging percentage. Of her 58 hits on the year, 39 were extra base – 18 doubles, 3 triples, and 18 HR. She drove in 71 runs for the Owls and scored 50 herself while striking out just once all season. Walker was successful in all four of her stolen base attempts and posted a fielding percentage of .987 with just one error. Walker now sets her sights on SEC play as she joins the Mizzou Tigers to play collegiately.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Pitcher of the Year: Emmerson Cope, Washburn Rural, Sr.&nbsp;

Cope, who repeats as 6A Pitcher of the Year, put in some serious work in the circle in her senior season, pitching 110 innings. She went 14-3 with a 1.5 ERA, only allowing opponents to hit .177 against her. Cope was just as productive at the plate, hitting .577 with 15 HR on the year. She drove in 43 runs for the Junior Blues, drew 24 walks, and struckout just twice all season long as Washburn Rural finished 6A state runner-up. Next up for Cope is Big 10 softball with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Coach of the Year: Cynthia Adams, Olathe West&nbsp;

Adams and the Owls made the most of their first trip to state in just the fifth year of the program’s existence by taking home the state title. Adams, a former Gatorade Player of the Year herself out of Bishop Miege and Wichita State softball standout, led Olathe West to a 24-1 record. The Owls defeated Olathe North, Derby, and Washburn Rural for the 6A state championship.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Player of the Year: Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr.&nbsp;

Hooper repeats as 5A Player of the Year as she helped the Hornets capture back-to-back 5A state titles with her .615 average this season. She tallied 11 doubles with 22 RBI and scored 53 runs in her final season with VC. She also recorded 20 stolen bases and drew 20 walks. Defensively, the senior infielder posted a .935 fielding percentage. Hooper heads to the Big 10 next to play collegiately for the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 5A Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. &amp; Araceli Rivas, Salina South, Sr.

Cruse was part of a group of seniors that went 67-8 over the last three seasons. The Ohio State signee was 10-1 in the circle this season along with hitting over .500 with six homers and 29 RBI. Cruse was also a first team all-state selection last season from Sports in Kansas. Rivas led 5A in strikeouts this season with 258 along with picking up a first-round win at the state tournament. She was the AVTCL-I pitcher of the year.She had 30 striekouts in the two regional wins, which included a win over then ranked #3 Kapaun Mt. Carmel. She also upset Basehor Linwood (2-1) in the state quarterfinals as her team finished fourth in 5A this season.

Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Coach of the Year: Corey Jones, Valley Center

Longtime head coach Corey Jones, in his 18th season, led the Hornets to a second straight 5A state crown this season. Valley Center finished the season 23-2 and took down Pittsburg, Salina South, and Goddard-Eisenhower to become back-to-back 5A state champions.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year: Ashten Pierson, Wamego, Sr.&nbsp;

The senior shortstop led the Lady Raiders to the 4A state title with her .551 batting average at the plate and .957 fielding percentage on defense. Pierson drove in 27 runs and scored 32 herself while blasting four home runs on the year. She struck out just twice in her senior season and swiped 15 bags for Wamego. Pierson now heads to D1 Creighton University to continue her career in the Big East.

Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 4A Pitcher of the Year: Peyton Hardenburger, Soph.

Hardenburger, a sophomore, was a perfect 11-0 in the circle this season for the 4A state champion Lady Raiders with a phenomenal .184 ERA. She struckout 182 in 76 innings and threw five no-hitters on the season. Opponents hit just .075 against her. Hardenburger was a big part of the Lady Raiders’ offense too, hitting .500 with eight doubles, two triples, two home- runs, and 22 RBI.&nbsp; Hardenburger was also the all-classes pitcher of the year after her two no hitters on championship Friday in the semifinals and finals. It’s hard to top the postseason that Hardenburger had in the history of high school pitching in the state of Kansas.

Sports in Kansas 4A Softball Coach of the Year: Luke Meyer, Wamego

Meyer led the Lady Raiders to a 20-1 record and the second state title in three seasons. He is in his 5th season at the helm. Since the 2020 Covid canceled season, Meyer has posted an impressive 63-8 record with Wamego. The Red Raiders defeated Rock Creek, Eudora, and McPherson for this year’s state title.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year: Kaelee Washington, Santa Fe Trail, Jr.&nbsp;

Washington, who was last seasons pitcher of the year in 3A was every bit as impressive on offense this year as her pitching so she isn’t being just honored as a pitcher this year, shes taking home top honors as the best overall two-way player in 3A this season for 3A state runner-up Sante Fe Trail. A two-way star for the Chargers, she went 14-2 in the circle, pitching 112 innings this season and striking out 254. Washington posted a .812 ERA and opponents hit just .113 against her. Offensively, she hit .530 with 12 doubles, six triples, and four home runs. 30 runs batted in were attributed to Washington as well as 37 runs scored. Washington is staying in state to play softball for the University of Kansas next season.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 3A Pitcher of the Year: Brinley Dyche, Rossville &nbsp;

Dyche had a huge senior season in leading Rossville to a state championship in 3A. She had five shutouts on the year along with 105 strikeouts with a 11-3 record in what many say is the most competitive top to bottom division of softball in the state. Dyche also played against against one of, if not, the best schedule in 3A. Rossville split with 4A champion Wamego, beat SFT twice this season and knocked out Silver Lake in the regionals. They also had St. Marys and Rock Creek on their schedule in the regular season. Dyche picked up all three wins at the 2023 state tournament.

Sports in Kansas 3A Softball Coach of the Year: John Nitsch, Rossville

A Bulldawg alum, Nitsch led Rossville to the program’s first state title since 2000. He has coached softball at some level for 25+ years. Rossville took 4th at state in 2022. Finishing 20-4 overall this season, Rossville defeated Columbus, Southeast of Saline, and Santa Fe Trail for the 3A state championship.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 2-1A Player of the Year: Dani Lee, McLouth Soph.&nbsp;

Lee, just a sophomore, helped McLouth softball claim its first ever state title. She excelled at both the plate and in the circle, hitting .620 with 27 extra base hits. She logged 11 home runs and drove in 62 runs. In the circle, Lee struckout 118 and walked only six in 51 innings pitched. She gave up just one earned run on the year, making her ERA an incredible .137.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas 2-1A Pitcher of the Year: Corissa Bandel, McLouth Sr.&nbsp;

Bandel, a senior, pitched 74 innings and led 26-0 McLouth to wins in all 14 of her starts in the circle. She struck out 169 on the year while giving up 15 hits, six earned runs, and three walks. Bandel was also a big part of the offense, hitting .447 with 14 RBI, scoring 44 runs, and stealing 26 bases. She will continue her softball career collegiately at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M.&nbsp;

Sports in Kansas All-Classes 2-1A Softball Coach of the Year: Ballard Patterson, McLouth

Patterson, who has been at McLouth since 1992, including 15-plus as head softball coach, led the Bulldogs to a perfect 26-0 record. In 2019, McLouth renamed the softball complex “Patterson Field,” a tribute to Patterson’s tremendous impact on the program.&nbsp; McLouth defeated Hillsboro, Ell Saline, and St. Marys in the 2-1A state tournament for the crown.

2023 Sports in Kansas 5A All-State Softball First Team P- Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. P- Tori Turner, Valley Center, Sr. P- Aracelli Rivas, Salina South, Sr. P- Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Aspen Burgardt, Seaman, Sr. IF- Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Kory Schoenfeld, Bishop Carroll, Sr. &nbsp; IF- Mila Seaton, Basehor Linwood, Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Isabella Rollo, Basehor Linwood, Sr. OF- Gabby Salazar, Piper, Jr. OF- Aubree Thomas, Hays, Jr OF- Aubrey Perry, Valley Center, Fr. C- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower, Jr. C- Kylie Brockman, Piper, Sr. Util/DP- Cambpell Riordan, Bishop Carroll Jr. Util/DP- Megan Johnston, Pittsburg, Soph. Util/DP- Sykora Smith, Valley Center, Sr.

Second Team P-Allyson Orth, Bishop Carroll, Fr. P- Addison Hassett, Bonner Springs, Jr. P- Brielle Dee, Spring Hill, Sr. P- Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights, Soph. P- Kaelyn O’Rourke, Seaman, Soph. P- Karli George, Eisenhower, Soph. IF- Kennedy Topping, Maize, Sr. IF- Sage Grann, Piper, Jr. IF- Lainie Burkhart, Eisenhower, Sr. IF- Ayanna Jennings, Ark City, Sr. IF- Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights, Soph.| IF- Mya January, Spring Hill, Jr. IF- Kali Terry, Pittsburg, Jr. OF- Maci Kratzer, Maize South, Sr.|OF- Paige Glasgow, Seaman, Jr. OF- Ainslea Cross, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Brodie Christenson, Andover, Soph. OF- Lauren McNaught, Eisenhwoer, SR. OF- Lily Martin, Bishop Carrell, Soph. C- Kiersten Jones, Bishop Carroll, Fr. C- Maddie Burdick, Pittsburg, Jr. C- Lizzy Lassley, Maize South, Soph. Util/DP- Grace Rose, Basehor Linwood, Sr. Util/DP- Madi Jennings, Ark City, Jr.| Util/DP- Wren VanCleave, Bonner Springs, Sr.

Sports in Kansas Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention Marisa Johnston – De Soto, Teelie Super – Bonner Springs, Roary Hunziker – Pittsburg, Karli George – Eisenhower, Sophie Stockham – Maize South, Brynley Smith – Maize, Maia Djourvic – Maize, Camdyn Stucky – Maize South, Jenna Sokoll – Maize South, Grace Swart – Maize, Lauren Davis – Hutchinson, Abby Koontz – Newton, Addison Copeland – Salina South, Sadie Marciano – Hutchinson, Reese Mczcord – Newton, Maliyah Koster – Salina South, Madlilynn Crough – Salina Central, Khloe Perkins – Goddard, Kaylee Facis – Andover Central, Natalie Klenda – Goddard, Haley Ziser – Andover, Kennedy Johnson – Valley Center, Taverli Tennant – Ark City, Sadie Bowyer – Goddard, Ally Hamblin – Goddard, Tyler Vidricksen – Salina Central, Riley Baber – BV Southwest, Kelsie Schenk – Aquinas, Gianna Lickel – St. James, Bailey Webber-&nbsp; BV Southwest, Charlotte Teddy – Aquinas, Annika Jaworski – Aquinas, Riley Kerwin – St. James, Karter Skillman – BV Southwest, Sophie Lipp – Aquinas, Myah Price – St. James, Megan White – Kapaun, Kylie Cartwright – Kapaun, Charlie Hoffman – Kapaun, Isabella Pfannenstiel – Bishop Carroll, Koralee Jones – Highland Park, Mya Russell – Pittsburg, Marisa Johnson – DE Soto, Adamda Knutson – Basehor Linwood, Ally Millard – Shawnee Heights, Jayden Hanna – Turner, Jersey Jellison – Seaman, Emma Moppin – Piper, Maddie Reynolds – De Soto, Ashlynn Jaccard – Lansing, Addison Callaway – Lansing, Ainsley Yoakam – Lansing, Paradise Wright – Leavewworth, Abbie Richards – Basehor Linwood, Rosalie Schnieer – Seaman, Karlyn Bowman – Shawnee Heights, DeShawna Bryant – Great Bend, Riley Dreher – Hays, Dezarae Schmidt – Hays, Paige Thexton – Great Bend, Kaleigh Small – Basehor Linwood, Mallory Pabst – Eisenhower, Brookelyn Webb- Salina South, Baylee Brin – Salina South, Emily Anderson – Salina South, Madison Yost – Salina South, Lily Bartley – Salina South, Delaney Hill – Spring Hill, Nora Burrell – Spring Hill, Olivia Farley – Spring Hill, Emma Taylor – Valley Center.

2023 Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Softball First Team P- Corissa Bandel, Mclouth, Sr. P- Paityn Engemann, Troy, Sr. P- Lily SInghdillon, St. Marys, Sr. P- Pilar Cox, Bluestem, Soph. P- Shelby Underwood, NE-Arma, Jr. P- Gracee Willard, Jayhawk Linn, Sr. IF- Kaydawn Haag, Ellis, Jr. IF- Aydin Deeter, Lyndon Jr. IF- Brooke Koenigsman, TMP, Soph. IF- Jillian Holwick, McLouth, Sr. IF- Emerson Weber, Troy, Soph. OF- Keyauna Worrell, Bluestem, Jr. OF- Harper Whetstine, Troy, Fr. OF- Cresinda Bandel, McLouth, Soph. C- Sophia Reyes, Bluestem, Jr. C- Anna Patz, McLouth, Jr. C- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley, Soph. C- Halie Feikert, Bucklin, Sr. Util/DP- Dani Lee, McLouth, Soph. Util/DP- Avery Stindt, Republic County, Sr. Util/DP- Akyra Traver, MDCV, Fr.

Second Team P-Jhayla Alogjacin, Medicine Lodge, Jr. P- Shay Toon, West Elk, Sr. P- Emily Durst, Moundridge, Sr. P- Sydney Sorum, Flinthills, Jr. IF- Jaci VonLinten, TMP, Sr. IF- Madison Holt, Sedan, Sr. IF- Allie Wesley, Bluestem, Sr.| IF- Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Erykah Hayes, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Adi Alcala, Canton-Galva, Fr. IF- Callie Holt, Jayhawk Linn, Soph. IF- Myah McCoy, Ellis, Sr. IF- Taelor Hardesty, Ell Saline, Soph. OF- Lani Richards, Ell Saline, Sr. OF- Bailey Brockus, Central Heights, Sr. OF- Paige Martin, Mission Valley, Sr. C- Lexi Yarnell, NE-Arma, Soph. C- Renay Myers, Valley Falls, Jr. C- Hannah Schiel, Ellis, Jr. C- Brenna Smith, St. Marys, Jr. Util/DP- Kim Garcia, Spearville, Sr. Util/DP- Mieka Crump, Central Heights, Sr. Util/DP- Catherine Moylan, St. Marys, Sr.

Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Honorable Mention Bridget Mohr – Bluestem, Halle Studer – Riverside, Kori Arnold – Hillsboro, Josie Walker – Belle Plaine, Ava Wilson – Colgan, Olivia Brill – Colgan, Madyson Kraus – Mission Valley, Aracely Crump – Central Heights, Gabby Norris – Ell Saline, Maya Werner – Sedgwick, Kindall Elmore – Moundridge, Carley Willhelm – Marion, Ella Bowling – Remington, Brin Hecker – Ell Saline, Tessa Mendoza – Marion, Morgan Williams – Sedgwick, Aubree Durst- Moundridge, Joee Hurley – Inman, Breane Williams -Marion, Bella Brillhart – Elkhart, Hallie Waldron – Stanton County, Alexandra Crook – Burlingame, Abi Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Grace Simmons – Burlingame, Saige Hadley – Lebo/Waverly, Olivia Lacey – MDCV, Joselyn Simmons – Burlingame, Kate Wagner – Lebo/Waverly, Brooklyn Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Isabelle Masters – Burlingame, Jenna Moon – Burlingame, Drew Haag – Southern Lyon Co., Ava Meinhardt – Wabaunsee, Haidyn Fink – St. Marys, Annie Wright – Wabaunsee, Maegan Torrey – Sacred Heart, Elizabeth Subelka – Jeff County North, Maddie Forant – Jeff County North, Baylee Kern – Pleasant Ridge, Korie Kirkwood – Valley Falls, Lydia Turner – Oskaloosa, Mya King – Oskaloosa, Somer Wyatt – Oskaloosa, Anna Westhoff – Colgan, Kelsi Ko – Pleasant Ridge, Elizabeth Holloway – McLouth, Jordan Piche – Pleasant Ridge, Meryn Came – Ell Saline, Cassidy Bernhardt – Hillsboro, Keeley Brewer – Hillsboro, Keitra Edwards – Hillsboro, Kirsten Kluver – Hillsboro, Sophia Bain – Oxford, Fayth Catlin – Oxford, Paige Corter – Flinthills, Jacie Cummings – Sedan, Addison Heater – South Sumner, Kayla Knapp – Udall, Ashley Kunath – Sedan, Emily Long – Central Burden, Eva Navrat – Oxford, Laura Scribner – Flinthills, Harlee Town – West Elk, Gracie Webb CV/Dexter, Treva Williams – Oxford, &nbsp;Makaila Gillispie – West Elk, Melody Holt – Sedan, Riley Coulter – Uniontown, J. Harris – St. Paul, Lexi Yarnell – NE Arma, Kenzie Nation – Jayhawk Linn, Callyn Miller – Yates Center, Kylee Johnston – Oswego, Destiny Hagan – NE Arma, Sophia Albertini – St. Paul, Molly Proper – Yates Center, Callie Holt – Jayhawk Linn, Emily Greenway – Uniontown, Kayla Hermreck – Colony-Crest, Skyler Hopper – Erie, Jordan Friesen – Canton-Galva/EC, Jailyn Miller – Little River, Kinsley Wholetz – Little River, Jayden Ortth – Canton Galva/EC, Karsyn Jacobson – Medicine Lodge, Avalon theis – Medicine Lodge, Teresas Collins – Medicine Lodge, Kaycee Singhdhillon – St. Marys, Tawney Krominga – Spearville, Emmerson Kirk – Bucklin.

Several area players were named to the Sports in Kansas all-state softball teams announced Tuesday.Hays High junior Aubrey Thomas is named 5A first team All-State by Sports in Kansas. Riley Dreher and Dezerea Schmidt are honorable mention picks… Kaydawn Haag of Ellis and TMP-Marian’s Brooke Koeningsman are first team in 2-1A. The Monarchs Jaci VonLintel and the Railers Myah McCoy and Hannah Schiel are on the second team.Sports in Kansas ReleaseSports in Kansas has released its annual list (since 2012) of all-state softball player honors along with coach of the year honors. Every KSHSAA team in Kansas is eligible for our honors (this is a media selection list – not to be confused with the coaches association list which is limited to only member coaches teams &amp; their voting). Our lists represent every league in the state and nearly every school with some type of representation. Input from media members across the state determine picks, other factors include competition, team success, stats, and all-league. The lists are voted on after the completion of the season with final input/capsules from Chet Kuplen and Bethany Bowman. Conor Nicholl provides Sports in Kansas with regular season softball notes and postseason capsules. This is not a recruiting list nor is it based on summer softball, showcases, based only on the 2023 KSHSAA season.2023 SPORTS IN KANSAS SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR &amp; COACH OF THE YEAR CAPSULES BY CLASSSports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 6A Softball Player of the Year: Madison Walker, Olathe West, Sr.&nbsp;Walker led Olathe West to the 6A state title with her dominance at the plate. She hit .659 with a .688 on base percentage and 1.545 slugging percentage. Of her 58 hits on the year, 39 were extra base – 18 doubles, 3 triples, and 18 HR. She drove in 71 runs for the Owls and scored 50 herself while striking out just once all season. Walker was successful in all four of her stolen base attempts and posted a fielding percentage of .987 with just one error. Walker now sets her sights on SEC play as she joins the Mizzou Tigers to play collegiately.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Pitcher of the Year: Emmerson Cope, Washburn Rural, Sr.&nbsp;Cope, who repeats as 6A Pitcher of the Year, put in some serious work in the circle in her senior season, pitching 110 innings. She went 14-3 with a 1.5 ERA, only allowing opponents to hit .177 against her. Cope was just as productive at the plate, hitting .577 with 15 HR on the year. She drove in 43 runs for the Junior Blues, drew 24 walks, and struckout just twice all season long as Washburn Rural finished 6A state runner-up. Next up for Cope is Big 10 softball with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 6A Softball Coach of the Year: Cynthia Adams, Olathe West&nbsp;Adams and the Owls made the most of their first trip to state in just the fifth year of the program’s existence by taking home the state title. Adams, a former Gatorade Player of the Year herself out of Bishop Miege and Wichita State softball standout, led Olathe West to a 24-1 record. The Owls defeated Olathe North, Derby, and Washburn Rural for the 6A state championship.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Player of the Year: Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr.&nbsp;Hooper repeats as 5A Player of the Year as she helped the Hornets capture back-to-back 5A state titles with her .615 average this season. She tallied 11 doubles with 22 RBI and scored 53 runs in her final season with VC. She also recorded 20 stolen bases and drew 20 walks. Defensively, the senior infielder posted a .935 fielding percentage. Hooper heads to the Big 10 next to play collegiately for the Golden Gophers of Minnesota.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 5A Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. &amp; Araceli Rivas, Salina South, Sr.Cruse was part of a group of seniors that went 67-8 over the last three seasons. The Ohio State signee was 10-1 in the circle this season along with hitting over .500 with six homers and 29 RBI. Cruse was also a first team all-state selection last season from Sports in Kansas. Rivas led 5A in strikeouts this season with 258 along with picking up a first-round win at the state tournament. She was the AVTCL-I pitcher of the year.She had 30 striekouts in the two regional wins, which included a win over then ranked #3 Kapaun Mt. Carmel. She also upset Basehor Linwood (2-1) in the state quarterfinals as her team finished fourth in 5A this season.Sports in Kansas 5A Softball Coach of the Year: Corey Jones, Valley CenterLongtime head coach Corey Jones, in his 18th season, led the Hornets to a second straight 5A state crown this season. Valley Center finished the season 23-2 and took down Pittsburg, Salina South, and Goddard-Eisenhower to become back-to-back 5A state champions.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 4A Player of the Year: Ashten Pierson, Wamego, Sr.&nbsp;The senior shortstop led the Lady Raiders to the 4A state title with her .551 batting average at the plate and .957 fielding percentage on defense. Pierson drove in 27 runs and scored 32 herself while blasting four home runs on the year. She struck out just twice in her senior season and swiped 15 bags for Wamego. Pierson now heads to D1 Creighton University to continue her career in the Big East.Sports in Kansas All-Classes &amp; 4A Pitcher of the Year: Peyton Hardenburger, Soph.Hardenburger, a sophomore, was a perfect 11-0 in the circle this season for the 4A state champion Lady Raiders with a phenomenal .184 ERA. She struckout 182 in 76 innings and threw five no-hitters on the season. Opponents hit just .075 against her. Hardenburger was a big part of the Lady Raiders’ offense too, hitting .500 with eight doubles, two triples, two home- runs, and 22 RBI.&nbsp; Hardenburger was also the all-classes pitcher of the year after her two no hitters on championship Friday in the semifinals and finals. It’s hard to top the postseason that Hardenburger had in the history of high school pitching in the state of Kansas.Sports in Kansas 4A Softball Coach of the Year: Luke Meyer, WamegoMeyer led the Lady Raiders to a 20-1 record and the second state title in three seasons. He is in his 5th season at the helm. Since the 2020 Covid canceled season, Meyer has posted an impressive 63-8 record with Wamego. The Red Raiders defeated Rock Creek, Eudora, and McPherson for this year’s state title.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 3A Player of the Year: Kaelee Washington, Santa Fe Trail, Jr.&nbsp;Washington, who was last seasons pitcher of the year in 3A was every bit as impressive on offense this year as her pitching so she isn’t being just honored as a pitcher this year, shes taking home top honors as the best overall two-way player in 3A this season for 3A state runner-up Sante Fe Trail. A two-way star for the Chargers, she went 14-2 in the circle, pitching 112 innings this season and striking out 254. Washington posted a .812 ERA and opponents hit just .113 against her. Offensively, she hit .530 with 12 doubles, six triples, and four home runs. 30 runs batted in were attributed to Washington as well as 37 runs scored. Washington is staying in state to play softball for the University of Kansas next season.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 3A Pitcher of the Year: Brinley Dyche, Rossville &nbsp;Dyche had a huge senior season in leading Rossville to a state championship in 3A. She had five shutouts on the year along with 105 strikeouts with a 11-3 record in what many say is the most competitive top to bottom division of softball in the state. Dyche also played against against one of, if not, the best schedule in 3A. Rossville split with 4A champion Wamego, beat SFT twice this season and knocked out Silver Lake in the regionals. They also had St. Marys and Rock Creek on their schedule in the regular season. Dyche picked up all three wins at the 2023 state tournament.Sports in Kansas 3A Softball Coach of the Year: John Nitsch, RossvilleA Bulldawg alum, Nitsch led Rossville to the program’s first state title since 2000. He has coached softball at some level for 25+ years. Rossville took 4th at state in 2022. Finishing 20-4 overall this season, Rossville defeated Columbus, Southeast of Saline, and Santa Fe Trail for the 3A state championship.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 2-1A Player of the Year: Dani Lee, McLouth Soph.&nbsp;Lee, just a sophomore, helped McLouth softball claim its first ever state title. She excelled at both the plate and in the circle, hitting .620 with 27 extra base hits. She logged 11 home runs and drove in 62 runs. In the circle, Lee struckout 118 and walked only six in 51 innings pitched. She gave up just one earned run on the year, making her ERA an incredible .137.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas 2-1A Pitcher of the Year: Corissa Bandel, McLouth Sr.&nbsp;Bandel, a senior, pitched 74 innings and led 26-0 McLouth to wins in all 14 of her starts in the circle. She struck out 169 on the year while giving up 15 hits, six earned runs, and three walks. Bandel was also a big part of the offense, hitting .447 with 14 RBI, scoring 44 runs, and stealing 26 bases. She will continue her softball career collegiately at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M.&nbsp;Sports in Kansas All-Classes 2-1A Softball Coach of the Year: Ballard Patterson, McLouthPatterson, who has been at McLouth since 1992, including 15-plus as head softball coach, led the Bulldogs to a perfect 26-0 record. In 2019, McLouth renamed the softball complex “Patterson Field,” a tribute to Patterson’s tremendous impact on the program.&nbsp; McLouth defeated Hillsboro, Ell Saline, and St. Marys in the 2-1A state tournament for the crown.2023 Sports in Kansas 5A All-State Softball First Team P- Taylor Cruse, Basehor Linwood, Sr. P- Tori Turner, Valley Center, Sr. P- Aracelli Rivas, Salina South, Sr. P- Audrey Rumsey, Eisenhower Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Aspen Burgardt, Seaman, Sr. IF- Lucy Hooper, Valley Center, Sr. IF- Kory Schoenfeld, Bishop Carroll, Sr. &nbsp; IF- Mila Seaton, Basehor Linwood, Sr. IF- Maci George, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Isabella Rollo, Basehor Linwood, Sr. OF- Gabby Salazar, Piper, Jr. OF- Aubree Thomas, Hays, Jr OF- Aubrey Perry, Valley Center, Fr. C- Karlee Ford, Eisenhower, Jr. C- Kylie Brockman, Piper, Sr. Util/DP- Cambpell Riordan, Bishop Carroll Jr. Util/DP- Megan Johnston, Pittsburg, Soph. Util/DP- Sykora Smith, Valley Center, Sr.Second Team P-Allyson Orth, Bishop Carroll, Fr. P- Addison Hassett, Bonner Springs, Jr. P- Brielle Dee, Spring Hill, Sr. P- Grace Proctor, Shawnee Heights, Soph. P- Kaelyn O’Rourke, Seaman, Soph. P- Karli George, Eisenhower, Soph. IF- Kennedy Topping, Maize, Sr. IF- Sage Grann, Piper, Jr. IF- Lainie Burkhart, Eisenhower, Sr. IF- Ayanna Jennings, Ark City, Sr. IF- Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights, Soph.| IF- Mya January, Spring Hill, Jr. IF- Kali Terry, Pittsburg, Jr. OF- Maci Kratzer, Maize South, Sr.|OF- Paige Glasgow, Seaman, Jr. OF- Ainslea Cross, Valley Center, Sr. OF- Brodie Christenson, Andover, Soph. OF- Lauren McNaught, Eisenhwoer, SR. OF- Lily Martin, Bishop Carrell, Soph. C- Kiersten Jones, Bishop Carroll, Fr. C- Maddie Burdick, Pittsburg, Jr. C- Lizzy Lassley, Maize South, Soph. Util/DP- Grace Rose, Basehor Linwood, Sr. Util/DP- Madi Jennings, Ark City, Jr.| Util/DP- Wren VanCleave, Bonner Springs, Sr.Sports in Kansas Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention Marisa Johnston – De Soto, Teelie Super – Bonner Springs, Roary Hunziker – Pittsburg, Karli George – Eisenhower, Sophie Stockham – Maize South, Brynley Smith – Maize, Maia Djourvic – Maize, Camdyn Stucky – Maize South, Jenna Sokoll – Maize South, Grace Swart – Maize, Lauren Davis – Hutchinson, Abby Koontz – Newton, Addison Copeland – Salina South, Sadie Marciano – Hutchinson, Reese Mczcord – Newton, Maliyah Koster – Salina South, Madlilynn Crough – Salina Central, Khloe Perkins – Goddard, Kaylee Facis – Andover Central, Natalie Klenda – Goddard, Haley Ziser – Andover, Kennedy Johnson – Valley Center, Taverli Tennant – Ark City, Sadie Bowyer – Goddard, Ally Hamblin – Goddard, Tyler Vidricksen – Salina Central, Riley Baber – BV Southwest, Kelsie Schenk – Aquinas, Gianna Lickel – St. James, Bailey Webber-&nbsp; BV Southwest, Charlotte Teddy – Aquinas, Annika Jaworski – Aquinas, Riley Kerwin – St. James, Karter Skillman – BV Southwest, Sophie Lipp – Aquinas, Myah Price – St. James, Megan White – Kapaun, Kylie Cartwright – Kapaun, Charlie Hoffman – Kapaun, Isabella Pfannenstiel – Bishop Carroll, Koralee Jones – Highland Park, Mya Russell – Pittsburg, Marisa Johnson – DE Soto, Adamda Knutson – Basehor Linwood, Ally Millard – Shawnee Heights, Jayden Hanna – Turner, Jersey Jellison – Seaman, Emma Moppin – Piper, Maddie Reynolds – De Soto, Ashlynn Jaccard – Lansing, Addison Callaway – Lansing, Ainsley Yoakam – Lansing, Paradise Wright – Leavewworth, Abbie Richards – Basehor Linwood, Rosalie Schnieer – Seaman, Karlyn Bowman – Shawnee Heights, DeShawna Bryant – Great Bend, Riley Dreher – Hays, Dezarae Schmidt – Hays, Paige Thexton – Great Bend, Kaleigh Small – Basehor Linwood, Mallory Pabst – Eisenhower, Brookelyn Webb- Salina South, Baylee Brin – Salina South, Emily Anderson – Salina South, Madison Yost – Salina South, Lily Bartley – Salina South, Delaney Hill – Spring Hill, Nora Burrell – Spring Hill, Olivia Farley – Spring Hill, Emma Taylor – Valley Center.2023 Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Softball First Team P- Corissa Bandel, Mclouth, Sr. P- Paityn Engemann, Troy, Sr. P- Lily SInghdillon, St. Marys, Sr. P- Pilar Cox, Bluestem, Soph. P- Shelby Underwood, NE-Arma, Jr. P- Gracee Willard, Jayhawk Linn, Sr. IF- Kaydawn Haag, Ellis, Jr. IF- Aydin Deeter, Lyndon Jr. IF- Brooke Koenigsman, TMP, Soph. IF- Jillian Holwick, McLouth, Sr. IF- Emerson Weber, Troy, Soph. OF- Keyauna Worrell, Bluestem, Jr. OF- Harper Whetstine, Troy, Fr. OF- Cresinda Bandel, McLouth, Soph. C- Sophia Reyes, Bluestem, Jr. C- Anna Patz, McLouth, Jr. C- Kyplee Jacobson, Mission Valley, Soph. C- Halie Feikert, Bucklin, Sr. Util/DP- Dani Lee, McLouth, Soph. Util/DP- Avery Stindt, Republic County, Sr. Util/DP- Akyra Traver, MDCV, Fr.Second Team P-Jhayla Alogjacin, Medicine Lodge, Jr. P- Shay Toon, West Elk, Sr. P- Emily Durst, Moundridge, Sr. P- Sydney Sorum, Flinthills, Jr. IF- Jaci VonLinten, TMP, Sr. IF- Madison Holt, Sedan, Sr. IF- Allie Wesley, Bluestem, Sr.| IF- Melany Chrisjohn, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Erykah Hayes, Central Heights, Sr. IF- Adi Alcala, Canton-Galva, Fr. IF- Callie Holt, Jayhawk Linn, Soph. IF- Myah McCoy, Ellis, Sr. IF- Taelor Hardesty, Ell Saline, Soph. OF- Lani Richards, Ell Saline, Sr. OF- Bailey Brockus, Central Heights, Sr. OF- Paige Martin, Mission Valley, Sr. C- Lexi Yarnell, NE-Arma, Soph. C- Renay Myers, Valley Falls, Jr. C- Hannah Schiel, Ellis, Jr. C- Brenna Smith, St. Marys, Jr. Util/DP- Kim Garcia, Spearville, Sr. Util/DP- Mieka Crump, Central Heights, Sr. Util/DP- Catherine Moylan, St. Marys, Sr.Sports in Kansas 2-1A All-State Honorable Mention Bridget Mohr – Bluestem, Halle Studer – Riverside, Kori Arnold – Hillsboro, Josie Walker – Belle Plaine, Ava Wilson – Colgan, Olivia Brill – Colgan, Madyson Kraus – Mission Valley, Aracely Crump – Central Heights, Gabby Norris – Ell Saline, Maya Werner – Sedgwick, Kindall Elmore – Moundridge, Carley Willhelm – Marion, Ella Bowling – Remington, Brin Hecker – Ell Saline, Tessa Mendoza – Marion, Morgan Williams – Sedgwick, Aubree Durst- Moundridge, Joee Hurley – Inman, Breane Williams -Marion, Bella Brillhart – Elkhart, Hallie Waldron – Stanton County, Alexandra Crook – Burlingame, Abi Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Grace Simmons – Burlingame, Saige Hadley – Lebo/Waverly, Olivia Lacey – MDCV, Joselyn Simmons – Burlingame, Kate Wagner – Lebo/Waverly, Brooklyn Jones – Lebo/Waverly, Isabelle Masters – Burlingame, Jenna Moon – Burlingame, Drew Haag – Southern Lyon Co., Ava Meinhardt – Wabaunsee, Haidyn Fink – St. Marys, Annie Wright – Wabaunsee, Maegan Torrey – Sacred Heart, Elizabeth Subelka – Jeff County North, Maddie Forant – Jeff County North, Baylee Kern – Pleasant Ridge, Korie Kirkwood – Valley Falls, Lydia Turner – Oskaloosa, Mya King – Oskaloosa, Somer Wyatt – Oskaloosa, Anna Westhoff – Colgan, Kelsi Ko – Pleasant Ridge, Elizabeth Holloway – McLouth, Jordan Piche – Pleasant Ridge, Meryn Came – Ell Saline, Cassidy Bernhardt – Hillsboro, Keeley Brewer – Hillsboro, Keitra Edwards – Hillsboro, Kirsten Kluver – Hillsboro, Sophia Bain – Oxford, Fayth Catlin – Oxford, Paige Corter – Flinthills, Jacie Cummings – Sedan, Addison Heater – South Sumner, Kayla Knapp – Udall, Ashley Kunath – Sedan, Emily Long – Central Burden, Eva Navrat – Oxford, Laura Scribner – Flinthills, Harlee Town – West Elk, Gracie Webb CV/Dexter, Treva Williams – Oxford, &nbsp;Makaila Gillispie – West Elk, Melody Holt – Sedan, Riley Coulter – Uniontown, J. Harris – St. Paul, Lexi Yarnell – NE Arma, Kenzie Nation – Jayhawk Linn, Callyn Miller – Yates Center, Kylee Johnston – Oswego, Destiny Hagan – NE Arma, Sophia Albertini – St. Paul, Molly Proper – Yates Center, Callie Holt – Jayhawk Linn, Emily Greenway – Uniontown, Kayla Hermreck – Colony-Crest, Skyler Hopper – Erie, Jordan Friesen – Canton-Galva/EC, Jailyn Miller – Little River, Kinsley Wholetz – Little River, Jayden Ortth – Canton Galva/EC, Karsyn Jacobson – Medicine Lodge, Avalon theis – Medicine Lodge, Teresas Collins – Medicine Lodge, Kaycee Singhdhillon – St. Marys, Tawney Krominga – Spearville, Emmerson Kirk – Bucklin.

🥎 Area players named to Sports in Kansas All-State team

By DAVE HOGG Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed one hit over seven innings for his first major league win in almost 11 months, and the struggling Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night.

Kansas City had lost 12 of 13. Matt Beaty, making his first start for the Royals, drove in the only run with a sixth-inning double.

Beaty was drafted by the Royals in 2011, but chose to attend Belmont University. He joined them on a minor league contract this spring, but was traded to the Giants before opening day. He was designated for assignment by San Francisco and signed another minor league deal with the Royals last week before getting called up Sunday.

“This is certainly a full-circle moment for me,” Beaty said. “This is the team that drafted me out of high school and these are the guys I was playing with in spring training. It means a lot to be here and get the opportunity to help them win a game.”

Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded in the eighth, but Spencer Torkelson grounded into an inning-ending force at second.

Javier Báez doubled with one out in the ninth for Detroit, but Scott Barlow retired the next two hitters for his eighth save, completing the two-hitter.

The Tigers were shut out for the 10th time this season and the sixth time in their last 20 games.

“We obviously didn't get anything going at all against Lynch,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He gave the ball to two very good relievers, and we fought for some chances against them, but we never got anything done.”

Lynch (1-3) had gone 0-9 in 15 starts since beating the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 1 last year. He struck out two and walked two. The only hit off him was Andy Ibañez's one-out single in the fourth.

Lynch threw 78 pitches — the second-fewest for a pitcher throwing seven shutout innings this season. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen threw 76 against the Yankees on May 11.

“The defense was great and (Salvador Perez) was calling an outstanding game,” Lynch said. “I was just being aggressive in the zone and it got us some quick outs.”

Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen (2-5) permitted one run on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out seven and stranded eight runners.

“I was trying to keep my mind quiet and not do too much,” said Lorenzen, who allowed four infield singles, including three that were misplayed by teammates. “I'm just trying to pick up our guys and get outs.”

The Royals had a chance in the first, but second baseman Zack Short threw out Nick Pratto at the plate when he tried to score from second on an infield single.

Kansas City left six runners on base in the first four innings. In the sixth, Maikel Garcia singled and went to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Beaty's double.

Tigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) threw a bullpen and is scheduled to face hitters on Saturday. Two more of Detroit's injured starters, LHP Tarik Skubal (elbow) and RHP Matt Manning (foot), are set to make rehab starts this week for Triple-A Toledo.

With a game-time temperature of 84 degrees and an air quality in the high-moderate range, Lynch and Lorenzen were both working as quickly as possible. The first seven innings were played in just more than 90 minutes and the game ended in 2:11 — 21 minutes before sunset in Detroit.

“That was definitely a hot one, especially since I pitch in (long) sleeves,” Lorenzen said. “It was easy to get into a rhythm, because we were going so fast.”

The teams finish their three-game series Wednesday afternoon, with Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (4-5, 5.60 ERA) facing RHP Brady Singer (4-6, 6.33).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687311498446.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Daniel Lynch throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Daniel Lynch throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE HOGG Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Daniel Lynch allowed one hit over seven innings for his first major league win in almost 11 months, and the struggling Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night.Kansas City had lost 12 of 13. Matt Beaty, making his first start for the Royals, drove in the only run with a sixth-inning double.Beaty was drafted by the Royals in 2011, but chose to attend Belmont University. He joined them on a minor league contract this spring, but was traded to the Giants before opening day. He was designated for assignment by San Francisco and signed another minor league deal with the Royals last week before getting called up Sunday.“This is certainly a full-circle moment for me,” Beaty said. “This is the team that drafted me out of high school and these are the guys I was playing with in spring training. It means a lot to be here and get the opportunity to help them win a game.”Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded in the eighth, but Spencer Torkelson grounded into an inning-ending force at second.Javier Báez doubled with one out in the ninth for Detroit, but Scott Barlow retired the next two hitters for his eighth save, completing the two-hitter.The Tigers were shut out for the 10th time this season and the sixth time in their last 20 games.“We obviously didn't get anything going at all against Lynch,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He gave the ball to two very good relievers, and we fought for some chances against them, but we never got anything done.”Lynch (1-3) had gone 0-9 in 15 starts since beating the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 1 last year. He struck out two and walked two. The only hit off him was Andy Ibañez's one-out single in the fourth.Lynch threw 78 pitches — the second-fewest for a pitcher throwing seven shutout innings this season. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen threw 76 against the Yankees on May 11.“The defense was great and (Salvador Perez) was calling an outstanding game,” Lynch said. “I was just being aggressive in the zone and it got us some quick outs.”Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen (2-5) permitted one run on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out seven and stranded eight runners.“I was trying to keep my mind quiet and not do too much,” said Lorenzen, who allowed four infield singles, including three that were misplayed by teammates. “I'm just trying to pick up our guys and get outs.”The Royals had a chance in the first, but second baseman Zack Short threw out Nick Pratto at the plate when he tried to score from second on an infield single.Kansas City left six runners on base in the first four innings. In the sixth, Maikel Garcia singled and went to second on a wild pitch before scoring on Beaty's double.TRAINER'S ROOMTigers LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) threw a bullpen and is scheduled to face hitters on Saturday. Two more of Detroit's injured starters, LHP Tarik Skubal (elbow) and RHP Matt Manning (foot), are set to make rehab starts this week for Triple-A Toledo.GETTING OUT OF THE HEATWith a game-time temperature of 84 degrees and an air quality in the high-moderate range, Lynch and Lorenzen were both working as quickly as possible. The first seven innings were played in just more than 90 minutes and the game ended in 2:11 — 21 minutes before sunset in Detroit.“That was definitely a hot one, especially since I pitch in (long) sleeves,” Lorenzen said. “It was easy to get into a rhythm, because we were going so fast.”UP NEXTThe teams finish their three-game series Wednesday afternoon, with Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (4-5, 5.60 ERA) facing RHP Brady Singer (4-6, 6.33).

⚾ Lynch throws seven scoreless in Royals win in Detroit

HAYS – The Hays Larks scored
three runs in the second inning then added three more runs late to beat the Junction City Brigade
7-2 in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park. 

The Larks have now won
seven-straight and improve to 11-2 on the season.

Baylor’s John Ceccoli
and Tennessee’s Peyton Ebbing both drove in two runs. Ebbing got the Larks on the
board with two-run single to center which scored Garrett Gruell and Kam Walton in the second.
Gruell led of the inning with a single and Walton reached on an error. Damian
Ruiz doubled which scored Ebbing with the third run in the inning.

Luis Garcia singled with
two outs in the fourth which scored Ruiz and pushed the lead to 4-0.

After the Brigade tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Larks answered with two in the seventh
and one in the eighth. 

With one out in the seventh, Will Pendergrass singled, Tyler
LaRue followed with a double then Ceccoli drove them home with a double to left. Ruiz scored on an error
an inning later.

Angelo State’s Michael
Cruz (1-0) pitched an inning of relief and picked up the win in his debut.
Fresh off the Division II national championship, Cruz allowed two runs on one
hit with two strikeouts and two walks. He followed starter Luuk ter Beek who
pitched four scoreless innings with three hits, four strikeouts and one walk.

Carson Jacobs also pitched
two scoreless innings of relief with Caden Hare and Dayne Pengelly each adding
one scoreless inning in relief.

The Larks are off until Thursday
when they begin a six-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League road trip at the
Gameday Angels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574180952050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks scored
three runs in the second inning then added three more runs late to beat the Junction City Brigade
7-2 in a non-league game Monday night at Larks Park. The Larks have now won
seven-straight and improve to 11-2 on the season.Baylor’s John Ceccoli
and Tennessee’s Peyton Ebbing both drove in two runs. Ebbing got the Larks on the
board with two-run single to center which scored Garrett Gruell and Kam Walton in the second.
Gruell led of the inning with a single and Walton reached on an error. Damian
Ruiz doubled which scored Ebbing with the third run in the inning.Luis Garcia singled with
two outs in the fourth which scored Ruiz and pushed the lead to 4-0.After the Brigade tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Larks answered with two in the seventh
and one in the eighth. With one out in the seventh, Will Pendergrass singled, Tyler
LaRue followed with a double then Ceccoli drove them home with a double to left. Ruiz scored on an error
an inning later.Angelo State’s Michael
Cruz (1-0) pitched an inning of relief and picked up the win in his debut.
Fresh off the Division II national championship, Cruz allowed two runs on one
hit with two strikeouts and two walks. He followed starter Luuk ter Beek who
pitched four scoreless innings with three hits, four strikeouts and one walk.Carson Jacobs also pitched
two scoreless innings of relief with Caden Hare and Dayne Pengelly each adding
one scoreless inning in relief.UP NEXTThe Larks are off until Thursday
when they begin a six-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League road trip at the
Gameday Angels.

⚾ Larks run win-streak to seven with win over Brigade

DETROIT (AP) — Kerry Carpenter hit a three-run homer in a five-run, seventh inning that lifted Detroit Tigers over Kansas 6-4 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their 12th loss in 13 games.

“We needed to start this homestand well, and coming back in that fashion was awesome,” Carpenter said.

Kansas City wasted a 4-0 lead and dropped to 0-15 in games started by Jordan Lyles, who allowed three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. He is 0-11, the most losses in the major leagues, and his 6.72 ERA is highest among 64 qualified pitches. Lyles broke the team record for winless starts at the start of a season, which had been set by Vida Blue in 1983.

“I thought I threw the ball pretty well, but we didn't get the results at the end of the day,” Lyles said. “There were some ups and downs, which I feel like I've been saying after every start this year.”

Zach McKinstry started the comeback with a fifth-inning RBI double that went through left fielder Edward Olivares’s legs, allowing Jake Rogers to score from first.

Miguel Cabrera singled and Jonathan Schoop doubled, chasing Lyles in the seventh.

“There was no question in my mind that I wanted the seventh inning,” Lyles said. “At that point, I was thinking about eight. I made some good pitches to Miggy and he hit a soft liner to right and then Schoop worked me to 3-2. I had to come to him and he barreled it up."

Rogers hit a two-run single off Taylor Clarke (1-1) that cut the deficit to 4-3, and Carpenter hit a two-out line drive down the right-field line for his sixth homer this season.

“That was Jordan's inning, and we knew if he got a couple guys on, we had ready,” Royals manager Matt Quataro said of Clarke. “He has bailed us out of those situations before, and I was confident he could do it there too.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch thought the key moment of the inning might have been McKinstry's one-out walk.

Tyler Alexander (2-1) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

“Their bullpen did a good job of shutting us down,” Quataro said. “We had a good chance with first and third and one out in the seven, but we couldn't get anything.”

Alex Lange pitched the ninth for his 11th save in 13 chances, one day after allowing three runs without getting an out against Minnesota.

“He was great and he's going to be great,” Hinch said. “Players in general, but back-end relievers in particular - you have to have a short memory, because the next day, you are going to need everything you've got.”

Bobby Witt Jr. led off the fourth with a 442-foot homer to left-center, Maikel Garcia added a two-run homer later and shortstop Zack Short's throwing error allowed Nick Pratto to score from second on Witt's infield single in the fifth.

The game, which started at 6:40 p.m., ended at 9 p.m., 12 minutes before sunset in Detroit.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 and is hitting .395 with five RBIs and five runs scored in his last 12 games. He was hitting .169 before the hot stretch started with a 3-for-3 game on May 30 against the Texas Rangers. He is now 23 hits behind Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 21st place on the career list.

Detroit RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 4.23) starts Tuesday against Kansas City LHP Daniel Lynch (0-3, 5.79).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687256167908.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles hands the ball to manager Matt Quatraro (33) during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jordan Lyles hands the ball to manager Matt Quatraro (33) during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE HOGG Associated PressDETROIT (AP) — Kerry Carpenter hit a three-run homer in a five-run, seventh inning that lifted Detroit Tigers over Kansas 6-4 on Monday night and sent the Royals to their 12th loss in 13 games.“We needed to start this homestand well, and coming back in that fashion was awesome,” Carpenter said.Kansas City wasted a 4-0 lead and dropped to 0-15 in games started by Jordan Lyles, who allowed three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. He is 0-11, the most losses in the major leagues, and his 6.72 ERA is highest among 64 qualified pitches. Lyles broke the team record for winless starts at the start of a season, which had been set by Vida Blue in 1983.“I thought I threw the ball pretty well, but we didn't get the results at the end of the day,” Lyles said. “There were some ups and downs, which I feel like I've been saying after every start this year.”Zach McKinstry started the comeback with a fifth-inning RBI double that went through left fielder Edward Olivares’s legs, allowing Jake Rogers to score from first.Miguel Cabrera singled and Jonathan Schoop doubled, chasing Lyles in the seventh.“There was no question in my mind that I wanted the seventh inning,” Lyles said. “At that point, I was thinking about eight. I made some good pitches to Miggy and he hit a soft liner to right and then Schoop worked me to 3-2. I had to come to him and he barreled it up."Rogers hit a two-run single off Taylor Clarke (1-1) that cut the deficit to 4-3, and Carpenter hit a two-out line drive down the right-field line for his sixth homer this season.“That was Jordan's inning, and we knew if he got a couple guys on, we had ready,” Royals manager Matt Quataro said of Clarke. “He has bailed us out of those situations before, and I was confident he could do it there too.”Tigers manager A.J. Hinch thought the key moment of the inning might have been McKinstry's one-out walk.“That was huge,” he said.Tyler Alexander (2-1) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.“Their bullpen did a good job of shutting us down,” Quataro said. “We had a good chance with first and third and one out in the seven, but we couldn't get anything.”Alex Lange pitched the ninth for his 11th save in 13 chances, one day after allowing three runs without getting an out against Minnesota.“He was great and he's going to be great,” Hinch said. “Players in general, but back-end relievers in particular - you have to have a short memory, because the next day, you are going to need everything you've got.”Bobby Witt Jr. led off the fourth with a 442-foot homer to left-center, Maikel Garcia added a two-run homer later and shortstop Zack Short's throwing error allowed Nick Pratto to score from second on Witt's infield single in the fifth.EARLY FINISHThe game, which started at 6:40 p.m., ended at 9 p.m., 12 minutes before sunset in Detroit.ONE MORE HOT STREAKCabrera went 2-for-4 and is hitting .395 with five RBIs and five runs scored in his last 12 games. He was hitting .169 before the hot stretch started with a 3-for-3 game on May 30 against the Texas Rangers. He is now 23 hits behind Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 21st place on the career list.UP NEXTDetroit RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 4.23) starts Tuesday against Kansas City LHP Daniel Lynch (0-3, 5.79).

⚾ Royals blow four-run lead, drop opener in Detroit

The Hays Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at Larks Park.

The Hays Larks host the Junction City Brigade in a non-league game Monday at Larks Park.First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.You can find tonight's Larks game on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube page</a>.&nbsp;Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.